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LIBRARY 


OF  THE 


MASSACHUSETTS 

AGRICULTURAL 

COLLEGE 

No.__W_?_-?-5-— DATE.  4  -  183.S. 


ia73 


SOURCE. 


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SUPPLEMENT    TO    TH£     GARDEN,    JAN.    24,    IS74. 


ILLUSTRATED  WEEKLY  JOURNAL 


GARDENING   IN   ALL   ITS   BRANCHES. 


THIS    IS    AN    ART 

WHICH    DOES    MEND    NATURE:    CHANGE    IT    RATHER:    BUT 

THE    ART    ITSELF    IS    NATURE.— Shakespeare. 

to 

• 

VOL.    IV. 

♦ 

LONDON: 

OFFICE:   37,    SOUTHAMPTON    STREET,    COVENT    GAEDEN, 

\v.  c. 

• 

CHRISTMIjVS,    1S73. 

'A 


StTPPLEXTEWT,    JAN.    24,    1874.] 


THE   GAEDBN  INDEX. 


Ill 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Acer  saccharmnm,  leaves  of 
Sikkimeuse,  leaf  of 
,,    trifidum.  leaves  of 

Adam's  needle 

Adiantum  rubelluni    

jEchma?a  fulgens        

Aerides  crispum  

Allapice,  the  Carolina 

Alpinia  viLtata  ... 


PAGE 

..  45 
...  211 
..  45 
..  3 
..  425 
..  397 
..  85 
..  32S 

25 

Alps,  sceue  in  a  FinG-forest  on  tlio  .  153 

Anastatica  Hierochuntina    Ill 

Ancient  Greece,  the  g'ardcns  of,  ...  301 
Apple  barrel-press  (2  figures)         ...  461 

Areca  Palms      177 

Asparagus-gatherer,  a  new 95 

Aster  grandiflorus       305 

Avalanche,  the 469 

Avenue  of  tapering  trees,  an  ...  507 
Barrel-press,  (3  figures)  ...  ..4(31 
Basket  of  Flowers  and  Grasses,  a...  265 
Bedding  in  Kensington  Gardens  232,  233 

Bedeguar  of  the  Rose 29 

Begonia  Chelaoni         ...        109 

Bird-scarer,  an  Indian  235 

Birds' nests       505 

Boboli  Gardens,  Florence,  view  in 

the        443 

Boiler,  the  Gold  Medal  (2  figures)  ...  533 

,,      Zig-zag  gas-heated 97 

Bombyx  (Liparis)  chrysorrhea,     ...  241 

Bos  for  drying  flo«-ers,  a     345 

Brown-tailed  moth,  the       2 it 

,,  ,,     caterpillar  of  the  241 

Buckingham   Palace,    view  in  the 

gardens  at      531 

Buddhist  garden  and  Tahpot  Palm  133 
Burghley,    how    table    Vines    are 

grovmat         333 

Caladium  esculentum 23 

Calycauthus  occidentalis       323 

Carohua  Allspice,  the 323 

Caterpillar  of  the  brown-tailed  moth  244 
„  of  the  yellow-tailed  moth  4i7 

Cattleya  fausta 435 

„      Trianice  317 

Celery,    mode    of    preserving    (4 

figures) 472 

Cerasus  Lannesiana, 376 

Chateau  d'Eisgrub,  the        4)35 

Chermcs  Caricre  119 

,,        RosK 27 

Cherry-fly,  the 297 

Cherry,  Lannes's         275 

Chimney-piece  vases,  with  fl,owers 

and  Grasses 265 

Chinese  garden,  scene  in  a 259 

Cob-web  Apple  moth,  the    357 

Colonnade  in  the  gardens  of   Sans 

Souci     71 

Coloree  de  Juillet  Pear  135 

Combe  Abbey,  Ferns  along  passages 

at 147 

Combe  Abbey,  plan  of  the  kitchen 

and  fruit  gardens  at  149 

Combe  Abbey,  portion  of  the  Peach- 
wall  at 147 

Conservatory   at    Brompton,     Mr. 

Wills's  new     193 

Conservatory  at  Furzedown,  the  ...  279 
Contrasted  effect  of  round-headed 

and  spiral  trees       31 

Convertible   dinner-table    vase    (3 

figures) 145 

Corridor  in  the  Nursery  of  the  City 

of  Paris  175 

Cotoneaster,  cottage  covered  with...  165 

,,  trained  into  letters  ...  166 

Cottage  covered  with  Cotoneaster...  165 

Croton  Youngii 129 

Culford,  orchard-houses  at,  163, 169, 

183,  189 

Curiosities  of  tree-clipping 341 

Cyathea  Burkei 271 

Cypripedium  purpuratum    293 

,,  Sedeni 207 

Davallia  hemiptera     47 

Dicksonia  autarctica 527 

BieOenbachia  nobilia 199 

Dinner-table  decorations,  group  of  321 
,,  ,,        at  the  Crj^'stal 

Palace,  first  prize 229 

Dipladenia  iusignis     7 

Double-leaved  Sandew         77 

Doyenne  d'Ete  Pear 135 

DracEBiia  indivisa        457 

Drive  in  the  Pare  Monceaux,  the  ...  213 

Drosera  dichotoma     77 

Equisetum  in  a  pot,  specimen  of  ...  393 

,,        sylvaticum 393 

Fairy-ring  Champignon       37 

Fern,  the  unequally-lobed  Maiden- 
hair        63 


Fernery  at  the  Pine-apple  Nursery ,  487 
Ferns   along    passages    at  Combe 

Abbey 147 

Fig  scale-insect,  the 119 

Filmy  Ferns,  group  of  337 

First  prize  dinner-table  decorations 

at  the  Crystal  Palace        239 

Fir-tree  in  the  Isle  of  Arran,  singu- 
lar   208 

Flower-bed  in  the  Jardin  d'  Accli- 

matation         277 

Flower-beds  in  Victoria  Park  156,  157 
Flower-market  at  the  Madeleine  ...  139 

Flower-pots,  ornamental      479 

Flowcr-spiko  of  Fraucoa  ramosa  ...  283 

Flowers,  a  bos  for  drying    345 

,,       and  Grasses,  basket  of    ...265 

Fosglove,  singular      415 

Fraucoa  ramosa,  flower-spike  of    ...  236 

Fruit-drier,  an  improved      219 

Fruit-gatherer,  a         359 

„       „      a  Belgian     219 

Fruit-room,    ground-plan  of    a   (3 

figm-es)  218 

Fruit  trays  and  packing-boxes      ...    35 

Pi'uit-trellis,  a  simple 55 

Fumigator,  a  good  and  simple       ...  335 

Funkia  japonica  439 

Furzedown,  the  Conservatory  at  ...  279 
,,  Platycerium  biforme,  at  295 

,,  Rose      and      Clematis 

trellis  at  231 

Galvanised  pyramidal  tree-cover...    13 
,,  umbrella- shaped    ,,    ...    13 

Garden-marker,  a       179 

Garden    of    stonework;    the    Villa 

Albaui-Castlebarco 237 

Garden  view  in  Isola  Bella 11 

Gardens  of  ancient  Greece,  the     ...  301 
Garrya  eUiptica,  male  and  female 

catkins  of        105 

Glaucous-leaved  Himalayan  Maple, 

leaf  of 499 

Glazing,  Tack's  patent   method  of  308 

Godfrey's  pot-plunger  325 

"Golden-eyes"  insect,  the 30 

Gold  Medal  Boiler,  the  (3  figures)  ...  533 

Golynos  Oak,  the         91 

Grape  Vine  in  pot        73 

Grapes,  Lambton  Castle    bunch  of 

Black  Hamburgh  514 

Grapes  protected  from  birds  ...  485 

Green   lane    at    HoUand    House, 

the  491 

Grotto  of  Thetis  117 

Ground-plan  and   elevation  of   the 

Conservatory  at  Syon  House      ...     15 
Group  of  dinner-table  decorations  321 

„        of  Filmy  Ferns         337 

Gymnothrix  latifoUa  83 

Hanging-basket  at  South  Kensing- 
ton, a 263 

Heatherside  Nursery 113 

Hemerobius  (Chrysopa)  perla        ...    30 
HoUand  House,  south  front  ...  483 

,,       green  lane  at  491 

,,        Italian  garden  at 491 

House    for  Clematises  in    Messrs. 

Jackmaus'  Nursery,  new 405 

How    table    Vines    are    grown    at 

Burghley         338 

Inarching,  singular  example  of     ...  135 

Indian  bird-scarer,  an  235 

Isle  of  Arran,  singular  Fk--tree  in 

the         203 

Isle  of  Arran,  Ivy  found  on  damp 

Moss  in  the     209 

Isle  of  Poplars  at  Ermenonville    ...  523 

Isola  Bella,  garden  view  In 11 

Italian  Garden  at  Holland  House  ...  494 
Ivy  found  on  damp  Moss  in  the  Isle 

of  Arran  209 

Jardin   d'AccUmatation,  flower-bed 

in  the  277 

Jericho,  the  Rose  of Ill 

KiBmpfer's  Larch        69 

Kensington    Gardens,    bedding  in 

232,  233 

Koslreuteria  paniculata         125 

Label  used  at  Bitton 14S 

Labels  for  Conifers      423 

Lady's-Shpper,  the  purple 293 

Seden's        207 

Lagerstrcemia  indica 373 

Lake  view  at  the  Grange,  Hamp- 
shire              361 

Lambton    Castle    bunch  of  Black 

Hamburgh  Grapes 514 

Lannes's  Cherry  275 

Laris  Keempferi  69 

Leaf  of  the  glaucous-leaved  Hima- 
layan Maple    499 


Leaf  of  the  Pin  or  Swamp  Oak     ...  313 

Leaves  of  the  Sugar  Maple 45 

,,       of  the  trifid-leaved  Maple  127 

Lily,  the  Scarborough  233 

Lime-kiln,  ground-plan  of  improved 

perpetual         367 

Lime-kilns,  sections  of   362,  363, 364,  365 

Linden's  Uropedium 151 

Liun^a  borealis 43 

Low  plant-frames        195 

McNab's  transi^lanting  machine    ...  155 

Macrozamia  corallipes  101 

Madeleine,  flower-market  at  the    ...  139 

Magnoha  flower  93 

fruit 92 

Maiden-hau- Fern,  the  roseate       ...  425 
,,  the      unequally 

lobed 63 

Maple,  leaf  of  the  Sikkim     211 

,,     leaves  of  the  trifid-leaved  ...  137 

,,      leaves  of  the  Sugar 45 

Maranta  Makoyana 87 

Marasmius  oreades     37 

Mexico,  vegetation  around  a  country- 
house  in  51 

Mirabelle  Hivtive  Plum         195 

Montreuil,  a  Peach-garden  at         ...  163 

Moth,  the  brown-tailed  241 

,,     the  cobweb  Apple       357 

„     the  Plum 255 

„     thePsi      23 

,,     the  Vapom-er 29 

,,     the  yellow-tailed        417 

Mushroom,  singular 450 

Nest  of  the  Reed-bird 534 

New  double  Poinsettia 143 

Nursery,  an  ornamental       113 

,,       Heatherside 113 

,,       of  the  city  of  Paris,  con'i- 

dorinthe 175 

Nymphfea  odorata      363 

Oak,  the  Golynos        91 

,,    leaf  of  the  Pin  or  Swamp      ...  313 

Odontoglossum  Alexandrce 341 

,,  Roezlii  251 

Old  Oriental  Plane-tree         283 

Orchard-houses  at  Culford  163, 169, 

183,  189 
Orchid-leaf  attacked  by  thrips       ...  221 

Ornamental  flower-pots        479 

,,  rock-bed 453 

Ortalis  cerasi     297 

Oven  and  au--chamber,  sections  of     343 

Packing-needle     613 

Palm  Grove,  a 215 

Palm  (TaUpot)  andBuddhist  garden  133 

Palms  (Areca) 177 

Pampas  Grass 83 

Paper  plant-shade       49 

Pare  Monceaus,  the  drive  in  the    ...  213 
Peach  garden  at  Montreuil,  a         ...  163 

Peach-tree,  pyramidal  72 

,,  dwarf  standard 72 

Peach- wall  at  Combo  Abbey,  portion 

of  the 147 

Pear,  Colort^e  de  Juillet        135 

„    Doyenne  d'Eto 135 

Pear-tree   in   blossom.    Sir    PhiUp 

Crampton's     417 

Pear-tree  in  pot 73 

Persian  garden,  a        421 

Pine-forest  on  the  Alps,  scene  in  a     153 
Plan    of    the    kitchen    and    fruit- 
gardens  at  Combe  Abbey 149 

Plane-tree,  old  Oriental         233 

Plant-frames,  low       195 

Plant-house,  section  of  span-roofed  257 

Plant-shade,  paper      49 

Plants  in  chinks  of  natural  rock    ...      5 
,,      in     room     at     Bridge  water 

House 377 

Platycerium  biforme  at  Furzedown  295 

Plum,  Mirabelle  Hative        195 

,,      moth,  the  255 

Poinsettia,  new  double  143 

Polygonum  sachalinense  ...  413 

Poplars  at  Ermenonville,  Isle  of    ...  533 

Pot-plunger,  Godfrey's         335 

Psimoth,  the     23 

Piu'ple  Lady's-slipper,  the 293 

Quercus  palustris,  leaf  of      313 

Raidisseur,  a  new  (3  figures)  ...  130 

Retinospora  obtusa  in  Mr.  Bohn's 

garden  at  Twickenham      67 

Re-tubbing  Palms  (3  figures)        534,  525 
Riverside  vegetation   on  the  Gold 

Coast     401 

Rock-bed,  ornamental  453 

Roezl's  new  Odontoglofc         251 

Rose  and  Clematis  trellis  at  Furze- 
down  281 

,,    Bedeguarof the 29 


PAGB 

Rose  of  Jericho,  the Ill 

,,    Sawfly,  the  common    26 

,,    scale  27 

,,    singular  dimorphism  in  the    ...  201 
Roseate  Maiden-hair  Fern,    the     ...  425 

Rose-leaf  miner,  the 27 

„         roller,  the      23 

St.  James's  Park,  view  in      381 

Salt  Hill,  the  great  Wistaria  at        ...  173 
Sans  Souci,  colonnade  in  the  gar- 
dens of         71 

Sawfly,  the  common  Rose     26 

,,       the  double-horned    27 

,,       the  yellow-banded 27 

,,       the  white -banded     26 

Saxif  raga  grown  in  a  basket  ...    53 

Scale-insect,  the  Pig 119 

Scarborough  Lily,  the  323 

Scene  in  a  Chinese  garden    259 

,,      In  a  Pino  forest  on  the  Alps  ...  153 
Sections  of  oven  and  air-chamber  ...  348 

Seden's  Lady's-shpper  207 

Sikkim  Maple,  leaf  of  the    211 

Singular  dimorphism  in  the  Rose  ...  201 

,,        Foxglove      415 

,,        Mushroom 450 

Sir  Philip  Crampton's  Pear-tree  in 

blossom  417 

Small  vase  of  flowers 535 

Sorghum  (Holcus)  bicolor 83 

South  Kensington,  a  hanging-basket 

at 263 

Spir^a  japonica  319 

Stapeha  europjea         65 

,,  ,,       single  bloom  of    ...    65 

,,        hirsuta  minor         353 

Street  planted  with  youug  trees     ...     75 

Sugar  Maple,  leaves  of  the 45 

Sundew,  the  double-leaved 77 

Sweet-scented  Water-lily,  the  ...  363 
Swollen-stemmed  Irish  Yew  ...    33 

Syon  House,  ground-plan  and  eleva- 
tion of  the  conservatory  at        ...     15 
Talipot  Palm  and  Buddhist  garden  133 

Tenthredo  cincta         26 

„  diflformis     27 

,,         rosarum      26 

,,  zona 27 

The  Avalanche,  469 

The  Golynos  Oak         91 

Thetis,  Grotto  of  117 

Thorn  with  a  Birch  growing  through 

its  base  399 

Thrips,  Orchid-leaf  attacked  by  ...  221 
Tortrix  Bergmanniana  ...        ...     23 

,,        Pruniana        255 

Transplanting  machine,  McNab's  155 
Tree  in  the  Isle  of  Arran,  singular 

Fir         20S 

Tree-clipping,  curiosities  of           ...  311 
Tree-cover,     galvanised   umbrella- 
shaped  13 

Tree-cover,  pyramidal  13 

Tree-guard  made  of  wire  and  Furze, 

or  Whins         209 

Tree-Fern,  a  new  weeping 271 

Tree-measurer 17 

Trees,  a  street  planted  with  young    75 

,,      anavenueof  tapering 507 

,,      contrasted  efi'ect  of    round- 
headed  and  spu'al 31 

TrelUs,  a  simple  fruit  55 

Trichopilia  suavis        511 

Twin-flower,  the  43 

Uropedium  Lindenii 151 

Vallota  purpurea         3  23 

Vase,  convertible    dinner-table  (3 

figures)  '    145 

Vase  filled   with  Yucca  and  Irish 

Ivy         249 

Vase  of  flowers,  small 635 

Vases,    with   flowers  and  Grasses, 

chimney-piece  265 

Vegetation  around  a  country-house 

in  Mexico        51 

Victoria  Park,  flower-beds  in  156,  157 
ViewintheBoboUgardeus,  Florence  413 
View  in  che  gardens  at  Buckingham 

Palace 531 

View  in  St.  James's  Park      331 

Villa  Albani  Castlebarco       237 

Vine  in  pot         73 

Water-lily,  the  sweet-scented         ...  363 

Water-soldier,  the        383 

Weeping  Tree-Fern,  anew 271 

Wigandia  caracasana 503 

Wistaria  at  Salt  Hill,  the  great      ...  173 

Yellow-tailed  moth,  the        417 

Yew,  swollen-stemmed  Irish  ...    33 

Yponomeuta  cognatella        357 

Yucca  gloriosa 3 

Zig-zag  gas-heated  boiler    97 


SUPPIKMEHT,  JilT,  24,   1874.] 


THE   GARDEN   INDEX. 


i^DEX    TO   volxjm:e:   iv. 


at  Tor- 


,  rare. 

47; 


333 


Abelia  rupestris,  250 

Abergele,  remarkable  trees  at,  165 

Aljutilon   Thompsonii,    as   a    beddino- 

plant,  440 
Abutilons,  variegated,  4 
Acanthuses,  167  ;  hybrid  forms  of,  434 
Acer  glaucum,  499 ;    saccharinum,    45  ; 

Sikkimense,  211;  trifldum,  127 
Adlantum  cuneatum,  var.  elegantulum, 
338;  Hendersoni,  112;  rubelium,  425 
wSchmea,  the  coral,  397 ;  fulgens,  397 
Acrides  crispum,  85 
Agapetes  buxifolia,  110 
Agave    americana,  206;  Hookeri,  130- 
YuccffifoUa,  flowering  of,  440  ' 

Ageratum,  Imperial  Dwarf,  234 
Ailautus-trees,  odour  of,  184 
Algeria,  forests  of,  231 
Allspice,  Carolina,  328 
Aloe   americana  variegata    3 

quay,  270 
Alpine  Forests  of  Europe,  153 
Alpine  plants  from  Labrador 
new,  498;  at  Benthall  Hall, 
chinks,  5 
Alpinia  vittata,  26 

Altemanthera  amoena  spectabilis,  395 
Alternantheras  in  the  north,'504 
Amarantus  salicifolius,  210,  268 
Amber,  481 

America,  fruit  prospects  in,  254 
American  CowsUp,  276 
American  National  Fruit  Congress  290 
Among  the  Roses,  1 
Ampelopsis  Veitchii,  356 
Anastatica  Hierochuutia,  111 
Anderson's  Speedwell,  210,  376,  603 
Andromeda  arborea,  228 
Anemia  rotuudifolia,  49 
Anemone  japonica  Honorine  Jobert,  334 
Anemones,  summer-llovvering,  167 
AngeUca,  purplo-leaved,  378 
Annuals,  fragrant,  70 
Ants,  76 ;  to  exterminate,  50,  471 
Apple,  the  Eve,  378 ;  Lady  Derby,  378 
418;    the    Ribston   Pippm,    219;    the 
Tetofski,274  ' 

Apple-tree,  the  planting  of  the  (Poetry), 

Apples,  barrelling,  461 ;  Canadian,  398 ; 
coddled,  266;  lor  food,  613;  keeping 
182,  318;  large,  372;  a  select  list  of 
333 ;  an  improved  mode  of  packing, 
307;  are  dwarf  trees  desiiable?  320, 

Apricot,  the  Kaisha,  134 ;  tree,  a  pro- 
lific, 213 

Apricots  in  Utah,  443 

Aquarium,  the  stove,  87 

AquUegia,  new,  460  ;  chrysantha,  223 

Araha  japonica  (Sieboldii)    77 

■^■'i'sT'''''""'  '"^^"'i'^'^'i)  as  a  hedge  plant, 

Ai-eca  Palm,  the,  178 

Ai-istolochia  floribvmda,  2 ;  Sipho  pro- 
pagation  of,  128 ;  tomentosa,  5 

Arran,  a  ramble  in,  208 

Artichoke  and  Cardoon  as  ornamental 
plants,  132 ;  the  Jerusalem,  65 ;  green 

Jno    ',"'^'*'  "^'^  white  sauce,  138 ;  iced! 
138  ;  large,  43 

Arundel,  fruit  at,  125,  171 ;  trees  at,  125 
Arundo  conspicua  at  Hereford,  62 
Asclepias  curassavica  23 
^tS^'sl"^  gatherer,  a  new,  95 ;  plant- 
Aster  undulatus,  376 
Asters,  175 ;  a  trial  of, 
Attalea  speciosa,  130 
Attar  of  Roses,  176 
Aucubas,  how  to  have  fruit  on 

male  and  female,  46 
Autumn  (Poetry),  278 
Auturon,  foliage  effects  in,  311 
Autumn  leaves,  308 
Autumnal  tints,  399 
Azalea  in  Ghent,  the  CMnese,  415 


339 


400  : 


[  Balcony  decorations,  30 
Ball  Rooms,  floral  decorations  in,  8) 
Bamboos,  hardy,  Gi,  323 
Banana  crops,  39S 
Barkeria  Lindleyana,  498 
Barometer,  a  gardener's,  385 
Baskets,  plants  lor,  62 
Bat  guano,  178 
Batatas  paniculata,  110 
Bath,  new  plants  shown  at,  20;  exhibi- 
tion of  glass  structures  and  implements 
at,  79 
Bathing  in  the  Loudon  Parks,  124 
Battersea  Park  in  1873.  100 
Bay-tree  leaves  as  a  medicine,  71 
Beans,  609 ;  French,  509 ;  a  few  words 

about,  221 
Bedding  carpet,  277 
Bedding-out  vefniin  mixed  borders,  414 
Beds  on  a  lawn,  two  good,  113 
Beech  in  Italy,  the,  212 ;  the  weeping, 

427 ;  timber,  380 
Bees,  destroying,  447 
Beginning,  a,  180 
Begonia  Chelsoni,' 109;    Brilliant,  241 ; 

Sedeni,  191 
Begonias,  double-flowered,  130;  herba- 
ceous, 86,  110 
Belgium,  Horticulture  in,  123 
Bell-flowers,  41 
Berberidopsis  corallina,  166 
Beet,  white  or  Sicihan,  138  ;  red,  472 
Beetles  which  injui'e  Coniferte,  395 
Biarritz  in  Spring,  the  flowers  of,  339 
Bignonias,  hardy,  166 
"  Big  Trees,"  a  new  grove  of,  332,  380 
Bindweed,  a  golden,  216 
Bird  scarer,  an  Indian,  235 
Birds  and  berry-bearing    plants,   531 ; 
and  insects,  302,  315  ;  and  birds'  nests 
in  gardens,  604 ;  verstt.i  insects,  447 ; 
versus  Grapes,  485 ;  (Wild)  Protection 
Act,  346 
Blackberries,  334  ;   American,  90 
Blackberry  Wine,  266  ;  Cordial,  266 
Blaudfordia  Flammula,  10 
Bhght,  American,  297 
Boboli  Gardens  at  Florence,  the,  443 
Bocconia  (Macleaya)  cordata,  191 
Boiler,    Barge's    gas-heated,    97 ;    the 
"Gold  lledal,"    538;     incrustations, 
241,  309,  370,  390,  433 
Bombyx  (Liparis)  auriflua,  447;  chry- 

sorrhea,  244 ;  Orgyia,  29 
Borage,  57 
Border  plants,  rare,  190  ;  in  bloom  in 

October,  323 
Borders,  aerating  fruit-tree,  530 ;  dig- 
ging, 191 ;  mixed,  166 
Borecole,  509 

Botanical  Society  of  Edinburgh,  430 
Bougainvillea  glabra,  374 
Bougainvilleas  as  pot  plants,  43 
Bouquets,  winter,  365 
Branch  propagation  of  Apple-trees,  297, 

319,  334,  398,  442 
Bridal  wreaths,  441 
Broccoli  and  Potatoes,  96 
Brugmansia  sanguinea,  376 
Buildings,  Tuck's  Patent  Horticultural, 

308 
Budding  veram  planting  Yines,  486 
Budding  Roses,  127 
Bulbs,  spring-flowering  hardy,  413 
Buliflnches  and  Caterpillars,  119 
Burghley,  Fruit  and  Vegetable  Culture 
at,  114 

c. 

Cabbage-leaves,  healing  properties  of, 

266 
Caladium  esculentum,  23;   in  Algeria, 

Calandriuia  nitida,  167 
California,  the  Oaks  of,  17 
Calla,  the  spotted,  112;  fethiopica,  hardi- 
ness of,  234 


Calycanthus,  32S 
Camellia  in  Japan,  the,  167 
Camellia  flowers,  packing,  397 
Campanula  pyramidalis,  41 
Camphor  tree,  line  specimen  of  the,  223 
Canistrum  aurantiacum,  373 
Canna,  a  double,  413 
Canterbury  Bells,  4  ;  self-sown,  134 
Cantua  dependens,  3 
Capsicums,  yellow-fruited,  110 
Caraguata  Zahnii,  270 
Carnation,  La  Belle,  411 
Carnations,  climbing,  395  ;  propagation 
of  CUmbing,  138 ;  Tree  and  Climbing, 
273 ;  winter-blooming,  441 
Carbonic  acid,  do  plants  exhale  it  ?  534 
Carolinea  insignis,  164 
Carpet-bedding,  277 

Carpeting  plants  for  beds  of  Yuccas,  415 
Carrot,  French  Short-horn,  333 
Cassia  flonbunda,  312, 
Caterpillars,  venomous,  392 
Cattleya  exoniensis,  332  ;   fausta,  435 ; 

Piuellii,  17ci ;  Trianiaj,  317 
Catdiflower,  96, 172 
Cedar  of  Lebanon,  golden,  296 
Celery,  186,  450, 510 ;  hollow,  472 ;  in  cold 

countries,  preservmg,  473 
Celosia  Huttonii,  310 
Centaureas,    propagating,   180;    raised 

from  seed,  376 
Ceratopteris  thalictroides,  49 
Cerasus  Lannesiana,  228,  275 
Ceropegia  Saundersoni,  130 
Chama?peuce  diacantha,  234 
Charcoal  as  a  fertihser,  307 
Chateau  d'Eisgrub,  the,  465 
Cheimatobia  brumata,  447 
Cherries,  two  good,  486 
Cherry,  a  new,   275  ;    the  Early  Rich- 
mond, 254 ;  the  winter,  460 ;  tree,  uses 
of  the,  633 
Chervil,  common,  179 
Chestnuts,  best  way  of  roasting,  95 
Chicory  or  Succory,  178 
Children  and  flowers,  24 
Chiua  Asters,  257;  Grass,  103 
Chinese  Azalea  in  Ghent,  the,  415 ;  gar- 
dens, 358 ;  vegetables,  36 
Chives,  158 
Chow-chow,  307 
Christmas  decorations,  464 
Chiysanthemums,  a  trial  of  early,  439 
Churchyards,  trees  for,  467 
Cider-making,  333 
Cinerarias    as      Window-plants,     64  ; 

double-flowored,  374 
Clematis,  Lady  BoviU,  84 
Clematises  (hardy)  as  bedding-plants, 

366  ;  history  of  the  hybrid,  68 
Clerodendi-on  speciosum,  533 
Clethras,  396 
Cliauthus  Dampieri,  210 
Climate,  influence  of  the  sea  on  our,  280 
Climbers  for  the  Balcony,  hardy,   220 ; 
lor  broken  Fir-trees,  166 ;  on  Cottage' 
walls,  168 
Cloches,  263 
Cloud-beiTy,  the,  134 
Coal  districts,  from  the,  350  ;  plants,  266 
Cobweb  Houseleek  as  a  window-plant,  10 
Cockchafers,  destruction  of,  119 
Cocoa-fibre  167 
Cocoa-nut  refuse,  339 
Cocos  WeddeUana,  498 
Coeliopsis  hyacinthina,  312 
Coelogyue  cristata,  remarkable  variety 

of,  206 
CoH'ee-tree,  the  Kentucky,  400 ;  plants 

from  Siberia,  250 
Colchicum  Byzantinum,  306 ;  speciosum 
312  .   r  , 

Collinsias  for  spring  flowering.  111 

Colletia  horrida,  313 

Colonnade   la    the    gardens    of    Sans 

Souci,  71 
Columbine,  the  golden-spurred,  233 
Combe  Abbey,  147 
Combination",  a  pretty,  33 
Combinations,  graceful,  375 


Composite  plants,  late-blooming,  238 

two  new,  _06 
Compost  for  Palms,  463 
Conifera;,    beetles    which  injure,   395; 
propagation  of  the  newer,  379 ;  besu 
time  for  transplanting,  45;  fine  speci- 
mens at  Penny  Hill,  354 ;  labels  for 
423  ;  thinning  and  moving,  191 ;  trees, 
top-dressing,  533 
Cookery,  vegetable,  3S5 
Cordyline  Banksii,  49 
Cork  tree  (old)  at  Linton  Park,  636 
Corn  salad,  36 
Corydalis  lutea,  415 
Cotoneaster  microphylla,  94,  165,  314 ; 

Simmondsii,  3.52,  330 
Cowan's  Lime-kiin  Heating,  249, 290,391 , 

330,  613 
Covent    Garden    Flower-market,    249; 
market,  tropical  fruits  in,  455,  532  ; 
nuisances,  133 
Cowshp,  American,  276 
Crassula  lactea,  523 
Crataegus  McNabiana,  213 
Creeper,  a  monster,  33 
Cricket-gi-ouuLi,  forming  a,  390 
Crocuses,  autumn-blooming,  431 
Cross-fertdisation,  curious  fact  in,  10 
Croton  Youngii,  139 
Cryptomeria  Lobbii,  fine,  231 
Crystal  Palace  Fruit  Show,  225 ;  great 

Rose  show,  20 
Cuckoo  and  the  Gooseberry  caterpillar, 

37 
Cucumber,  a  large,    179  ;    catsup,  53 ; 
disease,  179  ;  growing  for  market,  186 ; 
\inegar,  95 
Capressus  Goweniana  glaucescens,  137 
Curcumas  in  Mr.  Parker's  Nursery,  323 
Curiosities  of  tree-planting,  211 
Currants,  dried,  363 
Cuttings,  roots,  and  bulbs,  the  proper 

time  to  procm'c,  483 
Cyathea  Burkei,  371 ;  pecuUar  growth 

of,  125 
Cycad,  with  branched  truuk,  431 
Cycas  revoluta,  large,  201 
Cyclamens,  hardy,  466 
Cypress,  the   Chinese,   400;   at   Pain's 

Hill,  large  deciduous,  45 
Cyi^ripedium  purpuratum,  293  ;  Roezlii, 
294  ;  Sedeni,  134,  307  ;  Veitchii  super- 
biens,  3 
Cyrtodeu'a  chontalensis,  86 
Cystopteris  montana,  culture  of,  333 


Dahha,  the  first,  338,  391,  413;  roots, 
wintering,  603. 

Daisy,  "  Flower  of  Spring,"  493 

Daisies,  Michaelmas,  305,  323 

Dampier's  Glory  Pea,  210,  319 

Daphne,  White  Indian,  355 

Davallias,  46 

Day-Lily,  the,  133 

Decorations,    Christmas,    464;    dinner- 
table,  229,  331,  411 

Dendrobium  bigibbum,  430 

Deptford,  new  park  at,  347 

Deer  in  the  Royal  Parks,  531 

Desfontainea  spinosa,  467;  in  Ireland, 

165 
Desfontaineas,  two,  231 
Deutzia  hedges,  254 

Deutzias,  295 ;  in  Belgium,  culture  of,  336 
Dictamnus  taui'icus,  5 
Diefl'enbachia  nobihs,  199 
Dinner-table  decorations,  229,  331,  411 
Dipladenia  Brearleyana,  273 
Dipladenias,  6 
Dodecatheon  Meadia,  276 
Douglas  Fir,  Lord  Stair's,  18 
DracEeua,  the  hardy,  457 ;  and  Cordy- 

Une,  151 
Draca;nas,  French  culture  of,  294 
Drosera  dichotoma,  notes  on  the  propa- 
gation of,  77 
Dundee  Horticultural  Society,  243 


VI 


THE  GARDEN  INDEX. 


[sUPPLEiTENT,  JAN.  24,  1874, 


E. 

Eccremocarpus  scaber,  81 

Edging's,  Heather,  339 

Eff<?  plant  cultui-e,  37 

Egg  plants,  how  to  cook,  138 

Elm,  Florian's,  600 ;  a  renaarkable  old, 

120 
Epidcndrum  oncidioides,  65 
Epigynium  leucobotrys,  206 
Epiphyllum  truncatum,  199 
Epping  Forest,  the  midnight  loppiug 

in,  -i^lO 
Equisetums,  393,  441 
Ena  convallarioides,  228 
Erigeron  macranthum,  250 
Eriuus  alpinusas  a  bediUng  plant,  112 
Escallonias,  Mesara.  Veitch's,  3 
Espalier  Gooseberries,  530 
Esparto  Grass,  456,  4S2 
Eucalyptus  globulus,  properties  of,  392 
Euphorbia  plumerioides,  270 
Evergreens,  cui-ious  destraction  of,  390 ; 

propagation  of,  231 
EvcrlastinsfS,  49;  for  winter  decoration, 

204 
Exhibitions,  on  the  Offering  of  premiums 

at,  248 
Exogonium  Purga,  250,  352 


Fairy  Rings,  37 

Fern,  the  Aquatic,  49;  with  branched 

trunk,  434 
Ferneries,  room,  220 
Fernery,  shading  for  a,  355,  397 
Ferns,  htmy,  271,  317,  336;  indoors,  64; 

hardy    exotic,    23;   Hare's-foot,   46; 

Maiden-hair,  63 ;  tasselled  and  crested, 

373 ;    window,  175 ;    packing    exotic, 

Ficus  diversifolia,  65 ;  repena,  hardiness 
of,  412 

Fig,  culture,  13,  54;  Dr.  Hennicott's, 
393 ;  in  pots,  the,  134 ;  trees,  barren, 
253 

Figs,  274,  300 ;  curing  and  packing,  2S5 ; 
dropping  their  frmt,  la9;  unfruitful. 
217 

Filmy  Ferns,  271,  317,  336 

Filter,  the  garden  pot,  513 

Fii-  on  Mont  Blanc,  the  Scotch,  366 

Florian's  Elm,  500 

Floral  decorations,  Christmas,  620;  in 
ball-rooms,  SO 

Floral  charms,  255 

Florence,  the  Boboli  Gardens  at,  443 

IMower,  border,  a  spring,  459;  culture 
and  Its  sanitary  results,  237  ;  gardens 
for  chUdren,  273 ;  of  the  season,  the, 
371 ;  pots,  ornamental,  479  ;  trade  in 
New  York,3i5  ;  vase,  a  well  propor- 
tioned, 145;  vases  for  drawing-rooms, 
140  ' 

Flower-gardening,  the  Graphic  on,  460; 
in  Hyde  Park  and  Kensington  Gar- 
dens, 'SS-J, ;  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  536 : 
bad  taste  in,  214 

Flower-show,  a  fair,  223;  a  Westmin- 
ster, 515 

Flowers,  arrangement  of  common,  175 ; 
colouring  by  chemical  means,  145  ; 
(double)  producmg  seed,  460 ;  to 
dry  in  their  natm-al  coloui-s,  54,  212, 
315;  early  spring,  503;  emission  of 
light  by,  71 ;  good  border,  305 ; 
Grasses,  and  Mosses,  dyeing  and 
colourmg,  419  ;  harmony  of  colours  in, 
191;  how  they  become  naturally 
double,  122 ;  in  Japan,  262  ;  in  Mexico, 
145 ;  movements  in,  615 ;  of  the  season, 
hardy,  351 ;  old-fashioned,  201  ;  on 
your  table,  put,  286;  preparing  for 
winter,  8;  sanitary  value  of,  504; 
short-stemmed,  30 ;  seed  from  double, 
376;  small  vases  of,  535;  to  restore 
faded,  265;  a  wedding  bell  of,  441 

Foliage,  autumnal  changes  in,  340 ; 
ellects  in  autumn,  311,  482  ;  tints,  155 

Fuiest  growth  in  the  AVabash  Valley, 
luo ;  planting  on  the  Apennines,  468 

Forests  and  climate,  633 ;  and  rainfall, 
178;  in  Germany,  366 

Fuxglove,  singular,  415 

Fragaria  indica,  49 

Francoa  ramosa  as  a  window  plant,  286 

Irost-woik   (Poetry),  440 

Fruit  and  vegetable  market  in  the  city, 
new,  269;  (bush)  prunmg,  461; 
cracking  of,  by  rain,  320 ;  crop  on  the 
Continent,  300;  crops,  report  of  the, 
106,  13  J ;  drier,  the  best,  219;  for 
dessert,  arrangement  of,  418,  463 ; 
gatherer,  a  Belgian,  218,  228 ; 
gatherers,359 ;  gathering  and  keeping, 
187;  how  to  preserve,  266;  in  the 
Middle  Ages,  190;  in  Persia,  190; 
in  Southern  Virginia,  190;  packing 
choice,  31 ;  preserved  by  the  aid  of  ice, 
164,  182 ;  thinning  orchard,  36 ;  sent 


from  France  to  England,  quantity  of, 
270 ;  unwholesome,  219 ;  houses  at 
Rnby  Castle,  235 ;  shop  at  Paris,  328 

Fruit-show,  Crystal  Palace,  226  ;  Man- 
chester great,  103 

Fruit-tree  borders,  aerating,  630; 
covers,  galvanised,  13 

Fruit-trees,  autimm  and  spring  planting 
of;  485;  evils  of  growing  vege- 
tables amongst,  89 ;  iron  filings 
for,  486 ;  on  surface  planting,  462 ; 
planting,  416 ;  root-pruning,  418 ; 
where  to  plant,  331 

Fruits,  and  their  value  as  food,  284; 
best  early  and  late,  189 ;  of  La  Palma, 
South  Spain,  300 ;  orchard  house,  273 ; 
soil  for,  506 ;  to  preserve  for  years, 
95 

Fuchsia  corymbiflora,  397  ;  fulgens 
multiflora  pumila,  65  ;  gracilis  varie- 
gata,  251;  seeds,  214;  syringsefiora, 
177,  339 

Fuchsias  and  Yuccas  intermixed,  339 ; 
at  Chiswick  House,  200  ;  gi-afting,  10; 
(white  corolla)  as  bedding  plants, 
356 

Fuel,  exhibition  of  appliances  for  the 
economical  consumption  of,  289 ; 
peat,  367 

Fulham  Palace,  the  trees  at,  61 

Fumigator,  a  good,  385 

Fuukia  subcordata,  5 

Funkias,  439 

Fungi,  at  South  Kensington,  exhibition 
of,  269;  colom's,  odom-s,  and  habits 
of,  324;  death  from  eating,  160 

Fungus  show  at  South  Kensington, 
310 

G. 

Garden   of   Acclimatisation  at    Paris, 

185 ;  a  Buddhist,  132  ;  perfumes  from 

the,  419;  market,  my,  179;  (rock)  at 

Easter  Duddingston  Lodge,  453 ;  my 

winter,  474 
Gardens  in  autumn,  our,  411 
Gardeners  in  America,  370,  510 
Gardeners'  wages  at  New  York,  164 
Gardenias,  64 
Gardening,  instruction  in,  539 ;  in  Japan, 

453  ;    in  Persia,  421 ;  seacoast,    391 ; 

sewage,  308;  window,  286 
Garden  Destroyers: — 

Agrotis  exclamationis,  357 

Ant.o  on  lawns,  244 

Bees  destructive  to  fruit,  113 

Brown-tailed  Moth,  244 

Chermes  Caricce,  119 

Cherry  Fly,  the,  297 

Cob-web  Apple  moth,  the,  359 

Fig  scale  insect,  119 

Heart- and -dart  moth,  the,  357 

Ortalis  Cerasi,  297 

Plum  moth,  the,  255 

Slugi,  214 

Thrips  hffiinorrhoidalia,  221 

Winter  moth,  the,  447 

Wireworms  and  grubs,  50 

Yellow-tailed  moth,  the,  -447 

Yponomeuta  coguatella,  357 
Garden  Guide  :— 

Broke  Hall,  24 

Chauntry,  the,  24 

Glevering  Hall,  49 

High  House,  CampseyAsh,  49 

Orwell  Park,  24 

Reudlesham  Hall,  49 

Stoke  Park,  24 

Thornham  Hall,  49 

Wherstead  Park,  24 

Woolverstone  Park,  24 
Garden  Recipes  : — 

American  bhght,  74 

Asphalte  for  walks,  74;  covering,  to 
harden, 74 

EUght  on  fruit-trees,  74 

Bug  on  Pine-apples,  74 
Gardens  of  Ancient  Greece,  the,  301 ; 

(theBoboh)  at  Florence,  4-13 ;  Chinese, 

258  ;  at  Furzedown,  Streatham,  273  ; 

London,  205 ;    at  North  End  House, 

66  ;  of  stonework,   237 ;  window  and 

balcony,  377 
Gardens  of  Engt-and  : — 

Buckingham  Palace,  530 

Grange  Park,  360 

Holland  House,  483 

The  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore,  603 

Syon  House,  14 
Garlands,  358 
Garrya  elliptica,  105 
Gentian,  the  fringed,  305 
Geraniums,  golden  variegated,  IIG  ;  pit 

in  which  to  winter,  139 
Giant  Pufl'-ball,  composition  of  the,  138 
Gilia  coronopifolia,  seed  of,  323 
Gladioh,  M.  Souchet's  new,  433 
Gladiolus  plantation,  a  large,  604 
Glass,  rolled  plate,  407,  430, 618  ;  rough 

plato,  432 
Glass-cutter,  a  new  patent,  175 


Glazonia  Insignis,  130 
Glendiiming,  A.  C,  the  case  of,  350 
Gold  Coast,  vegetation  of  the,  400 
Golden-rod,  an  ornamental,  504 
Gooseberries,  espalier,  530  ;  green,  13  ; 

large, 171 
"  Gowan"  versus  "  Daisy,"  245,  306,339, 

356 
Gowana  and  Bowans,  278 
Grafting  mice-girdled  trees,  10 
Grafting-wax,  10 

Grape,  Ferdinand  de  Leaseps,  171  ;  the 
Golden  Champion,  146,  253,  269,  311  ; 
Madie;field  Court,  462;   the  Muscat 
Champion,  370;  failures,  146;  seeds,  37 
Grapes,  Grown  in  ground  Vineries,  372  ; 
in  a  stoke-hole,  442 ;  in  a  wash-house, 
378  ;  mouldy,  334,  378 ;  new,  397  ;  On 
the  Vines,  keeping,  462 ;  remarkable 
bunch   of,    514;    rust    on,    90;    the 
setting    of,  529 ;  worth  growing,  88, 
134, 169. 
Grasses,  ornamental,  83 
Grass-tree,  the  Australian,  130 
Greenhouse  in  winter,  the,  374 
Greenhouse- pi  ants  neglected,  176 
Greece,  the  gardens  of  Ancient,  301 
Griffinia  hyacinthina,  65 
Grotto  of  Thetis  at  Potsdam,  117 
Grubs  destructive  to  young  plants,  76 
Guano,  Bat,  178  ;    the  origin  of,  610 ; 

death  from  handling,  223 
Guava,  the,  74 
Guernsey  Lily,  270,  358 
Gunnera  scabra,  23 


H. 

Hablitzia  tamnoides,  153 

Hamianthus  coccineus,  199,  250 

Hampton  Court,  old  trees  at,  499 

Hanging  baskets,  plants  for,  263 

Hardy  Heaths,  258 

Hare-beUs,  large,  253 

Hare's-foot  Ferns,  46 

"  Hay-fever,"  the  cause  of,  144 

Hearlsease,  the  best  bedding,  356 

Heat  (bottom)  for  Orchids,  437 ;  in 
horticultm'al  buildings,  economy  of, 
407  ;  without  cost,  346 

Heather  edgings,  339 

Heatherside  Nurseries,  112 

Heaths,  hardy,  253 

Heating,  a  successful  instance  of  hot- 
air,  348;  Cowan's  hme-kiln,  249,  290, 
291,330,  518 

Hebeclinium  urolopis,  460 

Hedge,  a  Sweet  Bay,  428 

Hedges,  Deutzia,  254 ;  of  American 
Arbor-vitcc,  254  ;  ornamental,  93 

Helianthus  tuberosus,  55 

Herbarium  of  J.  Stuart  Mill,  353 

Herbs,  cutting  and  drying,  306  ;  home- 
less, 6 

Hibiscus  roseo-sinensis,  207 ;  syriacus, 
212 

Hoeing,  advantages  of,  118 

Hollies,  transplanting  old,  33 

Solly,  propagating  the,  45 ;  the  green 
weeping,  254 

Hollyhock  disease,  the,  376 

Hollyhocks,  propagating,  128 

Honeysuckle,  gold-netted,  44 

Hop-stalks,  paper  from,  42 

Horse-chestnut,  origin  of  the  name,  123, 
152,  213 

"  Horse-Gowan,"  the,  191,  223 

Horseradish,  328 

Horse-tails,  393 

Horticulture  in  Belgium,  123,  175 

Horticultui'al  buildings.  Tuck's  patent, 
303 ;  show,  Stamford,  40 

Humming-bird,  the  (Poetry),  160 

Hyacinth  culture,  293,  334  ;  the  Early 
Roman,  176 ;  flowers  a  second  season, 
241 

Hyacinths  for  bedding,  365 

Hybrid  Orchids  and  Nepenthes,  479 

Hyde  Park,  improvements  in,  475 

Hydrangea  paniculata  gi-andillora,  376 

Hydi-angcas,  extraordinary,  234 


I. 

Immortelle  plant,  the,  157 

Incrustations,  boiler,  309,  370.  390,  433 

Indigofera  australis,  113;  floribimda,  212 

Insect-destroyer,  another,  76 

Insect  pests,  and  how  to  destroy  them, 
494,  501 

Insects  and  birds,  255,  302,  315;  direc- 
tions for  sending,  76 ;  injurious  to 
Roses,  26 ;  ravages  of,  470 

Ipecacuanha,  new  method  of  propagat- 
ing, 124 

Ipoma^a  Bona-nox,  463 

Iresine  acuminata,  as  a  bedding  plant, 
440 

Iris  fcetidissima,  berries  of,  425  ;  iberica, 
270;  K^mpferi,  313;  Korolkowi,  270 


Iron  in  plants,  444 

Isle  of  Poplars,  at  Ermenonville,  623 

Isle  of  Wight,  flower-gardening  in  the, 

536 
Ismeno  calathina,  139 
Isola  Bella,  11 
Ivies,  variegated,  166 
Ivy,  the  vase  culture  of,  249 
Ixias  and  Sparaxis,  culture  of,  209 


J. 

Jamesia  americana,  366, 423 

Japan,  flowers  in,  262;  gardening  in, 

453 
Japanese  plant-shops,  359 
Jardm  des  Plantes  at  Paris,  243 
Jasminum  nudiflorum,  478  ;    officinale 

as  an  edging,  376  ;  revolutum,  415 
Jessamine  grown  for  pipe-stems,  228 
Jute,  manufacture  of,  344 


K. 

Kcelreuteria  paniculata,  125, 166 
Keeping  Apples,  218 
Kensington  Gardens,  the  trees  in, 
Kentucky  CofTee-tree,  the,  400 
Kitchen-garden  supply,  the,  534 


Labels,  127,  140;  Bell's  476;  for  Coni- 
fers, 428 ;  how  to  preserve  wooden,  293 

LachenaUas,  527 

Ladder,  an  orchard,  359 

Lady's  Slipper,  purple,  295;  Roezl's, 
294;  Seden's,  207 

Lagerstrcemia  elegans  carnea,  155 ; 
indica,  373;  indica-rosea,  193 

Lapageria  alba,  272,  295 

Larch,  substitutes  for  the,  466 

Larix  americana,  singular  specimen  of, 
233 

Latitude,  in  relation  to  the  hardiness  of 
plants,  483 

Laurustinuses,  do  they  smell  offen- 
sively ?  213 

Lavender  culture  in  Hertfordshire,  169 

Lavender-fields  at  Hitchin,  82 

Law  notes  (Cauliflower'seed),  40;  (de- 
cayed Cberries),  102  ;  (gathering 
Mushrooms),  263;  (death  from  the 
fall  of  a  tree),"  390;  (head  gardener's 
perquisites  ;  cutting  trees),  430 

Lawn  sand,  357,  395 

Lawns,  weeds  on,  44 

Leaf-pictures  in  autumn,  254 

Leaf-miners,  494 

Leaf -ornaments  for  window-screens,  497 

Leaf -printing,  433,  475,  535 

Leaves,  autumn,  3o8 ;  the  colouring 
matter  of,  60 

Leek  culture  in  Flanders,  223 

Legends  of  certain  plants,  95 

Lemons,  boxes  for,  633 

Lettuce,  the  Bath  Cos,  67 ;  boiled,  95  ; 
cultm-e,  56;  winter,  232 

Leycesteria  formosa,  468 

Library:— 
Advanced    Text-book     of    Physical 

Geography,  150 
Art  of  Grafting  and  Budding,  the,  32 
Chapters  on  Trees,  283 
Cry  of  the  Labourer,  the,  468 
Fourth  Georgic  of  Vii'gil,  the,  404 
French  Home  Life,  150 
Handbook  of  Weather  Folk-lore,  a,  404 
Introductory  Text-book  of    Physical 

Geography,  469 
Life  and  Habits  of  Wild  Animals,  the, 

468 
New  Cookery  Book,  the.  240 
Paxton's  Flower-garden,  469 
Smith's  Fruits  and  Farinacea,  240 
What  a  House  should  be,  284 
What  am  I  ?  32 
Workshop  Appliances,  150 

Light,  its  action  on  seeds,  354,  379 

Lightning,  trees  struck  by,  SO 

Lilies  for  small  gardens,  253 ;  past  and 
present,  3,  43,  110;  planting,  456 

Lihum  auratum,  191 ;  am'atum  in 
London,  112;  candidum  aureo-mar- 
ginatum,  339 ;  Coridion  and  L.  Par- 
theneion,  270 ;  Krameri,  270 ;  longi- 
florumandeximium,  167;  purpureum, 
473,  493 

Lily,  the  Guernsey,  353 ;  of  the  Valley, 
70;  the  Scarborough,  323 ;  the  sweet- 
scented  Water,  368;  tall  scarlet  70 

Lime,  as  a  preservative  of  wood,  366 

Liinonia  trilbhata,  400 

Lime-kiln  heating  (Cowan's),  249,290, 
291,330,518 

Ltme-kilns,  ordinary  and  improved,  363 

Lime-ti'ee  at  Burghley  House,  83 

Limnocharis  Himiboldtii,  141 

Liunaja  borealis,  -43 


SUPPLEiTKyT,   JAW.    2-i,    1S~4  ] 


THE   GARDEN  INDEX. 


Vll 


Linoleum  and  dry  rot,  500 

Lifiiantlius  RuselHanus,  312 

Lobelias,  best  bedding,  233,  276;  ffliite- 

flowered,  188 
Lomaria  chilensis,  191 
London  fruit  and  flower-inarkets,  1311 
London  gardens,  205 
Loose-strife,  the  Rosy,  133 
Lycaste  lasioglossa,  352 
Lychnis  Bungeana,  Si 
Lythrum  SaUcaria  roseum  132 


M. 

Madder,  285 

Maiden-hair  Fern,  roseate,  425  :  Perns 

63  ;  Tree,  large,  368 
Magellan  and  Chiloe,  shrubs  of,  25t 
Magnolia  grandiflora,  126, 166;  brandy, 

138  ...  J. 

Magnolias,  92 

Maize,  variegated  Japanese,  177 

Manchester  Exliibition,  202,  224,   247; 

Great  Fruit  Show,  103,  183 
Manetti  Rose  stocks,  234,  433 
Mango,  the,  219,  29S 
Manui'e,  street,  179 
Manures  and  weeds,  306 
Maple,  the  glancoas-leaved  Himalayan, 
499  ;  the  Sikkim,  211 ;  the  Sugar,  45  ; 
how  to   propagate,  298;    the   trifld- 
leaved, 127 
Maranta  Mackoyana,  87 
Marasmius  oreades,  37 
Market  carts,  142 
MasdevalUa  coccinea,  312 ;   Tovarensis 

480 ;  Veitchu,  374 
Masdevallias,  47 
Mealy  Bug  and  Alcohol,  297 
Melbourne  Botanic  Gardens,  164 
Melon-culture,  64;  a  curious  fact  in,  306; 
Melon,  the  Little  Heath,  368 :  very  larf  e 
Water,  312  •       .        j       o 

Mesembryanthemum  cordifolium  yarie  - 

gatmn,  vriutering,  601 
Mesembryanthemums,  291 
Michaelmas  Daisies,  305,  333 
Microscope,  use  of  the,  to  the  cultiyator, 

260 
Mignonette,  winter,  109 
Mildew  on  Roses,  4 
Milla  (Triteleia)  uniflora,  167 
Mimulus  eardinalis,  158 
Mistletoe,  as  a  tree  pest,  the,  12  ;  on  the 

Acacia,  533 
Mixed  borders,  166 ;  Mr.  Peach  on,  371 
Mole-cricket,  the,  50 
Monstera  dehciosa,  319 
MontreuU,  Peach-growing  at,  163 
Moon-creeper,  the,  463 
Mulberry-tree,  an  historical,  314 
Musa  Caveudishii,   178 ;  coccinea,  206  ; 
Ensete,  164;  fruiting  and  hardiness  of. 

Mushroom   culture   out-of-doors,    159- 

growth,  singular,  450 
Mushrooms,     306;    growing   on    open 

lawns,  147;  how  to  cook,  266;  id»as 

about,  291 ;  large,  306 
Mustard,  362 
Myoporum  album,  192 
Myosotis  dissitiflora,  70 
Myrtle  (double-flowered)  as  an  indoor 

decorative  plant,  338 


Odontoglossum  Alexandrro,  241 ;  cora- 

dinum,  622;  Roezlii,  228,  251 
Oleander,  the,  191 ;  new  varieties  of,  120 
Olive  oil  at  Nice,  production  of,  307 
Oncidium  Rogcrsii,  352  ;  tigrinum,  10 
Onion,  the  Tree,  158, 262;  the  Welsh,  158 
Onions,  534 

Onosma  megalospermmn,  4 
Orange  supply,  oiu%  433;  wood  of  the 

Osage,  446 
Orange-tree,    remarkable    instance   of 

vitality  in  the,  270 
Orange-trees,  Jessamines,   and  Honey- 
suckles indoors,  30 
Orchard,  an   ornamental,  431  ;    in   an 

Apple  (poetry),  265;  the  largest  in  the 

world,  119 
Orchard-house,  the,  168,  187.  216,231; 

my,  81 ;  fruits,  273 ;  trees,  253 
Orchard-ladder,  an,  359 
Orchids    and  Nepenthes,    hybrid,  479  ; 

bottom-heat  tor,  437;   how  to  grow 

cool,  612 
Orchis  foliosa,  49,  S3 
Ornament  a  simple,  345 ;  a  pretty  table, 

464 
Ornamental  Grasses,  83 
Osier,  the  bitter,  33 


N. 

Nasturtium,  the  "Flame,"  131:  on  Ii-ish 
Yew,  132 

Nepenthes  Chelsoni,  332 ;  sanguinea,  292 

Nerme  samiensis,  270,  358 

Nettles,  160 

New  and  rare  plants,  33, 94, 116,  140, 160 

New  Zealand  Flax  In  flower,  70 ;  in  Scot- 
land, 250 

News,  botanical,  2 

North  End  House,  gardens  at,  66 

I-ottmgham,  St.  Ann's  Rose  show  at,  80 

Nurseries,  MM.  Chantrier's,  jttorte  Pou- 
tame,  194;  the  Heatherside,  112- 
Messrs.  Jackson's,  Woking,  405' 
Messrs.  Pennick  and  Co.'s,  102  ■  the 
Pme-apple,  486;  Mr.  Wills's,  Bromp- 
ton,  192;  Mr.  H.  Vertegan's,  Edgebas- 

Nursery  of  the  city  of  Paris,  174 
Nymphffia  dentata,  523;  odorata,  368 

o. 

Oak,  a  fine,  192;  the  Pulham,  231-  the 
Golynos,  90;  the  Pin  or  Swamp,  313  • 
smgnlai'  discovei'y  in  an  old  166  ■ 
spangles,  276 

Oaks  of  Cahfornia,the,17;  pictorial,  191 

OBITnAEY  : — 

M.  Barillet  Deschamps,  26S 
Mr.  Robert  Fish,  370 
Mr.  B.  M.  Stark,  310 


Paohyphytum  bracteosnm,  128 
Packing  Apples,  an  improved  mode  of, 

307;    exotic    Ferns,    199;     CamelUa 

flowers,  397  ;  choice  fruits,  31 
Packing-needle,  a  useful,  513 
Palm,  the  Ai'cca,  177 
Palm-grove,  a,  215 

Palms,  compost  for,  463  ;  of  New  Cale- 
donia, 372  ;  re-tubbing  old,  521 
Pampas  Grass,  broken  spikes  of,  323 
Pansies,  new  bedding,  503 ;  suitable  for 

bedding,  376 
Papyi-us,  an  Egyptian  medical,  265 
Pare   Monceaux,    flower-gardening    in 

the,  213 
Paris  green,  321 
Park,  a  noble  State,  97;  at    Deptford 

(new) ,  317 ;  Battersea  in  1873, 100 ;  St. 

James's,  3S1 
Paulownia,  the  wood  of,  231 
Pea,  Dampier's  Glory,  319 ;  the  White 

Everlasting,  270 
Peas,  cooking,  96  :  Laxton'."!  new,  534 ; 

new,  37  ;  notes  on  late,  263 
Peach,  Early  Rivers,  89  ;  Lord  Palmer- 

ston,  63;   new  early,  374;    and  Nec- 

tarine  trees,  pruning,  538 
Peach-crops,  immense,  65 
Peach-growing,  at  Montreuil,  163 
Peach-tree,  large,  486 
Peach-trees,  dressing  for,  463 
Peaches,  American,  319 ;  the  quahty  of 

378;   (double-flowered)  fruiting, '37S  ; 

roof -trained,  13;   two  very  singular, 

270  J       -.        , 

Pear,  Bergamotte  Poiteau,  614 ;  Clapp's 
Favoui-ite,  359  ;  Doyenne?  du  Comice, 
412;  the  Durandeau,  378;  Keele  Hall 
BeurriS  or  Styrian,  332  ;  the  Koolstock, 
90;  the  Rostiezer  334;  Souvenir  du 
CongriSs,  514 

Pear-gi'owing,  in  Virginia,  435 

Pear-tree,  Sir  PhUip  Cramptou's,  82. 
101,417 

Pears,  a  few  stray  notes  on,  171  • 
autumnal,  319;  early,  238;  gather- 
ing, 274;  good  flavour  in,  274; 
hastening  the  ripening  of,  54; 
high  prices  of,  622;  in  fruit  and 
flower,  90;  large,  463;  of  the  season; 
135,  287,  300 ;  prickly,  373  ;  ripening 
after  they  are  gathered,  136 ;  trials  of, 
359 

Peat,  injurious  to  Rhododendrons,  400 

Peat-fuel,  367,  396 

Pelargonium,  Queen  Victoria,  412 

Pelargoniums,  zonal,  70,  519;  winter- 
floweriug  zonal,  435;  trials  of,  at 
Chiswick,  233 

Pentstemon  Pahneri,  161 

Pentstemons,  310,  131 ;  select,  333 

Perfumes,  484 ;  from  the  garden,  419 

Persia,  gardening  in,  431 

Philadelphus  amcenus,  463 

Phlox  verna,  23 

Phosphate  sewage  works,  608 

Phylloxera  again,  the,  471 ;  rapidity  of 
production  of  the,  297;  reputed 
remedies  for  the,  238,  353 

Phygelius  capensis,  210 

Physiology,  vegetable,  ISO 

Pine-apple,  culture  of  the,  298  ;  Veitch's 
seedling,  418 ;  the  variegated,  413 

Pine-apples,  Pitch  Lake,  466,  478 

Pine-forest  in  Switzerland,  a,  380 
Pine-tree  pest,  a,  340 
Pine-trees  at  Bournemouth,  91 
Planes,  remarkable  group  of,  46 
Plant,    new  heat-resisting   lawn,  460; 
the  laughing,  635 


Plant-growth,  methods  of  observing.  427 
Plant-houses,  small  span-roofed,  267 
Plant-shades,  paper,  49 
Plant-shops,  Japanese,  366 
PUlntmg,  seaside,  230 
Plants   (Alpine)  at  Benthall  Hall,  477; 
and  insects,  poisonous,  471 ;    (berry- 
bearing)  for  winter  decoration,  436  ; 
coal,    267;    cultivated,  and    time    of 
their  introduction,  304 ;  dwarf,  silvery 
or    variegated,    70;    tertihsation    of, 
414;    for  hanging    baskets,   63,  363; 
for  islands,  23 ;    tor  a  north  house, 
463  ;  grown  over  a  burning  coal-bed, 
406;    hardy    bulbous,    457;     in    hot 
countries,  packing,  46  ;    in  sleeping- 
rooms,  30,  345  ;  in  rooms,  377  ;  iron  in, 
444;    new  and  rare,  33,  91,  116,  14o] 
160;    new  herbaceous,  23;    two  new 
Composite,  206 ;  wall,  440 ;  wintering 
tender,  277 
Pl.atycerium  biforme,  295 
Plum,  the,  170 ;    the  Cherry,  514 ;    the 

Mirabelle  Hative,  190 
Plumbago  capensis,  334 
Poinsettia,  a  new  double,  143 
Poison,  a  new,  346 
Polemonium  ca3ruleum  variegalum,  as 

an  edging,  210 
Polycycnis  lepida,  250 
Pol.ygonum  sachalineuse,  413 
Polyporus  fomentarius,  uses  of,  293 
Ponds  and  wells,  on  the  management 

of,  338 
Poplar  wood,  18 
Poplars,  the  quickest-growing,  33  ;   the 

Isle  of,  at  Ermenonville,  533 
Populus  canadensis,  493 ;  as  an  avenue 

tree,  434 
Postage  of  plants,  &c.,  in  the  United 

States,  438 
Potentilla,  "  Vase  d'Or,"  113 
Potato-bug,  the,  447 
Potato-crops  in  the  south  and  south- 
west of  England,  118 
Potato-culture,  450 
Potato-diggers,  613 

Potato  disease,  37,  76,  179;  and  Govern- 
ment   Commissions,   60;     Blackley's 
cure  for  the,  350  ;  Lime  and  Magnesia 
preventives  of,  243 ;  rolling,  a  cure  tor 
the,  360 
Potato  statistics,  863,  403 
Potatoes  and   BroccoU,  96 ;    creosoted 
versus  the  disease,  108  ;  choice  of  seed, 
631 ;  early,  107  ;  Paterson's,  382  ;  pro- 
scribed, 9o ;    to  prevent  the  germina- 
tion of,  392 
Pot-plunger  (Godfrey's),  325 
Pot  Vines  for  table  decoration,  333 
Potsdam,  Grotto  of  Thetis  at,  117 
Potting,  evils  of  rapid,  294  ;  rapid,  396  • 

using  stones  in,  300 
Potting-soil,  preparing,  396 
Prickly  Pears,  272 
Primulas  in  France,  253;  new  Chinese, 

611 
Prizes  for  plants  not  grown  by  the  ex- 
hibitor, 236 
"Prodromus,"  De  Candolle's,  131,  493 
Protecting  materials,  339 
Prunes  a  la  Russe,  95 ;  how  prepared,  53 
Pruning  bush  fruit,  461;    Peach    and 
Nectarine  trees,  638  ;  summer  torch 
127 
Prunus  M,Trobalana,  614 
Pteris  serrulata,  498 
Purple  Clover  Weevil,  270 
Put  flowers  on  your  table,  286 
Pyi-amidal  trees,  313 
Pyrethrum  uUginosum,  306 


Roao  garden,  the,  433;  garden  in  De- 
cember, the,  613 ;  gi'owing  at  Bath, 
31,13;  harvest,  the,  131,  166.357;  ot 
Jericho,  111;  leaves,  diseased,  41; 
new  — Alexander  Dickson,  163;  sin- 
gular instance  of  dimorphism  in  the, 
201  ;  raising,  156,  167;  show  at  the 
Crystal  Palace,  great,  20;  stocks, 
Manetti,  231,  433 ;  tree,  my  window, 
635;  Weevil,  26,  76 

Roses,  among  the,  1 ;  and  ladies,  6 ; 
attar  of,  175 ;  best  light  and  dark 
st.andard,  163  ;  budding,  127  ;  Christ- 
mas, 504;  insects  injurious  to,  38; 
late  Gloire  de  Dijon,  376  ;  mildew  on, 
4  ;  on  their  own  roots,  376 

Royal  Botanic  Society,  39 

Royal  Botanic  Society's  anniversary,133 

Royal  Horticultural  Society,  20,  69,  294 
216,  270,  289,  310,  419,  455,  476;  the 
future  ot  the,  351,  389,  428,  452.  471. 
496,  618 

Royal  parks,  deer  in  the,  531 

Rubus  deUoiosus,  292 

Eudbeckia  Newmauni,  333,  333 


s. 


Q. 

Quercus  palustris  313 


Haby  Castle,  truit-houses  at,  235 

Rabbits,  protecting  trees  from,  330,  428 

Radishes,  50 

Raidisseur,  a  new,  120 

Rain,  artificial,  1S2 

Ramble  in  AiTan,  a,  208 

Rat-trap,  a  new,  357 

Recipes  (fruit  and  vegetable),  513 
Remarkable  trees,  66 
Rhododendrons,  91;  for  the  conserva- 
tory, 176,  207,  351,  291 ;  peat  injm'ious 
to,  400 
Rhyncopetalum  montannm,  65 
Bice-paper  plant,  wintering  the,  438 
Richardia  albo-maculata,  70,  113 
Riddance,  a  capital,  234 
Rivina,  tlie  yellow-fruited,  430 
Rock-plants  in  shade,  44 
Room  Ferneries,  220 
Rooms,  plants  in,  30,  345,  377 
Root-pruning,  435 
Rosa  yvara,  504 


St.  Paul's,  the  enclosure  around,  Sll 

St.  Petersbiu-gh  Botanic  Gardens,  11! 

Sage,  331 ;  a  new  winter-flowering.  43 

Sagittaria  japonica  flore  pleno,  395 

Salad,  a  new,  266 

Salsaty,  76 

Sap,  movement  of  the,  340 

Salt,  as  a  tertihser,  4M 

Salvia  scabrosatoUa,  395 

Santolina  incana,  214 

Sarracenia.  a  new,  312 

Sarracenias,  207 

Sassafi-.as-tree,  large,  220 

Sawbridgeworth,  fruit-growing  at,  73 

Sawdust  as  a  manure,  37 ;  tor  clay  soils, 

473 
Saxitraga  Kotschyi,  372 ;  Rudolphiana . 

306 
Scent-powder,  377 
Scion  to  stock,  transfer  of  disease  from. 

33 
Sea-coast  gardening,  391 
Seaside  planting,  230 ;  trees,  45 
Sedum  acreelegans,  84;  carneum  varie- 

gatum,  377 
Seden's  Lady's-shpper,  307 
Seed  from  double  flowers,  376 
Seedling  fruits,  variation  amongst,  331 
Selaginellas,  353 

Serpentine,  the  "island  "  in  the,  181 
Sewagergardening,  303;  Grass,  144;  in 

water,  test  for,  613 ;  works,  phosphate, 

508  -i-      1         , 

Shading  for  a  Fernery,  355 

Shah  at  Trentham,  the,  1 ;  a  vase  of 

flowers  for  the,  3 
"  Shooting-star,"  the,  277 
Shrubs  acchmatised   on   the   coast    ot 
Wicklow,  192  ;  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  372 
Silene  Bolanderi,  101 
Silphium  of  the  ancients,  the,  6,  44 
Skeleton  leaves,  preparing,  263 
Snails  on  garden-waUs  at  Bath,  66 
Soil  for  fruits,  500 ;  questioning  t  he,  505 
Soils,  on  the  causes  of  f  ertihty  or  iDarren- 

ness  of.  383,  403,  421 
Sonerila  at  Gunnersbnry,  463 
Sophora  japonica,  var.  crispa,  296 
Sophronitis  grandiflora,  478 
Sorbus,  proper  time  to  transplant,  270 
Sorrel,  67 
Sovrings  and  plantings  for  July,  19  ;  tor 

August,  121 
Sparaxis  and  Ixias,  culture  of,  209 
Speedwell,  Anderson's,  210,  378,  602 
Spigeliamarilandica,  63 
Spinach,  New  Zealand  and  other  kinds 

of,  173 
Spirffia  japonica,  319 ;  and  its  variegated 

varieties,  355 
Spiraea  palmata,  211 
Squashes,  varieties  of,  136 
Stakes,  400 

Stamford  Park,  opening  of,  80 
Stapeha  hirsuta  minor,  353 
Stapehas,  65 ;  at  Hammersmith,  250 
Statice  BondwelU,  377 
Stellaria  graminifolia  aurea,  133,  268 
Stock  on  the  scion,  influence  of  the,  146, 

254,  334 
Stokehole,  suffocation  caused  by  a,  350 
Stonework,  gardens  ot,  237 
Stove  aquarium,  87 
Strawberry,  British  Queen,  22 ;  culture 

at  Bath,  21 ;  icc-cre.am,  53 
Strawberries   from   seed,    336;   how  I 
eat,  95;   in  orchards,  146;    planting 
out  forced,  35 ;  (winter)  in  California, 
378 
Street  trees,  137,  600 
StreUtzia  regina^,  ISO 
Strophanthus  hispidus,  346 
Succulents  as  window  plants,  53 


vni 


THE  GARDEN  INDEX. 


[SUPPLESIEST,  3±y.  24,  1S74. 


Sugar  Maple  as  a  street  tree,  the,  340 
Su^fjestion,  a  good,  182 
Sumach,  the  Stag's-horn,  193 
Summer  torch  pruniug,  127 
Sunflower,  uses  of  the,  -419 
Sweet  Bay  hedge,  a,  428 


Table  decorations,  441 ;  at  the  Crystal 
Palace,  220 ;  for  Christmas -day,  497  ; 
pot  Vines  for,  333 

Tacsonia  insignis,  374 

Tamarisk  tree,  the  French,  1S3,  296 

Tamarix  gallica,  193 

Tan  beds,  430 

Tapinotes  CaroUnite,  396 

Tea  plantation,  a,  362;  plants,  New 
Jersey,  296 

Tecoma  graudiflora  rubra,  155 ;  jas- 
minoides,  339 

Temple  Gardens,  works  at,  104 

Tennyson's  knowledge  of  trees,  325 

Thermometers,  456 

Thoresby,  Grape -gi'o wing  at,  146 

Thujopsis  dolobrata  variegata,  533 

Tbunbergia  laurifolia,  250 

Timber,  how  to  dispose  of  home-grown, 
449  ;  Seely  process  of  preserving,  372 

Tints,  autumnal,  399 

Tobacco  triumphant,  269 

Tomato  ketchup,  3S5 

Tomatoes,  76,  1-4S,  450;  *' canned,"  307; 
in  America,  262 ;  pickled  green,  95 ; 
uses  of,  149 

Top-dressing  Coniferous  trees,  532 

Transplanting  machine,  McNab's,  154 

Tree,  a  curious,  399;  in  Wood  Street, 
Cheapside,  the  old,  340 ;  butts,  de- 
stroying, 423  ;  chpping  in  olden  times, 
341;  dwellings  in  the  Solomon  Islands, 
392  ;  growing  in  Kansas,  366  ;  Mallow 
in  California,  296;  measurer,  a  self- 
adjusting,  17  ;  planting,  curiosities  of, 
211 

Tree-Fern,  a  new  weeping,  271 

Tree-Ferns,  526 ;  from  stem  division,  490 

Trees  and  flowers  in  autumn  (Poetry), 
356 

Trees  as  historians  of  the  past,  500 ;  at 
Arundel,  125  ;  at  Hampton  Court,  old, 
499;  at  Longleat,  large,  296;  avenue 


of  tapering,  506  ;  branch -propagation 
of  Apple,  297, 319,  334,  398, 442  ;  differ- 
ent methods  of  pruning  forest, 499 ;  fine 
Hampshire,427 ;  for  churchyards,  467 ; 
forms  of  in  landscape  gardening,  31  ; 
in  KensingtOH  Gardens,  the,  366 ;  in 
the  Fulham  Nurseries,  weeping,  313  ; 
in  the  London  squares,  191 ;  in  the 
London  streets,  75;  in  Upper  Burmah, 
india-rubber,  314 ;  on  planting  choice, 
339;  Orchard- house,  252;  oysters 
growing  on,  522 ;  pyramidal,  212 ; 
remarkable,  66;  renovating  old,  231; 
seaside,  45  ;  spectacular  etfect  of,  31 ; 
street,  500;  Tennyson's  knowledge  of, 
325 ;  variety  in,  185  ;  weeping,  296  ; 
where  to  plant  fruit,  331 ;  which  thrive 
in  London,  292 

Trellis,  a  simple  fruit  tree,  65 

Trentham,  the  Shah  at,  1 

Trichopilia  suavis,  511 

Trifolium  uniflorum,  SI 

Triteha  unLflora,  130 

Tritoma  Uvaria,  rabbit-proof,  tlrO 

Tropa3olum  canariense,  15S ;  peregri- 
num,  167;  speciosum,  131;  tricolor 
grandiflorum,  95  ;  tuberosum,  23 

Trumpet-flowered  Dendrobe,  110 

Tuhps,  early,  279  ;  for  beds,  70 

Turnips  in  dry  soils,  36 

Twin-flower,  the,  43, 339 


U. 

Ulmus  Berardi,  296 
Umbelliferous  plants,  poisonous,  74 
Umbrella  Pine,  fi.ne  specimen  of,  254 
Uropedium  Ltndeni,  151 
Utah,  salt  deserts  of,  243 


Vallota  purpurea,  323 

Vanda  cserulea,  333,  455 

Vases,  plant,  132,  490  ;  terra-cotta,  395  ;  ! 
iron  versus  terra-cotta,  54,  84;  shell  ' 
and  glass  flowers,  30 

Vegetable  cookery,  395 ;  recipes,  452 

Vegetables,    Chinese,    36;    transplant- 
ing, 57 

Vegetarian  Society,  the,  350 


Vegetation,  aspects  of,   50;    open-air, 

102  ;  of  the  Gold  Coast,  400 ;  of  South 

Africa,  changes  in  the,  314 ;  of  the 

West  Coast  of  Africa,  *10 
Ventilator,  a  new,  327 
Veratrum  nigrum,  191 
Vemonia  noveboracensis,  323 
Veronica  Andersonii,  210,  376,  502;  in- 

cana,  70 ;  pinguifolia,  5 
Victoria  Park,  flower-gardening  in,  156 
Victoria  regia,  the,  10 
Vienna  Exhibition  Awards,  182 
Vine-buds,  irregularity  in  the  breaking 

of,  435 
Vine-rods,  dressing  for,  462 
Vines,  a  remarkable  pair  of  pot,  219; 

budding  versus  planting,  486 
Vines  in  rock-borders,  13;    protecting 

from  frost,  22 
Vineyards  in  lte}y,  393 
Vintage  in  France,  206 
Viola  comuta.  538;  Queen  Victoria,  455 
Violets,  bedding,  394 
Violet,  the  Neapolitan,  322 
Vittadenia  triloba,  412 
Voice  in  the  Pines,  the  (Poetry),  434 

W. 

Wabash  Valley,  forest  growth  in,  105 

Wallflower,  the  (Poetry),  75 

Walls,  low  retaining,  and  their  decora- 
tion, 4 ;  the  best  colour  for  fruit,  442 ; 
wiring,  398 

Wall-plants.  440 

Walnuts  dropping  their  fruit,  136 

Walnut-tree,  a  variegated,  500 

Wasps,  cure  for  the  sting  of,  82 ;  versus 
Peaches,  244  ;  to  destroy,  297 

Water -chestnut,  the,  104 

Water -drop  wort,  poisoning  by,  30, 
429,  470 

Waterfalls  and  natural  rockwork,  4 

Water-soldier,  the,  393 

Water-supply,  195 

Weather  fallacies,  343 

Weather  notes  and  proverbs,  342 

Weather-prophet,  how  to  become  a,  456 

Weeping-trees,  a  graceful  mode  of 
growing,  400;  in  the  Fulham  Nurse- 
ries, 313 ;  neT7  method  of  grafting, 
134 


Weeds  and  manures,  306;  in  Ireland, 
501 ;  naturahsed,  465 ;  on  lawns,  44 ; 
to  convert  into  manure,  472 

West  Indian  Scenery  (Cuba),  501 

Wheelbarrow,  a  conflict  with  a,  175 

Wigandia  Caracasana,  503 

Wigandias,  propagating,  379 

Willow  leaves,  212 

Window  and  balcony  gardens,  377 

Window  Ferns,  175 

Window-box,  my,  464 

Window-gardening,  40,  464 

Window-plant,  the  Cobweb  Houseleefc 
as  a,  10 

Window-plants,  Cinerarias  as,  54 ;  Suc- 
culents as,  53 

Window-screens,  leaf  ornaments  for, 
479 

Winter  bouquets,  265 

Winter  decoration,  everlastings  for,  2C4 

Winter  embellishment,  155 

Winter  ilignonette,  109 

Wistaria  at  Salt  Hill,  the  great,  127 ; 
sinensis  fruiting,  164 

Wood-paving  in  London,  192,  463 

Wood,  the  preservation  of,  275 

Woodhce  in  frames,  357 

Worms  on  lawns,  210 

Wreaths,  bridal,  Wl 

Wycombe  Abbey,  227J 


X. 

Xanthoceras  sorbifolia,  206, 353 


Y. 

Yew  (Golden)  in  common  Yew  hedges, 

254 
Yew-tree,  large  old,  94 
Yews,  swollen-stemmed  Irish,  33 
Yosemit^  Valley,  the,  372 
Yucca  EUacombeana,  332,  356;  quadri- 

color  variegata,  372 
Yuccas  and  Ivy  for  balconies,  377 ;  at 

Sawbridgeworth,  42  ;  grouping,  3 

2. 

Zephyrantliea  carinatus,  234 


^^ 


July  5,  1873.] 


THE   GARDE N". 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  :    but 
The  Art  itself  is  Nature." — Shakespea/re. 


AMONG  THE  EOSES 

AT  THE  CRYSTAL  PALACE  KOSE  SHOW. 
It  is  said  that  the  Shah  of  Persia  strongly  advised  the  Prince 
of  Wales,  as  a  matter  of  duty,  to  decapitate  the  Duke  of 
Sutherland,  because  his  Grace  had  disgraced  himself  by  pre- 
suming to  occupy  a  residence  of  lai-ger  accomodation  than 
that  of  his  Koyal  Highness.  If  this  be  so,  there  can  be  little 
doubt  that  his  Majesty  would  have  prescribed  a  similar 
surgical  operation  for  Mr.  Thomas  Hughes,  the  Choirmau 
of  the  Crystal  Palace  Company,  the  Directors  generally,  Mr. 
Grove,  the  Secretary;  Messrs.  AVilkinson  and  Wilson, Managers 
of  Departments ;  and  for  all  the  exhibitors  on  Saturday  last, 
for  presuming  to  display  such  Roses  as  were  not  to  be  found 
in  his  dominions,  such  "  Marechal  Niels"  as  made  "  the  Persian 
Yellow"  desire  to  bury  its  diminished  head  amid  its  fragrant 
fohagc,  and  die  of  aromatic  pain.  In  the  absence,  however, 
of  this  sensitive  potentate,  no  such  truculent  suggestions 
were  offered ;  but  there  prevailed,  on  the  contrary,  among 
the  many  thousands  present,  the  wish,  hearty  and  universal, 
that  the  heads  of  departments,  and  of  nursery  firms,  and  of 
amateur  Eosarians,  might  long  be  preserved  in  their  integrity, 
to  devise  and  develope  many  more  such  fascinating  expositions 
of  beauty,  for  the  delight  of  Queen  Victoria's  lieges. 

No  prettier  sight  has  the  Shah  seen  than  those  long  lines 
of  Eoses  which  glowed  at  Sydenham  in  their  roseate,  crimson, 
and  golden  glory — no  sight  so  inspiring,  so  suggestive,  to 
those  poets  of  his  land,  who  make  a  point  of  alluding  to  the 
Eose  about  every  fourth  line  on  an  average,  until  the  metaphor 
must  almost  become  monotonous  to  those  readers,  who,  not 
having  pronounced  views  about  fiowers,  are  liable  to  be  some- 
what— 

oppressed  with  perfume, 
And  wax  faint  o'er  the  gardens  of  Gul  in  her  bloom. 

But  no  one  was  oppressed,  and  no  one  waxed  faint,  at  the 
Eose  Show  (except  those  who  did  not  win  any  prizes,  and 
those  who  were  overcrowded  on  the  rail),  all  agreeing  that  the 
Palace  of  Crystal  was  the  most  suitaiile  of  homes  for  the 
Queen  of  Flowers,  and  that  she  nowhere  showed  herself  to  such 
advantage,  or  was  so  loyally  appreciated  and  admired,  as  here 

Not  that  the  exhibition  of  Saturday  last  was  the  best  that, 
has  been  held  at  Sydenham,  or  is  likely  to  prove  the  best  of 
the  season.  There  were  evident  traces,  on  the  contrary,  of 
the  severe  frost,  which  chilled  the  Eosarian's  heart,  in  the 
fourth  week  of  that  terrible  month  called  May ;  and  better 
Eoses  will  be  shown  from  buds  which  had  not  appeared  at  the 
time  of  that  visitation.  The  impression  I  would  convey  is 
this — that  the  best  Eoses  which  England  could  produce,  and 
(because  Eoses  grow  nowhere  else  so  perfectly)  the  best  Roses 
which  the  world  could  produce,  were  displayed  in  the  very 
best  place  which  is  available  for  the  display ;  and  that  I  very 
much  regret,  as  the  founder  and  father  of  Rose  Shows,  that 
our  "National"  exhibitions  were  ever  transferred  from  the 
breezy  heights  and  cloud-capp'd  towers  of  Sydenham  to  that 
awful  mausoleum  of  dead  horticulture  (R.I. P.,  I  mean  E.H.S.), 
that  Sarcophagus,  which  calls  itself  a  Garden,  at  South 
Kensington. 

The  principal  exhibitors  "  in  the  trade  "  were  well  repre- 
sented by  Mr.  George  Paul,  of  the  Old  Nurseries,  Cheshunt ; 
Mr.  Keynes,  of  Salisbury;  Mr.  Cranston,  of  Hereford;  Mr. 
Turner,  of  Slough;  and  Messrs.  Mitchell  and  Son,  of  Pilt- 
down.  The  absentees  were  Mr.  Cant,  of  Colchester ;  Messrs. 
Veitch,  of  Chelsea ;  Messrs.  Fraser,  of  Lea  Bridge ;  and  Mr. 
Francis,  of  Hereford ;  and  the  amateurs  appeared  in  a 
powerful  corps,  chiefly  commanded  by  Mr.  Baker,  of  Heavi- 
tree ;  Eevs.  I.  B.  Camm,  G.  Arkwright,  and  H.  Dombrain ; 
Mr.  Laxton,  of  Stamford  ;  and  Mr.  Curtis,  of  Chatteris. 

The  best  Eose  in  the  show  was  the  Baroness  Eothschild. 
Perhaps  having  heard  that  her  supremacy  among  the  light- 
complexioned  Eoses  was  to  be  disputed  by  a  stranger,  Madame 
Lacharme,  she  may  have  taken  extra  pains  with  her  ioilctfi' ; 


but,  be  this  as  it  may,  she  eclipsed  all  rivals.  The  debuianie 
refei-red  to  is  a  Ijelle,  nevertheless,  and  a  great  addition  to  our 
light-coloured  flowers.  Among  other  blondes.  Marquise  de 
Montmarte,  Mesdames  Bravy,  Rivers,  and  Vidot,  Mdlles.  Bon- 
naire  and  Virginale  were  excellent.  Niphetos  is  sometimes 
pretty,  but  it  is  papery  in  substance,  and  (to  quote  an  old 
Yorkshu'e  farmer)  "  flothery  "  in  form. 

Of  pink  and  blush  Roses,  the  best  were.  Souvenir  d'un  Ami 
(shown  in  admirable  form  by  Rev.  G.  Arkwright),  La  France, 
Monsieur  Noman  (as  exhibited  by  Mr.  Cranston),  Marguerite 
de  St.  Amand,  Centifolia  rosea,  Mdlle.  Therese  Levet,  Marquise 
de  Castellane,  and  Princess  Mary  of  Cambridge.  Of  a  deeper 
line,  our  dear  old  friend  John  Hopper,  Edward  Morren,  Louisa 
Wood,  Comitess  of  Oxford,  Madame  Clemence  Joigneaux, 
Dupuy  Jamin,  and  Vicomtesse  de  Vesins  were  excellent.  Of  a, 
yet  darker  and  more  crimson  complexion.  Dr.  Andry,  Ferdi- 
nand de  Lesseps,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Duke  of  Wellington,  Camille 
Bernardin  (quite  perfect  in  Mr.  Baker's  boxes),  and  Marie 
Baumann  principally  attracted  my  notice. 

From  the  darkest  of  all,  I  selected  Aljbe  Bramerel,  Alfred 
de  Rougemont,  Jean  Cherpin,  Louis  Van  Houtte,  Prince 
Camille  de  Rohan,  and  Xavier  Olibo. 

Two  Roses,  which  have  been  for  some  seasons  in  the  cata- 
logues, were  shown  in  greater  perfection  than  heretofore — Clo- 
thilde  RoUand  and  Marquise  de  Gibot. 

The  best  of  last  year's  Eoses — I  mean  of  Eoses  sent  out  by 
the  English  nurserymen  in  the  spring  of  1872,  and  they  are 
valuable  additions  to  our  gardens — were  Annie  Laxton  (raised 
by  Mr.  Laxton,  of  Stamford,  one  of  our  most  earnest  and 
accomplished  Eosarians),  a  Rose  of  good  sha.pe,  and  much 
improved  by  cultivation  ;  Baron  de  Bonstetten,  remarkable  for 
its  richness  of  colour — deep  crimson ;  Baronne  Louise  Uxkull, 
a  large,  well-formed,  carmine  Rose ;  Francois  Michelon,  Le 
Havi-e,  Lyonnais,  Madame  George  Schwartz,  Monsieur  Etienne 
Levet,  and  President  Thiers.  All  these  must  be  ordered  by 
those  who  are  forming  a  collection.  And  I  should  add  to 
them  Bessie  Johnson,  which,  though  seldom  large  enough  for 
exhibition,  is  quite  one  of  the  prettiest,  freest,  and  most 
fragrant  of  garden  Roses. 

Of  this  year's  Roses,  Cheshunt  Hybrid  is  very  distinct  and 
beautiful,  both  as  to  wood,  foliage,  and  flowers,  and  will  soon 
establish  itself  as  a  favourite  in  all  Rosaries.  My  namesake, 
Reynolds  Hole,  has  also  showed  itself  to  deserve  the  descrip- 
tion given  of  it  last  season  as  "  an  improved  Louis  Van 
Houtte,"  and  needs  no  further  pi-aise.  These  two  Roses  were 
raised  by  Mr.  George  Paul,  of  Cheshunt,  who  also  exhibited 
on  Saturday  another  seedling  Eose  of  excellent  form  and 
colour,  called  "  Wilson  Saunders,"  much  resembling  Baron 
Adolphe  de  Eothschild  and  Charles  Lefebvre  in  appearance, 
but  reported  by  the  raiser  to  be  different  from  either  in  various 
important  particulars. 

The  thanks  of  the  exhibitors,  judges,  and  others,  are  due  to 
Mr.  Wilson  for  his  kindly  attention.  A  very  little  more 
experience,  added  to  his  genial  demeanour  and  courteous 
willingness  to  please,  will  soon  make  him  as  apt  and  as 
popular,  as  he  himself  would  wish,  in  the  office  which  he  has 
recently  accepted.  S.  Reynolds  Hole. 


THE  SHAH  AT  TEENTHAM. 
The  Shah  and  his  Persian  attendants  have  had  at  Trentham  a 
delightful  glimpse  of  English  country  and  of  English  country  life. 
His  Majesty  never  wearied  of  the  gardens,  the  park,  and  the  lake, 
and,  tired  as  he  was  on  the  first  evening  of  his  ai'rival,  not  even  the 
rain  could  drive  him  indoors.  While  at  Trentham,  he  had  the  deer 
in  the  park  driven  towards  him,  and  went  on  the  lake  in  a  boat;  even 
as  late  as  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening,  the  sails  and  oars  of  the  Royal 
flotilla  were  still  in  the  oiEng,  and  the  Shah  could  scarcely  be  wiled 
away  from  the  water  and  its  bowery  islands.  The  windows  in  that 
part  of  the  hall  set  apart  for  his  Majesty  looked  on  to  the  gardens, 
the  blinds  were  drawn  up,  and  as  it  grew  dark  four  thousand 
coloured  lamps  on  the  upper  terraces  were  hghted,  and  the  lines  and 
arches  of  the  brilliant  illumination  glittered  like  those  of  a  fairy 
capital.  His  Majesty  was  altogether  so  pleased  with  Trentham  that 
he  has  asked  the  Duke  of  Sutherland  to  give  him  plans  of  the  house 
and  grounds.  Our  widely-diffused  wealth  is  still  a  marvel  to  the 
Shah,  for  he  inquired  whether  there  was  in  England  another  house 
and    gardens    such    as    those   at   Trentham.     The    Shah's  visit   to 


THE   aAEDEN. 


[July  S,  18?3. 


Trentham  is,  we  may  certainly  say,  ono  of  the  pleasantest  memories 
his  Majesty  will  carry  away  with  him  from  England.  In  connection 
with  the  entire  success  of  all  the  arrangements,  it  would  be  unjust 
not  to  mention  the  name  of  Mr.  Houry  Wright,  private  seci-etary  to 
the  Duke  of  Sutherland,  nor  should  the  beauty  of  the  gardens  and 
their  illuminations  be  dismissed  without  a  tribute  to  Mr.  Stevens, 
the  Duke's  head  gardener,  a  man  remarkable  for  cultural  skill  and 
artistic  taste. 


A  VASE  OF  FLOWERS  FOR  THE  SHAH. 

Ox  the  occasion  of  the  visit  of  this  "  attractive  celebrity"  to  the 
Crystal  Palace  on  the  30th  June,  the  private  rooms  appropriated  to 
Boyalty  were  nicely  decorated  with  {lowering  plants  by  Mr.  Laing, 
of  the  Stansted  Nursery,  Forest  Uill,  and  with  a  numt)er  of  vases, 
very  tastefully  an-anged  by  a  young  lady  of  the  neighbourhood,  well 
known  amongst  amateur  exhibitors  at  the  Crystal  Palace  Flower 
Shows.  Amongst  them,  that  selected  for  the  centre  table  in  the 
Shah's  private  room  especially  merits  a  record.  The  vase  chosen 
was  composed  of  four  tall  trumpets  standing  in  a  glass  dish,  the 
centre  trumpet  being  taller  than  the  other  three  which  surrounded 
it,  and  curved  away  from  it.  In  the  dish  were  four  fine  blooms  of 
crimson  Cactus,  alternately  with  large  flowers  of  white  Water  Lily ; 
these  were  set  off  with  a  few  fronds  of  Maiden-hair,  judiciously 
placed.  In  each  of  the  three  curved  trumpets  was  a  flower  of  a  fine 
white  Lilium  (in  form  and  colour  intermediate  between  L.  auratum 
and  L.  candidum),  in  which  the  deep  yellow  of  the  eye  of  the 
Nymphcea  was  sparingly  repeated.  Around  each  Lilium  were 
a  few  blooms  of  blue  Cornflower,  amongst  which  peeped  out 
two  little  pieces  of  Kalosanthes  eoccinea,  of  the  same  colour 
as  the  Cactus  below.  The  tallest  trumpet  was  dressed  with 
white  Ehodanthe,  mixed  with  two  or  three  paler  blue  Cornflowers 
and  a  little  grass,  and  edged  with  small  sprays  of  little  crimson- 
tubed  yellow-mouthed  Echeveria.  The  stems  were  twined  with 
climbing  Fern  (Lygodium  japonicum),  and  between  the  three 
curved  stems  stood  up  three  well-chosen  pieces  of  white  Rhodanthe. 
The  whole  formed  one  of  the  best  specimens  of  floral  aiTangements 
I  have  ever  seen,  the  flowers  being  of  the  best  quality  and  in  the 
best  condition,  and  the  grouping  being  faultless.  I  wish  that 
decorators  could  be  induced  generally  to  use  fewer  colours  in  their 
vases,  and  to  repeat  the  colours,  instead  of  varying  them,  upon  each 
tier  of  their  vases.  The  most  artistic  decorations  that  have  come 
under  my  observation  have  been  produced  either  with  flowers  of  the 
same  colours  that  occur  in  the  lowest  tier  being  replaced  by  smaller 
and  smaller  flowers  of  the  same  colour  in  the  succeeding  upper 
tiers,  or  (if  smaller  flowers  are  not  attainable)  by  paler  shades  in 
the  upper  tiers  of  the  colours  used  below.  This  vase  for  the 
Shah's  room  presented  illustrations  of  both  these  principles  com- 
bined. W.  T.  P. 


NOTES    OF   THE   WEEK. 


Botanical  News. — Mr.  George  Wall,  of  Ceylon,  who  is  now  in 
England,  has  printed  for  private  circulation  a  revised  list  of  the  Ferns  of 
that  island,  adapted  to  the  nomenclature  of  Hooker  and  Baker's 
Synopsis,  and  incorporating  all  the  recent  discoveries.  Two  hundred 
and  thirty-five  species  are  now  known  in  the  island,  of  which  twenty- 
eight  are  confined  to  it.  The  catalogue  is  in  folio  form,  and  gives  in 
parallel  columns  the  names  of  the  species  and  references  to  the  places 
where  they  arc  described  and  figured  in  the  "  Synopsis  Filicum," 
Hooker's  "  Species  Filicum,"  the  two  illustrated  works  on  Indian 
Ferns  of  Beddome,  the  "  Bnumeratio  "  of  Thwaites,  and  the  numbers 
under  which  they  have  been  distributed  by  the  latter.  This  is 
followed   by  an  account  of  the  local  habitats  and  stations,  and  a 

series  of  remarks  on  critical  and  doubtful  species. A  flora  of  the 

county  of  Chester,  which  has  occupied  the  attention  of  Mr.  Warren 
for  many  years  past  is  likely  soon  to  appear.  With  the  object  of 
obtaining  assistance  from  local  botanists,  Mr.  Warren  has  printed  a 
list  of  desiderata  and  queries  about  the  plants  of  Cheshire,  which  he 
will  be  glad  to  forward  on  application,  and  he  will  be  grateful  to 
receive  any  answers  or  additional  information. — Address  Hon.  J.   L. 

Warren,  67,  Onslow  Square,  Brompton,  S.W. The  Botanical  Society 

of  France  will  hold  its  annual  "  session  extraordinaire  "  at  Brussels 
this  year  under  the  auspices  of  the  Royal  Belgian  Botanical  Society. 
The  first  meeting  will  be  held  in  the  Botanical  Gardens  on  July  9th, 
at  9  a.m.,  and  the  programme  includes  a  visit  to  the  celebrated 
Hans  Grotto  and  the  swamps  round  Hasselt  (of  the  very  rich  flora  of 
which  M.  Crepin  has  recently  published  an  account) ,  several  scientific 
meetings,  and  visits  to  the  bot.anical  establishment  of  Ghent, 
Liege,  Antwerp,  &c.  English  botanists  are  specially  invited  to 
attend,  and  one  can  scarcely  imagine  a  more  profitable  mode  of 
spending  a  holiday.  It  is  to  be  hoped  many  of  our  botanists  will 
visit  the  hospitable  Belgian  capital. — Journal  of  Botany. 


•  A  LARGE  plant  of  Aloe  americana  variegata  is  now  throwing 

up  a  strong  flower-spike  in  the  western  wing  of  the  large  temperate 
house  at  Kew.  The  spike  is  3  or  4  feet  high  and  as  thick  as  one's 
wrist. 

• ■  We  understand  that  a  little   illustrated  work  on  "  The  Art 

of  Botanic  Drawing,"  by  Mr.  F.  W.  Burbidge,  will  shortly  bo  pub- 
lished by  Messrs.  Winsor  and  Newton,  of  Rathbone  Place. 

Of  Cypripedium  (Veitchii)  superbiens,  a  very  choice  Lady's 

Slipper,  a  fine  specimen  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  B.  S.  Williams  at 
South  Kensington,  on  the  2nd  inst,  bearing  twenty -three  fine  flowers. 
It  is  one  of  the  rarest  of  Lady's  Slippers,  and  was  figured,  it  will  bo 
remembered,  in  our  columns  some  little  time  ago. 

We  have  received  from  Mr.  Macintosh,  Nurseryman,  Ham- 
mersmith, specimens  of  a  beautiful  new  seedling  Epiphyllum,  a  cross 
between  the  creamy-white  E.  crenatum  and  the  scarlet  E.  Ackermanni. 
The  flowers  are  of  good  size,  the  inner  petals  peach-colon  red,  and  the 
outer  ones  crimson-scarlet.  In  habit  it  appears  to  be  intermediate 
between  its  parents,  some  of  the  shoots  being  crenated,  others  like 
those  of  Ackermanni. 

The  collection  of  Larkspurs  in  the  Wellington  Road  Nursery 

is  now  in  flno  bloom,  and  well  worth  inspecting.  A  few  of  the  very 
best  are — Attraction,  azure  blue,  close  spike ;  Belladonna,  very 
light  sky-blue;  Coronet,  very  fair  dark  ultramarine  blue;  Elegans, 
blue  and  lilac  ;  La  Belle  Alliance,  caarulean  blue ;  Mdlle.  Henri 
Jacolot,  pale  porcelain  blue,  close  spike  ;  and  Madame  Geny,  blue  and 
purplish. red. 

A  piioFUSELY  flowered  plant  of  Aristolochia  floribunda  was 

shown  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  by 
Mr.  Mellor,  of  Tottenham,  and  excited  much  attention,  its  flowers 
being  of  a  bright  maroon-purple,  veined  with  pale  yellow,  and  its 
throat  pea-green.  The  foliage  somewhat  resembles  that  of  A.  Sipho, 
being  cordate  and  of  a  fresh  green  colour.  It  is  a  half-hardy  or 
greenhouse  plant,  and  interesting  to  lovers  of  curiosities. 

Of  the  pretty  flowering  evergreen  shrubs,  called  Escallonias, 

Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons  exhibited  a  nice  collection  at  the  last  meeting 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society.  It  contained  three  or  four 
unnamed  kinds  supposed  to  be  new;  also  E.  rosea  and  E.  macrantha, 
which  are  not  so  often  seen  in  gardens  as  they  should  be,  and  which 
both  bear  deep  rosy  flowers,  and  fine  dark  green  glossy  foliage  ; 
and  E.  pterocladon,  a  pure  white  tubular-flowered  sort,  well  worth 
cultivating  for  the  sake  of  contrast. 

The  Dicksonias  in  the  large  temperate  house  at  Kew  are  just 

now  in  remarkably  fine  condition,  and  are  throwing  up  from  thirty 
to  si.\ty  new  fronds  each.  There  are  many  plants  in  the  country 
with  higher  trunks  than  these,  but  nowhere,  except  at  Kew,  have  wo 
observed  such  grand  plume-like  fronds  as  those  now  to  be  seen  there. 
These  Dicksonias  have  been  planted  out  about  eight  years.  A  fine 
pair  of  trunks,  measuring  18  feet  in  height,  has  recently  been  added 
to  the  collection,  but  the  finest  pair  in  the  country,  which  are  at 
Gunnersbury,  measure  23  feet  in  height. 

The   thirtieth  anniversary  dinner  of  the   Gardeners'  Royal 

Benevolent  Institution  took  place  on  Wednesday  evening  last,  at  the 
London  Tavern,  under  the  Presidency  of  Lord  Hemy  Gordon  Lennox, 
M.P.  The  room  was,  as  usual,  tastefully  decorated  with  plants  and 
flowers,  kindly  supplied  by  Messrs.  Veitch,  EoUisson,  Williams,  Lee, 
Turner,  and  others,  and  there  was  an  excellent  dessert,  furnished 
chiefly  by  Mr.  Wilder  and  Baron  Rothschild.  The  donations  made 
on  the  occasion,  which  were  of  the  usual  liberal  character,  amounted 
to  nearly  400  guineas. 

We  have   received   from  Mr.   Luscombe,  of   Combe  Roj»aI, 

Kingsbridge,  South  Devon,  magnificent  blooms  of  Cantua  dependens, 
usually  a  conservatory  shrub.  At  Combe  Royal,  however,  the 
plant  flowers  in  the  open  air,  trained  against  a  south-east  wall, 
wholly  unprotected.  It  is  about  4  feet  in  height,  and  has  produced 
many  blossoms  this  summer.  Nevertheless,  it  seems  to  require  a 
temperature  rather  higher  than  that  which  even  the  climate  of 
Devon  affords,  and  in  less  favoured  localities  it  will  be  well  worth  a 
place  in  a  greenhouse  or  conservatory. 

We  understand   that   preparations   are  now  being  made  to 

heat  the  whole  of  the  forcing  and  other  houses  now  in  course  of 
erection  in  the  new  kitchen  gardens  at  Hatfield,  the  seat  of  the  Mar- 
quis of  Salisbury,  on  Cowan's  compensatory  system,  which  consists  in 
the  combination  of  a  lime-kiln  and  hot-water  apparatus.  A  new  kind 
of  boiler  is  in  course  of  manufacture  expressly  for  the  purpose.  We 
believe  Mr.  Bennett  had  at  one  time  decided  to  use  either  the  Gold 
medal  or  Witley  Court  boiler;  but,  wishing  to  give  lime-kilu  heating 
every  possible  chance  of  success,  a  boiler  invented  by  Mr.  Cowan  will 
be  used  for  the  purpose.  Those  interested  in  the  system  will,  there- 
fore, soon  have  the  opportunity  of  seeing  it  in  full  play  on  an  extensive 
scale,  and  that  in,  it  may  be  said,  the  neighbom-hood  of  London. 


July  5,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 

GROUPING  YUCCAS. 
In  our  cudeavonrs  to  enhance  the  beauty  of  our  gardens  and 
promenades  we  should  consider  not  only  the  plants  best  adapted 
for  that  purpose,  but  we  should  also  select  positions  that  will 
set  them  off  to  the  best  advantage.  A  group  of  statuary,  for 
example,  however  beautiful  in  itself,  might  be  comparatively 
ineffective  without  appropriate  surroundings.  A  fountain, 
however  artistic,  would  lose  half  its  charm  were  it  deprived  of 
the  Water  Lilies  that  spread  out  their  leathery  leaves  on  the 
pool  l)elow  it ;  and,  in  like  manner,  when  planting  groups  of 
distinct  types  of  vegetation,  due  regard  should  be  paid  to  the 
contrast  or  harmony  that  exists  between  them  and  their  as- 
sociates. Among  the  many  thousands  of  indigenous  and 
exotic  plants  at  present  iu  cultivation  we  have  some  adapted 
more  or  less  for  ever3'  par- 
ticular position  in  our 
gardens  or  conservatories, 
be  they  natural  or  artificial. 
If  we  require  massive  jjlants, 
to  set  off  architectural  fea- 
tures, we  have  the  different 
kinds  of  Agaves,  which, 
when  fully  developed,  not 
only  add  a  charm  to  noble 
masonrj',  but  the  plants 
themselves  also  derive  addi- 
tional beauty  and  force  from 
such  associations.  Among 
hardy  outdoor  plants,  few 
can  compete  with  Yuccas  for 
noble  effect  when  well 
grown,  and  when  set  in 
positions  in  which  their 
peculiar  mode  of  growth  and 
noble  inflorescence  cau  be 
seen  to  advantage.  These 
plants  are  easily  cultivated 
in  most  gardens,  but  if  the 
soil  is  particularly  sterile  a 
few  cartloads  of  fresh  fibrous 
loam  from  a  sheep  pasture 
will  give  them  a  good  start. 
Our  illustration  shows  the 
effect  produced  by  a  small 
group — originally  a  single 
specimen — growing  by  the 
sheltered  margin  of  a  shrub- 
bery border.  Under  favour- 
able circumstances  these 
plants  soon  lose  the  miser- 
ably stunted  appearance  iu 
which  we  too  often  see  them, 
and  when  in  robust  health, 
we  have  no  other  hardy 
plants  which  can  be  said  to 
possess  the  same  exotic 
appearance  which  Yuccas 
have.  Most  gardens  would,  therefore,  be  benefited  Ijy  the 
addition  of  a  group  or  two  of  these  plants,  judiciously  placed 
for  picturesque  effect.  F.  W.  B. 


LILIES  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 
(Earliest  and  Second  Early  Kinds). 
The  following  Lilies,  with  few  exceptions,  were  evidently 
unknown  to  Parkinson.  Doubtless  the  European  forms  are 
seedlings  of  a  more  recent  date,  while  the  Japanese  varieties 
belong  to  the  present  century,  and,  we  might  almost  say,  the 
present  date,  as  few  of  them  have  been  known  more  than  a 
few  years.  The  more  early  introductions  of  the  Thunbergianum 
race  appear  to  have  fallen  out  of  cultivation,  and  some  of  those 
described  thirty  or  forty  years  ago,  do  not  appear  to  have  been 
yet  re-introduced. 

1.5.  L.  davuricum  var.  tonuifolium,  bright  crimson,  shading 


down  the  petals  to  orange,  and  spotted  with  black ;  an  elegant 
variety  with  small  flowers. 

16.  Davuricum  var.  erectum,  rosy  scarlet,  shading  down  the 
petals  to  bright  yellow,  with  few  spots ;  foliage  pale  green, 
exceedingly  attractive. 

17.  Davuricum  var.  nanum,  crimson,  shading  to  orange- 
scarlet  ;  prevailing  hue,  orange-scarlet;  few  spots. 

18.  Davuricum  var.  grandiflorum,  scarlet,  shading  to  orange, 
with  few  spots  ;  sometimes  sold  as  bicolor ;  very  attractive. 

19.  Davuricum  var.  iucomparabile,  intense  blood-crimson, 
shading  to  yellow  towards  the  bottom  of  the  petals ;  a  very 
effective  variety. 

20.  Davuricum  var.  Sappho,  differing  from  No.  19  in  being 
a  little  lighter  in  colour,  and  distinguishable  from  it  by  the 
flowers  dying  off  brown. 

"21.  L.  bulbiferum,  crimson,  lower  half  of  petals  orange,  freely 

spotted  ;  bulblets  freely  pro- 
duced in  the  axils  of  the 
leaves,  and  especially  to- 
wards the  top  of  the  plant. 
Parkinson  had  a  taller  and  a 
dwarfer  variety  of  this  ;  my 
plant  is  evidently  his  taller 
variety. 

22.  Bulbiferum  var.  um- 
bellatum. —  This  Parkinson 
evidently  cultivated,  for  he 
says,  "  the  foliage  is  of  a  sad 
green  ;  "  which  agrees  ex- 
actly with  my  plant  and  that 
figured  in  the  "Botanical 
Magazine."  Before  leaving 
this  section  I  must  refer  back 
to  No.  10,  Bulbiferum  cru- 
entum.  I  am  only  acquainted 
with  the  plant  through  my 
friend  Mr.  Harrison  Weir, 
who  presented  me  with  a 
bulb  two  years  ago.  This 
year  I  grew  it  in  pots  and 
I  consider  it  to  be  the  finest 
of  all  the  Red-Lily  family. 
It  is  not  I  think  iu  com- 
merce, but  no  doubt  may  bo 
found  in  some  old  English 
gardens.  Its  colour  is  the 
intensest  and  deepest  crim- 
son I  have  yet  met  with  in  a 
Lily. 

23.  L.  croceum. — I  am  sur- 
jirised  that  this  Lily  is  so  little 
known  in  England.  In  Ire- 
land it  is  well  known,  and  in 
the  West  of  Scotland  it  is  to 
be  met  with  commonly  in 
cottage  gardens.  The  only 
part  of  Englandwherel  have 
seen  it  largely  grown  is  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  South- 
ampton, and,  on  expressing  my  surprise  at  seeing  it  so  freely 
cultivated  there,  I  was  told  that  it  had  been  brought  there  I:)y 
some  Scotch  people.  Its  colour  is  bright  yellow,  more  or  less 
orange-shaded,  with  a  reddish  halo  iu  the  centre  of  the  flower, 
the  whole  freely  spotted ;  it  is  a  charming  kind,  and  should  be 
more  generally  cultivated  than  it  is.  There  are  evidently 
several  varieties  of  it.  The  one  now  in  bloom  has  a  blackish 
stem  and  produces  a  spike  of  flowers  ;  while  others  shade  off  to 
a  lighter  hue,  till  they  merge  into  stems  entirely  green,  and 
they  seem  to  be  later  in  flowering  than  mine.  The  Dutch 
growers  offer  several  varieties  but  it  is  only  this  season  I  have 
taken  special  note  of  them.  The  other  day  I  had  sent  to  me  a 
plant  of  Croceum  about  18  inches  high,  both  flower,  stem, 
and  foliage  being  in  miniature.  I  am  making  inquiry  into  the 
permanency  of  its  character. 

2-1.  L.  Thunbergianum  alutaceum,  glowing  apricot ;  lower 
half  of  petals  freely  spotted  with  black  ;  very  dwarf. 

25.  Thunbergianum  alutaceum    var.  Prince    of   Orange. — 


Adam's  Needle  (Yucca  gloriosa). 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[July  5, 1873. 


This  differs  from  No.  24  in  being  more  suffused  with  orange, 
and  in  Ijeing  a  better  formed  flower ;  in  no  other  respect  does 
it  differ  from  that  Icind. 

26.  Thunbergianum  sanguiuoum,  ground-colour  tawny 
yellow,  shaded  with  crimson  ;  flowers  large  ;  plant  robust. 

27.  Thunbergianum  bicolor,  apricot-orange,  flamed  with 
scarlet  and  lilac ;  this  is  a  remarkably  handsome  variety. 

28.  Thunbergianum  fulviim,  soft  coppery  rose,  a  very  beau- 
tiful and  distinct  variety,  spotted  with  black  towards  the  base 
01  the  petals ;  not  in  co'mmerce ;  flowered  with  me  this  season 
for  the  first  time. 

29.  Thunbergianum  marmoratum,  very  rich  crimson,  flaked 
with  tawny  golden-yellow,  and  richly  spotted;  a  very  high 
class  variety;  petals  beautifully  recurved. 

30.  L.  canadense  parvum,  one  of  the  new  North  American 
Lilies,  which  have  just  flowered  in  this  country  for  the  first 
time.  We  have  seen  two  forms  of  this,  one  with  the  flowers 
erect,  with  a  long  footstalk,  and  the  other  with  the  flowers 
horizontal,  which  is  probably  Canadense  parviflorum.  It  is  a 
little  gem.  The  erect  flower  had  the  reflexed  part  of  the  petal 
crimson,  and  the  cup  of  the  flower  yellow,  freely  spotted  with 
brown ;  while  the  horizontal  flower  was  lighter  in  the  recurved 
part  of  the  petals  but  in  other  respects  the  flowers  were 
identical 

The  whole  of  this  group  of  Lilies  I  can  recommend  for  pot 
culture,  as  well  as  for  the  decoration  of  the  flower  garden.  They 
are  all  perfectly  hardy,  and  of  easy  culture.        Peter  Baur. 

12,  Khi'j  Street,  Gorent  Garden, 


CANTERBURY  BELLS. 
So  long  as  the  colours  of  these  fine  old  border  flowers  were  confined 
to  blue  and  white,  though  constantly  grown  side  by  side,  bx'eaks  of 
form  and  colour  were  unknown,  but,  by  and  bye,  when  we  got  from 
the  continent  a  rose-coloured  variety  (double  and  single)  after  a 
year  or  two  of  cultivation  here,  crossing  with  the  other  colours 
ensued,  and  from  the  seed  were  produced  new  colours  and  finer  forms, 
both  double  and  single,  so  varied  and  so  beautiful,  that  it  is  impos. 
sible  to  doubt  that  when  generally  known,  these  new  kinds  will  again 
elevate  the  old  Canterbury  Bell  into  a  foremost  place  as  a  border 
flower.  The  double  forms  consist  in  some  cases  of  two  cups,  that  is  one 
immediately  inside  the  other,  and  in  other  cases  of  a  third  cnp,  which 
by  being  somewhat  cramped  in  the  centre  of  the  others  gives  to  the 
flower  a  perfectly  double  appearance,  and  one  also  of  considerable 
solidity.  I  think  these  doable  flowers  are  likely  to  prove  most  useful  to 
cut  from  in  quantity  for  bunching,  as  they  are  produced  on  the  extre. 
mity  of  stems  from  3  inches  to  6  inches  in  length.  I  have  a  large  bed  of 
these  new  Canterbury  Bells  jnst  now  in  full  bloom,  and  very  striking 
they  are ;  especially  the  rosy -pink,  mauve,  and  deep  blnish-purple 
tints.  In  addition  to  these  there  are  also  pure  white,  blush-lilac,  pure 
peach,  and  several  darker  shades ;  indeed  it  would  be  an  easy  matter 
to  pick  out  a  score  of  diverse  hues.  Bee  keepers  should  grow  Can- 
terbury Bells  largely  ;  my  flowers  of  them  literally  swarm  with  these 
industrious  little  insects  from  mom  till  night.  Seed  of  the  Canter- 
bury Bell  should  be  sown  early  in  spring,  either  in  a  box  in  a  cold 
frame  or  house  or  in  the  open  ground.  In  all  cases  it  is  necessary 
that  they  should  be  got  forward  early,  so  that  the  plants  may  be  as 
strong  as  possible  for  the  winter,  otherwise  they  may  not  bloom  the 
succeeding  summer.  If  the  seed  be  sown  as  soon  as  gathered,  the 
plants  cannot  be  got  strong  enough  to  bloom  the  next  year,  but  they 
win  be  extra  fine  for  the  succeeding  summer.  A.  D. 


WATERFALLS  AND  NATURAL  ROCK-WORK. 
As  you  are  evidently  an  admher  of  picturesque  beauty,  I  beg  to 
direct  your  attention  to  the  influences  at  work  destructive  of  such 
beauty.  Some  months  ago  I  required  some  stones  for  a  Fernery 
which  I  was  about  to  build  ;  and  at  a  place  where  I  thought  I  could 
get  them,  to  my  horror  I  found  thi-ee  men,  employed  for  repairing 
roads,  actually  knocking  a  waterfall  to  pieces  to  get  stones  for  that 
purpose.  This  had  been  going  on  for  some  time,  as  I  could  see  by 
the  remains  left  of  interesting  formations  that  had  existed  on  the 
banks  for  about  one  hundred  yards,  associated  with  the  rugged 
rocky  bed  of  the  river;  and  while  I  was  present,  they  were  just 
about  to  operate  on  the  chief  part  of  the  waterfall  itself.  I  was, 
however,  able  to  save  from  destruction  a  veiy  curious  natural  rock 
bridge,  a  thing  now  rare  in  this  country.  It  is  sad  to  see 
the  beauty  of  some  of  our  lovely  dells  thus  impaired.  There 
was  once  a  very  picturesque  rocky  bank  by  the  side  of  a  road 
uea*-  Tunbridge  Wells,  which  was  altered  in  forming  the  railway, 


and  now  most  of  it  is  destroyed.  This  bank  was  topped  with  sable 
Yews,  the  roots  of  which  grew  down  and  grasped  the  rocks 
fantastically.  At  the  beautiful  Falls  of  the  Conway,  great  injury 
was  done  some  years  ago  by  cutting  away  the  rocky  brow  to  make 
an  ugly  wooden  salmon  leap.  Some  of  our  streams  and  waterfalls, 
too,  are  so  smothered  up  with  trees  that  it  is  diificult  to  see  them, 
and  in  some  few  places,  impossible.  I  could  name  m,any  which 
would  be  greatly  improved  by  being  judiciously  relieved  a  little  from 
the  wood  with  which  they  are  overhung.  At  Matlock  there  is  a 
waterfall  representing  the  segment  of  a  circle,  which  visitors  are 
invited  to  see.  The  pretty  little  illustrations  you  give  from  time  to 
time  cannot,  I  think,  fail  to  induce  people  to  pay  more  respect  than 
they  hitherto  have  done  to  such  striking  natural  features  as  may 
exist  in  their  particular  localities,  instead  of  being  indifferent  to 
their  picturesque  treasures.  Bits  of  rock  cropping  up  give  rugged 
grandeur  to  a  place,  but  these  are  often  blown  up  and  destroyed 
merely  for  the  sake  of  the  stone.  What  pains  are  frequentlj-  taken 
in  railway  cuttings  to  get  them  fair  to  the  eye,  while  with  less 
trouble  and  equal  suitability  they  could  be  left  rugged,  forming 
numerous  ledges,  on  which  Heath,  Broom,  Brambles,  Yews,  and 
Golden  Gorse,  would  grow  and  have  a  pleasing  effect.      J.  PflHAit. 


Low^  Retaining  Walls  and  their  Decoration.— J[y  garden 
occupies  a  steep  slope,  necessitating  the  use  of  retaining  walls, 
which  are  not  always  available  for  fniit.  I  intended  to  cover  them 
with  Ivy  or  other  creepers,  but  the  idea  occurred  to  me  of  leaving 
at  short  intervals  apart,  little  pockets,  by  the  omission  of  one  whole 
and  two  halt  bricks,  and  planting  Ferns  in  them.  The  Ferns  do 
only  moderately  well,  so  I  let  them  grow  where  they  like,  and  where 
they  do  not  succeed,  I  put  pots,  chiefly  of  Tropajolums  of  various 
shades,  with  Lobehas  and  Cerastiums,  in  the  pockets,  and  the  effect 
against  the  wall  of  dark  Luton  brick  (by  far  the  best  brick  for 
harmonizing  with  foliage  or  flowers)  is  very  bright  and  pleasant. 
As  many  have  spoken  well  of  the  effect  thus  produced,  the  hint 
may  be  of  use  to  some  of  j'our  readers. — B.  W.  S. 

Mildew  on  Roses.— What  is  the  best  remedy  for  white  mildew 
On  Roses  ?  Ten  days  ago  my  Eoses,  with  the  exception  of  three  or 
four,  were  in  the  most  flourishing  state.  I  left  home  last  week,  and 
on  my  return  all  my  long-cherished  hopes  of  a  glorious  show  appeared 
at  an  end.  The  leaves  were  curled  up,  and  stagnation  of  develop, 
nient  of  the  buds  had  set  in.  In  my  distress  I  told  my  man  to  soot 
them,  but  he  applied  the  soot  too  freely,  and  has  burnt  the  leaves. 
The  Roses  look  better  this  morning,  after  twice  syringing.  What 
ought  I  to  do  ?  The  blight  seems  to  victimise  all  without  exception. 
— C.  W.  [The  best  cure  for  mildew  on  Roses  is  what  is  called 
Sulphur  vivum  (black  sulphur) ,  which  can  be  readily  applied  with 
an  ordinary  flour  dredger.  Two  or  three  applications  are  generally 
found  to  be  effectual,  and  a  good  syringing  afterwards  soon  cleanses 
the  plants.     Mildew  is  very  troublesome  generally  at  present.] 

Variegated  Abutilons. — Allow  me  to  recommend  to  the  notice 
of  your  readers  a  variegated  form  of  the  Due  de  Malakoff  Abutilon, 
which  is  in  every  way  superior  to  Thompsonii ;  the  former  has  a  much 
larger  leaf  than  that  of  the  last  named  kind,  is  more  beautifully 
marbled,  a  stronger  grower,  and  the  flower  is  much  darker  in  colour 
than  that  of  Thompsonii.  One  of  the  most  charming  Abutilons, 
however,  and  probably  the  most  useful  for  bedding  purposes,  especially 
as  an  edging  plant  to  be  pegged  into  form,  or  to  grow  down  and 
cover  a  sloping  edge  of  some  9  to  12  inches  deep,  or  as  a  carpet  plant, 
or  for  baskets,  is  Abutilon  vexillarium,  a  real  creeping  variety,  having 
a  habit  of  growth  much  like  that  of  Ivy.  It  has  small,  pointed,  and 
richly  mai'bled  leaves,  that  are  most  effective  in  colour,  it  is  also  a 
free-growing  kind  which  can  be  readily  propagated,  and  is  mode- 
rately hardy.  Those  who  have  large  quantities  of  plants  to  bed  out 
yearly  will  do  well  to  make  a  note  of  this  variety,  which  I  am  certain 
will  prove  everything  desired  in  its  peculiar  colour  for  the  purposes 
mentioned. — A.  D. 

Onosma  megalospermum.— I  enclose  you  a  lateral  shoot  of  a 
new  species  of  Onosma  raised  by  me  from  seed  received  under  the 
above  name.  It  grows  quite  3  feet  high,  with  a  stout  erect  stem 
f ui'nished  near  the  summit  with  several  horizontally  disposed  branches, 
each  of  which  produces  from  6  to  8  or  more  flowers,  of  a  form  more 
resembling  those  of  an  Echium  than  an  Onosma.  The  corolla  is  about 
IJ-  inch  long,  inclusive  of  the  tube,  the  upper  portion  funnel-shaped, 
with  a  spreading  five-lobed  margin,  the  lobes  very  obtuse.  The 
ground  colour  is  flesh,  faintly  tinged  with  chocolate,  the  two  upper  lobes 
having  a  deep  chocolate  stripe  running  nearly  to  the  base  of  the  tube, 
and  marked  with  a  central  line  of  white.  The  foliage  is  lanceolate, 
with  short  petioles,  the  radical  leaves  being  12  to  18  inches  in  length. 
The  whole  plant  is  clothed  with  coai'se  but  very  pellucid  hairs,  especi- 
ally in  its  upper  half.    Though  not  a  showy  species,  its  distinct  habit 


July  5, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


and  the  singular  colonr  of  ita  flowers  impart  to  it  considerable  interest. 
Unfoi'tunately  the  seeds,  which  are  as  large  as  a  Marrowfat  Pea,  are 
remarkably  obstinate,  for  even  when  sown  as  soon  as  gathered,  they 
have  refused  to  germinate,  with  one  or  two  exceptions.  The  plant 
is  probably  a  native  of  the  region  of  the  Caspian,  but  I  am  unable  at 
the  moment  to  give  the  authority  for  the  specific  name. — W.  Thomp- 
son, Ipsioich, 


ALPINE  PLANTS  IN  CHINKS. 

Many  signally  fail  to  grow  the  very  plants  they  most  admire, 
because  they  do  not  grant  them  the  conditions  needful.  Some 
of  the  alpiues  are  notable  examples  of  this,  and  the  little  en- 
graving below  is  given  to  illustrate  a  case  of  this  sort.  This 
drawing  was  taken  accurately  from  a  photograph  of  a  natural 
rock,  and  it  shows  how  the  cleavage  opens  and  forms  chinks  in 
which  little  plants  root  vigorously.  The  fissures  are  deep  and 
the  tiny  ledges  succeed  each  other  upwards  in  a  charmingly 
accidental  way.  The  chinks  allow  the  roots  to  travel  to  any 
depth,  and  it  is  a  chance  of  which  they  quickly  take  advantage. 
So  situated,  plants  have  little  or  no  soil,  but  they  do  not  perish 
from  the  stagnant  wet  of  winter  as  they  would  do  if  on  the 
level  ground ;  they  never  suffer  under  the  hottest  sun,  and  the 
nutriment,  such  as  it  is,  never  fails  them.   Little  alpine  plants 


Plants  in  chinks  of  natm-al  rock. 


in  positions  of  this  kind  seem  to  live  for  a  long  time ;  indeed, 
I  have  seen  specimens  of  Androsaces,  so  grown,  that  were 
as  aged  looking  as  old  trees.  That  alpine  plants  thrive 
so  well  on  walls  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  when  we  consider 
how  they  root  into  a  mass  of  rook — a  much  more  compact  body 
than  a  wall  of  stone  or  brick.  It  is,  of  course,  difficult  in 
the  artificial  rock-garden  to  find  precisely  similar  positions ; 
but  sometimes,  where  natural  rock  crops  up,  there  is  a  chance  of 
doing  some  interesting  planting  in  this  way.  One  advantage 
of  such  an  arrangement  of  chinks  as  that  shown  in  our  illus- 
tration is  the  perfect  exposure  of  the  surface  to  rain.  Such 
an  abundant  crop  of  life  could  not  exist  if  the  chinks  were  not 
so  fully  exposed  as  they  are  to  the  rainfall.  W.  E. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 


Veronica  pinguifolia. — This  little  shrubby  Veronica  deserves  to  be  better 
known.  It  forms  firm  neat  bushes  6  to  10  inches  high,  covered  with  small 
glaucous  leaves,  and  produces  white  flowers  abundantly.  A  native  of  New 
Zealand  ;  it  is  hardy,  and  will  be  found  a  great  addition  to  our  rock  gardens. 

Dxctamnus  tauricus. — This  fine  border  plant  is  now  throwing  up  flower- 
spikes  3  feet  in  heiglit  in  the  .Wellington  Road  Nursery.  Its  flowers,  which  are 
white  and  pink  streaked  with  crimson,  show  up  well  above  the  foliage,  which  is 
of  a  fine  healthy  green. — R.  H.  B. 

Aristolochia  tomeutosa. — This  species  is  grown  as  an  isolated  plant  in  the 
gardens  at  Bitton,  and  forms  an  interesting  object  on  the  lawn.  The  plant  has 
a  downy  look,  which,  apart  from  the  leaves,  distinguishes  it  at  once  from  the 
common  A.  Sipho.    It  is  well  worthy  of  more  extended  cultivation. 

Funkia  sahcordata. — This  plant,  known  also  under  the  names  of  F. 
grandiflora  and  F.  alba,  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful,  and  at  the  same  time, 
neglected,  hardy  flowers  we  possess.  The  leaves  are  of  a  light  yellowish 
green,  and  the  flowers  held  well  above  the  foliage  on  foot-stalks  12  to  16  inches 
long.  They  are  of  the  purest  white,  nearly  -i  inches  long,  opening  wide  at  the 
mouth,  but  with  the  tube  long  and  slender.  They  are  produced  in  succession, 
spring  from  the  axil  of  a  little  stem-leaf ,  and  are  as  sweet  as  Orange  blossoms. 
The  plant  likes  light  and  warm  soil  and  suuny  positions,  and  should  be  in 
every  collection  of  hardy  flowers. 


THE  SILPHIUM  OF  THE  ANCIENTS. 
The  following  interesting  account  (translated  from  the  German  of  A.  S. 
Oersted)  of  the  celebrated  plant  which  has  so  long  puzzled  numisma- 
tist  antiquarians,  appears  in  the  last  number  of  the  Journal  of  Botany. 

In  the  middle  of  the  seventh  century  n.c,  somo  Greeks  from  the 
island  of  Thera  settled  on  the  north  coast  of  Africa,  in  the  district 
then  called  Cyrenaica,  and  now  known  as  Barka.  The  state  which 
was  subsequently  developed  owed  its  great  commercial  prosperity 
very  largely  to  its  trade  in  Silphium,  and  the  numerous  coins  found 
in  the  district  bear  on  one  side  the  head  of  Jupiter  Ammon,  and  the 
Silphium  on  the  reverse.  This  plant  grew  wild  in  the  uncultivated 
southern  part  of  the  country,  and  did  not  succeed  under  cultivation. 
From  its  root  when  sliced  a  milky  juice  exuded,  which,  when  dried 
or  mixed  with  meal,  formed  that  costly  si)ico  which  was  so  highly 
valued  by  the  Greek  and  Roman  gourmet.-:,  and  was  also  in  high 
repute  as  a  medicine.  Silphium  fetched  its  weight  in  silver,  and 
was  reckoned  with  other  precious  things  in  the  Komau  state 
treasuries.  During  the  decline  of  Cyrenaica  the  production  of 
Silphium  gradually  decreased ;  the  country  first  fell  into  the  hands 
of  the  Ptolemies  (322  B.C.),  and  afterwards  became  a  Roman 
province.  In  61  B.C.,  30  lbs.  of  Silphium  were  brought  to  Rome, 
and  the  Emperor  Nero  had  a  specimen  of  the  plant  sent  to  him  as  a 
curiosity.  It  was  still  known  in  the  fifth  century  a.d.  ;  Synesins, 
who,  when  he  died  in  431  was  Bishop  of  Barka,  mentions  that  he 
supplied  a  friend  with  a  specimen  of  the  rarity.  The  reason  of  its 
decrease  is  said  by  Strabo  to  have  been  an  incursion  of  nomadic 
barbarians  who  laid  the  country  waste.  The  farmers  also  let  their 
cattle  feed  upon  it.  Much  has  been  written  as  to  the  nature  of  this 
remarkable  plant,  which,  from  the  description  and  the  figures  on  the 
coins,  has  always  been  known  to  be  an  Umbellifer.  Modern 
travellers  who  have  visited  Barka  (now  an  altogether  desolate  land, 
with  numerous  ruins  of  towns  and  temples),  such  as  Delia  Cella, 
Pacho,  Earth,  the  brothers  Beechey,  and  more  lately  Rohlfs,  have 
considered  a  common  UmbolUfer  which  the  natives  call  Drias 
(Thapsia  Silphium,  Yiv.,  Laserpitinm  Derias,  Pacho;  according  to 
Cosson  (Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  Fr.  1865,  p.  277)  merely  a  form  of  the  South 
European  T.  garganica,  L.),  to  be  the  Silphium  plant ;  but  neither 
its  appearance  nor  its  proijerties  bear  any  resemblance  to  those  of 
that  plant.  The  celebrated  plant  of  antiquity  was  wholesome  to 
cattle ;  the  Drias  is  poisonous,  and  has  frequently  proved  fatal  to 
camels.  Various  other  species  have  been  suggested  by  authors : — 
Ferula  tingitana,  L.,  by  Sprengel ;  Laserpitium  gummiferum,  Desf., 
by  Link ;  Ferula  Assafoetida  by  the  Diet.  d'Hist.  Nat.,  and  Laser, 
pitium  Siler,  L. 

Prof.  L.  Miiller,  when  engaged  in  his  work  on  the  coins  of 
Cyrenaica  (Numismat.  del'ancienne  Afrique,  vol.  i.  "  Les  monnaies  de 
la  Cyrenaique,"  1860),  asked  the  aid  of  the  author  on  the  question  of 
the  Silphium  ;  and  it  was  then  discovered  that  a  figure  on  the  coins 
which  had  been  supposed  to  represent  a  heart  (Dujalais  in  1850 
(Rev.  Numism.,  p.  256 — 261)  had  correctly  explained  its  nature)  was 
the  fruit  of  the  Silphium.  A  close  examination  showed  that  this 
figure  presented  with  considerable  clearness  the  characters  of  the 
genus  Ferula,  or  a  closely-allied  genus.  The  foetid  gum-resin  called 
Assafoetida  was  also  known  to  the  ancients,  and  considered  by  them  as 
closely  allied  to  the  Silphium,  being  called  medicinal  Silphium.  The 
plant  yielding  this  drug  was  first  ascertained  by  KcBmpfer,  who  in 
his  "  Amcenitates  exoticas"  (1712),  which  contained  the  results  of 
his  travels  in  Asia  from  1683 — 1693,  gives  (p.  536)  an  account  of  it, 
which,  through  remarkable  for  its  precision  and  accuracy,  has  no 
exact  description  of  the  fruit.  This  was  only  supplied  a  few  years  ago 
when  Lehmann,  Bunge,  and  Borszczow  again  discovered  the  plant, 
which  was  described  by  Bunge  as  the  type  of  a  new  genus,  under  the 
name  of  Scorodosma  foetidum.  Besides  Kajmpfer's  plant,  we  know 
now,  however,  a  second  plant  yielding  Assafoetida,  discovered  in  1838 
by  Falconer  in  North  Cashmere,  and  described  by  him  in  1846  as  a 
new  genus,  Narthex.  This  flowered  iu  the  Botanic  Garden  at  Edin- 
bui'gh,  and  Sir  W.  Hooker  published  an  excellent  figure  of  it  in  the 
Botanical  Magazine,  t.  5168.  The  plant  is  7  feet  high,  the  leaves 
grow  in  pairs  close  together,  and  the  sheaths  closely  cover  the  thick 
upright  stem  in  a  way  very  unusual  in  Umbelliferae.  The  first  glance 
at  Hooker's  figure  recalled  to  the  mind  of  the  author  the  Silphinm 
plant  on  the  coins,  and  a  closer  examination  confirmed  him  in  consider- 
ing Narthex  Assafoetida,  Falconer,  to  be  nearly  allied  to  it.  In 
the  determination  of  their  afiinity  it  is  important  to  insist  upon 
the  accuracy  with  which  other  plants  and  animals  {e.g.,  the  Date-Palm, 
the  horse,  sheep,  gazelle,  and  jerboa)  are  represented  on  these  coins; 
we  cannot  doubt  that  in  the  case  of  so  valuable  a  plant  equal  accuracy 
would  be  employed.  A  minute  comparison  of  the  figures  of  the  two 
plants  will  strengthen  our  belief  in  this. 

If  we  reduce  the  picture  of  Narthex  to  the  size  of  the  representa- 
tion of  the  Silphium  on  the  coins,  and  place  the  one  by  the  other,  we 
shall  remark  a  surprising  likeness  in  the  appearance  of  the  two  planta 


THE  GARDEN. 


[July  5, 1873. 


The  stem,  and  form  and  arrangement  of  the  leaves  and  flower-stalks, 
are  quite  the  same,  and  a  comparison  of  each  distinct  organ  brings 
out  still  more  clearly  this  resemblance.  The  root,  or  rather  the 
root-stock,  of  both  plauts  is  of  the  same  form  and  ramifications.  The 
erect,  thick  stem,  longitudiually  furrowed,  which  characterises  Nar. 
thex,  is  also  found  in  the  Silphium  ;  these  furrows  are  very  clearly 
depicted  on  the  coins.  There  is  also,  particularly  if  one  examines  the 
best  representations  on  the  coins,  a  remarkable  resemblance  in  the 
arrangement  of  the  leaves  ;  we  can  see  that  these  are  not  truly  oppo. 
site,  but  only  approximate  in  pairs  ;  the  sheaths  are  very  large,  with 
conspicuous  longitudinal  nerves;  tlie  blade  is  divided  into  three  to  five 
segments,  on  which  again  subdivisions  are  indicated.  That  these 
notches  should  not  be  represented  on  the  common  coins  in  so  small  a 
space  is  quite  natural :  if,  however,  we  compare  the  outline  of  the 
Narthex  leaves  with  the  representation  of  the  leaf  surface  of  the 
Silphium,  there  is  a  great  resemblance.  The  form  and  size  of  the 
flower-stalks  agree  entirely  in  both  plants.  As  to  the  fruit,  we  see 
from  the  coins  that  the  Silpliium  quite  agrees  with  Narthex  and 
Ferula.  In  these  UmbelliferD3  the  fruit  is  very  closely  compressed, 
and  furnished  with  a  thin  membranous  border,  for  which  reason 
Theophraste  characterises  it  as  foliaceous.  The  small  diffei-ence 
in  the  structure  of  the  vittio,  by  which  these  genera  have  been 
sepai'ated,  we  need  not  of  course  expect  to  find  drawn  on  the  coins. 
Ontheotherhand,  there  may  be  usually  observed  at  the  bottom  and  top  of 
the  fruit  of  Silphium  small  globular  bodies,  of  which  the  first  represents 
the  base  of  the  fruit-stalk,  and  the  second  the  sty  Ipode.  On  one  coin  the 
carpophore  is  represented  between  two  mericarps,  with  their  apices 
turned  towards  each  other.  So  far  as  the  coins  go  the  Silpliium  plant 
might  be  referred  equally  well  to  Ferula  or  to  Narthex.  As,  however, 
it  so  entirely  agrees  with  the  only  known  species  of  Narthex  in 
habit,  it  is  in  every  way  more  probable  that  it  should  belong  to  that 
genus.  As  a  species  it  is  not  of  course  to  be  identified  specifically 
with  Narthex  Assafoetida  ;  not  only  does  the  obcordate  form  of  the 
fruit  forbid  this,  but  the  properties  of  the  gum-resin.  That  obtained 
from  the  Indian  plant  entirely  agrees  with  the  Persian  Assafojtida. 
Tlie  author  proposes  to  call  it  Narthex  Silphium. 

According  to  Pliny  (Nat.  Hist,  xvii.,  2)  there  were  three  distinct 
zones  of  vegetation  to  be  distinguished  in  Cyrenaica — the  wooded 
coast  zone,  an  intermediate  zone  in  which  agriculture  was  carried  on, 
and  a  hilly  and  deseit  zone  where  the  Silphium  grew.  This 
description  is  equally  applicable  at  the  present  day.  The  slope  of 
the  plateaux  from  Barka  towards  the  coast  is  still  covered  with  a 
Inxm'iant  growth  of  wood,  amongst  which  is  especially  noteworthy 
the  occurrence  of  the  Cypress,  of  which  Rohlfs  brought  with  him 
fruiting  specimens.  As  soon,  however,  as  the  heights  are  attained, 
the  appearance  of  the  landscape  changes  ;  only  low  stunted  bushes, 
Ai-temisias,  and  Thistles  clothe  the  ground,  whilst  splendid  ruined 
towns  attest  the  density  of  the  earlier  population.  Farther  on 
towards  the  south  the  land  takes  a  wilder  character,  and  it  was  here 
that  the  Silphium  gi-ew  in  the  past.  As  Barka  has  not  yet  been 
thoroughly  explored  (since  the  collection  of  Delia  Cella,  which  laid 
the  foundation  for  Viviani's  "  Flora)  Libycai  Specimen,"  and  Pacho's 
small  collection,  wo  have  only  the  very  considerable  collection  of 
Gerhard  Rohlfs),  the  hope  need  not  be  given  up  that  the  Silphium 
plants  may  still  be  found  cither  there  or  farther  into  Africa.  Other 
plants  which  have  disappeared  from  tho  ]>laces  in  which  they  were 
known  to  the  ancients  are  often  refound  in  distant  regions  ;  for 
instance,  the  African  Pajjyrus,  which  was  formerly  very  common  in 
Egypt,  is  now  no  longer  to  be  found  there,  but  occurs  again  in  the 
distant  swampy  regions  of  the  White  Nile. 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 


Roses  and  Liadles. — A  well-known  Gorman  florist  related,  in 
a  high  state  of  irritation,  his  troubles  in  this  way.  He  said — "  I  have 
so  much  drouble  mit  de  ladies  ven  dey  come  to  buy  mine  Rose  ;  dey 
vants  him  hardy,  dey  vants  him  doubles,  dey  vants  him  moontly,  dey 
vants  him  fragrand,  dey  vants  him  nice  gooler,  dey  vants  him  ebery 
dings  in  one  Rose.  I  hopes  I  am  not  vat  yon  calls  von  uncallant  man, 
but  I  have  somedimes  to  say  to  dat  ladies,  '  Madame,  I  never  often 
sees  dat  ladies  dat  vas  rich,  dat  vas  good  temper,  dat  vas  youngs,  dat 
vas  clever,  dat  vas  perfection  in  one  ladies.     I  see  her  much  not !'  " 

Homeless  Herbs. — For  me,  there  is  manie  a  plant  I  entcrtayn 
in  my  garden  and  paddock  wiche  the  fasticioas  would  cast  forthe.  I 
like  to  teache  my  children  the  uses  of  common  things — to  know,  for 
instance,  the  uses  of  the  flowei-s  and  weeds  that  grow  in  our  fields  and 
hedges.  Manie  a  poor  knave's  pottage  would  be  improved,  if  he 
were  skilled  in  the  properties  of  the  burdock  and  purple  Orchis. 
The  roots  of  the  wild  Succory  and  water  Arrow-head  mighte 
ngreeablie  change  his  Lenten  diet,  and  Glass-wort  afford  him 
a  iiickle  for  his  mouthful  of  salt  meat.  Then,  there  are  Cresses 
and  Woxl-Sorrel  to  his  breakfast,  and  Salep  for  his  hot  even- 
ing  mess. — Sir  Tliomas  More. 


DIPLADENIAS. 

Several  of  the  members  of  this  genus  may  be  classed  among 
the  best  of  tho  climbiug  plants  suitable  for  stove  treatment, 
and  recommend  themselves  to  the  notice  of  the  plant  grower 
as  being  of  comparatively  easy  culture,  and  at  the  same  time 
bearing  a  profusion  of  gracefully-formed  richly-coloured 
blossoms  of  good  substance.  Two  or  three  varieties  make 
very  effective  exhibition  plants  when  well  grown  and  neatly 
trained  on  a  balloon-shaped  trellis.  ])ipladenias  are  very 
easily  propagated  from  cuttings,  plunging  the  cutting  pots  in 
a  mild  bottom  heat,  and  keeping  them  moderately  moist  until 
rooted;  after  which  they  should  be  potted  off  into  small  pots, 
using  a  fresh  compost  of  fibrous  loam,  leaf-mould,  and  sand. 
To  this,  some  noted  growers  add  one-fourth  or  more  of  fibrous 
peat ;  Ijut  the  former  ingredients  are  sufficient,  if  the  pots  are 
thoroughly  well  drained.  In  order  to  bloom  these  plants  to  per- 
fection,they  must  be  grown  on  vigorously,  without  a  check, until 
the  pots,  into  which  they  are  shifted  to  flower,  become  filled 
with  roots,  and  kept  free  from  insect  pests,  to  which  they  are 
especially  liable  if  subjected  to  irregular  treatment.  As  the 
plants  make  their  growth,  thin  out  the  weakest  shoots,  and 
re-pot  them  as  required.  When  the  pots  become  filled  with 
roots,  a  little  clear  manure-water  will  be  found  beneficial  in 
strengthening  the  remaining  shoots  and  in  improving  the 
colour  of  the  foliage.  The  finest  specimens  I  ever  saw  were 
grown  in  a  moderate  bottom  heat,  the  shoots  being  traiued 
separately  up  lengths  of  thick  twine,  and  close  to  the  glass. 
When  the  flower-buds  made  their  appearance,  the  strings 
were  cut,  and  the  shoots  trained  on  a  globe  trellis.  The 
foliage  is  of  a  fresh  deep  green  colour  when  well  grown,  and 
forms  an  appropriate  background  for  the  clusters  of  wax-like, 
rosy-crimson,  pink,  yellow,  or  white  flowers.  During  the 
growing  season  they  must  be  syringed  two  or  three  times 
dailj',  not  only  as  a  means  of  promoting  vigour,  but  as  a 
preventive  of  the  ravages  of  red  spider.  Thrips  may  be 
treated  to  a  dose  or  two  of  Fowler's  Insecticide  should  they 
put  in  an  appearance.  A  short  descriptive  account  of  some 
of  the  best  species  may  be  interesting  to  cultivators  who  have 
not  yet  added  these  plants  to  their  collections. 

D.  ACUMINATA.— This  spccies,  at  first  sight,  might  easily  be 
mistaken  for  D.  crassiuoda,  which  it  somewhat  resembles  in 
habit,  and  is  also  furnished  with  a  similar  rmg  of  fleshy  teeth 
at  the  thickened  nodes.  The  flowers  are  of  a  similar  deep  rose 
colour,  but  each  segment  is  remarkably  acuminate.  The  indi- 
vidual flowers  are  also  much  larger,  being  from  4  to  4j  inches 
in  diameter.  The  calyx  lobes  are  linear,  and  longer  than  those 
of  D.  crassiuoda.  It  is  a  native  of  Brazil,  and  first  flowered 
about  1851. 

D.  A5IABILIS. — This  noble  variety  is  the  result  of  a  cross 
between  D.  splendens  and  D.  crassiuoda,  the  latter  being  the 
female  parent.  It  owes  its  origin  to  Mr.  H.  Tuke,  of  Bramley, 
near  Leeds,  and  was  first  sent  out  by  Messrs.  Jas.  Backhouse 
and  Son,  of  York,  in  1865.  It  most  nearly  resembles  its 
female  parent,  but  is  far  superior  to  that  variety.  In  habit  it 
is  far  superior  to  its  parents,  being  more  robust,  and  bearing 
flowers  of  richer  colouring,  the  prevailing  tint  being  deep 
bright  rose,  almost  verging  on  crimson  in  the  darker  tints. 
Its  foliage  preserves  its  deep  glossy  green  colour  until  late  in 
the  season,  and  the  plant  is  a  noble  subject  for  autumn  exhibi- 
tions, at  which  it  is  not  unfrequently  seen. 

D.  AiKENA. — Another  of  Mr.  Tuke's  hybrids,  obtained  by 
crossing  D.  splendens  with  the  last-named  species,  the  result 
being  the  production  of  a  variety  of  good  habit,  bearing  flowers 
nearly  perfect  in  form.  The  blooms  are  aboirt  Ij  inches  across, 
and  of  a  delicate  rosy  tint,  streaked  and  tinted  with  darker 
shades  of  the  same  colour.  The  individual  lobes  of  the  flower 
are  rounder  and  of  greater  substance  than  those  of  its  parents. 
Like  the  last,  it  has  a  good  constitution  and  foliage  of  a  deep 
fresh  green  colour.  The  plant  was,  I  believe,  sent  out  in  1869 
by  Mr.  W.  Dean  when  at  Shipley  Nurseries,  near  Bradford, 
and  is  now  occasionally  met  with  at  exhibitions. 

D.  BoLiviENSis. — We  have  here  a  species  sent  by  Mr.  Pearce 
to  Messrs.  Veitch  and  Sons,  from  Bolivia,  and  very  closely 
allied  to  the  old  and  almost-forgotten  D.  urophylla  (a    species 


July  5, 1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


bearing  clusters  of  small  yellow  flowers,  the  lobes  tipped  with 
brij^ht  red,  aud  having  oblong  leaves,  very  much  acuminate  at 
their  apices).  The  present  species  differs  in  having  leaves 
much  loss  acuminate,  and  in  the  flowers  being  pure  white, 
with  a  lemon-yellow  throat.  The  flower  tube  is  very  slender, 
much  more  so  than  in  its  last-named  congener,  D.  urophylla. 
The  plant  has  a  good  constitution,  though  of  slender  habit, 
and  flowers  profusely  when  liberally  treated.  It  was  first 
flowered  aud  exhibited  in  1868,  gaining  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society's  medal  as  the  finest  new  flowering  plant  then  exhi- 
bited. It  is  scarcely  showy  enough  for  exhibition  purposes, 
though  useful  and  distinct  as  a  decorative  plant. 
D.  CRASSINOUA. — Au   old  and    ell'ective  species   when   well 


nearly  half  that  width,  oblong,  acuminate,  and  glaljrous.  It 
bears  great  clusters  of  golden-yellow  flowers,  nearly  three 
inches  in  diameter,  each  lobe  having  a  broad  blotch  of  ver- 
milion near  the  mouth  of  the  tube,  while  the  tube  itself  is 
streaked  with  the  same  colour.  It  is  an  effective  plant,  but 
seldom  met  with  in  collections. 

D.  iNsrcN'is. — A  charming  variety,  bearing  large  crimson  or 
rosy-carmine  flowers  about  -!•  inches  in  diameter,  and  of  good 
substance.  It  is  a  free  grower  and  a  most  profuse  bloomer — 
qualities  inherited  from  its  parent,  D.  amabilis.  Our  illustra- 
tion gives  an  excellent  idea  of  this  grand  acquisition,  which 
was  raised  by  Mr.  S.  Fcnwick,  gardener  to  John  Waterhousc, 
Esq.,  Well  Head,  near  Ilalifax.     It  is  undoubtedly  the  fiuest 


Dipladema  insignis. 


grown.  Stems  having  a  whorl  of  fleshy  lobes  at  the  nodes, 
aud  bearing  axilary  clusters  of  deep  rose-coloured  flowers. 
The  individual  flowers  are  about  2  to  25  inches  across,  and  are 
produced  in.  tolerable  abundance.  Introduced  from  Corco- 
vado  mountain,  near  Rio  Janeiro,  where  it  forms  a  scandent, 
twining  shrub,  at  a  considerable  elevation. 

D.  FLAVA. — This  is  another  old  species,  introduced  from 
Santa  Martha  (New  Granada)  in  184.5,  and  bearing  golden 
yellow  flowers,  about  two  inches  in  diameter.  The  leaves  are 
obloug,  and  together  with  the  young  growths,  are  covered 
with  sparse  silky  hairs. 

D.  Harrisii. — A  robust-growing  species,  introduced  from 
Trinidad  about  18.54'.     Its  leaves  ai-e  about   a  foot   long,  and 


variety  in  this  beautiful  genus,  and  is  now  being  distributed 
by  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sous,  Chelsea. 

D.  NOBiLis. — Introduced  from  Brazil  about  1847.  The  shoots 
rise  from  a  rounded  crown,  aud,  together  with  the  foliage,  ai-e 
quite  smooth.  Leaves  deep  green,  obloug  ;  apices  retuse,  the 
mid-rib  slightly  prolonged  ;  flowers  about  2  inches  in 
diameter,  varying  in  colour  from  white  suffused  with  flesh- 
colour  to  deep  rose.  It  is  a  very  graceful  and  effective  plant, 
though  not  often  seen  in  cultivation. 

D.  SPLENDENS. — A  fine  species,  a  native  of  Brazil,  introduced 
to  our  collections  in  1842.  Its  leaves  are  deep  green,  oblong, 
cordate  at  the  base.  Tlowers  of  a  deep  rosy  colour,  each 
bloom  being  nearly  3  inches  across.     It  is  a  profuse-flowering 


8 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  5,1873, 


effective  species,  but,  like  all  its  congeners,  flowers  best  when 
grown  on  in  a  mild  bottom  heat,  and  not  overpottcd. 

In  selecting  from  the  enumeration  given  above,  D.  iiisignis, 
D.  amabilis,  and  D.  amceua  will  be  found  the  most  effective 
varieties,  either  for  exhibition  purposes  or  for  stove  decora- 
tion, although  the  others  are  very  beautiful  when  well  grown, 
more  especially  D.  crassinoda,  D.  splendens,  D.  nobilis,  and 
the  unique  D.  Bolivieusis,  with  its  delicate  white  salver-shaped 
ilowcrs.  F.  W. 


PEBPARING  FOR  WINTER  FLOWERS. 
Just  at  the  present  time  forethought  is  necessary  to  know 
what  plants  we  shall  have  in  bloom  during  the  winter  months, 
and  therefore  a  few  remarks  upon  some  of  the  most  suitable 
for  that  purpose  may  not  bo  out  of  place.  Let  us  repeat  the 
fact  that  the  flowering  of  all  forced  shrubs  in  the  winter  de- 
pends upon  the  thorough  maturation  of  the  summer  growth  ; 
therefore,  let  your  object  be  to  grow  your  plants  as  robustly  as 
possible,  but  at  the  same  time  spare  no  pains  to  get  the  growth 
well  ripened  as  it  proceeds.  If  vigorous  winter-floweriug 
plants  are  desired,  we  must  grow  them  on  freely  during  the 
summer,  and  not  set  them  carelessly  under  the  nearest  fence 
that  comes  to  hand,  as  is  too  often  the  case.  Irrespective  of 
shruljs  and  forced  flowers,  we  have  abundance  of  plants  that 
naturally  flower  during  the  winter,  and  of  these  we  need 
scarcely  mention  the  many  fine  varieties  of  the  Chrysanthe- 
mum, all  of  which  are  easily  grown. 

CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 

To  have  fine  specimens  of  these  for  conservatory  decoration, 
take  nicely  rooted  cuttings  in  February,  pot  them  on,  and  grow 
them  in  the  most  vigorous  manner,  in  a  cool  pit  or  house,  until 
the  middle  or  end  of  May,  observing  that  the  plants  receive  no 
check,  but,  on  the  contrary,  get  plenty  of  liquid  manure.  By 
that  time  the  plants  will  be  in  -f  or  6-inch  pots,  possibly  a  foot 
to  18  inches  high,  with  a  stem  as  thick  as  your  little 
finger.  Then  they  are  removed  into  8-inch  pots,  using 
a  rich  compost  of  turfy  loam,  rotten  dung,  and  bone- 
dust,  and  taking  care  to  drain  the  pots  thoroughly.  At  this 
time  the  plants  are  properly  staked  ;  that  is,  a  stake,  four  to  five 
feet  high,  is  placed  in  each  pot,  and  the  plant  is  trained  as  a 
single  stem  until  it  is  nearly  S  feet  high.  In  doing  this,  the 
side  branches  may  be  stopped  back  to  two  leaves,  and  should 
they  break  again,  the  shoots  [must  be  pulled  out,  the 
object  being  to  clothe  the  stem  with  foliage  down  to  the  pot,  but 
not  to  encourage  the  lower  shoots  to  produce  flowers.  Thus 
treated,  the  plants  become  uncommonly  robust,  and  the 
branches  which  they  throw  from  the  top  produce  very  splendid 
flowers.  Of  flowers,  let  us  note  one  fact,  and  that  is,  as  soon 
as  formed,  take  out  the  centre  bud  of  each  truss ;  that  but  too 
frequently  comes  hard-eyed,  and  therefore  it  is  better  to 
remove  it  at  once.  The  pots  must  be  placed  upon  ashes,  in  a 
situation  fully  exposed  to  the  sun.  The  plants  must  never, 
under  any  circumstances,  know  the  want  of  water,  which  in 
dry  weather  will  frequently  require  to  be  used  twice,  and 
sometimes  three  times,  a  day.  If  the  plants  make  good 
progress,  the  strongest  of  them  about  the  middle  of  August 
may  be  removed  into  11-inch  or  15-inch  pots,  still  using  rich 
compost  and  keeping  them  fully  exposed.  In  shifting  the 
plants,  never  remove  the  drainage  at  the  bottom  unless  it  is 
quite  clear  of  the  roots.  You  cannot  do  so  without  injuring 
the  roots,  and  therefore  it  is  better  not  to  disturb  it.  It  will 
1)0  noted  that  the  plants  under  this  system  of  management 
receive  no  check  at  all,  but  grow  to  their  utmost  limit, 
accumulating  strength  all  the  time,  and  it  is  astonishing  what 
splendid  blooms  they  produce.  To  see  a  plant,  say  of  Queen 
of  England,  producing  from  thirty  to  sixty  flowers,  all  fine, 
but  many  of  them  4  to  (J  inches  in  diameter,  is  not  an  unusual 
thing;  indeed,  where  fine  flowers  are  wanted,  this  is  cei'tainly 
the  best  way  of  producing  them.  The  quantity  of  rich  liquid 
manure  the  Chrysanthemum  will  take  is  quite  astonishing. 
If  intended  for  large-sized  cut  blooms  for  indoor  decoration, 
the  plants  must  be  divested  of  most  of  their  side-shoots  in 
their  early  stages,  and  trained  up  with  single  stems,  which 
should  be  allowed  to  bear  only  one  or  two  flowers  on  each. 
All  superflous  buds  should  also  be  removed  in  like  manner,  as 
they  make  their  appearance. 


SALVIA     SPLENDENS. 

As  a  companion  plant  for  the  ChrysanthemuTn,  the  old 
Salvia  splendens  deserves  every  encouragement,  its  brilliant 
scarlet  flower-spikes  contrasting  and  lighting  up  admirably 
the  cooler  colours  of  the  Chrysanthemums.  This  plant  may 
be  grown  much  in  the  same  manner  as  the  Chrysanthemum, 
but  it  will  not  take  quite  so  much  lirjuid  manure.  It  is  readily 
propagated  by  cuttings,  grows  rapidly  under  proper  encourage- 
ment, and  between  spring  and  autumn  forms  a  fine  handsome 
bush.  One  fact  must  be  borne  in  mind :  it  is  impatient 
of  cold,  and,  therefore,  must  be  taken  under  cover  before  a 
frost  touches  it.  The  Salvia  is  liable  to  be  attacked  by  red 
spider,  which  must  be  checked  by  frequent  syringing  with 
clean  water,  and  an  occasional  dressing  of  sulphur. 

rOINSETTIAS. 

These  are  invaluable  for  winter  work  when  well  grown  and 
kept  at  a  moderate  height.  To  have  them  dwarf,  strike  the 
eyes  early  in  April,  and  be  careful  to  select  them  from 
well-ripened  wood.  Placed  in  a  moist  bottom  heat,  they  soon 
root  and  throw  up  shoots,  after  which  pot  them  in  fibrous 
loam  and  thoroughly  rotten  dung  from  the  frame  ground.  As 
soon  as  they  get  well  established  in  the  new  soil,  and  all 
danger  of  spring  frosts  is  over,  place  them  out  in  ]iits  where 
bedding  plants  have  been  wintered,  and  here  grow  them  on 
during  the  summer  months  C[uite  in  the  open  air,  and  fully 
exposed  to  the  sun.  This  is  one  of  the  simplest  plans  by 
which  this  showy  plant  may  be  had  in  perfection ;  yet  even 
under  this  rcri'imr  some  will  persist  in  running  up  too  high, 
but  our  treatment  of  such  offenders  is  as  effective  as  it  is 
simple :  we  merely  take  off  the  tops  and  strike  them  in 
bottom-heat  just  before  the  plants  are  ready  to  flower.  If 
particularly  large  heads  of  bracts  are  required  for  cutting,  a 
plant  or  two  may  be  planted  out  at  the  back  of  either  a  plant- 
stove  or  warm  conservatory,  and  allowed  to  grow  on,  which 
they  will  do  vigorously  if  liberally  tieated,  and  all  the 
attention  requisite  is  to  cut  them  back  to  two  or  three  good 
eyes  every  spring.  In  this  manner  we  have  had  splei'xlid 
heads  that  measured  20  inches  across.  These  are  vei'y 
effective  for  large  vases  wherever  a  blaze  of  decided  colour  is 
wanted. 

ZONAL   AND    VAllIEGATED    rELARGONIUMS. 

These  are  not  nearly  so  much  used  for  winter  decoration  as 
they  ought  to  be.  Plants  potted  now,  and  grown  on  in  a  cold 
house  or  pit,  with  a  free  circulation  of  air  at  all  times,  and  full 
exposure  on  mild  nights,  make  very  useful  plants  to  mix 
with  the  Chrysanthemirms.  Each  plant  must  stand  quite  free 
of  its  neighbour,  must  be  freely  grown,  and  have  every  flower- 
bud  removed  until  the  middle  of  September,  then  allow  them 
to  grow  on,  and  you  will  have  a  capital  bloom  through  the 
winter.  The  secret  of  this  kind  of  success  is  the  thorough 
ripening  of  the  growth  up  to  the  end  of  August,  and  to  that 
end  the  plants  cannot  be  too  much  exposed  to  atmospheric 
influences.  Without  maturation  you  cannot  in  the  waning 
season  have  flowers.  As  an  accompanying  plant  to  those 
referred  to  above,  an  old  Oak-leaved  variety,  called  Rollisson's 
Unicjue,  is  well  worthy  of  extensive  cultivation.  The  flowers 
are  bright  crimson,  and  are  produced  in  large  trusses.  AVe 
have  several  dozens  of  large  plants  of  this  variety,  handsome 
bushes  four  feet  high,  and  two  to  three  feet  in  diameter. 
They  are  cut  in  at  this  season,  potted  as  soon  as  they  have 
made  shoots  half  an  inch  long,  using  a  rich  compost,  grown  in 
the  shade  for  a  fortnight  until  they  have  good  fresh  roothold, 
and  arc  then  placed  in  the  full  sun  until  they  are  removed  into 
the  greenhouse  in  September.  Thus  managed  they  rarely 
fail  to  produce  blooms  every  day  throughout  the  year.  There 
is  a  lilac  variety  of  the  Unique,  which  it  is  very  well  to  have 
for  contrast,  but  by  itself  it  is  not  so  effective  as  Rollisson's 
variety. 

LUCULIA    GRATISSniA. 

This  is  a  grand  winter-flowering  plant.  With  large  simple 
leaves  somewhat  like  those  of  a  Hydrangea,  and  bunches  of 
rosy  flowers,  6  or  7  inches  across  when  well  grown,  and 
delioiously  fragrant,  it  requires  no  deep  perception  to  recognise 
its  claims  when  once  seen  ;  but  the  opportunity  to  see  it  docs 
not  occur  every  day.  This  arises  from  the  fact  of  its  being 
one  of  those  plants  that  in  pots  are  only  seen  in  perfection 
with  a  really  good  "  plantsman."     Being  a  vigorous   subject, 


JTTLY   5,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


9 


it  requires  to  be  planted  out  in  tlao  bed  of  a  warm  conservatory, 
or  some  house,  the  winter  temperature  of  which  is  somewhat 
higher  than  tliat  of  the  greenhouse,  and  there,  with  a  mere 
tithe  of  the  trouble  it  rcquu'es  in  pots,  it  will  give  perennial 
satisfaction.  There  is  a  plant  of  it  treated  tlnis  in  one  of  the 
glass  houses  in  the  Royal  Gardens  at  Frogmore,  and  from  it 
every  year  are  cut  about  one  hundred  trusses  for  Christmas 
decoration,  for  which  purpose  they  arc  certainly  the  best,  and 
at  present  among  the  rarest  of  flowers.  At  Little  Dalliy 
Hall,  near  Melton  Mowbray,  there  is  also  a  fine  specimen  of 
this  superb  winter-flowering  plant.  It  has  been  planted  out 
in  the  conservatoiy  for  years,  and  all  the  trouble  it  requii'es 
is  to  cut  it  back  everj'  spring  and  give  its  roots  an  occasional 
top-dressing. 

CYCLAMENS. 

Those  are  invaluable  for  winter  and  spring  flowering.  The 
seed  should  be  saved  eveiy  year,  carefully  selecting  the  brightest 
coloured  and  best  habited  plants  for  that  purpose.  Bow  it 
in  November  in  pans  of  light  earth,  placing  them  on  a  shelf  in 
the  propagating  house  until  the  seedlings  are  fit  to  plant  out. 
Only  a  dozen  or  a  dozen  and  a  half  of  seeds  should  be  placed 
ill  each  pan,  dibbling  them  into  the  rich  earth  at  regular 
distances  apart ;  this  is  much  better  than  sowing  thickly,  as 
the  plants  can  remain  until  they  attain  a  considerable  size  before 
they  are  planted  out.  Early  in  March  get  a  dung-bed  made 
up,  on  which  place  a  couple  of  two-light  frames,  and  cover  the 
dung  with  6  or  8  inches  of  rich  compost.  They  like  a  compost 
of  fibrous  loam,  leaf-mould,  and  sand,  with  the  addition  of  a 
little  peat  and  rotten  dung.  After  the  first  flush  of  heat  is 
over,  prick  out  the  plants  ti  inches  apart,  and  here  they  are 
grown  on  during  the  summer,  giving  air  and  occasionally 
a  little  clear  manure-water  as  required.  The  secret  in 
Cyclamen  growing  is  to  grow  them  on  rapidly  from  the  seed- 
pan  to  the  flowering  stage  without  a  check.  At  the  end  of 
the  summer  the  bulbs  should  be  large  and  well  ripened.  These 
should  be  carefully  removed  fi-om  the  beds  and  potted  into  48- 
sized  pots,  after  which  plunge  them  in  a  gentle  bottom  heat, 
and,  when  they  have  become  established,  remove  them  to  theii* 
flowering  quarters.  Grown  in  this  way  one-year-old  seedlings 
often  produce  from  thirty  to  fifty  flowers  on  a  plant. 

EPIPHYLLUMS. 

These  are  simply  invaluable  fur  winter  flowering,  and  are 
easily  cultivated,  either  on  their  own  roots,  or  grafted  on 
stocks  of  the  common  Pereskia  aculeata.  Mr.  Speed  grows 
these  plants  at  Chatsworth  by  the  hundred,  and  uses  them 
largely  in  the  great  conservatory,  where,  in  hanging  baskets 
(for  which  they  are  admirably  adapted),  mingled  with  Ferns 
and  drooping  trailers,  they  light  up  the  place  all  through  the 
winter  with  their  orange-scarlet  or  bright  "lilac -purple  flowers. 
They  strike  readily  from,  leaves  taken  ofi:  during  the  summer 
and  inserted  in  a  cutting  pan  surfaced  with  sand ;  after  which 
they  may  be  potted  in  sandy  loam,  sand,  and  leaf -mould,  and 
grown  on  a  shelf  close  to  the  glass. 

VAKIOUS  -WrNTEB  DECOEATIVE   PLANTS. 

Among  these  may  be  mentioned  Primulas,  double  and  single 
Cinerarias,  Hyacinths,  Acacias  of  various  sorts,  forced  Roses, 
Helleborus  niger  in  variety,Dentzias,Spirtea,  Azaleas,  Lily  of  the 
Valley,  white  and  pink  Hawthorn,  Narcissus,  and  Tuberoses. 
We  have  obtained  our  stock  of  forcing  plants  from  Belgium  for 
several  years,  and  generally  get  good  quality  for  our  money. 
Lilacs,  Dielytra  spectabilis,  Spirtea,  and  Lily  of  the  Valley  we 
have  in  flower  for  four  or  five  mouths  without  intermission. 
These  are  always  useful,  either  as  decorative  plants  in  pots,  or 
for  furnishing  a  good  supply  for  bouquets  and  "  button-holes." 
A  few  good  plants  of  winter-flowering  Carnations,  placed  in 
a  warm  sunny  corner  of  the  greenhouse  or  Vinery,  produce 
enormous  quantities  of  choice  deliciously-soented  flowers  for 
cutting  for  indoor  decoration.  Thyi-sacanthus  rutilans,  IpomEea 
Horsfallias,  bright-leaved  Dracaenas,  sundry  Orchids — among 
others,  Laelia  albida,  Oncidium  pulchellum,  Calanthes  in 
variety,  Odontoglossum  Cervantesii,  Lycaste  Skinneri  (one  of 
the  finest  of  Orchids,  which  flowers  for  a  long  time  in  the 
drawing-room  without  protection) ;  and  the  Cypripediums,  of 
which  the  old  insigne  also  blooms  a  long  time,  are  perfectly  at 
home  in  a  di'awing-room.  Doubtless  the  same  may  be  said  of 
many  other  Oi'chids,  when  they  are  sufficiently  plentiful  to  be 


extensively  tried  in  this  way ;  but  the  very  best  for  this  pur- 
pose is  the  old  Dendrobiimr  nobile,  which,  it  grown  well,  bears 
hundreds  of  its  white  and  purple  flowers  during  winter  and 
spring,  as  also  docs  Phajus  grandifolius.  Of  Heaths,  Hiemalis, 
Elegans,Melanthera,  Scabriuscula,  and  Colorans  are  about  the 
best  for  Christmas  ;  and  of  the  Epacrises,  Vesta,  The  Bride, 
Alba  odorata,  aud  Varicgata.  One  bulb  is  so  peculiarly  suited 
for  the  most  exquisite  groups  of  Christmas  flowers,  that  we 
hesitate  not  to  make  a  special  pleading  for  it.  It  grows  about 
a  foot  high,  and  boars  flowers  of  a  peculiarly  rich  yellow, 
tipped  with  green.  The  coloration  is  so  distinct  that  the 
plant  would  be  attractive,  no  matter  how  the  flowers  were 
attached ;  but  when  we  say  that  they  droop  more  gracefully 
from  their  slender  foot-stalk  than  the  Snowdi-op,  those  who 
do  not  know  the  plant  will  have  some  idea  of  the  singular 
attractiveness  of  IJrceolina  aurea.  Sparmannia  africana  is  an 
effective  winter-plant  when  grown  on  from  cuttings,  and  kept  in 
small  pots.  A  few  good  plants  of  Camellias,  planted  out  in  the 
conservatory,  keep  up  a|good  supply  of  cut  blooms  after  Christ- 
mas, but  a  few  plants  of  the  Double  White  and  Candidissima 
should  be  forced  for  early  bloom  by  placing  them  in  an  early 
Vinery  directly  the  List  flowers  are  cut  from  them  in  November 
aud  December.  Eucharis  amazonica  should  be  grown  by 
the  dozen,  as  it  blooms  at  any  season,  when  required.  We 
have,  moreover,  many  pretty  free  -  flowering  hardy  plants 
that  bloom  during  the  winter  and  spring,  such  as  Snowdrops, 
Crocuses,  Iberis  gibraltarica,  I.  sempervirens,  common  Wall- 
flower, in  dry  sunny  positions,  Christmas  Roses,  purple,  blue, 
and  rosy  Hepaticas,  sweet-scented  Violets,  and  Primulas  in 
variety.  Chimonanthus  fragrans,  Jasminum  nndiflomm,  and 
Berberis  Darwinii  bloom  freely  during  winter,  trained  on  a 
sunny  wall,  or  planted  in  a  warm  sheltered  border,  while 
Pompone  Chrysanthemums,  grown  in  quantity,  come  in  very 
handy  for  plunging  among  the  dark  shrubs  in  the  flower-beds 
nearest  the  mansion,  about  November  and  the  beginning  of 
December,  if  the  season  is  mild. 

CHMSTMAS   EVERGREENS. 

For  Christmas  decorations  we  have  the  deep  perpetual  ver- 
dure and  the  cheerful  berries  of  Cotoneasters,  Skimmias, 
Hollies  in  variety,  Aucubas  in  fruit,  Cratasgus  Pyracantha, 
and  other  bright  berry-bearing  shrubs.  These  are  so  particu- 
larly useful  that  it  is  an  excellent  plan  to  grow  them  in  pots, 
so  that  they  may  be  removed  aud  grouped  anywhere  without 
injury,  and  be  also  kept  dwarf  and  neat.  Of  course  the  coral- 
garnished  spray  of  such  plants  maybe  tastefully  used  in  wreaths, 
aud  amongst  cut  flowers  ;  but  a  far  higher  use  might  be  made 
of  groups  in  pots,  not  only  occasionally  in  the  house,  but 
plunged  in  beds  in  the  open  air  near  it,  aud  even  used  in  boxes  on 
the  outer  sides  of  the  windows.  We  have  seen  most  chaste  and 
attractive  boxes  of  this  kind  filled  thus.  These  of  course  may  be 
kept  growing,  plunged  in  some  by-nook  in  summer;  and 
even  at  that  season  they  will  be  found  occasionally  use- 
ful. In  addition  to  those  used  for  their  berries  alone, 
we  need  scarcely  add  that  there  are  many  which  deserve 
attention  on  account  of  their  lustrous  health  and  verdure 
in  winter,  and  which  are  peculiarly  fitted  for  associating  with 
those  just  named — such  as  the  Minorca  and  other  Boxes,  the 
Laurustinus,  Berberis  Darwinii,  Rhododendi-ons,  and  hardy 
Azaleas,  many  Japanese  shrubs,  and  dwarf  Conifers  intro- 
duced of  late  years,  including  a  group  of  nicely  selected  silver 
Hollies,  which  are,  moreover,  very  effective  by  gas  light.  One 
shrub  we  should  never  fail  to  be  without  in  pots  or  tubs,  and 
that  is  the  Laurustinus.  The  warmth  and  protection  of  a 
conservatory  or  cool  glass  house  in  winter  induces  it  to  bloom 
as  vigorously  and  sweetly  as  a  May  flower.  Wherever 
standard  evergreens  are  grown  in  tubs  for  placing  out  of 
doors  on  terraces  in  summer,  this  should  be  grown  as  a 
standard,  as  it  may  be  enjoyed  in  winter  for  its  flowers,  and  in 
summer  for  its  foliage  alone,  like  Bays  and  other  plants  grown 
as  standards  ;  but  it  is  well  worth  growing  for  its  winter  uses 
alone.  In  cutting  from  shriibberies  or  gi-oups  for  indoor 
embellishment  in  winter,  to  the  above  the  Arbutus,  and  the 
Buonymus  europajus  may  be  added.  It  may  be  worth  noticing 
that  some  evergreens,  like  Laurels,  &c.,  may  prove  highly 
efiective  in  church  decoration  or  the  like,  and  yet  be  rather 
coarse  and  out  of  place  in  rooms,  and  especially  in  small 
rooms.     To  the  plants   used   in  pots  for  the   sake   of   their 


16 


THE  GARDEN. 


[July  5, 1873. 


berries,  might  be  added  the  Solanums  Capicastrum  and 
Pseudo-capsicum,  the  Ardisias,  Rivina  humilis,  and  dwarf 
Oranges  where  they  are  grown  well  in  small  pots.  We  need 
hardly  say  that  groups  of  the  most  charming  character  may 
be  formed  of  the  hardy  plants  above  mentioned,  with  the 
symmetrical  and  elegant  little  dwarf  Pines  and  neat  ever- 
greens ;  and,  as  the  greater  number  may  be  grown  almost 
without  any  protection,  they  are  doubly  valuable. 

As  this  is  the  time  for  arranging  plans  for  winter,  the  above 
hints  may  be  useful,  the  dull  winter  months  most  requiring 
the  Gardener's  art  to  make  them  as  cheerful  and  as  enjoyable 
as  possible. A. 

THE  VICTORIA  REGIA. 
In  the  year  1812  it  was  my  good  fortunp  to  behold  this  wonderful 
production  of  nature  in  the  river  Rupununi,  one  cif  the  great  tribu. 
tarios  of  the  Essequibo.  After  a  toilsomo  struggle  of  six  weeks  in 
ascending  the  Essequibo  we  passed  the  last  cataract,  and  we  were 
truly  thankful  to  the  Almighty  that  it  had  pleased  Him  to  allow  ns 
to  reach  their  termination  without  accident ;  and  many  an  anxious 
moment  we  had  during  our  ascent  of  this  noble  river,  which,  in  the 
number  and  height  of  its  cataracts,  snrjiasses  any  river  in  British 
Guiana.  We  entered  the  Rupununi,  and  three  days  after  (as  if  we 
should  bo  rewarded  for  our  previous  sufferings  on  the  Essequibo)  the 
Rupununi,  on  its  right  bank,  expanded  into  an  extensive  bay.  It  was 
an  enchanting  scene.  So  enchanting  was  the  view  that  unfolded  to 
our  eyes  that  wo  were  at  a  loss  where  to  commence,  in  order  not  to 
overlook  any  object  in  this  lovely  picture,  the  most  prominent  of 
which  was  the  Victoria  Kegia,  which  I  had  longed  so  much  to 
behold.  The  margin  of  this  bay  was  bordered  with  this  magnificent 
plant.  The  grandeur  of  tropical  scenery  was  here  the  most  striking 
and  the  most  sublime  I  ever  had  as  yet  seen.  The  numerous  Palms, 
Uranias,  with  their  wide-sprcading  leaves,  gigantic  trees  around 
raised  their  lofty  crowns  to  an  enormous  height,  dis])laying  the 
greatest  contrast  in  form  and  appearance  of  their  foliage.  Lianas 
clung  to  their  trunks,  interlacing  their  wide-spreading  branches,  and 
having  reached  their  summit,  aerial  roots  descended  again  to  the 
ground,  and  appeared  like  the  cordage  of  a  ship.  Nature,  not 
satisfied  with  the  soil  allotted  to  her,  had  decorated  the  trunks  and 
limbs  of  trees,  even  the  surface  of  the  water,  with  a  carpet  of  plants, 
interspersed  with  these  magnificent  flowers.  Twenty-eight  years 
have  now  elapsed  since  this  lovely  picture  unfolded  itself  before  my 
eyes,  but  it  is  still  as  fresh  in  my  memory  as  if  I  had  seen  it  but 
yesterday.  Long  before  we  reached  the  bay  the  eastern  breeze 
wafted  the  delightful  odours  towards  us.  The  whole  margin  of  this 
bay  was  bordered  with  the  gigantic  leaves  of  the  Victoria,  interspersed 
with  the  magnificent  flowers,  of  all  shades  from  white  to  pink,  scent- 
ing the  air  with  their  fragrance.  On  the  leaves  many  aquatic  birds 
were  running  to  and  fro,  chasing  the  numerous  insects  which  were 
humming  around  the  brilliant  flowers.  I  may  observe  that  we 
stopped  many  hom's  to  enjoy  this  sublime  picture,  and  that  our 
pencils  were  soon  engaged  in  transferring  to  paper  this  striking 
feature  of  this  remarkable  spot.  We  rowed  from  one  plant  to 
another,  finding  everywhere  something  to  admire,  and  measuring  the 
gigantic  leaves  and  tlowers.  The  largest  of  the  former  was  7|  feet, 
the  largest  of  the  latter  14  inches  in  diameter.  I  never  was  any. 
where  more  forcibly  impressed  vpith  the  thought  that  the  productive 
powers  of  Nature,  on  receding  from  the  pole,  had  collected  themselves 
in  their  greatest  strength  near  the  equator,  spreading  their  gifts 
with  open  hand  and  manifesting  the  abundant  fertility  of  the  soil. — ■ 
Dr.  R.  Schomhurg];. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GARDEN. 

The  Cobweb  Honseleek  as  a  Window  Plant.— I  have  just  seen  a  fine 
example  of  this  plant  growing  on  the  outside  of  a  cottage  window,  near 
Bromley.  It  had  grown  so  well  that  the  rosettes  crowded  over  and  fell  to  tlie 
edge  of  the  saucer  in  which  the  pot  stood.  This  interesting  Alpine  plant  then 
may  be  gi'owu  as  easily  as  any  common  window  plant. — \V.  R. 

Oncidium  tigrinum- — This  has  been  recently  imported  by  Messrs.  Back- 
house &  Son,  ot  York,  who  showed  a  fine  specimen  of  it  in  flower  at  Bath  the 
other  day.  It  has  large  shining  pseudo-bulbs,  bearing  two  or  three  oblong  leaves, 
and  its  Uower-spikes  are  branched,  Ijearing  from  five  to  thirty  or  forty  flowers. 
The  sepals  and  petals  are  pale  greenish-yellow,  heavily  blotched  triinsverscly 
with  brown,  the  broad  lips  being  of  a  very  soft  lemon-yellow.  This  plant  is 
sure  to  become  a  favourite  with  Orchid  growers.  Its  synonymes  are  O,  Barker! 
and  O.  funereum. 

Blandfordia  Flammnla.— A  fine  plant  of  this  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  E.  T. 
V  eitch,  at  the  Bath  Show,  and  was  much  admired.  It  hears  tall  spikes  of  pale 
buff  or  orange-yellow  flowers.  The  foliage  is  terete,  glaucous,  and  gi-assy  in 
appearance,  and  well  grown  plants  of  it,  bearing  six,  or  eight  strong  spikes  each, 
are  very  ornamental.  B.  Cimninghamii  is  another  fine  species,  bearing  larger 
flowers  of  a  deeper  orange,  or  orange-scarlet,  than  those  of  Flamniula.  All  the 
spec;es  grow  well  in  fresh  turfy  Io.am,  leaf -mould,  and  sand ;  they  require  a 
good  supply  of  water,  and  a  cool  bottom. 


THE     PROPAGATOR. 

GRAFTING  FUCHSIAS. 
I  HAVE  not  hitherto  seen  the  operation  of  grafting  performed 
on  the  Fuchsia  elsewhere  than  at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Gardens 
at  Chiswick,  where  Mr.  Spinks  has  performed  some  success, 
ful  experiments  in  this  way  with  that  shrub.  He  has  worked 
red  varieties  on  white  ones,  thus  producing  the  novelty  of 
making  the  same  plant  carry  two  distinct  colours,  but  I  am  not 
sure  that  oper.ating  in  that  manner  is,  in  connection  with  the  Fuchsia, 
really  the  most  useful  purpose  to  which  grafting  can  be  put.  I 
should  rather  conclude  tliat  if  standards,  composed  of  heads  ot  some 
of  the  best  and  most  effective  of  the  golden  or  variegated-leaved 
kinds,  such  as  Pillar  of  Gold  or  Sunray,  worked  upon  stout,  quick, 
growing  stems  of  some  common  kinds,  could  be  had  in  abundance, 
they  would  join  at  the  same  time  both  excellent  decorative  and  exhi. 
bition  plants,  and  it  is  most  probable  that,  as  the  variegated  sorts  aro 
usually  of  somewhat  moderate  growth  on  their  own  roots,  they  would 
develope  stronger  and  more  rapid  growth  when  worked  on  robust 
growers.  In  no  other  way  could  they  display  their  beautifully 
tinted  foliage  more  charmingly  than  as  standards,  the  shoots 
being  allowed  to  grow  in  a  drooping  form,  and  with  that  peculiar 
gracefulness  that  should  always  characterise  a  good  Fuchsia.  Mr. 
Spinks  employs  the  wedge  form  ot  grafting  the  part  of  the  stock 
worked,  the  scion  being  as  equal  in  size  as  possible  to  the  stock.  The 
stock  should  be  cut  short  off  about  an  inch  above  a  leaf  joint,  and 
then  split  with  a  sharp  knife  down  the  middle  to  the  joint,  beyond 
which  the  split  will  not  pass  unless  additional  force  be  applied.  The 
graft  should  consist  of  nice  young  green  wood,  and  when  inserted 
should  be  carefully  bound  with  a  fine  piece  of  bast  matting,  and  also 
kept  moist  by  means  of  a  piece  of  moss  tied  over  the  junction.  The 
plants  worked  should  then  be  placed  in  a  gentle  heat,  and  should  bo 
shaded,  and  under  these  conditions  a  perfect  union  between  graft 
aud  stock  is  secured.  Where  a  dark-coloured  kind  is  worked  on  the 
top  of  a  light  one,  or  rice  vers'i,  to  form  a  pyramid,  a  moderate  grow, 
ing  kind  should  be  selected  for  the  graft,  as  the  top  of  a  plant  is  sure 
to  receive  the  largest  portion  of  sap.  There  is  also  no  reason  whj-, 
with  care  in  the  selection  of  kinds,  some  six  or  eight  sorts  might  not 
be  worked  on  to  the  side  shoots  of  one  big  plant. — A.D. 


Curious  Tact  in  Cross  rertilisation.— At  a  meeting  of  the 
Academy  ot  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia,  Mr.  Thomas  Meeban 
made  a  curious  and  important  observation.  Mr.  Arnold,  of  Paris, 
Canada,  lately  determined  to  observe  the  effect  of  cross-fertilisation 
on  Indian  Corn.  He  procured  a  very  peculiar  variety,  ot  which  Mr. 
Meehan  exhibited  an  ear,  not  known  in  the  vicinity — a  brown 
variety,  with  a  circular  dent  on  the  apex,  and  raised  one  plant  from 
it.  The  first  set  of  flowers  were  permitted  to  be  fertilised  by  their 
own  pollen,  in  order  to  test  whether  there  was  any  reversionary 
tendency  in  the  plant,  or  the  pollen  of  any  other  variety  in  the 
vicinity.  The  ear  now  produced  was  the  result,  every  grain  being 
like  its  parents.  The  Corn  plant  produces  two  ears  on  each  stalk. 
As  soon  as  the  "silk"  (the  pistils)  of  this  second  year  appeared, 
the  pollen,  in  a  "  tassel,"  of  the  common  j'ellow  Flint  Com  was 
procured,  set  in  a  bottle  of  water  tied  near  the  developing  ear,  the 
plant's  own  tassel  having  been  cut  away  some  time  previous.  After 
a  short  time  this  set  ot  male  flowers  was  removed,  and  a  panicle 
of  male  flowers  from  a  white  variety  was  introduced  to  the  same 
bottle,  in  order  to  afford  it  the  opportunity  ot  operating  on  the 
same  female  flowers.  The  result  was  the  ear  now  presented.  The 
base  ot  each  grain  was  of  the  yellow  Flint  Corn,  but  the  upper  half 
of  the  white  variety.  The  result  was,  he  thought,  no  escape  from 
the  conclusion,  not  only  that  there  was  an  immediate  influence  on 
the  seed  and  the  whole  fruit-structure  by  the  application  ot  strange 
pollen,  but  the  still  more  important  fact,  hardly  before  more  than 
suspected,  that  one  ovule  could  receive  and  be  affected  by  the  pollen 
of  two  distinct  parents,  and  this,  too,  after  some  time  had  elapsed 
between  the  first  aud  second  impregnation. — T. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  PROPAGATING. 

Grafting"  Wax.— Hcferring  to  a  recipe,  which  apiiearcd  some  time  since  in 
a  horticultural  jouruul,  for  making  grafting  wax  "similar  to  the  celebrated 
Mastic  Lhonimc-Lefort,"  and  which,  among  other  ingredients  contained  turpen- 
tine, M.  CarriL^re  warns  his  readers  against  the  use  of  this  ingredient  in  such 
compositions.  It  is,  he  says,  most  pernicious  in  its  effect  on  the  graft.  The 
proper  solvent  to  employ  is  alcohol. 

Grafting  Mice-Girdled  Trees.— At  page  337  of  Tub  Garden  we  gave  a 
description  and  ilhislration  of  an  effective  mode  of  jirescrving  mice-girdled 
trees,  which  is  much  emploj-cd  in  America.  AVe  find  in  an  American  paper  the 
following  improvement  on  that  i)lan  suggested.  The  connecting  piece,  after 
being  shaved  on  its  inner  face,  and  cut  the  exact  length,  is  nailed  in  instead  of 
being  tied.    It  is  therefore  firmer,  and  we  think  this  an  advantage. 


July  5,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


11 


ISOLA  BELLA. 
Among  tho  beautiful  lakes  in  tlio  north  of  Italy,  the  Lago 
Maggioi'C  is  perhaps  the  most  lo\cIy.  That  region  of  lakes 
and  mountains,  interspersed  with  fertile  plains  sheltered  by 
the  great  wall  of  tho  high  Alps,  was  a  favourite  resort  of  tho 
wealthy  Eomans  of  the  Imperial  period.  In  that  attractive 
region  Pliny  had  bis  charming  villa,  of  which  he  has  left  so 
many  interesting  particulars  in  his  well-known  letters  to  a 
number  of  Roman  dignitaries  of  his  day,  including  the 
Emperor  Hadrian  himself. 

There  are  two  beautiful  islands  in  the  Lago  Maggioro  which 
artists,  for  the  last  century  at  least,  have  delighted  to  study 
and  depict ;  one  is  the  Island  of  the  Fishermen,  the  other 
is  known  as  the  Isola  Bella.  No  stronger  contrast  could  exist 
than  that  between  these  twin  islands  of  the  blue  Italian  lake. 
That  of  the  Fishermen  is  crowded  to  the  very  highest  part 


luxuriantly  as  might  have  been  expected.  There  arc  portions 
of  the  gardens  in  which  a  certain  kind  of  wildness  is  affected, 
with  imitations  of  Roman  ruins,  and  other  features  of  the  kiml 
so  frecpicutly  found  in  modern  Italian  villas.  All  this  sounds 
well,  and  the  features  alluded  to  accord  with  Italian  scenery 
characteristically  enough  ;  while  the  Cypresses  form,  as  they  do 
in  all  garden  landscape  in  lUi]y,  a  feature  of  Tievcr-failing 
charm,  shooting  up  their  dark  green  pointed  shafts  into  the 
unbroken  azure  of  the  sky;  but  altogether, on  my  first  visit  to 
the  "  Isle  of  Beauty"  I  must  confess  to  having  experienced  a 
feeling  of  groat  disappointment.  I  had  seen  Stanficld's  pic- 
tures of  the  Isola  Bella,  in  which  she  had  sat  to  him  under  her 
most  fascinating  aspects  of  atmospheric  effect,  and  well-selected 
points  of  view,  and  I  must  say  that  tlic  reality  fell  far,  very  far, 
short  of  the  spell  which  the  magic  of  the  artist's  pencil  had  east 
about  it ;  here  veiling  the  outline  of  a  sharp  promontory,  and 


Garden  view  in  Isola  Bella, 


of  its  steep  rocky  sides  with  plcturcsrpie  little  dwellings, 
gleaming  white  against  the  purple  sky,  while  trailing  Vines, 
half  wild,  knit  the  picture  together,  which  is  crowned,  exactly 
in  the  right  place  to  balance  it,  by  the  ancient  church  tower. 
The  Isola  Bella,  on  the  contrary,  is  all  culture,  being  crowded 
with  vase-bearing  pedestals,  long  lines  of  ornamental  balus- 
trading,  and  architectm-al  flights  of  steps  from  one  level  to 
another  of  the  exceedingly  uneven  surface  of  the  island ;  the 
small  surface  of  even  ground  being  occupied  by  the  pretty 
palace-villa  which  is  the  summer  retreat  of  Count  Borromeo, 
of  the  ancient  Milanese  family  of  the  famous  canonised 
Bishop,  St.  Carlo  Borromeo,  whose  tomb  is  one  of  the 
chief  sights  of  Milan  Cathedral,  and  is  so  eagerly 
visited  by  tourists  of  all  nations.  The  remainder  of  the 
more  level  portions  of  the  island  are  occupied  principally  by 
small  geometric  gardens,  interspersed  with  Orange  trees  and 
several  kinds   of  Palms,   which,   however,  do  not  flourish  so 


there  bringing  into  high  relief  some  favourite  piece  of  combined 
art  and  nature,  with  the  consummate  taste  that  we  know  so  well. 
These  works  of  our  great  painter  had  filled  my  mind  with  im- 
patient longing  to  tread  the  shores  of  the  Isola  Bella,  and  when 
at  last  I  accomplished  the  wish,  it  was  with  depressing  regret 
that  I  found  the  reality  so  far  below  the  celebrity  that  has  so 
long  clung  to  the  place,  and  the  pictures  that  have  been  painted 
of  it.  It  wanted  the  sweeps  of  soft  green  turf  which  are  such 
a  delightful,  and  to  an  English  eye,  essential  feature  in 
the  home  landscapes  of  a  pleasure  garden.  It  wanted 
the  high  keeping  which  is  almost  invariably  found  in  places  of 
that  degree  of  pretension  ;  and  lastly,  the  ambitious  attempt 
to  introduce  tropical  plants  and  trees,  even  in  Italy,  and  with 
the  Alps  close  at  hand  to  screen  the  island  from  the  cold  blasts 
of  the  north,  is  certainly  a  failure,  as  few  of  them  appeared  to 
me  to  be  enjoying  themselves,  and  many  looked  decidedly 
wretched  in  their  unavailing  attempts  to  accommodate  them- 


12 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  5,  1873. 


selves  to  an  unpropitious  climate.  In  short,  given  the  climate 
o£  the  La^o  Maggiore,  such  as  it  is,  the  beauty  of  the 
surrounding  scenery,  -with  the  jirctty  town  of  Baveno  seen  in 
the  distance,  with  all  the  other  favourable  adjuncts,  I  believe  I 
coukl  name,  in  a  lircath,  half  a  dozen  English  landscape 
gardeners,  who  would  find  it  no  difficult  task  to  transform  the 
so-called  Isola  Bella  really  into  a  thing  of  beauty,  as  superior 
as  possible,  in  every  respect,  to  its  present  somewhat  un- 
satisfactory aspect,  which  has  far  too  much  of  what  we  call 
the  "  Oockney  school "  about  it,  in  the  vast  profusion  of  its 
trivialities.  As  one  of  the  "  cclebi'ated  "  gardens  of  Europe, 
we  have  given  a  representation  of  it  in  TuE  Gakden,  but  not 
so  much  as  a  model  of  a  good  style  in  horticultural  art  as,  in 
the  main,  a  sort  of  thing  to  be  carefully  avoided. 

H.  N.  H. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 


THE  MISTLETOE  AS  A  TREE  PEST. 

Ml!.  Lkes  says,  in  tho  Botanical  Lool;er.oiif,  that  the  most  remark- 
able circumstance  iu  tho  history  of  tho  Mistletoe  is  its  mode  of 
growth.  It  is  invariably  found  flourishing  upon,  aud  imbibing  its 
support  from,  the  juices  of  some  tree  ;  it  has  never  been  met  with 
attached  to  earth,  nor  can  any  treatment  induce  it  to  grow  there. 
It  is  thorefere  termed  by  analogy  a  parasite.  In  this  view,  then,  the 
Mistletoe  is  to  be  distinguished  from  the  Ivy.  The  latter,  it  is  true, 
will  embrace  forest  trees  in  too  tight  a  grasp  to  be  healthful ;  but 
the  creeper  is  not  nourished  by  the  tree  on  which  it  climbs,  for, 
although  in  the  case  of  the  Ivy  there  is  reason  to  suppose  that  it 
may  derive  some  nutrition  through  its  aerial  roots  from  the  decaying 
bark  of  the  supporting  tree,  yet  it  is  in  reality  a  plant  with  its  own 
independent  terrestrial  roots,  and  will  climb  up  banks  and  walls  as 
readily  as  upon  the  trunks  of  trees.  It,  therefore,  can  only  do  harm 
by  compression,  being  mechanically  supported  by  the  tree  as  a  kind 
of  prop,  but  not  in  return  venturing  to 

Suck  the  verdure  out  on't.  ' 
For  our  present  purpose,  then,  we  shall  view  the  Mistletoe  as  one  of 
the  true  parasites — namely,  as  feedinrj  on  tUe  juices  of  living  plaAiis, 
hotli  tlicy  and  their  for^ter-i'iarenf-A  heingfowcringjilants.  Such  arc  the 
dodders  and  broom-rapes,  but  the  Mistletoe  diiiers  from  these  in  that 
it  has  its  own  true  leaves.  The  Mistletoe  (Viscum  album)  belongs  to 
the  Linnajan  class  Diceoia,  order  Tetrandria,  and  the  natural  order 
Lorantheaa,  so  that  iu  fact  it  is  a  high-born  flowering  plant,  aud,  it 
is  needless  to  say,  is  reproduced  from  seed,  the  quantity  of  fruits  on 
a  female  plant  iu  its  silvery  berries  fully  testifying  to  its  fecundity 
iu  this  respect.  Much  discussion  has  taken  place  as  to  how  the  seeds 
of  Mistletoe  get  attached  to  the  foster  parent.  Dr.  Bull,  in  his 
elaborate  paper  on  this  plant,  says  :  "  It  has  been  supposed  that  the 
glutinous  berries  stick  to  the  beaks  of  the  birds  that  eat  them,  and 
as  they  clean  their  beaks  on  the  neighbouring  trees  the 
seeds  are  sown  :  a  view,"  he  adds,  "  it  is  sufficient  to  say,  which 
supposes  that  the  birds  don't  know  how  to  eat  the  berries  they  like 
so  much."  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  mistle-thrnsh  and  other 
birds  are  fond  of  the  berries ;  but  that  they  do  not  for  the  most  part 
digest  the  cotyledons  is  certain,  as  these  pass  off  in  the  ingesta,  and 
if  procured  afford  a  ready  method  of  propagating  the  plant,  by 
fastening  them  to  tho  bark  of  a  tree  on  which  you  wish  Mistletoe 
to  grow — a  fact  quite  in  accordance  with  tho  old  doggrel,  which 
also  refers  to  the  former  use  of  tho  berries  in  making  bird-lime  : 

The  thrash  when  he  pollutes  the  bough, 
(Sows  for  himself  the  seeds  of  woe. 

But,  however  the  parasite  may  be  propagated,  it  seems  to  favour 
certain  trees  to  a  great  extent,  while  there  are  some  trees  upon 
which  it  does  not  seem  capable  of  making  a  home  at  all.  Again,  it 
is  influenced  much  by  climate.  It  is  rarely  met  with  north  of 
Worcestershire ;  it  is  most  abundant  in  the  western  counties,  as 
Hereford,  Worcester,  and  Gloucester,  though  in  the  latter  very  rare 
upon  the  Cotswold  Hills ;  it  often  occurs  in  the  southern  counties, 
but  by  no  means  so  frequently  as  iu  the  west.  Hence  for  the 
northern  and  eastern  counties  Mistletoe  is  an  article  of  commerce  at 
Christmas  time.  Dr.  Bull  estimates  the  quantity  invoiced  from 
Herefordshire  in  December  of  1863  at  8'J  tons  !  and  he  adds,  "But 
guards  and  engine  drivers  had  tho  privilege  of  exporting  Mistletoe 
on  their  own  account,  and  did  so  by  almost  every  train  that  left  the 
county  during  the  early  part  of  December."  The  north  is  mostly 
supplied  from  Hereford  and  Worcester,  while  Gloucester  seems  to  be 
the  grand  emporium  whence  this  plant  is  forwarded  to  tho  London 
mai'kets;  and,  judgiiig  from  what  we  have  witnessed  in  the  mai'kets 


of  Worcester  and  Gloucester,  the  deportation  of  Mistletoe  from  these 
cities  would  even  exceed  that  from  Herefordshire. 

As  regards  tho  frequency  of  tho  Mistletoe  on  various  trees,  we 
would  refer  to  the  following  table  by  Professor  Bnckman  : 

Comparative 
Trees.  Counties.  frecinency. 

Apple      .    .     .  Worcester,  Hereford,  Gloucester 50 

I'ear   ....  Hereford  (E.  Lees)        1 

Whitethorn      .  Worcester  and  Gloucester !■') 

Black  Poplar    .  Worcester  and  Gloucester 2U 

Aspen     .     .    .  Longdou  Marsh,  Worcester  (E.  Lees)      ...  1 

Robinia        .     .  Gloucester        2 

Willow    ,     .     .  Gloucester       .5 

Maple      .     .    .  Gloucester  and  Worcester 10 

Sycamore    .     .  Cheltenham 1 

Ash     ....  Worcester  and  Gloucester 2 

Hazel       .     .     .  Worcester  aud  Gloucester  (E.  Lees)        ...  1 

Medlar    .    .    .  Near  Tewkesbury  (E.  Lees)       1 

Oak    ....  Frampton  on   Severn,  Gloucester ;   Malvcru, 

Worcester 2 

Birch       .     .     .  Forest  of  Dean 1 

Lime       .     .     .  Gloucester  and  Worcester 3 

MounfciinAsh.  Near  Ledbury  (E.  Lees) 1 

Whitebcam      .  Chepstow  (E.  Lees) 1 

Elm    ....  Near  Tewkesbury  (E.  Lees)        1 

Hickory  .     .     .  Gloucester  (—  Miles,  Esq.,  M.P.)        ....  1 

It  has  besides  been  noted  on  several  other  trees ;  bnt  the  mention 
of  the  above  will  suffice  for  our  present  purpose.  Seeing,  then,  that 
the  Mistletoe  is  parasitic  upon  so  many  trees,  it  will  be  well  to 
inquire  the  effect  it  may  have  upon  its  foster  parents.  Dr.  Harley, 
speaking  of  its  effects  upon  trees  in  general,  gives  onr  parasite  the 
following  character  : — 

The  infested  branch  assumes  various  contortions,  being  twisted  some- 
times in  one  direction  and  sometimes  iu  another.  It  is  frequently  found 
bent  at  rij^ht  angles  to  itself ;  but  it  wrestles  in  vain  with  a  veritable 
Hydra,  which,  having  killed  its  centre,  spoiled  and  occupied  its  bark,  and 
invaded  anew  the  little  living  wood  that  remains,  now  gradually  completes 
the  work  of  destruction.  AVhile  the  Mistletoe  is  thusaffecting  the  branch 
in  its  immediate  neighbourhood,  it  is  xiroduciug,  by  intercepting  of  its 
juices,"  atrophy  of  that  portion  beyond  it.  With  the  increase  of  the 
parasite,  this  interception  becomes  complete,  and  the  atrophied  portion  of 
the  branch  dies. 

On  this  same  subject  Dr.  Bull  comes  to  a  like  conclusion.  He 
says : — 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact  that  when  the  Mistletoe  has  once  established 
itself  on  .any  kind  of  tree  (the  rule  holds  equally  good  for  those  it  but 
seldom  inhabits),  it  frequently  grows  on  several  branches  at  the  same 
time,  as  if  the  tree  no  longer  possessed  its  original  power  of  resisting  the 
intruders.  The  tree  shows  it  too,  and  soon  puts  on  a  desolate  woe- 
Iiegone  look,  with  fading  leaves  and  dying  branches.  It  is  thought  that 
the  Limes  in  Datchet  Mead — a  place  often  mentioned  in  the  "  Merry 
Wives  of  Windsor " — gave  Shakespeare  the  illustration  embodied  in 
these  lines : — 

Have  I  not  reason  to  look  pale  ? 

These  two  have  'ticed  me  to  this  place, 

A  barren,  detested  vale  you  see  it  is ; 

Tlie  trees,  though  summer,  yet  forlorn  and  lean, 

O'ercome  with  Moss  and  baneful  Mistletoe. 

But  with  all  this  there  has  ever  been  a  difference  of  opinion 
respecting  the  effects  of  this  parasite  upon  fruit  trees.  Some 
farmers  tell  ns  Mistletoe  does  no  harm,  as  they  frequently  find  that 
trees  on  which  it  is  found  uniformly  produce  something  like  a  crop, 
and  that  the  Apple  wine — cider — made  from  them  is  of  the  best.  Iu 
such  cases,  then,  we  may  probably  conclude  that  the  parasite  has 
acted  much  in  the  same  way  as  the  prmiing  knife ;  but,  unfor- 
tunately, it  lacks  the  intelligence  which  should  guide  the  orchard 
cultivator. 

Professor  Bnckman,  iu  an  article  in  Morton's  Cyclopa3dia,  takes 
the  same  view  ;  he  says  : — 

The  Mistletoe,  from  its  effects,  must  he  ranked  amongst  weeds.  Much 
difference  of  opinion  exists  as  to  the  character  of  this  plant,  which  seems 
to  arise  from  the  fact  that  in  orchards  where  the  trees  are  laden  with 
the  parasite  one  often  finds  tho  best  crop  of  fruit ;  so  that  a  superficial 
view  of  the  case  would  almost  lead  to  the  conclusion  that  an  old  Druidical 
blessing  resided  in  the  Mistletoe.  But  if  we  examine  the  branch 
immediately  above  where  the  parasite  has  been  flourishing,  we  shall 
iisually  find  it  but  a  withered  limb  ;  and  there  can  be  but  Uttle  doubt 
that  the  reason  trees  affected  with  the  plant  often  fruit  so  early  and  so 
well,  is  on  account  of  their  being  brought  to  premature  old  age  ;  and 
most  careful  examination  of  orchard  and  other  trees  on  which  Mistletoe 
has  flourished  leads  to  the  conclusion  that,  if  we  would  have  our 
trees  healthy  and  well  developed,  the  parasite  should  not  be  suf- 
fered to  grow  on  them.  A  tenant  farmer  may  be  careless  about 
Mistletoe  taking  a  position  in  a  young  orchard,  as  it  may  hasten 
the  fruiting  season;  but  the  owner  of  property  should  see  to  its 
removal,  as  it  will  materially  injure  the  vigour  of  the  constitu- 
tion, aud  consequently  hasten  the   extinction  of  the  life,  of  his  trees. 


July  5,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


13 


GALVANIZED  FRUIT  TREE  COVERS. 
Under  the  above  name,  Messrs.  Barnard,  Bishop,  &  Barnards, 
of  Norvrich,  have  introduced  contrivances,  of  which  the 
annexed  arc  illustrations,  for  protecting  fruit-trees  vrhen  in 
llower,  from  spring  frosts,  by  throwing  a  tiffany  cover  over 
tliem  ;  or  they  may  be  used  to  protect  small  trees  from  birds 
during  the  fruiting  season.     They  arc  made  of  various  sizes, 


Galvanised  umbrella-shaped  tres  cover. 

and  arc  light  and  elegant  in  appearance.  Covered  Tvith  tiffany 
or  with  oiled  paper,  these  covers  may  also  be  used  to  protect 
Rose  blooms  for  exhibition,  and  other  florist's  flowers,  as  they 
can  be  used  with  stakes  of  any  length ;  or  even  without  stakes 
in  the  case  of  dwarf  plants  requiring  temporary  protection. 
"When  not  iu  use  as  fruit-tree  protectors,  they  might  be 
utilised    as     trellises     on    which     to     train    half-hardy     or 


Galvanised  pyramidal  tree  cover. 

hardy  climbiug  annuals,  such  as  Tropajolums,  Convolvulus, 
Canary  flower,  or  for  climbing  greenhouse  or  hardy  shrubs. 
A  glance  at  the  accompanying  illustrations  will  show  how 
these  contrivances  are  applied;  they  are  moderate  in  price, 
and  admirably  adapted  to  fulfil  the  purpose  for  which  they  are 
intended.  B. 


FIG  CULTURE. 
Figs  may  be  propagated  by  means  of  layers  or  cuttings,  a  foot 
or  so  in  length,  made  of  the  most  fruitful  and  well-ripened 
shoots, struck  in  bottom  heat,  from  which  fruit  may  be  oljtained 
the  second  or  third  year.  The  most  suitable  soil  for  Figs  is 
fresh  loam  of  medium  texture ;  and  when  they  arc  planted 
against  a  good  wall,  the  border  should  be  2  feet  deep  and  15 
feet  wide,  resting  on  a  pcrfectlj'  dry  bottom ;  for,  although  the 
Fig  is  fond  of  moisture,  it  does  not  thrive  in  a  wet  soil  any 
more  than  m  a  very  dry  one.  The  warmest  position  on  the 
wall  should  be  given  it,  and,  when  the  border  requires 
enriching,  it  should  be  done  by  means  of  manure  water.  In 
pruning,  the  knife  is  only  required  (if  proper  attention  has 
been  paid  to  the  stopping  and  thinning  of  the  shoots  with 
the  finger  and  thumb,  in  May  and  June)  for  cutting  out  worn- 
out  branches.  Towards  the  ripening  season,  a  leaf  or  two 
near  the  fruit  may  be  taken  off,  and,  ]5revious  to  covering  up 
in  winter,  the  trees  should  be  divested  of  all  green  fruit,  as  it 
is  only  those  which  are  just  observable  then  that  ripen  at  all. 
The  covering  which  I  use  is  mats  or  canvas,  and,  from  the 
ease  with  which  thej-  are  made  to  suit  the  weather,  I  prefer 
them  to  any  other  material.  I  have  found  the  trees  to  do  well 
trained  fan-fashion,  and  when  the  fruit  is  ripe  it  should  be 
gathered  in  the  morning  and  used  the  same  day.  When 
forced  Pigs  may  be  made  to  ripen  two  crops  in  a  season,  I 
would  commence  with  a  temperature  of  4-5°,  allowing  it  to 
range  progressively  from  that  up  to  80^.  A  moist  atmosphere 
during  the  forcing  season  is  indispensable ;  and  I  would 
occasionally  sprinkle  the  leaves  until  the  ripening  season, 
when  water  must  be  withheld.  I  have  taken  two  crops  in  the 
year  from  trees  planted  out  in  pits  6  feet  wide  and  2  feet  deep, 
in  the  kind  of  soil  already  recommended,  keeping  the  roots  in 
all  cases  from  jienetrating  too  deeply.  When  the  borders  are 
stirred,  it  should  be  done  with  forks  rather  than  the  spade. 
The  varieties  which  I  grow  are  the  White  Marseilles,  a  hardy 
and  good  bearer,  suitable  for  foi'cing  ;  Black  Ischia,  a  finely- 
flavoured  kind  and  a  good  bearer,  suitable  for  forcing  ;  Brown 
Ischia,  also  first-rate  ;  Brown  Naples,  a  valuable  kind,  owing 
to  the  length  of  time  it  yields  its  fruit ;  Large  Blue  and  Long 
Purple,  both  excellent ;  and  Lee"s  Perpetual,  a  fine  sort,  well 
adapted  for  forcing.  The  Brunswick  is  also  worthy  of  culti- 
vation, being  large  and  of  excellent  flavour.  M. 


Green  Gooseberries. — "  The  good  die  young  " — "  especially  in 
the  season  of  green  fruit,"  adds  a  Transatlantic  observer.  This  is, 
indeed,  true  of  the  small  human  subject  who  invests  his  scanty 
pocket-money  in  the  green  Gooseberries  which  now  load  tho  too 
handy  barrow  of  the  costermonger.  The  reverse  is  tho  case 
with  the  Gooseberry  itself,  which  can  hardly  be  too  ripe  to 
be  good.  This  fruit  is  upon  the  whole  rather  hardly  used,  tho 
necessity  for  pies  and  tarts  at  this  time  of  tho  year  having  induced 
the  practice  of  growing  the  Gooseberry  chiefly  to  be  gathered  in  an 
uni'ipe  state.  It  may,  however,  be  considered  a  peculiary  English 
fruit,  since  though  positively  not  a  native  of  Britain,  our  climate  and 
soil  suit  it  to  perfection  and  its  cultivation  has  been  more  attended  to 
in  Lancashire  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  world.  The  largest 
Gooseberries  produced  iu  that  county  in  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth 
century  scarcely  weighed  iuore  than  10  pennyweights,  whereas  the 
prize  Gooseberries  reared  there  now  sometimes  exceed  SOpenny  weights. 
A  good  deal  remains  to  bo  done  for  the  cultivation  of  the  Gooseberry, 
some  foreign  varieties  of  which,  American  and  Siberian,  would  be 
well  worth  importing;  but  there  is  little  hope  for  it  as  long  as  we  only 
care  to  make  a  fool  of  it. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Roof-trained  Peaches.— I  vrish  you  could  now  see  our  ordinary  leau-to 
Peach  house,  the  roof  of  which  is  nearly  covered  with  Royal  George,  which  ia 
literally  studded  with  fine  fruit,  just  getting  ripe,  each  averaging-  7  or  8  ounces 
in  weight,  and  beautifully  coloured.  This  plan  (the  old  cue)  of  growing 
Peaches  and  Nectarines  I  tliink  you  will  admit  to  be  still  the  best. — P.  G.,  Culford, 

Vines  in  Rock-Borders.— (See  p.  432.)  Where  docs  your  correspondent,  Mr. 
Joynes,  who  writes  on  this  subject  reside,  and  what  is  the  character  of  the  rock 
to  which  he  refers  ? — M.  [Mr.  Jojiies  writes,  "j'our  correspoudeut  will  probably 
obtain  sufficient  information  concerning  the  rock  in  question,  if  you  tell  him 
that  I  live  at  Bourton,  six  miles  on  the  London  side  of  Swindon,  on  a  little  heap 
of  rock,  washed  up  near  to  the  foot  of  the  White  Horse.  It  consists  very  much  of 
petrified  oysters,  cockles,  mussels  and  various  other  kinds  of  shcU-flsh.  I  am 
now  cutting  Grapes,  from  Vines  grown  in  this  rock-border,  as  wanted.  We  do 
not  boast  of  large  bunches,  but  we  are  well  satisfied  with  what  we  have,  and 
which  are  so  clieaiily  obtained.  My  ideas  about  Grape  growing  are  very  different 
now  from  what  they  were  when  I  came  here  some  years  ago.] 


14 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  o,  1873. 


THE    GARDENS   OF   ENGLAND. 


SYON  HOUSE. 
Among  giuxlcncrs,  ■vvho  has  not  heard  of  Sj'on  House,  the 
j>riuccly  i-osidencc  of  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  situated 
on  the  banks  of  the  Thames,  and  remarkable  for  its  many 
noble  trees  ?  Even  as  far  back  as  the  beginning  of  the 
sixteenth  century  Syon  was  a  celebrated  plant  place,  a 
character  which  it  has  well  sustained;  for  here  it  was 
that  the  first  Cocoa-nut  fruited  in  England  in  186^,  and 
here,  too,  the  Royal  Water  Lily  (Victoria  regia)  amazed 
the  world  with  the  beauty  of  its  flowers,  and  the  size  and 
luxuriance  of  its  leaves.  The  Mangosteen  and  other  tropical 
fruits  of  many  kinds  used  to  be  grown  at  Sj-on ;  but  their 
cultivation  has,  to  a  great  extent,  been  discontinued. 

THE    CONSERVATORIES. 

These  form  a  noble  range  of  glass,  set  off  by  a  lofty  dome 
in  the  centre,  and,  as  will  be  seen  by  our  illustration,  have  an 
elegant  outward  appearance  ;  nevertheless,  within,  with  the 
exception  of  the  central  and  two  end  divisions,  they  are  incon- 
venient, the  staging  being  so  narrow  and  high  that  only  small 
plants  can  be  accomodated  on  it.  The  cupola,  or  dome,  is  60 
feet  in  height,  and  the  length  of  the  whole  rauge  380  feet. 
The  solid  parts  consist  of  Bath-stone,  the  roof,  columns, 
and  arches  being  iron,  and  the  whole  of  the  front  is  glazed 
with  plate  glass,  as  well  as  some  jiarts  of  the  roof  where 
strength  is  required.  At  one  time  this  conservatory  range 
was  heated  by  means  of  steam,  when  two  miles  of  piping  were 
nsod ;  but  steam  has  long  since  been  superseded  by  hot-water. 
The  extreme  end  divisions  are  devoted  to  large  Acacias, 
Azaleas,  Camellias,  Oranges,  and  similar  plants.  There  is  also 
amongst  them  a  very  large  plant  of  the  Loquat,  a  fine  speci- 
men of  Clethra  arborea,  with  a  stem  21  inches  round,  Jambosa 
australis,  a  specimen  of  Pimelea  elegans,  8  feet  through,  a  fine 
example  of  Cunonia  capeusis,  and  others.  The  central  com- 
partment under  the  dome  is  devoted  to  the  growth  of  tropical 
plants,  conspicuous  among.st  which  is  an  extremely  handsome 
specimen  of  the  Date  Palm,  so  tall  that  it  nearly  touches  the  glass. 
Of  Bambusa arundinacea,  or  common  Bamboo,  there  is  alsoa fine 
clump,  perhaps  the  finest  of  the  kind  in  Britain,  so  lofty  that 
the  house  can  scarcely  accommodate  it,  and  its  stems  are  much 
stouter  than  those  of  the  plant  of  the  same  kind  in  the  Palm 
stove  at  Kew.  Of  the  Allspice  tree  there  is  a  specimen 
18  feet  high,  and  of  Fan  Palms  and  Screw  Pines  there 
are  also  some  very  large  and  fine  examples.  Of  Ster- 
culia  nobilis  there  is  a  tree  with  a  trunk  30  inches  round, 
which  jxarly  produces  a  profusion  of  large  and  showy 
clusters  of  white  flowers.  The  Bombax  Ceiba,  or  silk  Cotton, 
tree  of  South  America  has  here  attained  a  height  of  20  feet, 
and  the  Cercus  hexagonus,  growing  against  a  pillar,  is  about 
30  feet  in  height.  The  Astrapasa  Wallichii,  or  Lightning  tree, 
of  the  Mauritius,  with  large  showy  Coooloba-like  leaves,  has 
here  attained  considerable  proportions,  as  has  also  the  equally 
large  and  curiously-leaved  Picus  Porteana.  The  Sugar  Cane 
also  flourishes  here,  as  does  also  the  Papyrus  Antiquorum,  or 
Paper  Reed,  of  the  ancient  Egyptians.  Of  the  Sidcroxylon 
inerme,  or  the  Iron  Wood,  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  there  is 
here  a  fine  tree,  some  25  feet  in  height ;  and  of  the  Citharoxylon 
quadraugulare,  or  Fiddle  Wood,  there  is  also  a  large  stump, 
0  inches  in  diameter,  showmg  the  remains  of  what  has 
been  a  fine  tree  ;  it  is  not  dead,  however,  for  two  fine 
shoots  have  issued  from  it,  and  are  growing  robustly. 
Of  the  Crinum  Americanum  there  is  also  an  immense 
plant  that  blooms  very  freely,  and  of  the  Morinda  odo- 
rata,  or  Indian  Mulljcrry,  there  is  likewise  a  fine  plant,  forming 
a  very  ornamental  evergreen  climber.  Of  the  Clerodendron 
odoratum,  Strelitzia  regiua,  Medinilla  magnifica,  and  other 
plants,  too,  there  are  many  fine  old  specimens.  The  two 
<livisions  on  either  side  of  this  central  one  are  occupied  by 
flowering  and  fino-foliaged  stove  plants,  and  the  divisions 
between  them  and  the  extreme  end  by  small  cool  conservatory 
subjects.  There  arc  several  detached  frames,  cool  and  tropical 
pits,  and  forcing  houses,  situated  in  an  out-of-the-way  corner 
for  the  gi-owth  of  plants  for  the  decoration  of  the  conserva- 
tories and  mansion,  and  for  affording  cut  flowers.  In  some 
of  the  forcing  houses  in  the  kitchen  garden,  large  supplies  of 


flowering  and  decorative  plants  are    likewise  grown  on  for 
succession. 

THE    FLOWEIl    GARDENS. 

These  arc  somewhat  limited  in  extent,  the  principal  one 
being  that  in  front  of  the  conservatories  which  surround  it  on 
one  side,  while  banks  of  rockwork  bound  it  on  the  other.  Its 
general  outline  is  somewhat  circular,  and  at  the  intersection 
of  two  main  walks  near  its  centre  it  is  ornamented  with  a 
fountain  and  basin.  The  flower-beds  are  chiefly  of  a  longitu- 
dinal form,  with  a  few  circular  ones  here  and  there;  and 
are  for  the  most  part  confined  to  the  margins  of  the 
walks.  In  addition  to  the  occupants  of  these  beds,  which  arc 
filled  with  bedding,  subtropical,  and  carpeting  plants,  the 
beauty  of  this  garden  is  greatly  euhanced  by  plants  of 
specimen  Yuccas,  Pampas  Grass,  Aruudo  Donax,  Roses,  Ac, 
dotted  here  and  there  on  the  grass.  A  low  terrace  wall  in 
front  of  the  conservatory  is  also  very  prettily  decorated  with 
dwarf  climbers,  such  as  Jessamines,  Roses,  Deutzias,  and 
similar  ornamental  shrubs.  The  rockeries  just  alluded  to  con- 
sist of  banks  faced  with  blocks  of  stone  here  and  there, 
relieved  by  pieces  of  sculpture,  and.  portions  of  ancient  ruins. 
First  come  the  commoner  Alpines  and  herbaceous  plants, 
intermixed  with  hardy  Ferns.  Above  these,  hanging  in  rich 
festoons,  Loniceras,  Clematises,  Aristolochia  Sipho,  and  similar 
plants  half  hide  some  projecting  boulder,  or  where  occupying 
less  striking  positions,  owing  to  their  great  luxuriance,  they 
form,  as  it  were,  a  green  network  between  the  stems  of  erect- 
growing  shrubs,  protecting  their  roots  alike  from  the  sum- 
mer's sun  and  from  the  winter's  frost.  Here  and  there,  at 
intervals,  spiral-headed  trees,  such  as  Cypresses,  have  been 
planted  to  break  the  monotony,  and  there  also,  weeping  and 
erect  varieties  of  Box,  Laljurnums,  Cherries,  &o.,  have  been 
introduced  with  good  effect.  Supporting  these,  again,  arc 
masses  of  Rhododendrons,  which,  together  with  shrubs  and 
some  lofty  trees,  form  excellent  protection  for  the  flower 
garden  and  conservatories  against  strong  winds.  The  court  or 
(juadrangle  inclosed  by  the  mansion,  consisting  of  an  area  of 
some  80  feet  square,  is  now  converted  into  a  flower  garden 
laid  out  on  grass.  The  turf  here  is  soft  and  green,  and  the 
beds  are  planted  with  the  greatest  care  ;  the  centre  one  being 
filled  with  Rhododendrons  and  the  others  with  bedding  plants. 

THE    PLEASURE    GROUNDS. 

These  are  separated  from  the  Thames  by  the  "  river  meadow," 
from  Isleworth  by  the  park,  and  from  Brentford  by  a  wall  and 
the  kitchen  garden.  They  were  laid  out  by  "  Capability  Brown,"' 
and  certainly  constitute  the  chief  feature  belonghig  to  Syon, 
containing  as  they  do  one  of  the  best  collections  of  rare  speci- 
men trees  in  Britain,  one  of  which — the  deciduous  Cypress- 
was  figured  in  The  Garden,  Vol.  III.,  p.  330.  These  pleasure 
grounds,  together  with  the  house,  conservatories,  and  flower- 
gardens,  occupy  a  space  of  (y'i  acres.  Throughout  their  ex- 
tent they  are  traversed  by  winding  walks,  that  during  the  past 
winter  have  undergone  considerable  improvement  ;  their  whole 
surface  is  covered  by  a  thick  and  velvety  sward,  and  judiciously 
placed  in  one  part  is  an  extensive  lake. 

THE    TREES. 

The  size  of  some  of  the  trees  here  is  almost  incredible. 
Of  deciduous  Cypresses  there  are  several  grand  exam- 
ples, even  the  specimen  just  adverted  to,  although  81  feet 
in  height,  is  by  no  means  the  largest  ;  it  is,  however,  the 
handsomest  among  them,  and  the  one  that  has  the  best-developed 
"  knees."  The  largest,  a  huge,  rugged  specimen,  is  105  feet  in 
height,  and  12  feet  in  circumference,  at  2  feet  from  the  ground, 
a  height  at  which  all  the  following  measurements  of  circum- 
ference are  taken.  Another  tree  of  the  same  kind,  scarcely 
so  tall,  measures  I25  feet  in  circumference.  It  is  not  the 
largest  deciduous  Cypresses  that  have  the  most  or  biggest 
"  knees,"  for  in  some  huge  specimens  the  knaurs  are  not 
discernable  above  the  ground,  whilst  in  considerably  smaller 
trees  they  are  abundant,  rising  from  1  inch  to  2  feet  above 
the  surface  of  the  soil.  Of  the  Corylus  Colurna  or  Constan- 
tinople Nut,  there  are  some  fine  specimens  at  Sj'on,  especially 
one  measuring  50  feet  in  height,  the  same  in  spread  of 
branches,  and  7  feet  in  girth  of  stem;  it  is  a  noble  plant, 
well  branched,  and  forms  a  fine  object  on  the  lawn.  Of 
Liquidambar  st3Taci3na  there  are  several  handsome  trees,  one 
of  the  finest  of  which  is  70  feet  in  height,  and  5  feet  in  girth 


July  5,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


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THE   GARDEN. 


[Jdi,y  5, 1873. 


of  stem,  whilst  the  ti-uuk  is  clean  and  uubranched  for  many 
feet  in  height.  Here  the  Salix  annularis,  or  ringlet-leaved 
Willow,  is  seen  to  advantage,  for  overhanging  the  lake  are 
great  bushy  trees  of  it  furnished  with  a  thick  canopy  of 
curiously  curled  leaves.  One  of  these  trees  has  a  trunk  bh 
feet  in  circumference.  There  is  also  here  a  very  fine  specimen 
of  the  Catalpa  syringajfolia,  the  spread  of  whose  branches 
is  some  40  feet,  and  the  circumference  of  its  trunk  6  feet.  It 
forms  a  striking  object,  Iteing  alike  remarkable  for  its  hand- 
some leaves  and  for  its  showy  flowers.  Here,  too,  are  many 
fine  examples  of  the  Tulip  tree,  some  of  which  have  trunks 
measuring  upwards  of  8  feet  in  girth ;  one  in  particular  has 
attained  to  the  dimensions  of  9j  feet.  Even  amid  such 
arboreal  wealth  Ilex  aquifolium  flavum  is  one  of  the  most 
striking  of  evergreen  trees  ;  it  is  about  40  feet  in  height  and 
30  feet  in  circumference  of  branches,  forming  a  great  cone, 
or  rather  dense  attenuated  pyramid.  Indeed,  the  most 
ardent  lover  of  formal  Azalea  growth  has  never  yet 
been  able  to  form  such  a  complete  and  closely-set  speci- 
men as  this  Holly  is,  so  compact  is  its  gi-owth.  Poplars 
also  form  conspicuous  objects  in  these  grounds,  one  of 
the  Lombardy  kinds  having  reached  the  great  height  of 
1'29  feet,  while  its  trunk  is  24  feet  in  circumference.  P. 
monolifera,  another  beautiful  specimen  of  Poplar,  has  a  trunk 
some  15  feet  in  circumference,  diverging  into  several  massive 
boughs  that  have  evidently  suffered  considerably  from 
repeated  wind  storms.  This  tree,  riven  and  rent  as  it  is, 
makes  a  fine  lawn  ornament,  its  leaves  being  large  and  pretty, 
and  its  bark  rough  and  singular  in  aspect.  Of  the  Ulmus 
glntiuosa  laciuiata,  a  tree  grows  near  the  water's  edge  that 
measures  71  feet  in  height,  the  spread  of  the  branches  being 
90  feet,  and  the  girth  of  stem  11  feet.  An  Americam  Elm 
(Ulmus  Americana),  here  has  a  stem  some  12  feet  in  circum- 
ference, and  forms  a  striking  object  in  the  landscape,  as  well  as 
a  fine  and  promising  timljer-tree,  forming,  as  it  does,  a  straight 
and  clean  bole.  Common  Elms  likewise  have  attained  even 
more  massive  proportions  than  these.  Of  the  Planera 
Richardi,  or  the  Californian  Zelkona  tree,  there  are  here 
several  specimens  that  have  attained  great  size.  One  measures 
7-j  feet  in  height,  and  11  feet  in  circumference  of  stem ;  and 
another,  having  the  same  girth  of  trunk,  is  88  feet  in  height, 
and  40  feet  in  spread  of  branches.  These  trees  resemble 
Elms,  to  which  they  are  nearly  related.  There  is  also  here  a 
specimen  of  the  Virgilia  lutea  in  vigorous  health,  with  a 
trunk  some  65  feet  rouud,  and  likewise  a  clump  of  Pavia 
macrostachya,  18  feet  through,  which  annually  produces  its 
sweetly  scented  flowers  in  the  greatest  profusion.  In  addition 
to  many  fine  examples  of  the  common  Lime  tree,  are  some  of 
the  small-leaved  sort  (Tilia  parvifolia),  which  form  nice  speci- 
mens and  good  companions  for  their  large  leaved  and  more 
vigorous  growing  relatives.  The  Sophorajaponica  also  attains 
immense  proportions  at  Syou ;  one  in  particular  measures 
63  feet  high,  12  feet  in  girth  of  stem,  and  75  feet  in  spread 
of  branches,  which,  from  their  weight  and  massive  propor- 
tions, are  partially  detached,  but  are  still  held  in  position 
by  means  of  heavy  bars  and  clasps  of  iron.  A  Robinia 
Pseudo-Acacia  is  as  large  as  the  Sophora,  and  has  an 
exceedingly  rough  bark  some  6  or  8  inches  in  thickness. 
Of  the  Mulberry  tree  there  is  a  very  fine  specimen  isolated  on 
the  Grass  near  the  front  of  the  mansion  :  it  has  a  trunk  11  feet 
in  circumference,  and  a  fine  spreading,  yet  compact,  head  of 
branches,  which  are  bound  together  by  rods  of  iron,  the  area  of 
the  branches  being  some  43  feet  in  diametei',  and  it  annually 
produces  abundance  of  fruit.  Mnlbeny  trees  are  believed  to 
liave  been  planted  here  as  early  as  the  beginning  of  the  six- 
teenth century.  Some  of  the  most  beautiful  little  trees  in  these 
grounds  are  the  Lentiscus-leaved  Ash  (Fraxinus  lentiscifolia), 
a  few  of  which  are  planted  along  the  margin  of  a  little  thickly- 
planted  wood,  which  in  spring  is  carpeted  with  Blue  Bells, 
Primroses,  and  similar  flowers,  making  it  one  of  the  most 
delightful  spots  in  the  vicinity.  The  different  trees  here  of 
this  species  of  Ash  are  more  inclined  to  be  umbrella-headed 
than  tapering,  and  their  trunks  measure  from  4  feet  to  5^  feet 
in  girth.  There  is  a  nice  plant  of  the  Laurus  Sassafras  here  ; 
but  the  finest  one,  which  had  a  trunk  10  feet  in  girth,  has 
recently  died,  and  a  large  quantity  of  suckers  are  now  being 
produced  from  the  old  stool.     Of   Cerasus  illicifolius,  or  the 


Holly-leaved  Cherry ,we  noticed  a  fine  bush'some  12  feet  through, 
and  9  feet  high.  This  is  one  of  the  prettiest  evergreen  bushes 
in  these  gardens ;  and,  although  growing  under  the  shade  of 
trees,  it  was  in  the  most  luxuriant  and  thriving  condition. 
Of  the  Cercis  Siliquastrum,  or  Judas  tree,  there  are  some  fine 
specimens  at  Syon  that  bloom  annually  in  the  greatest  pro- 
fusion ;  among  dwarf  trees,  however,  one  of  the  most  curious 
is  the  Snowdrop  tree  {Halesia  tetraptera),  one  specimen  of 
which  measures  6  feet  2  inches  in  girth  of  stem,  and  has  a 
wide  spreading  branched  head  some  17  yards  through;  every 
May  and  June,  too,  it  bears  an  abundance  of  its  Silver-bell  or 
Snowdrop-like  blooms.  Of  the  Cedar  of  Lebanon  there  are 
some  fico  old  trees  here  that  stretch  forth  their  ponderous 
boughs  to  an  unusual  distance,  among  them  one  of  the  most 
curious  is  one  15  feet  round  having  a  clear  trunk  for  several 
yards.  There  are  also  several  very  fine  examples  of  Oaks, 
especially  of  Quercus  .^jgilops,  of  the  Turkey  Oak  which  has 
a  trunk  12  feet  round  and  80  feet  high ;  the  scarlet  Oak,  which 
is  some  85  feet  round;  the  Willow  leaved  Oak  (Q.  Phellos), ■ 
which  has  a  trunk  9  feet  round ;  and  of  commoner  kinds  there 
are  some  much  greater  than  these.  Among  dwarf  shrubs,  a  very 
attractive  object  is  the  Tree  Heath  (Erica  arborea),  which 
forms  a  clump  some  7  feet  high,  grows  freely  amongst  the 
trees,  and  flowers  !well.  Of  the  Cucumber-tree  (Magnolia 
acuminata),  there  are  several  fine  specimens,  one  of  which  has 
a  trunk  6  feet  4  inches  in  girth ;  and  of  the  Chicot  or 
Kentucky  Coffee-tree  (Gymnocladus  canadensis)  there  is  a 
tall  and  bulky  specimen,  but  its  lower  branches  have  been 
swept  away  by  wmds.  Of  Ailautus  glandulosa,  there  are  here 
some  fine  specimens,  the  trunks  of  which  measm'e  some 
55  feet  round,  and  bear  branches  proportionately  large. 
Maples,  Chestnuts,  Planes,  Ashes,  purple  and  common 
Beeches,  Hollies,  Hawthorns,  &c.,  are  also  growing  in  the 
pleasure  grounds  at  Syou  in  profusion,  and  have  attained 
gigantic  proportions. 

At  the  western  extremity  of  the  pleasure  grounds  is  a 
walled-in  rosary,  in  which  are  beds  of  Eoses  laid  out  on  turf, 
and  some  handsome  trees  and  shrubs,  particularly  a  specimen 
of  the  Cork  tree  (Quercus  Suber),  with  a  trunk  0  feet  in 
circumference,  and  close  by  is  a  nursery  for  the  propagation 
of  Eoses,  ti'ees,  and  shi-ubs. 

TUE    LAKE. 

In  this  fine  piece  of  water,  which  is  of  a  curved  longi- 
tudinal form,  white  Water  Lilies  attain  the  gi-eatest  per- 
fection, and  the  two  varieties  of  the  yellow  one  vie  with 
each  other  in  Ijeauty,  side  by  side  with  the  water  Dock, 
which  also  grows  here  in  great  luxuriance.  Lythrums,  too, 
are  abundant  along  the  water's  edge,  as  are  also  common 
yellow-flowered  Irises  and  Arundo  conspicua.  Carex  pendula 
likewise  grows  here  extensively,  and  is  considered  to  be  useful 
for  maintaining  the  stability  of  the  banks.  Elymus  glauci- 
folium  is  also  being  planted  along  the  banks  with  good  effect, 
and  Lysimachia  Nummularia  and  elegans,  together  with  the 
Myosotis  palnstris,  grow  naturally  in  great  abundance  on  the 
grass  by  the  edge  of  the  water. 

TUB    KITCHEN    GAIIDEN   AXD    I'ORCING    HOUSES. 

The  area  of  kitchen  garden,  including  the  forcing  houses, 
is  a  little  over  3  acres,  enclosed  by  a  high  wall.  The  general 
routine  of  cropping,  it  is  needless  to  say,  resembles  that 
carried  on  in  other  gardens,  the  borders  being  devoted  to 
early  Cauliflowers,  Peas,  Beans,  Potatoes,  and  a  few  other 
miscellaneous  subjects.  The  Asparagus  for  very  early  use  is 
lifted  and  forced  in-fe;^mes,  but  from  January  onwards,  until 
it  is  procured  from  the  open  air  beds,  the  forcing  is  carried 
on  in  permanent  pits  or  beds.  These  are  IJ  feet  wide,  with 
2  feet  wide  alleys  3  feet  deep  between  them,  and  the  sides  of 
the  beds  are  built  up  pigeon-hole  fashion  with  brick,  so  as  to 
provide  a  ready  passage  through  the  bed  for  the  heat,  which 
is  generfted  in  the  fermenting  material  in  the  trenches. 
Whilst  forcing  is  going  on,  wooden  shutters  or  span-roofed 
wooden  fi'ames  are  used  for  covering  the  beds,  and,  in  case  of 
severe  weather,  additional  protection  is  given ,  in  the  way  of  some 
litter  strewn  over  the  wooden  covers.  By  this  way  of  bringing 
the  heat  to  the  plants,  and  by  forcing  the  beds  in  alternate 
seasons,  the  roots  continue  in  vigorous  health  for  many  years. 
The  fruit  trees  are  almost  all  dwarf  standards,  which  are  much 


July  5,  1873.] 


THE   aARDEN. 


17 


preferred  to  the  old  fashioned  large  standards,  because  they  boar 
■well,  afford  great  facilities  for  gathering  their  fruit,  take  up 
but  little  room,  and  permit  vegetable  crops  to  be  grown  amongst 
thorn  to  greater  perfection  than  amongst  the  lai-ger  ones. 
The  walls  are  well  furnished  with  fruic  trees,  and  l)y  using 
frigi-domo  screens  in  spring  to  protect  the  blossoms,  a 
good  crop  is  genei'ally  secured.  Of  the  fruit  houses  there 
are  several  ranges,  particularly  of  Vineries.  Some  are 
common  lean-to's ;  others  are  curvilinear  lean-to's,  and  the 
Grapes  are  so  managed  that  the  Black  Hamburghs  forced 
in  pots  are  ripened  early  enough  to  come  into  use  before  the 
old  Alicautes  and  Lady  Downe's  Grapes  are  altogether  con- 
sumed, while  between  these  two  extremes  Muscats  and  Ham- 
burghs are  had  iu  great  abundance,  and  of  excellent  quality. 
For  the  earliest  forcing,  however,  pot  Vines  are  not  liked  so 
well  as  permanent  ones,  as  the  latter  are  found  to  produce 
finer  and  heavier  produce  with  the  same  amount  of  forcing, 
and  much  less  attendance  and  care  than  pot  Vines.  Peaches, 
Nectarines,  and  Figs  are  also  forced  hero  in  large  quantities  ; 
the  trees,  being  all  planted  in  the  Ijorders,  annually  yield 
excellent  ci-ops.  Melons  and  Cucumbers,  too,  are  forced  in 
pits  and  frames  heated  by  hot  water  and  fermenting  manure  ; 
and  of  Strawberries,  as  well  as  other  fruits,  large  quantities 
are  forced,  some  in  the  early  fruit  houses,  and  others  in  pits 
specially  devoted  to  them,  and  later  in  the  season  to  Cucum- 
bers or  miscellaneous  flower  garden  or  conservatory  plants. 
This  year,  one  of  the  tropical  forcing  houses  has  been  con- 
verted into  a  Banana  house,  iu  which  the  plants  are  iu  excellent 
condition.  They  are  planted  in  a  bed  built  in  the  middle  of 
the  house,  and  filled  with  rich  turf  and  manure,  water  being 
abundantly  supplied.  The  Vanilla  is  also  growing  in  this 
house  as  freely  as  any  stove  climber,  iu  a  compost  of 
sphagnum  and  rough  peat.  Other  tropical  fruits  are  also 
grown  here,  but  not  to  the  same  extent  as  in  times  gone  by. 


THE     A  RBOR ETU  M. 

A  SELF-ADJUSTING  TEEE-MEASUEEE. 
It  was  announced  in  The  Garden  some  weeks  ago  that  the 
Tyneside  Naturalists"  Field  Club  intend  to  record  the  heights 
and  dimensions  of  the  largest  and  most  remarkable  trees  in 


Tree  measurer. 

that  part  of  the  country,  with  photographs  of  the  best.  G.  C. 
Atkinson,  Esq.,  of  Wylam  Hall,  near  Newcastle,  president  of 
the  Tree  Committee,  has  taken  this  interesting  matter  in  hand, 
and  is  now  busy  at  his  work,  which  is  greatly  expedited  by 
the  use  of  a  simple  little  instrument  invented  by  him,  for 
measuring  the  heights  of  trees,  &c.,  and  of  which,  with  his 
sanction,  1  am  enabled  to  give  your  readers  a  description.  He 
calls  it  a  "  self-adjusting  octant."  It  is  made  of  brass,  and 
it  will  be  seen,  by  the  accompanying  illustration,  that  it  forms 
a  right-angled  triangle,  two  sides  of  which,  A  F  and  F  B,  are 
equal ;  the  other  side,  A  E,  is  furnished  with  "  a  sight "  D, 


exactly  like  that  on  the  barrel  of  a  rifle.  A  brass  pin,  C,  is 
passed  through  the  plate,  at  such  a  point  that  when  the  plute 
is  balanced  on  this  piece,  between  the  finger  and  thumb  (for 
which  purpose  the  left  hand  with  the  knuckles  down  is  found 
most  convenient),  the  side  A  F  shall  be  perfectly  horizontal, 
the  long  edge  then  falls  into  an  angle  of  4'.5°  to  the  horizon, 
and  the  observer  (allowing  tho  octant  to  swing  freely  by  the 
piece  between  his  finger  and  thumb)  looks  along  the  long' side, 
through  the  hole  in  the  heel  sight,  advancing  or  retiring  till 
the  top  spray  of  the  tree  is  in  line  with  the  sight.  Tho 
distance  then  from  tho  place  where  ho  stands  to  the  point 
vertically  beneath  the  spray,  plus  the  height  of  his  cj-e  from 
tho  ground,  is  exactly  equal  to  the  height  of  the  spray  from 
the  ground,  provided  the  ground  is  level ;  and  on  one  side  or 
another,  level  ground  may  generally  be  selected.  J.  T. 


THE  OAKS  OP  OALIPOENIA. 
Ik  all  parts  of  California  various  species  of  Oak  form  a 
marked  feature  in  the  scenery.  Even  on  the  warm  plains, 
where  other  kinds  of  tree-life  disappear,  the  evergreen  Oak 
forms  specimens  and  groups  here  and  there  that  would  grace 
an  English  park — which,  after  all,  is  where  one  looks  for  the 
finest  trees.  On  the  foothills,  again,  and  at  a  few  thousand 
feet  high  on  the  mountains,  the  fine  evergreen  vegetation 
seen  beneath  the  huge  Pines  is,  to  a  large  extent,  composed  of 
handsome  evergreen  Oaks,  one,  in  particular,  having  foliage 
somewhat  like  a  Camellia,  and  with  a  tawny-orange  hue  on 
the  underside  of  the  leaves.  Some  of  these  fine  Oaks  are 
not  as  yet  in  cultivation  in  England,  though  they  all  deserve 
a  place  and  a  trial.  The  following  are  the  bettei--known 
species  : — 

Quercus  agrifolia,  Californian  Live  Oak.— Oakland,  banks  of 
Sacramento  river,  Clear  Lake,  Russian  Riyer  valley,  Anderson's  val- 
ley, Monterey.  Foliage  extremely  variable,  the  Live  Oak  exhibiting 
almost  evei-y  conceivable  size  and  form  of  Oak  leaf.  On  river  banks 
and  localities  near  the  coast,  where  it  feels  the  inflnence  of  the 
daily  fogs,  this  tree  displays  much  uniformity.  In  the  valleys  of  the 
interior  the  shapes  of  the  leaves  of  one  and  the  same  tree  differ 
materially.  In  Anderson's  valley  there  are  several  trees,  the  entire 
foliage  of  which  agrees  well  with  Dr.  Kellogg's  Q.  morelius.  On  dry 
gravelly  hill-sides  in  the  interior  this  tree  presents  still  another  form, 
Q.  Wislizeni.  As  it  has  the  habit  of  growing  in  groups,  one  might 
suppose  that  trees  of  one  group,  at  least,  should  show  uniformity  iu 
botanical  characters ;  yet  this  does  not  happen,  the  very  extremes 
sometimes  occurring  in  a  single  group.  The  Acorns  ripen  annually, 
and  differ  also  essentially  iu  shape  and  size.  Soil,  climate,  and  exposi. 
tion,  offer  in  this  case  no  satisfactory  explanation  for  so  great  a 
variation  in.  one  species.  It  is  no  doubt  justly  referable  to  some 
intrinsic  peculiarities.  This  tree  makes  excellent  firewood,  and  is 
also  used  for  certain  mechanical  purposes. 

Q.  Garryana,  White  Oak.— On  dry  easterly  hill-sides  and  in 
valleys  on  a  poor,  buff-coloured  clay.  Santa  Rosa  valley.  Clear 
Lake,  Searsville,  Anderson's  valley,  San  Jose  valley.  Exposition 
and  soil  agree  in  all  these  localities;  bark  rather  thin,  whitish,  and 
less  coarsely  rimose  than  any  other  of  the  California  Oaks.  This 
wood,  possessing  a  fine  grain,  is  much  employed  among  farmers  for 
making  agricultural  implements. 

9.-  fulvescens,  Fulvous  Oak,  is  a  deciduous  tree,  grows 
about  30  feet  high.  The  Acorn,  when  young,  is  concealed  in  the 
cup,  the  two  together  resembling  a  little  wheel;  the  former,  when 
mature,  is  li  inch  long,  and  projects  considerably  beyond  the  cup. 
The  wood  is  tougher  than  most  of  the  Oaks  of  California.  Banks  of 
Canoe  creek. 

Q.  Kelloggii,  Kellogg's  Oak. — Is  a  large  deciduous  tree, 
found  only  in  California.  Its  leaves  are  deeply  sinuate,  with  three 
principal  lobes  on  each  side,  terminating  in  several  acute  points.  It 
bears  fruit  only  in  alternate  years,  or  at  least  most  abundantly  every 
other  year.  An  idea  prevails  that  the  Acorns  give  to  swine  a  disease 
of  the  kidneys.     Hills  about  San  Francisco  and  Fort  Reading. 

Q.  vacoinifolia,  the  Huckleberry-leaved  Oak,  is  a  shrub  from 
4  to  6  feet  high,  which  grows  on  the  mountains  iu  the  northern  part 
of  the  State.  Its  leaves  in  size  and  form  resemble  those  of  the 
Huckleberry;  the  Acorn  is  of  the  size  and  shape  of  a  small  Hazel 
nut. 

Q.  Hindsii,  California  White  Oak,  or  Long  Acomed  Oak. — This  is 
the  characteristic  Oak  of  California ;  seldom  reaches  a  greater 
height  than  60  feet,  and  in  its  expansive  branches  is  often  wider 


18 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  5,  1873. 


than  it  is  high — measni'ing  sometimes  125  feet  from  side  to  side. 
This  tree  furnishes  no  straight  timber,  and  the  wood  is  so  soft  and 
brittle  as  to  be  of  little  uao  except  for  burning.  The  Acorns  are 
large,  sometimes  21  inches  long,  and  formerly  constituted  the  chief 
article  of  food  of  the  Californian  Indians. 

Q.  lobata,  Burr  Oak. — The  most  common  and  largest  Oak  of 
California  ;  found  in  all  the  valleys  of  the  interior  ;  never  outside. 
It  is  a  large  and  beautiful  tree,  this  being  the  Oak,  with  its  peculiar 
drooping  branches,  which  imparts  such  a  picturesque  charm  to  the 
landscapes  of  California.  It  is  specially  noted  for  its  long  Acorns, 
usually  occurring  in  pairs.  This  Oak  presents  about  the  longest 
trunk  of  all  California  foliaceous  trees.  The  Acorn  of  this  species 
is  also  a  favourite  article  of  food  with  the  aboriginal  races.  The 
wood  ranks  next  to  that  of  the  Q.  Douglasii. 

Q.  Douglasii,  Pale  Oak,  Anderson  Valley. — The  general  aspect 
and  habit  of  this  tree  resemble  very  much  those  of  Quercus  lobata, 
with  which  it  grows  in  the  low  flat  portion  of  Anderson  Valley.  Its 
branchlets,  however,  are  short,  rigid  and  erect,  while  those  of  the 
Quercus  lobata  are  most  drooping.  In  the  autumn,  when  laden  with 
fruit,  it  presents  a  striking  difference  by  having  its  rather  pale 
Acorns  aggregated  and  clustered  at  the  extremitiesof  the  branchlets. 
At  a  distance  it  strongly  resembles  a  full-grown  Apple  tree.  It 
increases  rapidly  in  number  in  Anderson  Valley,  from  south  to  north, 
outnumbering  almost  every  other  Oak  at  the  lower  end  of  the  valley. 
Its  wood  ranks  next  to  that  of  the  Q.  Garryana.  The  three  above 
mentioned  last  species,  belonging  to  the  section  of  White  Oaks,  are 
sufficiently  unlike  in  external  appearance  to  be  distinguished  at  a 
distance. 

Q.  Sonomensis,  Black  Oak. — Found  at  San  Diego,  Anderson 
Valley,  Auburn,  eastern  and  northern  hill-sides  in  the  Coast  Ranges. 
It  also  occupies  the  more  easterly  situated  flats,  among  the  redwoods. 
Seldom  found  in  the  valleys  ;  when  occurring  there  they  occupy  that 
portion  adjacent  to  the  hill-sides,  where  there  is  generally  a  gravelly 
soil.  In  the  fall  it  sheds  its  leaves,  which  become  buff  coloured, 
before  any  other  of  the  deciduous  Oaks.  The  wood  is  of  a  poor 
quiility,  being  used  only  for  fuel. 

Q.  densiflora,  Chestnut  Oak. — Along  the  Coast  Range  more  abund- 
ant towards  the  north ,  from  Santa  Cruz  to  Mendocino  City  ;  occurs  only 
in  or  near  the  redwoods.  This  tree  attains  a  considerable  height  in 
dense  woods,  and  is  then  but  sparingly  branched  ;  leaves  and  Acorns 
rather  abundant  ;  the  wood  is  coarse-grained,  wet  and  spongj'  when 
first  cut,  and  hence,  like  the  Redwood,  is  by  some  termed  Water 
Oak.  The  bark  is  very  rich  in  tannin,  and  is  extensively  used  for 
the  curing  of  hides.     The  wood  is  extremely  perishable. 

Q.  chrysolepis.  Drooping  Live  Oak. — The  most  rare  of  all  our 
Oaks  ;  it  bears  Acorns  but  seldom  and  sparingly ;  found  near  Clover, 
dale,  in  Auburn  Valley,  and  near  Forest  Hill ;  30  to  40  feet  high, 
with  a  rather  smooth  whitish  bark,  and  mostly  long,  slender, 
drooping  branches — evergreen.  The  tree  being  rare,  and  occupying 
moist  slopes  along  the  gulches,  is  not  often  cut  down. 


Lord   Stair's  Douglas  Fir   (Abies  Douglasii  Stairii).— 

At  the  Flower  Show  held  the  other  day  in  the  Botanic  Gardens  at 
Glasgow,  was  exhibited  this  variety  of  Abies  Douglasii,  sent  by  Mr. 
Fowler,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Stair,for  which  he  received  last 
year  a  first-class  certificate  from  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society.  The 
Douglas  Sprace  is  one  of  the  flnest  and  grandest  of  our  Californian 
importations,  and  has  already  attained  in  this  country  a  height  of, 
more  than  100  feet,  with  the  prospect  of  50  more  being  added  in 
course  of  time.  The  Stair  variety  of  this  magnificent  tree,  of  which 
Mr.  Fowler  forwarded  some  half-dozen  specimens,  is  perfect  silver, 
or  rather  white,  instead  of  green,  in  spring;  passes  into  a  cream 
colour  as  summer  advances  ;  and  in  winter  has  progressed  or  relapsed 
into  a  very  light  green.  A  Spruce  of  more  graceful  form  than  our 
common  Norwegian  variety,  and  rising  to  a  height  of  150  feet,  stand, 
ing  almost  quite  white  among  our  sombre  flr  plantations,  would  be  to 
say  the  least  of  it  a  very  striking  object.  This  is  what  Mr.  Fowler's 
tree  will  be.  It  is  as  hardy  and  free-gi-owing  as  the  original  stock, 
and  after  considerable  cultivation  shows  not  the  slighest  sign  of 
reverting  to  the  primitive  colour.  The  new  tree,  in  fact,  appears  to 
liave  turned  up  to  take  the  place  among  our  sombre  evergreen  woods 
which  the  purple  Beech  holds  among  our  bright  deciduous  trees,  and 
that  it  will  soon  be  as  common  a  feature  of  every  attempt  at  landscape 
gardening  is  beyond  doubt. 


Poplar  Wood.  —  Many  despise  Poplar  as  a  timber,  but  it  has  one 
goldeu  finality — it  will  not  bum.  Some  years  ago  a  factory  at  Nottingham 
took  fire  on  tlie  second  floor  and  burnt  out  "to  the  top  furiously,  but  not  down- 
wards :  although  the  floors  lay  a  yard  thick  with  liot  clinkers  and  molted 
machinery,  yet  it  did  not  get  downw.ards,  because  the  floors  were  of  Poplar.— 

A.  DiWSOH. 


WOEK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

PRIVATE  GARDENS. 

Flower  Garden. — Maintain  neatness  and  order  in  the  flower, 
beds  by  picking  off  decaying  flowers,  pegging  down  Verbenas, 
Petunias,  Heliotropes,  scented  Pelargoniums,  Tropaiolums,  straggling 
sorts  of  Mesembryanthemuma,  and  similar  habited  plants  used  for 
edgings,  affixing  neat  but  hidden  stakes  to  those  requiring  support, 
and  maintaining  vigorous  health  by  a  clean  and  open  soil,  and  plenty 
of  water.  Propagate  Verbenas  in  a  cool  frame  or  pit  as  soon  as 
cuttings  can  be  spared,  and  shade  them  well  until  they  have  struck 
root.  Pinch  off  flowers  from  plants  grown  solely  for  the  beauty  of 
their  leaves,  and  have  a  good  reserve  stock  of  annuals  and  other 
plants  to  fill  up  any  accidental  vacancies  that  may  occur  in  the  beds. 
Remove,  if  necessary,  from  conspicuous  places  Daisies,  Myosotis, 
Alyssums,  &c.,  and  plant  them  in  the  reserve  garden,  where  if  now 
divided,  and  liberally  watered,  and  otherwise  well  treated,  they  will 
make  good  plants  by  next  spring.  Pansies  of  the  Imperial  blue  section, 
bedding  Violas,  Saponaria,  Marigolds,  and  many  other  annuals,  &c., 
may  be  effectively  employed  to  replace  them.  Stake  some  of  the 
strong.growing  herbaceous  plants,  and  cut  off  decaying  blooms  and 
seed-pods  from  Pfeonies,  Poppies,  &c.  Increase  the  stock  of  perennial 
Iberises,  Campanulas,  named  sorts  of  Antirrhinums  and  Pentstemons, 
Veronicas,  Violas,  Saxifrages,  Wallflowers,  Pinks,  and  others,  by 
means  of  cuttings  inserted  in  a  shady  wall  border.  Ot  the  Aquilegia 
glandulosa,  and  other  early  blooming  plants,  save  the  seed,  which 
must  be  gathered  as  it  ripens,  and  sown  soon  afterwards.  The 
budding  of  Roses  may  now  be  proceeded  with,  and  cuttings  of  the 
young  wood  may  be  inserted  and  struck  like  those  of  herbaceous 
plants.  Remove  suckers  from  the  roots  of  Rose  trees,  thin  and 
regulate  gross  and  superflous  shoots,  and  look  after  and  destroy 
grubs  and  aphis.  Cut  away  dead  branchlets  from  trees  of  the 
deciduous  Cypress  and  other  somewhat  tender  subjects ;  and  out  of 
the  commoner  shrubberies  thin  all  decaying  wood. 

Kitchen  Garden. — The  moist  warm  weather  which  we  are 
now  experiencing  has  had  a  beneficial  effect  on  the  growth  of  crops 
of  all  kinds.  Peas,  in  fact,  are  coming  in  too  quickly,  as  are  also 
Cauliflowers;  new  Potatoes  are  ot  a  fair  size;  Cabbages,  Spinach, 
and  other  green  crops  are  excellent,  tender,  and  crisp,  and  Straw- 
berries, as  a  rule,  are  promising. 

Asparagus. — Permit  the  plants  to  grow  unchecked,  and  cease 
cutting  from  all  plantations  except  such  as  are  to  be  discarded. 
Keep  the  beds  clean,  sprinkle  some  salt  on  the  surface,  and  give 
them  good  soakings  of  liquid  manure.  Look  after  the  Asparagus 
beetle,  for  now  its  eggs,  larva3,  and  the  beetle  itself,  may  be 
found  ;  shake  them  into  a  sieve  or  cloth  and  burn  them,  or  pluck  off 
the  spray  or  entire  shoots  on  which  they  are  found,  and  similarly 
destroy  them. 

Basil. — Of  the  Common  and  Bush  Basil  transplant  on  a  warm 
border  in  lines  9  inches  by  6  inches  apart  any  plants  not  yet  put  out. 
Give  them  plenty  of  water,  and  encourage  their  growth  until  they 
come  into  bloom,  when  the  shoots  should  be  cut  over,  dried,  and 
powdered  for  winter  use. 

Beans. — Earth  up  advancing  crops,  and  top  them  as  they  come 
into  flower.  For  a  late  crop,  sow  Long  Pod  and  Dutch  Long  Pod 
after  steeping  the  seeds  for  a  while  in  pure  water  to  soften  them,  so 
that  they  may  sooner  germinate  than  they  otherwise  do,  and  giving 
them  a  dip  in  brine  to  prevent  earth  insects  from  interfering  with 
them.  If  the  crop  of  Long  Pods  now  in  bearing  be  cut  over  two  or 
three  inches  above  the  ground,  which  should  be  well  soaked  with 
water  some  days  previous  to  the  operation,  they  will  soon  bretik  again 
and  send  forth  shoots  that  will  yield  an  excellent  late  crop  of  Beans. 
Pickoff  all  points  of  shoots  affected  with  aphis,  "  blight,"  and  burn 
them  ;  caterpillars  also  require  looking  after,  handpicking  being  the 
best  way  of  getting  rid  of  tliem. 

Beet. — Encourage  early  sowings  to  grow  as  they  must  be  used 
first,  and  thin  out  to  9  inches  apart  those  sown  in  the  end  of  April 
and  in  May.  Deficiencies  may  be  filled  up  by  transplanting  carefully 
lifted  plants,  for  if  their  tap-roots  are  suddenly  broken,  the  Beet  is  ot 
little  further  use.  Grubs  sometimes  attack  the  roots,  for  which  the 
best  remedy  is  handpicking. 

Borage. — Sow  a  few  seeds  of  this  for  snccession  in  a  dry  soil 
in  lines  8  or  9  inches  apart,  and  thin  out  the  plants  to  the  same 
distance  asunder  in  the  rows. 

Burnet. — Owing  to  the  dampness  of  the  weather,  some  seeds  of 
Burnet  may  yet  be  sown.  Thin  out  previous  sowings  to  3  inches 
between  the  plants. 

Broccoli,  Brussels  Sprouts,  Cabbage,  &e. —  Broccoli  for 
late  .autumn  and  early  winter  use  should  be  transplanted  in  good 
soil,  but  such  as  have  to  stand  the  winter  aremuch  hardier  if  planted 


JULY  5,  1873.] 


T^HE   GARDEN. 


19 


in  a  firm  loamy  soil.  Sow  Walcheren  and  Sprouting  for  late  spring 
use.  Plant  out  Brussels  Sprouts  as  ground  can  be  spared  for  them, 
in  rows  2  feet  apart,  and  from  15  to  18  inches  asunder  in  the  row. 
A  rich  soil  is  apt  to  induce  the  production  of  succulent  leaves  rather 
than  sprouts.  Borecole  or  Kale  generally  succeeds  the  Potato  crop, 
nevertheless  this  is  perhaps  the  best  vegetable  we  have  for  growing 
in  a  position  with  a  northern  aspect ;  the  Dwarf  Green  Curled  and 
its  selected  varieties  are  the  best  for  ordinary  purposes.  The  pro- 
duce of  the  earliest  spring-sown  Cabbages  is  now  turning  in  for  use. 
Earth  up  the  second  crop,  transplant  the  third  or  May  sowing,  and 
sow  the  main  crop  of  the  Fulham,  Early  York,  and  other  allied 
dwarf  sorts  in  the  fourth  week  of  this  month  in  the  warmer 
districts,  and  a  fortnight  earlier  in  the  colder  parts  of  the 
country.  The  thinnings  of  this  sowing  do  well  for  Coleworts, 
but  the  Rosette  and  Cook's  Hardy  Green  are  the  kinds  most 
commonly  used  for  that  purpose.  Earth  up  Cauliflowers,  transplant 
the  remainder  of  the  April  sowings,  and  what  are  fit  for  moving  of 
tho  May  one.  This  last  sowing  should  include  the  Walcheren, 
which  is  not  so  liable  to  "button"  from  drought  as  the  others; 
also  A'eitch's  Perfection,  which  is  one  of  the  best  for  autumn 
purposes.  Plant  out  the  main  crop  of  Savoys  for  late  use  on  ground 
cleared  of  Potatoes,  Lettuces,  (Jnions,  or  other  early  crops.  The 
early  Ulm  requires  a  distance  of  15  inches  each  way  between  the 
plants ;  for  larger  sorts  2  feet  will  not  be  too  much. 

Carrots. — Thin  out  the  main  sowings  according  to  the  size  which 
the  roots  are  desired  to  attain  ;  the  farther  apart  they  are  the 
larger  they  generally  grow.  Sow  some  seeds  of  the  Early  Horn 
kind  on  a  shady,  yet  warm  border. 

Celery. — The  more  hardily  Celery  is  nursed  the  less  liable  it  is  to 
"  run  "  ;  therefore  have  the  latest  plants  pricked  out  on  an  open 
border  until  they  are  fit  to  transplant  permanently.  Plant  out  a 
main  crop,  and  water  abundantly  the  early  planted  one  ;  after  the 
plants  have  begun  to  grow  vigorously,  manure-water  is  of  great 
advantage  to  them. 

Chervil. — Sow  the  curled  sort  on  a  shady  piece  of  ground. 

Chicory.  —Transplant  the  thinnings  from  last  months'  sowing ; 
but  be  careful  not  to  injure  the  tap-root  in  doing  so.  Sow  a  few  more 
seeds  rather  thinly  in  rows  from  15  to  18  inches  apart,  and  thin  out 
the  young  plants  to  7  or  9  inches  asunder  in  the  rows. 

Corn  Salad. — Sow  a  few  seeds  of  this  broadcast,  and  lightly 
rake  them  in.  When  the  young  plants  come  up,  remove  the  strongest 
now  and  then  for  consumption,  whiclj  will  be  ample  thinning. 

Endive. — Sow  for  a  succession  in  the  middle  and  end  of  the 
month  on  a  piece  of  finely. raked  soil,  and  cover  the  seeds  very 
lightlj'.  Transplant  some  of  the  May  sowings  in  rows  about  15  inches 
apart,  letting  the  plants  stand  a  foot  asunder  in  the  rows. 

Garlic. — Take  up  the  bulbs  when  the  leaves  have  decayed  ;  strew 
them  on  the  ground  in  the  sun  to  dry,  and  afterwards  store  them  in 
some  dry  place. 

Hyssop. — Plants  from  seed  as  well  as  May-struck  cuttings  may  now 
be  permanently  transplanted  in  a  light  dry  soil,  in  rows  a  foot  apart. 

Kidney  Beans. — Sow  a  few  for  a  late  crop,  earth  up  the  later 
sowings,  and  remove  from  amongst  them,  as  soon  as  possible.  Cabbages, 
Lettuces,  and  similar  crops,  among  which  Beans  are  commonly  sown. 

EoM  Rabi. — Thin  this  out  a  little  if  the  plants  have  been  sown 
where  they  are  to  remain  ;  if  not,  transplant  them  into  a  piece  of 
well.manured  ground,  in  lines  15  inches  apart  and  9  inches  asunder  in 
the  row,  giving  them  water  until  they  begin  to  make  fresh  roots. 

Leeks.— Thin  out  the  latest  sowings  to  an  inch  or  two  apart,  and 
still  transplant  from  the  March  sowings  if  required. 

Lettuces.— Sow  for  succession  in  a  cool  place,  and  plant  out 
according  to  demand  and  available  space. 

Maijoram.— The  flowers  of  Knotted  and  Pot  Marjoram  should  be 
cut  ofi,  drie  1,  and  bundled  for  future  use.  Indeed,  all  herbs,  such  as 
Lavender,  Sage,  Thyme,  &c.,  should  also  be  treated  iu  the  same  way. 

Mustard  and  Cress. — Of  these  keep  up  a  succession,  by  sow- 
ing thickly  in  rows  on  a  cool  moist  border,  and  cover  them  with  a  mat 
until  they  germinate.  By  sowing  the  seeds  in  rows,  the  produce  is 
more  easily  cut  than  when  sown  broadcast. 

Onions.— Thin  out  the  spring  sowings  to  about  4  inches  apart,  and 
use  the  thinnings  in  the  culinary  department.  Lift  Potato-Onions,  and 
dry  them,  and  sow  some  Welsh  Onion  seed  for  early  spring  salading. 

Parsley. — Remove  flower-stalks  from  old  plants,  and  maintain  a 
good  crop  of  young  leaves  by  close  and  constant  picking.  In  the 
middle  or  end  of  the  month,  sow  some  seeds  in  any  corner  available, 
and  eventually  transplant  the  young  plants  in  lines  8  or  9  inches 
apart.     These  come  in  usefully  in  spring. 

Peas. — The  last  sowing  should  be  made  at  once,  and  it  should  con. 
sist  of  some  of  the  early  sorts.     Earth  up  and  stick  advancing  crops, 


and  see  that  the  supply  of  water  to  the  roots  is  abundant,  for  drought 
is  a  prolific  source  of  mildew. 

Spinach.— Sow  for  succession  in  a  cool  moist  situation,  pick 
the  leaves  as  soon  as  they  are  ready,  and  clear  away  the  plants 
when  exhausted ;  for  leaving  them  longer  only  robs  the  soil.  If 
seed  be  desired,  a  row  or  two  may  bo  retained  for  that  purpose. 
Pick  the  largest  and  most  succulent  leaves  off  the  New  Zealand 
Spinach,  but  do  not  injure  the  plants,  as  they  continue  in  bearing  for 
a  long  time. 

Tomatoes.— Pinch  off  all  laterals  except  three,  and  top  the  main 
shoots  as  soon  as  fruit  has  set ;  permitting  a  luxuriant  crop  of  leaves 
and  branchlots  to  remain  on  the  plants  is  ruinous  to  the  fruit  crop. 

Turnips.— Sow  a  main  crop  at  once,  and  dust  some  lime  and 
soot  over  the  seedlings  as  they  germinate,  to  prevent  tho  attacks  of 
the  Turnip  fly.     Hoe  and  thin  previous  sowings. 

Potatoes.— Clear  out  any  still  in  frames,  for  much  better  produce 
can  now  be  obtained  from  wall  borders  and  dry  banks.  Earth  up 
the  latest  crops. 

Radishes.— 0£  these  sow  some  for  succession  in  cool  moist 
ground,  and  in  the  last  fortnight  of  this  month  sow  some  Spanish 
Radishes,  in  rows  8  or  9  inches  apart,  for  late  autumn  and  winter  use. 

Rampion.— If  necessary,  make  another  sowing  of  this  on  deeply 
worked  soil,  in  lines  6  inches  apart,  and  thin  out  those  sown  in  May 
and  June  to  4  inches  asunder  in  the  row. 

Salsafy,  Scorzonera,  and  Skirret.— Thin  these,  and  break 
off  all  flower-stems,  or,  if  there  is  a  plentiful  supply  of  roots,  pull 
up  and  discard  all  plants  that  "  ran." 

Seakale.— Remove  flower  stems,  unless  seed-s^'fiDg  is  ^ri  object, 
and  pinch  off  all  weak  shoots  from  the  crowns,  retaining  only  two , 
three,  or  four  of  the  strongest  on  each. 


SOWINGS  AND  PLANTINGS  FOR  JULY. 


Vegetables. 


Orach 

Carrots       

Chervil       

Mushrooms  (indoors)    ... 

Endive 

Chicory      

Cabbage  and  Coleworts... 

Broccoli      

Welsh  Onions    

Spiua<:h      

Tarragon  (planted) 

French  Beans 

Lettuce       

Corn-^aIad 

Mustard  and  Cress 

Turnips        

Sorrel 

Parsley 

Leeks  (transplanted) 

Peas      

Radishes  (of  sorts) 

Rampion     

Pot  Herbs  (cuttings) 


Crnps  fit  for  use. 
August  anti  Sepi  ember. 
September  and  October. 
August  to  November. 
September  and  October. 
October  and  ^■ovember. 
"Winter  and  Spriug. 
November  to  May, 
Spring. 
Early  Spring. 
August  and  September. 
Sprmg  and  Summer. 
September  and  October. 

do.  do. 

do.  do. 

2  or  3  weeks  after  sowing 
October  to  Spring. 
October  to  May. 
Winter  and  Spring. 
December  to  March. 
October  to  November. 
August  to  December. 
February  to  May. 
Next  year. 


Flower  Garden. 


)         For  transplanting  in 

(     Autumn  and  Spring. 

may  be  Transplanted. 

Time  ofjtowering. 

September. 

September  and  October. 

■     .'. do.  do. 

April  and  May. 

September  and  October. 

April  and  May. 

]     ".     " March  and  April. 

'     ...     April  to  June. 

February  and  March. 

\     [[[     ,' January  and  February, 

'". February  and  March. 

',     ,..     Janu,iry  to  May. 

to  Sow  Indoors. 

Spring. 

do. 


Herbaceous  plants  in  variety 
Alpline  plants  ,, 

Foxgloves  ,, 

Bulbs  which 

Amaryllis  Belladonna    

,,  lutea 

Colchicums 

Crown  Imperials       

Cyclamens,  hardy    

Erythronium  Dens  Canis 

Fritillaria  Meleagria       

Muscari  ,,  

Leucojum  vemum    

Snowdrops 

Crocuses       

Scillas  in  variety       

Various  other  bulbs. 

Seeds 

Cinerarias    

Calceolarias 

Shrubberies. 

Ever"Teen  trees  and  shrubs  are  transplanted  during  this  month  with  un- 
failing success  by  some  of  our  best  Landscape  G.T,rdeners  and  Planters. 


The  seeds  of  the  foUowmg  trees  and  shrubs  may  be  sown  or  stratifled 
(that  is  stored  in  vessels  which  are  filled  with  alternate  layers  of  seeds 
and  sand)  :-Birch.  Daphne,  Cherry,  Willows,  and  any  frmt-stonea 
that  already  have  been  gathered  this  season. 


20 


THE   aARDBN. 


[July  5,  1873. 


SOCIETIES,    EXHIBITIONS,    &c. 

EOYAL  HORTICULTURAL   SOCIETY. 
Roses. — The  Queen  of  Flowers  was  shown  on  this  occasion  in  great 
beauty,  and  the  weather — so  changeahle  of  late — was  all  that  could  l)o  do- 
sired.     The  ijuality  of  the  flowers  staged  in   the   different  classes  for  cut 
blooms  was,  upon  the  whole,   extremely  good,   though  some  few  of  the 
finest  flowers  showed  signs   of  having  been   injured  by  the  heavy  storms 
which  we  had  in  the  beginning  of  the  week.     Among  the  most  prominent 
exhibitors  were  Messrs.  Paul  and  Sons,   who  had  beautiful   cut  flowers, 
and  also  excellent  pot  plants.     Messrs.  Veitch  &   Sons  also  staged  some 
nicely-grown  plants ;  as  did  also  Mr.  Turner.     Mr.  Cranston  had  likewise 
some  fine  blooms,  and  the  fresh  green  foliage   which   accompanied   them 
added  materially  to  their  efl'ectiveness.     Mr.  Cooling,  of  Bath,  also  staged 
some  nice  blooms  ;    as   did   also   Mr.  Fraser,  Mr.    J.   Keynes  and  Mr. 
Turner.     Of  Tea-scented  kinds  Mr.  B.  Cant  exhibited  a  fine   collection. 
In  the  amateur's  classes  Mr.  Laxtou,  of  Stamford,  ably  represented  the 
Rose  growers  of  the  midland  counties,  his  flowers  being  well  formed,  and 
of  good  substance  and  colour.     Mr.  W.  Inglis,  gardener  to  Mrs.    Round, 
Buck   Hall,   Colchester,  and   Mr.    G.  Arkwright,  Fenecombe    Rectory, 
Bromyard,  likewise  staged  fine  blooms.     Beautiful  flowers  were  also  set 
up  ^  by    Mr.  Baker,    of    Heavitree,    and    Mr.    J.    R.  HoUingworth,    of 
Maidstone,     and    Mr.     ,T.    Franter,    of    Upper   Assenden,     had     fine 
blooms   in    class  8.     Upon    the    whole    the   exhibition   was   a  decided 
success.     In  class   1,  for  seventy-two    distinct    blooms,    Messrs.    Paul 
and  Son  were  first,  with   excellent  flowers,  among  which  the  following 
kinds  were  remarkable   for  fine  quality — viz.,  light  varieties  :  La  France, 
a  fine  pale  Rose  ;    Princess   Beatrice,   a  fine   full   flower,  of  a  pale  flesh 
colour,   with   a  rosy  centre ;    Madame   Rivers,   an  old   and    well-tried 
favourite;  Marguerite  de  St.  Amand,  a  fine  large  flower;  Madame  Vidot, 
another  good  old  Bose  in  the  way  of  Madame  Rivei-s ;  Abel  Grand,  a  fine 
kind,  having  a  vigorous   habit,   and  bearing  finely-formed  silvery-piuk 
flowers ;  and  Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  one  of  the  finest  of  all  Tea  Roses  when 
well-grown.     Among  dark  varieties   were    Beauty   of   Waltham,    a  fine 
cupped  flower,  of  a  decided  cherry-crimson  colour,  and  of  very  free  habit ; 
Antoiue  Ducher,  Senateur  Favre,  Marie  Eady,  Annie   Wood,  and  Marie 
Baumann,   the    last  two   both  fine    Roses,  rich   crimson-carmine,  finely 
formed,  and  of  good  substance ;  S.  R.  Hole,  deep  velvety  crimson  ;  Ferdi- 
nand de  Lesseps,  Duo    de  Rohan,   and   Dr.   Andry.     Mr.  Cranston   was 
second  with  a  very  fine  stand,  which,  in  addition  to  some  of  the  varieties 
mentioned  above,  contained  good  flowers  of  Margaret  Dombrain,  rosy- 
Ulac ;  Reine  Blanche,  pearly-white  ;  the   centre  suffused  with   the  palest 
flesh  colour;  Madame  E.   Verdier,   pale  flesh,   with  deep  rose  or  salmon 
centre  ;  Caroline  de  Sansal,  an  old  and  well-tried  light  rose ;  and  Laelia, 
a  very  large-flowered  kind,  of  a  clear  satin-rose  colour.    The  dark  flowers 
in  this  collection  were  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  deep  velvety  crimson  ;  Xavier 
Olibo,   John  Hopper,  a  well-known   Rose    of  first-class  merit ;    Chas. 
Lefebvre,  Alfred  Colomb,  Nardy  Freres,  a  fine  and  distinct  flower,  colour 
rose,  shaded  ivith  hlac  or  pale  lavender ;  and  Mons.  Paul  Neron,  a  large 
flower,  of  a  soft  rosy-violet  colour.    Mr.  B.  Cant  was  third  with  some  fine 
'  flowers,  among  which  we  noticed  Comtesse  de  Paris,  Duo  de  Wellington, 
Exposition  de  Brie,  Hoi-ace  Vernet,  a  fine  crimson  flower ;   and  Camille 
Bernardin,  a  beautiful  bright  red  flower,  shading  into  white  round  the 
edges.     Messrs.  Mitchell  and  Son,  of    the   Down   Nurseries,  Uckfield, 
were   fourth    with    nice   blooms,   including  Reine   des   Beautcs,  a  fine 
closely-hnbricating  flower,  in  the  way  of  Madame  Rivers ;  Madame  Hector 
Jaquin,  fine,  clear  rosy-lilac,  having  well-rounded  petals  of  good  sub- 
stance ;  and  Adam,  a  fine  rosy  flower  with  salmon  centre,  one  of  the  best 
tea-scented  kinds.    In  Class  2,  for  forty-eight  Roses,  three  trusses  each, 
Mr.  Cranston  took  the  first  prize  with  a  stand  well  furnished  with  fine 
flowers,  and  the  fi'eshcst  foliage  we  have  noticed  for  some  time.    In  this 
collection  Felix  Genero,  a  fine  globular  purple  lilac  flower  was  shown  in 
good  condition ;  Madame  Charles  Wood  of  a  glowing  rose  colour ;  and 
Duchess  de  Caylus  a  well-formed  flower  of  a  glowing  crimson.     Three 
very  fine  flowers  of  La  France,  one  of  the  best  light  Roses,  were  also  in 
this  collection.    Messrs.  PaiJ  and  Sons  were  second,  and  Mr.  Turner 
thu'd,  with  tine  flowers  of  Climbing  Devoniensis,  Marquis  de  Gibot,  Elie 
Morel,  and   old  Alba  Eoses.     Mr.   Keynes  was  fourth  with   General 
Jaqueminot,  fine  crimson ;   Madame  Hippolyte   a  sulphur-coloured  Tea 
Rose ;  Mons.  Neman,  one  of  the  finest  of  light  flowers ;   and  Souvenir  d' 
Elise,  and  America,  both  fine  tea-scented  kind. 

In  the  other  Classes,  Messrs.  Paul,  Cooling,  Fraser,  Cant,  Keynes,  and 
Turner  were  the  principal  exhibitors,  while  the  amateurs  were  well 
represented  by  Messrs.  Porter,  Inglis,  Bakei-,  Lode,  Earley,  Skinner, 
HoUingworth,  Franter,  Bennet,  and  Cavill. 

Fruit. — This  was  in  all  cases  excellent,  and,  with  few  exceptions,  it 
was  shown  in  the  following  classes  in  competition  for  the  prizes  offered 
by  Messrs.  Veiteh  and  Sons,  of  Chelsea.  For  a  collection  of  ten  dishes 
of  difl'erent  kinds  there  was  only  one  exhibitor,  Mr.  G.  Sage,  of  Ashridge 
Park,  to  whom  an  exti-a  prize  was  awarded.  His  collection  consisted  of 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  Florence  Cherries, 
Royal  George  Peaches,  Elruge  Nectarines,  Brown  Turkey  Figs,  a  nice 
little  Melon,  a  huge  cluster  of  the  fruit  of  Musa  Cavendishii,  a  Queen 
Pine,  and  a  dish  of  Sir  C.  Napier  Strawberries.  In  the  class  of  a  dish  of 
White  Gi-apes,  Mr.  J.  Douglas,  Loxford  Hall,  was  first  with  excellent 
bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria  ;  Mr.  Cole,  Ealing  Park,  was  second 
with  Bowood  Muscat ;  and  Mr.  J.  Woodbridge  third  with  liluscat  of 
Alexandrias.  For  a  dish  of  Black  Grapes,  of  any  sort,  Mr.  J.  Wakefield, 
Leamington,  was  first,  with  beautiful  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh,  and 
LSome  fine  samples  of  Black  Prince  were  also  shown  in  this  class. 
Pines,    which    were   very    good,    consisted    entirely    of    Queens.    Mr. 


C .  Rye,  Walvedon  Park,  Tonbridge,  Kent,  was  first ;  Mr.  J.  Ward, 
Bishop's  Stortford,  second ;  and  Mr.  T.  Miles,  Wycombe  Abbey,  third. 
Peaches  were  very  fine ;  indeed,  those  Violet  Hatives  staged  by  Mr. 
J.  Jackson,  Tixall  Hall,  who  received  the  first  prize,  were  uncom- 
monly fine,  being  lai'ge,  ripe,  and  well  coloured.  The  other  sorts  were 
Royal  George,  Early  Grosse,  Mignoune,  and  Noblesse,  Mr.  Miles  being 
second,  and  Mr.  J.Buniet,Deepdene,  Dorking,  Surrey,  third.  The  Necta- 
rines held  as  high  a  position  as  the  Peaches,  Violet  Uative,  Pitmaston 
Orange,  and  Elruge  being  the  kinds  exhibited  ;  and  Mr.  Wallis,  Kirby 
Hall,  York ;  Mr.  Jackson,  Mr.  Jack,  Battle  Abbey ;  and  Mr.  G.  B. 
Tillyard,  Brocklesby  Park,  Lincoln,  were  the  successful  contributors. 

Prizes  were  offered  by  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.,  Holbom,  for  six  dishes 
of  Peas,  to  include  G.  F.  Wilison  and  James's  Prolific  Marrow.  In  this 
class  Mr.  W.  Cross,  Peak  Lodge,  Sidraouth,  Devon,  was  first  with  excellent 
examples  of  Superlative,  James's  Prolific,  G.  F.  Wilson,  William  the 
First,  Popular,  and  Omega.  Mr.  Brown,  Hawley  Court,  Henley-on- 
Thames,  was  second;  Mr.  W. Moorman,  Kingston-on-Thames,  third  ;  and 
Mr.  G.  Bragnell,  Sherborne  Castle,  Dorset,  fourth. 


CRYSTAL  PALACE  GREAT  ROSE   SHOW. 

June  28ih. 

Of  this  a  full  account  will  be  found  in  another  column  ;  wo  shall,  there- 
fore, here  only  allude  to  the  table-decorations  and  Fern  cases.  One  of 
the  best  furnished  tables  was  that  shown  by  Mr.  Buster,  St.  Mary's  Cray, 
It  consisted  of  five  March  stands  placed  along  the  centre  ;  the  largest 
being  in  the  middle,  the  second  sized  two  at  the  extreme  ends,  and 
between  these  and  the  middle  were  set  the  smallest  ones.  These  stands 
were  furnished  with  Grasses  (rather  too  abundantly).  Spiraeas,  Feras, 
Kalmias,  Penstemon  gentianoides,  &c.  Finger-glasses,  containing  pretty 
Uttle  bouquets,  were  also  supplied.  The  decorations  of  the  other  tables 
were  of  a  somewhat  similar  character,  but  differed  in  the  nmnber  and 
shape  of  the  principal  stands  and  finger-glasses.  The  flowers  and  leaves 
used  iu  the  different  exhibitions  did  not  vary  much.  In  most  of  the 
decorations  there  was  abundance  of  Roses.  The  chief  exhibitors  were 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hudson,  Champion  Hill,  Camberwell;  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Burley,  Brentwood ;  Miss  Blair,  50,  Upper  Bedford  Place,  Russell 
Square ;  Mr.  Soder,  Homewater,  Brentwood ;  Mr.  Wilkinson,  Dadbrook 
House,  Brentwood ;  and  Mr.  Chard,  Clarendon  Park,  SaUsbui-y.  Some 
nice  Fern  cases,  filled  with  suitable  plants,  were  exhibited.  To  Messrs. 
Dick  Radclytfe  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  was  awarded  a  first  prize  for  a 
pretty  little  rustic  case,  suitable  for  a  drawing-room  or  hall.  Mr.  Jones, 
Oakwood  Lodge,  Epsom,  was  second;  and  Mr.  Garford,  Camberwell, 
third.  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird,  &  Laing,  of  Forest  HUl,  furnished  a 
large  and  varied  collection  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants.  Ferns,  and 
Pelargoniums,  as  did  also  Mr.  J.  Ley,  of  Croydon.  Mr.  R.  Parker, 
Tooting,  contributed  a  marvellously  fine  collection  of  cut  blooms  of 
herbaceous  Pteonies,  and  Mr.  C.  Turner,  of  Slough,  exhibited  some  nice 
blooms  of  Carnations  and  Picotees. 


NEW  PLANTS  SHOWN  AT  BATH. 
The  number  of  these  was  rather  limited,  and,  with  few  exceptions,  they 
were  confined  to  competing  classes.  For  six  new  plants,  exclusive  of 
(.)rchids,  Mr.  Wm.  Bull,  Chelsea,  was  first,  with  a  very  fine  half  dozen, 
including  Dracreua  imperialis,  D.  Goldiaua— one  of  the  most  curiously 
vai-icgatcd  of  the  genus  ;  Pritchardia  grandis,  a  handsome  bright  green- 
leaved  Palm;  Crotou  majestieu^,  a  fine  well-coloured  and  vigorous  species  ; 
C.  spirale,  a  very  ornamental  form  of  Croton,  and  Campsidium  filicifoUum, 
one  of  the  prettiest  dwarf  plants  we  possess  for  a  trellis.  Messrs.  Veitch 
&  Sons,  Chelsea,  were  second,  with  Dipladenia  insignis,  a  brilliant 
species  of  which  we  have  elsewhere  given  an  illustration,  the  hand- 
some and  gi'aceful  Ai-alia  elegantissima ;  Adiantum  speeiosum,  a  pretty 
strong-growing  kind;  Dracaena  amabiUs;  Tillandsia  Zahnii,  a  showy 
Bromeliad,  with  leaves  flamed  with  bright  red,  and  a  yellow  flower  spike  ; 
and  a  pretty  Irind  of  Yucca.  In  Mr.  Williams's  collection,  to  which  a 
third  prize  was  awarded,  were  a  pretty  little  Maiden-hair  Fern  of  the 
Cuneatum  section,  but  having  finer  pinna?  than  we  have  ever  observed  in 
any  member  of  the  family ;  the  showy  Anthurium  crystallinuni ; 
Maranta  Makoyana,  and  the  pretty  Aralia  Veitchii.  Messrs.  Carter  and 
Co.,  High  Holborn,  showed  a  good  specimen  of  Campylobotris  Ghies- 
breghtii  variegata,  a  singular  plant  with  reddish-brown  leaves,  as  if 
variegated  with  creamy-white.  The  same  firm  also  exhibited  an 
example  of  AuiEctochilus  Ortgiesii,  a  pretty  little  plant  having  undu- 
lated leaves  of  a  deep  green  colour,  well  variegated  with  silvery-gi'een. 
For  the  best  new  Orchid  in  flower,  Messrs.  Veitch  were  first  with  a  plant 
of  MasdevaUia  Han-yana,  bearing  nearly  a  dozen  brilliantly  colom-ed 
flowers.  Mr.  B.  S.  W'illiams  and  Sir.  Bull  were  likewise  successful  con- 
tributors in  this  class  with  Odontoglossum  Insleayi  leopardinum,  a  pretty 
Orchid,  and  apparently  a  free  flowering  one  ;  four  or  five  flowers,  ^  of 
a  yellowish-brown  colour,  barred  and  spotted  with  dark  brown,  being 
produced  on  each  spike.  Messrs.  Backhouse,  of  York,  exhibited  a 
specimen  of  Oncidium  tigrinum,  also  a  promising  species.  Plants  specially 
sent  out  by  Mr.  Bull  were  shown  for  prizes  offered  by  that  gentleman, 
but  both  exhibitors  and  plants  were  the  same  as  at  Kensington  on  the 
7th  ult.  In  the  amateurs'  class,  Mr.  Shuttleworth  was  first,  Mr.  Croucher 
second,  and  Mr.  Carmichael  third  ;  and  in  the  nurserymen's  collection 
Mr.  Wirasett  was  first,  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird,  &  Laing  second,  and 
Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.  third. 


JULY  n,  1873.] 


THE   GARDE  J?. 


21 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  :    but 
The  Art  itsklf  is  Natuke." — Shakespeare. 


STRAWBERRY  CULTURE  AT  BATH. 
Ti[E  climate  of  this  part  of  Somerset  is  very  favourable 
for  the  production  of  early  crops,  and  the  much  undulated 
ground  is  well  drained  naturally.  The  preYailiu.t;  soil  is  a 
saudj-  loam  on  a  stratum  of  sandstoue-rock,  and,  notwith- 
standing the  steepness  of  the  hillsides,  they  present  a  good 
depth  of  surface  soil.  These  conditions,  it  will  be  scon, 
arc  very  favourable  for  the  growth  of  Strawberries,  a  crop  for 
which  the  neighbourhood  of  Bath  has  long  been  celebrated. 
As  a  rule,  there  is  nothing  different  in  the  system  of  cul- 
ture pursued  there  from  that  generally  practised  in  other 
places.  The  earliest  crops,  which  chiefly  consist  of  Black 
Prince,  are  grown  on  high-lying  borders  at  the  foot  of  walls 
covered  with  fruit  trees.  The  main  crops  are  commonly  grown 
on  sloping  banks  or  in  fields,  where  they  ripen  well,  but 
in  very  dry  seasons  suffer  considerably  from  drought.  It 
is  from  the  valleys  between  the  hills  that  the  finest  produce 
is  obtained,  where  the  ground  is  deep,  rich,  and  open, 
and  can  be  easily  watered.  The  only  drawback  of  the 
valleys  is  their  liability  to  damp  and  spring  frosts.  About 
Bath  Sir  C.  Napier  is  looked  upon  as  being  the  best  of 
all  Strawberries  for  market  use;  it  is  early,  a  good  cropper, 
and  has  very  large  and  brilliantly  coloured  fruit,  which,  from 
its  solidity  and  firmness  of  flesh  travels  better  than  softer- 
fleshed  kinds.  Carolina  superba,  too,  is  regarded  as  a  fine 
sort,  very  prolific,  and  a  certain  cropper,  but  the  size  of  the 
calyx  greatly  deteriorates  its  value  in  the  market  in  the  esti- 
mation of  some ;  nevertheless  the  quality  of  the  fruit  is  excel- 
lent, the  size  good,  and  the  colour  a  bright  red.  Myatt's  Eliza 
is  another  favourite  kind,  greatly  esteemed  for  its  flavour.  It 
is  very  prolific,  and  has  medium-sized  well-coloured  fruit  that 
is  highly  appreciated  by  private  customers,  the  public  in 
general  preferring  larger  and  more  showy  fruit.  Kitley's 
G-oliath  is  extensively  grown  by  some  cultivators,  while  by 
others  it  is  entirely  discarded.  It  is  a  very  strong-growing 
sort,  but  an  uncertain  cropper ;  when  it  does  bear  well,  how- 
ever, the  crop  is  enormous,  and  the  fruit,  which  is  very  large 
when  well  ripened,  is  excellent,  and  meets  with  a  ready  market. 
Due  de  Malakoff  is  re'garded  as  an  excellent  Strawberry,  valu- 
able for  its  free  bearing  qualities,  and  good-sized,  brightly- 
coloured,  and  well-flavoured  fruits.  British  Queen  is  used 
extensively,  but  for  cropping  and  general  market  purposes 
it  is  surpassed  by  some  of  the  others.  Lord  Clyde  is  a 
great  favourite  as  a  late  sort,  bearing,  as  it  does,  very  large 
frnit  somewhat  of  the  character  of  Eleanor ;  but,  unlike  that 
variety,  its  trusses  are  more  erect,  the  fi-uit  is  therefore  less 
liable  to  be  damaged  by  worms  than  that  of  Eleanor.  Elton 
Pine  is  also  grown  extensively  for  late  crops,  being  very  prolific 
and  a  certain  cropper.  These  constitute  the  chief  kinds  grown 
in  this  district  both  for  market  and  private  purposes. 

The  ground  is  prepared  for  the  crops  by  trenching  and 
thoroughly  pulverising  the  soil,  adding  at  the  same  time  a 
goodly  quantity  of  manure.  After  having  remained  laid  up  in 
ridges  throughout  the  whiter,  it  is  levelled,  lined  off  2  feet 
apart,  and  the  plants  are  inserted  18  inches  or  2  feet  asunder 
in  the  row,  according  to  the  character  of  the  sort.  Throughout 
the  succeeding  summer  no  particular  care  is  bestowed  on  them 
beyond  keeping  the  ground  well  hoed  and  clean,  and  in  August 
the  runners  are  cut  from  the  parent  plants  and  removed.  In 
winter,  if  manure  is  plentiful,  a  mulching  is  introduced 
between  the  rows,  where  it  is  allowed  to  remain,  for  the  alleys 
between  the  rows  are  never  dug  nor  forked,  but  simply  hoed. 
In  spring  nothing  is  done  to  them  beyond  keeping  them 
thoroughly  clean,  the  decayed  manure  from  the  winter's 
mulching  being  left  loose  on  the  surface.  Just  before  the 
plants  come  into  bloom  they  are  mulched  with  moderately 
rough  manure  ;  and,  if  practicable,  the  ground  is  well  watered 
with  house  sewage.  When  the  fruit  ripens,  it  is  necessary  to 
protect  it  fi-om  birds,  and  for  that  purpose  cats  are  employed. 
Wires  about  a  foot  from  the  ground  are  stretched  at  variable 


distances  across  the  plantations,  and  to  each  of  these  wires  a 
cat  is  tethered  by  means  of  a  string  about  -i  feet  long,  having 
a  ring  at  the  end  of  it  to  run  along  the  wires.  A  little  cask  or 
box  bemg  provided  as  a  retiring  place  for  each  cat,  the  whole 
arrangement  is  complete,  and  is  found  to  answer  perfectly. 
After  the  crop  has  been  gathered,  and  such  runners  secured  as 
are  required  for  new  plantations  or  for  sale,  the  remainmg 
runners  and  most  of  the  old  leaves  are  cut  away  from  the 
plants  ;  and  under  this  treatment,  plantations  of  Strawberries 
are  kept  in  a  good  liearing  state  for  years. 

William  Falconer. 


ROSE  GROWING  AT  BATH. 
Bath  is  pre-eminently  a  Rose-growing  place;  there  almost 
every  cottage  and  suburban  villa  is  adorned  with  the  Queen  of 
flowers,  and  pleasant  it  is  to  behold  the  Tea-scented  kinds 
growing  there  as  freely  as  Ivy  or  Honeysuckle,  and  pushing 
up  their  fragrant  blooms  in  profusion.  Not  only  are  the  walls 
of  the  houses  thus  decorated,  but  the  gardens  around  them 
abound  with  standards  and  dwai-fs  both  of  Tea-scented  and 
hybrid  perpetual  Roses,  as  well  as  with  our  old-fashioned 
free-blooming  kinds.  For  market  purposes  Roses,  likewise, 
form  a  valuable  commodity,  and  growers  of  them  for  sale  in 
that  waj'  provide  themselves  ^vith  plenty  of  propagating  pits 
and  stock  plants.  For  Tea-scented  varieties,  the  cultivated 
seedling  Briar  is  the  favourite  stock,  and  for  that  class  of 
Roses  it  is  superior  to  the  Manetti.  The  Manetti,  however, 
answers  best  for  hybrid  perpetuals.  When  the  plants  are 
grafted  in  winter  and  spring  they  are  plunged  in  bottom  heat, 
in  close  and  shaded  frames,  in  a  warm  house  or  pit,  and  as 
soon  as  they  have  taken  fairly,  and  have  begun  to  grow,  they 
are  repotted,  and  replaced  in  the  same  frames  as  before  until 
root  action  is  again  fairly  at  work,  when  they  are  placed  on 
the  side  shelves  of  the  houses  or  pits  to  make  room  for  others. 
They  are  afterwards  shifted  as  recjuired,  pinched  when  the 
shoots  have  a  tendency  to  become  too  long,  and  gradually 
inured  to  a  cool  temperature.  During  this  period  they  are 
kept  moderately  moist  with  tepid  water,  gently  syringed  over 
head  every  fine  day,  and  kept  in  as  light  houses  as  possible. 
Tobacco-water  is  used  to  keep  down  green  fly,  and  flowers  of 
sulphur  as  a  preventive  of  mildew.  By  the  first  of  June 
these  young  plants  should  be  tolerably  good-sized  specimens 
and  should  be  thoronghly  hardened  off,  so  as  to  be  ready  for 
planting  out.  Beds  are  prepared  for  them  in  deeply-worked 
soil,  liberally  enriched  with  old  manure  and  leaf-soil,  and 
having  an  eastern  or  south-eastern  aspect  if  possible.  Here 
they  are  planted  in  rows  at  variable  distances,  and  over  their 
roots  is  placed  a  mulching  of  Cocoa-nut  fibi-e,  leaf-soil,  or 
decayed  manure.  In  planting,  it  is  an  important  point  to  bury 
the  point  of  union  of  stock  and  scion  in  the  soil,  so  as  to 
encourage  the  emission  of  rootlets  from  the  scion,  thus  giving 
the  plants  support.  Such  as  are  required  for  retaining  in  pots 
are  re-potted  into  a  compost  of  two  parts  rotten  manure,  one 
part  leaf-soil,  and  three  parts  good  loam,  and  plunged  out  of 
doors  in  beds,  and  treated  like  the  permanently  planted  ones. 
The  pot  plants,  as  winter  approaches,  are  brought  indoors  to 
be  forced,  if  necessary,  and  to  supply  scions  for  grafting.  The 
permanent  bushes  remain  untouched,  with  their  mulching 
still  around  their  roots,  until  the  pruning  season  comes  round 
in  spring.  The  ground  is  then  cleared  of  all  prunings,  and 
hoed,  and  otherwise  made  properly  clean  ;  but  at  no  time  are 
the  alleys  between  the  Roses  dug  or  even  what  is  called 
pointed.  A  fresh  mulching  consisting  of  two  loads  of  decayed 
manure  mixed  with  one  load  of  leaf  soil  is  then  laid  on  thickly, 
and  this  keeps  the  roots  moist  and  near  the  surface.  The 
result  of  this  treatment,  as  might  be  expected,  is  a  large 
supply  of  excellent  Roses.  Before  the  buds  begin  to  expand 
a  small  piece  of  bast  matting  is  tied — not  firmly — around  each 
to  preserve  their  symmetry  and  prevent  their  expansion.  As, 
during  the  height  of  the  Rose  season  blooms  are  cut  daily,  or 
at  least  three  times  a  week,  the  quality  of  the  buds  is  not  thus 
impaired,  and  they  are  preferred  to  expanded  blooms  for  hand 
bouquets  and  button-hole  flowers.  If  picked  early  in  the 
morning,  when  the  dew  is  on  them,  they  travel  better  and 
keep  fresher  than  if  gathered  throughout  the  day  when  they 
are  dry. 


22 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  12,  1873. 


NOTES    OP    THE    WEEK. 


Some  of  the  finest  and  most  delicious  Bi-itish  Queen   Straw- 

berries  we  have  ever  tasted  are  being  sold  now  iu  Covent  Garden. 
They  were  grown  on  the  sewage  farm  at  Barking. 

The   salesmen   in   Covent  Garden   Market   report   that   the 

Potato  disease  has  again  made  its  appearance. 

Ix  the  large  collection  of   Lilies  grown  by  Messrs.  Barr  and 

Sugden  the  following  are  now  finely  in  bloom,  viz.,  Lilium  (Brownii) 
japonicum  ;  several  varieties  of  Crocenm,  Davuricum,  and  Thunber- 
giaunm,  and  many  others  equally  interesting  and  beautiful. 

One  or  two  of  the  fine  specimens  of  Yucca  aloefolia,  in  the 

succulent  house  at  Kew,  are  now  in  flower.  The  great  panicle  of 
drooping  waxy  balls  at  the  summit  of  the  plant  house  has  a  fine 
appearance.  The  flowers  are  white  in  colour  and  lightly  snffased 
with  purple  outside  the  segments. 

Ox  Monday  next  Mr.  Stevens  will  sell  for  Messrs.  Backhouse, 

upwards  of  40  plants  of  the  rare  and  beautiful  Oncidium  tigrinum,  all 
showing  flower  and  in  the  finest  possible  condition.  Also  four  plants 
of  a  yellow-stemmed  Bamboo  beautifully  striped  with  green,  lately 
introduced  from  China  by  Mr.  Fortune.  This,  it  is  said,  will  make  a 
good  conservatory  plant. 

The    last  thing  in  the  way  of   exhibitions  is  a   Universal 

Exposition  of  Horticulture.  The  matter  was  brought  before  the 
Italian  Parliament  by  Deputy  Peruzzi  on  the  sitting  of  the  10th  ult. 
but  postponed  as  being  inopportune.  Professor  Parlatore  has  however 
formed  a  committee  at  Florence  for  the  furtherance  of  the  idea, 
\vhich,  it  is  not  unUkely,  may  be  adopted  at  some  future  time. 

AccoKDiXG  to  the  Poys  the  Court  of  Accounts  is  about  to 

sue  M.  Thiers  to  recover  a  sum  of  some  £6,000  (1.50,000  francs)  for 
vegetables.  The  Pays  asserts  that  during  his  tenure  of  the 
Presidential  chair  M.  Thiers'  table  was  supplied  with  vegetables  and 
fruit  from  the  Versailles  hothouses,  and  the  Court  of  Accounts  will 
have  it  that  the  State  canuot  be  legally  called  upon  to  defray  the 
expenditure  of  the  President's  State  dinners. 

M.   LiXDEX   has  announced  his   intention  of  giving  up  his 

extensive  nursery  at  Brussels,  and,  for  the  future,  concentrating  his 
business  in  his  old  establishment  at  Ghent.  In  consequence  of  this 
decision,  M.  Linden  will  offer  for  sale  by  auction,  in  the  beginning  of 
next  September,  the  whole  of  his  valuable  Brussels  collections, 
which  comprise  over  100,000  plants.  A  detailed  catalogue  will  be 
issued  about  the  beginning  of  August,  which  will  be  sent  to 
intending  purchasers,  on  applying  to  M.  Linden,  52,  Rue  du  Chaume, 
Brussels. 

The  Highland  and  Agricultural   Society  of    Scotland   have 

taken  a  praiseworthy  step  in  memorialising  Government  to  do  what 
is  undoubtedly  their  duty  to  the  country — appoint  a  commission  of 
competent  scientific  men  to  inquire  into  the  causes  of  the  ever, 
recurring  Potato-disease,  a  disease  which  is  a  national  calamity. 
How  far  advanced  the  American  Government  is  in  matters  concern- 
ing the  national  welfare  is  well  shown  by  the  memorialists,  and  even 
Portugal  is  far  enough  ahead  of  us  to  appoint  a  Government  Commis- 
sion to  enquire  into  the  Vine  disease. — 'Nature. 

Amoxg  the  most  conspicuous  plants  in  flower  on  the  rock- 
work  at  Kew  just  now  are  Orchis  foliosu,  of  which  there  is  a  fine 
plant  beautifully  in  flower  ;  several  nice  plants  of  the  showy  North 
American  Cypripedium  spectabile,  Houstonia  cajrulea ;  Triteleia 
laxa  and  MuiTyana,  two  good  hardy  bulbs  ;  a  nice  plant  of  Linum 
viscosum,  the  flowers  of  which  are  larger  than  those  of  any  plant  of 
this  species  with  which  we  have  yet  met ;  and  Dianthus  saxicola,  a 
very  distinct  but  somewhat  straggling-growing  species,  which  bears 
a  profusion  of  fine  rose-coloured  flowers.  In  the  herbaceous  grounds, 
one  of  the  most  interesting  plants  now  in  flower  is  Abronia  arenaria, 
a  yellow-blossomed  species,  introduced  a  few  years  ago,  we  believe, 
by  Jlr.  Thompson,  of  Ipswich.  This  plant  is  showing  an  abundance 
of  bloom,  and  promises  to  become  a  valuable  hardy  plant,  particu. 
larly  for  rock-work  ;  its  trailing  habit  making  it  a  subject  eminently 
adapted  for  that  kind  of  decoration. 

Ax  evening  fete  was  held   in  the  Royal   Botanic   Society's 

Garden,  Regent's  Park,  on  Wednesday  last.  The  gardens  were  illumi- 
nated with  electric  lights,  which  lit  them  up  with  almost  noon-day 
brilliancy ;  but  the  conservatory  was  lit  up  by  means  of  gas 
as  were  also  the  two  large  tents,  while  the  covered  way  connecting 
the  tents  and  leading  to  the  gates  was  hung  with  numbers  of  little 
oil  lamps,  which  produced  a  very  pleasing  effect.  The  soft,  even 
sultry,  night  air  permitted  the  utmost  liberty  in  the  matter  of  evening 
dress,  and  the  gardens  were  as  gay  as  a  ball-room,  without  its  close- 
ness of  atmosphere  or  its  circumscription  of  space.  There  was  one 
very  objectionable  thing  which  we  trust  (he  society  will  abandon  on 
future  evening  fetes.  We  allude  to  the  odom'  of  the  substances  used 
to  produce  the  various  coloured  lights,  which  at  intervals  lit  up  the 


place,  and  the  stench  of  which  was  intensely  disagreeable  and  over, 
powering.  In  our  opinion  these  lights  did  not  add  to  the  charms  of  the 
garden,  being  too  glaring,  even  if  they  were  not  the  cause  of  changing, 
for  a  time,  the  sweet  air  of  the  garden  for  a  vapour,  far  worse  than 
that  which  prevails  in  the  most  disagreeable  parts  of  the  under, 
ground  railway. 

A  plant  of   Gnnnera  seabra  at  Brest  is  reported  to  bo   now 

bearing  a  fruit  of  mire  than  5  feet  in  circumference. 

A  Flora  of  Cheshire  is  shortly  to  appear  under  the  super- 
intendence of  the  Hon.  J.  L.  Warren. 

The  whole  of  the  fine  collection  of  Yuccas,   Agaves,    Aloes, 

and  various  other  families  of  succulent  plants  foimed  by  Mr.  W. 
Wilson  Saunders,  at  Reigate,  will  s'nortly  be  sold  at  auction  by  Mr. 
Stevens. 

Lord  Shaftesbury  and  his  daughter.  Lady  Victoria  Ashley, 

were  present  last  Wednesday  evening  at  an  interesting  gathering  of 
Watercress  and  flower-sellers.  Some  600  of  this  neglected  class 
were  served  with  a  meat  tea  at  the  Agricultural  Hall,  after  which 
they  were  addressed  in  words  of  good  advice  by  their  kind-hearted 
patrons.  In  the  course  of  the  evening  a  silver  card-case,  and  a  hand- 
some basket  filled  with  choice  flowers,  were  presented  to  the  noble 
lord  and  to  Lady  Victoria  Ashley — the  result  of  a  penny  subscription 
spontaneously  organised  among  the  Watercress  and  flower-sellers. 

From  an  oflicial  report,  dated  March  13th  of  this   year,  we 

learn  that  from  the  j-ears  1862  to  1871  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Mauritius  have  been  obliged  to  import  firewood  and  timber  for 
various  uses  to  the  value  of  £192,113.  The  report  (which  is  drawn 
up  by  Mr.  J.  Home,  sub-director  of  the  Mauritius  Royal  Botanical 
Gardens)  calls  loudly  upon  the  Government  to  take  resolute  action 
in  the  question  of  the  re-wooding  of  the  waste  lauds  of  the  colony, 
and  states  that,  under  the  present  state  of  things,  in  less  than 
twenty  j-ears  hence  there  will  be  no  timber  growing  in  the  island  fit 
for  the  builder's  use. 

In  connection  with  New  Caledonia  (the  Australasian   island 

to  which  so  many  of  the  condemned  French  Communists  have  been 
lately  "deported"),  M.  Balansa  relates  two  striking  cases  of  theacci- 
dental  naturalisation  of  plants.  In  the  first  instance,  about  four 
years  ago,  a  gendarme,  who  was  transferred  to  this  island  from 
Otaheite,  brought  with  him  a  bolster  filled  with  the  feathery  seeds  of 
Asclepias  curassavica.  Having  occasion  to  wash  the  tick. cover,  he 
opened  the  bolster  at  the  Pont  des  Francjais,  when  some  of  the  seeds 
were  carried  off  by  the  wind,  and  the  plant  has,  since  then,  increased 
to  such  an  extent  as  to  seriously  interfere  with  cultivation,  its  roots 
running  under  ground  to  considerable  distances,  and  sending  up  shoots 
in  all  directions,  so  that  it  is  difficult  to  eradicate  it.  In  the  second 
case,  M.  Balansa  relates  that,  a  few  years  ago,  some  boxes  arrived 
from  Sydney  containing  various  articles  packed  in  European  hay. 
This  was  thrown  out  and  left  on  the  ground  where  the  boxes  were 
unpacked.  In  the  following  year  a  new  graminaceous  plant  was 
observed  growing  plentifully  where  the  hay -packing  had  been  left. 
This  proved  to  be  common  Couch  Grass  (Triticura  repens),  and  it 
has  spread  so  rapidly  that  M.  Balansa  states  it  is  already  extermi- 
nating the  native  Grasses. 

•  Some  time  ago  we  alluded  to  experiments  that  had  been  made 

in  France  as  to  the  practicability  of  creating  artificial  clouds  which 
would  protect  the  Vines  from  frost.  These  experiments  were  con- 
ducted in  the  neighbourhood  of  Suresnes,  andM.  Constans  de  Saint- 
Sauveur,  a  well-known  viticulturist  in  the  south  of  Fiance,  now 
relates  the  result  of  other  experiments  which  he  has  himself  tried  in 
the  department  of  the  Tarn.  Writing  to  M.  Drouyn  de  Lhuys,  he  says  : 
— "  We  have  long  been  in  the  habit  of  making  fires  with  green  wood  and 
damp  straw  to  protect  our  Vines  during  the  spring  frosts  ;  but  this 
method  rarely  proved  efficacious,  as  the  changes  of  temperature 
occurred  too  suddenly.  This  went  on  for  some  time,  until  one  even- 
ing, when  the  weather  was  fine  but  rather  chilly,  we  noticed  a  thick 
cloud  suspended  over  the  Tarn  which  prevented  us  from  seeing  its 
waters.  This  cloud  was  produced  by  the  smoke  that  issued  from  a 
caldron  of  coal-tar  which  a  farmer  was  using  to  bedaub  some  palings. 
The  idea  struck  me  that  this  would  be  an  excellent  substitute  for 
straw  and  wood  ;  and,  having  now  had  it  in  use  for  five  years,  I  can  state 
most  confidently  that  the  remedy  is  easy  of  application  and  far  from 
costly.  We  place  small  caldrons  of  coal-tar,  each  holding  from  ten  to 
fifteen  litres,  at  intervals  of  about  30  yards  from  each  other  and  about 
200  yards  away  from  the  Vines  in  the  direction  of  the  wind.  As 
soon  as  the  Grass  shows  traces  of  frost,  we  set  the  caldrons  on  fire, 
and  do  no  extinguish  them  until  about  an  hour  after  sunrise,  for  the 
tissues  of  the  young  plants  which  can  resist  the  dilation  produced 
by  the  freezing  of  the  water,  are  often  destroyed  afterwards  by  the 
action  of  the  stm's  rays  upon  the  white  hoar  frost  with  which  they 
are  covered.  If  the  wind  changes,  we,  of  course,  place  the  caldrons, 
in  a  corresiiondingly  different  position." 


July  12, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


23 


THE    FLOWER     GARDEN. 

CALADIUM  ESCULENTUM. 
For  adding  a  semi-tropical  character  to  the  flower  garden 
through  the  summer  aud  early  autumn  mouths,  few  exotic 
]ilants  arc  better  adapted  than  this  Caladium.  In  warm 
sheltered  localities  it  makes  a  free  and  rapid  growth,  especially 
when  planted  in  prepared  soil  of  a  light  and  sandy  character, 
well  enriched  with  rotten  manure.  For  large  clumps 
or  masses  it  is  well  adapted,  as  a  strong  tuber  planted 
in  a  warm  nook  soon  establishes  itself,  and  forms  a  good  speci- 
men. This  species  is  no  more  difficult  to  manage  than  a 
common  Canna,  while  its  bold  foliage  is  unique  and  strikingly 
effective,  especially  in  the  vicinity  of  water.  It  is  extremely 
easy  to  propagate  bj'  dividing  large  tubers,  and  it  may  be  kept 
through  the  winter  in  any  shed  or  cellar,  where  frost  is  not 
admitted.  Being  a  gross  feeder  and  of  rapid  growth,  it  follows 
that  an  abundant  supply 
of  water  at  the  root  must 
be  given  when  growing, 
whilo,whenthe  roots  are  re- 
moved indoors  in  autumn, 
they  may  be  preserved 
through  the  winter  in 
moist  sand  or  earth. 


The  Spring  Phlox  (P. 
Verna).— M auy  of  our 
readers  may  remember  this 
little  spring  flower  as  an  old 
acquaintance,  though  perhaps 
they  may  not  know  where  to 
find  it  now.  With  the  large 
flowers  and  richness  of  colour 
of  the  taller  Phloxes,  it  used 
to  mantle  over  the  old  border 
and  the  rockwork  with  a 
healthy  soft  green  about  an 
inch  or  two  high,  and  then 
send  up  numbers  of  stems 
from  4  to  6  inches  at  the  end 
of  April  or  beginning  of  May, 
each  producing  from  five  to 
eight  deep  rose  flowers,  and 
it  was  such  a  pretty,  easily- 
grown  thing  on  the  rock- 
work,  or  a  border,  that  no 
wonder  it  was  a  favourite 
with  the  old  gardener.  It  is 
by  no  means  fastidious  as  to 
soil  or  situation,  but  will  be 
found  to  thrive  best  in  peat 
or  light  rich  soils.  As  it 
creeps  along  the  ground  and 
gives  off  numbers  of  little 
rootlets  from  the  joints,  it  is 
propagated  with  the  greatest 
ease  and  facility.  A  person 
with  the  slightest  experience 

in  propagation  would  he  able  to  take  a  tuft  of  it,  and  convert  it  into  a 
thousand  plants,  in  a  very  short  time.  It  is  almost  indispensable  for 
rock  or  rootwork  ;  makes  very  pretty  edgings  and  tufts  around  the 
margins  of  beds  of  plants,  itc. ;  and  also  capital  turfs  on  the  front  edge 
of  the  mixed  border.  It  is  also  useful  in  spring  bedding,  and  free  tufts 
of  it  might  be  employed  for  vases,  or  for  the  edges  of  raised  beds. 
Everybody  who  cares  about  hardy  spring  flowers  should  grow  it  for 
some  of  these  purposes. 

Hardy  Exotic  Ferns. —  Can  any  one  recommend  some  exotic 
Ferns  sufficiently  hardy  for  an  open-air  Fernery  ? — R.  E.  H. 
[Messrs.  Backhouse,  of  York,  who  have  from  time  to  time  tried 
numbers  of  their  rich  collection  in  the  open  air,  have  found  the 
following  succeed.  Some  of  them  are  well  known  to  cultivators, 
others  are  seldom  seen,  but  are  deserving  of  much  more  extended 
culture : — Adiantum  pedatum,  Asplenium  alternans,  *A.  elegan- 
tulum,  *A.  ebeneum,  A.  fontanum  Halleri,  Botrychium  virginicum, 
Cheilanthes  vestita,  *Lastrea  atrata,  *L.  erythrosora,  L.  Goldieana, 
L.  novaeboracensis,  *L.  opaca,  *L.  Standishii,  L.  Barnesii,  Lomaria 
alpina,  L.magellanica,  L.  chilensis,  *NothochliBna  Marantse,  Osmunda 
cinnamomea,    0.    gracilis,   O.   interrnpta,   O.   spectabilis,    Onoclea 


Caladium  esculentum 


sensibilis,  Polypodium  hexagonopterum,  Polystichum  acrostichoides, 
P.  acres,  inoisum,  *P.  vestitum  venustum,  Struthiopteris  germanica, 
S.  pennsylvanica,  S.  japonica,  Woodsia  obtuga,  Woodwardia 
orientalis,  *Cyitomiuin  caryotideum,  *C.  falcatum,  Pellea  atro- 
purpurca,  Cystoptcris  bulbifera,  C.  tenuis,  and  the  Club  Moss, 
Selaginella  denticulata.  The  kinds  marked  *  would  require  to  be 
judiciously  planted  in  well. drained  and  sheltered  spots  on  rockwork, 
&c.,  or  otherwise  protected  with  a  little  Cocoa-nut  fibre,  fronds  of 
the  common  Pern,  &c.,  to  ensure  their  resisting  unusually  severe 
winters.] 

The   Tuberous  Nasturtion  (Tropaeolum   tuberosum). — 

What  is  wanted  with  this  plant  is  to  starve  it,  and  to  roast  it ;  treated 
thus,  I  have  seen  it  presenting  a  beautiful  appearance,  and  I  would 
strongly  recommend  a  trial  of  the  plan  to  those  who  have  plants  by 
them  established  in  pots.  What  I  mean  by  starving  them  is  to 
plant  them  in  a  thin  layer  of  poor  gravelly  soil,  resting  on  a  hard 
and  almost  impervious  (and  of  course  dry)  bottom.  What  I  mean 
by  roasting  them  is  to  choose  a  situation  for  them  where  they  may 

be  fully  exposed  to  the  burn, 
ing  heat  of  a  summer's  sun, 
unsheltered  and  unshaded ; 
no  place  can  be  better  than  one 
in  front  of  a  wall  having  a 
south-west  aspect.  If  those 
who  have  hitherto  neglected 
Tropa3olum  tuberosum  will 
treat  it  something  after  this 
manner,  they  will  be  much 
pleased  with  it. — T.  M. 

NewHerbaeeousPlants. 
— The  most  noticeable  among 
the  hai'dy  herbaceous  subjects 
shown  at  Bath  were  Punkia 
Fortunci,  with  large  white 
flowers,  and  leaves  blotched 
with  gold,  shown  by  Mr. 
Williams,  of  Holloway  ;  and 
Cyclobothra  pulchella,  a  pro- 
fuse bearer  of  golden-yellow 
flowers,  and  a  Calochortus 
with  a  large  yellow  flower, 
blotched  and  stained  with 
brown  at  the  base  of  the  petals, 
shown  by  Messrs.  Backhouse, 
together  with  the  curious 
Levvisia  rediviva,  with  its 
large,  purplish-rose,  Portu- 
laca-like  flowers.  The  Calo- 
chortus is  a  splendid  thing. 
Mr.  Ware  showed  Triteleia 
laxa,  in  fine  bloom,  under  the 
name  of  Leucocoryne  alliacea 
(which,  of  course, was  wrong). 
It  is  a  fine  thing,  with  large 
blue,  Brodia;a-like  flowers. 
He  also  showed  a  very  showy 
and  desirable  orange-scarlet 
variety  of  Papaver  alpinum 
imder  the  name  of  Papaver 
miniatum,  and  a  fine  pot  of 
Teucrinm  pyrenaicnm,  in  ex- 
cellent bloom.  Messrs.  Bell 
and  Thorpe  showed  the  curious,  old-fashioned  Salvia  Horminum, 
seldom  seen  in  gardens,  but  quite  worthy  of  aplace  in  all.  Its  crest  of 
purple  leaves  at  the  summit  of  each  shoot  renders  it  a  desirable 
curiosity. — H.  Harpuu  Crewe,  The  Bedory,  Drayton-Beauchamp, 
Trim]. 

Plants  for  Islands. — On  a  piece  of  water  here  there  are  two  or 
three  islands  on  which  Oaks,  and  Beeches,  and  Rhododendrons  grow 
luxuriantly,  the  soil  being  mossy  and  peaty.  I  should  be  glad  to  hear 
of  some  plants  I  could  trust  to  grow  in  such  a  place  without  looking 
after  them.  The  class  of  plants  I  should  prefer  would  he  tall  and 
strong-growing  kinds,  with  fine  foliage. — Calviceps,  Knntsford. 
[The  Giant  Cow  Parsnips  (Heracleums),  Pampas  Grass,  Arundo 
Donax,  Arundinaria  falcata,  Tritomas,  Buphthalmum  speciosum, 
Crambe  cordifolia,  French  Artichoke,  Gunnera  scabra,  Helianthus 
(large  perennial  kinds),  Hemerocallis  fulva,  Lavatera  (tall  perennial 
kinds),  Onopordons,  Phytolacca  decandra.  Polygonum  cuspidatum, 
Rheum,  Rumex  Hydrolapathum  (for  the  water  side),  Yernouia 
novaboracensis,  several  of  the  tall  Michaelmas  Daisies,  Echinops 
exaltatus,  Lythrum  salicaria,  Irises,  Myosotis  palustris,  aud 
Solidago  grandiflora.] 


24 


THE  GARDEN. 


[July  12, 1873. 


THE    GARDEN    GUIDE. 

SUFFOLK. 
WOOLYERSTONE  PAEK. 
This  ig  one  of  the  finest  places  in  the  county.  The  park  is  well 
wooded,  chiefly  with  Oaksi  beautifnlly  undulated,  and  fully  stocked 
with  deer.  It  is  bounded  on  one  side  by  the  Orwell,  which,  when  at 
high  water,  is  one  of  the  finest  rivers  in  England.  A  new  approach  of 
great  beauty,  recently  formed  by  Mr.  Nesfleld,  commands  fine  views  of 
the  park  and  river.  The  house,  which  is  a  substantial  white  brick 
building,  commands  fine  views  of  Broke  Hall,  Orwell  Park,  and 
Nacton  on  the  opposite  shore.  For  many  years  the  mansion  stood 
alone  in  the  park,  unsupported  by  shrubs  or  flowers  ;  at  last  Mr. 
Nesfiekl  built  a  massive  retaining  wall  between  the  pai-k  and  the 
grounds,  and  laid  down  one  of  his  prettiest  gardens  on  a  level  very 
much  lower  than  that  of  the  house,  thns  affording  scope  for  the 
introduction  of  terraces,  flights  of  steps,  and,  indeed,  all  the 
elements  of  the  geometrical  and  architectural  style.  Towards  the 
mansion,  the  terraces,  &c.,  are  flanked  by  masses  of  shrubs  and 
choice  trees.  The  garden  is  remarkably  well  kept  and  furnished, 
and  looks  well  all  the  year  round.  It  is  crowned,  beside  the 
mansion,  by  a  noble  span-roofed  conservatory,  containing  some 
magnificent  Camellias  in  fixed  vases  on  the  floor.  These  are  models 
of  form,  health,  and  beauty.  One  plant  of  Elegans  had  400 
blossoms  on  it  this  spring— a  noble  sight  worth  travelling  many 
miles  to  see.  The  side  stage  in  front  is  well  filled,  and  the 
roof  and  panelled  back  wall  are  clothed  with  the  choicest 
climbers  and  hanging  baskets.  Among  climbers,  the  Lapageria 
rosea  is  the  "  lion "  of  the  house,  covering  an  amount  of  space, 
and  flowering  with  a  profusion  that  I  have  never  seen  equalled. 
The  conservatory,  is  attached  to  the  mansion  at  one  end,  and 
terminates  with  a  substantial  and  well-clothed  Fernery  at  the  other. 
The  main  passage  here  is  on  a  curved  line,  and  leads  out  to  the 
garden  through  masses  of  stones,  fine  Ferns,  and  falling  waters. 
The  gardener's  cottage  stands  in  the  park,  just  outside  the  kitchen- 
garden,  a  model  of  beauty  and  convenience.  The  kitchen'  garden 
is  large  and  productive.  A  grass  walk,  with  a  herbaceous  border  on 
each  side,  is  carried  right  through  the  centre  of  it.  There  are  a 
great  many  houses  for  fruit  and  plants  ;  numbers  of  pits,  frames, 
&c.  Peaches  and  Grapes  ai-e  remarkably  well-grown,  Mr.  Sheppard 
taking  most  of  the  local  prizes  for  Grapes,  Ferns,  and  stove  plants, 
especially  Bongainvillea  glabra.  On  the  cliff,  near  the  Orwell, 
there  is  a  very  extensive  wild  garden  and  Fernery.  The  position  is 
admirable,  and  streams  of  water  trickle  and  leap  along,  in  different 
directions.  Here,  in  addition  to  the  commoner  varieties,  several 
of  the  Bamboos  and  exotic  Ferns,  such  as  the  Dicksonia  antarctica, 
Woodwardia  radicans,  and  some  of  the  Cyatheas  have  proved  almost 
hardy.  To  the  true  lover  of  nature,  the  Fernery  on  the  cliff  is 
perhaps  the  richest  treat  at  Woolverstone.  But  the  whole  place  is  rich 
in  natural  and  artificial  beauty,  and  the  latter  has  neither  marred 
nor  superseded  the  former.  The  cliff  scenery,  for  instance,  is  most 
natural,  the  art  chiefly  revealing  itself  by  clothing  it  with  a  superior 
vegetation,  and  adding  depth  and  intensity  to  its  inequality  of  sur. 
face. — John  Berners,  Esq.,  gardener,  Mr.  James  Sheppard.  Four 
miles  south  by  east  of  Ipswich. 

WHERSTEAD  PARK. 
This  is  much  nearer  to  Ipswich  than  Woolverstone.  It  stands  upon 
an  eminence,  commanding  a  fine  view  of  the  estuary  of  the  Orwell. 
The  carriage  drive  is  pretty,  and  some  fine  Pinuses  (among  the  best 
of  which  are  a  Araucaria  and  a  Sequoia  Sempervirens)  adorn  its 
side.  The  garden  around  the  house  is  small,  consisting  of  a  geo- 
metrical flower  garden,  shrubberies  (In  which  masses  of  Rhododen. 
drons  abound),  and  a  block  of  glass  houses,  in  which  good  fruits  and 
plants  are  cultivated.  On  the  opposite  side  of  the  public  road  a 
very  large  kitchen  garden  is  enclosed  with  red  brick  walls,  well 
furnished  with  fruit  trees. — Lady  William  Graham  ;  gardener,  Mr. 
Thomas  Jarmain.     2^  miles  from  Ipswich. 

STOKE   PARK. 

This  is  a  pretty  mansion,  situated  in  a  well  wooded  park, 
commanding  a  fine  view  of  the  river  Orwell.  It  is  also  surrounded  by 
a  pretty  garden. — Lord  Gwyder  ;  gardener,  Mr.  Creswell.  li  miles 
from  Ipswich. 

THE  CHATJNTRY. 

No  one  passing  along  the  public  road  from  Bramford  to  Ipswich, 
can  have  failed  to  notice  some  of  the  most  magnificent  entrance 
gates  to  be  seen  in  this  country.  Theyare  massive,  elaborate,  and 
literally  laden  with  gold.  One  could  but  think  they  were  the  lit 
portals  to  a  ducal  residence.  On  entering  the  gates,  however,  gre.it 
disappointment  is  e'^perienced  on  finding  one's  self  immediately  in 


front  of  a  showy  Italian  mansion,  adorned  with  a  profusion  of  balus. 
trades,  cornices,  vases,  &c.  The  house,  though  a  tine  mansion,  com. 
manding  extensive  views  of  Ipswich  and  the  charming  valley  of  the 
Gipping,  and  surrounded  by  nice  grounds,  by  no  means  bears  ont 
the  lofty  ideas  suggested  by  the  magnificent  lodge  gates.  Pretty 
gardens,  nice  lawns,  and  terrace  walks  surround  the  house. — Sir 
Fitzroy  Kelly  resided  here  for  many  years ;  gardener,  Mr.  Peter 
Boreham.     Distance  from  Ipswich  2^  miles  west  by  north. 

ORWELL  PARK. 

This  park,  so  called  from  its  being  bounded  by  the  Orwell 
throughout  its  entire  length,  is  one  of  the  richest  and  best  wooded 
in  the  kingdom.  It  abounds  in  clumps  and  single  trees,  and  is  well 
stocked  with  deer.  The  present  proprietor  has  greatly  improved  the 
house  and  grounds,  having  lowered  the  entire  lawn  and  a  large 
portion  of  the  park  to  bring  the  river  into  view  from  the  lower 
windows  of  the  mansion.  He  has  also  formed  a  large  lake  for 
waterfowl  near  the  Orwell.  The  house  is  surrounded  by  a  fine 
lawn,  flower-gardens,  and  terrace  walks,  commanding  rich  views  of 
the  Orwell  and  the  park  and  woods  of  Woolverstone  on  the  opposite 
shore.  On  the  lawn  are  some  noble  trees ;  among  others,  one  of  the 
finest  evergreen  Oaks  in  the  country  ;  at  •!■  feet  from  the  ground  it 
measures  12  feet  round  the  stem,  the  spread  of  its  branches  reaching 
to  05  feet — a  magnificent  specimen.  There  are  also  some  fine 
Cedars  on  the  lawn  ;  one,  near  the  Orangery,  is  19  feet  round,  with 
60  feet  spread  of  branches ;  another  is  20  feet  round,  and  with  GO 
feet  spread  of  branches  ;  each  of  the  measurements  of  the  trunk 
being  4  feet  from  the  ground.  About  twenty  years  ago,  a  great 
many  Coniferse  were  planted  here.  The  following  are  the  measure- 
ments of  a  few  of  them  : — Cedrus  Deodara,  4  feet  9  inches  in  girth 
of  stem,  and  30  feet  through  the  branches;  Pinus  excelsa,  9  feet 
girth  of  stem,  and  30  feet  spread  of  branches.  Here,  too,  are  many 
specimens  of  Pinus  insignis,  Abies  Douglasii,  Wellingtonias,  &c., 
almost  equally  large.  Two  common  Poplars  in  Kacton  village, 
close  by,  measure  15  feet  and  14  feet  8  inches  round  the  bole  at  4  feet 
from  the  ground.  The  kitchen  garden,  a  very  fine  one,  with  nume- 
rous plant  and  fruit  houses,  is  well  furnished  with  fruits  and 
vegetables.  The  chief  features  of  Orwell,  however,  are  its  fino 
trees,  far  reaching  lawn,  nice  flower  gardens,  and  large  park. — 
George  Tomline,  Esq. ;  gardener,  Mr.  Wallis.  Four  miles  south, 
east  of  Ipswich. 

BROKE  HALL. 

The  entrance  lodge  to  this  pretty  park  and  garden  is  just  at  the 
extremity  of  the  gardens  of  Orwell  Park.  The  two  parks,  in  fact, 
join,  and  are  separated  merely  by  a  road  leading  down  to  the  beach. 
Broke  Hall  is  approached  by  an  avenue  of  Sycamore,  that  at  one 
time  ran  past  the  front  door  of  Orwell  Park  House.  The  hall  is 
prettily  embosomed  in  trees  and  shrubberies  and  forms  a  beautiful 
object  from  the  river.  The  gardens  are  not  very  extensive,  but  very 
pretty,  and  the  cliff  has  recently  been  added  to  them  by  the  planting 
of  choice  trees  and  shrubs,  and  the  formation  of  some  nice  walks 
through  the  belt  of  wood.  These  command  charming  views  of  the  Orwell, 
to  which  they  are,  in  fact,  very  near.  Coniferons  trees  do  well  here, 
and  many  thriving  plants  are  getting  up  about  the  pleasure  grounds. 
Some  Picea  Cephalonica,  planted  twenty-four  years  ago,  have  a 
girth  of  4  feet,  at  the  same  distance  from  the  ground.  The  branches 
have  a  spread  of  24  feet,  and  the  trees  average  40  feet  in  height. 
Wellingtonias,  4  inches  high  in  1858  are  now  37  feet  high,  15  feet 
through  the  branches,  with  a  girth  of  bole  of  7  feet.  An  old  Pollard 
Oak  in  the  park  is  20  feet  in  girth  at  5  feet  from  the  ground.  The 
park  is  pretty,  and  well  furnished  with  timber.  The  kitchen  garden 
is  well  sheltered,  and  its  soil  is  of  excellent  quality.  A  very  fine 
plant  of  the  deciduous  Cypress  is  just  outside  the  wall.  Several  of 
the  walls  are  only  4  inches  in  thickness,  and  are  built  in  a  series  of 
reverse  curves  to  give  them  strength.  The  trees  do  remarkably 
well  in  these  curves.  The  soil  is  a  rather  strong  loam,  and  some  of 
the  finest  Peaches  have  been  grown  in  this  garden.  The  gardens 
have  also  been  long  famed  for  the  excellency  of  their  Grapes,  which 
have  carried  off  a  great  many  prizes. — Mr.  Jenkins ;  gardener,  Mr. 
D.  Daniels.     41  miles  from  Ipswich. 


Children  and  Flowers. — Take  a  child  along  a  country  lane, 
and  gather  sprays  of  any  of  the  plants  as  you  walk,  and  yon  may 
teach  that  child  lessons  in  brief  sentences  that  will  never  be  forgotten 
— the  Crab,  parent  of  every  Apple  ;  the  Briar,  nurse  of  better  Roses ; 
Ivy,  that  adorns  and  shelters  its  supporter ;  Coltsfoot,  Ground  Ivy, 
and  many  more — the  poor  man's  medicines ;  Grass,  the  most  refresh, 
ing  garb  of  the  world.  Gather  any  flower,  and  point  to  the  pistils 
and  stamens — parents  of  all  seeds ;  petals  that  adorn,  and  calyx  that 
sheltered  them  all  in  their  infancy.  Such  lessons  add  an  interest  to 
every  ramble. 


July  12,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


26 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 

ALPINIA  VITTATA. 
This  pretty  variegated  plant  is  a  native  of  the  South  Sea 
Islands,  from  which  it  was  inti'odnced  to  our  collections  by 
Mr.  Wm.  Bull,  of  Chelsea.  Its  distichous  lanceolate  loaves 
vary  from  6  to  8  inches  in  length,  and  are  strikingly  marked 
with  pale  green  or  creamy-yellow  stripes  on  a  dark  green 
ground.  It  is  a  perennial,  and  grows  freely  under  ordinary 
stove  treatment,  making,  when  thoroughly  established,  a  very 
effective  decor- 
ative plant. 
Each  plant  pre- 
sents a  charming 
variety  in  the 
colouring  of  its 
individual 
leaves,  the  yel- 
low stripes  pre- 
ponderating in 
some  cases,  and 
tlio  light  green 
in  others.  It  is 
easily  propaga- 
ted by  dividing 
its  underground 
rhizomes,  and 
should  be  added 
to  all  colleo- 
tious  where 
variegated  -  foli- 
age plants  are  a 
de  s  ideratum. 
Even  when 
grown  in  small 
pots  it  is  an  ef- 
fective plant  for 
stove  decoration. 


nursery  to  operate  upon,  the  first  thing  to  do  is  to  examine  its 
roots.  If  these  are  in  a  healthy  state  and  not  pot-bound.  the 
plant  will  not  require  a  shift  for  another  year ;  but  should  the 
roots  be  getting  matted  at  the  sides  of  the  ball,  the  sooner  it 
is  transferred  the  better.  For  a  small  plant  a  1-inch  shift- 
that  is,  a  pot  2  inches  wider  than  the  one  the  plant  is  growing 
in— is  sufficient  at  one  time.  The  pot  should  be  well  washed 
and  carefully  drained  with  an  inch  of  clean  crocks.  The  plant 
must  then  be  turned  carefully  out  of  the  pot,  the  old  crocks 
removed,  and  the  sides  of  the  ball  pricked 


AZALEAS. 


to 


I  ifAD  once 
deal  with  some 
neglected  Aza- 
leas that  were 
sadly  in  want  of 
re-pottiug.  I 
reduced  their 
balls  by  shaving 
all  the  outside 
roots  oS  with 
a  sharp  knife, 
and,  when  suffi- 
ciently reduced, 
re-potted  them 
in  much  smaller 
sized  pots  than 
those  in  which 
they  had  been 
growing.  In  re- 
potting, the  balls 
were  filled  round 
firmly  with  a 
compost,consist- 

ing  of  three  parts  peat,  one  of  loam,  and  plenty  of  silver  sand ; 
watering  abundantly,  and  placing  them  in  a  late  Vinery.  By 
the  end  of  the  season  they  had  made  a  good  growth,  were  well 
set  with  buds,  and  a  fresh  lot  of  young  shoots  had  taken 
possession  of  the  new  soil.  This  shift  served  the  plants  for 
three  or  four  years,  when  they  were  again  taken  out  of  their 
pots,  subjected  again  to  the  carving  knife,  and  treated  gene- 
rally as  before.  The  result  has  always  been  healthy  plants 
and  plenty  of  flower.  So  much  for  the  treatment  of  old  plants. 
Young  Azaleas  that  are  to  be  grown  on  as  specimens  for 
conservatory  decoration  must  be  treated  in  a  liberal  manner. 
Supposing  we  have  a  young  plant  that  has  just  come  from  the 


ently  with  the 
point  of  a  label, 
so  as  to  liberate 
the  roots.  The 
soil  should  con- 
fist  of  peat  two- 
thirds,  loam  one- 
third,  and  a  good 
proportion  of  sil- 
ver sand.  A  lit- 
tle of  this  com- 
post should  be 
put  in  the  bot- 
tom of  the  pot 
before  putting 
the  plant  in,  just 
sufficiently  to 
raise  the  surface 
of  the  ball  to 
within  half  an 
inch  of  the  rim, 
to  allow  room 
for  watering. 
Then,  taking 
particular  care 
that  the  plant 
is  evenly  placed 
in  the  centre, 
fill  up  round  the 
sides,  ramming 
the  soil  pretty 
firmly  at  the 
same  time  with 
the  broad  end  of 
a  label.  After 
potting,  water 
thoroughly  two 
or  three  times 
till  the  water 
runs  out  at  the 
bottom  of  the 
pot,  and  set  the 
plants  in  some 
structure,  such 
as  a  Peach-house 
orVinery,  where 
they  can  have 
light  and  a 
genial  tempera- 
ture. Water 
regularly  and 
carefully,  syr- 
inge frequeptly 
Alpinia  Vittata,  to     keep     down 

insects,  and 
fumigate  when  necessary.  With  this  treatment  the  plants 
will  make  a  nice  growth  by  autumn,  and  be  furnished  with 
plump  flower-buds.  Before  this  can  be  distinguished,  however, 
the  plants  should  be  accustomed  to  a  more  airy  temperature 
and  when  the  buds  are  fully  developed  they  should  be  removed 
to  a  cool  house,  from  which  they  may  be  removed  as  required, 
and  forced  into  flower  in  a  gentle  heat.  Those  who  wish  to 
make  pyramids  of  these  plants  ought  to  begin  by  tying  the 
lowest  branches  down  to  the  rim  of  the  pot,  first  putting  a 
straight  stake  in  the  centre  of  the  plant,  and  then  tying  the 
second  tier  of  shoots  to  the  bottom  ones,  and  so  on  to  the  top 
of  the  plant.  S.  W. 


26 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[JoLY  12,  1873. 


GARDEN     DESTROYERS. 

INSECTS  INJURIOUS  TO  ROSES. 
About  this  time  of  the  year  the  Rose  grower  froquoutly  finds 
the  leaves  of  his  Roses  shrivelling  up  and  withering.  On  ex- 
amining thcra,  he  discovers  a  small  dark  green  caterpillar-like 
larva  feeding  on  them,  usually  on  the  upper  surface  of  the 
leaf.  This  is  the  larva  of  the"  yellow  Rose-leaf  sawfly  (Ten- 
th redo  (Athaliajrosffi),  a  small  four-winged, thick-bodied,  j-ellow 
ily,  with  the  head  and  back  of  the  thorax  of  a  jet  black  colour. 
The  parent  deposits  her  eggs  on  the  mid-rib  of  the  leaf,  and 
the  larva?,  when  hatched,  commence  to  devour  the  leaf  in  a 
manner  which  distinguishes  them  from  all  other  insects  which 
prey  upon  the  Rose.  They  do  not  consume  the  entire  sub- 
stance of  the  leaf,  but  confine  themselves  to  the  parenchyma 
or  cellular  tissue  of  the  upper  surface,  which  they  completely 
eat  away,  leaving  the  nerves  and  the  epidermis  of  the  under 
surface  untouched,  and  transparent  as  gauze.  The  ravages  of 
this  pest  extend  through  the  months  of  May,  Jime,  and  July, 
the  larvas  appearing  in  the  greatest  numbers  in  the  last  two 
months.  A  second  brood  is  produced  in  September  and  Oc- 
tober. The  only  means  of  getting  rid  of  them  is  careful  hand- 
picking.  It  may  be  as  well  to  remark  here  that  the  larva;  of 
the  sawflies,  although  very  similar  in  appearance,  differ  from 
true  caterpillars  (the  larva;  of  moths  and  butterflies)  in  the 
following  respects — namely,  that  they  always  have  more  than 
16  feet  (from  18  to  22),  a"  rounded  head,  and  two  eyes.  The 
true  caterpillars,  on  the  contrary,  never  have  more  than  Irj  feet 
and  seldom  fewer  than  10,  and  their  heads  are  heart-shaped, 
or  slightly  triangular,  with  six  eyes. 

THE   'WniTE-BAXDED    SAWFLY    (lEXTdREDO    CIXCTa). 

The  Rose  also  frec(uently  suffers  from  the  attacks 
larva  of  another  sawHy  (Tenthredo  (Emphytus)  cincta) 
insect  is  entirely  black,  with  rust-coloured  legs,  and  a  white 
band  across  the  abdomen.  The  female  lays  her  eggs  on  the 
ends  of  the  young  herbaceous  shoots,  and  the  larva,  when 
hatched,  eats  its  way  into  the  interior  of  the  shoot  until  it 
reaches  the  pith,   on   which   it   continues  to  subsist   until  it 


of  the 
This 


Larva  of  Tenthredo  cincta. 

passes  into  the  pupa  state.  As  it  works  its  way  downwards 
from  the  point  to  the  base  of  the  shoot,  each  leaf  dies  in  suc- 
cession, as  the  larva  reaches  the  part  of  the  pith  opposite  to  it, 
until  the  entire  branch  becomes  completely  debih'tated  ;  several 
larva;  being  sometimes  found  at  intervals,  one  above  anotlnr,  in 
the  same  shoot.  The  only  remedy  is  to  cut  off  the  shoots  suffi- 
ciently far  down,  as  soon  as  the  buds  and  leaves  begin  to  show 
symptoms  of  fading,  and  then  to  burn  them. 


THE    COJIIIOX    ROSE    SAWFLY    (tENTEKEDO   EOSAKUM). 

The  larva  of  another  sawfly  (Tenthredo  (Hylotoma)  rosarum) 
attacks  the  leaves  of  the  Rose  in  a  different  manner,  eating 
them  quite  through,  as  the  Cabbage  caterpillar  devours  the 
leaves  of  the  Cabbage.  The  parent  insect  is  a  small  four- 
wiuged  fly,  with  a  brownish  yellow  body,  and  head  and  thorax 
of  a  brownish  black,  and  in  early  summer  may  be  seen,  mostly 
in  the  morning  and  evening,  hovering  around  Rose  trees. 
The  female  deposits  her  eggs,  to  the  number  of  from  eight 
to  fifteen  on  one  shoot,  each  in  a  separate  notch  which 
she    cuts    in  the   bark.       lu   depositing    the   egg,   she    also 


Tenthredo  rosarum  and  larva'. 

emits  an  acrid  liquid,  which  hinders  the  lips  of  the  cut  from 
growing  together  again  over  the  egg,  and  produces  a  dark- 
coloured  swelling  of  the  bark.  The  larva;  are  hatched  in  about 
eight  or  ten  days,  and  commence  to  feed  ravenously  on  the 
leaves  nearest  to  them.  They  are  of  a  dark  yellow  colour  on 
the  back,  green,  or  greenish-yellow,  on  the  sides,  and  whitish 
nnderneath.  They  grow  very  rapidly,  attaining  their  full  de- 
velopment in  about  four  weeks,  when  they  descend  from  the 
branches  and  bury  themselves  deeply  in  the  earth,  where  they 
pass  into  the  chrysalis  state.  From  this  they  emerge  in  the 
ensuing  August,  aiid  produce  a  new  generation  of  larva;  which 
infest  the  Rose  trees  until  October.  These  undergo  the  same 
metamorphoses,  but  pass  the  entire  winter  underground,  com- 
ing out  as  perfect  insects  late  in  spring.  Almost  all  kinds  of 
Roses  are  subject  to  be  attacked  by  them,  but  the  Banksian, 
the  Tea,  and  Bengal  Roses  appear  to  suft'er  much  less  than 
any  other  kinds.  Careful  haiul-picking  is  the  best  safeguard 
from  these  foes.  In  the  month  of  May,  the  parent  fly,  being 
heavy  with  eggs,  is  easily  caught,  as  it  rests  on  a  Rose  branch, 
and  should  be  killed,  as  a  preventive  measure. 

THE    APHIS,   OR    GREEN    FLY. 

All  through  the  summer.  Rose  trees  are  liable,  more  or  less, 
to  be  attacked  by  the  aphis  or  green  fly,  which  sometimes 
covers  the  leaves  in  such  numbers  that  their  destruction 
speedily  follows.  It  has  been  computed  that  each  female 
produces,  on  an  average,  fifty  young  ones  daily,  so  that  in 
three  generations  one  family  will  number  125  millions  of 
individuals.  As  they  suck  the  juices  of  the  leaves  and  tender 
shoots  incessantly,  it  is  not  surprising  that  these  quickly 
wither.  Many  remedies  have  been  recommended  for  these 
pests,  such  as  tobacco-water,  a  solution  of  sulphate  of 
copper,  alcohol,  paraffin  oil,  &c. ;  the  following,  however, 
is  the  simplest,  least  offensive,  and  most  efficacious  : — Take 
4  ozs.  of  quassia  chips  and  boil  them  for  tea  minutes  in  a 


July  12,  1873.] 


THE  GAEDEN. 


27 


giUlou  of  soft  water.  Strain  off  the  chips,  aud  add  4  ozs. 
of  soft  soap,  ■which  should  be  dissolved  in  it  as  it  cools, 
stirring  it  before  usiiij;.  To  apply  it,  take  a  moderate-sized 
painter's  brush,  dip  it  in  the  mixture, aud  brush  every  leaf  and 
shoot  upwards  with  it.  About  ten  minutes  afterwards  syringe 
the  tree  with  pure  water,  in  order  to  wash  off  the  dead  insects. 
This  is  a  perfect  cure  for  the  green-fly. 

THE    DOlIllLE-lIOKNEll    SAWl'LY    (TENTIIREDO    DIFEORMls). 

Tenthredo  (Cladius)  difl'orniis  is  a  small  black  sawfly  with 
white  legs.     It  derives  its  name  of  difformis  from  the  fact  that 


Larvic  of  Tcutlivedo  tlifforniis. 

the  antenna;  of  the  male  insject  are  pectinate,  while  those  of 
the  female  are  nearly  filiform.  The  larvas  make  their  appearance 
on  Rose  leaves  in  May,  a  second  brood  appearing  in  September. 
They  are  of  a  delicate  green  colour,  like  that  of  the  leaves,  and 
have  red  heads.  Along  their  sides  is  a  row  of  .small  pro- 
minences, each  bearing  a  little  tuft  of  greyish  hairs.  There 
are  seldom  more  than  three  or  four  of  these  larvaj  found  under 
the  same  leaf.     The  remedy  is  to  cut  and  burn  the  leaves  on 


Tenthredo  zona. 


which  they  are  found,  aud   also  to  destroy  the  parent  insect 
whenever  she  is  met  with  previous  to  depositing  her  eggs. 

THE    YELLOW-BANDED   SAWFLY    (tENTHEEDO    ZOSa). 

Tenthredo   zona.     This  species  of   sawfly  appears  to  be  not 
so  widely  distributed  as  most  of  the  other  kinds,  and  is  not  met 


with  in  some  localities.  It  is  a  small  black  fly,  about  one-third  of  an 
inch  long,  with  yellow  legs,  and  mai'ked  on  the  abdomen  with 
bright  yellow  rings.  The  larv;u  make  their  aiipoarance  in  May 
and  again  in  Septemljer.  They  are  of  a  greyish-green  colour 
with  red  heads,  and  the  entire  surface  of  the  body  is  covered 
with  small  white  tubercles.  When  erajiloyed  in  eating  they 
extend  themselves  in  a  straight  line,  but  when  reposing  they 
roll  themselves  into  a  spiral  form.  When  arrived  at  their 
full  growth,  they  drop  to  the  ground,  in  which  they  bury  them- 
selves, and  form  a  cocoon  of  clay  tempered  with  saliva.  In 
about  six  weeks  the  perfect  insect  emerges,  but  the  pupa?  of  the 
second  brood  pass  the  winter  underground,  llcmedy  the  same 
as  in  the  last  case. 

THE    ROSE    scale. 

A  species  of  white  Scale  (Chermcs  rosas)  sometimes  occurs 
in  such  quantities  on  the  shoots  of  Hoses  that  they  appear  to 
be  covered  with  a  white  crust.     They  do  not  adhere  very  tena- 


The  Rose  Scale. — 1.  Scale  of  the  natural  size,  showing  the  uppei'  and  under 
surfaces.    2.  The  larva  magniiied.    y.  Rose-branches  encrusted  with  the  Scale. 

ciously  to  the  bark,  and  are  easily  removed  by  brushing  the 
shoots  with  a  stiff  brush.  The  best  time  to  do  this  is  before 
the  buds  appear. 

THE   KOSE-LEAE   MINER   (TINEA   KUFICAPITELL.a). 

In  autumn,  the  leaves  of  Rose  trees  are  very  often  marked 
in  various  directions  with  broad  brown  lines,  having  a  n.i.rrow 
black  one  running  down  the  middle.  This  curious  appearance 
is  caused  by  the  caterpillar  of  a  very  small  moth  (Microsetia 
(Tinea)  ruticapitella)  which  feeds  on  the  inside  of  the  leaf. 
When  full  grown,  this  caterpillar  is  not  more  that  one-sixth 
of  an  inch  long,  of  a  yellow-orange  colour,  with  a  brown  mark 
down  the  back.  The  brown  marks  on  the  leaves  are  caused 
by  the  drying  up  of  the  epidermis,  in  consequence  of  the 
caterpillar  having  eaten  a  channel  through  the  parenchyma  or 
substance  of  the  leaf  ;  the  accompanying  black  marks  are 
formed  by  the  excrement,  which,  while  the  caterpillar  is  young, 
entirely  stops  up  the  channel  which  it  mines  through  the  leaf. 


28 


THE   GARDB?^. 


[July  12, 1873. 


When  full  grown,  about  the  end  of  October,  it  eats  its  way 
out  of  the  leaf  and  crawls  down  the  branches  and  stem, 
until  it  finds  a  convenient  place  to  fix  its  cocoon.  The 
remedy  is  to  cut  off  and  burn  the  leaves  as  soon  as  they  appear 
to  suli'er. 

TUE    KOSE-LEAF   ROLLER    (TORTRIX   BERGMANNIANA). 

Early  in  May  a  very  destructive  pest  makes  its  appearance 
on  Rose  leaves.  This  is  the  caterpillar  of  a  small  moth,  named 
Tortrix  Bergmanniana.  It  is  easily  detected  from  its  habit  of 
fastening  the  edges  of  the  leaves  together  with  glutinous 
threads,  so  as  to  form  a  shelter  for  itself,  while  it  gnaws  away 
the  tender  leaf  or  bud  on  which  it  may  have  fixed  itself.  It  is 
most  injurious  to  the  young  Rose-buds,  sometimes  eating  a 
large  piece  out  of  three  or  four  buds  in  succession,  and  disap- 
pointing the  grower's  hopes  of  a  show  of  bloom.  As  soon  as 
it  has  arrived  at  its  full  growth,  it  envelopes  itself  with  a  silky 
covering,  which  it  spins  inside  of  the  rollcd-up  leaf  on  which 
it  has  last  fed,  and  there  it  passes  into  the  chrysalis  state, 
from  which  it  emerges  as  a  perfect  insect  in  the  end  of  June, 
or  early  in  July.  At  that  time  the  moth  may  be  seen,  after 
sunset,  flitting  about  Rose  trees  in  every  garden  in  Europe. 
It  is  rather  more  than  half  an  inch  across  the  wings,  the  upper 
ones  of  which  are  yellow,  finely  reticulated  with  reddish-brown, 
and  marked  ti-ansversely  with  tha-ee  silvery  and  black  streaks 
of  a  metallic  lustre;  the  lower  wings  are  blackish.  The 
female  deposits  her  eggs  in  a  scattered  fashion,  usually  at  the 
base  of  a  branch.  They  are  not  hatched  until  the  following 
spring,  but  occasionally,  in  warm  summers,  a  second  brood 
appears  in  September.  No  time  should  be  lost  in  destroying 
the  larvaj  as  soon  as  the  first  roiled  leaves  are  seen.     This  is 


Tortris  BergmaniiiaTia  and  larva. 

readily  done  by  squeezing  the  leaves  between  the  finger  and 
thumb,  which  effectually  disposes  of  the  marauder  within. 
The  flower-buds,  if  any,  should  also  be  examined  at  the  same 
time. 

TUE   aOSE   WEEVIL    (oTIORUYXCUUS    SVLCATVs). 

The  Rose-wee  vil(Otiorh3-nchuss.ulcatus)  is  abeetle-like  insect, 
larger  than  a  lady-bird,  and  of  a  dark  brown  or  nearly 
black  colour.  It  commits  its  depredations  by  night,  when  it 
eats  out  the  centres  of  the  buds,  frequently  doing  extensive 
damage  in  this  way.  In  the  daytime  it  hides  in  crevices  or  in 
the  ground.  It  is,  consequently,  difficult  to  find,  and  the 
best  plan  is  to  visit  any  trees  which  appear  to  suffer  from  it 
by  night  with  a  lantern,  when  the  delinquent  may  be  caught 
in  the  act  and  receive  immediate  and  condign  punishment. 

THE    ROSE    CICADELLE. 

The  Rose  is  occasionally  attacked  by  a  small  grasshopper- 
like insect,  known  as  Typhlocyba  rosfe,  or  the  Rose 
Cicadelle.  lu  its  early  stages  it  is  enveloped  in  a  mass 
of  whihc  frothy  substance,  popularly  known  as  "  Cuckoo's 
spittle,"  which  will  be  found  covering  the  greater  part  of 
the  imderside  of  a  leaf  or  the  extremity  of  a  tender  shoot. 
In  this  condition  the  insect  lives  on  the  juices  of  the 
leaf  or  shoot,  which,  by  their  marbled  appearance,  soo  n 
show  signs  of  suffering,  as  the  insect  pierces  them  all  over  a  s 


it  sucks.  The  perfect  insect  is  narrow,  a  sixth  of  an  inch  long ; 
with  the  wings,  when  closed,  sloping  down  at  the  side ;  very  pale 
yellow,  with  pale  orange  dashes  ;  and  jumps,  grasshopper-like, 
most  vigorously  when  approached.  In  this  state,  it  does  not 
appear  to  be  injurious  to  vegetation.  The  larva3  may  be  easily 
destroyed  by  cutting  off"  the  leaves  or  shoots  which  bear  the 
frothy  masses,  and  throwing  them  into  a  vessel  of  hot  water. 

THE    PSt   MOTII. 

The    Caterpillar  of    another  moth    (iSToctua    Psi),   figured 
below,  is  also   sometimes  very  injurious  to   Rose  trees.     It  is 


The  Psi  Moth.— 1.  The  perfect  insect.    2.  The  Caterpillar. 

very  common  in  the  autumn,  both  on  fruit  trees  and  Roses, 
eight  or  ten  of  the  Caterpillars  being  frequently  found  on  one 
shoot.  The  colour  of  the  body  of  the  Caterpillar  is  blackish, 
with  a  broad  lemon-yellow,  sulphur-yellow,  or  whitish  band 
along  each  side,  extending  to  a  little  in  front  of  the  base  of 
the  curious  conical^frojection  on  the  back  behind  the  head. 
The  body  is  also  thickly  covered  with  fine  dark-coloured  hair 
which  grows  in  pencils  or  tufts  from  the  numerous  tubercles 
on  the  sides  and  back.  The  dark  colour  of  this  Caterpillar 
renders  it  very  conspicuous,  so  that  plants  infested  by  it  can 
be  easily  cleared  by  hand-picking. 

SPIDERS. 

In  dry  soils,  certain  kinds  of  Roses  (especially  Moss  and 
Provence)  are  liable  to  be  attacked  by  au  orange-ciloured 
fungus  (Uredo  rosre  and  Puccinia  rosa3)  on  the  under  surface 
of  the  leaves ;  on  leaves  so  attacked  are  often  found  two 
species  of  small  spider,  one  green  (Acarus  rosarum),  and  the 
other  red  (Acarus  IPucciniai).  These  are  probably  not  injurious 
to  the  plants,  as  they  are  only  found  along  with  the  fungus,  on 
which  they  appear  to  subsist.  They  may,  however,  easily  be 
I'emoved  by  syringing  with  water  in  which  a  little  soft  soap 
has  been  dissolved.  For  the  fungus  alluded  to  no  remedy  has 
been  discovered,  those  which  are  effectual  in  other  cases  havmg 
proved  perfectly  useless  m  this.  As  a  preventive  of  the  fungus, 
Mr.  Rivers  recommends  that  the  Roses  should  be  lifted  and 
replanted  every  autumn,  givuig  them  at  the  same  time  plenty 
of  manure  and  stirring  the  soil  three  feet  deep. 

BEDEGUAR. 

The  accompanying  illustration  represents  theBcdcguar  of  the 
Rose,  and  the  various  stages  of  the  insect  which  produces  it.  It 
is  a  mossy  excrescence,  which,  by  the  month  of  September,  is  as 
large  as  a  medlar,  covered  with  filaments  like  those  of  a  Moss 
Rose.  As  the  season  advances,  it  assumes  a  reddish  or  pinkish 
hue,  mingled  with  yellow  and  green.  It  is  produced  by  a  small 
gall-fly,  named  Cynips    rosaj  (fig.  6),  which  is  shining  black, 


July  12,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


29 


■with  the  base  of  the  abdonieu  aud  the  legs  reddish.  The  insect 
lays  about  a  dozen  eggs  together  at  the  extremity  of  a  shoot 
or  branch.  They  are  not  laid  on  the  surface,  but  the  insect 
cither  cuts  a  slit  in  which  the  eggs  are  placed,  or,  perhaps, 
rather  punctures  the  epidermis,  and  deposits  the  eggs  beneath 
it.     The  u-ritation  of  the  tissues,  produced  by  the  larvae  which 


Bedeguar  of  the  Rosc.~l.  The  Bedeguar.    2.  Do.  cut  ttirough,  showing  the 
■     cells.    3.  Larva  of  Cynips.    4.  Head  and  first  joints  of  the  body  of  the  larva, 
5.  Pupa.    6.  Perfect  Insect.  ^ 

are  hatched  from  these  eggs,  causes  au  excess  of  woody  fibre 
to  be  deposited  around  them.  This  increases  in  size,  aud,  as 
the  laryas  grow,  the  irritation,  doubtless,  increases,  and  the 
exterior  throws  out  the  mossy  filaments  which  characterise  the 
Bedeguar.  These  are  not  mere  threads,  but  flat  processes, 
with  branches  striking  oil  on  each  side.  If  the  excresence  is 
cut  across,  it  will  be  seen  to  consist  of  numerous  cells  in  a 
hard  woody  substance,  as  shown  in  iig.  2,  and  in  each  cell  is  a 
single  small  larva  (fig  3) ;  or,  if  it  is  farther  advanced,  a  pupa 
(fig.  5)  like  a  half-developed  fly.  Fig.  4  represents  the  head 
and  first  joints  of  the  larva.  The  Bedeguar  canuot,  perhaps, 
be  called  very  destructive.  It,  no  doubt,  must  prove  a  drain 
upon  the  strength  of  the  plant,  and,  so  far,  must  be  regarded 
as  injurious.  It  is  chiefly  the  Wild  Rose  or  Briar  that  is 
attacked  by  it,  but  it  is  also  found  on  various  other  varieties 
of  the  Rose.  The  remedy  is  to  cut  off  the  excrescences  and  bm-n 
them,  and,  as  they  are  conspicuous  and  easily  detected,  it  is  not 
difficult  to  get  rid  of  them. 

THE   LEAF-CTJTTEK. 

Even  after  the  most  careful  hand-picking,  and  when  cater- 
pillars and  other  larvre  appear  to  be  quite  exterminated,  the 
leaves  of  Roses  will  often  be  found  seriously  cut  and  injured, 
apparently  by  some  insect.  These  ravages  are  the  work  of 
the  "  Rose-cutter  "  or  "  leaf-cutter"  (Megachile  Willughbiella), 
a  bee-like  insect,  whose  mode  of  operation  has  been  well 
described  as  follows,  by  one  of  our  correspondents  : — "  I  was 
standing  opposite  a  large  Rose-bush  the  other  day,  and  noticed 
that  the  foliage  appeared  almost  entirely  destroyed,  apparently 
by  some  worm  or  caterpillar.  I  called  the  attention  of  a 
friend  (in  whose  garden  the  tree  was)  to  the  fact,  aud  his 
reply  was,  '  Yes,  it  is  a  great  nuisance,  but  it  is  not  done 
by  caterpillars,  but  by  bees  ! '  Never  having  heard  of  such 
a  thing  before,  I  expressed  my  incredulity,  when  he  replied, 
'  Let  ns  stand  perfectly  still  for  a  minute,  aud  we  shall  soon 
see  OTir  little  friends  at  work.'  In  a  few  seconds  three  or  four 
bees  settled  upon  the  Rose-bush,  and,  after  passing  fi-om  leaf 
to  leaf,  as  if  picking  one  to  suit  their  purpose,  they  finally 


chose  one,  and  commenced  to  cut  out  oval  pieces  from  it 
about  the  size  of  a  sixpence.  This  they  did  in  the  most 
expeditious  manner,  as  if  they  had  a  pair  of  miniature  scissors 
in  their  mouths.  They  then  took  the  pieces  in  their  legs,  and 
flew  away."  The  "  bees"  here  spoken  of  iise  the  bits  of  leaf 
as  nest-building  material,  and,  unfortunately,  there  is  no 
remedy  against  them,  short  of  stationing  a  lad  beside  each 
Rose-bush  to  keep  them  off  as  he  would  rooks  from  corn. 

THE    VAPOUKER   MOTH. 

The  Caterpillar  of  the  Vapourer  Moth  (Bombyx  (Orgyia) 
antiqua)  figured  below,  is  very  commonly  found  on  Rose  trees, 
although  it  ia  not  ]5eoiiliar  to  them,  but  occurs  on  various 
kinds  of  fruit  trees  also.  It  varies  in  colour,  being  sometimes 
of  a  very  pale  bluish  grey,  sometimes  blackish,  and  sometimes 
whitish,  with  tufts  of  greyish  hairs  growing  from  the  tubercles 
with  which  it  is  covered.  The  first  segment  has  on  each  side 
a  long  bundle  of  unequal  hairs,  each  terminated  by  a  little 
knob  which,  when  united,  look  like  horns.  This  caterpillar  is 
a  voracious  feeder,  and  two  or  three  of  them  will  soon  make 
sad  havoc  among  the  leaves  of  a  Rose  bush.  Boisduval  relates 
that,  in  1836,  they  were  so  numerous  that  they  stripped  off  all 
the  leaves  from  the  Limes  in  the  garden  of  the  Palais  Royal  at 
Paris.  They  were  in  such  large  numbers  that  they  were  seen 
crawling  over  the  ground  on  all  sides,  aud,  having  exhausted 
their  supply  of  jorovisions,  most  of  them  appear  to  have 
perished  from  hunger,  as  in  the  following  year  very  few  made 


Caterpillar  of  the  Vapourer  Moth,  with  the  winged  male  perfect  insect, 
and  the  wingless  female. 

their  appearance.  When  they  occur  in  a  rosary  the  speediest 
remedy  is  hand-picking,  and,  as  the  Caterpillar  is  tolerably 
large  and  conspicuous,  this  is  a  ready  and  effectual  way  of 
getting  rid  of  them. 

THE    OOLDEN-ETES. 

Our  article  would  be  incomplete,  did  we  neglect  to  notice 
one  insect  which  affects  the  Rose,  and  which,  being  a  true 
gardener's  friend ,  might  through  ignorance,  unfortunately  suffer 
in  an  indiscriminate  chasse  of  insect  pests.  This  is  the  "  Golden- 
eyes"  (Hemerobius  (Chrysopa)  perla),  a  lace-winged  fly  (figured 
below),  with  an  apple-green  body,  transparent  wings  of  the 
finest  texture,  and  most  gloriously  brilliant  golden  eyes.  It  is 
usually  seen  flying  in  the  evening  only,  unless  when  it  happens 
to  be  disturbed.  The  female  deposits  her  eggs  in  a  very  singu- 


^0 


THE   GARDEN. 


[JULY  12,1873. 


lar  manner.  Standing  near  the  edge  of  a  leaf,  or  on  a  tender 
shoot,  she  applies  the  extremity  of  her  body  to  the  leaf  or 
shoot,  and  gradually  raises  it,  emitting  at  the  same  time  a  thin 
hair-like  thread  of  liquid  glue,  about  half  an  iuch  in  length,  at 
the  top  of  which  she  simultaneously  deposits  an  egg.  She 
repeats  this  process  until  from  eight  to  a  dozen  eggs  are  laid, 
together  forming  a  kind  of  bouquet  (vide  2  in  fig.).  It  is  to  be 
remembered  that  the  "  Golden-eyes  "  only  lays  her  eggs  on 
Eose leaves, or  bi'anches  infested  with  aphides  or  "green  fly." 
AVhen  the  larva;  are  hatched,  they  crawl  delibcr.ately  down  the 
thread-like  supports  of  their  cradles,  and  arriving  at  the 
leaves,  fall  to  work  at  once  in  devouring  the  aphides.  Being 
armed  with  powerful  mandibles,  and  blessed  with  unflagging 
appetite,  their  destructive  powers  are  complete,  and  the 
"green  fly"  speedily  vanishes  beneath  their  incessant  attacks. 
Prom  the  peculiar  manner  in  which  the  eggs  of  the  "  Golden- 
eyes  "  are  disposed,  they  are  easily  distinguished  from  those  of 
all  other  insects,  and  the  Eosariau,  if  wise,  will,  for  the  reasons 
we  have  given,  be  careful  to  spare  them.     With  respect  to  the 


The  "Golden-eyes."— 1.  Perfect  iusect.    2.  The  eggs. 

beautiful  parent  insect,  we  regret  to  have  to  .state  that  it 
affords  an  instance  of  the  truth  of  the  proverb,  "  Tciit  hcan 
ii'estpas  toiijours  en  tons  sens  hou,"  for,  despite  its  magnificent 
golden  eyes  and  delicate  wings  of  gauze,  it  does  not  improve 
on  near  acquaintance,  its  custom  being  to  salute  those  who 
handle  it  with  a  stench  worthy  of  the  rankest  bug. 

The  illustrations  in  the  foregoing  article  are  taken  from  the 
work  of  M.  Boisduval,  the  eminent  French  entomologist. 

W.  M. 


Poisoning  by  Water  Dropwort  (CEnanthe  croeata).— 
Dr.  Charles  A.  Cameron,  Professor  of  Hygiene,  Royal  College  of 
Sargeona,  Ireland,  and  Analyst  to  the  city  of  Dublin,  has  sent  to  the 
Lancet  the  following  case  of  cattle  poisoning.  A  herd  of  seventy- 
four  oxen  were  at  the  end  of  last  April  turned  into  the  demesne  of 
Lord  Dunraven,  Adarc,  County  of  Limerick.  In  a  few  days  the 
animals  began  to  sicken,  and  in  about  a  week  forty-three  died.  Mr. 
Keyes,  V.S.,  who  saw  some  of  them,  stated  that  in  most  of  the  cases 
death  took  place  very  soon  after  the  illness  was  observed.  The 
animals  foamed  at  the  mouth,  had  distended  nostrils,  shivered  at  the 
loins  and  hind  extremities,  the  respiration  was  rapid  and  laborious, 
and  they  had  tetanic  spasms,  the  neck  being  curved  laterally.  Some 
of  the  animals  reeled  in  a  circle  for  several  minutes,  and  then 
fell  and  died  instantaneously.  As  it  was  suspected  that  the  animals 
had  been  poisoned,  the  stomachs  of  some  of  them  was  sent  to  Dr. 
Cameron  for  examination.  He  could  not  detect  any  of  the  ordinary 
poisons,  but  in  the  herbage  found  in  the  first  stomach  he  observed 
numerous  fragments  of  a  plant  which  he  suspected  was  the  Water 
Dropwort  (CEnanthe  croeata).  Dr.  Cameron  sent  for  some  of  the 
herbage  of  the  demesne,  and  this  was  found  to  include  a  large  pro- 
portion of  the  Water  Dropwort,  one  of  the  most  virulent  of  British 
poisonous  plants.  There  are  on  record  a  few  cases  of  poisoning  of 
man  and  some  of  the  lower  animals  by  Water  Dropwort.  The 
symptoms  noticed  by  Dr.  Keyes  are  similar  to  those  observed  by  M. 
Bellamy,  and  described  by  him  in  the  Rccueil  de  Medecine  Vitirinaire 
for  1856. 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 

PLANTS  IN  SLEEPING-EOOMS. 
O.M  this  subject  Professor  Kedzie,  of  the  Michigan  Agricultural  Col- 
lege, writes,  in  a  letter  to  Governor  Holt,  as  follows :  "  Not  to  leave  this 
matter  in  the  condition  of  mere  conjecture,  I  have  gathered  and 
analysed  specimens  of  air  from  a  room  where  the  influence  of  growing 
plants  would  be  exhibited  in  a  greatly  exaggerated  form.  Thus, 
instead  of  taking  the  air  from  a  room  containing  a  few  plants,  I 
gathered  it  from  the  College  greenhouse,  where  more  than  6,000 
plants  are  growing.  I  gathered  the  air  before  sunrise  on  the  mom- 
iuga  of  April  16  and  17.  The  room  had  been  closed  for  more  than 
twelve  hours  ;  and,  if  the  plauts  exhaled  cai'bonic  acid  to  an  injurious 
extent,  the  analysis  of  air  from  such  a  room  would  certainly  disclose 
this  fact.  The  three  specimens  of  air  gathered  on  the  morning  of 
April  16,  from  different  parts  of  the  room,  gave  411,  400  parts  of 
carbonic  acid  in  10,000  of  air,  or  an  average  of  403  in  10,000.  The 
two  specimens  of  air  gathered  April  17  gave  3*80  and  3"80  parts  of 
carbonic  acid  in  10,000,  or  an  average  on  the  whole  of  3"94  parts  of 
carbonic  acid  in  10,000  of  air ;  while  the  outdoor  air  contains  4  parts 
in  10,000.  It  will  thus  be  seen  that  the  air  in  the  greenhouse  was 
better  than  "pure  country  air."  This  deficiency  of  carbonic  acid  was 
doubtless  due  to  the  absoi'ption  of  carbonic  acid  and  consequent 
accumulation  of  oxygen  during  daylight,  since  the  windows  of  the 
greenhouse  were  closed  day  and  night  on  account  of  the  cool  weather. 
To  ascertain  whether  the  air  of  the  greenhouse  had  more  carbonic 
acid  by  night  than  by  day,  I  gathered  two  specimens  of  air  in  diiierent 
parts  of  the  house,  at  two  o'clock  p.m.,  April  17.  These  gave  1"'10 
and  1'38  parts  of  carbonic  acid  in  10,000,  or  an  average  of  1'39  parts, 
showing  that  the  night  air  contained  more  carbonic  acid  than  did  the 
air  of  day.  Now,  if  a  room  in  which  were  more  than  6,000  plants,  while 
containing  more  carbonic  acid  by  night  than  by  day,  contains  less 
carbonic  acid  than  any  sleeping.room  on  this  continent,  we  may  safely 
conclude  that  one  or  two  dozen  plants  in  a  room  will  not  exhale 
enough  carbonic  acid  by  night  to  injure  the  sleepers." 


Balcony  Decorations. — There  are  many  herbaceous  plants,  as 
well  as  showy  annuals,  which  will  grow  to  perfection  on  balconies, 
and  with  proper  care  and  attention,  anyone  may  possess  an  effective 
fiower  garden  on  an  ordinary  balcony.  As  a  rule,  plants  which 
thrive  well  in  dry  sunny  situations  will  bo  best  adapted  for  balcony 
decorations,  and  those  of  each  variety  should  be  selected  which 
have  the  most  effective  blooms,  and  continue  the  longest  in  flower. 
The  effect,  it  must  be  remembered,  will  be  judged  of  as  a  whole, 
and  at  a  distance,  so  that  in  selecting  specimens,  costly  varieties, 
that  would  charm  a  florist,  who  could  make  a  careful  and  minute 
inspection  of  each  bloom,  may  not  necessarily  be  best  adapted  for 
balcony  gardening.  The  vigorous  growing,  strong  annuals,  both 
climbers  and  dwarfs,  should  be  included  in  every  collection,  and 
ordinary  bedding  plauts  may  be  judiciously  introduced,  together 
with  foliage  plants  of  various  descriptions.  It  should  not  be  for- 
gotten, too,  that  as  much  taste  may  be  displayed,  and  as  striking 
contrasts  produced,  by  the  judicious  disposition  of  plants  on  a 
balcony,  as  can  be  shown  in  the  selection  and  arrangement  of  the 
flowers  in  a  bouquet. 

Orange  Trees,  Jessamines,  and  Honeysuckles  Indoors. 
— I  have  an  old  book  on  gardening  which  was  published  in  1717.  It 
mentions  a  great  deal  about  Orange  trees,  and  also  how  they  had,  at 
that  time.  Honeysuckles  in  tubs,  like  Oranges,  insides  their 
windows,  which  lasted  five  years  in  the  same  pots  or  tubs,  and  also 
Jessamines ;  so  I  am  trying  them.  The  book  mentions  several 
kinds  of  Jessamines — the  common,  Arabian,  single  and  double 
Spanish,  Catalonian,  American,  Indian,  and  also  the  dwarf  Chinese 
Orange  tree.  I  think  these  ought  to  be  grown  in  rooms,  &c.,  as  they 
used  to  have  them  then. — Lady  A.  M.  [There  is  no  diflaculty  in 
growing  Jessamines  or  Honeysuckles  indoors  in  tubs  or  pots,  but  the 
Orange  trees  will  be  found  to  do  much  better  if  allowed  to  make 
their  growth  in  the  open  air  during  the  summer,  after  which  they 
should  be  removed  into  a  house  and  left  to  rest  for  the  winter.] 


Shell  and  Glass  Flower  Vases. — Deep  sea-shells,  filled  with  wet  Moss  or 
saud,  make  pretty  vases  or  Ilowers  ;  and  Rosebuds,  Pansies,  tS:c.,  and  Geranium 
leaves,  show  to  great  advantage  in  them.  Tall,  old-fashioned  champagne  glasses 
make  very  pleasing  vases  for  a  few  flowers  of  only  one  kind  ;  and  sprays  of 
Tropjeolum,  with  their  long  curling  stems  twined  round  the  foot  of  the  glass, 
while  their  brilliant  flowers  fill  up  its  centre,  are  very  charming. — S.  O.  i. 

Short-Stemmed  Flowers. — There  are  flowers  whose  stems  are  too  short  for 
either  bouquets  or  vases  :  yet  their  beauty  renders  them  desirable  for  decorative 
purposes,  and  we  can  make  them  available  by  using  shallow  plates  and  saucers 
of  wet  saud  in  which  to  arrange  them.  Bals.ams,  with  all  their  parti-colonred 
flowers,  are  very  lovely  when  arranged  with  fresh  green  leaves,  and  the  deep 
feathery  green  of  the  Parsley.  Hollyhocks,  and  many  other  short-stemmed 
flowers,  which  are  not  so  manageable  as  spikes,  also  can  be  made  of  use  in  this 
way.— S.  O.  J. 


July  12, 1873.] 


THE  GAEDEN. 


31 


FORMS  OF  TREES  IN  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 
In  garden  landscapes,  as  well  as  in  those  which  are  the  work 
of  the  painter,  the  pecnliar  growth  of  the  various  classes 
of  ornamental  trees  ought  to  constitute  one  of  the  chief 
elements  in  a  successful  composition.  The  painter  is,  as  a  rule, 
more  successful  in  this  respect  than  the  planter;  and  for  this 
reason,  that  he  sees  at  once  the  complete  effect  of  his  work, 
whijc  the  planter  has  to  wait  half  a  lifetime  to  see  even  the 
beginning  of  the  effects  which  he  intends  to  produce.  His 
work  is,  therefore,  one  which  requires  much  more  artistic 
calculation  and  forethought  than  that  of  the  painter.  It  is 
true  that  Nature  herself  aids  the  horticulturist,  while  the 
painter  is  confined  to  his  pigments  and  his  canvas, — can 
imitate  or  select  effects  that  he  actually  sees  before  him  ;  but 
the  creator  of  a  living  landscape  can  only  see  in  the  mind's  eye 
the  eventual  results  of  his  composition,  which  has  to  develope 


in  the  half-distance  ;  and  it  should  be  remarked  that,  to  balance 
the  far-spreading  mass  of  the  great  Plane,  requires  not  a  single 
Cypress,  but  a  group  of  them  ;  this  is  a  point  to  be  especially 
attended  to.  It  often  happens  that  single  trees  produce  a 
spotty  effect,  where  a  group  would  impart  a  grand  repose,  and 
convey  the  idea  of  extent.  Wliercver,  therefore,  there  is  room 
enough,  groups  of  a  sort  should  in  very  many  cases  be  adopted 
instead  of  single  trees,  though  a  single  Cypress  in  some  in- 
stances produces  the  desired  effect  better  than  a  group.  In 
the  beautiful  garden  of  Mr.  G.  H.  Bohn,  at  Twickenham,  the 
advantage  of  groups  of  spiral  trees  is  picturesquely  exemplified, 
producing,  though  in  a  comparatively  small  space,  a  most 
picturesque  and  agreeable  effect.  It  has  been  said  that, 
looking  over  an  expanse  of  landscape,  composed  entirely  of 
round-topped  trees,  unvaried  by  the  Poplar  or  the  cypress  to 
brea'c  the    monotony  of  the  too  level  outline,  is  like  looking 


Contrasted  Efiect  of  Round-headed  and  Spiral   Trees. 


itself  in  the  slow  course  of  years.  It  thus  behoves  him  to 
study  not  that  which  is,  but  that  which  will  be.  He  must 
have  clearly  in  his  thoughts  the  characteristics  (at  maturity) 
of  all  the  trees  he  is  about  to  make  use  of,  just  as  the  painter 
must  ponder  over  the  colours  of  his  pallet.  For  instance,  he  must 
be  able  to  see  and  appreciate  the  effect  that  (on  the  generation 
coming  after  him)  a  Lebanon  Cedar  will  produce  in  a 
certain  position ;  he  must  fully  appreciate,  long  before- 
hand, where  a  majestic  Oak  or  stately  Elm  will  form  the 
key  to  certain  well  -  calculated  effects  to  be  developed 
in  the  future ;  where  the  spiral  Poplar  of  Lombardy 
will  relieve  an  otherwise  monotonous  outline  of  round- 
topped  Planes  or  Sycamores,  or  where  the  dark  and  aspiring 
shaft  of  the  Cypress  will  mark  a  certain  point  in  the  landscape 
with  telling  effect.  The  illustration  which  accompanies  these 
remarks  shows  the  fine  effect  of  a  great  round-topped  Plane 
in  the  foreground  in  strong  contrast  with  a  group  of  Cypresses 


over  an  extensive  city  without   steeples,  and  the  remark   is 
not  without  its  force.  Noel  Humphreys. 


SPECTACULAR  EFFECT  OP  TREES. 
Seldom  have  the  uses  of  trees,  either  singly  or  in  masses,  in  tbe  pro- 
duction of  great  scenic  effects  been  more  clearly  displayed  than  was 
evidenoed  at  the  recent  military  review  in  Windsor  Great  Park,  when 
the  combination  of  brilliant  colours  produced  by  the  large  bodies  of 
cavalry,  artillery,  and  infantry,  formed,  as  it  were,  a  gorgeous  picture 
set  in  a  massive  frame  of  green  trees,  the  hghts  and  shades  being  as 
varied,  by  the  intermittent  rays  of  the  sun,  as  could  be  produced  in  any 
artistic  moving  panorama.  Ten  times  as  many  soldiers,  with  all  the 
usual  pomp  and  paraphernalia  of  mimic  warfare,  gathered  together 
on  a  vast  treeless  space,  could  not  possibly  have  produced  the  pleasing 
pictorial  effects  of  tbe  six  thousand  odd  troops  at  Windsor,  aided  by 
such  accessories  as  the  noble  Oaks  and  Elms  that  there  abound. 


32 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  12,  1873. 


Persons  familiar  with  Windsor  cannot  fail  to  have  a  distinct 
reccollection  of  that  most  attractive  feature  of  the  Great  Park, 
namely,  the  Long  Walk.  This  is  composed  of  a  double  line  of 
gigantic  Elms  planted  on  each  side  of  the  roadway,  which  is  three 
miles  in  length,  and  as  straight  as  an  arrow.  This  huge  wall  of 
green  formed  the  background  of  the  military  spectacle  ;  and  not  the 
least  effective  display  in  the  proceedings  was  produced  when,  the 
cavalry  and  artillery  having  taken  up  their  assigned  positions  at 
each  end  of  the  long  parade,  leaving  the  centre  a  void,  suddenly 
there  was  seen  to  emerge  from  beneath  the  Elms  a  long  line  of  the 
Bcarlet-coatcd  guards,  marching  three  or  four  deep,  to  take  up  their 
position  in  the  inspection  line.  The  other,  or  spectators'  side  of  the 
ground,  was  slightly  inclined  and  margined  by  the  fine  trees  that  form 
the  double  line  boundary  of  what  is  known  as  Queen  Anne's  ride — a 
beautiful  turfy  avenue  four  miles  in  length.  Beneath  the  shade  of 
these  Elms,  with  their  backs  to  the  declining  sun,  stood  the  myriads 
of  spectators,  drinking  in  every  fact  and  feature  of  the  scene, 
which  during  the  earlier  portion  of  the  spectacle  was  somewhat 
dimmed  by  a  cloudy  atmosphere.  Presently,  however,  the  sun  shone 
out  intermittently,  and  as  its  soft  light  was  reflected  here,  and 
the  woods  threw  great  waves  of  shade  there,  the  picture  became  one 
from  which  a  painter  might  have  achieved  immortality  could  he  as 
strikingly  and  effectively  have  transferred  it  to  canvas.  Lovers 
of  the  picturesque  and  beautiful,  in  natural  and  artificial  scenery, 
who  have  not  yet  visited  Windsor,  have  missed  the  sight  of  one  of 
the  most  charming  spots  in  our  little  island. 


THE    GARDEN    FLORA. 


THE     LI  BR  A  R  Y. 

THE  ART  OF  GRAFTING  AND  BUDDING.* 
This  is  a  complete  translation  of  Baltet's  "  Art  of  Grafting," 
many  parts  of  which  we  publislied  in  The  Gabden.  It  is  by- 
far  the  best  treatise  on  its  subject  ever  published.  The 
Gardeners  Chroaidc,  iu  reviewing  the  work,  made  some 
remarks  which  reluctantly  oblige  us  to  diverge  from  our  rule 
of  not  noticing  any  allusions  to  ourselves  on  the  part  of  our 
contemporaries.  It  spoke  of  the  "  disfigurement  which 
the  original  woodcuts  have  undergone  in  their  reproduction 
in  this  country,"  an  observation  plainly  implying  that  the 
illustrations  were  rough  copies  of  the  originals.  To  this  we 
have  merely  to  reply  that  all  the  cuts  iu  our  edition  of  the 
"Art  of  Grafting"  are  electrotypes  of  the  originals,  which  we 
purchased  from  Messrs.  Massou,  of  Paris,  with  whose  special 
concurrence  the  work  has  been  reproduced  by  us  in  this 
country.  The  Gardener's  Chronicle  adds,  "  iu  J.Vie  Garden  the 
chapters  were  frequently  given  as  direct  communications  from 
the  author,  which  we  have  reason  to  know  they  were  not." 
This  is  a  misrepresentation  also ;  the  full  name  of  the  book 
and  author  was  affixed  to  most  of  the  chapters  in  the  first  vol. 
of  The  Gasdex,  and  all  the  chapters  were  marked  both  at  top 
and  bottom  as  continuations  of  the. same  subject,  so  that  no 
person  who  noticed  the  articles  could  have  been  misled  iu 
this  respect. 

WHAT  AJ[  I  ?t 
This  is  the  first  of  two  volumes,  in  which  Serjeant  Cox  has  proposed 
to  himself  the  task  of  investigating,  in  a  popular  and  rational  manner, 
"  the  constitution  and  functions  of  the  body,  mind,  and  soul  of  man." 
The  first  part,  which  occupies  the  first  volume,  is  devoted  to  a  de- 
scription of  the  Human  Mechanism,  Bodj^,  Mind,  Soul,  merely  as  it  is 
constructed.  The  second  part,  it  is  stated,  will  be  devoted  to  a  de- 
scription of  this  "  machinery  in  action,"  and  it  will  embrace  all  the 
phenomena  of  "  intellectual  existence"  (as  distinguished  from  purely 
organic  life),  including  the  "  special  conditions  of  Sleep  and  Dreams, 
Insanity,  Hallucination,  Unconscious  Cerebration,  Trance,  Delirium, 
Psychic  Force,  and  Natural  and  Artificial  Somnambulism."  Serjeant 
Cox's  volume,  although  dealing  with  the  beginnings  of  an  abstruse 
subject,  is  written  iu  such  plain  language  as  to  be  perfectly  in- 
telligible to  any  ordinary  mind,  and  as  he  takes  nothing  for  granted, 
but  bases  all  his  statements  on  undoubted  evidence,  his  conclusions 
are  always  clear  and  satisfactory.  In  his  chapter  on  the  Germ  he 
advauces  an  original  and  important  theory,  which  we  commend  to  the 
attention  of  such  of  our  readers  as  are  interested  in  the  subject  of 
hybridisation. 

*  "  The  Art  ot  Grafting  anil  Budding."  By  Charles  Baltet.  The  GAKDEif 
Office.  Southampton  Street,  London. 

t  Wiiat  Am  I  ?  A  Popular  lutroductiou  to  Mental  Philosophy  and  Psvcliology. 
By  Edward  W.  Cox,  Serjeant-at-Law.  Loudon  ;  Longman  and  (jc,  Pater- 
noster Kow.    18(3. 


NEW  AND  RARE  PLANTS  RECENTLY  FIGURED. 

The  following  have  recently  appeared  in  the  Botanical  Magazine  : — 

The  Holly  Mutisia  (M.  ilicifolia). — This  is  a  very  beanti. 
ful,  shrubby,  half-hardy,  or  cool  conservatory  plant,  remarkable 
as  being  a  creeiiing  composite,  and  appears  to  have  been 
introduced  to  our  collections  so  long  ago  as  1832.  It  is  found  in  the 
vicinity  of  Valparaiso,  climbing  among  bushes  and  undergrowth. 
Sweet  alludes  to  this  plant  as  having  been  grown  soon  after  its 
introduction,  but  adds  that  it  rarely  bloomed.  It  bears  large  rosy 
flowers,  quite  3  inches  across,  which  contrast  favourably  with  the 
dark  green  Berberis-like  foliage.  Another  effective  species,  some- 
times met  with  in  gardens,  M.  decurrens,  bears  effective  flowers  not 
unlike  those  of  Gazania  splendens,  ot  a  deep  orange  colour,  and  is 
quite  hardy  in  sheltered  parts  of  the  south  of  England.  Both 
species  are  suitable  as  cool  greenhouse  or  conservatory  climbers. 

Large-flow^ered  Ehynehanthera  (R.  grandiflora). — A  very 
effective  greenhouse  shrub,  bearing  bright  green  foliage  and  numerous 
showy  rosy-purple  flowers,  which  in  general  appearance  remind  one 
of  some  of  the  Monocha;tums.  It  grows  in  the  moist  natural  meadows 
of  Eastern  South  America,  and  extends  from  the  Amazon  to 
Demarara.  It  has  been  introduced  to  our  gardens  by  Mr.  W.  Bull, 
and  promises  to  become  a  useful  decorative  plant. 

Short-spiked  Vriesia  (V.  brachystachys) .  —  A  handsome 
Bromeliad  from  Brazil,  having  bold  and  effective  foliage  of  a  deep 
green  colour,  and  spikes  of  bright  yellow  flowers ;  the  flower-stem 
and  bracts  being  of  a  bright  crimson  colour,  the  latter  having  green 
apices. 

The  Blue  Daisy  (Bellis  rotundifolia  ccemlescens).  —  This 
is  said  to  be  one  of  the  commonest  spring  flowers  in  Morocco, 
growing  on  the  margins  of  streams  in  the  valleys  of  the  Greater 
Atlas.  It  bears  delicate  lavender-blue  flowers,  as  large  as  a 
shilling,  on  slender  stalks  a  foot  high.  The  plant  was  brought 
home  by  Mr.  G.  Maw,  of  Benthall  Hall,  Broseley,  and  has 
flowered  profusely  under  pot  culture.  It  is  well  worth  the  attention 
of  all  lovers  of  herbaceous  plants  and  half-hardy  flowers. 

Andean  Brachyotum  (B.  confertum). — -A  very  beautiful 
greenhouse,  or  even  half-hardy,  shrub,  found  on  the  Andes  of 
Ecuador  and  Peru,  bearing  small  green  leaves,  and  rich  purple 
bell-shaped  flowers  iu  tolerable  profusion.  The  plant  is  easily  raised 
from  cuttings  or  seeds,  and  forms  a  compact  shrub,  12  to  18  inches 
high,  in  the  flowering  stage. 

Tubercled  NaVelwort  (Colyledon  mamillaris). — A  shrubby, 
succulent  plant,  that  resembles  in  habit  some  of  the  Pachyphytons, 
having  fleshy  leaves,  and  slender  drooping  spikes  of  orange  and 
purple  flowers.  It  comes  from  the  Cape  district,  and  grows  well  in 
an  ordinary  greenhouse. 

Showy  Nidularium  (N.  spectabile). — This  is  a  very  distinct 
and  e&'ective  Bromeliad  from  Brazil,  bearing  numerous  pale  blue 
fiowers  surrounded  by  bright  crimson  tracts.  The  foliage  is  of  a 
bright  green  colour  above,  glaucous  beneath,  barred  with  brownish 
purple,  each  leaf  having  a  crimson  spot  at  its  apex.  This  plant  is 
one  of  the  most  ornamental  species  in  the  genus,  and  has  been 
imported  by  Mr,  Wm.  Bull,  by  whom  it  was  flowered  in  December  of 
last  year. 

Dwarf  Areoa  (A.,  pumila). — An  elegant  ornamental  Palm, 
native  of  the  Malayan  Archipelago.  It  grows  three  or  four  feet 
high  in  cultivation,  forming  a  slender  annulated  stem,  and  bears  a 
tuft  of  bright  green  pinnate  leaves  at  its  apex.  Treated  like  its 
coiigcuers,  it  forms  a  valuable  decorative  plant. 

Moimt  Atlas  Sedum  (S.  dasyphyUum  var.  glanduliferum). — 
A  free. growing  variety  of  a  British  succulent,  tolerably  com- 
mon in  the  South  of  England,  and  useful  as  a  wall  or  rock  plant 
from  its  spreading  procumbent  habit  and  glaucous  colour.  This 
variety  bears  numerous  heads  of  pale  creamy  flowers,  streaked  with 
bright  red,  and  is  found  in  some  parts  of  southern  Europe,  while  in 
Spain  it  ascends  the  Sierra  Neva.da  to  an  elevation  of  6,000  or 
7,000  feet.  The  fleshy  leaves  are  denseh-  set  with  glandular  hairs. 
The  plant  was  brought  from  the  Greater  Atlas  in  1871  by  Dr.  Hooker 
and  Mr.  Maw,  with  both  of  whom  it  has  flowered. 

Mogadorean  Andryala  (Andryala  mogadoreusis).— This 
shrubby  composite  forms  snowy  masses  on  a  little  islet  on  the 
Western  Morocco  coast,  and  has  not  been  found  elsewhere.  Most 
of  the  members  of  the  genus  are  inconspicuous  herbs,  the  present 
being  most  interesting  of  all  from  a  horticultural  point  of  view.  It 
bear  flowers  as  large  as  half-a-crown,  of  a  bright  yellow  colour,  the 
disc  being  of  a  bright  orange.  It  flowered  with  Mr.  Maw,  of 
Benthall,  near  Broseley,  in  April,  1872. 


July  12, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


83 


THE     ARBORETUM. 


SWOLBEN-STEMMED   IRISH   YEWS. 

Mr.  McjSTab  laid  before  the  Botanical  Society  of  Ediuburgb, 
on  tbo  1-tb  of  Jane,  three  specimens  of  plants  of  the  Irish  Yew, 
raised  from  cuttiug.s,  sent  by  Mr.  John  Anderson,  of  the  Perth 
Nurseries.  These  specimens,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  accora- 
pan_ving  illustration,  have  large  tuberous  bodies  between  the 
stem  and  the  proper  roots.  Mr.  Anderson  states  that  his 
attention  was  first  diiected  to  them  while  they  were  bein^j 
transplanted.  The  proportion  of  these  anomalies  was  by  no 
means  numerous.  The  plants  with  the  tuberous  formation 
were  generally  under  i  feet  in  height,  while  those  of  normal 
growth,  of  the  same  age,  averaged  about  5  feet ;  all,  however, 
having  the  same  healthy  appearance.  The  tubers  averaged 
i-om  8  to  12  inches  in  circumference,  with  a  ligneous  structure 


Swollen-stemmed  Irish  Tew. 

throughout,  but  showing  large  annual  rings  or  growths,  and 
covered  with  bark,  having  numerous  roots  proceeding  from 
the  under  surface.  The  stem  portion,  generally  3  inches  in 
height,  averaged  about  li  inch  round.  These  Yews  were 
grown  on  a  light  sandy  soil  of  a  sharp  nature.  Mr.  McKab 
remarked  that  such  anomalies  were  not  unfrequent  in  cutting- 
made  plants  of  various  Conifers,  but  he  had  never  seen  the 
swelling  developed  to  the  extent  of  those  now  exhibited,  with 
the  exception  of  one  cutting-made  specimen,  also  sent  by 
Mr.  Anderson  from  the  Perth  Nurseries.  In  this  case  the 
tuber,  which  was  1  foot  6  inches  in  circumference,  was  produced 
by  a  plant  3  feet  in  height,  with  a  stem  2i  inches  round. 


A  MONSTER  CREEPER. 
I-MAGiNE  before  you  a  gigantic  Vino,  whose  deadly  grip  had  destroyed 
many  a  goodly  tree  of  fair  proportions.  Its  a]>pearance  was  truly  re- 
markable, not  only  on  account  of  its  enormous  length — six  hundred 
and  seventy  feet,  and  in  circumference  at  the  base,  three  feet  nine 
inolies,  but  from  the  manner  of  its  growth.  Originally,  at  some 
distant  period,  it  had  undoubtedly  climbed  up  the  trunk  of  a  large 
tree,  and  its  close  embrace  had  death  in  its  coils,  as  it  silently 
wound  around  its  victim.  Anaconda  like,  and  pressed  it  to  death. 
Literally,  it  was  an  arboreal  Thug  of  the  forest.  I  will  endeavour  to 
draw  the  outline  sketch  as  clear  as  my  pen  can  trace  it.  Fancy  then 
you  see  a  smooth  and  lofty  column,  nearly  two  hundred  feet  higli, 
spiral  in  form  (and,  like  a  mammoth  cable,  strong  enough  to  moor  all 
the  fighting  ships  at  the  battle  of  the  Nile),  and  from  the  summit  of 
which,  stretched  in  a  horizontal  line,  its  huge  continuations  for 
more  than  one  hundred  and  thirty  feet,  without  any  support,  until  it 
reached  a  Eucalyptus  tree,  on  which  it  rested  and  encircled  the  trunk 
several  times,  and  then  threw  out  a  number  of  stems,  which  seemed 
to  be  taking  possession  of  all  the  trees  in  the  neighbourhood  of  its 
wanderings.  It  was  the  opinion  of  an  intelligent  shepherd,  a  burly 
Yorkshireman  man,  who  directed  me  to  the  spot,  that  the  Vine,  having 
strangled  the  trees  which  formerly  supported  it,  they  had  perished 
and  wasted  away,  and  so  left  it  standing  as  I  saw  it,  a  marvel  indeed. 
Without  making  any  pretentious  to  a  knowledge  of  botany  or 
nomenclature,  the  shepherd  had  named  it  "  The  Devil's  Cork, 
screw."  Its  '  botanical  name  is  Cissus  antarctica. —  Gardener's 
Montlilij. 


Transplanting  old  Hollies. — What  is  the  proper  season  for 
transplanting  old  Hollies,  say  forty  years  planted  ;  and  what  is  the 
best  way  of  effecting  their  safe  removal  ? — J.  S.  G.  [May  and  June 
are  the  best  months  for  transplantiag  Hollies,  large  and  small.  In 
July  the  young  shoots  are  too  tender  to  bear  the  check  without 
serious  injury  to  them.  I  would,  therefore,  wait  until  they  get 
firmer,  and  transplant — according  to  the  weather — about  the  third 
or  fourth  week  in  August.  If  the  sun  is  very  strong,  shade  during 
the  day  for  the  first  week  after  moving,  and  attend  well  to  watering 
and  syringing  overhead  at  night.  Dig  well  round  and  nuder  them, 
so  as  to  get  large  balls ;  enclose  them  safely  in  mats  and  boards,  and 
move  them  on  planks  with  rollers,  if  the  distance  is  moderate  ;  if 
far,  move  them  on  a  truck,  or  by  means  of  a  transplanting  machine.] 

Transfer  of  Disease  from  Scion  to  Stock. —  Some  twelve 
months  ago  my  attention  was  directed  to  a  tree  having  golden  foliage, 
which  surpassed  anything  of  the  sort  I  had  ever  seen  for  richness  of 
colour  and  effect.  On  examination  I  found  it  to  be  a  Horse  Chestnut, 
evidently  suffering  from  disease,  caused  either  by  soil  or  situation. 
In  July  last  I  got  some  buds  from  it,  and  worked  them  on  some  young 
trees,  at  about  three  or  four  feet  from  the  ground,  a  number  of  which 
have  failed,  but  strange  to  say  many  of  the  stocks  have  produced 
foliage  exactly  like  that  of  the  parent  of  the  scion,  though  the  buds 
themselves  are  dead.  I  cannot  say  whether  or  not  the  stocks  in 
which  the  buds  are  growing  are  similarly  affected,  as  it  is  not  usual 
to  let  such  stocks  produce  foliage,  nor  can  I  see  any  signs  of  the 
yellow  colour  in  the  growing  buds.  My  opinion  is  that  many  of  the 
buds  had  not  vitality  enough  to  keep  them  alive  through  the  winter, 
but  that  during  their  short  period  of  existence  they  managed  in  some 
way  to  impart  the  variegation  to  the  stock,  and  that  in  the  case  of  the 
growing  buds  they  may  have  been  more  vigorous,  and  by  the  help  of 
the  stock  may  have  outgrown  the  variegation  altogether.  Another 
curious  thing  connected  with  the  matter  is  that  there  is  not  the  least 
trace  of  variegation  in  the  foliage  of  any  one  of  the  stocks  below  the 
incision  made  at  the  time  of  budding. — H.  House,  Durdliam  Down 
Nursery,  Bristol. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


The  Bitter  Osier.— 'Will  yon  kindly  say  what  the  Bitter  Osier  is,  which,  I 
have  heard  highly  spoken  of,  and  which  is  so  ranch  advertised? — J.  B.  [The 
Bitter  Osier  is  a  local  name  for  the  Purple  Willow  (Salix  purpurea)  or  one  of 
Its  varieties.    It  will  escape  injury  from  hares  or  rabbits.] 

The  Qiiickest-ffrowiiig^  Poplars.  —  Wishini?  to  conceal  obiectionable 
buildings,  will  yon  kindly  tell  me  what  Poplars,  &.C.,  I  ought  to  grow  to  ensure 
a  quick  growth? — T.  B.  [The  Lombardy  Poplar,  and  Popnlus  Alba  (the  Abele 
Poplar)  and  its  varieties.  Also  P.  nigra,  which  attains  a  growth  of  from  30 
to  4iO  feet  in  ten  years.] 

A  Pretty  Combination.— When  visiting  the  famous  Rhododendron  nursery 
of  Mr.  Anthony  Waterer,  at  Bagshot,  a  few  days  ago,  I  ^ras  much  struck  with 
his  method  of  planting  Wistaria  sinensis  againtst  tall  trees,  and  allowing  it  to 
run  up  and  entwine  itself  about  the  trunk  and  branches.  The  Wistaria  was 
associated  in  this  manner  with  a  large  Laburnum,  and  both  being  in  flower 
together,  the  effect  was  very  striking  indeed.  A  huge  Pinus  ponderosa,  fully 
40  feet  in  height,  had  a  large  plant  of  the  Wistaria  covering  its  branches,  and 
the  purple  racemes  of  flower  had  a  charming  eflfect,  standing  out  against  the 
dark  back-ground  formed  by  the  foliage  of  the  Pinus. — A.  D.,  in  "  Gai'de7ierii^ 
Secord." 


34 


THE  GARDEN. 


[July  12, 1873. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 


PACKING  CHOICE  FRUIT. 
NoTWiTUSTAXDiNG  the  aiTiouiit  of  care  that  may  be  bestowed 
on  the  culture  of  fruit  to  bring  it  to  perfection,  if  it  has  to  be 
sent  to  a  distance  when  ripe,  it  runs  the  risk  of  being  ruined 
if  not  properly  packed.  Many  can  grow  fruit  splendidly,  but 
know  not  how  to  pack  it  in  the  best  way  for  travelling ;  and,  if 
it  should  arrive  in  bad  condition,  it  is  a  very  discouraging 
termination  to  a  season'.s  hard  work  and  expenses,  both  for 
the  gardener  and  his  employer  ;  and  though  such  results  will 
occasionally  occur  even  under  the  best  management,  still,  by  a 
little  care  and  attention,  most  of  our  tenderest  fruits  may  be 
sent  long  journeys  without  becoming  impaired  in  qualitj-,  or 
being  materially  injured  in  appearance.  That  this  can  be 
done,  we  know  on  the  authority  of  some  of  the  principal 
fruiterers  in  Covout  Garden,  whose  experience  on  this 
important  subject  is  certainly  worth  having.  Only  the  other 
day  we  were  shown  some  splendid  Grapes  that  had  been  sent 
by  rail  from  the  north  some  hundreds  of  miles,  and  they  were 
in  as  good  condition  as  when  cut  from  the  Vines.  This  fact 
alone  speaks  for  itself  as  to  the  advisability  of  packing  fruit 
thoroughly  well,  especially  as  its  value,  either  for  market  or 
table,  is  just  in  proportion  to  the  good  or  bad  condition  in 
which  it  is  received.  If  fruit  has  to  be  transported  in  any 
considerable  C[uantity,  a  proper  set  of  flat-boxes  should  be 
specially  provided  for  that  purpose.  These  boxes,  or  trays 
may  be  made  of  either  wood  or  tin,  the  former  being  prcfei-able, 
and  the  sizes,  or  rather  the  depths  of  the  trays,  will  vary 
according  to  the  kinds  of  fruit  to  be  packed.  A  convenient  size 
for  Grajjes  is  IS  inches  long,  by  12  inches  wide,  and  6  inches 
deep.  For  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Apricots  they  may  be  of 
the  same  size,  with  the  exception  of  the  depth,  which  should 
not  be  more  than  4^  inches.  Strawberries,  Figs,  Cherries,  and 
Plums  may  be  packed  in  trays  still  shallower,  and  for  these 
small  fruits  tin  trays  will  be  found  to  answer  better  than  those 
of  any  other  description.  After  the  fruit  has  been  carefully 
packed  in  the  trays  as  will  be  presently  described,  the  trays 
themselves  must  be  packed  in  a  larger  case,  and  in  order  to  be 
able  to  do  this  readily  aud  systematically  the  trays  should  all 
be  made  of  some  common  measurement  especially  in  reference 
to  length  and  breadth.  A  reference  to  the  accompanying  illus- 
trations will  clearly  indicate  our  meaniug,  and  in  order  to  render 
the  directions  as  intelligible  as  possible,  we  shall  refer  to  each 
fruit  separately  ;  though ,  in  reality,  the  great  secret  in  packing 
everything  of  a  fragile  nature  is  to  pack  firmly  without  crush- 
ing. Another  important  point  is  the  condition  of  the  fruit 
when  gathered  for  packing.  Fruit  for  sending  long  distances 
should  be  gathered  on  a  warm  sunny  day  when  perfectly  dry, 
and  carefully  hung,  or  laid,  in  a  cool  airy  fruit-room  until 
wanted.  On  no  account,  however,  let  it  become  over  ripe  before  it 
is  sent  off.  If  the  trays  are  made  without  lids,  a  proper  packing- 
case  or  two  of  various  sizes  must  be  provided  ;  but  if  they  are 
furnished  with  lids,  an  odd  one  or  two  can  be  readily  intro- 
duced into  the  vegetable  hamper,  or  several  might  be  packed 
with  sweet  hay  or  clean  shavings  in  a  hamper  by  themselves. 
Boxes  may  be  made  to  hold  from  two  to  twenty-four  trays  of 
the  size  mentioned  above.  Both  trays  and  cases  may  be 
readily  made  by  any  neat-handed  carpenter,  and  the  slight 
primary  cost  will  be  amply  repaid  in  a  single  season.  Such 
boxes  and  trays  will  also  come  in  Tery  handily  for  various 
other  purposes,  such  as  transmitting  choice  out  flowers  to  a 
distance.  In  the  case  of  show  fruit,  the  best  way  is  to  carry 
it  to  the  exhibition  where  practicable,  or  to  send  a  man  with 
it  by  rail.  _  Grapes  for  exhibition  should  be  laid  in  the  cases 
in  the  position  in  which  they  arc  to  be  staged,  and  the  boxes 
should  be  made  with  moveable  covers,  in  order  that  the  fruit 
may  sustain  no  additional  damage  through  moving  it  again. 
All  that  is  necessary  at  the  exhibition  is  to  take  off  the  lid 
or  cover  and  to  arrange  the  shoulders  neatly  with  the  scissors, 
at  the  same  time  carefully  removing  any  solitary  berries  that 
may  have  got  accidently  bruised. 

GRAPES. 

Most  kinds  of  Grapes  travel  well  if  ordinary  care  be  taken 
in  ai-rangiug  them  in  the  cases,  but  the  late  thick-skinned 
kinds  are  the  best  in  this  respect.     A  great  deal  has  been 


written  on  packing  Grapes,  but  we  have  invariably  found  the 
simplest  plan  the  best  in  practice.  Some  writers  recommend 
bran  as  an  excellent  material  in  which  to  pack  all  tender  fruits, 
but  its  use  requires  caution,  and  we  have  managed  to  do  very 
well  without  it.  It  generally  gives  to  the  Grapes  an  untidy 
appeai-anoe  if  any  of  the  berries  happen  to  get  bruised,  while 
it  does  not  prevent  the  berries  from  rubbing  one  another  in 
transit.  A  very  good  plan  to  pack  this  fruit  is  to  enclose  each 
bunch  in  a  sheet  of  soft  tissue  paper,  screwing  it  up  firmly 
both  at  the  point  and  base  of  the  bunch,  and  then  tying  them 
firmly  down  in  the  tray  on  two  or  three  thicknesses  of  cotton 
wool,  and  as  close  together  as  possible.  Packed  in  this 
way,  we  have  sent  Grapes  hundreds  of  miles,  and  the 
prices  received  per  return  from  our  agent  convinced  us 
that  they  arrived  uninjured  at  the  metropolitan  market. 
The  best  plan,  however,  is  to  use  no  paper  at  all  round  the 
bunches,  but  to  lay  them  on  three  or  four  thicknesses  of  soft 
cotton  wadding,  and  tie  the  shoulders  down  firmly  to  the  tray 
with  soft  cotton  or  worsted,  so  as  to  prevent  their  moving 
during  the  journey.  Packed  in  this  way,  Grapes  will  travel 
hundreds  of  miles  without  suffering  any  material  injury.  In 
sending  fruit  per  rail,  it  should  always  be  packed  so  that  if 
the  box  gets  accidentally  overturned  the  contents  cannot 
move  from  their  former  position.  Grapes,  of  all  other  fruits, 
if  we  except  some  of  the  finer  plums,  are  easiest  spoiled  by 
any  packing  material  touching  the  berries  and  destroying  the 
beautiful  soft  bloom  that  constitutes  their  pi-incipal  charm  in 
the  ej-es  of  a  connoisseur.  One  point  of  great  importance 
should  be  borne  in  mind  in  packing  Grapes,  viz.,  to  carefully 
select  the  worst  side  of  the  bunch,  and  having  laid  it  dowu- 
wards  in  the  box  never  to  move  it  again  on  any  account,  for  we 
have  found  a  deal  of  damage  done  in  packing  through  inde- 
cision, though,  of  course,  this  more  particularly  applies  to  the 
younger  members  of  the  profession.  Very  tine  grapes  are 
sent  to  our  markets  from  abroad  packed  in  fine  cork  dust,  and 
they  generally  reach  this  country  in  good  condition,  but  it  will 
be  noticed  that  only  the  thick  or  tough-skinned  varieties  are 
sent  over  in  this  way.  Some  late  Grapes  also  travel  well  in 
mahoganj'  sawdust,  which  is  flue,  dry,  and  nearly  inodorous, 
but  simply  tying  the  bunches  firmly  on  a  bed  of  wadding  as 
above  described  is  by  far  the  most  preferable  plan,  and  will  be 
found  to  answer  best  in  practice. 

PEACHES,  NECT.VBINES,  AND  APRICOTS. 

The  trays  for  these  fruits  may  vary  from  2j  to  4^  inches  in 
depth  according  to  the  size  of  the  fruit.  Some  gardeners 
have  their  trays  for  these  fruits  divided  into  squares  by  narrow 
strips  of  lath,  but  we  prefer  to  have  open  trays,  as  the  space 
can  be  much  better  economised  than  when  there  are  divisions. 
In  packing  these  fruits,  commence  by  laying  two  or  three 
layers  of  cotton  wool  over  the  bottom,  sides,  and  ends  of  the 
tray.  Now  take  each  Peach  separately  and  place  it  base  down- 
wards on  a  piece  of  the  softest  tissue  paper,  after  which  take  a 
layer  of  cotton  wool  the  size  of  your  hand  aud  drop  the  Peach 
aud  paper  into  the  centre,  placing  it  in  one  corner  of  the  tray. 
Arrange  each  fruit  in  the  same  manner  until  the  case  is  full, 
after  which  take  another  and  proceed  until  the  packing  is 
finished.  Be  careful  to  press  the  fruit  firmly  together  iu  the 
cases,  and  then  spread  a  sheet  of  tissue  paper  and  a  sheet  or 
two  of  wadding  over  the  whole  to  hold  them  firmly  in  their 
places.  Peaches  and  Nectarines  requh-e  very  gentle  handling, 
few  fruits  showing  rough  finger  marks  more  plainly  than 
these,  and  they  should  be  gathered  the  moment  they  are  ripe, 
for  all  tender  fruits  suffer  severely  in  travelling  long  journeys 
when  over-ripe.  Do  not  place  Peaches  or  Apricots  in  cotton 
wool  without  first  placing  soft  tissue  paper  between  them,  as 
the  cotton  adheres  to  their  wooly  skin,  and  it  is  exceedingly 
difficult  to  remove  before  being  sent  to  table. 

APPLES  AND  PEABS. 

The  choicest  varieties  of  Apples  and  Pears  for  dessert  travel 
well  in  the  flat  trays,  care  being  taken  to  gather  the  latter  a  few 
days  before  they  are  quite  ripe.  Cover  the  bottom  and  sides 
of  the  tray  with  a  layer  of  wadding,  and  envelope  each  fruit  in 
clean,  soft  tissue  paper.  Some  of  the  finer  Pears  are  very 
delicate,  and  require  as  much  care  in  packing  as  Peaches  and 
Grapes.  Apples  and  large  hard  baking  Pears  may  be  packed 
in  hampers,  boxes,  or  barrels,  as  fully  described  in  our  last 
year's  volume,  p.  485. 


July  12,  1878.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


35 


PLUMS. 

Some  of  the  finest  dessert  Plums  are  covered  with  a  beautiful 
fresh  bloom,  which  easily  rubs  off  uuless  the  fruit  is  very 
skilfully  packed.  We  generally  like  to  pack  Plums  in  soft  Vine 
leaves  laid  ou  a  layer  or  two  of  cotton  wool.  The  loaves  are  best 
■when  gathered  a  few  hours  before  they  are  wanted.  Plums 
should  be  very  gently  gathered  by  the  stalks  and  laid  on  soft 
]iaper  in  a  tray  until  packed.  When  they  are  wanted  for 
packing,  take  each  up  separately  by  the  stalk  and  lay  it  gently 
on  a  "Vine  leaf,  placing  them  close  together  in  rows  until  the 
case  is  filled.  The  closer  they  are  packed,  without  actually 
crushing  them,  the  better. 

PINES    AND    MELONS. 

These  fruits  fortunately  travel  well  with  ordinary  care,  and 
simply  require  wrapping  up  iu  tissue  paper  and  firmly  packing 
in  a  Grape  box.  Pines  are  best  laid  down  on  their  sides  on  a 
fold  or  two  of  clean  wadding,  and  wedged  up  tightly  with 
either  cottou  wool  or  paper  shavings. 

STRAWBERRIES   AND    PIGS. 

These  are  perhaps  the  most  delicate  of  all  fruits,  and 
require  to  be  gathered  to  a  minute  in  order  to  travel  any 
distance  without  collapsing  ou  the  way.  If  they  are  over- 
ripe, it  is  ten  to  one  that  they  reach  their  destination  in  a 
state  of  partially  decomposed  half-fermented  jelly.  It  may 
seem  a  great  deal  of  trouble  to  pack  Strawberries  in  trays, 
each  berry  separately,  but  iu  the  case  of  the  finest  fruit  this 
is  in  reality  the  most  economical  plau  in  the  end,  since  the 
best  fruit  is  always  expensive,  and  bj-  adopting  this  system 
every  berry  arrives  at  its  destination  fresh  and  clean.  We 
place  either  a  fold  of  cotton  wool  or  a  bed  of  soft  Vine,  Straw- 
berry, Mallow,  or  Lime  leaves  at  the  bottom  of  the  tray,  and 
the  fruits — carefully  picked  when  thoroughly  free  from  moisture 
— are  then  laid  in  rows  separately,  with  one  of  their  own 
leaves  intervening  between  each  berry.      Some  Strawberries 


Fruit  trays  and  packing  boxes. 


travel  much  better  than  others,  though,  at  the  risk  of 
repetition,  we  lay  great  stress  on  their  being  in  a  fresh  state 
when  gathered — ripe,  but  not  in  the  least  over-ripe,  bruised, 
or  decayed.  Of  those  varieties  found  to  bear  considei-able 
knocking  about,  we  may  mention  most  of  the  Pines,  British 
Queen,  Keen's  Seedling  when  not  too  lipe,  and  Sir  Harry. 
Thin  boxes  or  trays  with  lids,  say  12  or  14  inches  square,  and 
about  2  inches  deep  do  well  for  Strawberries  and  Figs.  After 
the  fi'uits  are  laid  in  tightly  as  described  above,  lay  a  clean  sheet 
of  tissvio  paper  over  the  tips  of  the  leaves  and  then  a  layer  or 
two  of  soft  wool  so  that  when  the  lid  is  shut  down  all  is  quite 
firm  and  tight  within.  Packed  in  this  simple  manner  it  mat- 
ters little  which  side  of  the  box  is  ujjpermost,  and  you  may 
even  laugh  at  the  delicate  manner  in  which  the  railway  porters 
pitch  your  choice  fruit  into  the  luggage  van,  or  out  of  the  vau 
on  to  the  platform.  These  small  tin  trays  can  be  packed 
tightly  in  the  larger  cases  along  with  the  trays  already  des- 
cribed, containing  Peaches,  Grapes,  or  other  choice  fruits. 

Raspberries,  Cherries,  Gooseberries  and  Currants,  when 
very  fine,  are  useful  as  giving  variety  to  the  dessert  and  should 
bo  carefully  gathered  with  stalks  and  packed  as  recommended 
for  Strawberries.  A  great  deal  depends  on  not  having  any 
bruised  or  over-ripe  fruits  among  them  at  starting.  Paper 
shavings  will  be  found  very  useful  for  packing,  and  a  good 
supply  of  tissue  paper,  shavings  both  of  paper  and  also  from 
inodorous  wood  should  always  be  kept  in  the  fruit-room  or 
packing  shed  ready  for  use.  For  cut  flowers  we  use  lighter 
boxes  made  either  of  paste-board  or  what  are  technically  called 
chips,  i.e.,  ver3'  thin  slices  of  some  tough  wood.  Never  use 
Moss  or  straw,  and  if  hay  is  sometimes  used  instead  of  shav- 
ings for  packing  the  trays  iu  the  larger  cases  see  that  it  is  dry 
aud  sweet.  B. 


PLANTING  OUT  FORCED  STRAWBERRIES  FOR  A 
MAIN  CROP. 
For  the  last  nine  years  we  have  planted  oat  onr  forced  Strawberry 
plants  in  a  systematic  way,  for  a  main  crop  of  fruit,  aud  have  never 
in  one  instance  failed  in  securing  a  most  abundant  crop.  I  am  aware 
it  is  a  common  practice  to  plant  out  forced  plants  as  a  kind  of  auxiliary 
crop,  most  dependence  being  placed  upon  the  permanent  planta. 
tions  ;  but  where  Strawberries  are  forced  in  any  quantity,  I  would 
advise  the  planting  of  them  out  in  a  regular  way  for  a  supply  of 
fruit  for  preserving  and  other  purposes.  Such  plants  bear  excessively 
the  first  year,  and  never  fail.  The  second  year  they  will  bear  a 
heavy  crop  ag.ain,  but  after  this  they  should  be  trenched  down.  Be. 
sides,  the  plants  are  soon  enough  if  they  are  planted  out  in  August. 
We  follow  our  second  early  Potatoes  with  tho  Strawberries,  and  havo 
been  as  late  as  September  in  finishing,  but  the  last-planted  plants 
bore  just  as  well  as  the  first  tho  following  season.  Our  practice  is  to 
put  the  plants  out  in  a  sheltered  corner  as  they  cease  bearing: 
if  the  pots  are  wanted,  the  plants  are  turned  out  and  the  balls  packed 
closely  together,  filling  up  the  crevices  with  a  little  fine  soil,  and  in 
this  way  they  are  left  till  they  can  be  planted  out,  not  forgetting,  in 
the  mean  time,  to  water  them  abundantly.  If  the  ground  has  been 
manured  heavily  for  the  Potatoes,  it  is  just  dug  overaud  the  Straw, 
berries  are  planted  at  the  same  time,  18  inches  apart  between  the 
plants,  and  two  feet  between  tho  rows.  This  is  ample,  for  forced  plants 
do  not  make  such  growth  as  permanent  ones  :  neither  do  they  root 
deeply,  for  which  reason  they  are  somewhat  apt  to  suffer  from 
drought ;  but  a  thick  mulching  of  half.rotted  stable  litter  put  on 
early  in  spring  prevents  any  risk  of  this  kind,  and  works  little  less 
thau  a  miracle  in  swelling  off  the  fruit  and  promoting  the  general 
health  of  the  plants.  We  have  often  gathered  more  than  a  hundred 
weight  of  Black  Prince  from  a  piece  of  ground  of  less  than  half  the 
extent  that  permanent  plants  would  require  to  produce  the  same,  for 
we  plant  this  variety  (forced  plants)  one  foot  apart  between  the 
plants,  and  18  inches  between  the  rows.  Last  year  we  began  plant- 
ing about  the  middle  of  August,  and  the  plants  are  now  perfectly 
smothered  with  bloom,  and  the  forced  plants  of  1871  are  but  little 
behind  them.  I  ought  to  state  that,  when  the  plants  are  put  out,  the 
old  leaves  which  have  been  developed  in  the  forcing-house  should  bo 
shorn  clean  off,  and  the  balls  should  be  buried  as  deeply  as  is  possible 
without  burying  the  crowns  altogether.  Plants  of  which  the  surface, 
roots  are  left  exposed  to  the  air  never  do  so  well. — J.   Simpson    in 


'  Tlie  Gardener." 


THINNING   ORCHARD  FRUIT. 

It  is  a  good  time  now  to  remind  fruit-growers  about  thinning  out  fruit. 
With  young  trees  this  matter  is  especially  important,  and  perhaps 
with  no  tree  more  so  than  the  Pear.  The  policy  of  allowing  young 
trees  to  bear  all  they  will  is  simply  ruinous.  In  some  cases  a  market 
grower  may  get  more  money  for  his  product  during  the  current  year 
by  adopting  this  course,  and  yet  that  does  not  always  follow  ;  but,  if 
he  does,  he  will  most  assuredly  have  to  pay  for  it  in  future.  What 
a  sagacious  man  wants  to  secure,  when  his  orchard  is  younf,  is 
growth— not  an  extraordinary,  but  a  healthy  growth.  Then,  when 
the  trees  commence  bearing,  they  will  be  able  to  bear  good  crops  at 
once,  large  enough  to  make  up  in  a  few  years  for  not  bearing  when 
quite  young.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  the  crops  borne  by  quite  young 
trees  are  always  small ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  are  such  great  draw", 
backs  on  the  strength  and  vitality  of  the  trees  as  to  impede  their 
development  most  seriously,  causing  them  to  fall  so  far  behind  other 
trees  that  a  stranger  would  think  them  several  years  younger.  The 
limbs,  too,  being  tender,  become  distorted  by  the  weight  of  fruit;  and 
a  habit  of  early  bearing  being  also  induced,  there  will  be  an  annual 
tendency  to  produce  fruit  instead  of  wood  and  foliage,  accompanied 
by  an  inability  to  perfect  it,  which  will  increase  from  year  to  year, 
until  the  poor  thing  dies  prematurely.  I  am  well  satisfied  that  in 
planting  an  orchard,  if  the  owner  would  make  a  vow  not  to  allow  a 
single  tree  to  bear  a  solitary  specimen  for  the  first  seven  or  eight 
years  after  planting,  and  would  give  his  time  and  attention  to  per- 
fecting the  growth  of  his  trees,  and  to  pruning  them  properly,  he 
would  get  more  valuable  fruit  from  his  orchard  at  the  end  of,  say 
fifteen  years,  and  have  a  much  finer  orchard  than  would  otherwise  be 
the  case.  The  trees  would  be  more  uniform  in  growth,  be  larger, 
better  shaped,  have  a  much  better  development  of  roots,  thusenabfing 
them  the  better  to  withstand  high  winds  or  tempests,  bear  greater 
crops,  and  look  better — in  short,  be  better  in  every  conceivable  way. 
Some  may  claim  that  heavy  applications  of  manure  to  young  bearine 
trees  will  make  due  amends,  and  maintain  growth  and  vigour.  I  do 
not  think  that  this  is  the  case  at  all.  If  a  tree  is  allowed  to  over-bear 
this  year,  its  constitutional  vigour  is  impaired — it  becomes  sick,  in  a 
measure,  and  it  is  no  more  in  the  condition  to  appreciate  the  benefits 
of  this  exceptional  manuring  than  a  sick  man  is  to  appreciate  extra 


36 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  12, 1873. 


good  eating  while  his  illness  lasts.  What  is  important  for  the 
orehardist  to  remember  is,  that  fruit-bearing  and  a  regular  healthy- 
growth  in  young  trees  cannot  go  forward  at  the  same  time ;  that 
growth  is  the  natural  business  of  a  young  orchard,  as  it  is  of  human 
beings  and  animals  ;  and  that  fruit-bearing — which  is  reproduction 
of  the  species — cannot  profitably  be  attempted  until  there  is  at  least 
some  approximation  to  a  full  growth  and  development.  The  wise 
fruit-grower  will,  then,  not  neglect  thinning ;  and  now  is  just  the 
season  for  it.  There  is  far  more  danger  of  leaving  too  much  than  too 
little.  Every  imperfect  specimen,  every  one  stung  or  marred  by 
insects,  had  better  oome  off.  What  is  loft  will  bo  the  better  for  it  in 
every  way. —  CnUicator, 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 


CHINESE  VEGETABLES. 

Garden  vegetables,  of  some  sort  or  other,  almost  always 
form  a  part  of  the  meals  of  the  Chinese,  and  every  cottager 
has  a  patch  of  ground  near  his  habitation,  from  which  he 
raises  a  supply.  Leguminous  and  cruciferous  plants  are  culti- 
vated more  or  less  in  all  parts  of  China,  and  some  of  them 
almost  as  extensively  as  the  Grains.  Among  the  former  class, 
Beans  of  various  kinds  are  common;  the  Kidney  Bean  and  the 
Horse  Bean  are  well  known.  From  the  DuUchos  soja,  or  Soy 
Bean,  is  manufactured  the  condiment  called  soy,  much  in  use 
among  the  Chinese  to  season  their  food.  Green  Peas  are  in 
season  in  Canton  in  February  and  March,  but  of  an  inferior 
size  and  flavoiu'.  Peas  and  Beans  are  planted  is  some  places 
between  the  rows  of  Grain,  and  come  to  maturity  after  the 
first  croii  has  beeen  gathered.  Among  cruciferous  plants,  the 
Cabbage  and  Turnip  are  the  most  common,  and  the  general 
name  of  fnae  (tsay)  is  given  to  all  plants  used  for  salad,  as 
Lettuce,  Cabbage,  Spinach,  and  also  to  the  leaves  of  Turnips 
and  Radishes  when  used  as  Greens ;  and  toin  is  the  term  for 
Pulse  Greens  of  every  kind.  There  are  sevei'al  varieties  of 
Cabbage,  and  the  Chinese  bestow  more  attention  on  this  than 
on  any  other  garden  vegetable.  The  most  common  is  called 
2^ih  fsit.e,  or  "  White  Greens,"  from  its  being  blanched,  but  it 
more  resembles  Kale  than  Cabljage,  and  does  not  form  a  head. 
The  pic  nts  sometimes  weigh  15  or  20  lbs.,  and  attain  the  height 
of  3  feet.  When  eaten  raw  this  Cabbage  or  Kile  is  not  inferior 
to  Lettuce  as  a  salad ;  when  boiled,  the  taste  resembles 
Asparagus  ;  it  is  also  pickled  like  German  sour  krout,  fried  in 
oil,  and  cooked  in  other  way.s.  The  Savo}-  Cabbage  is  also 
sometimes  seen  at  Canton.  Turnips  are  planted  as  a  second 
crop  in  autumn,  and  being  brought  to  market  in  the  winter, 
are  extensively  used.  Radishes  are  grown  in  the  vicinity  of 
Canton,  but  the  size  is  small,  and  the  flavour,  both  of  them 
and  Turnips,  is  not  so  good  as  those  raised  in  more  northern 
countries.  Onions  and  Garlic  of  a  small  size,  are  used  abun- 
dantly, and  prepared  in  many  ways,  as  pickling,  frying,  boiling. 
The  alliaceous  odour  is  perceptible  in  the  cooking  rooms  of 
the  people,  and  their  persons  often  remind  us  of  it.  Carrots, 
Asparagus,  Gourds,  Squashes,  Melons  of  many  kinds. 
Cucumbers,  Pumpkins,  Tomatoes,  Winter  Cherry,  Egg  Plants, 
&o.,  are  to  found  in  most  parts  of  the  country.  The  Pump- 
kins, Melons,  and  Cucumbers,  known  by  the  general  name 
Inva,  are  of  a  good  size,  but  of  an  inferior  flavour.  Some  of 
these  are  eaten  raw,  others  are  cooked,  and  all  are  used  to  a 
considerable  extent.  The  Taro,  Water  Chestnut  (Trapa 
bicornis)  or  Water  Caltrops,  of  which  an  illustration  is  given 
in  The  G.irden  (see  p.  214),  and  Nelurabium  or  Lotus,  are 
grown  in  the  water,  and  they  also  grow  the  Irish  Potato,  Yam, 
and  Ground  Nut.  The  terraces  on  the  hills  in  the  vicinity  of 
Canton  are  not  often  destitute  of  the  sweet  Potato.  The 
Irish  Potato  is  confined  to  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Macao, 
but  it  would  be  a  valuable  acquisition  to  the  country,  especially 
the  northern  parts,  if  it  was  extensively  cultivated.  The 
Chinese  are  excellent  gardeners,  and  often  make  a  patch  of 
ground,  which  with  us  would  scarcely  suflice  to  support  one 
man,  feed  a  whole  family.  The  superiority  of  their  horti- 
culture is  a  counterpoise  to,  or  perhaps  the  result  of,  the 
insufficiency  of  their  agriculture,  which  obliges  them  to  seek 
in  their  gardens  an  indispensable  portion  of  their  food. 

A.  H. 


CORN  SALAD  OR  MACHE. 
Tins  plant,  found  wild  in  many  parts  of  Europe,  and  abun- 
dantly used  as  a  salad  on'the  Continent,  is  not  grown  so  much 
with  us  as  it  deserves.  To  our  taste,  there  is  no  salad  whatever 
superior  to  this,  with  a  sprinkling  of  half-blanched  Celery,  both 
to  bo  used  in  a  fresh,  clean,  and  crisp  state,  in  which  condition 
they  are  not  always  found  in  markets.  01  course,  we  suppose 
them  to  be  dressed  with  good  oil  in  the  proper  way.  Nothing 
is  easier  of  culture.  Two  kinds  are  in  cultivation:  the  Round 
and  the  Regence.  The  former,  which  grows  spontaneously  in  all 
meadows  of  our  latitude,  is  sown  in  market  gardens,  from  the 
month  of  August  till  October,  among  plantings  of  Cauliflowers, 
Endive,  or  Chicory ;  the  surface  of  the  soil  being  merely 
scratched  before  sowing,  and  then  lightly  raked  over.  In  Sep- 
tember it  is  sown  along  with  Onions  which  are  not  to  be  traiis- 
plauDcd,  or  it  may  be  sown  among  the  s.ame  kind  of  Onions  if 
transplanted,  or  with  Welsh  Onions,  taking  care  to  add  a  good 
layer  of  spent  manure.  The  Regence  is  sown  broad-cast  at 
the  end  of  September,  or  in  the  course  of  October,  in  beds 
prepared  to  receive  transplanted  Onions,  or  in  empty  bods  in 
which  it  is  intended  to  sow  Melons  in  April.  The  August 
sowings  yield  a  crop  in  October ;  the  September  sowings 
yield  in  November,  and  all  the  winter  until  March,  when  the 
plant  runs  to  seed.  The  Regence  is  the  latest,  its  last  crop 
being  gathered  in  April.  In  order  to  obtain  good  and  true 
seed,  a  bed  must  be  prepared  on  purpose,  being  first  dug  over 
and  then  levelled  and  compressed  by  placing  a  plank  on  the 
surface  and  walking  upon  it.  The  finest  plants  are  then  put  in 
as  thickly  as  possible.  The  seed  is  swept  off  the  ground  with 
a  broom,  which  explains  the  necessity  of  having  previously 
made  the  surface  hard  and  level.  The  seed  keeps  good  for 
two  or  three  year?.  In  order  to  separate  it  from  the  dirt 
(vhich  is  swept  up  along  with  it,  it  is  thrown  into  a  bucket  of 
water;  the  seed  will  float  while  the  earth  sinks  to  the  bottom. 
The  seed  is  then  collected  and  dried  in  the  sun.  The  weeding 
of  the  seed-bed  should  be  well  attended  to. 


TURNIPS  IN  DRY  SOILS. 
In  dry  soils  Turnips  are  often,  in  hot  seasons,  not  only  of 
inferior  quality,  but  it  is  also  difficult  to  get  the  seeds  to 
germinate  freely  and  regularlj',  and  to  induce  the  young  plants 
to  make  a  sufficiently  rapid  growth  to  escape  the  ravages  of 
the  fly.  Where  a  piece  of  cool-bottomed  land  that  has  been 
well  manured  and  deeply  dug  in  the  previous  autumn  or  early 
winter  can  be  reserved  for  the  main  crop,  the  chances  of 
obtaining  good  succulent  roots  are  pretty  well  secured.  But 
if  (as  frequently  happens)  the  Turnip  crop  has  to  succeed 
another  crop  only  just  cleared  off,  the  following  I  believe  to 
be  the  best  plan  to  secure  good  plants  and  induce  a  rapid 
growth.  Af;er  the  land  has  been  manured  with  thoroughly 
decayed  manure  and  dug  over  (it  is  a  bad  plan  to  dig  long 
manure  into  land  that  parts  with  its  moisture  rapidly  any  time 
during  the  spring  and  summer),  spread  on  the  surface  a  good 
dressing  of  burnt  earth  or  charred  rubbish,  and  in  raking 
down  the  surface  this  will  mix  well  with  it,  and  will  not  only 
act  as  a  valuable  manure,  especially  suitable  for  Turnips,  but 
will  also  tend  to  retain  the  moisture  in  the  land.  By  a  little 
forethought  in  the  periodical  clearings  of  the  rubbish-yard,  a 
heap  of  this  kind  of  material  can  always  be  held  in  reserve 
for  such  emergencies.  After  the  land  has  been  thus  prepared, 
wait  for  a  shower,  if  possible,  before  sowing  the  seed.  If  this 
cannot  be  done,  I  prefer  sowing  in  drills,  and  drawing  the 
drills  rather  deeper  than  would  be  necessary  for  early  crops, 
so  as  to  lay  the  seeds  in  the  moist  soil  which  is  generally 
found  under  the  surface,  if  the  land  has  lain  two  or  three 
weeks  after  being  worked  to  consolidate.  If  the  weather 
continues  hot  and  dry,  I  shade,  in  order  to  assist  the  land  to 
retain  its  moisture,  which  is  done  in  the  following  way  ;  and 
this  not  only  keeps  the  soil  comparativelj'  cool,  but  also  keeps 
small  liirds  from  pulling  the  plants  up  as  fast  as  they  appear 
in  order  to  get  at  the  seed.  If,  then,  the  weather  is  dry  and 
hot,  and  the  seeds  do  not  germinate  quickly,  we  have  a  number 
of  short  forked  sticks,  which  are  always  kept  handy,  and  these 
are  pushed  into  the  bed  at  intervals  of  3  or  i  feet,  and  over 
them  are  suspended  one  or  more  lengths,  as  may  be  necessary, 


July  12,  1S73.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


37 


of  Britain's  netting,  that  we  vise  in  tlie  spring  for  protecting 
■wall  trees.  It  is  kept  about  a  foot  from  the  ground  on  all 
sides ;  there  is  thus  a  contiuual  circulation  of  aii\  But  the 
ground,  being  shaded  from  the  hot  suu,  retains  its  moisture, 
the  seeds  vegetate  strongly  and  rapidly,  and,  as  soon  as  the 
plants  are  fairly  up,  the  nets  are  removed  and  the  hoe  used 
regularly.  There  is  nothing  liice  a  frequently-stirred  surface 
to  encourage  rapid  growth,  and  rapid  growth  is  essential  to 
mild  flavour  in  vegetables.  The  two  best  Turnips  for  main 
crops  ou  scoi'ching  land  are  the  American  Red  Stone  and 
Orange  Jelly.  The  Strap-leaved  Stone  is  very  useful  for 
early  work,  and  the  Chirk  Castle  Black  Stone  for  standing 
the  winter.  E.  H. 


The  Potato  Disease. — I  have  read  with  great  pleasure  the  very 
interesting  article  on  the  Potato  disease  published  in  The  Gardkn 
(p.  500).  The  practical  means  of  checking  the  development  of  the 
fungi  which  ]\[r.  Carrnthers  points  ont  are — burning  all  diseased  plants 
and  carefnl  drainage.  It  seems  to  me  that  another  obvious  inference 
from  our  present  knowledge  of  the  nature  of  the  disease  is,  that  it  is 
unwise  to  plant  the  same  ground  with  Potatoes  for  two  successive 
seasons,  independently  of  any  reason  for  not  doing  so  apart  from  the 
question  of  disease.  If,  as  .appears  to  be  the  case,  the  parasitic 
fungus  will  not  germinate  ou  any  other  plant  than  the  Potato,  a 
change  of  the  Potato  ground  every  year  must  have  a  favourable 
effect.— H.  W.  M. 

Egg-plant  Culture.— I  have  repeatedly  failed  with  this  plant 
in  my  stove,  and  shall  be  obliged  by  your  telling  me  how  to  manage 
it. — IxQuniER.  [The  Egg-plant  is  very  easily  cultivated  in  a  brisk 
heat ;  it  enjoys  plenty  of  food  and  moisture  ;  but  red  spider  is  very 
much  attached  to  it,  and  frequently  succeeds  in  dwarfing,  and  indeed 
destroying,  the  Egg-plant  in  the  stove.  In  dung  pits,  and  with  a 
moist  bottom  heat,  the  spider  does  not  so  readily  take  hold.  Grow 
freely,  water  well,  keep  clean,  give  free  pot  room,  and  good  soil,  and 
you  will  succeed.  In  America  the  Egg. plant  produces  fruit  as 
large  as  a  medium. sized  Gonrd,  and  properly  cooked,  is  a  great 
delicacy.  We  have  never  seen  them  half  so  fine  in  Prance  or  Eng. 
land.— Ed.] 

New  Peas. — I  find  after  the  best  possible  trial  and  the  closest 
and  most  impartial  scrutiny,  that  Emerald  Gem  and  Danecroft  Rival 
Peas  are  absolutely  identical.  <  I  made  this  assertion  elsewhere  last 
year  after  seeing  them  both  grown  together,  and  the  experience  of 
the  present  year  has  entirely  confirmed  that  opinion.  Harbinger, 
another  new  Pea,  was  twelve  or  fourteen  daj's  in  advance  of  Easte's 
Kentish  Invicta  last  year,  and  about  seven  daj's  in  advance  of  DiUi. 
stone's.  To  Invicta,  Harbinger  bears  the  closest  possible  resemblance 
in  all  points.  This  year  the  difference  between  Harbinger  and 
Invicta  is  reduced  to  5  or  6  days,  and  but  a  day  or  two  earlier  than 
Dillistone's.  This  alteration  arises  from  the  fact  that  the  seed  sown 
this  year  was  all  saved  from  plants  grown  in  the  same  garden,  a 
matter  of  no  small  importance  in  the  testing  of  Peas,  as  it  is  a  well, 
known  fact  that  plants  from  seeds  saved  from  a  sort  grown  in  a 
hot  dry  locality,  will  prove  much  earlier  next  year  than  seed  saved 
from  plants  grown  in  a  colder  locality.  Thus,  in  a  trial  of  Peas,  the 
second  or  third  year's  growth  is  of  much  more  importance  than  the 
first.  The  earliest,  and  probably  very  best,  of  all  new  early  dwarf 
Peas  is  Unique,  a  really  dwarf  William  the  First.  It  grows  to  an 
height  of  about  16  inches,  and  beats  little  Gem  and  other  early 
Dwarf  Marrows.  The  pods  and  Peas  are  deep  green  in  colonr, 
and  when  it  becomes  plentiful  it  will  prove  a  first-rate  kind  for  pot 
culture. — A.  Deax,  Bedfont. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 


Sawdust  as  a  Manure.— Will  you  kindly  tell  me  what  is  tho  v.ilne  (as  a 
manure)  of  sawdust  that  has  been  used  for  bedding  horses  ?  I  have  a  large 
quantity  of  it.  and  should  like  to  know  how  it  may  be  used  to  the  best  advan- 
tage.— H.  [A  friend  tells  me  that  it  forms  the  best  possible  foundation  for 
hotbeds  ;  another  that  it  makes  a  strong  and  excellent  manure  for  both  kitchen 
and  flower  garden  ;  and  a  third  that  he  had  used  it  with  wonderful  efifect  on 
Clover  and  Grass.  If,  however,  it  be  appUed  too  copiously,  the  Grass  is  liable 
to  be  burnt  up  by  the  quantity  of  ammonia  contained  in  the  sawdust. — M.  E.  F.] 

Planting  Asparagus. — I  have  invariably  found  Asparagus  to  succeed  best  if 
removed  while  in  active  growth,  even  as  late  as  July.  I  have  never  known  one- 
year  seedlings  to  fail,  and  I  have  never  known  perfect  success  to  attend  the 
removal  of  older  plants.  Many  object  to  the  loss  of  time  caused  by  planting 
only  one-year  old  seedlings.  To  overcome  this  difficulty.  I  manure  the  ground 
very  highly  on  which  the  seed  is  to  be  sown.  It  is  sown  in  rows  a  foot  apart, 
and  the  young  plants  are  thinned  to  4  or  5  inches  asunder,  by  which  means 
I  ol)tain  better  roots  than  oMinary  two-year  olds,  and  from  these  a  little 
"Grass"  may  be  cut  twelve  months  after  planting.  —  Richaed  Smith, 
Worcester, 


T  H  E    H  OUSE  HOLD. 

FAIRY  RINGS. 
(marasmius  oreades). 
This  Agaric,  sometimes  called  "  Scotch  bonnets,"  mny  be  gathered 
from  June  to  November,  and  a  most  pleasing  and  savoury 
esculent  it  proves  when  judiciously  prepared  for  the  table.  It  re. 
quires,  however,  somewhat  nice  care  in  its  discrimination,  as  dan. 
gerons  and  ill-conditioned  kinds  may  readily  be  mistaken  for  it  by 
superficial  observers.  I  append  the  characters  by  which  it  may  bo 
known,  I  think,  by  anybody.  It  is  the  little  buff-coloured  Agaric 
so  common  in  upland  pastures  during  the  autumn  months,  chiefly  ap. 
pearing  in  rings  or  portions  of  rings.  It  differs  from  the  Mousseron  in 
being  small  and  slender.  It  may  be  found  in  various  stages  of  growth, 
from  the  little  buff  bell  to  the  more  expanded  cap.  The  cap  is  marked 
with  a  decided  boss,  or  umbo  as  it  is  termed.  This  boss  is  darker 
than  the  rest  of  tho  cap,  and  appears  "  as  if  scorched,"  as  Dr.  Bad- 
ham  justly  remarks.  The  stalk  or  stipes  is  solid  and  elastic,  so  th.at 
the  fungus  may  be  pulled  up  from  the  grass-roots  to  which  it  clings 
without  fear  of  being  broken.  The  stalk,  moreover,  is  usually  thicker 
at  the  top,  under  the  pilens,  than  it  is  below,  and  is  covered  with 
shaggy  scales.  The  base  of  it  is  darker  than  it  is  above.  The  taste 
of  the  young  buttons  is  Mushroom-like  and  nutty,  though  the  smell  is 
strong  and  powerful.  The  whole  plant,  I  may  remark,  is  leathery, 
tough,  and  elastic,  the  cap  being  often  cracked  and  wrinkled  in  mature 
specimens.  These  characters  ought  to  be  sufficient  to  distinguish  it 
from  its  two  congeners,  Marasmius  ureus  and  M.  setnilobatus, 
the  latter  of  which  is  viicid  and  as  if  varnished,  as  Dr.  Badham 


Marasmius  oreades  (Faii-yring  Champignon).  Pastures,  roadsides,  and  downs 
m  the  autumn;  colour,  pale  buff ;  gills  broad  and  far  apart:  diameter,  one 
to  two  inches. 

observes,  and  the  former  fragile  and  easily  injured  when  it  is  moist. 
However  dry  and  withered  the  members  of  the  group  Marasmius  may 
become,  they  may  mostly  be  revived  and  restored  to  their  early  con. 
dition  by  immersion  in  water,  after  being  subjected  to  drought  and 
dryness  for  many  weeks,  and  even  months. — P.  Inohbald,  Hovingham 
Lodge,  near  York,  in  Field. 


The   Cuckoo   and    the    Gooseberry    Caterpillar.— About 

three  weeks  ago  a  large  quantity  of  Gooseberry  bushes  in  the  kitchen 
garden  here  were  much  infested  with  the  caterpillar  peculiar  to  the 
Gooseberry.  When  the  men  were  not  about,  and  on  Sundays,  some 
cuckoos  were  observed  every  day  on  the  bushes  feeding  on  the  cater, 
pillars,  which  they  thinned  off  considerably  in  a  week  or  two.  I  had 
them  disturbed  as  little  as  possible,  and  sometimes  as  many  as  four 
or  five  at  a  time  were  seeu  enjoying  their  feast.  The  cuckoo,  from 
this  habit  of  feeding  on  caterpillars,  has,  I  think,  a  strong  claim 
to  be  put  in  the  schedule  of  the  Birds'  Protection  Bill.  During 
the  season  of  the  Gooseberry  caterpillar  I  do  not  find  that  any  of  the 
small  birds  do  much  good  in  clearing  the  bushes  of  them.  Perhaps 
the  song  thrush  is  as  useful  a  bird  to  the  gardener  as  any,  for  in  the 
wet  summer  and  autumn  of  last  year  it  fed  on  the  legions  of  slugs 
and  snails  all  the  time  when  fruit  was  scarce.  The  thrush  will  have 
its  dessert  off  the  fruit  not  netted  up,  but  not  in  the  bold  daring  way 
of  the  blackbird,  who  is  the  greatest  pest  of  all  the  small  birds, 
except  the  bullfinch. — William  Tilleby,  Welieck  Gardens. 


Grape  Seeds.— Mons.  T.  Schmidt  calculates  that  30  to  40  lbs.  of  seeds  per 
acre  of  vineyard  are  ordinarily  produced,  and,  with  the  exception  of  the  tannin 
whichthey  contain,  and  which  is  used  in  the  clearing  and  manufacturing  of 
wine,  the  whole  is  looked  upon  as  a  waste  product.  When,  however,  these 
seeds.areproperly  roasted  and  ground,  they  possess  an  .aroma  very  much  like 
that  of  East  India  coffee,  and  the  beverage  obtained  therefrom  is  about  the 
same  in  taste,  although  not  in  strength,  as  coffee.  The  author  recommends  the 
following  mode  of  procedure:— Take  IJ  ounce  of  the  ground  preparation,  and 
boil  it  for  five  minutesin  a  quart  of  milk,  adding  a  little  cinmamon  and  cloves. 
When  filtered  and  sweetened  to  taste,  a  beverage  is  obtained  resembling 
chocolate,  with  the  same  reddish  tint.  It  also  becomes  thick  like  cocoa  on  being 
allowed  to  stand  for  awhile. 


38 


THE  GARDEN. 


[July  12, 1873. 


"WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 
PRIVATE  GAEDENS. 

Flower  Garden. — Bedcling  plants  nre  now  growing  freely,  and 
require  a  little  attention.  Peg  down  Verbenas,  Tropasoluras,  Helio- 
tropes, Petunias,  and  plants  of  similar  liabit;  pruning  in, at  the  same 
time,  all  straggling  shoots.  Plants  grown  principally  for  the  beauty 
of  their  leaves,  such  as  Caladinm  esculentum,  Moustera  deliciosa, 
Abutilons,  India-rubber  plants,  Cannas,  &c.,  grow  mnch  better  if 
dewed  overhead  in  the  evenings  with  clean  water  than  when  other, 
wise  treated;  and  vigorous-growing  subjects  of  any  sort  are  benefited 
by  mulching  the  soil  over  their  roots  with  leaf-soil  or  cocoa-nut 
fibre,  so  as  to  prevent  a  too  rapid  evaporation  of  moisture.  Pinch 
off  flower-spikes  from  Cerastiuni,  the  variegated  Polemonium 
Cieruloum,  golden  Feverfew,  and  similar  plants.  Propagate  Pelar- 
goniums from  cuttings  as  soon  as  thej'  can  be  spared ;  a  warm 
border,  fully  exposed  to  the  sun,  suits  them  perfectly.  The  sooner 
Verbenas  are  propagated  now  the  better  ;  a  well  shaded  cold  frame 
is  the  best  position  for  them.  Keep  all  flower-beds  neat  and  clean  ; 
the  lawn  well  mown,  swept,  and  rolled  ;  and  the  walks  clean  by 
means  of  hoeing  or  liaud-weeding,  and  roll  them  frequently, 
especially  after  rain. 

Herbaceous  and  Alpine  Plants.— These  are  now  everywhere 
in  great  perfection.  Strong-growing  sorts,  such  as  Clematis  erecta, 
Hollyhocks,  Delphiniums,  some  sorts  of  Campanulas,  Lilies,  &c.,  if 
in  danger  of  being  broken  by  wind,  should  be  staked.  Mulch 
Phloxes  and  choice  subjects  with  leaf-soil  or  thoroughly-rotten 
manure,  supply  them  liberally  with  water,  and  occasionally  with 
liquid  manui-e.  Gather  seeds  as  they  ripen,  and,  as  a  rule,  sow 
them  soon  afterwards  ;  unless,  however,  seed-saving  is  an  object,  the 
Hower-spikes  should  be  cut  over  as  soon  as  their  beauty  is  past. 
Transplant  from  the  seed-bed  to  a  rich  border.  Sweet  Williams, 
Canterbury  Bells,  Hollyhocks,  Wallflowers,  &c.,  and  propagate,  by 
means  of  cuttings,  most  kinds  of  hardy  herbaceous  plants.  A  shady 
position  at  the  base  of  a  wall  is  a  good  situation  for  them.  Remove 
annuals  when  their  beauty  has  become  impaired  ;  thin  late  sowings, 
and  sow  again  quick-growing  sorts  for  late  autumn  blooming. 

Bulbous  Plants. — Lilies  are  now  nicely  in  bloom,  as  are  also 
Alstrcemerias,  Hemerocallis,  Irises,  and  some  sorts  of  Alliums. 
Hyacinths,  Crocuses,  Tulips,  Muscaris,  Ornithogalums,  Crown  Im- 
perials, and  other  Pritillarias,  early  flowering  Scillas,  Triteleias, 
Erythroniums,  and  other  early  blooming  plants,  may  now  be  lifted 
and  replanted  ;  but  unless  it  is  necessary  to  move  them,  most  hardy 
bulbs  are  best  left  undisturbed.  If,  however,  they  must  be  lifted,  do 
not  remove  the  leaves  unless  they  part  easily,  and  such  sorts  as 
liave  fleshy  roots.  Lilies  for  instance,  should  be  replanted  almost 
immediately.  Anemone  and  Ranunculus  roots  should  be  lifted, 
dried,  and  stored  away  until  the  time  comes  round  for  replanting 
them  ;  if  left  in  the  soil  after  the  tubers  are  ripe  they  are  apt  to 
start  again,  and  thus  become  greatly  impaired  in  vigour. 

Eoses. — These  being  now  everywhere  in  bloom,  pi-oper  prepara- 
tions must  be  taken  to  prolong  their  beauty  by  keeping  them  clean 
and  healthy.  Mildew  must  be  checked  on  its  first  appearance  by 
means  of  dustings  of  salphur ;  aphides  by  rubbing  them  off  with  a 
tooth  brush,  or  dipping  the  affected  shoots  in  strong  tobacco-water, 
and  as  regards  leaf-caterpillars  and  grubs  they  must  be  hand-picked. 
A  mulching  of  thoroughly  decayed  manure  over  the  roots,  and 
frequent  applications  of  manure  water,  greatly  invigorate  the  plants 
and  enlarge  and  brighten  the  flowers.  Tie  in  i-ampant  shoots,  and 
remove  such  as  are  soft,  watery,  and  superfluous.  Proceed  with 
budding,  and  in  preparing  stocks  for  that  purpose  remove  the  greatest 
part  of  the  shoots  a  week  or  two  before  the  buds  are  inserted  ; 
but  do  not  touch  the  branches  which  are  to  be  operated  on  unless 
they  are  very  long  or  over  vigorous,  when  a  portion  may  be  removed. 
If  not  already  done,  transfer  the  winter  and  spring  grafted  stocks 
from  pots  to  the  open  ground,  which  should  be  mulched,  and  re-pot 
and  plunge  outside  such  as  are  intended  to  be  retained  for  pot- 
cnltnre.  All  pot  Roses  should  be  plunged  out  of  doors,  and  a 
dressing  of  manure  should  be  placed  over  the  surface  of  the  soil. 

Shrubbery. — Specimen  evergreen  shrubs  may  be  pruned  into 
shape,  and  the  best  of  the  prnnings  may  be  used  for  purposes  of 
propagation.  Hedges  of  Yew,  Arbor-Vitaa,  Privet,  Holly,  &c., 
should  be  pruned  into  shape  with  the  knife  in  conspicuous  places  ; 
but,  in  out-of-the-way  situations,  a  pair  of  shears  may  be  used,  as 
with  these  the  work  is  more  expeditiously  performed  than  with  the 
knife.  Cat  out  dead  and  dying  branches  from  trees  and  shrubs, 
and  proceed  with  the  budding  of  Hawthorns  and  other  ornamental 
trees.  Decayed  flowers  and  seed-pods  should  be  removed  from 
Rhododendrons  and  Azaleas,  if  time  can  be  spared  for  that  purpose. 
Transplant  evergreen  shrubs,  taking  care  to  lift  them  with  good 
balls,  but  do  not  interfere  with  the  deciduous  kinds.     Layer  shrubs 


of  ail  sorts,  also  Clematises,  using  some  light  sandy  soil  for  placing 
around  the  incision,  and  pegs  to  fix  the  shoots  in  the  ground.  In  the 
case  of  Clematises,  Japanese  Maples,  and  others  of  tliat  class,  it  is 
better  to  lajcr  them  in  pots  sunk  in  the  soil  than  otherwise,  so  that 
in  autumn  they  may  be  removed  from  the  parent  and  transferred  to 
a  greenhouse,  where  they  can  be  more  safely  nursed  than  they  would 
be  in  the  open  ground. 

Conservatory.— Encourage  the  growth  of  plants  in  general,  but 
at  the  same  time  use  all  available  means  for  promoting  early 
maturity.  Keep  climbing  plants  well  thinned  and  gracefully  trained, 
permitting  them  to  droop  in  festoons  rather  than  having  them  tied  np 
in  any  formal  way.  Evergreens  and  such  deciduous  plants  as  are  not 
in  bloom  are  benefited  by  gentle  syringings  in  the  afternoon. 
Decaying  flowers  and  leaves  must  be  picked  off,  and  neatness  and 
cleanliness  preserved  everywhere.  From  the  greenhouses  and  pits, 
introduce  successions  of  annuals  and  other  plants,  whether  remark- 
able for  flowers  or  foliage,  and  remove  plants,  the  beauty  of  which  is 
over,  to  make  room  for  them . 

Stoves, — Encourage  growth,  shade  from  bright  sunshine,  venti. 
late  freely  but  cautiously,  syringe  twice  every  fine  day,  water 
abundantly,  maintaining  a  moist  atmosphere,  and  economise  fire-heat 
by  shutting  up  early.  Ardisias  in  flower  should  be  kept  in  a  dry 
corner,  in  order  to  induce  them  to  set  their  berries  bettor  than  they 
otherwise  would  do.  Poinsettia  stumps,  cut  down,  should  be  kept 
in  a  growing  condition,  and  the  cuttings,  made  of  the  branches, 
should  be  potted  singly  and  kept  in  a  warm  place  near  the  glass. 
Plants  of  Euphorbia  jacquinia3flora  should  be  gi'own  near  the  light, 
as  situated  in  that  way  they  set  their  blooms  better  than  when 
removed  farther  from  it.  Permit  early-bloomed  Gesneras  to  go  to 
rest  gradually,  and  keep  succession  plants  of  them  in  a  moderatelj- 
cool  place,  so  as  to  retard,  and  in  that  way  prolong,  the  season  of 
flowering.  Shade  Gloxinias  that  are  in  bloom,  and  do  not  touch  their 
leaves,  nor  the  leaves  of  Gesneras,  with  water,  as  when  wetted 
they  are  apt  to  become  spotted.  In  order  to  make  fine  specimens  of 
Achimenes,  grow  them  in  large  suspended  wire  baskets,  in  which  a 
good  plant  has  been  placed  in  the  centre,  and  a  quantity  of  smaller 
ones  should  be  introduced  between  the  wire  meshes.  In  this  way,  and 
by  means  of  pinching  back  the  shoots,  watering  liberally,  and 
syringing  once  a  day,  immense  masses  of  flower  may  be  secured. 
Save  seed  of  Anthurium  Scherzeriannm,  prick  out  this  year's 
seedlings,  and  pot  them  singly  when  they  are  sufficiently  large  to 
handle.  Re-pot  soft-wooded  plants,  and  also  young  plants  of  any 
description  before  their  roots  become  matted  together,  but  avoid 
over  potting.  Increase  the  stock  of  Begonias  by  means  of  leaves 
and  cuttings,  Gloxinias  from  well  ripened  leaves,  Achimenes  from 
cuttings,  Fentas  carnea,  Eranthemums,  iEschynanthuses,  Gardenias, 
Francisceas,  Coccocypselums,  Scutellarias,  and  many  others  from 
cuttings,  choosing  stubby  half-ripened  shoots  for  the  purpose,  with, 
if  practicable,  a  heel  of  the  old  wood  attached  to  them ;  Ficns 
elastica,  Medinilla  magnifica,  Stephanotis,  Theophrastas,  Arahas, 
Dracienas,  Dieffenbachias,  &c.,  from  eyes  of  the  stems  or  branches, 
and,  if  possible,  with  the  exception  of  the  two  last  named,  they 
should  have  a  leaf  attached  to  each  eye.  Increase  the  variegated 
Pine-Apples  by  means  of  gills  and  suckers,  and  the  Screw  Pines 
from  suckers  and  seeds. 

Greenhouses  and  Forcing  Pits.— Sow  seeds  of  Cinerarias 
and  Calceolarias,  shade  them,  do  not  water  them  until  they  have 
germinated,  and  pot  the  suckers  from  old  plants  of  the  former  as  soon 
as  they  are  large  enough  for  that  purpose,  placing  them  for  a  time 
in  a  cold  frame,  having  a  north  aspect,  keeping  them  rather  close. 
Sow  Chinese  Primulas  for  late  blooming,  and  re-pot  where  necessary 
the  earlier  sown  ones  and  those  propagated  from  cuttings.  Keep  up 
a  succession  of  Colouses,  Balsams,  Cockscombs,  and  other  Celosias, 
Schizanthuses,  &c.,  and  keep  them  dwarf  and  stubby  by  setting  them 
near  the  glass,  and  in  light  and  airy  houses.  Use  such  pits  as  have 
a  north  or  east  aspect  for  retarding  Pelargoniums  and  other  subjects 
required  for  blooming  late  in  the  season.  Show  Pelargoniums,  the 
beauty  of  which  is  over.  Hydrangeas,  Spirteas,  &c.,  should  be  placed 
outside  in  some  shady  situation.  The  Pelargoniums  should  be  dried 
off,  the  Hydrangeas  when  ripe  should  be  cut  back,  and  the  growth 
of  suckers  should  be  encouraged ;  when  large  enough,  the  latter 
may  be  separated  and  treated  as  cuttings  ;  plant  the  Spiraeas  in  a 
rich  and  shady  border.  Place  tree  Carnations  in  pots  for  late  bloom- 
ing outside  or  in  a  north  house  ;  and,  as  regards  pot  Roses,  plunge 
or  transplant  them  out  of  doors.  Sow  seeds  of  Humea  elegans,  and 
prick  off  young  plants  of  it  raised  from  previous  sowings.  From 
Aloes  and  Yuccas  remove  all  snckers,  pot  them  in  yellow  loam,  grow 
them  in  a  cold  pit,  and  they  will  form  nice  plants  by  next  year. 
Increase  Bouvardias  by  means  of  cuttings,  pot  those  already  rooted, 
and  re-pot  and  pinch  older  plants  ;  in  all  eases  using  a  moderately 
light  soil.     Supply  Chrysanthemums  liberally  with  water,  and  put  a 


July  12,  1873.] 


THE  aARDEN. 


39 


layer  of  well-decayed  manure  on  the  surface  of  the  pots,  which 
should  be  out  of  doors,  plunged  in  ashes;  in  order  to  have  very 
dwarf  plants,  propagate  now  some  of  the  shoots  from  layers  or 
cuttings.  All  hard-wooded  greenhouse  plants  must  be  kept  in  shape 
by  means  of  repeated  pinohings,  so  as  to  promote  a  stocky  growth, 
and  any  rooted  plants  from  spring-struck  cuttings  should  be  potted 
at  convenience. 

Orcllids. — All  Orchids  growing  freely  should  be  examined,  and 
any  requiring  shifting  should  receive  (hat  attention.  Maintain  a 
night  temperature  of  about  70'  or  75°  in  tlio  East  Indian  house, 
allowing  10'  or  15'  of  a  rise  during  the  day.  The  Mexican  house 
."should  be  kept  about  5'  lower,  and  the  coolest  house — the  New 
(iranadian  one — 5'  under  that.  Look  after  greenfly,  scale,  thrips, 
red  spider,  woodlice,  wireworms,  cockroaches,  and  other  pests,  and 
employ  every  effort  for  their  extirpation.  Keep  up  a  moist  atmo- 
sphere by  syringing  and  spilling  water  on  the  benches,  passages,  and 
walls  ;  but  do  not  -water  the  plants  too  liberally.  Admit  air  freely 
but  judicionsly,  and  shut  up  early  in  the  afternoons.  Do  not  shade 
the  plants  too  mnch  ;  merely  protect  them  from  brisk  suDsliine,  and 
endeavour,  by  abundance  of  light  and  other  means,  to  harden  and 
mature  the  young  growths. 

Perns. — In  the  tropical  Ferneries,  fire-heat  can  now  be  almost 
dispensed  with  ;  the  temperature,  however,  should  not  sink  under 
70'  at  night,  and  10°  more  would  do  no  harm  ;  an  increase  of  10' 
may  be  permitted  throughout  the  daj'.  Maintain  a  moist  atmo- 
sphere; water  growing  plants  abundantly,  dew  them  gently  overhe.Td 
with  tepid  water,  bnt  refrain  from  damping  the  fronds  of  Gynmo. 
grammas,  Cheilanthes,  and  Maiden-hair  and  other  such  Ferns, 
and  re-pot  any  that  have  well  filled  their  pots  with  roots,  and  that 
are  not  already  in  large  pots.  Seedling  Ferns  must  be  pricked  out 
after  they  have  germinated,  and  can  be  transferred  wiihont 
difficulty  from  the  seed-pans.  Spores  should  always  be  sown  as 
soon  as  they  are  ripe ;  and  young  plants  growing  on  Asplenium 
bulbiferum  and  viviparum,  Woodwardia  orientalis,  and  others,  should 
l>e  separated  and  treated  as  ordinary  plants,  or  the  fronds  containing 
them  may  be  taken  off  and  layered  like  Begonias.  Keep  a  sharp 
watch  over  insects  of  all  kinds  ;  remove  decaying  fronds,  and  ever}', 
where  preserve  neatness  and  order. 

Camellias. — Most  Camellias  have  their  wood  and  flower-buds 
by  this  time  sufficiently  developed  to  necessitate  removal  to  cooler 
quarters,  so  as  to  get  their  wood  well  ripened.  Examine  spring- 
grafted  and  inarched  plants,  and*  unfasten  all  ligatures  from  such  as 
have  united  and  are  growing,  but  still  keep  them  in  rather  close 
quarters.  Do  not  entirely  head  back  the  stocks  to  the  scions  until 
the  latter  have  fairly  started  into  growth,  but  shorten  any  too  vigo- 
rous growth  on  the  part  of  the  stock.  The  end  of  this  month,  and 
for  six  weeks  afterwards,  is  a  good  time  for  grafting  Camellias ; 
therefore  have  good,  healthy,  and  well-established  stocks  in  readiness, 
also  a  close  pit  or  frame  inside  a  cool  honse  for  the  reception  of  the 
*' worked  "  plants.  They  require  dense  shading  for  a  time,  and  any 
that  are  too  tall  may  be  laid  on  their  sides  or  in  a  sloping  direction. 

Azaleas. — Shift  such  plants  as  are  growing  freely,  using  as  soil 
good  peat  and  some  white  sand  only ;  water  abundantly,  and  main- 
tain a  moist  atmosphere  ;  pinch  back  young  plants,  and  destroy  red 
spider  and  thrips  on  their  first  appearance.  Top-dress  such  plants 
as  are  not  shifted  with  good  soil,  adding,  at  the  same  time,  a  little 
of  Standing's  manure.  The  last  fortnight  of  this  month  and  the 
whole  of  next  month  is  an  excellent  time  for  grafting  Azaleas, 
selecting  for  stocks  such  kinds  as  Verschaffeltii  and  Phoeuicea.  Treat 
them  like  Camellias. 

Seaths. — Most  growers  now  place  their  plants  on  beds  of  ashes 
"Out  of  doors;  and,  when  this  is  done,  if  the  pots  are  not  plunged,  a 
piece  of  matting  or  thick  cloth  should  be  placed  on  the  side  exposed 
to  the  raid-day  sun  to  keep  the  roots  from  being  injured.  Quick- 
growing  and  soft-wooded  kinds  do  well  thus  treated  ;  amateurs  will, 
however,  find  it  safest  and  best  to  keep  their  plants  in  well-ventilated 
pits  or  frames,  in  which  they  will  not  be  subject  to  great  fluctuations 
of  temperature.  Gently  dew  the  soft-wooded  kinds  overhead,  and 
•use  flowers  of  sulphur  to  counteract  mildew,  should  it  make  its 
appearance.  Pick  off  all  decaying  blooms  and  seed-vessels,  which 
only  tend  to  weaken  the  plants  on  which  they  are  allowed  to 
jremain. 

Hardy  Fruit  Garden. — Shorten  and  thin  shoots  on  espaliers 
^and  wall  trees,  beginning  at  the  tops  of  the  trees  flrst.  Apples, 
Pears,  Plums,  and  Cherries  may  be  subjected  to  this  treatment,  with 
'the  exception  of  Morellas,  which  bear  next  year's  fruit  on  this  year's 
wood.  Syringe  wall-trees  now  and  then  with  clean  water,  and  after, 
"wards  with  tobacco-water,  as  a  preventive  to  aphides,  or  dust  the 
■affected  parts  with  powdered  tobacco  or  snuff.  Peach  and  Nectarine 
'trees  ought  to  be  syringed  every  flne  afternoon  with  pure  water  ;  bnt 
■other  trees  may  receive  this  attention  less  frequently.     Pick  off 


curled  leaves,  hand-pick  grubs,  and  wash  such  parts  as  are  affected 
with  American  blight  with  a  mixture  of  soft  soap,  sulphur,  and  water. 
Any  shoots  of  young  trees  and  standards  affected  with  aphides  will  bo 
effectually  cleansed  if  the  parts  affected  are  dipped  in  a  decoction  of 
Quassia  chips  and  soft  soap.  Young  fruit-trees  must  now  be  pruned 
to  the  number  of  branches  required  to  be  retained,  which  should  bo 
tied  out  to  stakes.  On  high-trained  trees  and  loug-stemmed  standards 
several  shoots  should  be  allowed  to  grow  on  the  stem,  but  kept 
shortened  to  about  6  inches  in  length,  so  as  to  proportionally  increase 
the  bulk  of  the  stem,  and  to  keep  the  stem  from  becoming  hide- 
bound ;  they  must,  however,  be  removed  in  winter.  Bad  Cherries 
first,  then  the  other  kinds  of  stone-fruits,  and  last  of  all  Apples  and 
Pears.  Previously  prepare  the  stocks  by  pruning  their  stems  ;  but 
leave  the  head  untouched,  so  as  to  utilise  the  sap.  Stocks  grafted  in 
spring  which  have  failed  may  now  be  budded  ;  and,  in  the  case  of 
those  that  have  taken,  have  the  ligatures  removed  and  the  scions 
firmly  supported  by  means  of  stakes.  Protect  Cherries,  Strawberries, 
Gooseberries,  andKaspberries  from  birds.  Thin  Raspberry  canes, 
where  too  thick,  by  removing  the  weakest;  and  layer  Strawbcny 
runners,  both  for  forcing  and  for  forming  fresh  plantations,  cutting  off 
the  runners  beyond  the  layered  joint.  In  the  case  of  those  to  bo 
forced,  the  joints  must  be  iaserted  in  sunk  3-inch  pots  filled  with  rich 
soil ;  and,  as  soon  as  they  are  fully  furnished  with  roots,  the  runners 
may  be  separated  from  the  parent  plants.  Eemove  all  useless 
runners. 


SOCIETIES,    EXHIBITIONS,    &c. 

EOYAL  BOTANIC  SOCIETY. 
July  9th  and  10th. 
This,  the  last  of  this  society's  exhibitions  this  year,  hardly  sustained  the 
character  of  its  predecessors.  Its  chief  features  were  the  misccUaneoua 
collections,  Ferns,  Roses,  hardy  herbaceous  plants,  and  dinner-table 
decorations.  Fruit  and  vegetables,  of  which  there  were  none,  were 
sadly  missed,  as  were  also  the  numbers  of  distinguished  horticulturists 
which  such  displavs  bring  together.  The  evcming  fete  was  a  brilliant 
affair  ;  but  the  fear  of  subjecting  valuable  plants  to  the  influence  of  so 
much  gaslight  doubtless  kept  away  many  collections  that  otherwise  would 
have  been  present. 

Stove  and  Greenhouse  Plants,  &o.— Exhibitions  of  these 
were  limited,  and  the  specimens  small.  Mr.  B.  S.  Williams  showed  a 
good  half  dozen  consisting  of  Aeridcs  odoratuni  majus,  AUanmnda 
grandiflora,  Erica  Aitoni  superba,  Anthurium  Scherzerianum,  Ixora 
Colei,  and  Cypripedium  barbatum.  Mr.  J.  Wheeler  and  Mr.  G.  Wheeler 
also  exhibited  successfully  in  this  class,  and  the  latter  showed  some 
plants  with  sweet  scented  flowers.  B'or  a  miscellaneous  collection, 
arranged  for  effect,  Mr.  J.  Bester,  Pine  Apple  Nurseries,  was  first  with  a 
fine  displiy  of  Rhopalas,Browneas,Dracienas,  Yuccas,Musas,Das5'lirions, 
Fuchsias,  and  Ferns,  in  front  of  which  were  a  magnificent  specimen  of 
Kalosanthes  coccinea  and  various  small  flowering  plants.  Mr.  J.  Aldous, 
Gloucester  Road,  was  second ;  and  Mr.  Ci.  Wheeler,  Regent's  Park, 
third.  Mr.  B.  S.  Williams  contributed  a  very  fine  group,  in  which  were 
various  kinds  of  Orchids,  Palms,  Ferns,  Agaves,  Heaths,  and  Cycads  ;  also 
several  of  the  newer  species  of  stove  and  greenhouse  phmts.  Messrs. 
Carter  &  Co.  furnished  several  nice  dwarf  forms  of  bedding  Lobelias, 
and  Mr.  Croucher  a  group  of  Agaves.  Mr.  C.  Turner  showed  a  collec- 
tion of  Carnation  and  Picotee  blooms,  and  Messrs.  Eollisson  &  Sou  had 
an  extensive  group  of  very  fine  stove  and  greenhouse  plants.  Ferns, 
Palms,  and  hardy  herbaceous  plants. 

Fine  Foliaged  Plants.— In  the  class  of  six  fine  foliaged  plants 
Mr.  Wm.  Bull  was  first  with  a  grand  specimen  of  Cycas  revoluta,  a  plant 
of  Encephalartos  Jamesonii  with  a  trunk  3  feet  high  and  10  inches 
through,  surmounted  by  a  fine  crown  of  fronds,  L-a,tania  Barbonica, 
Dracasna  lineat.n.,  and  a  pair  of  tree  Ferns  ;  Mr.  G.  Wheeler  was  second 
with  good  specimens  of  Lomtir'a  gibba,  and  others,  and  Mr.  J.  Wheeler, 
Stamford  Hill,  third.  Mr.  G.  Wheeler  was  first  in  the  class  of  a  dozen 
Cannas,  and  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  and  Son,  second.  The  speomieus 
in  these  collections  were  large  and  beautiful  in  colour,  which  varied  from 
bright  green  to  bronze  green  or  copper.  Amongst  them  were  Schubertii, 
ruljra  superbissima,  Oriflamme,  Prcmices  de  Nice,  gigantea  major,  and 
Anna;i  discolor.  For  Caladiums  Mr.  Jael,  Regent's  Park,  was  first  with 
large  specimens  of  Houlcttii,  Chantinii,  Precile,  Wightii,  Prince  Albert 
Edward,  and  Due  Adolphe  de  Nassau  ;  M.  Ritchie,  Frognal,  Hampstead, 
was  second;  and  Mr.  G.  Wheeler  third,  lu  the  class  of  four  Dracfenas 
Mr.  Wm.  Bull  was  first  with  fine  plants  of  grandis,  a  robust  growing  dark- 
leaved  new  sort;  Chelsonii,  another  dark-leaved  kind;  Shepherdii,  a 
variety  with  broad  green  leaves  edged  with  red  ;  and  the  green  and 
white-leaved  Reginre ;  Mr.  Bester  was  second  with  excelsa,  Mooreana, 
Nigro-ruhra,  and  Reginte  ;  and  Messrs.  Carter  and  Co.  were  third.  For 
a  group  of  coloured-leaved  Coleuses  Mr.  Jael  was  first  with  plants  chiefly 
of  the  golden-edged  kinds. 

Palms  and  Ferns. — The  Palms,  which  were  of  good  useful  kinds, 
formed  one  of  the  best  features  of  the  show.  Mr.  Bull,  of  Chelsea,  was 
first  with  half  a  dozen,  consisting  of  Areca  lutescens,  rubra,  and  sapida  ; 
Dfemonorops  melanochjetus,   Seaforthia  elegans,  and  Hyophorhe  Ver- 


40 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  l-J,  1873. 


schaffeltii.  Mr.  Ci'ou'jlier,  gardener  to  T.  J.  Peacock,  Esq.,  was  second, 
witli  equally  good,  but  smaller,  plants  ;  and -Mr.  G.  Wheeler  was  third. 
Hardy  Ferns  were  fresh  and  beautiful, and  many  of  them  nicely  tassolated 
orcrested.  Messrs.  Ivory  and  Sons  were  tirst  in  this  class,  Mr.  James, 
Isleworth,  second,  and  Mr.  G.  Wheeler  third  ;  the  kinds  exhibited  being 
principally  varieties  of  Lady  Fern.  lu  the  nurserymen's  class  of  six  exotic 
Ferns,  Mr.  B.  S.  WilUams  was  the  only  successful  exhibitor;  and  in  the 
class  of  a  pair  of  tree  Ferns  Mr.  Bester,  Pine  Apple  nurseries,  was  first, 
Mr.  G.  Wheeler  second,  and  Mr.  T.  Farrow  third,  each  having  nice 
couples  of  Dicksonia  antarctica. 

Hardy  Plants. — Specimen  herbaceous  plants  were  remarkably 
well  grown  and  flowered.  Those  from  Mr.  Pai'ker,  of  Tooting,  which 
were  first,  consisted  of  Delphinium  Mahama,  violet  blue  ;  D.  magnifioumj 
intense  blue;  Liliumcroceum,  with  nine  fine  flower-spikes  ;  Orchis  foliosa, 
with  seven  flower-spikes  ;  Stenactis  speciosa,  with  its  Aster-like  flowers  ; 
CEnothera  venusta  and  Fraseri,  both  yellow-flowered  showy  plants,  not 
unlike  one  another  ;  Campanula  coronata  and  C.  carpatica.  Spiraea 
Fihpendula,  Erigeron  glaucus,  and  a  red  double-flowered  Pyrethrura.  Mr. 
Ware,  of  Tottenham,  was  second  with  a  somewhat  similar  group  ;  and,  in 
addition  to  that,  he  exhibited  a  large  miscellaneous  group  of  Penstemons, 
also  single  and  double-flowered  Delphiniums,  and  a  basket  of  bedding 
Violas,  some  stands  of  cut  blooms  of  Carnations  and  Picotees,  and  a  stand 
of  twenty-four  beautiful  trusses  of  herbaceous  plants,  to  which  a  second 
pi-ize  was  awarded.  In  the  class  of  twenty-four  trusses  of  blooms  of  hardy 
plants,  Mr.  Parker  was  first  with  perhaps  the  finest  and  most  varied  group 
ever  exhibited.  It  comprised  trusses  of  Lilium  croceum  and  fulgens 
Sappho,  Delphinium  Bella  Donna  and  Hendersonii,  Gloxinia-flowered 
white  Foxglove,  Penstemon  Jeffreyanus,  Epilobium  augustifoUum  album, 
Centranthus  ruber  fl.  albo,  Hypericum  calycinum,  Veronica  amethystina, 
Catauanche  crerulea  bicolor.  Geranium  sylvaticum  fl.  pi.,  Pteonia  Belle 
Donaiseima,  Gillardia  aristata,  Centaurea  macrocephala,  Hesperis  matro- 
ualis  fl.  pi.,  Rudbeckia  Californica,  Spiraea  Fihpendula  fl.  pi.,  Coreopsis 
lauceolata,  Coronil  la  rosea,  Dianthus  hybridus  John  Bull,  and  the  red  and 
white  Lathyrus  latlfolius.  For  a  group  of  Lilies  Mr.  Bull  was  first,  with 
two  varieties  of  Lilium  auratum,  L,  superbiens  pjramidale,  longifoliura, 
three  varieties  of  Thunbergianum,  Croceum,  &c.  Mr.  Ware  was  second, 
with  somewhat  similar  plants ;  and  Mr.  C.  Turner  third,  with  several 
examples  of  L.  auratum.  Messrs.  Lane  and  Son  exhibited  some  very  pretty 
evergreen  shrubs  and  ornamental  Conifers. 

Roses. — These,  as  a  whole,  were  scarcely  so  bright  or  beautiful  as 
usual,  the  late  heavy  rains  having  somewhat  damaged  the  blooms. 
Conspicuous  among  dark  crimsons  were  Horace  Vernet,  S.  E^eynolds 
Hole,  Xavier  Olibo,  Louis  Van  Houtte,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Pierre  Notting, 
and  Thomas  Louvet ;  amongst  bright  red  kinds  Richard  Wallace.  Senatour 
Vaisse,  Leopold  the  First,  Alfred  Colomb,  Etionne  Levet,  Camille  Bernardin, 
and  Marie  Rady  where  the  best,  while  prominent  amongsi;  pink  whitish- 
coloured  varieties  were  Souvenir  d'ua  Ami,  Mai-guerite  de  St.  Amand, 
Miss  Ingram,  La  France,  and  Baroness  Rothschild;  yellows  embraced 
Marechal  Niel,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  Celine  Forestier,  and  Madame  Margottin. 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Sou,  Cheshunt ;  Mr.  Turner,  Slough  ;  Mr.  Cant,  and  Mr. 
Webb,  were  the  successful  exhibitors  among  nurserymen.  Mr.  Farrow, 
Mr.  W.  Ingle,  Mr  J.  Skinner,  and  Mr.  Hollingworth  occupied  the  same 
position  in  the  amateur's  class. 

Pelargoniums  and  Fuchsias. — Among  Pelargoniums  there 
were  some  good  tricolours  and  other  Irinds  belonging  to  that  section,  and 
a  very  nice  collection  of  show  sorts  were  fux-nished  by  Mr.  C.  Turner,  of 
Slough.  For  half  a  dozen  zonals  Mr.  Burley,  Brentwood,  Essex,  was 
first,  with  finely-bloomed  plants  of  Prince  Bismarck,  deep  crimson,  lai'ge 
truss;  Creraorne,  Etna,  Valliant,  Paradise  Beauty,  and  a  pink  flowered 
sort.  Mr.  Weston  was  second,  and  Mr.  G.  AVheeler  third.  3Ir.  Wm. 
Paul,  of  Waltham  Cross,  exhibited  a  very  fine  collection  of  zonal  Pelar- 
goniums, remarkable  for  the  size  of  their  trusses  and  the  brightness  of 
their  colours.  For  a  dozen  tricolour  kinds,  Mr.  J.  Pestridge,  Uxbridge, 
was  first,  with  good  plants,  having  wonderfully  brilliant  leaves,  of  Mrs. 
Turner,  Mrs.  Rousby,  Florence,  Sophia  Cusack,  Imperatrice  Eugenie, 
Mrs.  Headley,  Miss  Burdett  Coutts,  Lass  o'  Gowrie,  Lady  CuUum, 
Charming  Bride,  and  Caroline  Longfield.  Mi.  J.  Wright  was  second, 
and  Mr.  Burley  third.  And  in  the  class  of  six  zonals  Mr.  R.  Watson  was 
tirst,  Mr.  Chancellor  second,  and  Mr.  Goddard  third.  Fuchsias  were 
chiefly  of  a  pyramidal  form,  large,  not  too  stiffly  trained,  and  well  flowered. 
In  the  class  of  six,  Mr.  Walker,  Gunnersbury  House,  Acton,  was  first, 
with  Reine  Blanche,  Conspicua,  Mrs.  Marshall,  Rose  of  Castile,  Puvitani, 
and  Souvenir  de  Chiswick  ;  Mr.  J.  Weston,  Clapham  Park,  was  second; 
and  Mr.  J.  Wright  third. 

Plants  for  Table  Decoration.— These  were  from  18  inches  to 
24  inches  m  height,  airy  and  graceful  in  appearance.  Mr.  Bull  was  first 
with  Dremonorops  palembanicus  and  plumosus,  Hyophorbe  Verschaffeltii, 
Curculigo  recurvata  variegata,  Pandauus  Veitchii,and  Croton  Weismanni ; 
Mr.  B.  S.  Williams,  and  Mr.  Bester  were  equal  second,  and  Messrs.  E.  G. 
Henderson  and  Son  third.  Other  groups  consisted  of  Palms,  Ferns, 
Dracaenas,  Rliopalas,  and  similar  plants. 

Dinner-table  Decorations,  Bouquets,  &c. — These  were  sub- 
stituted this  year  for  exhibitions  of  fruit  and  vegetables;  and, though 
some  of  them  were  very  pretty,  they  exhibited  no  improvement  on  those 
shown  at  previous  metropolitan  shows.  Table  bouquets  of  cut  flowers, 
not  tied,  were  chiefly  arranged  in  little  March  stands,  and  some  of  them 
were  very  pretty ;  and  hand  or  bridal  bouquets  presented  no  improve- 
ment whatever  on  those  every  day  exhibited  for  sale  in  shop  windows. 
Miss  Blair,  Miss  Harris,  Mrs.  Soder,  Mrs.  Gardiner,  Miss  Hyder,  Mr. 
Buster,  Mr.  Brittain,  and  Mr.  Mortlock  were  the  most  successful  exhibi- 
tors in  these  classes.    Messrs.  Dick  Radclylle  and  Co.  showed  some  nice 


window  decorations.  The  same  firm  likewise  exhibited  a  floral  fire-screen ; 
a  large  rustic  vase,  furnished  with  suitable  plants  ;  and  a  suspended  orna- 
mental basket,  suitable  for  a  conservatory.  Mr.  Bester  also  furnished  a 
pretty  floral  window-screen.  For  a  hanging  suspended  basket,  Mr.  Jeal 
was  first  with  a  wire  basket,  in  which  the  Stag's-horn  Fern  grew  around 
the  sides  and  bottom,  through  the  meshes  of  the  wire,  and  a  plant  of 
Pteris  longifolia  occupied  the  centre.  Miss  WilUaras  was  second.  For 
rustic  baskets  set  on  pedastals,  and  in  similar  positions,  Mr.  Cole,  of 
Ealing,  was  first,  Mr.  Croucher  second,  Miss  Williams  and  Messrs. 
Aldous  equal  third,  all  having  very  tastefully-furnished  stands  or  vases. 

Certificates  of  Merit— These  were  awarded  to  tlie  following  :— 

Kleagnus  sp.  (Veitch),  a  very  ornamental  shrub,  bearing  a  profusion  of  red 
berries. 

Agave  perbella  (Croucher),  a  medium-sized,  strong-growing  sort,  with 
formidable  hooked  spikes. 

Agave  Corderoyii  (Croucher),  a  strong  growing  strap-leaved  sort,  with  small 
In-own  spines. 

Agave  Verschaffeltii  variegata  (Croucher),  a  pretty  little  plant,  with  yellow 
stripes  along  the  centre  of  tlie  leaves. 

Lilium  Kramerii  (Carter),  a  beautiful  Lily,  with  pale  blush  large  flowers  and 
narrow  leaves. 

Campylobotrys  Ghieshreghtii  variegata  (Carter),  a  very  beautiful  form  of  the 
common  one,  broadly  diffused  with  cream  colonr. 

Phajus  Marshallia>  (Williams),  a  beautiful  Orchid,  bearing  terminal  flower- 
spikes  of  pure  white  flowers  with  a  lemon-coloured  tip. 

Acantholimum  vonustum  (Ware),  a  free  blooming  plant,  with  rose-coloured 
flowers  and  stiS"  narrow  glaucous  leaves. 

Corythrogyne  spathulata  (Ware),  a  little  hardy  herbaceous  plant,  with 
glaucous  leaves  and  mauve  Aster-like  flowers. 

Lobelia  pumila  fl.  pi.  (Dixon),  a  double  form  of  the  ordinary  one— very 
attractive  and  free -flowering. 


Stamford  Horticultural  Society.  —  This  Society  held  ita 
annual  Show  on  Tuesday  last,  and  it  was  in  every  way  a  great  success. 
In  the  class  of  twelve  show  and  greenhoiise  plants,  Mr.  J.  Cypher, 
nurseryman,  Cheltenham,  was  first;  Mr.  Parker,  nurseryman,  Rugby, 
and  Mr.  J.  House,  the  Nurseries,  Peterborough,  were  equal  second. 
Ferns  were  well  represented ;  and  Messrs.  Paul  and  Son,  of  Cheshunt, 
showed  some  nice  cut  Roses.  Fruits  and  Vegetables  were  good,  but 
scarce.  Bouquets  and  table  decoiutions  were  somewhat  inferior  to  those 
that  were  shown  last  year.     Cottagers'  productions  were  excellent. 

Window  Gardening. — The  AVestminster  Flower  Show  of  Window 
Plants,  cultivated  by  the  poor  in  St.  Margaret's  and  St.  John's,  was 
held  on  Tuesday  last,  in  College  Garden,  under  the  direction  of  Lady 
Aiigusta  Stanley,  who  for  some  years  has  been  the  means  of  bringing  the 
highest  and  lowest  of  society  in  this  district  face  to  face  through  their 
equal  care  of  flowers.  The  working  men  and  women — the  term  in  this 
district  meaning  generally  the  labouring  and  not  the  artisan  classes — 
fornied  the  first  class,  the  children  in  the  local  schools  formed  the 
second,  and  the  inmates  or  sometime  inmates  of  the  local  workhouses 
and  Westminster  Hospital  made  the  third.  The  prizes  were  distributed 
in  the  evening  by  Lord  Shaftesbury,  who  made  a  happy  speech  on  the 
occasion.  Cheers  were  at  the  end  given  for  Lady  Augusta,  for  the  Dean, 
and  for  the  chairman. 


LAW    NOTE. 

Cauliflower  Seed. — We  learn  from  the  Ganleno-'s  Hecord  that  an  Irish 
market-gardener  has  recovered  damages  from  an  eminent  Dublin  seed  firm  for 
the  loss  of  his  Cauhllower  crop,  arising  from  a  supply  of  bad  seed.  In  the 
course  of  the  trial,  it  transpired  that  the  plaintiff  ordered  some  Early  London 
Cauliflower  seed,  and  was  supplied  with  seed  of  that  variety,  which  had  been 
saved  in  Holland.  The  jury,  however,  considered  him  entitled  to  a  verdict, 
because  he  had  not  been  supplied  with  seed  saved  in  or  about  London.  The 
present  state  of  the  law  in  these  mattei's  is  by  no  means  satisfactory,  and  some 
alteration  is  required  to  protect  seedsmen  from  the  very  questionable  legal 
proceedings  to  which  such  a  precedent  may  render  them  liable. 


COVENT  QARDEN  MARKET, 

July  IItk. 

Homegrown  vegetables  are  good  and  plentiful,  and  French  Beans,  and  salad- 
ings  are  still  supplied  in  large  quantities  from  the  continent.  Bush-fruits  are 
coming  in  abundantly,  and  "of  Chei-ries  there  is  a  good  supply.  Of  Grapes, 
there  is  still  a  quantity  of  last  year's  produce  in  the  market.  Several  thousands 
of  West  Indian  Pines  were  sold  by  aution  last  week,  and  another  large  con- 
signment of  them  is  announced. 

Prices  of  Fruits.— Annies,  per  doz.,  6d. ;  Apricots,  2s.  to  4s.  per  doz: ; 
Cherries,  per  box,  Is.  to  2s. ;  Gooseberries,  per  quart.  3d.  to  6d. ;  Grapes,  hot- 
house, per  lb.,  3s.  to  Rs.  for  black,  6s.  to  123.  for  Muscats  ;  Lemons,  per  100, 
8s.  to  lis.  ;  Melons,  each.  4s.  to 8s.;  Oransres,  per  100,  10s.  to  16s.  ;  Peaches, 
per  doz.,  18s.  to  36s.;  Pine-Apples,  per  lb..  3s.  to  6s.;  Strawberries,  per  lb., 
Is.  to  33. ;  Walnuts,  per  bushel,  15s.  to  303. ;  ditto,  per  100,  2s.  to  2s.  6d. 

Prices   of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,    per  doz.,  Ss.  to6s. ;   Asparagus,  per 
100,  43.  to  12s. ;  beans.  Kidney,  per  100,  Is.  6d.  to  2s.  6d. ;  Beet  Red,  per  doz., 
Is.  to  3s.;  Cabbage,    per  doz..   Is.  6d.    to  23.;   Carrots,  per    bunch,    youncr 
Is.,  old  do.,  8d.  ;  Cauliflower,  spring,  per  doz.,  Ss.  to  6s. ;  Celery,  per  bundle, 
Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Coleworts.  per  doz.  bunches,  4s. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  id.  to  Is. 
Endive,  per  doz.,  2s.  ;   Fennel,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  Garlic,  per  lb.,  6d.;  Herbs,  per 
bunch.  3d.  ;    Horseradish,  per  bimdle,   3s.    to  4s.;    Leeks,  per   bunch,    6d.: 
Lettuces,  per  doz.  Is.  to  29.;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s.;  Mustard  and 
Cress,  per  punnet,  2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  8s.  to  123. ;  button,  per  quart,  Is. ; 
Parsley,  per  doz.   bunches,  63.;   Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is.;  Peas,  per  quart, 
Od.  to  Is.  6il. ;  Potatoes,  new,  per  lb.,  2d.to4d. ;  P^dishes,  per  doz.  bunches. 
Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Rhubarb,   per  bundle,    8d.  to  Is. ;  Salsafy,  do..  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 
Scorzonera,    per  bundle,  Is.;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ;  Spinach,  per  bushel,  33. 
Turnips,  old,  per  bunch,  9d.,  young  do.  Is, 


July  19,  1873.] 


THE    GARDEN". 


41 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  ; 
The  Art  itself  is  Natuse." — Shalcespeare. 


but 


NOTICE. 

Many  coiresponilenfs  send  rxiiesiions  to  "The  Gakden"  u'ithout 
giving  their  name  and  address,  or  even  any  clue  to  the  district  from 
which  they  write.  We  wish  it  to  be  understood  that  no  communica. 
tion  can  ie  taken  notice  of  if  iroaccomjjanied  iij  the  fuU  name  and 
address  of  the  writer,  not  necessarily  for  puhUcation,  in  cases  in 
which  it  might  be  desirable  to iniblish  the  communication.  Many 
queries  of  no  interest  to  the  readers  of  "The  Gakden,"  and  which 
ice  desire  to  answer  by  'post,  nmv  lie  at  our  office  unanswered,  owing 
to  the  writers  not  having  observed  the  abovn  ride. 


BELL-FLOWERS. 


(campanulas.) 
Just  now,  wheu  many  ot  the  BcU-floivers  arc  in  profuse  bloom 
ill  mountain  pastures,  fields,  and  gardens,  is  a  suitable  time 
to  call  attention  to  their  great  merit  as  garden  plants. 
For  shrubberies  or  for  herbaceous  borders,  for  isolated  beds 
in  the  flower  garden,  for  the  wild  garden,  or  for  suitable 
positions  on  well-constructed  rock-work,  few  plants  are  more 
suitable  than  Campanulas,  few  more  easily  grown,  or  more 
strikingly  effective  in  summer  and  autumn.  Many  of  them 
also  make  useful  pot  plants  for  indoor  decoration,  and  if 
sheltered  during  stormy  weather  in  a  cool  frame  under  a 
temporary  covering  of  canvas  or  tiffany,  they  will  develop 
themselves  better  and  look  fresher  than  when  fully  exposed 
in  borders.  When  wanted  for  pot  culture,  divide  the  clumps 
in  spring  and  pot  the  divisions,  separately,  in  a  good,  fresh, 
well-drained  compost  of  fibrous  loam,  leaf-mould,  and  coarse 
grit  or  sand.  Many  of  the  -species  may,  however,  be  readily 
propagated  bj'  means  of  seed  sown  in  pans  of  light  sandy 
soil.  Bell-flowers  vary  much  in  habit,  some  bearing  long 
spikes  of  purple,  blue,  or  white  flowers,  from  2  to  6  feet  in 
height,  rivalling  the  Foxglove  in  dignity  and  stateliness ; 
others  forming  dwarf  dense  patches  but  a  few  inches  high, 
and  bearing  their  flowers  solitary,  or  one  or  two  together,  on 
short  stalks  an  inch  or  two  above  a  carpet  of  fresh  foliage ; 
while  at  least  one  or  two  species  are  of  creeping  or  scandent 
habit.  The  genus  consists  of  about  two  hundred  species, 
nearly  half  that  number  being  cultivated  in,  or  indigenous  to, 
this  country.  One  of  the  prettiest  and  commonest  among 
these  Bell-flowers  is  the  Harebell,  properly  so  called,  or  Blue 
Bell  of  Scotland,  a  species  common  in  northern  localities  in 
Britain,  and  one  which  bears  elegant  blue  or  white  flowers  on 
slender  wiry  stems  about  a  foot  high.  This  species  makes  an 
effective  pot  plant,  and  one  or  two  varieties  of  it  are  largely 
grown  for  Covent  Garden  Market,  where  they  may  now  be 
seen.  Two  other  native  species — C.  latifolia  and  C.  Trachelium 
— make  stately  and  effective  border  plants,  growing,  as  they 
do,  from  2  to  6  feet  in  height.  0.  pyramidalis  is  a  tall  and 
strikingly  effective  plant  for  the  back  of  an  herbaceous 
border,  or  even  as  a  decorative  plant  in  pots.  It  thrives  best 
in  a  shaded  position,  and  bears  large  blue  or  white  flowers  on 
stems  5  or  6  feet  high.  It  lasts  from  six  to  eight  weeks  in 
flower,  and  is  sometimes  grown  in  country  districts  under  the 
soubriquet  of  the  "  Chimney  Campanula."  It  is  now  largely 
grown  in  Holland,  but  rarely  met  with  in  cottage  windows  in 
this  country.  C.  fragilis,  C.  hederacea,  and  one  or  two  otber 
dwarf  or  procumbent  species  form  elegant  plants  for  window 
baskets  or  brackets.  The  following  is  a  list  of  some  of  the 
best  snecies  in  cultivation  :^ 

Autumn  Campanula  (Platycodon  autumnale). — This  is  a 
strikingly  handsome  perennial  species  introduced  from  China, 
and  bearing  vivid  blue  flowers,  which  look  as  if  varnished  on 
the  outside.  It  grows  from  18  to  20  inches  high,  and  sports  into 
three  or  four  distinct  varieties,  having  single  and  double  white, 
and  double  blue  or  lilac  flowers.  Inhabit  it  somewhat  resem- 
bles 0.  grandiflora,  but  is  distinguished  by  its  more  slender- 


branched,  pyramidal  haljit,  its  branches  being  leafy  to  the  to]i. 
A  line  plant  for  the  mixed  or  herbaceous  border,  planted  iu 
warm  sandy  soil,  in  a  sheltered  position. 

Bearded  One-Leaved  Campanula  (C.  barbata). — This  is  a 
pretty  summer-flowermg  species  introduced  from  Switzerland 
nearly  a  hundred  years  ago,  and  still  cultivated  iu  gardens. 
Stem,  often  one-leaved,  12  to  18  inches  high,  few-flowered; 
flowers,  blue  or  white,  di'ooping  all  on  one  side  of  the  stem ; 
outside  they  are  smooth,  but  the  inside  is  bearded  with  long 
white  hairs. 

Tui'iED  Campanula  (C.  casspitosa). — This  is  one  ot  the 
prettiest  little  species  we  have,  bearing  drooping  blue  or  white 
flowers,  on  slender  wiry  stems,  -1  to  6  inches  high.  It  makes 
an  effective  pot  plant,  blooming  in  .lune  and  July.  It  is,  doubt- 
less, a  dsvarf  continental  form  of  oiir  British  C.  rotundifolia  or 
Scottish  Blue  Bells.  Found  ou  the  mountains  of  Genti-al 
Europe. 

CARPATHLiN  CAMPANULA  (C.  carpatica). — A  dwarf  but  effective 
kind,  introduced  into  our  gardens  a  century  ago  from  the  Carpa- 
thian Alps.  Its  large  and  handsome  blue  flowers  are  arranged 
in  loose  panicles,  on  stalks  12  to  15  inches  high.  It  sports 
into  two  distinct  varieties,  one  having  pure  white  flowers  (C.  c. 
alba),  the  other  light  blue  and  white  (C  c.  bicolor).  It  may  be 
easily  naturalised  in  any  good  garden  soil,  and  forms  a  distinct 
plant  in  the  herbaceous  Ijorder  or  rook  garden.  Flowers  in 
June  and  July. 

Slender  Campanula  (C.  fragilis). — Another  dwarf  free- 
blooming  species  from  the  South  of  Italy,  well  adapted  for  cul- 
ture on  rockwork,  or  old  ruins  in  light,  warm,  well  drained 
soils.  It  bears  loose  clusters  of  pale  blue,  broadly  bell-shaped 
flowers,  and  makes  a  nice  pot  or  basket  plant,  flowering  in  July. 
C.  fragilis  hirsuta  is  a  variety  of  this  covered  with  long 
whitish  hairs. 

Cheat  Bell-floweh  (C.  grandis). —  A  very  distinct  early 
summer-flowering  variety  having  a  simple  fuiTowed  stem, 
1  to  2  feet  high.  Flowers  alternate,  pale  violet-blue, 
broadly  bell-shaped  in  form,  with  large  pointed  segments.  It 
is  easily  propagated,  either  by  division  or  from  seed,  and  is 
well  adapted  for  herbaceous  borders  or  margins  of  shrub- 
beries.    Siberia  and  Asia  Minor. 

Ivy  Haeebell  (C.  hederacea). — A  small  and  very  gi-accful 
species,  with  slender  creeping  branchlets,  bearing  faint  bluish- 
purple  flowers  on  slender  stalks,  nearly  erect  when  fully  open, 
though  drooping  when  in  bud.  In  a  moist  position  in  either 
rockery  or  hardy  Fernery,  or  as  a  basket  plant,  this  is  effective. 
It  is  propagated  by  division,  and  requires  an  abundant  supply 
of  moisture  when  growing.  Britain  (western  counties),  by 
the  margins  of  streams ;  also  in  Southern  Europe  and 
America. 

Bkoad-leaved  ■  Campanula  (C.  latifolia). — A  tall-growing 
and  effective  native  species,  growing  as  high  as  C.  pyramidalis, 
and  bearing  axillary  blue  flowers  in  a  leafy  raceme.  There 
is  also  a  white-flowered  variety.  By  the  margins  of  woodland 
walks,  at  the  back  of  the  herbaceous  border,  or  in  the  wild 
garden,  this  forms  a  stately  plant  of  great  beauty.  Native  of 
Britain,  Europe,  and  Central  Asia,  flowering  in  summer. 

Wall  Bell-flower  (C.  muralis). — A  distinct  species,  found 
on  old  walls  in  Dalmatia,  and  admirably  adapted  for  natural- 
ising in  like  positions  in  our  rock  gardens.  It  is  seen  to  best 
advantage  when  spreading,  Uke  Ivy,  up  the  face  of  rockwork. 
It  is  propagated  freely  from  seed,  or  by  division,  and  blooms 
profusely  during  the  summer  months,  bearing  pale  violet-blue 
flowers  in  racemes. 

LoNG-FLowEKED  Habebell  (C.  nobilis). — A  fine  large  flow- 
ered species,  growing  18  inches  to  2  feet  in  height,  and  bearing 
large  reddish  or  white  flowers,  crowded  towards  the  ends  of 
the  branchlets.  Flowers  drooping,  bell-shaped,  smooth  outside 
and  hairy  within.  It  is  a  native  of  Chiua,  and  a  fine  subject 
for  planting  by  the  margins  of  woodland  walks,  or  in  the 
herbaceous  border. 

Chimney  Campanula  (C.  pji-amidalis). — This  is  easily  propa- 
gated either  by  means  of  seed  or  division,  and  when  well 
grown  it  is  one  of  the  finest  ot  hardy  or  half-hardy  decorative 
plants.  It  is  admirably  adapted  for  the  decoration  of  apart- 
ments during  the  summer  months.  It  grows  freely  in  a  com- 
post of  turfy  loam,  well  rotted  manure,  and  coarse  grit  or  sand, 
requiring  an  abundant  supply  of  water  at  the  root.     It  also 


42 


THE  GAEDEN. 


[July  19, 1873. 


does  well  planted  out  in  the  herbaceous  or  shrubbery  border. 
A  variety  of  this  plant,  of  which  Mr.  Barnes  gives  a  full 
account  in  another  column,  bears  white  flowers.  It  is  a 
native  of  Dalmatia. 

Baixkr's  Harebell  (C.  Raineri). — A  rare  and  pretty  species 
from  the  Alps  of  Southern  Europe,  growing  only  3  or 
4  inches  high,  and  bearing  erect,  funnel-shaped  flowers,  one 
to  three  on  each  branch.  Grows  well  planted  on  warm  ledges 
of  the  rock  garden  in  sandy  soil,  forming  an  eifeotive  clump 
when  well  established. 

True  H.^^rebell  (C.  rotundifolia). — A  well-known  native 
plant,  well  worth  cultivating  for  the  pretty  effect  produced  by 
its  numerous  blue  flowers.  Clumps  of  this  look  very  nice 
established  on  the  lodges  of  the  rock  garden,  or  on  warm 
sandy  shelving  banks  and  borders,  whci-e  it  blooms  freely 
throughout  the  summer. 

SiiowY  Hajiekell  (C.  speciosa). — This  is  similar  in  general 
appearance  to  C.  cajspitosa,  but  has  larger  flowers,  and  varies 
in  height  from  1  to  2  feet.  Flowers  deep  blue,  purple  or  rosy- 
purple  in  large  clustered  heads,  produced  during  the  summer 
months.  It  is  a  native  of  Siberia,  and  soon  establishes  itself 
from  seed  sown  in  ordinary  soil. 

Nettle-leaved  Campanula  (C.  Trachelium). — A  vigorous 
erect  grower,  3  to  4  feet  high,  with  coarse  Nettle-like  leaves 
and  tall  leafy  spikes  of  purple-violet  flowers.  There  are 
three  varieties  of  this  plant  in  cultivation,  viz.,  Double  White, 
Single  White,  and  Double  Purple,  all  effective  for  shrubbery 
borders,  or  walks  in  the  wild  garden.  It  is  now  flowering 
freely  in  several  of  the  public  gardens  around  London,  and 
is  readily  multiplied  from  seed. 

Vase  Harebell  (C.  turbinata). — This  very  dwarf -growing 
species  grows  from  3  to  6  inches  high,  and  bears  large  and 
handsome  flowers  of  a  deep  purple  colour,  and  nearly  2  inches 
across.  It  is  an  eilective  species  for  pot  culture,  and  admirably 
suited  for  naturalisation  on  warm  banks,  slopes,  and  sheltered 
ledges  of  the  rock  garden.  It  is  readily  multiplied  by  division, 
or  from  seed  sown  in  sandy  earth. 

Wanxer's  Harebell  (C.  Wanneri).  —  A  handsome  and 
distinct  species,  6  inches  to  a  foot  high,  producing  its  showy, 
drooping,  bell-shaped  flowers  in  May  and  June.  It  is  at 
present  rare,  but  extremely  effective,  bearing  numerous  dark 
blue  flowers.  It  is  a  native  of  the  Bauat  Alps,  may  be  pro- 
pagated either  by  division  or  from  seed,  and  does  well  in  a 
warm  sheltered  Ijorder  or  ledge  in  the  rock  garden. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  numerous  other  kinds  are  to  be 
met  with  in  cultivation  that  are  worthy  of  a  position  in  most 
collections.  Prominent  among  these  may  be  enumerated  such 
sorts  as  the  following,  viz.,  C.  glomerata,  which  bears  showy 
flowers  of  a  deej)  blue  or  purplish  colour  in  terminal  clusters 
nearly  throughout  the  summer.  The  double  blue,  and  doulile 
and  single  white  forms  of  this  species  are  also  very  ornamental ; 
The  peach-leaved  Bell-flower  (C.  persicLfolia),  is  a  very  attrac- 
tive plant,  of  which  the  double-white  and  double-blue  kinds 
are  perhaps  the  best ;  C.  puUa,  a  dwarf  variety  with  deep  purple 
flowers.  The  white  variety  of  C.  latifolia  makes  a  good  com- 
panion to  the  common  form.  B. 


NOTES    OF   THE   WEEK. 


EOSE  GROWING  AT  BATH. 
YoUU  correspoDdent  (p.  21)  is  right  when  he  says  that  Bath  is 
pre-eminently  a  Rose-growing  place.  Roses  are  certainly  grown 
largely  here,  both  in  private  gardens  and  cemeteries,  and  they  reach 
as  near  perfection  as  possible.  Your  correspondent  should  visit  St. 
Michael's  Cemetery,  where  all  the  best  Rosea  in  cultivation  are 
grown,  some  of  them  measuring  no  less  than  23  inches  in  circum. 
ference.  Such  blooms  would  amaze  even  Mr.  Hole  himself.  About 
six  years  ago  I  commenced  to  raise  Roses  from  seed  ;  when  I  saved 
my  first  seed  1  was  told  by  knowing  people  that  I  should  never 
succeed  in  raising  any  good  Roses ;  the  result,  however,  is  that 
instead  of  having  a  lot  of  bad  seedlings  I  have  a  splendid  lot  of 
good  flowers.  On  the  19th  of  March  this  year  I  sowed  my  seed,  and 
I  have  now  a  nice  bed  of  young  plants,  most  of  which  are  in  bloom, 
and  a  splendid  lot  they  are.  I  have  had  a  great  many  Rose  growers 
to  see  them,  and  they  all  admit  that  they  are  splendid.  The  great 
Rose  show  here  was  too  late  for  me  by  fourteen  days,  or  I  should 
have  shown  some  of  my  seedlings  on  that  occasion. 

St.  Michael's  Cemetery,  Bath.  William  Roles. 


We  understand  that  Mr.  J.  S.  Davenport  has  been  selected 

from  amongst  395  candidates  to  fill  the  office  of  Assistant  Secretary 
to  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  lately  made  vacant  by  the 
resignation  of  Mr.  Richards. 

DuuixG  the  past  week  several  van  loads  of  sub-tropical  plants 

such  as  Cycads,  Palms,  Caladiums,  Musas,  and  India-rubbers  (Ficus) 
have  been  planted  in  Hyde  Park  for  the  summer  season.  Musa 
Eusete  has  an  effective  appearance  on  the  three-cornered  grass  plot 
just  inside  Albert  Gate.  The  bedding  plants  are  improving  and  will 
soon  be  at  their  best. 

There  is  now  a  fine  belt  of  Yuccas,  some  30  or  40  yards  in 

length,  in  full  flower  in  Mr.  Rivers'  nursery,  at  Sawbridgeworth,  and 
the  effect  which  they  produce  is  striking  in  the  extreme.  The  kinds 
are  Y.  recurva,  Y.  glauca,  Y.  flacoida,  and  one  or  two  others.  There 
is  also  a  pair  of  nice  specimens  on  the  lawn,  just  opening  a  profusion 
of  creamy  wax-like  flowers. 

We  hear  that  a  company  is  being  formed  for  the  purchase 

and  working  in  all  its  branches,  of  Cowan's  patent  for  the  heating  of 
horticultural  and  other  buildings,  "  without  cost  of  fuel." 

We  learn  by  circular  that  the  Lawson  Seed  Company  is  now 

fully  organised,  and  that  the  required  capital  (£50,000)  has  been  fully 
subscribed  and  called  up.  Under  the  board  of  directors,  aided  by 
efficient  management,  this  company  is  now  in  a  position  to  maintain 
the  prestige  of  the  well-known  name  which  it  bears.  It  has  acquired 
all  the  extensive  nurseries  and  seed  warehouses  of  the  old  firm,  both 
in  Edinburgh  and  London. 

Tfie  Abbe  Morlion,  in  a  letter  to  the  Revue  Hnrtieole  of  the 

16th  instant,  states  that  he  has  succeeded  in  raising  some  Artichokes 
of  extraordinary  size,  the  largest  of  which  produced  a  head  weighing 
nearly  3  pounds,  and  measuring  1  foot  across.  The  Abbe,  in  his 
letter,  gives  a  detailed  account  of  the  raising  and  culture  of  this 
"  phenomenal "  variety,  which  he  has  named  "  L'Artichaut  de 
Beaulieu,"  after  his  property  of  Beaulieu  (Correze). 

Favouuahle  accounts  reach   us   respecting  the  fruit  crops. 

Small  fruits  and  Cherries  are  very  abundant  and  of  average  quality. 
In  some  of  the  low-lying  districts  fruit  trees  have  suffered  severely 
through  late  spring  frosts.  In  some  cases,  however,  the  damage  is 
confined  within  narrow  limits.  At  Sawbridgeworth,  one  side  of  a 
hollow  in  the  nursery  is  planted  with  Rivers'  Early  Prolific  Plum, 
these  suffered  severely  along  with  some  of  the  choicer  Pears,  while 
the  same  kinds  in  higher  positions,  a  few  yards  off,  are  bearing 
enormous  crops,  so  much  so  that  the  branches  are  propped  to  prevent 
the  weight  of  fruit  from  breaking  them  down.  Walnuts  appear  to 
be  scarce,  but  from  most  other  fruit  trees  we  may  confidently  expect 
full  crops. 

Mi(.  W.  Carrutheus,  says  Nature,  has  just  issued  his  official 

report  for  1872,  of  the  Department  of  Botany  in  the  British  Museum. 
The  additions  to  the  herbarium  during  the  year  are  spoken  of  as 
large  and  important,  rendering  more  and  more  pressing  the  necessity 
of  increasing  accommodation  for  the  arranged  herbaria.  The  species 
included  under  several  of  the  natural  Orders,  both  in  the  general  and 
in  the  British  herbarium,  have  been  entirely  re-arranged  during  the 
year,  and  much  use  has  been  made  of  the  herbarium  by  botanists 
preparing  monographs.  Numerous  interesting  additions  have  also 
been  made  to  the  structural  series,  both  in  the  fruit,  the  fossil,  and 
the  general  collection. 

The  promoters  of  the  Royal  Horticultural   Society's  Exhi. 

bition  at  Bath  have  every  reason  to  be  satisfied  with  the  results  of 
the  undertaking.  Although  the  number  of  visitors  was  not  so  large 
as  at  Birmingham  last  year,  it  will  be  found  that,  in  a  financial  point 
of  view,  this  j'ear's  show  is  quite  as  successful,  if  not  more  so,  than 
its  predecessor.  The  admission  on  the  first  four  days  was  as 
follows: — Tuesday,  2,530,  sum  taken  at  the  gates,  £69  17s.  6d.; 
Wednesday,  6,205,  £509  IBs.  lid. ;  Thursday,  37,356,  £867  16s.  2d. ; 
Friday,  11,000,  £408  8s.  4d.  On  Satm-day  the  admission  fee  was 
sixpence,  and  about  7,000  persons  visited  the  show,  the  receipt  at 
the  gates  being  £235  18s.  6d.  The  aggregate  attendance  was  about 
53,000,  and  the  total  receipts  at  the  gates  £2,107. 

A  DISCOVERS  has  been  made  by  a  French  firm  of  paper  manu. 
facturers  which  seems  likely  to  interest  English  Hop  growers.  At 
the  last  general  assembly  of  French  paper.makers,  MM.  Jourdeuil, 
Parizot,  and  Gusseo  submitted  some  samples  of  a  new  textile  fabric, 
namely,  the  sheath  of  the  Hop  stalk.  By  removing  this  outer  skin, 
and  subjecting  it  to  a  certain  chemical  process,  a  textile  substance 
possessing  the  qualities  which  make  rags  so  valuable  in  paper, 
making  —  length,  suppleness,  and  delicacy  of  texture,  has  been 
produced.  The  invention  is  patented,  and  seems  one  that  should  be 
noticed  in  a  country  which  requires  much  paper  and  grows  Hops  in 
abundance,  and  where  it  may  do  something  to  compensate  for  the 
proverbially  precarious  nature  of  the  Hop  harvest. 


July  10,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


43 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 

THE  TWIN-FLOWER. 
(linn.ea  borealis.) 
The  name  of  Liimasus,  the  gre.it  master  of  botany,  is  bonio 
by  a  pliiiit  which,  though  humble  iu  size,  is  one  of  great  delicacy 
and  beauty.  It  is  a  little  creeping  evergreen  plant,  about 
twice  as  large  as  is  represented  in  the  engraving.  It  belongs 
to  the  Honeysuckle  f.amily,  and  as  each  slender,  upright  stalk 
bears  two  flowers,  it  has  received  the  common  name  of  Twin- 
flower.  The  flowers  arc  white,  often  tinged  with  pink  or 
purple,  delicately  fragrant,  and  drooii  with  a  modest  air  that 
is  very  cliarming.  It  is  usually  found  in  moist  woods,  where 
it  forms  a  dense  carpet.  It  is  an  excellent  plant  for  a  shady 
rock-work,  and  when  once  established  grows  rapidly.  The 
plant  was  discovered  by  Linnajus  in  1732,  and  his  friend 
Gronovius  bestowed  on  it  the  name  of  the  discoverer.  In  the 
well-known  portrait  of  Linna3ns,  ho  is  represented  in  his 
travelling  suit  with  a  cluster  of  the  Twin-flower  in  his  hand. 
The  Linnasa  is  a  peculiarly  northern  plant,  as  its  specific 
name,  borealis,  would  indicate ;  and  is  found  in  both  conti- 
nents.    In  Northern  and  Central  Europe,  it  is  found  in  woods, 


spring  I  found  ray  Narcissi  a  month  later  than  last  year,  and 
my  earliest  Lilies  from  ten  days  to  a  fortnight.  If  your  readers 
will  date  back  one  week  from  the  day  of  publication,  they 
will  then  generally  know  what  Lilies  bloomed  the  preceding 
week  ;  but  in  the  present  instance  they  will  have  to  date  back 
a  fortnight,  as  I  was  not  able  to  complete  my  paper  in  time 
for  the  last  issue. 

A  day  or  two  since  I  was  charmed  with  an  array  of  that 
loveliest  of  all  Lilies — Lilium  japonioum,  and  shall  therefore 
commence  my  present  list  with  it. 

31.  L.  japonicum  (Browuii),  delicately  fragrant ;  the  three 
inner  segments  ivory-white ;  points  gracefully  rolled  back, 
with  a  raised  bar  of  crimson  running  down  the  back  of  each 
petal,  and  on  either  side  of  it  a  tinge  of  green ;  the  three 
outer  segments  white  inside,  crimson  outside,  and,  when  rolled 
back,  the  crimson  shows  through  the  ivory-like  substance  of 
the  petals,  thus  imparting  to  the  flower  a  I'osy  glow  distinctly 
margined  with  pure  white.  When  grown  under  glass,  the 
flowers  are  almost  white.  Last  year  Mr.  G.  P.  Wilson  had  the 
largest  and  purest  white  flower  of  this  variety  I  have  ever  seen, 
a  result  attributable  entirely  to  superior  cultivation. 

32.  Thunbergianiim  alteruans,  glowing  rosy-scarlet,  tinged 


and  sometimes,  though  rarely,  in  open  rooky  situations.  In 
Britain  it  is  confined  to  the  Fir  woods  of  some  of  the  eastern 
counties  of  Scotland,  and,  according  to  Bentham,  to  a  single 
locality  in  Northumberland.  In  America  it  is  very  common 
northward,  and  is  found  sparingly  as  far  south  as  New 
Jersey  and  Maryland.  Aside  from  its  intrinsic  beauty,  the 
plant  is  a  favourite  with  all  who  love  wild  flowers,  and  more 
especially  with  botanists,  on  account  of  the  illustrious  name  it 
bears.  It  is  supposed  to  be  rather  difficult  to  cultivate,  but 
where  the  soil  is  moist  and  light  it  grows  freely  in  borders. 
We  saw  it  the  other  day  forming  wide-spreading  tufts  on  the 
margins  of  some  of  the  masses  of  shrubs  in  Mr.  Latimer 
Clarke's  charming  garden  on  Sydenham  Hill.  It  is  easily 
grown  in  beds  of  peat  kept  moist,  or  placed  among  the 
Alpine  plants  in  a  cold  frame,  or  even  on  the  window  sill,  on 
an  aspect  of  the  house  not  too  exposed.  Our  illustration  is 
from  the  American  Agriculturist. 


LILIES  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

(Second  Early  Kinds). 

In  these  reports  on  the  different  kinds  of  Lilies,  I  have  not 

added  the  periods  of  blooming,  as  I  do  not  consider  this  year's 

flowering   to    be    a    fair  criterion    on  that    point.      In  the 


with  apricot;    lower  half  of  petals  freely   spotted;    a   very 
beautifvd  variety. 

33.  Thunbergianum  macranthum  fulgens.  This  I  purchased 
on  the  continent,  under  this  name.  It  is  a  robust  kind, 
growing  almost  as  tall  as  some  of  the  varieties  of  Davu- 
ricum  already  described,  but  the  flower  resembles  that  of 
a  true  Thunbergianum,  and  alfords  a  good  illustration  of 
how  the  red  Lilies  of  Japan  merge  into  the  red  Lilies 
of  Europe.  Colour  tawny  crimson,  shading  down  the  petals 
to  orange-crimson,  and  with  a  pinkish  glow  at  the  bottom. 
The  flowers  are  produced  in  a  compact  umbel. 

34.  Thunbergianum  cuprcum,  coppery  bronze-scarlet ;  petals 
gracefully  recurved. 

35.  Thunbergianum  latimacuTatum,  a  splendid  variety,  rich 
orange-scarlet,  flaked  with  crimson. 

36.  Thunbergianum  atrosanguineum,  rich  blood-crimson, 
slightly  shading  off  to  orange,  lower  half  of  petals  spotted 
with  black. 

37.  Thunbergianum  fulgens,  rich  crimson,  more  or  less 
stained  with  tawny  yellow ;  when  fully  established  a  fine 
showy  variety. 

38.  Concolor;  scarlet,  slightly  stained  with  crimson,  lower 
part  of  petals  spotted  with  Ijlack,  anthers  scarlet.  This  is  a 
cliarming  dwarf  species  from  Japan,  mostly  producing  one 
flower,  but  sometimes  more.     Several  roots  should  be  grown 


44 


THE  GARDEN. 


[July  10,1873. 


in  a  pot  to  produce  a  display.     In  the  conservatory  borders  it 
should  be  grown  in  clumps. 

39.  Candidum,  ilowers  snow  white,  with  conspicuous  yellow 
anthers ;  delightfully  fragi-ant.  Parkinson  speaks  of  this 
under  the  name  of  Lilium  album,  and  states  that  the  poets 
called  it  Jnno's  Lily,  so  that  in  his  day,  as  at  present,  it 
was  the  Lily  of  sentiment.  He  adds  that,  this  Lily  was 
so  common  in  his  time  that  it  might  be  found  in  almost 
every  garden.  There  was,  however,  another  white  Lily  de- 
scribed by  him  which  we  do  not  appear  to  have,  viz.,  Lilium 
Byzantinum,  a  kind  which  differed  from  Candidum,  in  being 
broader  in  the  divisions  of  the  perianth,  and  in  the  number  of 
the  flowers,  which  ranged  sometimes  from  100  to  200  (but 
ordinarily  the  plant  produced  about  two  dozen  flowers),  and 
a  stem  as  broad  as  the  hand.  I  have  never  myself  noticed 
fasciated  stems  amongst  the  plants  of  Lilium  candidum. 
Have  any  of  your  readers  ? 

40.  Candidum  maculatum,  white  streaked  with  purple. 

41.  Candidum  fol.  maculatis.  This  variety  is  remarkable 
for  its  conspicuous  gold-blotched  foliage  throughout  the 
autumn  and  winter  months.  The  leaves,  however,  have  a 
great  tendency  to  become  green. 

42.  Candidum  fol.  aureo-marginatis.  Throughout  the 
autumn  and  winter  months  the  clear  gold-margined  foliage  of 
this  plant  is  exquisite. 

Of  the  Martagon  Lily,  Parkinson  appears  to  have  had  in 
cultivation  a  number  of  varieties,  and  it  is  very  doubtful  if 
some  of  them  are  not  now  lost.  At  the  head  of  his  list  he 
has  set  Martagon  imperiale  sive  Lilium  montanum  majus,and 
describes  it  thus  : — "  The  Imperial  Mountain  Lily  has  diverse 
circles  of  green  leaves  set  together  at  certain  distances  round 
about  the  stalk ;  the  intervening  space  between  the  circles 
bare,  and  on  the  top  of  the  stalk  three  to  four  score  of  flowers 
confusedly  set  together;"  and  further  on  he  says,  "it  hath 
been  sometimes  observed  to  bear  many  flowers  at  several 
spaces  on  the  stem  one  above  the  other ;  the  colour  of  the 
flowers  being  a  fine  delaj'cd  purple." 

43.  Martagon  album,  pure  white ;  a  very  handsome  Lily. 
Parkinson  mentions  a  white  variety  with  spots. 

44.  Martagon  Catani. — I  am  indebted  to  Mr.  Max  Leichfclin 
for  this  remarkably  handsome  species,  the  flowers  of  which 
are  of  a  rich  glittering  crimson-plum  colour. 

45.  Martagon  purple.  —  This  variety,  which  is  the  most 
common  in  this  country,  has  flowers  of  a  somewhat  dull 
purple. 

46.  Cauadense  puberulum. — This  is  one  of  the  new  North 
American  Lilies.  The  reflexed  part  of  the  segments  is 
orange-scarlet,  while  the  remainder  of  the  flower  is  a  deep 
yellow,  profusely  covered  with  brown  spots ;  a  very 
handsome  species,  and  one  which  will  doubtless  be  an  acquisi- 
tion for  Rhododendron  beds,  owing  to  its  majestic  growth  and 
profusion  of  richly  coloured  flowers. 

All  the  Lilies  mentioned  in  this  article  can  be  confidently 
recommended  for  pot  culture.  Peter  Babe. 

12,  King  Street,  Covent  Garden. 


CAMPANULA  PYRAMIDALIS. 
This  plant,  which  is  generally  better  known  as  the  Chimney 
Campanula,  has  been,  for  many  years,  one  of  our  best  and 
most  showy  conservatory,  window,  or  fire-place  blooming 
plants  for  the  months  of  August  and  September;  at  the  same 
time  it  is  not  cultivated  as  much  as  it  ought  to  be,  considering 
its  merits.  Prom  the  years  1818  to  1828  it  was  cultivated 
pretty  largely  by  two  florists  in  the  neighboui'hood  of  London, 
and  I  have  never  since  seen  it  better  cultivated  in  any  place 
than  it  was  in  those  days.  Its  cultivation  is  simple,  easy,  and 
inexpensive,  and  I  will  here  i-elate  it.  There  are  two  varieties, 
the  white  and  the  blue,  both  grand,  late,  summer-flowering 
plants,  both  requiring  the  same  simple  treatment,  and  both 
may  be  kept  in  full  flower  from  early  in  July  till  late  in 
October  by  ]5]acing  some  of  the  plants  in  April  in  a  warm 
south  aspect,  and  others  in  a  north,  shady,  cold  position. 
Moreover,  several  shades  of  blue  may  be  obtained  by  shading, 
placing  some  plants  fully  exposed  to  the  sun,  and  the  appli- 
cation of  strong  clear  manure-water. 

They  may  be  propagated  to  any  extent  in  the  following 


manner.  Procure  a  strong  plant ;  shake  it  out  of  the  earth  in 
October ;  break  off  all  the  strong  roots  into  about  2  or  3- 
iuch  lengths  ;  dibble  them  into  deep  boxes,  or  10-inch  flower- 
pots, filled  with  good  open  rich  garden  soil  (leaving  the  tops 
of  the  roots  level  with  the  earth's  surface),  and  place  them  for 
the  winter  in  a  cold  pit-frame  or  under  a  greenhouse  stage. 
Prepare  in  winter  a  good  piece  of  ground,  by  well  manuring, 
trenching,  ridging,  and  pulverising  it.  Lay  it  down  in  the 
end  of  March  or  beginning  of  April ;  shake  out  your  storeplants ; 
which  inautumn  were  bits  of  roots,but  are  now  nice  little  plants, 
mark  out  your  rows  two  feet  apart,  and  plant  carefully,  by 
making  holes  with  a  spade  or  trowel,  two  feet  apart  in  the 
row ;  hoe,  scarify,  and  keep  clean  all  the  summer.  By  the 
next  October  they  will  be  very  strong  plants  indeed,  and 
should  then  be  taken  up  and  potted  in  8,  10,  or  12-inch  pots 
according  to  their  size  and  strength ;  place  them  in  turf  or 
cold  pits  for  shelter  and  protection  during  the  winter.  At  the 
same  time  do  not  forget  to  take  off  one  or  two  of  the  strongest 
roots  from  each  plant,  put  them  in  their  full  length,  and  place 
them  away  iu  a  winter  store  for  next  year's  stock,  with  their 
small  roots  and  fibres  attached  to  them.  In  this  way  you  can 
get  large,  clean,  healthy,  and  very  strong  plants — and  such  as 
will  produce  from  seven  to  fourteen  or  fifteen  strong  shoots  each 
— for  flowering  iu  succession  next  year.  They  may  be  made  to 
grow  to  any  size  or  height  by  training,  and  watering  them 
copiously  with  manure-water  while  in  pots,  and  will  cover  the 
end  of  a  large  room,  passage,  or  window.  I  have  thus  grown 
them  to  an  extraordinary  size  and  beauty.  The  white  and 
blue  grown  together,  with  then-  shoots  trained  and  inter- 
twined, produce  a  very  fine  effect.  Stock  roots  should  never 
be  taken  from  plants  that  have  flowered,  as  the  plants  pro- 
duced from  them  are  pretty  sure  to  flower  spuriously  during 
the  next  summer  in  their  store-ground,  and  are  not  to  be 
depended  on.  Here  I  may  mention,  also,  the  beautiful  little 
Campanula  Garganica  (a  glorious  late  summer-flowering  plant 
for  indoor,  outdoor,  border,  rock-work,  &c.)  tliat  I  so 
much  improved  nearly  fifty  years  since.  I  raised  it  in  several 
varieties  of  colour,  and  grew  them  with  their  thousands  of 
flowers  on  single  plants,  that  were  considered  truly  grand.  It 
is  now  rarely  seen  well  grown.  I  may  some  day  give  my  very 
simple  method  of  growing  it  easy  and  well.  J.  B. 


Reek  Plants  in  Shade. — What  rock  plants  will  grow  in  shade, 
under  the  drip  of  Laurels,  and  in  a  draught  through  a  shrubbeiy  ? — 
E.  M.  D.,  Fineon.  [Primroses,  Periwinkles,  St.  John's  AVort, 
Woodruffe,  Musk,  Winter  Aconite,  Anemones,  Arum  italicum, 
Betonicas,  Campanulas,  Dentarias,  Epimediums,  Strawberries,  Fritil. 
larias,  Funkias,  Galanthns  nivalis,  G.  plicatus,  Gaultherias,  Geraniums, 
Geums,  Heucheras,  Irises,  Lamiums,  Leuoojums,  LinniBa,  Lysi- 
machias,Mimulu3ea,  Mitchella,  Myosotises,  Narcissi,  Omphalodes  verna, 
Sanguinaria,  Saxifraga  cordifolia,  S.  crassifolia,  Geum,  Squills,  Sedum 
spectabile,  Smilacina  bifolia,  S.  stellata,  Tradescantia,  TroUiuses, 
Tussilago  fragrans,  and  Violets.] 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 


Gold-netted  Honeysuckle  {Louicera  aurea  reticulata).— It  may  interest 
some  to  know  that  this  blossoms  as  tar  north  as  Fifeshire,  We  have  a  plant  of 
it  here  now  in  flower,  trained  on  wires  on  one  of  the  walls  of  the  mansion,  on 
which  its  green  leaves,  prettily  netted  with  gold,  have  a  fine  effect. — H.  Kose, 
The  Garde7ii>,  Gravgemuir,  Fittemceem. 

Weeds  on  Lawns.— Will  you  kindly  tell  me  how  best  to  eradicate  riantains 
and  other  weeds  on  my  lawn. — B.  [Slip  a  narrow  but  strong  and  sharp  knife 
through  them  a  little  below  the  crown,  and  pull  them  clean  out,  disturbing 
the  turf  as  little  as  possible.  By  doing  this  regularly  and  persisting  in  it  you 
will  get  rid  of  them. 

The  SilpMum  of  the  Ancients. — The  interesting  article  on  Silphium  may 
be  made  more  com])lete  by  referring  your  readers  to  the  words  Cyrene  and 
Cyrenaica  iu  Smith's  Dictionary  of  "  Ancient  Geography."  There  is  a 
good  plate  of  the  coin  with  the  Siiphium  on  it,  and  references  to  the  classical 
authors  who  mention  the  plant.  Can  any  one  help  me  to  the  Narthex 
Assafcetida  described  in  the  article? — H.  N.  Ellacombe,  .BiC^on. 

Diseased  Rose-leaves. — A  few  days  since  I  observed  a  yellow  marbled  or 
mottled  appearance  on  the  upper  surface  of  the  leaves  of  many  of  my  Rosea,  while 
the  under  side  is  covered  with  a  powdery  matter  of  a  bright  orange  colour.  The 
leaves  so  affected  are  now  withering  fa^^t.  I  enclose  a  few  for  j-our  inspection. 
The  disease,  if  it  be  such,  is  extending  itself  rapidly  amongst  my  plants. — J.  B. 
[Your  Roses  are  suffering  from  a  small  Fungus  (PuccLnia  rosa?)  which  attacks 
the  under  surface  of  the  leaves.  It  chiefly  makes  its  appearance  on  plants 
growing  in  dry  soils.  Ko  cure  has  yet  been  found  for  this  disease,  but  Mr.  Rivers 
recommends,  as  a  preventive,  that  the  Roses  should  be  lifted  and  replanted 
every  autumn,  giving  them  at  the  same  time  plenty  of  manure,  and  stirring 
the  Boii  3  feet  deep.] 


July  10,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


45 


THE     ARBORETUM. 


HA£DT  TREES  AND   SHRUBS. 

BY  GEORGE  GORDON,  A.L.S. 
ACER   SACCUARIXUM    (tiIE    SUGAR   MAPLE). 

Tuis  forms   a   tree  £rom  30  to  40  feet   high,  with  a   round 
spreading  head,  very  similar  iu  appearance  to  that   of   the 


A.  saccharinum. — Leaf  of  a  young  tree. 

Norway  Maple.     It  is  a  native  of  North  America,  from  Canada 
to  Pennsylvania,  and  covers  a  gi'eater  extent  of  the  American 


Leaf  of  an  old  tree. 


sitnations.  It  was  introduced  in  1735.  The  leaves  of  the 
Sugar  Maple  vary  very  much  in  .shape  ;  those  on  old  trees  are 
broadly  and  somewhat  bluntly  five-lobed,  not  deeply  divided, 
and  nearly  entire  on  the  edges,  with  the  three  outer  lolies 
much  the  largest  ;  while  those  on  young  trees  are  deeply  and 
very  acutely  five-lobed,  and  sinuately  toothed  on  the  edges  ; 
they  are  all  cordate  at  the  base,  quite  smooth  on  both  surfaces, 
light  green  above,  glaucous  and  prominently  nerved  beneath, 
aud  on  long  and  rather  slender  footstalks,  frequently  tinged 
with  red  ;  and  just  before  they  fall  off  turn  to  a  yellowish- 
brown  colour.  Flowers  small,  yellow,  and  both  hermaphrodite 
and  males,  disposed  iu  short,  compound,  drooping  corymbs,  on 
short  pilose  peduncles,  and  produced  in  May.  Fruit  of  keys 
rather  small  aud  smooth,  with  the  wings  somewhat  diverging. 
From  the  sap  of  this  tree  the  Americans  make  a  large  quantity 
of  very  good  sugar.  The  sap  is  obtained  by  making  a  hole  in 
the  stem  of  the  tree,  in  an  ascending  direction,  with  an  auger, 
and  introducing  a  spout  about  half  an  inch  into  the  hole ; 
warm  days  and  frosty  nights  are  most  favourable  for  the  plen- 
tiful discharge  of  the  sap.  The  Bird's-eye  Maple  wood  of  the 
cabinet-makers  is  also  the  produce  of  this  Maple.  The  length 
of  the  leaf  is  7  inches,  including  the  footstalk,  which  is  3  inches 
long,  and  the  breadth  is  -5  inches.  The  Acer  nigrum  (the  Black 
Sugar-tree  or  Rock  Maple  of  the  Americans)  is  only  a  variety 
of  the  Sugar  Maple,  which  principally  differs  iu  having  tho 
leaves  downy  beueath  and  of  a  darker  green,  and  in  the  tree 
not  attaining  to  so  large  a  size. 


Male  and  Female  Auoubas  and  their  times  of  Flower. 

ing. — In  the  last  number  of  the  Revue  Horficole,  M.  Carriero,  in 
reply  to  the  question  whether,  amongst  Aucubas  raised  from  seed, 
male  plants  are  more  numerous  than  females,  or  whether,  as  happens 
in  the  case  of  many  monoecious  and  dioecious  plants,  the  male  flowers 
are  developed  sooner  than  the  female,  states  that  his  own  experience 
is  that,  amongst  several  thousands  of  Aucubas  which  he  has  raised 
from  seed — (1.)  Those  which  have  flowered  are,  with  few  exceptions, 
male  plants  ;  and  (2.)  That  the  few  female  plants  which  made  their 
appearance,  have  flowered  much  (sometimes  two,  and  even  three 
months)  later  than  the  m.ale  plants.  M.  Carriere  concludes  his  obser. 
vations  by  inquiring  whether  these  peculiarities  have  been  remarked 
by  other  cultivators  P 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


soil  than  any  other  species  of  Maple ;  it  flourishes  best  in  a 
rather  damp,  alluvial  soilj  but  will  not  thrive  in  dry  and  exposed. 


large  Deciduous  Cypress  at  Pain's  Hill.— The  following  is  the  measm-e- 
ment  of  a  deciduous  Cypress  at  the  top  of  the  lake  hei'e.  Its  height  is  8y  feet; 
the  circumference  of  the  trunk,  at  20  feet  from  the  ground  is  7  feet  3  inches  ;  at 
10  feet  from  the  gi'ound,  8  feet  3  inches  ;  and  at  3  feet  from  the  ground,  10  feet. 
It  has  no  knees  that  I  can  iind  ;  possibly  when  the  i-iver  o%-erflows  its  banks  the 
deposit  of  leaves  covers  these  up,  whereas  trees  of  the  same  kind  of  Cypress  on 
the  margin  of  the  lake  show  them. — T.  Cleiients,  Pain's  HiU,  Sin-ret/, 

Propagating  the  Holly— As  I  am  desirous  of  increasing  my  stock  of 
Hollies,  I  shall  be  glad  to  know  how  I  can  best  raise  them  from  seed. — Ahatech. 
[The  Holly  may  be  propagated  by  seed,  budding,  grafting,  and  by  cuttings. 
The  seeds  of  the  Holly,  like  those  of  the  Hawthorn,  &c.,  do  not  come  up  the 
fii'styear,  and  are,  therefore,  commonly  buried  in  a  little  pit  in  the  soil,  whore 
they  are  allowed  to  remain  for  a  twelvemonth,  and  are  then  taken  up  and  sown 
iu  beds  of  finely  prepared  soil.] 

The  Best  Time  for  Transplanting  Conifers.— Will  you  kindly  tell  me 
what  is  the  best  time  for  transplanting  Conifers  and  large  Portugal  Laurels. 
I  was  unfortunate  with  many  moved  in  the  winter  and  early  spring. — C.  W., 
Croifclon.  [We  shall  be  glad  if  experienced  planters  will  say  a  word  or  two  on 
this  matter,  as  old-fashioned  practices  in  this  respect  have  iJeen  much  departed 
from  by  many  modern  ])]anters. — Ed.,  The  Gaeden.] 

Eemarkahle  Group  of  Planes.— Close  to  the  Bosphorus  stands  what  is 
called  the  Plane  tree  of  Buyukdero,  known  also  as  the  Plane  tree  of  Godfrey  of 
Bouillon,  who  is  said  to  have  rested  under  its  shade  when  leading  his  army  to 
Jerusalem  in  1097.  It  has  tlie  appearance  of  a  single  tree,  but  on  close 
inspection  is  found  to  consist  of  nine  trees  closely  joined  together.  The 
circumference  of  the  united  trunks  is  over  133  feet.  The  height  of  the  group 
is  195  feet,  and  the  circumference  of  the  spread  of  the  brjiuches  is  364i  feet. 
Part  of  the  trimks  has  been  hollowed  out  by  fire,  and  eight  or  ten  persons  can 
be  sheltered  in  the  cavity. 

Sea-side  Trees.— I  have  found  no  trees  succeed  so  well  as  Piffus  insignis  and 
the  Corsican  Pine.  I  have  plants  of  the  latter  growing  and  flourishing  where 
the  Sycamore  and  Beech,  twenty  years  planted,  never  could  even  get  into 
respectable  bushes.  Both  Pines  also  have  the  advantage  that  hares  and  rabbits 
will  not  touch  them,  and  the  wood  of  the  Corsican  Pine  is  very  valuable,  while 
that  of  the  Austrian,  another  great  tree  for  the  sea-side,  is  worth  but  little.  I 
have  also  succeeded  in  growing  the  Aleppo  Pine  (Pinus  halepensis).  from  seeds 
brought  from  the  Isle  of  St.  Marguerite,  opposite  Cannes,  where  this  Pine  grows 
with  its  roots  down  to  tho  salt  water,  and  where  it  withstands  the  most  terrific 
sea  gales  without  seeming  a  bit  the  worse  for  them.  Those  who  wish  to  plant 
near  the  sea  should  plant  as  follows :  Pinus  halepensis,  Corsican  Pine,  Pinus 
insignis,  Pinus  austriaca,  Picea  nobilis,  and  Cupressus  macrocarpa. —  A 
Pbactical  Plauieb. 


46 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  19, 1873. 


TACKING  PLANTS  IN  HOT  COUNTRIES. 
Stkanof.  to  tell  (s.ay8  "  Eos  "  in  the  EnijUsh  Mechanir) ,  the  primitive 
Hindoo  was  the  first  discoverer  of  the  proper  modus  operandi  in  packing 
tender  cuttings,  and  to  his  intuitive  simplicity  I  am  heavily  indebted 
for  a  largo  portion  of  the  floral  treasures  I  collected  and  had  the 
pleasure  of  transmitting  during  my  long  sojourn  iu  the  East  and 
other  quarters.  The  following  is  a  desci'iption  of  the  process : — 
Having  tied  your  various  cuttings  up  in  lots,  and  all  of  as  nearly  the 
same  length  as  possible,  proceed  to  cat  down  that  very  ubiquitous 
tree,  a  Banana.  Say  your  cuttiugs  are  18  inches  long,  you  will 
require  a  case  of  2  feet ;  you  therefore  chop  off  a  thick  portion  of 
the  above  length,  and  next,  with  your  axe,  split  it  lengthways  and 
remove  the  fleshy  bark,  set  like  the  coats  of  an  Onion,  layer  upon 
layer.  Within  this  case  you  tightly  pack  your  cutting,  securing  the 
two  halves  of  the  Banana  stems  with  ties  of  bark  or  twine  ;  then  you 
make  a  stopper  for  each  end  of  the  same  substance,  and  dipping  them 
first  in  moist  clay,  drive  them  in,  and  cut  them  o&  quite  even  with 
your  box.  The  package  should  then  be  sewn-up  in  stout  wax  cloth, 
bearing  the  direction,  destination,  &c.  I  will  now  give  two  satisfac. 
tory  instances  of  its  merits.  A  friend  at  a  distance  of  some  hundred 
miles,  who  had  promised  me  some  choice  Chinese  Chrysanthemums, 
was  requested  by  me  to  pack  them  as  above — the  season  being  very 
hot.  Ho  despatched  them  by  transport  waggon,  but  by  some  acci- 
dent  the  address  had  been  defaced  and  the  package  subsided 
among  "  lost  goods."  After  several  weeks'  delay  and  much 
correspondence,  the  same  was  duly  forwarded  to  me,  and  I  opened 
the  case  rather  anxiously — but  what  was  my  surprise  to  see 
the  plants  all  alive,  and  more  than  one  with  newly-formed  roots. 
Again,  I  was  on  a  tour  in  the  North-west  Himalayas,  and  coming 
across  a  superb  specimen  of  the  gi-eat  Climbing  Rose  in  the 
old  garden  of  a  ruined  palace,  I  set  to  work,  and  soon  packed 
myself  a  collection  of  cuttings  thereof  in  a  Banana  box  ;  this  I 
carried  about  with  me  in  all  manner  of  climates  and  temperatures  for 
about  five  months.  When  I  descended  to  the  plains  of  India  two 
cuttings  were  alive,  and  I  subsequently  saw  one  of  these  growing  in 
the  garden  of  the  friend  for  whom  I  carried  them.  I  strongly 
recommend  the  importation  of  this  invaluable  article  from  the  West 
Indies.  I  believe  horticulturists  will  prize  it  highly,  especially  the 
dealers  in  tender  exotics.  This  pithy  porous  article  is  cold  as  ice, 
strong  and  elastic  as  leather,  and  moist  and  juicy  as  a  Cabbage  leaf 
— the  great  virtues  in  a  plant  envelope.  I  will  now  give  an  illusti-a- 
tion  of  another  substance  I  used,  under  particular  circumstances, 
with  similar  success.  When  sojourning  in  the  North-east  Himalayas 
(the  Upper  Burrampooter  region),  the  humidity  of  the  air  may 
be  conceived  when  I  state  the  annual  rainfall  may  be  counted  in 
hundreds  of  inches  (excepting  Terra  del  Fuego,  the  greatest  on 
the  earth).  Here  I  found  green  Bamboo,  for  the  above  reason, 
vastly  superior  to  Banana ;  almost  equally  cool,  more  capacious, 
and  with  far  less  tendency  to  become  mouldy  dn-'ing  a  very  long 
river  voyage  to  Calcutta.  Such  are  the  dimensions  of  Bambusa 
in  those  remote  wildernesses,  that  milk  buckets  are  constructed  of 
one  joint  by  the  native  herdsmen.  I  have  since  bethought  me  of 
imitating  the  cool  porous  humidity  of  these  natural  plant-cases  by 
substituting  a  long  box  of  sheet  cork,  thickly  varnished  outside  with 
gntta  percha  and  pitch  (two  parts  of  the  latter  to  one  part  of  the 
former),  this  case  to  be  lined  with  spongio-piline  ;  succulents  to  be 
packed  therein  in  dry  charcoal  dust ;  all  other  plants  or  cuttings  to 
be  previously  wrapped  in  strips  of  linen  moistened  with  distilled 
water,  and  the  spongio-piline  similarly  damped.  This  answers  well 
for  long  voyages.  The  following  modes  of  conveyance  to  the  most 
distant  countries  have  all  been  attended  with  success,  but  there  are 
obstacles  to  their  general  employment. 

1.  The  bundle  of  cuttings,  being  packed  air-tight  and  water-tight 
in  sheet  india-rubber,  is  immersed  in  a  ship's  water-tank. 

2.  Packed  similarly,  they  are  stowed  in  a  ship's  ice-room. 

3.  Enwrapped  in  several  folds  of  wax-cloth,  and  then  dipped 
several  times  in  a  liquefied  mixture  of  soap  and  wax  till  densely 
covered,  these  many  coats  can  be  afterwards  pressed  with  the  hand 
into  a  dense  mass. 

The  beautiful  Lilium  giganteum  of  the  Himalayas  was  long  in 
being  introduced  into  Europe  ;  the  bulbs  invariably  failed,  until  Dr. 
Royle  hit  npon  the  soap  and  wax  process.  Collodion  for  healing  the 
points  or  ends  of  cuttings  is  also  a  modern  practice  to  prevent 
"  bleeding  "  and  exclude  air.  There  is  a  valuable  substance  in  use 
throughout  the  N.W.  Himalayan  Alps  for  roofiug  dwellings  and 
granaries — i.e.,  Birch  bark  ;  this  tough  pliable  product  I  found  far 
superior  to  any  kind  of  paper  or  cloth  as  a  wrapper.  The  plaut 
collector  spreads  a  quantity  of  fresh  damp  moss  on  one  of  these  sheets, 
and  rolls  the  whole  up  tightly,  using  ties  to  secure  the  parcel ;  his 
bundles  are  then  stowed  into  a  "  kilta,"  or  long  basket,  can'ied  end. 
ways  with  a  strap,  on  the  back  of  a  sturdy  mountaineer. 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 

HARE'S-FOOT   PERNS. 

(davallias.) 
The  old  genus  Davallia  is  now  broken  up  into  various  sections 
by  modern  pteridologists,  but  as  the  name  is  still  familiar  in 
most  gardens,  we  shall  adhere  to  it  in  this  case.  Most 
of  the  species  are  natives  of  tropical  or  sub-tropical  countries, 
and  produce  their  fronds  at  intervals  along  a  creeping  rhizome 
which  is  more  or  less  covered  with  chalfy  scales.  Many  of 
the  species  are  valuable  decorative  Ferns,  and  useful  cither 
for  pot  culture  or  for  hanging  baskets,  and  ornamental  vases 
in  the  conservatory  or  drawing  room.  Some  furnish  elegant 
fronds  for  cutting,  and  among  others  useful  for  this  purpose 
we  may  mention  D.  pyxidata,  D.  elegans,  D.  dissecta,  D. 
bullata,  D.  tenuifolia,  and  one  or  two  others.  The  fronds 
selected  for  this  purpose  should  be  well  developed,  and  then 
they  will  last  a  long  time  in  water. 

These  plants  grow  well  in  a  compost  of  fibrous  peat  and 
sand,  to  which  about  one-fifth  of  fresh  turfy  loam  may  be 
added.  The  pots  should  be  thoroughly  well  drained,  for 
though  Davallias,  like  most  other  Ferns,  like  an  abundant 
supply  of  water  when  growing,  they  speedily  show  signs  of 
weakness  in  a  sour  and  stagnant  compost.  Some  of  the 
smaller  species,  as  D.  parvula  and  D.  joedata,  may  be  grown  on 
the  trunks  of  the  larger  Tree  Ferns,  and  grow  very  well  in 
such  situations  if  plentifully  supplied  with  water  by  sy^i.^ging 
them  over  once  or  twice  a  day.  D.  aculeata  is  a  curious 
soandent  species,  and  may  be  grown  as  a  stove  climber.  One 
or  two  fine  species  have  been  added  to  our  collections  recently, 
as  the  stately  D.  Mooreana  and  the  elegant  D.  Tyermanni. 
D.  hemiptera  is  another  pretty  little  species,  introduced  by 
Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons,  of  Chelsea.  This  plant,  of  which  we 
give  an  excellent  illustration,  reminds  one  of  some  of  the 
smaller-growing  Lindsa3as  in  habit  and  general  appearance. 
We  shall  here  allude  briefly  to  a  few  of  the  best  Davallias  in 
cultivation  for  general  decorative  purposes. 

D.  BULLATA. — A  dwarf-growing  species  from  the  Malayan 
Archipelago,  bearing  light  green  triangular  fronds  at  intervals 
along  a  creeping  rhizome,  the  latter  being  covered  profusely 
with  reddish-brown  scales.  It  is  a  useful  Fern,  and  soon 
envelopes  the  pan  or  wire  basket  in  which  it  may  be  grown 
with  its  dense  green  fronds.  Its  elegantly  cut  fronds  are 
valuable  for  grouping  along  with  choice  cut  flowers. 

D.  ELEGANS. — Another  creeping  species  from  various  parts 
of  tropical  Asia,  admirably  adapted  for  covering  the  old  dead 
trunks  of  Tree  Ferns  or  rock-work  in  the  warm  conservatory 
or  Fernery.  Its  fronds  are  larger  than  those  of  the  last 
species,  and  of  a  bright  green  colour.  Both  this  species  and 
its  still  more  elegant  variety  D.  dissecta,  are  admirably  suited 
for  culture  in  vases  or  hanging  baskets,  being  of  tree  and 
vigorous  growth. 

D.  HEMIPTERA. — A  pretty  little  species  from  the  tropics, 
bearing  a  profusion  of  dark  green  pinnate  fronds,  which  vary 
from  three  to  twelve  inches  in  length.  It  gi'ows  very  freely  in  a 
temperate  Fernery,  and  makes  a  dense  and  effective  plant 
grown  in  a  shallow  pan.  Our  illustration  shows  its  habit  and 
general  characteristics. 

D.  MOOREANA. — One  of  the  most  noble  species  in  cultiva- 
tion, producing  gracefully  curved  fronds,  2  to  4  feet  high, 
nearly  as  broad  at  the  base,  and  of  a  delicate  pale  green  colour. 
The  large  fronds  are  elegantly  cut  into  numerous  small  blunt 
segments,  and  are  remarkable  for  the  prominent  manner  in 
which  the  sori  show  in  a  dotted  manner  on  the  upper  surface. 
It  will  make  a  grand  exhibition  plaut,  and  grows  vigorously 
in  an  intermediate  temperature. 

D.  PARVULA. — This  is  a  very  dwarf  species,  of  Liliputian  pro- 
portions, but  useful  for  growing  on  a  block  of  wood,  or  on  the 
stem  of  a  tree  Fern.  Its  small,  dark  green,  finely-cut  fronds 
are  about  an  inch  long,  and  nearly  as  broad  at  the  base,  pro- 
duced at  short  intervals  along  a  slender  rhizome.  This  little 
plant  is  a  native  of  Borneo,  whence  it  was  sent  to  Messrs. 
Voitcli  by  their  enthusiastic  collector,  ]\Ir.  Thomas  Lobb. 

D.  rENTAPHYLLA. — This  is  rather  an  uncommon  species  iu 
collections,  and  very  distinct,  somewhat  resembling  a  Pteris 
in  the  shape  of  its  thick  fronds,  which  are  of  a  dark  and 
shining   green  colour,  generally  divided   into  fine  segments. 


July  19,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEJT. 


47 


hence  its  speciflo  name.  It  makes  an  efieotive  plant  grown  in 
a  broad  shallow  pan,  well  elevated  on  a  compost  of  rough 
fibrous  peat  and  sand.  It  is  a  native  of  Malaga,  and  reiiuires 
stove  treatment. 

D.  TYXiDATA. — A  strong-growing  and  very  ornate  species 
that  does  well  in  a  moderate  temperature.  Its  large  triangular 
fronds  are  borne  on  dark  brown  rhizomes,  which  alVect  an 
erect  habit.  Its  young  fronds  are  of  a  charming  light  green 
colour,  while  the  older  ones,  when  thoroughly  hardened,'  keep 
a  long  time  in  water  after  being  cut.  When  well  grown  this 
plant  makes  an  effective  specimen,  especially  in  spring  and 
early  summer.  It  is 
a  native  of  Aus- 
tralia. 

D.  TENUIPOLIA. — A 

slender  -growing 
species  oF  elegant 
habit,  forming  beau- 
tiful specimens  when 
well  grow  n.  Its 
fronds  are  elegantly 
cut  into  a  multitude 
of  light  green  seg- 
ments, and  drnop 
over  at  the  points  in 
the  most  graceful 
manner  possible.  Its 
variety  stricta  is 
rather  more  erect  in 
habit,  and  Ijoth  make 
fine  exhibition  or 
decorative  plants 
grown  in  pots,  in  a 
stove  orintermediate 
temperature.  Native 
of  the  tropics. 

F.  W.  B. 


MASDEVALLIAS. 
These  rauk  amonast 
the  fiDest  of  all  Orchids, 
and  they  arc  more 
easily  grown  than 
many  less  important 
members  of  the  great 
family  to  which  they 
belong.  They  are 
plants  of  dwarf  habit, 
and  have  bright  green 
leaves,  all  more  or  less 
succulent.  The  tallest 
of  them  does  not  grow 
beyond  a  foot  high, 
and  they  are  as  free  in 
growth  as  a  plant  of 
that  stature  can  pos- 
sibly be.  Each  shoot 
sends  forth  an  eye,  and 
in  cases  in  which  great 
luxuriance  is  present, 
a  couple  of  eyes  which 
grow  on  into  leaves,  be. 
come  of  a  darker  green 
as  they  come  to  matu- 
rity;   and  when  ripe, 

so  to  speak,  the  small  pseudo.bulbs  send  forth  flower  peduncles. 
These  peduncles  rise  clear  above  the  foliage,  and  yield  one,  and,  in 
some  cases,  as  in  M.  tovarensis,  from  three  to  five  flowers. 

Harryana. — This  is  the  most  ornamental,  the  easiest  grown, 
and  the  freest  flowerer  of  the  genus.  The  flowers,  too,  are  of  greater 
size  than  those  of  its  compeers.  It  was  sent  home  from  the  country 
in  which  Veitchiana  was  found,  and  being  somewhat  similar  to 
that  kind  in  general  appearance,  in  leaf  and  foot-stalk,  it  was  con. 
sidered  to  be  Veitchiana.  When  it  came  into  flower,  however,  it 
was  found  to  be  a  most  distinct  and  beautiful  species,  which  Prof. 
Reichenbach  named  Harryana,  in  honour  of  its  discoverer,  Mr.  Harry 
James  Veitch,  of  the  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea.  It  is  as 
sportive  as  a  Pelargonium,  varying  greatly  in  colour  between  an 


Davallia  hemiptera. 


intense  purple  and  a  blood-like  crimson.     Nothing  wo  have  seen  in 
flowers  has  so  much  pleased  us  as  this  Masdevallia. 

Veitchiana. — This  was  the  greatest  prize  among  high-coloured 
Masdevallias  until  the  advent  of  Harryana.     Even  now  it  takes  first 
rank  as  a  flower,  only  it  is  not  so  free  in  blooming,  and  it  is  yet  much 
scarcer    throughout    the    country    than     Harryana,     notwithstand- 
ing that  it   has   been  much   longer  known.     It  is  one  of  the  most 
distinct  of  tho   race  to  which  it  belongs,  and   its  formation  is  more 
after  tho  rare  elephanticeps  than   other  cognate  species.     Like  the 
others,  its  potaline  segments   are   small  and  concealed  within  the 
orilico  of   tho   tube.     The  scpaline   segments   are  connate,  but  the 
dorsal  sepal  is  much  larger  here  than  in  either  M.  coccinea,  M.  Lin- 
den!,     or     Harryana. 
It  forms  a  conspicuous 
portion  of  the  flower, 
and    gives   it  a    more 
elongated    appearance 
than  it  otherwise  would 
have.   Moreover,  while 
in      Harryana     and 
L  i  n  d  e  n  i      we     have 
the  dorsal  sepal  twisted 
and     flexible    like     a 
thong,  in  this  there  is 
the   same    rigidity   as 
there  is  in  the  inferior 
sepals,      and      conse- 
quently     the     dorsal 
sepal   stands   flat   and 
erect.       The    margins 
of  all  these  sepals  roll 
back  for  two-thirds  of 
tlie      length     of      the 
flower,  counting  from 
the  dorsal  sepal  down- 
wards,   so    that    each 
flower      looks,      when 
closely  examined,  to  be 
turned    outwards    and 
backwards     like      the 
lapel  of  a  coat.     It  is 
not  an  unpleasing  dis- 
tinction, but  it  is  very 
decided,     as     all     the 
others  we  have  named 
stand  flat  to  the  face. 
Nature  has  been  more 
bountiful  to  thisspecies 
than  to  the  others,  for 
on  its  surface  are  mul- 
titudinous  crimson 
hairs   glowing    in   the 
sun  with  great  vivid- 
ness, and  imparting  a 
delightful  contrast   to 
the  orange  with  which 
the  crimson  is  more  or 
less     suffused.        The 
orange  colour  predomi- 
nates in  broad,  almost 
formal,  flakes,   on  the 
inner  faces  of   the  in- 
ferior  sepals,  so  that 
we  have  a  flower  pes. 
sessing  even  more  in- 
teresting details  than 
Harryana. 

liindeni. — This  is 
likewise  a  gem.  Its 
soft,  glowing,  puce  colour  captivates  the  eye  at  once.  Botanically 
speaking,  it  is  not  very  distinct  from  Harryana,  but  it  is  not 
sportive.  In  almost  every  case  the  tint  or  liue  of  colour  is  the 
same.  The  flower  is,  however,  much  smaller  than  that  of 
Harryana,  its  lobes  are  rather  more  divided,  and  its  dorsal  sepal 
smaller.  It  has  the  same  thong-like  appearance,  thi-owing  itself 
back  and  looking  as  if  it  would  twist  itself  into  a  knot.  It  has 
a  pure  white  eye  at  the  orifice,  and  is  also  white  at  the  neck  in 
connection  with  its  peduncle.  It  has  no  relation  at  all,  as  was 
once  thought,  to  M.  coccinea,  that  being  a  distinct  species  from 
all  others,  distinct  in  flower  and  in  growth.  We  would  not,  how- 
ever, hesitate  to  merge  it  with  Han'yana,  as  they  have  little 
else  but  colour  distinction  to  separate  them,  only  Lindeni,  so-called, 


48 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  19,  1873. 


is  poor  in  comparison  with  many  o£  tho  exceedingly  brilliant  forma  of 
Harryaua. 

Ignea. —  Thia  is  quite  a  distinct  species,  distinct  in  its  mode 
of  growth,  in  the  formation  of  its  flower,  and  in  other  minor  charac- 
teristics. It  is  the  nearest  approach  to  a  scarlet  which  we  have  in 
the  family,  not  oven  excepting  coooinea,  which  has  much  of  the  orange- 
scarlet  about  it ;  iguea,  however,  is  as  fiery  in  appearance  as  its  name 
would  betoken.  Like  the  others,  it  is  monosepalons,  and,  like  them 
too,  it  has  very  minute  petals,  lip,  and  column.  These  last  parts  are 
more  completely  concealed  than  in  any  of  the  other  species  by  the 
dorsal  sepal ;  instead  of  being  thrown  back  as  in  the  others,  it  bends 
forward  and  stands  parallel  to  the  inferior  sepals  nndenieath  it.  This 
is  a  marked  characteristic  in  this  species,  although  in  regard  to  form 
it  is  much  like  Harrj-ana  and  Lindeni. 

Coecinea. — This  is  the  shyest  flowerer  of  the  whole  family. 
It  has  been  cultivated  in  England  for  a  quarter  of  a  century,  and  it 
would  not  be  going  beyond  the  fact  to  say  that  it  has  not  flowered 
twenty. five  times.  This  is  owing  in  some  degree  to  its  being  kept  in 
too  great  summer  heat,  as  we  find  it  flowers  annually  when  it  gets 
strong,  and  the  flowers  are  beautiful,  but  by  no  means  so  good  as 
those  already  named  and  described.  It  resembles  M.  ignea  in  having 
its  dorsal  sepal  bent  forward ;  but  it  docs  not  look  flexible,  and 
stands  at  an  angle  of  considerable  elevation,  exposing  the  orifice  of 
the  tube,  and  the  petals,  lip,  and  column,  to  the  e3'e  of  the  observer 
and  to  the  action  of  iusects.  Its  two  inferior  sepals,  although 
connate,  are  only  so  towards  the  base,  and  the  flower  generally  is 
not  so  large  as  its  more  immediate  associates.  It  will  be  still 
sought  after,  although  it  must  give  place  to  every  one  of  those 
named  above. 

Tovarensis.  —  This  is  the  purest  white  that  could  be 
imagined,  purer  even  than  that  of  the  Butterfly  Orchid  (Phalfonop- 
sis).  Its  sepals  resemble  those  of  Lindeni,  but  I'un  abruptly  more  to 
a  point.  It  is  the  only  one  of  the  large-growing  section  that  pro- 
duces from  a  three  to  a  five-flowered  peduncle,  and  it  is  the  only  one, 
too,  except  M.  infracta,  M.  ochracea,  and  snch  like,  that  will  bear 
flowers  a  second  and  even  a  third  time  from  the  same  peduncle.  It 
is  the  most  valuable  of  the  section  to  which  it  belongs,  and  grows  freely 
in  a  cool  house.  Its  habit  is  much  like  that  of  Harryana,  but  the 
leaves  are  paler,  although  in  good  cultivation  they  grow  quite  as  large. 

Caudata. — This  is  the  one  collected  by  I5ruckmuller,  that 
came  home  in  such  quantities,  and  ic  would  have  borne  his  name 
but  for  a  prior  claim  in  favour  of  caudata.  Some  of  the  varieties 
of  this  are  very  poor  ;  one  which  we  have  flowered  is,  however,  veiy 
good,  large,  beautifully  spotted,  and  altogether  captivating ;  this 
form  resembles  M.  infracta,  the  dorsal  sepal  being  nearly  uniform 
in  size  with  the  inferior  ones,  and  the  orifice  consequently  wider. 
The  petaline  segments  are  much  larger  than  those  of  any  of  the 
family,  and  so  is  the  labellnm.  Its  colour  is  not  particularly  showy, 
although  in  point  of  detail  this  species  will  vie  with  any  in  culti- 
vation. The  sepals  then  are  broad  and  terminate  abruptly  in  a 
point,  the  ground-colour  is  greenish-white,  becoming  more  fixed  as 
the  flowers  get  older.  On  the  ground-colour  is  a  series  of  lines  of 
dull  crimson  spots  radiating  from  the  base  towards  the  extremity. 
The  petals  are  also  spotted  in  the  same  way,  and  the  labellum, 
which  is  jointed  like  that  of  a  Bolbophyllum,  is  covered  with  short 
dense  hairs ;  altogether  it  is  a  most  interesting  variety. 

These  species  are  the  best  in  cultivation,  and  wo  would  commend 
all  who  have  the  means  of  growing  them  to  do  so ;  and  if  they  keep 
them  cool  enough  in  summer,  and  give  them  plenty  of  moisture,  both 
in  the  atmosphere  and  at  the  root,  they  will  be  rewarded  with 
quantities  of  flowers  of  the  most  brilliant  and  captivating  character. 
All  that  has  to  be  done  in  winter  to  be  safe  is  never  to  allow  the 
thermometer  in  the  frame  or  greenhouse  in  which  these  plants  are 
grown  to  fall  below  4f)^,  and  in  no  case  up  till  the  month  of  March 
to  have  them  above  60°  of  the  same  standard.  Keep  them  hugging 
the  glass  and  out  of  the  sun  in  summer,  and  give  them  as  much  of 
it  as  they  can  get  from  November  to  March. — The  Farmer. 


BOUGAINVILLEAS  AS  POT  PLANTS. 
It  has  been  said  that  B.  glabra  is  the  only  species  belonging  to  this  hand- 
some genus  that  succeeds  satisfactorily  in  pots  ;  but  that  is  a.  mistake  ; 
for  B.  speciosa  thrives  equally  well  under  pot  treatment,  and  is  much 
more  showy  and  beautiful  thauB.  glabra.  The  latter  is  however  hardier 
than  B.  speciosa,  and  will  flower  in  a  lower  temperature.  It  should  be 
allowed  to  rest  thoroughly  during  winter,  in  the  cool  end  of  a  stove. 
In  January  it  should  be  pruned  back  close  to  the  old  wood,  just  as 
one  would  prune  a  Vine,  and  then  it  should  be  shifted,  shaking  out  a 
good  portion  of  the  old  soil,  and  repotting  in  good  turfy  loam,  with 
which  a  little  charcoal  has  been  mixed.  As  soon  aa  it  is  a  little 
established,  it  should  be  started  in  a  brisk  heat,  and  almost  as  soon  as 
it  begins  to  grow  it  will  commence  to  flower,  and  continue  doing  so 


from  April  to  August  or  September.  The  habit  of  growth  of  this 
species  is  very  compact  and  neat,  and  on  every  little  shoot  will  be 
almost  certain  to  appear  beautifully  coloured  bracts,  which  are  very 
effective.  B.  speciosa,  which  is  very  often  confounded  with  and  named 
B.  spectabilis,  differs  from  B.  glabra  in  having  very  dark  leaves, 
covered  on  the  upper  surface  with  small  hairs,  while  those  of  B. 
glabra  are  bright  green  and  quite  smooth.  B.  speciosa  produces 
large  panicles  or  wreaths  of  bracts  of  a  lovely  mauve  colour.  It  is  tho 
kind  brought  prominently  into  notice  some  years  ago  by  Mr.  Daniels,  of 
Swyncombe,  who  was  the  fii-st  cultivator  who  succeeded  in  blooming 
this  beautiful  species  in  England.  A  friend  of  mine  had  at  one  time 
a  plant  of  it  in  a  9-inch  pot.  The  same  year  in  which  it  came  into 
his  possession  he  shifted  it  into  the  same  pot  in  which  it  has  since 
been  grown  for  the  past  six  years.  The  fh'st  year  it  bloomed  very 
shyly  indeed,  but  the  year  following,  and  up  to  the  present  time  it  has 
flowered  abundantly — so  much  much  so,  that  at  times  it  has  been 
foand  necessary  to  cut  away  several  panicles  of  flowers  to  make  room 
for  others,  so  freely  were  they  produced,  and  they  averaged  2  feet 
in  length,  and  the  bracts  were  finely  coloured.  The  mode  of  treatment 
pursued  differs  but  little  from  that  followed  in  the  case  of  B.  glabra, 
only  it  is  never  allowed  to  lose  all  its  foliage,  as  in  the  case  of  the 
last-named  kind.  The  same  soil  is  used  for  potting  purposes;  and 
during  the  time  the  plant  is  in  flower,  which  is  from  the  beginning  of 
-ipril  till  the  end  of  June,  it  is  placed  in  a  cool  conservatory.  When 
it  has  done  blooming  it  is  taken  to  the  stove  to  induce  it  to  make  and 
also  to  rij^en  its  growth ;  a  point  of  much  importance  with  this  as 
well  as  with  other  kinds  of  hard-wooded  plants.  About  February  or 
early  in  March  a  dressing  of  similar  soil  to  that  in  which  it  wag 
potted  is  given.  When  it  commences  to  make  growth  it  is  kept  well 
watered,  and,  when  the  bracts  begin  to  colour,  plenty  of  manure, 
water  is  given  till  they  become  fully  expanded  ;  then  it  is  withheld, 
and  only  clear  water  is  administered.  The  reason  why  B.  speciosa 
frequently  fails  when  cultivated  in  pots  is  because  it  is  kept  too  dry 
and  not  allowed  to  make  free  growth.  A  spherical  wire  trellis,  like 
that  used  for  such  climbing  plants  as  Dipladenia  amabilis,  Cissus 
discolor,  and  similar  plants  should  be  provided  for  it,  and  over  this  it 
should  be  allowed  to  ramble  at  v/ill  during  the  time  it  is  making  its 
growth ;  and  when  tho  bracts  begin  to  exhibit  themselves  the  plant 
can  be  tied  into  shape.  B.  spectabilis,  the  kind  with  which  speciosa 
is  confounded,  has  never  flowered  satisfactorily  in  this  country. 
Mr.  Daniels,  who  has  succeeded  in  blooming  it,  states  that  the  bracts 
begin  to  show  in  November,  and  that,  consequently,  from  want  of  sun 
at  that  dull  season,  they  generally  drop  off.  It  is  to  the  cultivation 
of  B.  glabra  and  B.  speciosa  in  pots,  and  especially  the  latter,  that 
cultivators  should  turn  their  attention.  It  is  diflicult  at  times  to 
find  room  in  a  stove  to  plant  out  this  glorioua  Brazilian  climber,  but 
space  could  be  afforded  in  most  places  for  a  specimen  in  a  pot.  It  is 
a  most  effective  exhibition  plant ;  and  wherever  a  fine  example  of  it 
is  met  with,  it  clearly  proves  that  the  grower  of  it  has  claims  to  be 
reckoned  among  the  most  saocessful  and  beat  accomplished  of  plant 
cultivators.  R.  D. 


A  New  Winter-flowering  Sage.— Under  the  name  of  Salvia 
rutilans,  M.  Carriere  calls  attention  to  a  variety  of  Salvia  not  uncom- 
mon on  the  Continent,  which  he  considers  an  excellent  subject  for 
greenhouse  or  conservatory  decoration  at  a  season  when  flowers  are 
least  plentiful.  The  following  is  his  description  of  it  in  the  last 
number  of  the  Rcvne  Horticole  : — Stems  numerous,  branching,  from 
2V  feet  to  nearly  4  feet  high  ;  leaves  long,  oval,  lance-shaped, 
rounded  aud  notched  at  the  base,  with  very  long  acuminate  points, 
and  covered  with  soft  down  ;  flowers  numerous,  of  a  very  brilliant 
scarlet,  arranged  in  spike-like  racemes  at  the  extremities  of  the 
branches.  It  commences  to  flower  in  October,  and  blooms  con- 
tinuously through  a  great  part  of  the  winter.  The  plant  is  a  vigorous 
grower,  aud  succeeds  in  almost  any  light  aud  warm  soil.  Young 
plants  should  be  grown  in  a  mixture  of  free  loam,  spent  hot-bed  mate- 
rial, and  a  little  peat  soil.  Old  plants  may  be  planted  out  in  the 
open  air  iu  ordiuary  garden  soil  as  soon  as  all  danger  from  frost 
has  ceased.  Those  intended  for  indoor  decoration  in  winter  should 
be  planted  in  a  good  airy  position,  in  rich  well-prepared  soil.  Daring 
the  summer  they  should  bo  watered  as  they  require  it,  and  the  most 
vigorous  shoots  should  be  well  pinched  in,  so  as  to  form  neat  and 
compact  little  bushes,  of  regular  shape,  and  rather  dwarf  stature. 
About  the  end  of  August  they  should  be  takeu  up,  potted,  and  trans- 
ferred to  a  temperate  house.  At  this  time  they  require  a  good  deal 
of  water.  In  less  than  two  months  they  will  come  into  bloom  ;  and, 
judging  from  the  coloured  plate  given  by  M.  Carriere,  the  brilliant 
scarlet  flowers  must  be  exceedingly  effective,  and  the  plant  is  doubly 
valuable  for  producing  such  a  long  continuous  bloom  in  the  dull 
season.  It  is  easily  propagated  by  cuttings,  which  strike  readily. 
Salvia  rutilans  is  now  being  sent  out  by  MM.  Thibaut  and  Keteleer, 
nurserymen,  Sceaux,  France. 


July  19,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


49 


PAPER  PLANT  SHADES. 
It  is  often  a  causo  of  loss  to  an  amatenr,  that  he  has  not  an  easy 
way  to  sliade  a  plant  or  two,  or  a  few  seedlings  jnst  priekeil  ont  and 
put  on  tho  greenhouse  shelf.  The  little  contrivance  here  figured 
consists  simply  of  a  short  stick  with  a  scrap  of  wire  or  a  long  brad 
let  into  the  end  of  it,  the  other  end  being  pointed.  Push  such 
sticks  into  the  pots  or  into  the  nicks  of  the  shelves  of  the  top  row 
that  wants  the  shade.  Insert  other  sticks  of  any  kind  into  the  lower 
pots,  so  as  to  keep  the  shading  material  from  bearing  ou  the  plants  ; 
then  lay  newspapers  over  them,  allowing  tho  small  points  of  wire  to 
pierce  the  top  edge  of  the  paper,  which  then  falls  nicely  over  the 


Paper  Plant  Shade. 

lower  pots  and  shades  them,  while  by  merely  lifting  up  the  lower 
edge  you  can  look  at  the  plants  at  leisure,  without  in  any  way 
disturbing  the  arrangement.  A.  D-Vwsox. 


Everlastings. — What  is  the  proper  treatment  of  Ph^nocoma 
prolifera  grandiflora  ?  what  the  best  way  to  propagate  it  ?  and  what, 
also,  is  the  best  time  to  cut  the  flowers,  so  that  they  may  be  used  for 
decoration  during  the  winter? — Jvsior.  [This  kind  of  Everlasting 
ucceeds  best  in  pots  well  drain'ted  in  good  fibrous  peat,  with  a  liberal 
admixture  of  sand.  The  temperature  and  general  treatment  should 
be  the  same  as  those  given  to  ordinary  hard-wooded  greenhouse 
plants,  except  that  these  everlastings  dislike  syringing  overhead. 
They  strike  freely  from  bits  of  leading  shoots  about  2  or  3  inches 
long,  inserted  in  silver. sand  and  covered  with  a  bell-glass.  If 
required  for  drying,  the  flowers  should  be  gathered  as  soon  as  they 
are  fully  expanded.] 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GARDEN. 

Fragaria  indica.— This  plant  somewhat  resembles  F.  semperflorens,  but  is 
more  drooping  in  habit.  It  is  a  very  pretty  plant  for  a  bracket  in  the  green- 
house, or  as  a  window  plant.  It  grows  freely  in  a  m,oderate  temperature,  and 
produces  its  pretty  white  tlowera  and  crimson  fruit  in  tolerable  abundance. 
— F.  W.  B. 

Anemia  rotundifolia.— This  is  a  distinct  Brazilian  species,  which  may  be 
seen  growing  at  Kew,  and  is  interesting  on  account  of  its  closely  resembling 
the  very  rare  deciduous  Adiantum  lunulatum.  Like  the  last  named  species,  it 
has  oblong,  oblique,  curved  pinnse,  and  is  also  furnished  with  a  viviparous, 
caudate  termination  of  the  rachis. 

The  Aquatic  Fern  (Ceratopteris  thalictroides).— This  rare  and  interesting 
species  may  now  be  seen  growing  vigorously  in  the  Victoria  House,  at  Kew. 
It  has  also  been  cultivated  by  Mi\  Speed,  at  Chatsworth,  for  several  years 
past,  and  is  admirably  adapted  for  aquarium  culture.  It  grows  very  freely 
potted  in  fibrous  loam  and  a  little  sand,  after  which  the  pot  may  be  plunged 
below  the  surface  of  the  tank.  Like  the  beautiful  Aponogeton  distachyum, 
this  plant  will  grow  well  in  a  large  bell  glass  where  the  convenience  of  a 
tank  or  aquarium  is  not  at  hand. 

Orcliis  foliosa- — One  of  the  best  plants  of  this  fine  herbaceous  Orchid  we  have 
ever  seen,  if  we  except  a  fine  specimen  of  it  shown  some  years  ago  by  Mr.  A. 
Turner,  of  Leicester,  was  one  exhibited  by  Mr.  T.  Ware,  at  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society's  Show  at  Bath,  The  leafy  stems  of  this  plant  were  about  2  feet 
high,  each  bearing  at  its  apes  a  dense  spike  of  large  puii^le  flowers.  The  plant 
was  in  a  fresh  and  healthy  state,  being  furnished  with  a  profusion  of  healthy 
foliage.  It  is  a  native  of  Madeira,  but  does  well  in  a  cool  greenhouse,  potted  in 
a  compost  of  turfy  loam  and  peat,  the  pot  being  thoroughly  well  drained. — B. 

Cordyline  Banksii. — This  is  grown  chiefly  for  the  beauty  of  its  leaves,  but 
I  have  just  now  two  plants  of  it  flowering  lieautifuUy  in  my  conservatory,  to 
which,  in  that  condition,  they  are  great  ornaments.  They  are  planted  out  in  a 
border  of  good  loam,  are  of  medium  size,  and  well  furnished  with  healthy 
foliage.  Each  has  produced  great  branched  panicles  of  pure  white  flowers, 
that  are  at  once  graceful  and  showy.  These  plants  have  received  no  special 
care  since  they  were  planted  out  last  year,  and  the  temperature  of  the  con- 
servatory is  only  kept  from  falling  under  the  freezing  point  in  winter. — 
WlLLIASt  Egliwgxon. 


THE    GARDEN    GUIDE. 

SUFFOLK. 
THORNHAM  HALL. 
Tn)s  stands  in  a  well-wooded  park,  containing  about  -1,000  acres. 
Tho  Oaks  and  other  timber  trees  growing  here  are  old  and  fine,  and 
the  whole  place  possesses  an  air  of  nobility  and  grandeur.  The  gardens 
and  grounds  are  extensive  and  varied,  comprehending  a  variety  of 
styles  of  furnishing ;  such  as,  for  instance,  a  geometrical  flower- 
garden  under  tho  windows,  scroll-gardens  in  Box,  mixed  flower, 
garden,  Rosery,  avenue  of  turf,  groups  of  shrubs,  and  choice  trees — a 
succession  of  distinct  scenes  of  beauty,  each  differing  from  the  others. 
Then  there  are  old-fashioned  conservatories,  verandahs,  and  covered 
ways  leading  into  the  kitchen  garden,  where  there  is  a  nice  range  of 
glass  well  filled  with  flowering  plants.  Grapes,  Peaches,  Melons,  &c. 
Dinner-table,  room,  and  staircase  decorations  have  long  been  a  great 
feature  at  Thornham  Hall,  and  great  quantities  of  plants  are  specially 
grown  for  that  purpose.  Wo  saw  here  the  finest  lot  of  Poinsettia  and 
Euphorbia  jaquinia^flora  that  we  have  ever  seeu.  The  fruit  and 
vegetable  departments  are  carefully  managed,  the  walls  are  well 
furnished,  and  the  fruit  houses  likewise. — The  Earl  of  Hartesmere 
(Lord  Henniker)  ;  gardener  Mr.  John  Perkins.  Three  miles  and  a 
half  south-west  of  Eye. 

GLEVERING  HALL. 
This  is  a  substantial  brick  mansion,  standing  in  a  large  park  near 
Wickham  Market,  and  surrounded  by  nice  gardens  and  extensive 
pleasure  grounds.  The  park  is  comparatively  modern,  and  is  well 
wooded;  and  great  pains  were  taken  some  years  since  to  get  the 
common  Furze  established  in  large  patches  all  over  it  as  covert.  Ou 
the  south  side  of  the  house  is  a  geometrical  flower  garden ;  on  the 
west  a  smooth  lawn,  and  on  a  higher  level,  standing  at  right  angles 
to  the  house,  is  a  noble  architectural  span-roofed  conservatory,  with 
a  cupola  on  the  top — a  conspicuous  object  in  the  surrounding 
scenery.  There  is  here  a  Taxodium  sempervireus  iO  feet  high,  and 
6  feet  in  girth  1  foot  from  the  ground.  The  conservatory  generally 
contains  some  of  the  finest  specimen  Camellias  and  Rhododendrons  to 
be  seen  in  this  county.  The  kitchen  gardens  here  have  long  been 
celebrated  for  tho  excellence  of  their  Pear  trees  on  the  walls. — 
Occupied  by  Colonel  Charteris ;  gardener,  Mr.  Hill.  One  mile  from 
Wickham  Market,  six  miles  from  Woodbridge. 

HIGH  HOUSE,  CAMPSEY  ASH. 

This  is  a  quaint  old  building,  almost  surrounded  on  two  sides  by 
canals,  evidently  the  remains  of  a  moat  almost  universal  around ' 
old  houses  in  East  Anglia.  Even  the  best  of  farm  houses  have  traces 
of  moats.  In  front  of  the  house  is  a  bowling-green,  enclosed  by  a 
Yew  hedge,  thick,  dense,  and  high.  The  top  is  finished  with  gro. 
tesque  figures  cut  out  of  the  Tew.  This  curious  hedge  makes  the 
bouse  look  older  than  it  really  is.  There  are  also  some  very  fine  far- 
reaching  Cedars  of  Lebanon  upon  the  lawn,  probably  the  oldest  in 
the  county,  tho  branches  of  which  are  supported  and  bound  toge- 
ther with  iron  bars,  clasps,  and  chains.  Roses  do  exceedingly 
well  at  Campsey  Ash,  and  quantities  of  them  are  grown  in  borders 
and  in  beds.  Double  hardy  Primroses  were  largely  grown  at  one 
time  in  these  gardens,  especially  the  claret,  or  bright  purple  kinds. 
The  flower  garden  and  lawn  are  pretty,  and  the  kitchen  garden 
fruitful  and  close  at  hand.  There  are  also  some  nice  plant  and  fruit 
houses. — J.  G.  Sheppherd,  Esq. ;  gardener,  Mr.  Keen.  Two  miles 
east  of  Wickham  Market,  six  miles  N.N.E.  of  Woodbridge. 
RENDLESHAM  HALL. 

This  niausion  is  surrounded  by  far-reaching  shrubberies,  extensive 
lawns,  and  glowing  flower  gardens.  The  position  is  somewliat  flat, 
but  remarkably  well  wooded.  The  kitchen  gardens  have  long  been 
celebrated  for  their  fruitfulness,  and  especially  for  the  excellence  of 
the  Grapes  produced  in  a  noble  range  of  Vineries,  lofty  and  wide, 
stretching  right  across  the  garden.  Most  of  these  have  been  reno- 
vated and  newly  planted,  and  they  still  sustain  and  even  excel  their 
former  reputation.  An  excellent  collection  of  fine  Camellias  has  also 
for  many  years  been  one  of  the  finest  features  of  these  gardens. 
Several  houses  are  devoted  to  Orchids,  among  which  are  some 
fine  specimens.  Fine  foliage,  stove,  and  greenhouse  plants  and  Ferns 
are  also  particularly  well  grown  ;  amongst  others,  Adiantum  Farley, 
ense,  and  DavalUa  Mooreana  are  noble  examples  of  grace  and 
beauty.  There  are  many  plant  and  fruit  houses — some  of  the 
former  of  large  dimensions,  giving  full  scope  for  the  growth  of  large 
specimens,  for  which  Rendlesham  is  now  becoming  famous.  There 
are  few  gardens  in  the  county  more  worthy  of  a  visit.  The  new 
flower  garden  in  front  of  the  Hall  is  remarkably  well  furnished, 
and  indoors  the  lover  of  plants,  especially  of  Orchids,  will  find  much 
to  admire. — Lord  Rendlesham ;  gardener,  Mr.  Mills.  Five  miles 
north-east  of  Woodbridge,  three  miles  south-east  of  Wickham  Market, 
the  station  being  within  about  two  miles. 


50 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  l^,  1873. 


GARDEN     DESTROYERS. 

WIKEWORMS  AND  GRUBS. 
DuniN'G  last  ppring  I  added  a  piece  of  new  meadow  land  to  my 
kitchen  garden,  and  find  now  that  it  is  so  infested  with  wirewornis 
and  brown  grubs,  which  destroy  all  my  young  Cauliflower  and  Cabbage 
plants,  as  to  render  my  new  garden  useless.  How  can  I  destroy 
them  ? — W.  [These  vermin  are  always  destructive  to  vegetation  ; 
that  is  to  say,  every  kind  of  vegetable  planted  on  newly  broken-up 
pasture  or  old  turf-land  is  sure  to  suffer  from  wireworm,  if  not  per- 
severingly  attended  to  for  the  first  two  j-earg  afterwards  with  tolcr. 
ably  liberal  dredgings  of  salt,  at  the  rate  of  6  cwt.  to  8  cwt.  per  acre, 
when  the  weather  is  cloudy  and  rainy,  and  constant  surface  stirring 
of  the  soil,  with  hand  scarifying  or  methodical  hoeing  on  fine  dry 
days,  no  matter  how  often  it  is  performed,  in  order  to  well  intermix 
and  incorporate  the  soil.  The  treatment  described,  however,  will 
very  soon  eradicate  the  grub  and  wireworm,  and  wonderfully  improve 
the  growth  and  health  of  all  kinds  of  garden  vegetation.  At  the 
same  time,  if  any  part  of  the  ground  is  pretty  well  covered  with  grow- 
ing vegetation,  and  it  is  not  convenient  to  sow  or  cast  on  the  salt  in 
a  regular  way  evenly  all  over  the  surface,  sow  over  and  amongst  the 
crops  broken-up  or  small  pieces  and  dust  of  linseed  oilcake.  This 
the  wireworms  will  eat,  and  then  swell  up  and  burst  ;  but  salt  is  the 
masterpiece  to  clear  such  vermin  permanently.  It  will  very  soon  do 
so  if  methodically  applied,  and  will  also  improve  the  soil  for  a  luxu- 
riant vegetation  for  the  future.  As  soon  as  any  crop  is  cleared, 
apply  a  dredging  of  salt  and  fresh  air-slaked  hot  lime  ;  give  the  sur- 
face a  good  deep  scarifying ;  fork,  and  tumble  it  np  into  rough 
ridges,  in  width  according  to  the  crop  intended  to  be  planted,  and  plant 
or  sow  half-way  up  the  ridges  on  one  or  both  sides,  or  on  every  other 
ridge,  according  to  the  distance  you  wish,  thus  affording  a  convenience 
not  only  of  observing  the  ravages  of  any  stray  wireworm  or  grub,  but 
exposing  a  good  deal  of  the  earth's  surface  to  atmospheric  influence ; 
pulverise  it  afterwards,  and  hoe  and  scarify  it  down  in  a  healthy 
state,  so  as  to  torment  the  enemy.  Nevertheless,  the  best  way,  as 
I  have  long  ago  experienced  in  practice,  is,  in  taking  into  use  or 
breaking  up  old  pastures,  either  for  garden  or  farm,  first  to 
dredge  the  surface  with  salt  previous  to  putting  plough,  fork,  or 
spade  into  it,  and  folding  sheep  on  it  for  two  or  three  nights,  apply- 
ing a  dredging  of  salt  at  the  rate  of  4  cwt.  or  5  cwt.  to  the  acre  each 
day,  evenly  all  over  it,  and  I  have  never  afterwards  been  troubled 
with  a  wireworm,  grub,  femfly,  or  cockchafer — all  terrible  enemies  to 
the  gardener  and  farmer.  I  have  grown  afterwards  the  most  extra- 
ordinary crops  of  Mangolds,  Swedes,  Turnips,  Cow  Cabbage,  Clover, 
and  Trifoliums  ever  seen  on  the  farm,  and  eveiy  kind  of  vegetable  in 
the  garden — clean,  crisp,  luxuriant,  and  heavy.  These  vermin,  like 
Couch  Grass  and  other  obnoxious  weeds,  are  sent  no  doubt  for  the 
good  purpose  of  inducing  us  to  cultivate  and  improve  the  soil,  and 
increase  our  crops  in  bulk  and  luxuriance.  Deep  cultivation,  and 
constant  stirring  the  surface  of  the  soil,  are  the  death-blow  to  all 
weeds  and  vermin.  I  have  fully  proved  it  in  practice  many  years 
since,  and  if  methodically  followed  up  our  crops  throughout  the 
country  would  soon  be  doubled. — James  Barnes,  in  The  Field. 


The  Mole  Cricket.— This  pest,  so  great  an  enemy  to  the  culti. 
vator  in  France,  is  probably  often  the  cause  of  much  damage  to 
many  subjects  without  the  destroyer  being  suspected.  M.  Souchot 
has  several  fields  planted  with  Gladioli,  and  the  moment  a  trace  of 
the  mole  cricket  is  seen,  a  workman  follows  up  the  run  with  his 
finger  till  the  spot  over  where  it  rests  is  arrived  at,  and  then  the 
hole  is  made  wide  at  top,  and  immediately  afterwards  filled  with 
water  to  the  brim.  On  the  top  of  the  water  they  then  pour  a  little 
oil,  which  gradually  descends  with  the  water,  and  closing  up  the 
breathing  tubes  of  the  mischievous  little  brute,  it  begins  to  perish  of 
asphyxia,  and  generally  comes  out  and  dies  on  the  surface  of  the 
earth.  II.  Souchet  is  so  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  destroying 
this  pest  that  even  his  unoccupied  land  is  rolled  quite  flat,  so  that 
the  tracks  of  the  insect  may  be  seen  at  a  glance,  which  they  could 
not  be  in  rough  cloddy  soil ;  and  when  its  presence  is  shown  by 
decayed  plants  in  the  thickly  planted  beds  of  Gladioli,  but  its  run 
cannot  be  traced,  the  ground  is  trodden  quite  firm  and  smooth 
between  the  rows,  so  that  its  little  pathway  is  readily  seen  the  next 
time  it  goes  to  work.  A  rough  jar  of  water  and  one  of  oil  are  always 
kept  at  hand.  Of  course  the  insect  maybe  dug  out  if  the  land  is 
unoccupied,  but  the  water  and  few  drops  of  oil  on  its  surface  is  the 
quickest  and  surest  plan,  and,  in  planted  beds,  the  only  practicable 
one. 


To  Exterminate  Ants.— Perhaps  as  good  a  way  as  any  of  exterminating  a 
nest  of  ants  is  to  dig  the  nest  open  and  flood  it  with  a  kettle  of  boiling  water. 
If  a  bushel  of  riiiicklime  is  then  thrown  in  and  the  earth  replaced  the  colony 
will  he  broken  up,  and  the  few  niits  loft  will  seek  other  <inarters. 


ASPECTS  OF  VEGETATION. 

CoNSTAUiLT  living  in  northern  latitudes,  we  form  but  feeble 
notions  of  the  extreme  vigour  and  luxuriance  of  tropical 
vegetatiou,  a  vigour  induced  in  a  greatmeasurc  by  an  enormous 
rainfall  and  the  genial  heat  and  brilliant  light  of  a  tropical 
sun.  Bathed  in  constant  heat  and  hmnidity,  vegetatiou  grows 
rampant;  flowering,  fruiting,  reproduction,  and  decay  go 
on  simultaneously,  or  follow  each  other  in  qviick  succes- 
sion. Travellers  frequently  tell  us  in  their  works  of  the 
wondrous  vegetation  they  have  met  with  in  the  tropics,  but 
it  is  not  everyone  who  cares  to  wade  through  page  after  page 
of  descriptive  matter,  and  when  we  attempt  the  task  we  often 
obtain  but  very  faint  ideas  of  the  effects  described.  It  is  not 
everyone  who  possesses  the  sparkling  imagination  and  descrip- 
tive power  of  a  Kingslcy ;  were  it  so,  the  tropics  would  be 
far  better  understood  than  they  are  at  present,  and  it  is  only 
by  the  combined  use  of  pen  and  pencil  that  we  can  hope  to 
make  various  aspects  of  vegetation  understood  by  our  readers, 
In  the  illustration  now  before  us,  we  hare  a  Mexican  scene, 
showing  a  neat  little  hacienda  snugly  embowered  in  a  strip  of 
forest  trees,  among  which  rambling  Lianas  twist  and  twine 
themselves  into  grotesque  and  weird  contorted  masses,  or  coil 
themselves  round  the  stems  and  branches  with  all  the  grace 
of  a  serpent's  folds.  Here  and  there  in  these  strips  of 
prima3val  forests,  these  Lianas  become  partially  detached  by 
the  fall  of  some  monarch  of  the  forest,  and  hang  from  the 
over-hanging  branches  of  the  surrounding  trees  in  irregular 
wreaths  of  fresh  drooping  foliage  and  bright-coloured  sweetly- 
perfumed  flowers.  Here,  in  the  noontide  heat,  flit  gaily- 
painted  butterflies — like  living  movmg  flowers — while  richly 
enamelled  diurnal  beetles  flit  to  and  fro  in  the  golden 
simlight.  In  the  foreground  of  our  picture  we  have  an 
impenetrable  fence  formed  by  planting  the  common  American 
Aloe,  or  "Century  plant"  (Agave  americana),  interspersed 
here  and  there  with  columnar  Cacti  (Cereus).  Other 
succulent  plants  are  used  for  forming  fences  and  boundaries 
in  Mexico,  one  of  the  most  important  being  Opuntia  Tuna  or 
Prickly  Pear.  Both  the  Opuntia  and  the  Agave  are  also  utilised 
in  other  ways,  the  latter  yielding  a  valuable  fibre  and  a  vinous 
juice,  which,  after  being  fermented,  is  known  by  the  vernacular 
name  of  "  pulque,"  and  is  of  a  refreshing  nature,  but  char- 
acterised by  the  odour  of  decomposed  meat.  From  this  juice 
an  intoxicating  spirit  is  made,  of  an  extremely  fierj'  nature, 
called  "  Mexical,"  or  "Aguardiente  de  Maguey."  On  the  left  side 
of  the  picture,  graceful  Palms  throw  np  their  feathery  foliage, 
and  their  fibrous  roots,  ever  seeking  for  moisture,  dive  deep 
into  the  decayed  bed  of  humus  below.  The  little  ranch  is 
nearly  covered  with  juicy  Gourds  and  other  rank  trailing 
jilauts,  and  here,  once  more,  we  see  nature  striving  for  the 
mastery  against  all  opposition.  Great-leaved  Musas  and 
rank  Grasses  occupy  the  middle  distance,  and  bej'ond  are  two 
fine  Palms,  probably  planted  as  ornaments  to  the  little 
"  hacienda "  or  planter's  house,  which  forms  a  prominent 
feature  in  the  annexed  illustration. 

We  here  see  some  of  the  picturesqtte  effects  to  be  obtained 
by  judiciously  grouping  massive  succulents  along  with  grace- 
ful Palms  in  our  conservatories  or  sub-tropical  grounds,  and 
this  effect  would  be  all  the  more  apparent  if  the  Agaves 
were  in  great  clumps  or  irregular  masses,  instead  of  being  iu 
the  monotonous  and  formal  line  of  the  fence.  In  the  picture 
before  us,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  we  have  little  else 
but  a  natural  scene  pure  and  simple,  and  one  in  which 
planting  for  effect  was  perhaps  the  last  consideration,  if  we 
except  the  pair  of  Palms  to  which  we  have  just  alluded 
Another  lesson  given  here  is,  that  extremely  fine  effects  may 
be  obtained  in  our  gardens,  during  the  summer  and  autumn 
months,  by  planting  some  of  the  strong-growing  Gourds  iu 
light,  richly -manured  earth,  and  training  them  over  any  low 
out-house  or  low  retaining  wall.  We  may  hope  that  as  our 
knowledge  of  the  varied  aspects  of  the  world's  vegetation 
increases,  so  will  the  beauty  of  onr  gardens  be  also  enhanced 
by  well-arranged  groups  of  varied  and  striking  vegetation, 
amid  surroundings  that  will  show  off  their  beauty  to  the  best 
advantage,  while  characteristic  vigour  and  simple  elegance  of 
form  shall  at  least  be  thought  as  effective  in  garden  scenery 
as  gaud3-  masses  of  colour.  F.  W.  B. 


July  10,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


61 


52 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  19, 1873. 


T  H  E    H  O  USE  HOLD. 

HOW  PRUNES  ARE  PREPARED* 
In  the  valley  of  Villeneuve-sur-Lot,  the  process  employed  for 
converting  the  Agen  Plum  into  Prunes  is  as  follows : — To 
make  good  Prunes  the  Plums  ought  to  be  quite  ripe,  so  as  to 
fall  from  the  tree,  when  they  are  collected  off  the  ground.  It 
is  only  towards  the  close  of  the  season  that  the  trees  are 
shaken  to  detach  the  late  ones.  In  the  stubble  fields  the 
ground  is  slightly  dug  and  smoothed,  and  sometimes  straw  is 
spread  under  the  trees  that  the  fruit  may  not  be  injured  by  the 
fall.  The  fruit,  which  is  collected  every  day,  or  every  two 
days,  is  carefully  washed  if  spotted  with  earth,  and  then  is 
placed  on  Osier  frames  and  exposed  to  the  sun's  action  by 
turning  frequently,  which  partly  dries  them,  and  prevents 
their  bursting  when  baked.  This  is  done  in  common  ovens, 
or  in  stoves  for  the  purpose,  and  on  the  same  frames  as  are  used 
for  the  drying.  These  are  made  of  Osiers,  or  runners  of  Cle- 
matis, tied  together,  and  surrounded  by  a  stick  which  rises 
above  the  edge  and  keeps  the  fruit  from  faUing  off.  They  are 
round  or  pear-shaped ;  the  round  ones  are  2  feet  in  diameter, 
the  others  -tO  inches  long  by  20  inches  wide. 

The  object  of  baking  is  to  get  rid  of  the  superfluous  mois- 
ture without  affecting  the  other  constituents,  and  to  keep  the 
skin  from  bursting,  and  letting  the  juice  escape.  Three 
bakings  are  usually  required;  the  first  at  a  heat  of  16.5°  to 
19.5°  F.,  the  heat  of  the  second  is  raised  to  210°  or  230°  P.,  the 
third  to  2.50°.  The  oven  is  fed  with  chips  or  straw,  and  care 
is  taken  to  close  it  completely  as  soon  as  the  Plums  are  put  in. 
After  each  baking  the  Plums  are  taken  out,  and  perfectly 
cooled  and  turned  before  they  are  again  baked.  The  px-ocess 
is  complete  when  the  Prunes  retain  a  certain  amount  of  elasti- 
city, yielding  and  rising  again  under  slight  pressure  of  the 
fingers.  It  has  been  well  conducted  if  the  Prunes  are  not 
burnt,  and  if  the  skin  is  not  broken,  but  shining  as  if  it 
were  covered  with  a  slight  varnish.  In  this  state  the  Prunes 
are  sold  by  the  farmers,  before  they  are  classed  for  the 
purposes  of  commerce.  The  Prunes  of  Tours  are  prepared  in 
the  same  way.  In  Provence  another  method  is  adopted.  The 
Plums,  placed  in  a  basket,  ai-e  plunged  into  a  vessel  of  boiling- 
water,  and  kept  there  until  the  water  returns  to  the  boiling 
state.  They  are  then  taken  out,  dried,  and  shaken  till  they  are 
cold,  after  which  they  are  placed  on  the  frames,  under  cover,  in 
sheds,  and  when  they  are  nearly  dried  they  are  placed  in  the 
sun  to  complete  the  process.  The  Brignoles  Prunes  or 
Pistoles  require  different  treatment.  They  are  the  fruit  of 
the  Perdrigon  Violet  Plum  tree,  and  are  chiefly  prepared  at 
Brignoles,  and  Estoublon,  near  Digne  (Basses  Alpes).  The  fruit 
is  gathered  at  the  end  of  July,  after  the  dew  is  off,  and  they 
are  quite  dry.  The  next  day,  women  take  off  the  skin  with 
their  nails,  and  to  prevent  their  being  touched  with  anything 
that  would  injure  them,  transfix  them  with  sticks  about  the 
thickness  of  a  quill  so  as  not  to  touch  each  other,  and  then 
run  the  sticks  into  a  rope  of  well-twisted  straw  3  yards  long, 
with  a  hook  at  the  end  of  it  to  suspend  it  from  a  cross  beam. 
The  Prunes  are  exposed  in  this  state  to  the  sun  for  four  or  five 
days,  bemg  placed  at  night,  or  when  it  raius,  under  cover  in  a 
dry  place ;  when  the  Prunes  no  longer  adhere  to  the  sticks 
they  are  drawn  off  and  stoned.  They  are  next  flattened  and 
placed  on  the  frames.  When  they  are  nearly  dried  they  are 
again  pressed  and  exposed  to  complote  desiccation  in  the  sun, 
after  which  they  are  packed  for  sale. 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  HOUSEHOLD. 

Cucum'ber  Catsup.— GathDr  the  Cucumbers  when  full  gi-own,  but  before 
they  turn  yellow  ;  peel  and  grate  them  ;  let  the  pulp  remain  upon  a  cullender 
until  the  juice  drains  off ;  then  rub  through  a  coarse  sieve,  to  separate  the 
seeds ;  half  fill  bottles  with  this  pulp,  fill  up  with  vinegar,  and  keep  well 
corked.  This  retains,  in  a  marked  degree,  the  odour  and  ta-stc  of  fresh 
Cucumbers,  and  is  excellent  with  cold  meats.  'WTien  served  upon  the  table,  salt 
and  pepper  are  added. 

Strawherry  Ice-Cream.— Take  a  quart  of  berries,  and  sprinkle  over  them 
one  large  coffee-cup  of  fine  white  sugar  ;  let  them  stand  for  two  or  three  hours, 
and  then  nmsh  them  up  fine,  and  S(|ueeze  out  the  juice  through  a  strong  cloth. 
Add  another  large  cup  of  sugar  to  this  juice,  and  then  stir  in  one  quart  of  pure 
sweet  cream,  or  a  pint  and  a  half  of  cream  and  the  beaten  whites  of  three  eggs. 
Mix  all  together  and  freeze,  and  when  half  frozen,  turn  in  one  pint  of  fresh 
berries  .and  freeze  stiff.  The  juice  should  be  made  very  sweet,  or  else  it  will 
curdle  the  cream. 

♦  From  Da  Breuil's  "Ar-bres  Fruitiera."     Translated  by  T.  Ogier  Ward,  M.A. 


PLANTS  FOR  BASKETS. 

Neatly  arranged  baskets  of  trailing  plants,  flowers,  and  Ferns 
always  produce  a  good  and  pleasing  effect  when  growing  either 
in  a  conservatory,  in  a  window,  or  out  of  doors  suspended 
from  a  balcony  or  verandah.  In  the  conservatory,  baskets 
suspended  from  the  roof  catch  the  eye.  Fresh  foliage  and 
slender  stems,  with  a  few  flowers  interspersed  to  give  colour, 
refresh  the  cj'e,  and  at  the  same  time  relieve  the  monotony  of 
architectural  details.  We  have  abundant  materials  for  basket 
flowers  of  all  kinds,  either  hardy  or  tropical,  and  the  greatest 
wonder  is  that  we  so  seldom  meet  with  nicely  arranged  baskets 
of  plants  in  our  gardens  and  greenhouses.  In  the  large  con- 
servatory at  Chatsworch,  the  baskets  are  now  at  their  best, 
and  a  valuable  lesson  on  this  kind  of  ornamental  gardening 
may  be  learned  from  the  grand  examples  to  be  seen  there  all 
the  year  round.  It  is  said  that  "  example  is  better  than 
precept,"  and  if  any  of  our  readers  would  like  to  see  hanging 
baskets  really  well  done,  we  cannot  do  better  than  recommend 
them  to  visit  Chatsworth  for  that  purpose.  " 

BASKETS    IN    THE    CONSEKVATORY. 

For  this  purpose  we  can  use  the  smaller  Ferns,  slender 
Maiden-hairs  for  the  dense  fresh  green  undergrowth,  so  to 
speak,  and  the  bolder  Platyceriums  or  Stag's-horn  Ferns, 
together  with  Cyrtomiums,  large-leaved  Adiantums,  and 
Aspleniums  for  variety  and  contrast.  Among  the  larger 
Ferns  for  baskets,  we  may  notice  Nephrolepis  Davallioides  as 
being  a  very  effective  drooping  species  when  well  grown  ; 
Polypodium  subauriculatum  is  another  first-rate  pendulous 
species,  drooping  6  or  7  feet  below  the  basket  when  fully 
developed.  Platycerium  alcicorne  is  a  noble  and  distinct 
basket  Fern,  and  does  well  planted  in  peat  and  living 
sphagnum,  and  liberally  watered.  When  making  vip  these 
baskets  in  spring  and  autumn,  it  is  as  well  to  make  provision  with 
a  good  body  of  soil,  otherwise  the  trouble  of  constant 
watermg  will  soon  be  deemed  a  nuisance ;  but  when  a  good 
body  of  soil  gets  overgrown  with  Ferns,  Selaginellas, 
Isolepis,  Ficus  repens,  and  other  creeping  and  trailing 
plants,  one  or  two  good  waterings  every  week  will  be  found 
sufficient.  Nice  baskets  may  be  made  up  with  various  fresh 
green  Ferns,  among  which  tubers  of  Achimenes  may  be  planted, 
and  a  few  rooted  cuttings  of  Iresine  Herbstii.  The  latter 
plant  grows  freely,  and  its  port-wine-coloured  leaves  are  very 
effective  among  green-leaved  plants,  when  suspended  near  the 
glass.  Hoyas  and  iEschynanthus  make  nice  plants  for 
basket-work,  and  Begonia  foliosa,  and  one  or  two  other  dwarf 
species  may  be  added  with  effect.  Pittonia  argyroneura, 
Gyranostachyum  Pearcei,  Tradescantia  zebrina,  Panicum 
variegatum,  and  Cissus  discolor,  are  nice  variegated-leaved 
plants,  and  very  effective  in  Ijaskets.  In  arranging  the  plants 
avoid  crowding,  and  try  to  get  as  much  variety  as  possible  in 
each  Ijasket,  by  arranging  slender  Ferns  and  Grass-like 
plants  in  contiguity  to  more  massive  succulents,  such  as 
Sedum  Sieboldii,  Echeveria  secunda,  and  E.  sccunda  glauca, 
or  the  larger  Ferns.  Torenia  asiatica  and  Russellia  juncea,  are 
two  pretty  stove  plants  for  growing  in  baskets.  These  arc 
now  seldom  seen  in  cultivation.  In  particular  oases  the 
baskets  have  to  be  hung  at  a  considerable  height  from  the 
floor,  so  that  watering  them  becomes  a  troublesome  matter  to 
attend  to,  and  in  many  cases  they  may  be  neglected  if  some 
simple  means  are  not  resorted  to.  In  such  cases  it  is  a  good 
plan  to  hook  the  basket  to  the  end  of  a  stout  cord  or  copper 
wire,  passing  it  over  a  simple  pulley  made  fast  in  the  rafters 
at  the  top.  The  other  end  of  the  cord  may  be  tied  to  a  hook 
made  fast  in  one  of  the  pillars,  and  by  this  simple  contrivance 
the  basket  may  be  lowered  for  watering  or  for  clearing  off 
dead  flowers  and  leaves,  and  then  drawn  up  again  and  made 
secure  at  any  height  that  may  be  required. 

BASKETS   rOB   WINDOWS. 

These  should  be  much  smaller  in  size  than  those  used  in 
the  conservatory,  and  they  will  also  require  to  be  filled  with 
half-hardy  or  hardy  plants.  Saxifraga  japonica  and  S.  sar- 
mentosa  are  well  suited  for  window  baskets  or  as  bracket 
plants.  Our  illustration  represents  a  variegated  variety  of 
the  old  S.  sarmcntosa,  a  very  valuable  window  plant.     Cam- 


July  19^1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


53 


pauula  gracilis  and  Sedum  Sicboldii  are  also  suitable  for  the 
^villdow,  and  a  plant  or  two  of  Fragaria  indica  may  be  used. 
This  plant  droops  gracefully  a  foot  or  18  inches  below  the 
basket,  and  bears  numerous  small  white  flowers  and  crimson 
fruits,  as  large  as  Hazel  nuts,  amoug  its  fresh  green  foliage. 
The  common  Lysimachia  Nummularia  (or  Creeping  Jenny  as 
it  is  frequently  called)  is  a  good  plant  for  window  baskets. 
It  grows  profusely  if  liberally  watered,  and  its  fresh  foliage, 
borue  on  gracefuUy-di-ooping  stems,  is  very  refreshing  to  the 
eye  aud  effective  in  toniug  down  the  colours  of  flowering 
plants  near  it.  The  common  Musk,  planted  iu  a  basket,  groTrs 
well,  aud  is  a  desirable  plant  for  its  perfume.  Flowering 
plants  of  various  kinds,  especially  such  succulent  plants  as 
the  Mesembryanthcraums  aud  Bcheverias,  may  be  added,  as 
they  grow  fi-ecly  and  require  but  little  attention.  Many 
hardy  and  exotic  Ferus  may  be  grown  iu  the  window,  aud 
one  of  the  prettiest  little  plants  for  this  purpose  is 
Asplonium  flabelliforme.  Iu  making  up  window  baskets,  it 
is  best  not  to  employ  plants  of  a  tender  or  uncertain  nature, 
but  rather  to  rely  on  good  old  hardy,  or  herbaceous  kinds, 


Sasifraga  gx'own  in  a  basket. 

which  grow  and  flower  with  but  a  little  ordinary  care  and 
attention. 

BASKETS   POR   THE    BALCONY   AND    VERANDAH. 

If  the  balcony  or  vei'andah  is  nicely  clothed  with  Honey- 
suckles, Vu'ginian  Creepers,  Hops,  Ivy,  or  climbing  Koses, 
all  that  is  required  to  give  it  a  finishing  touch,  and  complete 
the  whole,  is  a  basket  or  two  hung  between  the  pillars.  These 
baskets  may  be  made  of  "  virgin  "  cork,  or  rustic  varnished 
wood-work.  These  may  be  covered  with  small-leaved  Ivies, 
both  green  aud  variegated,  and  bedding  plants,  such  as  blue 
Lobelias,  Nasturtiums,  or  Iresine.  Many  hardy  British  jjlants 
may  also  be  used  with  good  eif  ect,  such  as  the  Creeping  Jenny 
or  Moneywort,  previously  recommended  for  windows.  Vari- 
ous succulents,  such  as  Sedums,  Saxifrages,  Sempervivums, 
and  Eoheverias,  are  very  effective  along  with  dark -leaved  Ivies 
and  other  fohage  plants.  Some  of  the  trailing  Nasturtiums, 
Convolvulus  mauritauicus,  and  many  other  elegant  drooping 
plants,  may  be  used  with  good  results.  It  should  be  borne  in 
mind  that  the  soil  in  baskets  is  more  fully  exposed  to  the  drying 
effects  of  the  atmosphere  than  that  in  pots  ;  hence,  it  becomes 
necessary  to  supply  abundance  of  moisture,  either  in  the  even- 
ing or  ea.i\y  moruing.  The  introduction  of  a  few  baskets  of 
plants  in  suitable  positions  makes  a  wonderful  improvement  in 
the  appearance  of  windows  aud  conservatories,  while  the  little 
trouble  that  is  required  in  growing  them  is  amply  repaid  by 
their  beautiful  flowers  and  the  picturesque  masses  of  their  cool 
green  foliage.  W. 


SUCCULENTS  AS  WINDOW  PLANTS. 

Many  of  these  plants  are  admirably  suited  for  window  culture, 
being  dwarf,  singular  iu  aspect,  and  many  of  them  free  flowei'ing. 
They  succeed  with  very  lictle  care,  and  look  well  all  the  year 
i-ound.  A  little  water  once  a  week  satisfies  them,  and  even 
if  one  has  a  whole  window  full  of  them,  and  leaves  them  for  a 
month,  they  will  be  found  at  the  end  of  that  time  as  fresh  as 
at  the  beginning.  Those  best  suited  for  windows  are  the 
dwarf  kinds  that  bloom  freely  aud  which  look  well  when  not 
iu  flower.  Most  of  the  Sedums,  Sempervivums,  and  Eohe- 
verias, do  well  as  window  plants  grown  in  small  pots.  Eehe- 
veria  glauca  is  an  admirable  window  plant,  its  silvery  foliage 
being  arranged  like  a  i-osette,  while  its  orange-scarlet  flowers 
are  borne  in  tolerable  abundance.  The  same  may  be  said  of 
Sempervivum  montanum,  a  dwarf-growing  and  very  effective 
species.  The  old  Sedum  Fabiauum  is  a  fine  autumn  flowering 
plant  when  well  grown,  either  as  a  window  or  conservatory 
plant ;  but  among  the  best  of  all  siTCCulents  for  window  cul- 
ture are  the  Mesembryanthemums.  These  are  dwarf  and  free 
flowering,  and  do  well  either  iu  baskets  or  ou  brackets. 
They  are  easily  propagated  from  cuttings,  and  soon  grow  on 
into  nice  little  specimens.  A  few  of  the  best  and  freest 
flowering  kinds,  best  suited  for  window  gardening  are — M. 
imbricans,  which  bears  numerous  bright  purple  flowers ;  M. 
incurvum  is  more  robust  in  habit  than  the  last,  and  has  larger 
flowers  of  a  pale  purple-lilac  colour;  M.  aurantium  bears 
bright  orange  flowers  aud  looks  vei-y  distinct  in  contrast  with 
the  purple-flowered  species;  M.  deflexum  is  pale  rose;  M. 
lacerum  is  an  effective  plant,  even  when  not  in  flower, 
having  large  green  leaves  serrated  along  their  outer  edges, 
and  large  rosy-purple  flowers  2  inches  in  diameter ;  M.  glau- 
cum  bears  numerous  golden-yellow  flowers;  M.  conspicuum  is 
another  efilective  species,  which  bears  large  bright  rosy  flowers; 
M.  cruciforme  is  pale  silvery-lilac  ;  M.  spectabile  is  a  plant  of 
good  habit,  having  glaucous  three-edged  foliage,  and  bearing 
numerous  large  bright  purple  flowers  ;  and  M.  amcenum  has  a 
good  habit,  aud  bears  a  profusion  of  rosy-lilac  blooms.  To 
economise  space,  and  to  obtain  variety,  I  have  grown  two  or 
three  kinds  in  the  same  pot — such  as  two  purples  and  a  yellow, 
or,  say,  a  purple  and  white ;  combinations  which  look  very 
effective,  especially  on  bright  sunny  days,  when  all  the  flowers 
are  open.  Kleinia  repens  is  also  a  pretty  little  window  plant,  and 
its  blue  foliage  seldom  fails  to  attract  attention.  Pachyphy tum 
bracteosum  and  its  congener,  P.  roseum,  are  likewise  striking 
plants,  as  is  also  the  old  Rochea  falcata,  especially  when  in 
flower.  Gasterias  grow  well  in  a  sunny  window,  more  par- 
ticularly G.  verrucosa,  and  a  plant  of  the  Aloe  variegata, 
"  The  partridge-breasted  Aloe,"  as  it  is  frequently  called  in 
country  districts,  may  be  introduced  for  variety.  Several 
varieties  of  Phyllocactus  grow  well  and  flower  freely  under 
window  treatment,  such  as  P.  Jenkinsii,  P.  nitens  (a  white 
flowered  variety) ,  and  others.  Cereus  speciosissimus  also  makes 
an  effective  flowering  plant,  though  rather  too  spiny,  and  apt 
to  get  too  large  for  most  windows.  Among  the  Sempervivums 
we  have  many  kinds  suitable  for  window  culture,  such  as  S. 
BoUii,  S.  tabulajforme,  S.  tubulare,  S.  arboremn,  and  its  varie- 
gated variety ;  S.  tectorum,  and  the  purple-tipped  S.  californi- 
cum.  Some  of  the  Mamillarias  aud  Echuiocacti  do  very  well, 
and  occasionally  flower  in  windows,  forming  effective  objects, 
though  their  flowers  are  rather  fugacious.  Cereus  flagelli- 
f ormis  is  an  old  and  useful  window  plant,  either  for  suspending, 
or  as  a  bracket  plant  iu  positions  where  its  long  cylindrical 
tail-like  stems  can  hang  downwards.  This  plant  does  well 
grafted  on  Cereus  speciosissimus,  and,  when  thoroughly  esta- 
blished, flowers  profusely  in  the  spring  and  summer  months.  I 
have  noticed  a  plant  in  a"oottage  window  at  Tumham  Green  for 
these  last  seven  or  eight  years,  and  when  in  full  bloom  it  forms 
a  striking  object.  Some  of  the  smaller  Agaves  or  American 
Aloes  are  very  effective  as  wiudow  plants,  and  assist  in  adding 
variety  of  form  to  the  collection. 

Succulents  are  very  easily  grown  in  a  fresh  sweet  compost 
of  fibrous  loam,  broken  crocks,  and  coarse  sand,  taking  care  to 
drain  the  pots  thoroughly,  so  that  all  superfluous  moisture  may 
readily  escape.  Especial  care  should  be  taken  not  to  over-pot 
them,  as,  for  obvious  reasons,  the  smaller  the  pots  the  better. 
They  should  be  exposed  to  the  light  and  sun  as  much  as  pos- 


54 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[July  19, 1873. 


sible,  especially  during  the  dull  winter  months,  and  water  must 
bo  spariugly  administered  in  winter,  as  the  surest  way  of 
killing  Succulents  is  over-watering  them  during  dull  cold 
weather.  Most  Succulents  are  easily  propagated  by  means  of 
cuttings  or  ofl-sets.  In  some  cases,  as  the  Pachyphytum  for 
example,  the  lower  leaves  may  be  taken  off  and  inserted  in 
silver  sand,  where  they  will  soon  strike  root.  Most  of  the 
.Sempervivums  throw  up  olf-sets,  and  the  latent  buds  on 
Mamillarias  and  Echinoeacti  dcvelope  themselves  into  young 
plants,  which  if  removed  and  placed  on  a  pot  of  light  sandy 
soil  soon  root  and  form  plants.  I  had  nearly  forgotten  to  allude 
to  a  fine  old-fashioned  window  plant,  viz.,  Crassula  lactca,  a 
tolerably  robust  species,  that  bears  a  profusion  of  pure  white 
stellate  flowers  all  through  the  winter  season,  without  any 
kind  of  forcing.  F.  W.  B. 


nimy  Ferns  indoors. — I  have  two  or  three  Fern  cases  which 
I  wish  to  furnish,  and  shall  bo  glad  if  you  will  kindly  mention  a  few 
of  the  filmy  kinds  most  suitable  for  the  imrpose. — Harriet  E.  [For 
a  dark,  close,  and  moist  case  tlio  best  of  all  plants  are  the  Killarney 
Fern  (Trichomanes  radicans),  Trichomanes  reniforme,  the  beautiful 
New  Zealand  filmy  Ferns  with  the  transparent  leaves,  several  of  the 
New  Zealand  HymenophjUums,  Todea  superba  pellncida,  and  the 
two  little  British  Hymenophylluma,  Wilson!  and  Tunbridgense. 
These  last  form  very  interesting  and  beautiful  plants  for  a  case ; 
their  very  texture  seems  fitted  for  the  close,  moist,  and  shady  oondi. 
tion  of  an  indoor  fernery.  They  should  be  grown  on  a  mixture  of 
fibry  sandy  peat  and  broken  sandstone,  the  whole  pressed  pretty 
firm  and  thoroughly  drained.  Plants  to  be  kept  moderately  moist  at 
all  seasons.  We  have  seen  the  Killarney  Fern  do  well  planted  in  a 
pot,  well  drained,  and  covered  with  a  large  bell-glass  just  fitting 
closely  within  the  rim  of  the  pot.] 

Drying  Flowers  in  Natural  Colours.— A  wooden  bos  must 
be  procured,  deep  enough  for  the  flowers  to  stand  np  in  without 
crushing  ;  and  in  this  they  must  be  fastened  upright,  either  by 
means  of  fine  wire  or  cotton  drawn  round  the  stems  to  the  sides  of 
the  box.  The  flowers  should  be  freshly  cut,  but  not  wet.  Take 
silver  sand,  and  wash  it,  to  remove  all  organic  matter;  dry  it 
thoroughly,  and  wash  again  and  again,  till  nothing  but  pure  sand  is 
left,  and  dry  it  perfectly.  Thou  gently  pour  the  sand  into  the  box  with 
the  flowers,  taking  care  that  it  supports  the  leaves,  twigs,  petals,  &c., 
and  does  not  crush  them.  This  is  a  troublesome  part  of  the  process, 
as  the  sand  must  be  poured  in  so  very  gradually,  until  the  flowers 
are  perfectly  sun-ounded  ;  and  then  proceed  to  pour  a  layer  over  the 
surface  till  quite  covered.  Leave  the  box  in  a  place  where  it  will 
not  be  disturbed  for  at  least  a  fortnight,  when  the  sand  will  have 
absorbed  all  the  moisture  of  the  flowers,  and  may  be  gently  poured 
off.  White  flowers  seldom  answer  well,  as  they  will  turn  yellow. 
Cup  flowers  are  best,  but  not  double  flowers  or  roses. — [Have 
any  of  our  readers  found  this  somewhat  tronblesome  method 
answer  ?] 

Cinerarias  as  Window  Plants.— These  form  useful  orna- 
ments for  windows,  or  for  any  position  in  which  they  can  be  kept 
cool,  have  a  free  circulation  of  air,  and  are  near  the  light.  They 
may  be  readily  raised  from  seed,  indeed  they  reproduce  themselves 
freely  from  self-sown  seeds  if  they  are  allowed  to  ripen  and  drop  on 
the  soil  in  the  pots  in  which  the  parent  plants  are  growing,  or  on  the 
soil  surrounding  them.  They  require  a  rich  compost  to  grow 
in,  such  as  two  parts  yellow  loam,  one  of  leaf  mould,  and  one  of 
thoroughly  decayed  manure,  and  at  no  period  of  their  existence  must 
they  be  allowed  to  suffer  from  drought,  though  in  winter  the  supply 
of  moisture  must  naturally  bo  somewhat  less  than  that  given  in  the 
more  active  growing  periods  of  the  season.  The  plants  must  be 
shifted  from  one  pot  to  another  as  they  require  it,  until  they  are  in 
jjots  6  inches  in  diameter,  which  are  quite  large  enough  for  plants 
that  are  to  be  kept  in  windows,  additional  nourishment  bein  gsupplied 
by  means  of  manure-water.  Strong  sunshine  is  not  beneficial  to 
Cinerarias  at  any  season,  more  particularly  whilst  they  are  growing ; 
therefore  a  north-east  or  west  aspect  is  the  most  desirable  position 
for  them  if  in  windows,  and  if  they  can  be  accommodated  on  the  out- 
side  till  whilst  there  is  no  danger  from  frost  or  high  winds,  so  much 
the  better. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

GULTUIIE  OF  THE  FIG. 
The  back  wall  of  our  Fig-house  is  18  feet  high,  wired  at  12  inches 
apart,  4  inches  from  the  wall.  Three  fine  trees  fill  the  house  ;  one 
perpetual  blue  Ischia,  and  two  brown  Turkey.  The  border  is  3  feet 
wide  and  3  feet  deep,  walled  np  and  well  drained  ;  the  soil  turfy 
loam,  fine  chalk,  road  sand,  leaf  mould,  and  rough  old  mortar.  The 
trees,  ten  years  old,  were  taken  up  from  the  open  wall  in  November, 
and  carefully  planted,  all  the  fibres  and  roots  being  laid  out,  and 
then  just  covered  with  fine  leaf  mould,  and  watered  to  settle  it  well 
among  the  fibres,  finally  filling  in  and  treading  firmly.  The  woodcu 
trellis,  2  feet  wide  to  walk  on,  was  then  laid  on.  After  the  soil  was 
settled  the  shoots  were  tied  to  the  wires,  fan  fashion,  at  9  inches 
apart.  The  trees  were  furnished  with  fine  young  simrs  and  short- 
jointed  wood,  from  9  inches  to  1  foot  long.  Stopping  of  the  young 
wood  is  seldom  required,  as  the  confinement  of  theii-  roots  keeps 
them  full  of  short-jointed  wood,  and  full  of  fruit.  These  three 
trees  bore,  the  first  year  of  planting,  upwards  of  three  hundred 
fruit  of  the  highest  and  best  possible  flavour,  which  lipened  from 
May  to  the  end  of  October ;  at  that  time  they  drop  their  leaves, 
showing  a  fine  crop  of  embryo  Figs  on  their  shorcjointed  wood 
and  stocky  spurs,  distributed  all  over  the  trees.  AH  the  wood 
is  sponged  over  with  a  mixture  of  warm  water  and  soft  soap, 
sulphur,  and  tobacco,  as  soon  as  the  wood  is  ripe,  and  the  leaves 
are  off,  which  destroys  scale  and  red  spider.  The  border  is 
kept  dry  from  the  1st  of  October  to  the  1st  of  February,  when  it 
receives  a  good  soaking  of  manure  water;  and,  subseqtiently,  a  good 
soaking  once  a  week,  till  the  fruit  is  half  swelled  ;  it  is  then  kept 
drier,  being  only  sprinkled  on  the  surface  to  keep  a  moist  vapour. 
Never  syringe  while  in  bloom,  or  the  fruit  will  fall ;  when  one  fruit 
is  perceived  to  swell  off,  then  keep  them  thoroughly  watered  twice  a 
week ;  the  second  crop  will  stand  without  mnch  trouble.  The  Fig 
house  has  a  Vino  under  every  rafter,  which  ripens  a  great  many 
bunches  in  May  and  June  ;  the  Vines  are  trained  on  the  single  rod 
and  spur  system.  There  are  three  ranges  of  roof  lights,  openings  in 
the  front  wall,  and  wooden  shutters  which  are  kept  constantly 
open  after  fires  are  over;  also  the  roof  at  top  is  kept  open,  and 
secure  against  flies  by  means  of  net,  which,  however,  admits  abun- 
dance of  air.  The  summer's  treatment  consists  in  tying  in  the 
young  wood  ;  and  after  the  second  crop  is  swelling,  to  give  the  fruit 
as  much  light  as  possible,  and  abundance  of  air  ;  shut  up  early,  give 
air  early,  and  apply  abundance  of  moisture  at  the  root ;  liquid 
manure  should  be  given  twice  a  week.  The  floor  of  the  house  should 
be  kept  constantly  moist.  Our  house  is  heated  on  the  old-fashioned 
plan  with  a  brick  flue,  which  runs  all  round  from  the  east  end,  along 
the  front,  and  up  the  back  wall ;  the  front  flue  is  on  arches,  in  a 
space  2  feet  wide.  This  front  flue  likewise  keeps  the  Vine  border 
warm,  and  starts  the  Vines  into  growth.  We  have  also  a  pit  for 
forcing  Figs  in  pots,  tubs,  or  boxes. — W.  C,  Basingstoke. 


Iron  V.  Terra-Cotta  Vases— Allow  me  to  say  that  good  terra-cotta  vases  do 
not  crack  and  fall  to  pieces  with  the  weather,  'as  your  correspondent  says  all 
composition  does,  nor  do  they  require  any  paintincf  or  sanding.  They  are  made 
much  thinner  than  stone,  cement,  or  marble  vases,  and  will  hold  as  much  soil 
as  iron  ones.  Both  m.irljlc  and  stone  are  f  rcriuently  so  thick  as  to  leave  but  little 
space  for  soil. —James  Pvlbam. 


Melon  Culture.— When  my  young  Melons  have  formed  three 
perfect  leaves,  1  stop  them  ;  and  having  a  frame  prepared  for  their 
reception,  with  not  less  than  12  inches  of  good  loam  trodden  firmly 
down  in  it,  when  in  a  fit  state  1  turn  out  the  plants,  one  under  the 
centre  of  each  light.  1  now  select  some  of  the  strongest  shoots,  and 
train,  generally,  four  each  way — viz.,  to  back  and  front  of  the 
frame,  not  stopping  them  till  they  reach  the  sides.  The  system 
of  pinching  and  stopping,  which  1  have  frequently  seen  prac- 
tised, ought  to  be  avoided,  as  it  only  tends  to  engender  canker, 
and  to  impair  the  health  and  vigour  of  the  plants.  I  invariably 
stop  the  laterals  at  two  joints  beyond  the  fruit;  this  prevents 
confusion,  and  provided  the  natural  temperature  be  properly 
attended  to,  tends  to  expedite  the  setting  of  the  fruit.  1  hold  it  to 
be  good  policy,  during  this  critical  period,  to  occasionally  sprinkle 
the  interior  of  the  frame,  taking  care,  however,  not  to  wet  the 
foUage,  and  to  shut  down  with  a  temperature  of  85'.  With  regard  to 
water,  I  generally  sprinkle  the  plants  every  afternoon  in  favourable 
weather,  and  maintain  a  temperature  of  95°  to  100".  By  pursuing 
this  method,  1  never  fail  to  obtain  an  abundant  supply  of  good  fruit, 
and  generally  two  crops  from  the  same  plants. — R.,  StaffonlsJiire. 

Hastening  the  Ripening  of  Pears.- Mr.  Stall,  an  American 
cultivator,  removed  the  earth  about  an  early  Pear  tree  eight  weeks 
before  the  normal  period  of  ripening,  for  a  space  13  to  15  feet  in 
diameter,  and  to  such  an  extent  as  to  leave  a  depth  of  earth  over  the 
roots  of  only  about  2  inches  or  so,  which  could  be  thoroughly  warmed 
by  the  sun.  He  was  surprised  not  only  by  the  ripening  of  the  fruit  in 
the  middle  of  July,  but  also  by  its  superior  juiciness  and  flavour.  In 
another  experiment,  the  removal  of  the  earth  from  the  north  side  of 
a  tree  alone  caused  the  fruit  on  that  side  to  ripen  several  days  earlier 
than  that  on  the  south  side. 


July  19,1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


55 


A  SIMPLE  FRUIT-TKEB  TRELLIS. 

Continental  horticulturists  employ  a  very  simple  and  effective 
method  of  fixing  up  fruit-tree  trellises,  of  which  the  accom- 
panying is  an  illustration.  An  upright  pole  or  stout  stake  is 
fixed  firmly  in  the  ground,  after  having  been  charred  and 
dipped  in  gas  tar  to  prevent  its  rotting,  and  to  this  wii-es  are 
attached  and  secured  firmly  to  the  ground  by  means  of  stout 
wooden  pegs.  A  trellis  of  this  kind  can  bo  erected  in  a  few 
minutes,  and  is  a,  far  more  sightly  object  in  a  garden  than  a 
row  of  clumsy  espalier  stakes  set  up  on  the  old-fashioned  plan. 


A  simple  Fruit  Trellis. 

Trellises  of  this  description  may  be  erected  of  any  height,  and 
the  distances  between  the  wires  can  be  regulated  to  suit  all 
kinds  of  requirements.  Such  trellises  are  very  useful  for  choice 
Apples,  Pe:  rs,  and  Plums.  B. 


Immense  Peach  Crops. — ^t  the  annual  June  meeting  of  the 
Peninsular  Fruit  growers,  held  at  Dover,  Delaware,  last  month,  the 

following  estimate  of  the   Peach  crop   was  marie  by  the  members 
present : 

No.  of  Bftskets. 

Stations.                                                              1872.  lS/3. 

Kirtwood 91,381  .  .  none 

Mt.  Plfasant 304,715  .  .  none 

Armstrong         130,255  .  .  20,000 

Middletowu       442,614  .  .  25,000 

Ginn's 40,835  .  .  15,000 

Townsend 37,600  .  .  1,000 

Greenspring 44,775  .  .  20,000 

Blackbird 730  .  .  730 

Clayton         153,100  .  .  100,000 

Brenford :     .     .     78,143  .  .  80,000 

Moortou       1,708  .  .  50,000 

Dover       81,305  .  .  150,000 

Wyoming 55,300  .  .  100,000 

Canterbury 420  .  .  5,000 

Bridgeville 14,001  .  .  50.000 

Greenwood 5,307  .  .  30,000 

Pelton 9,993  .  .  19,000 

Harrington 17,505  .  .  40,000 

Seaford 4,005  .  .  50,000 

Farmington       9,272  .  .  20,000 

Laurel 10,558  .  .  100,000 

From  Maryland  and  Delaware  R.  R.  .     .  103,250  .  203,000 

Queen  Anne's  R.  R ')    R±Aa<t  •  (  250,000 

Kent  Co.  R.  R j    ^^'^^^  .  {  2501000 

Dor.  and  Del.  R.  R 53,259  .  .  300,000 

Eastern  Shore  R.  R.  and  connections.      .    43,973  .  .  300,000 

Totals 2,007,576     .    .2,183,730 

Delaware,  so  favourable  to  the  Peach,  is  a  very  small  state  lying 
between  Delaware  and  Chesapeake  Bay,  and  therefore  possesses  a 
climate  a  good  deal  modified  by  the  sea.  The  basket  contains  from 
150  to  200  Peaches 


Snails  on  Garden  Walls  at  Bath.— In  the  neighbourhood  of  Bath, 
garden  walls  are  built  with  stone,  and  are  very  much  infested  with  snads, 
which  greatly  mjure  fruit  crops  on  them  ;  consequently  market  gardeners  find 
it  advantageous  to  pay  sixpence  a  peck  for  snails  to  men  who  collect  them  in 
their  haunts  at  night. — W.  F. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

THE  JERUSALEM  ARTICHOKE. 
(heliantiius  tuberosds.) 
This  is  a  native  of  Brazil,  not  of  Jerusalem,  and  not  at  all 
a  true  Artichoke,  but  simply  a  perennial  and  tuberous-roored 
species  of  Sunflower.  It  is  not  so  mucli  to  instruct  people 
"  how  to  grow  "  this  vegetable  that  we  take  it  up,  inasmuch 
as  even  Docks  or  Nettles  are  weak  compared  with  its  rampant 
vigour,  as  that  we  conceive  it  to  be  insufficiently  appreciated. 
The  Potato  has  furnished  so  many  disappointments  during 
the  past  twenty  years  or  more,  that  substitutes  have  been 
looked  for  everywhere,  and  we  have  had  a  variety  of  things 
offered,  from  the  Chinese  Yam  to  the  roots  of  Oxalises.  Now 
not  one  of  these,  taking  all  things  into  consideration,  has 
ever  approached  in  viilue  this  neglected  old  plant.  To  the 
many  it  may  appear  interior  to  the  Potato  in  nutritive  qujility, 
but  analysis  has  proved  that  it  is  so  in  but  a  slight  degree  ; 
and  the  Potato  must  be  iu  its  best  dress  and  best  condition 
to  be  more  agreeable  than  a  properly  cooked  and  prepared 
dish  of  this  Artichoke.  But  when  Potatoes,  in  .addition  to 
disease  and  wateriness,  take  to  super-tuberating,  which  they 
often  do,  then  indeed  a  store  of  this  hardy  root  becomes 
invaluable.  Where  the  slightest  knowledge  of  cookery  exists 
there  can  be  no  difficulty  iu  serving  it  up  in  an  agree.able 
manner ;  and  it  would  be  a  boon  to  the  poorer  classes  of 
cottage  gardeners  if  this  vegetable,  and  some  simple  but 
agreeable  mode  of  serving  it,  were  commonly  known  amongst 
them.  As  regards  cultivation,  it  is  often  left  aloue  in  some  bye- 
corner  to  take  care  of  itself — for  it  is  said  that  on  account  of 
the  propensity  of  every  little  tuber,  or  small  bit  of  root,  to  grow, 
it  is  not  easy  to  get  the  land  clear  of  it  when  once  planted.  If 
systematically  cultivated,  however,  it  is  as  easily  and  cleanly 
forked  out  of  the  soil,  when  ripe,  as  the  Potato  is,  but  the  frost 
will  not  destroy  any  of  the  Artichoke  tubers  that  may  be  left 
in  the  ground,  or  on  its  surface  either,  as  it  would  Potatoes. 
It  is  an  extraordinary  cropper,  and  free  from  any  kind 
of  disease,  so  that  anyone  is  sure  of  ati  abundant  crop 
with  but  little  trouble  in  the  preparation  of  the  soil,  and 
without  the  application  of  manure — which  this  Artichoke 
does  not  require.  The  only  insect  I  ever  discovered 
attacking  the  Jerusalem  Artichoke  in  summer  is  the  wasp  ; 
when  these  arc  plentiful,  in  a  hot  dry  summer,  they  will 
attack  the  succulent  stems  of  the  Artichoke,  for  about  a  foot 
above  ground,  in  such  numbers  that  if  left  alone  they  will 
suck  them  dry,  and  kill  them  in  a  short  time.  Iu  winter,  if 
within  reach  of  pheasants,  they  will  scratch  them  out,  and  so 
will  poultry.  To  grow  them  well,  solid,  and  of  a  nice  flavour, 
a  good  deep  sandy  loam,  free  from  trees,  is  the  best.  This 
should  be  well  trenched — that  is  deeply — in  winter,  cast  up 
into  rough  ridges,  to  sweeten  and  pulverise,  and  the  bottom 
of  each  trench,  as  cleared,  should  be  forked  up  with  a  strong 
fork  and  left  loose  ;  no  manure  is  required ;  plant  any  time  iii 
the  month  of  February  ;  choose  modei\ate  sized  tubers,  and 
place  them  at  the  bottom  of  every  alternate  ridge — that  is 
supposing  the  ridges  to  be  two  feet  apart— and  place  the 
tubers  two  feet  apart  in  each  row ;  tumble  the  ridges  down 
on  them  with  a  fork  roughly,  to  pulverise,  and  to  be  hoed  or 
scarified  amongst  the  plants  as  they  appear  above  ground,  keep- 
ing a  loose,  healthy  earth  surface  amongst  them  by  repeated 
scarifyiugs,  &c.  The  tubers  will  soon  grow  on  and  take  care 
of  themselves;  thus,  by  deep  culture  and  cleanliness,  the 
Artichoke  will  grow  from  ten  to  tixteen  feet  or  more  high,  pro- 
ducing immense  crops,  such  as  no  other  tuberous-rooted 
plant  will  in  our  climate.  They  are  at  their  prime  for  culinary 
use  from  the  middle  of  October  till  March.  They  are  gene- 
rally boiled,  and  served  up  with  white  sauce;  but,  in  my 
opinion,  they  are  greatly  improved  in  flavour  and  solidity  by 
steaming  them— a  good  handful  of  s.alt  being  placed  in  the 
watei-.  They  are  also  very  good  baked  in  hot  ashes,  and  when 
cut  into  slices  and  fried  well  in  fat,  in  the  same  way  as  Pota- 
toes, they  are  a  very  relishing  dish.  I  do  not  know  of  any 
tuber  so  valuable  for  feeding  poultry  and  pheasants.  In  my 
long  practice  in  their  culture  I  found  it  best  to  leave  them  in 
the  ground  where  they  grew  till  wanted;  after  being  ripe, 
cut  off  the  stalks  a  foot  above  ground,  in  order  to  know  where 


56 


TILE  GAEJJEN. 


[July  10  1S73. 


the  rows  are,  and  to  prevent  tlio  wind  blowing  away  the  pro- 
tcctint;  material,  whicli  in  winter  should  be  placed  a  few  inches 
deep  all  over  the  surface.  This  protecting  material  may  consist 
of  refuse  leaves.  Fern  mulch  or  refuse,  and  the  cut  stalks 
should  be  laid  over  it  to  keep  it  from  being  disturbed  by  the 
wind.  Thus,  when  severe  frost  sets  in,  they  are  easy  to  be  got 
at  when  wanted.  Trench  them  all  clean  out  in  the  month  of 
February,  casting  the  covering  refuse  in  the  bottom  of  the 
trenches  —  planting  between  each  other  ridge,  as  before 
described,  just  putting  the  tubers  into  the  soil  deep  enough  to 
be  covered,  and  leaving  the  ridges  to  be  acted  on  by  the  weather 
till  the  end  of  March,  when  thoy  should  be  tumbled  down 
loosely  over  them.  I  never  applied  any  manure  for  thirty 
years,  although  planting  every  year  in  the  same  ground,  and 
the  crop  was  always  most  abundant,  clean,  and  good.  By 
always  trenching  and  keeping  clean,  as  above  described,  the 
ground  always  produced  a  heavy  return  with  but  little  expense 
or  trouble. 

The  Artichoke  is  such  a  certain  and  heavy  cropper,  that  I 
often  thought  that,  considering  the  uncertainty  of  the  Potato 
crop,  a  corner  planted  with  Artichokes  in  every  small  garden 
would  supply  a  change  at  table  in  -winter,  and  the  small  tubers 
would  be  found  useful  both  for  pigs  and  poultry.  Cultivated 
as  above  directed,  the  Artichoke  flowers  freely  every  year  in 
August  and  September,  in  Devonshire ;  and,  in  long  dry 
summers,  plants  of  it  are  quite  gay  with  their  yellow  Sunflower- 
like blossoms.  James  Barnes. 


LETTUCE  CULTURE. 
To  have  Lettuces  in  good  condition,  crisp  and  well  blanched, 
all  the  year  round,  requires,  in  addition  to  the  requisite  means 
and  space,  a  good  deal  of  forethought.     One  of  the  greatest 
aids  to  good  Lettuce  culture  is  a  deep  rich  soil ;  and  it  is  far 
easier  to  make  it  deep  and  rich  enough  in  the  first  instance  than 
to  struggle  on  through  a  hot  dry  summer  on  a  poor  hungi-y 
soil,  harassed  by  the  necessity  for  incessant  watermg  to  keep 
the  plants  from  bolting.   The  first  requisite  in  Lettuce  culture 
is  a  well-manurod,  deeply-cultivated,  soil — all  other  things  are, 
in  a  sense,  subordinate  to  this — and  the  next  is  frequent  sowing 
and  planting.     Where  the  demand  is  regular  and  constant,  a 
small   sowing  of    two   or  three   sorts  once  a  fortnight  from 
March  till  September,  will  ensure  a  supply,  and  save  a  good 
deal  of  annoyance.     The  first  spring  sowing  should  be  made 
in  February,  in  a  gentle  hot-bed  if  possible ;  or  if  the  hot-bed 
cannot  be  spared,  then  a  box  or  two  may  be  sown  and  placed 
near   the   glass  anywhere,  to   be  gradually  hardened  off  and 
finally  planted  out  in  April.     It  will  succeed  the  last  sowing 
made  in  September,  and  very  frequently  the  finest  Lettuces 
of  the   season  will  be  produced  from   this  February  sowing. 
Towards  the  end  of  June  and  through  July,  sow  on  the  north 
side  of  a  wall,  and  thin  the  plants  out  according  to  the  size  of 
the  kinds  grown  ;  eight  inches  apart  will  be  sufficient  for  Tom 
Thumb  Caljbage  Lettuce,  whilst  the  larger  kinds  of  Cos  and 
Calibage  will  require  ten  inches  or  a  foot.     Sow  in  drills,  as  it 
gives  facilities  for  frequently  stirring  the  soil  with  the  hoe. 
The  thinnings,  if  desired,  may  be  planted  elsewhere ;  but  if  the 
season  is  hot  and  dry,  those  th.at  have  not  been  transplanted 
will  probably  be  most  satisfactory.     When  hot  dry  weather 
sets  in,  mulch  with  rotten  dung,  if  possible,  between  the  rows, 
laying  it  nearly  up  to  the  plants.     A  very  great  thickness  will 
not   be  necessary ;  two  or  three  inches  at  the  most  will  be 
sufficient.     This  mulching  saves  a  deal  of  labour  in  watering  in 
a  dry  summer.     In  fact,  without  mulching,  on  some  soils  water- 
ing is  worse  than  useless;  it  encourages,  during  the  time  the 
effect  of   the    water  remains,    the  production    of    fibres  near 
the  surface,  and  if  the  water  is  neglected   for  even   a   short 
time  these  fibres  perish.     Par  better  will  it  be  on  hot  soils,  if 
mulching  cannot  be  resorted  to,  to  deepsn  the  soil  in  every  pos- 
sible way,  keep   the    surface   loose   by  frequent   hoeing,   and 
discard  the  waterpot  altogether,  unless  a  regular  and  constant 
supply  can  be  given.     But  when  plants  are  mulched,  a  water- 
ing once   a    week  or  so   washes   the  soluble   portions  of  the 
manure  down  to  the  roots,  and  pushes  on  the  plants  rapidly. 
The  last  autumn  sowing  should  be  made  about  the  middle  of 
September,  on  a  warm  south  border,  to  stand  in  the  seed-bed 
over  the  winter,  as  it  frequently  happens  small  plants  survive 


a  severe  winter  when  larger  ones  pei'ish.  Lettuces  required 
for  late  autumn  or  winter  salads,  when  nearly  full  grown,  are 
vei'y  easily  injured  by  frost.  There  are  many  ways  of  pro- 
tecting them,  and  perhaps  the  best  is  to  lift  them  carefully 
with  balls,  and  plant  them  under  frames.  Lettuces  can  easily 
be  forced,  and  where  good  winter  salads  are  in  request  and 
ample  means  allowed  for  their  production,  there  is  not  the 
slightest  difficulty  about  it ;  in  fact,  there  is  no  reason  why 
some  of  the  skill  and  energy  devoted  to  forcing  early  Pota- 
toes, Carrots,  &c.,  should  not  be  diverted  to  Lettuces  and 
CauUflowors,  both  of  which  are  good  subjects  for  forcing, 
and  will  repay  any  care  bestowed  upon  them.  It  seems 
generally  admitted  the  French  can  beat  us  in  the  production 
of  early  Lettuces  ;  but  they  have  a  better  climate,  and,  in 
addition,  they  have  the  sense  to  grow  their  winter  and  early 
spring  Lettuces  under  glass.  I  am  convinced  we  have  a  wide 
field  open  for  improvement  in  our  Lettuce  culture.  Tlie  best 
Lettuces  I  ever  had  were  from  a  very  early  sowing  in  heat, 
afterwards  transplanted  to  another  bed  under  glass ;  and  I 
am  sure  the  money  value  of  a  crop  of  Lettuces  was  equal, 
if  not  superior,  to  the  same  space  occ-upied  with  Potatoes. 
When  I  had  to  furnish  winter  salads  largely,  I  had  a  four-light 
pit  that  had  two  3-inch  hot-water  pipes  along  the  front.  This 
pit,  with  others,  was  filled  with  leaves,  and  was  used  for  for- 
warding early  Strawberries,  and  afterwards  it  came  in  for 
various  uses  during  the  summer.  Early  in  October  the  bed 
of  leaves  was  turned  out,  and,  if  dry,  watered,  made  firm  again 
by  treading,  and  about  ten  inches  of  good  soil  placed  on  the 
top,  which  brought  up  the  surface  to  within  fifteen  or 
eighteen  inches  of  the  glass.  The  soil  was  allowed  a  few  days 
to  settle,  and  the  pit  was  then  planted  with  the  most  suit- 
able sorts  of  Lettuces.  There  was  a  vei-y  gentle  bottom  heat, 
and  the  pipes  could  be  used  when  necessary.  The  growth  of 
the  Lettuces  was  always  rapid  and  clean,  and  beautifully  crisp 
and  white  when  tied  up  for  a  short  time.  In  our  cold,  wet, 
foggy  climate,  Lettuces  under  glass  in  winter  are  sometimes 
attacked  by  mildew ;  but  where  there  is  the  command  of  the 
least  amount  of  artificial  heat  to  keep  the  air  in  motion  and 
dispel  damp,  there  is  not  much  trouble  from  mildew. 

E.  H. 


RADISHES. 
As  it  appears  to  be  now  almost  impossible  to  meet  with  air 
eatable  Radish  in  London,  if  one  may  judge  from  the  tough 
or  honey-combed  specimens  which  are  served  np  at  onr  best 
dining-rooms   and   restaurants,  we   have  thought  it  may  be 
useful  to  describe  the  mode  of  culture  pursued  in  France,  by 
which  one  may  any  day  in  the  year  enjoy  a  fresh,  crisp,  and 
juicy   Radish   at   Paris.      In  doing   so   we    shall   repeat   the 
instructions  of  M.  J.  Ponce,  of  Clichy-la-Garenno,  one  of  the 
most  distinguished  Parisian  market-gardeners.     The  varieties 
of  Turnip  I?adishes  most  in  favour  are :  The   Scarlet,  which 
is  the  best  of  all,  as  it  does  not  run  away  to  leaves  when 
grown  in  hot-beds ;  when   grown  in  the  open  air  it  does  not 
become  hollow   so  soon,   and    a  crop  can  be  gathered  for  a 
longer   time.     During   summer   the   White-tipped   varietj-  is 
preferred.     Other  kinds  grown  are  the  early  Rose,  the  White- 
tipped,  the  round  Violet,  the    early  Yellow,  and   the  White. 
Of    the    long  Radishes,   the  White,  early  Violet    and  Rose, 
and    the   Black   are   the.  principal   kinds   grown  by  market- 
gardeners.     Radishes  are  sown  all  the  year  round,  and  mostly 
along  with  other  crops  ;  sometimes  they  are  sown  alone  in 
drills  during  summer,  and  in  raised  sloping  beds  in   spring 
and  autumn.      The   spring   sowings   should  be  covered  with 
mats,  and  should  commence  in  January;  the  last  sowings  are 
made  about  the  9th  of  October.     The  frames  are  first  placed, 
then  the  seed  is  sown,  and  as  soon  as  the  frosts  appear,  the 
lights  are  put  on,  and  covered  with  mats  if  the  frost  is  very 
severe.     These  Radishes  are  brought  to  market  before  those 
which   are   sown  in  hot-beds  in  December    and  gathered  in 
February  and  March.     They  are  sown  along  with  Carrots,  and 
care  should  be  taken  to  give  them  air  as   soon  as  they  have 
begun   to   grow.      Sowings,    in    hot-beds   under   frames   and 
cloches,  and  in  the  open  air,  are  continued  in  January  and 
February,  always  in  conjunction  with  Carrots.     Air  is  given 
as  soon  as  it  may  be  done  without  danger,  and  they  need  not 


July  19, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


57 


be  covered  with  mats  except  in  frost.  Beds  in  the  open  air 
are  covered  by  spreading  the  mats  flat  on  them,  but  should 
there  be  in  the  same  bed  any  other  plants  to  be  sheltered, 
such  as  Lettuces,  the  mats  should  be  raised  and  supported  on 
stakes  or  a  trellis.  If  there  .ire  no  such  plants,  the  Radishes 
will  not  be  injured  by  the  mats  lying  flat  upon  them. 
They  are  sown  in  the  open  air  in  beds  sheltered  by  walls  at 
the  end  of  Januarj'  and  in  February ;  in  March  in  the  open 
ground  of  the  garden  (always  with  other  crops),  and  suc- 
cessive sowings  are  made  during  the  summer.  The  Turnip 
Radishes  require  a  good  layer  of  spent  manure ;  the  deeper 
it  is  the  finer  and  longer  the  radishes  grow.  If  sown  by 
themselves,  it  should  be  in  drills.  They  require  abundance  of 
water.  In  summer,  a  crop  should  be  gathered  twenty  or 
twenty-five  days  after  sowing.  Black  Radish  is  sown  broad- 
cast in  June,  along  with  other  kinds  of  Radish,  and  in  the 
beds  an  interplanting  may  be  made  of  Cos  or  Cabbage  Lettuces. 
As  soon  as  the  Radishes  are  well  up,  the  Lettuces  should  be 
cleared  off.  This  crop  of  Radishes  comes  in  in  autumn. 
Those  intended  for  winter  sale  are  taken  up  and  laid  in  a 
trench,  the  dead  leaves  having  been  previously  removed. 
During  frost  they  should  be  covered  with  litter.  Two  kinds 
are  grown,  viz.,  the  Violet  de  Gournay  and  the  Black.  Seed 
is  obtained  from  plants  sown  in  spring,  in  a  bed  sheltered  by 
a  wall,  and  transplanted  into  a  prepared  bed,  at  a  distance  of 
8  or  10  inches  from  each  other.  They  run  to  seed  rapidly,  and 
when  quite  ripe  the  plants  should  be  pulled  up  and  hung  on 
poles  or  trellises  to  dry,  or  they  may  be  left  on  the  ground, 
care  being  taken  to  turn  them  occasionally.  The  seed  is 
threshed  out,  and  keeps  good  for  five  years. 


SORREL. 
This  is  so  much  used  wherever  French  cookery  exists,  that  it 
is  in  no  danger  of  falling  into  the  abyss  of  things  forgotten, 
like  many  of  our  old  garden  herbs.  Being  all  hardj^  perennials, 
the  simplest  need  no  instniction  as  to  the  culture  of  Sorrels, 
but  the  kinds  differ  a  little.  There  are  three  species  culti- 
vated— the  common  Sorrel  (Rumex  acetosa),  a  native  of  Europe 
and  Asia,  from  the  Mediterrajiean  region  to  the  Arctic  circle, 
and  also  of  the  southern  hemisphere ;  the  French  Sorrel  (R. 
scutatus),  a  native  of  continental  mountains;  and  the  moun- 
tain Sorrel  (R.  montanns),  from  the  same  region.  The  varieties 
of  the  first  mentioned  kind  are  those  most  grown  in  our 
gardens,  that  known  as  the  Belleville  Sorrel  being  most 
esteemed.  Near  Paris,  where  large  supplies  of  Sorrel  are 
grown  for  market  use,  the  Oseille  Large  de  Belleville  is  the 
kind  most  generally  grown.  The  round  or  French  Sorrel  is  a 
trailing  perennial  of  a  rather  glaucous  hue,  growing  any  where, 
not  appearing  so  welcome  to  slugs,  nor  running  to  seed  so 
fast  as  the  other  kinds,  and  producing  a  large  quantity  of 
leaves.  We  have  always  thought  these  more  agreeable  in 
flavour  than  the  leaves  of  any  other  variety  of  Sorrel  culti- 
vated. Of  Rumex  montanns  there  are  two  good  varieties — 
the  Oseille  Vierge  and  the  variety  with  blistered  leaves,  0. 
Vierge  a  feuille  cloquee.  Sorrel  is  chiefly  sown  in  spring, 
either  in  drills  or  broadcast ;  the  latter  mode  is  to  be  preferred 
in  market-gardens,  as  it  will  grow  almost  as  thickly  as  in 
drills,  and  Radishes  or  Spinach  may  be  sown  among  it,  and 
Cos  or  Cabbage  Lettuce  may  be  interplauted.  However,  if 
an  earlier  crop  is  desired,  it  should  be  sown  alone.  It  may 
also  be  sown  under  frames  among  Cos  and  Cabbage  Lettuces. 
These  sowings  may  be  made  up  to  July,  but  the  spring  is  the 
best  time.  The  large-leaved  kind,  called  de  Belleville,  comes 
in  in  May,  and  of  it  two  or  three  gatherings  may  be  made.  It 
requires  a  great  deal  of  water.  In  autumn,  a  good  mulching 
of  spent  manure  is  given,  and,  after  two  or  three  gatherings 
in  spring,  the  bed  is  run  out.  Manure  and  mulching  are  the 
two  essential  points  in  growing  this  plant. 

The  Oseille  Vierge,  or  Virgin  Sorrel,  is  planted  in  borders 
in  spring.  It  lasts  for  a  very  long  time,  and  never  runs  to 
seed,  whence  its  name.  It  is  only  grown  in  kitchen-gardens. 
Sorrel  is  grown  in  hot-beds  in  the  following  manner :  It  is 
sown  on  sloping  beds  in  spi-ing.  These  beds  are  4j  feet  wide, 
and  alleys  16  inches  wide  are  left  between  them.  Other 
vegetables  are  grown  in  these  alleys,  which  should  be  cleared 
out  by  November  or  December.    At  this  time  a  foot  or  16 


inches  deep  of  soil  is  removed,  and  a  good  layer  of  spent 
manure  put  in,  then  the  frames  are  placed  on  the  beds  and 
covered  with  their  lights  ;  finally'  the  alleys  are  filled  with 
good  mixed  manure,  which  should  be  stirred  up  from  time  to 
time.  Instead  of  thus  forcing  the  Sorrel  as  it  grows,  it  may 
be  planted  out  on  hot  beds  covered  with  6  inches  or  8  inches  of 
soil,  or  decayed  Sorrel  plants  which  have  been  thinned  out. 
After  two  or  three  gatherings,  the  beds  may  be  broken  up. 
These  beds  require  the  same  treatment  as  other  beds.  To 
obtain  seed,  a  number  of  plants  are  allowed  to  run  in 
spring.  The  seed  is  gathered  in  July.  It  keeps  good  for  two 
years. 


BORAGE. 
Tnis,  although  usually  considered  a  native  plant,  is  more 
probably  a  naturalised  one,  its  native  home  being  the  eastern 
shores  of  the  Mediterranean.  It  is  a  vigorous  annual  plant, 
which  there  can  be  no  trouble  whatever  in  cultivating.  It 
often  comes  up  from  self-sown  seeds,  and  may  be  sown  at  any 
time,  though  it  will  be  most  convenient  to  do  so  with  the 
general  crops  in  March,  and  in  drills  a  foot  or  15  inches  apart. 
If  a  succession  is  wanted,  it  may  be  sown  at  intervals  of  six 
weeks  from  March  to  August.  Seed  may  be  saved  by  cutting 
the  heads  off  the  plants  before  the  greater  number  of  seeds 
are  ripe,  and  placing  them  on  a  newspaper  or  piece  of  cloth 
in  a  dry  shed  or  room ;  but  this  is  not  worth  while,  as  the 
seed  is  so  cheap.  Being  a  vigorous  plant,  it  might  be  readily 
naturalised  in  some  half-wild  spot,  and  this  might  suit  those 
who  forget  to  sow  such  small  crops. 

In  Devon  it  is  to  be  found  among  the  corn  crops  every- 
where— too  much  of  it  in  many  places  to  be  profitable ; 
however,  the  flowers  are  of  a  beautiful  and  interesting  blue 
colour.  The  young  shoots  or  tops  are  sought  for  use,  just  as 
the  first  blossoms  are  opened,  by  the  housekeeper,  butler,  and 
confectioner  for  making  various  cup  drinks  and  flavouring  and 
colouring  other  things.  J.  B. 


THE  BATH  COS  LETTUCE. 
In  pi'ivate  gardens  about  Bath,  many  sorts  of  Lettuces  are 
grown,  but  for  market  purposes  the  Bath  Cos  is  almost  the 
only  variety  cultivated,  either  for  winter  or  for  summer  use. 
Growers  for  market  are,  however,  fully  aware  that  the  variety 
of  the  White  Paris  Cos,  generally  known  as  the  Loudon  Cos, 
is  the  best  summer  Lettuce  in  cultivation,  owing  to  its 
adaptability  for  being  transplanted,  its  reluctance  to  "  run," 
its  excellent  quality  and  fine  colour  ;  but  about  Bath  no  kind 
sells  so  readily  as  the  Brown  Cos.  No  wonder  then  that  it 
has  obtained  the  name  of  Bath  Cos.  It  is  an  excellent 
Lettuce,  however,  and  the  best  Cos  that  we  have  got  for 
standing  the  winter,  and  if  bound  round  with  a  wythe  or 
piece  of  matting,  when  nearly  fit  for  use,  it  forms  a  large  fine 
heart  of  beautiful  white  crisp  leaves,  with  pinkish  mid-ribs. 
The  sowings  between  August  and  December  are  made  on 
beds,  and  the  young  plants  are  transplanted  where  they  are 
to  remain,  but  the  spring  and  summer  sowings  are  made  where 
the  plants  ai;e  to  stand  till  they  are  fit  for  use,  in  rows  from 
16  inches  to  18  inches  apart,  and  the  seedlings  are  thinned  out 
in  the  row  to  a  foot  asunder.  In  this  way,  and  by  a  careful 
selection  of  seed,  the  plants  seldom  "  run,''  and  are  had  in  use 
throughout  the  whole  summer.  Indeed,  various  fields  which 
I  inspected  in  the  last  week  of  June,  although  the  produce 
was  fit  for  use,  presented  a  unifonnity  and  freedom  from 
seeding  plants,  not  exceeded  in  the  greener-leaved  sorts.  As 
a  summer  Lettuce,  it  is,  however,  rather  unaccommodating, 
inasmuch  as  we  cannot  safely  transplant  it  when  necessary, 
and  use  it  as  a  catch-crop  in  the  same  way  as  we  do  the  Green 
Cos  Lettuces.  W.  F. 


Transplanting  Vegetables. — Instead  of  followinf^  ibe  customary  plan  of 
transplantinf,'  veu'otables  after  rain,  anfl  while  the  ground  is  wet,  transplant 
while  the  weather  is  dry.  First  make  the  holes  where  the  plants  are  to  fjo, 
then  put  the  plants  into  them  ;  fill  up  with  water,  and  pour  in  dry  earth ;  you 
will  thus  ayoid  the  bakinsj  .and  hardness  which  you  are  sure  to  have  by  working 
the  soil  while  wet,  and  that  takes  the  plant  from  a  week  to  fifteen  days  to  pet 
throus:h  before  it  begrins  to  thrive.  I  follow  this  mode  always,  and  by  planting 
in  the  evening  I  can  leave  even  Tomatoes  without  covering  in  this  climate,  and 
will  not  lose  2  per  cent. — T.  B.  Pbndleiok,  in  The  New  York  Tribune. 


58 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  10,1873. 


WORK  FOR  THE  "WEEK. 
PRIVATE   GARDENS. 

Flower  Garden— The  late  rains  have  considerably  impaired 
the  beauty  of  Pelargoninms  and  Roses,  as  well  as  the  blooms  of 
other  kind's  of  plants ;  therefore  remove  the  worst  of  them,  as  well 
as  any  decaying  leaves  that  may  happen  to  be  on  the  plants. 
Pelargoniums,  Verbenas,  Heliotropes,  and  similar  plants,  are  now 
growing  fast,  and  consequently  require  constant  attention  in  the  way 
of  pegging  down  ;  any  side  shoots  that  can  be  spared  should  be  used 
for  purposes  of  propagation.  The  finest  plants  of  Lobelias,  and  the 
best  coloured  ones  of  Phlos  Drummondi  and  Stocks  should  be 
selected  for  seed  ;  a  common  cool  frame  is  best  for  them,  and  they 
should  always  be  fuUy  exposed,  except  in  the  event  of  heavy  rains. 

The  Indoor  Garden.— In  conservatories,  thinning  growing 
shoots,  training,  tieing,  and  staking,  giving  abundance  of  water  to 
•rowing  plants,  svringing  Evergreens  not  in  flower  once  a  day, 
"ntrodncing  fresh 'flowering  plants  to  replace  exhausted  ones,  and 
maintaining  neatness  and  cleanliness  throughout  the  structure,  consti- 
tute  the  chief  operations  at  present.  Plants  of  Solanum  C.apsicastrum 
for  winter  decoration  are  now  in  flower,  and  are  best  kept  in  open 
frames  or  plunged  in  the  open  air.  Balsams  for  late  blooming  should 
likewise  be  kept  in  open  frames,  and  their  flower-buds  should  be  picked 
off  as  they  appear  until  a  fornight  before  they  are  required  to  flower. 
The  Cun-ant  Tomato  makes  a  pretty  ornament  for  the  conservatory 
and  maynow  be  propagated  by  means  of  cuttings.  Keep  up  a  succession 
of  tender  annuals  for  autumn  decoration,  and  re-potsome  of  the  Zonal 
Pelargoniums  that  bloomed  in  spring  and  that  were  cut  back  in  May ; 
they  will  make  nice  autumn-blooming  plants.  Have  a  good  stock  of 
healthy  Selaginellas,  Isolepis  gracilis,  Panicum  variegatum,  Torenias, 
and  young  Perns,  for  intermixing  with  Achimenes,  Plumbago  capensis, 
Eranthemums,  Jnsticias,  Cyclamens,  Primulas,  and  other  late  bloom, 
ing  plants.  Many  plants  can  be  made  to  flower  late  by  starving  them 
in°summer,  keeping  them  late  before  they  are  started,  pinching  them, 
growing  them  in  a  cooler  temperature  than  that  in  which  they  are  wont 
to  be  grown,  and  by  having  a  young  stock  suitable  for  late  flowering. 
Feed  Japan  Lilies  with  manure-water  until  they  are  about  to  expand 
their  flowers,  but  when  they  begin  to  bloom  give  them  pure  water 
only.  Pot  singly  rooted  cuttings  of  greenhouse  hard-wooded  plants 
in  order  that  they  may  become  established  before  winter. 

MARKET  GARDENS. 
Green  crops,  such  as  Cabbages,  Cauliflowers,  Lettuces,  &c.,  have 
been  excellent  this  summer.  Vegetable  Marrows  are  growing  fast 
and  bearing  freely ;  but  want  of  sunshine  is  much  against  the 
fruiting  of  Cucumbers.  French  Beans  and  Tomatoes  are  very 
promisTng  ;  Celery,  too,  looks  well,  and  is  making  rapid  progress. 
The  planting  out  of  Coleworts  now  constitutes  the  principal  work  in 
the  vegetable  grounds,  and  the  gathering  of  bush  fruits  in  the  fruit 
gardens.  Currants  and  Gooseberries,  as  well  as  Strawberries,  are 
an  excellent  crop,  and  Apples  look  well,  but  Pears  and  Plums  only 
moderately  so. 

Asparagus.— The  growth  of  this  must  now  be  encouraged  by 
keeping  the  surface  soil  of  the  ridges  well  loosened  and  clean. 
Cutting  must  in  every  case  be  discontinued. 

Beet,  Carrots,  and  Parsnips.— The  latest  crop  of  Beet  should 
be  finally  thinned  ;  the  ground  amongst  all  three  should  be  frequently 
hoed,  and  such  plants  as  "  run  "  should  be  at  once  removed. 

Cabbage  and  Colewort.  —  All  autumn.sown  Cabbages  will 
be  mostly  removed  for  market,  and  early  spring  sowings  will  be 
coming  into  use.  Of  Coleworts,  the  Rosette  is  the  best  for  early 
purposes,  as  it  comes  into  use  after  the  bulk  of  Peas  and  French 
Beans,  Ac,  is  over;  it  should  be  succeeded  by  Cock's  Hardy  Green, 
which  stands  the  winter  better  than  the  Rosette.  The  Rosette 
should  now  be  planted  in  ground  cleared  of  Lettuces,  Spinach, 
Cauliflower,  Cabbage,  &c.,  in  rows  lined  off  every  way  30  inches 
apart,  intermediate  lines  being  planted  between  these.  As  the 
ground  should  have  been  well  manured  and  trenched  in  the  autumn, 
it  will  only  require  digging,  rolling,  and  lining  now. 

Cauliflower  and  Broeeoli.— All  the  autumn  sowings  of  Cauli- 
flower will  be  exhausted  by  the  middle  of  the  month,  and  those  so^vn 
in  February  and  March  in  frames  will  be  coming  into  use,  and  they 
in  their  turn  will  be  succeeded  in  the  end  of  the  present  and  during 
the  next  month  by  March  open  air  sowings.  Clear  off  all  leaves  and 
stumps  and  convey  them  into  the  manure  heap.  Transplant  late 
Cauliflowers  into  a  moderately  cool,  moist,  and  shady  piece  of  ground. 
Snow's  Winter  White,  Walcheren,  and  Early  Sprouting  Broccoli, 
must  have  intervening  crops  removed  as  soon  as  possible.  The  ground 
should  be  kept  hoed  and  clean,  and,  if  desirable,  the  plants  may  be 
earthed  up.  Some  are  very  partial  to  the  earthing  up  of  crops, 
while  others  are,  on  the  contrary,  against  it. 


Brussels  Sprouts,  Savoys,  and  other  Greens. — Brussels 
Sprouts,  should  by  this  time,  have  made  good  progress,  and  Potatoes 
should  be  removed  as  early  as  convenient  to  permit  the  Sprouts  to 
have  more  light  and  room.  Transplant  a  few  more  for  a  late  crop. 
Main  plantations  of  Savoys  should  now  be  planted  ;  they  do  well 
after  Potatoes,  and  may  be  intercropped  with  Lettuces.  Transplant 
Curled  Kale,  and  other  odds  and  ends,  whenever  ground  can  be  con. 
veniently  spared  for  them. 

Celery. — Transplant  the  main  crop  in  rows  5  feet  apart,  and 
about  8  inches  asunder  in  the  row.  Water  the  plants  abundantly  at 
the  time  of  transplanting,  and  afterwards  when  necessary  during 
their  growing  season.  Some  shorten  the  leaves  a  little  at  planting 
time  in  order  to  prevent  the  plants  from  flagging ;  others  have  a 
great  objection  to  this  practice,  which  they  assert  weakens  the 
plant. 

Cucumbers. — These  fruit  best  in  moderately  sunny  seasons, 
when  a  little  shading  in  the  way  of  litter  should  be  thinly  strewed 
over  the  glass,  or  a  thin  spattering  of  whitewash  used  ;  but,  in  dull 
seasons,  a  temporary  shading  is  decidedly  the  '-est,  and  even  that 
must  not  be  too  freely  applied.  Cut  away  old  leaves,  stop  laterals  at 
every  joint  where  a  young  fruit  is  formed,  cut  away  badly  crooked 
fruits,  and  endeavour  to  straighten  those  not  too  much  bent  by 
putting  them,  when  in  a  young  state,  into  long  glasses.  Thin  the 
leaves  and  shoots  once  a  week  at  least,  and  cut  marketable  fruits 
three  times  a  week.  Water  abundantly  with  water  that  has  been 
exposed  to  the  sun  and  air  for  at  least  a  day  before  it  is  used,  and 
employ  liquid  guano  as  a  stimulant.  Ventilate  freely  during  the  day 
time  ;  but  shut  up  at  night.  Keep  down  woodlice  by  means  of  toads 
and  otherwise. 

French  Beans  and  Scarlet  Runners. — The  French  Beans 
which  have  been  raised  in  frames  should  be  in  good  bearing  eondi. 
tion  from  the  1st  of  the  month.  The  earliest  outdoor  crops  should 
produce  their  first  crop  about  the  20th,  and  the  latest  sowing  should 
have  deen  made  about  the  beginning  of  this  month  or  last  week  in 
June,  according  to  circumstances.  Scarlet  Runners  should  be  topped 
so  as  to  induce  them  to  flower  freely,  and  to  branch  out  and  cover 
the  ground.  Market  gardeners  find  that  Scarlet  Runners  do  not  pay 
for  staking,  because  in  that  case  they  require  to  be  almost  double  the 
distance  from  row  to  row  they  otherwise  would  be,  and  stakes  permit 
drought  to  affect  the  roots  very  severely ;  whereas,  when  grown  in  a 
dwarf  state,  their  progress  is  rapid,  and  they  spread  out  and  protect 
the  soil  from  becoming  too  dry  by  their  thick  mass  of  leaves.  If 
grown  for  staking,  they  require  to  be  in  rows  six  feet  apart  ;  but  it 
dwarf,  from  3  feet  to  4  feet  is  the  ordinary  distance  between  the 
lines. 

Leeks,  Onions,  &c. — Transplant  the  residue  of  Leeks,  if  neces. 
sary ;  but  if  they  are  to  remain  where  they  have  been  sown  they 
must  be  thinned.  Spring. sown  Onions  will  now  require  a  third 
cleaning.  Maintain  a  supply  of  yoimg  Onions  tor  salading,  by  means 
of  occasional  sowings  on  a  moist  piece  of  ground. 

Lettuces. — Continue  to  tie  up,  and  remove  tor  market  all  plants 
as  soon  as  ready.  Transplant  some  on  ridges  between  Celery  rows, 
as  catch  crops;  also  between  young  French  Beans,  Savoys,  and 
wherever  blanks  occur  amongst  other  crops. 

Seakale This  must  now  occupy  all  the  space  devoted  to  It ; 

the  amount  of  suckers  on  old  plants  must  be  kept  reduced  to  three  or 
four  of  the  strongest,  and  all  flower.stems  must  be  cut  away,  unless 
seed  saving  is  an  object. 

Spinach. — It  the  weather  is  mild  and  moist,  good  crops  of  the 
round.leaved  kind  may  be  obtained  from  shady  places,  but  if  the 
weather  be  dry  and  sultry,  the  plants  run  to  seed  almost  immedi- 
ately  after  they  germinate. 

Turnips  and  Radishes.^-Sow  broadcast  a  main  crop  of  Turnips 
for  late  autumn  and  winter  use,  and  thin  out  the  plants  a  little  at 
fii-st,  but  afterwards  the  removing  of  the  strongest  tor  market  now 
and  then  will  be  thinning  enough. 

Tomatoes. — These  should  be  set  and  considerably  advanced  by 
the  end  of  the  month,  and,  in  order  to  do  them  justice,  all  useless 
laterals  and  leaves  must  be  removed.  The  plants  should  be  tied  on 
the  sunny  side  of  the  stakes  so  as  to  expose  the  fruit  as  much  as 
possible,  and  the  tops  of  the  plants  should  be  pinched  out  as  soon  as 
the  fruit  has  set.  Draw  up  some  soil  around  the  roots  in  the  form  of 
a  basin  for  the  retention  of  water,  which  must  be  liberally  supplied, 
and,  it  the  weather  be  dry,  a  mulching  of  rotten  mantire  over  the 
soil  in  the  vicinity  of  the  roots  materially  benefits  them. 

Vegetable  and  Custard  Marrow^s.— These  should  now  be 
crowing  luxuriantly  and  fruiting  abundantly,  and  if  the  weather  be 
dry  the'y  should  have  a  large  supply  of  water  given  to  them  occa. 
sionally.     By  mulching  the  ground  about  them  as  soon  as  the  inter. 


July  19,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


59 


crops  are  removed  the  natural  moisture  is  preserved,  and  the  fruit  is 
kept  clean.  Lay  pieces  of  bricks  or  slates  on  the  advancing  Vines, 
.or  peg  them  to  the  ground  so  as  to  cause  them  to  root  at  their  several 
joints,  and  thus  contribute  additional  nourishment  to  the  plants.  Cut 
the  fruits  regularly  and  before  they  get  too  large,  and  do  not  permit 
any  to  remain  for  seeding  purposes  until  next  month. 

Fruit.— This  is  the  month  for  bush  fruits  as  well  as  for  Straw- 
berries, and  consequently  protection  from-  birds  is  an  important 
point.  Gather  Currants  before  they  get  too  ripe,  as  they  travel 
better  than  when  left  too  long,  put  them  into  quarter.bushel  and 
half-bushel  baskets,  and  cover  them  with  Rhubarb  leaves  fixed  in 
position  by  moans  of  pieces  of  stout  Willows.  Uproot  and  destroy 
all  useless  bushes,  and  dress  spring  grafted  trees.  Place  some  soil 
amongst  tho  shoots  of  layered  Gooseberries  and  Currants,  and  bud 
stone  fruits. 


SOCIETIES,    EXHIBITIONS,    &c. 

KOYAL  HOETICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 
July  16th  and  17th. 
This  exhibition,  which  was  somewhat  extensive,  consisted  chiefly  of 
different  kinds  of  Pelargoniums  ;  but  hardy  herbaceous  plants  and  miscel- 
laneous contributions  were  also  present  in  considerable  numbers.  The 
competing  classes  were  arranged  in  the  arcades  at  each  end  of  the  con- 
servatory, and  the  new  plants  were,  for  the  most  part,  in  the  council- 
room. 

Zonal  Pelargoniums. — In  the  class  of  eighteen  of  these  in  0-inch 
pots,  Mr.  J.  George,  Putney  Heath,  was  first  with    extremely   fresh  and 
well-bloomed     small     plants.       Among      the     scarlets    were     Edward 
Uennet,  a  very  fine  seedling,  with  a  conspicuous  white  eye;  A.  F.  Barron, 
bearing  very  large  trusses  and  finely-formed  blooms  ;  Queen's  Messenger, 
having  immense  trusses;  Celebrity,  Luna;  La  Grande  Marque,  with  a  fine 
globular  truss  ;  Jarnac,  good  in  habit ;  Congress,  having  a  large  truss  of 
cerise  flowers;  Auber,  Lord  Londesborough,  Comus,  Paladin,  and  Rosy 
Queen.    Amongst  the  others  were  Circulator,  a  free-blooming  peach- 
coloured  sort ;  Polly  King  and  La  Belle  Blonde,  two  free-blooming  blush- 
coloured  kinds  ;  and  Lucretia,  with  large  trusses  of  white  flowers  faintly 
shaded  in  the  centre  with  rose.     Messrs.  Bell  and  Thorpe  were   second 
•with  excellent  varieties ;  and  Dr.  Denny,  Stoke  Newington,  was  third.  For 
twelve  nosegay  and  hybrid  nosegay  sorts,  Mr.  George  was  again  first. 
Amongst  his  scarlets.  The  Shah  was  particularly  fine,  the  flowers  being 
excellent  in  form,  as  were  also  those  of  Lustrous,  Foxiunter,  Teresa,  and 
FUime.     Grande  Coupe,  Lilacina,*  and  Vivid  with  rosy  cerise-coloured 
liowers,   having    very    large   trusses  ;     J.    C.  Pox  and   Virgil,    salmon- 
co!om-ed ;     and    Reine,    a    free  -  flowering     pretty     lilac  -  pink     sort. 
Mr.  H.  Cannell,  of  Woolwich,  was  second  with  well  flowered  plants  of 
choice  sorts.     For  good  habit,  freedom  of  flowering,  and  size  of  trusses, 
Mrs.  Ffytch,  Mrs.   Holden,  Florence  Durand,  3Irs.    P.   Burnaby,    and 
Matilda  were  particularly  fine  in  the  rosy-lilac  section,  and   Undine  and 
Frank    Miles   among   scarlets.     Mr.   J.    Goddard,  of   Twickenham,  was 
third   ivith   very   nice  plants.      In  the  class  of  six  specimen  plants  of 
florist's  varieties  of  zonal  Pelargoniums,  Mr.  J.  Catlin,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Lermitte,    East    End,   Finchley,    was  the  only   exhibitor.      His  plants 
measured  some  4  or  5  feet  through,  were  trained  on  the  flat  principle, 
and  were  densely  furnished  with  flowers.    The  varieties  were  Leonidas 
and  Lord  Derby,  scarlet ;  Mrs.  Rendatler,  pale  salmon ;  Prince  of  Wales, 
rosy-salmon  ;    Pioneer,  salmon  ;  and  Virgo  Maria,  pure  white.     For  sis 
specimen  plants  of  zonal  nosegay  Pelargoniums,  Messrs.  Bell  &  Thorpe 
were  first  with  extremely  well  bloomed  plants.    In  the  class  of  twelve 
double-flowered  zonals,  the  same  firm  were  again  first  with  well-flowered 
plants  of  Victor  Lemoine,  Charles  Glynn,  and  W.  Pfitzer,  as  scarlets ; 
Marie  Lemoine,  Madame  Gebhard,  Miss  Evelyn,  and  Madame  Boutard, 
pinks;  and  Cygnet  and  Mrs.  Gladstone, rosy-pink  colom'cd sorts.     In  this 
group  were  ViUe  de  Paris  and  Heroique  de  Strasbourg,  the  latter  with 
very  double  curiously  coloured  blooms,  the  upper  side  of  their  petals 
being  scarlet,  and  the  under  side  whitish,  giving  to  the  flowers  when  open 
a  sort  of  variegated  appearance.     In  this  collection  was  also  the  double- 
white   Pelargonium  of  which  we  have  heard   so  much,  but  which  is  a 
very  inferior  sort.     Messrs.  Wright,  Turner  Road,  Lee,  Kent,  were  second 
in  this  class  with  very  nice  clean  plants,  but  they  had  run  a  little  too 
much  to  foliage. 

Tricolor  Pelargoniums.  —  In  the  class  of  eighteen  golden 
tricolors  Mr.  T.  Pestridge,  the  Greenway  Nursery,  Uxhridge,  was 
first  with  nicely  coloured  and  bright-leaved  plants  of  the  follow- 
ing, viz.,  Sophia  Dumaresquc,  Mrs.  Headley,  Prince  of  Wales,  Mr. 
Rutter,  Lady  Cullum,  Peter  Grieve,  Salamander,  Florence,  Mrs. 
Turner,  Sir  Robert  Napier,  Acme,  Mrs.  Dunnctt,  Achievement, 
Vale  of  Evesham,  B.  R.  Benyon,  Brilliant,  Lucy  Grieve,  and 
Sophia  Cusack  ;  Mr.  B.  H.  Smith,  Ealing  Dean  Nursery,  Ealing,  was 
second;  and  Messrs.  Wright  third.  In  the  amateurs'  class  of  nine  kinds 
Mr.  R.  Watson,  Airlie  Lodge,  Surbiton  HUl,  was  first  with  Prince  of 
Wales,  Sir  R.  Napier,  Sophia  Dumaresquc,  Lady  Cullum,  Mr.  Rutter, 
and  Jetty  Lacy ;  Mr.  Goddard,  Twickenham,  was  second ;  and  Mr.  God- 
dard, the  Retreat,  Richmond,  third.  In  the  class  of  six  silver  tricolors 
Mr.  T.  Pestridge  was  first  with  Lass  o'  Goivrie,  Miss  Burdett  Coutts, 
Mrs.  Rousby,  Mrs.  Colonel  Williinson,  Italian  Beauty,  and  Charming 
Bride  ;  Mr.  H.  B.  Smith  was  second;  and  Messrs.  Wright  third.     In  the 


amateurs'  class  of   four,  Mr.  J.  Beach,  Riverhead,   Sevenoaks,  was  first, 
Mr.  Goddard,  Twickenham,  second,  and  Mr.  Watson  third. 

Golden  Bronze  Pelargonium^.— These  were  altogether  very 
handsome,  and  the  zones  distinct  and  Ijright.  Mr.  T.  Pestridge  was  first 
in  the  class  of  six,  with  Black  Douglas,  W.  R.  Moray,  Earl  of  Rosslyn, 
Crown  Prince,  Reine  Victoria,  and  Sybil ;  Mr.  Watson  was  second  with 
Sybil,  Phitus,  Prima-donna,  The  Moor,  NobiUs,  and  Decorator ;  and 
Messrs.  Wright  were  third. 

_  New  Pelargoniums.— For  throe  plants  of  the  new  zonal  Pelargo- 
nium, Mr.  G.  Smith,  New  Villa,  Hedge  Lane,  Edmonton,  was  first,  with 
Santley,  a  kind  haviug  very  large  finely  formed  scarlet  flowers,  with  a 
white  eye ;  and  third  with  Mrs.  G.  Smith,  a  compact-habited,  salmon- 
flowered  sort.  Mr.  George  was  second  with  Mrs.  J.  George,  having  exceed- 
ingly large  rosy-salmon  flowers.  In  the  class  of  three  plants  of  a  new 
nosegay  or  hybrid  Pelargonium,  Messrs.  Bell  and  Thorpe  were  first  with 
Happy  Thought,  a  pretty  variegated  sort,  blotched  in  the  middle  of  the 
leaf  with  yellow  like  an  Aucuba.  For  three  plants  of  a  new  grdden  tri- 
color Mr.  T.  Pestridge  was  first  with  Mrs.  H.  Little,  a  robust,  well- 
defined  sort;  and  Mr.  C.  Turner,  of  Slough,  third  with  Miss  Morris,  a 
rather  dwarf,  but  very  dark-leaved  kind.  In  the  class  of  three  plants  of 
a  new  silver  tricolor,  Mr.  Turner  was  first  with  Dolly  Varden,  a  particu- 
larly pretty  variety,  the  fiery-red  variegation  of  the  leaves  being  very 
prominent ;  Mr.  Pestridge  was  second  with  Mrs.  J.  Marshall.  For  three  ■ 
plants  of  a  golden-leaf  Pelargonium,  Mr.  T.  Pestridge  was  first  with 
Golden  Banner,  a  compact  habited,  bright-leaved  sort ;  and  Messrs.  Bell 
and  Thorpe  were  second  with  Sxdphureum.  In  the  class  of  three  plants 
of  a  double-flowered  Pelargonium,  Messrs.  Bell  and  Thorpe  were  first 
with  AHce  Crousse,  a  whitish-pink  sort;  and  Messrs.  J.  Carter  &  Co., 
second  with  a  very  pretty  rosy-purple  bloomed  sort. 

Miscellaneous  Prizes. — Prizes  were  oS'ered  by  Mr.  Cannell,  of 
Woolwich,  for  half  a  dozen  zonal  Pelargoniums  not  in  commerce,  and  in 
this  class  Mr.  George  was  first  with  La  Grande  Marque  (a  kind  having 
large  trusses  of  scarlet  flowers) ;  A.  F.  Barron  (one  of  the  finest  of  scarlets), 
Edward  Bennet  (a  good  scarlet,  with  a  conspicuous  white  eye).  Lord 
Londesborough  {very  large  scarlet-cerise).  Celebrity  (large  trusses  of 
scarlet  blooms  having  dark  crimson  veins),  and  Mrs.  J.  George  (a  free- 
blooming  variety,  with  very  large  trusses  of  rosy-salmon  flowers).  Messrs. 
Bell  and  Thorpe  were  second  in  this  class  with  Polyxenes  (a  good  scarlet), 
Edward  Bennet  (a  rosy-salmon  kind,  quite  different  from  the  one  shown 
by  Mr.  George  under  the  same  name).  Wood  Nymph  (rosy-hlac),  Miranda 
(white,  shaded  with  rose).  Czarina  (like  the  former,  but  whiter),  and 
Heroine  (a  sort  having  a  pale  salmon  colour).  Mr.  Pearson's  prize  for 
twelve  varieties  of  Pelargoniums  sent  out  by  him,  and  grown  with  as  little 
training  as  possible,  brought  together  a  number  of  very  fine  plants, 
remarkable  for  the  size  of  their  flower-trusses.  Mr.  Birse,  gardener  to 
J.  H.  Lermitte,  Esq.,  Finchley,  was  first ;  and  Mr.  J.  Catlin  second. 
Amongst  these  the  best  sorts  were  Corsair  (a  grand  scarlet).  Amaranth  (a  ' 
rosy-lilac),  and  Mrs.  Hole  (a  free-flowering  salmon  shaded  with  violet,  and 
bearing  immense  trusses),  Shakespeare,  Charles  Burrows,  Lady  Louisa 
Egerton,  P.  Bradley  Bayard,  and  Florence  Durand  were  also  particularly 
fine.  For  Dr.  Denny's  prize  for  a  collection  of  his  seedlings,  sent  out  by 
Mr.  Wm.  Paul  in  the  spring  of  1871,  Mr.  J.  Scott,  of  Entield,  was  first,  and 
Messrs  Bell  &  Thorpe  second.  Conspicuous  among  these  were  Sir  C. 
Napier,  Wellington,  Diana,  lanthe,  lago,  and  Sir  J.  Moore.  For  Mr.  G. 
Smith  and  Mr.  J.  George's  prize  for  twelve  varieties  of  Pelargoniums 
raised  by  Mr.  George,  Mr.  E.  Rowe,  The  Rookery,  Roehampton,  was 
first,  and  Mr.  Goddard,  Twickenham,  second.  The  sorts  consisted  of 
florist's  and  nosegay  varieties,  amongst  which  Dr.  Livingstone,  Master 
Harry,  Magnificum,  PoUy  King,  Craven  Fox,  and  King  of  the  Forest, 
were  the  most  striking. 

Hardy  Herbaceous  Plants.— These  formed  an  important  part 
of  the  exhibition.  Mr.  R.  Parker,  Tooting,  was  first,  and  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware 
second. '  For  Pentsemons  Mr.  Porter,  Syon  Lodge,  Isleworth,  was  first, 
and  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware  second.  For  a  dozen  cut  blooms  of  Carnations  Mr. 
Turner  was  first ;  Mr.  Norman,  98,  Crescent  Road,  Plumstead,  second ;  and 
Mr.  Pizzey,  Fulmer,  Slough,  third.  For  Picotee  blooms,  which  were 
very  beautiful,  Mr. 'Turner  was  first,  and  Mr.  Norman  second.  Mr.T. 
S.  Ware  exhibited  a  miscellaneous  collection  of  Picotees  and  Carnation 
flowers,  and  a  good  half  dozen  plants  of  Delphiniums ;  also  a  choice 
group  of  misoellaaeous  hardy  herbaceous  and  Alpine  plants.  The  same 
exhibitor  was  first  for  half  a  dozen  Lilies,  with  Croceum,  immaculatum, 
excelsum,  aurantiacum,  longiflorum,  and  auratum ;  Mr.  C .  Turner  was 
second  for  Lilies. 

Miscellaneous  Plants,  Flowers,  &c.— Mr.  Wm.  Paul,  The 
Nurseries,  Waltham  Cross,  exhibited  a  large  collection  of  Zonal, 
Nosegay,  Tricolor,  and  Bicolor  varieties  of  Pelargoniums,  all  particularly 
fine.  Amongst  them  were  the  white  variegated-leaved  Mont  Blanc  (with 
good  trusses  of  white  flowers).  Marquis  (a  fine  scarlet),  Argus  (a  brilliant 
scarlet),  Rosy  Morn,  Paul  Pry,  &c.  Mr.  J.  Laxton.  Stamford,  exhibited 
some  cut  blooms  of  double-flowered  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  amongst  which 
Aurora,  Jewel,  E.  J.  Lowe,  and  Aglaia  were  particularly  fine.  Of  Spiraea 
palmata,  Mr.  C.  Noble,  of  Bagshot,  exhibited  nine  of  tho  finest  specimens 
ever  seen.  They  were  largo  plants,  and  were  in  the  most  luxuriant 
condition  as  regards  fohage,  each  plant  being  furnished  with  about  a 
dozen  splendid  branched  spikes  of  beautiful  rose-coloured  flowers. 
Messrs.  Barr  &  Sugden  exhibited  a  fine  collection  of  cut  blooms  of  Lilies, 
Amarylhs,  Tritonias,  Irises,  and  other  bulbous  plants.  From  Mr.  Keynes, 
of  Salisbury,  came  some  stands  of  Rose  blooms,  all  in  magnificent 
condition;  and  from  Mr.  Turner,  Slough,  came  blooms  of  Verbenas, 
amongst  which  the  Prince  of  Wales,  a  scarlet,  was  particularly  fine.  Mr. 
Speed,  of  Chatsworth,  showed  a  flower  spike  of  Alpinia  nutans,  and  Mr. 


60 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  19,  1873. 


J.  Aldous,  Florist,  Gloucester  Road,  South  Kensington,  exhibited  a 
large  group  of  miscellaneous  plants,  consisting  of  Dracaenas,  Ai-aucarias, 
Yuccas,  Araleas,  Palms,  Pelargoniums,  Fuchsias,  Ferns,  and  several  other 
plants  suitable  for  furuishing  purposes.  Messrs.  Bell  &  Thorpe  exhibited 
a  large  quantity  of  their  Shakesperian  Imperishable  Labels,  and  from 
Messl-s.  Banting,  27,  St.  James'  Street,  came  specimens  of  flower  stands 
decorated  with  imitation  flowers  and  fruit. 

Fruit  and  Vegetables. — Mr.  Geo.  Westland,  "W^itley  Court, 
exhibited  four  splendid  Queen  Pines ;  and  Mr.  Harris,  Singleton, 
S\v*ansea,  and  Mr.  Ward.  Bishop's  Stortford,  showed  fine  examples  of 
the  same  fruit.  Several  varieties  of  fruits  from  seedhng  Strawben-ies  were 
shown  by  Mr.  LI.  H.  Postans,  Rentwood,  and  some  of  them  were  highly 
approved  of  by  the  fruit  committee.  Mr.  William  Paul,  of  Waltham 
Cross,  showed  samples  of  Waltham  Seedling  Strawberry— a  somewhat 
ymiill-fruited  sort,  of  excellent  flavour,  firm  flesh,  and  very  prolitic  ;  con- 
sequently, it  promises  to  be  an  acquisition  for  preserving  purposes  and  for 
safe  transmission  from  one  place  to  another.  Mr.  Farrow,  Brigadier  Hill 
House,  Eutield.  showed  a  bunch  of  Golden  Drop  Grapes  ;  and  Messrs. 
Standish  and  Co.,  Ascot,  two  clusters  of  the  Ascot  Citronelle.  Mr.  J. 
Scott,  Bridgen  Hall,  Enfield,  showed  some  fine  Noblesse  Peaches.  Mr. 
Child,  New"  Ferry,  Birkenhead,  Mr.  Johnston,  Glamis  Castle,  and  Mr. 
Stevens,  Wray  Park,  Enfield,  showed  fruits  of  hybrid  Melons.  Mr. 
Bennett,  of  Hatfield,  showed  shoots  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines  fromthe 
open  wall,  laden  with  fruit ;  and  Mr.  F.  Dancer,  of  Chiswick,  exhibited 
examples  of  Monarch  Gosseberry,  bearing  a  prodigious  crop.  Mr.  C. 
Piccarille,  Wigmore  Street,  sent  fine  samples  of  the  Giant  Naples  Onions  ; 
and  Mr.  C.  Osman,  South  Metropolitan  District  Schools,  Sutton,  Surrey, 
contributed  several  varieties  of  Lettuces. 

First-class  Certificates— These  were  awarded  to  the  following  :— 

Zonal  Pelargonium  Edward  Bennet  (George),  an  extremely  fine  scarlet,  with 
a  conspicuous  white  eye. 

Zonal  Pelargonium  A.  F.  Barron  (George),  one  of  the  finest  of  scarlet  flowered 
sorts,  the  trusscj  as  well  as  the  individual  blooms  being  of  a  remarkably  large 
size. 

Zonal  Pelargonium  Lustrous  (George),  very  brilUant  scarlet. 

Zonal  Pelargonium  Mrs.  George  (George),  a  very  fine  rose-coloured  kind, 
immense  trusses. 

Zonal  Pelargonium  Czari^na  (Bell  &  Thorpe),  white,  shaded  with  rose. 

Nosegay  Pelargonium  Priucess  (Wm.  Paul),  a  fine  compact  variety,  with 
large  trusses  of  rosy  lilac  flo-wers. 

Zonal  Pelargonium  Remus  (Wm.  Paul),  a  stubby  growing  plant  producing 
compact  trusses  of  well-formed  white  flowers  shaded  with  rose  in  the  centre. 

Pelargonium  Mrs.  Carr  (Bell  &  Thorpe),  a  white  variegated-leaved  sort,  with 
tlouble  flowers. 

Clematis  Guiding  Star  (Cripps),  a  dark  purplish-violet  flower,  with  a  bril- 
liant band  down  the  centre  of  the  petals. 

Clematis  Louis  Van  Houtte  (Cripps),  a  deep  violet-blue,  very  finely  formed 
flower  of  the  lamiginosa  section. 

*Scolopendrium  vulgare  var.  Williamsii,  a  beautiful  tassellated  or  very 
much  crested  form. 

*Gioxinia  Grand  Monarch,  a  very  pretty  large  flower  of  a  purplish -violet 
colour. 

Phlox  Miss  Robertson  (Cocker),  a  very  pretty  pure  white  variety,  of  mode- 
rately dwarf  habit. 

*Coleus  (Kimpton),  a  very  robust  vaiiety  with  large  yellow  leaves,  distinctly 
veined  with  purplish-crimson. 

Lihum  Krameri  (G.  F.  Wilson) ,  a  tall  growing  sort  with  large  pinkish  flowers. 

Azara  microphylla  (Veitch),  a  pretty  hardy  evergreen  shrub  from  Chili,  suit- 
able for  covering  outside  walls. 

Lobelia  Charity  (Carter),  a  very  dwarf  sort,  with  rosy  piu'ple  flowers. 

Rose  H.  P.  Empress  of  India  (Laxton),  a  good  dark  crimson,  very  double- 
flowered  sort. 

Clarkia  integripitala  limbata  (Carter),  a  fine  crimson -flowered  sort,  with  a 
distinct  white  margin  ;  a  very  beautiful  and  desirable  annual. 

Dipladenia  Brearleyana  (Bull),  a  fine  strong- grow  lug  sort,  with  large 
clusters  of  showy  crimson  flowers  of  good  substance,  the  flowers  at  first 
opening  being  pink,  but  eventually  changing  to  a  deep  crimson  ;  a  grand  plant. 

Rose  H.  P.  Beauty  of  Thame  (Walker),  a  very  dark  crimson  flower  of  a  fine 
cup  shape  and  velvety  texture. 

Rose  H.  P.  S.  Reynolds  Hole  (Paul  &  Son),  a  most  beautiful  dark  crimson 
velvety  Rose;  indeed,  one  of  the  finest  Roses  which  we  possess. 


*  Much  inconvenience  is  experienced  at  these  meetings  in  obtaining  the 
names  of  the  exhibitors  of  new  plants,  and  sometimes  even  the  names  of  the 
plants  themselves,  which  are  all  marked  with  numbers.  Surely  exhibitors 
should  take  care  that  their  names,  as  well  as  those  of  the  plants,  are  properly 
affixed,  as  under  the  present  arrangement  it  is  impossible  to  discover  whose 
plants  they  are,  or  what  they  are,  without  reference  to  the  Society's  books.  This 
remark  applies  to  those  plants  marked  with  an  asterisk  in  the  list  just  given. 


The  Oolouringr-matter  of  Leaves. — The  coloured  solutions 
obtained  from  leaves  are  very  complicated  mixtures.  It  is  not  at  all 
unusual  for  them  to  contain  as  many  as  ten  different  coloured 
substances.  The  progress  of  our  knowledge  has  to  a  great 
extent  depended  upon  the  application  of  improved  methods,  which 
have  made  it  possible  to  distinguish  the  various  constituents  of  these 
mixtures.  Stokes  said  that  his  researches  had  led  him  to  conclude 
that  the  chlorophyll  of  land  plants  is  a  mixture  of  four  substances, 
two  green  and  two  yellow,  and  I  have  shown  that  by  the  newer  and 
improved  methods  it  is  easy  to  prove  that  there  are  not  only  these 
two  green  substances,  one  a  blue-green  and  the  other  a  yellow-green, 
having  perfectly  distinct  and  characteristic  properties,  though  con. 
founded  together  by  nearly  all  others  experimenters,  but  also  four  or 
even  five  perfectly  distinct  yellow  substances. — H.  C.  Sorby,  in 
Nature. 


GOVERNMENT  COMMISSIONS  AND  THE  POTATO 
DISEASE. 

0-V  perusing  The  Gauden,  the  other  day,  I  was  surprised  to  find  that 
the  Highland  Agricultural  Society  are  about  to  memorialise  the* 
Government  to  appoint  a  Royal  Commission  to  investigate  the  causes 
(should  it  not  be  cause?)  of  the  ever-recui-ring  Potato  disease.  Now, 
with  all  due  deference  to  the  society  in  question,  I  must  express  my 
opinion  that  unless  a  very  different  course  is  taken  in  looking  for  the 
cause  than  that  pursued  by.  a  former  Commission  which  the  Govern- 
ment sent  to  Ireland  some  years  ago,  and  which  it  was  said  cost  the 
country  £9,000,  the  results  will  be,  as  on  that  occasion,  nil.  So  long 
as  scientific  men  look  to  symptoms,  and  try  to  find  a  cure  for  the 
disease  through  investigating  them,  instead  of  diving  deeper  into 
the  matter  and  searching  for  the  cause  alone,  their  investigations 
will  never  be  successful.  Last  year,  on  the  10th  of  July,  a  dense 
muggy  fog  passed  over  the  land,  and  the  next  day  all  the  Potatoes 
were  cut  off.  In  1871,  on  the  9th  of  July,  exactly  the  same  state  of 
the  atmosphere  existed,  and  with  even  more  fatal  results  than  in 
1872.  The  first  symptoms  of  disease  that  occurred  in  the  Potato, 
as  well  as  I  can  recollect,  were  in  1831,  when  what  we  call  *'  curl  " 
manifested  itself  to  a  considerable  extent,  and  was  followed  by  the 
Potato  producing  young  tubers  under  the  ground  without  throwing 
up  any  haulm.  In  1832  these  symptoms  became  more  alarming  ;  and 
now,  in  1873,  I  have  to  declare  that  we  are  just  as  far  from  being 
able  to  cope  with  the  disease  as  we  were  when  it  first  made  its 
appearance.  My  own  observations  have  led  me  to  adopt  the  atmo- 
spherical view  of  the  case,  and  if  I  am  correct,  then  no  investigation 
of  symptoms  can  be  of  use  in  checking  the  disease,  except  so  far  as 
they  may  enable  lis  to  place  the  seed  in  the  most  favourable 
condition  for  resisting  atmospherical  influence,  by  draining,  and 
otherwise  placing  the  roots  in  such  soils  as  will  most  japidly  mature 
the  stems  and  leaves,  so  as  to  render  them  less  liable  to  attack. 
During  this  past  week  we  have  had  just  the  sort  of  weather  necessary 
to  prevent  disease — a  brisk  drying  wind,  with  sometimes  bright  and 
warm  sunshine.  Whilst  such  a  state  of  the  atmosphere  continues  I 
have  no  fear  of  disease ;  but  let  it  change  to  a  close  warm  fog, 
and  then  look  out  the  next  day,  and  see  where  the  Potatoes  will  be. 
To  me  there  can  be  nothing  clearer  than  that  atmospherical  changes 
cause  the  disease.  When,  however,  I  advance  an  opinion  that  these 
are  the  cause,  I  am  met  with  the  question — Why  was  it  not  so  before 
1830  ?  Well,  all  that  I  can  answer  is  that  our  seasons  have  changed 
and  are  still  changing,  and  that  since  I  was  a  child  I  have  seen 
wonderful  alterations  in  them,  and  in  their  effects  upon  vegetation. 
We  have  now  indeed  what  may  be  called  two  winters  and  two 
summers,  October  and  May,  July  and  December. 

Merriottj  Creirkerne,  J.  Scott. 


COVENT  GAUDEW  MARKET. 

July  18th. 

Flowers. — These  consist  chiefly  of  Roses,  Larkspurs,  Lifies  of  different  sorts. 
Bell-flowers,  Pinks,  Coreopsis,  Centaureas  yellow  and  blue,  and  the  various 
kinds  of  flowers  now  in  bloom  out  of  doors.  From  indoors  there  are  Gardenias, 
Hoyas,  the  double-flowered  Tabemajmontana,  Calceolarias,  Pelargoniurns, 
Fuchsias,  Hydrangeas,  Eucharis,  &c.  There  is  also  the  usual  amount  of  Palms, 
Ferns,  Club  Mosses,  Dracasuas,  Euonymuses,  Myrtles,  and  other  evergreen 
subjects.  Amongst  hardy  plants  the  Creeping  Jenny  is  most  conspicuous,  but 
there  are  also  Fern  roots,  and  many  other  miscellaneous  things. 

Fruit, — Of  bush  fruits  there  is  an  abundant  supply,  and  the  produce  ia 
cleaner  and  freer  from  blight  than  has  been  the  case  for  these  last  twu  seasons. 
Peaches  and  Nectarines  are  excellent  and  eiiual  to  the  demand,  but  the 
supply  of  English  Figs  is  about  over  until  open  air  Figs  come  in  in  September. 
Pine-Apples  and  Grapes  are  excellent  in  quahty,  but  amongst  Melons  there  is 
yet  room  for  improvement. 

Vegetables.— These  have  been  good  in  quality  throughout  the  season,  and 
•at  present  the  supply  is  equal  to  the  demand.  Amongst  the  principal  kinds 
are  CanUflowers,  Carrots,  Cabbages,  Onions,  Vegetable  Marrows,  Peas,  Beans, 
&c.  Open-air  gr-own  French  Beans  are  now  coming  in,  and  in  less  than  a  fort- 
night they  will  probably  be  abundant. 

Prices  of  Fruits.— Apples,  per  doz.,  6d. ;  Apricots,  2s.  to  4s.  per  doz. ; 
Cherries,  per  lb..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Chilies,  per  100,  2s. ;  Currants,  per  time,  is.  to  8d. ; 
Figs,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  10s. ;  Gooseberries,  per  quart,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Grapes,  hot- 
house, per  lb.,  3s.  to  6s.  ;  Muscats,  6s.  to  as.  ;  Lemons,  per  100,  Ss.  to  14s. ; 
Melons,  each,  2s.  to  6s.;  Nectarines,  per  doz.,  6s.  to  15s. ;  Oranges,  per  100, 
10s.  to  16s.  ;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  12s.  to  30s. ;  Pears,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  2s. ;  Pine- 
Apples,  per  lb..  3s.  to  6s.  ;  Raspberries,  per  lb.,  4d.  to  Is. ;  Strawberries,  per  Ih., 
Od.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz.,  Is.  to3s. ;  Walnuts,  per  bushel,  68.  to  10s. 
ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Asparagus,  per 
100,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Beans,  Kidney,  per  half  sieve,  5s.;  Beet  Red,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  2s. ; 
Cabbage,  per  doz..  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Carrots,  old,  per  bunch,  8d.,  young,  Is., 
Cauliflower,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Celery,  per  bundle,  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Coleworts, 
per  doz.  bunches,  4s. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  4d.  to  Is. ;  Endive,  per  doz.,  2s.  ; 
Fennel,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  GarUc,  per  lb.,  6d.;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Horse- 
radish, per  bundle,  3s.  to  4a.;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  6d.  ;  Lettuces,  per  doz. 
Is.  to  2s. ;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s. ;  Mustard  and  Cress,  per  punnet, 
2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  4s.  to  6s. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ;  Parsley,  per  doz. 
bunches,  6s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is.  ;  Peas,  per  quart,  9d.  to  Is.  6(1.; 
Potatoes,  per  bushel,  5s,  to  10s.,  per  lb.  2d.to4d. ;  Hadishes,  per  doz.  bunches. 
Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Rhubarb,  per  bundle,  8d.  to  Is. ;  Salsafy,  do.,  Is.  to  Is.  6d.  : 
Scorzonera,  per  bundle,  la. ;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ;  Spinach,  per  bushel,  3s. ; 
Turnips,  old,  per  bunch,  9d.,  young  do.  Is, ;  Vegetable  Marrows,  per  doz., 
Is. to  2s. 


July  26,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


61 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  Thia  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  :    but 
The  Aet  itself  is  Nature." — Shakespeare, 


THE  TREES  AT  FULHAM  PALACE. 
In  all  England  there  exists  no  place  more  interesting  to  the 
lover  o£  trees   than  the  garden   belonging  to   the   palace    of 
the  Bishop  of  London  at  Fnlham — for  here  it  was  that  two 
centuries  ago,  the  first  great  practical  impulse  was  given  to 
the  introduction  and  culture  of  new  and  remarkable  species  ; 
and  here,  to  this  day,  survive  the  first  individuals  that  were 
seen  in  this  country  of  some  of  the  most  esteemed  ornaments 
of  our  modern  pleasure  grounds.     When,  and  by  whom,  the 
garden  was  originally  laid  out  we  do  not  know.     It  is  certain, 
however,  that   to   Henry  Comptou,  Bishop  of   Loudon  from 
1675  to  1713,  the  year  of  his  death,  it  owes  its  fame  as  the 
oldest  collection  in  Britain  of  worthy  and  beautiful  arborescent 
plants  ;  and  pleasant  is  it  to  find  that  now  in  1873 — a  couple 
of  himdred  years  after  the  foundation — the  good  taste  that 
supplied  the  beginning,  and  the  energy  and  intelligence  that  so 
well  prosecuted  the  first  design,  have  not  only  not  expired,  but 
are   again   well   to   the   front.     A   more    ungracious    expres- 
sion iu  regard  to  a   plant  cannot  be  heard  than  that  which 
contemns    it  as    "old"    or   "old-fashioned."     A  plant  that 
was      ever     worth     having     at     all,    can     never      become 
antiquated  or  out  of  date  ;  a  tree  beautiful  once    is  beautiful 
always ;    and    should    it     not    remain    so,    as    long     as   one 
lives,   it  is  not  the  tree  that  is  to  be  pitied,   biit   the  man 
to  whom   it   no   longer  has  a  meaning.     As  many  novelties 
as    you    like,    and    can   find  a  place  for,  but  in   gardening, 
above   all  things,   "  never   cut  an  old  friend."     At  Fulham, 
accordingly,  it  is  so  refreshing  to  observe  how  the  inmates  of 
200  years'  standing,  decrepit  though  many  of  them  no  doubt 
may  be,  receive  all  the  grateful  reverence  due  to  age,  propped 
up  so  kindly,  provided,  as  it  were,  with  the  "  old  arm-chair  "  ; 
and    yet    how    tastefully    the    collection    is     year    by    year 
augmented,  as  when  in  a  sculpture-gallery  we  see  the  dehcate 
art  of   to-day   side  by  side  with  what  once  on  a  time  was 
wrought  on  the  larirelled  shores  of  the  iEgean.     Of  course 
there  are  similar  blendiugs  of  the  old  and  the  recent  in  every 
large  and  well-appointed  garden  and  pleasure  ground — at  Kew, 
at  Chatsworth,  and  a  thousand  other  places.     But  the  fact  not 
to   be   overlooked,   and   which    gives  special  interest  to  the 
Fulham  collection,  is  that  the  venerable  trees  there  to  be  seen 
are  the  veritable  and  identical  individuals,  there  is  every  reason 
to    believe,    at    least,    in    several  instances,   which   of  their 
respective  kinds,  were  the  first  to  live  in  England.     We  are  so 
accustomed  now  to  the  Magnolia  and  fifty  other  illustrious 
trees,  so  familiar  and  so  big  that  they  seem  like    aborigines 
of  the  soil,  that  we  are  apt  to  forget  that  there  was  a  time 
when  they  were  unknown.  But  to  everyman  of  sense  and  taste, 
as  much  interest  attaches   to  the  first  Negundo,   as  to  the 
first  Odontoglossum  vesillarium,  or  any  other  vain  debuianle 
from   the  tropics,  with  an  apronful   of  Latin  for  its  name, 
and  that,  after  all,  is  only  a  floral  butterfly,  flirting  to-day — 
to-morrow  only  a  bygone.     What  can  be  more  comely  or  per- 
fectly beautiful  in  its  way  than  the  great  tree  of  the  species 
named  on  the  lawn  at  Fulham  ?     Large,  round,  and  of  the 
tenderest  light  amber-tinted  green,  especially  when  the  sun- 
light bathes  it,  the  Fulham  Negundo  is,  without  question,  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  examples  in  the  country    of  this  charm- 
ing tree.     The  good  bishop  was   the  donor,  a.d.   1688;    and 
well  would  it  have  been  could  his  own  name  have  been  bestowed 
on  this  admu-able  production  of  nature  rather  than  on  the  little 
North  American  myricaceous  shrub,  pretty  and  curious  as  it 
is,  which  stands  in  the  catalogues,  and  far  too  rarely  in  gardens, 
as  Comptonia  asplenufolia.   The  latter,  it  may  be  well  to  remark, 
was  introduced,  about  1710,  by  another  devoted  lover  of  choice 
plants^Mary,  wife  of  the  first  Duke  of  Beaufort,  who  had  a 
remarkably  fine  collection  at  Badminton,  and  lived,  good  old 
lady,  to  the  ripe  age  of  eighty-five.     In  similar  compliment  to 
herself  we  have  the  genus  Beaufortia.    Associations  of  this 
nature  are,   to   the  gardener  who  loves   the    "  pleasures  of 
memory  "  as  well  as  the  "  pleasures  of  hope,"  shrines  which  he 


never  forgets,  and  which  he  visits  almost  as  a  good  Mussulman 
visits  his  Mecca.  A  propos  of  these  etymologies,  it  may  further 
be  remarked  that  Bishop  Compton  seems  to  have  procured  hi.s 
new  kinds  of  tree — those,  at  all  events,  which  come  from  North 
America — through  the  aid  of  the  Rev.  John  Banister,  a  sort  of 
missionary  whom  he  despatched  to  Virginia,  where  unhappily 
he  lost  his  life  through  a  fall  from  a  precipice — one  of  tho 
earliest  of  the  many  who  have  perished,  alas  !  iu  the  cause  of 
science.  "  The  noble  army  of  martyrs,"  rightly  reckoned  up, 
would  iliclude  many  more  than  those  who  suffered  for  con- 
science' sake.  Banistcria  is  well  known  to  be  a  very  beautiful 
genus  of  West  India  and  Brazilian  Malpighiaceaj — the  leaves, 
in  several  of  the  species,  being  covered  beneath  with  luminous 
pubescence. 

The  total  area  of    the   Fulham  Palace   grounds   is   about 
40  acres,  and  about  one  half  of  this  is  enclosed  by  a  moat,  said 
to  have  been  originally  the  water  defence  of  an  ancient  priory. 
Between  the  moat  and  the  Thames  are  some  fine  old  Poplars 
and  White  Willows,  which   add  greatly  to  the  picturesque 
character  of  the  scene,  and  of  course  swell  the  list  of   noble 
Fulham  trees.     Within  the  enclosure,  part  is   garden  2""'  et 
simple,  and  part  is  lawn,  or  expanse,  at  all  events,  of  level 
grass,  the  chief  portion  of  tho  older  and  more  interesting  trees 
occupying  localities  upon  the  turf.     How  many  of  them  were 
actually  planted  by  Bishop  Comptou  cannot  now  be  positively 
determined ;  Ijut  there  is  positive  mentiou  of  several  iu  the 
account  of  the  garden  given  by  Ray,  in  the  "  Historia  Planta- 
rum,"  Lib.  XXXII.  (published  in  1686),  and  again  in  a  very 
interesting  description  of  the  Fulham  Garden,  in  the  Philo- 
sophical Transactions  for  1751.     Ray  mentions,  as  trees  intro- 
duced and  probably  planted  by  Bishop  Compton,  the  Magnolia 
glauca,  the  Tulip  tree,  the  Sassafras,  the  Aralia  spinosa,  the 
Hickory,  the   Liquidambar,  and  several   others  from   North 
America ;  also  the  Corylus  Colurna,  and  certain  Pines  from  the 
South  of  Europe.     Others,  for  which  modern  England  is  pri- 
marily indebted  to  this  enterprising  man,  are  the  Cratajgus 
coccinea,  the  Laurus  Benzoin,  the  Quercus  cocciuea,  and  the 
Gleditschia  triacanthos.     Of  course  it  is  not  meant  to  say  that 
Compton  was  absolutely  the  first  to  import  exotic  trees.     The 
celebrated  John  Tradescant,   iu  the  time   of   Charles  I.,  had 
already  introduced  two  or  three  or  more,  cherishing  them  in 
his  famous  old  garden  at  Lambeth ;  and  although  Compton 
did  so  much  to  diffuse  a  taste  for  the  novelties  from  the  other 
side  of  the  Atlantic,  it  must  not  be  forgotten  that  Evelyn  had 
already  earned  for  himself  the  title  of  "  prince  of  arborists." 
But  Evelyn's   prime  delight  was   to  furnish  interest  in  the 
cultivation   and   improvement  of  the  other  indigenous  trees, 
and    it    is     unquestionably    to    the    force    of     his     example 
at  Wootton,  and  to    the    urgency   of   his    recommendations, 
that  England,  during  the  last  two  centuries,  has  been  indebted 
for  the  principal  portion  of  her  planted  Oaks.     What  Compton 
essentially  did,  and  after  a  manner  perfectly  sui  generis  and 
unprecedented,  except  iu  the  case  of  Solomon  of  old.  was  to 
set  going  that  noble  enthusiasm  on  behalf  of  the  acquisition 
of  new  and  splendid  trees  which  has  by  degrees  rendered  our 
island  the  richest  storehouse  in  the  world  of    specimens  of 
hardy  ligneous  vegetation.     Well  may  we  feel  that  the  first, 
last,  and  best  emotion  to  become  conscious  of  in  contemplating 
these  grand  old  trees  of  his  own  planting,  that  noble  Cork 
tree,  for  instance,  that  glorious  Juglans  nigra,  that  indomit- 
able old  Ilex,  is  reverence.     I  think  of  the  days  when  they 
were  sapliags ;-  how  it  must  have  warmed  the  heart  of  the 
worthy  old  bishop  to  see  his  treasures  take  root  kindly ;  to 
watch,  year  by  year,  the  branches  lengthen  and  strengthen  ; 
to  mark    the   leaves    coming  out  more  joyously  and  more 
plenteously  every  spring  ;  and  by  and  bye  to  note  the  adoles- 
cence wax  so  sweet,  that  instead  of  looking  down  upon  a  little 
thing  barely  so  tall  as  his  knees,  he  should  be  able  to  look 
up    and    enjoy  their   grateful  shade.     Nothing  in  life  is  so 
elegantly  parallel  with  the  growth  of  a  beautiful  child  into 
noble  manhood  or  graceful  womanhood  as  the  uprising  of  a 
tree,  especially  one  of  the  ornamental  kuid,  and  if  ever  a  man 
opened  up  a  new  satisfaction  to  the  human  race,  not  to  be 
excelled,  and   to   grow  with  all  the  years  to  follow,  it  was 
Bishop  Compton,  when  he  excited  the  desire  to  make  England 
as  it  were  the  College  of  the  Trees,  the  University  where  all 
should   find  a  place,  and  where  all   should   win   and  wear 


62 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  26,  18?3. 


perpetual  honours.  That  by  no  man  was  honour  deserved 
better,  Tvas  plainly  seen  by  his  compeers,  and  hence  the 
eulogiums  bestowed  on  Comptou,  not  only  by  Ray,  but  in 
the  writings  of  Plukenet  and  manj-  others  of  the  period.  A 
man  who  inspires  keen  and  pure  love  of  trees,  and  shows 
people  how  to  make  them  grow  and  become  glorious,  does 
a  far  gi-eater  service  to  his  fellows  than  one  who 
addresses  himself  simply  to  flowers.  The  permanent 
pride  of  a  gentleman's  garden  will  always  consist  in  its  trees 
and  shrubs,  provided  they  have  been  well  -selected  and 
fairly  and  honestly  treated  at  first — not  being  simply  stuck 
into  the  ground,  as  if  they  were  posts  ;  bnt  cared  for  thought- 
fully and  prospectively  ;  and  a  wise  gardener,  after  he  has  well 
considered  his  plans,  and  well  got  all  in  readiness  for  abun- 
dance of  good  fruit  and  solidly  esculent  vegetables,  will  always 
be  best  declared  by  the  amount  of  generous  regard  he  shows 
for  first-class  trees  and  for  shrubs  that  shall  be  a  delight, 
whatever  calamities  befall  the  flowers. 

The  trees  specially  interesting  in  the  Fulham  grounds  as 
they  are  at  present,  are  the  old  Planes,  the  grand  Ailantus.an 
Ornus    Europffius     (this    year    producing    an    inconceivable 
abundance    of    fruit),     the     magnificent     Gleditschias,     the 
Champion  Oak,  the  Negundo,  the  aged  Cork  tree,  the  majestic 
though  infirm  Cercis,   a  Celtis.  a   Quercus  palustris,  a    fiue 
Taxodium   distichum,  the  original  Quercus  Fulhamensis,  an 
Acer  creticum,  a  Cedar  of  Lebanon  (said  to  have  been  planted 
in  1683),  not  large,  but  very  effective,  and  an  Elm  of  truly 
wonderful  size  and  beauty.     Always  grand  and  sumptuous, 
the    magnificent    examples    of    the   Elm    now    standing    at 
Fulham  is  estimated  to  contain  no  less  a  quantity  than  400 
cubic  feet   of  solid  timber !      Besides   the   above,   there  arc 
strikingly  beautiful  examples  of  the  Crataegus  orientalis,  the 
C.  orientalis  sanguinea,  the  Tulip  tree,  Robinias  (one  of  them 
draped  with   Ivy),  a  Paulowuia,  a  Catalpa,  both  these  latter 
flowering  occasionally,  an  Acer  eriocarpum,  a  Pa  via  macro- 
stachya,   aud  many  more,    with    good    illustrations,    too,    of 
numerous  handsome  shrulDs,  such  as  the  Rhamnus  hybridus, 
so   desirable   in   its   copious  and  glossy  foliage,   the   Cornus 
Mascula,  and  the  Spindle  tree.     Shrubs  of  everyday  occur- 
rence,  the   Bladder-senna,  Lilacs,  Laburnums,  and  all  other 
such  indispensable  enrichments  of  a  good  garden,  of  course 
are   here  in  plenty,  the  successors  of  Bishop  Compton,  and 
especially    Bishop    Porteus    and    Bishop   Blomfield,    having 
given  every  encouragement  to  the  bettering  of  the  collectiou 
by    additions    of    what    was     already     well-known     in    the 
country.      Many   of  the  trees   originally  planted    had    from 
one    cause    or    another,     disappeared,    or    been    designedlj' 
removed ;  and  hence  it  became  so  much  the  more  important 
in  subsequent  years  to  fill  the  spots  anew.  Very  good  taste  has 
been   shown  likewise  in  the  introduction  of  Yuccas,  which  in 
their  quaint  and  almost   antediluvian  forms,  give  an  air  of 
antique  richness  to  the  general  scene ;  while  huge  tufts  of 
Pampas  Grass,  again  wdth  a  certain  primeval  air,  add  still 
further   to    the  pleasing   effect,  and   Jaring   us    at  the  same 
moment,  in  a  manner  very  agreeable,  face  to  face  with  the 
botany  of  the  immediate  present.    A  similarly  agreeable  effect 
is  produced  by  the  planting  of  nearly  a  score  of  the  best  modern 
varieties  of  Ivy  against  the  south  wall  of  the  private  chapel, 
part  of  a  building,  by  the  way,  which  though  iinpretentious, 
is    very  interesting.     The  palace,  as  a  whole,  constitutes  a 
quadrangle,  with  a  large   square   open  space  in  the  middle. 
Whatever  else  may  be  introduced  at  Fulham  during  the  future, 
evergreens  should  always  have   a  foremost   place.      It  was 
for  these  the  garden  was  largely  noted  in  the  beginning,  and 
the  complexion  that  gave  it  fame  in  youth  should  be  preserved 
dui'ing  the  dignity  of  its  ripe  and  unblemished  age.     When 
Compton  lived,  evergreen  trees  and  shrubs  were  called   by 
the  simple  name  of  "  greens,"  a  use  of  the  word  important  to 
remember  while  reading  the  poets  of  the  time  of  Cowley,  and 
green  things  such  as  these  must  assuredly  form  the  most  fit- 
ting memorial  of  such  a  spirit  and  such  handiwork  as  the  good 
old  Bishop's.  His  remains  are  interred  in  the  adjacent  church  or 
churchyard,  whether   with  or  without  a  monument  we  did  not 
observe.      It  matters  very  little,  for  a  better  than  could  be 
cut  in  marble  lives  in  these  glorious  trees. 

Si  mommientum  quaeris,  cii'ouraspice  ! 

Leo  GKiyDox. 


NOTES    OF   THE   WEEK. 


We  have  received  from  Messrs.  Rivers,  of  Sawbridgeworth, 

a  remarkably  fine  example  of  Lord  Palmerston  Peach,  weighing 
over  11  oz.  This  noble  fruit  was  one  of  seven  produced  by  a  small 
standard  tree  grown  in  an  11-inch  pot,  clearly  proving  that  really 
fine  fruit  may  be  grown  in  that  way. 

OxE  of  the  finest  objects  now  in  flower  in  onr  gardens  is  the 

New  Zealand  Arundo  conspicua.  Of  this  there  are  many  tufts  in  Mr. 
Cranston's  Nurseries  at  Hereford,  9  feet  high,  and  bearing  many 
silvery  plumes  of  flowers.  When  well  grown  this  Arundo  is  as  good 
as  the  Pampas,  aud  flowers  two  months  earlier. 

Ix  the  Wellington  Nurseries,  St.  John's  Wood,  where  many 

hundreds  of  hybrid  Begonias  are  now  in  bloom,  we  noticed  a  pretty 
double-flowered  one,  of  a  pale  blush  or  pink  colour,  and  of  good 
substance  and  form.  This  is  the  first  time  we  have  seen  a  double- 
flowered  Begonia.  We  are  informed  that  the  plant  in  question 
bloomed  for  the  first  time  last  year,  and  that  it  has  since  then  well 
sustained  its  character. 

The  piece  of  gi-ound  on  the  Thames  Embankment  between 

Charing-cross  Station  and  Westminster  Bridge,  which  has  so  long 
lain  waste,  has  just  come  into  possession  of  the  Board  of  Works,  and 
they  are  about  to  convert  it  into  a  public  garden,  after  the  fashion 
of  that  on  the  east  side  of  Charing-cross  Station.  Plans  for  laying 
out  the  ground  were  submitted  to  the  Board  for  approval  daring  the 
present  week. 

As  an  instance  of  the  length  of  time  that  pollen,  if  secured 

from  damp,  will  preserve  its  fertilising  properties,  M.  Carriere  states 
that  M.  Honllet  collected  some  pollen  of  Ceratozamia  mexicaua  in 
the  gardens  of  the  Museum  in  1867.  With  this  he  fertilised  some 
female  flowers  of  C.  mexicana  in  1872,  the  result  this  year  being  an 
abundant  crop  of  the  drupaceous  fruit  of  this  plant. 

Mr.  W.^ee  informs  us   that  he  has  several   fine   clumps  of 

Spigelia  marilandica  in  full  bloom — the  first  time  that  he  has 
succeeded  in  growing  it  in  perfection.  It  is  planted  in  peat,  and  sunk 
in  the  ground,  say  3  or  4  inches  below  the  surface  level,  the  sides 
being  kept  up  with  stones.  In  this  way  abundance  of  moisture  is 
ensured  and  partial  shade — circumstances  under  which  many  plants 
can  be  grown  which  wonld  not  succeed  under  ordinary  treatment. 
Mr.  Ware  has  Mimulus  repens,  Geutiana  Pneumonanthe,  and  many 
other  kinds  of  plants,  growing  freely  in  situations  of  this  kind. 

Mk.  Blackley,  of  Leyton,  asserts  that  he  can  grow  Potatoes 

free  from  disease,  and,  in  order  to  test  the  value  of  his  assertion,  he 
has  been  allowed  to  plant  a  plot  of  ground  at  Chiswick  with  kinds 
considered  to  be  most  liable  to  disease.  The  advantages  belonging 
to  his  mode  of  culture  are  stated  to  be  entire  freedom  from  disease 
and  a  heavier  crop,  produced  at  less  cost  than  that  obtained  in  the 
ordinary  way.  In  the  experiment  now  under  trial  whole  Potatoes 
of  medium  size  have  been  used  as  sets,  which  were  planted  on  the 
31st  of  May.  The  particular  treatment  on  which  Mr.  Blackley  relies  for 
success  is  at  present,  we  beUeve,  a  secret ;  but  he  states  that  by  it 
he  has  succeeded  in  keeping  his  _Potatoe3  free  from  disease  for  the 
last  three  years. 

Amongst  the  Bamboos  which  may  be  "profitably  grown," 

M.  Carriere  mentions  B.  mitis,  B.  aurea,  B.  viridi-glaucescens,  and 
B.  nigra.  Of  those  that  may  be  cultivated  in  the  open  air  with  a 
fair  prospect  of  success,  he  speaks  of  B.  Quilloi,  B.  flexuosa,  and 
specially  of  B.  violescens.  With  these,  he  incidentally  mentions 
Arundinaria  falcata,  which,  in  favourable  soil  and  position,  will  send 
up  stems  20  feet  high.  It  must  be  observed  that  all  the  Bambusoa 
require  incessant  watering  during  the  summer.  To  secure  a  well- 
developed  growth  of  any  of  them,  a  rich  soil  is  necessary.  If 
possible,  they  should  be  planted  in  a  moist  alluvial  place,  where  they 
may  attain,  in  a  great  degree,  the  conditions  natural  to  them.  It  is 
really  difficult  to  point  out  a  plant  which,  in  its  graceful,  distinct, 
and  exuberant  foUage,  surpasses  the  Bamboo,  and  we  trust  to  see  it 
henceforward  much  more  largely  grown  amongst  us  than  it  is. 

A  S5IALI,  party  of  gentlemen  took  a  drive  through  Epping 

Forest  on  Saturday  afternoon  for  the  purpose  of  noting  its  present 
condition  in  connection  with  the  legal  and  other  proceedings  which  it 
is  hoped  will  bring  the  question  of  its  preservation  to  a  satisfactory 
termination.  The  surveying  party  were  accompanied  in  a  portion  of 
their  route  by  Colonel  Palmer,  the  senior  forest  verderer ;  the  others 
being  Sir  Antonio  Brady,  Alderman  White,  and  Mr.  Wythes.  The 
Queen  herself  has,  it  appears,  recently  expressed  her  deep  interest  in 
the  attempt  to  preserve,  for  public  use  and  enjoyment  in  perpetuity, 
as  much  of  Epping  Forest  as  possible  ;  and  Lady  Burdett-Coutts  has 
presented  to  the  Forest  Fund  a  further  donation  of  £50  to  assist  the 
work  of  preserving  this  forest  as  an  open  space  for  the  recreation 
and  enjoyment  of  the  peoi^le  of  London, 


July  26,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


63 


demand  than 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 

MAIDEN-HAIR   FERNS. 
(adiantuii.) 

For  grouping?  with  cut  flowers,  either  in  choice  bouquets  or 

iu  flower-vases  for  the  table,  Maiden-hiiir  Ferns  have  no  equal. 

Perhaps  the  best  known  among  them  is  the   old  Adiantum 

cuneatum,   the  fronds  of   which  are  iu  larger 

those  of  any  of 

the  other  kinds. 

The    noblest 

species    of    the 

whole  group  is, 

however,  A.  Par- 

leyense,    but  to 

have  it  in  really 

good  condition  it 

requires    to    bo 

grown  in  a  high 

h  u  m  i  d     stove 

temperature. 

TherareA.Peru- 

vianum  is  alsoan 

excellent  species, 

which  somewhat 

resembles      the 

old  A.    trapezi- 

forme    iu   bold- 
ness of  segmpnt 

and    general 

habit,   but   it  is 

far   superior    to 

that     plant     in 

gracef\il  beauty. 

This    has     been 

introduced      by 

Messrs.    Veitcli 
&  Son,  to  whom 

we  are   also  in- 
debted   for   the 
beautiful  A. 
amabile,     which 
is  also  known  as 
A.    Mooreanum, 
and  which  is  one 
of    the    most 
charming  varie- 
ties in  the  whole 
group.    Some  of 
the  Maiden-hairs 
may    be    grown 
in     a    Wai'dian 
case,    and    even 
in    the     sitting- 
room  window 
without    protec- 
tion during  sum- 
mer ;    but   most 
of  them  succeed 
best  iu  the  hu- 
mid temperature 
of  a  plant  stove 
or    tropical 
Fernery.       The 
fresh   green 
fronds   of  A. 
macrophyllum, 
A.  Farleyense,  and  of    several  other 


species,  associate  well 
with  choice  Orchids  and  other  exotics.  The  Adiantums  grow 
freely  iu  a  compost  of  good  fresh  peat,  and  with  the  addition 
of  a  little  leaf-mould  or  fibrous  loam  for  the  more  robust- 
throwing  species.  The  pots  in  which  they  are  placed  should 
be  thoroughly  well  drained,  stagnant  moisture  being  specially 
injurious  to  the  more  delicate  sorts.  We  have  from  forty  to 
fifty  species  belonging  to  this  genus  in  cultivation,  but  ni 
the  following   remarks  we  propose  to  allude  to  those  only 


which  are  most   efiective  as   decorative  plants   for  ordinary 
purposes. 

A.  AMABILE. — This  is  an  extremely  beautiful  species  recently 
introduced  from  Peru ;  consequently  it  will  be  found  to  succeed 
best  in  a  cool  stove  or  intermediate  house.  Its  gracefully 
recurved  fronds  are  of  a  soft  light  green,  and  the  ultimate 
divisions  are  remarkable  for  their  peculiar  irregular  lobes, 
which  readily  distinguish  this  species  from  all  others.  It 
generally  grows  from  12  to  18  inches  in  height,  its  younger 

f  r  o  n  d  s    being 
1'  L,  rf^TL    _  delicately     per- 

fumed. It  was 
sent  to  Messrs. 
Veitch  &  Sons 
by  their  late 
lamented  collec- 
tor, Mr.  Pearce. 

A.  CARDIO- 
CULrENA.  —  This 
Fern,  when  well 
grown,  often  at- 
tains a  height  of 
2  or  3  feet.  Its 
fronds  are  re- 
markable for 
their  black  shiny 
stripes  and  pale 
green  divisions. 
It  is  one  of  the 
best  and  most 
effective  of  all 
Adiantums  for 
exhibition  pur- 
poses, and  is 
well  adapted  for 
planting  out  on 
rock-work  in  the 
tropicalFernery. 
It  is  known  iu 
some  gardens  as 
A.polyphyllum.  ' 

A.  CONCINNUM. 

— This    and   its 
elegant    variety 
A.  c.  latum  are 
worthy  of  aplace 
in  the  most  se- 
lect     collection 
of   stove   Ferns. 
Being  pendulous 
in     habit     they 
have  a  graceful 
appeai'ance,  and 
may     be     used 
either  in  pots  or 
baskets  with 
good  effect.  The 
divisions  of  the 
fronds  are   of  a 
pleasing       light 
green    colour, 
while  the  rachis 
is  jet  black  and 
wire-like.     It  is 
well  adapted  for 
cutting  and  for 
general     decor- 
ative purposes. 
A.  CULTRATUM. — This  is  quite  distinct  in  general  appearance 
from  all  others,  though  doubtless  but  a  variety  of  A.  trapezi- 
forme,  and,  like  that  species,  a  strong  grower.     Its  fronds  are 
tripinnate  and  of   a  bright  green,  varying  from  18  inches  to 
2  feet  high  when  well  grown.     It  is  very  effective  as  a  deco- 
rative plant   or  for  exhibition    purposes,   and   it   docs   well 
planted  out  in  the  tropical  Fernery. 

A.  CUNEATUM. — This  is  the  commonest  of  all  Maiden-hairs, 
and  one  of  the  most  useful.    It  does  well  in  a  moderate  tem- 


Unequally-loljed  llaiden-liair  Fern  (Adiantum  amabile). 


6-t 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[July  26,  1873. 


perature,  provided  the  house  is  close  and  humid,  producing 
numerous  finely  cut  pale  green  fronds,  invaluable  for  grouping 
with  cut  flowers  or  in  bouquets.  It  grows  freely  planted  out 
in  a  Wardian  case,  and  is  specially  useful  during  the  winter 
months  when  Feni  fronds,  as  a  rule,  are  scarce. 

A.  cniiV-VTUJ[. — An  cft'ective  species,  though  rarely  seen  in 
good  condition.  It  is  liable  to  turn  brown  if  exposed  ;  there- 
foi'e,  to  keep  it  fresh  aud  healty,  it  must  be  grown  in  a  shady 
position,  aud  plentifully  supphcd  with  water.  Its  large  pedate 
fronds  grow  a  foot  or  18  inches  high,  and  the  pinuiB  curve 
backwards,  giving  the  ]ilant  a  distinct  appearance. 

A.  Parleyknse. — This  is  supposed  to  l)e  a  variable-crested 
form  of  A.  touerum  or  A.  Scutum,  and  was  introduced  to  our 
collections  from  Farley  Hill,  Barbadoos.  When  placed  in  a 
fresh  open  compost,  in  a  high  humid  temperature,  it  grows 
with  astonishing  rapidity,  makes  a  fine  decorative  plant, 
with  its  rich  luxuriant  fronds.  Two  of  the  finest  plants 
we  have  seen  of  this  variety  were  grown  by  Mr.  Geo.  Lamb, 
at  Colston  Bassett,  Notts.  These  were  in  a  Pine  stove,  and 
measured  nearly  a  yard  through,  the  fronds  Ijeing  unusually 
fresh  and  healthy  and  beautiful. 

A.  Hendersonii. — A  distinct  plant  of  robust  habit,  intro- 
duced by  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons,  and  growing  a  foot  or 
1 8  inches  in  height ;  its  mature  fronds  are  of  a  deep  green 
colour,  and  elegantly  recurved,  while  its  young  foliage  is  of  a 
distinct  bronzy  crimson,  a  tint  which  is  retained  for  a  con- 
siderable time.  When  well  grown  it  has  a  very  graceful 
appearance. 

A.  LUNULATU3I. — This  is  an  old  deciduous  species,  very  rare 
in  collections,  though  easily  grown.  Its  gracefully  recurved 
fronds  are  pinnate,  with  kidney-shaped  lobes  of  a  light  green 
colour,  the  apex  of  the  fronds  having  a  viviparous  termination 
of  the  mid-rib.  It  dies  down  every  autumn,  and  springs  up 
again  with  the  new  year.  It  is  a  native  of  the  East  Indies, 
aud  is  well  worth  general  cultivation. 

A.  MACROPiivLLUM. —  A  distinct  broadly  pinnate  species, 
having  erect  fronds  from  12  to  18  inches  high.  When  young, 
the  fronds  ai'e  of  a  rosy  bronze  or  dull  crimson  coloui', 
changing,  when  old,  to  a  light  green.  This  is  a  somewhat 
difficult  plant  to  grow  into  a  good  specimen,  and  it  requires  a 
moderate  stove  heat,  a  fresh,  open,  peaty  compost,  and  not 
too  much  water  at  the  root.     It  comes  from  the  West  Indies. 

A.  TEDATUM. —  This  is  a  noble  North  American  species, 
having,  when  well  grown,  fiue  pedate  fronds  nearly  2  feet 
high.  It  makes  splendid  specimens  for  exhibition  when  grown 
in  pots  ;  but  is  even  more  hardy  than  our  solitary  British 
species,  and  grows  well  out  of  doors  in  sheltered  positions  in 
the  rock  or  Alpine  garden.  A  fine  plant,  growing  freely,  may 
be  seen  under  a  sheltering  ledge  in  the  rock  garden  of  Messrs. 
Backhouse  &  Son,  at  York. 

A.  SCABEUM. —  This  is  what  is  called  the  Silver  Maiden- 
hair, a  rare  and  beautiful  species,  which  grows  in  a  compact 
mass  about  6  inches  high.  Its  fronds  are  compoundly  pinnate, 
and  the  remarkable  point  about  this  plant  is  that  both  sides  of 
the  fronds  are  suffused  with  a  white  farinose  powder.  It  is  an 
evergreen  species,  introduced  to  our  collections  from  Chili, 
and  will  be  found  to  succeed  best  in  the  moderate  temperatm-e 
of  a  close  greenhouse. 

A.  SETULosuM. —  This  is  a  dense-growiug  species,  having 
dark  green  tripiunate  fronds  about  a  foot  high.  It  is  ever- 
green, and  one  of  the  most  useful  of  Ferns,  producing,  as  it 
does,  immense  crops  of  fresh  green  fronds.  It  is  a  native  of 
Norfolk  Island. 

A.  TENERU.M. — A  strong-growing  species,  frequently  bearing 
fronds  3  feet  long,  its  polished  wire-like  stipes  rising  from  a 
creeping  rhizome.  When  well  grown  it  makes  a  noble 
specimen  either  in  a  pot  or  basket.  Small  plants  of  it  are 
very  useful  for  stove  or  dinner-table  decoration. 

A.  TINCTUM.— This  is  a  very  useful  decorative  species,  having 
bright  green  leaves  a  foot  or  more  high.  Its  young  fronds  are 
of  a  bronzy-crimson  colour,  and  give  the  plant  a  unique 
appearance.  It  grows  well  in  a  moderate  temperature,  aud  is 
a  valuable  decorative  Fern. 

A.  TRAPEZipoKME.— A  noblc  robust-growing  species,  well 
suited  when  well  grown  for  purposes  of  exhibition,  producing-, 
as  it  does,  branched  bright  green  fronds  nearly  a  yard  in 
length.     It  comes  from  the  ^V'est  Indies,  aud  when  planted 


out  in  the  tropical  Fernery  makes  a  fine  specimen.  It  sports 
into  one  or  two  distinct  varieties,  of  which  A.  Catherinaj  is 
one  of  the  Ijest,  and  easily  distinguished  from  trapeziforme  by 
its  smaller  pinnas  being  irregularly  lobed. 

These  comprise  the  best  of  the  Adiantums,  but  our  own 
British  species  sports  into  several  beautiful  varieties,  which 
may  be  cultivated  in  perfection  in  a  close  greenhouse 
temperature,  and  which  .are  very  useful  both  for  ordinary 
decorative  jiurposes  or  for  exhibition.  B. 


GARDENIAS. 
In  a  warm  stove  and  under  good  management.  Gardenias  will 
produce    large  quantities  of   pure  white  deliciously-fragrant 
flowers,  for  a   considerable  portion  of  the  j^ear,  if  grown  in 
quantity.     They  are  readily  multiplied  by  means  of  cuttings 
of   either  the  young   or    old  wood,   if    the   cutting-pots   are 
plunged   in  a  moderate  bottom  heat  and  the  atmosphere  is 
kept  nearly  saturated  with  moisture,  so  as  to  prevent  flagging 
through  excessive  evaporation.     Few  plants  form  roots  more 
readily  than  Gardenias,  but  to  cultivate  them  in  pefectiou  they 
require    a    high    and    humid    temperature,    together  with   a 
compost  consisting  of  fresh  fibrous  luam,   peat,  well   rotted 
manure,  and  coarse  sand.     If  the  pots  are  well  drained,  au 
abundant  supply  of  moisture  may  be  given  at  the  root.     They 
are  best  grown  in  small  pots,  both  tor  the  purpose  of  pro- 
ducing abundance  of  cut  blooms,  and  also  for  general  decora- 
tive purposes.     Old  plants  of  them,  in  small  pots,  produce  an 
enormous  quantity  of  beautiful  flowers,  though,  as  a  rule,  the 
appearance  of  leggy  old  Gardenias  is  tar  from  elegant.     Mr. 
II.  Yates,  of  Sale,  near  Manchester,  who  uses  thousands  of 
Gardenia  flowers  every  year  for  bouquets  and  button-holes, 
grows  a  quantity  of  old  stunted  plants,  4  or  5  feet  high,  in 
very  small  pots,  and  these  produce  hundreds  of  flowers  each  ; 
and,  though  I  have  seen  Gardenias  grown  well  elsewhere,  I 
never  saw  them  flowered  so  profusely  as  at  the  establishment 
just  alluded  to.      Dwarf  plants  are  very  useful  during  the 
summer  mouths  for  the  decoration  of  the  sitting  or  drawing- 
room.     One  of  the  best  species  for  the  latter  purpose  is  G. 
radicans,  a  compact-growing    species  that   flowers  well  in  a 
small  state,  and  remains  a  good  while  in  bloom.     Small  flower- 
ing plants    of    G.  radicans,   G.  florida,  or  G.  Fortunei,  may 
easily  be  obtained  by  taking  off  the  branches  of  a  large  plant 
after  the  flower-buds  are  set,  and  striking  them  separately  in 
small  pots,  in  the  gentle  bottom-heat  of  a  close  propagatiug- 
case.  '  Every  branch  will  root  readily  in  a  week  or  two,  aud 
they  may  then  be  removed  to  a  warm  stove,  and  placed  near 
the   light  to  open   their  flowers.     Though,   while   growing, 
Gardenias  require  a  high  temperature,  when  in  flower  they 
will  bear  removal  to  a  much  cooler  atmosphere,  and  will  con- 
tinue in  bloom  for  a  considerable  time.     The  flowers  must  be 
kept  dry,  as,  when  in  a  cool  house  or  room,  the  least  drop  of 
moisture  on  the  petals  is  apt  to  discolour  their  pearly  white- 
ness. 

After  the  plants  have  flowered,  they  may  be  pruned  in 
closely,  aud  started  into  growth  for  next  season's  supply.  Pot 
them  in  the  compost  just  named  as  soon  as  the  young  growth 
appears,  aud  give  them  the  benefit  of  a  light  sunny  position 
near  the  glass,  so  as  to  keep  them  dwarf.  Plenty  of  air  may 
be  admitted  during  summer,  and  a  dose  of  liquid  manure  once 
or  twice  a  week  will  sti'engthen  the  plants  considerably,  and 
also  improve  the  colour  of  their  foliage.  For  market  purposes 
G.  florida  and  G.  radicans  seem  to  be  the  favourites.  G. 
citriodora  is  a  compact  bushy  plant,  which  grows  from  18 
inches  to  2  feet  high ;  its  branches  are  clothed  with  opposite 
dark  green  leaves,  in  the  axils  of  which  the  sweetly-perfumed 
(lowers  are  produced  in  dense  clusters.  The  blooms  of  this 
species,  though  single  and  rather  fugacious,  are  admirably 
adapted  for  bouquets  when  mounted  separatelj-  on  fine  wire, 
one  or  two  being  quite  sufficient  to  give  a  bouquet  a  most 
delicious  fragrance. 

G.  florida  is  another  fine  species,  too  seldom  seen  in  culti- 
vation. It  is  a  shrubby- plant,  which  grows  from  2  to,  0  feet 
high,  and  which  has  from  two  to  three  dai'k  green  opposite 
leaves.  The  flowers  are  about  the  size  of  half  a  crown,  of  a 
pure  white  colour,  and  are  as  double  as  those  of  a  white  Pink 
or  Balsam.     They  are  produced  two  or  three  together  at  tliu 


July  2G,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


65 


tip  of  the  branches,  so  that  the  more  bushy  the  plants  the 
more  flowers  one  may  expect  to  find  on  them.  The  flowers  of 
this  species  are  produced  from  December  or  January  to  May 
or  June,  or  even  later,  according  to  the  treatment  to  which 
the  plants  are  subjected.  With  plenty  of  heat  a.id  careful 
management  this  species  may  be  had  in  flower  all  the  year 
round.  One  variety  of  this  plant  has  its  foliage  margined 
with  creamy-white,  and  when  well  grown  is  very  ornamental. 
Like  the  green-leaved  form,  it  flowers  freely  in  spring. 

G.  Fortunei  is  a  robust-growing  species,  which  has  broad 
bright  green  foliage,  and  bears  large  pure  white  flowers 
very  sweetly  scented.  It  is  a  free  flowerer,  and  its  blossoms 
are  invaluable  for  bouquets  or  button-holes.  It  was  brought 
from  China  by  Mr.  Fortune  many  years  ago  ;  and  thrives 
under  the  same  treatment  as  its  congeners. 

G.  radicans  is  the  best  of  the  genvis  as  regards  habit,  being 
dwarf  and  shrubby,  and  clothed  with  small  bright  green  leaves, 
which  are  much  narrower  than  those  of  the  other  species.  It 
grows  only  from  1  to  2  feet  high,  and  when  well  managed 
flowers  abundantlj',  its  blossoms  being  double,  pure  while, 
and  very  sweetly  perfumed.  It  blooms  all  through  the 
summer  mouths.  A  larger-growing  and  more  profuse 
flowering  form,  called  G.  radicans  major,  should  be  added  to 
every  collection  in  which  Gardenias  arc  grown,  as  it  grows 
equally  well  and  has  the  largest  blossoms  of  the  species. 
There  is  also  another  interesting  form  of  G.  radicans,  in 
which  the  leaves  are  margined  with  creamy-white,  and  which 
grows  as  freely  and  Ijears  flowers  in  as  great  profusion  as  the 
ordinany  form. 

G.  Stauleyana  is  wholly  unlike  the  kinds  just  named.  It 
liears  large  trumpet-shaped  flowers,  which  are  produced  in 
tolerable  abundance  during  the  summer  months,  but  they  are 
not  so  sweet  as  blossoms  of  the  ordinary  kinds.  It  is  a  native 
of  Sierra  Leone.  J.  S. 


8TAPBLIAS. 

This  is  a  singular  genus  of  succulent  Cape  plants,  which 
number  nearly  a  hundred  species ;  but  a  very  small  propor- 
tion are  now  to  be  found  iji  ordinary   gardens.     They  are 


Stapelia  europasa. 

branched,  leafless  plants,  which  seldom  grow  under  cultiva- 
tion more  than  a  foot  high,  and  which  bear  curious,  stellate, 
waxy  flowers  that  vary  greatly  both  as  to  size  and  colour.  A 
marked  and  well-known  peculiarity  connected  with  the  flowers 
of  these  plants  is  their  unpleasant  and,  in  some  cases,  even 
repulsive  odour.  Another  marked  feature  in  their  economy  is 
their  having  waxy  pollen  masses  analagous  to  those  of  many 
Orchidaceous  plants.  The  carrion  scent  emitted  by  the  flowers, 
by  attracting  flies,  is  doubtless  subservient  to  the  process  of 
artificial  fertilisation,  without  which  the  seeds  of  these  plants 
could  not  be  pi'oduced.  It  is  very  common,  when  these  plants 
are  in  bloom,  to  see  great  blue  flies  busily  engaged  in  depositing 
heir  eggs  right  down  the  centre  of  the  flower,  and,'Jn  doing 
so,  they  not  unfrequently  dislodge  the  pollen  masses,  and  thus 


unconsciously  effect  fertilisation.  Stapelias  are  readily  pro- 
pagated by  means  of  cuttings  made  of  their  fleshy  shoots 
mserted  in  sandy  soil  at  this  season,  and  are  by  no  means 
difficult  to  cultivate  if  kept  on  a  shelf  close  to  the  glass, 
and  in  a  rather  close  atmosphere.  It  is  useless  to  attempt 
striking  cuttings  during  the  dull  autumn  or  winter  months, 
as  the  shoots  do  not  then  possess  vital  energy  enough  to  emit 
roots,  but  damp  off.  Some  of  the  species,  as  S.  Asterias, 
S.  Plantii,  S.  hirsuta,  S.  Hystrix,  and  S.  grandiflora,  are  very 
effective  when  in  flower,  and  seldom  fail  to  attract  attention. 
The  accompanying  illustration  of  S.  europasa,  sometimes 
cafled  S.^  italica,  a  native  of  South  Africa,  but  naturalised 
m    the   South    of   Europe,    will    convey   some    idea    of    the 


Single  bloom  of  S.  europaja. 

general  conformation  and  markings  of  these  curious  fine-rayed 
flowers,  the  prevailing  colour  of  which  is  dull  yellow,  heavily 
barred  or  blotched  transversely  with  brown  or  purple,  many  of 
the  varieties  having  their  flowers  densely  covered  with  long 
purplish  hairs.  Stapelias  grow  well  in  sandy  loam  in  well- 
drained  pots  ;  and  the  smaller  the  pots  are  the  better,  as  they 
invariably  lose  their  roots  during  winter,  if  surrounded  by  a 
damp  mass  of  stagnant  compost.  They  bloom  at  different 
times  through  the  spring,  summer,  and  autumn  months. 

W.  H. 


Griffinia  hyacinthina.— Will  yon  kindly  give  me  the  proper 
treatment  of  this  plant  ?  I  have  a  bulb  of  it  which  has  been  without 
either  root  or  leaf  for  more  than  eighteen  months.  It  has  been  iu 
heat  and  out  of  heat,  without  water  and  with  water,  but  it  does  not 
assume  any  appearance  of  growing. — Joseph  Bayley,  Yarmoittli. 
[I  fear  that  your  correspondent's  GriiBnia  is  not  likely  to  grow,  but 
as  it  possesses  some  appearance  of  life,  I  should  recommend  its 
being  kept  in  the  temperature  of  an  intermediate  or  Mexican  Orchid 
house,  just  giving  it  sufficient  water  to  keep  the  soil  in  the  condition 
best  described  as  neither  wet  nor  dry.  I  find  that  the  plant  thrives 
best  in  sandy  loam,  never  allowed  to  become  dry,  and  in  a  tempera, 
tare  of  from  50°  to  60°  whilst  growing,  and  of  from  40°  to  45°  when 
at  rest. — T.  Baines.] 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GARDEN. 


Rhyncopetalum  montanum— it,  may  interest  lovers  of  novelty  to  hear  that 
a  plant  of  this  is  now  atlded  to  the  Kew  collection  of  succulents.  It  was 
originally  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  Wilson  Saunders,  and  is  a  fine  specimen, 
about  4  feet  high,  the  thick  stem  being  surmounted  by  a  plume  of  drooping 
lanceolate  Jeaves  of  a  glaucous  or  silvery-green  colour.— S. 

Ficus  diversifolia.— "We  find  this,  when  properly  pinched,  a  most  inter- 
esting and  graceful  plant,  which  stands  in  an  ordinary  sitting-room  nearly  as 
well  as  F.  etastica  and  Aralia  Sieboldi.  It  is  covered  with  little  yellow-orange 
fruit,  in  different  stages  of  growth,  the  whole  year  round,  and  is  easily  propa- 
gated by  means  of  cuttings,  which  also  fruit  at  once.  It  seems  to  be  very  little 
known,  judging  by  the  attention  which  it  always  attracts  when  our  plant  is 
seen.— T.  J.  Hope,  M'urdif  Lodge. 

Epidendrum  oncidioides.— ThisisnowinfloweratKcw.  It  cannot  be  called 
a  showy  species,  but  it  is  well  worth  growing  on  account  of  its  large  greenish 
flowers  being  deliciousiy  scented.  The  p.^eudo-bulbs  are  about  three  inches 
long,  and  of  a  dark,  shining  green  colour,  bearing  two  or  three  narrow  strap- 
shaped  leaves,  which  vary  from  a  foot  to  16  inches  long.  The  tlower-spike  is 
produced  from  the  apex  of  the  bulb  and  is  about  two  feet  long  and  branched. 
Sepals  and  petals  dull  gi-ecn.  suffused  with  pale  brown  ;  lips  three-lobed,  white, 
streaked  with  purple  lines. — B. 

Fuchsia  fulgens  multiflora  pumila.— This  is  a  pretty  little  variety  of  a 
well-known  species.  It  flowers  freely,  grows  only  about  6  inches  in  height, 
and  is  well  adapted  for  planting  here  and  there  in  carpets  of  Selaginella  in  the 
conservatory.  It  also  forms  a  valuable  subject  for  filling  beds  of  small  size  in 
the  flower  garden.  It  has  tuberous  roots,  which  may  be  lifted,  stored  away  in 
winter  like  Dahlia  tubers,  and  re-potted  in  spring,  or  if  gi'own  in  pots,  they  can 
be  stored  away  in  winter  in  some  dry  cellar.  This  Tittle  Fuchsia  will  also 
tlu'ive  well  in  windows.— D.  MacInitbe, 


66 


THE  GARDEN. 


[July  26,  1873. 


THE     ARBORETUM. 


REMARKABLE  TREES. 
"  In  the  vegetable  kingdom,"  says  M.  F.  Barillet,  in  a  letter  to 
the  Revue  Horticolc,  "  nothing  is  more  striking  than  the  sight 
of  an  old  tree  of  gigantic  proportions,  ■ivhose  origin  is  lost  in 
the  depths  of  an  unknown  age."  The  trees  which  attain  this 
patriarchal  distinction  of  longevity  are  the  Oak,  the  Elm,  the 
Plane  tree,  the  Yew,  some  species  of  Fig,  and  the  Cedar.  In 
his  list  of  remarkaljle  trees,  M.  Barillet  commences  with  "  the 
Oak  of  Allouville,"  of  which  we  have  already  given  a  detailed 
account,  with  auillustration,  at  p.  161,  Vol.  III.  of  The  Gardex. 
The  next  on  his  list  is  the  Oak  of  Montravail  (near  Salutes), 
one  of  the  survivors  of  the  old  forest  of  Saintonge.  The  trunk 
of  this  tree  is  hollowed  to  the  extent  of  some  13  feet  in 
diameter  and  nearly  10  feet  in  height.  It  is  supposed  to  be 
about  2,000  years  old.  At  3j  feet  from  the  ground  it  measures 
nearly  23  feet  in  girth,  and  the  height  of  the  tree  is  65  feet. 
The  Oak  of  Antein,  in  the  forest  of  Senart,  has  a  circumference 
of  17  feet,  and  covers  with  its  foliage  a  space  of  88  square  feet. 
Of  Chestnuts,  that  known  as  the  Chestnut  d'Esau,  in  Dau- 
phine,  is  one  of  the  most  remarkable ;  not,  however,  to  be 
approached  by  the  Chestnut  of  Mount  Etna,  already  described 
at  p.  36,  vol.  I.,  of  The  Garden.  This  Chestnut  d'Esau 
measures  40  feet  in  circumference,  and  even  now,  in  what  may 
be  called  a  very  good  old  age,  produces  an  abundance  of 
chestnuts.  At  Finisterre,  close  by  the  sea,  is  the  Fig  Tree  de 
Roscoff  (a  specimen  of  Ficus  Carica).  The  spread  of  the 
branches  of  this  tree  is  108  feet,  the  diameter  of  the  trunk  is 
nearly  22  feet.  In  Switzerland, near  the  mineral  waters  of  Evain, 
is  the  large  Chestnut,  called  Chataignier  de  Neuve-celle.  This, 
from  its  picturesque  appearance,  is  much  visited  and  admired 
by  tourists.  At  6  feet  from  the  ground  it  measures  over 
16  feet  in  diameter.  Not  far  from  Geneva  is  the  Cedre  de 
Beaulieu  (Cedrua  Liljani),  which  measures  over  16  feet  in 
diameter  at  the  base,  is  over  97  feet  high,  and  is  supposed  to 
have  been  planted  in  A.D.173ri.  In  the  Canton  of  the  Grisons, 
in  Switzerland,  is  the  great  Maple  de  Trons  {Erable  de  Trons), 
a  common  Maple,  whose  age  is  computed  to  be  at  the  least 
600  years.  The  diameter  of  its  trunk  is  over  83  feet,  and  now, 
in  its  decrepitude,  the  devotion  of  the  villagers,  who  love  it 
for  its  far-extending  hereditary  associations,  have  propped  its 
declining  limbs  with  a  wall,  and  secured  them  from  unfriendly 
blasts  with  stout  bands  of  iron.  Passing  on  to  Germany,  we 
find  in  Wurtemburg,  the  famous  Elm  of  Neustadt,  which  is 
truly  a  tree  of  some  size,  the  spread  of  its  branches  being  no 
less  than  142  feet.  These  branches  will  be  considered  pretty 
numerous,  when  it  is  recorded  that  they  are  supported  by  106 
stone  pillars.  The  two  largest  of  these  bear  the  arms  of  Duke 
Christophe  de  Wurtemberg,  dated  1.5.58.  The  peculiar  habit 
of  this  tree  was  that  it  divided  itself  into  two  great  branches, 
very  much  over  100  feet  in  length.  One  of  these,  however, 
was  broken  off  by  a  storm  in  1773. 

Passing  from  Europe  to  Asia,  we  find  at  Smyrna  a  Plane 
tree  (P.  orientalis)  of  fabulous  age.  Its  trunk  has  been 
hollowed  out  so  as  to  form  a  recess  of  over  15  feet  in  height. 
In  the  little  island  of  Cos,  in  the  Grecian  Archipelago,  is  a 
Plane  tree  of  large  dimensions.  The  trunk  measures  about  8 
feet  in  diameter ;  it  is  of  unknown  age,  and  the  veneration  of 
the  people  who  have  been  born  beneath  its  shadow  has 
affectionately  supported  its  failing  limbs  with  columns  of 
marble  and  granite.  In  Dalmatia,  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Adriatic,  near  the  village  of  Cannosa,  stands  a  fine  specimen 
of  Platanus  orientalis.  At  SJ  feet  from  the  ground  it  is  10 
feet  in  diameter.  One  of  its  branches  measures  over  3  feet 
in  diameter.  It  covers  an  area  of  240  feet,  and  its  age  is 
reckoned  at  more  than  200  years. 

Humboldt,  in  his  "  Voyage  aus  regions  oquiuoxiales," 
mentions  a  giant  Mimosa,  known  as  "I'ai'bre  geant  de  Guere," 
growing  near  Venezuela,  and  states  that  "  a  batallion  could 
find  shelter  under  its  branches."  After  alluding  to  many 
other  trees  of  minor  celtbrity,  M.  Barillet,  not  inappropriately, 
concludes  with  a  passina;  tribute  to  the  memory  of  the  "  Five 
Oaks  of  Auteiiir'  which,  prior  to  the  invasion  of  the  Germans 
in  the  l.ate  war,  formed  one  of  the  most  attractive  features 
in  the  Bo!s  de  Boulogne.     These  fine  trees  measured  over  5 


feet  in  diameter,  and  their  age  was  estimated  at,  at  least, 
1,000  years.  Under  their  shade  Berauger  loved  to  linger. 
They  are  gone,  but,  were  it  possible,  their  mutilated  stumps 
would  be  well  consoled  by  M.  Barillet's  application  to  them  of 
the  lines  : — 

Dulee  et  decorum  est  pro  patria  mori. 

W.  M 


NORTH  END  HOUSE  GARDENS. 
The  gardens  of  H.  G.  Bohn  Esq.,  at  Twickenham  are,  for 
their  extent  (which  is  between   six  and  seven  acres),  unsur- 
passed by  any  so   near  London.     Mr.  Bohn  gave  his  annual 
Rose    fete   a  few   days   ago,    when   a    very    large    company 
had   the    privilege    of    seeing    and   enjoying  the   beauty    of 
this  pretty   group   of    three    distinct  gardens,   each  different 
in  character,  but  at  the  same  time  pleasingly  blended  into  the 
others  by  well  contrived  walks  and  approaches.      The  well 
wooded  ground  at  the  back  of  the  residence,  with  its  bowers 
and  trellises,  and  pyramids  of  climbing  Roses,  has  a  character 
entirely  its  own  ;  and  then  there  is  the  shrub  and  tree  garden 
with  its  long  walks  bordered  with  an  immense  variety  of  choice 
shrubs  which  are  fronted  by  herbaceous  plants,  and  backed 
by  a  noble  collection  of  Conifera;.     Then  comes  the  long  lawn 
garden,  in  front  of  the  house,  enclosed  on  every  side  by  lofty 
trees,    which    look    full    fifty    miles    away    from    the    great 
metropolis  instead  of  being  close  to  its  suburbs.     But  for  its 
extent,  this  lawn  garden  would  perhaps  be  too  much  over- 
shadowed by  its  wall  of  towering  trees,  but  its  length  and 
breadth  prevent  this,  as  was  proved  on  the  day  of  the  fete  by  the 
broad    streaks    of    bright   sunlight  that   fell   upon  the    rich 
colours  of  ladies'  dresses,  and  also  by  the   luxuriant  bloom- 
ing of    masses    of    Roses   of   the  newest  and  rarest    kinds, 
whose  flowers  clustered    in  rich    luxuriance  in  front   of  the 
shrubberies,  and  in  the  midst  of  gay  border  flowers,  of  which 
so  many  kinds  are  in   flower  during  the    glorious  summer 
month  of  July.     Mr.  Bohn  plants  his  Roses  in  great  groups. 
He  does  not  spot  them  about,  a  damask  here,  a  white  there, 
with  a  glowing  rosy-pink  forming  another  detached  speck  in 
the  composition — but  magnificently  gives  us  a  miniature  forest 
of  each  of  his  favourite  kinds.     Here  we  have  a  dark  mass  of 
the    "  Emperor    of   Morocco "  the   deepest   of  the    damasks. 
There,    a    group    of    bright    fiery   crimson    formed    by   the 
blooms   of    General   Jacqueminot,  a    Rose   which    Mr.  Bohn 
was    the    first    to    introduce     and    grow     in    this    country. 
Farther   on   is   a   dwarf   and   far  spreading   mass  of    bright 
pale    gold  —  formed    by    that    pretty    double   yellow    Rose, 
"  Harrisonii "  each  plant  grown  on  its  own  wood  instead  of 
being  hoisted  on  a  standard,  and  the  flowers  are  all  the  larger 
and  brighter  in  consequence.     In  this  garden,  as  I  have  said, 
almost  every  kind  of  Rose  worth  growing  is  found  treated 
after  the  profuse  fashion  of   planting  in  groups;    each  kind 
having  a  domain  of  its  own,  in  which  its  effect  and  general  char- 
acteristics display  themselves  to  advantage.     Whether  it  be 
the  "  Baronne  Prevost,"  the  "  Duchesse  de  Gambaceres,"  the 
"  Oriflamme   de  St.  Louis,"  or  "Anna  de  Diesb.ach,"  Roses 
that  may  or  may  not  be  in  Mr.  Bohn's  magnificent  collection, 
they   would   each  most  certainly  be  grown  in    the   effective 
manner  of  large  groups  of  a   sort ;    even  Marechal   Niel    is 
grown    iu  this    fashion,   but    this    Rose    refuses   to   expand 
its  glorious  blooms  while  blown  upon  by  our  chilly  summer 
breezes,  and  seems  to  sigh  for  the  palace  of  glass  which  it  is 
accustomed  to,  and  which  it  so  well  deserves. 

But,  after  all,  it  is  not  specially  for  Roses  that  Mr.  Bohn's 
garden  is  remarkable.  Its  best  and  most  interesting  feature 
is  the  collection  of  finely-grown  shrubs  and  trees  which  it 
contains ;  the  number  and  beauty  of  the  Conifers  being, 
above  all,  conspicuous.  I  visited  this  portion  of  the  gardens 
in  mid  June,  when  the  tall  Horse  Chestnuts,  which  tower 
above  the  lawn,  were  still  in  full  bloom  up  to  the  very  tap, 
and  Rhododendrons  and  Azaleas,  and  some  of  the  Kalmias 
were  in  great  beauty ;  but  more  remarkable,  perhaps,  than  any 
of  these  were  the  great  bushes  of  Deutzia  gracilis,  which 
studded  the  fronts  of  the  shrubberies  with  their  masses  of 
snowy  white  ;  the  soil  and  climate  of  Twickenham  seem  to 
suit  this  elegant  dwarf  shrub  perfectly,  the  trunks  of  many 
of  the  sturdy  bushes  being  as  thick  as  a  man's  wrist.     The 


July  26,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


67 


larger  growing  Deutzias,  such  as  attain  to  the  height  of  the 
broad-leaved  Lilac,  appear  to  do  equally  well,  especially  the 
double  one,  D.  crenata  il.  pi.,  from  Japan,  the  flowers  of  which 
arc  romarl^ably  beautiful,  and  it  is  more  hardy  than  gracilis. 
But  the  double  species  may  also  be  grown  with  advantage  in  a 
warm  greenhouse  for  the  salve  of  obtaining  its  graceful  flowers 
at  an  early  period,  when  they  m.ike  sucli  charming  additions  to 
the  spring  boucjuets  of  March  and  April.  The  Ehododendrons, 
bordering  the  long  walks  of  the  second,  or  shrub  garden,  were 
in  great  glory  at  the  same  time,  and  their  varied  tones  of 
crimson,  softening  down  in  tender  gradations  of  violet,  pink, 
and  blush,  to  pure  white,  mingled  strikingly  with  the  yellow 
orange  of  the  Azaleas, 
and  with  the  gay  colours 
of  a  vast  variety  of 
herbaceous  plants  in  full 
bloom,  which  filled  the 
border  in  front  of  them. 
Before  speaking  of  the 
Conifers,  which  are  Mr. 
Bohn's  favourites,  I 
cannot  forbear  devoting 
a  few  lines  to  a  few 
accidental  and  pictu- 
resque groupings,which 
arrest  the  attention  of 
nearly  all  enthusiastic 
horticulturists  who  visit 
these  gardens.  The  com- 
binations or  groupings 
to  which  I  allude,  are 
mainly  the  result  of 
chance,  but  they  are 
interesting  and  beauti- 
ful accidents  which  Mr. 
Bohn's  good  taste  takes 
care  to  preserve,  and 
which  he  appreciates 
fully  as  much  as  though 
they  were  the  results  of 
his  own  most  deliberate 
planning,  and  perhaps 
more.  The  first  of  them 
occurs  on  the  lawn, 
near  the  front  entrance 
of  the  house,  and  con- 
sists of  a  once  fine 
Catalpa,  dying  in  the 
too  vigorous  embrace  of 
climbers,  which  were 
intended  only  to  clothe 
the  lower  part  of  the 
trunk,  but  which  have 
now  invaded  most  of 
the  branches  nearly  to 
the  very  top.  These 
climbers  consist  of  a 
semi-double  Rose,whose 
long  briars,  covered  with 
profuse  bloom,  droop 
gracefully  around,  like 
a  woven  mantle  of  ver- 
dure and  flowers,  some 
of  the  festoons  sweeping 

down  to  the  turf,  and  lying  luxuriantly  along  its  velvety  surface. 
Mixed  with  the  Kose  is  a  gorgeous  Clematis,  whose  great  blue 
star-like  flowers  sparkle  here  and  there,  sometimes  singly,  some- 
times in  groups,  with  striking  eii'ect.  It  is  quite  a  study  for  an 
artist ;  and  the  picturesque  tangle  of  beauty  is  enriched  and 
supported  with  straggling  masses  of  deep  and  light  greens, 
formed  by  Ivy  and  Virginian  Creeper.  Another  somewhat 
similar  combination,  and  which  would,  perhaps,  be  still  more 
attractive  to  the  pencil  of  the  artist,  is  formed  of  a 
picturesquely  grown  Ring  Willow,  to  which  a  Wistaria  has 
attached  itself  with  such  persistent  vigour  as  to  threaten 
eventual  destruction  to  its  present  supporter.  These  are  wild 
and  forest-like  features,  which  it  is  rare  to  find  in  a  suburban 


Specimen  of  Ketinospora  obtusa  (U  feet)  in  Mr.  Bohn's  Garden  at  Twickenham. 


garden,  and  which,  on  that  account,  are  never-failing  objects 
of  attraction  when  they  are  thus  found  almost  within  the 
precincts  of  the  vast  mass  of  bricks  and  mortar  and  smoke  of 
London. 

The  Coniferte,  however,  as  I  have  already  said,  are  the  main 
feature  of  this  fine  garden,  which  most  attracts  the  attention  of 
the  horticulturist  jj Hi-  et  simple.  Many  of  the  specimens  of  the 
newer  kinds  are  unique,  either  from  their  finegi'owth  or  their 
size,  some  few  being  the  largest  in  the  kingdom.  Several  of  the 
kinds,  too,  are  the  parent  plants  of  the  whole  English  progeny 
of  their  kind,  Mr.  Bohn  having  purchased  them  on  their  first 
introduction,  often  as   unique  and  tiny  plants  in  small  flower 

pots,  for  which  minia- 
ture Conifers  he  has 
often  paid  at  the  rate 
of  a  guinea  an  inch,  or 
more,  and  some  of  them 
are  now  trees  upwards 
of  20  feet  in  height. 
The  Thuja  aureas  are 
supposed  to  be  the 
largest  in  the  kingdom, 
as  Mr.  Bohn  informed 
me  ;  two  of  them  I  esti- 
mated at  more  than  8 
feet  high,  and  as  much 
through,  being  beauti- 
fully spherical  in  form. 
There  is  a  very  noble 
Eetiuospora  obtusa,  the 
largest  in  the  kingdom, 
of  which  the  accom- 
panying engraving  is  a 
representation  ;  and  I 
remarked  a  very  fine 
specimen  of  the  varie- 
gated kind  (R.  pisifera 
aurea),  every  branch 
of  which  is  beautifully 
tipped  with  foliage  of- 
a  bright  golden  hue. 
A  Thuja  (Biota)  pen- 
dula  filifolia-,  14  feet 
high,  also  struck  me  as 
a  very  graceful  object, 
as  did  another  equally 
fine  example  of  Torreya 
grandis.  But  it  would 
be  impossible  to  follow 
in  detail  every  remark- 
able specimen  of  this 
beautiful  class  of  trees 
which  is  to  be  found  in 
Mr.  Bohn's  gardens,  yet 
a  grand  Larix  Kaimp- 
feri  cannot  be  passed 
over.  It  is  an  exqui- 
sitely graceful  tree,  to 
which  our  engraving  on 
p.  69  does  but  scant 
justice,  yet  serves  to  give 
a  pretty  accurate  idea  of 
its  symmetrical  growth. 
Grand  border  ilowers, 
such  as  Pajonies,  Irises,  Larkspurs,  and  Campanulas,  are 
frequently  found  at  the  feet  of  the  specimen  Pines  in  Mr. 
Bohn's  garden,  and  greatly  add  to  their  interest  and  beauty ; 
maintaining  at  the  same  time  that  garden  esque  character 
which  might  otherwise  be  wanting  in  this  portion  of  the 
grounds. 

No  one  should  quit  Mr.  Bohn's  gardens  without  a  visit  to 
the  Fern  walk,  on  both  sides  of  which  will  be  found  a  great 
variety  of  the  hardy  exotic  kinds.  Almost  all  of  them  are 
remarkable,  either  for  their  beauty  or  rarity;  and  many  an 
admirer  of  Ferns  may  learn  for  the  first  time  what  noble 
plants  of  this  order  are  perfectly  hardy  in  our  climate. 

Noel  HuJiruREYS, 


68 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  26, 1873. 


THE    FLOWER     GARDEN. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  HYBRID  CLEMATISES. 
The  annals  of  Horticulture  bear  witness  to  the  improvements  which 
have  resulted  from  the  Nvell-directed  experiments  of  cultivators  in 
the  hybridising  or  cross-breeding  of  the  ornamental  plants  of  other 
climes,  after  they  have  been  introduced  to  our  gardens.  In  fact,  not 
a  few  of  tlie  finest  plants  we  cultivate  owe  their  origin  to  this  agency, 
or  to  the  continued  selection  of  the  best  seedlings.  Some  species  in 
certain  popular  families  have,  indeed,  been  crossed  and  intercrossed 
until  their  fixity  seems  to  have  been  completely  broken  up,  and  they 
now  yield  us  seminal  variations  to  an  unlimited  extent ;  while  in 
others,  the  first  sod  only  has,  as  it  were,  been  turned,  and  rich  dig- 
gings remain  behind  to  reward  the  persevering  operator.  Considering 
what  has  been  already  done  in  this  direction,  as  well  as  the  rich  store 
of  originals  as  yet  untouched,  and  which  is  from  year  to  year  accumu- 
lating, intelligent  cultivators,  and  clever  painstaking  experimentalists, 
should  be  encouraged  to  set  themselves  to  work  in  good  earnest  at 
creating  new  forms  of  floral  beauty.  In  this  point  of  view,  the 
Clematis  may  be  looked  on  as  a  mine  which  has  not  yet  become 
by  any  means  worked  out.  Those  readers  who  may  feel  inclined  to 
turn  this  suggestion  to  practical  account,  will  find  a  few  brief  hints 
as  to  the  7nodus  operan'U  of  hybridising  in  a  subsequent  chapter. 
Here,  we  propose  rather  to  glance  at  what  has  been  already  accom- 
plished. 

One  of  the  earliest  successful  attempts  at  hybridisation  which  can 
now  be  traced  is  the  case  of  C.  Hendersoni,  which  was  raised  as  long 
since  as  1835  by  the  late  Mr.  Henderson,  then  of  the  Pine. Apple 
Nursery,  but  the  parents  of  which,  though  supposed  to  be  C.  Viticella 
and  C.  integrifolia,  are  not  certainly  known.  Its  production  was  a 
decided  gain.  The  varieties  of  C.  patens  (azurea  or  coernlea),  which 
were  first  made  known,  such  as  C.  Sophia,  C.  monstrosa,  C.  Amalia, 
C.  Louisa,  &c.,  appear  to  have  been  introduced  directly  from  Japan, 
through  the  agency  of  M.  Von  Siebold  ;  but  M.  Van  Houtte  records 
in  the  "  Flore  des  Serres  "  for  1850,  a  variety  raised  from  seed  by  M. 
Lulon,  a  gardener  at  Libourne,  and  named  C.  Luloni,  to  which  a  sil- 
ver medal  was  awarded,  as  a  distinct  aud  superior  variety  at  an 
exhibition  hold  at  Boi'doaux.  C.  atropurpurea  aud  C.  violacea  are 
amongst  the  early  productions  of  the  Belgian  gardens,  having  been 
introduced  to  cultivation  by  M.  Spae.  M.  Lemoine  of  Nancy 
was  the  raiser  of  some  of  the  first  garden  varieties  of  the  patens  race, 
such  as  C.  candidissima  plena,  C.  florida  pallida,  C.florida  violacea, 
C.  patens  amethystina  plena,  &c.  MM.  Simon  Louis  of  Metz,  again, 
have  successfully  wrought  in  this  field,  and  to  them  we  are  indebted 
for  several  improved  forms  of  the  patens  type,  commencing  with  C. 
Louisa  plena,  obtained  in  1862,  aud  followed  by  C.  Marie,  in  1865, 
C.  Clara  in  1868,  and  C.  Lucie  in  1871.  The  principal  recent  labourers 
in  this  department  are  Mr.  Noble  and  Messrs.  G.  .Tackman  and  Son, 
whose  productions  will  be  hereafter  noted.  Previously  to  this,  how- 
ever, hybridisation  had  been  commenced  in  a  systematic  way  in  the 
United  Kingdom  by  Isaac  Anderson-Henry,  Esq.,  of  Edinburgh,  who 
was,  we  believe,  first  in  the  field,  and  who,  in  1855,  crossed  C.  patens 
(azurea  grandiflora)  with  C.  lauuginosa,  the  result  being  the  produc- 
tion of  C.  rcgiua3,  a  haudsome  lavender-coloured  variety  of  iuterme. 
diate  character,  which,  when  shown  iu  Loudon  in  1862,  obtained  a 
certificate  of  merit.  Next  in  order  came  the  Woking  hybrids,  raised 
by  Messrs.  George  Jackman  and  Son.  These  were  the  result  of 
crossing  C.  lanuginosa  with  C.  Hendersoni  and  C.  Viticella  atrorubens 
in  the  summer  of  1858.  The  plants  bloomed  first  in  1862,  those 
named  C.  Jackmanni  and  C.  rubro-violacea  being  shown  at  Kensington 
in  August,  186.3,  and  receiving  certificates  of  mei'it  of  the  first  class. 
A  large  number  of  seedlings  was  raised  from  this  cross,  and  many  of 
them  proved  to  be  plants  of  great  beauty,  but  having  too  close  a 
resemblance  in  colour  and  geueral  character  to  the  above-named 
certificated  varieties,  to  be  requii-ed  for  general  cultivation.  One, 
however,  named  C.  Viticella  pallida,  bore  expanded  lilac  flowers  with 
rod  bars  ;  while  some  of  the  seedlings  e.g.,  those  named  C.  V.  Moor- 
eana  and  C.  V.  amethystina,  reverted  to  C.  Viticella,  producing  the 
bell-shaped  flowers  characteristic  of  that  species,  though  somewhat 
increased  in  size,  and  varying  in  colour  from  dark  blue  to  pale  greyish 
lavender.  This  sowing,  moreover,  yielded,  besides  the  varieties 
originally  sent  out,  namely  C.  Jackmanni  and  C.  rubro-violacea,  the 
following  distinct  and   ornamental  sorts,*  namely  : — C.   Prince   of 

*  In  this  place  it  is  necessary  to  mention  some  hybrid  Clematises  exhibited  iu 
1S61  and  1865  by  Mr.  Townsend,  of  Hoi-nsey,  but  of  which,  sinf^ularly  enough, 
nothing  has  since  been  heard.  Mr.  Townsend  liad  been  in  Messrs.  .fackman'a 
employ  aa  propag.ator  up  to  the  end  of  1863,  and  himself  gives  the  history  of 
these  varieties  in  the  following  words  ; — "The  seed  from  which  these  Clematises 
were  raised  was  hybridised  and  gathered  by  me.  I  came  to  Hornsey  at 
Christmas,  1862,  immediately  after  which  the  seed  was  sown.  The  plants 
exhibited  were  the  produce  of  that  seed.  Some  of  them  bloomed  last  year 
[1863],  and  one  of  the  plants  exhibited  is  a  plant  of  this  year's  growth,  and 


Wales,  C.  rubella,  C.  magnifica,  C.  Alexandra,  and  C.  velutina  pur. 
purea,  all  of  which  possess  the  profuse  and  continuous-flowering  habit 
characteristic  of  the  Jackmanni  strain.  Subsequent  crosses  made  at 
the  Woking  Nursery,  and  in  which  C.  lanuginosa  was  fertilized  with 
some  of  the  dark-coloured  hybrids  previously  obtained,  yielded  the 
remarkably  dissimilar  varieties  named  C.  Mrs.  James  Bateman,  C. 
Beauty  of  Surrey,  and  C.  Lady  Bovill,  all  pale  greyish  blues,  the 
latter  peculiarly  cup-shaped  in  form;  together  with  C.  Sir  Robert 
Napier,  a  deep  rich  purple ;  and  C.  Thomas  Moore,  in  which  the  long 
rich  purple  sepals  beccmie  associated  with  very  prominent  white 
stamens,  thus  giving  quite  a  new  character  to  the  flowers. 

To  MM.  Simon-Louis,  of  Metz,  the  lovers  of  the  Clematis  are 
indebted  for  some  fine  seedlings  and  ornamental  hybrids.  Indeed, 
in  respect  to  hybrid  varieties,  these  gentlemen,  in  spite,  they  say, 
"  of  the  denials  of  the  horticultural  press,"  assume  for  their  estab. 
lishment  the  credit  of  being  the  very  first  in  this  particular  field  of 
improvement.  They  claim  to  have  obtained  in  1861,  and  put  into 
commerce  in  1863 — a  year  earlier,  they  say  than  the  appearance  of 
C.  Jackmanni — their  C.  splendida,  which  they  regard  as  the  type  of 
this  superb  group  of  hybrids.  This,  however,  is  not  quite  in  accord, 
ance  with  the  tacts  of  the  case  ;  for  setting  aside  Mr.  Anderson. 
Henry's  C.  reginaB,  raised  in  1856,  C.  Jackmanni  was  raised  in  1858, 
first  flowered  in  1862,  certificated  in  1863,  and  if  not  put  into 
commerce  till  after  C.  splendida,  it  was  at  least  well  known  to  English 
cultivators.  The  earlier  of  the  Metz  varieties  were  improved  seed- 
lings of  C.  patens,  as  already  stated.  Of  the  hybrid  forms,  C. 
splendida,  just  referred  to,  was  obtained  in  1861,  from  C.  lanuginosa 
crossed  with  C.  Viticella  grandiflora,  and  was  sent  out  in  1863.  Two 
years  later,  in  1865,  C.  f ulgens,  a  variety  of  the  same  parentage,  with 
richly-coloured,  but  very  narrow  sepals,  was  sent  out ;  and  in  1867 
this  was  followed  by  C.  perfecta,  a  bold  French-white  flower,  which 
eventually  bleaches  white. 

One  of  the  earliest  of  the  Continental  raisers  of  hybrid  varieties  of 
the  larger  type  was  M.  Briolay-Goiflon,  of  Orleans,  who  in  1860 
obtained  as  a  cross  between  C.  lanuginosa  and  C.  patens  the  variety 
named  C.  Aureliana;  a  haudsome  free-blooming  plant,  with  well- 
formed  porcelain-blue  flowers,  not  sent  out,  as  M.  Briolay  informs  us, 
until  1865.  The  names  of  M.  Lemoine  of  Nancy,  M.  Rinz  of  Frank- 
fort, M.  Carre  of  Troyes,  and  M.  Dauvesse  of  Orleans,  are  also 
honourably  associated  with  the  improvement  of  the  grand  summer 
and  autumn-flowering  Clematises.  From  M.  Rinz,  we  obtained  C. 
francofurtensis  ;  from  M.  Lemoine,  C.  lanuginosa  Candida  and  C. 
lanuginosa  nivea,  as  well  as  C.  Otto  Froebel,  and  recently  the 
fine  double-flowered  C.  Lucie  Lemoine,  the  latter  apparently  belong- 
ing to  our-florida  type;  from  M.  Carre,  besides  one  or  two  earlier 
and  now  superseded  sorts,  we  gained  C.  Gloire  de  St.  Julien,  C. 
Imperatrice  Eugenie,  and  others ;  while  from  M.  Dauvesse  we  have 
C.  Jeanne  d'Arc  and  C.  Renaultii  coerulea  grandiflora.  Besides 
these,  we  owe  obligations  to  M.  Modeste-Guerin  for  such  admirable 
varieties  of  the  Viticella  and  Jackmanni  groups  as  C.  modesta  aud 
C.  jiurimrea  hybrida  ;  while  M.  Lemoine  has  set  his  mark  upon  the 
herbaceous  race  by  the  production  of  the  double-flowered  variety  of 
C.  crccta.  The  sub-shrubby  but  non-climbing  section  has  been  im- 
proved by  MM.  Bouamy  Freres,  who  were  the  fortunate  raisers  of 
C.  intermedia  rosea  and  C.  diversifolia  coerulea. 

The  Messrs.  Cripps  &  Son,  of  Tuubridge  Wells  may  justly  claim  a 
foremost  place  amongst  the  successful  English  hyljridizers  of  the 
Clematis  family.  They  have  been  fortunate  enough  to  obtain  an 
extensive  series  of  varieties  from  C.  lanuginosa,  the  majority  of 
which  partake  very  much  of  the  general  character  of  this  tino 
species,  as  to  foliage  and  flowering  habit,  aud  wliich  are  extremely 
ornamental  plants  in  the  late  summer  and  autumn  months.  Amongst 
these  may  be  specially  mentioned,  for  their  large  size  and  fiue  shape, 
the  mauve-tinted  variety  named  Lady  Caroline  Nevill,  which  was 
exhibited  and  gained  a  certificate  in  1866 ;  Mary  Lefebvre,  also 
mauve-tinted,  and  Madame  Van  Houtte,  a  flushed  white,  both  cer- 
tificated in  1867.  Some  few  of  the  Tuubridge  Wells  varieties, 
indeed,  as  C.  tnnbridgensis  and  C.  Star  of  India — the  latter  in  the 
way  of  C.  magnifica — resemble  the  Woking  hybrids  of  the  Jackmanni 
type,  in  style  of  growth  and  inflorescence;  but  the  greater  number  of 
the  named  sorts  we  have  seen  are  evidently  more  closely  allied  to 
C.  lanuginosa.     We  are  not  aware  what  specific  crosses  were  made 

bloomed  for  the  first  time  this  summer."  Of  those  exhibited  in  July,  1864, 
before  the  Royal  Botanic  Society,  C.  lanuginosa  violacea,  a  dark  purple,  was 
awarded  a  first-class  certificate  ;  while  C.  lanuginosa  ntropnrpm'ea,  a  reddish- 
violet,  and  C.  lanuginosa  Hollandii,  violet,  with  a  reddish  bar,  were  severally 
awarded  second-class  certificates  at  the  same  time.  Of  those  exhibited  in  July, 
1865,  at  the  same  place,  C.  Miss  Braddou,  a  lilac-^iurple  with  pale  bars,  was 
awarded  a  second-class  certificate.  The  rest  wei'e  named  C.  Aiu-ora  Floyd, 
violet,  with  indistinct  white  bar ;  C.  Lady  Audley's  Secret,  lavender ;  C. 
Souvenir  de  Cardinal  Wiseman,  reddish,  with  pale  stripe  :  and  C.  Rev.  Canon 
Oakley,  a  pale-coloured  rough  tlower.  As  these  appear  to  have  passed  out  of 
cultivation,  or  in  some  way  or  other  to  have  disappeared,  we  have  not  included 
them  in  our  descriptive  list  of  known  varieties. 


July  26,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


69 


by  Mr.  Cripps,  bnt  he  has  certainly  been  eminently  successful  in 
obtaining  largo  and  (inely-formod  light-coloured  flowers. 

Next  in  order  amongst  English  hybridisers  comes  Mr.  C.  Noble,  of 
Sunningdalo,  who  has  brought  forward  a  set  of  novelties  bred  indis- 
ci-iminately  from  the  intercrossing  of  C.  Standishii  and  C.  Fortunei, 
the  seedlings  mostly  resembling  the  former  both  in  habit  and  foliage, 
and  in  the  finely-formed,  freely-produced,  flatly.expanded  flowers. 
They  show,  as  do  some  more  recent  hybrids  raised  at  Woking,  as 
great  an  advance  in  the  spring-flowering  section,  as  do  the  summer 
and  autumn-blooming  sorts  raised  by  Mr.  Jackman,  Mr.  Cripps,  and 
Mr.  Anderson-Henvy  in  the  later  flowering  groups.  In  these  early 
varieties,  whose  beauty  is  over 
by  midsummer,  and  which 
blossom  from  the  ripened  wood 
of  the  previous  season,  the 
flowers  have  normally  eight 
sei^als,  but  they  occasionally 
produce  more — even  nine,  ten, 
or  eleven.  The  average  diameter 
of  the  flower  is  from  five  to  six 
inches,  the  sepals  overlapping 
for  about  two-thirds  of  their 
length,  so  that  the  flowers  are 
full  and  perfect  in  form  ;  in. 
dividually  they  endure  about 
eighteen  days,  from  their  first 
opening  to  their  fall,  and 
during  this  time  are  seen  in 
full  perfection.  The  range  of 
colours  resulting  from  this 
cross  may  be  illustrated  by  the 
citation  of  C.  Miss  Bateman,  a 
fine  pure  white ;  C.  Princess 
Mary,  a  pale  pink ;  C.  Lady 
Londesborough,  a  silver  grey, 
and  C.  Albert  Victor,  a  deep 
lavender.  Mr.  Noble's  varieties 
were  first  exhibited  and  certifi. 
cated  in  1869. 

Wc  are  indebted  to  Messrs. 
G.  Baker  and  Son,  of  Bagshot, 
for  the  happy  thought  of 'cross- 
ing C.  lanuginosa  with  C.  Stan- 
dishii, these  being  the  parents 
of  C.  Gem,  in  the  production  of 
which  we  have  a  result,  which, 
so  far  as  the  individual  flowers 
are  concerned,  is  barely  distin. 
guishable  from  that  of  the  cross- 
ing of  C.  lanuginosa  with  C. 
patens,  as  effected  at  an  earlier 
date  by  Mr.  Anderson-Henry, 
and  which,  as  already  stated," 
was  the  origin  of  C.  reginse. 
The  flowers  of  C.  Gem  and 
C.  regina:  are  indeed  almost 
exactly  alike  in  size,  form  and 
colour,  the  only  material  differ- 
ence being  that  in  the  former  the 
stamens  are  somewhat  darker 
in  colour.  C.  reginee,  however, 
appears  to  be  a  more  sparse 
bloomer  than  C.  Gem,  which,  as 
■we  are  informed,  commences  to 
bloom  in  May,and  certainly  pro- 
duces an  abundance  of  buds  and 
blossoms  as  late  as  the  middle  of 
October,  as  evidenced  by  speci- 
mens which  have  been  sent  to 
us  for  examination.  In  this  par. 
ticular,  in  its  vigorous  growth, 
and    the  size    of    its    flowers, 

it  has  followed  C.  lanuginosa,  whilst  the  colour  appears  to  have  come 
from  its  other  parent,  C.  Standishii. 

Some  of  the  most  startling  results  of  hybridisation,  as  to  the  size 
of  the  flowers,  liave  been  obtained  by  Mr.  Anderson-Henry,  in  a  set 
of  recent  hybrids  which  has  passed  into  Messrs.  Lawson's  hands. 
One  of  these,  C.  Lawsoniana,  occasionally  bears  flowers  upwards  of 
9  inches  across.  The  other  varieties,  named  C.  Henryi  and  C. 
Symesiana,  also  rank  amongst  the  large-flowered  sorts  of  well- 
filled  outline.  Mr.  Anderson-Henry  has  been  good  enough  to 
communicate   some    particulars    of    the    history    of    these    jilants, 


Specimen  of  Kecmpfer's  Lavcli  (Larix  Kiempferi).     (See  p.  C7.) 


which,   as  it  must  be  of  much  interest  to   hybridisers,   we    here 
transcribe : — 

"  These  varieties  above  named  belong  to  the  lanuginosa,  type,  Clematis 
lanuginosa  being  the  seed-bearer,  and  C.  Fortunei  the  male  parent. 
Some  of  the  seedlings,  also  in  Messrs.  Lawson's  hands,  flower  early ; 
but  others,  to  which  group  those  announced,  and  which  are  mentioned 
above  belong,  do  not  bloom  before  August,  and  go  on  till  November  or 
later.     In  fact,  I  h.xvo  them  under  glass  flowering  now  (January  18). 

"  As  to  size,  they  average  from  4  or  5  to  8  or  9  inches  in  diameter,  but 
this  last  size  is  the  extreme  :  a  bloom  of  C.  Lawsoniana,  a  large-flowered 
variety,  has  iudeed  attained  9J  inches. 
"  As  to  the  colour  of  the  flowers,  there  is  something  to  me  wholly  in- 

•  explicable  in  all  this  lauuginosa- 
Fortunei  brood  ;  for  whUe  the 
seed-bearer  C.  lanuginosa  has  pale 
lilac  flowers,  and  0.  Fortunei,  the 
male  parent,  has  pure  white  semi- 
double  blossoms,  those  of  some  of 
then'  progeny  deepen  into  blue  or 
azure,  banded  sometimes  with 
darker  shades,  in  which  a  tint  of 
rose  comes  up.  How  they  should 
have  any  shade  of  blue  at  all,  and 
still  more  how  they  should  have 
darker-shaded  bands,  is  utterly  un- 
accountable to  me  from  all  the  ex- 
perience I  have  had,  unless  I 
should  be  right  in  an  assumptio  n 
which  has  been  forced  upon  me, 
namely,  thatC.  Fortunei  is  awhite- 
flowered  seedling  variety  of  a  blue- 
flowered  species— perhaps  of  C. 
John  Gould  Veitch,  these  being,  so 
far  as  I  can  remember,  much  alike 
in  their  general  habit,  foliage,  and 
inflorescence,  even  to  the  semi- 
double  flowers  which  both  possess. 
The  latter  is,  no  doubt,  the  more 
vigorous  in  growth,*  and  it  has  its 
flowers  larger  and  more  double 
than  those  of  C.  Fortunei — con- 
sequences natural  enough,  if  I  am 
right  in  this  assumption  :  just  as 
occurred  in  the  white-flowered 
seedling  sport  from  the  lovely  blue- 
flowered  Salvia  patens,  which 
never  had  the  vigour  of  the 
original  form.  My  theory  is  that 
the  sport  will  sometimes  retro- 
gress. I  had  proof  of  this  in  that 
same  white  Salvia,  the  seeds  of 
which  I  sowed,  when  the  seed- 
lings went  back  into  the  species, 
but  had  flowers  of  a  paler  blue. 
In  this  way  1  think  I  can  account 
for  many  of  those  varieties  already 
put  out,  derived,  I  assume.  From 
much  the  same  parentage  as  mine, 
having  the  size,  colouring,  and 
banding  all  so  different  from 
their  parents  ;  for  in  all  my  eflbi'ts 
with  this  tribe — and  I  began  with 
it,  I  believe,  first  in  this  country, 
the  seeds  of  my  hybrid,  C.  reginae 
(C.  azurea graudiflora  X  C  lanugi- 
nosa) haviug  been  sown  in  1855, 
longbeforeU.Jackmanni, the  next, 
I  think,  in  order,  was  heard  of — in 
all  these  efforts,  and  I  have  been 
working  on  it  ever  since,  I  could 
reckon  with  some  confidence  as  to 
the  colours  to  be  produced  by 
crossing,  till  in  this  last  case  I  felt 
^  bewildered.  Now  it  is  very  notable 
&  that  though  a  white-flowered  sport 
may  go  back  in  its  seedlings  to  its 
original  blue-flowered  species,  the 
white  may  be  fixed,  or  at  least, 
reproduced  in  the  oft'spiing.  Hence 
I  have  from  seeds  of  the  same 
head  not  only  the  blue  and  azure- 
flowered  varieties  above  noticed,  but  the  pure  white  or  creamy-white 
C.  Henryi,  and  others  not  yet  announced. 

"  As  to  the  number  of  the  sepals,  these  vary  even  in  the  same  group. 
In  that  just  noticed  (lanuginosa-Fortunei),  there  are  generally  six  to 
eight  in  each  flower.  To  my  taste  these  should  stand  out  straight  from 
the  disk,  neither  incurving  nor  reflexing. 

"  Besides  the  above  group  I  have  other  crosses,  but  in  all  of  them  the 
element  of  size,  now  so  much  regarded,  falls  far  short  of  the  approved 
standard.    Thus,  in  a  seedling  of  C.  lanuginosa  Candida  X  C.  Jackmanni 

*  Tills  does  not  accord  with  our  experience  at  Woking,  the  variety  referred 
to  beinij  particularly  liable  to  assume  a  weakly  habit  of  growth. 


70 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  26, 1873. 


tho  pollen  of  which  last  haJ  been  previously  stored  for  eleven  months, 
the  tiovvers,  which  were  of  a  pretty  blue,  and  six-sepalled,  were  only 
;H  inches  in  diameter,  though  C.  Candida,  of  French  origin,  has  very  large 
llowcrs.  So  from  another  cross,  my  hybrid  C.  reginte  crossed  with  C. 
rubro-violacea,  I  have  a  seedling  bearing  flowers  of  a  pale  purple,  six- 
sopalled  as  in  the  seed-bearer,  and  flowering  from  May  to  December  in 
great  profusion,  but  the  flowers  are  equally  small. 

"  I  wrought  hard  to  infuse  the  rich  colour  of  Mr.  Jactman's  seedlings 
into  hybrids  having  larger  flowers,  by  crossing  them  with  all  the  large- 
flowered  varieties  I  possessed,  but  failed ;  and  when  I  inverted  the  cross 
by  making  them  the  male  parents,  the  seedlings  all  came  deficient  in  size, 
as  taste  now  rules." 

The  variety  which,  so  far  as  we  know,  most  fully  realizes  the  com- 
bination of  large  size  with  rich  deep  colouring,  is  that  named  C. 
Thomas  Moore,  the  flowers  of  which  mea.sure  from  8  to  9  inches 
across,  and  are  of  a  deep  pucy-violet,  a  depth  of  colour  the  effect  of 
which  is  veiy  much  enhanced  by  the  prominent  white  filaments  of 
the  stamens.  This  variety,  so  far  as  its  history  can  be  traced,  was 
the  result  of  crossing  C.  Jackmanni  ivith  C.  lanuginosa. 

A  more  recent  brood  raised  at  the  Woking  Nui-sery,  and  which  first 
flowered  in  1871,  was  obtained  from  the  intercrossing  of  C.  patens 
(azurea  grandiflora),  C.  Fortunei,  C.  Standishii,  and  C.  Sophia  plena, 
ivith  C.  Jackmanni,  C.  rnbella,  C.  rubro-violacea,  and  C.  magnifica, 
the  crosses  being  also  reversed.  The  seedlings  obtained  from  the 
specific  crosses  were  unfortunately  not  kept  separate,  so  that  the 
results  can  only  be  referred  to  in  genei'al  terms.  One  portion  of  the 
plants  followed  the  early-flowering  pai'onts  of  the  patens  type ;  while 
the  other  portion  partook  more  of  the  character  of  the  late  summer- 
flowering  parents  of  the  Jackmanni  race,  but  were  apparently  so  far 
influenced  by  the  early-flowering  parents  as  to  somewhat  advance  the 
blooming  period — -a  result  which  was  indeed  aimed  at  in  making  the 
cross,  as  it  was  desired  to  bridge  over  the  interval  which  naturally 
occurs  between  the  flowering  season  of  the  earlier  and  later  types  re- 
spectively. The  growth  and  flowering  properties  of  the  seedlings  have 
proved  in  the  highest  degree  satisfactory.  Those  which  took  on  the 
habit  and  character  of  the  patens  type  showed  considerable  diversity 
of  colour,  C.  Vesta  having  the  flowerswhite  ;  C.  Edith  Jackman,  C.  Fair 
Rosamond,  and  C.  Maiden's  Blush,  being  white,  more  or  less  tinted 
and  barred  with  red ;  C.  Gsoi-ge  Cubitt,  C.  Lord  Derby,  and  C.  The 
Queen,  shades  of  mauve  and  lavender — the  latter,  though  an  early 
bloomer,  remarkable,  in  the  full  outline  of  its  flowers,  for  a  strong 
resemblance  to  C.  lanuginosa ;  C.  Lord  Mayo,  and  C.  Countess  of 
Lovelace,  shades  of  lilac,  the  latter  double-flowered,  and  remarkable 
among  the  double  sorts  for  having  anemone-formed  flowers,  that  is, 
flowers  with  an  outer  row  of  guard  sepals,  and  in  the  centre  a  rosette 
of  smaller  ones ;  and  finally,  C.  Stella,  in  which  the  flowers  are  light 
violet,  with  plum  -red  bars.  The  proper  grouping  of  these  in  reference 
to  the  cultural  sections  we  have  adopted  is  sufficiently  evident ;  but 
further  experience  is  needed  with  those  which  follow.  One,  which 
has  been  named  C.  Unique,  and  which  is  peculiar  on  account  of  its 
green  flowers,  appears  to  take  on  rather  the  characters  assigned  to 
the  florida  section  ;  while  another,  C.  Baroness  Burdett-Contts,  with 
Solferino-pink  flowers,  rather  later  in  blooming,  bears  a  close  general 
resemblance  to  the  lanuginosa  group.  Of  those  which,  judging  from 
foliage  and  general  habit,  have  taken  on  the  characteristics  of  the 
Jackmanni  type,  are  C.  Lady  Stratford  De-Rcdcliffe,  with  the 
flowers  mauve-coloured ;  C.  Princess  Lonise,  a  large  bluish-lilac  ;  C. 
Mrs.  Moore,  a  very  large  midseason  w'hite ;  C.  W.  E.  Essington,  a 
reddish  violet;  C.  Lord  Polwarth,  a  dai'k  motley  violet;  and  C. 
Mai'qnis  of  Salisbury,  a  dark  plum-colour,  particularly  noticeable  for 
its  rich  velvety  surface. 

Some  of  these,  namely,  C.  Fair  Rosamond,  C.  Edith  Jackman,  C. 
Maiden's  Blush,  C.  The  Queen,  C.  Stella,  and  C.  "Vesta  prove  to  be 
remarkable  for  the  strong  and  agreeable  fragrance,  intermediate 
between  that  of  Violets  and  Primroses,  which  they  exhale  when  in 
a  warm  sunny  atmosphere,  and  which  is  most  pronounced  in  the 
variety  named  C.  Fair  Rosamond.  The  odour  varies,  inclining  in  the 
three  first-named  sorts  to  that  of  the  Violet,  in  the  three  latter  to 
that  of  the  Primrose;  and  has  been  probably  derived  from  C. 
Fortunei,  in  which  an  agreeable  but  not  powerful  odour  had  been 
previously  observed. 

Thus,  within  the  last  ten  years,  the  hardy  Clematis  has  been  con. 
verted  from  an  ordinary  climbing  shrub,  handsome  indeed  in  some, 
and  elegant  in  all  its  forms,  to  one  of  the  most  gorgeous  of  garden 
ornaments,  unrivalled  as  a  flowering  woody  climber ;  while  for  wall 
or  conservatory  decoration  generally,  for  poles  and  pyramids,  for 
rockeries  and  rooteries,  it  is  infinitely  improved,  and  as  a  bedding 
plant  affords  altogether  a  new  sensation  in  flower.gardening. — Moore 
^'  Jacl'man's  Clematis  as  a  Garden  Flower. 


Myosotis  equal  to  M.  dissitiflora  for  spring  bedding  or  massing.  It 
is,  in  fact,  the  only  early  Forget-me-Not.  Imperatrice  Elizabeth  is 
much  darker,  but  then  it  is  a  late  flowerer,  and  never  makes  a 
display  like  dissitiflora.  The  latter,  properly  managed,  and  where 
it  thrives,  is  inimitable  ;  it  flowers  constantly  from  Febrnary  to  May. 
As  to  colour,  it  varies  with  the  weather ;  sharp  frosts  make  it  bluish, 
purple  ;  in  milder  weather  it  is  sky-lilue.] 

Dwarf  Silvery  or  Variegated  Plants. — I  should  be  obliged 
by  your  giving  me  the  names  of  the  best  dwarf  hardy  variegated  or 
silvery  plants. — Z.  [Arabis  albida  variegata,  A.  lucida  variegata, 
Aubrietiadeltoideavariegata,Alyssumsaxatilevariegata,  A.spinosum, 
Cerastium  Biebersteini,  C.  grandiflorum,  C.  tomentosnm,  Sempervivum 
californicum,  S.  calcareum,  Saxifraga  Aizoon,  S.  Laggeri,  S.  crustata, 
S.  lingulata,  S.  longifolia,  S.  pectinata,  S.  pyramidalis,  S.  recta, 
ScabiosaWebbiana,  Andryala  lanata,  Antennariaalpina,  A.  tomentosa, 
Santoliua  incana,  Artemisia  frigida,  Achillea  ajgyptiaca,  Ptarmica 
Clavennae,  Polemonium  coeruleum  variegatum,  Convolvulus  lineatus, 
Veronica  neglecta.  Thymus  lanuginosns,  Siderites  syriaca,  Salvia 
argentea.  Euphorbia  Myrsinites.] 

Tall  Scarlet  Lily  for  Planting  among  Shrtibs.— Please 
to  recommend  me  the  best  tall  hardy  scarlet-flowering  Lily.  I  want 
one  to  plant  amongst  choice  shrubs.  I  have  already  the  common 
white,  also  auratum,  and  lancifolium,  and  alstroemeria,  but  I  require 
one  taller  than  these,  and,  if  there  is  such,  of  a  light  scarlet  colour. 
— J.  H.  W.  T.  [For  planting  in  the  position  named,  we  would 
recommend  Lilium  tigrinnm  Fortunei,  L.  t.  splendens  (the  grandest 
of  all).  After  these  maybe  mentioned  L.  chalcedonicnm,  a  stately 
plant  of  3  to  4  feet  high  ;  L.  Pomponium,  dwarfer,  but  very  effective ; 
and  L.  carniolicum,  which  is,  however,  at  present  rare.] 

Zonal  Pelargoniums. — The  multitudes  of  these  Pelargoniums 
now  in  the  market  perplex  me.  Will  you  kindly  give  me  a  selection 
of  the  best  kinds  in  each  section  ?— F.  T.,  Dernj.  [Mr.  Peter  Grieve, 
of  Culford,  the  raiser  of  Lady  Pollock,  and  many  other  fine- 
leaved  Pelargoniums,  has  kindly  favoured  us  with  the  following 
selection,  viz.  : — Golden  Tricolor:  Alice  Maud  Mary,  Colonel  Lloyd 
Lindsay,  Edward  Richard  Benyon,  Mrs.  Dunnett,  Peter  Grieve, 
Prince  of  Wales,  Princess  Mary,  Victoria  Regina. — Silver  Tricolor  t 
Charming  Bride,  Italia  Unita,  Lass  o'Gowrie,  Miss  Burdett  Coutts: 
Mrs.  Colonel  Wilkinson,  Mysterious  Night. — Silver  margined,  ifithou, 
zone  :  Avalanche,  Bridal  Bouquet,  Princess  Alexandra,  Silver  Chain, 
Virgin  Queen,  White  Lady. — Bronze  zonal  :  Black  Douglas,  Bronze 
Beauty,  Pink-flowered  Bronze,  Gilt  with  Gold,  Golden  Harry 
Hieover,  Orange  Boven,  W.  E.  Gumbletou,  W.  R.  Morris.  The  fore- 
going are  tho  selections  which  I  should  make  from  each  respective 
section.  Most  of  them  are  equally  well  adapted  for  pot  culture  or 
for  bedding  purposes.  Golden  Harry  Hieover  is  a  miniature  variety, 
and  an  excellent  bedder,  but  possibly  not  so  well  adapted  for  pot 
culture  as  some  of  the  others. 


Myosotis  dissitiflora.— Is  this  Myosotis  the  best  there  is  for 
spring  bedding  ?  It  is  pretty  in  colour,  but  I  want  a  darker  blue 
and  a  good  flowering  sort. — Philander.     [There  is  no  variety  of 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Kichardia  alha  macnlata.— This  would  make  a  beautiful  bed  in  a  sub- 
tropical garden  ;  its  leaves  are  prettily  spotted  with  white,  the  flowers  them- 
selves too  are  white,  and  nearly  as  good  as  those  of  Calla  lethiopica. — R.  H.  B. 

Tulips  for  Beds. — What  are  the  best  bedding  single  white  and  single  purple 
Tulips  ?  They  must  not  be  too  tall,  as  the  beds  are  exposed.  The  white  kinds  are 
for  planting  through  M.i'osotis  dissitiflora,  the  pxrrple  with  yellow  Pansies. — 
J.  H.  W.  Thomas.  [Alida  a  good  white,  9  inches  high  ;  and  Moliere  a  beautiful 
rich  purple,  S  inches  high.] 

Veronica  incana. — This  is  now  very  effective,  both  in  the  flower  garden 
and  herbaceous  border.  It  has  silvery  grey  leaves,  and  bears  numerous  erect 
spikes  of  dark  blue  flowers  that  contrast  finely  with  the  hght  fohage.  It  is 
easily  propagated  either  by  means  of  cuttings  or  division,  and  when  not  in 
flower  is  always  useful  as  an  edging  plant.  It  would  prove  invaluable  for 
spring  bedding  or  for  the  margins  of  shrubbery  borders. — B. 

Fragrant  Annuals. — Among  these  we  know  of  none  more  desirable,  if  we 
except  Mignonette,  than  the  dwarf  and  curious  Schizopetalon  Walkeri.  "When 
sown  in  spring,  it  blooms  in  June  or  Jul.y,  and  its  flowers  are  dcliciously 
scented,  perhaps  even  more  so  than  Mignonette  ;  a  few  flowers  .in  a  tumbler  of 
water  being  sufficient  to  scent  an  apartment  for  some  days.  Among  hardy 
annuals  it  is  well  worth  a  place,  though  but  rarely  met  with  in  gardens. — B. 

The  New  Zealand  Flax  (Phormium  tenax)  in  Flower.— Although  the 
New  Zealand  flax  is  perfectly  hardy  in  this  neighbourhood  and  largely  used 
for  out  of  door  gardening,  I  have  never  known  it  to  flower  until  this  year.  In 
the  grounds  of  the  Falmouth  Hotel  Company  is  a  remarkably  fine  plant  now 
in  bloom,  having  one  stem  of  flowers  about  7  or  8  feet  high ;  the  flower  spike  at 
a  gl.ance  reminds  one  of  some  of  the  Agaves,  like  them  also  the  flowers  distil  a 
great  quantity  of  nectar,  which,  when  I  saw  it,  was  di'ipping  from  them. — 
John  D.  Mitchell,  Falmoitth. 

Lily  of  the  Valley. — I  shall  feel  obliged  by  your  informing  me  what  is  the 
best  soil  and  the  best  position  in  which  to  plant  the  Lily  of  the  Valley. — 
E.  G.  [The  Lily  of  the  Valley  is  not  at  all  particular  as  to  soil,  and,  in  fact, 
will  thrive  under  trees  and  in  many  spots  where  other  flowers  will  not  live. 
Like  most  of  its  relatives,  however,  it  does  best  in  a  light,  rich,  and  deep  loam, 
and  a  partially  shady  position  suits  it  best.  We  saw  it  naturalised  by  tiie  acre 
in  woods  tho  other  day.] 


July  26,  l873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


1 


COLONNADE  IN  THE    GARDENS    OP   SANS    SOUOI, 

AT  POTSDAM. 
Architecturai,  objects  necessarily  foi'm  very  essential  features 
in  palatial  gardens.  It  is,  however,  not  easy  to  introduce 
them  with  good  taste  or  good  effect.  Small  temples  dotted 
about  hero  and  there,  too  often  of  the  confectioner}'  kind  of 
architectural  art,  tend  to  lower  rather  than  to  elevate  the 
character  of  the  scene  they  are  intended  to  embellish ;  but 
when  an  architectural  object  is  well  designed,  erected  in  the 
proper  place,  and  well  supported  with  foliage,  the  effect  is 
always  pleasing,  and  where  the  dimensions  of  the  object  in 
question  are  upon  an  important  scale,  a  stately  and  even 
a  majestic  effect  is  often  produced.  The  contrast  of  the 
symmetrical  lines  and  ornaments  of  architecture  with  the 
wild  irregularities  and  caprices  of  nature  never  fails,  when  a 
trained   and  artistic  eye  has   felicitously  marked   out   their 


be  done,  but  nearer  to  the  mansion  or  palace  such  elevations 
as  that  of  the  colonnade  of  Potsdam  find  their  fitting  place ; 
and  few  examples  of  the  kind  could  be  cited  as  more  successful. 
It  is  decidedly  the  fiuest  piece  of  garden  architecture  in  the 
grounds  of  Sans  Souci.  H.  N.  H. 


Emission  of  Light  by  Flovsrers.— For  some  weeks  past  I  have 
been  closely  observing  the  coliimnsof  The  Garden,  anticipating  some 
one's  observations  on  this  subject,  particularly  as  attention  was 
directed  to  it  in  an  article  which  appeared  in  your  number  for  26th 
October  last,  aud  moreover  June  and  July  beiug  the  months  daring 
which  the  phenoraenou  has  been  observed  to  appear.  On  the  evening 
of  the_12th  of  June  last,  at  8.40.,  I  was  looking  at  a  bed  of  scarlet 
Geraniums  in  b'oom  in  the  front  of  a  small  Vinery  facing  south-west, 
when  I  was  startled  by  seeing  distinct  flashes  of  "light  flitting  to  and 
fro  horizontally,  and  in  a  line  with  the  flowers  of  a  short  row  of  a 


Colonnade  in  the  Gardens  o£  Sans  Souci.    (See  pajs  1D7,  Vol.  II'.) 


position,  to  recall  the  hand  and  genius  of  man  under  the  most 
favourable  circumstances. 

Either  the  circle  or  the  square,  when  found  in  the  midst  of 
irregular  natural  forms,  may  be  said  to  be  the  true  signets  of 
man.  They  denote  unmistakeably  that  he  has  been  there  with 
his  cunning  arts,  and  set  his  mark  upon  the  work  he  has 
done  in  opening  up  grassy  glades  in  the  tangled  forest,  in 
rooting  out  the  Bramble  and  rank  weeds  from  the  slopes,  and 
in  planting  here  and  there  a  new  companion  to  the  aboriginal 
trees  of  the  district,  such  as  shall  improve  their  aspect  by 
the  interposition  of  vegetation  of  lighter  or  darker  hues,  so 
as  to  improve  the  general  effect  of  the  whole.  In  such  a  semi- 
cultivated  scene,  a  circular  coping  of  stone  surroundinga  natur.il 
spring,  or  two  square  masses  of  stone  set  to  serve  as  the 
simplest  kind  of  seac  on  each  side  of  a  shady  avenue,  are 
sufficient  to  denote  that  art  has  been  there.  In  the  more 
remote  parts  of  a  park  or  ornamental  copse  no  more  should 


deep  scarlet  kind  of  Geranium,  similar  in  general  appeai-ance  to  the 
old  Tom  Thumb.  I  at  first  doubted  my  visual  organs,  but  on  calling 
the  attention  of  a  gentleman  who  was  near  the  flowers,  he  at  once 
corroborated  my  previous  observations ;  we  remained  about  five 
minutes  observing  it,  daring  which  time  the  light  was  intermittent 
but  at  intervals  of  only  a  few  seconds.  I  think  the  appearance  of  the 
light  extending  through  the  row  was  caused  by  all  the  flowers  of  the 
row  emitting  small  flashes  at  one  and  the  same  time.  The  other 
Geraniums  in  flower  in  the  bed  were  of  a  zonal  variety,  and  of  a  less 
vivid  colour,  from  which  no  light  appeared,  I  have  only  on  one  sub- 
sequent occasion  seen  the  same  phenomenon,  and  then  on  a  much 
smaller  scale. — John  D.  MrrcHELn,  FalmontJi, 

The  powdered  leaves  of  the  Bay-tree  (Laurus  nobills),  says  the 
Portuguese  Jornalde  HoHkultura  pratica,  have  been  found  an  infalli- 
ble specific  for  intermittent  fevers.  The  dose  is  15  grains  of  the 
powdered  leaves,  which  have  previously  been  macerated  for  twelve 
hours  in  cold  water,  to  be  taken  a  tew  hours  before  the  time  of  the 
presumed  recurrence  of  the  attack. 


72 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  26, 1873. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

FRUIT  GROWING  AT  SAWBRIDGE WORTH. 
We  visited  Sawbridgcworth  the  other  day  with  the  expectation 
of  fiiidiug  line  crops  of  fruit,  more  especially  in  the  orchard 
houses,  and  were  not  disappointed.  Wo  found  house  alter 
house  containing  fresh  healthy  fruit  trees,  consisting  of 
Poaches,  Plums,  Cherries,  and  Apricots,  most  of  them  in  pots, 
but  some  lar<;e  old  standards  planted  out,  and  all  in  healthy 
vigour  and 'f ruitfulness ;  while  in  100  acres  of  undulating 
ground  outside,  we  found  great  breadths  and  patches  of  all 
the  choicest  and  best  kinds  of  hardy  fruit  trees  for  later  crops. 

SEEDLIXG    PEACHES. 

The  Early  Beatrice  Peach  is  bearing  heavy  crops  of 
medium-sized  fruit,  and  is,  perhaps,  the  earliest  Peach  we 
have  in  cultivation,  being  three  or  four  weeks  in  advance  of 
the  Eai-ly  York,  and  specially  interesting  on  account  of  its 
having  been  obtained  from  a  stone  of  Rivers'  White  Nectarine. 
Barly'Louise,  another  seedling,  is  but  a  day  or  two  later  than 
the  last,  and  ripens  in  an  orchard  house  about  the  14th  of  July. 
One  of  the  finest  of  all  the  seedling  Peaches  that  have  been 
raised  at  Sawbridgeworth,  is  Lord  Palmerston,  which  is 
perhaps  the  largest-fruited  and  finest  Peach  for  exhibition 
purposes  ever  added  to  our  collection.  Two  small  standards 
of  it  in  11-inch  pots  are  now  ripenmg  heavy  crops,  one  of  the 
fruits  of  which  was  gathered  while  we  were  present  weighed 
11  ozs.  The  flowers  of  this  variety  arc  large  and  handsome,  and 
the  foliage  is  furnished  with  prominent  round  glands — a  section 
not  so  liable  to  be  affected  with  mildew  as  such  as  have  glands 


hopes  to  infuse  into  some  of  his  futui-e  seedlings  a  constitu- 
tion capable  of  resisting  our  inclement  climate  in  localities 


Pyramidal  Peach  Ircc. 

of  other  forms.  It  is  a  seedling  fi-om  the  Princess  of  Wales 
(Rivers),  and  ripens  naturally  about  the  middle  or  latter  end  of 
September.  It  is  a  free-stone  variety  with  a  slight  tendency 
to  cling  on  the  shady  side  unless  thoroughly  ripe,  and  it  has 
firm,  though  luscious,  melting  flesh,  very  rich  and  juicy. 
Though  a  seedling  raised  at  Sawbridgeworth,  in  size  and 
beauty  it  resembles  its  grand  parent,  the  monstrous  Pavie  of 
Pompone.  The  skin  is  of  a  creamy-white  tinged  with  rosy- 
pink  on  the  sunny  side,  and  irregularly  streaked  with  crimson. 
Many  hundred  seedling  Peaches  and  Nectarines  are  annually 
raised  here,  and  often  fruit  the  second  or  third  year  from 
seed.  The  pedigree  of  all  promising  varieties  is  carefully 
preserved,  and  by  means  of  repeated  crossings   Mr.   Rivers 


Dwarf  standard  Peach  tree. 

where  Peaches  and  Nectarines  are  at  present  unknown  out  of 
doors. 

APEICOTS. 

The  span-roof  and  lean-to  structures,  in  which  fruit  trees  in 
pots  are  cultivated,  are  constructed  entirely  of  wood  and  glass, 
the  latter  being  simply  tacked  in  with  brads,  and  the  edges 
well  painted  to  prevent  drip.  Three  of  the  larger  houses  are 
100  feet  long,  about  24  feet  wide,  of  simple  yet  substantial 
construction,  and  filled  with  healthy  trees  profusely  laden  with 
fine  fruit.  Two  or  three  trees  of  the  Peach  Apricot  are  very 
fine  examples  of  good  cultivation,  this  fruit  being  generally 
.considered  rather  a  shy  bearer  under  glass.  One  fine  standard 
is  furnished  with  twenty  dozen  splendid  fruit,  just  ripening, 
and  seven  dozen  had  been  gathered  from  another  specimen  on 
the  morning  of  our  visit. 

OK.VNGES. 

One  notable  feature  at  Sawbridgeworth  is  the  extent  to 
which  Oranges  are  grown  and  fruited  in  ordinary  orchard 
houses.  Those  who  have  eaten  imported  Oranges  only,  have 
little  idea  of  the  luscious  flavour  and  delicate  aroma  which 
belongs  to  home-grown  specimens  when  rightly  managed. 
Oranges  require  a  moist  genial  heat  all  the  year  round,  in 
order  to  perfect  their  fruit  in  one  season,  and  here  we  find  that 
heat,  air,  and  moisture  are  the  three  great  essentials  relied  on 
for  success.  The  kinds  grown  are  the  small  brittle-skinned 
Tangarine,  a  delicious  little  Orange,  and  the  tree  is  a  prolific 
bearer;  St.  Michael's  Tangarine,  a  larger  fruit,  similar  in 
flavour ;  the  true  St.  Michael's,  Maltese  Blood  Orange, 
Dulcissima,  and  many  others.  The  sight  of  Oranges  alone 
amply  repay  a  visit  to  this  establishment  in  the  autumn  or 
early  winter  months. 

CHEKEIES. 

Cherries  have  borne  abundant  crops  in  one  of  the  houses 
set  specially  apart  for  their  growth  in  the  form  of  pyramidal 
and  bush  trees,  most  of  which  are  worked  on  the  Mahaleb 
stock.  These  trees  are  subjected  to  a  systematic  course  of 
summer  pruning  or  pinching,  by  which  any  irregularity  in 
growth  is  readily  corrected,  and  the  branches  of  oven  very 
small  trees  are  heavily  laden  with  fruit.  Bigarreaus  especially 
are  conspicuous  on  account  of  their  large  size  and  fruitfulness. 
Cherries  are  well  suited  for  small  suburban  gardens ;  they  are 
easily  kept  dwarf  ;  their  hiscious  sub-acid  fruits  form  a  most 
refreshing  addition  to  the  most  fashionable  dessert,  and  they 
may  be  made  available  for  four  or  five  months  of  the  year  by 
a  skilful  selection  of  varieties  and  careful  protection  from 
birds  and  insects. 


^ 


July  26,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


73 


VINES    IN   POTS. 

These  are  a  speciality  hove,  and  are  in  excellent  condition; 
all  the  best  varieties  in  cnltivation  may  here  be  seen  growing 
side  by  side,  and  the  fresh  foliage  and  stout  short-jointed 
canes  are  a  sure  indication  of  heavy  crops  next  year.  Muscat 
Hamburgh  or  Black  Muscat  does  well  here  worked  on  a  Black 
Hambui'gh  stock.  It  is  the  most  deliciously-flavoured  black 
Grape  in  cultivation,  and  rarely  does  vrcU  on  its  own  roots  for 
any  length  of  time.  Its  fault  is  the  production  of  a  large 
proportion  of  small  berries,  which  give  the  bunches  an  irregular 
or  ragged  appearance,  but  when  grafted  this  drawback  to  a 
largo  extent  disappears,  and  it  produces  heavy  crops.  Gros 
Colman  meets  with  a  ready  s.ile  after  having  been  ]ieglectcd 
for  years.  In  appearance  it  is  one  of  the  finest  of  all  black 
Grapes,  and  as  regards  colour,  size,  and  bloom  it  stands 
prominent  as  a  show  Grape.  The  Vines  in  pots  in  the  fruiting 
house  arc  bearing  on  an  average  ten  bunches  each,  and  some 
of  the  clusters  weigh  rpiite  a  pound  and  a  quai'tcr.  In  colour 
they  are  not  perfect,  a  circumstance  doubtless  owing  to  over- 
cropping ;  but  as  respects  size  and  flavour  they  are  most 
satisfactory.  Conspicuous  in  this  bouse  was  a  solitary  Vine 
of  the  true  Gros  Maroc,  a  variety  with  fine  bunches 
of  large,  oblong,  well-coloured  berries.  Judging  from  its 
good  colour  and  excellent  appearance  it  is  a  Grape  that,  if 
grown  in  quantity,  would  readily  find  a  market.  Two  of  the 
houses  used  for  pot  Vines  and  Peaches  in  pots,  are  heated  by 
one  of  Deards"s  centrifugal  boilers,  which  is  of  cylindrical  shape, 
and  has  a  spiral  coil  of  tubing  round  the  fire.  To  the  one 
here  is  attached  abont  700  feet  of  4-inch  piping,  and  it  is 
found  to  do  its  work  remarkably  well.  One  of  the  lean-to 
houses  is  heated  by  means  of  a  flue,  and  here  all  refuse  fuel 
is  collected  and  economised.  There  are  few  places  where  an 
orchard  house  could  not  be  erected  and  heated  with  refuse  in 
this  manner  at  a  minimum  cost.  In  this  house  is  a  lot  of  minia- 
ture Peaches  in  small  pots,  all  fresh  and  healthy.  The  greater 
number  of  these,  will  be  fruited  next  year,  and  when  covered 


Grape  Vine  iu  pot. 

with  ripe  fruit  will  form  admirable  subjects  for  table  decoration. 
When  fruit  trees  are  received  from  the  nursery  in  the  winter 
and  spring,  they  should  be  carefully  potted  in  good  tuify  loam 
and  well  rotted  manure,  pressing  it  firmly  round  the  roots  and 
sides  of  the  pot.  They  should  then  be  given  an  abundant 
supply  of  water,  and  as  the  pots  become  filled  with  roots  the 
loose  soil  on  the  tops  of  the  pots  should  be  removed,  and  a 
top  dressing  of  loam  and  rotten  manure  in  equal  quantities 
added.  After  the  fruit  is  set  and  swelling  off,  liberal  water- 
ings of  liquid  manure  should  be  given,  and  the  pinching 
in  of  the  growing  shoots,  especially  the  strongest  at  the  top 
part  of  the  tree,  should  receive  attention.  Mulching  keeps  the 
roots  cool,  and  lessens  the  labour  of  watering  to  a  consider- 
able extent. 

OUTDOOR    FRUITS. 

The  grounds  here  are  very  variable,  both  as  regards  aspect 


and  soil,  which  varies  from  a  still  loam  or  clay,  to  a  light 
calcareous  sandy  soil,  in  both  of  which  fruit  trees  and  Roses 
succeed  most  satisfactorily.  Plums  are  largely  grown  here 
for  market,  acres  being  planted  with  Rivers's  Early  Prolific 
which  is  bearing  abundant  crops.  This  Plum  which  was 
raised  from  a  stone  of  the  Prccoco  do  Tours,  is  of  medium  size, 
and  good  flavour.  It  generally  ripens  about  the  end  of  July  or 
beginning  of  August,  and  is  a  purple  free-stone  of  groat  merit 
for  culinary  purposes.     Amongst  other  fine  Plums  grown  here 


Pear  tree  in  pot. 

we  may  notice  the  blue  or  purple  Belgian,  a  large  richly 
flavoured  fruit,  very  juicy,  and  useful  either  for  kitchen  or 
table  use.  The  large  Gage  (McLaughlin's)  is  a  greenish-yellow 
American  variety,  ripening  about  the  middle  of  August,  rich  in 
flavour,  juicy,  and  remarkable  for  its  fragrance  when  fully 
ripe,  a  dish  of  the  fruit  being  amply  sufficient  to  give  an 
agreeable  odour  to  the  room  in  which  it  is  placed.  The 
Transparent  Gage  is  a  fine  Plum  either  for  dessert  or  kitchen 
use,  this  and  the  old  Green  Gage  (Reine  Claude)  being. two  of 
the  best  dessert  Plums  in  cultivation  for  rich  flavour  and  produc- 
tion. In  addition  to  these  all  the  finest  well  tried  varieties  arc 
grown  in  quantity  both  for  sale  and  fruiting  for  market. 
Apples  and  Pears  are  also  largely  grown  here,  the  finer  and 
tenderest  varieties  being  double-grafted  and  cultivated  in  pots  ; 
these  receive  orchard  house  protection  while  setting  their  fruit, 
after  which  they  are  plunged  and  mulched  out  of  doors  in 
order  to  make  room  for  pot  Vines,  Peaches,  and  other  tender 
fruits.  Concerning  double-grafting,  Mr.  Rivers'  remarks  that 
many  varieties  require  a  stock  closely  allied  to  the  same  section 
or  race,  and  cites,  for  example,  the  old  Jargonelle,  when  grafted 
on  the  Benrrc  d'Amanlis,  the  union  between  them  being 
nearly  perfect,  and  the  trees  so  worked  being  strikingly 
healthy  "and  bearing  very  freely.  Gansel's  Bcrgamot  is 
another  that  does  well  when  grafted  on  a  strong-growing 
variety  of  Pear  on  the  Quince  stock.  Huyshe's  Prince 
Consort,  Huyshe's  Victoria,  Huyshe's  Bergamot,  all  are 
found  to  do  much  better  when  treated  like  Gansel's  Bergamot, 
these  sorts  being  rather  delicate  in  constitution,  and  apt  to  die 
off  when  grafted  on  the  Quince  stock  alone.  Among  the 
Apples  we  noticed  some  healthy  little  bush  trees  of  Cox's 
Orange  Pippin  (a  beautiful  dessert  Apple  of  first-class  merit), 
bearing  large  crops,  and  a  few  pyramids  of  the  Norfolk 
Bearer,  only  two  years  from  the  graft,  bearing  two  or  three 
dozen  fruit  each.  Some  nice  breadths  of  bush  Apples, 
between  two  and  three  acres  in  extent,  are  grafted  on  the 
Nonsuch  and  broad-leaved  Paradise.  The  great  superiority  of 
these  stocks  is  that  they  keep  pace  with  the  scion,  which  does 


74 


THE  GARDEX. 


[JuLT  26, 1873. 


not  out-grow  the  stock  so  as  to  endanger  the  health  of  the 
tree.  This  stock  is  perfectly  hardy  and  dwarf,  and  is  raised 
in  large  quantities  eveiy  year  from  seed,  specially  as  stocks 
for  dwarf,  bush,  or  pyramidal  Apples.        F.  W.  Burbibge. 


The  Guava.— This  is  the  only  fruit  that  I  know  of  that  is  im. 
proved  in  flavour  and  colour  by  giving  it  abundance  of  water  and 
copions  syringing  when  approaching  ripeness.  The  fruit  will  set 
freely  in  a  cold  greenhouse  or  conservatory,  and  after  it  attains  the 
size  of  a  small  Cherry  it  remains  a  long  time  without  making  any 
apparent  progress.  In  this  state  it  should  be  thinned  ;  and  as  soon 
as  it  begins  to  swell  it  should  have  a  temperature  of  60"  to  70'; 
syringing  often  and  watering  freely.  Thus  treated  the  fmit  will 
swell  to  double  its  usual  size,  and  will  be  much  improved  in  colour 
and  flavour,  and  form  an  agreeable  addition  to  the  dessert.  The 
fruit  will  ripen  in  about  three  weeks  after  its  removal  to  a  higher 
temperature. — J.  C. 

Standard  Fig  Trees  at  Bath.— On  the  slope  of  a  somewhat 
steep  hill  in  Mr.  Kitley's  garden,  at  Bath,  I  observed  several  Fig 
trees  growing  and  flourishing  as  standards,  and  bearing  fruit 
abundantly.  They  were  sheltered  at  the  back  by  a  steep  bank,  and 
in  front  by  means  of  a  row  of  Filberts.  The  soil  in  which  they  were 
growing  is  a  light  sandy  loam,  on  a  bottom  of  broken  sandstone,  in 
which  their  roots  find  moisture  in  summer  when  drought  prevails 
above.  The  varieties  consisted  of  the  Brown  Alalta  and  the  Black 
Ischia,  which  Mr.  Kitley  says  are  the  only  two  sorts  which  he  has 
found  to  do  satisfactorily  out  of  doors.  They  are  of  slow  growth, 
stiff  and  stocky,  and  at  every  joint  are  produced  Figs,  which  ripen 
well  in  September.  All  those  larger  than  Peas  that  appear  in  the 
autumn  are  removed,  for  they  never  reach  the  perfection  which  those 
formed  in  spring  and  early  summer  attain.  The  trees  are  never 
protected  in  any  way  in  winter,  nor  are  they  watered  in  snmmer ; 
nevertheless,  they  continue  year  after  year  to  produce  excellent 
crops,  and  never  require  any  pinching  or  pruning. — W.  F. 


GARDEN   RECIPES. 

AMERICAN    BLIGHT. 

Take  half  a  peck  of  ciuicklime,  half  a  pound  of  flowers  of 
sulphur,  and  a  quarter  of  a  pound  of  lampblack.  Mix 
with  boiling  water  so  as  to  form  a  thick  paint.  With  this, 
in  winter,  when  the  leaves  are  oft',  paint  the  branches,  having 
first  removed  all  loose  bark.  Kemove  the  soil  from  the  bottom 
of  the  stem  to  the  main  roots,  and  paint  the  roots  as  far  as 
they  are  exposed.  The  paint  should  be  warm  when  used. 
When  it  has  become  dry,  the  trees  should  be  looked  over,  and 
all  cracks  and  holes  stopped  with  well-worked  clay.  After 
frost  the  clay  stoppings  should  be  dressed  again,  to  close  any 
cracks  that  may  occur.  Ammoniacal  liquor  from  gas-works,  a 
solution  of  soft-soap,  strong  tobacco-water,  and  brine,  may 
also  be  employed  with  success.  Or,  dissolve  one  pound  of  soda 
in  a  gallon  of  rain-water ;  shake  this  up  in  a  vessel  with  a  pint 
of  spirits  of  turpentine  until  they  amalgamate ;  add  more 
water  to  make  the  quantity  up  to  ten  gallons.  Apply  to  the 
trees  with  a  garden-engine  or  syringe  having  a  fine  rose.  Or, 
mix  goose-grease  and  flowers  of  sulphur,  together  in  the  pro- 
portion of  a  oz.  of  the  former  to  2  oz.  of  the  latter,  and  apply 
with  a  paint-brush.  Train-oil  and  other  fish  oils  have  been 
used  with  success,  but  in  applying  these  care  should  be  taken 
uot  to  tovich  the  buds.  Coal-tar,  naphtha,  and  linseed  oil, 
laid  on  with  a  brush,  have  also  been  used  with  goodeffect. 
Although  we  have  had  no  experience  of  it  ourselves,  we  may 
here  mention  an  "infallible  remedy"  which  has  been  for- 
warded to  us  from  several  quarters.  This  is  petroleum  or 
paraffin  oil.  Our  correspondents  inform  us  that  it  is  suflicieut 
to  brush  the  infected  trees  once  with  a  paint-brush  dipped  in 
this  oil  (pure),  applying  it  to  all  the  parts  attacked  by  the  insect. 

ASPHALTE    FOR   WALKS. 

The  place  intended  to  be  asphalted  must  be  previously 
levelled,  then  put  on  it  a  coat  of  tar,  and  sift  some  road-sand 
or  coal-ashes  all  over  it  very  thickly  ;  after  this  is  dry  repeat 
the  operation  until  you  have  got  four  coats  of  tar,  and  as  many 
of  coal-ashes  or  road-sand.  You  will  then  have  an  excellent, 
clean,  dry,  hard  path.  It  will  make  excellent  walks,  or  floors 
for  sheds,  out-buildings,  &e.,  and  will  wear  for  many  years. 
Or,  take  eighteen  parts  of  mineral  pitch,  and  eighteen  parts  of 
resin,  put  them  into  an  iron  pot,  and  place  it  over  a  fire,  keep 
boiling  a  short    time,  then  add  to  it  sixty  parts   of   coarse 


sand,  mix  it  well  together,  and  lay  it  on  the  path  to  the  thick- 
ness of  an  inch ;  then  sift  a  little  fine  gravel  over  it,  and  beat 
it  in  before  the  asphalte  sets.  This  is  a  more  durable 
asphalte  than  the  former,  though  it  is  much  more  expen- 
sive and  more  troublesome  to  form^  Another  good 
asphalte  may  be  made  with  one  part  mineral  pitch,  one  part 
resin,  seven  parts  chalk,  and  two  parts  coarse  sand.  Boil 
them  together,  and  lay  it  on  in  a  hot  state,  adding  a  little 
gravel,  as  in  the  preceding  case.  Or,  procure  a  quantity  of 
road-sand,  or  similar  powdery  material,  and  let  it  be  thoroughly 
dried,  then  sift  out  of  cinder  ashes-the  finer  parts,  and  let 
that  too  be  made  thoroughly  dry.  Mix  these  materials  care- 
fully, in  the  proportion  of  two  parts  of  road-sand  to  one  of 
cinder  sittings.  Next  provide  an  iron  cauldron,  in  which  coal- 
tar  can  be  made  boiling  hot.  lu  a  dry  place,  on  a  dry  day, 
spread  a  quantity  of  the  sand  and  cinder  siftings  on  the 
ground,  as  a  bricklayer  spreads  his  lime,  making  it  hollow  in 
the  middle,  and  into  that  pour  the  hot  tar ;  then  incorporate 
the  whole  as  in  the  operation  of  making  mortar,  and  when  a 
stiff  paste  has  thus  been  formed,  spread  it  over  the  ground  on 
which  the  walk  is  to  be  constrticted,  the  ground  being 
previously  levelled  and  beaten  as  firm  as  possible.  Spread 
the  mortar  3  or  4  inches  in  thickness,  then  powder  it  over  with 
dry  sand,  after  which  a  few  passes  of  the  roller  wUl  press  it 
level,  and  the  work  is  finishsd. 

TO    HARDEN   ASPHALTE    COVERENG. 

This  must  be  done  in  summer,  on  a  hot  day,  give  a  coat  of 
coal-tar ;  this  will  dry  in  a  few  days  :  then  boil  tallow,  pitch, 
and  the  tar  together,  in  the  proportion  of  one  part  tallow, 
three  of  pitch,  and  four  of  tar.  Put  this  on  on  a  hot  day,  and, 
if  properly  done,  roofs  or  paths  will  require  no  further  care 
for  years.  Ten  feet  square  may  be  tarred  with  a  sweeping 
brush  in  ten  minutes. 

BLIGHT   ox   EEUIT   TREES. 

When  winter  dressings  have  failed,  and  the  pests  appear  in 
spring  to  such  an  extent  as  to  endanger  the  crop,  procure  a 
quantity  of  ammoniacal  liquor  from  gas-works,  and  to  every 
pailful  of  the  liquor  add  six  of  water,  and  boil  as -soon  as 
possible  in  a  large  copper.  Apply  this  in  the  evening,  hot, 
with  a  syringe,  drenching  every  part  of  the  trees,  and  letting 
not  a  leaf  escape.  It  should  be  used  as  hot  as  can  be  borne  by 
the  hand,  and  thrown  with  as  much  force  as  possible  into  all 
the  crevices  in  the  bark,  on  the  under  sides  of  the  leaves,  and 
splashed  vigorously  against  the  waU  on  which  espaliers  are 
trained.  It  may  be  used  also  for  Eoses  and  fruit-bushes,  with 
the  most  certain  benefit.  Two  days  afterwards  give  another 
syringing  with  plain  warm  water.  To  clean  the  copper  in 
which  the  mixture  was  prepared,  fill  it  with  water,  throw  in  a 
shovel  of  cinder-ashes,  and  a  pound  of  soda,  and  let  it  boil  for 
half-an-hour. 

BUG    ON   PINE-APPLES. 

Boil  a  pound  of  tobacco  in  a  gallon  or  two  of  water,  for  an 
hour  or  so,  and  when  settled,  potir  off  the  liqtior.  Melt  a 
potmd  of  soft-soap  and  a  pound  of  size  or  glue  in  warm  water. 
Take  a  pound  of  flowers  of  sulphur,  mix  it  up  into  a  paste 
with  the  soap  and  glue,  so  that  it  will  easily  mix  with  water 
afterwards.  Add  to  it  one  giU  of  turpentine.  Mix  the  whole 
well  in  a  tub  containing  about  twelve  gallons  of  water,  at  a 
temperature  of  125°  to  130°.  Stir  it  well  about,  and  continue 
stin-ing ;  then  take  the  Pine  plants,  and  syringe  them  with 
the  liquid,  root  and  top,  seeing  that  every  plant  and  every 
axil  is  thoroughly  washed  and  wetted.  Let  them  drain  into  a 
tub,  and  set  them  aside,  top  downwards,  to  drip  and  dry.  In 
a  day  or  two  syringe  them  again  with  clear  water  at  120° ; 
drain  again,  and  when  dry  pot  and  plunge  in  a  genial  bottom- 
heat,  after  having  thoroughly  renewed  the  beds,  and  white- 
washed and  painted,  and  throroughly  cleaned  the  house. 


Poisonous  tTmbelliferous  Plants. — At  the  field  meeting  of 
the  Albany  Institute,  Dr.  George  T.  Stevens  gave  a  general  rule  iu 
respect  to  distinguishing  poisonous  plants  of  the  Umbelliferous 
order.  He  says  it  is  safe  to  premise  that  any  of  these  plants  growing 
in  wet  places  are  poisons.  He  instanced  a  case  where  several 
children  in  one  family  were  fatally  poisoned  by  eating  the  roots  of 
the  Water  Parsnip,  mistaken  for  Sweet  Cicely.  On  the  other  band, 
the  Caraway,  Dill,  Coriander,  and  Anise  are  examples  of  the  whole, 
some,  aromatic  plants  of  this  order,  all  growing  in  diy  places. 


July  26, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


75 


MOEE  TREES  IN  THE  LONDON  STEEETS. 
Now  that  London  trees  are  exhibiting  all  their  freshest 
verdure,  and  with  their  moving  lights  and  shadows  giving 
such  refreshing  beaut}'  and  variety  to  every  street  in  which 
they  exist,  no  one  can  fail  to  observe  the  sad  contrast  of  those 
thoroughfares  and  areas  which  are  utterly  devoid  of  that 
charming  touch  of  pure  nature  which  a  single  branch  of  green 
foliage  never  fails  to  impart  even  to  the  very  blackest  lines  of 
Londou  bricks  and  mortar.  It  is  at  the  present  season,  there- 
fore, that  one  should  reiterate  the  oft-repeated  petition — give 
us  trees ! 

Only  to  name  one  of  those  wide  West-end  streets  or  roads 
which  would  be  most  improved  by  a  lino  of  noble  trees, 
take  the  Bayswatcr  Road,  from  the  Marble  Arch  to  the  com- 
mencement of  the  narrowing  road  at  Netting  Hill.  Here  is 
a  site  for  a  grand  avenue,  not  to  be  surpassed  even  by  the 
great  and  spacious  Boulevards  of  Paris.  The  spirited  repre- 
sentation of  one  of  the  Parisian  Boulevards,  as  given  below, 
will  conve}-  a  tolerably  correct  idea  of  our  meaning.  In  the 
line  of  buildings,  shown  on  either  side,  and  those  seen  above 
them  in  the  distance,  will  be  found  a  great  variety  of  fine 
architectiiral  forms,  from  Hausmannian  to  Gothic,  the  effect 


beautiful  relief  to  the  eye,  the  impression  of  the  softening 
beauty  being  instinctively  felt,  even  by  such  as  are  unconscious 
of  the  source  of  the  pleasant  influence  which  is  cheering  them 
on  their  way.  It  is  said  that  in  the  very  densest  part  of 
Loudon  there  is  scarcely  a  single  street  in  which,  from  some 
part  of  its  course,  the  branches  of  a  tree  may  not  be  perceived 
peeping  over  some  blank  wall  or  enclosure,  or  enlivening  the 
dank, dark,  and  dismal  space  behind  some  rusty  iron  gate  ;  per- 
haps that  of  adesertedchurchyard.orperhaps  thatof  a  once  neat 
andwell-kept  garden  attached  to  some  thrifty  merchant's  count- 
ing-house in  a  street  now  utterly  deserted  by  great  city  traders — 
the  whereabouts  of  their  habitations  and  offices  having  travelled 
farther  north  or  farther  west.  There  is  a  little  planted  church- 
yard in  a  most  remote  and  out-of-the-way  spot,  on  Laurence 
Pountney  Hill,  which  at  this  time  of  the  year  is  beautifully 
lighted  up  with  young  green  foliage,  fresh  and  bright  for  a 
brief  existence  of  six  or  eight  weeks,  and  which  is  truly  "  a 
thing  of  beauty,"  lighting  up  a  dismal  chasm  among  high- 
reaching  dingy  buildings,  with  such  bright  verdure,  when  the 
midday  sun  passes  down  through  the  young  foliage,  that  each 
leaf  seems  a  light-giving  lamplet  of  the  brightest  and  softest 
green.      Let    those   who    are  sceptical  or   supine  about   the 


A  street  planted  with  yoimg  trees. 


of  the  whole  of  which  is  charmingly  heightened  by  the 
presence  of  trees.  This  single  example  is  sufficient  to  show 
what  a  noble  effect  might  be  created  between  the  Marble  Arch 
and  Netting  Hill  Gate  by  an  avenue  of  trees.  They  should  not 
be  allowed  to  form  a  monotonous  row,  all  of  the  same  kind, 
Elms  or  Horse  Chestnuts,  or  Oriental  Planes,  as  has  been 
hitherto  the  too  common  custom,  but  should  consist  of  various 
kinds  of  suitable  free-growing  trees,  among  which  many  of  the 
nobler  tree-forms  of  the  American  forests  (many  of  them  with 
magnificent  pinnate  foliage)  might  be  selected,  as  several  of 
them  flourish  freely  in  the  London  atmosphere.  Of  course 
the  Horse  Chestnut,  the  Elm,  the  spreading  Poplars,  the 
Oriental  Plane,  and  even  the  Lime  (though  its  foliage  fades  so 
early  in  London),  should  none  of  them  be  neglected  :  but 
there  are  grand  American  trees,  too  little  known  in  our 
English  plantations,  as  well  as  trees  of  other  climates,  which 
woiTld  in  all  probability  succeed  admirably;  and  if,  after  due 
trial,  they  failed,  they  might  easily  be  replaced  by  other 
novelties  ;  the  kinds  to  select  from  being,  instead  of  restricted 
in  number,  as  some  might  suppose,  so  extremely  numerous  as 
to  form  a  positive  eraharms  de  richesse.  The  charm  of  merely 
single  trees,  in  some  of  the  blackest  and  narrowest  of  the  City 
thoroughfares,  is  felt  at  once  in  early  summer  to  be  a  soft  and 


planting  of  trees  in  our  spacious  modern  streets  and  roads 
in  the  new  parts  of  London — west,  north,  and  south — take  a 
stroll  in  the  City  in  the  early  days  of  summer,  and  make  note  of 
the  charm  of  even  a  single  tree  in  those  smoke-coated  streets 
and  alleys  ;  and  they  will  be,  or  ought  to  be,  converted  at  once 
to  the  desirability  of  planting  trees  in  every  street  and  road- 
way where  there  is  really  room  for  them  to  display  themselves 
with  advantage.  Hoel  NViiphreis. 


THE    WALLFLOWER. 


I  WILL  not  praise  the  often-flattered  Eose, 

Or,  virgin-like,  witli  blushing  charms  half  seen, 

Or  when,  in  dazzling  splendour,  like  a  Queen, 

All  her  magniiicence  of  state  she  shows  ; 
No,  nor  that  non-lilie  Lily  which  but  blows 

Beneath  the  valley's  cool  and  shady  screen  ; 

Nor  yet  the  Sun-flower,  that  with  warrior  mien, 

Still  eyes  the  orb  of  glory  where  it  glows  ; 
But  thou,  neglected  wallflower !  to  my  breast 

And  muse  ai-t  dearest,  wildest,  sweetest  flower  ! 

To  whom  alone  the  privilege  is  given 
Proudly  to  root  thyself  above  the  rest. 

As  Genius  does,  and,  from  thy  rocky  tower, 

Lend  fragrance  to  the  purest  breath  of  heaven. 

T.  DOUELEDAY. 


16 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  26, 1873. 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

SALSAFY. 
Tins  plant,  originally  a  native  of  the  Mediterranean  region,  has 
been  long  naturalised  in  Central  and  Northern  Europe.  It  is 
a  biennial  of  the  Composite  order,  with  long,  narrow,  tapering 
leaves,  and  a  long  spindle-shaped  root,  which,  when  cooked, 
has  a  remarkable  flavour  of  o^^sters,  and  is  one  of  our  most  deli- 
cious vegetables.  To  grow  it  crisp  and  white  in  flesh  like  the 
Parsnip,  it  requires  a  rich,  deep,  well-pulvei'iscd  soil  that  has 
been  well  manured  for  some  other  crop  the  previous  year.  It 
should  be  trenched  iu  autumn  or  early  winter,  and  thrown  up 
into  rough  ridges  to  sweeten  and  got  well  pulverised  by  seed- 
sowing  time.  The  following  spring  the  ground  should  be 
forked  down  on  a  dry  day  between  the  middle  of  March  and 
first  week  in  April ;  drills  drawn  a  foot  apart,  and  the  seed 
dropped  into  them  thinly ;  and  the  plants,  after  their  appear- 
ance above  ground,  should  soon  be  thinned  in  the  rows  from 
9  inches  to  12  inches  from  each  other,  and  the  ground  should 
be  kept  thoroughly  surface-stin-ed  all  the  following  summer. 
The  return  for  this  will  be  a  crop  of  even,  good-sized,  clean- 
shaped  roots,  as  large  as  a  moderate-sized  Surrey  carrot. 
On  rich,  deep,  well-prepared  land,  if  the  roots  are  required  to 
be  very  large,  it  will  be  necessary  to  sow  thinly,  and  have  the 
plants  a  greater  distance  apart  in  the  rows,  with  the  addition 
of  heavy  manuring.  By  these  means  the  object  will  be  attained. 
If  the  manure  be  deeply  buried,  so  that  the  tap  root  may  run 
straight  down  to  it  to  find  it  out — which  it  will  do — the  roots 
will  grow  as  large  as  a  good-sized  Parsnip.  If  the  manure  is 
only  buried  shallow,  and  intermixed  with  the  soil  iu  digging, 
forking,  or  trenching,  scarcely  a  straight,  tapering,  well-formed 
root  will  be  produced  ;  but  a  parcel  of  rough,  forked,  ill-shaped 
bunches  of  roots  will  pretty  surely  be  the  return.  Although 
an  old  vegetable,  long  known  and  used  iu  this  country — and  a 
very  useful  aud  good  one  too,  for  second  course,  served  with 
white  sauce  throughout  autumn  and  winter — nevertheless,  it 
has  not  made  that  progress  for  culinary  purposes  it  really 
deserves  to  have  done.  Since  the  Potato  disease  has  been  so 
destructive,  it  has  got  better  known  and  more  in  use,  but  not 
to  the  extent  it  should  have  been,  considering  its  usefulness  as 
a  vegetable  that  may  be  in  constant  use  at  least  nine  months 
in  the  year.  It  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  substitutes  for  the 
Potato,  and  a  heavy  weighty  crop  can  be  produced  from  any 
kind  of  soil.  If  prepared  and  managed  as  above  directed,  it 
would  be  a  valuable  root  for  a  change  at  cottage  gardeners' 
and  tradesmen's  tables.  A  few  rows  sown  in  an  odd  corner 
would  produce  many  a  good  dish  of  wholesome  food  through- 
out winter.  A  planter  two  placed  in  any  corner  for  seed  pro- 
duces a  succession  of  deep-purple  flowers  as  pretty  as  those  of 
many  cultivated  border  plants.  The  roots  can  be  taken  up  in 
autumn,  and  stored  as  Parsnips  or  Carrots,  or  lefc  in  the 
ground  and  mulched  in  winter.  J.  Baunes. 


The  Potato  Disease.— Many  I  dare  say  are  now  afraid  of  an 
outbreak  of  disease.  I  hear  it  has  made  its  appearance  hereabouts 
in  some  few  Potatoes,  but  I  have  not  myself  seen  the  sUghtest  speck 
of  it  as  yet,  in  fact  we  have  not  had  the  sort  of  weather  that  gene, 
rates  it,  and  if  the  present  dry  winds,  and  sometimes  warm  sunshine 
continue,  I  do  not  think  that  we  shaU  have  much  disease  this  season. 
Different  localities,  however,  vary  so  much  with  respect  to  atmo. 
spheric  changes  that  one  place  may  suffer  while  another  escapes. 
Twelve  months  ago  the  disease  struck  down  all  our  crop  ;  a  dull 
muggy  low  atmosphere  prevailed  aud  carried  the  disease  with  light- 
ning speed  over  the  land.  Prom  the  9th  to  the  end  of  July  is  the 
precarious  time ;  but,  as  we  are  likely  to  have  it  dry  and  warm,  I 
would  prognosticate  that  we  shall  have  little  or  no  disease.  If  that 
should  happen  to  be  the  case,  it  will  be  a  decided  proof  that  the  evil  is 
atmospheric  and,  if  so,  difficult  of  cure. — J.  Scott,  Merriott,  Creiv 
■  Kerne,  Somerset. 

Tomatoes.— Now  that  the  weather  has  got  so  warm,  Tomatoes  are  o-rowinf 
vigorously  ;  and  whether  they  are  tied  to  stakes  in  the  open  ground  or  acainst 
walls,  they  should,  under  no  circumstances,  be  allowed  to  bear  sunerluous 
leaves  or  laterals.  Indeed,  the  closer  they  are  pinched  after  the  fruit  is  set  the 
better  and  larger  the  produce  will  be.  To  their  roots  the  earth  should  be  drawn 
m  the  form  of  a  oasni,  for  the  retention  of  liberal  supplies  of  water  and  occa- 
sional applications  of  lit|uid  manure;  .and  a  mulching  of  decayed  dung  placed 
oyer  their  roots  is  very  beneBcial  to  them.  I  And  that  the  old  large  reel-fruited 
kind  IS  the  best  and  most  profitable  of  the  sorts  grown  by  me  ;  but  I  learn  that 
there  are  ten  difTerent  kinds  on  trial  at  Chiswick  (his  year,  the  result  of  which 
I  shall  look  forwnrd  to  with  interest.— T.  M.tcD, 


GARDEN     DESTROYERS. 


THE  EOSE  WEEVIL. 

Apropos  of  your  recent  article  on  "  Insects  injurious  to  Roses,"  (see  p. 
26,  Vol  IV.)  permit  me  to  forward  you  the  enclosed  extract  from 
Newman's  "  Entomologist  "  for  this  month : — 

"  I  am  not  surprised  that  this  insect  is  so  little  known  to 
horticulturists,  since  it  commits  its  depredations  exclusively 
by  night.  I  have  received  many  inquiries  aud  many  proofs 
of  its  injurious  operations,  but  not  in  a  single  instance  a  specimen  of 
the  insect,  which  is  the  Otiorhynchus  scabrosus,  of  the  family  Curcu- 
liouida?,  a  rough-coated  and  very  hard  beetle — indeed  so  hard 
that  it  is  difficult  to  crush;  it  resides  by  day  in  the  earth, 
and  at  night-fall  crawls  up  the  stems  of  standard  Roses,  and  gnaws 
the  rind  off  last  year's  twigs,  preferring  those  which  have  been  cut 
and  left  a  few  inches  in  length  ;  sometimes  the  bark  will  be  taken  off 
in  a  circle,  at  others  it  is  only  nibbled  in  places,  and  thus  made  rough 
to  the  touch.  I  know  of  no  remedy  but  h.and-iiicking, — very  tedious, 
certainly  but  efficient ;  t.tke  a  basin  of  hot  water  and  a  lantern;  and 
search  diligently  for  the  weevils  just  above  the  graft,  pick  them 
off  one  by  one,  and  drop  them  into  the  water  :  they  die  almost 
instantly." 

Is  Mr.  Newman  qnite  correct  in  describing  the  "  Rose  Weevil " 
as  0.  scabrosus  ? — G.E.,  York. 


Directions  for  sending  Insects. — All  letters  desiring  informa- 
tion  respecting  no.Kions  and  other  insects,  should  be  accompanied 
by  specimens,  the  more  in  number  the  better.  Such  specimens 
should  always  be  packed  along  with  a  little  cotton,  wool,  or 
some  such  substance,  in  a  paste-board  box  of  convenient  size,  and 
never  enclosed  loose  in  a  letter.  Botanists  like  their  specimens 
pressed  as  flat  as  a  pancake,  but  entomologists  do  not.  Whenever 
possible,  larvaj,  {i.e.  grubs,  caterpillars,  maggots,  &c.)  should  be 
packed  alive,  in  some  tight  tin  box — the  tighter  the  better,  as  air 
holes  are  not  needed — along  with  a  supply  of  their  appropriate  food 
snfBcient  to  last  them  on  their  journey  ;  otherwise  they  generally  die  on 
the  road  and  shrivel  up  to  nothing.  Along  with  the  specimens  send  as 
full  an  account  as  possible  of  the  habits  of  the  insect,  respecting 
which  you  desire  information  ;  for  example,  what  plant  or  plants  it 
infests ;  whether  it  destroys  the  leaves,  the  buds,  the  twigs,  or  the 
stem ;  how  long  it  has  been  known  to  you ;  what  amount  of  damage 
it  has  done,  &c.  Such  particulars  are  often  not  ouly  of  high 
scientific  interest,  but  of  practical  importance. — C.  V.  Riley. 

Anoth.er  Insect  Destroyer. — Mr.  Cloiiz,  who  is  engaged  at 
the  Jardiu  des  Plantes  at  Paris,  has  invented  what  he  considers  a 
complete  annihilator  for  plant  lice  and  other  small  insects.  To 
reduce  M.  Cloiiz's  preparation  to  our  measures,  it  will  be  sufficiently 
accurate  to  say,  take  3t  ounces  of  quassia  chips,  and  5  drachms 
Stavesacre  seeds,  powdered.  These  are  to  be  put  in  7  pints  of  water 
and  boiled  until  reduced  to  5  pints.  When  the  liquid  is  cooled,  strain 
it,  and  use  with  a  watering-pot  or  syringe,  as  may  be  most  conve- 
nient. We  are  assured  that  this  preparation  has  been  most  efficacious 
iu  France,  and  it  will  be  worth  while  for  our  gardeners  to  expert, 
ment  with  it.  Quassia  has  long  been  used  as  an  insect  destroyer. 
The  Stavesacre  seeds  are  the  seeds  of  a  species  of  Larkspur,  or 
Delphinium  (D.  Staphisagria),  and  used  to  be  kept  in  the  old  drug 
stores.  Years  ago  they  were  much  used  for  an  insect  that  found 
its  home  in  the  human  head ;  but,  as  that  has  fortunately  gone  out 
of  fashion,  it  may  be  that  the  seeds  are  less  obtainable  than 
formerly.  The  Stavesacre  seeds  contain  dolphine,  which  is  one  of 
the  most  active  poisons  known,  and  we  have  no  doubt  that  a  very 
small  portion  of  it  would  prove  fatal  to  insects. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  GARDEN  DESTROYERS. 


Allts.— My  lavrn  is  so  dreadfully  disfigured  by  Auts  throwing  it  up  here  and 
there  into  little  hillocks,  that  I  shall  feel  obliged  by  some  of  your  correspondents 
tellinjr  me  how  I  can  best  get  rid  of  them  without  destroying  the  Grass.  I 
have  been  recommended  hot  water,  but  that  would  be  worse  than  the  disease, 
as  it  would  destroy  the  Grass,  and  leave  unsightly  patches.  My  gardener  has 
been  trying  black  pepper  with  considerable  success,  but  a  wet  day  or  two  will 
test  it  as  a  remedial  experiment. — T.  J.  A.,  Meadoiv  Croff,  Lower  Si/denkam. 

Grubs  destructive  to  young  Plants.— Can  you  give  me  any  information  as 
to  the  best  means  to  use  for  clearing  my  garden  from  certain  grubs,  -with 
which  it  is  infested.  They  attack  always  every  tender  plant  that  is  planted  out 
fresh  and  eat  it  through  just  above  the  ground.  I  send  herewith  a  few  of  tlie 
grubs  that  you  may  see  them. — Robebt  James,  Grove  Vtlla,  Neic  Southgate. 
[They  are  the  larvie  of  Tipiila  oleracea  (Daddy  long-legs)  ;  they  work  under- 
ground feeding  (we  believe  exclusively)  on  roots  ;  the  grub  that  eats  through 
the  stems  of  young  plants  freshly  planted  out  is  the  larva  of  Agrotis  segetum, 
A.  tritici,  or  A.  exelamationiSj  all  of  them  common  moths."] 


July  26,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


11 


THE     PROPAGATOR. 

NOTES    ON  THE   PROPAGATION   OF  DROSERA 
DICHOTOMA* 

By  JAMES  McNAB,  Rotal  Botanic  Gardens,  Edinbcbgh. 
Tuis  Sundew  is  one  of  those  curious  botanical  plants  rarely 
seen  in  cultivation.  It  is  a  native  of  Sydney,  New  South 
Wales,  and  notwithstanding  that  it  has  been  introduced  into 
this  country  for  nearly  thirty  years,  and  then  named  Drosera 
binata,  it  still  remains  very  scarce  in  British  gardens.  Hitherto 
the  mode  of  increasing  this  remarkable  pb.nt  has  been  by 


Double-leaved  Sundew  (Drosera  dichotoma). 
subdivision  of  the  crowns,  which  is  done  during  early  spring 
before  the  leaves  unfold.  This  method  of  propagation  takes 
time,  as  plants  require  to  be  some  size  before  sub-division  can 
be  resorted  to.  Of  late  years  attention  has  been  directed  to 
the  root  propagation  of  the  Ipecacuhana  and  other  rare  plants, 
both  economic  and  general.  Mr.  Robert  Lindsay,  the  plant 
foreman  in  the  Royal  Botanic  Garden,  thought  he  would  try 
to  increase  this  curious  Sundew  by  root  propagation,  and  his 
efforts  have  been  crowned  with  success.  The  roots  for  the 
purpose  of  propagation  are  generally  taken  from  strong- 
growing  plants  during  the  process  of  crown-division.  They 
*  Read  at  tlie  July  meeLiBg  of  the  Botanical  Society  of  Edinburgh. 


are  of  a  clear  black  wiry  consistency,  and  are  cut  into 
numerous  pieces  from  half  an  inch,  an  inch,  or  more  in  length. 
These  are  laid  on  the  surface  of  shallow  earthenware  pans  or 
flower-pots,  prepared  with  a  mixture  of  sandy  peat  soil,  and 
are  covered  about  half  an  inch  deep  with  the  same  mixture. 
They  are  then  covered  with  a  bell-glass,  and  are  placed  in  a 
damp  warm  propagating  house.  In  the  course  of  a  fortnight, 
swellings  begin  to  appear  on  the  sm'face  of  the  detached 
roots,  which  increase  in  length  till  they  reach  the  surface  of 
the  soil.  This  generally  takes  about  five  weeks  after  being 
put  in.  When  the  leaves  become  developed,  they  are  mostly 
of  a  binate  form,  and  soon  cover  the  surface  of  the  pan  as  if 
they  had  been  a  crop  of  seedlings.  When  about  2  inches  or 
so  in  height,  they  are  separated  and  put  into  small  pots,  in  a 
similar  mixture  of  soil  to  that  into  which  the  roots  were 
originally  placed,  with  the  addition  of  some  chopped  sphagnum 
Moss  freely  mixed  through  it.  If  carefully  attended  to,  they 
soon  make  excellent  plants,  and  are  eagerly  sought  after  on 
account  of  their  peculiar  appearance. 

This  Sundew  may  be  grown  to  a  large  size,  and  will  flower 
abundantly,  either  under  basket  culture  in  Sphagnum  Moss  or 
in  pots  covered  with  Sphagnum  and  placed  in  a  damp  but 
sunny  situation  or  in  shallow  pans  of  water.  It  thrives  well 
in  a  greenhouse,  or  in  cool  glazed  pits,  placed  near  the  glass. 
It  also  succeeds  in  the  rock  garden,  where  a  flat  saucer  is 
sunk  below  the  pot  to  prevent  the  moisture  from  escaping. 
In  such  a  situation  it  was  kept  alive  during  the  winter  of  1871, 
merely  by  having  some  loose  leaves  thrown  over  it.  Under 
open  air  culture,  however,  the  plants  generally  become  quite 
black  with  dust  and  insects,  in  consequence  of  the  quantity 
of  secretion  given  out  by  the  leaf  glands. 

The  genus  Drosera  contains  many  beautiful  and  unintro- 
duced  species,  many  of  them  very  remarkable  in  habit, 
particularly  the  climbing  forms.  They  are  chiefly  natives  of 
New  South  Wales  and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  Some  of  the 
species  have  very  large  flowers,  such  as  the  Drosera  capensis 
and  D.  cistiflora.  If  these  or  other  allied  species  can  be 
introduced  into  our  gardens,  it  is  likely  that  they  will  submit 
to  root  propagation  like  the  D.  dichotoma  now  under  notice. 
The  first  species  introduced  from  Sydney  to  Kew  was  named. 
Drosera  binata,  having  each  leaf  once  forked.  Judging  from 
the  figure  of  this  plant  in  the  Botanical  Maga::ine,  it  must 
have  been  drawn  from  a  weakly  specimen,  as  the  flowers  are 
small  compared  with  those  which  the  D.  dichotoma  produces. 
In  cultivation,  this  plant  seems  to  vary  much  ;  the  original 
binate  form  has,  no  doubt,  become  diohotomous,  and  can  also 
be  reversed.  In  proof  of  this,  several  of  the  plants  now  in 
the  garden  have  their  leaves  binate,  although  produced  from 
the  dichotomous  form  by  sub-divisionandroot  formation,  while 
some  plants  have  their  leaves  divided  into  two,  three,  four,  and 
five  parts  on  the  same  individual.  These  circumstances  satisfy 
me  that  both  these  hitherto  supposed  species  are  but  one  and 
the  same,  and  as  the  dichotomous  form  is  the  most  prevalent,  it 
ought  to  retain  the  name. 

Since  writing  the  above,  I  find  Planchon  in  his  excellent 
paper  on  the  Droseracese,  published  in  the  Annales  des  Sciences 
NcUitreUes,  makes  the  D.  binata,  D.  dichotoma,  D.  pedata,  D. 
intermedia,  and  D.  Cunninghamii  all  synonymous  of  each  other. 
He  also  states  that  the  leaves  are  often  various  on  the  same 
specimen,  a  fact  confirmed  by  the  specimens  in  the  Botanic 
Garden. 


Aralia  japonica  (Sieboldi). — Now,  when  this  fine  plant  is  so 
much  cnltivatod,  it  may  bo  well  to  say  something  about  the  best 
mode  of  propagating  it.  Raising  it  from  seed  is  both  a  slow  and 
precarious  process,  and  some  quicker  method  is  necessary.  It  can 
be  increased  from  cuttings  of  the  roots,  after  the  same  fashion  as  A. 
napyrifera,  as  cuttings  of  this  last  strike  freely  on  a  gentle  bottom 
heat.  The  thick  roots  should  be  cut  into  pieces  of  from  1  inch  to 
2  inches  in  length,  and  then  laid  flat  in  pans  or  pots  of  light  soil, 
well  drained,  and  covered  about  half  an  inch  or  so  with  the  soil,  and 
finally  with  a  slight  covering  of  silver  sand.  Such  cuttings  by  no 
means  root  uniformly  as  to  time,  but  somewhat  irregularly  ;  and  as 
the  plants  become  strong  enough  they  should  be  removed  from  the 
striking  pans  and  placed  singly  in  pots,  be  kept  in  a  close  warm 
frame  until  the  roots  reach  the  sides  of  the  pots,  gradually  hardened 
off  till  they  will  bear  removal  to  a  cool  place,  and  then  be  grown  on 
in  larger  pots  as  required. — D. 


78 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  26,  1873. 


"WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

PBIVATE   GARDENS. 

Flower  Garden. — The  brilliant  weather  which  we  arc  now 
experiencing  will  very  shortly  cause  Pelargoniums  to  form  seed-pods, 
especially  such  as  are  in  vases ;  such  pods  must,  however,  be  at 
once  removed,  as  well  as  all  decaying  flowers.  Regulate,  too,  the 
growth  of  rampant-growing  varieties,  by  removing,  for  purposes  of 
propagation,  all  straggling  shoots,  which  will  now  strike  freely  if 
inserted  on  a  warm  border.  Verbena  cuttings,  which  may  now  be 
had  in  abundance,  will  strike  well  in  a  cold  frame,  densely  shaded 
for  a  time.  Petunias,  straggling  sorts  of  Mesembryanthemums  and 
Pelargoniums,  Fuchsias,  &c.,  will  require  pegging  down  as  they 
advance  in  growth.  Fuchsia  Sunray,  a  new  tricolor  sort,  is  one  of 
the  most  effective  bedding  plants  which  we  possess.  Alternautheras 
have  filled  up  their  space  well,  and  must  now  be  kept  within  bounds 
by  pinching,  but  do  not  attempt  to  propagate  them  for  winter's 
stock  until  neict  month,  for  the  more  vigorous  the  shoots  are  the 
quicker  they  take  root.  The  Golden  Feverfew,  Thyme,  and  other 
carpeting  plants  require  vigilant  attention  in  the  way  of  cutting  or 
clipping  to  keep  them  in  order.  Decapitate  Lilies  as  soon  as  their 
beauty  is  over,  but  permit  the  stems  to  remain  intact.  Gladioli 
require  staking  or  supporting  with  rope-yarn  or  string,  and  Dahlias 
and  Hollyhocks  require  occassional  tying  to  their  stakes.  Cut  out 
the  points  of  Hollyhocks  when  the  plants  are  6  or  7  feet  high,  so  as 
to  invigorate  the  blooms  on  the  lower  portion  of  the  stem.  Stake 
Carnations  and  Pieotees.  Prune  hedges  of  all  sorts,  and  keep 
edgings  of  various  kinds  in  good  trim.  Such  hardy  plants  as  the 
variegated  Spircea  Ulmaria,  Cerastinm  tomentosum,  &c.,  should 
have  all  flowers  removed,  so  as  not  to  destroy  the  beauty  of  the 
leaves.  Proceed  with  the  budding  of  Roses,  taking  care  not  to  out 
away  too  much  of  the  Briar  shoots. 

Conservatories. — The  usual  tying,  thinning,  and  training  of 
climbing  plants  require  attention,  and  abundance  of  water  must  be 
given  to  all  plants  in  active  growth.  Such  as  are  in  bloom  should 
be  shaded  from  bright  sunshine,  in  order  to  preserve  the  colour  of 
their  flowers.  Transfer  all  Camellias  that  have  made  good  firm 
growth  and  set  their  flower. buds  from  the  conservatory  to  a  sheltered 
position  out  of  doors,  and  re-pot  any  young  plants  that  require 
shifting.  Hard-wooded  plants  in  pota  of  various  sorts  are  best 
plunged  out  of  doors  in  a  sheltered  place  in  a  bed  of  ashes. 

Greenliouse  Plants. — Zonal  Pelargoniums  cut  back  a  month 
ago  should  be  shaken  out  of  the  pots  which  they  now  occupy,  and  be 
re-potted  in  fresh  compost,  well  watered,  and  brought  into  flowering 
condition  for  autumn  decoration.  Peed  Lilies  and  Brythrinas  libe- 
rally with  manure-water  until  they  come  into  bloom.  Prick  out 
early-sown  herbaceous  Calceolarias,  keeping  them  shaded  from  the 
sun,  and  sow  some  more  seeds  if  necessary.  Pot  singly  suckers 
from  old  stocks  of  Cinerarias,  and  also  seedlings,  and  keep  the  plants 
in  a  cool  frame  with  a  north  aspect.  Chinese  Primulas  from  seed  or 
cuttings  require  to  be  shifted  according  to  circumstances,  and  they 
should  be  set  in  a  cool,  moist  part  of  some  greenhouse  or  pit.  If 
plants  of  Campanula  pyramidalis  grow  too  strongly  to  stand  alone, 
a  stake  may  be  applied  to  each  plant.  Shift  young  Cyclamens,  and 
keep  them  near  the  light ;  old  plants  of  them  must  not  be  permitted 
to  become  quite  dry  or  their  vigour  will  soon  become  impaired.  Of 
Petunias,  Balsams,  Celosias,  Lobelias,  Fuchsias,  Achimenes,  Schizan- 
thuses.  Heliotropes,  Mignonette,  Hydrangeas,  &c.,  keep  up  a  regular 
and  unfailing  stock.  Of  Colenses,  variegated.leaved  Begonias, 
Iresines,  Amaranthuses,  &c.,  have  also  a  good  stock  for  intermingling 
with  flowering  and  green. leaved  plants.  The  herbaceous  hybrid 
Begonias  furnish  an  ample  supply  of  bloom  at  this  time  of  year  ;  the 
treatment  which  they  require  is  not  different  from  that  given  to 
Balsams,  and  when  in  bloom  they  should  be  set  in  a  shady  part  of 
the  greenhouse,  tree  from  draught.  Mimuluses  that  have  bloomed 
early,  either  in  pots  or  out  of  doors,  should  now  be  potted  afresh  in 
a  rich  soil,  placed  in  a  frame  having  a  north  aspect,  and  liberally 
watered,  and  they  will  furnish  fine  flowering  plants  in  autumn.  All 
Chrysunthemums  should  be  kept  plunged  out  of  doors  in  ashes, 
mulched  with  manure  in  the  form  of  a  basin,  and  also  liberally 
supplied  with  manure-water  occasionally,  and  clean  water  overhead. 
In  order  to  have  dwarf  plants,  some  of  the  points  of  the  shoots  of  old 
Chrysanthemums  may  now  be  propagated.  Grasses  of  various  sorts 
have  a  fine  appearance  amongst  other  greenhouse  plants,  and  may 
now  be  sown  for  late  use  ;  former  sowings  should  be  thinned  ;  a  light 
rich  soil  suits  Grasses  best,  and  the  various  sorts  of  Brizas  are  the 
most  suitable  for  indoor  culture. 

Stoves. — In  these  there  is  at  present  more  foliage  than  flowersi 
and  the  leaves  of  the  variegated  Pine  Apples,  Dracisenas,  Crotons, 
and  similar  plants  have  a  pleasant  and  pretty  effect.  Gesneras, 
Gloxinias,  Allamandas,  Gardenias,  Ixoras,  Francisceas,  &c.,  constitute 
the  bulk  of  blooming  plants.     Keep  young  Palms,  Ficuses,  Ferns, 


and  the  stock  of  young  plants  in  general  in  a  brisk  and  steaming 
heat,  shading  the  houses  at  the  same  time  well.  Established  plants 
however,  must  not  be  subjected  to  such  exciting  treatment,  other- 
wise they  will  not  winter  satisfactorily.  Artificial  heat  may  be 
economised  by  shutting  up  early ;  indeed,  fire. heat  might  iu  many 
cases  be  almost  entirely  dispensed  with  while  the  weather  con. 
tinnes  so  warm.  Encourage  the  growth  of  Poinsettias,  and  Euphorbia 
jacquiniaBdora,  and  keep  the  plants  near  the  glass.  Dipladenias, 
Stephanotis,  &c.,  should  have  their  shoots  trained  along  immediately 
under  the  glass  roof,  so  as  to  ripen  their  wood.  Rooted  cuttings  of 
Ixoras,  Azaleas,  Ficuses,  Crotons,  &c.,  may  be  potted  singly  and 
encouraged  to  make  good  roots  before  the  summer  is  over. 

Indoor  Fruit  Garden.— In  Pine  pits  abundance  of  moisture 
must  be  given  to  the  plants,  and  spilt  about  the  floors  and  walls,  so 
as  to  saturate  the  atmosphere,  but  where  the  fruit  is  ripening  the 
supply  of  water  must  be  very  moderate.  If  sun-heat  is  economised 
there  will  be  little  use  for  fire-heat,  except  now  and  then  to  dry  up 
stagnant  moisture.  Take  off  all  strong  and  healthy  suckers,  pot  them 
firmly,  and  plunge  the  pots  in  a  pit  of  fermenting  material ;  after 
potting,  keep  the  plants  shaded  for  a  few  days.  On  all  Vineries  a 
little  air  should  be  left  night  and  day,  no  matter  whether  the 
Grapes  are  swelling,  colouring,  ripe,  or  have  been  cut ;  and  in  order 
to  prevent  a  too  great  decrease  of  temperature  at  night,  fire-heat, 
in  some  cases  must  be  resorted  to.  Spill  plenty  of  water  on  the 
paths,  stages,  and  walls,  and  see  that  inside  and  also  outside  borders 
do  not  get  too  dry.  Young  Vines  may  now  be  shifted  into  their 
fruiting  pots.  Figs  require  plenty  of  water  at  the  root  as  well  as 
overhead,  and  a  liberal  supply  now  and  then  of  manure  water. 
Peaches  and  Nectarines  must  be  well  syringed  before  the  fruit  is 
ripe  and  after  it  is  gathered,  and  encourage  the  ripening  of  the 
shoots  by  a  free  circulation  of  air  and  plenty  of  light.  Melons 
ripening  must  only  be  kept  moderately  moist,  so  as  not  to  burst  the 
fruit  nor  impair  its  flavour,  but  feed  well  such  as  are  swelling.  Plant 
out  at  once,  if  not  already  done.  Melon  plants  for  late  fruiting.  Do 
not  overcrop  Cucumber  plants,  nor  encumber  those  bearing  usable 
fruits  with  ripe  fruits.  It  is  better  to  have  a  plant  or  two  specially  for 
producing  fruit  for  seed,  than  to  injure  the  others  in  that  way.  Get 
Strawberry  runners  for  next  year's  forcing  into  their  fruiting  pots, 
which  should  be  plunged  in  a  bed  of  ashes. 

Kitolien  Garden.  —  Transplant  Broccoli,  Cauliflower,  and 
Cabbages  wherever  space  can  be  found  for  them.  Sow  some  Green 
Coleworts  and  early  Cabbages  for  winter  and  spring  use,  and  thin 
out  in  the  seed-beds  Cauliflower  that  is  to  form  the  main  late  crop. 
Top  the  main  cr-op  of  Beans  when  they  come  into  flower,  and  earth  up 
and  stake  young  crops  of  Peas,  which  should  have  abundance  of  water 
if  the  weather  continues  dry.  Early  Peas,  Cauliflower,  and  Cabbages 
may  now  be  cleared  away,  and  their  space  filled  up  with  Celery,  late 
Turnips,  Onions,  &c.  The  ground  containing  spring-transplanted 
Onions,  early  Potatoes,  and  Carrots,  will  be  in  fine  condition  for  the 
Brassica  tribe.  Sow  some  Tripoli  Onions  and  early  Horn  Carrots  for 
drawing  young,  likewise  some  Radishes,  Lettuces,  Endive,  and 
Spinach,  and  small  salads,  according  to  the  demand.  Pinch  off  all 
laterals  fx-ora  Tomatoes,  and  well  expose  the  swelling  fruit  to  the 
sunshine.  Water  abundantly  vegetable  and  Custard  Marrows,  and 
do  not  permit  the  fruits  to  remain  on  the  plants  after  they  are  fit  for 
use,  as  that  considerably  injures  the  rest  of  the  crop.  Maintain 
cleanliness  and  neatness  in  all  departments,  save  all  refuse  vegetables 
for  the  manure  heap,  and  repair  frames,  tools,  sheds  and  other 
garden  appliances. 

MARKET   GARDENS. 

The  warm  weather  which  we  are  now  experiencing  is  bringing 
crops  forward  quickly.  Cabbage,  Cauliflowers,  Onions,  Globe 
Artichokes,  Vegetable  Marrows,  Peas,  Beans,  Potatoes,  Lettuces, 
Carrots,  Beet,  Turnips,  Radishes,  Cucumbers,  and  French  Beans 
(those  nursed  in  spring),  constitute  the  bulk  of  vegetables  at  present 
fit  for  market ;  while  among  fruits  there  are  Currants  of  different 
sorts.  Raspberries,  Gooseberries,  Cherries,  and  Green  Apples. 
Get  off  all  refuse  Cauliflowers  and  Cabbages,  plough  the  land,  and 
sow  Turnips,  Spinach,  or  plant  out  Celery  and  Lettuces.  If  these 
crops  are  unsuitable,  perhaps  it  maybe  advisable  to  plant  Cauliflower 
or  Broccoli  again,  for  although  this  is  not  the  best  course  to  follow 
it  is  sometimes  unavoidable,  especially  in  dry  localities  where  water 
is  scarce.  Keep  Tomatoes  well  pinched  and  watered,  and  frequently 
go  over  and  thin  Cucumbers.  Peg  down  rampant  Vines  of  Vegetable 
Marrows,  and  top  Scarlet  Runners.  Transplant  the  stocks  of  Cab- 
bages that  were  saved  from  amongst  the  spring  crops,  for  seeding 
purposes.  They  will  bloom  and  seed  next  j'ear.  Snch  Peas  as  were 
not  picked  when  in  good  usable  condition  should  now  be  preserved 
for  seed,  and  the  haulm  should  be  turned  over  in  the  rows,  so  as  to 
prevent  rotting  aud  to  assist  maturation.  All  "  running "  plants 
of  Carrots,  Parsnips,  Onions,  Beet,  &c.,  should  be  removed  as  soon  as 


July  26,  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


79 


perceivod  ;  for  if  allowed  to  come  into  flower,  the  roots  will  be  useless 
for  market.  From  the  25th  of  this  month  to  the  10th  of  August  is 
the  general  time  for  sowing  winter  greens;  but  a  good  deal  depends 
upon  soil  and  place.  In  a  rich  soil  where  strong  and  soft  plants  are 
soon  produced  much  of  the  produce  will  run  to  seed  next  spring,  but 
where  the  soil  is  rather  poor,  the  young  plants  come  up  more  robustly 
and  are  not  so  liable  to  run. 


SOCIETIES,    EXHIBITIONS,    &c. 

GLASS  STRUCTURES  AND  IMPLEMENTS  AT  BATH. 

HoTHOL'SES  abounded  at  Bath,  as  did  also  garden  engines,  syringes,  garden 
seats,  and  watering  pots.  There  were  also  several  novelties,  Mr.  Cowan, 
vnth  much  spirit,  bringing  over  a  model,  half  the  size  of  the  original,  of 
his  method  of  heating  without  cost,  by  means  of  placing  a  boiler  over  a 
lime-kiln,  instead  of  over  a  common  furnace,  thus  utilising  the  heat 
generated  by  the  conversion  of  lime-stone  or  chalk  into  caustic  lime. 
^Vherever  0  or  8  feet  can  be  commanded  under  the  boiler,  there  is  little 
doubt  that  this  mode  of  heating  will  be  found  to  be  a  useful  aid  to  the 
saving  of  fuel  in  all  places  where  chalk  or  lime-stone  is  near  at 
hand  and  readily  accessible,  and  hme  can  be  sold  at  a  fair  price. 
The  latter  is  important,  for,  unless  a  market  can  be  had  for  the 
lime,  sutBcient  profit  cannot  be  made  to  provide  heat  gratis.  But 
even  were  this  not  possible,  doubtless  a  considerable  saving  of  coal 
would  result  from  the  adoption  of  Mr.  Cowan's  method.  Mr. 
Rendle's  pavilions  constituted  another  novelty.  One  of  these,  200  feet 
long,  15  feet  wide,  and  12  feet  high,  furnished  space  for  the  exhibition  of 
fancy  goods  that  could  hardly  have  been  shown  under  canvas.  The  whole 
was  said  to  have  been  erected  in  thirteen  hours,  and  though  the  wind 
was  so  strong  on  the  first  night  of  the  show  that  a  stafl  of  men  were  on 
duty  all  night  strengthening  the  different  canvas  tents,  this  pavilion 
stood  firmly,  and  did  not,  as  far  as  we  could  learn,  lose  a  square  of  glass ; 
thus  standing  a  test  that  few  hothouses  with  front  or  sides  out  would 
have  stood ;  for  these  pavilions,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind,  are  simply 
glass  roofs  with  open  fronts.  The  glass  can  be  put  in  these  roofs  as  fast 
as  a  man  can  handle  it,  and  it  remains  secure  in  its  metal  grooves.  The 
whole  of  Mr.  Rendle's  other  inventions,  from  grooved  bricks  for  the 
gro^vth  of  winter  salading,  protectors  of  all  sorts  and  sizes,  up  to 
houses  for  fruits  and  plants,  at  once  substantial,  serviceable,  and  cheap, 
were  arranged  along  the  back  of  this  long  pavilion,  and  seemed  to 
command  much  attention.  One  more  novelty  at  Bath — though  seen 
before  at  the  opening  show  of  the  Alexandra  Palace — was  Mr.  Horley's 
method  of  glazing  with  strips  of  leather  and  iron  buttons,  in  lieu  of  putty 
or  felt,  and  covering  bars,  as  in  Beard's  patent  system.  Another  novelty 
in  glazing  was  also  illustrated  by  a  small  house  at  Bath,  exhibited  by  Mr. 
Pincher,  of  Market  Lavington,  Wilts.  Each  rafter  of  the  roof  resembles 
a  shallow  iron  water  trough.  It  differs  from  that,  however,  in  being  cast 
with  grooves  on  each  side.  Wrought  iron  studs  are  placed  on  the  moulds 
at  distances  corresponding  to  the  length  of  the  squares  to  he  used  in 
glazing,  and  cast  with  the  rafters.  These  are  bent  over  the  glass,  and 
hold  it  firmly  in  position.  The  grooves  being,  however,  first  filled  with 
putty,  and  the  glass  squares  bedded  on  to  it,  the  whole  roof  is  thus  com- 
posed of  an  unbroken  series  of  glass,  interlined  with  channelled  rafters, 
over  which  the  glass  slightly  projects.  This  pitches  aU  the  water  into 
them,  unless  what  runs  to  the  bottom  in  the  usual  way.  This  roof  is 
water-tight,  wind  and  weather  proof,  and  can  be  erected  at  about  Is.  3d. 
per  square  foot.  Local  manufacturers  were,  as  a  matter  of  course,  strongly 
represented  on  this  occasion,  Messrs.  Tuck  &  Pike,  of  the  City  Metal 
Works,  Bath,  making  perhaps  the  largest  display.  'The  Tortworth  con- 
servatory was  an  elegant  house,  the  joints  being  made  without  putty,  the 
glass  left  free  for  expansion,  and  warranted  "not  to  drip."  'The  same 
firm  also  showed  other  houses,  a  lean-to  greenhouse,  an  amateur's  house, 
and  a  pretty  umbrella-shaped  house,  christened  "  The  Luxuriosum," 
admirably  adapted  for  a  permanent  tent — the  centre  of  a  Rosery — &c. 
The  same  firm,  hkewise,  showed  samples  of  glass  walls,  garden  seats, 
chairs,  table  stands,  canopies,  patent  boilers,  lawn  mowers,  rollers,  &c., 
innumerable.  Mr.  Parham,  of  the  Northgate- Street  Works,  Bath,  showed 
among  other  things,  a  nice  range  of  his  patent  hothouses  in  three 
divisions — the  centre  au  elegant  conservatory  or  Orangery,  a  40- 
feet  span,  with  hipped  roof,  and  a  mng  on  either  side  30  feet  long, 
for  greenhouse  or  Vinery.  Mr.  Parham  also  exhibited  smaller  houses. 
Peach  walls,  glass  copings,  pit  lights,  ground  Vineries,  plant  preservers, 
&c.,  all  glazed  on  his  patent  principle,  described  in  our  columns 
last  year. 

Mr.  Diplock,  of  Queen  Street,  Bath,  had  patent  boilers  and  hot- water 
apparatus,  which  seemed  economical  and  efficient.  Messrs.  Messenger,  of 
Loughborough,  exhibited  some  good  houses,  a  covered  Peach  wall,  &c., 
good  examples  of  their  useful  houses  and  frames;  also  their  patent 
boiler,  which  affords  peculiar  facilities  for  the  renioval  of  sediment — a 
most  important  matter  in  economical  heating.  Messrs.  Dennis  &  Co.,  of 
Chelmsford,  had  good  illustrations  of  theu'  manufacture  in  glass 
orchard  houses,  good  amateur's  greenhouses,  also  a  wrought-iron 
house,  and  their  patent  adjustable  boiler.  The  Messrs.  Humphreys  & 
Co.,  of  Nottingham,  showed  a  nice  conservatory  and  greenhouse,  and  a 
portable  greenhouse,  all  illustrating  their  improved  method  of  ventila- 
tion. Messrs.  Cranston  &  Luck,  of  Birmingham,  showed  a  patent 
greenhouse,  wall  protector,  &c.,  illustrating  their  method  of  dry  glazing, 
ventilating,  &c.     Mr.  Lloyd,  of    Grantham,   showed  his  portable  villa 


Conservatory,  a  portable  dwarf  span-roofed  greenhouse,  with  improved 
ventilation.  Mr.  Voice,  of  Hadcross,  furnished  his  useful  ground  Vineries 
or  pits,  the  tops  of  which  can  be  raised  on  either  side  by  simply  turning 
a  handle.  Mr.  Tillet,  of  Stamford,  had  a  large  exhiljition  of  Gilbert's 
registered  hand-lights  and  plant  protectors  of  improved  construction. 
Messrs.  Boulton  &  Co.,  of  Norwich,  had  a  large  display  of  their  garden 
frames,  protectors,  hand-lights,  garden  seats,  watering  pots,  lawn  mowers, 
&c. — perhaps  the  largest  stand  in  the  exhibition,  with  the  exception  of 
that  of  Messrs.  Tuck  &  Pike,  of  Bath.  The  Messrs.  Deards,  of  Harlow, 
Essex,  exhibited  their  small  greenhouses,  and  their  useful  heating 
apparatus  in  action.  Mr.  Horley,  of  Teddington,  Dunstable,  furnished 
his  useful  garden  frames,  plant  houses,  Fern  cases,  &c. 

Several  of  the  great  London  firms  that  were  absent  from  Birmingham, 
put  in  an  appearance  at  Bath.  Messrs.  Weeks  &  Co.  exhibited  boilers,  also 
numbers  of  drawings  of  hothouses.  The  same  firm  had  also  some  good 
examples  of  their  patent  duplex  indestructible  l)oilers,  which  have 
proved  their  power  and  efficiency  in  so  many  large  establishments  through- 
out the  country.  Among  other  merits,  these  boilers  can  be  cleaned 
thoroughly  without  displacing  the  brickwork.  Mr.  Henry  Ormson,  of 
Stanley  Creek,  Chelsea,  showed  a  specimen  of  his  general  workmanship, 
in  which  the  glazing  is  done  in  grooves  filled  with  putty,  thus  fixing  the 
glass  securely  without  exposing  any  body  of  putty  to  the  atmosphere. 
The  under  edges  of  the  rafters  are  also  grooved,  to  carry  off  condensed 
moisture.  Mr.  Ormson  also  showed  one  of  his  excellent  convoluted 
wrought-iron  boilers,  in  which  the  flame  has  to  hug  the  metal  through  a 
series  of  convolutions  until  its  heat  is  exhausted.  Another  London  firm 
— Mr.  W.  H.  Lascelles,  of  the  Finsbury  Steam  Joinery  Works — made  a 
large  display  of  wooden  hothouses,  including  a  roomy  span-roofed  con- 
servatory, half-span  wall  cover,  glass  coping,  an  angular  orchard  house, 
&c.,  strong  substantial-looking  houses,  with  an  apparent  excess  of  timber 
in  them.  The  Thames  Bank  Iron  Company  had  a  large  exhibition  of 
boilers,  prominent  among  which  was  the  Gold  Medal  boiler,  the  wrought 
iron  riveted  saddle  boiler,  common  saddle  and  compound  tubular  boilers 
of  various  kinds.  Mr.  Lumly,  of  Bath,  and  Messrs.  Tuck  &  Pike,  of  the 
same  city,  showed  patent  Excelsior  boilers;  Messrs.  Diplock  &  Co.,  of 
Bath  and  London,  numbers  of  saddle  boilers  ;  Mr.  Barlow,  his  tubular 
boilers  ;  and  Messrs.  Jones  &  Rowe,  the  Whitly  Court  Boiler,  that  is 
obviously  able  to  do  any  reasonable  amount  of  work  without  flinching, 
a  4.feet  boiler  being  warranted  to  heat  3,500  feet  of  4-mch  pipe.  Mr. 
Harlow,  of  Macclesfield,  also  showed  his  hot-water  apparatus  with  patent 
connection.  Others  have  already  been  named.  Mr.  Pinchin  showed  one 
of  his  greenhouses  heated  without  a  boiler  at  all.  He  uses  hot  air  for 
bottom  as  well  as  top  heat,  charging  it  with  the  necessary  moisture  by 
causing  it  to  pass  over  and  through  water. 

Among  miscellaneous  exhibits,  which  were  the  most  numerous,  were  the 
rustic  summer  houses,  plant  stands,  seats,  vases,  &c.,  shown  by  Mr. 
Henry  luman,  of  Rose  Bank,  Stratford,  near  Manchester.  These  are 
substantial  and  handsome  erections,  made  of  gnarled  and  knotted  woods', 
varnished,  and  varying  in  price  and  size  to  suit  the  wants  of  all.  Mr. 
Matthews,  of  Weston-super-Mare,  had  a  large  stand  of  excellent  pots, 
vases,  &c.,  including  the  Oxford  pot,  which  has  its  rim  pierced  with  holes 
to  permit  of  plants  being  trained  without  so  many  stakes.  Messrs.  Bell 
and  Thorpe  showed  their  patent  indestructible  labels,  which  are  suitable 
for  all  purposes  where  indestructible  legible  labels  are  required.  Mr. 
Benjamin  Edginton  and  Mr.  Unite  exhibited  specimens  of  tents. 
Messrs.  Carter,  of  Hol'iorn,  had  an  immense  tent  full  of  roots  and  seeds 
alike  in  bags  and  pots,  the  latter  illustrating  the  per-centage  of  germi- 
nating power,  which  seemed  in  most  instances  to  be  very  great,  as  the  pots 
were  crowded  with  young  plants.  Mr.  Doulton,  of  Lambeth,  sent  pedes- 
tals and  vases,  and  Mr.  King,  of  Manvers-street,  Bath,  Bath-stone  garden 
vases  and  monuments.  Mr.  James  House,  of  Market  Lavington,  fur- 
nished a  patent  root  extractor,  apparently  a  useful  contrivance.  Mr. 
Stiles,  of  Peckham,  Surrey,  showed  walnut  Fern  cases,  window  boxes, 
and  other  articles.  Mr.  Busee,  of  Hatton-garden,  furnished  patent  char- 
coal pots,  filters,  Ac.  Messrs.  Holmes  and  Co.,  of  the  Marlney  Wharf, 
Bath,  samples  of  furnace  bars,  surroundings  of  various  sorts  for  horticul- 
tural and  other  purposes.  Mr.  Pinnel,  of  13,  Burton-buildings,  Bath, 
showed  the  oval  watering-pot  with  the  French  spreader.  Mr.  Chapman 
had  mulfinn  in  parvo  plant,  flower,  fruit,  and  game  preservers,  for  the 
safe  transmission,  fresh  to  any  distance,  of  these  and  other  perish- 
able commodities.  Messrs.  Davis  and  Co.,  of  Newington  Butts,  had 
a  large  stand  of  barometers,  thermometers,  botanical  microscopes,  &e. , 
Mr.  Townsend,  of  Saffron  Waldron,  a  reverse  action  clipper  for  trknming 
grass  edgings  ;  Messrs.  Watts  and  Co.,  of  Bristol,  their  universal  fumi- 
gator  and  asphyxiator  for  the  destruction  of  vermin  ;  Mr.  Kerr,  of  Dublin 
Gardens,  water  barrows,  &c. ;  Mr.  Watts,  of  Brompton  Road,  his  half 
circular  and  other  flower  tables,  so  useful  and  ornamental  in  the  large 
conservatory  at  South  Kensington  ;  Mr.  Parker,  of  Woodstock,  showed 
improved  dry  earth  closets,  ranging  in  price  from  £2  lis.  to  £5  5s. ;  the 
British  Waggon  Company  made  a  large  display  of  water-carts,  pots, 
rollers,  lawn  mowers,  archways,  garden  chairs,  syringes  ;  Messrs.  Follows 
&  Bate  showed  excellent  examples  of  their  lawn  mowers;  and,  finally, 
we  note,  as  good  news  for  housekeepers,  during  unfrosty  winters,  that 
the  refrigerators  exhibited  by  Mr.  Joseph  Haines,  of  Stoke,  render  the 
art  of  making  ices  without  ice  simple  and  easy  ;  and  to  horticultirrists 
with  troublesome  boilers,  or  a  paucity  of  pipes,  and  who,  in  consequence 
of  either,  have  to  sit  up  late  or  rise  early  in  the  morning,  Mr.  Pennel 
offers  a  gas  kettle  that  will  boil  a  pint  of  water  in  five  minutes,  just 
enough  for  a  cup  of  tea  or  coffee.  But  how  is  gas  to  be  obtained  in 
country  places  ?  'Why  not  use  a  spirit  or  mineral  oil  lamp  instead,  and 
allow  a  few  minutes  more  tmie  in  consequence  ? 


80 


THE   GARDEN. 


[July  26, 1873. 


ST,  ANN'S  KOSE  SHOW,  NOTTINGHAM. 

Tnis  show,  which  is  hold  annually,  is  the  direct  result  of  the  spirited 
manner  in  which  the  working  classes  of  Nottingham  have  taken  to  high- 
class  gardening,  and  it  is  satisfactory  to  know  that  the  Corporation  of 
Nottingham  arc  doing  all  in  their  power  to  encourage  such  a  taste  among 
the  people.  Fifteen  acres  have  been  recently  broken  up  to  meet  additional 
requiremen>';s.  This  laud  has  been  brought  under  cultivation  with  the 
greatest  rapidity,  and  in  the  summer  evenings  the  occupiers  may  be  seen  on 
the  hill  side  working  at  their  tasks  like  so  many  ants.  It  was  owing  to  the 
success  of  some  of  the  Rose  growers  in  some  of  the  older  gardens  that  the 
project  of  the  formation  of  a  horticultural  society  was  brought  under  dis- 
cussion, andadozenyears  ago  this  society  began  its  existence.  It  has  from  the 
iirst  been  managed  in  the  most  creditable  manner  by  a  body  of  working 
men,  and  has  received  the  support  of  all  classes  in  the  town,  the  Corpo- 
ration haWng  itself  given  £10  for  prizes  during  the  past  year.  The  show 
itself,  as  a  iDOpular  gathering,  is  exceedingly  in  favour  with  the  people, 
and  has,  in  fact,  earned  the  name  of  "  St.  Ann's  Wakes.*'  Last  Monday's 
meeting  was  no  exception  to  the  rule,  the  grounds  being  crowded  with 
visitors  during  the  later  portion  of  the  day.  The  show  embraced  a  grand 
display  of  Roses,  greenhouse  plants,  flowers,  fruits,  and  vegetables  in 
season  J  aud  the  prizes  exceeded  in  amount  those  given  in  former  years. 


FLOEAL  DECORATIONS  IN  BALL  ROOMS. 
These  evidences  of  social  refinement  are  certainly  cu  the  increase 
and,  under  the  direction  of  our  best  decorators,  are  now  brongbt 
to  a  high  degree  of  pei'fection.  Bridgewater  House  the  other 
night,  and  also  the  conservatory  aud  arcades  of  the  Koyal 
Horticultural  Society  at  Sonth  Kensington,  as  arranged  by  Mr. 
Wills,  on  the  occasion  of  the  Prince  and  Princess  of  Wales's 
visit,  were  marvels  of  floral  beauty.  When  it  is  remembered 
that  our  largest  decorating  firms  use  from  20,000  to  30,000 
decorative  plants  every  week  during  the  London  season,  we 
can  form  some  idea  of  the  extent  to  which  plant  decoration  is 
now  carried.  One  novel  feature  in  modern  decorations  is  the 
introduction  of  huge  blocks  of  ice,  which,  either  in  the  shape  of  a 
simple  obelisk  3  or  4  feet  high,  or  in  imitation  of  massive  rock- 
work,  have  a  unique  effect  when  fringed  with  Perns,  and  draped  with 
the  slender-growing  sprays  of  different  kinds  of  trailing  plants.  On 
every  hand  are  found  pleasing  groups  of  rare  exotics,  judiciously 
arranged  as  regards  picturesque  effect.  Here  is  a  bank  of  fresh 
Selaginella,  forming  a  carpet,  from  which  little  groups  of  the 
Umbrella  Sedge  spring  like  miniature  Palms;  while  here  and  there 
may  be  seen  more  massive  succulent  plants  in  association  with  fairy- 
like Grasses  and  Maiden-hair  Perns  that  tremble  with  the  softest 
breath  of  air.  Here,  too,  are  masses  of  Palms  and  tree  Perns  that 
spread  their  bright  green  feathery  fronds  over  priceless  groups  of 
antique  sculpture,  while  soft  masses  of  harmonious  colour'  nestle  here 
and  there  on  cool  green  banks  of  Perns  and  Mosses.  Handsome 
mirrors,  half-concealed  by  tasteful  fringes  of  trailing  plants,  increase 
the  effect  by  apparently  augmenting  the  space.  At  Bridgewater 
House  glowing  crimson  masses  of  Spiraja  palmata,  admirably  set  off 
with  fresh  green  leaves,  were  highly  eiiEective  beneath  the  sub- 
dued gaslight ;  while  slender  Palms  sprang  from  cool  beds  of  Club 
Mosses,  on  which  delicately  perfumed  sprays  of  pearly-white 
Stephanotis  and  Water  Lilies  rested  in  rich  profusion.  Here 
climbers  drooped  from  every  bracket  and  ledge,  graceful  in  form  and 
soft  in  colour-.  Bouquets  of  choice  exotics  were  here  and  there 
suspended  beneath  the  crystal  brackets  and  chandeliers — in 
short,  every  lobby,  hall,  and  corridor  was  tastefully  furnished 
with  foliage  plants  and  flowers.  Stately  groups  of  Dracasnas,  and 
noble  foliaged  Palms  harmonised  well  with  the  massive  cool  grey 
marble  shafts  and  columns  that  support  the  corridors  and  galleries 
overlooking  the  saloon.  The  saloon  itself  was  likewise  tastefully 
fringed  with  banks  of  choice  Palms,  Ferns,  and  flowering  plants.  At 
South  Kensington  the  decorations,  though  essentially  similar  in  many 
respects  to  those  just  noticed,  where  carried  out  on  a  much  larger 
scale.  The  Rockery  in  the  conservatory  fomied  of  several  tons  of 
the  finest  ice  was  a  novel  feature,  and  the  centre  of  attraction  during 
the  evening.  It  was  tastefully  ornamented  with  choice  Ferns, 
Grasses,  and  succulent  plants,  and  fringed  at  the  base  with  Maiden, 
hair  Perns,  Lomarias,  Pteris  serralata,  and  Isolepis  gracilis,  on  a 
deep  crimson  ground.  The  western  arcade  was  tastefully  bordered 
with  Palms,  Tree  Ferns,  and  choice  flowering  plants  and  the  intro- 
duction of  cool  obelisks  of  ice  at  intervals,  considerably  heighteued 
the  effect.  Not  the  least  interesting  features  of  the  evening  were 
the  magnificent  bouquets  presented  to  the  Princess  of  Wales  and  the 
Czarevna.  These  were  remarkable  for  elegant  simplicity,  being 
composed  of  but^a  few  of  the  choicest  flowers,  among  which  were  softly- 
tinted  Tea  Roses,  pure  white  Gardenias,  half  hidden  among  the  most 
elegant  drapery  of  fresh  green  Maiden-hair  Pern,  sprays  of  pearly 
Stephanotis  and  Tuberoses,  the  whole  forming  a  charming  collection  of 
5weet-scented  flowers.  F.  W.  B. 


TREES  STRUCK  BY  LIGHTNING. 
On  Saturday,  about  five  in  the  afternoon,  during  a  severe 
thunder  shower,  a  large  Oak  tree  iu  Goss  Wood,  belonging  to  Earl 
I'itzwilliam,  was  struck  and  rent  from  the  top  to  the  bottom, 
completely  divesting  it  of  bark.  The  tree  measured  nearly  seven 
feet  round. — Ou  Tuesday  afternoon,  a  large  Elm  tree  in  the  garden 
of  Mr.  Hawkins,  at  Yarton,  Oxfordshire,  was  struck  by  lightning. 
The  tree  had  a  clear  stem  up  to  the  first  fork,  more  than  30  feet  high. 
The  lightning  apparently  left  the  branches  untouched,  and  struck 
exactly  in  the  fork,  where  the  electric  fluid  divided  ;  the  main  cur. 
rent  going  down  the  eastern  side  of  the  tree  tore  a  strip  not  only  of 
the  outer  bark,  but  of  the  inner  rind,  the  latter  three  quarters  of  an 
inch  thick  from  the  fork  to  the  base  of  the  trunk.  The  bark  and 
rind  thus  ripped  off  is  of  a  breadth  of  from  5  to  10  inches,  and  is 
ripped  completelj'  out  in  a  perpendicular  line,  slightly  waved,  the 
whole  30  feet  of  the  height,  part  of  it  being  thrown  more  than  20 
feet  from  the  tree.  The  remainder  of  the  electric  current  seems  to 
have  passed  down  the  westera  side  of  the  tree,  ripping  the  bark  open 
at  the  top,  then  apparently  touching  and  scarring  from  point  to 
point,  was  at  last  wound  round  the  tree,  and  finally  cutting  a  jagged 
path  about  4  feet  long  iu  the  bark,  like  what  a  large  bullet  would 
cut,  joined  the  other  ciu-rent  about  4  feet  from  the  ground.  All 
trace  of  injury  ceases  at  the  ground,  and  there  is  not  the  slightest 
sign  of  any  burning.  In  fact,  the  whole  gives  simply  the  appearance 
as  if  some  giant  power  had  raised  a  piece  of  the  bark  and  inner  rind 
at  the  top  of  the  tree,  and  then  tore  the  strip  down  from  top  to 
bottom. 


OPENING  OF  STAMFORD  PARK. 
TuE  Earl  of  Stamford  and  Warrington  has  just  formally  opened 
Stamford  Park  for  the  inhabitants  of  Ashton-under-Lyne, 
Stalybridge,  and  neighbourhood.  Some  years  ago  the  late  Mr. 
Samuel  Oldham,  of  Ashton,  besides  other  bequests  for  the  benefit  of 
the  district,  left  a  sum  of  £7,000  towards  the  endowment  of  a  public 
park,  the  interest  of  which  money  was  to  be  devoted  to  several 
infirmaries  near  Manchester  until  lands  should  be  obtained  and  laid 
out  for  a  park.  Recently  an  estate,  known  as  the  Highfield  estate, 
consisting  of  a  mansion  and  about  9  acres  of  land,  lying  between 
Ashton-under-Lyne  and  Stalybridge,  was  purchased  by  Mr.  Darnton, 
solicitor,  of  Ashton,  for  the  sum  of  £2,000,  which  estate  has  been 
conveyed  by  him  to  the  park  committee  for  the  same  amount ;  but 
Mr.  Dai'nton  has  generously  returned  £500  out  of  the  purchase- 
money  as  a  subscription  towards  the  park.  The  Highfield  estate 
was  subject  to  au  annual  chief  or  ground-rent  of  £131,  payable  to 
the  Earl  of  Stamford,  which  rent  his  lordship  has  consented  to  remit. 
His  lordship  has  also  given  a  tract  of  valuable  land  of  about  35  acres 
in  extent,  to  add  to  the  Highfield  estate.  This  gift  of  land  is 
estimated  to  be  worth  upwards  of  £10,000,  and  the  remission 
of  the  ground-rent  before  mentioned,  is  regarded  by  the  inhabitants 
as  a  princely  gift.  Besides  the  £7,000  bequeathed  by  Mr.  Oldham, 
from  £7,000  to  £8,000  have  been  subscribed,  for  the  purpose  of 
laying  out  the  park,  of  which  sum  £2,000  has  been  given  by  Mr.  F. 
D.  Astley  (the  lord  of  the  manor  of  Dukrnfield),  whose  estate  adjoins 
that  of  Lord  Stamford.  The  opening  of  the  park  was  made  the 
occasion  of  a  great  demonstration. 


COVENT  QAKDEN  MARKET. 

July  25th. 

Among  flowers  there  is  a  good  supply  of  Cockscombs,  Japanese  Lilies,  Kalo- 
santhes,  shrubby  Calceolarias, Pelai-gonimus  and  Hydrangeas.  Fruits  in  season, 
both  English  and  Continental,  are  coming  in  in  large  quantities  ;  but,  notwith- 
standing their  abundance,  good  articles  still  meet  with  a  ready  sale  at  high 
prices.  Vegetables  of  all  kinds  are  excellent,  and  among  them  waggon-loads 
of  Scarlet  Runners  have  been  brought  into  the  market  this  week. 

Prices  of  Fruits.— Apoles,  per  doz.,  ed. ;  Apricots,  2s.  to  4s.  per  doz;  ; 
Cherries,  per  lb.,  6d.  tols.  6d;  ChUies,  per  100,  2s.;  Currants,  per  sieve,  33.  to 
6s. ;  Figs,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  lOs. ;  Gooseberries,  per  quart,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Grapes,  hot- 
house, black,  per  lb.,  2s.  to  6s. ;  Muscats,  53.  to  8s. ;  Lemons,  per  100,  83.  to  14s. ; 
Melons,  each,  28.  to  6s.;  Nectarines,  per  doz.,  6s.  to  15s. ;  Or.anges,  per  100, 
lOs.  to  16s. ;  Pe.iches,  per  doz.,  12s.  to  25s.;  Pears,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Piuc. 
Apples,  per  lb..  3s.  to  6s. ;  Raspberries,  per  lb.,  -Id.  to  Is. ;  Strawberries,  per  lb., 
6d.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz,.  Is.  to  3s.;  Walnuts,  per  bushel,  6s.  to  IDs. 
ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Asparagu.1,  per  100, 
3s.  to  6s. ;  Beans,  Kidney,  per  half  sieve,  3s.,  broad,  2s.;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz..  Is.  to 
2s.  ;  Cabbage,  per  doz",  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Carrots,  4d.  to  8d. ;  Cauliflower,  per 
doz.,  .'is.  to  6s. ;  Celery,  per  bundle.  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Coleworts,  per  doz. 
bunches,  4s. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  4d.  to  Is. ;  Endive,  per  doz.,  2s.  ;  Fennel, 
per  bunch,  3d. ;  Garhc,  per  lb.,  6d.;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  Horse- 
radish, per  bimdle,  3s.  to  4s. ;  Leeks,  per  bunch.  4d. ;  Lettuces,  per  doz. 
Is.  to  2s. ;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s. ;  Mustard  and  Cress,  per  ptmnet, 
2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  -Is.  to  6s. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ;  Parsley,  per  doz, 
bunches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Peas,  per  quart,  9d.  to  Is.  6d. ; 
Potatoes,  per  bushel,  l-s.  to  7s. ;  I'adishes,  per  doz.  bunches.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ; 
Rhubarb,  per  bundle,  8d.  to  Is. ;  Salsafy,  do..  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Scorzonera, 
per  bundle.  Is. ;  Shallots,  per  bunch,  6d. ;  Spinach,  per  bushel,  3s. ;  Turnips, 
4d.  to  8d. ;  Vegetable  Marrows,  per  doz..  Is.  to  23. 


Aug.  2,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


81 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :   change  it  rather  ;   but 
The  Am  itsklp  is  Natuee." — Shakespewre. 


MY  ORCHAED  HOUSE. 


Our  valued  friend  Mr.  Rivers  iuforms  all  lovers  of  fruit 
culture  that  liis  "  orchai'd  houses  arc  now  in  great  beauty,  all 
the  trees  being  vronders  of  fruitfulness  and  health."  I  Tvish 
I  lived  near  enongh  SawbridgeTvorth  to  feast  my  eyes  on 
them  ;  they  vrould  be  to  me  a  welcome  and  delightful  sight. 
Instead  of  this  may  I  offer  your  readers  a  brief  account  of  my 
own  experiences  of  an  orchard  house  on  a  large  scale,  iu  one 
of  our  northern  countries,  where  the  nightingale  is  rarely 
heard.  Ours  is  a  very  capricious  climate ;  our  long,  dreary 
winters,  and  late  spring  frosts,  often  blight  the  fond  hopes  of 
enthusiastic  amateurs.  We  owe  a  deep  debt  of  gratitude  to 
men  like  Rivers,  Pearson,  and  others  whose  art  has  supplied 
the  shortcomings  of  our  climate,  and  created  under  glass  in  spite 
of  adverse  skies,  a  fair  spring,  which  no  rough  winds,  no 
chilling  frosts,  ean  destroyer  even  impair.  When  my  orchard 
house  was  first  built,  I  looked  through  the  different  cata- 
logues and  thought  it  necessary  to  stock  the  place  with  every 
description  of  fruit  named  therein.  Contemptuously  ignoring 
the  good  old  tried  sorts  cultivated  by  my  neighbours,  I  went 
in  for  everything  with  a  new  name  ;  and  the  more  foreign  and 
uncommon  the  names  were,  the  higher  rose  my  hopes  of  pro- 
ducing something  in  the  way  of  fruit  which  should  dazzle  my 
contemporaries,  and  make  my  name  famous  among  the 
amateur  gardeners  of  my  day.  I  had  twenty  varieties  of 
Apricots,  a  large  number  of  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Plums  ; 
half  a  dozen  kind  of  Mulberries,  and  Figs  in  proportion,  not 
forgetting  Apples  and  Pears.  I  even  tried  my  "  prentice 
hand "  at  raising  pyramidal  trees  of  Gooseberries,  and  may 
mention,  iu  passing,  that  the  Londons,  Crownbobs,  and 
Thumpers  in  pots  never  grew  any  larger  than  Champagnes  or 
Astons.  I  covered  the  roof  <of  the  orchard  house  with  at  least 
twenty  different  kinds  of  Grapes,  having,  among  others,  pur- 
chased a  parcel  of  ten  Vines  newly  imported  from  France  and 
untried  in  this  climate.  These  were  all  failures.  Beaute  de 
Bordeaux  was  a  wretched  black  Grape,  with  a  strong  family 
likeness  to  the  black  Currant,  and  not  much  larger;  Eau  d'Or 
was  a  miserable  green  production,  with  a  woolly  pulp  and 
without  the  slightest  flavour,  therefore  quite  uneatable ;  and 
the  other  kinds  equally  disgraced  their  high-sounding  names. 
How  glad  I  was  to  get  rid  of  these  impostors,  grafting  upon 
those  stocks  which  appeared  to  be  the  most  vigorous,  the  good 
old  black  Hamburgh  and  Frankenthal,  with  Buckland's 
Sweetwater  and  the  Royal  Muscadine. 

On  revient  toujours 
A  ses  premiei's  amours. 

My  Grapes  are  now  excellent.  AU  through  September  and 
October  the  ripe  clusters  hang  fair  and  tempting,  and  come  in 
as  a  valuable  crop  when  the  hothouse  Grapes  are  done. 

I  was  not  long  in  discovering  that  it  was  impossible  to 
succeed  in  growing  Apricots  and  Ohen-ies  with  the  other  stone 
fruits,  and  as  Rivers's  directions  to  give  plenty  of  night  air 
resulted  in  an  unhealthy  growth  of  the  Peaches  and  Nec- 
tarines, we  consigned  the  Apricots  and  Cherries  to  another 
house,  where  they  could  have  unlimited  air,  and  were  not 
syi-inged.  We  never  succeeded  when  we  gave  them  the  same 
treatment  which  answered  very  well  with  Peaches  and  Nec- 
tarines. We  have  suspended  from  the  orchard-house  rafters 
shelves  supported  by  iron  brackets  in  the  shape  of  aT  inverted, 
these  are  filled  with  Strawberries  in  pots,  which  have  supplied 
us  with  a  large,  clean,  and  handsome  crop  of  fruit.  The  treat- 
ment is  very  simple.  The  runners  are  taken  as  early  as  pos- 
sible in  the  summer,  &nd  properly  established  in  small  pots, 
which  are  well  drained  and  filled  with  a  rich  compost.  The 
soil  is  beaten  as  firmly  as  possible  into  the  pots,  the  plants  are 
then  placed  out  of  doors  in  the  autumn  iu  a  favourable  sitvia- 
tion,  to  complete  theii-  growth  and  ripen  their  crowns ;  they 
stand  in  a  bed  of  ashes  or  similar  material,  to  prevent  the 
ingress  of  worms.    When  the  orchard  house  is  arranged  for 


the  winter,  the  Strawberries  are  carefully  cleared  of  dead 
leaves,  and  the  earth  is  again  pressed  firmly  down  into  the  pots. 
They  are  then  brought  in  and  covered  with  dry  litter ;  this 
prevents  too  great  evaporation,  and  protects  the  plants  not 
only  from  severe  frosts  but  from  the  effects  of  the  winter  sun, 
thus  givmg  them  longer  and  more  complete  rest.  In  early 
spring  the  first  Ijatch  are  again  cleaned,  top-dressed,  and  placed 
upon  the  shelves  to  fruit.  To  secure  the  finest  fruit,  all  the 
imperfect  blossoms  are  taken  from  the  plants,  thus  conceu- 
tratiug  their  strength  upon  the  remaining  berries ;  the  fine 
and  abundant  crops  we  always  have  amply  repay  us  for  the 
extra  trouble. 

We  have  just  finished  (the  last  week  of  July)  our  first 
gathering  of  Mulberries  and  Figs,  and  a  fine  crop  of  Rivers' 
Early  Prolific  Plum.  Many  growers  would  banish  this  Plum 
from  the  orchard  house,  but  the  earliness  and  certainty  of  the 
crop  su.rely  entitle  it  to  a  place  under  glass.  The  orchardist 
should  cultivate  every  variety  of  Gage.  I  have  also  found 
Pond's  Seedling,  Ku-k's,  and  Washington  remarkably  fine  ; 
grown  out  of  doors,  they  are  considered  only  fit  for  the 
kitchen  ;  under  glass,  their  fine  flavour  renders  them  valuable 
dessert  Plums.  Jefferson  and  Golden  Drop,  with  care,  will 
hang  almost  any  length  of  time  upon  the  tree,  and  supply  a 
delicious  dessert  when  the  other  trees  arc  bare  and  leafless. 
Peaches  and  Nectarines  have  always  done  well  with  us ;  Early 
York,  Royal  George,  and  Barrington  still  hold  their  own 
against  all  new  comers.  Hunt's  Tawny,  Pitmaston  Orange, 
Elruge,  and  Bowden,  among  the  Nectarines,  produce  a  more 
satisfactory  crop  than  the  newer  kinds  of  the  Stanwick  type. 
T  may  mention  here  that  we  have  no  artificial  heat  in  our 
orchard  house. 

We  grow  a  very  small  number  of  Apples,  as  we  do  not 
consider  they  sufficiently  repay  us  for  the  time  spent  in  their 
culture  and  the  space  they  occupy ;  but  Mela  Carla,  Melon 
Pippin,  Cox's  Orange,  and  a  few  others,  which  are  too  delicate 
to  bear  the  cold  without  protection,  form  a  fine  addition  to 
the  collection.  Fruit  growers  much  neglect  the  cultivation  of 
Pears  under  glass  protection.  How  often  does  the  gardener 
cherish  fond  hopes  when  he  sees  his  carefully-trained  pyra-  _ 
minds  and  espaliers  one  mass  of  bloom  ? 

To-day  he  puts  forth 
The  tender  leaves  of  hopes ;  to-morrow  blossoms, 
And  bears  his  blushing  honours  thick  upon  him. 
The  third  day  comes  a  frost— a  killing  frost, — 

and  these  bright  visions  are  quickly  dispelled.  Should  he  be 
lucky  enough  to  escape  the  frost,  a  cold  and  uugenial  summer 
may  render  all  his  care  aud  toil  in  vain,  by  giving  him  a  Pear 
no  better  than  a  Turnip.  This  can  never  happen  under  glass ; 
the  wood  is  well  ripened,  the  bloom  abundant,  and  the  fruit 
is  perfection.  Two  years  ago,  I  remember  surprising  an 
enthusiastic  fruit-grower  with  a  "  Thompson  "  weighing  2-3 
ounces ;  it  was  truly  a  melting  Pear.  For  delicacy  of  flavour, 
Gansel's  Bergamot  and  Seckle  are  almost  unequalled.  I 
have  also  specimens  of  Todtleben  of  equal  size.  AU  the  best 
Pears  are  improved  by  being  grown  under  glass. 

An  orchard  house  is  easily  managed ;  but,  as  the  trees  are 
generally  numerous,  the  space  limited,  and  the  cultivation 
artificial,  it  requires  great  care  and  attention.  Many  are  its 
enemies,  and  any  neglect  may  soon  render  all  one's  labour  in 
vain.  The  trees,  if  grown  in  pots,  should  be  re-potted  and 
di-essed  every  autumn,  early  enough  to  enable  them  to  perfect 
theii-  growth  before  they  are  ready  for  their  winter  rest. 
Before  the  frost  sets  in  they  should  be  closely  packed  together, 
and  the  roots  protected  by  neat  coverings  of  litter  ;  this,  as  in 
the  case  of  the  Strawberries,  prevents  evaporation  and  checks 
root  action.  I  do  not  consider  that  the  trees  are  in  the  least 
injured,  but  rather  benefited  by  a  few  degrees  of  winter  frost, 
if  the  roots  are  well  covered.  When  they  are  set  out  in  the 
spring,  the  blossoming  should  be  retarded  as  long  as  possible 
to  escape  the  early  frosts,  which  (when  they  come  when  the 
bloom  is  out)  destroy  the  chance  of  a  crop.  When  the  leaves 
first  appear,  the  greatest  caution  should  be  exercised  to  pre- 
vent draughts,  aud  the  house  should  be  closed  on  the  windy 
side.  The  neglect  of  these  precautions  chills  the  plants,  checks 
the  flow  cf  sap,  and  is  the  precursor  of  all  the  ills  which  trees 
are  heir  to — first,  the  green  aphis,  quickly  followed,  in  the 
case  of  Peaches  aud  Nectarines,  by  his  brown  relative ,  iu  the 


82 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  2, 1873 


case  of  Plums,  blistered  leaves,  stoneless  fruit,  and  miserable 
stunted  growth ;  lastly,  the  back  scale — all  of  which  may  be 
prevented  by  carefully  preserving  a  healthy  growth.  Early 
closing  of  the  house,  with  copious  syringing,  are  necessary  and 
remedial  measures  ;  but  air  should  then  be  given  early  in  the 
morning,  before  the  sun  has  had  time  to  drive  back  upon  the 
plants  the  exhalations  caused  by  the  overnight  treatment. 

When  our  orchard  house  was  first  stocked,  it  was  the  despair 
of  our  old  gardener,  a  man  of  other  days,  to  whom  it  appeared 
in  the  light  of  a  dangerous  innovation.  I  well  remember  him 
—  his  name  was  Felix,  a  sad  misnomer  —  as  a  singular 
infelicity  attended  most  of  his  operations.  He  had  a  soul 
quite  above  red  spider,  black  aphis,  &c.,  and  regarded  the 
extirpation  of  these  destroyers  as  a  matter  quite  out  of  his 
province.  We  were  more  fortunate  in  the  next  gardener,  as 
as  I  took  a  man  who  had  been  trained  by  an  experienced 
orchardist — it  is  a  mistake  to  employ  any  other. 

In  conclusion,  I  must  not  forget  to  say  that  something  more 
is  required  before  the  fruit  is  ready  for  the  table — care  should 
be  taken  as  to  the  mode  of  gathering.  No  fruit  should  be 
touched  by  the  hand ;  it  should  be  carefully  cut  from  its 
stem  before  it  is  heated  by  the  sun's  rays  in  the  morning ; 
and  before  being  brought  to  table  it  .should  be  cooled  down. 
The  mode  we  adopt  is  to  place  it  iu  a  sieve,  and  let  the  sieve 
stand  over  a  vessel  filled  with  cold  water  in  the  fruit  house. 
Fruit  cooled  in  this  way  is  much  improved  iu  flavour. 

Notts.  Delta. 


NOTES    OP   THE   WEEK. 


Many  visitors  to  Dublin  will  remember  the  remarkably  fine 
Pear  tree  planted  against  Sir  Philip  Crampton'a  house  in  Merriou 
Square  (of  which  we  publish  a  full  account  at  p.  101),  remarkable 
above  all  from  its  being  planted  in  a  deep  area  ot  a  house  in  a  city 
square,  and  in  soil  iu  which  the  roots  must  be  cut  off  from  the  con. 
ditions  which  are  usually  considered  indispensable  for  perfect  Pear 
culture.  With  such  an  example  before  us,  there  can  bo  little  doubt 
that  much  of  the  vast  extent  of  wall  surface  in  our  towns  might  not 
only  be  beautified  by  the  foliage  of  climbers,  &e.,  but  also  be  made 
profitable,  in  a  high  degree,  by  the  culture  of  fruit  trees.  It  should 
be  borne  in  mind  that  the  temperature  in  large  cities  is  usually  about 
two  degrees  higher  than  that  of  the  surrounding  country,  and  that, 
in  our  latitudes,  this  is  a  great  gain  in  the  cultiu'e  of  choice  fruits. 
Apart  from  this  we  may  remark,  as  gardeners  well  know,  that,  by 
placing  the  trees  2  or  3  inches  from  the  wall,  an  additional  amount  of 
heat  is  secured.  Both  these  conditions  of  increased  temperature  are 
most  favourable  to  the  perfect  ripening  of  the  finer  kinds  of  winter 
Pears.  It  is  only  necessary  to  consider,  if  an  equally  fine  Pear  tree 
were  planted  on  each  honse  on  that  side  of  Merrion  Square,  what  an 
immense  accession  would  be  permanently  made  to  the  city  in  an 
increased  supply  of  this  choice  fruit.  In  conclusion,  leaving 
profit  out  of  the  question,  and  regarding  fruit  trees  merely  as  orna- 
mental subjects,  we  may  say  that,  combining  the  beauty  of  their 
flowers  in  spring  mth  that  of  their  fruit  in  autumn,  none  of  the 
so-called  ornamental  trees  are  equal  to  them  in  point  of  beauty  alone. 

The  Lavender  fields  at  Hitchin  are  now  in  full  bloom,  and 
very  beautiful  they  are  in  their  changing  shades  of  colour  as  swept 
over  and  moved  about,  meadow-like,  in  the  breeze.  Lavender,  too, 
is  grown  at  Mitcham  by  the  hundred  acres,  and  Pepper  Mint  occupies 
a  still  larger  area  ;  it  is  a  three  years'  crop,  and  during  the  next 
fortnight  will  be  harvested  for  purposes  of  distillation.  Liquorice 
once  formed  a  main  crop  in  these  fields,  but  although  it  is  still 
grown  in  considerable  quantities,  it  is  not  so  extensively  cultivated 
now  as  it  formerly  was,  on  account  of  its  entirely  occupying  the 
ground  for  four  years,  and  dm-ing  that  time  requiring  great  atten. 
tion  in  the  way  of  cleaning,  besides  the  ultimate  cost  of  trenching 
out  the  roots,  or  rather  underground  stems.  Several  acres  are 
devoted  to  Chamomile,  the  double-flowered  sort  being  preferred, 
on  account  of  the  weight  of  the  produce,  which  ia  picked 
several  times  during  the  summer  mouths.  Sage,  likewise, 
forms  an  important  crop,  and  pretty  remunerative  it  is,  for  the 
stalks  are  cut  over,  bunched,  and  sent  to  market  at  once.  The  crop 
is  frequently  renewed,  and  Parsley  is  commonly  grown  between  the 
rows.  Of  white  Poppies  there  are  also  several  acres,  and  these 
plants  are  now  maturing  their  seed.heads.  Acres  of  Squirting 
Cucumber  may  also  now  be  seen  in  this  neighbourhood,  and  the 
plantsare  very  productive.  The  fruit  is  carefully  gathered  just  as 
it  begins  to  ripen,  which  it  does  gradually,  so  that  the  operation  of 
gathering  is  repeatedly  performed  dm-ing  the  course  of  the  year. 
These  herbs,  as  a  rule,  are  distilled  by  the  growers  on  their  respective 
establishments,  and  disposed  of  to  the  apothecaries  in  a  raw  yet 
semi-refined  condition. 


The  Clematises  at  Messrs.   Jackman's  Nursery,  Woking,  are 

now  in  fall  bloom  and  will  continue  so  for  several  weeks.  C.  Jack- 
mani  and  Lady  Bovill  are  in  them-ielves  well  worth  a  journey  to 
Woking  to  see,  and  there  are  many  others  with  blooms  equally  large 
and  beautiful. 

On  the  lawn  at  Burghley  House,  near  Stamford,  is  a  pic- 
turesque Lime  tree,  which  was  planted  by  Queen  Elizabeth  on  the 
occasion  of  one  of  her  visits  to  Lord  Burleigh.  Several  of  its  larger 
limbs  having  been  damaged  by  storms  are  now  supported  by  props, 
and  the  tree,  which  is  well  covered  with  foliage,  promises  to  weather 
the  wintry  blast  for  generations  yet  to  come. 

Visitors  to  Messrs.  Veitch's  nursery,  at  Coombe  Wood,  may 

now  see  some  of  the  finest  specimens  of  Yucca  gloriosa  in  flower 
perhaps  ever  beheld  in  England.  They  form  a  perfect  picture  down 
the  principal  avenno  of  this  extensive  nursery,  and  present  a 
coup  d'mil,  well  backed  up  as  they  are  by  splendid  examples  of 
Wellingtonias  and  Araucarias,  such  as,  perhaps,  CDuld  not  be  elsewhere 
met  with.  The  Yuccas  form  the  centre  of  a  series  of  beds  of  hardy 
Heaths  and  Menziesias  surrounded  by  well-kept  Ivy  edgings. 

Limes   and    sweet    Chestnuts   are    now   in  full    flower,   and 

produce  a  striking  effect  in  the  landscape  of  the  districts  in  which 
they  occur.  At  Burghley  Park,  near  Stamford,  hundreds  of  these 
trees  are  now  covered  with  their  pale  yellow  blossoms,  and  are 
visited  daily  by  large  quantities  of  hive  bees.  When  in  flower  such 
trees  contrast  forcibly  with  the  dark  green  of  the  Elms  with  which 
they  are  associated,  or  with  the  more  sombre  hues  of  Conifers  and 
Purple  Beeches. 

The  Pall  Mall  Gazette,  in  commenting  upon  a  recent  convic- 
tion for  selling  decayed  Cherries,  draws  attention  to  the  scope  and 
meaning  of  the  words  "  unfit  for  human  consumption,"  and  expresses 
a  hope  that  not  only  decayed  fruit  will  be  condemned  by  the  sanitary 
inspectors,  bat  that  unripe  fruit  will  meet  with  a  similar  fate.  This 
is  a  most  timely  piece  of  advice,  and  one  which  we  gladly  second.  The 
recklessness  with  which  green  fruits,  especially  Apples,  are  hawked 
about  the  London  streets,  should  certainly  receive  a  check. 

We  saw  some   Potatoes  planted  the  other  day  which  will 

produce  quantities  of  nice  young  tubers  fit  to  use  next  Christmas 
One  of  the  points  in  their  culture  is  to  keep  them  as  dry  as  possible, 
otherwise  they  ai'e  apt  to  damp  off  during  October  and  November. 
These  Potatoes  were  planted  on  an  ordinary  south  border,  slightly 
elevated  above  the  general  level,  so  as  to  ensure  dryness ;  and  then, 
as  soon  as  planted,  ordinary  garden  frames  are  placed  over  them. 
This  plan  may  be  practised  with  advantage  wherever  very  early  young 
Potatoes  are  a  desideratum. 

The  AheiUe  MiSdicale  publishes  what  it  terms  "  a  simple  and 

effectual  cure  for  the  sting  of  wasps,  hornets,  and  bees,"  communi. 
cated  to  that  journal  by  M.  Dauverne.  This  is  nothing  more  than 
lime-water,  which  can  be  made  in  almost  every  country. place,  where 
it  might  not  be  possible  easily  to  prociu-e  spirits  of  ammonia.  So 
effectual  is  lime-water  in  cases  of  this  kind,  that  M.  Dauverae  states 
that  on  one  occasion,  when  he  was  attacked  by  wasps,  and  severely 
stung  about  the  head,  a  single  application  of  it  gave  him  instant  and 
permanent  relief.  Other  trials  which  M.  Dauverne  made  of  it 
were  attended  with  the  same  happy  results. 

Sever.\l  hardy  climbing  plants  are  just  now  in  full  flower, 

and  are  so  very  effective  that  one  cannot  resist  wondering  why  they 
are  not  more  generally  planted  and  trained  up  the  walls  of  cottage 
and  villa  residences  than  they  are.  Among  those  most  conspicuous 
may  be  mentioned  common  jasmines  and  Honeysuckles,  Eccremo- 
carpus  scaber,  Bignonia  capreolata,  Clematises  of  different  sorts,  and 
climbing  Roses.  The  Eccremocarpus  is  easily  propagated  from  seed, 
which,  in  sunny  situations,  it  bears  in  abundance.  It  is  one  of  the 
best  deciduous  wall  plants  we  have,  and  will  root  into  an  old  stone 
wall  as  freely  as  a  Snapdragon  or  Wallflower. 

De.  Toxek,  of  Washington,  advocates  the  establishment  of 

"  free  parks  and  camping-grounds,  or  sanitariums  for  the  sick  and 
debilitated  children  of  the  poor  of  crowded  cities  during  the  summer 
months."  "  Such  parks,"  says  Dr.  Toner,  "  should  be  free  to  all  who 
have  sick  or  debilitated  children,  and  persons  while  there  should  be 
permitted  to  live  iu  tents  or  cottages,  and  in  such  style  as  their 
means  and  tastes  justify,  so  long  as  they  do  not  violate  the  laws  of 
health  or  incommode  their  neighbours — the  main  purpose  of  the  in. 
stitution  being  to  secure  by  a  healthy  rural  residence  the  restoration 
to  health  and  the  preservation  of  the  lives  of  the  children  of  the  poor, 
suffering  from,  or  threatened  by,  diseases  incident  to,  and  aggi*avated 
by,  the  excessive  heat  of  summer  in  cities."  The  plan  seems  worthy 
of  serious  consideration. 


Aug.  2,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


83 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 

OKNAMBNTAL  GKASSES. 
Maxy  of  Llie  larger  kinds  of  Grasses  are  yery  effective  planted 
out  singly  on  the  lawn,  or  grouped  in  masses  in  -n-arm  shel- 
tered positions  ;  while  some  of  the  smaller  kinds,  when  grown 
in  small  pots,  are  equally  useful  for  purposes  of  general  decora- 
tion. ]\Iany  of  them,  too,  furnish  elegant  green  sprays  for 
cutting  ;  and,  when  grouped  along  with  choice  flowers  and 
Ferns,  they  have  a  light  and  graceful  appearance,  either  in 
drawing-room  vases  or  as  subjects  for  table  decoration.  Most 
of  the  kinds  may  be  readily  obtained  from  seed,  and,  being 
hardy,  are  well  adapted  for  cultivating  in  the  sitting-room 
■window.  Some  species,  such  as  Festuca  glauca,  make  good 
permanent  border  plants  or  edgings  ;  while  the  fresh  green 
Isolepis  gracilis — which,  strictly  speaking,  does  not  belong  to 
the  true  Grasses — is  grown  by  the  thousand  for  purposes  of 
indoor  decoration.  Grown  in  small  pots,  it  is  admirably 
adapted  for  fringing  groups  of  larger  plants,  as  it  may  be  sus- 
pended, or  used  in  the  window  as  a  bracket  ]ilant.  It  keeps 
beautifully  fresh  all  the  year  round,  if  plentifully  supplied  with 
water  at  the  root.  Grass  seeds  may  be  sown  in  pots  or  boxes 
early  in  March,  and,  when  sufficiently  advanced,  pricked  off 
into48-sized  pots,  using  a  fresh  compost  of  fibrous  loam,  leaf- 
mould,  and  coarse  saud.  Some  of  the  larger  permanent  or 
perennial  kinds  are  readily  propagated  by  division,  and,  if 
liberally  treated,  soon  form  noble  ornaments  in  pleasure- 
grounds. 

L.VRGE-GROWING    HAEDV    GKASSES. 

Pampas  Grass. — This  is  well  known  to  be  one  of  the  most 
effective  and  beautiful  of  ornamental  Gi'asses,  often  bearing  its 


Pampa.s  Grass. 

silvery  plumes  on  stalks  from  8  to  ID  feet  high.  Some  varieties 
have  a  rose-tinted  inflorescence,  and  one  handsome  form  has  its 
slender  leaves  variegated  with  creamy-white.  When  planted 
in  moist  situations  near  the  margins  of  lakes,  ponds,  or 
streams,  it  has  a  striking  appearance  ;  but  in  such  situations 
ib^  is  greatly  benefited  by  having  its  roots  mulched  during 
winter  with  rotten  stable  manure. 

Reeds. — Nearly  all  the  kinds  of  Arundo  form  conspicuous 
masses  from  2  to  12  feet  high.  A.  Donax,  A.  Doniix  versicolor, 
and  A.  conspicua  are  the  best,  and  soou  establish  themselves 
ill  a  moist  warm  soil,  almost  rivalling  the  Bamboos  in  portly 
grace  and  beauty. 
^  Erianthus  Eavenn.e.— This  somewhat  resembles  the  Pampas 
Grass  in  general  habit,  but  is,  if  possible,  more  graceful.     It 


is  a  noble  Grass,  growing  from  6  to  10  feet  high,  and,  when 
bearing  its  elegant  silvery  plumes,  forms  a  fine  specimen.  A 
variety  of  this,  delicately  tinted  with  pale  violet,  is  useful  for 
contrasting  with  the  normal  silvery  form.     Not  quite  hardy. 

GAirNiA  KnENocAttrA. — This  is  a  fine  plant,  somewhat  resem- 
bling the  common  Ecod  in  habit,  and  attaining  a  height  of  about 
10  feet  in  a  warm  moist  soil.  It  belongs  to  the  Sedge  family, 
and  bears  elegantly- drooping  plumes  furnished  with  jet-bl.ack 
seeds.  It  is  a  rapidly-growing  species,  and  deserves  general 
cultivation  as  a  marsh  or  water-side  plant. 

Gymnotiirix  latifolia.— This  strikingly  effective  plant  forms 
handsome  tufts  of  bright  green  leaves,  and  throws  up  stout 


Gymnothrix  latifolia. 

cane-like  stems,  on  the  apices  of  which  its  nodding  flower- 
plumes  are  produced.  It  should  be  carefully  planted  in  well- 
manured  fibrous  loam  in  a  warm  sheltered  situation,  where  it 
will  soon  form  noble  specimens,  rivalling  even  the  Arundo 
Donax  itself  in  stately  grandeur.  Its  roots  should  be  heavily 
mulched  with  stable  manure  or  half-rotten  leaves  during  the 
winter  months,  or  they  may  be  taken  up  and  stored  in  moist 
sand  in  any  cellar  or  outhouse  where  the  temperature  is 
equable  and  frost  is  excluded. 

HoLCHUs  (Sorghum)  saccuaratus.— This  fine  hardy  annual 
is  yery  effective  when  massed  in  groups  in  the  flower-garden. 
It  is  propagated  from  seed  sown  early  in  the  year,  and  the 
plants  should  be  set  out  in  light  well-maimred  soil  in  a  warm 
and  sheltered  situation  when  all  danger  from  frost  is  over.  Its 
fresh  green  drooping  foliage  is  produced  on  stout  cane-liko 
stems,  which  in  autumn  .are  terminated  by  plumes  of  dense 
brown  graceful  inflorescence. 

Sorghum  (Holcus)  bkoi.oi!.— This  is  one  of  the  most  elcaant 


Sorghum  (Holcus)  bicolor, 

of  all  ornamental  Grasses,  having  fresh  green  foliage  and 
elegantly  drooping  panicles,  as  shown  in  our  illustration. 

Imperata  sacchariflora.  —  A  very  ornamental  species, 
having  a  Reed-like  habit,  and  bearing  elegant  silvery  panicles 
on  the  apex  of  slender  stems,  from  5  to  6  feet  in  height. 

Setaria   Japonica.— This  is  a  fine  new  Grass,  of  vigorous 


84 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  2,  1873. 


habit  aud  noble  appearance.  It  is  a  balf-hardy  annual,  and 
grows  from  .3  to  4  feet  high,  having  a  habit  similar  to  that  of 
Maize.  The  thick  cylindrical  spikes  at  the  apices  of  the  stems 
give  the  plants  a  very  portly  appearance ;  and,  as  they  are 
rapid  growers,  they  are  well  adapted  for  sheltered  positions  in 
the  sub-tropical  garden. 

Featiieu  Grass  (Stipa  pennata).  —  This  is  well  worth 
cultivating  on  account  of  its  elegant  silky  plumes ;  it  does 
well  [ilanted  either  on  the  lawn  in  isolated  clumps,  or  when 
grouped  along  with  herbaceous  plants  in  the  mixed  border. 
S.  filiculmis  is  also  well  adapted  for  decorative  purposes, 
bearing  a  branched  inflorescence  densely  covered  with  silk-like 
liairs.  Both  species  are  hardy  perennials,  and  furnish 
graceful  sprays  for  arranging  along  with  cut  flowers,  or  in 
collections  of  dried  Grasses  and  immortelles. 

Maize.  —  Several  species  of  Maize  or  Indian  Corn  are 
striking  objects  in  sub-tropical  gardens  when  planted  in  richly 
manured  soils  and  in  warm  sheltered  situations.  They  are  of 
vigorous  habit,  having  thick  cane-like  stems,  and  broad 
drooping  strap-shaped  leaves.  In  height  they  vary  from  2  to 
12  feet,  and  when  raised  early  and  grown  on  well  before  they 
are  planted  out,  they  soon  become  strikingly  effective  in 
groups  and  masses. 

Zea  cuzko. — This  is  a  robust  species  of  Maize,  attaining 
10  or  12  feet  in  height,  and  remarkable  for  its  strong  growth 
and  enormous  wavy-margined  foliage. 

Z.  JAPONICA. — Another  strong-growing  species,  well  adapted 
for  outdoor  decoration  during  summer.  A  variety  of  this 
plant  has  broad  variegated  or  striped  foliage,  borne  on  stout 
stems  from  3  to  5  feet  high. 

Z.  GRACiLLiMA. — This  is  one  of  the  smallest  of  the  orna- 
mental kinds  of  Maize,  and  very  effective  for  groups,  masses, 
or  individual  plants  in  shaded  portions  of  the  lawn.  This 
species  does  not  produce  its  panicles  in  Northern  Europe,  but 
its  fresh  gi-een  appearance  throughout  the  whole  season  more 
than  compensates  for  this  seeming  loss. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  there  are  two  or  three  species  of 
Panicum,  such  as  P.  virgatum,  P.  sulcatum,  and  P.  plicatum, 
that  form  effective  decorative  plants  for  the  conservatory, 
each  having  bright  green  Palm-like  foliage. 

DWARF    GRASSES   FOE   POTS. 

Agrostis  PtJLCHELLA. — This  is  a  beautiful  dwarf  species 
which  rarely  exceeds  9  inches  in  height ;  grown  in  pots  it  forms 
dense  tufts,  and  its  elegant  panicles  are  very  ornamental.  It 
also  does  well  in  a  window. 

Small  Quaking  Grass  (Briza  gracilis). — When  grown  in  pots 
this  forms  dense  masses  about  a  foot  high,  and  its  inflorescence 
is  remarkp.bly  slender  and  trembles,  like  Aspen  leaves;  with 
every  breath  of  air.  The  sprays  of  this  and  the  following 
species  are  well  adapted  for  cutting,  and  the  plants  themselves 
are  effective  when  skilfully  grouped  with  other  plants. 

Large  Quaking  Grass  (B.  maxima). — A  fine  species  similar 
to  the  last  in  habit  but  much  larger,  being  from  a  foot  to  18 
inches  high.  It  grows  well  in  the  herbaceous  border  and  is 
one  of  the  most  effective  of  ornamental  Grasses. 

Eleusine  barcinokensis. — This  is  a  now  and  elegant  species 
well  ad.apted  either  for  the  herbaceous  border,  or  for  pot 
culturein  the  window.  It  is  of  graceful  port,  having  a  slender 
umbrella-like  inflorescence,  and  grows  about  a  foot  or  15  inches 
in  height. 

Love  Grass  (Eragrostis  elegans). — This  is  a  slender  and 
graceful  species  having  a  finely  cut  inflorescence  about  a  foot 
high. 

Squirrels-tail  Barley  (Hordeum  jubiitum).  —  This  is  a 
robust-growing  species,  about  18  inches  high,  bearing  numer- 
ous purplish  feathery  plumes,  which  give  it  a  very  ornate 
appearance.  It  makes  a  nice  tuft  in  the  herbaceous  or 
shrubbery  border. 

IsoLERis  GRACILIS. — For  pot  culture  this  is  one  of  the  most 
valuable  of  all  Grass-like  plants,  as  it  is  perennial  and  always 
looks  fresh  and  healthy,  even  in  a  cool  temperature.  It  is 
eisily  propagated  by  division,  and  is  invaluable  for  window 
culture  or  for  indoor  decoration. 

Lagurus  ornatus. — A  beautiful  species,  growing  from  1'.  to 
18  inches  high,  of  a  fresh  green  colour,  bearing  a  profusion  of 
small  white  plumes. 


Lamarckia  aueea. — This  is  a  pretty  and  peculiarly  dwarf 
species,  seldom  growing  more  than  a  foot  high,  and  forming  a 
dense  tuft  of  bright  foliage.  It  does  well  in  a  pot,  and  its 
inflorescence  is  very  attractive. 

Many  other  species  of  ornamental  Grasses  are  effective 
when  well  grown,  and  form  pretty  ornaments,  either  for  the 
drawing-room,  conservatory,  or  herbaceous  border,  during 
the  summer  months.  F.  W.  B. 


Lychnis  Bungeana. — I  used  to  keep  this  indoors  in  winter  and 
plant  it  out  in  summer.  Last  year  however,  one  plant  of  it 
was  unintentionally  left  out,  and  when  observed  in  April  it  was 
beginning  to  grow,  and  now  it  is  the  best  of  all  my  plants  and  is 
flowering  well ;  indeed,  it  has  very  considerably  exceeded,  both  in 
strength  and  bulk,  those  nursed  in  my  greenhouse  during  the  winter, 
although  last  year  it  was  one  of  the  weakest  of  my  plants.  It  grows 
to  a  height  of  from  IG  to  20  inches,  and  produces  heads  of  flowers  con. 
taining  about  half  a  dozen  pretty  sparlet  blooms  in  each  head,  each  of 
the  blooms  being  about  2  inches  in  diameter;  the  leaves,  too,  have  a 
crimson  tinge.  If  fully  exposed  to  the  mid-day  sun  I  find  that  the 
colour  of  the  flowers  soon  fades,  but  that,  if  grown  in  a  partially 
shaded  place,  they  retain  their  true  colour  for  a  considerable  time.  I 
may  add  that  my  garden  is  danjp  and  on  the  London  clay,  and  that 
on  that  account  it  is  unfavourable  to  plant  growth. — A.  M.  T. 

Clematis  IJady  Bovill. — I  have  a  plant  of  Clematis  Ladj-Bovill, 
trained  to  a  pole.  The  first  j'ear  it  bloomed  well,  but  last  year,  and 
again  now,  the  blooms  have  become  dwindled  down  to  the  size  of 
those  of  the  old  Hendersoui.  Can  you  account  for  this  ?  Another 
creeper  is  planted  to  the  same  pole  ;  the  roots,  however,  of  each  are 
trained  outwards  on  different  sides.  I  should  add,  that  the  soil  is 
good,  and  the  growth  of  the  Clematis  vigorous. — J.  H.  W.  T.,  Carlow. 
[Clematis  LadyBovill,  if  properly  grown  (which  it  is  not  difficult  to 
do) ,  should  bear  flowers  some  'i\  inches  in  diameter,  and  should  make  a 
growth  of  8  to  10  feet  high  if  pruned  back  annually  and  dressed  with 
old  rotten  manure  about  the  end  of  Februarj'.  Probably  the  other 
"  creeper  "  planted  to  the  same  pole  robs  your  Clematis  of  its  nourish, 
nient  during  June  aud  July ,  when  it  is  developing  its  flower-buds.  We 
would  recommend  you  this  winter  to  remove  the  other  creeper,  and 
to  put  some  good  soil  and  manure  round  the  Clematis,  when  you  will 
doubtless  have  next  year  as  fine  blooms  as  you  can  desire,  and  plenty 
of  them.] 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

TrifoliTim  uniflorum.— This  is  a  dense -growing  species,  having  purpUsh- 
green  triiobed  foliage  aud  solitary  bi'ight  rosy  flowers  on  stalks  an  inch  or  two 
in  height.  It  flowers  veiy  freely  daring  summer,  and  is  a  rare  aud  effective  plant 
either  for  the  herbaceous  border  or  i-ock  garden. — W. 

Herbaceous  Plants  in  Flower.— Among  these  maybe  mentioned  Linum 
viscosum,  a  line  kind  which  bears  rosy-lilac  flowers  as  large  as  a  half-crown  ; 
Michauxia  campanuloides,  which  bears  large  white  flowers  in  panicles  2  to  3 
feet  in  height;  and  the  bine  Daisy  (Bellis  rotundifoha  var.  ccerulescens.  The 
last  may  now  be  found  in  flower  at  Kew  planted  out  on  the  rock-work, — B. 

Gentians.— Several  of  the  Gentians  at  Kew  are  just  now  in  great  beauty. 
Conspicuous  among  them  are  G.  gelida,  a  kind  which  gi*ows  6  or  8  inches 
in  height  aud  has  closely  arranged  leaves  in  four  rows,  and  terminal 
clusters  of  deep  blue  flowers  ;  also  G.  ci-uciata,  a  sort  which  bears  dark  blue 
flowers ;  and  G.  Saponaria,  a  kind  with  lighter  flowers. 

Sednm  acre  elegans. — Wherever  carpet-bedding  is  practised,  this  little  gem 
must  prove  indispensable,  and  as  a  dwarf  edging  to  flower-ljeds  it  cannot  fail 
to  be  a  favourite.  In  colour  it  is  a  soft  goldon-grey  and  much  more  persistent 
than  that  of  the  golden  variegated  form  of  Sedum  acre.  It  is  auite  hardy,  but 
until  more  plentiful  it  is  perhaps  best  wintered  in  a  frame,  cool  pit,  or  gi'eenhouse, 
and  transplanted  out  of  doors  in  spring— about,  say,  in  the  last  week  of  April, 

— M.  illLKBH. 

Lychnis  Bungeana  miniata.— This  grows  from  9  inches  to  a  foot  in  height, 
and  produces  heads  of  r  owers  consisting  of  three,  four,  and  five  blooms,  each  of 
an  orange-scarlet,  each  bloom  measuring  from  2  inches  to  2i  inches  across.  It 
is  really  a  beautiful  plant  and  it  succeeds  well  in  any  good  loamy  soil  that  ia 
not  too  stifi".  Like  herbaceous  Phloxes  it  may  be  propagated  by  division  when 
it  commences  to  grow  in  spring,  or  by  means  of  cuttings  made  of  the  young 
growths  when  they  are  about  3  or  -i  inches  high  and  before  the  flower  buds  are 
ormed. — J.  B. 

Eccremocarpus  scaher. — Plants  of  this  highly  ornamental  hardy  climber  are 
now  flowering  f  reol.y  in  the  sub-tropical  garden  at  Battersca  Park.  It  produces 
fresh  green  pinnate  foliage  and  clusters  of  bright  orange  tubular  flower.^, 
something  like  those  of  a  small  flowered  Bignonia.  It  appears  to  be  hardy  in 
sheltered  situations  south  of  the  Trent,  and  wherever  it  succeeds  is  very  effective. 
Last  summer  I  saw  the  end  of  a  thatched  cottage  near  Killertou,  iu  Devon, 
completely  covered  with  this  plant,  and  it  is  frequently  met  with  in  London 
gardens.    It  is  a  native  of  Chih,  and  nearly  allied  to  the  Bignonias. — B 

Iron  r.  Terra-Cotta  Vases. — Judging  from  one  of  the  latter  which  has  been 
standing  in  my  garden  for  the  last  fifteen  years,  whei'e  it  has  been  in  constant  use 
as  a  receptacle  for  flowers  in  summer,  and  sometimes  for  Crocuses  iu  the  winter, 
I  can  endorse  Mr.  James  Pulham's  statement  in  favour  of  terra-cotta  for 
garden  vases.  Mme,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  slight  abrasions  made  by  the 
lawn-mower  or  by  a  passing  wheelbaiTow,  seems  as  sound  now  as  it  was  when 
I  lirst  received  it.  It  was  not  then  new,  but  I  believe  it  was  made  at  the  terra- 
cotta works  at  Stamford.— B.  S. 


Aug.  2, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


85 


THE     INDOOR    GARDEN. 

AERIDES  CRISPUM. 
Tins  is  an  erect-growing  species,  rather  stiff  iii  its  habit,  but 
making  a  fine  specimen  plant  when  well  grown.  It  has  pur- 
])lish  stems  and  rigid  dark-green  foliage;  and,  when  healthy,  it 
throws  out  stout  aerial  roots  the  thickness  of  the  little  finger. 
It  grows  well  in  an  intermediate  house,  or  even  in  an  ordinary 
plant  stove,  potted  in  lumps  of  fibrous  peat  and  living  Sphag- 
num jNIoss,  the  pot  being  three  parts  full  of  crocks  and  lumps 
of  charcoal.  It  flowers  freely  in  Juno  and  July,  bearing  long 
branched  spikes  of  delicate  white  flowers  shaded  with  lilac,  the 
lips  being  blotched  with  purple.  The  segments  of  the  flower 
are  ver}-  wax-like,  and  the  plant  when  in  bloom  perfumes  the 
house  in   which  it  is  growing  with  its  delightful   fragrance. 


Aerides  crispum. 

Small  plants  may  be  planted  in  baskets  and  suspended  near  to 
the  light,  and  this  treatment  often  induces  them  to  flower 
earlier  than  they  otherwise  would  do  if  down  on  the  stage  below, 
and  partially  shaded  by  other  larger  plants.  This  species,  like 
most  other  Orchids,  is  very  variable ;  two  of  its  varieties  being 
well  marked  and  distinct.  Native  of  India,  from  whence  it  was 
introduced  into  our  collections  about  1840. 

A.  CRisruM  LiNDLEYAjJCM. — This  plant  is  more  robust  than 
the  normal  species,  having  leaves  longer  and  fully  half  as  wide 
again,  besides  being  of  a  darker  colour.  The  flowers  are  also 
slightly  deeper  in  colour  than  those  of  A.  crispum  proper. 
Native  of  Coonoors. 

A.  CiiisPDM  Wakxerh. — This  variety  is  as  easily  distin- 
guished from  A.  crispum  by  its  much  narrower  leaves,  as 
"  Lindleyanum  "  is  by  its  broader  ones.     It  is  a  freo-flowering 


variety,  its  white  or  pale  flesh-coloured  sepals  and  petals  being 
faintly  dotted  with  pale  rose,  while  the  lip  is  of  a  deep  rosy- 
purple  tint,  verging  on  crimson. 

A.  Crisi'uji  and  its  varieties,  together  with  A.  raaculosum, 
and  its  rare  and  magnificent  variety  A.  Schroderii  (only  ono 
plant  of  which  has  ever  been  imported),  belong  to  a  distinct 
section  of  the  genus,  and  the  .new  A.  crassifolium,  described 
in  our  columns  a  few  weeks  ago,  may  bo  considered  as  the 
finest  of  the  group.  •  p. 


TROP^OLUM  TRICOLOR  GRANDIFLORUM. 
As  an  indoor  winter  and  spring-blooming  plant,  this  Tropoeo- 
lum  is  grown  in  most  gardens,  but  I  Jiever  yet  saw  a  good 
specimen  of  it  since  I  came  to  England.  We  commonly  find 
it  grown  in  6  or  8-inch  pots  with  a  few  sprayey  branches  stuck 
therein  for  the  plants  to  climb  on,  or  with  some  puny  wire 
trellis  affixed  to  the  pot  for  the  support  of  the  shoots.  Tho 
finest  specimens  I  have  anywhere  seen  are  those  annually 
grown  in  Dalvey  Gardens,  Forres,  where  their  mana.gement  is 
simple  and  easy,  and  the  result  most  satisfactory.  The  follow- 
ing is  the  mode  of  culture  practised  in  that,  well-managed 
establishment.  After  the  plants  have  done  blooming  in  April 
(though  some  of  them  may  extend  into  Maj'),  they  are  placed 
out  of  doors  against  a  north  wall,  the  pots  resting  on  pieces  of 
slate.  Here  they  are  permitted  to  remain  until  September, 
without  any  care  further  than  a  little  water  being  given  to 
them  now  and  again  until  the  "  straw"  is  completely  dead. 
As  soon  as  this  is  the  case  the  decayed  shoots  are  removed, 
the  trellises  cleaned,  mended,  and  stored  away  in  a  shed,  and 
all  permitted  to  remain  in  that  position  throughout  the  rest  of 
the  summer,  the  pots  containing  the  roots  having  water  when 
it  rains,  and  being  without  it  when  the  weather  is  dry.  Early 
in  September  a  compost  is  prepared  for  them,  consisting  of 
one  part  yellow  loam,  one  part  decayed  turf,  and  one  part 
decaj'ed  manure  and  leaf-soil,  together  with  a  good  admix- 
ture of  rough  river  sand,  and  sometimes  a  little  peat. 
The  roots  are  then  shaken  out  of  their  pots,  and 
care  is  taken  to  separate  those  of  T.  Jarratii  from  the 
sort  in  question,  both  being  grown  together,  and  all  the 
roots,  according  to  size  and  sort,  should  be  laid  carefully  ' 
together.  Clean  pots  are  selected,  varying  in  size  from  8  to 
10  inches  in  diameter  ;  they  are  then  well  drained  with  washed 
crocks,  over  which  a  layer  of  Sphagnum  is  placed,  then  the 
roughest  of  the  soil  is  filled  in  to  within  about  2  inches  of  the 
rim  of  the  pot,  making  it  pretty  firm — just  as  in  ordinary 
potting.  The  roots  are  then  introduced,  placing  a  few  of  T. 
Jarrattii  nearest  the  edge  of  the  pot,  then  goodly-sized  roots 
of  the  other  sort  (according  to  the  quantity  at  command  and 
the  number  of  pots  to  be  filled),  are  arranged  inside  those  of 
T.  Jarrattii,  the  largest  one  being  placed  in  the  centre.  The 
pots  are  then  filled  with  the  finer  jiortion  of  the  soil  (which 
should  not  be  sifted),  and  placed  again  on  flags  or  slates  to 
prevent  the  entrance  of  worms.  The  corms  ai'e  usually  about 
the  size  of  small  Potatoes,  but  I  have  seen  some  of  them  in 
Dalvey  attain  as  much  as  2  inches  in  diameter  by  3  inches  in 
length.  The  very  large  ones,  however,  are  not  considered  so 
eligible  as  those  of  a  medium-size,  while  at  Dalvey  the  very 
small  ones  are  either  potted  separately  for  the  purpose 
of  increasing  in  bulk  or  are  given  away  to  friends  and  neigh- 
bours. From  each  specimen  there  is  a  fair  yield  of  extra 
corms  annually. 

The  trellises  are  made  of  light  wooden  rods  about  3i  feet 
high,  of  which  there  are  from  five  to  seven  in  each  trellis. 
These  rods  are  attached  to  each  other  by  copper  wire  or  string 
run  around  them,  so  as  to  form  tiers,  about  f  of  an  inch  apart 
near  the  base,  and  an  inch  towards  the  top ;  they  are  held 
preserved  in  their  trellis-form  by  bands  of  strong  wire  about 
9  inches  asunder.  Some  of  them  are  formed  to  fix  inside  of 
the  pots  by  means  of  tho  ends  of  the  rods  being  pointed  and 
inserted  in  the  soil ;  others  are  affixed  to  the  outside  of  the 
pots,  bj  tying  the  ends  of  the  stakes  pretty  firmly  in  their 
position  with  strong  wire.  The  most  accommodating  and 
lightest  in  appearance  of  the  trellises  are  some  that  have 
slender  circular  iron  rods  instead  of  wooden  ones  ;  these  rods 
are  bent  near  the  base,  so  that  the  ends  may  penetrate  the 
soil  while  the  curve  permits  the  trellis  to  rest  on  the  rim  of 


86 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  2,1873. 


the  pot.  SliouUl  these  trellises  be  too  small,  as  they  generally 
are,  to  accommodate  the  great  mass  of  shoots  and  flowers  the 
plants  proilucc,  an  additional  one,  in  the  form  of  a  balloon 
made  of  peeled  Willows,  and  encircled  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  first  ones  with  string  or  fine  -wire,  is  attached.  The 
trellises  are  affixed  when  the  plants  are  potted,  for  if  delayed 
later,  root  action  having  begun,  some  injury  might  be 
done  to  them  in  inserting  the  ends.  No  water  is  given  when 
the  roots  are  potted  for  a  day  or  two,  when  as  much  is  given 
as  will  just  moisten  the  whole  of  the  soil,  which  afterwards  is 
merely  kept  moderately  moist.  Shoots  soon  begin  to  appear, 
but  not  in  great  abundance  until  October  and  November,  when 
they  are  transferred  from  their  outdoor  quarters  to  a  Vinery 
at  rest,  where  they  will  have  good  ventilation,  plenty  of  light, 
and  a  temperature  not  under  38°  or  40°  at  any  time  during  the 
winter.  As  they  advance  in  growth,  even  in  their  youngest 
stage,  the  greatest  point  to  be  observed  is  to  train  the  shoots 
around  the  lower  strings  and  keep  them  down  for  a  long  time. 
It  will  be  observed  in  growing  this  Tropasolum,  that  the  first 
4  or  6  feet  of  stalk  that  the  shoots  make,  no  matter  how  pretty 
their  leaves  may  appear  at  the  time,  they  are  good  for  nothing 
in  the  way  of  securing  future  beauty,  for  they  soon  lose  all  these 
leaves  and  leave  their  own  ends  and  those  of  their  laterals  the 
sole  supporters  of  the  subsequently  formed  mass  of  fine 
foliage  and  flowers  which  are  so  attractive  in  this  plant. 
Hence  it  will  be  evident  that  it  is  unnecessary  to  allow  these 
stems  to  run  completely  over  the  trellises  at  first  and  then 
bend  them  downwards  ;  better  far  to  keep  them  down  when 
they  are  down,  twining  them  at  first  round  and  round  the 
trellis  imtil  the  shoots  begin  to  flower,  when  they  should  be 
very  little  above  half-way  up  the  trellises.  This  is  decidedly 
against  theoretical  notions,  but  undisputed  practice  has  proved 
it  to  be  the  better  plan.  Training  being  attended  to  three 
times  a  week,  the  plants  are  easily  kept  in  order,  and  there 
is  no  danger  of  breaking  the  young  points,  which  are 
extremely  brittle.  The  shoots  of  T.  Jarrattii  are  more 
slender  and  slower  growers  than  those  of  T.  tricolor,  and 
are  therefore  suited  for,  and  employed  to,  train  around 
the  base  of  the  specimens  and  over  the  bare  stems  of  the 
latter,  which  they  clothe  most  delicately  and  effectively. 
After  steady  growth  has  well  set  in,  manure-water  should  be 
given  to  the  plants  pretty  frequently  until  they  begin  to 
expand  their  flowers.  This  should  be  weak,  otherwise  a  too 
gross  growth  would  be  encouraged  at  the  expense  of  the 
blooms ;  but  at  no  time  is  the  soil  permitted  to  become  dry 
whilst  the  plants  are  growing.  In  this  manner,  by  the  middle 
of  January,  fine  plants  are  produced,  but  it  is  not  until  the 
middle  or  end  of  February  that  they  are  at  their  best,  and 
they  continue  in  excellent  condition  throughout  the  month  of 
March  and  into  April.  When  they  are  approaching  their 
best,  they  are  shifted  from  the  Vinery  to  a  half-span  house  or 
conservatory,  where  their  effective  beauty,  in  front  of  a  great 
mass  of  Camellias,  Rhododendrons,  Acacias,  Azaleas,  &c.,  may 
be  more  easily  imagined  than  described.  As  soon  as  they 
begin  to  assvime  a  withered  appearance,  they  are  turned 
outside  as  before  described.  They  bear  abundance  of  seed, 
which  ripens  very  well  after  the  plants  are  put  out,  and  if 
sown  soon  after  being  gathered,  or  in  the  following  spring, 
young  plants  are  readily  obtained.  These  seedlings  do  not 
flower  much  until  they  are  two  years  old,  but  by  that  time 
they  will  have  formed  fair-sized  roots.  Jaues  Morison. 


HERBACEOUS  BEGONIAS. 
Instead  of  our  having  Ijrought  these  to  perfection,  it  would 
seem  that  we  have  scarcely  crossed  the  threshold  in  that 
direction,  notwithstanding  the  hybridising  and  selection  to 
which  this  class  of  plants  has  been  subjected  for  several  years 
past.  Both  our  principal  English  and  continental  growers 
have  hundreds  of  seedlings  from  hybridised  parents,  and 
some  of  them  even  thousands.  Amongst  these  are,  as  a 
matter  of  course,  both  superior  and  inferior  sorts,  and  as  soon 
as  they  have  bloomed  the  former  are  retained  and  the  latter 
are  discarded.  Size  of  flowers  and  brilliance  of  colour  are 
important  points  now  pretty  well  secured.  The  great 
desideratum  at  present,  therefore,  is,  along  with  those,  to  have 
dwarf   and    stocky    plants.      Another    consideration,  too,  is 


having  the  pretty  variegation  of  some  of  the  old  species,  such 
as  B.  Pearcei,  transferred  to  these  hybrids,  and  even  the 
flowers  of  some  of  the  kinds  have  been  induced  to  become 
double,  as  is  the  case  with  one  which  we  lately  saw  at  the 
Wellington  Nurseries,  St.  John's  Wood.  The  blooms  of  this 
were  of  a  blush  or  pink  colour,  of  good  size  and  form,  and 
of  a  close  and  decidedly  double  character.  Besides  this,  at 
the  nurseries  in  question,  there  are  over  a  thousand  jilants  of 
single-flowered  hybrids  at  present  in  bloom,  the  flowers 
varying  from  those  of  the  Fuchsia  form  to  those  of  the  round 
shape,  and  the  colour  from  nearly  white  to  a  deep  violet- 
crimson.  Amongst  the  best  of  such  as  have  been  named 
are  Mrs.  Harry  Taylor,  a  kind  having  fine  round  well- 
formed  flowers  of  a  bright  orange-scarlet,  and  compact  habit ; 
Dr.  Masters,  carmine-crimson;  Mrs.  Masters,  rose;  Rosea  alba, 
Rubra  superba,  etc.  In  Mr.  Bull's  nursery  at  Chelsea  are 
also  immense  quantities  of  prettily-bloomed  varieties  of  the 
Begonias,  conspicuous  amongst  which  are  Glitter,  vivid 
orange;  Caroline,  a  kind  with  large  pinkish  flowers  ;  Climax, 
bright  carmine  ;  and  Brilliant,  a  bright  crimson-orange. 

The  accommodating  and  highly  decorative  properties  be- 
longing to  this  class  of  plants  must  render  them,  when  better 
known,  especial  favourites  with  the  public,  for  they  are  easily 
grown  and  require  but  little  trouble.  On  the  approach  of 
winter,  when  they  show  signs  of  decay,  they  should  be  gra- 
dually dried  off,  when  they  may  be  stored  under  stages  where 
no  drip  or  water  can  reach  them  until  spring.  In  March, 
the  contents  of  the  pots  should  be  carefully  turned  out,  the 
roots  selected  according  to  size,  and  potted  in  clean  pets  and 
fresh  compost.  The  pots  should  then  be  placed  in  a  green- 
house or  intermediate  pit  until  growth  commences,  when  the 
plants  should  be  kept  modei-ately  cool  and  near  the  glass.  If 
not  potted  at  first  into  their  flowering-pots,  they  may  be 
shifted  according  as  they  require  increased  room,  and  treated 
like  Balsams  or  Cockscombs ;  indeed,  a  rich  compost  like  that 
used  for  Balsams  suits  them  perfectly.  A  stake  or  two  mav 
be  necessary  in  the  event  of  the  plants  becoming  of  a  "  lanky" 
or  straggling  habit;  bus  care  should  be  taken  not  to  en- 
cumber or  render  them  unsightly  by  the  pi'esence  of  too  many 
supports.  Whilst  growing  they  require  abundance  of  water; 
and  whilst  in  bloom  a  very  thin  shading  from  strong  sunshine, 
so  as  to  preserve  intact  the  colour  and  beauty  of  the  flowers. 

W. 


CYRTODEIRA  CHONTALENSIS. 
Tins  charming  little  stove  plant  is  as  yet  seldom  met  with  in 
collections  ;  but  when  better  known  it  cannot  fail  to  be  a 
favourite.  It  was  originally  found  growing  on  a  little  spot,  in 
a  shady  grove,  on  the  bank  of  a  small  stream,  at  the  Pivon 
end  of  the  Javali  Mine,  in  the  Chontales  gold  region  of  Central 
America,  by  the  late  Dr.  Secmann.  Out  of  considerably 
more  than  sixty  plants  of  it  at  first  packed  for  trans- 
portation to  England,  only  six  reached  their  destination  alive, 
owing  to  misfortunes  before  and  after  embarkation,  and  but 
one  of  that  half  dozen  was  in  really  good  health  on  its  arrival 
at  Mr.  Bull's  nursery,  Chelsea.  It  is  a  Gesneraceous  jilant,  of 
a  somewhat  creeping  character,  and  forms  a.  fine  companion  to 
such  plants  as  Sonorilla  margaritacea,  the  creeping  Berto- 
lonias,  &c.  The  undersides  of  the  leaves  are  of  a  purplish 
hue,  the  upper  surface  being  hairy,  and  of  an  olive-green  colour, 
with  a  blotch  of  glistening  silvery-green  suffused  along  the 
middle.  The  flowers  are  of  a  uniform  lavender  colour,  large, 
of  a  true  Gesneraceous  form,  and  most  freely  produced  from 
the  middle  of  autumn  until  Christmas.  When  seen  by  gas- 
light, the  leaves  of  this  pretty  little  plant  have  a  brilliant 
metallic  lustre,  which  will  render  it  suitable  for  house  decora- 
tion. As  may  bo  inferred  from  its  native  h.abitat,  it  loves  a 
moist  and  shady  corner  of  the  stove,  and  a  uniform  temperature. 
It  may  be  grown  in  flat  pans,  or  in  little  suspended  baskets, 
and  delights  in  an  open  compost  consisting  of  decayed  leaf- 
mould,  peat,  loam,  and  a  good  sprinkling  of  silver  sand.  The 
offsets,  or  rather  runners,  which  it  invariably  produces,  if 
pegged  into  the  soil  soon  take  root  when  they  may  be  sepa- 
rated and  treated  as  individu.il  plants.  A  bell-glass,  with 
which  to  cover  the  young  plants,  will  be  found  of  great 
service  if  the  house  is  not  naturally  close  and  moist. 


Aug.  2, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


87 


MAEANTA  JIAKOYANA. 
This  is  a  welcome  addition  to  an  already  popular  genus  of 
stove  perennials,  on  account  of  its  beautifully  spotted  and 
delicately  pencilled  foliage.  Our  illustration,  for  which  WJ 
are  indebted  to  Mr.  Bull,  gives  an  excellent  idea  of  the 
peculiarities  possessed  by  this  novelty.  Its  leaves  arc 
borne  on  reddish-purple  petioles,  and  are  from  6  to  7  inclics 
long,  by  about  two-thirds  that  width.  The  ground  colour  of 
the  leaf  is  semi-translucent,  and  of  a  pale  greenish  straw 
colour,  while  the  symmetrically  arran'^cd  oblong  markings  are 
or  a  very  dark 
olive  tint ;  or, 
perhaps,  what 
is  pop  ul  arly 
termed  bottle- 
green  will 
bettor  explain 
our  moaning. 
Dark  green 
veins  s  p  ring 
from  the  mid- 
rib, and  diverge 
gracefully  on 
each  side  to  the 
margin, and,  be- 
tween these, 
very  fine  dtrk 
green  lines  arc 
closely  arranged 
at  riglit  angles, 
reminding  one 
very  forclljly  of 
those  to  beob- 
servod  in  the 
semi  -  pellucid 
leaves  of  Apono- 
getou  distach- 
yoD.  The  under- 
surface  of  its 
leaves  is  of  a 
p  o  r  t  -  w  i  n  e 
colour,  that 
colour  being 
deepest  beneath 
the  dark 
blotches  above. 
It  is  much 
smaller  in  all 
its  proportions 
than  M.Veitchii 
or  M.  Lindeni, 
which  it  some- 
what resembles 
in  general  ap- 
pearance. It  is 
a  robust  grower 
when  liberally 
dealt  with,  and, 
like  its  con- 
geners, suc- 
ceeds well  in  a 
compost  of 
equal    parts    of 

turfy  loam  and  Maranta  Makoyana. 

peat,   to   which 
a  little  leaf -mould  and  coarse  sand  have  been  added.   F.  AV.  B. 


There  are  few  stove  plants  that  refuse  to  grow  well  in  the  aquatio 
house  for  the  greater  portion  of  the  year,  and  many  will  positively 
luxuriate  in  such  a  situation.  To  accommodate  the  Royal  Water 
Lily  (Victoria  Regia),  which  should  certainly  occupy  the  place  of 
honour,  the  house  would  require  to  be  '10  or  50  feet  square.  This 
would  allow  a  roomy  circular  tank  to  be  placed  in  the  centre  of  the 
house,  with  a  good  wide  path  all  round,  and  the  angles  of  the  house 
would  afford  a  considerable  amount  of  room  for  shelving  on  which  to 
place  plants  in  pots.  A  flat  ridge-and-f  arrow  root  is  the  best  for  an 
aquatic  house,  as  it  admits  the  greatest  amount  of  light,  and  dis- 
tributes it  evenly — an  important   point,  as   aquatics  like  plenty  of 

light  and  sun. 
shine — ^and  the 
Victoria  has  been 
found  to  thrive 
and  expand  its 
leaves  best  in 
houses  so  con- 
structed. From 
15  feet  to  18  feet 
to  the  apex  of  the 
ridges  is  a  good 
height,  and  the 
ridges  should  run 
east  and  west,  in 
order  that  the 
tank  may  receive 
the  sun's  rays 
directly  during 
the  greater  por- 
tion of  the  day. 
The  tank  should 
slaud  about  3^ 
feet  above  the 
floor  line,  and  15 
inches  depth  of 
water  will  be 
sufficient  for 
general  purposes; 
but  a  trough  6 
feet  wide  and  3 
feet  deep  should 
be  provided  in 
the  centre  of  the 
tank  for  the  ac- 
commodation of 
the  Victoria.  No 
drainage  will  of 
course  be  needed, 
and  the  trough 
must  be  filled  np 
with  soil  to  the 
level  of  the  tank 
bottom,  previous 
to  filUng  it  with 
water ;  any  other 
aquatics  which 
may  be  grown 
should  be  kept  in 
pots.  The  sides 
and  bottom  of  the 
tank,  including 
the  Victoria 
trough,  must  be 
lined  with  one 
good  coat  of  ce- 
ment well  laid  on, 
and  made  water- 
tight ;  two  coats 
of      cement     are 


THE  STOVE  AQUARIUM. 
Stove  aquaria  are  always  interesting,  and,  when  properly  constructed 
and  furnished,  far  surpass,  in  that  respect,  ordinary  plant  stoves.  The 
chief  objection  to  the  erection  of  an  aquatic  house  is  generally  the 
exi)ense,  as  those  who  build  plant  houses  like  to  furnish  them  pro- 
perly ;  and  the  impression  is,  that  aquatic  houses  can  only  be  used 
for  aquatics,  and  of  these  only  a  limited  number  can  bo  grown, 
in  consequence  of  the  space  they  occupy.  This  is,  however,  a 
mistake,  as  such  a  house  may  be  a  general  plant  stove  and  aquarium. 


less  serviceable  than  one  coat,  as  the  second  invariably  cakes  off. 
The  house  should  be  amply  heated  by  means  of  coils  of  pipes 
taken  round  the  side  of  the  house  uuler  the  plant  shelves,  or 
under  the  paths  and  covered  with  iron  grating.  The  water  in  the 
tank  may  be  heated  effectively  and  quickly  by  pipes  laid  in  the  tank. 
Means  must  also  be  taken  to  afford  bottom  heat  to  the  Victoria  by 
taking  a  separate  coil  under  and  around  the  bottom  of  the  trough  in 
which  it  grows,  with  a  stop-valve  to  it  in  order  to  regulate  the  tem- 
perature at  pleasure.  I  should  state  that  three  sides  at  least  of  the 
house  should  be  glazed  down  to  the  line  of  the  shelving  ;  the  north 
side  may  bo  a  wall  upon  which  to  train  climbers,  and  to  afford  a 
background  to  the  water.    Tlie  tank  should  be  supplied  with  soft 


88 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  2, 1873. 


water — river  water  if  possible — and  if  the  supply  is  ample  enough  to 
afford  a  constant  run  into  the  tank,  so  much  the  better  ;  if  not,  it 
must  bo  at  least  partially  changed  every  day. 

The  royal  Water  Lily  is  an  herbaceous  aquatic,  but  in  this  country, 
under  artificial  culture,  it  is  found  to  succeed  best  when  treated  as 
an  annual.  Whore  the  aquarium  is  dried  off  in  winter,  it  will  be 
necessary  to  jirocnre  a  3'ouug  plant  of  it  every  year  from  some  other 
)ilace.  The  young  seedlings  are  generally  large  enough  for  trans- 
planting by  the  1st  of  April,  by  which  time  the  leaves  are  about  the 
size  of  the  palm  of  the  hand.  As  the  plant  gets  stronger,  the  leaves 
are  thrown  up  upon  stout  stems,  jusc  appearing  at  first  above  the 
surface  of  the  water  like  a  hirsute  bundle.  Gradually  they  unroll 
themselves,  assuming  a  perfectly  circ^llar  form,  until  they  attain  a 
iliameter  perhaps  of  from  6  to  8  feet,  the  completion  of  their  growth 
being  indicated  by  their  unfolding  themselves  entirely  and  lying 
flat  upon  the  water.  The  plant  does  not  flower  until  it  has  made 
considerable  growth,  and,  according  to  my  experience,  it  will  not 
flower  unless  the  roots  have  a  temperature  about  the  same  as  that  of 
the  \^ater  iu  the  tank.  The  flowers,  in  beauty  and  size,  are  in 
keeping  with  the  foliage,  and  emit  a  powerful  and  agreeable  scent. 
They  last  for  a  brief  period  only,  but  follow  one  another  in  close 
succession.  The  best  soil  for  it  is  a  half-and-half  good  strong  loam 
and  rotten  loaf-mould,  which  becomes,  after  a  while,  an  oozy  mud 
in  tho  water,  and  is  probably  as  near  au  approach  to  the  soil  it 
flourishes  in  in  the  Amazon  as  can  be  employed.  In  planting,  see 
that  the  crown  of  the  Iplant  is  above  the  soil,  and  that  the  young 
leaves  reach  the  surface  of  the  water.  After  planting,  the  only 
attention  needed  is  to  see  that  the  water  and  soil  are  kept  at  a 
temperature  of  S3',  or  between  that  and  90°.  While  the  Victoria  is 
growing,  the  tank  may  be  tliinly  furnished  with  plants  set  upon 
inverted  pots,  with  the  bottoms  just  level  with  the  surface  of  the 
water,  except  in  the  case  of  aquatics  in  pots,  which  should  be 
immersed.  Such  plants  as  the  Sugar  Cane,  Arundo,  Cyperus, 
I'apyrus,  Japanese  Maize,  and  the  drooping  Croton  angustifolinm, 
distributed  over  the  tank  in  this  way,  are  very  ornamental  and 
effective,  and  they  can  be  moved  about  or  away,  as  required,  to  make 
room  for  the  A'ictoria  leaves  as  they  extend.  Flat-growing  aquatics, 
such  as  the  Nymphtcas — a  numerous  and  highly  ornamental  class — 
should  occupy  the  spare  spaces  near  the  edge  of  tho  tank.  In 
addition  to  the  above,  I  may  mention  the  Nelumbium  or  Water 
Bean,  the  Limnocharis,  Sagittaria,  and  Pontederia.  These  will  be 
almost  variety  enough  for  an  aquarium  of  moderate  size.  In  a 
semicircular  house,  when  the  tank  abuts  against  a  wall  at  the  back, 
a  very  effective  background  may  be  formed  by  grouping  thickly 
against  tho  wall  such  plants  as  Crotons,  Ficns  elastica,  Palms, 
Cyanophyllums,  Dracaenas,  Caladiums,  Cannas,  Eucharis  amazonica. 
Begonias,  Ferns,  Lycopods,  &6.,  keeping  the  tall  plants  at  the  back, 
ami  fiuishing  off  with  the  Lycopods  and  smaller  plants  at  the  water's 
edge.  For  the  sake  of  the  plants  in  pots,  shading  will  be  necessary 
in  bright  weather;  but  it  should  be  dispensed  with  in  the  mornings 
and  afternoons.  Ventilation,  too,  on  a  liberal  scale,  will  be  required 
both  day  and  night,  to  allow  the  steam  to  escape  which  is  continually 
ascending  from  water  heated  with  pipes  ;  otherwise  it  gets  condensed 
upon  the  foliage  of  tho  plants,  keeping  them  always  wet. 

Another  way  of  constructing  a  Victoria  tank  is  to  make  it  about 
3  feet  deep,  and  lay  a  mound  of  soil  in  the  centre  for  nlanting  the 
Lily  upon.  When  done  in  this  way,  no  extra  piping  is  required  to 
heat  the  soil,  as  the  heated  body  of  water  which  surrounds  the  heap 
docs  that  effectually  enough.  The  only  objections  to  this  plan  are 
that  the  soil  is  apt  to  get  washed  away  if  the  water  is  disturbed,  and 
smaller-growing  aquatics  cannot  be  grown  so  conveniently,  nor  can 
])lants  be  ariangcd  iu  tho  tank  so  easily  as  when  the  water  is  only 
about  15  inches  deep  ;  besides,  a  shallow  tank  can  be  used  as  a  plant 
stage  iu  winter,  if  nsiug  it  as  an  aquarium  in  summer  only  is 
desirable.  The  tank  may  also  be  made  iu  the  shape  of  a  basin,  and 
heated  with  pipes,  entering  at  or  about  the  lowest  poiut,  and 
ascending  in  coils  towards  the  edge  of  the  tank.  J.  S. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GAEDEN. 

Maiden-hair  Fern.— Will  you  kindly  say  whether  tho  Maiden-hair  Fern 
(Aduuuiim  C^iiidhili- Veneris)  is  (luilo  liiU'dy,  and  what  is  the  liest  way  to  ciilti- 
viito  it,  in  order  to  have  plenty  of  the  fronds  to  cut  for  vases,  &e.?— F.  H.  [The 
Haiden-hair  Fern  will  live  out  of  doors  in  sheltered  and  warm  situ.itions,  bnt 
ill  cold  localities  it  suceocds  best  under  glass.  We  would  reeommeud  you  to 
Ijlant  it  under  the  shelves  or  Ijonches,  or  on  tho  walls  o£  the  couservatoi-y  or 
greenhouse,  where  it  will  sow  itself  freely  and  grow  abundantly.] 

Orchis  foliosa.— I  sec  you  have  recorded  iu  Tjik  GiiiDEN  that  Orchis  fuliosa 
has  been  shown  in  fme  ciuiditiou  this  year.  I  think  I  might  challenge 
comparison  witli  two  pots  of  it,  which  1  have  had  in  bloom  for  nearly  a  month 
p:vst,  the  one  containing  twenty  spikes  nf  bloom,  the  other  nineteen,'  all  in  tho 
greatest  luxuriance.  Fiuiu  pot  to  tip  the  tlowcr  spikes  measure  about  2  feet 
3  laches,  and  the  cireumfereuee  of  the  plants  is  respectively  S  feet,  and  r,  feet 
6  inches.  Saxifi-aga  Cotyledon  var.  Nepalensis,  and  S.  cochlcaris,  have  also 
been  splendid  with  me  of  lute.— J.  Atki.xs,  Puiiiiu'kk. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

GRAPES  WORTH  GROWING. 
.TuuGiXG  from  the  numerous  inquiries  which  one  receives  on 
this  subject  from  those  about  to  plant  Amines,  or  graft  old  ones 
with  better  varieties,  I  imagine  that  a  summary  of  Grapes  that 
are  really  good,  with  a  few  hints  upon  their  comparative  value 
and  general  characteristics  will  not  be  unacceptable.  Lists  of 
Grapes  there  arc  iu  every  trade  circular;  but  the  brief  and 
very  general  descriptions  given  iu  such  lists  are  of  little 
use  to  many  who  grow  Grapes,  and  who  have  but  little 
personal  knowledge  of  their  different  varieties.  I  purpose, 
therefore,  to  name  the  sorts  only  of  known  excellence,  and 
such  as  I  am  personally  well  accjtiainted  with,  and  to  ftiruish 
lists  of  the  best  kinds  to  plant,  for  large  or  small  collections. 
It  will  be  sufficient  for  our  purpose  to  divide  the  different 
classes  into  black,  white,  and  red  or  grizzly,  and  I  shall  com- 
mence with 

BLACK    GRAPES. 

Black  Hamburgh. — This  is  too  well-known  to  need  much 
description.  It  is  the  best  variety  for  general  purposes  that 
can  be  grown.  It  is  a  vigorous  grower,  a  free  bearer,  and 
bears  forcing  better  than  almost  any  other.  It  can  be  brought 
round  to  ripen  its  fruit  perfectlj-  at  the  new  year,  and  when 
the  fruit  is  well  matured  in  September  or  October  it  will  keep 
till  February.  When  produced  in  gootl  condition,  the  bunches 
are  large,  well  shouldered,  berries  running  about  1  inch  in 
diameter,  of  a  deep  lilack  colour,  and  covered,  with  a  fine 
bloom ;  flesh  firm,  and  flavour  excellent — never  cloying  the 
appetite.  The  fruit  difl'ers  widely  in  appearance  under  diffe- 
rent circumstances  and  management,  which  has  given  rise  to 
many  synonyms ;  but  of  all  the  varieties  of  tho  Black  Ham- 
burgh the  common  kind  may  be  said  to  be  the  best.  This  Vine 
is  one  of  the  best  stocks  for  grafting  kindred  sorts  upon. 

Muscat  H,iiiBURGii. — This  variety,  when  in  good  condition, 
is  unsurpassed  among  black  Grapes  ;  but  unfortunately  a 
great  proportion  of  the  berries  are  often  stonoless,  which  so 
mars  its  appearance  that  it  has  been  discarded  by  many 
growers.  It  is  an  early  Grape,  coming  in  just  after  the 
Black  Hamburgh.  The  bunches  arc  large  and  symmetrical ; 
berries  large,  oval,  black ;  flesh  firm,  with  a  most  delicious 
Muscat  flavour.  It  succeeds  well  in  some  situations,  botli 
bunches  and  berries  attaining  a  large  size  and  finishing  beau- 
tifully. When  it  does  behave  well  it  is  sure  to  retain  its  place 
wherever  grown.  This  Vine  is  a  strong  grower  and  a  free 
fruiter. 

West's  St.  Peter's. — This  is  a  second  early  Grape,  and  keeps 
well  after  it  is  ripe.  Bunches  and  berries  rather  less  in  size 
than  the  Black  Hamburgh,  black,  thin-skinned,  with  a  rich 
and  agreeable  flavour.  When  well  finished,  the  berries  have  a 
beautiful  metallic  lustre  about  them  which  is  striking.  It  is 
a  good  grower  and  a  free  bearer,  but  does  not  stand  very  early 
forcing  long. 

Black  FRONTiGyAN. — A  very  useful  Grape ;  bunches  and 
berries  of  moderate  size  ;  black,  with  a  fine  Muscat  flavour. 
It  is  early,  and  a  good  forcer. 

Black  Pjunce. — This  was  a  more  popular  Grape  at  one  time 
than  it  is  now.  Still  it  is  a  good  variety',  and  well  worthy  of  a 
place.  The  bunches  ai-e  long  and  tapering ;  berries  oval, 
middle-sized,  black,  with  a  dense  bloom,  seldom  refusing  to 
colour  well  even  in  the  worst  seasons ;  flavour  good,  bnt  in- 
ferior to  the  Black  Hamburgh.  This  Vine  is  hardy,  early,  and 
a  good  bearer. 

B.iRBARossA. — This  is  an  excellent  Grape  when  started  early 
and  ripened  under  a  high  temperature.  It  does  well  in  a 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  house,  and  unless  it  receives  the  same 
treatment  the  fruit  is  insipid  and  far  inferior  to  a  Black  Ham- 
burgh, which  it  resembles  closely- when  ripened.  The  bunches 
are  very  large  and  loose  ;  berries  round,  large,  and  black.  It  is 
a  strong  grower,  but  a  somewhat  shy  Ijcarcr. 

Black  Alicante. — This  is  a  Grape  which  has  come  into 
favour  of  late  years  owing  to  its  fine  appearance  and  first-rate 
keeping  qualities.  It  is  a  vigorous-growing  variety,  and  a 
great  bearer  ;  bunches  large,  and  broadly  shouldered  ;  berries 
large,  black,  covered  with  a  thick  bloom,  skin  tough,  flavour 
good  when  fully  ripe.     It  is  essentially  a  late  Gran  (.and  not  a 


Aug.  2,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


89 


desirable  variety  to  grow  for  any  other  purpose,  as  it  is  far 
inferior  to  the  Black  Hamburgh  and  other  early  sorts  for 
dessert.  It  ripens  its  fruit  ivell  in  the  same  temperature  as  the 
Black  Hamburgh,  but  it  takes  a  longer  period  to  ripeu.  When 
the  fruit  has  to  hang  long  the  bunches  should  be  well  thinned. 

Lady  Duwxe"s  Seedling. — This  is  a  companion  Grape  to  the 
above,  and  valuable  solely  on  account  of  its  keeping  qualities, 
for  which  it  is  unsurpassed.  The  buuches  are  long  and  cylin- 
drical, berries  black,  large,  coarsely  flavoured,  but  improving  a 
little  after  hanging  upon  the  Vine  for  a  -while.  Hitherto  the 
best  keeping  Grape  grown. 

Gkos  Colm.vs. — A  Grape  of  fine  appearance,  of  tolerable 
flavour,  and  a  good  keeper. 

MiDRESFrELD  CouRT. — This  is  a  new  Grape,  about  the  merits 
of  which  there  is  some  dillerence  of  opinion.  The  Vine  is  a 
free  grower  and  bearer ;  bunches  long,  tapering,  and  hand- 
some, not  shouldering  much,  but  sometimes  coming  douljle — 
i.e.,  with  the  limbs  of  equal  size;  berries  above  medium  size, 
oval,  black,  with  a  rich  Muscat  flavour.  Sometimes  a  few  of 
the  berries  crack  when  about  ripe,  and  it  is  not  always  a  sure' 
colourer ;  but  otherwise  it  is  an  excellent  Grape,  and  early. 

RED    GRAPES. 

Grizzly  Froxtignan. — This  is  the  only  red  Grape  worth 
mentioning.  It  is  a  moderately  strong  grower,  and  a  pretty 
free  bearer  ;  bunches  middle-sized,  rather  tapering,  sometimes 
cyhndrical  ;  berries  round,  and,  when  well  grown,  only  less  in 
size  than  the  Black  Hamburgh;  red  or  grizzly,  but  not  always 
quite  true  to  its  character  in  this  respect ;  -with  a  peculiarly  rich 
and  agreeable  Muscat  flavour,  for  which  reason  it;  is  preferred 
by  some  to  all  other  Grapes.  It  is  earlier  than  the  Black  Ham- 
burgh, and  should  be  in  every  collection. 

WHITE    GRAPES. 

In  this  section  I  include  j-ellow  Grapes  as  well. 

Muscat  op  Alexandria. — This  is  among  white  Grapes  what 
the  Black  Hamburgh  is  among  the  black — the  most  extensively 
grown.  It  is  a  strong  grower  and  a  great  bearer;  the  bunches 
are  sometimes  long,  loose,  and  tapering,  sometimes  broadly- 
shouldered,  squat,  and  very  compact ;  berries  very  large,  oval, 
and,  when  well  ripened,  of  a  deep  amber  colour;  flesh  solid, 
with  a  high  and  rich  flavour.  It  is  an  invaluable  Grape,  and 
for  a  general  crop  has  no  equal.  It  requires  a  temperature  at 
least  5°  higher  than  the  Black  Hamburgh,  and  a  longer  season 
of  growth  to  bring  it  to  perfection. 

BowooD  MiscAT. — A  variety  said  to  be  a  cross  between  the 
Cannon  Hall  IMuscat  and  the  above.  When  it  first  came  out 
I  was  confident  that  we  had  got  a  new  and  decidedly  improved 
variety  of  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  and  could  at  any  time 
have  picked  the  Vine  from  among  others  by  its  fruit,  its 
foliage,  or  its  wood  ;  but,  in  some  well-authenticated  instances, 
it  seems  to  have  gone  back  to,  or  become  so  like  its  progenitor, 
the  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  as  not  to  be  distinguished  from  it — 
in  the  berry,  at  least.  The  most  noble  examples  of  the  Muscat  I 
ever  saw  were  of  this  variety,  and  I  mention  it  here,  as  it  is  still 
sold  under  that  name,  and,  if  it  can  be  got  true,  it  is  a  safe 
variety  to  plant. 

Buckland's  Sweetwater. — A  useful  early  Grape,  ripening 
well  along  with  the  Black  Hamburgh,  and  taking  on  a  fine 
transparent  amber  colour;  berries  large,  round,  or  a  little 
oblong  ;  flavour  sweet  and  refreshing.  A  very  good  Grape  to 
grow  along  with  the  Black  Hamburgh,  when  both  white  and 
black  Grapes  are  wanted  early. 

Golden  Champion. — I  mention  this  Grape  as  one  deserving 
of  further  trial.  But  for  the  constitutional  spot  which  affects 
the  berries  in  some  situations,  it  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the 
finest-looking  white  Grapes  in  cultivation,  and  one  of  the  most 
deliciously  flavoured.  It  is  a  vigorous  grower,  bunches  large  ; 
berries  very  large,  oval,  and,  when  fully  ripe,  of  a  pale  amber 
colour.  It  is  a  Grape  that  recpiires  to  be  grown  leisurely, 
plenty  of  time  to  ripen,  and  a  dry  atmosphere.  Wlien  treated 
in  this  way  I  have  always  found  it  to  finish  very  fairly  indeed. 
It  seems  to  improve  in  constitution  when  grafted  on  the 
Black  Hamburgh. 

EoTAL  Muscadine. — A  very  useful  early  white  Grape ; 
bunches  middle  size ;  berries  the  same,  round,  thin-skinned, 
sweet,  sugary,  and  rich.     A  very  desirable  early  Grape. 

Kaisin  de  Calybre. — This  is  a  late  white  Grape,  requiring 


the  same  treatment  as  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria  to  finish  it. 
well.  It  is  one  of  the  strongest  growing  kinds,  and  a  good 
bearer.  Bunches  very  large  and  well  shouldered ;  berries 
middle-sized,  roundish,  amber-coloured  when  ripened  like 
those  of  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria ;  flavour  sweet  and  agree- 
able. 

CiiASSELAS  MusQUii. — A  favourite  early  Grape.  Bunches  and 
berries  moderate-sized;  flavour  first-class.  The  berries  arc, 
however,  very  apt  to  crack  when  about  ripe,  unless  it  receives 
special  treatment.  A  dry  atmosphere,  and  not  too  much 
moisture  at  the  root,  will  lessen  this  evil.  It  is  a  free  bearer, 
and  a  very  serviceable  early  Grape. 

"White  Frontignan. —  This  Grape,  except  in  colour,  is  in 
most  respects,  like  the  Grizzly  and  Black  Frontignans.  It  is 
hardy  and  a  good  early  varictj-. 

In  addition  to  the  above  selection,  I  maj'  name  The  Duke 
and  the  Waltham  Cross  Grapes,  two  white  Grapes,  at  present 
being  introduced  to  the  public,  and  which  are  likely  to  be 
decided  acquisitions  ;  but  in  the  meantime  they  can  only  be 
recommended  for  trial. 

I  now  come  to  speak  of  the  selections  for  planting  Vineries, 
according  to  their  extent  and  the  demand  for  the  fruit. 

SELECTION    POR   ONE    VINERY. 

Where  there  is  only  one  Vinery,  and  it  is  desired  to  have 
ripe  Grapes  from  it  for  as  long  a  period  as  possible,  plant  the 
following  varieties  and  in  the  following  proportion  ; — Four 
Black  Hamburghs,  two  Royal  Muscadine,  two  Grizzly  Fron- 
tignan, one  Golden  Champion,  one  Kaisin  de  Calabre,  two 
Black  Alicantes,  and  two  Lady  Downe's. 

rOR   TWO    VINERIES. 

In  the  earliest  division,  plant  six  Black  Hamburgh,  three 
Royal  Muscadine,  two  Grizzly  Frontignan,  two  Golden 
Champion,  two  West's  St.  Peter's,  and  one  Black  Prince.  In  the 
latest  division,  plant  six  Muscats  of  Alexandria,  one  Raisin  de 
Calabre,  three  Black  Alicantes,  two  Lady  Downe's,  one 
Madresfield  Court,  and  one  West's  St.  Peter's.  Two  Vineries 
planted  in  this  way  will  give  Grapes  for  the  greater  part  of  , 
the  year  ;  but  where  the  demand  is  large,  and  an  unfailing  and 
constant  supply  is  expected  all  the  year  round,  five  divisions 
will  be  required.  The  first  or  earliest  shoiild  be  planted  as 
follows  :  Six  Black  Hamburgh,  two  Chasselas  Must|ue,  two 
Royal  Muscadine,  two  Black  Frontignan,  and  two  Buckland's 
Sweetwater.  These  may  be  planted  in  the  second  division 
also,  and  a  plant  or  two  of  Golden  Champion  and  Madresfield 
Court  besides.  If  we  were  disposed  to  alter  the  above 
proportions,  it  would  be  to  introduce  more  Black  Hamburghs 
and  reduce  the  others.  The  first  and  second  divisions  will 
carry  the  supply  on  till  autumn,  or  later,  and  from  that  time, 
two  divisions,  one  planted  with  Black  Hamburghs,  and  the 
other  with  Muscats  of  Alexandria,  will  be  found  to  answer 
best,  and  give  satisfaction.  After  this,  the  late  Vinei-y,  planted 
entirely  with  Black  Alicantes,  Lady  Downe's,  a  few  of  Raisin 
de  Calabre,  and  West's  St.  Peter's,  will  come  in  and  carry  the 
supply  on  till  the  early  crop  is  ripe  the  following  year. — Field. 


EARLY  RIVERS  PEACH. 


This  is  a  very  early  Peach,  the  earliest  with  which  I  am 
acquainted,  and  one  that  should  be  better  known  and  more 
largely  grown  than  it  is  by  people  who  do  not  force  Peaches. 
We  ai'e  now,  July  21st,  gathering  ripe  fruit  from  a  tree  in  the 
open  border  of  an  orchard  house,  to  which  no  artificial  heating 
whatever  has  been  applied ;  and,  moreover,  in  consequence  of 
this  house  containing  our  very  latest  vai-ieties,  I  have  retarded 
it  as  much  as  possible ;  still,  in  spite  of  that,  the  Earlj'  Rivers 
is  ripe  when  Early  Grosse  Mignonne,  and  some  dozen  more 
varieties  are  barely  stoned.  Another  orchard  house  which 
has  been  forwarded  to  succeed  a  second  early  grand  Peach 
house,  does  not  contain  any  variety  nearly  so  forward  as  the 
Early  Rivers  in  this  cool  house.  This  Peach  is  somewhat 
after  the  style  of  the  old  Early  Anne,  and,  like  it,  is  inclined  to 
be  mealy,  but  perhaps  juicier  and  larger,  and,  like  it  too,  it  is 
a  sure  and  abundant  cropper.  For  a  number  of  years  in 
succession  we  have  fruited  the  Early  Anne  without  failure  on 


90 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  2,  1873. 


the  open  wall,  the  fruit  being  ripe  in  the  end  of  July  or  early 

in  August.  Early  York  proves  tlio  earliest  Peach  wo  have  in 
tlic  earliest  house,  but  I  am  satisfied  that  the  Early  Rivers 
would  yield  ripe  fruit  in  the  same  house  a  fortnight  before 
that  variety.    "  W.   Dick. 

Ctinford,   22nd   Jahj. 


BUST  ON  GRAPES. 

VaivIous  causes  have  been  assigned  for  what  is  termed  rust  on 
Grapes ;  but  I  think  I  can  produce  satisfactory  evidence  that 
it  is  caused  by  exposing  the  fruit  to  cold  draughts.  In  a 
Vinery  here,  wo  have  a  small  window  in  the  back  wall,  opening 
into  a  loft,  and  frequently  in  the  early  part  of  last  season, 
instead  of  letting  down  the  top  lights  to  admit  air,  I  opened 
the  window,  and  before  the  berries  were  as  large  as  Peas,  I 
had  ocular  demonstration  that  this  scourge  had  got  possession 
of  them,  and  that  to  such  an  extent  that  a  number  of  bunches 
immediately  opposite  the  window  were  rendered  ()uite  useless. 
It  did  not  appear  in  any  other  part  of  the  house.  Judging 
from  this  circumstance,  I  am  persuaded  that  to  admit  air  by 
means  of  Haps  in  the  back  wall  is  not  a  method  to  be  recom- 
mended, especially  in  the  early  part  of  the  season  ;  and  if  they 
should  happen  to  be  some  little  distance  from  the  top  of  the 
wall,  the  evil  will  be  considerably  aggravated.  The  air 
admitted  by  such  means  rushes  in  with  considerable  force,  and 
that  too,  from  the  north,  in  a  horizontal  direction,  and  comes 
at  once  in  immediate  contact  with  the  bunches.  Now,  it  must 
be  obvious  that  this  sudden  change  from  heat  to  cold  is  suffi- 
cient to  check  the  expanding  power  of  the  skin  of  the  berry; 
the  juice  under  such  conditions  oozes  out,  and  thus  forms 
little  incrustations  to  which  the  name  of  rust  has  been  applied. 
It  is  also  quite  plain  that  the  air  admitted  by  letting  down 
the  top  lights  will  not  produce  a  like  effect,  not  only  from 
its  being  more  rarificd  by  the  protection  of  a  greater  or 
less  height  of  wall  above  the  glass ;  but  it  wdl  also  fall 
directly  down  on  to  the  floor  close  to  the  wall,  and  will 
not  come  in  contact  with  the  fruit,  but  rather  drive  up 
the  heated  air,  and  it  in  its  turn  becomes  warm.  Some 
may  say,  "  I  have  got  no  flaps  in  the  back  walls  of  my 
A'ineries,  and  still  my  Grapes  are  rusted;"  but  I  dare  say 
many  can  bear  testimony  that  it  is  no  uncommon  thing  to 
see  openings  in  the  lapping  of  the  glass  from  two  to  three- 
eigths  of  an  inch  wide  :  now  these  openings  must  cause  con- 
siderable currents  of  cold  air,  especially  when  a  cold  wind  sets 
in  on  the  front  of  the  house,  and  these  currents  are  admitted 
too  at  the  place  likely  to  commit  the  evils  complained  of.  In 
confirmation  of  this,  I  might  add,  that  two  j-ears  ago  I  had  all 
the  open  laps  of  my  glass  puttied,  and  since  then,  with  the 
exception  I  have  just  stated,!  have  not  seen  any  appearance  of 
rust ;  but,  previous  to  that,  I  did  have  occasionally  rusty 
Grapes.  As  soon  as  we  can  avail  ourselves  of  the  great  im- 
provements that  have  lately  taken  place  as  regards  glazing, 
and  can  dispense  with  so  many  laps,  rust  will  rank  among  the 
lesser  evils  incidental  to  Grape  culture.  W.  C. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

American  Blackberries— OE  the  older  lilackbcrries,  the  Kittatinny  stands 
fir^t.  It  ships  jind  sells  well,  and  is  quite  hardj'.  The  New  Rochelle  is  often 
more  or  less  killed  back.  The  Dorchester  succeeds  well,  is  good  in  quality,  and 
is  hardy.  OE  all  the  newer  sorts,  the  Snyder  appears  to  give  the  highest 
promise.  The  canes  are  perfectly  hardy,  growing  to  the  very  tips  after  the 
coldest  winters.  It  proves  to  be  an  enormous  bearer,  the  fruits  sweet,  juiC3', 
rather  soft.  The  Western  Triumph  bears  shipping  better,  but  is  not  so  large. 
A  valuable  quality  in  both  is  their  hardiness. — J.  Stabkky. 

Pear  Trees  in  Fruit  and  Flower  at  the  same  time.— We  have  here  some 
Standard  Pyramidal  Pear  trees  y;rowing  in  border.-^  in  the  kitchen  garden,  on 
which  there  is  a  crop  of  fruitof  an  averai^esize,  aTid  at  the  snme  time  blossoms 
produced  at  the  top  of  this  year's  wood  aresettiug.  This  is  surely  an  unusual 
occurrence,  and  I  shall  be  glad  if  some  of  your  readers  can  point  out  the  cause 
that  has  led  to  such  a  result.  The  sorts  that  are  fruiting  and  flowering  here 
arc  the  Jersey  Gratioh.  Uaron  de  Mello.  General  Todtlel>en,  and  one  or  two 
others.— H.  Rose,  Tne  Gufihns,  Gmngcmnir,  Pitteinceein,  Fifcskirc. 

The  Koolstok  Pear,— This  is  a  small  Pear  which  is  grown  in  large  <inan- 
tities  in  some  parts  of  Belgium,  and  is  the  source  of  a  considerable  revenue  to 
the  small  landholders  there.  Although  not  of  first-class  quality,  largo  cargoes 
of  it  are  annually  shipped  to  England,  and  it  is  so  much  soiight  after  by  the 
dealers  that  they  usually  purchase  the  crop  as  it  stands  in  May,  generally 
paying  at  the  rate  of  about  12s.  per  c\vt.  for  the  fruit,  depositing  hal'f  the  money 
at  that  time,  and  paying  the  remainder  when  the  crop  is  gathered.  It  ripens  in 
the  end  of  July.  This  Pear  is  well  figured  in  the  June  number  of  the  Bulletin 
'  Arhoriculture. 


THE     ARBORETUM. 


THE  GOLYNO.S  OAK. 
It  may,  I  think,  be  stated  that  this  was  the  largest  oak  ever 
felled  in  England,  of  the  cubical  contents  of  which  a  really 
accurate  and  authentic  account  now  exists.  And  my  reasons 
for  this  opinion  are  the  following  : — In  the  year  1810,  when  it 
was  felled,  I  was  living  near  Hertford  with  my  family,  where 
they  still  reside,  at  Bayfordbury,  two  miles  from  that  town. 
Mr.  Ellis,  a  timber-merchant  of  that  place,  who  had  lately  been  at 
Newport  in  Monmouthshire,  brought  back  in  1812  the  detailed 
account  of  the  tree,  signed  by  Mr.  Thomas  Harrison,  surveyor 
of  the  timber  in  tlie  dockyard  at  Portsmouth.  My  father, 
mistrusting  the  accuracy  of  the  statement,  wrote  to  the  late 
Sir  Charles  Morgan  (the  father  of  the  present  Lord  Tredegar), 
with  whom  he  was  intimate,  and  whose  property  was  imme- 
diately contiguous  to  the  parish  of  Bassaleg,  in  which  the 
tree  grew,  re<jucsting  him  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  it,  and 
received  from  him  the  following  answer  ; — 

Tredegar,  13th  July,  1812. 
My  clear  Sir — I  have  made  very  particular  inquiries  since  I  had 
the  plea.sure  of  hearing  from  you  relative  to  the  great  oak,  which  I 
remember  perfectly  well,  having  seen  it  after  it  was  cnt  down,  the 
trunk  divided  into  four  parts,  each  of  which  I  could  not  sec  over  as  it 
lay.  Every  pai'ticular  iii  your  paper  is  correct  j  the  reason  of  its 
being  sold  for  so  little  money  was  the  general  opinion  that  the  heart 
would  bo  decayed,  and  because  it  belonged  to  different  people 
wanting  money,  it  was  sold  injudiciously. — Your's  faithfully, 

C.  MORGAX. 

The  following  is  Mr.  Hari'isou's  statement,  which  the 
foregoing  letter  confirms  : — 

Dimensions  of  the  large  Oak  felled  in  1810  on  the  Golynos 
estate  in  the  ])arish  of  Bassaleg,  and  county  of  Monmouth,  and 
situated  within  four  miles  of  the  seaport  town  of  Newport, 
in  the  said  county : — 

Cubic  feet. 

Body,  at  10  feet  long         450 

Limbs  and  collateral  parts  ...         1st         ...         60 

„  „  „  ...       2nd         ...       106 

,,  ,,  ,,  ...       3rd         ...       355 

4th         ...       472 

„  „  „  ...       5th         ...      235 

...       6th         ...       113 

7th         ...         28 

„  „  „  ...       Sth         ...       156 

9th         ...         82 

„  „  ,,  ...     10th         ...         70 

„  ...     11th         ...         98 

...     12th         ...         75 

Dead  limbs 126 


50)  2,126 


Total  contents 


48  loads,  26  feet. 


and,  therefore,  deducting  the  contents  of  the  dead  limbs,  the 
tree  produced  forty-si.Y  loads  of  sound  convertible  and 
converted  wood. 

Process  of  felling  the  tree  : — SLx  of  the  collateral  limbs  were 
first  sawn  off.  Two  stages  were  then  erected,  and  the  tree 
was  cut  from  the  crown  to  the  bottom  in  a  perpendicular 
direction,  and  the  remaining  part  of  the  tree  was  felled  in 
three  parts.  The  quantity  of  bark  was  6-3  cwts.,  and  there 
were  si-vteen  stacks  of  wood.  Fourteen  principal  pieces  were 
used  for  naval  purposes,  and  various  conversions  for  other 
purposes. —  (Signed)  Tuos.  Harrison,  Surveyor  of  H.M.'s 
Dockyard. 

Mr.  Harrison  bought  thetreefor  100  guineas, but  its  real  value 
proved  nearly  £600.  I  may  add  that  the  drawing,  from  which 
the  accompanying  illustration  was  prepared,  was  done  by  a 
very  clever  amateur  artist,  my  brother-in-law,  the  late  William 
Franks,  Esq.,  of  Woodhill,  near  Hatfield,  Herts. 

Golj'nos  IS  on  the  stratum  called  by  geologists  "  the 
old  red  sandstone,"  which  is  so  favourable  to  the  growth 
of  the  Oak.  This  tree  was  thought  to  be  Quercus  peduu- 
culata,  not  Q.  sessiliflora.  Whatever  opinions  may  be  held 
elsewhere  upon  the  merits  of  these  two  varieties  of  Oak, 
none    prevail    in     the    places    of     their    growth.      Quercus 


Aug.  C,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


91 


92 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Aug.  2, 1873. 


Iiodiinculatca  adorns  and  enriches  the  red  soil  of  Monmouth 
and  Hereford.  Qncrcus  sessihflora  prevails  in  the  borders 
of'Walcs,  where  it  is  known  to  be  inferior  both  in  size  and 
in  beauty  to  Q.  pcdunculata.  It  is  of  slow  growth,  and  its 
flat  shining  leaf  tiu-us  to  a  dingy  red,  while  the  lofty  free- 
growing  Quercus  peduuculata  is  still  green  and  vigorous. 
Mr.  Andrew  Knight,  who  was  acquainted  with  the  qualities 
of  both  varieties,  always  maintained  that  the  timber  of 
t)uercus  pedunculata  was  the  firmest  and  best  of  the  two. 
It-ii  Cottage.  Fidluun,  Juh/  20»(,  1873.  R.  C.  Baxee. 


MAGNOLIAS. 
BEAUTiruL  as  Magnolias  of  all  kinds  are,  they  are  by  no  means 
so  commonly  met  with  in  gardens  as  one  could  desire.  About 
twenty  species  belonging  to  this  genus,  all  more^or  less 
deserving  of  cultivation,  are  known  to  botanists.  Naturally 
these  are  distributed  over  the  Southern  States  of  North  America, 
Northern  India,  China,  and  Japan,  and  many  of  them  succeed 
well  in  warm,  moist,  sheltered  positions  in  the  south  of 
England,  producing  multitudes  of  deliciously-scented  flowers 


during  the  spring  and  summer  months.  One  of  the  finest  of 
them  is  the  noble  M.  grandiflora,  which  in  the  Southern  States 
of  America  attains  a  height  of  from  .50  to  100  feet.  Some 
kinds  of  Magnolia  make  noble  ornaments  when  isolated  on 
the  turf  and  protected  slightly  during  severe  weather,  but  a 
sunny  wall  is  the  best  position  for  them,  and  on  warm  soils 
south  of  tlie  Trent  several  species  grow  well  and  flower 
profusely.  Then-  roots  should  be  mulched  daring  winter  with 
stable  litter  or  half-decayed  leaves,  in  order  to  protect  them 
from  hard  frosts.  Magnolias  are  naturally  divided  into  two 
sections,  one  deciduous,  the  other  characterised  by  having 
fine  evergreen  shining  foliage,  much  larger,  but  in  other 
respects  similar  to  that  of  the  common  Laurel.  The  niost 
effective  of  the  deciduous  group  is  M.  conspicua.  which 
flowers  very  profusely  in  spring.  Last  April  wc  saw  a  noble 
specimen  of  this  species  in  the  garden  of  Mr.  Bohn,  at 
Twickenham,  bearing  a  glorious  profusion  of  sweetly-perfumed 
blossoms.  This  specimen  was  about  20  feet  in  height  aud  12 
feet  in  diameter,  bearing  at  the  time  just  indicated  close  on 
two  thousand  flowers  and  unexpanded  buds.  This  species  and 
one  or  two  others  are  admirably  adapted  for  growing  in  small 


pots,  and  prove  very  useful  in  earh'  spring  as  decorative  plants 
either  for  the  conservatory  or  drawing-room.  They  bloom 
from  the  apex  of  nearly  every  twig,  if  the  preceding  year's 
growth  has  been  well  ripened,  and  a  single  flower  is  quite 
sufficient  to  scent  a  room  for  the  evening.  All  deciduous 
kinds  grow  well  grafted  on  M.  discolor  as  a  stock,  which  is 
itself  freely  propagated  either  by  means  of  seed  or  layers. 
For  pot  plants  or  for  dwarf  bushes,  they  may  be  side-grafted 
or  inlaj'ed  on  the  neck  or  collar  of  the  roots  any  time  during 
July  or  August.  After  grafting,  plant  them  out  in  a  close 
frame  for  a  month  or  six  weeks,  and  after  the  union  has  taken 
place,  pot  them  and  set  them  under  a  north  wall,  where  they 
will  soon  get  thoroughly  established.  Seedlings  of  M.  grandi- 
flora make  the  best  stocks  for  all  the  evergreen  kinds.  As 
most  of  the  species  are  raised  freely  from  seed,  it  follows 
that  they  vary  to  a  considerable  extent,  both  in  minor  details 
of  habit,  size  and  colour  of  the  flowers,  and  also  in  time  of 
flowering.  The  following  are  a  few  of  the  best  .species  in 
cultivation  : — 

Narkow-leaved  Magsolia  (M.  acuminata,  S3"ns.  M.  rustica 
and  M.  Penusylvanica). — A  robust  deciduous  species,  met  with 
in  moist  localities  from  New  York  to  Georgia,  growing  from 
60  to  80  feet  high,  and  forming  trunks  4  to  5  feet  in  diameter 
at  the  base.  It  has  dark  green  foliage,  and  showy  flowers 
yellow  inside  and  of  a  glaucous  or  bluish-gray  colour  without. 
It  forms  a  noble  tree  on  the  lawn  in  moist  sheltered  localities, 
and  blooms  from  May  to  July.  Both  this  species  and  M. 
tripelata  have  wood  of  a  dark  brown  or  mahogany  colour.  It 
is  freely  propagated  from  seed,  and,  like  its  congeners,  sports 
into  numerous  varieties  and  sub-varieties. 

Campbell's  Magxolia  (M.  Campbellii). — This  is  a  fine  arbo- 
rescent species  from  the  Himalayas,  where  it  grows  from  100 
to  1-jO  feet  high,  and  bears  large  crimson  and  white  flowers, 
remarkable  for  their  fragrance.  The  flowers  ai-e  quite  as 
large  as  those  of  M.  grandiflora  ;  but  the  plant  is  rare  and  has 
not  3"et  flowered  in  this  country.  It  is  described  by  Dr.  J.  D. 
Hooker  as  flowering  before  the  leavas  appear  in  the  spring. 
This  plant  is  growing  well  in  the  garden  of  Mr.  Crawford  at  Cork, 
and  may  soon  be  expected  to  produce  its  magnificent  flowers. 

Dark-1'lowered  Magnolia  (M.  fuscata). — This  is  a  dwarf 
evergreen  species,  well  adapted  for  cultivation  iu  pots  for 
conservatory  or  greenhouse  decoration.  Its  leaves  are  dark 
green,  and  its  heavily  scented  flowers,  which  are  of  a  dull 
purplish  maroon  or  chocolate  colour,  are  produced  in  tolerable 
abundance  diiring  the  spring  months.  It  does  well  grafted  on 
M.  gi-andiflora.  It  occasionally  forms  a  handsome  little  shrub 
when  planted  in  a  sheltered  position  on  the  lawn,  but  requires 
some  slight  protection  during  the  winter  months.  Flowers  iu 
summer  out  of  doors. 

Large-flowered  Magnolia  (M.  grandifloi-a). — This  is  a 
handsome  evergreen  shrub,  or  rather  small  tree,  either  for  a 
sheltered  position  on  the  lawn,  or  for  planting  near  a  sunny 
wall  or  trellis.  It  is  remarkable  for  its  large  glossy  leaves, 
which  are  bright  green  above  and  covered  with  a  rusty 
tomentum  beneath.  It  produces  large  white  flowers  dui-ing 
the  summer  months.  There  are  several  varieties  of  this  fine 
plaut  in  cultivation,  which  differ  from  each  other  in  the  time  of 
flowering,  size  and  shape  of  the  leaves,  and  other  minor  parti- 
culars ;  but  all  are  worth  cultivation,  and  bear  deliciously- 
scented  blossoms.  It  does  well  iu  sheltered  positions  in  the 
midland  counties,  but  requires  some  slight  protection  during 
sharp  weather.  It  is  a  native  of  swamps  iu  Texas,  Louisiana, 
Florida,  and  other  Southern  States  of  America. 

Swamp  Magnolia  (M.  glauca,  syn.  M.  fragrans). — This  is  a 
dwarf  shrub,  bearing  smooth  leaves  of  a  light  green  colour 
above,  but  glaucous  below ;  hence  the  specific  name.  The 
flowers,  which  are  2  or  o  inches  in  diameter,  white,  and  very 
fragrant,  are  produced  during  summer.  This  species  is  met 
with  in,  and  very  widely  distributed  through,  the  southern 
States  of  North  America.  It  affects  low-lying  moist  valleys, 
margins  of  rivers,  and  swamps,  and  is  a  very  hardj-  species, 
though  not  so  showy  as  some  other  larger-flowered  kinds. 
Like  its  congener,  M.  grandiflora,  this  species  varies  consider- 
ably, two  or  three  of  its  forms  being  tolerably  distinct ;  M.  lati- 
folia,  M.  longifolia,  and  M.  Gordjniana  being  sometimes  met 
with  in  collections  of  hardy  shrubs. 

LTmbrella  Tree  (M.  tripetala). — In  its  native  habitat  this 


Aug.  2,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


93 


is  a  small  spreading  tree  growing  20  to  30  foot  bigh,  but  in 
this  country  it  rarely  attains  halt'  that  size.  Leaves  a  foot 
long, crowded  at  the  tips  of  the  branches;  flowers  large,  white, 
and  sweetly  perfumed.  M.  Prascri  is  by  some  considered  only 
a  form  of  this,  and  is  distinguished  by  its  leaves  being  eared 
at  the  base.     It  is  a  native  of  North  America. 

Laiu;e-i,15avel)  M.\CiNOLiA  (M.  macrophylla). — Another  North 
American  tree,  growing  30  to  -10  feet  high.  The  loaves  are 
2  to  3  feet  long,  cared  at  the  base,  and  covered  with  silvery 
hairs  on  the  under  surface.  The  flowers  are  1  foot  in  diameter, 
and  bell-shaped  and  pure  white  in  colour,  with  a  purple  centre. 
This  is  a  rare  species  in  collections,  but  well  worth  cultivation 
for  its  flue  foliage  alone. 

Showy  Chinese  Magnolia  (M.  Yulan,  syn.  M.  couspicua). — 
This  is  the  most  showy  of  the  deciduous  kinds,  and,  though 
rather  tender,  it  makes  a  noble  spooimcri  either  on  the  open 
lawn  or  trained  along  a  wall.  It  is  a  very  profuse  bloomer, 
the  flowers  being  freel}'  borne  at  the  apex  of  each  well-ripened 
shoot  of  the  preceding  summer.  It  flowers  in  April,  bearing 
sweetly-scented  white  flowers.  A  variety  of  this  plant,  often 
called  M.  Soulangcana,  has  its  petals  tinged  with  purple,  and 


Magnolia  flower. 

flowers  at  the  same  time  as  the  white-floworcd  form.  It  is  a 
native  of  Cliina,  and  requires  mulching  at  the  root  during 
winter.  It  must  also  be  protected  from  the  sun's  rays  after 
sharp  frosts  in  the  spring  or  its  beautiful  flowers  will  turn 
brown,  and  fall  in  many  cases  before  they  open.  Few  spi'ing- 
flowering  shrubs  rival  this  when  in  flower.  Planted  out  in  a 
cool  conservatory  or  winter  garden  it  makes  an  attractive 
specimen  during  the  early  spring  months. 

Heart-leaved  Magnolia  (M.  cordata). — This  is  a  noble 
deciduous  species,  growing  from  30  to  -iO  feet  high  in  its 
native  swamps  of  South  Carolina  and  Upper  Georgia.  It  also 
grows  by  the  margins  of  rivers  and  streams,  and  should  be 
planted  in  a  low-lying  moist  position,  either  on  the  lawn  or  in 
pleasure  grounds.  The  branches  are  stiff  and  somewhat  erect, 
bearing  stalked  heart-shaped  foliage  and  yellow  flowers  from 
3  to  -I  inches  across.  Planted  singly  on  the  lawn  it  forms  a 
flue  object  when  covered  with  its  yellow  blossoms,  which  are 
freely  produced  in  June  and  July. 

Purple-flowered  Magnolia  (M.  discolor,  syn.  M.  purpurea). 
— This  is  a  rather  low-growing  shrub,  with  dark  green 
deciduous  foliage,  and  large  six-petaled  flowers.  On  the 
outside   the  thick  wax-like   segments   are  of  a  deep  uurple 


colour,  and  croamy-white  within.  It  blooms  very  freely  during 
April.  A  variety  of  this  species,  M.  Lennc,  is  a  stronger 
grower,  and  bears  larger  blunt-petaled  flowers,  of  a  reddish 
purple  outside  and  white  withhi.  It  is  of  conthiental  origin, 
and  was  figured  and  described,  in  1864,  as  the  best  of  the 
deciduous  class. 


ORNAMENTAL  HEDGES. 
Living  hedges,  formed  either  of  evergreen  or  deciduous 
flowering  shrubs,  are  in  general  much  better  adapted  for  plea- 
sure-grounds than  formal  dead  fences,  and,  when  judiciously 
placed,  contribute  in  no  small  degree  to  enhance  the  interest 
felt  ill  our  gardens.  Hedges  of  evergreen  shrubs  are  also 
valuable  hi  particular  cases,  as  screens  to  hide  objectionable 
features  either  in  the  garden  or  grounds.  Honeysuckles, 
Hop  plants,  "Virginian  Creepers,  Grape  Vines,  and  many  other 
climbing  and  trailing  plants  make  very  efieotive  fences  during 
the  summer  months,  but  require  a  trellis  or  framework  to 
support  them.  The  golden-leaved  Honeysuckle  (L.  aureo- 
reticulata)  is  well  adapted  for  training  over  a  screen  or  rustic 
timber  fence,  and  boars  cutting  in  with  the  shears,  a  proceeding 
that  improves  its  habit  and  induces  it  to  produce  its  sweetly- 
scented  flowers  in  abundance ;  this  it  seldom  does  if  left 
unpruned.  Many  Coniferous  plants  make  first-rate  fences 
and  screens  for  sheltering  purposes.  Hornbeam  and  Maple 
are  eSective  when  in  leaf ;  and  for  stout  outside  fences  to 
resist  cattle,  we  have  but  few  shrubs  more  useful  than  the 
White  Thorn  commonly  used  for  this  purpose.  Fences  in  tho 
flower-garden  or  jjleasure-grounds  will  require  to  bo  neatly 
clipped  or  trimmed  once  or  twice  during  the  season,  which 
operation  not  only  improves  their  appearance  at  the  time,  but 
also  makes  them  grow  more  close  and  bushy. 
ROSE  hedges. 

Hedges  formed  of  Roses,  or  Sweet  Briar,  or  of  both  com- 
bined in  one  fence,  arc  very  effective.  Such  hedges  are  seldom 
met  with,  and  yet,  when  covered  with  delicately  perfumed 
flowers,  few  fences  have  a  more  pleasing  appearance.  - 
When  planted  in  good  soil  Roses  grow  luxuriantly,  flower  pro- 
fusely, and  bear  any  amount  of  trauiing.  Nearly  any  of  the 
strong-growing  Perpctuals,  Teas,  or  Noisettes  may  be  planted 
for  fences  as  well  as  the  Scotch  and  Ayrshire  kinds.  Gloire  do 
Dijon,  Blairii  No.  2,  Lord  Raglan,  Fortune's  Yellow,  Alba 
(Felicite),  Laura  Davoust  (in  sheltered  situations),  and  Ben- 
nett's Thoresbyana  are  all  good  Roses  for  fences.  Planted  in 
well-trenched  and  well-manured  soil  these  grow  vigorously, 
and  only  require  occasional  training  in  the  way  required,  and 
a  little  thinning  and  pruning  early  in  spring  to  keep  them  in 
good  order.  I  have  no  doubt  that  on  warm  well-drained  soils 
Marechal  Niel  will  make  a  capital  fence  Rose,  as  it  is  well 
known  to  do  remarkably  well  planted  out  iu  several  places 
roimd  London.  I  saw  a  fine  plant  of  it  the  other  day  com- 
pletely covering  a  tall  wire  trellis,  and  making  shoots  in  the 
open  air  as  thick  as  one's  finger.  Roses  for  fences  should  be 
on  their  own  roots,  or  worked  on  the  Manetti  stock,  and  they 
soon  establish  themselves  if  liberally  treated.  During  winter 
they  should  be  mulched  with  a  good  layer  of  rotten  stable 
manure,  which  not  only  protects  but  nourishes  the  roots  also 
when  forked  in  after  all  danger  from  severe  frost  is  past. 
In  pruning,  cut  out  all  the  smallest  shoots,  and  in  the  case  of 
the  weaker-growing  kinds  cut  them  well  back  to  one  or  two 
eyes  ;  but  rolnist  growers  may  only  have  the  unripened  tips  of 
their  shoots  foreshortened. 

deeberis  darwinii. 

A  neat  and  effective  dwarf  fence  may  be  formed  of  this 
Berbcris,  which  blooms  profusely  early  iu  spring,  and  is  robust 
and  bushy  in  habit.  Its  brilliant  orange  fiowers  contrast 
well  with  its  bright  green  foliage,  and  the  plant  can  be  kept 
within  bounds  by  a  judicious  use  of  the  knife.  It  grows 
from  2  to  4  feet  high,  and  in  addition  to  its  being  used  as  a 
fence  it  may  be  employed  with  good  effect  as  a  solitary  specimen 
on  the  lawn.  This  is  one  of  the  prettiest  of  spring-flowering 
shl-ubs,  and,  owing  to  its  frcc-flowering  habit  and  manageable 
size,  admirably  adapted  for  villa  or  suburban  gardens. 
cotoneasters. 

Cotoneaster  micropbylla  makes  a  charming  hedge   plant; 
but  at  first  it   requires  some  slight  support,  and  for  this 


9i 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  2, 1873. 


jiurpose  a  row  of  stout  stakes,  connected  by  means  of  a 
slender  lath  nailed  along  the  top,  is  amply  sufficient.  It  is 
evergreen,  and  makes  a  dense  fence,  bearing  small  white 
flowers  in  spring,  succeeded  by  an  abundant  crop  of  scarlet 
berries,  which  render  the  plant  veiy  ornamental  all  through 
the  winter.  All  the  Cotoncasters  grow  well  in  a  warm  sandy 
or  gravelly  soil,  and  soon  establish  themselves  ;  but  for  fences 
C.  microphylla  is  the  best,  and  it  is  also  a  fine  plant  for  walls 
or  rustic  trellises. 

GORSE    OR   FURZE. 

Common  Gorse  or  Furze,  and  its  double-flowered  variety, 
form  dwarf  fences  on  dry  sandy  soils  of  a  striking  and  effective 
kind.  They  become  in  spring  one  dense  mass  of  golden- 
yellow,  and  are  admirably  adapted  for  planting  on  dry  shelving 
banks,  amongst  rocks,  or  on  the  top  of  a  sunk  fence.  Thus 
situated,  they  hang  over  and  droop  down  the  face  of  the  wall 
in  dense  green  masses,  often  enlivened  even  in  the  depth  of 
winter  with  golden  blossoms.  Furze  is  readily  propagated 
by  means  of  seed  sown,  as  soon  as  ripe,  in  light  sandy  soil. 
In  many  waste  districts  rpiantities  of  seed  may  be  collected, 
or  it  may  be  obtained  from  most  seedsmen. 

SCREENS. 

For  these  common  Yew  is  one  of  the  best  plants  which  can 
be  employed,  forming,  as  it  does,  dense  masses  of  dark  green 
foliage,  especially  if  kept  closely  trimmed  in  with  the  knife  or 
shears.  Hedges  of  this  kind  are  useful  for  cutting  the  JNlelou 
or  frame  ground  off  from  the  rest  of  the  garden,  and  in 
addition  to  Yew  they  may  be  formed  of  Privet,  Box,  Holly, 
Beech,  Abor-vitaj,  Common  Bay,  Portugal  Laurel,  and  several 
other  dense-growing  shrubs ;  few,  however,  answer  the 
purpose  better  than  Yew,  Holly,  Box,  and  Privet,  these  being 
easily  kept  in  order,  and  always  fresh  and  green,  even 
during  winter.  To  form  these  screens  is  not  a  difficult  matter; 
all  that  is  required  is  to  trench  the  ground  2  or  3  feet  deep, 
and  to  add  a  few  barrow-loads  of  well-rotted  manure.  The 
shrubs  may  be  planted  close  together  for  immediate  effect, 
and  should  be  liberally  supplied  with  water  at  the  roots  until 
they  have  become  thoroughly  established.  B. 


PINE  TREES  AT  BOURNEMOUTH. 
This  interesting  and  favoui'ite  watering-place  is  described  as  if  it 
were  a  kind  of  local  Switzerland,  "  a  region  of  Pine-trees."  The 
aborigines  say  that  the  trees  are  like  themselves,  indigenous.  Bat 
this  can  hardly  be,  though  numbers  of  them  may  be  self-sown.  The 
chief  among  them,  and  the  most  aged,  are  patriavchal.  Now  I  shall 
bo  exceedingly  glad,  and,  no  doubt,  so  will  other  readers  of  The 
Gaude.v,  if  some  one  who  knows  Bournemouth,  and  who  can  speak 
with  confidence  as  to  the  history  of  these  trees,  will  state  what  is 
known  about  them.  Also  what  botanical  species  they  are.  There  is 
more  than  one  species,  most  certainly ;  perhaps  there  are  several, 
though  one  is  by  far  the  commonest,  the  short-leaved  piece  which 
I  enclose,  giving  a  fair  idea  of  the  foliage.  The  cones  of  this  are 
about  2  inches  long,  and  depend  vertically.  Another  species,  rather 
plentiful,  is  represented  in  the  long  leaves  (8|  inches)  which  I 
enclose ;  the  cones  are  about  1  inches  long.  Probably  you  can  your- 
self give  the  names  of  these  two  trees,  and  some  one  else  may 
supply  their  history. — L.  [The  short-leaved  one  is  Pinus  sylvestris 
or  Scotch  Fir  ;  the  long.leaved  one  P.  Pinaster  or  Cluster  Pine. — Ed. 
Gaude.v.] 


THE    GARDEN    FLORA. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


Large  Old  Yew  Tree— One  of  the  oldest  trees  in  England  is  said  to  be  a 
Yew  tree  in  Darley  Dale  Churchyard,  Derbyshire.  It  is  calculated  to  be  2,000 
years  old.    It  is  not  very  high,  but  its  trunk  is  33  feet  in  circumference. 

A  Fine  Cotoneaster  microphylla-— We  have  a  specimen  of  this  growing 
here  which  covers  63  feet  of  a  15-feet  wa'l  that  faces  the  south.  It  measures  3 
feet  around  the  stem,  and  when  in  bloom  has  a  striking  appearance,  while,  in 
autumn  and  early  winter,  its  bead-like  red  berries  make  it  the  subject  of  general 
admu-ation.  These  berries  are  often  the  Christmas  dinners  of  scores  of  birds 
thiit  otherwise  would  perhaps  have  little  to  cat.  The  plant  might  have  been 
much  higher  if  the  wall  had  permitted  it ;  but  it  is  kept  clipped  down  every 
year  from  1  to  2  feet,  or  it  would  have  reached  the  bottom  of  the  other  side  of 
the  wall  long  ere  now.— J.  T.,  Maeig ui/ime,  Suiilh  Waka. 

Rhododendrons. — When  these  have  blossomed  very  profusely,  is  it  advisable 
to  cut  them  back?  oris  it  well  to  manure  them?— K.  M.  D.  [After  Ehodo- 
dendrons  have  done  blooming  remove  immediately  the  whole  of  the  seed 
pods.  Manure,  if  used,  should  be  thoroughly  rotted 'stable  dung,  spread  over 
the  surface  of  the  ground  in  autumn  and  spring,  and  should  be  turned  in 
with  a  spud.  If  leggy  or  naked.  Rhododendrons  may  be  cut  back  with 
advantage.  The  best  time  tor  doing  thia  is  about  the  end  of  Jane,  or  just 
after  they  have  done  blooming.] 


NEW  AND  RARE  PLANTS  RECENTLY  FIGURED. 

The  following  have  recently  appeared  in  the  Botatiical  Marjazine  ;— 

The  Tepejilote  Palm  (Charaa3doreaTepcjilote). — A  decorative 
Palm  fi-om  Mexico,  with  a  slender  stem  several  feet  in  height,  termi. 
nated  by  five  or  six  elegantly. curved  pinnate  leaves,  somewhat 
resembling  those  of  C.  elegans.  Its  beauty  is  considerably  increased 
by  its  producing  drooping  clusters  of  catkin. like  spadices,  of  a  bright 
golden-yellow  colour. 

Olivier's  Crocus  (C.  Olivieri). — This  beautiful  species  is  a 
native  of  Greece,  though  originally  discoveicd  in  the  Levant.  It 
blooms  among  the  melting  snow  on  Mount  Parnes,  in  Greece,  during 
the  month  of  March.  The  flowers  are  as  large  as  half-a-crown,  of  a 
bright  orange  colour,  and  very  effective.  It  should  be  added  to  every 
collection  of  alpine  and  herbaceous  plants. 

Bernaya'  Phajus  (P.  Blumei  var.  Bernaysii).— A  striking 
Orchid,  resembling  F.  grauditolius  in  habit  and  mode  of  flowering, 
the  flowers  being  of  a  clear  soft  yellow  colour,  except  the  backs  of 
the  sepals  and  petals,  which  are  creamy  white.  It  has  been 
flowered  by  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  and  Sons,  and  is  a  native  of  Queens, 
land. 

Lebanon  Iris  (Xiphion  Histrio).  —  This  is  a  very  beautiful 
Iridaceous  plant  from  Mount  Lebanon,  nearly  related  to  X.  reti- 
culatam.  It  has  slender  rush-like  leaves,  and  blue  flowers,  streaked 
with  greenish  yellow  and  blotched  with  deep  purple.  It  might  pro. 
babjy  succeed  with  us  out  of  doors  in  a  sheltered  herbaceous  border, 
with  some  sliglit  protection  during  winter. 

Long  leaved  Hypoxis  (H.  lougifolia). — A  beautiful  tufted 
grass-like  herb,  bearing  three  or  four  showy  golden.yellow  flowers, 
at  the  apex  of  slender  hairy  stems.  It  is  a  native  of  Algoa  Bay, 
and  is  a  very  effective  plant,  remarkable  for  its  slender  leaves,  which 
are  about  two  feet  long. 

Sieber's  Crocus  (C.  Sieberi).— This  pretty  little  species  is  the 
commonest  of  all  the  Greek  Croci,  and  is  found  at  elevations  varying 
from  1,000  to  7,000  feet,  frequently  flowering  among  the  melting  snow. 
Its  flowers  vary  in  colour  from  pure  white  streaked  with  purple- 
lilac,  to  deep  purple  with  a  rich  orange  eye.  It  appears  to  be  one  of 
the  earliest  species,  flowering  in  January  and  February. 

The  Showy  Odontoglossum  (0.  vexillarium). — A  magni. 
ficent  species  from  the  Andes  of  Is'ew  Granada,  very  closely 
resembling  the  Miltonias  in  the  eye  and  arrangement  of  its  flowers. 
It  bears  flve  or  six  delicateh'-tinted,  rosy-lilac  flowers,  on  a  grace- 
fully arched  spike,  which  last  a  considerable  time  in  beauty. 

De  Jonghe's  Laelia  (L.  Jonghiana). — A  rare  and  beautiful 
Orchid,  from  Brazil,  having  short  thick  balbs,  and  stout  leathery 
foliage.  Flowers  large,  purplish-crimson,  the  lips  being  white  aC 
the  apex,  and  suffused  with  yellow  and  purple  at  the  base.  It  is  one 
of  the  most  effective  species  in  the  genns,  and  has  flowered  with 
Messrs.  A''eitch  and  Sons. 

Herbaceous  Begonia  (B.  herbacea).  —  An  interesting, 
though  by  no  means  showy,  species,  having  tufted  leaves  and  crys- 
talline white  flowers.  The  female  flowers  are  solitary  at  the  base  of 
the  leaf-stalks,  while  the  male  flow'ers  are  borne  in  clusters  on  stems 
a  foot  high.  It  is  a  native  of  Eio  de  Janeiro,  and  has  flowered  in  the 
Manchester  Botanic  Gardens. 

Sutherland's  Greyia  (G.  Sutherland!). — This  singular  plant 
was  raised  from  seed,  in  1S59,  by  Dr.  Moore,  of  the  Glasnevin  Botanic 
Gardens,  but  never  produced  its  flowers  until  the  spring  of  the 
present  year,  when  it  flowered  in  the  Chelsea  Botanic  Garden.  It  is 
a  robust  shrub,  the  flowers  being  of  a  bright  red  colour,  and  arranged 
in  a  stout,  erect  spike.  At  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  it  forms  a  small 
tree,  growingon  exposed  ridges  at  an  elevation  of  2,000  to  (3,000  feet, 
bearing  as  many  as  a  hundred  flowers  on  a  spike,  and  forming  an 
attractive  object. 

Mount  Atlas  Toad-flax  (Linaria  heterophylla). — A  pretty, 
erect-growing,  white-flowered  annual,  growing  at  the  base  of  the 
Greater  Atlas  (Morocco),  and  somewhat  resembling  our  native  L. 
vulo-aris  in  general  appearance  and  habit.  It  produces  its  flowers 
in  June  and  July  in  an  ordinary  herbaceons  border. 

The  Abyssinian  Primrose  (Primula  verticillata  var.  sinensis). 
— This  is  a  pretty  species,  suitable  for  growing  either  in  pots  or  on 
rock.work,  and  bears  a  profusion  of  bright  yellow  flowers  in  two 
whorls.  It  comes  freely  from  seed  sown  in  light  earth  as  soon  as 
ripe,  and  makes  an  effective  decorative  plant,  well  adapted  for 
gronping  with  its  bright  purple-flowered  congener,  P.  japoniea. 


AcG.  2,  1373.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


95 


A  NEAV  ASPAEAGUS  GATHERER. 
Below  wc  figure  a  very  iugeuious  implement  recently  invented 
by  M.  Borel,  by  the  help  of  which  the  labour  of  gathering 
Asparagus  in  the  usual  way  is  very  much  diminished.  The 
entire  length  of  the  tool  is  1  foot.  In  the  centre  is  a  wooden 
h.andle  about  5  inches  long,  in  one  end  of  which  is  inserted  a 
roundish  steel  fork  2  inches  across,  the  prongs  of  which  are 
slightly  bent  sideways  in  opposite  directions.  At  the  other 
cud  of  the  handle  is  .a  stout  knife,  somewhat  like  a  pruning- 
knife  in  shape,  but  furnished  with  small  teeth  like  those  of  a 
sickle.  The  implement  is  nsed  as  follows; — With  the  forked 
end  the  soil  is  loosened  and  removed  to  a  proper  depth  from 
about  the  Asparagus  shoot,  which  is  tlien  caught  between  the 
prongs  of  the  fork,  and  by  simply  twisting  the  implement,  the 
shoot  is  broken  off  and  drawn  out.  The  knife  end  is  merely- 
kept  in  reserve  for  cases  in  which  the  fork  fails  to  detach  the 


New  Asparagus  Gatherer. 


shoot.  The  commission  appointed  by  the  Erench  Central 
Society  of  Horticulture  to  inquire  into  the  merits  of  this  inven- 
tion, having  fully  tried  itbyiiutting  it  to  a  practical  test  in  an 
Asparagus  bed,  are  nnanimous  in  their  opinion  that  it  is  a  most 
serviceable  and  effective  implement.  The  price  at  which  it  is 
sold  is  3s. 


ON  THE  LEGENDS  OF  CERTAIN  PLANTS. 
Some  plants  are  emblematical  ou  account  of  certain  events  or 
customs:  of  these  are  the  natural  emblems.  The  Rc.se  of  England 
became  especially  famous  during  the  wars  of  the  Roses,  after  wliich 
the  red  and  white  were  united;  and  the  Rose  of  both  colours  is 
called  the  York  and  Lancaster  ;  but  when  these  flowers  first  became 
badges  of  the  two  houses  we  cannot  discover.  The  Thistle  is 
honoured  as  the  emblem  of  Scotland,  from  the  circumstance  that 
once  u])nn  a  time  a  party  of  Danes  having  approached  the  Scottish 
camp  unperceived,  by  night,  w<;re  on  the  point  of  attacking  it,  when 
one  of  the  soldiers  trod  on  a  Thistle,  which  caused  him  to  cry  out, 
and  so  aroused  the  enemy.  The  Shamrock  of  Ireland  was  held  bj' 
St.  Pati'ick  to  teach  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity,  and  chosen  in 
remembrance  of  liim  ;  it  is  always  worn  by  the  Irish  on  St.  Patrick's 
day.  The  Leek,  iu  Wales,  as  a  national  devise,  has  not  been  satisfac- 
torily explained,  otherwise  than  as  the  result  of  its  having  the  old 
Cymric  colours,  green  and  white.  In  France,  the  Fleur-de-Lis,  is  so 
called  as  a  corruption  of  Fleur.de-Louis,  and  has  no  connection  with 
the  Lily,  but  was  an  Iris,  chosen  as  an  emblem  by  Louis  VII.  when 
he  went  to  the  crusades,  and  afterwards  named  after  him.  The 
Olive  is  deemed  an  emblem  of  peace;  probably  Viecause,  ou  account 
of  its  durab  lity  of  growth,  it  was  planted  both  in  Greece  and  Italy  to 
mark  the  limits  of  landed  possessions.  Very  many  plants  owe 
their  celebrity  to  the  healing  properties  with  which  they  are 
probably  endowed,  as  the  common  names  indicate.  Of  these  are 
Self-heal,  Woundwort,  Liverwort,  Lungwort,  Eyebright,  Loose- 
strife, Flea-bane,  .Salvia,  from  salvo,  to  heal;  Potentilla,  from 
potential,  &c.  But  in  many  instances  these  properties  used  to  be 
exaggerated  and  distorted  iu  such  a  manner  that  the  application  of 
certain  plants  in  wounds  and  illness,  merely  as  .a  charm,  superseded 
their  being  used  in  a  way  that  might  be  beneficial ;  and  the  witches' 
caldrons  (like  those  mentioned  in  "Macbeth,"  and  the  old  British 
caldron  of  Ceridween),  which  contained  decoctions  of  all  kinds  of 
pkants,  mystically  prepared,  were  looked  upon  as  all-powerful  remedies 
when  applied  with  strange  rites  and  incantations.  Some  plants 
have  been  famous  ou  account  of  their  poisonous  qualities,  wliich  in 
various  cases  h.ave  made  them  historical.  The  Hemlock  (Conium 
maculatum)  was  formerly  used  in  Greece  as  the  state  poison,  for  it 
was  the  custom  to  put  prisoners  to  death  by  its  means  ;  and  it  is 
believed  that  Socrates,  I'heramenes,  and  Phocion  were  all  condemned 
to  drink  it.  The  Darnel  (Lolium  temulentum)  is  a  Grass,  flowering 
in  July,  which  grows  among  Barley  and  Wheat,  possessed  of 
poisonous  properties  ;  it  is  supposed  to  be  the  Tares  referred  to  in 
the  parable.  The  Monkshood  (.iconitum  Napellus)  is  a  very 
poisonous  plant,  into  the  juice  of  which  hunters  used  to  dip  their 
arrows. — IlarJwicl:' s  Science  Gossip, 

[We  may  add,  in  reference  to  the  Darnel,  that  carefully  conducted 
erperiments,  lately  m.ade  with  it,  prove  it  to  be  harmless.  For  a 
detailed  account  of  these,  see  The  Garden,  vol.  iii.,  p.  228.] 


THE    HOUSEHOLD. 


BOILED  LETTUCE. 
This  is  a  delicious  vegetable,  resembling  Asparagus  or  Seakale, 
and  yet  not  quite  like  either.  Lettuces  may  bo  simply  boiled 
and  eaten  as  other  greens,  but  they  can  be  boiled  and  served  as 
cntremela,  iu  a  variety  of  ways.  Have  ready  some  neatly  cut 
pieces  of  toast  of  a  pale  brown  colour ;  lay  them  on  a  dish,  a 
hot  one ;  let  each  piece  be  of  a  size  to  hold  the  Lettuce  and  one 
poached  egg;  pour  over  the  toast  a  little  of  the  water  and  some 
good  gravy  ;  if  the  latter  be  not  handy,  a  little  fresh  butter  should 
be  spread  on  the  toast  previous  to  pouring  the  water  from  the 
Lettuce  ;  place  on  each  piece  of  toast  enough  of  the  boiled  Lettuce 
to  form  a  ilat  layer;  neatly  trim  the  edges  of  the  vegetable,  and 
place  a  poached  egg  on  the  top.  Or  prepare  some  toast  as  above, 
and  spread  over  each  piece  a  thin  layer  of  anchovy  or  bloater  paste, 
on  which  lay  the  Lettuce;  then  season  to  taste.  To  prepare  the 
Lettuces  for  boiling,  they  should  be  well  cleansed,  .and  the  top  of  the 
leaves,  if  they  have  the  slightest  appearance  of  fading,  should  be 
cut  off;  leave  as  much  of  the  stalk  as  possible,  cutting  off  the  strong 
outer  skin.  When  boiled,  the  stalk  is  the  most  delicious  part.  The 
large  Cos  Lettuce  makes  the  handsomest  dish,  but  we  prefer  the 
flavour  of  the  Drumhead. 


How  I  Eat  Strawberries. — You  have  given  a  receipt  for 
Strawberry  Ice  ;  let  me  commend  to  3-our  notice  the  following  way 
of  eating  Strawberries.  Take  a  quantity,  and,-  divesting  them  of 
their  stalks,  place  them  in  layers  upon  a  dessert  dish,  coatiug  each 
layer  with  pounded  sugar  as  you  proceed.  All  being  ready,  squeeze 
some  Lemon  juice  over  them,  mix  by  means  of  a  turn  or  t\\o  with  a 
spoon,  and  you  have  a  dish  fit  for  a  queen. — A.  W.  P. 

Pickled  Green  Tomatoes.— Cut  iu  slices,  sprinkle  with  salt, 
and  let  them  stand  over  night,  the  same  as  other  pickles.  After 
remaining  twelve  or  fifteen  hours  in  the  brine,  drain  well  and  place 
over  the  fire  in  fresh  water,  changing  it  several  times,  until  nearly 
,all  the  salt  taste  is  washed  out ;  they  should  be  allowed  to  get 
thoroughly  scalded  and  become  partially  cooked.  Now  drain  again, 
and  make  a  syrup  of  a  pint  of  good  vinegar,  3  pounds  of  sugar,  h  ounce 
of  Cinnamon  bark,  and  -}  ounce  of  Cloves.  This  will  make  syrup  for 
a  gallon  of  pickles.  Put  the  Tomatoes  into  the  syrup  when  it  is 
boiling  hot,  and  cook  until  tender;  then  caiefully  lift  them  out  and' 
reduce  the  syrup  by  boiling  it  longer.  After  a  day  or  so  they  should 
be  heated  over,  care  being  taken  to  prevent  the  Tomatoes  from 
being  cooked  too  much. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  HOUSEHOLD. 


The  Best  Way  of  Ro  istiii^  Cheatuuts— In  the  South  of  France  Chestnuts 
are  first  put  into  a  pan  of  cold  water,  i)hieed  on  the  fire,  and  boiled  until  nearlj' 
soft.  They  are  then  taken  out,  each  Chestnut  rcceivintr  a  small  silt  on  the 
rinrl  with  a  knife,  after  which  they  are  put  into  a  large  flat  pan  (an  ordinary 
frying  pan  would  do)  and  tossed  over  a  glowing  fire  until  they  become  dry 
and  mealy. — Dietetic  Reformer. 

Prunes  a  la  Russe. — stew  l  pound  of  Prunes  with  a  little  sugar  and  water 
till  they  are  quite  soft;  take  out  the  stones,  crack  them,  and  put  back  the 
kernels;  then  line  the  inside  of  a  mould  (first  decorated  with  Fptit  Almonds) 
with  the  Prunes,  and  keep  ou  pouring  in  a  little  jelly  (a  small  breakfast- 
cupful  of  jelly  or  d-ssolved  gelatine)  to  make  the  whole  turn  out.  It  luay  be 
made  in  a  mould  with  a  hole,  which  should  be  filled  with  whipped  cream. — S. 

Cucumber  Vinegar  (for  Fish  and  Salads).— Take  fresh  Cucumiters  as 
free  from  t-eeds  as  possible,  wipe  thorn  and  cut  them  into  thin  slices  into  a  jar  ; 
sprinkle  fine  salt  and  plenty  of  pepper  between  the  layers,  and  cover  them  with 
boiling  vinegar.  Secure  them  from  the  air,  and  in  a  month  or  six  weeks  the 
vinegar  may  be  poured  off  clear  into  clean  bottles,  and  closely  corked.  A  little 
Chili  vinegar  improves  the  flavour  of  this  preparation,  and  some  persons  slice  up 
a  mild  Onion  or  two  along  with  the  Cucumbers. 

To  Preserve  Fruits  for  Years.— Take  wide-mouthed  bottles  and  fill  them 
with  Currants,  Cheriies,  Gooseberries,  Raspberries,  or  Strawberries.  Cover  the 
mouths  with  thiu  muslin,  and  place  them  in  a  kettle  of  warmish  water,  not  above 
the  necks  of  the  bottles.  Place  them  over  the  fire,  and  boil  for  twenty  minutes 
after  the  water  first  bubbles.  Now  take  them  out  and  cork  them  tightly, 
putting  sealing-wax  made  of  resin  and  tallow  (two  parts  resin  to  one  of  tallow) 
all  over  the  corks  and  necka  of  the  bottles.  Set  them  in  a  cool  dry  closet  iu  a 
cellar,  heads  downward,  and  the  fruit  will  retain  its  flavour  perfect!}-. — 
S.   O.  J. 

CoolcingPeas-— J^o  vegetable  depends  more  for  its  excellence  upon  good 
cookmg  than  Peas.  Have  them  freshly  gathered  and  shelled,  but  never  wash 
them.  If  they  are  not  perfectly  clean,  roll  them  in  a  dry  cloth;  but  this  is 
seldom  required.  Pour  them  into  the  dry  cooking  dish,  and  put  as  much  salt 
over  them  as  is  required  ;  then  pour  on  boiling  water  enough  to  cover  them  ; 
boil  them  fifteen  minutes  if  they  are  young ;  no  Pea  is  fit  to  cook  which 
requires  more  than  half  au  hour's  boiling.  When  done,  put  to  a  quart  of  Peas 
three  tablesponnfuls  of  butter,  and  pepper  to  your  taste.  Put  all  the  water  to 
them  in  which  they  were  boiled.  The  great  mistakes  in  cooking  Peas  arc  in 
cooking  too  long,  and  in  deluging  them  with  water. 


96 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  2, 1873. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

BROCCOLI  AND  POTATOES. 
In-  o-ardens  of  limited  extent,  and  even  in  some  large  places 
where  the  demand  for  vegetables  is  great,  it  is  not  always 
couvenient  to  set  apart,  and  retain  till  wanted,  large  quarters 
for  each  kind  of  vegetable.     In  many  places,  in  short,  one  crop 
has  freqnently  to  be  planted  before  the  previous  one  has  been 
removed,   and   success   or   failure   in   this  kind   of   croppmg 
deiiends  altogether  upon  the  amount  of  manure  supplied.     For 
years  past  I  have  grown  a  good  portion  of  our  Broccoli  aud 
winter  greens   between   the    rows  of  the    Potatoes,  and   the 
very  hardest  pieces  have  always  been  selected  for  the  Broccoli; 
for  the  firmer  the  laud,  the  better  they  stand  the  severity  of 
the  winter.     They  also  come  into  use  more  regularly  in  rota- 
tion in  their  several  seasons,  and  form  larger  and  closer  hearts 
than  if    planted  in   less  compact  soil.      Broccoli  planted  in 
newly-dug  ground  will  proljably  run  up  quickly  into  luxuriant 
stalks  and   leaves,   and  the    uninitiated   may  think  they   are 
looking  well,  but   they  will    never   make  fine   hearts,  neither 
can  they  be  relied  upon  to  come  in  at  their  proper  season;  the 
chances  are  they  will  throw  up  little  buttons  some  time  during 
the  autumn  and  early  winter,  and  succumb  to  the  first  severe 
frost.   But  in  firm  laud  tho  growth  is  not  hurried,  the  tissues  of 
the  plant  are  built  up  firmly  and,  if  the  land  is  in  good  heart 
from  having  been  well  manured  for  the  previous  crop,  there  is 
no  lack  of  strength  and  robustness,  and  such  plants   will  go 
through  a  vei-y  sharp  winter  indeed  without  any  other  protec- 
tion than  drawing   the  soil   well  round   the  stems  after  the 
Potatoes  are  taken  up.     They  must,  however,  have  plenty  of 
room  to  grow.     They  will  occupy,  with  advantage,  a  much 
larger     space    individually   than    is    usually   allowed   them. 
Supposing  two  rows  of    early   or  second  early  Potatoes  are 
planted  from  20  inches  to  2  feet  apart,  there  should  be  two 
rows  of  Potatoes  between  every  two   rows   of  the    Broccoli, 
which  will  place  the  rows  of  Broccoli  about  3  feet  6  inches  or 
4  feet  apart,  and  this  distance  is  not  too  much,  as  it  gives 
both    crops    plenty    of    room    to    develop   themselves.      The 
Potato  tops  should  be  turned  from  the    Broccoli  to  the  un- 
occupied space  between  each   two   rows   of    Potatoes.  _    The 
best  Broccoli  we  had  this  spring  were  planted  about  this  time 
last  year  with  a  crowbar;  the  holes  were  filled  in  with _  fine 
soil,  and  afterwards  a  thorough  soaking  with  water  was  given, 
which  was  the  only  attention  they  received.        E.   Hobday. 


CAULIFLOWEB. 
In  hot  dry  summers,  it  is  often  difficult  to  produce  really  good 
Cauliflower.  If  May  and  June  are  not  scorchmgly  hot,  the 
earhest  batch  may  turn  out,  as  they  have  done  this  year, 
unusually  good;  but,  under  ordinary  circumstances,  as  the 
summer  advances  they  either  flower  prematurely,  or,  if  the 
plants  attain  to  their  full  size,  instead  of  foi-ming  close  white 
hearts,  they  produce  open  unequally-shaped  heads.  _  For  this 
the  best  i-emedy  is  manure  and  moisture.  Irrigation,  when 
applied  to  soils  liable  to  burn  up  quickly,  is  a  great  source  of 
fertility  ;  but  when  it  has  to  be  carried"  out  by  means  of  the 
watering  pot,  it  is  a  very  fatiguing  and  expensive  operation. 
There  will  probably  come  a  time  when  most  gardens  will  be 
fitted  up  with  convenient  watering  apparatus,  so  that  in  the 
distribution  of  this  necessary  element,  one  man  will  be  able  to 
do  the  work  of  half  a  dozen  in  the  old-fashioned  way.  In 
unsuitable  soils  the  best  plan  to  ensui-e  a  supply  of  Cauli- 
flowers during  the  hot  months,  is  to  select  the  coolest  piece  of 
land  that  is  available  for  the  May  and  June  sowings,  dig  out 
trenches  the  width  of  the  spade  aud  1  foot  deep,  in  the 
direction  in  which  the  rows  are  intended  to  run  ;  put  in  the 
bottom  of  the  trenches  6  inches  of  rotten  manure,  if  so  much 
can  be  spared,  tread  the  manure  down  firmly,  and  fill  in  with 
soil  to  within  3  inches  of  the  top ;  press  the  soil  down  with 
the  head  of  a  rake,  so  as  to  have  a  tolerably  firm  seed  bed, 
draw  a  shallow  drill  along  each  trench,  and  sow  the  Cauli- 
flower seed  thinly  along  the  centre.  When  the  plants  appear, 
thin  them  out  to  15  inches  or  18  inches  apart.  As  the  plants 
advance  in  growth,  draw  a  little  soil  around  their  stems,  and 
mulch  with  manure,  Grass,  or  anything  suitable  that  is  at 


hand.  Such  plants  will  grow  on  unchecked,  and,  if  a  watering 
should  be  necessary,  being  planted  in  trenches,  the  plants  will 
get  the  full  benefit  of  it.  Another  mode  of  planting  Cauli- 
flowers or  other  green  crops,  such  as  Brussels  Sprouts,  &c., 
where  a  maximum  result  is  desired,  is,  after  the  land  has  been 
marked  out  in  the  usual  way  with  a  line,  to  dig  out  holes 
about  a  foot  square,  and  rather  more  deep,  put  a  good  spadeful 
of  rotten  manure  in  the  bottom  of  each  hole,  return  the  soil, 
press  it  down  with  the  feet,  and  dibble  a  plant  into  the  centre 
of  each  space  so  treated.  This  of  course  must  be  looked  upon 
as  a  special  preparation  for  a  particular  crop,  and  in  a  soil  with 
which  it  is  difficult  to  deal.  I  have  cultivated  sandy  loams 
which  might  be  m:inured  and  dug  in  the  hottest  weather 
without  any  necessit}'  to  feel  uneasy  about  obtaining  the 
necessary  solidity,  for  the  first  shower  or  a  good  watering  would 
expel  the  air,  settle  the  soil,  and  the  plants  would  commence 
growth  immediately.  But  other  soils  ai-e  quite  different.  I 
have  known  places  where,  if  the  laud  had  been  dug  deeply  in 
summer,  it  would  be  altogether  useless  for  immediate 
planting ;  and  it  is  under  such  cu'cumstances  that  the  plan  of 
digging  trenches  for  such  crops  as  late  Peas,  Cauliflowers, 
French  Beans,  etc.,  and  placing  the  manure  in  the  bottom  of 
the  trenches  is  so  peculiarly  beneficial.  As  a  rule,  never  dig 
rank  manure  into  an}-  land  that  dries  quickly,  except  in  the 
autumn.  Veitch's  Autumn  Giant  is  a  good  useful  Cauliflower, 
and  the  Walchereu  may  be  relied  on  for  all  seasons.      E.  H. 


EVILS  OF  GROWING  VEGETABLES  AMONGST 
FRUIT  TREES. 
It  is  a  bad  plan  to  permit  large  overgrown  fruit  trees  to  stand  in 
quarters  of  the  kitchen  garden,  which  ought  to  be  solely  devoted  to 
the  cultivation  of  vegetables.  Who  has  not  noticed  the  difference 
in  the  produce  of  vegetable  crops,  when  one  part  has  been  over- 
shadowed by  wide-spreading  fruit  trees,  and  the  other  exposed  fully 
to  the  influence  of  solar  light  ?  When  under  trees,  the  rains,  the 
refreshing  dews,  free  circulation  of  air,  and  other  agencies,  are 
prevented  from  acting  in  a  manner  conducive  to  free  growth.  Fruit 
trees,  whether  standards,  dwarfs,  or  espaliers,  if  growing  on  ground 
devoted  entirely  to  their  cultivation,  can  be  pruned,  root-pruned, 
dressed,  and  trained,  and  receive  all  requisite  attendance,  without 
interfering  with  vegetable  crops.  I  have  often  been  grieved  to  see 
the  havoc  made  amongst  vegetables  in  gathering  fruit  from  trees, 
some  requiring  a  thirty  or  forty. round  ladder  to  reach  their  tops, 
thus  causing  the  vegetables  to  be  broken  down,  and  the  ground 
injuriously  consolidated  for  many  yards  around.  Again,  when  fruit 
trees  are  growing  by  themselves,  their  roots  do  not  receive  such 
injury  as  is  necessarily  the  consequence  when  the  ground  has  to  be  dug 
or  trenched  in  order  to  prepare  it  for  the  growth  of  vegetables.  The 
application  of  stimulating  manures,  necessary  for  the  successful  culti- 
vation of  vegetables,  is  another  source  of  evil  to  fruit  trees,  causing 
a  great  luxuriance  of  growth,  and  consequent  barrenness.  The  remedy 
for  all  this  is  simple :  plant  fruit  trees  in  appropriate  situations 
by  themselves.  Give  vegetables  the  same  chance,  aud  the  results 
will  prove  satisfactory.  Of  course  it  requires  time  to  remedy  the 
intermixture  just  referred  to.  The  cutting  down  of  frnit  trees  must 
of  necessity  be  progressive,  and  should  always  be  executed  by  first 
removing  the  more  worthless  kinds,  and  such  as  have  become  can. 
kered  and  barren.  But  young  trees  should  be  planted  at  once,  in 
proper  situations,  and  brought  into  a  bearing  state  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible. In  the  formation  and  planting  of  new  gai'dens,  this  point 
should  be  especially  attended  to  ;  as  then  the  evil  may  be  prevented 
from  ever  occurring.  I  have  no  doubt  that  most  gardeners  have  felt 
the  annoyance  of  which  I  complain,  and  some  are  anxious  to  remedy 
the  evil,  but  have  existing  prejudices  to  contend  with  on  the  part  of 
their  employers,  who  will  not  allow  trees,  although  absolutely 
cumberors  of  the  ground  in  many  cases,  to  be  cut  down.  I  hope, 
however,  in  due  time  that  these  prejudices  will  yield  to  sounder 
judgment,  and  that  we  shall  see  the  time  when  orchards  will  become 
sirictly  such,  and  the  vegetable  department  be  permitted  to  enjoy 
the  full  influence  of  solar  light,  rain,  and  refreshing  dews.  A. 


Potatoes  Proscribed- — Several  German  writers  predict  that  nations  will 
deteriorate  in  physical  and  mental  characteristics  it  Potatoes  become  a  principal 
article  of  diet,  the  celehrated  Carl  Voight  says  that  "  the  nourishing  Potato 
does  not  restore  the  wasted  tissues,  hut  makes  our  proletarians  physically  aud 
mentally  weak."  The  Dutch  physiologist.  Mulder,  gives  the  same  jmltcment 
when  he  declares  that  the  excessive  use  o£  Potatoes  among  the  poorer  cUlsscs, 
and  coffee  and  tea  by  the  higher  ranks,  is  the  cause  o£  the  indolence  i .' 
nations. 


Aug.  2,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


97 


BARGE'S  ZIG-ZACt  GAS-HEATED  BOILER. 
This  ingenious  invention  for  heating  small  greenhouses  and 
conservatories  consists  of  a  very  small  gas-heated  boiler,  at- 
tached to  hot-water  pipes,  the  boiler  being  so  constructed  that 
by  means  of  a  paii'  of  minute  gas  burners,  aTid  with  a  remarlc- 
abl}'  small  consumption  of  gas,  a  considerable  amount  of  heat 
is  generated.  The  boiler  does  not  contain  more  than  about  a 
pint  of  water,  and  is  so  made  that  the  heat  is  detained  in  the 
midst  of  the  water-charged  plates  long  enough  to  become 
wholly  absorbed  by  them,  and  there  is  absolutely  no  waste.  A 
small  flue  pipe  carries  off  the  products  of  combustion,  and  as  a 
proof  of  the  almost  entire  utilization  of  all  the  heat  generated  l:iy 
the  combustion  of  the  gas,  this  pipe  is  scarcely  warmed.  At- 
tached to  the  little  boiler  is  about  30  feet  of  pipe,  through 
which  the  hot  water  circulates  until  it  rises  at  last  into  a  flat 
double-bottomed  tank,  the  bottom  of  which  is  covered  to  the 
depth  of  about  I3  or  2  inches  with  water.  Tlie  hot  water 
coming  into  this  from  the  pipes  soon  warms  the  whole  tank, 
until  the  sand  (or  other  plunging  material)  on  the  top  can  be 
kept  at  a  tempei-ature  of  from  65°  to  80°,  and  as  it  contains 
about  four  square  feet  of  surface,  it  is  used  for  purposes  of 
propagation.  The  boiler  itself  is  made  of  copper,  23  inches 
square,  and  about  0  inches  long,  enclosed  in  a  cylinder  which 
le.wes  about  half  an  inch  all  round  it.     The  whole  is  then  on- 


Zig-zag  gas-beated  Boiler. 

closed  in  an  outer  cylinder,  also  of  copper,  with  a  half- inch 
vacancy  between.  The  object  of  the  two  cylinders  is  to  pre- 
vent the  gas  being  put  out  at  any  time  by  a  down  draught  (the 
great  drawback  to  all  gas  boilers  hitherto  constructed).  The 
inner  cj'linder,  within  which  is  the  boiler,  can  only  be  affected 
by  an  upward  draught.  If  by  any  means  a  draught  should  Ijlow 
down  the  flue  pipe,  it  impinges  upon  the  top  of  the  inner 
cylinder,  and  passes  out  between  that  and  the  outer  cylinder, 
and  thus  leaves  the  gas  undisturbed.  In  these  times,  when 
every  little  garden  has  its  plant-house  or  conservatory,  we 
cannot,  perhaps,  do  our  readers  better  service  than  direct 
attention  to  this  cheap  and  ready  means  of  heating,  This 
boiler,  which  is  manufactured  by  Mr.  Barge,  Clnirch  Plain, 
Yarmouth,  is  made  in  two  sizes.  What  is  called  the  small  or 
No.  1  boiler  will  heat  from  30  to  40  feet  of  1-inch  wrought 
iron  pipe,  with  a  consumption  of  about  3  feet  of  gas  per 
hour ;  to  facilitate  getting  up  the  heat  cjuickly,  four  burners 
are  fixed  to  the  boiler,  but  when  once  heated  it  only  requires 
two  burners  to  be  kept  alight.  The  same  remarks  apply  to 
the  larger  or  No.  2  boiler,  with  this  exception,  that  it  will  heat 
from  25  to  30  feet  of  2-inch  wrought  iron  pipe,  with  a  con- 
sumptiou  of  about  G  feet  of  gas  per  hour.    To  this  boiler  are 


attached  six  burners,  but  when  once  heated  the  heat  can  be 
maintained  by  using  only  three  Ijurners.  These  boilers  are 
so  constructed  that  they  can  easily'  be  fixed  by  any  ordinary 
mechanic,  and  they  can  be  set  either  inside  or  outside,  the 
house,  but  the  flue  pipe  must  be  carried  to  the  outside  and 
must  not  ))e  smaller  in  diameter  than  the  nozzle  or  outer 
cylinder.  Soft  or  raiu  water  sliould  be  used  for  feeding  the 
boiler  and  pipes. 


PUBLIC    GARDENS. 

A  NOBLE  STATE  PARK. 
In  and  about  this  metropolis,  within  a  radius  of  ten  miles, 
2,000,000  people  ai-e  struggling  for  existence  and  the  right  to 
dwell  on  a  few  square  feet  of  ground.  Within  200  miles  of  us, 
and  easily  accessible,  there  is  a  region  of  several  thousand 
square  jnilcs,  whose  only  permanent  tenants  are  wild  animals 
and  men  scarcely  less  wild,  who  live  by  hunting  them.  It 
used  to  be  known  as  John  Brown's  Tract  ;  more  lately  it  has 
become  customary  to  call  it  by  the  name  of  its  mountain 
range,  simply  "  The  Adii'ondacks."  In  it  a  few  citj'  families 
have,  in  very  recent  years,  found  summer  solitudes  at  one  or 
two  settlements  ;  a  few  entertaining  letters  and  books  have 
sketched  some  prominent  features  of  the  region  ;  but  for  the 
most  part  it  is  as  unknown  to  us  as  the  continents  of  the 
geological  eras^ 

When  the  hright  day-star,  from  his  burning  throne, 
Shone  o'er  a  thousand  shores,  untrodden,  voiceless,  lone. 

It  is,  however,  by  no  means  desolate  ;  it  is  a  land  of  mountains, 
lakes,  and  forests,  and  is  deeply  interesting  alike  to  profes- 
sional naturalists  and  the  mere  lovers  of  nature. 

Mr.  Vei'planck  Colvin,  a  citizen  of  Albany,  New  York,  has  a 
penclicDif  for  this  wilderness.  He  has  travelled  much  in  it, 
and  surveyed  it  instrumentally,  chiefly  as  a  labour  of  love. 
About  a  year  ago  the  New  York  Legislature  appointed  a  Com- 
mission of  State  Parks  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of 
making  the  Adirondack  region  a  public  park.  Mr.  Colvin  is 
one  of  the  commissioners.  A  small  appropriation  partially 
paid  the  expenses  of  a  more  thorough  survey  than  had  ever 
been  made  before  ;  and  Mr.  Colvin  has  thus  been  able  to' 
ascertain  several  errors  in  previous  descriptions,  so  important 
that  they  entirely  change  the  map  of  the  region.  The  sur- 
veying party  went  up  and  down  the  sides  of  mountains,  which 
are  so.  closely  packed  that,  from  one  of  the  more  importans 
stations,  sixty  measured  horizontal  angles  represented  at 
many  visible  peaks,  each  accessible  only  through  track- 
less woods,  vith  no  sign  but  the  compass  for  a  guide. 
Mountains  are  there,  from  3,000  to  4,000  feet  in  alti- 
tude, as  yet  nameless  and  unascended.  Even  the  most 
rugged  and  mountainous  portion  of  this  wilderness  is 
but  a  day's  journey  from  Plattsburgh,  a  large  town,  reached 
by  steamboats,  on  Lake  Champlain.  Yet  is  the  solitude  of 
the  region  unbroken.  Even  its  romantic  waterfalls  are  not 
yet  spoiled  by  modern  names.  On  the  western  side  of  Wallface 
Mountain,  where  the  brooks  trend  to  the  Raquette  River,  the 
explorers,  wandering  through  a  marshy  forest,  hazy  with 
thick,  bewildering,  driving  clouds,  at  an  altitude  of  3,131  feet, 
came  upon  a  lake  of  large  size,  not  indicated  on  any  map, 
whose  shores  had  probably  never  before  been  visited  by 
civilised  man.  "  It  was  a  wild,  unearthly  place  ;  and,  in  reply 
to  the  subdued,  muttered  words  of  the  guides,  came  the 
sudden  snort  of  a  deer  as  he  fled  at  our  approach."  In  the 
successful  endeavour  to  ascend  Mount  Seward  from  its  eastern 
face,  it  was  found  that  previous  travellers  had  mistaken  for 
that  mountain  what  was  really  the  summit  of  another,  known 
as  Ragged  Mountain.  Between  these  mountains,  and  at  its 
lowest  part,  3,0-50  feet  .above  sea  level,  is  a  gorge  a  thousand 
feet  in  depth,  filled  with  forest,  the  ledges  on  its  cliffs  gi-een 
with  Mos.s  and  stunted  trees.  The  Indians  have  named  this 
Onluska  Pass—"  the  place  of  shadows."  Mount  Seward  was 
for  the  first  time  ascended  in  1870,  by  Mr.  Colvin.  That 
ascent  was  made  from  the  south  side.  The  height  had  pre- 
viously been  estimated  at  5,100  feet.  Mr.  Colvin's  first 
measurement  brought  it  down  050  feet;  th.at  of  1872,  with 
far  more  accurate  instruments,  still  further  reduced  its  height, 


98 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  2.  1873. 


determining  it  as  4,34'8  feet.  This  mountain,  a  fair  type  of 
the  rest,  is  Labradorite  rock  or  hypersthcne  granite;  frag- 
ments from  its  summit  exliibit  crystals  of  opalescent  feldspar, 
and  magnetic  iron  occurs  throughout  in  scattered  masses. 

Travel  in  this  wilderness  embraces  such  incidents  as  we  find 
in  Cooper's  novels.  Indian  guides  are  requisite.  A  canoe  is 
the  only  cr.aft  to  ascend  the  Raquctte,  a  river  so  tortuous  that 
a  profane  myth  declares  that  the  world  could  liave  been  made 
in  five  days,  had  not  a  sixth  been  occupied  in  creating  the 
crooks  in  that  extraordinary  stream.  Each  of  the  party  is 
armed  with  a  hunting  knife  and  a  revolver.  Three  days'  pro- 
visions are  carried  in  a  pack.  Prepai-ation  has  to  be  made 
against  accidents  as  well  as  against  hunger,  though  only  from 
the  latter  do  Mr.  Colvin  and  his  assistants  seem  to  have 
frequently  suffered.  A  hatchet  to  "  Ijlazo  "  the  path  by  cutting 
a  mark  on  the  trees  about  every  .i>0  or  100  feet,  forms  a  part 
of  the  guide's  equipment.  At  night  the  party  are  wrapped  in 
heavy  blankets,  with  the  roots  of  trees  for  pillows  and  the 
forest  for  a  canopy,  and  with  a  fire  glowing  at  their  feet. 
Sometimes  a  shanty  of  Balsam  boughs  is  improvised ;  some- 
times one  of  logs  left  by  some  hunters,  or  a  bark  wigwam  of 
departed  Indians,  is  found  and  made  serviceable.  In  one 
instance  the  shanty  catches  the  sparks  of  the  camp  fire,  and 
the  occupants  are  burnt  out  in  the  middle  of  the  night  as 
effectually  as  if  they  had  been  at  Chicago.  A  deserted  ironworks 
offers  one  night's  shelter;  the  "  camp  "  of  a  hospitable  ti-apper 
on  a  lake  shore  at  1,700  feet  altitude  furnishes  another. 
Wood-craft  is  called  into  requisition,  and  otherwise  inaccessible 
cliffs  are  scaled  by  using  the  rope-like  roots  of  trees.  Canoes 
are  constructed  on  the  spot  to  navigate  lakes  that  white  men 
have  never  seen  before.  Wild  animals  approach  the  sleepers 
by  night ;  bones  and  fragments  of  deer  killed  and  torn  to 
pieces  by  panthers  are  discovered  in  the  morning.  A  tree  is 
noticed  whose  bark  and  wood  bear  marks  of  the  claws  of  some 
savage  beast.  Abundant  traces  are  found  of  bears  which  feed 
upon  wild  Ijei-ries  in  the  open  glades.  Near  the  base  of 
Mount  .Marcy  a  noble  deer-honud  that  had  evidently  lost  his 
way  and  his  owner  joined  the  party;  no  deficiency  of  provi- 
sions, no  hardships  ot  ascent  and  descent  discouraged  the  new 
comer.     He  proved  a  permanent  acquisition. 

The  carpet  of  this  wilderness  is  a  deep,  wet,  sphagnous 
Moss,  like  wet  snow  or  a  sponge  filled  with  ice-water,  that 
keeps  the  feet  of  travellers  uncomfortably  cold.  To  procure 
excellent  drinking  water,  it  was  only  necessary  to  pull  away 
the  Moss.  AVith  a  rubber  blanket  spread  upon  it,  this  green 
carpet  became  a  delicious  mattrass  for  the  nigVit.  In  summer 
the  level  Moss  swamps  have  the  ap])earancc  of  velvet ;  in 
winter  they  are  liable  to  be  mistaken  for  lakes.  These  peaty 
masses  contain  the  sources  of  our  rivers.  When  the  forests 
are  cut  down  the  ]\Ioss  withers  and  disappears ;  when  the 
woods  take  fire,  the  Moss  as  well  as  all  the  soil  which  can 
support  vegetation  (being  in  fact  a  mei'e humus),  is  destroyed; 
nothing  but  the  bare  rocks  remain.  The  writer  was  credibly 
informed  last  year  that  during  the  great  forest  fires  in  that 
region  a  large  surface  of  rock  was  intensely  heated,  so  that 
when  rain  fell  upon  it  a  sort  of  explosion  took  place,  rending  it 
into  fragments.  G  reat  fires  are  usually  due  to  the  carelessness 
of  camping  parties,  and  their  eft'ects  are  irremediable.  Bald 
Mountain  is  a  desolate  monument  of  one  of  these  fires ;  its 
sides  are  ghastly  with  crundjling  trtmks  of  burned  trees. 
Principally  to  fire  and  the  axe  must  be  attributed  the  recog- 
nised diminution  of  water  supply  in  the  principal  rivers  and 
canals  of  the  State  of  New  York,  already  ottering  serious 
obstructions  to  commerce.  But  there  are  also  seen  large 
spaces  where  the  growing  timber  seems  to  have  suffered  an 
unaccountable  blight  ;  districts,  once  covered  with  noble 
Spruce  trees,  where  now  there  is  only  dry  rot  and  decay. 
There  are  other  spaces  where  "  wind-slashes"  have  prostrated 
all  the  trees.  The  population  of  this  region,  except  as  to  the 
few  settlements  favoured  by  summer  visitors,  has  been  for 
years  gradually  diminishing,  and  there  are  many  hamlets 
long  since  deserted.  The  great  West  has  offered  a  more 
profitable  field  to  the  hardy  hunters  and  trappers,  who  alone 
could  find  in  the  Adirondacks  the  means  of  supporting  life. 

Great  were  the  successes  of  the  present  exploration.  Where 
three  large  lakes  were  laid  down  upon  the  maps,  it  was  found 
that  but  two  existed,  and  those  of  a  radically  different  form. 


Thousands  of  features  of  the  wilderness — mountains,  streams 
lakes — had  been  misplaced  or  totally  omitted.  Mount  Marcy, 
the  summit  and  centre  of  the  Adirondack  range,  was  fouiul 
to  be  miles  away  from  the  locality  assigned  to  it.  ]\Iount 
Whiteface,  by  this  and  a  previous  survey,  was  determined  as 
2,200  feet  higher  than  originally  described.  Snowy  Mountain 
is  a  hitherto  unnamed,  unknown  peak  (whose  locality  in  the 
maps  appeared  as  a  level  plain),  which  Mr.  Colvin  ascended 
and  measured  as  3,8.59  feet  above  tide-water.  The  guides 
proposed  to  call  another  nameless  mountain,  of  similar  height, 
after  Mr.  Colvin.  The  true  source  of  the  Hudson  Kiver  was 
discovered  and  correctly  mapped.  It  is  a  lake  to  the  south 
of  Mount  Marcy,  and  is  1,400  feet  higher  than  the  lakes 
hitherto  regarded  as  the  highest  sources  of  New  York's 
greatest  river.  The  preservation  of  this  mountain  region  as 
a  public  park  will  prove  a  measure  of  the  highest  practical 
wisdom.  W.  WvcKOi'r. 

Nein   Yoi-l-.    ^ 

[This  article  was  sent  to  us  accompanied  by  a  sketch  of  a 
beautiful  scene  in  the  district  to  which  this  account  refers.] 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 
PRIVATE   GARDENS. 

Conservatories. — Although  most  kinds  of  indoor  plants  will 
now  have  completed  their  growth,  they  should  nevertheless  still 
receive  abundance  of  water,  be  kept  far  apart  to  prevent  crowding, 
and  have  plenty  of  ventilation.  Snch  as  are  in  flower  on  front 
stages  will  still  be  benefited  by  a  little  shading.  Amongst 
plants  at  present  in  bloom  are  —  Passion-flowers,  Hydrangeas, 
Fuchsias,  Pelargoniums,  Begonias,  Campanulas,  Carnations,  Ileaths, 
Clerodendrons  of  the  Kajmpferi  section.  Lilies,  Petunias,  Mitraria 
coccinca,  Tritonia  aurea,  Heliotropes,  shrubby  Calceolarias,  Lobelias, 
Leschenaultias,  Agapanthus  umbellatus,  Hippeastrums,  Vallota  par. 
purea,  Witsenia  corynibosa,  late  blooming  Clematises,  Vinca  ocnlata 
red  and  white,  Lantanas,  Bouvardia  angustifolia  and  Vreelandii, 
Lasiandra  macrantha,  Franciscea  eximia,  Achimenes,  Gloxinias, 
Lapagerias,  Roella  ciliata,  AUainandas,  Asclepias  curassavica,  and 
others.  lutrodnce  from  frames,  pit.s,  and  greenhouses  successions  of 
flowering  and  fine-leaved  plants,  and  those  turned  out  to  accommo- 
date them,  if  annuals  or  biennials,  and  seed  sowing  is  not  an  object, 
should  be  discarded  at  once  ;  perennials  should  be  retained,  and 
have  their  flower  spikes  cut  off,  and  the  plants  placed  on  north 
borders,  or  if  necessary  potted  and  placed  in  frames.  Greenfly, 
thrips,  mealy  bug,  and  scale  must  be  vigilantly  searched  for  and 
destroyed. 

Soft--wooded  Greenhouse  Plants.— Re.pot  and  place  in  pits 
some  zonal  Pelargoninms  for  late  blooming,  and  pot  off  rooted 
cuttings  of  show  varieties.  Keep  up  a  succession  of  Fuchsias  in 
flower,  and  thiu  out  the  exhausted  shoots  of  large  plants  and  those 
used  as  climbers,  so  as  to  always  have  a  good  stock  of  young  shoots. 
Of  Gomphrena  globosa  have  a  good  stock  of  plants,  both  in  flower  and 
coming  forward  ;  they  may  be  treated  like  Balsams,  but  less  libe- 
rally, and  should  be  protected  from  heavy  rains.  Preserve  some  of 
the  best  flowered  Balsams  for  seeding  purposes  ;  keep  plants  of  them 
for  late  blooming  gradually  shifted  as  they  require  it,  and  keep  the 
flower.bnds  picked  off  until  a  short  time  before  they  are  required  to 
open.  Balsams,  as  well  as  Cockscombs  and  other  Celosias,  should  be 
grown  in  cool  pits,  with  the  sashes  removed  during  the  day  and 
replaced,  but  tilted  up,  at  night.  Sow  Mignonette  in  pots;  thin  out 
advancing  plants,  and  shift  them,  if  necessary,  into  larger  pota 
without  injuring  their  roots.  Sow  the  latest  batch  of  hybrid  Calceo. 
larias,  and  prick  off  or  pot  singly  plants  from  previous  sowings. 
Cineraria  seedlings  or  offi-sets  should  be  shifted  when  necessary, 
using  a  rich  soil  for  the  purpose,  and  place  the  plants  on  a  layer  of 
gravel  or  ashes,  in  a  frame  with  a  north  aspect.  Pot  on  Chinese 
Primroses,  nsing  a  light,  rich  soil,  and  pinch  and  grow  on  moderately 
Bouvardias  for  winter  blooming.  Keep  hybrid  herbaceous  and  other 
Begonias  as  near  the  glass  as  possible,  and  shade  them  a  little  from 
bright  sunshine.  B.  Weltoniensis  is  one  of  the  best  compact  autumn 
blooming  plants  which  we  possess.  When  Begonias  become  pot 
bound  give  them  a  little  manure-water  occasionally.  Propagate 
this  class  of  plants  by  means  of  seed  and  cuttings ;  bnt  be  careful 
not  to  cover  the  cuttings  with  a  bell  or  hand-light,  as  they 
strike  better  without  such  assistance.  Young  Hydrangeas  for 
September  blooming  should  be  kept  moderately  close  and  well 
watered ;  but  old  stocks  that  were  potted  in  spring  and  since 
plunged  out  of  doors,  or  which,  having  their  roots  cut  round,  are  now 
lifted  and  placed  in  large  pots,  will  also  yield  a  great  quantity  of  late 


Aug.  2,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


99 


blooms.  Pot  a  few  plants  of  the  common  and  larger-growing 
varieties  of  Musk  in  rich  soil,  and  grow  them  against  a  wall 
with  a  north  aspect,  for  blooming  between  September  and 
Christmas.  Keep  the  different  varieties  of  Monochaitum  in 
a  growing  temperature,  and  pinch  them  in  no  longer.  Give 
Chrysanthemums  plenty  of  manure-water,  and  take  off  and 
strike  a  few  flowering  points  for  dwarf  plants.  Tall  plants  produce 
the  best  single  blooms,  and  pyramidal  or  mushroom  trained  ones  the 
greatest  profusion  of  flowers.  Nerines  that  have  done  blooming 
should  be  kept  moderately  dry  ;  and  Cyclamens  should  be  examined 
and  watered  a  little  more  liberally  than  they  have  been,  Lantanas, 
particularly  one-year-old  plants,  if  kept  pinched  until  now  and  grown 
on  moderately,  will  have  formed  good  plants  that  will  continue 
flowering  for  a  long  time.  Keep  succession  plants  of  Coleus  in  open 
frames,  merely  protecting  them  from  wind  and  rain  ;  in  this  way 
they  grow  freely  and  stubbily,  and  seldom  require  pinching.  A  few 
Coleuses  may  be  propagated  for  keeping  through  the  winter,  as 
young  well-hardened  or  half-starved  plants  keep  better  than  old  ones, 
and  in  si>ring  under  exciting  treatment  they  readily  take  to 
growing  and  yield  plenty  of  cuttings.  The  same  remarks 
are  equally  applicable  to  Iresines,  Centaureas,  and  Alternantheras. 
Lilies,  as  soon  as  done  flowering,  should  be  placed  in  a  sheltered  posi- 
tion out  of  doors,  and  watered  a  little  until  their  stalks  have 
withered,  when  the  pots  may  be  laid  on  their  sides  to  prevent  wet 
getting  to  their  bulbs.  Treat  succession  plants  liberally,  as  well  as 
those  of  Campanula  pyramidalis.  Where  Dahlia  imperialis  is  grown, 
the  plants  should  have  been  kept  out  of  doors  from  June  till  now,  and 
then  introduced  into  a  littlo  heat,  when  they  will  soon  expand  their 
flowers.  Salvias  form  excellent  winter-flowering  plants,  and  old 
plants  may  be  started  now  for  that  purpose,  and  young  ones  for 
winter  and  early  spring  nse. 

Stoves. — Hero,  as  in  other  plant  houses,  our  chief  object  should 
be  to  get  the  wood  well  ripened.  Ventilate  well  in  the  tirst  part  of 
the  day,  close  early,  and  shade  moderately.  Train  out  the  shoots  of 
Dipladenias  along  the  roof.  Store  away  in  dry  places  Achimenes 
and  Gloxinias  that  have  flowered  early,  and  grow  on  moderately 
Gesneras  of  the  Exoniensis  section.  Transfer  such  AUamandas  as 
have  come  well  into  bloom  to  the  conservatory,  where  they  continue 
longer  in  perfection  thau  in  warmer  quarters.  Thin  out  the  shoots  of 
BougainvillBeas  as  soon  as  the  flowers  are  shed,  preserving  only  such  as 
are  necessary  for  next  year's  work.  Keep  AphelandraRoezlii  in  a  grow- 
ing condition  ;  this  is  one  of  the  best  and  most  showy  of  winter.bloom- 
ing  plants.  Some  of  the  earliest  started  Caladiums  may  be  permitted 
to  go  to  rest,  as  may  also  early  bloomed  plants  of  Clerodendron 
squamatum,  &c.  Plants  of  Euphorbia  Jaoquiniajflora  and  Poinsettia 
pulcherrima  should  "be  encouraged  to  make  growth,  and  should  be 
kept  near  the  glass.  The  general  stock  of  young  plants  may  be 
re-potted  and  kept  growing  a  little  throughout  the  whole  year.  Libonia 
floribunda  and  Sericographis  Ghiesbreghtianashould  now  be  permitted 
to  grow  without  further  pinching ;  they  will  form  good  blooming 
plants  for  winter  use.  Preserve  a  young  stock  of  Torenias,  Pentas, 
Scutellarias,  Centradenias,  Thyreacanthus,  &c.,  as  well  as  of  fine- 
leaved  plants  for  decorating  the  front  stages,  baskets,  and  apart- 
ments. Most  of  the  stove  plants  may  now  be  increased  by  means  of 
cuttings  made  of  the  half.ripe  wood,  as  well  as  from  seeds.  Keep 
Gardenias  in  a  vapour-bath,  a  mode  of  treatment  that  applies  equally 
well  to  the  Eucharis  amazonica,  and  to  Marantas  and  Alooasias. 
Stove  aquariums  should  be  kept  clean  from  Conferva3,  as  well  as 
from  the  decaying  leaves  and  flowers  of  Nymphajas,  Nelumbinms, 
and  other  aquatics. 

Orchids. — Amongst  such  as  are  now  in  flower  one  of  the  most 
showy  is  Aerides  quinquevulnerum.  The  chief  object  to  be  aimed 
at  now  must  be  the  maturation  of  the  pseudo.bulbs,  and  for  that 
purpose  the  plants  require  plenty  of  light,  and  should  be  set 
pretty  far  apart.  Plenty  of  water  must  still  be  given  at  the  root, 
overhead,  and  in  the  atmosphere,  and  attention  must  be  paid  to  the 
eradication  of  all  insect  pests.  During  warm  weather,  iire.heat  may 
be  dispensed  with  even  in  the  East  Indian  house,  and  such  plants 
as  Masdevallias,  Odontoglossnms,  Miltonias,  &c.,  grow  much  better 
at  this  season  without  than  with  it. 

Perns. — While  the  weather  is  fine,  fire-heat  may  almost  be 
dispensed  with,  provided  Ferneries  containing  tender  plants  are  shut 
up  early.  Shading  should  still  be  used  during  strong  sunshine,  for 
the  young  fronds  are  yet  tender  and  the  sun's  rays  powerful. 
Abundance  of  water  must  be  given  at  the  roots,  and  a  gentle 
syringing  overhead  to  Aspleniums,  Polypodiums,  &c. ;  but  Adiantums, 
Nothochltenas,  and  Gymnogrammas  prefer  having  their  leaves  kept 
dry.  A  moist  atmosphere  must  be  maintained,  especially  in  the 
tropical  Fernery.  Thick  shading  must  be  used  in  the  case  of  filmy 
Ferns,  which,  if  in  cases,  may  be  assisted  by  green  gauze  in  addition 
to  the  ordinary  canvas  outside,  or  a  thick  coating  of  paint  may  be 


rubbed  over  the  glass  outside.  They  must  be  kept  cool  and  in  a 
moist  atmosphere,  and  gently  dewed  overhead  daily.  Take  off  and 
wipe  the  bell-glasses  used  for  covering  them  every  day,  or  wipe  the 
glass  inside  the  cases,  so  as  to  preserve  a  sweet  and  genial  atmo- 
sphere. Greenhouse  Ferns  require  to  be  kept  cool  and  in  well 
ventilated  houses  or  pits,  and  hardy  Ferns  in  pots  should  be  placed 
in  frames  having  a  northern  aspect,  or  they  may  be  set  against  a 
wall  having  a  similar  position.  Seedling  Ferns,  which  may  now  bo 
picked  up  on  the  surface  of  pots,  damp  walls,  paths,  old  stages,  and 
amongst  Orchids,  should  be  selected,  potted,  or  inserted  in  wire 
baskets,  or  they  may  be  left  where  they  are,  for  yielding  fronds  for 
associating  with  cut  flowers  during  winter  and  spring.  The  usual 
routine  of  sowing  and  pricking  off  these  must  be  attended  to,  as  well 
as  the  re-potting  of  all  seedlings,  which  should  be  kept  in  a  quick- 
growing  condition  until  they  are  twelve  months  old,  by  which  time 
they  will  have  become  good  specimens. 

Azaleas. — The  eai'liest  Azaleas  should  now  have  completed  their 
gi'owth  and  formed  well-developed  flower-buds  ;  therefore,  remove 
them  to  cooler  quarters  that  are  light  and  well  ventilated.  Water 
them  plentifully  at  the  roots,  but  not  overhead,  aud  maintain  a  moist 
atmosphere  by  spilling  plenty  of  water  about  the  floor  and  on  the 
stages.  Indeed,  towards  the  end  of  this  month  all  the  plants,  both 
early  and  late,  should  be  transferred  to  cooler  houses ;  but  on  no 
account  put  them  out  of  doors.  Pick  off  withered  leaves,  and  destroy 
thrips,  scale,  and  any  other  depredators  that  may  make  their  appear- 
ance. No  more  pinching  of  the  shoots  should  be  done  now  ;  on  the 
contrary,  the  maturation  of  the  wood  should  be  the  main  object  kept 
in  view.  It  is  a  curious  fact,  however,  that  young  Azaleas  may  be 
treated,  for  the  flrst  twelve  or  eighteen  months  after  being  grafted 
and  re-potted,  as  cool  stove  plants,  with  beneficial  effects  in  the  way 
of  securing  a  strong  and  rapid  growth  ;  and,  if  properly  attended  to 
in  the  matter  of  pinching,  they  will  form  excellent  and  stnbby  plants. 
Those  plants  that  were  grafted  about  the  end  of  June  and  first  of 
July  will  now  have  taken  well ;  therefore,  the  ligatures  should  be  cut 
away,  and  the  plants  re-potted  from  thumb-pots — which  are  commonly 
used  for  stocks  that  are  to  be  grafted — into  60-sizcd  ones,  and  still 
kept  moderately  close.  Proceed  with  the  grafting  of  these  plants,  if 
not  already  finished,  as  recommended  last  month. 

Camellias. — Large  plants  of  these,  now  that  their  wood  is  pretty 
firm  and  their  flower-buds  well  developed,  should  be  placed  out  of 
doors  in  shady  sheltered  places,  and  their  pots  should  be  fixed  in 
position  by  means  of  three  or  four  stakes  driven  into  the  ground. 
Syringe  every  fine  afternoon,  so  as  to  keep  them  fresh  and  clean. 
Such  plants  as  are  not  placed  out  of  doors  should  bo  kept  in  cool, 
light,  airy  houses,  their  leaves,  if  dirty,  should  be  washed,  and  the 
plants  should  be  kept  well  watered.  Young  growing  plants,  if 
necessary,  may  be  re-potted,  and  also  spring  grafted  plants.  Tho 
ligatures  may  in  nearly  all  cases  now  be  removed  from  the  latter  ; 
lateral  growths  on  the  stocks  rubbed  off,  and  part  of  the  points  of 
the  stocks  cut  off  if  the  scions  are  making  good  progress.  Proceed 
with  the  grafting  of  Camellias  as  directed  last  month,  and  propagate 
an  additional  quantity  of  stocks  of  C.  japonica  from  cuttings.  If  a 
portion  of  a  north  wall  in  any  cool  house  can  be  devoted  to  this  sort, 
its  young  shoots  may  be  used  every  August  for  propagating  for 
stocks.  A  close  frame  or  a  very  gently  heated  bed  is  the  most 
suitable  place  in  which  to  strike  them.  If  last  year's  cuttings,  when 
rooted,  have  been  potted  singly  and  grown  on  favourably  since, 
they  may  now  be  turned  out  into  a  cold  pit,  so  as  to  get  their  young 
wood  well  ripened.  They  will  then  be  in  a  good  condition  for 
"  working  "  on  next  year. 

Heaths. — Conspicuous  amongst  such  kinds  as  are  in  bloom  are 
Mamockiana,  Liudleyana,  Massoni  major,  gemmifera,  Anstiniana, 
tricolor  and  its  varieties,  Douglasii,  Paxtoniana,  ampullacea,  Williamsii, 
rubens,  retorta,  Savileana,  vestita  rosea,  ventricosa  tricolor,  jubata, 
Aitonlana  and  its  varieties,  aud  several  others.  Pick  off  decayed 
blooms,  and  encourage  the  ripening  of  the  wood  by  fully  exposing  the 
plants,  either  by  plunging  them  out  of  doors  in  a  bed  of  ashes,  or  by 
keeping  them  in  pits  or  frames  that  are  well  ventilated  night  and 
day.  No  more  pinching  should  be  done  now,  unless  it  be  to  remove 
any  useless  growths  in  the  centre  of  large  specimens,  which  growths 
are  generally  very  weakly  and  subject  to  disease.  Do  not  water  the 
plants  overhead,  but  supply  them  liberally  at  the  root,  and  pour  plenty 
of  water  about  the  floor  of  the  house  or  on  the  beds.  Any  young 
plants  that  were  pricked  off  three  in  a  small  pot  in  the  spring  may 
now  be  potted  off  singly  and  placed  in  a  cool  frame. 

Roses. — Cut  away  useless  shoots  and  suckers,  aud  shorten 
rampant  aud  encroaching  growths.  Give  abundance  of  water  during 
dry  weather,  and  in  the  first  fortnight  of  this  month  the  shoots  that 
have  yielded  their  blooms  may  still  be  cut  back  to  a  few  eyes,  so  as 
to  induce  them  to  produce  fresh  flowering  branchlets  for  late  bloom, 
ing.     Old  flowers  should  be  removed  as  soon  as  they  begin  to  fade, 


100 


THE   GAEDBN. 


[Aug.  2,  1873. 


otherwise  they  have  a  littery  appearance.  Proceed  with  budding  as 
Bpeedily  as  possible,  beginning  with  the  Briar  stock,  which  may  be 
operated  on  successfully  until  the  end  of  the  present  month,  and 
tho  Manetti  until  the  eud  of  September.  About  the  end  of  the  fourth 
or  lifth  week  after  budding  remove  the  ligatures,  if  tho  buds  have 
taken  well,  and  do  not  permit  any  shoots  to  emerge  from  the  stock 
nndorneath  tho  inserted  bud. 


BATTBRSEA   PARK   IN   1873. 

THE    SUB.THOPICAL    GAKDEN. 
This   will  not   be  at  its  best  until  the  end  of  the  mouth.     Cannas, 
as    on   former   occasions,   form   the  bulk   of   several   of    the   large 
beds,  and  are  intermingled  with   other   subjects  in   a   few  of   the 
smaller  masses.     Considering  that  these  plants  are  left,  year  after 
year,  whore   they   now  are,  with   little   further   care   than   merely 
mulcliing  over  their  roots  with  leaves  and  litter,  which  is  removed  in 
spring,  and  considering,  too,  their  grand  and  showy  appearance  in 
summer,  it  is  surprising  that  they  are  not  more  extensively  grown 
than   they  are.     The  tall  green-leaved  sort,  that  forms   the    large 
clumps,  is  C.  Annei,  counterparts  to  which  arothe  dark-leaved  C.  A. 
discolor,  and  discolor  floribnnda.     C.   Van  Houttei   is  another  free- 
blooming,  dark.leaved,  moderate-sized  kind,  as  is  also  C.   Sellowii, 
which  is  green-leaved.     Prominent  amongst  other  soft-wooded  and 
large-leaved  plants  used  in  this  department  are  Ferdinanda  eminens, 
Solanum    marginatum,     robuatum,    and    Warscevviczioides,    Udhea 
bipinnatiUda,    Wigandia    caraocasana,     Castor-oil    plants,   Tobacco 
plants,  green   and   variegated-leaved    Maize,    &c.      The    large   and 
curious    leaves    of    Aralia    spinosa    are    remarkably   striking    and 
the    presence    of    double-flowered    plants    of     Datm'a    arboiea    in 
bloom,  Ficuses  of  different  sorts,  Monsteras,  Sauseviera  guineensis, 
Melianthus  major,  Eucalyptuses,  &c.,  give  the  whole  a  strikingly  tropical 
<aspect.     Abutilons   Thompsonii  and  Boule  de  Neige  are  employed 
in  beds  here  with  good  effect,  as  are  also  some  dwarf  plants  of  the 
variegated  Acer  Negundo.     Gladioli   are   lavishly   intermixed  with 
other   subjects ;    and   Erythrinas,   particularly  E.   Crista-galli,  are 
extensively  used  for  grouping,  as  well  as  for  isolated  specimens,  and 
are  now  coming  prettily  into  bloom.     Agapanthus  umbellatus  is  here 
largely  used  as  a  bedding  plant,    as  is   also   the   Vallota   purpurea. 
Sonchus  laciniatus  looks  well  when  moderately  dwarf  ;  and  Draccenas 
and  Cordylines  plaj'  an  important  part  in  beds  arranged  amongst 
other  plants,  or,  if  large,  as  single  specimens.     Of  the  New  Zealand 
Flax   many    plants    are    used  here,  the   smallest  being  grouped  in 
beds,   and  the  largest  set   out   singly  on   lawns.      The   Rice-paper 
plant  (Aralia  papyrifera),  Acacia  Lophantha,  Griselinia  macrophylla, 
and   similar  plants,   are   employed    to   fill   largo   beds,    which    are 
cari^cted  with  Heliotropes,  Plumbago  caponsis,  Lantanas,   Amaran- 
tuses,  dwarf  Fuchsias,   Pelargoniums,  Violas,  &c.     Some  beds   are 
filled  with  tall   Fuchsias,  which  are  just  now  in  beautiful  condition. 
Amongst   these  P.  Meteor  is  used  as  an  edging,  and  when  pegged 
down  close  it  answers   that  purpose  exceedingly  well.     Among  the 
Coleuses,  C.  Verschaffeltii  still  stands  in  the  first  rank,  but  Brilliant 
and  Saundersii  are  also  very  effective.     Centaureas  of  various  sorts 
are  employed  both  in  the  flower-beds  and  as  single  specimens  in  the 
borders ;    one    of    these,    C.    Clementii,    a    strong-growing   white- 
leaved  sort,  survived  out  of  doors  during  last  winter,  and  is  now 
very  pretty.      The   Coprosma  Beaueriana  makes  one   of    the  most 
conspicuous  and  beautiful  of  edgings,  and  for  that  purpose  succulents 
arc   also  largely  used.     Sportsman  Verbena  and  CEnothera  macro- 
carpa  arc  growing    together  as  an    edging,   and    have  a   pleasing 
appearance.      Amongst  succulents  employed  for  that  purpose,  are 
the   dwarf   Echoverias,   Sempervivums,    Mesembryanthemums,   and 
Sedums  ;  and  tall  kinds,  such  as  Echeveria  metallica,  Sempervivum 
Donkolaarii,  Cotyledon  pulvcrulenta,  &c.,  are  used  for  mixing  amongst 
other    plants   in   flower   beds.      Miscellaneous    plants   of    different 
kinds  arc,  as  usual,  scattered  here  and  there  on  the  lawns,  their  pots 
being  plunged  so  as  to  give  them  a  more  natural  appearance.     Pro- 
miuent  among  them  are  Palms,"  Cycads,  Musas,  Dracsenas,  Agaves, 
Pomegranates,  and  others. 

KOCKEKY  AND  AH'INE  GARDEN. 
The  rockery,  of  which  we  gave  an  illustration  in  The  Gardex 
(see  Vol.  III.,  p.  207),  is  at  any  time  well  worth  a  visit,  but  nnfor- 
tunately  it  is  shut  up  from  the  public  for  a  considerable  portion 
of  the  year  ;  it  is  now,  however,  open.  Here  may  now  be  seen 
Clematis  Jackmani  in  glorious  beauty,  depending  in  graceful 
festoons  over  the  faces  of  the  rocks,  in  association  with  Eccremo. 
carpus  scaber,  which  is  flowering  profusely,  and  growing 
luxuriantly  in  a  sheltered  nook  where  it  remains  summer  and  winter. 
Ivies  of  different  sorts,  Periwinkles,  Sedums,  Veronicas,  &c.,  are 
also  now  in  full  beauty.  Not  less  interesting  than  the  rock-work  is 
the  Alpine  garden,  which  is  an  excellent  representation  of  what  such 
a  garden  ought  to  be.     Here  peaks  of  miniature  rocks  are  surmounted 


by  the  snow-like  Antennaria  margaritacea,  and  the  Pine  regions  are 
filled  with  Retinosporas,  Junipers,  Euonymnses,  and  similar  shrubs, 
together  with  an  abundant  groundwork  of  Saxifrages,  Veronicas, 
Sedums,  and  similar  plants;  amongst  these  are  intermingled  choice 
Alpines  and  hardy  herbaceous,  as  well  as  a  great  variety  of  green, 
house,  succulents. 

CAKPET  BEDS. 
The  carpet  beds  here  are,  as  usual,  particularly  brilliant.  Alter- 
nantheras,  especially  amcena  and  magnifica,  the  variegated-leaved 
Mesembryauthcmum  cordifolium,  Santolina  incana  and  lavendula;- 
folia,  golden-leaved  Feverfew,  the  variegated  Lemon  Thyme,  small 
Echeverias,  Sempervivums,  and  Sedums;  Lobelias,  and  a  few 
Pelargoniums  arc  the  plants  chiefly  used  for  this  kind  of  decoration, 
and  by  means  of  constaut  attention  and  clipping  they  can  easily  be 
kept  within  proper  limits.  A  great  improvement  in  some  of  these 
carpet  beds  is  studding  the  groundwork  with  nice  plants  of  Chamae- 
peuoe  diacantha,  the  silvery  and  curiously-prickly  leaves  of  which, 
together  with  the  compactness  of  the  plant,  relieve  and  set  off  to 
advantage  the  highly-coloured  groundwork. 

PERN    GLADES. 

The  Fern  glades  this  year  are  particularly  attractive  and  tropical 
in  appearance  ;  one  of  them  is  in  the  form  of  an  avenue,  sheltered  on 
either  side  by  Ivy. clad  banks,  from  amongst  which  rise  ornamental 
shrubs,  the  whole  being  slightly  over-arched  with  branches  of  trees, 
that  give  shelter  from  stormy  winds.     Arums,  Philodendrons,  and 
other  tropical  shade-loving  plants  also  succeed  well  here.     A  grass 
pathway   runs  through  this  avenue,  narrow  and   undulated  like  a 
"mountain   track,"    and    its   interest    is    enhanced   by   the   occur- 
rence here    and    there    of    Ehopalas,   tall    Aralias,    and   other    in. 
door  plants  of  that  kind,  in  pots,  being  tastefully  and  harmoniously 
associated  with  it,  their  pots  being  plmiged  so  as  to  give  them  what 
they  really  possess — a  naturalised  appearance.     The  Ferns,  consist- 
ing chiefly  of  the   Bird's  Nest  kind,   Aspleniums,   Male  and   Lady 
Ferns,  &c.,  are  tastefully  arranged  on  the  rising  ground  on  each  side, 
where  they  occupy  conspicuous  positions,  and  the  small  and  feathery, 
looking  cues  are  set  down  at  random,  as  it  were,  amongst  tho   grass. 
The  entrance  to  this  avenue,  as  well  as  a  dell  contiguous  to  it,  are 
thickly  furnished  with   Ferns  of  different  kinds,  Anthuriums,  Philo. 
dendrons,   Colocasias,   and   other    Aroids,   as   well   as  with  Alpinia 
nutans.  Palms,  and  Cycads  of  many  sorts.     Besides  these  there  are 
likewise  tall  India-rubber  plants,  Dracaenas,  Aralias,  such  as  A.  longi. 
folia  and  leptophylla,  Cheirostemon  platanoides,  some  flue  specimens 
of  Strelitzia  augusta,  the  wonderfullj'  large-leaved  Cocoloba  nvifera. 
Yuccas,  and  similar  plants.     Old  tree  Fern  stumps  about  2  feet  high, 
surmounted   by   Platycerium   alcicorne,   the  stumps  being   covered 
with  Cissus  antarctica,  form  here  handsome  objects ;   and  bordering 
a  walk  near  the  rockeries  is  another  Fern  bank,  the  constituents  of 
which  mainly  consist  of  various  plain  and  crested  forms  of  Scolo. 
pendriums.  Lady  Ferns,  &o.,  set  in  a  carpet  richly  embroidered  with 
plants  suitable  for  such  a  purpose.     Here,  too,  may  be  seen  not  only 
Ferns,  Cordylines,  little  Palms  in  the  way  of  Chama3rops,  &c.,  but 
also  a  numerous  assortment  of  shade-loving  carpeting  plants. 
SIIRDBBERIES    AXD    BORDERS. 
Trees   in   the   shrubberies   generally   look  well,  particularly  the 
Gleditschias,  Maples,    Elms,    Robinias,    &c.,    but    the   Fern. leaved 
Birch,  graceful  though  it  still  is,  has  lost  already  much  of  the  fresh, 
nessandbeanty  whiohit  had  iuMay.     Ligustrum  japonicum  is  in  all 
cases  loaded  with  flowers  ;    and  among  other  charming  hardy  shrubs 
are  the  Hypericum  elatum  and  Nei^alenso,  just  now  in  great  beauty. 
Wo  likewise  noticed  a.  very  fine  variety  of  the   double  pink-flowered 
Bramble,  the  blooms  of  which  in  the  distance,  look  like  so  many  clusters 
of  miniature  pink  Roses.     Conspicuous  amongst   subjects  of   larger 
growth   is  the  variegated  Acer  Negundo,  whose  white  heads  have 
a  grand  effect  against   a  back-ground  of  green.      In  front  of   tho 
shrubs  are  Dahlias,  Cannas,  Chrysanthemum  pinnatum,  several  mis- 
cellaneous hardy  herbaceous  plants,  and  all  the  banks  are  furnished 
with  bedding   plants,  arranged  more  or  less  in  the  ribbon   border 
fashion.     The  finest  features  amongst  the  hardy  border  plants  are 
the  Yuccas,  of  which  there  are  several  individual  specimens,  as  well 
as  groups  at  present  in  bloom.     Y.  gloriosa  is  perhaps  the  finest,  but 
Y.  flaccida  is  also  in  great  perfection,  as  well  as  a  row  of  Y.  filamen. 
tosa  in  a  border ;  these  were  transplanted  out  of  pota  in  May,  they 
are  now  all  blooming  freely. 

The  flower-beds  around  the  refreshment-rooms  on  the  water-side 
are  well  filled  with  various-leaved  Pelargoniums,  Iresine  Lindeni, 
and  Alternantheras,  forming  the  principal  boundaries  of  the  pattern. 
The  long  beds  near  the  west  entrance  are  finely  furnished,  and 
although  some  of  them  are  on  the  massing  principle,  an  infinite 
variety  seems  to  prevail  in  them.  Here  Bouvardia  Vreelandii  and 
angustifolia  are  used  with  advantage,  and  a  grand  addition  to  our 
rosy-purple  dwarf  flowering  plants  is  Lobelia  Omen,  that  blooms 
freely,  and  strictly  retains  its  compact  habit. 


Aug.  2,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


101 


MACROZAMIA  COB.ALLIPES. 
This  very  distinct  and  beautiful  C3Tad  has  been  lately  inti'o- 
duced  by  ]\Ir.  Bull  from  New  South  Wales.  It  is  a  dicecions 
plant,  both  male  and  female  having  flowered  in  Mr.  Bull's 
establishment  at  Chelsea,  and  from  these  the  beautiful  figure 
given  of  it  in  the  Bofaiiicnl  Mcrja-iue  was  obtained.  The 
stem,  as  will  be  seen,  is  swollen  or  sub-globose  and  scaly, 
bearing  at  its  apex  a  divcrgant  tuft  of  pinnate  foliage,  of  a 
deep  green  colour,  the  little  stalk  at  the  base  of  each  linear 
leaflet  being  of  a  bright  red  tint.  When  fully  developed,  as 
shown  iu  the  accompanying  illustration,  it  forms  a  striking 
object  either  in  the  greenhouse  or  warm  conservatory,  rivalling 
in  beauty  the  better  known  Encephalartos  horridus  and  B. 
caffer.     It  should  be  treated  after  the  same  manner  as  Palms, 


accomplished  gentleman,  and  now  occapied  by  his  relative,  Dr. 
Hamilton.  In  spring  this  tree  presents  a  picture  of  floral  beauty 
which  arrests  the  attention  and  admiration  of  every  passer-by. 
Later  in  the  season,  especially  if  it  bo  one  like  tho  present,  when 
it  has  set  well,  the  abundance,  or  profusion  rather,  of  its  fruit 
rarely  fails  to  arrest  his  footstep  and  challenge  his  astonishment. 
That  this  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  may  be  inferred  from  the  fact 
that  tlio  year  before  last — a  good  fruit  year — it  bore  somewhere  near 
3,000  Pears;  last  year  the  produce  was  almost  nil;  the  present  year 
it  exceeds  all  that  went  before,  it  being  calculated  that  over  4,000 
Jargonelles  are  j  ust  now  hanging  in  thick  clusters  from  its  branchlets. 
To  give  an  idea  of  their  profusion,  we  give  an  instance.  Immediately 
over  ono  of  the  lower  parlour  windows  may  bo  counted  a  score  of 
Pears  hanging  from  ouo  spur,  and  within  a  space  that  the  hands 
would   cover  !      We   mention  this  not  as  an  example  of   what  one 


Macrozamia   corallipes. 


and  like  those  noble  plants  it  is  both  graceful  and  effective  all 
the  year  round. 

SIR  PHILIP  CRAMPTON'S  PEAR  TREE. 
In  these  days  there  is  a  good  deal  spoken  and  not  a  little  written  on 
the  subject  of  town  gardening.  The  theme  in  both  instances  being 
generally  its  ornamental,  rather  than  its  food.producing  or  utilitarian 
aspects.  It  is  very  pleasant  to  hear  of  or  meet  with  successful 
examples  of  either,  more  especially  as  regards  the  latter,  because 
more  rarely  to  be  met  with.  In  the  matter  of  fruit  growing  there 
is  to  be  seen  at  the  present  moment  in  the  very  heart  of  this  city  of 
Dublin  one  of  the  most  noteworthy  examples  perhaps  to  be  met  with 
in  any  town  in  the  United  Kingdom.  We  allude  to  "  Sir  Phihp 
Crampton's  Pear  tree,"  in  the  front  of  14,  Merrion  Square,  North, 
long  the  town  residence  of  that  most  distinguished  physician  and 


would  like  to  see,  but  of  the  tree's  exuberant  fertility.  For  it  is 
much  to  be  regretted  that  thinning  is  not  attended  to,  and  the 
quantity  of  fruit  reduced  to  a  tithe  of  the  number  the  tree  is 
allowed"  to  bear.  If  this  were  done  the  size  and  quality  of  the  fruit 
would  be  vastly  improved,  and  instead  of  being  intermittent,  a  crop 
might  be  fairly  calculated  on  every  year.  This  remarkable  Pear  tree 
was  planted  in  its  present  situation  many  years  ago  by  Sir  Philip 
Crampton.  It  is  what  is  technically  called  a  rider,  having  a  straight, 
clean,  unbranched  stem  of  6  or  8  feet ;  the  first  side  branches 
issuing  at  an  elevation  parallel  with  the  top  of  the  windows  in  the 
basement  story,  between  which  it  is  planted,  its  roots  being  entirely 
beneath  the  flagged  floor  of  the  front  area.  The  btanches  are 
trained  both  perpendicularly  and  horizontally,  as  necessitated  by  the 
architectural  lines  of  the  front,  the  greater  portion  of  which  is  now 
nearly  covered  by  the  tree,  the  uppermost  shoots  nearly 
topping   the   bed-room  windows   on   the  third   floor.      Apart    from 


102 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  2,  1873. 


its  associations  with  tlie  name  of  one  of  the  most  distinguished 
physicians  and  genial  spirits  of  car  time,  or  as  an  example  of  fruit;- 
growing  within  a  city,  this  tree  might  form  a  subject  for  some 
thought  on  the  part  of  the  most  practical  or  accomplished  fruit- 
grov\-ers.  It  affords  a  good  specimen  of  what,  in  gardening  parlance, 
is  called  the  extension  system  ;  circumstances,  as  the  tree  progressed 
in  height,  rendering  close  spurring  or  pruning  out  of  the  question. 
The  snn'srays  never  strike  the  surface  beneath  which  the  roots  feed, 
and  that  surface,  instead  of  being  open  or  porous,  or  otherwise 
amenable  to  atmospheric  influences,  is  hard  and  impenetrable,  being 
formed  of  heavy  closely-fitting  flags.  Unless  the  roots  have  found 
their  way  into  the  soil  in  the  centre  of  the  square,  which  is 
problematical  enough,  the  food  supply  must  be  meagre,  and 
by  no  means  of  a  rich  or  dainty  kind.  Tet,  with  its  cold  hard 
bed  and  stinted  commons,  Sir  Thilip's  brave  old  tree  can  put  on 
a  garb  of  beauty  in  spring,  and  show  a  crop  of  Pears  in  autumn, 
such  as  could  not  be  seen  on  any  tree  of  its  kind  in  the  best 
garden  in  the  country,  where  the  border  in  material  and  condition  is 
entirely  scion  le  regie,  and  the  symmetry  and  handling  of  the  trees 
mathematically  correct  and  faultless.  We  shall,  however,  let  our 
practical  friends  draw  their  own  conclusions. — Irish  Farmer's  Ga^etie. 


OPEN  AIR  VEGETATION. 
From   the   commencement   of  this  year  I   have,  at  stated  periods, 
had    occasion   to   notice   the  progress   of    the  open    air  vegetation 
in  the    Koyal   Botanic  Gardens,  Edinburgh,   and   to   remark   upon 
its  uniform  lateness,  as  compared   with  last   year.      Even   at   the 
present   time    these    remarks    hold    good,   more    particularly   with 
rec'ard  to  herbaceous  plants,  many  species  being  still  a  fortnight 
behind  their  usual  period  of  flowering,  a  circumstance  tobe  accounted 
for  in  the  first  instance  by  the  late  and  backward  spring,  and  after- 
wards by  the  drought  experienced   during  the  months  of   May  and 
June.      Flowering  trees   and   shrubs,   although   behind  their   usual 
time,  blossomed  abundantly,  but  continued  for  a  very  short  period  in 
a    state  of  perfection,    evidently  owing    to    the    long  spell   of    dry 
weather  and  the  easteily  winds  which  prevailed.     Seed  and  fruit- 
bearing  trees  tiud  shrubs  seem  to  promise  well  for  an  abundant  crop. 
This  result  I  was  scarcely  prepared  to  expect,  because  of  the  long- 
continued  moisture  of  last  summer  and  autumn,  and  the  almost  total 
want  of  sunlight.      These  adverse  circumstances,   however,  do  not 
seem  to  have  in  the  least  degree  interfered  with  the  proper  ripening 
of  the  wood,  or  the  perfecting  of  the  flowers  and  foliage  of  the  early- 
blooming  trees.     During   no   season  do  I   recollect  ever   observing 
to   such    an  extent   the   luxuriance   of    the   foliage  of    ornamental 
and  forest   trees  that  is  to  be  seen  this  year.     Sycamores,  Horse- 
Chestnuts,  Elms,  Ashes,  Oaks,  and  Limes — indeed  I  may  include  almost 
every  species  of  forest  tree— are  remarkable  for  their  density.     This 
unusual  luxm'iance  of  growth  has,  no  doubt,  been  brought  on  by  the 
moisture  of  last  year  still  remaining  about  their  roots.    Many  shallow- 
rooted  shrubs  and  herbaceous  plants  have  been  suffering  from  the 
recent  drought,  still  it  has  not  affected  any  of  the  deep-rooted  trees 
and  shrubs.     Conifers  of  every  description  have  got  over  the  brown- 
ing noticed  at  the  May  meeting  of  the  Edinburgh  Botanical  Society, 
and  are  now  richly  clothed  with  new  wood.     The  resinous  smell  given 
out  by  them  at  this  season  of  the  year  (particularly  in  the  evenings) 
is  very  sensible.     Many  consider  it  beneficial  to  health  to  be  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Pine  forests  during  their  growing  season  ;  and  the 
modern  system  of  freely  planting  villa  gardens  with  Conifers  is  often 
done  because  of  their  supposed  health-giving  properties. 

jAJtES  MoNab. 


been  stated,  many  fine  specimens  fit  for  planting  to  produce  an  imme- 
diate effect.  Among  these  may  be  named  Wellingtonias,  Araucaria 
indiricata,  A.  Braziliensis,  Pinus  Cembra,  P.  Edgariana,  P.  lasiocarpa, 
P.  Piusapo,  P.  firma,  Liboccdrus  chilensis,  Picea  Pindrow,  P.  Nord- 
mauuiana,  Abies  Williamsoni,  A.  Brunoniana,aud  A.  Morinda.  Ghent 
Azaleas  appear  to  thrive  well  here,  and  Chameerops  escelsa  and 
C.  Fortunei  also  appear  to  be  quite  at  home  in  one  of  the  borders, 
alongside  of  which  are  nice  plants  of  Dracajna  indivisa.  The  fruit, 
tree  department  also  forms  a  most  interesting  feature  in  these  well- 
cared. for  nurseries.  Being  well  sheltered  by  the  great  range  of  the 
Wicklow  mountains,  the  climate  of  the  locality,  aided  by  its  proximity 
to  the  sea,  is  very  mild,  equable,  and  well  adapted  for  the  successful 
cultivation  of  the  plants  and  trees  just  enumerated.  W.  S. 


MESSRS.  PENNICK  AND  CO.'S  NURSERIES. 
These  nurseries,  situated  at  Upper  Kendalstown,  Delgany,  Wicklow, 
have  long  been  celebrated  for  the  fine  specimens  of  Conifers  which 
they  contain,  and  also  forthenice,clcan,  well-grown  examples  of  other 
kinds  of  hardy  trees  and  shrubs  which  grow  so  robustly  in  that  part  of 
Ireland.  They  are  situated  in  a  neighbourhood  not  only  delightful 
in  itself,  but  one  which  commands  many  charming  views  of  the  adja- 
cent country,  including,  as  they  do,  the  Downs  Hill,  Bray  Head, 
Kendalstown  Hill,  and  also  the  Greater  and  the  Lesser  Sugarloaf. 
The  village  of  Delgany  was  once  the  site  of  a  monastery,  now  com. 
pletely  gone — not  even  a  round  wall  being  left  standing.  The  nursery 
grounds  are  situated  about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  sea,  of  which 
they  command  an  extensive  view.  Greystones,  at  which  is  the 
nearest  railway  station,  is  a  rising  and  pojiular  watering-place.  The 
demesne  of  Bellevue,  which  includes  the  Glen  of  the  Downs,  adjoins 
the  nursery  grounds.  The  latter  contain  a  spendid  stock  of  young 
Laurustinuses,  Sweet  Bays,  Arbutus,  Portugal  Laurels,  Box,  and 
different  kinds  of  what  are  called  American  plants,  such  as  Rhododen- 
drons, Kalmias,  Andromedas,  &c.     Among  the  Conifersc  are,  as  has 


CHINA  GRASS. 
The  Government  of  India  is  making  another  attempt  to  pro- 
mote the  growth  of  China  Grass.  Its  stalk  contains  an  excellent 
spinning  fibre,  and  is  covered  with  an  outer  skin  or  bast  useful  ia 
paper-making.  The  difficulty  has  hitherto  been  to  devise  suitable 
means  for  separating  the  fibre  from  the  woody  portions  of  the  bast 
at  a  sufficiently  cheap  rate  to  make  the  material  command  a  ready 
sale.  The  Government  now  offers  to  deliver  in  this  country  quantities 
of  China  Grass,  in  its  green  state,  to  those  who  wish  to  experiment 
upon  it.  The  fibre  will  be  delivered  free  of  charge,  and  one  or  more 
packages  of  701b.  each  may  be  obtained  on  application  at  the  India 
Office.  This  plant  is  produced  in  large  quantities  in  China,  and  is 
made  up  into  what  is  called  Grass  cloth,  a  more  expensive,  but  stiffer 
and  less  porous  fabric  than  cotton  cloth.  The  prepared  fibre  resembles 
the  finest  qualities  of  Orleans  cotton,  but  is  much  longer  in  staple 
and  looks  more  glossy.  It  combines  the  strength  and  firmness  of 
linen  with  the  softness  of  cotton,  and  has  a  more  silken  appearance 
than  either. 


LAW     NOTE. 


DECAYED  CHERRIES. 
Two  fruit  salesmen  in  James  Street,  Covent  Garden,  were  summoned 
before  the  sitting  magistrate  at  Bow  Street  the  other  day  to  answer 
the  charge  of  selling  to  costermongers  a  quantity  of  unsound  Cherries. 
When  condemning  the  fruit  last  week  as  unfit  for  food,  the  magistrate 
decided  that  the  costermongers  who  had  displayed  it  for  sale  were 
responsible ;  but,  on  subsequent  application,  he  reconsidered  his 
decision,  and  granted  the  present  summons.  The  question  was  dis- 
cussed at  great  length  in  court,  and  defendants  called  a  man  who  had 
sold  the  frnit  to  prove  that  the  costermongers  were  informed  of  the 
condition  of  the  Cherries,  and  allowed  to  examine  the  baskets  before 
the  sale.  Fruit  could  not  be  kept  sound  for  even  a  short  period 
during  this  weather,  and  that  in  question  had  just  arrived  from 
France.  The  magistrate  said  that  he  did  not  think  the  defendants 
had  acted  unlawfully — [oh  !] — but  considered  it  was  the  duty  of  the 
Board  of  Works  to  investigate  these  cases  at  the  fountain  head.  The 
inspectors  of  health  should  examine  the  baskets  of  fruit  at  the  ware- 
houses of  the  salesmen,  and  one  or  more  inspectors  should  be 
employed  solely  for  this  pni-pose.  The  summonses  were  then  dis- 
missed. 


COVENT  GAEBEN  MAKKET. 

AuGrsT  1st. 
Pi.r>rs,  Anricots,  Pc.irs.  Ac,  still  continue  to  be  imported  from  the  Continent, 
nint  EntiU.-^h  fruits,  both  hardy  and  tender,  arc  ?rood.  and  realise  high  prices. 
Ve^'ctnble  Marrows  and  French  Beans  are  now  abundant,  and  Potatoes  are  of 
^^ood  size  and  excellent  quality,  but  amongst  them  arc  symptoms  of  disease, 
which  has  broken  out  both  in  Suffolk  and  Susses. 

Prices  of  Fruits. — Annies,  per  doz.,  ed. ;  Apricots,  28.  to  4s.  per  doz; ; 
Cherries,  per  lb.,  (id.  to  Is.' ed;  ChiUes,  per  100,  2s.;  Cmrants,  persieve,  33,  6d.  to 
6s. ;  Figs,  per  doz.,  2s.  to  (is. ;  Gooseben'ies,  per  quart,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Grapes,  hot- 
house, black,  per  lb..  Is.  6d.  to  os. ;  Muscats,  2s.  to  63.  ;  Lemons,  per  100,  8s.  lo 
Ite. ;  Melons,  each,  28.  to  6s.;  Xectariues,  per  doz.,  6s.  to  los. ;  Oranges,  per  100, 
10s.  to  16s.  ;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  12s.  to  25s.;  Pears,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  2s. ;  Pine- 
Anples,  per  lb.,  3s.  to  (is. ;  Baspberries,  per  lb.,4d.to  la.;  Strawberries,  per  lb., 
Bd.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz..  Is.  to  33.;  Walnuts,  per  bushel,  6s.  to  10s. 
ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  63. ;  Asparagn.«,  per  100, 
3s.  to  Bs.  ;  Beans,  Kidney,  per  hair  sieve,  3s.,  brosd,  25.;  Beet,  Red.  per  doz..  Is.  to 
2s.;  Cabbage,  per  doz.,  2s. ;  Carrots,  per  bunch,  4d.  to  Sd. ;  Cauliflower,  per 
doz.,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Celery,  per  bundle,  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Coleworts,  per  doz. 
bunches,  4s. ;  Cucumljers,  each,  4d.  to  Is. ;  Endive,  per  doz.,  2s.  ;  Fennel, 
per  bvmch,  3d. ;  Garhc,  per  lb.,  6d.;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  Horse- 
radish, per  bundle,  3s.  to  4s.;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  4ii.  :  Lettuces,  per  doz. 
)s.  to  2s.;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s.;  Mustard  and  Cress,  per  punnet, 
2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  4s.  to  6s. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ;  Parsley,  per  doz. 
bunches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Peas,  per  quart,  9d.  to  Is.  fid. ; 
Potatoes,  per  bushel,  4s.  to  7s. ;  PLadishes,  per  doz.  btmches.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ; 
Rhubarb,  per  bundle,  8d.  to  Is. ;  Salsafy,  do..  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Scorzonera, 
per  bundle,  IB.;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ;  Spinach,  per  bushel,  3s.;  Turnips, 
4d.  to  8d. ;  Vegetable  MaiTOws,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. 


Aug.  9,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEJ7. 


103 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 

Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  :    but 
TuE  Art  itself  is  Nature." — Shakespeare. 


THE  GREAT  MANCHESTER  FRUIT  SHOW. 
The  exhibition  to  be  opened  at  Manchester  on  Wednesday, 
September  3rd,  will  most  assuredly  be  the  greatest  horticultural 
event  of  the  year;  and  not  merely  the  largest  and  finest  in 
com]iarison  with  others  recently  held,  or  about  to  come  off,  but 
in  itself  so  extensive,  and,  there  is  every  reason  to  anticipate,  so 
meritorious,  that,  like  the  Hyde  Pari;  display  of  art  and  science 
in  18r>l,it  will,  no  doubt,  deserve  the  epithet  of  "The  Great." 
The  schedule  is  something  remarkable.  In  London  it  is  cpiite 
natural  that  royalty  should  gi\-e  its  right  hand  to  such  an 
effort.  Lancashire  seems  this  time  to  run  the  metropolis 
close,  Her  Majesty  the  Queen  heading  the  list  of  patrons,  and 
subscribing  £2o,  and  His  Ro)-al  Highness  the  Duke  of  Cam- 
liridgc  and  the  Prince  of  Tcck  following  the  example.  Of 
titled  personages,  right  honourables,  M.P.'s,  and  others  whose 
influence  and  example  have,  no  doubt,  done  good  service  to  the 
undertaking,  there  is  a  list,  also,  that  a  score  of  names  would 
not  exhaust.  The  Earl  of  Sefton  and  the  Earl  of  Derby  appear 
in  it,  of  course;  and  these  are  followed,  in  turn,  by  the  names 
of  nearly  every  one  interested  in  practical  horticulture  within 
many  miles  of  the  spot  selected  for  the  exhibition.  The  amount 
of  money  to  be  distributed  in  prizes  is  no  less  than  £1,-100 — 
more  than  two-thirds  of  which  large  sum  has  been  handed  in 
liy  the  patrons  and  promoters  of  the  show,  the  remainder  being 
provided  by  the  coimcil  of  the  Manchester  Botanical  and 
Horticultural  Society,  upon  whom  rests  the  responsibility  of 
the  management  of  the  whole  affair.  The  society's  work 
has  been  done  so  well  during  the  last  eight  years, 
or  since  tlie  Manchester  exhibitions  became  a  regularly 
recurring  annual  event,  that  there  is  no  need  to  look 
for  anything  but  their  customary  success.  The  grand 
and  commanding  feature  of  thp  Exhibition  will  of  course  be 
that  which  was  originally  announced,  namely,  friiit  in  every 
variety,  and  from  every  part  of  the  world  from  which  it  is 
possible  for  cultivators  to  send  it.  The  schedule  provides  a 
place  for  everybody,  and  so  liberal  is  the  wording,  that  even 
as  a  botanical  display,  a  study  for  the  scientific,  the  forth- 
coming show  ought  to  be  something  wonderful.  In  class  1, 
the  premier  prize  will  fall  to  the  best  collection  of  twenty 
different  kinds  ;  the  second  prize  to  the  best  fifteen  kinds  ;  the 
third  to  the  best  lot  of  ten.  Collections  of  miscellaneous  fruit, 
upon  trays,  or  m  baskets ;  ornamental  baskets  of  Grapes ; 
single  bunches  of  the  same.  Pines,  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Apri- 
cots, Melons,  Figs,  Plums,  Pears,  Apples,  Gooseberi'ies,  and 
Cun-ants,  follow  in  order,  many  prizes  awaiting  every  descrip- 
tion ;  while  in  pleasing  contrast  with  the  gathered  fruit 
will  be  living  fruit-laden  plants  of  many  kinds, — Vines, 
Pines,  Plums,  &c.,  all  of  course  in  pots,  the  aggregate  display- 
ing, in  the  most  attractive  and  effectual  manner,  how  in  these 
modem  days  adroit  management  can  transfer  the  features  of 
the  orchard  and  the  vinery  into  the  parlour.  Dealers  in  fruit, 
as  distinct  from  amateur  cultivators  and  gentlemen's  gardeners, 
have  a  class  of  prizes  allotted  solely  to  themselves,  £20  going 
to  the  largest  and  most  deserving  collection  of  different  sorts. 
Fruits  of  foreign  growth,  ripened,  that  is  to  say,  in  France, 
Italy,  Gennany,  Holland,  Belgium,  the  United  States,  British 
North  America,  and  Nova  Scotia,  again  have  a  set  of  prizes 
to  themselves.  Grapes,  Pears,  and  Apples  being  chiefly  required 
from  the  continent,  and  Apples  from  the  other  side  of  the 
Atlantic,  while  Turkey  and  Egypt  are  invited  to  come  to  the 
front  with  anything  they  please;  and,  lastly,  in  this  class,  a 
seven-guinea  gold  medal  will  go  to  the  "  finest  collection  of 
Lemons,  Oranges,  Citrons,  Limes,  and  Shaddocks — open  to 
all  countries."  The  universality  of  this  last  competition  is 
really  quite  exciting,  and  no  less  so  the  invitation  to  horti- 
cultural societies,  "  in  any  part  of  the  world,"  to  exhibit 
either  fruits  or  vegetables  from  their  respective  districts.  As 
an  eft'ort  towards  accomplishing  the  truly  "  international," 
though  it  may  not  meet  au  adequate  response,  it  will  assuredly 


not  fail  on  the  side  of  cordiahty,  and,  perhaps,  the  fact  may  be 
taken  as  significant  that  the  first  entry  received  by  the 
secretaries  has  come  from  Paris.  Along  with  the  magnificent 
display  of  fruit  will  be  a  show  of  vegetables,  in  corresponding 
variety,  and  under  such  requirements  as  to  quality  as  to 
guarantee  that  the  whole  .shall  be  unexceptionable.  The  classes 
amount  to  about  twenty-five,  and  the  prizes  to  about  seventy- 
five,  representing  a  sum  of  £110,  the  premier  prize  being  £12. 
Cut  fiowers  also  will  be  shown  in  plenty.  Dahlias,  Hollyhocks, 
Asters,  Roses,  and  Verbenas  in  particular;  bouquets,  likewise, 
decorative  pieces,  plant  cases,  window  boxes,  and  hanging 
baskets,  the  latter  all  properly  furnished ;  and,  though  last, 
far  from  least,  the  accustomed  accessories  of  every  first- 
class  flower  show,  such  as  Ferns,  Ivies,  Palms,  Dracienas, 
Succulents,  &c.  Such  a  bill-of-fare  has  probably  never  before 
been  offered,  and  the  four  days  that  the  show  will  continue 
open  will  give  no  more  than  time  for  it  to  be  carefully  gone 
through  and  justly  appreciated.  A  single  visit,  for  critical  and 
self-educational  purposes,  to  a  show  of  these  dimensions,  no 
doubt  is  very  pleasant  and,  in  a  certain  degree,  useful.  But, 
during  the  brilliant  bewilderment  of  a  first  visit,  the  eye 
cannot  possibly  catch,  much  less  retain,  lasting  impressions  of 
many  things  most  important  to  see  and  remember. 

The  practical  results  of  this  great  forthcoming  show  ought 
to  be  very  marked,  and  of  the  highest  service  to  the  com- 
munity in  another  way — a  way  dh'cctly  and  vitally  popular.  The 
object  in  a  show  like  this  is  not  the  imrcly  competitive,  the 
trying  who  shall  exhibit  the  best  and  biggest  fruit,  and  carry 
off  the  largest  lot  of  honours  ;  nor  yet  is  it  purely  illustrative 
of  the  produce  of  different  provinces  and  countries.  To  con- 
tend for  prizes,  and  to  take  pride  in  the  produce  of  one's  own 
garden  and  one's  own  country  is  right  and  legitimate  enough, 
as  far  as  it  goes  ;  but  the  public,  who  encourage  these  displays, 
especially  with  their  money,  have  a  right  to  expect  that  by 
offering  inducements  to  competition  as  to  who  shall  exhibit 
the  most  and  the  best,  there  will  in  the  end  be  more  and 
better  fruit  supplied  to  the  markets,  and  that  the  dealers  will 
be  able  to  sell  it  at  lower  prices.  Depend  upon  it  a  thinking 
man  who  subscribes  his  £5  to  the  show  does  not  do  so  purely 
in  order  to  encom-age  Mr.  A.  or  Mr.  B.  to  renewed  efforts  in 
Grape  growing  on  behalf  of  Lord  0.  or  the  Marquis  of  D.  It 
is  not  to  the  credit  of  tixe  gardening  of  this  cotuitry  that 
Grapes,  for  instance,  should  so  generally  be  at  the  enormous 
price  they  are,  often  6s.  or  7s.  the  pound,  and  sometimes  15s. 
or  more.  Much  greater  quantities  would  be  purchased 
were  the  price  lessened,  and  this  could  unquestionably 
be  accomplished,  and  a  fair  pi-ofit  still  accrue  to  the  grower. 
Larger  quantities  would  be  in  request,  moreover,  not  for 
the  sake  of  personal  relish  merely,  but  on  behalf  of  the 
sick  poor ;  and  many  an  invalid  who,  for  years  has  never  so 
much  as  seen  even  a  Strawberry  growing,  and  to  whom  good 
Grapes  are  often  almost  the  saving  of  life,  might  bo  liberally 
supplied  with  something  that  would  soothe  and  heal  better 
than  any  physic.  Grape  growing  will  never  have  become  in 
England  what  it  is  the  duty  of  every  man  who  has  the  oppor- 
tunity to  do  his  best  to  render  it,  until  the  tens  of  thousands 
of  our  unthought-of  invalids  can  have  Grapes  bought  for  them 
without  any  hesitation  or  embargo  as  to  cost,  and  one  of  the 
results  at  least  of  a  great  fruit  movement,  like  this  coming  one 
at  Manchester,  should  be  to  set  generous  minds  consider- 
ing as  to  the  best  mode  in  which  this  much-needed  work 
of  the  good  Samaritan  can  be  started  in  earnest.  If  the 
function  of  flower  shows  be  to  popularise  the  love  of  plants, 
and  to  multiply  gardens  and  the  enjoyment  of  them  ;  the  least 
to  be  said  of  a  fruit  show  should  be  that  in  consequence  of  it, 
more  people  than  before,  and  those  who  require  it  most,  are 
enabled  to  buy  good  fruit  ad  lihilam.  The  supply  of  good 
fruit,  even  in  Manchester,  which  has  never  been  behindhand, 
is  by  no  means  equal  to  the  demand ;  and  in  several  of  our 
large  towns  it  is  positively  wretched ;  and  we  cannot  but  think 
that  were  a  Fruit  Company,  Limited,  to  be  set  on  foot  in 
ovei-y  large  centre  in  the  kingdom,  there  would  be  a  stimulus 
given  to  fruit-culture  that  would  not  only  bring  about  a  better 
state  of  things  to  the  consumer,  but  honour  and  credit  to 
skilful  cultivators  far  more  solid  and  abundant,  far  more 
lasting  and  more  gratifying  than  any  of  the  prizes  in  money 
they  may  be  fortunate  enough  to  win.  Leo.  Giuxdox. 


10-4 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  9,  1873. 


NOTES   OF   THE   WEEK. 


The  beautiful  Water  Lilies   Nympbaea  Devouiana  and   N. 

dentata  are  now  blooming  freely  in  a  small  pond  in  the  open  air  in 
Mr.  Bcaufoy's  garden  at  South  Lambeth,  as  is  also  Limnocharis 
Hnmboldtii.  The  water  in  which  they  grow  is  warmed  by  the  con. 
densod  steam  from  the  brewery. 

The  variegated  Monkshood,  a  fine  old  herbaceous  plant,  now 

finely  in  bloom  in  many  cottage  gardens  in  the  Home  counties, 
deserves  much  more  attention  iu  "  collections"  than  it  now  receives. 
It  is  very  prettily  coloured,  and  the  habit  fine  when  well  gi'own.  It 
attains  a  great  height  (7  feet  or  more)  in  deep  sandy  loams,  and  is 
one  of  the  finest  of  the  tall  perennials. 

The  Royal  Horticultural  Society  has  passed  a  resolution  that 

all  vegetables  exhibited  as  new  at  its  meetings  shall  be  tried  at  Chis- 
wick  before  certificates  can  be  awarded  to  them.  This  is  rendered 
necessary  on  account  of  the  altered  appearance  that  sometimes  exists 
amongst  the  same  sorts  of  vegetables  when  grown  under  different 
circumstances.  Such,  however,  as  can  be  at  once  decided  upon  as 
being  new  will  be  exempt  from  this  trial. 

A  V.VKIETV  of  the  Water-Chestnut  or  "  Ling"  (Trapanatans), 

of  which  we  gave  some  account,  with  an  illustration,  at  p.  208,  vol.  III., 
of  The  Gauden,  has  recently  been  discovered  iu  Lake  Imnieln, 
in  the  south  of  Sweden.  It  is  di.stinguished  from  the  Chinese  and 
contiueutal  forms  of  the  plant  chiefly  by  the  greater  part  of  the  fruit 
being  "  superior,"  or  placed  above  the  sepals.  M.  Areschoug,  whose 
account  of  it  appears  iu  the  current  number  of  the  "  Journal  of 
Botany,"  has  very  appropriately  named  this  variety  Trapa  natans 
var.  eonocarpa. 

The  excellent  "  Synopsis  of  all  the  Mosses  known  to  inhabit 

Ireland  up  to  the  present  time,"  by  Dr.  Moore,  of  Glasuevin,  has 
recently  been  reprinted  from  the  Proceedings  of  the  Royal  Irish 
Academy.  It  forms  a  handy  volume  of  116  pages,  commencing  with  a 
clear  and  well-arranged  analysis  of  the  sub-orders,  tribes,  and 
genera,  followed  by  a  diagnosis  of  the  genera  and  species,  with  the 
habitats  of  the  rarer  kinds  and  information  respecting  their  distri- 
bution. The  number  of  species  discovered  up  to  the  present  time 
iu  Ireland  amounts  to  369.  Dr.  Moore's  work  will  be  invaluable  to 
the  British  Muscologist. 

In  the  centre  of  St.  Petersburgh,  on  the  south  bank  of   the 

Neva,  a  large  open  space  has  been  recently  converted  into  a  park. 
This  space  is  surrounded  by  the  principal  buildings  of  the  city, 
namely  the  Winter  Palace,  the  Admiralty,  the  Senate  house,  Isaac's 
Chiircli,  and  the  Gencralstab  or  Horse-guards,  and  opens  into  the 
three  principal  streets,  Newski  Perspektive,  the  Wossnesensky 
Perspektive  and  the  Erbenstrasse.  It  has  been  laid  out  in  the 
French  style  of  city  squares,  and  is  tastefully  planted  with  trees  and 
shrubs,  and  embellished  with  three  ornamental  fountains.  One 
feature  in  this  park,  worthy  of  imitation,  is  that  certain  portions 
of  it  have  been  set  apart  as  playgrounds  for  children. 

We  find  that   Silene  Bolanderi   is  figured  in  the  Botanical 

Ma.r/azine  for  the  present  month  (t.  6051)  under  the  name  of  S. 
Hookeri.  We  have  received  specimens  of  this  singular  species  from 
Mr.  Thompson,  of  Ipswich,  who  has  been  fortunate  in  raising  it  from 
imported  seeds  sent  by  its  most  recent  discoverer.  Professor  Bolander. 
Its  flowers  are  of  a  bright  rose  colour,  the  tips  of  the  fringed  seg- 
ments being  very  pale,  while  some  varieties  are  said  by  Nuttall 
to  be  entirely  white.  It  is  well  adapted  for  cultivation  in  a  warm 
border,  or  on  rockvvork.  It  gi'ows  but  a  few  inches  high,  and  bears 
a  profusion  of  fringed  flowers  which  are  about  the  size  of  half  a  crown 
and  are  very  fugacious.  The  leaves  are  two  or  three  inches  long,  dark 
green,  and  the  whole  plant  is  slightly  woolly. 

Fuo-M  our  fruit  reports  kindly  furnished  by  correspondents 

in  various  parts  of  the  country,  and  which  will  be  found  in  detail  in 
our  ])resent  issue,  it  appears  that  this  season  Apples  are  in  general 
an  abundant  crop  ;  Pears  only  middling ;  Plums  under  the  average, 
but  abundant  in  some  parts  of  Leicestershire  ;  Cherries  thin,  except 
Morellos,  which  are  a  full  crop  everywhere  ;  Peaches  and  Nectarines 
a  very  poor  crop,  except  in  Leicestershire,  where  they  are  plentiful ; 
Apricots  a  total  failure  almost  everywhere,  the  wood  not  having  been 
properly  ripened  last  autumn  in  consequence  of  the  heavy  rainfall,  a 
remark  which  also  applies  to  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  and  indeed  to 
many  other  kinds  of  fruit  trees.  Bush  fruit— that  is  Gooseberries, 
Currants,  and  Raspberries — very  fine  and  abundant  everywhere; 
Strawberries  heavy  crops,  and  the  fruit  of  fine  quality ;  Nuts  and 
Filberts  au  irregular  crop,  good  in  some  places,  bad  in  others  ;  Figs 
generally  good ;  Walnuts  generally  a  deficient  crop,  but  extra  heavy 
in  Lincolnshire ;  Grapes  on  walls  good ;  Damsons  an  entire  failure 
almost  everywhere,  but  in  Worcestershire  very  plentiful  in  one  or  two 
places.  In  addition  to  the  ill. ripened  wood,  all  sorts  of  stone-fruit 
crops  were  very  much  injured  this  year  by  the  12  degrees  of  frost 
which  occurred  on  the  night  of  the  19th  of  May,  while  the  deficiency 


in  the  Pear  crop  may  be  referred  to  the  frosts  on  the  nights  of  the 
26th  and  27th  of  April.  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees  were  also  greatly 
injured  in  spring  in  some  parts  by  blistering  and  mildew. 

"  A    noKSE-rowEK    Cranberry-picker,"    the    invention    of    a 

Wisconsin  man,  is  among  the  machines  recently  patented  at  Wash- 
ington. 

Amongst   the  many  fine  hardy  herbaceous   plants  now  in 

8ower  in  Mr.  Parker's  Nursery  at  Tooting  is  the  charming  Calceolaria 
Kellyana.  This  little  alpine  plant  bears  deep  yellow  flowers,  spotted 
with  brown,  and  although  it  was  not  uncommon  in  some  of  our  best 
collections  of  hardy  flowers  a  few  years  ago,  it  is  now  very  rarely 
met  with. 

Mil.  G.  F.  Wilson   writes  to  us  to  say  that  the   following 

Lilies  are  now  in  bloom  at  Heatherbank,  Weybridge,  viz.,  L.  Krameri, 
a  lovely  pale  mauve-pink,  in  shape  like  an  expanded  longiflorum ;  L. 
longiflorum,  L.  1.  Wilsoni,  L.  1,  eximium,  L.  1.  albo-marginatum,  L. 
auratum,  L.  tigrinum  sinense,  L.  t.  Fortunei,  L.  t.  erectum,  L.  t. 
flore  pleno,  L.  Leichtlinii,  L.  1.  majus,  L.  speciosum  rubrum,  L.  s. 
macranthum,  L.  s.  atro-sanguineum,  L.  s.  punctatum,  L.  chalcedoni- 
cum,  L.  byzantinum,  L.  croceum. 

The  Hydrangeas   in  the  grounds  belonging  to   the  Crystal 

Palace  at  Sydenham  are  just  now  in  fine  condition  ;  and,  owing  to 
the  size  of  the  plants,  many  of  them  measuring  over  l-  feet  high  and 
quite  6  feet  iu  diameter,  they  have  a  fine  effect.  The  majority  of 
them  have  blue  flowers,  produced  in  noble  masses.  These,  and  the 
Hollyhock  and  Dahlia  beds,  are  the  best  features  at  present  in  the 
grounds.  In  the  gardens  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  at  South 
Kensington,  too.  Hydrangeas  are  in  great  perfection. 

•  The  other  day,  in  accordance  with  a  time-honoured  usage  in 

the  city  of  London,  the  master  and  wardens  of  the  Fruiterers'  Com. 
pany  waited  upon  the  Lord  Mayor  and  the  Lady  Mayoress  at  the 
Mansion  House,  and  presented  them  with  a  very  choice  selection  of 
the  fruits  of  the  season  of  various  kinds.  The  custom  is  referable  to 
the  metage  of  fruit  which  the  Corporation  of  London  formerly 
exercised  "within  the  city,  and  is  still  maintained  iu  form  at  least, 
though  the  metage  itself  has  long  been  abolished. 

The  works  required  to  separate  the  Temple  Gardens  from 

the  Thames  Embankment  are  being  executed  at  a  cost  of  about 
£7,000.  They  comprise  a  concrete  foundation,  a  Portland  stone 
plinth,  moulded  3  feet  above  the  line  of  the  paving,  and  an  orna- 
mental railing,  reaching  a  total  height  of  11  feet,  mainly  of  wrought 
iron.  There  are  two  gateways  leading  in  from  the  Embankment, 
with  Portland  stone  piers,  each  surmounted  by  a  vase. 

We  read  in  the  Revue  Uorticolo  that  the  Emijeror  of  China 

has  recently  applied  to  France  to  send  him  a  head  gardener  to 
remodel  his  gardens  and  pleasure  grounds  on  the  plan  of  those  about 
Paris,  of  which  he  appears  to  have  heard  souie  wonderful  accouuts. 
The  Emperor  is  following  the  example  of  the  Khedive  of  Eygpt,  who 
a  few  years  since  employed  M.  Delchevalerie  and  a  number  of  dis- 
tinguished French  gardeners,  at  very  liberal  salaries,  to  construct  his 
famous  gardens  at  Cairo.  In  liberality,  however,  the  Emperor  outshines 
the  Khedive,  as  he  ofi'ers  his  future  head  gardener  £2,400  per  annum, 
with  apartments  in  the  house  of  the  French  Ambassador  at  Pekin ! 

Mi(.  GiLisERT,  of  Burghley,  writes  to  us  to  say  that  he   has 

been  greatly  puzzled  for  some  time  to  know  the  reason  why  black, 
birds  and  thrushes  have  not  been  so  troublesome  to  fruit  this  season 
as  usual ;  but  that  now  he  has  solved  the  problem.  The  ground 
below  his  bushes  is  heavily  mulched,  and  on  walking  round  the 
other  evening  he  observed  these  birds  flying  out  of  his  bush  planta- 
tions by  the  score.  On  examining  the  fruit,  he  found  scarcely  one 
touched ;  but  on  casting  his  eyes  on  the  ground,  he  found  the 
mulching  punctured  with  worm-holes.  It  was,  therefore,  clear  that 
by  mulching,  the  soil  is  kept  sufliciently  moist  to  induce  worms  to 
come  to  the  surface,  and  that  the  birds  preferred  thera  to  the  fruit, 
the  mulching  thus  serving  the  double  pm'pose  of  saving  the  fruit 
and  keeping  the  roots  cool  and  moist. 

A  siNc.UL.\R  practice  has  of  late  becu  adopted  by  fruiterers 

which  cannot  be  called  adulteration,  but  which  is  very  near  akin  to 
it.  Persons  on  buying  West  Indian  Pine  Apples  at  fruiterers'  shops 
are  asked  whether  they  wish  to  purchase  "  heads"  to  the  fruit.  In 
other  words.  West  Indian  Pine  Apples  are  dressed  for  dessert  at  a 
small  cost  as  British  hothouse  Pines,  by  the  ingenious  plan  of 
inserting  in  the  summit  of  the  fruit  a  tuft  or  crown  of  leaves  belong- 
ing to  the  latter,  and  thus  guests  are  deceived  into  the  notion  that 
the  Pineapple  which  graces  the  table  was  grown  in  the  hothouse  of 
their  host,  who  probably  never  had  a  hothouse,  and  knows  nothing 
about  the  cultivation  of  Pines.  This  may  be  considered  a  small 
matter,  but  if  fruit  and  flowers  once  take  to  artificial  methods  of 
enhancing  their  attractions,  all  confidence  in  the  garden  will  be 
destroyed.  A  West  Indian  Pine  Apple  has  no  more  right  to  wear  a 
British  crown  than  an  Apple  or  a  Peach  has  to  employ  rouge  for  the. 
purpose  of  concealing  its  pallor  or  heightening  its  bloom. 


Aug.  9, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


105 


THE     ARBORETU M. 

HAEDY  TREES  AND   SHRUBS. 
by  george  gordon,  a.l.s. 
(garrta  elliptica). 
Tins  forms  a  fine  liardy  evergreen  bush,  which  grows  trom 
G  to  10  tect  high,  and  has  a  rather  dense  and  spreading  head, 
furnished   with   numerous  slender  shoots,  which  are  downy 
when  young,  hut  quite  smooth  when  fully  matnred.     it  is  a 
native  of  North-west  America  and  California,  and  was  Urst 
introduced  in  1828.     It  is  easily  increased  either  by  layers  or 


Male  Catkins  o£  Garrya  elliptica. 

by  means  of  cuttings  of  the  half-ripened  shoots,  and  grows 
freely  in  any  good  garden  soil.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  some- 
what oblong  or  elliptic,  with  a  small  acute  point,  rather  wavy 
when  young,  thick  and  leathery  in  texture,  set  on  short 
footstalks,  persistent,  of  a  dark  shining  gi-een  above  and  hoary 
beneath.  The  flowers,  which  are  unisexual  and  on  distinct 
plants,  are  arranged  in  pendulous  catkin-like  racemes,  with 
connate  bracts,  and  are  produced  from  December  to  March. 
The  male  flowers  form  very  long,  slender,  pendulous 
catkins  from  6  to  10  inches  in  length,  and  are  of  a  gi-eenish- 
■white  or  yellowish  colour,  while  the  female  ones  are  produced 
in  short  gi-een  catkins  not  more  than  .3  or  4  inches  in  length, 
and  are  very  deficient  in  gi'aceful  appearance  compared  with 
that  of  the  male  ones.  The  fruit,  which  is  produced  in  com- 
pact bunches,  is  a  berried  pericarp  contauiing  two  hard  bony 
seeds,  as  large  as  a  moderate-sized  black  Currant,  and  of 
nearly  the  same  colour.     All  the  plants  of  this  Garrya  originally 


raised  from  Douglas's  seeds  proved  to  be  males,  and  it  was 
not  until  Hartwcg,  in  1818,  sent  two  female  plants  to  us  from 
California  in  a  Wardian  case,  that  that  form  was  known  in  a 
living  state  in  Europe.     The  female  plants  first  flowered  and 


Female  Catkin  of  Garrya  elliptica. 

fimited  in  18-50,  and  from  their  seeds  plants  of  both  sexes  were 
afterwards  raised. 


Pine  Forest  Growth  in  the  Wabash  Valley.— In  a  de. 
Kcription  of  the  vegetation  of  the  bottom  lands  of  the  lower  Wab,ish, 
Mr.  Robert  Ridgway  gives  numerous  particulars  respecting  the 
dimensions  and  habit  of  the  prevalent  forest  trees.  These  number 
nearly  100  species,  of  which  about  seventy  exceed  40  feet  in  height, 
about  fifty  exceed  70  feet,  and  nearly  thirty  are  known  to  reach  or 
exceed  the  height  of  100  feet.  The  ordinary  height  reached  by  the 
forest-mass  is  about  130  feet ;  and  above  this  general  level,  occa- 
sional trees  rise  to  an  altitude  of  200  feet,  or  perhaps  more.  The 
largest  of  these  trees  is  the  Plane  (Platanus  occidentalis),  attain, 
ing  sometimes  a  diameter  of  20  feet  and  a  height  of  200,  with  the 
lowest  branches  90  or  100  feet  .above  the  ground.  The  Tulip  tree 
(Liriodendron  tnlipiferum)  is  the  second  in  size,  being  found  180  feet 
high,  and  37  feet  in  circumference.  A  stick  from  this  tree  is 
mentioned  as  measuring  74  feet  in  length,  being  straight  and 
symmetrical,  and  tapering  from  23  feet  to  18  in  circumference.  The 
tallest  Cottonwoods  (Populus  monilifera)  are  equally  high.  The 
Pecan  (Cai-ya  olivaeformis)  reaches  175  feet  in  height,  with  a  clean 
straight  trunk  of  60  to  90  feet.  Among  the  Oaks  the  most  stately 
and  symmetrical  is  the  "  Spanish  Oak  "  (Quercns  coccinea,  var.), 
frequently  150  feet  high  and  15  to  20  feet  round ;  while  the  most  mas- 
sive  is  the  Burr  Oak  (Q.  macrocarpa) ,  of  equal  height  and  rather  larger 
diameter.  The  White  Ash  follows,  nearly  150  feet  high ;  the  Black 
Walnut  125  feet  high,  and  over  20  feet  in  circumference ;  and  the 
White  Oak,  140  feet  high,  and  over  17  in  circuit.  The  tallest  tree  in 
proportion  to  its  girth  is  the  sweet  gum,  which  exceeds  an  altitude  of 
160  feet,  with  a  clear  stem  of  over  100  feet,  and  a  maximum  circnm. 
ference  of  17  or  18  feet.  The  Honey  Locust  attains  a  height  of  120 
feet,  the  Red  Maple  exceeds  100,  and  even  a  Sassafras  has  been 
measured  which  had  reached  a  height  of  93  feet. 


106 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  9, 1873. 


THE    FRUIT    CROPS. 

SOUTH  EASTERN  DIVISION. 
Middlesex.— Portnall  Park,  Virginia  Water.— Tho  frnit 
crop  on  stantlavd  trees  in  this  district  is  most  uns.atisfactory,  in  some 
cases  even  amounting  to  a  total  failure.  Of  fruits  on  trained  trees 
we  have  an  excellent  crop ;  of  bush  fruits  the  crop  has  been  most 
abundant,  excellent  in  quality,  and  generally  free  from  blight. 
Strawberries  have  been  very  plentiful  and  good. — Tnos.  May. 

Syon,    Brentford. —  Peaches  and  Nectarines  hereabouts 

are  a  thin  crop ;  Apricots,  moderate ;  Plums,  fair ;  Cherries, 
good ;  Pears,  thin ;  Apples,  plentiful ;  bush  fruit  and  Walnuts, 
abundant. — J.  Woodiiridge. 

Surrey. — The  Denbies,  Dorking. — Apricots,  none  ;  Apples, 
plentiful ;  Cherries,  moderate ;  Currants,  good ;  Figs  and  Goose- 
berries, moderate  ;  Pears,  half  a  crop  ;  Peaches  and  Nectp.rines,  very 
scarce;  Plums,  none;  Nuts  and  Raspberries,  plentiful ;  Strawberries, 
moderate  ;  Walnuts,  very  few.  The  adverse  state  of  the  weather 
during  the  spring  montlis  did  great  injury  to  the  fruit  crops  in  this 
high-lying  district. —  Jas.  Duewett. 

The  Deepdene,  Dorking. — The  fruit  crop  here  is  the  best 

we  have  had  since  1870.  Apples  are  plentiful  and  the  fruit  looks 
clean  and  free  from  maggots  ;  Pears  are  a  fair  crop;  there  was  plenty 
of  bloom,  but  it  was  much  cut  off  by  the  sharp  frosts  which  occurred 
in  April ;  some  varieties  are  veiy  thin ;  Peaches  are  very  partial, 
some  trees  having  plenty  on  them,  others  none  ;  Nectarines  none  ; 
Apricots  are  very  thin  ;  they  set  abundantly  but  were  cut  off  by  the 
frost ;  Plums  are  good  on  west  walls,  but  very  thin  on  the  east  aspects, 
they  are  a  thin  crop  generally  ;  Cherries  good,  especially  Morellos ; 
Strawberries  are  a  very  heavy  crop  ;  and  Gooseberries,  Currants,  and 
Raspberries  are  very  plentiful;  Walr.its  none  ;  Filberts  plenty;  Figs 
good  ;  on  Vines  on  walls  there  is  a  good  crop  generally. — J.  Burnett. 
Kent.— Preston  Hall,  Aylesford.— Apricots,  almost  a  failure; 
Apples,  abundant ;  Pears  and  Plums,  moderate  (some  trees  heavily 
laden,  others  fruitless)  ;  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  moderate  (trees 
injured  by  blistering  and  mildew  in  the  spring)  ;  Nuts,  very 
thin  ;  Cherries,  a  fair  average  crop  ;  Currants,  Gooseberries,  and 
Raspberries,  abundant. — W.  Bradley. 

Chevening,  Sevenoaks.  — Apples  here  are  a  good  crop, 

as  are  also  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Grapes,  Melons,  Strawberries,  and 
Cherries  ;  of  Apricots  and  Walnuts  we  have  only  about  a  quarter  of 
a  crop  ;  Plums  and  Pears  are  about  half  a  crop  ;  Raspberries,  Goose- 
berries, and  Currants  are  heavy  crops ;  Filberts  are  good  ;  Figs,  about 
half  a  crop. — D.  CoE. 

Berkshire.— Coleshill,  Shrivenham.— Apples,  light,  half  a 
crop  ;  Apricots,  total  failure ;  Cherries,  with  the  exception  of 
Morellos,  very  thin,  destroyed  by  late  frosts;  Figs,  moderate; 
Peaches  and  Nectarines,  total  failure  ;  Pears,  very  thin,  all  the  best 
kinds  a  total  failure,  destroyed  by  late  frosts  ;  Plums,  on  walls,  very 
thin,  standards,  including  Damsons,  a  total  failure ;  Currants,  red, 
white,  and  black,  an  immense  crop,  and  the  fruit  very  fine ;  Goose- 
ben-ies,  good,  where  not  injured  while  iu  bud  by  birds  ;  Mulberries, 
good  ;  Raspberries  and  Strawberries,  abundant,  and  frnit  very  fine  ; 
Filberts,  good  ;  Walnuts,  moderate.  Fruit  crops  here  are  unsatis- 
factory.  In  the  case  of  Apricots,  Nectarines,  and  Peaches,  we  had 
scarcely  any  flower,  no  doubt  the  result  of  the  last  two  unfavourable 
summers.  The  trees  were  iu  a  bad  state,  the  wood  was  not  ripened, 
and,  in  the  case  of  Nectarines  aud  Peaches,  straggling  leaves  remained 
green  through  the  winter,  aud  were  only  removed  by  means  of  the 
knife  iu  the  spring.  What  little  flower  there  was  on  Apricots  came 
very  irregularly,  and  continued  up  to  the  middle  of  May.  The  trees 
are,  however,  looking  better  than  they  did  this  time  last  year,  and 
with  a  fine  autumn  we  may  expect  a  better  state  of  things  next  year. 
Plums,  too,  flowered  sparingly.  Pears  flowered  and  set  well,  but 
were  cut  off  by  late  frosts.  The  Apple  crop  looked  much  more 
promising  a  month  .ago  than  it  does  now. — Hexuv  Eckford. 

Royal    Gardens,     Frog-more,    Windsor.  —  Apricots 

arc,  generally,  a  very  thin  crop,  iu  many  places,  indeed,  a  total 
failure ;  of  Apples  we  have  a  heavy  crop,  but  the  fruit  in  most 
oases  is  likely  to  be  small.  Pears,  both  on  walls  and  on  standards, 
are  a  fine  crop,  and  the  fruit  is  clear  and  free  from  spot; 
Plums  are  thin,  generally,  and  the  fruit  is  still  dropping ; 
Strawberries  have  been  generally  plentiful  and  of  better  quality 
than  usual.  Dr.  Hogg,  Mrs.  Radclitfe,  Fairy  Queen,  Cocks- 
comb, Frogmoro  late  Pine,  J.  Powell,  Sir  J.  Paxton,  and  La  Grosse 
Sucree  were  the  best  here.  Peaches  and  Nectarines  promise  to  be 
of  first-rate  qu.ility,  but  tho  crop  of  both  is  below  tho  average  ;  of 
.small  fruits  we  have  very  heavy  crops  of  all  kinds,  and  of  excellent 
cinality  ;  Filberts  are  thin,  and  Walnuts  are  also  thin  iu  many  spots, 
but  some  trees  are  l)earlng  heavy  crops.  The  cause  of  f.ailure  in  tho 
Apricot  crop  must  not  be  attributed  to  spring  frost,  as  we  had  no 
frost  to  injure  a  blossom.     The  misfortune  was  doubtless  brought 


about  by  the  mild  weather  in  the  fore  part  of  the  season  up  to 
January,  followed  by  weeks  of  cold  weather,  causing  a  check  to  tho 
trees  after  having  been  early  excited  ;  the  thin  Peach  crop  may  be 
attributed  to  the  same  cause. — T.  Jo.nes. 

Hampshire.—  Stratfieldsaye,  Winchfield.— Of  Apples  we 
have  a  fair  crop,  but  many  of  them  are  misshapen,  and  will 
probably  crack  from  the  effects  of  the  frost  on  the  20th  of  May.  Of 
Pears  we  have  very  few  indeed,  the  blossoms  being  destroyed  on  the 
nights  of  tho  26th  and  27th  of  April ;  Peaches  and  Apricots  are  less 
than  half  a  crop  ;  they  bloomed  well  and  set  well,  but  though 
thoroughly  protected  from  frost,  seemed  quite  unable  to  make  head- 
way during  the  chilly  weather  of  April  aud  May.  Of  Plums  we 
have  scarcely  any ;  they  were  not  protected ;  of  Cherries,  where 
protected,  we  have  a  fine  crop ;  Strawberries,  though  the  earliest 
and  strongest  blooms  were  killed  by  frost,  are,  nevertheless,  an 
excellent  crop ;  Raspberries  .are  abundant  and  fine ;  Gooseberries, 
whore  sheltered,  plentiful,  where  exposed,  scarcely  any  ;  Currants, 
a  fair  crop,  but  the  trees  are  scarcely  yet  recovered  from  the  -effect 
of  losing  their  leaves  in  the  summer  of  1871. — James  Bell. 

Heckfield  Place,  Winchfield. — Out  of  door  fruits  here- 
abouts are  much  better  than  was  at  one  time  expected,  for  on  the 
20th  of  May  the  thermometer  registered  6°  of  frost,  and  then 
Apples,  Pears,  and  Strawberries  were  in  full  bloom  ;  notwithstand- 
ing this,  however,  there  are  splendid  crops  of  Apples,  extraordinarily 
fine  crops  of  Strawberries,  and  also  of  Pears  on  walls,  but  on 
standards  Pears  are  very  thin  aud  partial ;  Peaches  are  only  half  a 
crop  ;  Apricots  a  full  crop  here,  bnt  in  the  district  generally  they 
are  very  thiu,  and  in  many  places  there  are  none  ;  Plums  here  are  a 
complete  failure,  but  this  I  attribute  to  the  heavy  crops  which  they 
bore  last  year,  and  also  to  the  industry  of  the  feathered  tribe  in  early 
spring;  Cherries,  especially  Morellos,  are  a  heavy  crop  and  good; 
Raspberries,  Gooseberries,  red,  white,  and  black  Currants  are  very 
]ilentif  ul,  fine,  and  free  from  blight ;  of  Walnuts  we  have  none,  but 
Filberts  are  good.  I  may  add,  that  the  gardens  here  lie  high  and 
dry,  so  that  we  escape  to  a  certain  extent  the  evils  arising  from  late 
spring  frosts. — W.  WiLDSMrrH. 

Sussex.— Bridge  Castle,  Tunbridge  Wells.— Apples,  plen- 
tiful ;  Pears,  a  good  crop  ;  Plums,  half  a  crop  ;  Apricots,  a  failure; 
Peaches  and  Nectarines,  only  good  in  places  where  they  are  sheltered  ; 
Gooseberries,  good;  Currants,  excellent;  Cherries  most  excellent; 
Figs,  cut  off  by  the  late  frost;  Nuts,  a  good  crop  in  sheltered 
places. — J.  Rust.  

SOUTH  MIDLAND  DIVISION. 

Oxford.— Great  Tew,  Enstone.— Black  Currants,  a  fair  crop  ; 
red  and  white  Cun-ants,  good;  Gooseberries  and  Strawberries,  good; 
Apricots,  an  inferior  crop,  as  is  also  that  of  Peaches,  Nectarines,  aud 
Plums  ;  Cherries  are  a  fair  crop  ;  Pears,  about  half  a  crop  ;  Apples, 
very  abundant ;  Walnuts  are  an  inferior  crop.  In  our  orchard  house 
there  is  again  a  very  full  crop,  and  1  feel  more  and  more  satisfied 
that  this  is  the  surest  way  of  securing  tine  crops  of  good  fruit. — 
A.  Maci'aklaxe. 

Herttordshire.— Moorpark,  Eickmansworth.— The  Apple 
crops  hereabouts  are  good.  Notwithstanding  all  the  various  modes 
of  protecting  Apricot  and  Peach  blossom  by  means  of  netting  aud 
other  contrivances,  it  may  be  said  of  Apricots  that  the  crop  is  a 
failure.  Peaches  very  few  ;  aud  as  to  Nectarines  some  individual 
trees  are  well  loaded  with  fruit.  Plums  are  very  thin,  Damsons 
especially  being  a  failure.  Cherries  have  been  an  abundant  crop, 
and  small  fruits  have  been  extra  good.  I  may  add,  that  Potatoes  are 
really  good  both  in  quantity  and  quality,  and  that  no  disease  has 
been  observed  here  as  yet. — D.  Cunningham. 

Bedfordshire.— Luton  Hoo  Park.— Apples  here  are  a  fair 
crop  ;  Apricots,  an  extremely  light  one  ;  Currants,  of  all  kinds,  a 
very  heavy  crop  ;  Filberts  and  Nuts,  good ;  Gooseberries,  a  good 
crop,  trees  much  injured  by  caterpillars  ;  Mulberries,  a  heavy  crop  ; 
Pears,  good  both  on  walls  and  on  pyramids ;  Plums,  a  very  poor  crop 
on  north-west  walls,  but  a  good  crop  on  west  walls,  scarcely  any  on 
standards  ;  Peaches,  a  good  crop  ;  Raspberries,  very  good  ;  Straw- 
ben-ies,  a  remarkably  heavy  crop,  very  fine,  and  quality  excellent ; 
Walnuts,  a  light  crop. — R.  Budd. 

Northampton.— Castle  Ashby.— Fruit  crops  here  .are, 
generally  speaking,  under  average.  Striiwberries  are  plentiful,  also 
Currants  and  Gooseberries  ;  Apples  are  about  h.alf  a  crop ;  Pears,  ,a 
few  upon  walls,  none  upon  pyramids,  standards,  or  other  trained 
trees;  Plums,  very  few ;  Raspberries  are  a  medium  crop,  and  much 
blighted ;  Cherries,  none  ;  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  very  few,  they 
bloomed  very  weakly,  and  all  dropped  off  ;  a  circumstance  which  I 
.attribute  to  tho  immaturit}'  of  the  wood.  Apricots  are  a  small  crop ; 
the  greater  part  of  the  bloom,  when  expanded,  presented  a  singularly 
blank  appearance  inside,  and  was  destitute  of  stamens  or  pistil, 
consequently  it  dropped  off.  Walnuts  area  medium  crop. — Geo.  Beech. 


Aug.  9,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


107 


WEST  MIDLAND  DIVISION. 

Staffordshire.  —  Alton  Towers,  Cheadle.—  fiooseben-ies, 
Cnrrants — red,  white,  and  black — Strawberiies,  Raspberries,  and 
Apples  are  here  abundant ;  Pears  are  half  a  crop  ;  Plnms,  average  ; 
Damsons  are  only  about  halt  a  crop ;  Peaches  on  walls,  excellent ; 
Apricots,  very  thin ;  Filberts,  half  a  crop ;  Cherries,  abundant. 
Crops  of  all  kinds  of  vegetables,  excellent. — T.  E-IBONE. 

HerefordsMre.  —  Do'wrntom  Castle. — Of  Strawberries  I  have 
an  abundant  crop  ;  Currants — red,  black,  and  white — are  very  good  ; 
Gooseberries  and  Raspberries  are  a  fair  crop,  as  are  also  Peaches 
and  Nectarines ;  Cherries,  both  dessert  and  Morello,  are  good ; 
Apples,  too,  are  very  good  all  over  this  part  of  Herefordshire ;  but 
Pears,  Plums,  and  Apricots  are  but  half  a  crop,  having  been 
destroyed  by  frost.  All  kinds  of  wall.fruifc  trees  are  making  good 
wood,  and  seem  to  be  in  much  better  health  than  they  were  last 
summer. — Wji.  Landon. 

Gloucestershire.— TortworthCourt.'Wotton-under-Edge. 
— Peaches  and  Nectarines  here  are  only  about  half  a  crop ;  Plums 
and  Apricots  are  a  complete  failure ;  Apples,  about  half  a  crop ; 
Pears,  a  fourth  of  a  crop ;  of  Gooseberries,  Strawberries,  red  and 
black  Currants,  we  have  very  heavy  crops,  more  so  than  they  have 
been  for  many  years  past ;  Raspberries  are  a  full  crop  and  large  in 
size ;  Cherries  on  standard  ti'ees,  a  complete  failure  ;  on  walls,  a  full 
crop  ;  Nats  and  Figs  a  failure.  This  has  proved  a  backward  season. 
During  the  day  we  have  had  very  warm  sunshine,  followed  by  cold 
nights  until  within  these  last  few  weeks. — Alex.vndek  CnAMiiE. 

Shropshire.  ^  "Willey  Hall,  Broseley.  —  Apricots,  thin  ; 
Peaches  and  Nectarines,  good  ;  Apples,  abundant ;  Pears,  good  ; 
Cherries,  plentiful ;  Strawberries,  abundant  and  very  fine  ;  Goose- 
berries, good;  Currants  and  Raspberries,  verj- fine ;  Plums,  good, 
even ;  Damsons  are  very  good  with  me,  but  scarce  as  a  rule  ;  Fil- 
berts, a  heavy  crop  ;  Walnuts,  moderate. — W.  II.  Welch. 

Staffordshire.— Keele  Hall,  Newcastle. — North  Staffordshire 
is  not  a  favourable  district  for  out-door  fruits.  This  season  we 
have  fair  crops  of  Apples,  and  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines ;  Apricots, 
good,  particularly  so  under  glass;  Chen-ies,  good;  Strawberries, 
first-rate  and  a  good  crop  ;  all  small  fruits  plentiful. — W.  Hill. 

■Warwickshire.— Paokington  Hall,  Coventry.— The  follow- 
ing may  be  taken  as  a  fair  average  of  the  fruit  crop  in  this  district. 
Apples,  half  a  crop  ;  in  the  early  part  of  the  season  they  looked  as 
if  they  would  be  a  large  crop,  but  many  trees  are  much  blighted, 
a  great  portion  of  the  fruit  ha^  fallen  off,  and  what  remains  does  not 
seem  to  swell  kindly  ;  Pears  are  very  thin,  indeed  I  never  saw  them 
so  thin ;  Apricots  mostly  very  thin,  I  have  about  half  a  crop  ; 
Peaches,  thin  ;  Nectarines  better,  but  by  no  moans  good  ;  Plums  and 
Damsons  hardly  any ;  Gooseberries  had  their  buds  much  picked 
out  by  birds  early  in  spring  ;  but  for  that  and  the  frost  there  would 
have  been  a  fair  crop.  Currants  —  red,  white  and  black — are 
middling,  frost  having  destroyed  many  that  were  exposed  ;  Nuts 
and  Filberts  scarce ;  Straw-berries  and  Raspberries  plentiful  and 
good  ;  Cherries  scarce. — J.  G.  Temple. 

Conipton  Verney.  —  Apples  with   us  are  abundant  and 

fine ;  Pears,  partial,  half  a  crop ;  Plums,  under  average ; 
Damsons,  a  few ;  RaspbeiTies,  abundant  and  good ;  Cherries, 
good  on  walls ;  Strawberries,  very  abundant  and  fine ;  Goose- 
berries, under  average ;  Currants,  plentiful  and  fine ;  Apricots, 
a  failure;  Peaches  and  Nectarines  half  a  crop;  Walnuts,  average 
crop  ;  Figs,  good  on  walls. 

Herefordshire.— Shobden  Court,  Leominster.— Apples,  I 
am  glad  to  say,  are  abundant  here  this  year.  This  is  not  a  Pear- 
growing  district  for  Perry  making,  but,  as  far  as  I  am  couoomed,  I 
am  not  nearly  as  well  off  as  I  was  last  year,  our  Pear  crop  is  very 
thiu ;  Peaches  and  Nectarines  are  not  a  large  crop  ;  Apricots  are 
thin ;  Strawberries  have  been  very  good  ;  as  have  also  been  Currants 
and  Raspberries ;  but  the  choice  kinds  of  Gooseberries  suffered 
from  spring  frost,  and  from  that  little  pest,  the  bullfinch.  I  really 
think  it  is  as  necessary  to  net  plantations  of  Gooseberries  in  winter 
and  spring  as  it  is  now  when  they  are  ripe  to  net  them  from  black, 
birds.  Bullfinches;  though  pretty  enough  to  look  at,  are  quite  as 
troublesome  with  me  in  the  matter  of  Plums  and  Apricots  as  in  that 
of  Gooseberries.  The  Potato  disease  has  broken  out  strongly  during 
the  last  week,  but  I  have  not  yet  scon  any  diseased  tubers. — John 

M.\TrHE\7S. 

Worcestershire.— Witley  Court,  Stourport.  —  Fruit  crops 
in  this  neighbourhood,  although  somewhat  partial,  may,  upon  the 
whole,  be  pronounced  to  be  satisfactory.  Apricots  are  generally  a 
light  crop  :  the  bloom  was  produced  weakly  and  dropped,  a  mishap 
do  doubt  attributable  to  the  long  continuance  of  wet  and  absence  of 
sunshine  during  last  autumn  having  prevented  the  wood  from  becom- 
ing thoroughly  ripened.  Apples  are  a  most  abundart  crop  ;  Pears 
are  very  thin  generally;  Plums  are  scarce  and  paitial;  in  one  or 
two  instances  I  have  seen  famous  crops  of  Damsons,  but  they  are  by 


no  means  general ;  Strawberries  are  most  abundant,  and  of  fine 
quality ;  Cherries  are  a  full  average  crop.  Of  Peaches  and  Nec- 
tarines there  are  heavy  crops,  and  the  trees  making  fine  clean  growth. 
Figs  are  a  full  average  crop,  and  swelling  off  well.  Of  small  bush 
fruits,  such  as  Cnrrants,  red  and  black,  we  have  very  heavy 
crops,  and  of  fine  quality ;  also  of  Gooseberries  and  Raspberries. 
Nuts  and  Walnuts  are  plentiful.  I  may  remark  that  the  season  is 
quite  a  fortnight  later  than  usual,  and  that  growth  of  all  kinds  is 
remarkably  vigorous.  Potatoes  promise  to  yield  abundant  crops,  and 
I  have  seen  but  little  disease  so  far. — G.  Wesi'laxd. 


SOUTH  WESTERN  DIVISION. 

Dorsetshire. — Sherborne  Castle. — Apples  hereabouts  are  a 
very  heavy  crop  ;  Apricots,  scarce  ;  Berberries,  plentiful ;  Cherries, 
a  fair  crop ;  Currants,  abund.ant ;  Figs,  moderate ;  Gooseberries, 
plentiful ;  Medlars,  scarce ;  Mulberries,  plentiful  ;  Filberts  and 
other  Nuts,  very  few  ;  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  a  poor  crop  ;  Pears 
on  walls,  a  moderate  crop,  on  bush  trees,  very  few  and  poor; 
Plums  are  but  a  middling  crop  ;  Raspberries,  the  heaviest  crop  I 
have  known;  Strawberries,  abundant;  Walnnts,  scarce.  —  W.  G. 
Pr.agnell. 

Somersetshire. — If ettlecombe,  Taunton. — The  fruit  crop  in 
this  district  is,  as  near  as  I  can  learn,  as  follows  : — Apples,  below  the 
average ;  Pears,  below  half  an  average ;  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and 
Apricots,  very  few,  and  in  some  places  none,  but  the  trees  are  looking 
well ;  Plums,  almost  a  failure  ;  Cherries,  about  half  a  crop  ;  Straw- 
berries, a  good  crop,  and  fine  in  quality  ;  Figs,  abundant  and  good  ; 
bush  fruits  of  all  kinds,  good ;  Medlars,  an  average  crop  ;  Walnuts, 
abundant;  Filberts  and  Kent  Cobs,  scarce. — Charles  Elwokthv. 

Ashton     Court,     Bristol. — Peaches,   Nectarines,   Plums, 

Apricots,  and  Pigs  on  walls,  are  here  failures.  All  bush  fruits 
are  abundant,  and  fine  in  quality.  Pears  on  some  of  the  pyramids 
are  a  fair  crop.  Apples,  I  should  say,  are  a  fine  ci'op,  and  Straw- 
berries  I  never  had  so  fine,  or  in  such  abundance.  Many  of  the 
President  kind  weighed  close  upon  1^  ounces  each.  Cherries  on 
espaliers,  such  as  May  Duke,  Circassian,  and  Morello,  are  good  and 
abundant. — W.  Dodds. 

Cornwall. — Enys,  Penryn.  —  The  Apple  crop  here  is  good, 
autumn  kinds  and  kitchen  sorts  being  abundant  in  most  places  ;  of 
Pears  there  is  an  average  crop  ;  Plums  are  plentiful  in  Plum  gardens ; 
of  dessert  kinds  there  is  not  a  good  crop,  only  a  sprinkling ;  of  Peaches 
and  Nectarines  there  are  various  reports ;  here  we  have  good  crops,' 
thousands  having  been  thinned  out,  while  not  far  off  there  is  barely  an 
average  crop,  a  oircnmstance  attributable,  in  a  great  measure,  to  the 
degree  of  shelter  which  the  trees  received  while  in  bloom.  There  are 
good  crops  of  Cherries  of  all  kinds ;  of  small  fruit,  such  as  Gooseberries, 
Raspberries,  Cnrrants,  Ac,  there  is  a  good  supply;  Strawberries  were 
a  plentiful  crop,  but  soon  over ;  Nuts,  as  far  as  I  have  seen,  are 
under  the  average ;  there  are  good  crops  of  brown  Turkey  Figs 
against  walls  having  a  south  or  south-east  aspect.  Potato  tops  are 
going  off  badly ;  they  have  grown  well  this  season,  and  the  tubers 
are  good  ;  but  what  quantity  of  the  late  kinds  tho  disease  will  leave 
unhurt  is  yet  to  be  learned. — Hexry  Mills. 

Wiltshire. — Wilton  House,  Salisbviry. — Apples  here  are 
abundant,  but  blighted;  Apricots,  a  fair  crop;  Chemes,  good; 
Currants,  very  abundant ;  Figs,  a  fair  crop ;  Goosebei'ries,  moderate, 
trees  much  injured  by  caterpillars  ;  Nectarines,  a  fair  crop  ;  Nuts, 
abundant ;  Peaches,  a  fair  crop ;  Pears,  moderate  ;  Plums,  a  fair 
crop ;  Raspberries  and  Strawberries,  very  abundant ;  Walnuts,  a 
light  crop. — TH0M.1S  Challis. 


MIDLAND  DIVISION. 

Lancashire.- Croxteth   Park,    Liverpool.— Our  fruit  crop 

this  season  is  much  more  satisfactory  than  it  was  last  year.     Apples, 

Pears,  and  Peaches  are  a  fair  crop ;  Plums,  scanty  ;  Cherries  and 

all  sorts  of  small  fruits  are  a  heavy  crop,  and  of  good  quality. — John 

BiSSET. 

Lincolnshire. —  Aswarby  Park,  Folkingham.  —  Apples 
here  are  a  full  crop  ;  Apricots,  a  failure  ;  black  Currants,  a  full  crop, 
but  the  fruit  is  small ;  early  Cherries,  a  failure  ;  Figs,  a  full  crop, 
although  the  trees  here  are  never  protected  in  winter  ;  Gooseberries, 
a  heavy  crop,  and  the  fruit  large  and  well  flavoured ;  Morello 
Cherries,  a  fair  crop  ;  Pears,  nearly  a  failure  ;  Plums,  none  ;  Peaches 
and  Nectarines,  very  few  ;  Nectarines,  under  glass,  a  heavy  crop  and 
fine  in  flavour  ;  red  Cnrrants,  a  full  crop,  and  large  and  fine  in 
quality;  Raspberries,  a  full  crop,  but  the  fruit  is  small;  Straw- 
berries, a  heavy  crop,  and  fruit  large  and  fine  in  quality  ;  Walnuts, 
an  extra  heavy  crop  ;  Mulberries,  a  fair  crop. — Richard  Nisbet. 

Derbyshire.— Osmaston  Manor. — Of  Apricots  we  have  only 
half  a  crop  ;  Cherries,  good  on  walls,  but  light  on  standards  ;  Plums, 
a  very  light  crop  here,  also  Damsons  ;  Pears,  a  very  light  crop  ; 
Apples,  very  good  crop ;  Raspberries  and  Strawberries  o£  all  sorts, 


lOS 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  9, 1873. 


very  heavy  crop  ;  black  and  red  Currants  and  Gooseberries,  very 
good  crops  ;  Peaches  and  Nectarines  are  not  grown  out  of  doors  in 
this  district. — Jon.v  Boom. 

Derbysliire.— Chatsworth.,  Chesterfield.— Apples  and  Pears 
here  are  very  fine,  as  are  also  Gooseberries.  Apricots,  Plums, 
Peaches,  and  Nectarines,  none.  Cherries  good,  both  early  and 
late,  including  Morellos.  Currant.-!,  Strawberries,  and  Raspberries, 
splendid  crops.  Filberts  none.  Our  fruit  crop  was  destroyed  on 
May  19 and  20,  when  we  had  12  degrees  of  frost. — Tnos.  Si'eed. 

Rutland.— Exton  Park. — Apples  and  Pears  are  with  me  about 
half  a  crop.  Plums,  very  few.  Peaches,  Apricots,  and  Nectarines, 
scarce.  Filberts  and  Walnuts,  good.  Strawberries,  good  and  very 
large.  Black  Red  and  White  Currants,  and  Cherries,  a  splendid  crop. 
Figs  moderate. — Jame.s  Smith. 

Leicestershire.— Cole  Orton  Hall,  Ashby-de-la-Zouoh.— 

Of  Apricots  we  have  very  few  indeed — a  failure ;  Apples,  partial, 
about  half  a  crop  on  the  average ;  Cherries,  a  fair  average  crop  ; 
Filberts,  a  good  crop ;  Walnuts,  very  few ;  Gooseberries,  thin, 
owing  to  spring  frosts  ;  Pears,  rather  partial,  some  sorts  very  good, 
other  very  few,  not  so  good  as  last  year ;  Plums,  a  very  abundant 
crop ;  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  both  most  abundant,  and  required 
much  thinning ;  Figs,  a  fail-  crop ;  Raspberries  and  all  sorts  of 
Currants,  a  very  heavy  crop,  and  fine  in  quality ;  Strawberries,  a 
very  great  crop,  and  excellent  in  every  way — never  better. — M. 
Henderson. 

Nottinghamshire.— Welbeck  Abbey,  "Worksop.- Apples 
and  Pears,  in  orchards,  are  about  an  average  crop,  some  trees  being 
very  full  of  fruit,  and  others,  according  to  the  varieties,  only 
partially  so.  Pear  trees  on  walls  are,  in  general,  well  covered  with  fruit, 
especially  Marie  Louise,  Louise  Bonne,  BeuiTe  de  Capiaumont,  and 
Winter  Nelis.  Plums  are  a  general  failure,  both  on  walls  and  on 
standards.  Small  bush  fruits,  such  as  Gooseberries,  Currants,  and 
Raspberries,  have  been  an  excellent  crop,  especially  Raspberries.  The 
Gooseberry  caterpillar  has  been  more  prevalent  on  the  bushes  this 
year  than  usual,  and  nothing  but  repeated  doses  of  Hellebore  powder 
has  kept  it  from  devouring  every  leaf.  I  never  recollect  gathering  such 
a  large  crop  of  Strawberries  as  I  have  done  this  year,  and  they  have 
been  fine  iu  size  and  flavour,  the  best  being  President,  Lucas,  Sir  J. 
Paxton,  Sir  Charles  Napier,  Coxcomb,  British  Queen,  and  Dr.  Hogg. 
Apricots  have  again  failed  where  not  well  protected  ;  the  best  kind 
for  the  last  two  years  with  me  has  been  the  Kaisha,  which  this  year 
bears  a  full  crop.  The  Moorpark  and  other  sorts  had  the  same  pro- 
tection in  sjjring — under  glass  lights — but  they  only  show  half  a  crop. 
Some  trees  of  the  Kaisha,  not  protected  by  glass  lights,  have  a  good 
crop  on  them,  showing  that  this  variety  is  hardier  in  bad  springs 
than  the  Moorpark  and  others. — William  Tilleiiv. 

-; —  Berry  Hill,  Mansfield.— Apples  with  us  are  a  light  crop  ; 
Apricots,  moderate  ;  Pears,  a  very  thin  crop  ;  Peaches,  good,  but 
very  late  ;^  Plums,  a  failure;  Cherries,  good,  especially  Morello's  ; 
Strawberries,  a  very  heavy  crop  and  good  in  size ;  Gooseberries, 
Currants,  and  Raspberries,  abundant  and  fine. — S.  A.  Woods. 

Lincolnshire.— Sudbrooke  Holme.— In  this  district  Apples 
are  about  half  a  crop  ;  Pears,  scarce,  except  on  walls  where  they  are 
a  full  crop  ;  Plums,  half  a  crop,  on  walls  a  full  crop ;  Cherries, 
tolerably  abundant ;  Apricots,  scarce  ;  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  full 
crops.     All    wall  fruits  a  great  crop. — George  McBey. 

— -  Bloxholm  Hall,  Sleaford.— This  has  been  one  of  the 
most  ungenial  seasons  I  ever  knew,  and  fruit  prospects  are 
very  poor  in  this  district.  We  had  a  great  deal  of  rain  last  autumn, 
winter,  and  early  spring,  then  came  cold  dry  weather  with  frosty 
nights,  which  continued  till  the  second  week  in  June,  and  although 
we  had  an  abundance  of  bloom,  owing  to  the  wood  not  being  ripened 
last  autunm  the  bloom  was  weak  and  fell  off.  Apricots  are  a  fair 
crop  where  property  protected,  where  improtected  a  failure.  Apples 
are  a  poor  crop  in  most  cases  ;  in  some  sheltered  parts  a  fa,ir  crop 
There  was  an  abundance  of  bloom,  but  it  was  weak.     Cherries  are  a 


very  poor  crop  ;  Pears  on  walls  and  espaliers  are  a  fair  crop,  few  on 
standards;  Peaches  on  open  wall  are  a  poor  crop;  under  glass 
feu- ;  Plums  on  walls  a  fair  crop,  on  bushes  and  standards  few  ; 
Figs  on  open  walls  a  fair  crop,  nader  glass  good;  Walnuts  an 
abum'ant  crop,  more  so  than  I  have  seen  for  several  years.  Goose- 
berries are  a  fair  crop,  though  the  buds  were  very  much  destroyed 
by  small  brds  in  eariy  spring;  Currants— red,  black,  and  white— are 
fair  crops. — David  Lumsden. 


EASTERN  DIVISION. 
,,  Suffolk.-Culford    HaH,  Bury    St.   Edmonds.-Applea   in 

this  district  are  a  very  fair  crop  ;  Ajjricots,  on  the  other  hand,  are  an 
entire  failure ;  Cherries,  more  particularly  as  regards  the  jAforello 
variety,  are  exceedingly  abundant;  Figs  on  open  walls  promise  at 
present  to  be  plentiful,  but  many  fruits  may  yet  drop  off  prematurely  ■ 


Peaches  and  Nectarines  on  walls  and  in  orchard  houses  are  a  fair 
crop  ;  Pears  are  a  fair  but,  if  anything,  a  light  crop  ;  Plums  are 
about  half  a  crop — Damsons  especially  being  very  deficient ;  Walnuts 
are  about  half  a  crop,  and  other  Nuts  much  the  same  ;  Gooseberries 
exceedingly  abundant  and  good  ;  black  Currants  are  very  plentiful, 
and  finer  than  usual — red  and  white  Currants  much  the  same  ;  Rasp, 
berries  are  abundant  and  very  fine  ;  StrawbeiTies  have  been  unusually 
plentiful,  and  exceedingly  fine  and  well  flavoured. — P.  Gkieve. 

"Woolverstone   Park,  Ipswich. — The  late  frosts  made 

sad  havoc  with  Plums  and  Peaches  in  this  district ;  Cherries  were 
late  in  bloom,  and  escaped  with  only  a  slight  thinning;  the  fruit  has 
been  unusually  large  and  fine.  On  Peaches  there  was  plenty  of 
bloom,  but  a  large  percentage  was  deformed  and  lacked  the  necessary 
vigour  for  a  successful  set.  Numbers  of  blooms  did  not  exiiand  at 
all,  and  many  that  did  so  had  totally  barren  anthers.  It  is  singular 
that  Nectarines  having  the  same  aspect  should  have  formed  an 
exception  and  set  a  full  crop,  as  many  have  done  here  on  south- 
east walls.  The  young  buds  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines  suffered  a, 
good  deal  from  the  low  temperature,  and  were  much  blistered ;  but 
the  trees  have  since  made  satisfactory  progress,  and  are  now  looking 
well.  Apricots  under  coping  and  otherwise  protected  have  set  fair 
crops  of  fruit,  which  promises  to  be  of  unusually  fine  quality.  Pears 
are  partial,  both  on  walls  and  pyramids ;  some  kinds,  such  as  Passe 
Colmar,  Louise  Bonne,  Glou  Morceau,  and  one  or  two  others  have 
set  full  crops,  while  many  others  are  thin,  and  have  frost-bitten  and 
deformed  fruit.  Plums  set  well,  but  the  frost  made  nearly  a  clean 
sweep,  leaving  what  few  remained  crippled  and  deformed.  Apples 
are  a  fair  crop  where  sheltered,  but  thin  in  exposed  situations. 
Gooseberries,  Raspberries,  StrawbeiTies,  and  Currants  have  been 
most  abundant  and  fine  in  quality. — James  Sheppard. 

Norfolk.— Cossey  Park  Gardens,  Norwich. — Wall  fruit  in 
general  is  scarce  in  this  quarter  ;  Apricots  and  Peaches,  a  bad  crop  ; 
Nectarines  are  a  little  better;  Plums, few  ornone  ;  Cherries,  scarce  ; 
Pigs  a  fair  crop  ;  Pears,  a  good  sprinkling,  especially  on  wall  trees  ; 
Apples  in  some  instances  abundant,  but  in  general  the  crop  is  bad  ; 
Currants,  plentiful ;  Gooseberries,  not  over  abundant ;  Raspberries 
and  Strawberries  plentiful,  as  are  also  Walnuts  and  Filberts. — J. 

WlGHTO.V. 

Essex. — Audley  End,  Saffron  Walden. — Peaches,  Nee. 
tarines,  and  Apricots  with  me  .are  a  very  light  crop ;  Pears  on 
walls  middling,  but  on  standards  scarce  ;  Apples,  about  a  quarter  of 
a  crop  ;  Gooseberries,  and  Currants — red,  white  and  black — abundant, 
as  are  also  Strawberries  and  Raspberries  ;  Plums,  few ;  Cherries, 
good,  especially  Morellos  ;  Figs,  good  ;  Filberts  and  Cob  Nuts,  very 
good. — Gko.  You.vg. 


NORTHERN   DIYISION. 

Yorkshire. — Thorpe  Fevro'w,  Bedale.— Apples  hereabouts 
are  good  in  sheltered  places,  in  others  much  cut  up  with  blio-ht  • 
Apricots  are  a  bad  crop,  generally  ;  but  in  some  instances,  where 
the  trees  are  growing  against  a  cottage  with  a  good  coping,  they 
are  good.  Bush  fruit  is  abundant  and  fine  ;  Peaches,  good,  but  very 
late ;  Nectarines,  not  much  grown  out  of  doors  here ;  Pears,  a 
moderate  crop  ;  Cherries,  good  in  the  gardens  here,  but  not  much 
grown  in  this  district;  Plums,  good  in  some  places,  especially  the 
Victoria,  in  others  bad,  the  fruit-buds  were  all  killed  in  Februarv  ■ 
Sti-awberries,  abundant  and  fine ;  Walnuts,  a  bad  crop  ;  Filberts,  liot 
good. — William  Culverwell. 

Durham.— Lambton  Castle,  Fence  Houses.— Apricots  here. 
abouts  are  a  light  crop  ;  Apples,  moderate ;  Pears,  an  average  crop  ; 
Plums,  good;  Strawberries,  abundant  and  fine;  Chei-ries,  thin  ■ 
Peaches,  thin  outside,  fine  inside  ;  Nectarines,  thin  ;  Figs,  thin  out- 
side, good  inside  ;  Gooseberries,  thin  ;  other  small  fruits  plentiful. 

J.  Hu.VfER. 

Southend    Gardens,    Darlington.— Few  springs  have 

been  more  tantalising  than  the  last,  and  even  now  we  are  sufferino' 
from  its  effects.  Gooseben-ies,  in  many  places,  are  a  failure ;  Cur! 
rants  are  a  fair  crop,  and  where  they  have  escaped  the  fly  the  fruit  is 
good  ;  Apricots  looked  well  at  one  time,  but  very  many  have  dropped 
off,  and  now  they  cannot  be  said  to  be  more  than  half  a  crop ;  Cherries 
are  so  scarce  that  it  is  a  matter  of  surprise  to  find,  in  lookino-  over 
the  trees,  a  few  ripe  fruit.  Plums,  where  unprotected,  are  entirely 
gone;  Pears  have  suffered  very  much,  still  there  will  be  a  small 
gathering,  although  it  is  not  uncommon  to  meet  tree  after  tree  with, 
out  fruit ;  Apples  are  a  fair  crop,  and  with  the  fine  summer  weather 
which  we  are  now  experiencing  we  may  expect  good  well-ripened 
fruit ;  out.door  Peaches  and  Nectarines  are  a  failure  in  this  county. 
I  have  not  tasted  a  presentable  Peach,  nor  can  I  say  that  I  have  seen 
a  thoroughly  ripe  Nectarine  grown  outside,  but  under  a  glass  cover 
there  are  full  crojis,  and  fruit  of  a  quality  unequalled  even  in  the 
southern  counties. — John  Richardson. 


Aug.  9,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


TOO 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 

BEGONIA  CHELSONI. 
Since  the  inti'oduction  of  B.  bolivieusis,  numerous  beautiful 
varieties  of  Bergenia  have  been  obtained  by  moans  of  hybridisa- 
tion. B.  Sedeni  was  oue  of  the  first  obtained  by  crossing  B. 
boliviensis  with  an  unnamed  species  of  that  group,  and  we 
have  now  at  least  a  dozen  varieties  in  our  collections  all  some- 
what different  from  one  another.  Of  these,  the  kind  now 
illustrated,  raised  by  Messrs.  Veitch,  is  ouo  of  the  best. 
It  is  of  stout  upright  growth,  and  flowors  freely  from  April 
or  May  until  No- 
V  e  m  b  e  r.  The 
flowers  arc  of 
good  size  and 
substance,  and  of 
a  glowing  red  or 
vermilion  colour, 
which  contrasts 
well  with  the 
bright  green  ele- 
gantly-cut foliage 
and  pale  greenish 
stems.  It  is  easily 
propagated  either 
by  moans  of  cut- 
tings or  division, 
and  it  grows  freely 
in  a  fresh  open 
compost  of  fibrous 
loam,  peat,  and 
coarse  white  sand. 
It  thrives  best  iu 
a  stove  or  inter- 
mediate house, 
and  when  in  active 
growth  requires 
a  pleutiful  supply 
of  moisture. 

B. 


WINTER 
MIGNONETTE 

Everybody  likes 
to  have  Migno- 
nette through  the 
winter  months, 
and  yet  but  few 
have  it  in  bloom 
at  that  season. 
Some  nurse  it  to 
death,  others 
grow  it  in  a  tem- 
perature much  too 
high  for  it,  and 
some  run  to  the 
other  extreme, 
and  starve  it. 
Now  to  achieve 
complete  success, 
Mignonette 
should  be  sown 
three    times,    say 

iu  the   middle    of  Begonia  Chelsoni. 

July,   the  middle 

of  August,  and  the  first  week  iu  September.  The  pots  must 
be  what  are  called  4-inch  ones,  and  be  quite  clean.  Drain  them 
thoroughly  with  broken  bones,  fill  them  with  a  compost  of 
fresh  turfy  loam,  and  one-third  rotten  dung  well  incorporated, 
and  if  it  is  dry  make  the  whole  quite  firm.  At  the  time  of 
sowing,  cover  the  seed  with  sandy  loam,  give  a  good  soaking 
of  water,  and  shade  the  pots  until  the  plants  come  up.  The 
pots  should  be  placed  in  a  pit  or  frame,  not  that  it  is  necessary 
that  they  be  covered  with  glass  at  all  times,  but  in  order  that 
in  the  event  of  heavy  rain  or  boisterous  storms,  they  may  be 
protected.     Directly  the  plants  are  of  sufficient  size  to  handle 


them,  thin  out,  retaining  not  more  than  five  of  the  strongest 
in  each  pot,  and  should  these  be  at  all  spindly  or  weak,  earth 
them  with  a  little  dry  soil,  and  water  around  the  sides  of  the 
pot.  There  is  nothing  that  Mignonette  is  so  impatient  of  as 
stagnant  moisture  around  the  collar  of  the  plant,  and  hence  it 
is  important  that  the  drainage  be  effective,  and  the  pots 
after  the  end  of  August  be  not  exposed  to  heavy  rains, 
and  from  the  eud  of  September  until  February,  not  a  drop  of 
moisture  should  fall  npon  the  plants.  Give  what  water  may 
be  necessary  at  the  roots ;  but  later  iu  the  season  do  it  so  that 
the  plants  may  be  dry  before  the  frame  is  shut  up  for  the  night. 

The  plants  first 
sown  will  be  fit  if 
properly  mana- 
ged, to  take  a  .shift 
into  6-inch  pots 
in  the  end  of 
August,  the 
second  lot  may  be 
rc-potted  at  the 
end  of  September; 
but  the  plants  last 
raised  will  not 
require  larger  pots 
than  those  they 
are  sown  in  until 
February.  By  the 
end  of  September 
the  first  raised 
plants  should  be 
strong  and 
healthy;  but  un- 
less they  are  wan- 
ted it  will  be  wise 
to  remove  the 
flower  spikes 
directly  they  can 
be  handled,  a 
practice  that  will 
add  materially  to, 
the  size  of  the 
plant, and  one  that 
will  strengthen 
the  bloom  for 
the  winter.  Now 
through  the  win- 
ter the  following 
rules  must  be 
observed  in  the 
management  of 
Mignonette  :  — 
First,  the  place 
for  the  blooming 
plants  must  be 
cool  and  close  to 
the  glass ;  plenty 
of  air  must  be 
given,  but  the 
plants  m.ust  not 
be  exposed  to  cold 
cutting  draughts, 
or  the  foliage  will 
soon  turn  sickly. 
Secondly,  water 
must  be  care- 
fully used,  giving 
sufficient,  but  not  making  the  plants  sodden ;  and  thirdly,  the 
temperature  of  the  house  should  not  exceed,  by  fire  heat  from 
40°  to  4-5°.  Succession  plants  are  best  kept  in  pits  or  frames. 
Plunge  the  pots  in  cinder  ashes,  water  cautiously,  and  give  all 
the  air  possible  without  exposing  the  plants  to  rain.  On  mild 
days  the  sashes  may  be  taken  entirely  off  with  decided  advan- 
tage. Protect  from  frost  on  cold  nights,  and  your  success  in 
growing  Mignonette  will  be  complete.  If  the  last  sown  batch 
receives  a  shift  in  February,  the  result  will  be  very  large 
specimens.  A  good  pot  of  Mignonette  in  the  spring  should  be 
2  feet  to  30  inches  high,  and  a  bush  quite  as  much  in  diameter. 


110 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  9,  1873. 


ORCHIDS  IN  FLOWER  AT  KEW. 
A  I'LANT  of  Oncidium  janeiriense  (syn.  0.  longipes)  is  at  present  in 
blossom  here.  It  is  a  dwarf  form,  having  slender  one-leaved  pseudo- 
bulbs,  fresh  green  foliage,  and  flower-spikes  9  or  10  inches  long, 
bearing  from  five  to  seven  flowers.  The  latter  measure  about  an  inch 
aoroasrthe  sepals  and  petals  being  yellow  barred  and  blotched  with 
brown.  The  Up  is  thrce-lobed  and  of  a  golden-yellow  colour.  It  is  a 
very  effective  species,  and  flowers  very  freely.  Rodriguezia  planif olia 
may  also  be  found  here,  bearing  dense  nodding  spikes  of  pale  yellow 
flowers.  Its  pseudo-bulbs  are  two-leaved,  and  the  plant  appears  to  flower 
veryfreely.  Odontoglossum  Schleiperianum,  a  pale  summer.flowering 
variety  of  0.  grande,  is  likewise  now  in  flower  in  this  establishment, 
and  is  verj'  effective ;  as  is  also  Dendrobium  McCarthia3 — the  May 
flower  of  Ceylon — when  well  gi'own  this  is  a  rare  and  showy  Den. 
drobe.  Two  or  three  plants  of  Phal^nopsis  (rosea)  equestris,  are 
producing  small  rosy -lilac  flowers  on  deep  purple  flower-stems.  This 
is  a  pretty  little  Phalajnopsis  ;  though  not  so  effective  as  its  larger. 
flowered  congeners,  still  it  is  a  perpetual  bloomer,  often  remaining 
in  flower  for  nine  or  ten  months  together.  A  Stanhopea,  closely 
resembling  S.  tigrina,  is  bearing  five  or  six  great  wax-like  crimson, 
blotched  flowers.  These  are  very  effective  for  the  time  being,  but 
very  fugacious,  lasting,  as  they  do,  only  a  day  or  two  at  most. 
Odontoglossum  Rossii  is  a  pretty  dwarf  species,  bearing  from  one  to 
three  showy  lilac  flowers  blotched  with  purple,  on  stems  2  or  3  inches 
high.  This  is  a  very  variable  species,  and  grows  and  flowers  freely 
in  a  cool  house  like  the  rest  of  the  group.  A  nice  little  plant  of 
Dendrobium  crystallinum  has  been  in  flower  at  Kew  for  several 
weeks.  In  appearance  it  resembles  a  slender  growing  plant  of  D. 
Bonsonia;,  and  bears  white  flowers  \vith  purple-tipped  segments,  and 
the  disc  of  the  lip  is  of  a  bright  orange  colour.  It  is  an  effective 
species,  something  in  the  way  of  D.  (BuUerianum)  gratiosissimum. 
F.  W.  B. 

Trumpet-flowered  Dendrobe  (Dendrobium  lituiflorum). — A 
small  flowered  form  of  this  is  quoted  in  the  "  Botanical  Magazine  " 
for  the  cui'rent  month.  Its  flowers  are  scarcely  more  than  half  the 
size  of  those  usually  borne  by  D.  lituiflorum;  but  they  are  much 
more  highly  coloured,  the  sepals  and  petals  being  of  a  deep  purple- 
lilac,  the  lips  white,  heavily  blotched  on  the  disk  with  velvety 
crimson-purple,  tipped  at  its  apex  with  rosy-lilac.  The  usual  form  of 
this  species  has  white  flowers,  the  segments  being  tipped  with  lilac- 
purple,  and  the  lip  blotched  with  purple.  A  capital  figure  of  this 
Dendrobe  will  be  found  in  "  Warner's  Select  Orchidaceous  Plants," 
second  series,  pi.  iii.  It  h.as  slender  pseudo-bulbs,  1  to  2  feet  in 
length,  bearing  bright  green  foliage  from  3  to  5  inches  long  and 
half  an  inch  broad.  Its  habit  is  identical  with  that  of  D.  trans- 
pareus,  and  the  flowers  can  scarcely  be  distinguished  from  those  of  D. 
nobile  when  cut  from  the  plant.  The  plant  figured  in  the  "Botanical 
Magazine,"  as  above,  is  certainly  worth  adding  to  collections  that 
already  possess  the  lighter  flowered  forms.  It  has  been  called  D. 
Hanburyanum  by  Prof.  Reichenbach,  though  the  name  must  give 
way  to  that  of  Liudley,  given  some  time  before. — F.  W.  B. 


THE    FLOWER     GARDEN. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GARDEN. 


Herbaceous  Begouias. — In  addition  to  those  noticed  last  week  (p.  SG)  as 
being  iu  the  AVelliugton  Nurseries,  the  following  two  in  the  same  nursery 
struck  me  .ts  being  (jartii/ulary  fine,  viz.,  Vivicans  with  large  brilliant  scarlet 
flowers,  and  Professor  Tlustleton  Dyer  an  exceedingly  handsome  sort,  with 
Fuchsia-like  flowers  of  a  bright  scarlet  colour. — W. 

Batatas  paniculatus. — This  somewhat  resembles  Ipomjra  Horsfallice  in 
gencr.il  appearance,  as  well  as  in  iiower,  but  is  much  larger,  and  more  effective 
as  a  tropical  stove  climber  when  well  grown.  Its  purplish  stems  r.amble  from 
20  to  30  feet  in  length  and  bear  large  palmate  leaves  and  rosy-purple  Convolvulus- 
like flowers.  It  has  been  grown  at  Kew  for  years,  trained  round  the  pahsades 
of  the  tank  in  the  old  Victoria  House.  It  grows  rapidly  in  a  hot  humid  atnao- 
Bphere  and  may  be  liberally  supplied  with  liquid  manure,  as  it  is  a  good  feeder 
and  attains  a  large  size. — B. 

Yellow-fruited  Capsicums. — These  are  certainly  woith  cultivating  for 
purposes  of  decoration  alone.  The  seed  should  be  so^vn  early  in  spring,  and 
if  the  young  plants  are  grown  on  in  a  moderate  heat  in  cither  a  pit  or  frame, 
they  will  fruit  ten  weeks  after  sowing,  and  will  have  a  very  eflcctivc  appear- 
ance, especially  when  grouped  with  the  scarlet-fruited  varieties.  When  grown 
close  to  the  glass  in  a  gentle  heat  and  allowed  plenty  of  air,  they  form  dwarf 
shrubby  plants  a  foot  to  18  inches  high,  each  bearing  from  twenty  to  fifty 
curiously  contorted  shining  bright  yellow  fruits,  each  as  large  as  a  pigeon's 
egg,  and  which  last  in  beauty  for  months. 

Agapetes  buxifolia,— This  is,  perhaps,  one  of  the  most  neglected  o£  pot 
plants  ;  indeed,  with  tlio  exception  of  the  plant  I  have  myself,  I  do  not  know 
where  there  is  another  specimen  of  it.  It  is  a  little  smal'l-leaved  hard-wooded 
shrub,  which  i  nnually  produces  a  profusion  of  pretty  tubular  crimson  flowers 
in  May  and  Juno.  I  bestow  no  special  care  whatever  on  it :  it  is  now  growing 
in  a  6-inch  pot,  in  a  compost  of  good  yellow  loam,  mixed  with  peat  andieat-soil, 
and  it  is  kept  throughout  the  whole  year  on  a  front  stage  in  a  light  and  airy 
greenhouse,  where  it  yearly  repays  me  with  an  abundance  ot  bloom.— A. 
Andrews,  VuUrii/ichi, 


LILIES  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

(Second  Eauly  Kinds). 
I  WAS  unavoidably  prevented  from   giving  you    my  list  two 
weeks  ago,  but  ttie  following  will  represent  such  Lilies  as 
have  bloomed  with  me  since  writing  my  last  paper  till  the  end  of 
July : — 

47.  Lilium  Martagon  Dalmaticum.  —  This  fine  species 
resembles  Martagon  Catani  in  the  rich  glittering  crimson 
plum-colour  of  its  flowers ;  but  with  me  was  more  dwarf, 
and  the  flower-buds  before  opening  were  more  cottony.  I 
mention  this  as  it  is  stated  l^y  some  that  they  are  one  and  the 
same  variety. 

48.  L.  Martagon  flore  pleuo. — Colour  rose-purple ;  flowers 
perfectly  double,  with  from  four  to  five  rows  of  petals ;  a  very 
curious  variety'. 

49.  L.  canadense,  var.  californicum. — Rich  crimson ;  lower 
half  of  petals  and  centre  of  flower  yellow,  ranging  to  orange, 
freely  covered  with  large  brown  spots ;  very  handsome  and 
valuable  for  Rhododendron  beds. 

50.  L.  pumilum. —  Orauge-scarlet  ;  petals  rolled  back, 
differing  from  tenuifelium  both  in  colour  and  in  time  of 
blooming,  but  equally  slender  iu  growth. 

.51.  L.  carolinianum  Michauxi  (a  sub-species  of  superbum). — 
Crimson-scarlet ;  lower  half  of  petals  rich  deep  yellow,  freely 
spotted  with  brown  to  the  centre  of  the  flower ;  a  fine 
North  American  species,  but  neither  so  tall  nor  so  profuse- 
flowering  as  superbum. 

52.  L.  excelsum  (syn.  testaceum  and  Isabellinum.) — Apricot 
colour,  with  faint  orange-red  spots  and  orange  anthers.  Of 
all  the  Lilies  this  is  the  most  agreeably  fragrant,  and,  as  it  is 
a  tall  grower  it  is  admirably  adapted  for  planting  amidst 
Rhododendrons.  The  delicate  fragrance  of  the  flowers  makes 
them  also  very  desirable  for  the  conservatory  and  to  cut  for 
vases. 

53.  L.  caudidl^m  flore  pleno.  —  This  is  simply  a  mon- 
strosity and  of  no  decorative  value,  as  I  have  never  seen  it 
flower  well,  though  I  have  been  told  that  iu  some  parts  of  the 
country  the  effect  of  its  loose  florets  is  very  striking.  There 
is  no  doubt  that  soil  and  situation  have  a  great  deal  to  do  with 
the  successful  culture  of  many  of  the  Lilies. 

54.  New  species,  allied  to  Washingtoniannm. — This  has  not 
yet  been  well  flowered  in  this  country.  I  have  seen  several 
specimens,  and  they  differ  from  each  other,  but  none  of  them 
could  be  called  handsome  ;  and  the  same  remark  may  be  made 
about  Washiugtonianum.  None  of  the  flowers  which  have  been 
exhibited  iu  this  country  come  up  to  the  descriptions  given  of 
the  Lily  as  seen  in  the  Rocky  Moimtains.  The  reason  assigned 
is  that  they  require  two  or  three  years  to  establish  themselves. 
The  flower  I  noted  was  white,  with  small  crimson  spots,  erect 
and  very  fragrant. 

55.  L.  longiflorum. — From  the  first  day  I  took  an  interest  in 
Lilies  up  to  the  present  hoiirtlie  varieties  of  longiflorum  have 
puzzled  me.  I  will  not,  therefore,  commit  myself  to  a  minute 
description  of  them.  I  have  carefully  studied  Duchartre's 
paper,  and  a  mass  of  other  matter  besides,  in  presence  of  the 
Lilies  themselves,  and  I  have  failed  to  catch  up  the  points 
which  Duchartre  and  the  other  writers  have  so  carefully 
pointed  out.  I  have  taken  into  my  council  jirofessioual  and 
nou -professional  friends,  with  a  pitful  of  the  Lilies  ranged 
before  us,  and  with  the  same  results.  AVhether  it  is  my 
defective  vision  or  want  of  comprehension  I  know  not ;  but  I 
have  applied  the  footrule  and  also  my  nasal  organ  to  the 
flowers,  and  I  can  get  neither  the  length  nor  the  distinctive 
fragrance  as  noted.  Can  any  of  your  readers  help  me  ?  Longi- 
florum projier  should  be  the  shortest-flowered  variety ;  but, 
most  unaccountably,  it  sometimes  comes  out  the  longest :  and 
Eximium,  which  should  be  the  longest,  sometimes  comes  out 
the  shortest.  Van  Houtte  describes  Eximium  as  twice  as  large 
as  longiflorum  This  not  having  been  my  experience,  I  sent 
to  Van  Houtte  for  roots,  and  I  can  see  no  difference  between 
the  flowers  from  his  roots  and  those  of  longiflorum  ob- 
tamod  from  other  sources.  Liu  Kiu  is  another  variety 
wherein  the  .same  difficulty  occurs.  Sometimes  I  fancy 
the  flo'ivers  arc  larger,  and  then  I  imagine  it  is  only  fancy. 


Aug.  9,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


Ill 


Liu  Kill  pi-aecox,  from  its  price,  ought  to  be  distinct ; 
but  no  !  instead  ot'  coming  in  earlier  than  Lin  Kin,  it  lias 
come  out  a  day  or  two  later.  I  must,  therefore,  leave  the 
foregoing  varieties  of  lougitlorum  to  have  their  distinctive 
characters  pointed  out  by  some  one  else,  or  at  some  future 
time  by  myself,  if  I  can  ever  arrive  at  the  desired  knowledge. 

5(J.  L.  lougitlorum  Liu  Kiu  fol.  variegatis. — This  differs 
from  the  foregoing  in  having,  duriug  its  early  stage  of  growth, 
ii  creamy-white-margined  foliage. 

57.  L.  lougitlorum,  fol.  variegatis  is  perfectly  distinct,  having 
a  greyish-green  foliage,  margined  with  clear  silver-white ; 
flowers,  pure  white.  It  is  a  rarit}',  but  a  somewhat  delicate 
grower. 

68.  L.  longiflorum  Takesimas. — This  variety  is  always  distin- 
guishable from  the  stem  being  tinted  with  purple  more  or  less, 
and  frequently  the  flower-bud  is  quite  purplish,  fading  off  as 
the  flower  expands  till  there  is  but  a  tinge  of  the  purple  seen 
in  the  pure  white.  But  this  coloration  in  the  flower  is  not 
constant.     I  have  only  noticed  a  per  centagc  so  distinguished. 

6t\  L.  Thunbcrgiauum  marraoratum  grandiflornm. — A  fine 
varietyiwith  large  rich  crimson-scarlet  flowers,  shading  down  to 
golden  yellow,  and  marked  more  or  less  with  tawny  yellow  ; 
sparsely  spotted. 

HO.  L.  Thunborgianum  forraosum. — Soft  scarlet,  mottled 
with  tawny  yellow,  and  sparingly  spotted. 

(51.  L.  Thunbergianum  cruentum. — Rich  crimson,  mottled 
with  tawny  yellow  ;  lower  half  of  petals  spotted  with  black. 

62.  L.  Thunbergiauum  vitellinum  macranthum. — Rosy- 
scarlet,  mottled  with  apricot ;  lower-half  of  petals  freely 
spotted. 

63.  L.  Thunbergianum  punctatissimum. — Deep  tawny  crim- 
son, flaked  with  apricot  and  freely  spotted. 

64.  L.  Thunbergianum  veuustum. — Rich  glowing  soft 
orange.     My  quarter  of  this  is  charming. 

6").  L.  Humboldti. — Clear  rich  golden  yellow,  freely  spotted 
with  rich  red-brown  spots ;  these  plants  vary  in  size  and 
number  on  different  flowers.  This  species  is  reputed  to  hold 
its  flowers  longer  than  any  other  of  the  North  American 
Lilies.  The  petals  are  of  great  substance,  and  the  plant,  when 
it  once  gets  established,  will  grow  from  6  to  10  feet  high,  and 
its  immense  head  of  flower  wifl  be  magnificent,  and  for  Rhodo- 
dendron beds  will  surpass  all  others.  Its  leaves  are  arranged 
in  whorls  like  those  of  the  well-known  Martagon,  and  at  one 
stage  of  its  growth  it  might  be  taken  for  a  Martagon  pure 
and  simple. 

66.  L.  superbum. —  This  species  has  long  been  known  in 
this  country,  and  till  the  introduction  of  Lilies  lately  from 
California  was  almost  the  only  representative  of  American 
Lilies  in  our  gardens.  The  Dutchmen  have  raised  it  from 
seed  in  large  c[uantitics,  and  thus  perpetuated  it  and  secured 
a  good  suppl}-  at  a  cheap  rate.  In  diversity,  size  of  flower, 
marking,  &c.,  there  is  as  great  a  variety  as  in  the  auratum. 
In  my  quarter,  which  is  now  commencing  to  flower,  the 
colours  range  from  intense  blood-crimson  to  light  orange- 
scarlet,  and  with  the  brown  spots  freely  interspersed  on  a 
clear  yellow  ground ;  while  others  have  all  orange-yellow 
ground  ;  some  have  the  spots  smaller  and  others  larger ;  some 
produce  an  immense  quantity  of  flowers,  and  some  few.  L. 
superbum  pyramidale  produces  the  largest  number  of  flowers. 
For  Rhododendron  beds  this  species  should  be  extensively 
used,  being  moderate  iu  price  and  to  be  had  in  quantity. 
When  established  in  peat  for  two  or  three  years  it  attains 
gigantic  proportions,  so  much  so,  that  established  beds  which 
have  been  seen  iu  some  of  the  continental  and  English 
nurseries  have  been  described  in  terms  which  have  appeared, 
to  the  uninitiated,  as  an  exaggeration. 

67.  L.  Chalcedonicum. — This  species  is  well  known,  having 
been  in  cultivation  from  a  very  early  period.  Like  some  other 
Lilies,  it  dislikes  being  distui'bed,  and  seldom  flowers  the 
first  year  after  it  is  transplanted,  and  if  it  does  flower  the 
bloom  is  inferior.  There  is  no  Lily  that  I  know  which 
produces  flowers  so  intense  in  colour.  Some  of  the  flowers 
are  spotted  conspicuously,  and  others  very  faintly.  I 
have  just  received  by  post  a  form  of  L.  Chalcedonicum  I  had 
never  before  met  with.  It  attains  a  height  of  'ih  feet  or  more, 
and  the  flowers  are  produced  in  a  corouet ;  the  specimen 
received  had  seven  flowers.     I  should  be  glad  if  some  of  your 


readers  who  may  have  seen  this  gi'and  variety  will  let  mo 
know  something  of  its  history. 

All  the  Lilies  enumerated  in  the  foregoing  article  are 
valuable  for  the  decoration  of  the  consorvatoi-y,  as  also  for  the 
llower  garden.  Peter  Baku. 

12,  l\^iii(/  iSlract,  Couent  Garden. 


THE    ROSE    OF   JERICHO. 


(anastatica  uieeocuuktina.) 

This  singular  plant,  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  say,  has  nothing 
to  do  with  the  Rose  familj',  but  is  an  annual  crucifer,  which 
grows  on  barren  wastes  from  Syria  to  Algeria.  It  is  by  no 
means  beautiful,  and  might  have  remained  long  unnoticed 
were  it  not  for  its  curious  hygroscopic  properties ;  when 
growiug,  its  branches  spread  out  horizontally,  but  as  soon  as 
the  seeds  commence  to  ripen  they  curl  inwards,  until  the 
whole  plant  resembles  a  ball  of  wicker-work,  which,  on  being 
set  free  from  the  sandy  earth  in  which  it  grows,  gets  blown 
about  by  the  winds,  and  in  this  way  its  seeds  become  distri- 


The  Rose  of  Jericho. 

buted  over  a  wide  area.  If  the  dried  plant  be  placed  in  water 
the  branches  again  expand,  and  the  seed  pods  burst  longitu- 
dinally. The  same  plant,  indeed,  often  retains  its  power  of 
expanding  and  contracting,  according  to  the  circumstances  in 
which  it  is  placed,  for  years  after  it  has  been  gathered.  This 
plant  is  known  in  the  Holy  Land  as  "  Kaf  Maryan,"  or  the 
Virgin's  flower,  and  several  unlikely  traditions  are  there 
i-elated  to  European  travellers  respecting  it. 

The  accompauyiug  illustration  shows  the  plant  when  par- 
tially closed.  Dried  specimens  of  it  are  sometimes  sold  in  the 
streets  of  London  and  elsewhere  as  a  curiosit}-.         F.  W.  B. 


ColUnsias  for  Spring  riowering. — The  seed  of  the  beau- 
tiful Collinsia  verna  has  hitherto  been  found  by  some  to  be  difficult  to 
germinate.  I  got  some  of  it  the  other  day  from  the  introducer, 
Mr.  W.  Thompson,  of  Ipswich.  Ho  also  kindly  favoured  me  with 
the  following  remarks  respecting  the  best  time  for  sowing,  i^hich  it 
were  a  pity  should  remain  unpublished.  He  says  : — "  As  to  the  time 
for  sowing,  I  would  say  any  time  during  the  second  part  of  the  month 
of  August.  The  only  secret  in  getting  it  up  is  to  sow  in  a  box,  which 
place,  if  convenient,  under  a  wall  having  a  north  aspect,  and  keep  the 
seed  well  damped.  Any  fresh  seed  will  grow  if  treated  in  this  way ; 
but,  if  kept  till  spring,  it  is  of  no  use.  With  me  it  always  comes  up 
self-sown ;  but,  unless  the  autumn  is  wet,  or  the  bed  kept  well 
watered,  the  seedlings  are  too  late  to  make  good  plants.  Hence  I 
always  sow  specially  as  now  directed.  I  shall  be  much  surprised  if 
you  find  any  difficulty  in  getting  your  seed  to  grow  if  my  advice  is 
followed.  I  would  also  advise  you  to  sow  some  of  the  Collinsia 
violacea  in  autumn,  as  I  believe  yon  cannot  get  it  in  perfection  if 
only  sown  iu  the  spring.  It  is  the  prettiest  Collinsia  gi-own ;  but  it 
blooms  ten  days  later  than  verna."  I  have  already  grown  C.  violacea 
as  a  summer  annual,  and  found  it  very  pretty,  the  flowers  being 
white  and  pale  bine.  Heterophylla,  another  of  Mr.  Thompson's 
introductions,  is  a  strong-growing  hardy  kind ;   but  the  colour  is 


112 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  9, 1873. 


heavy,  and  in  my  belief  not  so  cffoctiro  aa  the  old  bicolor.  I  quite 
a^TCO  with  Mr.  Thomjison  aa  to  tlio  fact  that,  not  only  in  the  tnattcv 
of  Collinsiaa,  but  also  in  roforcnee  to  most  hardy  anunals,  if  we  would 
see  them  in  full  vigour  and  development  of  growth,  they  should  be 
sown  in  the  autumn  for  spring  blooming.  The  best  plan  for  most 
kinds  is  to  sow  about  the  last  week  in  August. — A.  D. 

The  Spotted  Calla.— Eichardia  albo-maculata.— In  your 
issue  of  the  2(5th  ult.,  attention  is  directed  to  the  suitability  of  this 
plant  for  sub. tropical  arrangements.  Although  we  have  not  used  it 
en  masse  in  the  flower  garden  hero  during  the  last  three  winters,  we 
have  had  several  plants  of  it  planted  out  in  mixed  borders,  and  they 
have  survived  our  winters  safely,  without  the  slightest  protection,  in 
a  cold  retentive  soil,  pushing  np  early  in  May,  and  being  at  the 
present  time  in  full  flower.  Its  arrow. head  shaped  leaves  are  of  a 
lively  green,  and  distinctly  marked  with  transparent  oblong  blotches 
of  clear  white,  which  are  very  effective  and  remarkable,  even  in  the 
absence  of  the  white  flowcr-spathes,  which  are  produced  freely.  It 
is  one  of  those  plants  which  cannot  fail  to  please,  and,  when  better 
known,  will  be  extensively  used,  both  for  pot  culture  and  for  bedding 
out.  It  is  a  native  of  Natal,  and  I  am  fully  persuaded,  from  my  own 
experience  with  it,  that  it  will,  with  the  slightest  covering  of  dry 
ashes  or  spent  tan  over  and  around  the  roots,  withstand  our  winters 
in  the  open  air.  I  may  remark  that,  whatever  covering  is  used,  it 
should  not  bo  deep,  and  should  be  removed  early. — Geo.  Westland. 

Erinus  alpinus  as  a  Bedding  Plant.— Some  years  ago  a 
friend  of  mine  brought  the  seeds  of  this  little  plant  from  Paris. 
The  quantity  was  small,  and  it  was  sown  thinly  on  the  garden  wall, 
but  in  the  course  of  a  couple  of  seasons  from  sowing  itself  freelj',  it 
has  become  quite  luxuriant.  It  flowers  here  about  the  end  of  April, 
and  becomes  a  regular  sheet  of  rosy  pur))lc  throughout  May  and 
June.  I  was  under  the  impression,  until  the  past  wet  season,  that  I 
would  not  be  able  to  succeed  with  it  on  a  flat  surface,  but  the  idea 
struck  me  of  introducing  a  lot  of  gritty  substance,  such  as  old 
mortar  into  the  beds,  so  as  to  elevate  them.  The  couaequence  has 
been  that  I  have  had  a  couple  of  small  pannel  beds  quite  a  treat  to 
look  on,  and  thus  situated  the  plants  become  much  larger  in  bloom 
than  they  do  on  walls,  and  so  uncommon  was  their  appearance  that 
none  of  my  visitors  could  tell  me  what  they  were.  Next  season  I 
intend  to  use  this  Erinus  on  mounds,  edged  with  white  sand. stone, 
and  dotted  with  the  New  Golden  "Variegated  Thyme,  and  Arabis 
lucida  variegata.  When  out  of  bloom,  from  the  very  dark  green  of 
the  Erinus,  and  the  beautiful  golden  hues  of  the  yellow-leaved 
plants,  I  fancy  a  pretty  bed  or  mound  all  the  year  round  may  be 
secured.  Can  any  of  your  readers  suggest  a  better  arrangement 
without  the  use  of  succulents  ?  Some  of  the  tufts  so  planted  are 
now  9  inches  in  diameter.  Since  writing  the  above,  I  find  the 
Erinus  noticed  in  Robinson's  "  Hardy  Flowers  "  as  being  one  of 
the  very  best  plants  to  be  had  for  rockwork,  ruins,  garden  walls,  &c. 
— Wm.  H.vrtland,  Blach-och,  Cork. 


NOTES  AND  QCTESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

liiliuiu  auratum  in  London.— A  correspondent  writes  to  us  that  he  has 
growing  in  a  small  trardcn  at  the  hack  of  his  cottage  at  Camberwell,  one  of  the 
above  beautiful  Lilies  3  feet  7  inches  in  height,  having  four  large  blossoms  upon 
one  stem.  The  bulb  was  planted  in  April  last  and  protected  only  from  the  north- 
cast  winds  by  a  wooden  paling.  He  has  also  another  one  having  five  large  buds. 
This  was  planted  about  3  years  ago,  and  flowers  every  year. 

Potentilla  Vase  d'Or- — To  the  new  and  improved  double-flowered  varieties 
of  Potentilla,  a  foremost  rank  among  herbaceous  plants  must  be  assigned. 
Conspicuous  amongst  the  kind.s  now  in  llower  in  the  Wellington  Nurseries  is 
Vase  d'Or,  a  kind  which  has  double  yellow  flowers  about  IJ  inch  or  2  inches 
in  diameter,  and  which  are  produced  in  great  abundance  ;  indeed,  the  flowers 
are  more  like  those  of  the  yellow  Persian  Eose,  than  the  blooms  of  a 
Polentilla.— A. 

Indigofera  australis. — I  have  a  plant  under  this  name  growing  against  a 
wall  with  a  western  aspect,  where  it  succeeds  admirably,  and  produces  annually 
an  abundance  of  drooping  little  shoots  well  covered  with  f  oUage  that  I  permit  to 
hang  down  loosely  during  summer,  on  account  of  their  drooping  beauty.  It 
also  bears  racemes  of  ro.sy-purple  flowers  in  profusion,  and  springing  as  they 
do  from  the  axils  of  all  the  leaves,  they  have  an  exceedingly  pleasing  appear- 
ance.—J.  SOMERVILLE,  Laimiowue  yillaif,  near  Buih. 

Two  good  beds  on  a  Lawn.— First:  a  circle  12  feet  in  diameter  i  centre, 
Acer  Negundo  variegatum,  about  6  feet  high,  with  Clematis  Jackmanni 
flowering  through  it ;  groundwork  of  shrubs,  such  as  the  common  Aucnba, 
Japanese  Privet,  Simmond's  Cotoneastcr,  Escallonia  macrantha,  with  white 
Lihes  planted  between  them ;  edging,  crimson  and  pink  monthly  Roses 
alternately,  extreme  edging  being  little  clumps  of  Pansies.  Daisies,  &c. 
Second :  An  oval ;  centre,  Acer  Negundo  variegatum ;  groundwork,  a  lar^^e 
clump  of  Lihum  auratum  mixed  with  Delphinium  formosum  ;  edgings,  Yucca 
recurva,  mixed  with  choice  Roses  of  different  sorts  on  their  own  roots  • 
extreme  edgmgs  outside,  clumps  of  mixed  single  Anemones.— J.  H.  W.  T., 

Bebnont,  Cin-loii\  Ii-el<nuL 

Adiantum  Hendersoni.— At  page  CI  of  The  Gabdeit  it  is  stated  that  this 
Adiantum  was  introduced  by  the  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons,  but  we  have  to 
inform  you  that  the  stock  of  this  fine  species  is  now  in  our  hands,  and  from  us 
Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons  purchased  it.— E.  G.  HcNnERsoN  &  Son,  The  WelUiia. 
ion  Nurscric^t  St.  John's  IVood. 


HEATHERSIDB. 
On  tbe  bigli  taljle-laud  formed  by  the  hills  nljove  Bagshot  and 
Faniham  are  de.serts,  nearly  as  barren  as  the  Great  Sahara. 
It  is  true  that  they  are  not  composed  of  the  moveable  sands 
which  utterly  prechide  the  growth  of  almost  any  kind  of 
vegetation,  yet  they  are  so  sterile  that  nothing  but  a  scanty 
herbage  of  Ling  and  stunted  Scotch  Firs,  which, but  for  summer 
fires,  would  soon  form  dwarf  forests,  will  grow  in  that  seemingly 
worthless  and  barren  soil.  It  is  composed  of  rough  brown 
sand,  with  a  topping  of  loose  stony  gravel  and  flint,  the  last 
relics  of  primeval  chalk,  with  occasionally  green  sand  and  other 
unpromising  sub.stances.  At  from  2  to  4  feet  below  these 
surface  soils  (if  soils  they  can  be  called)  is  a  hard  and  comjiact 
stratum,  from  -i  to  8  inches  thick,  of  red  earth,  nearly  as  bard 
as  stone,  known  in  the  district  as  "  the  rust."  Through  this 
solid  crust  water  cannot  permeate,  and  it  consequently  passes 
away  at  every  slope,  leaving  the  sand  and  gravel  above  dry 
and  parched,  often  to  the  state  of  ditst.  An  analogous  forma- 
tion prevails  also  in  the  Ascot  moors,  where  a  similar  crust 
renders  them  equally  barren,  and  is  there  known  as  the  "  pan." 

Many  have  pronounced  these  regions  not  only  unworthy 
of,  but  impossible  of  cultivation,  and,  among  them,  a  man 
of  great  and  almost  universal  accomplishments,  the  Rev. 
Canon  Kingsley.  In  his  earnest  and  benevolent  wish  to 
see  London  and  its  millions  furnished  with  a  better  and 
more  copious  supply  of  water  he  cast  an  anxious  glance 
towards  these  barren  hills  of  Surrey.  Lot  us  see  what  he 
says  in  his  interesting  essay*  on  the  subject.  "  The 
upper  regions  of  this  district,  spread  out  in  vast  flats, 
clothed  with  scanty  brown  Heather,"  ho  tells  us,  "are  nflerh/ 
■nncitltioatahle  from  their  barrenness."  He  then  proceeds  to 
remark  that  travellers  by  the  Soutbam]jton  Railway  must  often 
be  surprised  at  flnding  themselves,  within  an  hour's  run  of 
London  itself,  "  whirling  through  miles  of  desert ;"  urging 
that,  although  such  travellers  may  have  acriuiosced  in  the 
general  feelmg,  that  "  it  is  impossible  to  cultivate  these 
wastes,"  they  may,  nevertheless,  have  been  inclined  to  believe 
that  a  district  so  peculiar,  in  such  a  situation,  may  still  have 
its  part  to  play,  in  some  way  or  other,  in  the  forward  move- 
ments of  civilization.  That  part  the  benevolent  Charles 
Kingsley  imagined  to  be  the  furnishing  of  a  water  supply  to 
London ;  or,  to  use  his  own  words,  "  Even  those  upper  gravel 
layers,  which  are  absolutely  beyond  the  hope  of  cultivation,  at 
least  till  science  has  progressed  for  centuries  more,  may 
possibly  possess  by  their  very  barrenness  a  wealth  of  their  own 
in  their  capacity  to  furnish  to  London  a  copious  supply  of  pure, 
well  ac'rated,  and  naturally  filtered  water,  which  no  science  can 
imitate  or  improve  ;  "  and  perhaps  this  idea  of  a  water  supply 
from  the  source  in  question  may  have  been  well  founded. 

In  the  matter  of  unredeemable  barrenness,  which  it  would 
require  the  progress  of  science  for  centuries  more  to  bring 
under  cultivation,  he  has,  however,  been  proved  to  be  wrong. 
There  came  a  gentleman,  Mr.  Mongredien — not  after  the 
scientific  jn-ogress  of  centuries,  but  within  half  a  dozen  years  of 
the  publication  of  the  volume  I  have  been  quoting  from,  whose 
energy,  capital,  and  judgment  have  transformed  300  acres  of 
these  "  uncultivated  wastes"into  charming gardensand thriving 
plantations.  The  soil,  as  treated  by  Mr.  Mongredien,  has  in- 
deed ])roved  itself  prolific  in  a  most  extraordinary  degree — 
Birches,  and  other  trees, //■()/«  seed,  having  attained  a  height  of 
from  \o  to  20  feet  within  five  years.  Mr.  Mongredien,  after 
he  had  purchased  the  land  soon  perceived  that  the  stratum  of 
rust,  at  whatever  depth,  must  be  broken  up  before  natural 
drainage  could  be  effected,  without  which  successful  cultiva- 
tion cannot  be  carried  on.  Being  confirmed  in  this  view  by 
an  old  inhabitant,  who  said  nothing  could  grow  in  his  garden 
till  he  had  broken  through  the  "  rust,"  he  set  to  work  to  trench 
a  large  portion  of  the  desert  region  which  he  had  purchased, 
breakingthrough  the  "  rust "  at  whatever  depth  it  might  be.  This 
done,  it  was  soou  found  that  the  rust  itself,  which  had  pre- 
viously Ijcen  a  fatal  bar  to  vegetation,  became  a  valuable  agent 
of  fertility.  Under  the  alternate  action  of  the  sun  and  rain  it 
crumbled  to  a  rich  red  earth,  which  soon  proved  to  be  a 
powerful  fertilizer,  and  under  its  action,  in  combination  with 
the  light  stony  gravel,  and  with  a  natural  drainage  per- 
manently established,  the  plantations,  and  lawns,  and  flowers, 
*  "  Miscellanies,"  by  Charles  Kingsley,  vol.  2  jip.  230  and  231. 


Adc.  9,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


113 


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114 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Aug.  9,  1873. 


and  even  the  succulent  vegetables  of  the  kitchen  garden  thi'ove 
amain — and  with  truly  unexampled  rapidity. 

It  was  thus  that  Mr.  Mongredien,  by  his  enterprise, 
judgment,  and  cajiital,  created  that  horticultural  trans- 
formation scene  of  very  remarkable  character,  driving  out 
a  desert,  and  causing  a  garden  to  occupy  its  place.  Let 
any  one  look  at  the  noble  sweep  of  lawns,  the  view 
terminating  with  the  piotures(iue  hills  of  Aldershot,  as 
represented  in  our  illustration,  and  notice  the  finely-grown 
shrubs  and  trees,  especially  the  noble  collection  of  Conifers, 
and  he  will  be  compelled  to  admit  that  as  the  work  of 
a  brief  five  years  it  seems  more  like  "the  airy  fabric  of  a 
vision,"  than  the  solid  result  of  human  labour,  judgment, 
and  enterprise.  It  is  to  be  remarked  also,  in  regard  to  this  hill- 
top garden,  so  recently  a  desert,  that  nearly  all  our  newly  intro- 
duced trees,  shrubs,  and  herbaceous  plants,  are  there  to  be  found 
in  great  perfection  ;  and  that  many  kinds,  which  are  often  very 
tender  under  the  most  careful  nursing  in  sheltered,  and  what 
are  called  favourable  situations,  here  thrive  with  a  robust 
luxuriance  which  it  is  delightful  to  behold.  In  short,  this 
place  is  certainly  one  of  the  most  charming  wonders  of  horti- 
cultural scieucc  and  art  to  be  met  with  within  an  hour's 
railw.ay  trip  of  London.  Mr.  Mongredien  has  named  his  place 
Heatherside,  as  being  still  Surrounded  on  every  side  by  the 
wild  brown  Heather. 

At  the  suggestion  of  bis  head  gardener,  Mr.  Mongredien, 
after  reserving  about  70  acres  of  lawn  and  shrubbery  for  his 
own  villa,  has  converted  the  rest  of  this  now  fertile  domain 
into  a  very  extensive  nursery,  in  which  acres  of  grand 
speonneus  of  "Wellingtouia,  Cupi-essus  Lawsoniana,  Piuus 
lasiooarpa,  and  other  coniferiv,  with  scores  of  fine  species  of 
Maple  are  now  growing.  ! 

It  is  impossible  in  a  limited  reference  of  this  sort  to  give 
an  idea  of  the  admirable  design  and  rich  and  varied  contents 
of  this  noble  young  nursery.  The  series  of  new  propagating 
and  other  glass  houses,  the  excellently  built  and  contrived 
storehouses  and  packing  sheds,  the  many  miles  of  well- 
planned  drives  and  walks — are  all  arranged  with  a  boldness  and 
thoroughness  of  design  which  surprise  even  those  familiar 
with  our  most  extensive  nurseries.  As  to  the  contents  of  the 
nursery,  they  are  of  the  richest  and  most  varied  kind, 
particularly  in  the  tree  and  shrub  department,  as  might  be 
expected  in  a  garden  stocked  under  the  direction  of  the 
author  of  "  Trees  and  Shrubs  for  English  Plantations."  There 
is  scarcely  a  hardy  species  obtainable  in  European  nurseries  or 
gardens  that  is  not  represented  here,  and,  in  consequence,  there 
are  many  valuable  kinds  rarely  seen  elsewhere.  In  addition  to 
the  usual  departments  of  a  first-class  nursery,  there  are,  how- 
ever, two  here  in  connection  with  the  tree  and  shrub  depart- 
ments which  must  1)C  named.  One  is  an  experimental  ground, 
exclusively  devoted  to  testing  the  hardiness  of  many  plants 
usually  supposed  to  be  too  tender  to  bear  our  climate  ;  this 
has  already  yielded  good  fruit.  The  other  interesting 
department  is  the  wilderness,  in  which,  while  there  is  plenty 
of  room  for  a  good  collection  of  specimen  trees,  there  is  also 
a  good  deal  of  space  given  to  the  naturalisation,  so  to  speak, 
of  shrubs,  &c.  Treated  in  this  way,  various  kinds  of  Sun 
Rose  or  Cistus  thrive  well.  They  are  very  handsome  seen  in 
this  almost  wild  condition,  among  long  Grasses  and  trailing 
plants. 


FEUIT  AND  VEGETABLE  CULTURE  AT  BURGHLEY. 
BuRGULEV  is  noted  for  its  stately  mansion,  extensive  parks, 
and  last,  but  not  least,  for  its  fine  old  kitchen  and  fruit 
gardens.  It  is  to  the  latter  feature  that  we  propose  to  direct 
attention  in  this  paper.  Pew  i)ersons  have  any  definite  idea 
of  the  demand  made  on  this  department  at  Bu'rghley  House; 
and  this  demand,  largo  as  it  undoubtedly  is,  meets  with  a  full 
supply,  fruit  and  vegetables  being  grown  in  large  quantities, 
while  the  quality  is  of  the  finest  de.scription. 

VINES. 

The  Vineries  are  just  now  well  worth  seeing,  the  crops 
being  heavy,  regular,  and  well  coloured,  although  the  weight 
carried  by  each  rod  is  something  surprising.  Splendid 
bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh  may  now  be  cut  by  the  hundred- 
weight if  required,  and  the  Muscats  are  fast  colouring  up  in 


the  first  house.  The  early  house  of  Hamburghs  has  a  very 
interesting  history,  the  Vines  having  been  planted  upwards  of 
fifty  years  ago.  After  they  had  been  planted  some  ten  or 
twelve  years,  a  large  nimiber  of  dead  deer  were  buried  in  the 
Ijorder  in  place  of  manure.  We  are  apt  to  look  on  this  style 
of  applying  stimulants  to  A^ine  borders  as  being  rather  too 
decided  a  measure  now-a-days  ;  but  at  the  time  it  was  believed 
to  be  a  capital  mode  of  procedure.  Some  four  or  five  years 
ago  ]\Ii\  Gilbert  renovated  these  Vines  by  training  in  young 
rods  from  the  base  of  the  old  canes  ;  hence  the  tremendous 
crops  of  heavy  and  finely-finished  bunches  to  which  we  have 
just  alluded.  Forcing  is  commenced  in  the  Hamburgh  house 
aljout  Christmas,  and  the  border  outside  is  then  covered  with 
stable  hianure  2  or  3  feet  deep,  so  as  to  afi'ord  a  genial  bottom- 
heat  at  the  roots,  and  induce  that  reciprocal  action  between 
root  and  branch,  which  conduces  so  much  towards  success  in 
Grape  culture.  The  earliest  supply  of  fruit  is  oljtained 
from  poc  Vines,  and  we  noticed  a  splendid  lot  outside 
one  of  the  houses,  remarkable  for  their  vigorous  short- 
jointed  habit.  These  have  made  their  growth,  and  have 
plenty  of  time  to  ripen  their  wood  thoroughly  Ijcfore  forcing 
begins  in  the  autumn.  The  secret  of  success  with  pot 
Vines  is  to  get  a  strong  growth  early  in  the  season,  and  then 
train  them  along  a  south  wall,  or  other  warm  sunny  position 
so  as  to  ripen  their  tissues  and  sap,  thus  storing  up  energy 
for  the  production  of  fine  fruit.  Vines  are  here  grown  in 
small  pots  for  the  decoration  of  the  dinner-table,  and  they 
have  a  beautiful  appearance  when  l^earing  fruit  and  fresh  gi-eeu 
foliage.  Of  course  roots  are  allowed  to  escape  from  the  small 
pot  into  a  larger  pot  placed  lielow  it,  and  filled  with  good 
hearty  loam  and  rotten  stable-mannre.  Manure-water  is 
liljerally  applied  when  the  bunches  are  swelling  off,  and,  when 
the  fruit  is  ripe  and  wanted  for  the  table,  the  roots  are  severed 
below  the  small  pot  and  it  is  then  dropped  carefully  into  an 
ornamental  vase  and  carried  to  the  dining-room.  From  three  to 
six  bunches  only  are  allowed  to  remain  on  each  cane,  and 
herein  lies  the  seci'et  of  finely-coloured  bunches,  well  covered 
with  heavy  bloom,  that  add  so  much  to  their  appearance  on 
the  table.  Mr.  Gilbert  intends  growing  both  Peaches  and 
Oranges  in  small  pots  for  dinner-table  decoration,  and  the  hint 
is  certainly  worth  acting  on,  as  they  are  managed  with  but 
slight  additional  labour,  if  any,  and  are  always  more  inter- 
esting than  the  fruit  alone  as  gathered  and  arranged  on 
dishes.  Two  houses  of  Muscats  are  well  set  and  are  remark- 
ably fine  and  regular,  both  in  bunch  and  berry.  A  one-year- 
old  graft  of  Thomson's  Golden  Champion  bears  seven  fine 
clusters,  and  is  also  making  fine  strong  growth.  The  old 
Trebbiano  Grape  is  now  neglected  by  many  growers,  but  we 
were  informed  that  it  is  much  liked  here  as  grown  in  an  early 
house.  When  grown  in  late  Vineries,  as  is  generally  the  case, 
there  is  not  sufficient  hot  sunny  weather  to  bring  out  the 
flavour,  and  it  is  consequently  not  much  thought  of ;  but,  if 
ripened  olf  under  a  hot  sun,  it  is  one  of  the  best  and  most 
useful  of  white  Grapes,  and  a  tremendous  bearer.  A  Vine 
of  Madresfield  Court  bears  a  few  nice  bunches,  and  was 
propagated  by  sticking  a  piece  of  the  old  wood  in  the  border 
just  like  a  Black  Currant  cutting.  This  is  a  very  distinct  and 
useful  Grape  worth  including  in  every  good  collection  of  Vines. 

PINES. 

These  are  rather  extensively  grown  in  brick  pits  with  dung 
linings,  as  well  as  in  houses.  These  pits  are  not  very  striking 
in  appearance,  but  the  sturdy  plants  inside  seemed  perfectly 
at  home.  The  kinds  mostly  cultivated  are  Queens,  Enville, 
Otaheite,  Cayenne,  and  one  or  two  other  kinds.  What  struck 
us  more  particularly  was  the  small  size  of  the  pots,  and  the 
short  thick  foliage  of  the  plants,  which  have  a  dwarf  appear- 
ance, though  bearing  fine  even  fruit,  vai'ying  from  4  to  8  lbs. 
each.  Small  j)ots,  good  he.arty  loam,  and  plenty  of  genial 
bottom  heat  and  air.  are  here  relied  on  for  success  in  the 
culture  of  this  noble  fruit.  The  plants  are  close  to  the  glass, 
and  arc  allowed  plenty  of  room  when  plunged,  so  that  each 
leaf  gets  its  full  share  of  sunlight.  As  the  fruit  commence  to 
colour,  the  plants  are  removed  to  a  dry  airy  fruit  room — one 
of  the  largest  and  best  we  have  ever  met  with — and  here  they 
ai'e  allowed  to  remain  until  required  for  use.  Pines  are  here 
used  in  quantity,  not  only  for  the  dessert  as  they  ripen,  but 
also  for  preserving.     The  system  of  growing  Pines  in  small 


Aug.  f>,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


115 


pots  has  nmch  to  recommend  it,  more  especially  in  cold  wet 
seasons,  when  the  vital  force  of  the  plants  is  at  a  low  ebb, 
and  it  is  easy  to  supply  stimulants,  in  the  shape  of  top- 
dressiiigs  and  liquid  manure,  as  soon  as  the  pots  become  full 
of  hungry  fibres.  The  treatment  carried  out  here  convinces 
us  more  than  ever  that  the  size,  weight,  and  quality  of  the 
fruit  grown  depends  more  on  the  robust  and  sturdy  constitution 
of  the  succession  plants,  than  on  their  size  or  length  of 
foliage ;  and  we  cannot  protest  too  strongly  against  the 
crowding  system  generally  adopted,  and  by  which  the  plants 
become  attenuated,  and  in  many  cases  debilitated  by  exclusion 
from  the  sun  and  air  essential  to  their  healthfulness  and 
vigour.  The  kinds  now  ripening  are  the  Enville  and  Otaheite, 
both  fine  fruits,  but  they  are  rather  apt  to  go  black  at  the  core 
unless  used  as  soon  as  they  become  fully  ripe. 

MELONS. 

The  neat  span-roofed  Melou-houses  were  in  splendid  condi- 
tion at  the  time  of  our  visit,  the  plants  being  fresh  and 
healthy,  and  the  fruit  abundant.  About  100  fine  fruit  were 
swelling  off  or  ripening ;  and  some  of  these,  it  is  almost  need- 
less to  add,  were  beautiful  examples  of  what  a  Melon  should  be 
in  shape,  colour,  depth  of  flesh,  and  flavour.  The  kinds  grown 
arc,  for  the  most  part,  new  hybrids  raised  by  Mr.  Gilbert,  if 
we  except  the  old  scarlet  Gem,  which  still  claims  a  foremost 
place  among  the  finest  scarlet-fleshed  kinds.  Among  others 
bearing  fine  fruit,  we  liiay  specially  notice  Burghley  Green 
Flesh,  a  fine-formed  fruit  of  the  most  delicious  flavour — 
cpialities  also  inherited  by  Viotoiy  of  Bath,  Improved  Cash- 
mere, and  Gilbert's  Green  Flesh,  all  of  which  have  obtained 
special  certificates,  and  one  or  two  have  taken  first  prizes  at 
Bath  and  elsewhere.  The  Melon  house  is  light,  and  well 
adapted  for  the  culture  of  this  fruit,  and  can  also  bo  utilised  for 
Cucumber  cultivation  during  the  winter  season.  Melon-houses 
are  also  very  useful  for  growing  Tomatoes  in  pots  during  the 
winter  season,  or  they  may  be  planted  out  of  pots  as  soon  as 
the  last  crop  of  Melons  is  cleared  off,  and  trained  up  the  wires 
in  their  place,  where  they  vrill  go  on  ripening  theii-  fruit. 

HAKDY   rRUIT    GARDEN. 

The  crops  in  this  department  are,  on  the  whole,  in  excellent 
condition,  all  the  best  kinds  of"  fruit  being  cultivated  in  quan- 
tity and  on  the  most  approved  principles.  The  soil  is  a  good 
heavy  loam,  3  feet  deep,  and,  when  thoroughly  well  worked 
and  manured,  it  grows  some  of  the  finest  plants  and  vegetables 
in  the  country.  The  garden  is  divided  by  rectangular  walls, 
on  which  some  of  the  choicer  Apricots,  Peaches,  Figs,  Pears, 
and  Plums  are  grown.  Apricots  are  a  very  fair  crop,  on  1,700 
feet  of  wall  devoted  to  fine  healthy  young  trees  but  I'ecently 
planted.  Plums  are  this  year  but  a  middling  crop  ;  Pears  and 
Apples  arc  about  the  average.  The  fine  Walnut  trees  here  are 
laden  with  largo  quantities  of  green  fruit,  though  in  many 
other  districts  they  are  but  a  poor  crop.  Peaches  in  the 
houses  have  been  very  fine  ;  those  on  the  walls  are  a  very  fair 
crop,  and  are  covered  by  an  overhanging  glass  coping  which 
is  of  great  use  in  protecting  the  young  flower  buds  from 
heavy  rains  and  sudden  spring  frosts. 

STRAWBERRIES. 

Strawben'ies  ai'e  over  for  this  season,  having  been  quite  up 
to  the  usual  standard.  All  the  Sti-awberry  plants  are  destroj  ed 
after  the  second  year,  and  fresh  plantations  made  up  with 
young  suckers.  At  the  time  of  our  visit  we  found  hundreds 
of  young  plants  of  the  best  varieties  all  nicely  rooted  and 
nearly  ready  for  planting.  These  will  be  planted  out  from 
2  to  3  feet  apart  on  well-trenched  heavily-manured  quarters, 
and  soon  develop  themselves,  producing,  in  many  cases, 
excellent  crops  the  following  summer.  Though  planted  nearly 
a  yard  apart,  the  one-year  old  plants,  in  many  cases,  touch 
each  other.  The  kinds  gi'own  are  Keen's  Seedling,  one  of  the 
best  and  most  i-eliable  for  a  heavy  crop  ;  Ingram's  Late  Pine, 
a  fine  conical  fruit  somewhat  resembling  Elton  Pine,  with  the 
flesh  coloured  throughout  as  in  that  variety ;  Black  Bess  is 
also  a  productive  variety.  Dr.  Hogg  is  one  of  the  finest 
Strawberries  in  cultivation  so  far  as  appearance  goes,  and  is 
well  suited  for  exhibition  purposes.  The  Old  Eoseberry,  or 
Late  Scarlet  as  it  is  sometimes  called  in  market  gardens,  is  a 
profuse  bearer,  and  the  finest  of  all  Strawberries  for  preserving, 
having  a  very  rich  flavour  and  being  highly  coloured.     Rasp- 


berries grow  well,  and  a  plantation  of  the  Prince  of  Wales  is 
now  bearing  enormous  tpiantities  of  fine  highly-flavoured 
fruit.  Gooseberries  and  Currants  are  a  full  crop ;  in  many 
cases  branches  of  the  bushes  are  actually  borne  to  the  ground 
with  the  enormous  quantities  of  fruit.  The  black  Cuj'rant 
bushes,  many  of  which  are  evidently  very  old,  were  cut  down 
a  year  or  two  ago,  and  the  result  is  that  the  fruit  now  borne 
on  the  young  branches  is  of  the  finest  quality  and  abundant 
in  quantity. 

KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

Several  acres  of  kitchen  garden  are  required  to  meet  the 
enormous  demand  on  this  part  of  the  establishment,  and  the 
very  most  is  made  of  the  ground  by  liberal  manuring  and  deep 
cultivation.     Among  other  things  worthy  of   notice  are  the 
Peas,  grown  here  under  very  favourable  conditions.     A  grand 
row  of  Laxtou's  Omega,  on  one  of  the  Vino  borders,  was  a  fine 
sight,  being  heavily  laden  with  plump  well-filled  pods.     Other 
new  kinds,  a  G.  F.  Wilson,  Popular,  and  William  I.  also  look 
well.     The  last-named  is  a  splendid  Pea,  as  is  also  Sutton's 
Improved  Princess  Royal,  a  variety  something  in  the  way  of 
McLean's  Advancer,  though  larger  and  superior  to  that  variety. 
It   is  surprising  to  what  perfection  Peas   may  be  I^rought  by 
liberal  cultivation  and  deep  tillage.     Potatoes  are  doing  well, 
and  as  yet  there  appears  to  be  no  evidence  of  the  disease. 
Flukes  and  Lapstones  are  now  yielding  well, the  latter  being  one 
of  the  finest  varieties  in  cultivation,  and  one  of  the  most  produc- 
tive.  Climax  is  a  fine  variety,  and  is  now  producing  fine  crops  of 
clean  well-flavoured  tubers.     The  sets  of  this  were  planted 
last  October,  and  tlie  success  here  obtained  argues  well  for 
autumn  planting  where   ])racticable.     This   system   forwards 
work  to  a  considerable  extent,  besides  proving  advantageous 
in    other     respects.       Early   Rose   is   a   fine-looking    Potato 
and    a    heavy    cropper,    but    does    not     find    much    favour 
with   those    who   know   a   really  good  Potato  when   cooked. 
Premier,  and  Sutton's  Red  Flourball   are  also  largely  grown. 
One  of  the    South  borders  is  planted  with  several  different 
varieties,  a  yard  apart  each  vray,  which  yield  immense  crops  of 
finely -formed  clean  tubers.     Mr.  Gilbert  is  in  favour  of  using 
sawdust  in  the  culture  of  Potatoes,  and  finds  that  they  turn 
out  beautifully  clean  and  semi-transparent  when  this  material 
is   mixed  in  the  rows.     Doubtless   this   is   useful  on  a  .small 
scale  where  fine  tubers  are  required  for  exhibition  purposes. 
Celery  is  coming  on  nicely,  and  promises  to  be  of  good  quality. 
A  few  dozen  fine  heads  are  earthed  up  with  heaps  of  yellow 
sand,  and  protected  with  "  Simpson's  Wortley  Celery  Collar," 
an  admirable  contrivance  for  exhibition  Celerj^,  as  it  keeps  the 
stems  clean  and  white.    Brussels  Sprouts  and  Snow's  Broccoli 
in  broad   breadths   look   remarkably  well.     This   Broccoli  is 
invaluable  for  early  spring   crops,  and  produces  large,  firm, 
white  heads,  well  protected  by  foliage.     If  any  blasts  of  rough 
weather   occur  during  the   autumn  or  winter   months,  a  thin 
covering    of    common     Brake    Fern    is   a    very   useful    and 
effective  material  for  protection.     One  of  the  most  interesting 
features    in   the   kitchen   garden   are  the  Mushroom   ridges, 
on   which    large   ciuantities   of    this    esculent   are   produced 
during  the  spring  and  early  summer  months.     These  ridges 
are  each  3  to  -4  feet  high,  and  vary  in  length  according  to  the 
supply  required.      They  are  formed  of  horse-droppings  and 
fibrous  loam  mixed,  and  are  spawned  and  covered  with  a  layer 
of  soil  in  the  ordinary  way.     After  spawning  they  are  covered 
with  a  thick  coat  of  straw  or  Pern,  and  the  crops  produced  on 
these  out-door  beds  are  something  enormous.   It  is  a  plan  that 
may  be  relied  on  for  furnishing  a  good  supply,  and  is  specially 
adapted  for   gardeners  who  have  not  the  convenience  of    a 
Mushroom  house.      Lettuce  planted   on  ridges  Ijetween  the 
Celery  trenches  is  doing  well  and  in  one  of  the  dung  frames 
we   noticed   nice  healthy  ])lauts   of  the  common  Egg  plant, 
(Solanum  Melongena)    often    called  Brinjals  or  Aubergines. 
These  plants  were  bearing  fruit  larger  than  any  we  have  seen 
imported  in  this  country  from  the  continent.     We  specially 
noted    the   minature    frames     or    handlights    designed    and 
registered  by  Mr.  Gilbert.    These  are  largely  used  at  Burghley 
for  out-door  propagation  and  other  purposes  where  any  slight 
protection    is    re(inired    temporarily.     They  are    simple    in 
con.struction   and   consequently  seldom   need    repairs,   while 
their  first  cost  is  so  moderate  that  they  come  within  the  reach 
of  every  artizan  fond  of  gardening- 


116 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  9, 1873. 


THE     PROPAGATOR. 


GOLDEN   VARIEGATED    GEEANIUMS. 
DuKiNe  the  last  seven  j-ears  I  have  had  a  good  many  of  these 
throno-h  my  hand^,  but  ive  still  retain  Mrs.  Pollock  and  Lady 
Cullum  as  leading  varieties.     The  truth  is,  those  two  kinds 
are  as  effective  in  the  flower  garden  as  any  I  have  yet  seen. 
AVhat  does  one  shade  (especially  if  inconstant)  matter  either 
way  ?     AVhat  we  more  especially  want  is  vigour  of  constitu- 
tion, and  the  two  varieties  I  have  mentioned  possess  that  in  a 
remarkable  degree— in  fact,  we  find  them  nearly  as  hardy  and 
as  manageable   as   the  green-leaved  kmds,  both  as  regards 
propagation    and    preservation    through    the    winter.       For 
several  years  past  we  have  struck  our  autumn  stock  of  from 
800  to  1,000  in  the  beginning  of  September,  full  in  the  sun 
on  a  south  border,  with  scarcely  any  loss  worth  naming.     The 
only  preparation  the  border  received  was  to  pass  about  o  inches 
of  the  surface  through  a  i-inch  sieve,  to  take  out  the  stones. 
I  think  it  was  the  late  Donald  Beaton  who  said,  in  his  usual 
racy  way,  that  the  best  way  to  strike  them  was  to  dibble  them 
into  a  south  border,  and  forget  all  about  them  till  it  was  time 
to   pot  them   up.     After   the   first   watering,   the   dews   and 
showers  that  occasionally  fall  will  keep  their  leaves  up.     Early 
in  October  they  will  be  well  rooted,  and  should  be  potted  into 
thumb   pots    singly,   and   placed   near  the   glass  in   a  warm 
greenhouse  for  about  three  weeks,  by  which  time  the  plants 
will  be   established,  and  ready  for  removal  to  their  winter 
quarters  in  a  cold  orchard  house,  on  shelves  near  the  glass. 
They  should  always  have  abundance  of  ventilation  (back  and 
front),  except  when  frosty  winds  prevail,  and  they  should  be 
watered  about  once  a  week.     If  time  permit,  they  should  be 
shaken  out  in  March,  and  re-potted  into  clean  60-sized  pots, 
and  when  established  should  be  moved  out  to  the  cold  pits. 
Since  we  have  kept  our  autumn  stock  almost  wholly  without  fire 
heat,   except  in  case  of  severe  frost,  and  at  the  same  time 
fairly    dry,  they  have  been   far   superior,  both  in  strength 
and  colour  to  what  they  used  to  be.     Being  in  a  dry  house 
close  to  the  glass,  with  a  constant  circulation  of  fresh  air, 
they    have   every  chance   of    making    bright    stocky   plants. 
We  don't  want  to  push  them  for  spring  cuttings,   as  no  pro- 
pagator re(iuires  to  be  told  that  it  is  useless  to  take  cuttings 
from  a  cold  house  and  attempt  to  strike  them  in  heat.     But 
still  spring-struck  plants  are  very  useful  for  certain  purposes ; 
they  make  growth  more  freely,  and  the  foliage  is  generally 
finer  than  on  older  plants  ;  we  therefore  always  pot  up  a  ^few 
hundreds  of  old  plants  ti'om  the  beds  to  furnish  the  cuttings 
in  spring,  and  those  old  plants  are  pushed  on  in  a  warm  house 
for  several  weeks  before  the  cuttings  are  required.     One  of  the 
most  successful  propagators  of  this  class  of  Geraniums  I  ever 
knew  always  struck  his  cuttings  in  a  low  lean-to  house,  in  a 
bed  of  soil  over  a  flue ;  he  never  used  any  pots,  but  simply 
dibbled    the    cuttings  into    the    soil.      There    was  always  a 
nice    steady    heat,    but    no    damping    (damp    is    the    great 
enemy  to   guard   against).     But   flues   for   heating  purposes 
(although   not  in  all  contrivances    to  be   despised)   are  now 
almost  things  of  the  past.     Cuttings  of  these  Geraniums  may, 
however,  be  successfully  struck  in   spring  in  48-sized  pots, 
about  five  or  six  cuttings  being  dibbled  round  the  sides,  and 
the  pots    placed  just  over  the  hot-water  pipes   iu    a  warm, 
moderately  dry  house.     I  always  like  about  a  fourth  of  the 
soil  to  be  peat,  as  I  think  peat  is  retentive  of  moisture,  and 
renders  frequent  waterings  less  necessary  till  the  cuttings  are 
rooted.     There  is,  however,  no  occasion  to  particularise  com- 
posts, as  really  more  depends  upon  the  dryness  of  the  atmos- 
phere of  the  house  than  upon  any  particular  soil.     Sandy  loam 
and  peat,  with  a  good  sprinkling  of  sand,  I  have  always  found 
suitable,  with  a  warm  place  to  set  the  pots  on,  such  as  a  flue 
or  hot  pipes ;  not  that  the  pots  should  touch  the  pipes — a  shelf 
or  a  thin  board  should  intervene.     We  always  have  plenty  of 
cuttings  from  our  old  plants ;  but  it  is  not  desirable  to  have 
them  very  large — cuttings  about  an  inch  long  or  a  little  more 
are  better  than  larger  ones,  as  they  don't  strike  so  freely  and 
quickly  when  cut  close  to  the  old  wood.     Don't  water  more  than 
is  necessary,  and,  to  avoid  the  necessity  for  doing  so,  it  is  better 
to  shade  lightly  for  days  in  bright  sunshine,  just  to  keep  the 
leaves  up.     It  is  bad  policy  to  allow  cuttings  to  flag  under  a 
hot  suu,  and  then  to  syringe  cr  water  them.  E.  H. 


BULBILS  ON  THE   STEMS  OF  LILIUM  CANDIDUM. 
M.  Bkia.vt,  head  gardener  at  the  Ecole  de  Cluny,  relates  a  curious 


instance  of  the  production  of  balbils  on  the  stems  of  this  (the  White) 
Lily.  These  stems  had  been  cut  2  or  3  inches  below  the  surface  of 
the'  soil,  and  were  afterwards  placed  in  a  lower  room,  which  was  dark, 
sheltered  from  the  sun's  rays,  and  somewhat  damp.  Here,  after  a 
short  time,  they  produced  a  number  of  these  adventitious  bulbils  (six 
to  twelve  on  each  stem)  on  the  lower  part  of  the  stem.  The  bulbils 
were  white,  scaly,  and  about  the  size  of  a  small  Hazel-nut.  Some  of 
them  emitted  roots  from  their  base.  M.  Briant's  explanation  is  as 
follows  : — After  flowering,  a  good  deal  of  sap  remains  iu  the  stem. 
This,  in  the  natural  course  of  things,  descends  gradually  to  the  root, 
there  to  be  elaborated  and  serve  to  produce  new  root-bnlbs.  When 
the  stem  is  cut  off  at  the  base,  the  descending  sap,  being  arrested  in 
its  flow  at  that  point,  accumulates  and  provokes  the  formation  of 
these  bulbils  on  the  lower  part  of  the  stem.  M.  Briaut  calls 
attention  to  the  fact  that,  if  other  species  of  Lilies  can  be  brought  to 
produce  stem-bulbils  in  this  way,  many  rare  kinds,  which  naturally 
form  few  new  root-bnlbs,  may  be  much  more  extensively  propagated 
than  has  been  hitherto  found  possible.  W.  JI. 


THE    GARDEN    FLORA. 


NEW  AND  RAEE  PLANTS  KECENTLY  FIGURED. 
Netted-flowered  Meninia  (M.  turgida). — An  acanthaceons 
plant  from  Cochin  China,  possessing  considerable  local  repute  for  its 
medicinal  properties,  and  bearing  a  terminal  spike  of  white  flowers 
netted  with  bright  rose.  It  is  a  plant  of  straggling  habit,  and 
flowered  in  April  of  the  present  year  in  the  Jardin  des  Plantes. 

Many-branched  Crassttla  (C.  profasa). — An  easily  grown 
procumbent  species,  rooting  freely  at  the  joints,  and  bearing 
numerous  white  flowers  arranged  in  terminal  heads.  It  is  adapted 
for  suspendng  in  baskets,  or  for  brackets  in  a  cool  greenhouse,  or 
even  for  window  culture. 

Malayan  Rhododendron  (K.  malayanum). — A  small  flowering 
shrub,  bearing  clusters  of  rosy  flowers,  having  bright  crimson  tubes, 
the  foliage  being  of  a  pale  green  hue  above  and  brown  beneath.  It 
comes  from  the  Malayan  Archipelago,  and  has  flowered  with  Messrs. 
Eollisson  &  Sons,  at  Tooting. 

The  Rock  Omphalodes  (0.  Lucilia;). — This  is  a  very  beautiful 
species,  bearing  flowers  each  the  size  of  a  shtUing,  which  vary 
in  colour  from  rosy.pui-ple  to  aznre  blue.  The  plant  is  dwarf  and 
procumbent  in  habit,  and  is  a  good  addition  to  Alpine  and  herbaceous 
rock  plants.  It  is  found  in  one  or  two  locaUties  in  Asia  Minor,  at 
elevations  of  7,000  to  8,000  feet. 

Alternate -flowered  Odontoglossum  (0.  tripudians). — A 
very  beautiful  species  from  the  highlands  of  Peim,  and  amenable  to  cool 
treatment.  It  bears  from  eight  to  ten-flowered  spikes  of  showy 
flowers,  somewhat  resembling  those  of  a  short-petaled  O.  luteo-pur. 
pureum  in  form  and  colour.  Sepals  dark  brown,  tipped  with  yellow  ; 
petals  yellow,  barred  with  bro^vn  ;  lip  creamy  white,  spotted  with 
purplish-rose  colour.  It  is  a  fine  addition  to  this  now  popular 
genns. 

Yellow  Elleanthus  (Elleanthus  xanthocomus) . — A  curious 
little  yellow-flowered  Orchid,  having  the  general  habit  and  foliage 
of  a  Sobralia.  It  has  been  flowered  by  W.  W.  Saunders,  Esq.,  F.L.S., 
Hilfield  House,  Reigate.  It  is  a  native  of  Peru,  and  bears  its 
flowers  at  the  apex  of  reed-like  stems,  twelve  to  eighteen  inches  in 
height. 

Fragrant  Boronia  (Boronia  megastigma).  —  An  Australian 
species,  chiefly  remarkable  for  its  delicious  perfume.  It  is  a 
plant  of  slender  habit,  and  grows  well  in  an  ordinary  greenhouse 
temperature.  The  four.petaled  flowers  are  very  singular  in  colour, 
being  golden.yellow  within,  while  the  outside  is  of  a  dull  purplish- 
brown.  Most  of  the  Boronias  bear  pink  or  rosy-purple  flowers,  and 
one  or  two,  as  B.  foetidissima,  are  remarkable  for  their  offensive  fox- 
like odour. — Botanical  2Iagazine. 

Morell's  Bilbergia  (B.  Morelhana) . — Avery  effective  Bi-omcliad, 
similar  inhabit  to  ^Echmea  fulgens,  and  bearing  a  terminal,  drooping 
spike  of  purplish-blue  flowers,  each  flower  being  subtended  by  a  large 
crimson-scarlet  bract,  two  or  three  inches  long.  It  is  a  native  of 
Bahia  and  the  Brazils. — Behiqve  Hoiiicole. 

Tesselated  Tillandsia  (T.  tesselata). —  Another  handsome 
Bromeliad  of  portly  appearance  and  picturesque  habit.  Its  broad 
deep  green  foliage  is  arranged  in  a  vasiform  manner,  gracefully  re- 
curved at  the  apices  of  the  leaves,  and  marked  with  dark  reddish 
bauds,  or  mosaic  beneath. — L' Illustration  Horticole. 


Aug.  9,  1873,] 


THE   GARDEN. 


117 


THE  GROTTO  OF  THETIS  AT  POTSDAM. 
In  wi-iting  recently  of  the  elegant  colonnade  at  Sans  Souci, 
garden  architectnre,  with  its  regnlar  lines  and  symmetrical 
ornaments,  was  necessarily  treated  as  a  striking,  and,  at  the 
same  time  agreeable,  contrast  to  the  graceful  irregularities  of 
Nature.  But  when  artificial  work  of  a  rustic  character  is 
introduced,  which  is  intended  to  be  more  or  less  an  imitation 
of  Nature,  it  is  harmony  and  not  contrast  that  should  be 
sought.  Thus,  in  the  grotto  of  Thetis  at  Potsdam,  the  two 
sculptured  lions,  on  their  hai'd  square-panelled  pedestals,  are 
out  of  place,  and  utterly  destructive  of  the  effect  which  the 
deviser  of  the  scene  should  have  sought  to  produce.  In 
Chinese  gardens  of  the  wealthy  classes,  the  intricacy  and 
extraordinary  elaboration  of  artificial  rockwork  is  carried  to 
the  highest  conceivable  extent,  and  often  with  an  amount  of 
artistic  skill  and  good  taste  which  leave  the  efforts  of  self- 
sufficient  Europeans  far  behind.  Sculpture  is  sometimes 
introdiiced ;  but  then  it  is  invariably  of  a  realistic  character, 


introduces  the  form  of  a  tiger,  peering  through  an  opening  in 
the  matted  underwood;  or  that  of  an  anaconda  suspending  his 
coils  from  the  branches  of  a  great  tree  above,  ready  to  enwrap  the 
intruder  in  his  fatal  embrace  ;  and  such  objects  are  in  harmony 
with  the  scene.  Not  that  animals,  pamted  in  their  natural 
colours  with  all  the  cunning  of  Chinese  pencils,  can  be  deemed 
legitimate  objects  in  a  garden  scene,  nor  can  they  be  recom- 
mended for  imitation;  still  they  are  better,  from  a  certain 
point  of  view,  than  the  classical  white  marble  lions  that 
are  so  incongruously  placed  at  the  entrance  of  the 
Grotto  of  Thetis,  in  the  gardens  of  Potsdam.  It  is  true 
that  the  arch  of  that  grotto  is  not  intended  to  appear  as 
a  natural  one,  but  as  a  passage  rudely  cut  through  an  inter- 
vening ledge  of  rock  ;  but  it  has  no  regularity  of  form,  and 
certainly  no  architectural  dressing  of  any  kind,  while 
parasitic  plants  are  allowed  to  run  wildly  over  its  surface. 
In  association,  therefore,  with  such  a  feature,  classic  lions  of 
white  marble  on  their  formal  pedestals  have  no  raison  d'etre ; 


'mi^.kiM  ^^^t^M. 


Grotto  of  Thiitis. 


and  seeks,  in  a  simulated  wild  and  rocky  garden,  to  produce 
the  effect  of  wild  animals  as  they  might  appear  in  their  native 
retreats.  In  the  wildernesses  of  Chinese  gardens,  where 
the  fantastic  forms  of  art  are  made  to  assume  the  effects 
of  rugged  nature  in  a  striking,  and  frequently  very  felicitous 
manner,  the  gloom  of  natural  forests  is  often  imitated  with 
good  effect,  especially  in  the  well-contrived  approaches  which 
are  so  devised  as  to  pass  beneath  lofty  and  thickly-foliaged  trees, 
in  order  that  their  deep  shades  may  prepare  spectators  for  an 
entire  change  of  scene  from  the  bright-hued  flower  garden 
through  which  they  have  passed.  They  are  duly  prepared  for 
the  aspects  of  jimgle,  and  rocky  chasm,  and  jagged  rocks  tower- 
ing in  fantastic  shapes  to  a  height  where  even  tropical  climbers 
can  scarcely  reach  their  summits.  Such  a  scene  is  thus  found 
opening  upon  them  in  the  dim  light  produced  by  dark  and 
lofty  trees,  hung  with  the  heavy  draperies  of  huge  light- 
obstructing  parasites  that  suspend  themselves  from  their 
branches.     In  such  a  situation,  the  Chinese  horticulturist  often 


nor  has  the  neat  and  symmetrical  flight  of  marble  steps, 
finished  in  all  their  lines  by  the  careful  chisel  of  the  skilful 
mason ;  instead  of  which,  the  steps  should  have  been 
ruggedly  hewn  in  coarse  stone,  and  grass  and  weeds  .allowed 
to  root  freely  in  their  interstices  ;  .and  if,  also,  an  approach  to 
the  Grotto  of  Thetis  had  been  devised  beneath  the  shadow 
of  closely-planted  trees,  its  peculiar  characteristics  would 
have  opened  upon  the  spectator  as  a  pleasing  and  marked 
contrast  to  the  more  regularly  planned  portions  of  the 
gardens  :  but  the  Grecian  lions — or  rjither  lion  and  lioness — 
treated  in  the  style  of  ordinary  sculpture,  carry  the  ideas  of 
the  spectator  back  to  the  sculptures  and  temples,  and  marble 
seats  and  fountains  of  the  rest  of  the  gt  rdens,  and  effectually 
prevent  the  refreshing  novelty  of  impression  which  might 
h.ave  been  the  result  of  a  more  thoughtful  and  skilful 
arrangement. 

In  addition  to  the  foregoing  remarks,  it  may  bo  observed 
that,  Thetis  being  a  mythological  sea-goddess,  her  grotto  would 


118 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  9,  1873. 


have  been  much  more  appropriately  represented  as  a  cave  on 
the  "  sea-beat  shore,"  -with  the  entrance  embellished  by  repre- 
sentations of  the  many  forms  of  graceful  AlgK,  or  seaweeds, 
while  the  "  lions  "  guarding  the  portals,  if  such  were  deemed 
necessary,  should,  at  all  events,  be  "  sea-lions." 

Noel  Hujipiirets. 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 


POTATO  CROPS  IN  THE  SOUTH  AND  SOUTH-WEST 

OF  ENGLAND. 
A  SHORT  time  ago  I  sent  you  an  article  upon  the  Potato  disease. 
I  have  since  then  been  over  a  considerable  area  in  the  south 
and  south-west  of  England,  and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  have 
paid  great  attention  to  the  fruit  crops  (of  which  more  at 
another  time),  and  especially  to  the  Potato  crop,  as  this  is  the 
season  when  we  expect  to  see  it  attacked  by  the  disease.  I 
expressed  an  opinion,  in  my  last  that,  unless  some  sudden 
electrical  change  took  place,  it  was  likely  that  we  should  escape 
the  disease  this  season.  The  dreaded  electrical  storm  came, 
and  burst  with  unmitigated  fury  over  a  great  extent  of  this 
country.  It  commenced  here  (Weymouth)  in  the  middle  of 
the  night  on  the  iSrd  ult.  ;  and  whilst  it  lasted,  which  was 
happily  only  for  a  short  time,  it  was  very  severe.  I  was 
curious  to  know  what  was  the  result  of  such  a  storm  on  the 
Potato  crops,  and  examined  all  within  my  reach  ;  liut 
could  not  find  that  any  mischief  had  been  done.  I  also 
went  to  the  market  and  made  inquiries  of  the  growers 
and  sellers,  and  found  that,  excepting  along  the  sea-coast,  there 
was  little  or  no  appearance  of  the  disease.  One  man  had 
picked  out  a  few  Early  Rose  that  were  affected,  but  on  inquiry 
I  found  that  they  had  been  grown  on  the  sea-coast,  and  had 
to  contend  with  the  fog,  combined  with  the  heavy  electrical 
state  of  the  atmosphere.  To  put  the  matter  to  the  test,  I 
went  over  to  Wyke,  close  to  the  sea,  where  they  grow  large 
crops  of  Potatoes  for  the  Weymouth  market.  Here  I  was 
sorr}-  to  find  my  worst  fears  realised.  The  electricity, 
combined  with  a  dense  sea-fog,  had  done  sad  mischief.  In  a 
field  of  aljout  five  or  six  acres,  I  do  not  think  that  there 
remained  one-tenth  of  the  crop  sound ;  they  were  digging 
them  up  to  boil  for  the  pigs.  I  watched  the  digging, 
and  during  the  time  I  remained  I  did  not  see  a  sound 
tuber  taken  up,  and  I  find,  on  making  inquiries,  that 
along  the  sea-coast  a  great  deal  of  disease  exists ;  but, 
with  regard  to  the  inland  produce,  I  hear  very  pi'omising 
accounts.  I  calculate  that  if  we  could  remain  free  to 
the  middle  or  end  of  August  from  any  great  electrical 
disturbance,  and,  if  nice  drying  breezes  prevailed,  very  little 
disease  would  affiict  us  this  season.  With  the  exception  of  the 
storm  of  the  "Jord,  the  weather  has  been  everything  that  one 
could  wish  as  far  as  the  Potato  is  concerned.  I  forgot  to  state 
above,  when  speaking  of  the  field  at  Wyke,  that,  up  to  the 
night  of  the  S^nd  and  moraing  of  the  20rd  of  July,  not  a 
diseased  tuber  was  found  in  the  field — at  least,  so  said  my 
Potato-digging  informant.  I  think  nothing  can  afford  more 
positive  proof  that  we  owe  the  Potato  disease  to  electrical 
action,  combined  with  a  damp  atmosphere,  than  the  case  of  the 
field  at  Wyke,  and  that  all  our  researches  after  microscopic 
fungi  are  useless,  as  far  as  doing  anj-thing  towards  staying  the 
disease,  when  the  atmospherical  conditions  are  favourable  to 
its  development.  J.  Scott. 

Merrioit,  Somerset. 


Advantages  of  Hoeing. — Too  many  persons  who  use  the  hoe 
suppose  that  the  chief  benefit  derived  from  it  is  to  kill  the  weeds. 
That  certainly  is  an  important  work,  and  one  greatly  neglected. 
Weeds  are  not  only  in  the  way  of  cultivating  the  crops  which  we 
plant,  but  they  rob  them  of  much  of  the  nutriment  which  they  need. 
Hoeing,  then,  is  an  essential  service  in  respect  to  destroying  the 
weeds.  There  are  other  advantages,  however,  which  are  com- 
monly overlooked.  Let  us  see  :  1.  The  loosening  of  the  soil  in  the 
operation  of  hoeing  is  beneficial  to  the  plants,  as  much  as  the 
destruction  of  the  weeds,  or  more  so.  2.  Moisture  abounds  in  the 
atmosphere  during  the  hottest  months,  and  is  absorbed  and  retained 
moat  abundantly  by  a  soil  which  is  in  the  most  friable  state.     Pro. 


fessor  Schluber  found  that  1,000  grains  of  stiff  clay  absorbed  in  24 
hours  only  36  grains  of  moisture  from  the  air ;  while  garden  mould 
absorbed  45  gi'ains,  and  fine  magnesia  absorbed  76  grains.  3.  Then, 
again,  pulverising  soil  enables  it  better  to  retain  the  moisture 
absorbed.  4.  The  soil,  in  order  to  be  healthy  and  active,  must 
breathe.  A  light  porous  soil  admits  the  air,  and  thus  it  is  fed  and 
greatly  invigorated  by  the  atmosphere.  5.  The  sun's  rays  heat  a  hard 
soil  much  more  quickly  than  a  loose  one,  and  the  hotter  the  soil  is,  so 
much  greater  mil  be  the  evaporation  from  it.  So  that  the  hard  soil 
is  deprived  of  its  moisture  much  sooner  than  one  of  a  loose  texture. 
6.  The  soil  that  has  been  kept  loose  near  the  surface  by  the  action  of 
the  hoe,  will  receive  and  hold  the  rain  water  that  falls,  while  a  hard 
soil  will  allow  most  of  it  to  run  off  into  the  valleys  and  streams  as  it 
falls. 


GARDEN     DESTROYERS. 


BEES  DESTRUCTIVE  TO  FRUIT. 
In  America,  fruit  crops  are  liable  to  serious  injury  from  the  attacks 
of  the  common  hive  bee,  which  there  seems  to  rival  the  wasp  in  its 
love  for  ripe  Grapes,  Peaches,  &e.  We  are  not  aware  that  in  this 
country  hive  bees  display  such  a  decided  pencliant  for  ripe  fruit  as 
to  call  for  the  adoption  of  any  repressive  measures  against  them; 
but  that  such  is  sometimes  the  case  in  America  the  following 
remarks  of  Professor  Riley,  State  Entomologist  of  Missoari,  are 
amply  sufficient  to  prove : — 

"  During  very  dry  seasons,  such  as  we  have  experienced  in  this 
country  for  the  past  two  years,  when  honey-producing  flowers  are 
scarce,  bees,  which  in  ordinary  seasons  do  little  or  no  injury,  are  apt 
to  become  great  nuisances  in  fruit  gardens.  There  are  those  who 
believe  them  incapable  of  injuring  fruit  at  first  hand,  and  who 
contend  that  they  simply  follow  in  the  path  of  birds  and  wasps 
which  first  cut  the  skin.  This  is  pure  sentiment,  and  uttered  by 
those  who  blindly  magnify  the  virtues  of  the  honey-bee,  and  are 
guiltless  of  having  given  the  subject  serious  investigation.  Those 
who  have  carefully  watched  them  during  such  seasons  as  1871,  1872, 
in  vineyard  or  orchard,  especially  in  autumn,  will  not  be  likely  to 
hold  such  erroneous  views.  In  thus  condemning  the  little  busy  bee 
I  expect  to  have  most  bee-keepers  down  on  me,  as  well  as  many  of 
my  scientific  friends,  as  for  instance,  Dr.  H.  Hagen  and  Dr.  Asa 
Gray,  of  Pambridge,  and  Dr.  A.  S.  Packard,  jun.,  of  Salem,  Mass., 
each  of  whom  spiritedly  took  up  the  defence  of  the  bees  some  years 
ago,  when  the  people  of  Wenham.in  that  State,  voted,  by  a  two-thirds 
majority,  that  no  bees  should  be  kept  in  that  town.  These  gentlemen 
entirely  overlooked  the  real  facts,  however,  and  simply  endeavoured 
to  show  that  bees  could  do  no  injury  to  fruit  by  frequenting  the 
flowers,  but  that  they  were  beneficial  in  aiding  fertilisation  and 
cross-fertilisation.  In  this  position  I  fully  concur,  and  I  have  no 
sympathy  with  the  bee  prejudice  which  has  at  times  possessed  people 
with  the  belief  that  fruit  is  injuriously  affected  by  the  bees'  visits  to 
the  flowers  and  abstraction  of  the  nectar.  The  existence  of  this  kind 
ofapiphobia  at  the  present  day  is,  I  take  it,  more  imaginary  than 
real,  and  the  objection  to  bees,  under  certain  circumstances,  comes 
from  the  real  and  direct  injuiy  which  they  do  to  the  fruit.  The 
month  of  the  honey-bee  is  fitted  both  for  lapping  and  biting — a 
characteristic  of  the  order  (Hymenoptera)  to  which  it  belongs.  The 
lower  Up  forms  a  tongue  by  which  it  laps  up  nectar,  and  the  upper 
jaws  are  fitted  for  biting  and  cutting,  though  they  are  not  generally 
used  for  purposes  of  manducation  as  with  other  mandibulate  insects  ; 
and,  where  there  is  a  choice,  the  bee  doubtless  prefers  an  already 
ruptured  Grape  or  Peach  to  one  which  is  whole.  Jlr.  Wie- 
landy,  of  Jefferson  City,  was  last  year  so  annoyed  by  his 
neighbour's  bees,  that  he  lost  his  entire  Peach  crop,  which  was 
rendered  unfit  for  market  by  their  injuries  ;  and  these  complaints  are 
by  no  means  exceptional.  In  such  cases  the  question  "  what  to  do  " 
really  becomes  a  serious  one,  though  I  believe  legal  redress  is  not 
possible.  The  bees  which  injured  Mr.  Wielandy'a  fruit  were  owned 
by  a  neighbour  who  had  but  a  small  plot  of  land  and  no  bee-pasturage 
whatever ;  and,  on  the  principle  that  their  owner  had  no  more 
abstract  right  to  allow  his  bee  stock  to  depredate  on  his  neigh, 
hour's  fruit  than  he  had  to  turn  his  hogs  into  his  cornfields, 
I  did  not  hesitate  to  advise  the  protective  measure  of  poison, 
ing.  This  may  be  effected  as  fi^llows  : — First,  plant  a  plot  of 
ground — as  much  as  can  well  Le  spared — vrith  Milkweed,  alias 
Silkweed  (Asclepias,  the  common  A.  Cornuti  answering  the  pui-- 
pose  very  well).  When  these  plants  come  into  flower,  the  bees 
will  be  serioasly  discommoded  thereby ;  for  the  flowers  are  so 
peculiarly  constructed  that  the  pollen  masses,  which  look  like 
little  flattened  ovoid  pieces  of  wax,  adhere  firmly  to  the  hair  and 
claws  of  bees,  as  they  climb  over  the  umbels  in  seai-ch  of  nectar. 


Aug.  0, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


119 


The  pollen  masses,  when  numerous,  enoumbei"  the  bees  to  such 
an  extent  that  they  cannot  perform  their  proper  functions,  and 
drop  to  the  ground  and  die.  I  havo  known  an  apiary  so 
decimated  from  this  cause  that  fully  one-half  of  the  hives  gave  out. 
Secondly,  make  a,  mixture  of  sweetened  water,  rum,  and  the 
ordinary  fly. poison  of  the  shops  (cobalt  and  arsenic),  and  place  it  in 
shallow  pans  in  exposed  places,  or  saturate  strips  of  cloth  or  paper 
with  it,  and  attach  them  to  the  trees." 


CHERMES  CARICJE. 
Mr.  Barron,  the  garden  superintendent  of  the  Roj'al  Horti- 
cultural Society,  has  drawn  our  attention  to  two  species  of 
Coccus  which  have  come  under  his  ohservation  on  the  Eig  trees 
at  Chiswick.  One  is  an  elongate,  mussel-shaped,  slender  Coccus, 
liice  the  Aspidiotus  conchiformis,  and  seems  to  be  undescribed. 
It  confines  itself  almost  entirely  to  the  under  side  of  the  leaf. 
The  other  is,  to  all  appearance,  the  Chermes  Caricas  of  Fabri- 


The  rig  Scale  Insect. 

cius.  Never  having  seen  authentic  specimens  of  that  species 
in  the  living  state,  we  speak  with  a  certain  amount  of  hesita- 
tion ;  but,  making  allowance  for  the  difference  that  may  be 
expected  between  dead  and  living  specimens,  we  have  little 
doubt  that  it  is  the  same  as  the  species  figured  in  the  accom- 
panying woodcut,  which  is  taken  from  Boisduval's  figure  of 
Chermes  Carica3.  It  might  at  first,  indeed,  be  thought  impro- 
bable that  a  Coccus,  which  is  especiallyassociated  with  the  Fig 
trees  of  Provence,  and  probably  is  a  native  of  that  country, 
should  find  its  way  to  Chiswick.  But  it  had  long  since  found 
its  way  to  Paris  j  and,  as  the  Eoyal  Horticultural  Society  have 
latterly  been  trying  to  make  a  complete  collection  of  the 
diilcrent  varieties  of  Fig  tree,  the  improb.ability  disappears, 
and  it  seems  not  unlikely  that  it  should  have  found  its  way  hero 
on  some  of  the  imported  varieties. 

According  to  the  description  of  the  species  as  found  in  Pro- 
vence, the  shell  of  the  female   (nothing  is  known  of  the  male) 


resembles  a  small  limpet  divided  on  the  sides  into  eight 
trapezes.  Its  back  has  a  large,  oval,  and  rather  raised,  swollen 
tubercle.  The  middle  of  each  of  the  lateral  trapezes  bears  a 
small  flat  depression  surmounted  by  a  very  small  clump  of 
white  down.  The  general  colour  of  the  shell  is  reddish  grey, 
with  deeper  shades.  The  specimens  at  Chiswick  sufficiently 
correspond  with  this  description  and  figure,  except  that,  in  the 
fresh  living  insect,  especially  the  young  ones,  the  grooves  are 
either  faint  or  only  indicated  by  a  darker  colour,  and  the 
depressions  and  down  are  absent.  The  general  colour  is  some- 
what like  flesh-colour,  streaked  in  the  line  of  the  grooves  with 
brown. 

The  Fig  trees  attacked  by  this  species  are  said  to  dry  up 
from  the  abstraction  of  juice  by  great  numbers  of  such  a  large 
insect  spread  over  the  whole  tree.  No  part  is  sacred  from 
them.  As  we  observed  at  Chiswick,  they  settle  on  the  fruit  as 
well  as  on  the  leaves  and  bark  ;  and  Boisduval  notes  that  their 
presence  on  the  fruit  renders  it  inedible,  even  although  ripe, 
because  the  Figs  cannot  he  pulled  or  eateu  without  crushing 
some  of  the  Chermes,  of  which  the  reddish  sticky  substance  is 
nowise  appetising.  The  result  of  the  abstraction  of  the  juice 
is  that  the  leaves  and  fruit  fall  before  they  are  ripe.  It  is 
unnecessary  to  say  that  we  draw  no  part  of  this  experience 
from  Chiswick,  Mi'.  Barron  having  set  himself  with  so  much 
dihgence  to  extirpate  them  that,  when  we  went  to  see  them,  it 
was  with  difficulty  that  we  could  find  one  or  two  specimens.  It 
is  not  diflicult  to  wash  or  rub  them  off  with  a  piece  of  coarse 
linen  or  a  hair  glove.  The  female  begins  to  lay  its  eggs  in  the 
end  of  May.  When  the  little  ones  are  hatched,  they  are  reddish 
and  tolerably  active,  and  spread  themselves  over  the  leaves  and 
branches.  In  a  few  days  they  become  greyish,  and  their  shell 
Ijegins  to  form.  They  do  not,  however,  like  some  species,  at 
once  fix  themselves  on  the  spot  they  are  to  occupy  to  the  end  of 
their  days.  Even  after  the  shell  has  grown  so  large  as  entirely 
to  cover  their  feet,  they  walk  about.  In  the  month  of  August 
the  greater  number  of  them  quit  the  leaves,  in  order  to  settle 
themselves  on  the  fruit  and  branches.  At  the  end  of  September 
they  abandon  the  fruit  and  leaves,  and  fix  themselves  on  the 
branches,  where  they  pass  the  winter  in  a  state  of  torpidity. 

A.  M.     ' 


Bullfinches  and  Caterpillars.  —  There  is  an  old  proverb 
which  says,  "  Give  every  thing  its  due."  Well,  one  day  last  week, 
while  potting  some  plants,  I  heai-d  the  well-known  note  of  a  bull- 
finch among  the  Gooseberry  bushes.  "What,"  says  I,  "you  bold 
little  depredator,  will  you  first  rob  the  bushes  of  their  buds,  and 
then  come  for  the  fruit !  Stay — what  is  that  which  he  has  on  the 
ground  ?  caterpillars  ?  Yes  !  "  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  days  our 
bushes  were  cleared  of  such  pests,  which  had  put  in  a  rather 
formidable  appearance,  notwithstanding  the  old  tan  that  had  been 
placed  around  the  bushes.  Thanks,  however,  to  the  bullfinches,  not 
one  caterpillar  is  now  left.  I  watched  the  old  birds  with  intense 
gratification  going  from  bush  to  bush,  gathering  such  food  for  their 
young,  which  followed  after  them  to  be  fed.  I  therefore  say,  refrain 
from  killing  bullfinches,  at  least  while  caterpillars  are  at  work. — 
J.  T.,  Ulaesg^rynne,  South  Wales. 

Destruction  of  Cockchafers.— A  cultivator  residing  near 
Bar-sur-Seine,  writes  as  follows  to  the  French  horticultural  journal, 
La  Vicjne : — "  After  sunset  I  place  in  the  centre  of  my  orchai'd  an  old 
barrel,  the  inside  of  which  I  have  previously  well  tarred.  At  the 
bottom  of  the  barrel  I  place  a  lighted  lamp.  Insects  of  many  kinds, 
attracted  by  the  light,  make  for  the  lamp,  and  while  circling  round 
it  strike  against  the  sides  of  the  barrel,  where,  meeting  with  the 
tar,  their  wings  and  legs  become  so  clogged  that  they  fall  helpless 
to  the  bottom.  In  the  morning  I  examine  the  barrel,  and  frequently 
take  out  of  it  ten  or  twelve  gallons  of  cockchafers,  which  I  at 
once  destroy.  A  few  pence  worth  of  tar  employed  in  this  way  will, 
without  any  further  trouble,  be  the  means  of  destroying  innumerable 
numbers  of  these  insects,  whose  larva)  are  amongst  the  most 
destructive  pests  the  gardener  or  farmer  has  to  contend  against." 


"  Peehaps  the  largest  orchard  in  the  world,"  says  M.  Pynaert, 
in  the  Bulletin  d'  Arborimlture,  "  is  to  be  found  in  California." 
It  extends  over  426  acres  and  contains  more  than  75,000  fruit 
trees  of  various  kinds.  A  single  Orange  tree  growing  in  this 
orchard  is  said  to  produce  about  20,000  Oranges  in  a  favourable 
season. 


120 


THE   GAKDBN. 


[Aug.  9,1873. 


TOOLS,    IMPLEMENTS,   &c. 

A  NEW  RAIDISSEUR. 

AstONG  the  uumorous  "  raidisseurs  "  manufactured  in  France 
there  is  none,  perhaps,  more  effective  and  simple,  and  certainly 
none  cheaper,  than  the  following,  made  by  Borel,  10,  Quai  du 
Louvre.  It  consists  of  a  small  iron  bolt  with  a  flat  head,  of 
the  exact  size  here  given.  The  hole  B  in  the  Hat  head  is  used 
for  winding  up  the  bolt  by  means  of  a  nail  or  any  round  piece 


A  New   Tightener, 

o£  iron.  The  hole  at  C  is  for  introducing  the  end  of  the  wire 
to  be  wound  up,  which  coils  away  between  the  flanges  d  d. 
The  bolt  revolves  between  the  coils  of  the  stirrup-shaped  wire 
loop  X,  which  is  itself  fastened  by  a  wire  to  the  end  post  or 
hook  of  the  espaliers.  The  whole  affair,  with  the  wire  loop 
ready  mounted,  is  sold  for  three  halfpence  each  (15  centimes). 
Before  this  last  raidissenr  was  invented,  I  had  successfully 


Open  loop. 

used  for  many  years  the  following  plan  of  tightening  my 
wires.  I  made  a  loop  somewhere  about  the  middle  of  my  wire 
by  twisting  it  round  a  cylindrical  piece  of  iron  or  bolt,  which 
I  left  in  it  to  prevent  its  closing,  while  I  stretched  the  wire  by 
hand  and  fastened  the  two  ends.  This  done,  I  gave  the  bolt 
as  many  turns  as  were  necessary  to  obtain  the  rec(uired  degree 


Loop  after  three  turns. 

of  tension,  and  then  withdrew  it.  I  could  at  any  future  time 
give  an  additional  turn  or  two  when  required.  If  the  wire  be 
very  long,  several  loops  may  be  made  at  equal  distances  apart. 
This  method  of  tightening  has  this  great  advantage  over  almost 
all  others,  that  if  the  power  applied  be  too  great  for  the  force 
of  the  wire  it  will  always  give  way  at  A,  never  at  or  beyond 
B  ;  thus  the  loop  alone  comes  off,  leaving  the  full  length  of 
wire  still  available  and  ready  stretched. 

Versailles.  Fked.  Palmer. 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 

PRIVATE   GARDENS. 

Flower  Garden. — The  warm  and  genial  weather  which  we  have 
experienced  for  some  time  past,  together  with  a  fair  amount  of 
moisture  in  the  soil,  has  invigorated  greatly  all  kinds  of  bedding 
plants,  as  well  as  hardy  herbaceous  plants,  which  are  this  year 
unusually  fresh  and  beautiful,  and  blooming  profusely.  Yuccas,  too, 
have  everywhere  bloomed  freely  this  season.  The  foliage  of  Robi- 
nias,  Sophoras,  Plane  trees,  Gleditschias,  Elms,  Oaks,  Beeches,  and 
several  otlier  trees,  is  still  fresh  and  green ;  but  Limes,  particularly 
in  the  vicinity  of  towns,  are  already  losing  their  leaves ;  and  even 
Birches  and  Hawthorns,  in  some  situations,  are  not  so  fresh.looking 
as  they  have  been.  Grass  lawns  are,  however,  still  unusually 
verdant. 

Bedding  Plants.— Ordinary  bedding  plants,  such  as  Pelar. 
goninms,  Verbenas,  Calceolarias,  Heliotropes,  and  similar  subjects 
may  now  be  regarded  as  at  their  best ;  this  is,  therefore,  a  good 
time  for  considering  what  plan  of  bedding  shall  be  adopted  next 
year,  as  well  as  for  noting  the  improvements  and  rectifications  that 
may  be  necessary  in  order  to  set  off  the  ground  or  beds  to  the  best 
advantage.  In  dry  weather,  plants  in  active  growth  will  require 
abundance  of  water,  as  well  as  occasional  applications  of  weak 
liquid-manure;  strong.growing  plants  will  require  stakes,  but  as 
few  as  possible  should  be  employed.  Where  Petunias,  Verbenas, 
and  similar  plants  are  used  as  edgings,  they  should  be  kept  pegged 
neatly  down.  Now  that  the  plants  in  the  carpet  beds  will  be 
growing  freely,  both  knife  and  shears  must  be  used  freely,  so  as  to 
preserve  exactitude  in  the  pattern,  for  confusion,  as  regards  design, 
in  this  mode  of  gardening  is  anything  but  imposing.  Decaying 
flowers  should  be  removed,  seed-pods  picked  oG,  and  nnhealthy  or 
exhausted  plants  replaced  by  fresh  and  vigorous  ones  from  the 
reserve  garden. 

Propagation  of  Bedding  Plants.— This  is  the  principal 
month  for  obtaining  a  stock  of  young  plants  to  stand  the  winter,  and 
to  propagate  from  in  spring.  Verbenas  succeed  best  when  struck 
now.  Prepare  a  frame  for  them  similar  to  that  in  which  Celery  is 
usually  pricked  off,  and  having  a  hard  bottom  ;  on  the  latter  place  a 
few  inches  deep  of  rich  open  sandy  soil,  and  a  layer  of  half  an  inch 
deep  of  sharp  sand  on  the  surface.  Into  this  dibble  the  cuttings  and 
shade  them  well  for  a  time.  After  they  are  rooted,  transplant  them 
into  boxes  or  pans,  and  keep  them  in  a  well. ventilated  cold  frame  ; 
or,  the  cuttings  may  at  once  be  inserted  in  the  boxes.  If,  in  pre- 
paring the  fi-ames,  a  foot  deep  of  leaves  be  firmly  packed  into  the 
bottom  of  it  three  weeks  prior  to  putting  in  the  cuttings,  they  root 
more  readily.  Heliotropes,  Ageratums,  Salvias,  Lobelias,  and  others, 
may  be  increased  in  the  same  manner ;  but  August  is  soon 
enough  for  them.  Pelargoniums  of  all  sorts  are  best  struck  in  warm 
borders  in  the  open  air  ;  and,  in  selecting  the  cuttings,  choose  stubby 
and  firm  side-shoots  if  possible,  and  do  not  remove  more  leaves  from 
them  than  those  about  the  lowermost  joint.  Tricolors  and  the  finer 
zonals  should  be  taken  first,  and  if  desirable  they  may  be  inserted 
in  pots  either  singly  in  "  thumbs,"  or  several  in  48's.  The  pots  should 
be  filled  with  leaf  mould,  mixed  with  sand  or  surfaced  with  it,  and 
the  pots  should  be  plunged  close  together  in  the  borders  ;  the  cuttings 
being  then  dibbled  into  them.  The  commoner  kinds  root  freely  in 
the  borders  without  pots,  provided  a  little  sand  and  leaf  mould  be 
incorporated  with  the  soil,  and  when  rooted  they  may  be  lifted  and 
planted  in  boxes,  or  they  may  be  inserted  in  the  boxes  at  once  and 
kept  out  of  doors.  Centaureas  may  also  be  propagated  in  cold  frames. 
It  is  a  mouth  too  soon  yet  to  propagate  Gazanias  or  Calceolarias, 
as  early  struck  cuttings  of  these  are  not  nearly  so  satisfactory  as 
late  ones.  The  prunings  of  Santolinas  and  Thyme  may  be  used  as 
cuttings,  and  inserted  in  pans  or  pots  of  sandy  soil  in  a  cold  frame. 
Of  Alternantheras,  Coleuses,  and  Iresines,  a  young  stock  should  now 
be  produced  by  means  of  cuttings  inserted  in  a  gently  heated  pit  or 
frame.  Perhaps  the  best  way  of  preserving  Centaureas,  Coleuses, 
Alternantheras,  and  several  other  plants  of  that  character  through 
the  winter,  is  to  keep  some  of  the  spring-struck  plants  in  pots 
throughout  the  summer  months,  and  when  subjected  to  heat  in 
spring  after  the  hardy  treatment  they  have  received  they  winter 
well,  and  yield  an  abundance  of  cuttings. 

Subtropical  Plants. — It  will  be  towards  the  end  of  the  month 
before  such  plants  as  Ferdinandas,  Wigandias,  Uhdeas,  Castor-oil 
plants,  Solanums,  Cannas,  and  Maize,  will  have  attained  perfection  ; 
and,  in  order  to  promote  a  good  development  of  leaves,  abundance  of 
manm-e-water  should  be  given  to  them,  and,  if  necessary,  a  strong 
stake  should  be  affixed  to  each.  Vallota  purpurea  and  Agapanthus 
umbellatus  will  now  be  in  bloom,  as  will  also  be  the  Ei-ythrinas, 
Plumbago  capensis,  and  several  others.  In  order  to  keep  the 
Caladiums,  Anthuriums,  Monsteras,  Ferns,  DracEcnas,  and  similar 


Aug.  0,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


121 


plants  in  a  healthy  and  clean  condition,  they  should  be  syringed  every 
fine  afternoon. 

Herbaceous  Plants.— Amongst  these  we  have  now  in  bloom 

several  fine  Spiraeas,  Tradescantias,  Campanulas,  Asters,  Achilleas, 
Potentillas,  Lathyruses,  A't-ronicas,  Tritomas,  Statices,  such  as  S. 
latifolia  and  Fortunei,  Pentstemons,  Phloxes,  Stenactises,  and  others. 
In  order  to  have  fine  flowers,  the  shoots  should  be  thinned  out  a 
little,  and  small  earth  basins  formed  around  the  roots  of  each  plant 
for  the  retention  of  \\ater.  Cut  over  at  about  half  the  length  of 
the  stems  such  plants  that  have  done  blooming,  for  the  sake  of 
neatness.  Many  kinds  of  perennials  may  yet  be  propagated  from 
cuttings  as  previously  recommended,  and  also  b}'  means  of  seeds, 
which  may  be  either  sown  in  a  border  out  of  doors  or  in  boxes  in 
frames.  Gather  all  seeds  as  soon  as  ripe,  dry  them,  and  dress 
them,  and  either  sow  them  immediately  or  keep  them  till  spring. 
Prick  off  early  sou-n  seedlings  still  ;  layer  Carnations  and  Pinks,  and 
separate  and  transplant  or  pot  singly  such  as  are  well  rooted.  Sow 
seeds  of  Pansier  in  boxes  in  frames,  and  propagate  them  by  cuttings 
and  by  means  of  lifting  and  dividing  the  plants.  Lift  and  pot 
Violets  for  forcing,  and  transplant  some  of  the  Neapolitan  kind  into 
a  frame  for  winter  work. 

Annuals. — Seeds  of  CoUinsias,  Mignonette,  Liuum  grandiflorum 
rubrum,  Sehizanthuses,  Clarkias,  Godetias,  Candytufts,  and  others, 
may  now  be  saved  with  little  trouble.  Remove  plants  not  required 
for  seeding  purposes  as  soon  as  their  bloom  is  over,  and  replace  them 
with  a  stock  from  the  reserve  garden.  For  spring  blooming  sow  in 
light  soil,  in  aborder,  Alyssum  calycinum  and  maritimuui,  CoUinsias, 
Candytufts,  Limuanthes  Douglassi,  Myosotis  arvensis  and  dissitiflora, 
Saponaria  Calabrica,  Silenc  pendula,  Virginian  Stocks,  Lasthenia 
califoruica,  and  several  others,  and  as  soon  as  they  are  fit  to  handle 
prick  them  off  about  an  inch  and  a  half  apart  each  way. 

Shrubberies. — The  end  of  this  month  is  a  good  time  for  trans- 
planting most  kinds  of  evergreens,  Hollies  perhaps  excepted.  In 
performing  this  operation  care  should  be  taken  to  preserve  good 
roots,  and  if  practicable  a  ball  of  earth  to  each  plant ;  a  good  soaking 
of  water  ought  likewise  to  be  given  to  them.  The  advantages 
attending  transplanting  evergreens  in  the  latter  end  of  August  and 
thi'oughout  September  are  the  high  temperature  possessed  by  the 
soil  dui'ing  these  months,  and  the  extra  amount  of  moisture  existing 
in  the  atmosphere,  the  former  inducing  the  roots  to  set  actively  to 
work  at  once  ;  the  latter  preventing  exhaustion  by  means  of  evapora- 
tion. Thus  fortified,  the  pfantS  recruit  themselves  at  once,  get 
thoroughly  established  before  winter,  and  start  into  growth  nest 
spring  with  unchecked  vigour. 


SOWINGS     FOR    AUGUST. 


Vegetables. 


Angelica       

Beet,  Silver-leaved    

Borecole,  Buda   

Broccoli,  Snow's  and  "Walcheren.. 

Cabbage        

Carrots,  Early  Horn  and  Dutch  .. 

Cauliflowers         

Chervil  

Chicory  for  small  salads 

Com  Salad    

Cress,  American 

,,      common    

Cucumbers    

Endive    

Lettuces 

■Onions    

Parsnips 

Radishes,  Spanish     

,,  common    

Spinach 

Turnips 


Ci'op^  fit  for  lire. 
Next  Aosjust. 
Spring. 
Spring. 

Late  Spring  and  early  Summer. 
Spring  and  early  Summer. 
Spring. 

Spring  and  early  Summer. 
Late  Autumn. 
September. 
Autumn  and  Winter. 

do.  do. 

In  eight  or  ten  days. 
Winter. 

January  to  March. 
Winter  and  Spring. 
Spring  and  Summer. 
Spring. 

Winter  and  Spring. 
September  and  October. 
Winter  and  Spring. 
Winter. 


-Flower  Seeds  sown  in  August  to  bloom  next  year. 

.Ammobium  alatum,  Anagallis  in  var.,  Anchusa  italica,  Calandrinia  umbel- 
lata,  Calceolarias,  (hybrid),  Centaurea  Cyanus,  Cinerarias  (hybrid), 
■  Catananche  cperulea,  Digitalis,  Eschscholtzias,  Gaillardias,  Gaura 
Lindheimeri,  Ipomopsi-s  elegans,  Loasas,  Lunaria  biennis,  Pyrethmms, 
Antirrhinums,  Myosotis  in  var.,  Kycterinia  selaginoides,  Pansies, 
Delphiniums,  Mignonette  (in  pots),  Scaljious  in  var.,  Silene  pendula, 
Yiltadinia  trilobata. 

Bulbous  Plants. 

j^AJllium  in  var,  Alstrccmeria  do.,  Amarj^Uis  vittata  and  vars.  A.  Belladonna, 
Arums,  Crown  Imperial,  Dodecatheon,  Dog's-tooth  Violet,  Fritillaria 
Meleagris,  Iris  Xiphiofi  and  I.  Xiphioides,  Lachenalias  in  var,  Lilies  in 
var,  Muscaris  in  var,  Oxalis  in  var,  Snowdrops,  Scillas  in  var,  Sparaxis 
1  (in  house  or  frames),  various  Cape  bulbs. 


ZThe  seeds  of  the  following  trees  and  shrubs  may  be  either  sown  or  stititifled, 
i.e.,  preserved  by  placing  them  in  vessels  between  layers  of  sand: — 
Apricot,  Birch,  Amelanchier,  Cherry,  Elm,  Peach,  Plum. 


SOCIETIES,    EXHIBITIONS,    &c. 

ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 
August  6th. 
Flowers. — Among  subjects  of   exhibition,   which   were    somewhat 
limited  ou  this  oecasiou,   Phloxes  formed  the  chief  feature,  and  among 
these  the  best  came  from  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird,  &   Laing ;  indeed,  that 
firm  and  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  of  Tottenham,  were  the  only  competitors  with 
them.     In  the  class  of  a  dozen  distinct  sorts,  Messrs.  Downie,    Laird,  & 
Laing  were   first   with    Czarina,   pure    white   and   dwarfish    in    habit  ; 
Lilacina,  white  outside  of  tube,  surt'used  with  hlac ;  Bridesmaid,  like  the 
former  but   having  more  lilac  in  the  blooms ;  Mons.  Domage,  Madame 
Domage,  Madame  Dombrain,  and  Marguerite  de  Turcnne,  whitish,   with 
pink  or   purple   eyes;  Mons.    Malet,   lilac;  Philippa    Penglase,  purple; 
•John  Laing,  brUliaut  purplish-crimson;  Mons.   de  Laing  and  Lothair, 
salmon-red.     Mr.  Ware  was  second  with  Madame  Crowse,  Countess  of 
Bre,adalbane,  Erato,  Corydon,  Ada,  Lothair,  Alice,  and  Amabilis,   red  or 
salmon-coloured;    and  Triton,    Princess  Louise,   Mrs.  Laing,  and  Pan, 
lilac    or  purplish-lilac.       Messrs.    Downie,    Laird,    &    Laing    were    the 
only  competitors   in  the   class  of    a  collection   of    Phloxes.     Amongst 
the    best    of    them    were     John    Laing,   a    brilliant    purplish-crimson ; 
Lilacina,    Madame   Barillet,    Mons.    Jaillai'd,    Princess    of    Wales,    Roi 
des   Koses,   La  Croix   de    St.  Louis,   Rosy    Morn,  Delicata,  tine    white 
with   purple   tube,  Mons.    Marin    Saison,    and    Queen    of   the    Whites. 
Of  herbaceous  Lobelias,  a  class  of  plants  too  seldom  seen,  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware 
furnished  a  dozen   nice   specimens,   aUke  useful   for   mixed   borders    in 
summer  or  for  conservatory  decoration.     Those   exhibited  by  Mr.  Ware 
contained  St.  Clair,  a  fine  kind,  with  crimson  foliage  and  briUiant  scarlet 
tiowers  ;  Dazzle,  Firefly,  and  Comet,  good  scarlets;  Leo  Lesseps,  purplish- 
red  ;  Marvel,  Purpurea  regia,  and  Royalty,  violet-crimson  ;  and  Syphili- 
tica grandiflora,  salmon-coloured.     To  the  same  exhibitor  was  awarded  an 
extra  prize  for  some  Pentstemons,  of  which  he  showed  some  good  varie- 
ties ;    also  some   Carnations,  Picotees,   and   Verbenas.      Prom  Mr.    W. 
Denning,  gardener  to    Lord  Londcsborough,  came  an  excellent  group  of 
Orchids,  inolmling  a  magniticent  specimen  of  Oucidiuiu  macranthum  with 
three-branched     flower-spikes     thickly    furnished     with    large     yellow 
blooms ;  one  of  Epidendrum  vitellinum,  having  about  two  score  of  beau- 
tiful orange-red  flowers  about  an  inch  and  a  half  across  ;  E.  Blumei,  with 
eighteen  tine  spikes  of  flowers  ;    and  a  nice  little  plant  of  Aiirides  Thibau- 
tianum.     In    this    collection    were    also   Cattleya  elegans,  Turneri,  and 
C.  Leopoldii,  each  with  two  fine  trusses  of  bloom,   and  C.  speciossissima, 
Exoniensis,  and  crispa ;  Odontoglossum  Lindleyanum  and  Alexandras  var. 
Denisoniaj,  a  good  pan  of  Disa  grandiflora,  and  a  fine  specimen  of  Thunia 
alba.       Prom    Messrs.    E.    G.   Henderson  and    Son,    Wellington-Road 
Nurseries,    St.    John's    Wood,    came    half    a   dozen   fine  specimens  of 
Cannas,    grown  in  small  tubs,   the  varieties   being   Rendatleri,   Abun- 
dance,   and     Rubra    sujjerbissima,    metallic     green-leaved    sorts  ;    and 
MusiefoUa  hybrida,   Premioe  de  Nice,  and  Shubertii  ivith  bright  green 
leaves.     The  same  firm  also  exhibited  a  dark-leaved  variety  of  C.  Mus£b- 
folia  called  coccinea,  and  some  varieties  of  zonal  Pelargoniums.   A  group 
of  plants,  suitable  tor  decorative   purposes,  was   furnished   by  Messrs. 
Aldous  and  Co.,  Gloucester  Road,  and  consisted  chiefly  of  Ferns,  Palms, 
Lilies,  Gladioli,  Fuchsias,  Cyperuses,  &c.    A  group  of  extremely  double 
and  large  flowered  Balsams,  of  various   colours,  was   sent  by  Messrs.  F. 
and  A.  Smith,  Dulwich.     Messrs.  Dixon  and  Co.,  Amherst   Nurseries, 
Hackney,    showed   specimens  of    the   double-flowered   Lobelia   pumila, 
which  retains  its  habit   and   character,  and   is  certainly  an  accjuisition. 
From  Mr.  C.  Turner,  Slough,  came  cut  blooms  of  Carnations  and  Pico- 
tees,  and  also  a  large  collection  of  cut  flowers  of  Verbenas  ;  prominent 
amongst    the   latter  were   Prince  of    Wales,   bearing  large   trusses  of 
exceedingly    fine    brilliant    scarlet  flowers,    and    Queen    of    Whites- 
pure  white.    A  collection  of  blooms  of  seedling  Carnations  and  Pico- 
tees    was    also   sent   by   Messrs.     Wood    &    Ingram   of     Huntingdon. 
Several  forms  of  Lilium  tigrinum  were  supplied  by  G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.; 
Weybridge ;  and  some  very  fine  Cockscombs  by  Mr.  Douglas,  Womersley 
House.    Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  sent  two  plants  of  Placea 
arza,  a  pretty  little  Amaryllid,  and  also  a  blue-flowered  Aster-like  httle 
plant.     Messrs.  Dickson  &   Son,  of  Edinburgh,  sent  some  flower-spites 
of  seedling  Phloxes,   some   of    which   were   very  pretty ;    and    Messrs, 
Veitch  &  Sons  contributed  a  specimen  of  a  Fern  of  the  Pteris  tremula 
section,  but  of  a  much  denser  growth.     Messrs.  Lee,  Hammersmitli,  sent 
various    specimens    of    extremely    pretty  ornamental    shrubs,    such    as 
Thuja    aurea    and  T.   semper-aurea,    Taxus    baccata    argentea,  Aluus 
glutinosa    imperialis    and    A.  g.    laciniata,    Salix  tricolor,    Hydrangea 
paniculata    grandiflora,    and    several    others.      A  pink-flowered    zonal 
Pelargonium   named  Grand  Duchess  Czare^■na  was  sent  by  Mr.  Hemedge, 
Hammersmith,  and  a  basketful  of  a  tricolor  sort  called  Circassian  Beauty 
by  Mr.  Hodgson,  Gloucester  Road,  Plumstead.     A  plant  named  Satyrium 
coccineum   was   contributed  by  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird,  &    Laing,  and  a 
basketful  of  Juniperus  chinensis  aurea  came  from  Mr.  Maurice  Young, 
of  Godalming. 

Fniit  and  Vegetables.— In  the  class  of  a  single  dish  of  Plums 
Mr.  B.  Porter,  Syon  Lodge,  Isleworth,  was  first  with  Early  Morocco ;  and 
Mr.  S.  Farrow,  Brigadier-Hill  House,  Enfield,  second  with  Jaune  Hative. 
Dishes  of  Early  Orleans  and  Early  Greengage,  were  also  exhibited. 
In  the  class  of  a  coUectiou  of  Gooseberries,  Mr.  J.  Walker,  Thane, 
Devon,  was  first  with  Ironmonger,  red  Champagne,  Rough  Red,  smooth 
Early  Red,  Crown  Bob,  Drill,  London  Freedom,  Dan's  Mistake,  Yellow 
Champagne,  Late  Green,  Independent,  Whitesmith,  Thumper,  Lady 
Leicester,   Leader,  and  Catherina.     Amongst  the  largest  berries  were 


122 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  0, 1873. 


London,    Drill,   Thumper,    Eagle,    Wonderful,    and    Crown  Bob.     Mr. 
J.  Record,  Vintner's  Park,  Maidstone,  was  second   with  very  fine  fruit ; 
and  Mr.  B.  Clarke,  the  Grange,  Sutton,  fourth.     In  the  class  of  six  of 
the   hcaWest  fruits,  Mr.    G.   Kirtland,  Bletchington,   Oxford,  was  first 
with  a  mixed   lot  weighing  8  ounces  the  half  dozen  ;  Mr.  J.  KirkLand, 
St^ke  Newiugton,  third  with  fruit  weighing  7  ounces ;  and  Mr.  J.Tomkins, 
Bletchiugton,    Oxford,   fourth.       Mr.    Wm.  Barley,  Valentines,  sent  a 
collection  of  Gooseberries,  and  dishes  of  Apples,  Plums,  and  Apricots. 
The  latter  were  regarded  by  the  fruit  committee  as  being  of  uncommon 
excellence.      Some    Queen    and    smooth-leaved    Cayenne    Pines  were 
exhibited  by  Mr.  Henry  Plumner,  Canon  Hill  Park,  Merton,  Surrey;  and 
a  Pine  quite  distinct  from  any  at  present  in  cultivation  was  shown  by  Mr. 
Baker,  gardener  to  A.  Basset,  Esq.,   Sister  House,   Claphara  Common. 
This  was   from   a  plant   introduced  from   Jamaica.     Mr.   Berkeley,    in 
addressing  the  meeting,  said  that  the  West  Indian  Pines  are  now  vastly 
superior  to  what  they  formerly  were,  on  account  of  our  garden  varieties 
having  found  their  way  thither ;  he  also  intimated  that  Cuba  is  a  great 
Piue-gi'owing  island  for  exportation.     Of  the   Little  Heath   Melon,  the 
raisers,  Messrs.  JIunro  &  Williamson,  of  Potter's   Bar,  sent  two  dozen 
ripe  finiits,  together  with  several  small  ones  not  long  set,  and  which  are 
the  foui'th   crop   from  plants  planted  on  the  5th  of  last  March.     The 
committee  did  not  think  quite  so  highly  of  the  quality  of  the  fruit  as 
they  formerly  did,  but  the  cause  of  their  depreciation  was  accounted  for 
by  heavy  and  quick  cropping.     Mr.  Browne,  Leybourne  Grange,  sent  a 
scarlet-fleshed  hybrid  Melon,  and  Mr.  C.  Osmau,  South  Metropolitan 
District  School,  Sutton,  sent  some  new  Vegetable  MaiTOws ;  but  owing 
to  the  difficulty  in  determining  what  is  really  new,  the  committee  have 
resolved  to  try  them  at   Chiswick  before  they  can  award  them  a  certifi- 
cate.    Mr.  Osman  also  showed  a  brace  of  very  large  Marquis  of  Lorno 
Cucumbers  that  were  grown  on  the  stage  of  an  ordinary  greenhouse  ;  and 
Mr.  Wm.  Bull,  of  Chelsea,  a  brace  of  a  large  white-spined  Cucumber 
called  Excelsior.  From  Mr.  Clark,  gardener  to  J.  M.  Robertson,  Esq.,  Roc- 
hampton,  came  white  Juneating  Apples  and  Citron  des  Cannes  Pears ; 
from  Mr.  Cox,  Redleaf,  came  a  dish  of  early  Milton  Pears;  and  from  G.  F. 
Gregory,  Esq.,  21,  Addison  Road,  came  a  half  dozen  of  last  year's  Apples 
quite  plump  and  sound;  they  were  kept  on  a  shelf  in  a  cellar.     Mr.  Wm. 
Paul,  Waltham  Cross,  exhibited  some  seedling  Grapes  of  the  Sweetwater 
type  ;  the  committee  thought  very  highly  of  them,   and   resolved  that 
Mr.  Barron  shaU  go  and  see  the  Grapes  growing  and  report  on  them. 
Messrs.  Munro  and  Williamson  sent  some  large  heads  of  Cabbages  under 
the  name  of  Little  Heath,  but  they  were  regarded  as  merely  being  fine 
specimens  of  the  Enfield  or  Fulham  kind  ;  and  Mr.  Hardy,  Stour  Valley, 
Bures,  Essex,  furnished  st^ilks  and  pods  of  a  variety  of  the  Broad  Windsor 
Bean,  called  Hardy's  Pedigree  Windsor  ;  the  committee  regarded  it  very 
favourably ;    it  has  longer  pods  and  more  seeds  in    each  pod  than  the 
ordinary  Broad  Windsor,  and  it  has  been  resolved  to  try  it  at  Chiswick  in 
order  to  test  its  real  worth. 

First-class  Certificates.— These  were  awarded  to  the  following:— 

Begoniii  Wm.  Spinks  (Chiswick),  a  hybrid  between  B.  Pearcei  and  B. 
Boliviensis  ;  the  leaves  are  like  the  tormer,  and  the  flowers  of  the  same  shape 
as  the  latter  bat  of  a  yellow  colcur  tinged  with  rose. 

Hollyhock  Lord  Hawke  (Ohater),  a  very  double  large  flowered  sort,  the 
blooms  being  of  a  buff  colour,  centre  tinged  with  salmon. 

Hollyhock  Catherine  (Lord  Hawke),  a  large  pink  or  blush  sort. 

Hollyhock  Octavia  (Lord  Hawke)  a  large  pink  kind. 

Cypripedium  Sedeni  (Veitch),  a  very  pretty  hybrid  between  C.  longifoUum 
and  C.  Schlimii.  The  leaves  are  long  and  arched,  and  the  flowers  and  flower- 
spikes  are  somewhat  like  the  latter,  but  the  petals  are  larger  and  more  curved, 
and  the  colour  of  the  lip  and  petals  a  pretty  rose. 

Olearia  Haastii  (Veitch),  a  hardy  evergreen  shrub  with  small  bright  green 
leaves,  the  back  of  which  is  of  a  Portland -stone  colour;  the  plant  was 
covered  with  a  complete  cloud  of  white  flowers. 

Carnation,  King  of  Yellows  (Turner). 

Hollyhock,  Red  Cross  Knight  (Lord  Hawke),  a  lai-gc  good  crimson  sort. 

Gooseberry,  Henson's  Seedling  (Henson),  a  round  red  Gooseberry,  somewhat 
hairy,  prolific,  of  good  size  and  first-class  quality. 

Frunus  variegata  (Lee),  the  leaves  prettily  mottled  with  creamy-yeUow. 

Robinia  Pseud-acacia  aurea  (Lee),  a  truly  yellow-leaved  variety  of  the 
common  False  Acacia. 

Alnus  iucana  laciniata  (Lee),  a  beautiful  cut-leaved  sort. 
^     Lilium  Philippinense  (Veitch),  a  plant  about  a  foot  high,  with  long  tubular 
white  flowers,  and  very  narrow  long  leaves. 


COVENT  GARDEN  NUISANCES. 
As  you  request  mc  to  furnish  you  with  particulars  of  what  passed  at 
Bow  Street  on  Tuesday,  the  29th  ult.,  respecting  certain  ruisances 
which  are  of  every  day  occurrence  in  Covent  Garden,  I  will  do  so 
to  the  best  of  my  recollection.  One  of  these  nuisances  is  the  manure 
carts.  Dr.  Ebsworth,  with  his  legal  adviser,  called  upon  me  and 
other  parishioners  to  assist  him  in  taking  measures  for  abating  this 
nuisance,  and  proposed  to  apply  for  a  summons  against  the  Duke  of 
Bedford  or  his  representatives.  The  gravamen  of  Dr.  Ebsworth's 
complaint  was  that  the  odours  which  arise  from  the  carts  were  so 
offensive  that  he  coald  not  open  his  windows  at  breakfast  time,  and 
was  obliged  to  sleep  out  of  town.  In  corroboration  of  his  complaint, 
I  explained  that  the  market  carts,  after  delivering  fruit  or  vegetables 
to  the  wholesale  agents  early  in  the  morning  (generally  before  six 
o'clock),  went  round  the  town  to  the  stable-j'ards,  and  other  places, 
to  collect  manure,  and  that  they  then  came  back  with  their  loads  to 
Covent  Garden  to  take  away  their  baskets,  which  by  that  time  had 
been  emptied.  The  manure,  which  is  often  piled  up  to  a  great 
height,    remains  reeking  in  a    hot   sun    till    ten    or   eleven,    and 


sometimes  twelve  o'clock,  in  defiance  of  all  rules  to  the  cou. 
trary.  The  meeting  at  Bow  Street  that  morning  was  at  ten 
o'clock,  and  I  incidentally  mentioned  that  in  walking  to  the  office  1 
had  counted  no  fewer  than  twenty -nine  large  cart  loads  of  manure, 
and  I  significantly  observed  that  there  were  none  in  Bow-street ; 
Mr.  Burnaby,  the  chief  clerk,  however,  replied  that  he  had  counted 
eight  or  nine  there  that  morning.  Mr.  Vaughan,  the  sitting  magis- 
trate, entertained  the  application  with  his  usual  courtesy,  but  recom- 
mended that  instead  of  applying  for  any  summons  we  should 
use  the  powers  conferred  by  the  Police  Act,  Vic.  2  &  3,  c.  xlvii., 
s.  liv.  &  Ix.,  which  prohibits  offensive  matter  being  carried  through 
the  streets  between  six  in  the  morning  and  eight  in  the  even- 
ing, and  he  further  suggested  that  we  should  apply  for  redress  to  the 
Local  Board  of  Works,  whose  duty  it  was  to  attend  to  such  matters. 
I  will  only  add,  that  about  two  years  ago  an  application  was  made  to 
the  said  Board  of  Woi'ks  on  this  very  subject,  and  it  was  then  deter- 
mined to  prohibit  manure  carts  from  remaining  in  the  streets  after 
an  early  hour  in  the  morning,  but  the  injunction  was  only  effective 
for  a  few  weeks.  Upon  receiving  the  magistrate's  advice  on  the 
present  occasion,  we  forthwith  proceeded  to  the  Local  Board  to 
request  their  attention  to  the  subject,  and  were  told  that  it  should  be 
considered  at  their  next  meeting,  which  was  to  take  place  on  the 
Thursday  immediately  following,  but  after  several  applications,  I 
find  that  no  result  had  been  arrived  at,  and  that  a  full  considera- 
tion of  the  complaint  was  deferred  until  the  next  meeting. 

There  is  another  existing  nuisance  in  Covent  Garden  Market, 
which,  though  not  so  dangerous  to  health  as  that  just  alluded  to,  is 
extremely  unpleasant.  The  market  carts  in  question  wait  till  late 
in  the  day  for  their  baskets,  thus  preventing  the  passage  of  cabs  and 
carriages  into  the  contiguous  streets,  and  it  is  only  with  extreme 
difficulty  people  can  get  to  their  offices  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning. 
The  law  is,  that  carts  should  not  stand  beyond  the  denter  stone  at 
any  time,  and  should  not  remain  in  the  market  after  nine  o'clock,  but 
this  is  not  observed  in  the  slightest  degree.  Hexuy  G.  Bohn. 


How  Flowers  beoome  Naturally  Double.— At  the   May 

meeting  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy  of  Natural  sciences,  Mr. 
Thomas  Meehan  observed  that,  on  several  occasions,  during  the  past 
few  years,  it  had  been  noticed  among  the  variations  in  nature,  that 
the  tendency  to  produce  double  flowers  was,  by  no  means,  the  special 
prerogative  of  the  florist  to  originate.  Many  of  our  commonest  vn\d 
flowers,  which  no  one  would  think  of  cultivating,  had  double  forms 
in  cultivation  which  were  no  doubt  originally  found  ^vild.  Thus  we 
had  a  double  Ranunculus  acris,  K.  bulbosus,  R.  Ficaria,  R.  repens, 
and  some  others.  There  were,  in  plants,  two  methods  by  which  a 
double  flower  was  produced.  The  axis  of  a  flower  was  simply  a 
branch  very  much  retarded  in  its  development,  and  generally  there 
were,  on  this  arrested  branch,  many  nodes  between  the  series  forming 
the  calyx  or  corolla,  and  the  regular  stamens  and  carpels,  which  were 
entirely  suppressed.  But  when  a  double  flower  was  produced,  some- 
times these  usually  suppressed  nodes  would  become  developed,  in 
which  case  there  was  a  great  increase  in  the  number  of  petals, 
without  any  disturbance  in  the  staminal  characters.  But  at  other 
times  there  was  no  disturbance  in  the  normal  character  of  the  axis. 
The  stamens  themselves  merely  became  petaloid.  This  was  the  case 
in  the  Epig£ea  recently  found  by  Dr.  Darrach. 


COVElfT  QAKDEN  MARKET. 

August  8th. 
Fruits  and  Vegetables. — Home-grown  Pines  are  excellent,  and  the  latt 
cargo  this  season  of  West  India  ones  is  now  beins  disposed  of.  English 
Grapes  are  very  good,  as  are  also  Melons  and  Cucumbers.  Continental 
supplies  are  large,  and  consist  cliieflj'  of  Apricots,  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Plums, 
and  Grapes,  whilst  from  the  Channel  Islands  Plums  and  Pears  are  coming  in  in 
abundiuice.  Vegetables  of  all  kinds  are  wonderfully  good,  and  although  the 
disease  has  appeared  amongst  Potatoes,  it  is  as  yet  of  a  very  slight  character. 

Prices  of  Fruits. — Apoles,  per  doz.,  6d. ;  Apricots,  23.  to  43.  per  doz. ; 
Chcn-ies,  per  lb.,  6d.  to  Is'  6d;  Chilies,  per  HX),  2s.;  Currants,  persieve,  3s.  6d.  to 
6s. ;  Figs,  per  doz.,  2s.  to  Os. ;  Gooseberries,  per  quart,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Grapes,  hot- 
house, black,  per  lb..  Is.  6d.  toos. ;  Muscats,  2s.  to  6a. ;  Lemons,  per  100,  8s.  to 
Its. ;  Melons,  each,  2s.  to  6s. ;  Nectarines,  per  doz.,  6s.  to  15s. ;  Oranges,  per  100, 
12s.  to  21s.;  Peaches,  per  doz..  12s.  to  25s.;  Pears,  per  doz.,  2s.  to  4s. ;  Pine- 
Anplcs,  per  lb..  3s.  to  6s. ;  Raspberries,  per  lb.,4d.  to  Is. ;  Strawberries,  per  lb., 
6d".  to  Is.  6d. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  3s.;  Walnuts,  per  bushel,  6s.  to  10s. 
ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  68. ;  Asparagus,  per  100, 
3s.  to  fis.  ;  Beans.  Kidney,  perhalf  sieve,  3s.,  broad,  2s.;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz..  Is.  to 
2s. ;  Cabbage,  per  doz.",  2s. ;  Carrots,  per  bunch,  -id.  to  8d. ;  Cauliflower,  per 
doz.,  3s.  to^  6s.  ;  Celery,  per  bundle.  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Coleworts,  per  doz. 
bunches,  4s. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  id.  to  Is. ;  Endive,  per  doz.,  2s.  ;  Fennel, 
per  bunch,  3d. ;  Garlic,  per  lb.,  6d.;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Horse- 
radish, per  bundle,  3s.  to  4s.;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  4d. ;  Lettuces,  per  doz. 
Is.  to  2s. ;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s. ;  Mustard  and  Cress,  per  ptinnet, 
2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel.  Is.  to  6s. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ;  Parsley,  per  doz. 
bunches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Peas,  per  quart,  9d.  to  Is.  ; 
Potatoes,  per  bushel,  3s.  6d.  to  os. ;  Radishes,  per  doz.  bunches.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ; 
Rhubarb,  per  bundle,  8d.  to  Is. ;  Salsafy,  do..  Is.  to  Is,  6d. ;  Scorzonera, 
per  bundle.  Is. ;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ;  Spinach,  per  bushel,  3s. ;  Turnips, 
4d.  to  8d. ;  Vegetable  Marrows,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. 


Aug.  16, 1873.] 


GARDEN. 


popular.     Public  contereuoes  wero  first  opeuqd  iit'tlle  State  ■'6'^. 
Horticultural  Schools,  and  then  successively  at  Liege,  'XTluin,      ^-cj; 
Auvcrs,  Gaud,  Vcrviers,  Namur,  and  Duffel,     ^inpe  1801  tlfe>, 
direction  of  these  conferences  has  been  entrusteii^to  eminent    {/^^ 
professors,  most  of  whom  have  distinguished  themselves  by       * ' . 
their  writings  on  horticulture.     Up  to  the  year  1864,  5 17  of 
these  conferences  on   agricultural  and   horticultural  matters.^. _,^_^ 
had  been  held  in  Belgium. 

In  the  year  1858,  M.  Rogier,  the  Minister  of  the  Interior,' 
made  an  appeal  to  all  the  Horticultural  societies  scattered 
through  the  counti'y  to  form  themselves  into  a  Federation  or 
general  association  for  their  common  benefit.  This  invitation 
was  at  once  responded  to,  and  the  advantages  to  horticulture 
which  have  since  resulted  have  been  very  great.  As  an 
instance  of  the  encouragement  given  by  the  Government  to 
this  movement,  it  may  be  stated  that  the  inter-correspoudence 
of  all  the  societies  is  exempt  from  postal  charge,  while  plants 
for  exhibition  are  convejed  on  all  the  lines  of  railway  free  of 
charge,  with  the  exception  of  the  trifling  duty  exacted  by  the 
revenue  officers  on  the  amounts  usually  dcmauded  for  trans- 
mission. It  may  be  mentioned  that  in  Belgium  all  horticul- 
tural catalogues  and  circulars  are  also  exempt  from  postal 
charges,  a  privilege  which  has  been  for  a  longtime  enjoyed  by 
the  French  cultivators  as  well.  W.  M. 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  ; 
The  Art  rrsELr  is  Natukk." — 8hakespea/re, 


but 


HORTICULTURE  IN  BELGIUM. 
It  is  a  matter  of  some  notoriety  that  the  present  condition  of 
horticulture  in  Belgium  is  one  of  the  most  advanced  and 
flourishing  of  any  country  in  Europe.  Except,  perhaps,  in 
France,  there  is  no  other  country  in  which  the  various  branches 
of  gardening  are  cultivated  on  an  extended  scale  with  an  equal 
amount  of  intelligence,  perseverance,  and  success.  The  causes 
which  have  led  to  this  prosperous  state  of  things  are  enume- 
rated at  length  in  a  report  recently  addressed  by  M.  Baltet  to 
the  French  Minister  of  Agriculture,  of  which  we  purpose  to 
give  a  brief  summary.  Belgium  is  one  of  the  most  densely 
populated  countries  in  Europe,  the  census  showing  an  average 
of  16,.568  individuals  to  ever3'  square  myriamotre  (a  little  over 
ti  miles  square) ;  while  in  France  the  same  area  contains  not 
more  than  6,830  persons.  With  the  exception  of  a  few  large 
manufacturing  towns,  the  great  mass  of  the  inhabitants  live 
directly  by  the  cultivation  of  the  soil ;  and  the  general  pros- 
perity of  those  who  have  devoted  themselves  to  horticultural 
pursuits  is  mainly  to  be  attributed  to  the  following  excellent 
national  institutions : — 

1.  The  State  Schools  of  Horticulture,  which  afford  yoiing 
men  such  a  course  of  instruction  as  fits  them  for  positions 
requiring  ability,  and  insures  them  good  prospects  in  the 
pursuit  of  their  profession. 

2.  Horticultural  Conferences,  patronised  by  the  State,  and 
by  the  local  authorities. 

3.  A  Federation  of  Horticultural  Societies,  the  object  of 
which  is  to  centralise  their  various  elements  of  strength  and 
knowledge,  for  the  more  effectual  dissemination  of  useful 
information  on  every  point  of  interest. 

4.  Horticultural  Instruction  in  the  normal  schools. 

5.  Botanic  Gardens,  as  a  means  of  scientific  and  popular 
instruction,  by  the  exhibition  of  exotic  plants  naturalised,  and 
the  preservation  of  indigenous  kinds. 

6.  Horticultural  Journals. 

7.  The  "  Workmen's  Order  of  Merit,"  or  Decoration,  intended 
as  a  reward  for  superior  intelligence  and  industry,  and  as  a 
stimulus  to  further  exertions  in  the  fields  of  labour  and  of  duty. 

The  school  of  Practical  Horticulture  at  Vilvorde  was  founded 
in  1849  under  the  auspices  of  the  Government.  The  course  of 
instruction  given  comprises  every  brauch  of  gardening,  orna- 
mental and  otherwise,  fruit  culture,  forestry,  and  the  forcing 
and  common  modes  of  growing  vegetables.  It  extends  over 
a  period  of  three  years,  and  the  programme  is  so  arranged  as 
to  form  a  complete  and  methodical  course  of  study  in  all  the 
subjects  mentioned.  At  the  end  of  this  time  the  pupils  present 
themselves  for  examination,  and  those  who  pass  creditably 
receive  diplomas  or  certificates  of  ability. 

Another  School  of  Horticulture  was  founded  in  1849  in  the 
establishment  of  Mr.  Van  Houtte,  at  Gendbrugge-lez-Gand. 
The  attention  of  the  pupils  here  is  chiefly  directed  to  the 
various  branches  of  higher-class  gardening,  the  management 
of  plant  houses,  and  the  cultivation  of  ornamental  plants.  At 
the  same  time  i^raotical  gardening  of  a  more  purely  utilitarian 
character  is  not  neglected,  but  at  the  present  time  shows  a 
marked  tendency  to  advance  hand  in  hand  with  the  more 
artistic  studies.  The  course  of  instruction  here  also  reaches 
over  a  period  of  three  years.  Every  Saturday  the  pupils 
present  notes  of  the  work  done  by  them  during  the  week, 
which  are  read  over  in  class,  and  commented  on  by  the 
attendant  professors.  The  pupils  wear  a  uniform  which, 
according  to  the  rules,  they  cannot  exchange  for  any  other 
dress  when  they  have  occasion  to  go  outside  the  precincts  of 
the  school.  The  charges  are  exceedingly  moderate ;  board, 
lodging,  instruction,  and  all  other  necessaries  being  supplied 
for  the  sum  of  £'34  per  annum. 

The  Horticultural  Conferences  or  Meetings  are  a  very  pow- 
erful means  of  spreading  a  knowledge  of  the  best  modes  of 
culture,  and  of  increasing  the  number  of  amateurs.  They 
were  commenced  by  M.  Pierre  Joigneaaix,  and  soon   became 


ORIGIN  OF  THE  NAME  HORSE  CHESTNUT. 
The  following  curious  derivatiou  of  the  name  Horse  Chestnut 
(JEsculns  Hippocasto,nuni) ,  as  well  as  the  fact  giving  rise  to  it,  may 
possibly  be  aa  new  to  the  readers  of  The  Garden  as  it  was  to  me, 
particularly  as  neither  Loudon  in  his  "  Encyclopcedia,"  nor  any 
French  hook  on  the  subject,  that  I  have  seen,  makes  any  mention  of 
it.  On  examining,  either  with  or  without  a  glass,  the  mark  left  by 
the  leaf  stalk  after  its  fall,  a  very  distinct  impression  of  a  horse, 
shoe  imbedded  in  the  bark  may  be  observed,  bearing  in  relief  seven 
dots,  simulating  the  heads  of  as  many  nails.  This  mark  assumes 
much  more  accurately  the  shape  of  the  horse  shoe  on  the  twigs  of 
last  year's  growth  than  on  older  wood.  This  derivation  seems  much 
less  "  far-fetched  "  than  the  two  following,  given  by  Loudon  : — "  It 
is  said  by  some  to  be  applied  ironically  ;  the  nuts,  though  having  the 
appearance  of  Sweet  Chestnuts,  being  only  fit  for  horses  ;  and  by 
some  others,  because  the  nuts  are  used  in  Turkey  for  curing  horses 
of  pulmonary  diseases."  If  iit  for  any  animals.  Horse  Chestnuts 
are  more  likely  to  be  called  only  fit  for  pigs.  First,  because  the 
irony  would  be  so  much  the  greater ;  and,  secondly,  because  horses 
do  not  eat  them  willingly.  As  to  their  use  in  the  medicinal  line,  it 
is  possible  that  Turks,  being  no  great  doctors,  may  administer  them 
to  consumptive  horses,  but  they  can  hardly  be  of  much  use  in  lung 
complaints,  as  their  only  medicinal  property  recognised  in  civilised 
pharmacopeia  is  that  of  a  tonic,  and,  as  such,  the  tincture  of  Horse 
Chestnuts  is  sometimes  given  for  gastralgia.  The  oil  of  Horse 
Chestnuts  was,  a  few  years  ago,  greatly  puffed  up  in  Paris  as  a  cure 
for  gout ;  it  was  applied  externally,  but  was  of  little  or  no  use,  and 
is  now  considered  merely  as  a  quack  medicine.  Starch  seems  to  be 
the  best  product  of  these  nuts,  but  somehow  the  manufacture  of 
it  has  never  paid  in  this  country,  although  Horse  Chestnuts  may  be 
had  almost  everywhere  for  the  mere  gathering.  Like  Cassava  (or 
Manioc)  and  many  other  feculent  roots  or  nuts,  repeated  washings 
and  triturating  will  rid  them  of  their  bitter  and  acrid  principle, 
leaving  the  fecula  in  an  eatable  state ;  the  only  question  being  that 
of  the  cost  of  the  labour  required  for  these  operations. 

Versailles.  Fredk.  Pauier. 


Royal  Botanic  Society's  Anniversary. — At  the  annual 
general  meeting  of  the  Royal  Botanical  Society,  on  Monday,  the 
council  congratulated  the  fellows  on  the  fact  that  since  the  last 
anniversary  meeting  ■  the  progress  which  had  characterised  the 
operations  of  the  society  diu'ing  the  last  few  years  had  been  main- 
tained. Thenumber  of  new  fellows  elected  during  the  year  was  114, 
being  an  increase  of  ten  above  that  of  last  year ;  few  resignations  had 
occurred.  The  total  numberof  fellows  and  members  at  the  present  time 
was  2,502,  the  largest  on  the  books  of  the  society  since  its  commence- 
ment. The  total  amount  received  in  subscriptions  was  £250  in  excess 
of  that  of  last  year,  and  considerably  above  the  average  of  the  last 
few  seasons.  From  the  auditor's  report  it  appeared  that  the  total 
receipts  for  the  year,  including  the  balance  of  £529  from  the  previous 
year,  amounted  to  £13,4.34  63.  lid.,  and  the  payments,  exclusive  of  the 
balance  in  hand,  £2,170  93.  4d.,  to  £11,263  17s.  7d.  The  report  of 
the  secretary  was  also  read,  and  was  equally  satisfactory  with  the 
other  reports. 


124 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  16,1873. 


NOTES    OF    THE    WEEK. 


The  remarkably  fine,  and  as  yet  scarce,  Anchusa  capensis  is 

coming  into  bloom  in  Mr.  W.  Ball's  nursery  at  Chelsea  ;  and  near  it 
is,  in  full  flower,  the  remarkably  distinct  Gladiolus  purpureo-auratns. 

Dami'Iek's  Glory  Pea  is  now  blossoming  freely  in  the  open 

.air  at  Messrs.  A'eitch's.  The  plants  have  been  in  the  open  air  about 
ten  weeks,  and  were  raised  rather  late.  It  ought  to  be  more  fre- 
quently seen  in  our  flower  gardens  and  rock  gardens  than  it  is. 

Gladiolvs  Saundeksoni   is  just  now  in  flower  on  the  rock- 

work  at  Kew.  Its  large,  vivid  scarlet  flowers,  though  borne  on  a 
lax  comparatively  few-flowered  spike,  are  very  effective,  the  interior 
of  the  blossoms  being  speckled  like  Hippeastrum  pardinum.  The 
foliage  is  glaucous,  and  not  unlike  that  of  its  congeners. 

A  NEW  method  of  propagating  Ipecacuanha  has  been  devised 

in  India  by  Mr.  Jaffray,  and  promises  to  be  of  great  importance.  It 
simply  consists  iu  striking  the  leaves  upright  in  pots.  These 
produce  roots  and  the  most  superficial  of  these  eventually  produce 
bads. 

A  GOOD  many  seedling  varieties  of  orange-scarlet  and  other 

Begonias  are  now  flowering  abundantly  at  Messrs.  Veitch's  in  the 
open  air.  One  of  the  finest  of  these  has  been  out  of  doors  two 
winters.  The  best  of  these  Begonias  will  probably  make  capital 
border  and  bedding  plants  in  the  warmer  districts. 

As  regards  bathing  facilities  in  the  parks,   it  is  understood 

that  if  the  estate  of  the  late  Mrs.  Brown,  of  Hertford  Street,  goes 
to  the  Crown,  notwithstanding  the  claims  of  alleged  heirs,  that 
lady's  purpose,  at  the  time  she  died,  to  expend  a  large  sum  in 
providing  baths  on  an  extensive  scale  in  the  parks,  the  plans  for 
which  were  approved  of  by  Her  Majesty,  will  be  carried  out. 

•  There  is  a  batch  of   the  new  and  prettily-coloured  Cypripe- 

dinm  Sedeni  now  in  good  flower  in  the  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea. 
This  valuable  kind  is  a  hybrid  between  C.  Schlimmi  and  C.  longifolium  ; 
and  another  batch  is  expected  to  blossom  daily  in  which  the  cross  is 
reversed,  C.  longifolium  being  the  mother  parent  in  this  case.  These 
very  interesting  hybrids  were  raised  by  Mr.  Seden,  of  Messrs. 
Veitch's  nursery,  a  pupil  of  Mr.  Dominy's — the  greatest  of  our  hybri. 
disers  as  far  as  Orchids  and  Nepenthes  are  concerned. 

Notwithstanding    the   unfavourable   season,  the  fine-leaved 

plants  iu  Battersea  Park  are  now  iu  very  fine  condition.  We  trust 
that  visitors  to  the  interesting  sub-tropical  garden  will  not  be 
induced  to  imitate  the  many  obvious  errors  in  garden  design  there 
to  be  seen.  We  allude  to  the  awkward  jumble  of  beds  of  all  sorts 
and  sizes  in  one  spot ;  to  the  abrupt  railwa3--like  grading  of  the 
banks,  to  the  irregular  ribbons  of  shrubs,  and  to  the  awkward- 
looking  banks  on  which  many  of  the  beds  are  placed. 

The  Coqioration  of  Sheffield  have  resolved  to  purchase  the 

estate  of  the  late  Miss  Harris  for  a  public  park,  under  the  conditions 
laid  down  by  the  executors  of  her  will,  one  of  which  is  that  no 
alcoholic  liquors  shall  ever  be  sold  on  the  property,  or  houses  for  their 
sale  erected  thereon.  The  price  agreed  upon  is  £15,750.  There  is 
an  old  mansion  on  the  ground,  which  it  is  suggested  should  be 
devoted  to  the  purposes  of  a  museum  or  a  picture  gallery. 

The  scandalous  neglect  of  the  opportunities  which  all  our 

London  parks  offer  for  making  convenient  open-air  bathing  places 
is  now  more  evident  than  usual.  Every  evening  thousands  of  ragged 
youths  congregate  on  the  banks  of  the  Serpentine  waiting  for  the 
signal  to  bathe  at  half-past  seven.  For  some  time  after  this  hour, 
the  already  filthy  water  is  as  thickly  crowded  with  "  featherless 
bipeds  "  as  many  a  sea-pool  with  shrimps.  There  is  no  bathing  place 
in  any  of  our  wide  West-end  parks  but  this,  and  during  the  whole 
of  the  long  sunny  day— from  eight  in  the  morning  till  nearly  eight 
at  night — the  hours  in  which  bathing  is  most  enjoyable,  it  is 
necessarily  jirevented  here.  The  wonder  is,  that  with  our  vast 
extent  of  park  grounds,  offering  admirable  sites  for  the  formation 
of  shrub-and-tree-curtained  bathing  places,  nothing  whatever  is 
done.  It  can  scarcely  be  from  want  of  means,  as  these  seem  to  be 
so  aniple  now  for  providing  our  parks  with  less  important  things  than 
bathing  places— the  villages  of  glass-houses,  for  example,  which  are 
growing  up  in  Hyde  Park  and  Battersea.  Free  open-air  bathing 
places,  open  at  all  times,  and  properly  screened  with  a  belt  of 
plantations,  would  be  the  greatest  boon  which  the  parks  could 
furnish  to  the  people  of  London.  There  is  no  convenience  of  any 
kmd  on  the  banks  of  the  Serpentine,  so  that  between  the  water,  filthy 
from  all  London  crowding  here,  and  the  equally  filthy  banks,  thousands 
are  prevented  from  practising  an  art  which  conduces  so  much 
to  health  and  wholesome  pleasure  and  cleanliness,  and  which  is  more 
important  for  the  population  of  large  towns  than  any  other  exercise. 
The  making  of  bathing  places  in  our  parks  need  be  attended  by  no 
difficulties  worth  naming,  and  these,  if  judiciously  placed  and 
planted  round,  would  not  interfere  with  the  uses  of  the  parks  or 
lessen  their  beantie?  in  any  way. 


THE  EOSE  HARVEST. 
Of  late  years  Roses  have  become  to  many  a  continual  feast. 
The  year  is  girdled  round  with  a  garland  of  Roses.  They  add 
to  the  riches  of  our  Christmas  cheer ;  they  welcome,  with  their 
gladsome  beauty,  the  new-bom  year.  But  the  majority  of 
mankind  have  as  yet  but  one  Rose  harvest  ;  it  is  reaped 
throughout  the  month  of  June  and  the  first  weeks  of  July. 
Seldom  has  it  been  richer  and  fuller  than  this  year.  The 
late  wet  spring  but  pushed  the  impatient  Roses  back.  Unless 
in  unfavourable  positions,  it  hardly  injured  them — nay,  perhaps 
it  did  them  good.  It  steadied  their  growth,  and  secured  time 
to  develope  size,  lay  on  substance,  elaborate  colour  and 
fragrance,  and  mould  them  into  form.  The  flower-buds  grew 
into  beauty  under  the  genial  showers ;  they  were  drawn  out 
at  express  speed  by  intense  sunbeams,  and  the  later  flowers 
were  hurried  out  of  blossom  with  unusual  speed.  Shade  is 
almost  as  essential  to  late  Roses  as  direct  sunshine  is  for 
eai'ly  ones ;  and,  by  the  wise  use  of  sun  and  shade  at  the  right 
season,  the  glories  of  the  Rose  may  be  prolonged.  For  instance, 
Marechal  Niel  leads  all  the  other  Roses.  There  is  none  so 
early  as  he.  On  a  south  wall  he  unfolds  his  golden  flowers 
early  in  May,  and  the  earlier  he  comes  the  finer  the  flowers. 
The  sun  takes  the  substance,  colour,  and  even  the  fragrance 
out  of  this  glorious  Rose.  But,  early  in  the  season,  each 
Ijloom  is  distinguished  for  size,  colour,  substance,  and  odour ; 
and  it  is  by  far  the  largest,  a.s  well  as  the  most  glorious, 
of  all  yellow  Roses,  not  forgetting  even  Baroness  Roths- 
child or  Marie  Baumann.  But,  as  the  sun  strengthens,  the 
Marechal  melts  away  into  a  shadow  of  his  former  self,  unless  it 
be  a  chance  flower  on  a  brier  in  a  shady  place,  or  a  plant 
against  a  north  or  east  wall. 

In  Roses  it  is  not  needful  to  be  off  with  the  old  love 
before  we  are  on  with  the  new ;  we  may  love  all — old  and  now. 
Therefore,  while  well  nigh  adoring  the  Marechal  Niel,  I  still 
cling  with  passionate  devotion  to  the  Gloire  de  Dijon,  which 
has  perhaps  seldom  flowered  better  than  it  has  this  season. 
There  are  also  the  charming  Madame  F.alcot  and  Safrano,  and 
no  lover  of  yellow  or  golden  Roses  should  be  without  Triomphe 
de  Rennes  and  Celine  Forestier,  the  latter,  for  usefulness, 
beauty,  profusion  of  bloom,  and  sweetness,  standing  third  in 
my  list  of  golden  or  yellow  Roses.  And  now  I  wish  to  bow 
low  to  the  Baroness  Rothschild.  .She  has  been  glorious 
this  season  in  form,  size,  substance,  and  exquisitely-delicate 
colour.  The  Baroness  has  but  one  fault — she  does  not  stand 
up,  but,  on  the  contrary,  almost  sits  among  the  leaves  and 
branches.  Miss  Ingram  has  also  been  unusually  fine  this  year, 
while  Boule  de  Neige  is  the  most  charming  white  Hybrid  Per- 
petual for  bouquets  and  button-holes  of  all  the  Roses  grown.  La 
France  has  been  superb — immense  masses  of  a  delicate  colour 
that  we  hardly  find  in  any  other  Rose  ;  and,  although  thin  and 
somewhat  loose  when  fully  expanded,  it  is  most  perfect  in  form 
when  in  bud  and  opening.  Peter  Lawson  promises  to  be  almost 
as  useful  among  dark  Roses  as  Charles  Lawson  is  among  pink 
varieties  ;  the  latter  and  Coupe  d'  Hebe  have  been  our  most 
useful  Roses  for  cutting  this  year,  and  for  vase  or  bouquet 
work  hardly  any  two  Roses  can  match  these  when  in  bud. 
Souvenir  d'un  Ami  has  excelled  even  itself  this  season  among 
Teas,  and  I  have  seen  one  flower  of  Homer  of  the  most  per- 
fect form,  with  the  upper  part  of  the  jjctals  more  or  less 
crimped,  and  suffused  with  deep  colour,  melting  into  almost 
a  white  at  the  base.  Now  is  the  time  to  take  measures 
to  secure  a  second  bloom  of  Roses,  or  rather  had  these 
measures  been  taken  sooner,  that  bloom  might  have  been 
made  almost  continuous  throughout  the  summer  and  autumn 
months.  The  secret  of  continuity  of  bloommg  is  inces- 
sant picking  and  stopping.  As  soon  as  a  flower  fades 
pick  it  off.  When  all  the  flowers  of  a  bi-anch  have  bloomed, 
cut  it  back  to  the  strongest  bud.  It  will  push  at  once,  and 
that  branch  may  be  in  flower  a  second  time  before  the  last 
flower  on  the  tree  or  bush  has  faded.  But  of  course  this  con- 
tinuity of  blossoming  makes  heavy  demands  upon  the  plants  ; 
these  must  be  met  by  liberal  top-dressings  of  malt-combings  or 
manure;  and,  where  the  sight  and  smell  of  it  are  not  objected 
to,  house  and  stable  sewage  are  also  admirable  helps,  if  not 
applied  too  strong.  Only  by  a  stimulating  regime  and  planting 
in  rich,  deep,  strong  soil  can  any  Roses  be  forced  to  merit  their 
title  of  Perpetuals.  D.  T.  F. 


Aug.  16,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


125 


THE     ARBORETUM. 


KCELREUTERIA  PANICULATA. 
Tins  highly  ornamontal  deciduous  tree  is  a  native  of  China, 
and  n  as  introduced  into  this  country  about  1703.  It  flowers 
abundantlj-  in  June  and  July,  the  yellow  blossoms  being 
succeeded  by  large  inflated  capsules,  which  adhere  to  the  tree 
until  late  in  autumn.  It  does  best  on  a  'warm  well-drained 
soil,  iu  a  sheltered  situation  ;  and,  though  rather  irregular  in 
growth,  it  forms  a  useful  addition  to  our  pleasure-grounds  or 
ai'boreturas.  Though  one  of  the  most  interesting  of  all  small 
trees  it  is  not  so  commonly  met  with  in  collections  as  it  should 
be.  A  fine  specimen  of  it  may  be  seen  in  the  Royal  Gardens 
at  Kew,  and  it  is  also  well  represented  in  Messrs.  Veitch  and 


Koelreuteria  paiiiculata. 

Sons'  nursery  at  Coombe  Wood.  A  nice  specimen  of  it  also 
existed  at  one  time  in  the  arboretum  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  at  Chiswick. 


TREES  AT  ARUNDEL. 


What  beautiful  and  noble  examples  of  trees  often  lie  hidden 
away  in  the  country,  scarcely  noticed  even  by  the  residents  ! 
And  how  many  more,  of  similar  character,  do  we  find  in  the 
gardens  and  private  pleasure  grounds  of  the  aristocracy  of 
England  !  Could  they  be  reckoned  up  and  deservedly 
described,  we  should  have  an  "  Arboretum  "  as  large  again  as 
Loudon's  famous  one.  Often  as  I  have  been  struck  by  the 
seclusion  and  excellence  of  such  trees,  never  have  I  been  more 
forciljly  reminded  of  the  fact  than  while  at  Arundel  a  few 
weeks  ago. 

I  wish  to  speak  at  present  more  particularly  of  one  or 
two  trees  it  was  my  good  fortune  to  see  there,  and  specially 
of  a  couple  of  Paulownias,  one  in  the  grounds  of  Arundel 
Castle— the  ancient  and  princely  seat  of  the  Duke  of   Nor- 


folk— the  other  in  the  garden  behind  the  house  occupied  by 
Mr.  Constable.  AVith  the  usual  appearance  of  the  Paulownia 
in  the  southern  counties,  most  readers  of  TiiK  Garden  arc  of 
course  familiar;  but  there  maybe  others  in  the  north  to  whom 
it  is  scai'cely  kuown.  For  the  sake  of  the  latter  I  may  say,  that 
it  was  introduced  from  Japan  iu  1840,  and  that  in  general 
appearance  it  resembles  the  Catalpa,  though  iu  habit  more 
robust.  Like  the  Catalpa,  too,  it  is  deciduous,  and  quite 
hardy.  Tlie  leaves  are  very  large,  many  inches  across, 
roundish  cordate,  pointed,  and  often  provided  with  several 
strong  lateral  angles.  The  flowers,  produced  iu  abundance, 
are  borne  in  erect  and  terminal  panicles,  fashioned  like  those 
of  the  Horse-Chestnut,  but  by  no  means  so  dense,  and  indi- 
vidually bear  a  considerable  likeness  to  those  of  the  Foxglove. 
The  lobes,  however,  are  very  much  larger,  and  semi-circulai-, 
so  that  we  are  strongly  reminded  again  of  the  flowers  of 
Bignonias.  The  short  calyx  is  covered  with  tawny  fur ;  the 
corolla  is  a  deep  yet  lively  violet  or  lilac-purple  ;  the  stamens 
are  didynamous  ;  the  ovary  and  long  white  style  remind  us,  in 
their  external  figure,  of  the  capsule  of  the  Mahogany  tree. 
The  resemblance  of  these  showy  flowers  to  those  of  the  Fox- 
glove consists  not  merely  in  general  look,  the  Paulownia  and 
the  Digitalis  being  members  of  the  same  natural  order — the 
Scrophulariaceas— and  illustrating,  in  a  capital  manner,  how  a 
type  of  structure  which  pertains  even  to  certain  insignificant 
weeds  of  the  same  family  (the  smaller  species  of  Liuaria,  for 
example)  may  be  repeated,  at  the  other  extreme,  in  a  splendid 
arW-escent  plant.  It  is  well  to  let  the  mind  dwell,  whenever 
practicable,  or  whenever  opportunity  offers,  upon  facts  of  this 
character ;  the  hardest  bit  of  self -teaching,  and  therefore  the 
most  usef-ul  and  enjoyable  when  accomplished,  being  quickness 
to  appreciate  Nature's  endless  variety  in  unity— recognising 
the  air,  though  it  be  played  in  a  thousand  different  keys.  Well 
is  the  noble  plant  under  consideration  dedicated  to  a  princess 
of  all  the  Russias,  and  well  does  it  deserve  the  epithet  of 
Imperialis.  The  flowers,  it  should  be  added,  are  fragrant,  a 
circumstance  far  from  frequent  iu  connection  with  their 
peculiar  colour. 

Unfortunately,  the  season  at  which  the  Paulownia  blooms  is 
so  early,  that  in  England,  unless  the  conditions  are  excep- 
tionally favourable,  the  flower-buds  get  destroyed  by  ijhe  frosts 
which  frequently  prove  so  ruinous  to  newly-set  fruit.  They 
are  generally  inclined  to  open  rather  earlier  than  the  leaves, 
and  it  is  often  quite  a  pity  to  see  how  rapidly  they  advance, 
considering  what  we  know  fi'om  experience  they  have  yet  to 
encounter.  If  the  wood  of  the  previous  year  has  been 
tolerably  well  matured  ;  if  the  winter  has  been  mild ;  if  the 
spring  of  the  current  year  be  somewhat  late,  so  that  blooming 
is  delayed  till  June,  or  even  till  midsummer ;  and,  finally,  if 
the  weather  be  warm  and  dry  when  the  time  arrives  for 
expansion — then  the  tree  has  a  good  chance,  and  a  fine  display 
of  the  glorious  purple  may  be  looked  for,  especially  in 
sheltered  situations  near  the  sea.  Otherwise  the  little  brown 
knobs  of  fur  detach  themselves  from  the  stalk,  and  drop 
away  prematurely.  A  tree  upon  the  lawn  at  Vellore,  the 
residence  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kemble,  rector  of  Bath,  was  covered 
with  flowers  in  1866,  and  another,  the  same  year,  at  Messrs. 
Waterer's  Knap  Hill,  Wokiug,  on  which  every  point  had 
its  panicle  of  blossom.  The  tree  last  referred  to  was  then 
about  twenty-five  years  old,  about  20  feet  high,  and  had 
not  flowered  before.  At  Maidstone,  with  Messrs.  Bunyard  ; 
in  the  grounds  of  the  Bishop  of  Exeter,  Bishopstoke,  near 
Torquay,  and  in  many  other  places,  the  Paulownia  has  likewise 
blossomed  well,  though  intermittently;  but  at  Clevedon, 
where  I  have  several  times  seeu  Pomegranates  hanging  upou 
the  tree  out  of  doors,  aud  qiaite  ripe,  and  where  the  female  of 
the  Garrya  elliptioa  ripens  its  curious  grey-purple,  and  downy 
berries  every  autumn,  I  believe  it  has  still  to  disclose  its 
charms.  The  buds  make  considerable  way,  but  drop  before 
expansion,  as  I  have  likewise  observed  at  Clifton.  But  of 
course  trees  may  have  bloomed  both  at  Clevedon  and  in 
Clifton,  in  gardens  secluded  from  public  view,  or  to  which  I 
have  not  had  access.  The  tree  is  evidently  one  of  rapid 
growth,  and  is  a  grandly  decorative  object  in  its  foliage  alone. 
When  branches  have  been  lopped  off,  it  is  apt  to  throw  up 
stout,  erect,  and  leafy  shoots  6  feet  in  length,  and  considerably 
thicker  than  one's  finger  at  the  base.     Near  Manchester  I 


126 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  16, 1873. 


have  not  yet  seen  it.    A  coloured  di-awing  of  the  flowers  is 
given  in  the  Botanical  3Iar/azine, -pi.  4,666. 

In  1873  the  conditions  for  the  blooming  of  the  Paulownia 
were  again  highly  favourable,  at  all  events  as  regards  the 
current  season,  so  that,  -when  at  Arundel  during  the  hrst  week 
in  July,  I  found  not  only  the  foliage  well  developed,  but  the 
flowers  in  the  very  pride  and  perfection  of  their  splendour, 
though  beginning  to  fall  fast,  and  thickly  sprinkling  the  turf 
below.  The  first  I  had  the  opportunity  of  observing  was  the 
tree  in  the  grounds  adjoining  the  Castle  ;  but  the  finest  of  the 
Arundel  trees  is  unquestionably  Mr.  Constable's.  The  last 
named  was  planted  about  thirty  years  ago,  very  shortly  after 
the  tree  had  first  become  known  in  this  country.  In  its  ta,llest 
part  it  is  now  about  36  feet  high,  and  the  lateral  spread  is  17 
or  18  yards.  A  little  way  above  the  ground,  the  circumference 
of  the  trunk  is  no  less  than  eight  feet.  Two  feet  higher,  the 
circumference  is  six  feet  and  an  inch ;  and  at  the  height  of 
another  foot,  say  not  much  more  tfian  a  yard  from  the 
surface  of  the  soil,  the  circumference  is  still  six  feet.  It  will 
be  intevestiug,  when  necessary  to  cut  down  some  large 
Paulownia  (not  this  m.agnificent  Ai'undel  tree,  my  account  oi 
which  I  would  close  after  the  manner  of  the  list  of  English 
monarchs  in  the  chronological  tables,  which  finishes  with, 
"  Whom  God  preserve  !  ")  it  will  be  interesting,  I  say,  then  to 
observe  what  is  the  texture  of  the  wood  and  the  nature 
of  the  annual  rings.  Probably  they  will  not  be  unlike  those 
of  the  Poplar.  On  measuring  one  of  the  largest  of  the  leaves, 
an  outline  sketch  of  which  now  lies  before  me,  it  was  found  to 
be  24o  inches  from  base  to  apex;  of  course  not  including  the 
petiole,  but  taking  the  lamina  alone,  and  at  the  part  of  the 
latter  where  the  upper  pair  of  angles  gave  greatest,  though 
by  no  means  over-predominant,  width,  it  was  no  less  than 
22i  inches  across.  To  stand  in  the  presence  of  a  tree  like 
this,  after  making  all  allowance  for  rapidity  of  growth,  which, 
in  the  case  of  the  Paulownia,  reminds  one  of  the  uprise  of  a 
Palma  Christi  (Jonah's  "  gourd,"  if  the  savaas  be  right), 
seems  to  me  no  slight  privilege;  and  when  majestic  Conifers 
rise  on  every  side,  in  addition  to  the  absolute  good  qualities 
of  each,  the  contrast  becomes  exceedingly  effective.  Those, 
at  least,  can  appreciate  it  who  have  read  Mr.  Euskin  on 
the  "  Trees  of  the  Spear,"  and  the  "  Trees  of  the  Shield." 
The  grounds  in  question  contain  some  of  the  handsomest 
trees  to  be  seen  anywhere  in  the  county  of  Sussex,  all 
presenting,  moreover,  a  complexion  of  freshness  and  of 
charming  constitutional  good  health  that  is  excelled  pro- 
bibly  neither  in  Sussex  nor  in  any  other  part  of  England. 
The  curving  avenue  or  double  line  of  Deodaras  is  particularly 
imposing,  though,  individually,  some  of  the  other  Conifers 
excel  them.  The  trees  composing  it  were  raised  some  thirty 
years  ago,  from  seed  sent  direct  from  India  to  the  Duke.  On 
receipt  of  it,  Mr.  Wilson,  the  gardener,  at  once  prepared  a 
pan  of  earth  and  silver-sand,  and,  in  the  kindly  manner 
so  characteristic  of  him,  unwilling  to  keep  the  whole 
of  any  pleasure  to  himself,  deputed  the  actual  sowing  of  the 
seeds  to  Mr.  Constable's  son,  George  Sefton,  who  now, 
accordingly,  is  able  to  look  upon  these  noble  trees  with  the 
same  paternal  pride  with  which  another  good  friend  I  know 
of,  every  morning,  when  he  rises,  regards  his  Chestnuts  and 
Walnuts — the  outcome  of  a  similar  early  love  for  trees,  and 
the  sevenfold  exemplary  and  useful  art  of  rearing  them.  I 
question  if  it  be  possible  for  a  man  to  command  a  pleasure  in 
every  way  so  thorough  and  unalloyed,  so  pure,  blameless,  and 
easily  procured,  as  that  which  he  possesses  in  the  contemjjla- 
tion  of  stately  trees — if  they  be  fruitful  ones  so  much  the 
better — that,  but  for  his  handiwork,  would  never  have  existed, 
and  which  he  has  watched  from  the  seedling  onwards  and 
upwards.  He  is  at  all  events  beyond  the  reach  of  the  small 
creatures  whose  resource  is  to  throw  darts  at  what  is  better 
than  themselves.  Whatever  fault  may  be  found  with  a  build- 
ing, or  a  book,  a  statue,  or  a  picture,  trees,  happily,  are  secure 
alike  from  jealousy  and  the  cavils  of  ignorance.  He,  more- 
over, who  in  his  childhood  plants  trees,  provides  not  only  a 
personal  pleasure  for  his  own  maturer  years,  but  makes  the 
world  richer  than  he  found  it,  a  good  that  any  man  may  be 
proud  to  achieve ;  and  no  slight  thing  is  it  to  be  able  to  look 
round,  when  the  sun  is  moving  westwards,  and  feel  that 
though  one's  name  may  slide  away  and  be  forgotten,  what  wc 


have  done,  or  have  essayed  to  do,  so  that  the  work  was 
faithful,  and  though  the  act  may  have  been  no  more  than  the 
planting  of  some  Paulownias  and  Deodaras,  will  excite  gratitude 
in  a  thousand  hearts  that  are  yet  unborn,  and  perhaps  inspire 
a  thousand  moi'e  to  go  and  do  likewise.  I  would  rather  by  far 
be  the  unknown  or  forgotten  originator  of  a  hundred  Oaks 
that  shall  help  to  make  my  countiy  glad  and  beautiful,  than 
have  it  recorded  of  me  that  my  will  was  proved  "  under  a 
million,"  and  leave  no  memorial  besides. 

The  picturesque  scenery  of  the  neighbourhood  of  Arundel 
renders  the  place  well  worth  a  few  days'  visit.  Those  sweet, 
airy,  wavy,  far-spreading  downs,  allowing  every  now  and  then 
of  a  peep  at  the  Channel,  are  delightful  not  only  to  the  simple 
tourist  but  to  the  scientific  botanist,  for  here  grow  wild  the 
Sweetbriar,  the  Belladonna,  the  Musk  Thistle,  the  Golden  Oat- 
Grass,  and  many  another  pretty  favourite  and  curious  rarity  ; 
under  the  Beech  trees,  for  example,  that  most  singular  parasite, 
primrose-coloured  in  ever}-  part,  the  Monotropa  Hypopitys ; 
while  in  the  hollows,  in  some  parts  densely  wooded,  we  are 
reminded  of  the  fabled  country  of  the  Lotos,  since  we  desire  to 
depart  not.  Littlehampton,  four  miles  distant,  is  an  agree- 
able watering-place,  some  day  to  become  important,  and  again 
prolific  in  botanical  curiosities  ;  while,  upon  the  quiet  hills 
beyond  Warningcamp,  the  fruitful  residence  of  Mr.  G.  S.  Con- 
stable, grow  the  Bee-orchis,  the  Fly-orchis,  and  that  lovely 
Orchis  pyramidalis,  all  iu  profusion ;  and  in  the  woods  en 
route  thither,  the  Listera  Xidus-avis.  The  hospitality  of  the 
Arundel  people  is  on  a  par  with  the  pleasantness  of  their 
abode;  and  shapes  one's  farewell  into  TLcc  memiHciisejin-ahit. 

L.  G. 


MAGNOLIA  GRANDIFLOEA. 
What  is  the  best  kind  of  soil  in  which  to  plant  this  fine  Magnolia  ? 
I  have  tried  several  kinds  of  compost,  but  have  not  yet  succeeded  so 
well  as  I  could  wish. — J.  T.  P.  [Upon  putting  this  question  to  Mr. 
James  Barnes,  who  has  had  great  experience  in  such  matters,  he 
kindlj'  famished  us  with  the  following  reply  : — "  The  best  soil  I 
could  ever  discover,"  says  Mr.  Barnes,  "for  maintaining  Magnolia 
grandiflora  in  vigorous  health  for  many  }'ears  is  a  rich  friable  open 
sandy  loam,  and  if  it  can  be  easily  obtained  tnrfy  and  fibrous,  so  much 
the  better.  If  loam  only  of  a  marshy  or  stiff  texture,  or  of  a  heavy 
close  quality,  can  be  readily  obtained,  add  to  it  one-fourth  of  good 
open  peat  or  heath  soil,  and  a  good  portion  of  sharp  clean  river  sand, 
road  grit,  or  small  clear  shingle  stones ;  incorporate  and  mix  well 
together,  exposing  it  for  a  time  to  the  sun  or  frost.  In  such  a  mix- 
ture, placed  from  2  feet  to  3  feet  in  depth,  the  Magnolia  grandiflora, 
M.  obovata,  and  M.  exoniensis  will  all  grow  well.  Of  these  the 
last,  in  my  opinion,  after  fifty  years'  observation,  is  the  best,  and 
flowers  by  far  the  freest  of  the  whole  family.  M.  angustifolia  is 
also  very  beautiful ;  and  M.  proecox,  M.  lanceolata,  M.  ferruginea, 
and  M.  glauca  are  all  noble  plants,  and  placed  on  a  good 
body  of  the  foregoing  mixture  they  will  all  grow  luxuriantly 
and  vigorously  for  many  years,  and  will  become  noble  trees. 
To  induce  them  to  bloom  freely  and  for  a  long  time,  treat  them  as 
you  would  a  Fig  tree,  in  order  to  keep  it  in  full  fmit  all  the  summer, 
i.e.,  just  rub  out  or  pinch  ont  the  point  of  every  young  shoot  as 
fast  as  they  are  made  to  the  extent  of  three  or  four  eyes,  or  four  or 
five  eyes,  if  the  shoots  are  very  robust.  Continue  to  practise  this 
the  whole  season  through,  and  abundance  of  blossom  will  be  the 
result.  Stopping  the  shoots  gives  a  quiet  check  without  disfiguring 
the  tree,  provided  the  young  foliage  has  not  been  touched  or  lacerated 
by  the  finger  or  thumb."] 


A  Remarkable  old  Elm. — As  you  are  taking  note  of  remarkable 
trees,  may  I  be  allowed  to  mention  an  Elm,  which  many  of  your 
readers  may  remember  to  have  seen.  The  tree  to  which  I  allude 
formed,  until  a  few  years  ago,  a  peculiar  feature  in  the  appeai-ance 
of  Bonchurch,  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and  was  frequently  conspicuous 
in  photographs  of  the  place.  It  grew  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
road  to  the  pond,  and  one  huge  bough  formed  a  perfect  natural  arch- 
way across  the  road,  at  a  height  of  uearly  100  feet  above  it.  A  gale 
of  wind  one  night,  in  1866,  brought  down  this  Elm  and  many  other 
noble  trees  in  the  island.  Its  height  from  the  road  was  increased 
by  its  position  on  a  summit  of  a  bank,  and,  in  its  fall,  it  completely 
blocked  the  road,  snapped  a  lamp-post  on  the  other  side,  and  made  a 
gap  of  considerable  width  in  the  wall  skirting  the  pond.  It  measured 
at  the  base  near  the  ground  16  feet  in  girth,  and  within  an  inch  of  23 
feet  at  a  distance  of  some  10  feet  from  the  ground.  The  height  of 
the  tree  was  about  90  feet. — It.  W.  M, 


Al-o.  16,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


127 


HARDY  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

BY  GEOEGE  GOEDON,  A.L.S. 
ACER   TRIl'IDUM    (TUE    TBIPID-LEAYED    MAFLE). 

This  forms  a  very  neat  small  I'ouud-headed  tree,  from  15  to 
20  feet  high,  with  spreading  bi'anches  and  very  slender, 
smooth,  bright  green  shoots.  It  is  a  native  of  Japan,  is  quite 
hardy,  and  was  first  introduced  in  1868.  The  leaves  are  small 
and  three  lobed,  with  the  side  lobes  widely  extended,  slightly 
rounded  or  square  at  the  base,  deep  glossy  green  above,  pale 
aud  glaucous  beneath,  quite  smooth  on  both  surfaces,  and  on 
long  and  very  slender  footstalks,  of  a  reddish  colour ;  lobes 
oval,  acute  pointed,  nearly  equal  iu  size,  and  cither  entire  or 
irregularly  furnished  with  a  few  small  blunt  serratures  on  the 
edges.  Flowers  small,  and  in  dense  terminal  corymbs.  Fruit 
or  keys  rather  small  and  smooth,  with  thick  carpels  and  long 
wings  a  little  separated  aud  parallel.     The  length  of  a  full-sized 


*.,-- 


A.  trifidum. 


leaf  is  from  2j  to  3  inches,  iucludiug  the  footst.alk,  which  is 
about  Ih  inch  long,  and  the  breadth  is  from  IJ  to  2  inches. 


Summer  Torch  Pruning This  is  a  simple  method  of  shorten. 

ing  lofty  and  rambling  side  branches,  such  as  those  of  the  Wych 
Elm,  that  are  inaccessible  for  other  methods  of  pruning.  It  often 
happens  in  forest  management  that  tt  we  could  only  get  at  certain 
branches,  to  curtail  their  extremities,  the  tree  itself  might  be  spared 
for  some  years  longer.  It  wonld  not  be  injurious  to  any  more 
valuable  neighbours  for  some  time,  if  only  we  could  amputate  or 
blight  the  ends  of  certain  rambling  side  branches.  Now,  that  which 
we  cannot  do  by  means  of  ladder  and  saw,  nor  by  long.handled  French 
shears,  nor  mount  to  by  anything  short  of  a  scaii'olding,may  easily  be 
effected  from  the  ground  by  means  of  a  long  Bamboo  cane  with  a  torch 
affixed  to  its  tip,  upon  a  continnation  of  stiff  wire  for  the  last  half -ell. 
The  present  season  of  midsummer  is  the  time  at  which  to  operate. 
The  torch  is  merely  a  bunch  of  cotton  or  linen  rags  dipped  in  oil. 
By  means  of  it  we  can  easily  shrivel  up,  blight,  and  destroy  the  foliage 
for  over  2  or  3  or  more  feet  at  the  extremity  of  a  side-branch,  although 
it  may  be  30  or  40  feet  above  our  heads.  In  the  following  spring 
such  extremities  will  be  seen  to  be  either  quite  dead  or  nearly  so  ; 
and  the  lateral  advance  of  the  offending  limb  of  the  tree  will  have 
been  effectually  checked.  The  reader  will  understand  that  I  am  speak, 
ing  of  the  woodland  or  forest,  where  a  dead  twig  is  no  eyesore  ;  I  am 
not  speaking  of  lawn  trees ;  Wych  Elms  and  Black  Italian  Poplars 
are,  above  all,  fair  subjects  for  this  stringent  igneous  treatment. — 
Ralph  C.irk  Ellison,  Dimstau  Hill,  Durham. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


Ciipressus  Goweniana  glancescens.— A  new  variety,  raised  by  M.  P. 
Sahnt,  of  Moutpellier,  far  finer  than  C.  G.  glauca.  It  is  particularly 
distinpriiishefl  by  its  laree,  fleshy,  and  flattened  branches,  as  well  as  by  the 
characteristic  glaucescence  of  all  parts  of  the  plant,  which  has  a  hoary  blue 
tint  very  rare  in  Conifers.  This  variety  is  bo  different  from,  the  type  or  parent 
(C.  Goweniana)  that  it  cannot  be  said  to  resemble  it  in  any  respect. 

Street  Trees. — Corroborating  our  often  repeated  recommendations  to  plant 
trees  in  the  ^sider  of  the  London  streets,  we  learn  from  the  Daily  Telegraph 
reports  from  its  correspondents  at  our  "sea-side  resorts  "  that, — "  During  the 
present  hot  weather  the  foliage  in  the  streets,  which  forms  a  special  feature  of 
Eastbourne,  has  been  found  a  very  agreeable  shelter  ; "  and  it  adds  greatly  to 
the  beauty  as  well  as  to  the  comfort  of  that  pleasant  watering  place. 

Labels.— What  do  you  consider  the  best  label  for  ornamental  trees  out  of 
doors?  Wood  quickly  rots  in  our  moist  climate,  and  zinc  corrodes. — J,  S.  S., 
Hehtone,  Coniirall.  [For  large  trees,  a  piece  of  painted  tin  nailed  on  the  bole  ; 
for  shrubs  and  small  trees,  of  which  the  bole  cannot  be  approached,  from  the 
branches  spreading  low,  cast  iron  T  shaped  labels  inserted  in  the  ground.  The 
whole  subject  is  treated  of  at  great  length,  aud  the  bestkinds  are  figui-ed  in  The 
Gabdbn,  vol.  i.,  p.  156.] 


THE     PROPAGATOR. 

BUDDING-  KOSBS. 
August  is  one  of  the  best  months  in  the  year  for  buddiu"-  Koses. 
Buds  may  be  inserted  iu  September,  but  not  with  so  much  certainty 
of  taking  as  in  July  and  August.  During  these  months  buds  can  be 
secured  plentifully,  aud  the  briers  are  generally  in  full  vigour.  As 
a  rule  buds  are  ready  for  use  when  taken  from  a  shoot  that  is  in 
bloom  or  just  shedding  its  petals ;  if  not  taken  at  that  time,  the 
buds  soon  begin  to  grow,  and  are  of  no  use.  To  get  easily  at  the 
shoot  intended  to  be  budded,  young  beginners,  in  some  cases,  actually 
cut  off  all  the  laterals  extending  beyond  the  bud,  and  do  not  leave  a 
shoot  to  drays'  sap.  If  asked  why  they  have  cut  off  these  portions  of 
the  brier  shoot  after  inserting  the  bud,  their  reply  is  that  they 
thought  the  sap  would  be  directed  to  the  bud,  and  that  the 
work  looked  more  tidy  and  finished.  They,  however,  make  a  great 
mistake,  aud  do  not  understand  what  the  effect  will  be  after  they 
have  stumped  off  all  the  laterals  and  principal  lead.  After  a  bud  is 
inserted  the  laterals  must  be  allowed  to  grow  freely,  in  order  to 
draw  sap  past  the  bud  until  it  is  firmly  united,  which  will  be  iu 
about  a  month  or  six  weeks,  according  to  the  vigorous  state  of  the 
brier  or  otherwise.  After  a  Rose  is  budded  a  tally  should  he 
fastened  to  the  stock  with  some  thin  copper  wire ;  the  date  and 
name  of  the  Kose  should  be  written  thereon,  thus:  "13-7,  Duke 
of  Edinburgh."  On  looking  at  the  tally,  the  exact  day  on  which 
the  buds  were  inserted  can  be  ascertained.  This  plan  is  far  better 
than  trusting  to  memory.  In  some  few  cases  the  brier  may  be 
growing  so  vigorously  that  it  is  necessary  to  cut  back  a  few  of  the 
laterals,  as  there  is  danger  of  the  shoot  breaking  by  high  winds ; 
but  care  must  be  taken  not  to  cut  away  all  the  leading  shoots 
beyond  the  bud,  and  this  operation  must  never  be  performed  until 
about  three  weeks  or  a  month  after  the  bud  is  inserted.  Another 
cause  of  frequent  failure  is  taking  off  the  ligatures  too  soon.  If 
the  ligature  is  cutting  into  the  bark,  unfasten  it,  but  tie  up 
again  immediately  a  little  easier.  Many  buds,  when  released  too 
soon  from  the  tie,  will  fly  out;  the  safest  plan,  therefore,  is  to  keep 
the  ligatures  on  for  about  two  months,  easing  them  occasionally  if 
necessary.  About  the  third  week  in  November,  not  earlier,  the 
whole  of  the  growth  beyond  the  bud  must  be  cut  in — that  is  to  say, 
the  laterals  or  side  shoots — leaving  the  shoot  with  the  bud  in  it 
about  8  inches  long.  If  this  operation  is  not  performed,  there  is 
great  danger  of  the  branches  breaking  during  the  winter  with  the 
weight  of  snow  falling  on  them.  When  cut  in  the  manner 
described,  the  weight  of  snow  lodging  on  the  branches  is  a  mere 
fraction. 

About  the  first  week  in  April  prune  the  branches  to  about  3  inches 
beyond  the  dormant  Rose  bud  ;  the  Rose  will  soon  after  commence  to 
grow.  Itisnotwiseto  cnt  close  up  to  the  bud,  as  some  do,  until  the  Rose 
has  grown  2  or  3  inches  and  made  a  few  young  leaves ;  then  you  may 
safely  cnt  close  to  the  bud.  About  twice  a  week  go  over  the  stocks 
and  rub  off  every  shoot,  in  order  to  direct  all  the  sap  to  the  young 
growing  Rose.  Any  suckers  appearing  must  be  grubbed  up  at  once ; 
it  is  astonishing  what  damage  a  sucker  can  do  to  a  young  growini' 
Rose  tree,  therefore  exterminate  them  as  soon  as  you  see  their 
red  tops  peeping  out  of  the  ground.  AVhen  the  Rose  shoot  has  grown 
3  or  4.  inches  high,  light  sticks  (which  are  best  made  from  split  laths) 
about  2  feet  long  must  be  firmly  tied  to  the  brier  stock ;  these 
should  stand  up  above  the  Rose  about  15  inches. 

In  the  months  of  May  aud  J«ne  the  Rose  grows  so  rapidly  as  to 
want  supporting,  and  it  will  bo  found  necessary  to  tie  the  Roses  to  the 
supporting  stick  at  least  once  a  week,  in  order  to  save  them  from 
being  blown  out  by  sudden  gusts  of  wind.  Worsted  is  better  than 
bast  matting,  for  tying  the  Roses  to  the  supports,  as  it  does  not 
perish  in  winter,  but  holds  all  firm  until  pruning  time  comes  round  in 
the  Blaring.  I  have  often  been  asked  the  following  question  by  young 
Rosarians :  Suppose  in  the  spring,  having  two  buds  inserted  into  a 
brier,  one  of  them  commences  growing  and  the  other  remains  iu  a 
dormant  state,  what  step  would  you  take  to  start  the  dormant  bud 
into  growth  ?  In  such  a  case  practice  proves  that  the  shoot  con. 
taining  the  dormant  bud  must  be  pruned  nearly  close  to  the  bud,  and 
at  the  same  time,  after  the  started  bud  has  grown  5  to  6  inches  high, 
nip  out  its  top  ;  then  the  sap  will  be  directed  to  the  dormant  bnd, 
and  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten  it  starts  into  growth,  and  both  shoots 
grow  away  together  pretty  equally.  Many  young  amateurs  have  a 
great  notion  of  having  two  or  three  different  coloured  Roses  growing 
into  one  stock.  I  have  tried  the  experiment  often,  but  never 
yet  found  it  to  answer  satisfactorily.  I  can  only  compare  the  idea  to 
two  or  three  different  families  trying  to  live  comfortably  in  one 
house.  They  do  not  agree;  no  more  do  the  Roses.  There  is  a 
continual  sti-ife  going  on  for  the  mastery.  One  of  the  Roses  budded 
has  probably  a  stronger  habit  of  growth  than  the  other,  or  it  may  bo 
a  grosser  feeder ;  it  draws  more  than  its  share  of  sap  from  the  brier, 


128 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  16,  1873. 


and  starves  the  other  Kose  into  a  sickly  and  unhealthy  state,  nntil  it 
finally  dies.  If  the  amateur  wishes  to  produce  the  effect  of  a  red  Rose 
and  a  white  one  growing  from  one  stem,  he  can  do  so  by  planting  two 
standards  into  one  hole.  Tie  both  stocks  together  to  a  good  firm  stake. 
The  heads  will  grow  into  each  other,  and  the  effect  is  produced  at  once. 
He  can  plaut  two  standards  together  of  what  colours  he  fancies.  So 
much  has  been  said  and  written  about  budding  that  but  little  can  bo 
added.  During  the  past  ten  years  I  have  seldom  taken  the  wood  out 
of  the  shield  of  the  bud.  I  find  that  buds  take  just  as  freely 
with  the  wood  in  as  when  it  is  taken  out.  I  cut  the  shields  with  a 
bud  in  the  centre  very  thin,  the  shield  seldom  being  more  than  about 
half  an  inch  in  length.  Your  knife  must  be  as  sharp  as  a  razor ;  buds 
cut  with  a  blunt  knife  will  never  take  freely. 

French  progagators  of  Roses  do  not  take  the  wood  out.  What  the 
English  people  call  budding  they  call  shield.grafting.  If  yonng 
Eosarians  will  cease  to  pull  and  tug  at  the  wood  under  the  bud. 
often  bruising  and  injuring  it,  often  pulling  the  eye  out  with  the 
wood,  they  will  succeed  much  better. 

Choose  buds  that  are  well  developed.  Sometimes  the  amateur 
wants  to  bud  a  particular  Rose,  but  the  buds  can  scarcely  be  seen. 
If  he  will  cut  two  or  three  inches  off  the  top  of  a  nice  shoot,  the 
buds  will  be  well  up  and  fit  for  inserting  in  about  a  week  or  ten 
davs  at  the  most ;  this  is  a  practice  I  often  have  to  resort  to.  More 
particularly,  let  the  varieties  if  intended  for  standards  be  of  a  good 
growing  habit.  Roses  with  dwarf  habits  never  do  well  on  a  tall 
4  feet  standard;  sucli  Roses  should  be  budded  on  briers  from  1\ 
feet  to  2  feet  high.  For  the  guidance  of  amateurs,  I  give  the  names 
of  some  of  the  best  Roses  out,  all  of  which  grow  freely,  and  make 
good  heads  when  worked  on  briers  from  3  to  4  feet  high  : — John 
Hopper,  General  Jacqueminot,  King's  Acre,  Francois  Fontaine,  Pierre 
Netting,  Gloire  do  Dijon,  Francois  Louvat,  Alfred  Colomb,  Duke  of 
Edinburgh,  Alpaide  de  Rotalier,  La  France,  Richard  Wallace  and 
Etienne  Levet,  both  new ;  Anguste  Rigotard,  new ;  Baroness 
Rothschild,  Beauty  of  Waltham,  Baronne  Haussman,  Charles  Lc- 
febvre,  Charles  Rouillard,  Caroline  de  Sansal,  Comtesse  de  Chabril. 
land,  Docteur  Andry,  Due  de  Rohan,  Dupuy  Jamin,  Edward  Morren, 
Emilie  Hausburg,  Felix  Genero,  Gloire  de  Santenay,  Jules  Margottin, 
Jean  Rosenkrantz  (makes  a  noble  head  and  is  very  hardy),  Kate 
Hausburg,  La  Duchesse  de  Morny,  Lord  Macaulay,  Marquise  de 
Castillane,  Madame  Charles  Crapelet,  Madame  Boutin,  Madame 
Fillion,  Madame  Victor  Verdier,  Madame  Rivers,  Madame  Anguste 
Verdier,  Mademoiselle  Margaret  Dombrain,  Annie  Wood,  Maurice 
Bernardin,  Marguerite  de  St.  Amand,  Marie  Banmann,  Nardy 
Freres,  Prince  Humbert,  Princess  Mary  of  Cambridge,  Senateur 
Vaisse,  Thyra  Hammerich,  Vicomte  Vigier,  Vicomtesse  des  Gazes, 
Victor  Verdier,  Ville  de  Lyon,  Xavier  Olibo  and  Monsieur  Boueenne 
(both  very  dark) ,  Madame  Therese  Levet.  This  list  comprises  only 
the  best  exhibition  Roses  which  are  good  growers,  but  by  no  means 
exhausts  it.  There  are  many  other  beautiful  Hybrid  Perpetual 
Roses  which  are  not  suited  for  tall  standards.  The  following  Tea- 
scented  Roses,  relations  of  Gloire  de  Dijon,  do  well  as  standards, 
and  they  are  hardy  : — Belle  Lyonnaise,  JIadame  Levet,  Tour  Ber. 
trand,  and  Montplaisir.  Avoid  budding  weakly  and  dwarf-growing 
Roses;  they  never  give  satisfaction,  and  are  always  in  a  semi, 
decayed  condition.  After  becoming  a  year  or  two  old  they  cannot 
elaborate  the  quantity  of  sap  emitted  from  the  brier ;  hence  in- 
numerable  suckers  are  thrown  up  to  trouble  you,  and  a  perpetual 
struggle  is  going  on  during  the  growing  season  between  roots  and 
head  which  shall  be  the  master. 

There  is  one  style  of  budding  -which  I  adopt  occasionally,  and 
which  I  call  "  running  budding."  We  will  suppose  a  new  Rose  of 
great  merit  in  your  garden ;  it  is  making  one  long  shoot,  and 
growing  very  fast  in  July ;  the  wood  is  quite  soft  and  unfit  for 
working  on  the  brier,  but  low  down  you  see  two  or  three  fine  plump 
buds  which  are  I'eady.  If  I  was  to  cut  the  shoot  down  I  should 
sacrifice  a  large  number  of  the  buds.  In  such  a  case  I  adopt  the 
following  plan  : — I  pick  out  a  nice  brier,  rub  the  thorns  off,  and 
prepare  it  for  receiving  one  or  two  buds,  as  the  case  may  be.  I 
make  the  incision,  raise  up  the  bark,  and  place  the  loose  tie  on  the 
brier.  All  being  ready  to  perform  the  operation  quickly,  I  run  to 
the  Rose  shoot  and  cut  off  the  bud  ;  I  again  run  back  with  it  to 
the  brier,  which  is  gaping  to  receive  it ;  the  bud  is  inserted  and 
tied  up  as  rapidly  as  possible.  The  distance  sometimes  is  from  thirty 
to  forty  yards,  and  you  have  to  run  and  insert  the  bud  before  it 
becomes  dried  up.  In  a  few  weeks  more  buds  are  ready  for  use,  and 
the  shoot  may  be  cut  down  and  the  best  of  the  lower  buds  worked. 
If  I  had  not  made  use  of  the  first  buds,  they  would  have  grown  out 
as  laterals,  and  perhaps  would  not  have  ripened  sufficiently  for 
budding  that  season. 

We  live  in  an  age  of  progress,  and  it  is  astonishing  w  ith  what 
celerity  thousands  of  yonng  Rosarians  have  sprung  up  during  the  past 
few  years,  and  no  wondei,  for  working  amongst  the  queen  of  flowers 


is  a  delightful  occupation.  With  what  anxiety  we  look  out  for  the 
postman  every  morning  during  the  budding  season,  expecting  a  small 
paper  box  by  the  parcel  post,  filled  with  buds  of  some  of  the  new 
Roses  from  a  distant  friend.  During  the  months  of  July  and  August 
thousands  of  small  parcels  are  sent  by  post  containing  twigs  of  Roses 
\i  ith  well-developed  buds,  wrapped  up  carefully  in  damp  blotting-paper, 
and  laid  in  a  bed  of  damp  Moss  placed  in  a  paper  or  tin  box.  These 
are  inserted  into  briers — they  remain  in  a  dormant  or  sleeping 
state.  In  the  spring  a  resurrection  as  it  were  takes  place,  the 
buds  begin  to  swell,  beautiful  tender  leaves  are  produced  of  various 
shades,  from  red  to  crimson,  and  the  Rosarian's  heart  warms  with 
delight. 

Such  are  a  few  of  the  pleasures  enjoyed  in  the  country  by  Rosa- 
rians. As  it  is  not  always  convenient  to  insert  the  buds  on  the  same 
day  they  are  received,  I  may  state  that  they  can  be  kept  quite  fresh 
for  a  week  or  ten  days  in  the  following  manner  : — Fill  a  few  6  or 
8-inch  flower  pots  with  sand,  placing  a  few  crocks  and  a  little  soil  at 
the  bottom  of  each  pot ;  prick  in  the  cuttings  round  the  pot  about 
li  inches  deep,  and  about  1  inch  apart,  in  a  rather  slanting  position  ; 
prick  in  also  a  small  wooden  label  with  each  lot  (for  sometimes  two 
or  three  twigs  are  sent  of  one  variety),  containing  the  name  of  the 
Rose;  place  the  pots  in  a  cool  outhouse  or  cellar,  with  light,  but  no 
sun  ;  give  a  little  water  every  third  day.  Cuttings  kept  this  way  are 
actually  improved,  as  the  buds  become  better  developed.  I  have 
used  them  successfully  ten  days  old  kept  in  this  manner.  If  you 
keep  the  cuttings  in  water,  the  buds  turn  black,  and  become  quite 
rotten  in  a  few  days. — Field. 


Propagation  of  "  Climbing  "  Carnations.— I  have  some  of 
these,  but  am  at  a  loss  to  know  how  to  propagate  them.  'Will  you 
kindly  instruct  me  in  the  matter  ? — J.ine.  [What  are  called  Climbing 
Carnations  are  best  propagated  by  means  of  pipings  placed  on  a 
gentle  bottom  heat  and  covered  with  a  bell  glass  (kept  perfectly  air. 
tight)  and  thoroughly  well  watered,  without  removing  the  glass. 
They  will  be  found  to  be  rooted  in  about  three  weeks  after  they  have 
been  put  in.  The  best  compost  for  them  is  light  loam  mixed  with 
finely  sifted  coal  ashes  for  drainage,  which  will  be  found  better  than 
sand.  The  shoots  should  be  carefully  tied  out  as  they  grow,  to  admit 
of  their  getting  all  the  air  possible  ;  and  the  plants  should  be  fre- 
quently syringed,  and  always  kept  well  watered.  As  they  bloom  all 
the  year  round,  it  is  advisable  to  turn  them  out  of  doors  from  June 
till  September,  plunging  the  pots  in  a  shady  place.  At  each  shift 
the  plants  should  be  potted  two  or  three  joints  deeper  than  they 
were  before.  This  will  make  them  last  good  for  many  years.-  — 
James  Bl.^ckley.] 

Pachyphytum  bracteosum. — This  is  one  of  the  most  effective 
of  all  succulent  plants,  and  just  at  this  season  a  few  words  as  to  its 
propagation  may  be  useful.  Strip  off  its  lower  or  best-developed 
leaves,  and  lay  them  for  a  day  or  two  in  the  sun,  after  which  they 
may  be  inserted  in  a  well-drained  cutting-pot  or  shallow  pan,  in  a 
sandy  compost,  and  well  watered,  to  settle  the  sand  firmly  around 
them ;  after  that  they  should  be  set  on  a  shelf  near  the  glass,  where 
they  will  root  freely  in  a  week  or  two,  and  make  nice  little  plants 
for  planting  out  or  growing  in  pots  next  summer.  Many  other 
succulents,  such  as  Haworthias,  Easterias,  some  Mammillarias,  and 
Bryophyllums,  may  be  propagated  in  the  same  way,  but  care  must 
be  taken  not  to  give  them  too  much  moisture,  so  as  to  cause  them  to 
rot  off  instead  of  producing  roots.  The  Pachyphytum  makes  a  very 
effective  edging  plant  for  carpet  beds,  aud  has  a  striking  silvery 
appearance.  Its  congener — P.  roseum — may  also  be  propagated  in 
the  manner  just  alluded  to,  and  is  equally  useful  for  the  same 
purposes. — B. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  PROPAGATINGJ. 


Propagating"  HollyUocks- — When  a  good  variety  is  obtained,  it  may  be  readily 
increased  by  division.  The  lirst  season  it  blooms  it  shonld  not  be  allowed  to  flower 
later  than  the  end  of  August,  but  be  cut  down  to  about  9  inches  f  i-om  the  ground, 
in  order  to  induce  the  production  of  side-shoots.  Being  headed  down  early,  the 
lateral  shoots  become  strong  before  the  winter  sets  in  ;  whereas,  if  allowed  to 
bloom  the  entire  period,  there  would,  in  most  cases,  only  be  the  bare  stems,  era 
late  production  of  very  small  side-shoots  ;  and  it  would  be  almost  impossible  for 
them  to  withstand  tlie  inclemency  of  the  coming  winter. — W. 

Propagation  of  Aristolochia  Sipho.— As  is  well  known  to  most  gardeners. 
the  propagation  (if  this  plant  from  cuttings  is  extremely  difficult.  In  America, 
however,  the  following  easy  and  successful  mode  of  multiplication  is  employed. 
Well-ripened  shoots  of  the  preceding  year  are  layered  by  pegging  them  duwn 
on  the  surface  of  the  ground  and  covering  them  with  2  or  3  inches  of  soil.  This 
is  done  early  in  spring,  and  the  shoots  thus  layered  are  allowed  to  remain  undia- 
turbed  until  the  succeeding  autumn,  when  thej'  will  be  found  to  have  emitted 
roots  along  their  under  surface.  They  are  then  taken  up,  and  cut  into  as  many 
pieces  as  there  are  rooted  portions,  each  of  which,  when  replanted,  forms  a  new 
plant. 


Aug.  16,  1873.] 


T?EE   GARDEN. 


129 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 


CROTON  YOTJNGII. 
Many  beautiful  Crotons  are  already  in  cultivation,  but  this 
species  is  so  extremely  graceful  in  habit,  and  rich  in  variega- 
tion, that  it  deserves  special  notice.  Our  ligurc  gives  an 
excellent  idea  of  its  contour.  Its  leaves  vary  from  1  to  2  feet 
in  length,  and  arc  rarely  more  than  ^  of  an  inch  in  width. 
Their  upper  surface  is  dark  green,  profusely  Ijlotched  and 
tinted  with  jialo  yellow  and  rosy-red.  This  fine  species  was 
introduced  by  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons,  who  received  it  from 
J.  R.  Young,  Esq.,  of  Sydney,  in  compliment  to  whom  it  is 
named.     In  cultivation  it  succeeds  well  if  treated  like  its  allies, 


faintly  rayed  with  carmine  and  margined  with  very  long  and 
finely-cut  appendages. 

DELrniNE. — Flowers  largo,  fragrant,  carmine  when  in  bud ; 
petals  very  broad,  of  a  canniuc-rosc  margined  with  carmine  ; 
throat  rayed  with  carmine. 

DocTEUR  GoLFiA. — Flowors  very  large,  slightly  fragrant, 
carmine  when  in  bud; 'petals  broad,  of  a  deep  vinous  lilac> 
shaded  with  light  purple ;  throat  rose-coloured,  white  at  the 
base,  rayed  with  deep  purple,  and  margined  with  long  and 
finely-cut  appendages. 

Emile  Sauut. — Flowers  large,  fragrant,  carmine  when  in 
bud  ;  petals  very  broad,  of  a  bright  rose-colour,  with  a  slight 
vinous  tinge;  throat  deeper  rose,  rayed  with  carmine. 

Emilie. — Flowers  of  medium  size,  of  a  delicate  rose-colour 


Croton   Toungii. 


and  will  prove  a  welcome  addition  to  all  lovers  of  beautiful 
stove  plants.        B. 

NEW  VARIETIES  OP  OLEANDER. 
M.  Sauut,  nurseryman,  of  Montpellier,  has  succeeded  in 
raising  a  number  of  very  fine  and  distinct  varieties  of  Oleander 
(Nerium  Oleander),  both  single  and  double-flowered.  The 
following  list,  given  by  M.  E.  Andre  in  the  Illusiraiion 
Hoiiicolr,  comprises  the  best  of  both  kinds,  with  descriptions 
of  the  varieties. 

SINGLE-nOWEKED    VAEIETIES. 

Claude  Blanc. — Flowers  very  large,  deep  carmine  when  in 
bud  ;  petals  elongated,  of  a  very  brilliant  light  carmine,  shaded 
and  narrowly  margined  with  purple  ;  throat  deep  rose-colour, 


when  in  bud ;  buds  slightlj-  swollen  ;  petals  of  medium  size 
somewhat  turned  inwards,  of  a  pure  flesh-colour,  veined  on 
the  outside  with  delicate  rose ;  tlu'oat  of  the  same  colour, 
strongly  marked  with  light  purple  rays. 

Louis  Bourguet. — Flowers  small,  fragrant;  petals  of  medium 
size,  turned  inwards,  of  a  brilliant  deep  carmine,  faintly 
shaded  and  margined  with  a  deeper  tinge  of  the  same  colour; 
the  back  of  the  petals  is  of  a  lighter  shade  ;  throat  deeper 
carmine,  and  margined  wtth  finely-cut  appendages.  The 
odour  of  this  plant  is  very  agreeable. 

All  the  foregoing  arc  vigorous-growing  and  free-flowering 
varieties,  and  are  well  adapted  for  flower-beds  in  the  open  air. 

Madame  Dubois. — Flowers  of  medium  size  ;  petals  moder- 
ately broad,  turned  inwards,  of  a  very  pure   white  colour 


130 


T^HE   GAUDEN. 


[Aug.  16,1873. 


throat  margined  with  long  white  appendages.      This  is  the 
finest  of  all  the  white-flowered  Oleanders. 

nOUBLE-FLOWERED    VARIETrES. 

The  greater  number  of  these  are  this  year,  for  the  first  time, 
offered  for  sale.  They  are  quite  a  new  form  of  Oleander, 
differing  from  the  old  double-blossomed  kinds  in  the  circum- 
stance that  each  of  the  flowers  is  composed  of  two  single 
flowers  exactly  alike,  one  inserted  into  the  other,  but  remain- 
ing perfectly  distinct,  so  that  it  may  be  easily  detached 
without  injury  to  either.  Independent  of  this  singularity  of 
structure  in  the  flowers,  which  renders  them  fine  subjects  for 
vases,  the  plants  are  generally  roljust  and  vigorous  growers, 
well  adapted  for  open  air  culture,  and  the  flowers,  when  faded, 
fall  of  themselves,  like  those  of  the  single-flowered  kinds, 
differing  in  this  respect  from  the  old  double-flowered  varieties, 
the  flowers  of  which,  when  faded,  remain  on  the  plants  and 
must  be  removed  by  the  hand  if  it  is  desired  to  avoid  the 
unsightly  appearance  which  they  present. 

Edouard  Andre. — Flowers  of  medium  size,  fragrant,  light 
carmine  when  in  bud ;  petals  very  broad ;  inner  flower  of  a 
very  delicate  rose-colour,  shaded  with  flesh-colour  (sometimes 
streaked  with  white),  with  a  narrow  margin  of  bright  rose- 
colour  ;  outer  flower  somewhat  deeper  in  shade ;  throat  in 
both  of  a  yellowish-white,  rayed  with  carmine.  A  vigoi'ous- 
growing  variety. 

Exposition  Universelle. — Flowers  small,  .slightly  fragrant, 
sometimes  with  a  triple  corolla,  of  a  deep  rose-colour  when  in 
bud  ;  petals  moderately  broad  ;  inner  flower  flesh-colour,  with 
a  narrow  rose-coloured  margin.  Outer  flower  similar  in 
colour ;  throat  in  both  flesh-coloured,  yellow  at  the  base,  rayed 
with  carmine,  and  margined  with  very  long  appendages. 

Henri  Mariis. — Flowers  of  medium  size,  with  an  agreeable 
fragrance  resembling  that  of  Magnolia  flowers,  deep  carmine 
when  in  bud;  petals  very  broad  ;  inner  flower, frequently  with 
the  petals  free,  of  a  delicate  rose-colour,  with  a  narrow  margin 
of  brilliant  carmine.  Outer  flower  with  narrow  petals  of  the 
same  colour ;  the  throat  in  both  of  a  delicate  rose-colour, 
yellowish-white  at  the  base,  faintly  rayed  with  light  carmine.. 
A  fine  vigorous-growing  and  free-flowering  variety. 

Pkofesseur  Planciion. — Flowers  large,  slightly  fragraut, 
sometimes  with  a  triple  corolla,  light  carmine  when  in  bud  ; 
inner  flower  with  Ijroad  petals  of  a  scoi-ched  flesh-colour, 
shaded  and  narrowly  margined  with  deep  rose,  sometimes 
rayed  with  yellow  (a  new  combination  of  colours).  Outer 
flower  with  narrower  petals  of  the  same  colour ;  throat  in 
both  of  a  deep  canary -yellow  rayed  with  bright  carmine.  A 
very  remarkable  variety. 

Souvenir  de  Claude  Sauut. — Flowers  of  medium  size, 
light  carmine  when  in  bud ;  petals  very  broad ;  inner  flower 
of  a  light  rose-colour,  with  a  narrow  margin  of  deeper  rose. 
Outer  flower  similar  in  colour  ;  throat  in  both  of  a  deeper 
rose,  rayed  with  carmine.  A  fine  vigorous-growing  and  free- 
flowering  variety,  well  adapted  for  cultivation  in  the  open  air. 

Souvenir  de  Felix  Dunal. —  Flowers  of  medium  size, 
slightly  fragrant,  carmine  when  iu  bud  ;  petals  very  broad ; 
inner  flower  rose-colour,  slightly  tinged  (sometimes  streaked) 
with  white,  with  a  broad  margin  of  bright  carmine.  Outer 
flower  deep  rose  with  a  narrow  margin  of  light  carmine  ; 
throat  iu  both  light  rose-colour  rayed  with  deeper  rose.  A 
very  fine  variety. 

Pierre  Rqudier.— Flowers  of  medium  size,  often  with  a 
triple  corolla,  each  of  the  tliree  quite  distinct  from  the  others; 

Eetals  very  broad,  of  a  deep  carmine  when  in  bud.  Inner 
ower  of  a  delicate  rose-colour,  tinged  with  deeper  rose  (some- 
tunes  with  white  rays),  and  margined  with  bright  rose.  "When 
there  are  three  corollas,  the  intermediate  one  is  similar 
to  the  inner  one.  The  outer  flower  has  narrower  petals  ; 
throat  of  all  (three  or  two  corollas)  deep  rose,  yellowish- 
white  at  the  base  and  strongly  marked  with  deep  rosy  rays. 
A  fine  variety. 

Proeesseur  Dltranu.— Flowers  of  medium  size,  sulphur- 
yellow  when  in  bud  ;  petals  broad  ;  inner  flower  straw-colour; 
throat  .sulphur-yellow,  margined  with  very  long  and  finely-cut 
appendages.  Outer  llower  set  at  a  great  distance  from  the 
inner  one,  and  of  the  same  colour  except  in  the  throat,  wliich 


is    of   a    lemon-yellow    and    margined  with    wide-spreading, 
appendages.     A  very  fine  variety, 

Madame  Planciion. — Flowers  very  large,  slightly  fragrant, 
light  carmine  when  in  bud  ;  petals  broad  ;  inner  flower,  some- 
times divided  into  two  parts,  of  a  delicate  lilac-rose  (sometimes 
rayed  with  white),  and  margined  with  deep  lilac.  Outer 
flower  of  a  deeper  lilac-rose  ;  throat  in  both  of  a  straw-colour, 
faintly  rayed  with  light  carmine  and  margined  with  finely-cut 
rose-coloured  appendages.     A  very  fine  variety.  W.  M. 


ATTALEA  SPBCIOSA. 
This  belongs  to  a  genus  of  lofty  Palms,  natives  of  tropical 
South  America.  Their  leaves  are  large  and  pinnate,  often 
curving  naturally  in  such  a  graceful  way  as  to  form  perfect 
arches.  Tree  Ferns  are  now  comparatively  common  at  our 
flower  shows,  as  are  also  young  Palms ;  but  among  the  latter 
what  could  be  more  delightful  in  the  centre  of  a  tent  than  a 
plant  of  this  fine  Brazilian  species  ?  It  must,  however,  have 
attained  a  height  of  from  20  to  30  feet  before  its  beauty  can 
be  said  to  have  been  fully  developed.  A  singular  fact  iu 
reference  to  this  genus  is,  that  the  stem  runs  in  the  ground, 
the  new  roots  keeping  the  growing  point  under,  the  old  part 
only  turning  up.  Its  local  name  is  Inaja.  It  requires  to  be 
kept  very  wet,  and  in  a  stove  temperature.  It  is,  however, 
one  of  the  easiest  of  all  Palms  to  grow.  Goquilli  nuts,  used 
for  toy  making  and  for  other  purposes,  are  the  seeds  produced 
by  this  and  other  species  of  Attalea.  Such  fine-leaved  plants 
as  this  should  have  a  clear  space  around  them,  or  their  beauty 
is  impaired.  J.  Croucuer. 

Triteleia  uniflora.^I  have  half  a  dozen  pots  with  twelve  roots 
of  this  Triteleia  in  each,  and  I  left  them  iu  a  frame  where  they  were 
wintered  with  Violets,  Deutzias,  &c.  The  roots  were  strong  and 
selected  as  the  best.  They  came  up  well  and  made  good  "  Grass," 
but  only  on  one  potful  was  there  any  bloom.  AVere  they  not  treated 
properly  ?  or  how  should  I  act  when  potting  them  in  a  short  time  ? 
If  you  can  give  mo  some  hints  as  to  the  successful  treatment  of 
them,  I  shall  be  much  obliged. — J.  T.  P.  [You  ought  to  have  been 
snccessful,  as  your  treatment  seems  right.  Perhaps  yon  have  too 
many  roots  for  the  size  of  the  pots.  We  should  put  twelve  in  a  5  or 
6-iuch  pot,  set  them  ont  of  doors  till  the  pots  are  well  covered  with 
foliage,  then  place  thera  in  the  greenhouse  close  to  the  glass,  and 
take  care  that  they  never  suffer  from  want  of  water.  Where  Violets 
succeed,  this  Triteleia  ought  also  to  succeed;  but  try  the  greenhouse 
shelf,  and  in  a  sonthern  aspect  you  may  have  it  in  flower  right 
throughout  the  winter.  In  mild  winters  we  have  seen  it  in  flower 
in  the  open  ground,  from  December  onwards,  and  in  ordinary  seasons 
it  commences  to  flower  about  March  ;  indoors  it  should  therefore 
flower  right  throughout  the  winter  months. — Peter  Barr.] 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GARDEN. 


Double-flowered  Begonias.— M.  Leon  de  Samt-Jean,  vice-president  of  the 
C'rrcln  horficol''  !i/o)i>iais,  vsTites  to  a  continental  horticultural  journal,  stating 
that  a  double- llower ed  variety  of  Bep:onia  Scdeui  has  made  its  appearance  iu 
the  gardens  of  the  Pare  de  la  TiJte  d'Or  at  Lyons. 

Agave  Hookeri. — The  noble  specimen  of  this  Aloe  in  the  succulent  house 
at  Kcw  is  evidently  preparing  to  throw  up  its  flower-spike.  The  lower  leaves 
droop  much  more  placidly  than  iLsual,  and  are  assuming  the  sickly  colour 
peculiar  to  these  plants  when  about  to  flower. 

The  Australian  Grass  Tree  (Xauthorrlicea  australis).— Afinc  imported 
plant  of  this  IS  just  now  throwinti  up  a  hower-spike  in  the  succulent  house  at 
Kew.  The  pliint  measures  from  G  to  8  feet  in  height,  and  bears  a  spike  re- 
sembling that  of  the  c3mmoii  Bullrush  (Typha)  of  our  ponds  and  ditches. 

Glazonia  insignis.— This  elegant  dwarf  Palm  is,  nest  to  Cocos  Weddellinnn, 
perhaps  one  of  the  most  charming  of  the  smaller  species  yet  in  cultivation.  It 
is  a  little  taller  than  C.  Weddelliann ,  and  has  narrower  leaves,  which  in  certain 
lights  display  a  silvery-metallic  reflection.  Both  are  natives  of  the  same  district 
in  Brazil,  and  require  similar  treatment. 

Ismene  calantlxina.— This  is  a  scarce  but  beautifully  fragrant  greenhouse 
Ijullj,  which  bears  a  couple  of  pure  white  flowers  on  scapes  a  foot  high.  The 
corona  is  very  large,  and  the  filaments  of  the  anthers  are  each  bent  horizontally, 
something  in  the  style  of  the  Glorlosas.  It  has  green  strap-shaped  leaves 
nearly  as  long  as  the  scapes,  and  the  plant  is  well  worth  growing  on  account 
of  its  delicious  perfume.    It  is  flowering  in  the  Heath  house  at  Kew. — F.  W.  B. 

Csropegla  S  aim  dors  oni.— This  singular  species  is  just  now  in  flower  in  the 
stoves  at  Kew.  It  is  a  chmber,  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  has  dai*k 
green  stems  and  deep  green  Hoya-like  leaves.  Its  flowers  measure  an  inch 
and  a  half  across,  are  funnel-shaped,  and  have  a  curious  umbrella-like  cover 
over  the  orifice  of  the  tube.  Its  flower  has  a  translucent  appearance,  and  is 
white  netted  with  apple-green.  The  plant  is  easily  propagated,  and  is  well 
worth  attention. — B. 


Aug.  16, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


isl 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 

PENTSTBMONS. 
This  extensive  and  handsome  family  of  plants  is  nearly  allied 
to  our  native  Foxglove  (Digitalis).  It  differs  from  them, 
however,  in  the  circumstance  tliat  all  the  flowers  of  the  genus 
have  five  stamens,  to  which  it  owes  its  botanical  name,  which 
is  compounded  of  the  Greek  words,  prnte  five,  and  stomoii 
stamen.  The  arrangement  of  these  stamens  is  not  a  little 
remarkable,  the  fifth  being  always  placed  at  the  base  of  the 
corolla  on  the  opposite  side  to  the  other  four,  and  reaching 
right  across  the  interior  of  the  flower  until  it  meets  the  upper 
side.  This  stamen  is  iuvarialjly  barren,  that  is,  it  never  bears 
au  anther,  and  its  function  appears  to  be  that  of  a  sort  of 
lever,  which,  when  a  bee  enters  the  flower,  shall  bring  down 
upon  him  the  anthers  of  the  four  fertile  stamens,  aud  ensure 
that  his  body  shall  be  well  dusted  with  their  pollen  for  the 
fertilisation  of  the  next  flower  into  which  he  may  enter.  This 
genus  of  plants  belongs  exclusively  to  North  America,  its 
distribution  ranging  from  the  higher  latitudes  of  the  United 
States  to  the  Isthmus  of  Panama,  and  they  are  found  in  every 
variety  of  soil  and  position — in  low  alluvial  districts,  in  sandy 
or  calcareous  plains,  in  pine  barrens,  on  the  slopes  of  moun- 
tains, aud  even  near  their  summits,  close  under  the  lino  of 
eternal  snow,  where  they  are  necessarily  of  dwarf  stature,  but 
display  the  rare  and  vivid  beauty  of  bloom  characteristic  of 
almost  all  Alpine  plants.  They  are  all  perennial  plants,  with 
opposite,  glaucous,  or  shining,  leaves,  and  bear  their  Foxglove- 
like flowers  in  panicles  or  clusters,  in  various  shades  of  blue, 
violet,  purple,  yellow,  and  white. 

PROPAGATION    OP   PENTSTEMONS. 

This  is  effected  either  by  means  of  seed  or  by  cuttings.  Any 
attempt  to  multiply  them  by  division  of  the  tufts  will  be  found 
to  result,  for  the  most  part,  in  the  entire  loss  of  the  plants. 
P.  barbatus  aud  P.  procerus,  however,  endure  this  mode  of 
propagation.  Seed  should  be  sown  in  February  or  March  on  a 
gentle  hot-bed  under  a  frame  in  seed-pans  well  drained  with 
broken  plaster,  and  filled  with  a  compost  of  peat-soil  and  sand. 
In  April  the  seedlings  should  be  pricked  out  under  a  frame,  aijd 
these,  planted  out  in  May,  will,  as  a  rule,  usually  come  into 
flower  by  autumn  of  the  same  year.  Another  mode  is  to  sow 
in  May  or  June,  in  the  open  air,  in  ground  enriched  with  leaf- 
mould.  The  seed-beds  should  he  covered  with  chopped  Moss 
to  preserve  a  uniform  coolness  and  humidity.  In  August  the 
seedlings  should  be  potted  and  removed  to  a  greenhouse  or 
conservatory  for  the  winter.  It  is  necessary  to  observe  that 
the  seed,  sown  at  either  of  these  seasons,  frequently  does  not 
genninate  until  the  following  year.  Amongst  the  finest  kinds 
of  Pentstemon  the  following  are  most  deserving  of  notice : — 
P.  acuminatus,  azureus,  barbatus,  campanulatus,  Cobasa, 
cordifolius,  cyananthns.  Digitalis,  gentianoides,  gi-andiflorus, 
Hartwegii,  heterophyllus,  Jaffrayanus,  linearis,  Lobbii,  ovatus, 
procerus,  speciosus,  Torreyi,  (a  variety  of  barbatus),  venustus, 
and  Wrightii.  P.  Cobrea  (true)  is  a  magnificent  species 
having  larger  flowers  than  any  other  of  the  family,  of  a  rosy- 
white,  streaked  with  a  port-wine  tinge.  The  gem  of  the  genus, 
however,  is  P.  Jafl^rayanus,  which  has  flowers  of  an  exquisite 
blue  with  lustrous  metallic  reflections.  P.  Lobbii  is  the  only 
species  which  has  yellow  flowers.  Of  the  numerous  hybrids 
(many  of  which  surpass  their  progenitors  in  beauty)  which 
have  been  raised  by  florists  we  do  not  propose  to  take  notice 
here,  our  concern,  for  the  present,  being  merely  with  the  finest 
of  the  natural  species.  As  regards  hardiness,  the  following 
distinction  may  be  made,  classing  amongst  the  most  hardy,  P. 
Digitalis,  ovatus,  campanulatus,  acuminatus,  barbatus,  argutus, 
procerus,  and  venustus,  while  amongst  the  less  hardy  are  P. 
Cobasa,  azureus,  INIurrayanus,  cyananthns,  Jaffrayanus,  grandi- 
florus,  heterophyllus,  Torreyi,  and  Wrightii.  These,  if  left  in 
the  open  air  in  winter,  should  be  covered  with  a  cloche  or  bell- 
glass,  and  during  frost  the  necks  of  the  plants  should  be 
protected  with  alittle  mound  of  sandand  a  few  haudf  uls  of  Moss. 
In  order  to  secure  a  vigorous  growth  and  luxuriant  bloom, 
it  is  necessary  to  plant  them  in  a  warm  and  airy  position,  with 
an  easterly  aspect.  The  soil  should  be  well  drained,  light,  but 
substantial,  and  manured  with  lime-rubl)ish.  Heavy,  cold,  and 
damp  soils  do  not  suit  them. 


THE  FLAME  NASTURTIUM. 
(trop.eolum  speciosum.) 
This  is  one  of  those  plants  that  are  found  in  many  gardens, 
but  very  seldom  in  good  condition.  That  failure,  however, 
must  not  always  be  attributed  to  the  cultivator,  for  sometimes 
soil  audclimate  are  against  theplant,and, no  matter  how  we  treat 
it,  it  will  not  grow  luxuriantly  and  satisfactorily.  When  the 
conditions  are  favourable  to  its  growth,  it  is  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  plants  that  can  be  introduced  into  a  garden,  growing, 
as  it  does  when  in  perfection,  to  a  height  of  10  or  12  feet, 
or  even  more,  and  producing  an  immense  mass  of  vermiliou- 
crimson  flowers,  with  the  most  elegant  drapery  of  bright  green 
six-lobed  leaves.  It  is  certain,  however,  that  it  requires  a  deep 
open  soil,  well  drained  and  somewhat  peaty,  plenty  of  mois- 
ture in  the  soil  being  always  necessary,  and  the  plants  seem  to 
thrive  best  in  partial  shade,  and  in  localities  where  the  atmos- 
phere is  naturally  somewhat  moist.  The  finest  specimen  of 
this  Tropa3olum  that  I  ever  saw  was  one  growing  against  the 
western  gable  of  a  blacksmith's  house  on  the  estate  of  Altyre, 
in  Morayshire.  The  house  being  in  a  small  open  space  near 
the  centre  of  a  large  wood,  it  was  well  sheltered  ;  the  atmos- 
phere was  rather  moist,  and  the  soil  open,  damp,  and  of  a  peaty- 
loam  character.  The  fire-places  in  that  part  of  the  country 
being  generally  the  old-fashioned  hearths,  and  commonly 
situated  against  the  gables,  the  soil  immediately  outside  of  the 
wall  is  consequently  warmer  than  that  in  other  parts  of  the 
garden.  On  this  gable  the  plants  grow  most  luxuriantly, 
reaching  to  the  top  of  the  house  (a  distance  of  about  1.5  feet), 
and  from  Midsiimmer  until  late  in  autumn  form  a  brilliant 
sheet  of  crimson.  This  piece  of  bright  colour,  surrounded  on 
all  sides  by  the  dark  green  of  the  Scotch  Firs,  is  the  attraction 
of  the  whole  neighbourhood.  At  Brodie  Castle,  on  the  western 
side  of  the  large  conservatory,  is  a  wire  trellis  covered  with  this 
beautiful  plant,  which  wanders  from  the  trellis  and  intermixes 
with  the  fruit  trees  on  the  adjoining  wall,  the  top  of  which  it 
surmounts.  The  soil  in  which  this  specimen  is  growing  is  a 
light  loam. 

In  Messrs.  Veitch's  nurseries,  at  Exeter,  this  climbing  plant 
used  to  be  grown  to  perfection,  Mr.  Taylor,  the  foreman  (now 
at  Chelsea),  told  me  that  he  scooped  out  a  trench,  filled  it  with 
fagots,  over  which  were  placed  peaty  turves,  then  the  ordinary 
soil,  and  by  this  means  the  plants  in  question  attained  their 
glorious  development.  In  the  Chelsea  nurseries,  however,  Mr. 
Taylor  has  tried  it  in  a  border  at  the  base  of  one  of  the  stove 
walls  ;  but  he  cannot,  by  any  amount  of  coaxing,  entice  the  plants 
to  grow  well,  although  they  are  apparently  in  an  excellent 
position.  To  the  vitiated  atmosphere  of  the  district,  and  per- 
haps the  dryness  of  the  soil  caused  by  the  heat  of  the  stove 
wall,  he  attributes  this. 

Although  this  plant  is  so  difiicult  to  grow  well,  it  is, 
nevertheless,  very  tenacious  of  life,  and  will  continue  to  exist, 
growing  and  spreading  a  little,  even  under  very  adverse 
circumstances.  A  trellis  should  be  provided  for  the  shoots 
to  creep  on ;  the  wire  netting  commonly  used  for  rabbit 
fences  suits  admirably ;  and,  as  the  plants  have  a  particular 
tendency  to  grow  upwards,  they  seldom  require  any  tieing 
beyond  re-inserting  any  cross  shoots  that  may  emerge  from  the 
main  body  and  hang  down.  An  erect  growth^  should  be 
encouraged  until  the  plants  have  attained  the  desired  height, 
when  they  mav  be  permitted  to  depend  their  shoots  in  graceful 
drapery,  and  perfect  and  exhibit  their  blooms  to  advantage. 
After  the  shoots  have  been  destroyed  by  frost,  if  not  objection- 
able, they  may  be  left  untouched  till  spring,  when  they  should 
be  removed,  and  the  trellis  properly  cleaned  for  the  young 
shoots.  As  the  bulk  of  the  thick  and  fleshy  roots  keeps  pretty 
near  the  surface  of  the  soil,  a  mulching  of  decaying  leaves  over 
them  will  be  found  beneficial.  This  plant  may  be  readily  pro- 
pagated by  cutting  up  the  roots  in  spring  into  as  many  bits  as 
there  are  pushing  eyes  on  them,  and  replanting  them  imme- 
diately ;  or  it  may  l^e  increased  from  seeds  saved  in  the 
autumn,  and  sown  in  pots  or  in  the  open  border  in  spring. 
Young  plants,  however,  take  some  years  before  they  attain 
strength  enough  to  be  particularly  showy,  but  in  the  mean- 
time, with  a  little  care,  the  deficiency  may  be  made  up  by 
means  of  Tropasolum  canarieuse,  Bothwelhanum,and  brilliant. 
Woftmi  ITaU  Gardens,  Ayleshvry.  James  Mobiiison. 


132 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  16,  1873. 


THE  ARTICHOKE  AND  OARDOON  AS  ORNA- 
MENTAL PLANTS. 
These  plants,  eeldom  seen  except  in  kitchen  gardens,  might  be 
employed  with  much  advantage  in  plantations  of  what  are  termed 
"  iine-foliagcd  "  or  "  snb-tropical  "  plants,  were  it  for  nothing  else 
but  the  contrast  afforded  by  their  distinct  and  striking  foliage.  Both 
plants,  moreover,  arc  perfectly  hardy  and  of  easy  culture.  The  fine 
leaves  of  the  Artichoke  (Cynara  Scolymus),  which  grow  from  3  to 
4  feet  long,  and  are  of  a  pale  green  colour  on  the  upper  surface,  and 
covered  with  a  whitish  cottony-down  beneath,  are  exceedingly 
ornamental,  whether  the  plants  be  placed  as  single  specimens  or 
grouped  three  or  more  together.  Few  plants  are  more  easily  grown ; 
all  it  requires  is  a  deep,  substantial,  and  well-mannred  soil.  During 
the  summer,  the  ground  should  be  kept  tree  from  weeds,  and  water 
should  be  given  freely.  AVhen  the  heads  make  their  appearance  in 
the  end  of  the  summer,  the  plants  become  still  more  ornamental. 
The  best  kinds,  from  a  decorative  point  of  view,  are  those  known  in 
France  as  the  Artichant  violet,  the  Artichaut  vert,  the  Artichaut 
Laon,  and  the  Artichaut  camus.  All  of  them  are  easily  propagated 
from  off-sets. 

The  Cardoon  (Cynara  Carduiiculus)  is,  perhaps,  still  more  orna- 
mental than  the  Artichoke,  to  which  it  is  nearly  allied.  It  has 
somewhat  of  the  character  of  a  huge  Thistle,  with  broad,  deeply-cut 
leaves  3  to  4  feet  long,  of  a  delicate  green  colour,  covered  with  a 
whitish  down,  and  frequently  spiny.  The  kinds  grown  in  kitchen, 
gardens  are  comparatively  smooth. leaved,  such  as  the  Cardou  plein 
inerme  and  the  Cardon  Puvis.  They  are  not  so  ornamental,  however, 
as  the  Cardon  de  Tours,  which  is  a  particularly  spiny  kind,  and  not  so 
much  cultivated  as  the  others  as  a  vegetable,  from  the  greater  diffi- 
culty in  gathering  in  the  crop.  When  any  of  the  kinds  are  grown 
for  ornament  the  leaves  should  never  be  tied  up  and  blanched,  as  if 
they  were  grown  as  vegetables.  As  an  isolated  specimen,  the 
Cardoon  is  one  of  the  most  ornamental  and  effective  foliage-plants  that 
can  be  grown.  It  is  raised  from  seed,  and  requires  no  greater  atten. 
tion  than  the  Artichoke  in  its  culture,  the  details  of  which  are  pre- 
cisely  the  same. 


The  Day  Lily  (Hemerocallis). — This  very  deco'-ative  plant  is 
not  so  generally  used  as  it  should  be  in  shrubberies  and  flower 
borders,  in  semi-wild  situations,  and  on  the  margins  of  ponds  and 
lakes.  For  nearly  two  months  past  in  my  grounds  it  has  been 
an  object  of  general  admiration.  The  first  to  flower  was  H. 
Sieboldii,  with  its  fine  orange  coloured  flowers  and  graceful  narrow 
foliage.  After  that  came  H.  fulva,  with  bronze  orange-red 
flowers  shading  off  to  crimson,  the  centre  being  yellow.  Next  came 
H.  Thnnbergi,  clear  beautiful  yellow.  Then  H.  Kwauso  flore  pleno, 
with  large  double  flowers  of  a  flne  rich  apricot  colour,  shading  off  to 
crimson,  and  along  with  it  H.  disticha  flore  pleno,  with  rich  glowing 
orange  finely  formed  double  flowers,  shading  off  to  intense  crimson.  H. 
fulva  and  Kwanso  flore  pleno  attain  a  height  of  4  feet ;  Thnnbergi, 
3  feet;  disticha  flore  pleno,  a  little  over  2  feet;  and  Sieboldii,  about  2 
feet.  Besides  these  I  have  other  varieties  of  Hemerocallis  in  my 
collection  which  have  not  yet  bloomed.  For  furnishing  vases,  the 
cut  spikes  of  flower  are  most  ornamental.  As  with  ordinary  Lilies 
all  the  undeveloped  flower-buds  expand  in  water. — Peter  Baku, 
12,  King  Street,  Co  cent  Garden. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 


The  Rosy  Loose-strife  (Lythrum  Salicaria  roseum).— This  handsome 
variety  of  a  well-known  native  plant,  now  hlooming  so  showily  in  many 
gardens  where  good  perennials  are  grown,  should  be  planted  by  the  side  of 
lakes,  streams,  and  ornamental  water.n.  in  which  positions  it  will  thrive  apace. 
It  also  grows  well  in  dry  ground. — W.  R. 

Vases. — As  you  have  (July  19th)  devoted  to  Terra  Cotta  r.  Iron  a  few  lines 
in  your  paper,  perhaps  you  may  think  it  but  fair  to  allow  us  to  state  that  those 
two  materials  are  not  the  only  ones  with  which  durable  vases  are  made.  We 
have  one  in  our  show  y.ard  which  was  placed  there  in  1826 ;  it  is  8  feet  in 
diameter,  and  has  been  tilled  with  earth  ever  since,  i.e.,  during  both  summer 
and  winter  for  forty-six  years. — Austin  k  Seely. 

Nasturtium  on  Irish  Yew. — In  a  Kentish  garden,  the  other  day,  I  saw  a 
pretty  little  picture  formed  by  shoots  of  Nasturtium  running  up  some  Irish 
Yews  planted  near.  A  single  shoot  with  its  blazing  flowers  seen  against  the 
dark  foliage  ot  the  Yew,  was  very  much  more  effective  than  some  large 
masses  of  the  same  Nasturtium  on  the  ground  close  by.  Such  combinations 
are  very  pretty,  and  may  be  made  in  great  variety  without  injury  to  the  tree  or 
shrub  which  forms  the  su])port. — W.  R. 

Stellaria  graminifolia  aurea.— This  Chickweed  is  a  purely  golden  variety, 
ot  the  species  whose  name  it  bears,  and  it  retains  persistently  its  yellow  colour 
throughout  the  whole  year.  Amongst  carpet  plants  it  will  be  found  extremely 
useful,  more  particularly  so  on  account  of  its  adaptability  for  growing  mider  a 
moderate  amount  ot  shade,  such  as  that  produced  by  broad-heatled  Rhodo- 
dendrons, tall  Fuchsias,  and  India-rubber  plants.  It  requires  pinching  now  and 
then  to  keep  it  within  bounds,  and  to  preserve  the  symmetry  ot  the  pattern 
when  used  in  that  way,  and  it  grows  freely  in  any  kind  of  garden  soil.— J. 
Andebson. 


A  BUDDHIST  GARDEN. 
The  accompanying  illustration  is  a  representation  of  tbc 
surrounding.s  of  a  Buddhist  temple  in  Ceylon,  and  of  the  rich 
vegetation  by  which  such  building.s  are  surrounded.  They 
are  generally  situated  in  a  well-wooded  grove  and  in  a 
neighbourhood  in  which  water  is  abundant.  In  Sir  Emmerson 
Tennent's  history  of  Ceylon,  published  by  Messrs.  Longman, 
we  find  the  following  remarks  in  reference  to  Buddhism  and 
horticulture. 

One  peculiarity  in  the  Buddhist  ceremonial  served  at  all  times  to 
give  a  singular  impulse  to  the  progress  of  horticulture.  Flowers 
and  garlands  are  introduced  in  its  religious  rites  to  the  utmost  excess. 
The  atmosphere  of  the  wiharas  and  temples  is  rendered  oppressive 
with  the  perfume  of  Champac  and  Jessamine,  and  the  shrine  of  the 
deity,  the  pedestals  of  his  image,  and  the  steps  leading  to  the 
temple  are  strewn  thickly  with  blossoms  of  the  Nagaha  and  the 
Lotus.  At  an  earlier  period  the  profusion  in  which  these  beautiful 
emblems  were  employed  in  sacred  decorations  appears  almost  incre- 
dible ;  the  Mahawanso  relates  that  the  Ruanwelle  dagoba,  which  was 
270  feet  in  height,  was  on  one  occasion  "  festooned  with  garlands 
from  pedestal  to  pinnacle  till  it  resembled  one  uniform  bouquet;" 
and  at  another  time,  it  and  the  lofty  dagoba  at  Mihintala  were 
buried  under  heaps  of  Jessamine  from  the  ground  to  the  summit. 
Fa  Hian,  in  describing  his  visit  to  Anarajapoora  in  the  fourth  century, 
dwells  with  admiration  and  wonder  on  the  perfumes  and  flowers 
lavished  on  their  worship  by  the  Singhalese ;  and  the  native  historians 
constantly  allude  as  familiar  incidents  to  the  profusion  in  which  they 
were  employed  on  ordinary  occasions,  and  to  the  formation  by  suc- 
cessive kings  of  innumerable  gardens  for  the  floral  requirements  of 
the  temples.  The  capital  was  surrounded  on  all  sides  by  flower  gar. 
dens,  and  these  were  multiplied  so  extensively  that,  according  to  the 
Kajaratnacari,  one  was  to  be  found  within  a  distance  of  four  leagues 
in  any  part  of  Ceylon.  Amongst  the  regulations  of  the  temple  built  at 
Dambedenia,  in  the  thirteenth  century,  was  "  every  day  an  offering 
ot  100,000  flowers,  and  each  day  a  different  flower."  Another 
advantage  conferred  by  Buddhism  on  the  country  was  the  planting 
ot  fruit  trees  and  esculent  vegetables  for  the  gratuitous  use  of 
travellers  in  all  the  frequented  parts  of  the  island.  The  historical 
evidences  of  this  are  singularly  corroborative  of  the  genuineness  ot 
the  Buddhist  edicts  engraved  on  various  rocks  and  monuments  in 
India,  the  deciphering  of  which  was  the  grand  achievement  of 
Prinsep  and  his  learned  coadjutors.  On  the  pillars  ot  Delhi,  Alla- 
habad, and  other  places,  and  on  the  rocks  ot  Giruar  and  Dhauli,  there 
exist  a  number  of  Pali  inscriptions  purporting  to  be  edicts  ot  Asoka 
(the  Dharmasoca  of  the  Mahawanso),  King  of  Magadha,  in  the  third 
century  before  the  Christian  era,  who,  on  his  conversion  to  the  religion 
of  Buddha,  commissioned  Mahiudo,  his  son,  to  undertake  its  establish- 
ment in  Ceylon.  In  these  edicts,  which  were  promulgated  in  the 
vernacular  dialect,  the  king  endeavoured  to  impress  both  upon  his 
subjects  and  allies,  as  well  as  those  who,  although  aliens,  were  yet 
"  united  in  the  law  "  of  Buddha,  the  divine  precepts  ot  their  great 
teacher ;  prominent  amongst  which  are  the  prohibition  against  taking 
animal  lite,  and  the  injunction  that,  "everywhere  wholesome 
vegetables,  roots,  and  fruit  trees  .shall  be  cultivated,  and  that  on  the 
roads  wells  shall  be  dug  and  trees  planted  tor  the  enjoymenc  ot 
men  and  animals."  In  apparent  conformity  with  these  edicts,  one 
ot  the  kings  ot  Ceylon,  Addagaimunu,  about  the  year  20  .v.d.,  is 
stated  in  the  Mahawanso  to  have  "caused  to  be  planted  throughout 
the  island  every  description  ot  fruit-bearing  creepers,  and  inter, 
dieted  the  destruction  of  animal  lite,"  and  similar  acts  ot  pious 
benevolence,  performed  by  command  of  various  other  sovereigns,  are 
adverted  to  on  numerous  occasions. 

Our  illustration  shows  a  noble  Talipot  Palm  (Corypha  um- 
braculifera),  the  leaves  of  which  are  used  by  the  Buddhist 
monks — prepared  in  small  narrow  strips — as  books  on  which 
to  record  their  sacred  writings,  &c.  The  history  and  poetical 
writings  of  Ceylon  have  been  for  ages  past  written  on  these 
narrow  strips  of  Palm  leaves,  known  to  the  natives  by  the 
term  of  Olas.  The  leaves  of  the  Talipot  Palm  are  also  used 
as  umbrellas  and  sunshades,  also  for  covering  huts  and 
making  temporary  tents.  It  is  the  noblest  of  the  Palm 
family,  growing  often  to  the  height  of  100  feet.  It  only  flowers 
once  and  then  diss.  I  saw  a  noble  grove,  about  three  years 
ago,  all  flowering  at  one  time.  They  had  a  truly  grand  appear- 
ance, and  would  produce  some  thousands  of  seeds.  Every 
temple  must  have  its  sacred  "  Bo  Tree"  (Picus  religiosa),  as 
shown  in  our  drawing,  taken  from  the  ancient  tree  at  Andi'O- 
japoora,  planted  there  by  Budda  or  his  followers,  and  said  to  be 
one  of  the  oldest  trees  in  the  world ;  they  are  usually  planted  in 
some  conspicuous  place  fronting  the  temple.    Peter  Wallace. 


Aug.  16,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


133 


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THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  16,1873. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

GRAPES  WORTH  GROWING. 
While  agreeing  with  "  S."  (see  p.  88)  in  regard  to  most  of  the 
Grapes  he  enumerates  as  worth  growing,  I  must  demur  to  the 
Golden  Champion.  No  Grape  has  ever  caused  so  much  disappoint- 
ment. As  a  rule,  it  is  utterly  worthless.  So  much  is  this  the  case 
that  I  question  if  its  raiser  has  a  single  Vine  of  it  in  his  huge 
vineyard.  Some  Grapes  crack,  shank,  and  refuse  to  colour  or  finish 
well ;  others  are  bad  keepers,  rotting  almost  as  soon  as  ripe ;  but 
the  Golden  Champion  rots  before  it  is  fit  to  eat.  When  approaching 
maturity,  the  spot  over-runs  the  bcn-ies,  and  each  spot  becomes  a 
nucleus  of  rottenness  ;  and  this  is  the  rule.  One  could  almost  count 
the  exceptions  on  the  fingers  of  one  hand,  and  the  exceptions  are  not 
constant.  Where  it  has  ripened  properly  one  season,  it  spots  and 
rots  the  next.  Hundreds  of  cultivators  have  cut  it  out  and  thrown 
it  away,  or  worked  it  with  better  sorts.  Such  being  the  case,  and 
I  can  vouch  for  these  facts,  I  say  to  your  readers  who  are  about  to 
plant  the  Golden  Champion,  "  Don't."  As  to  the  Duke  of  Bucclench, 
I  can  also  speak  with  authority.  It  has  more  than  all  the  good 
qualities  of  the  Golden  Champion  with  none  of  its  faults.  No  spot, 
no  tendency  to  rot  when  ripe  ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  is  one  of  the  best 
keeping  of  early  Grapes.  Its  size,  also,  exceeds  that  of  all  others.  It 
is  six  weeks  earlier  than  the  Black  Hamburgh  under  the  same  treatment. 
Its  flavour  and  character  are  best  described  thus  :  What  champagne 
is  among  wines,  the  Duke  of  Buccleuch  is  among  Grapes.  The  raiser  has 
such  faith  in  it  that  he  has  furnished  two  Vineries,  each  200  feet 
long  and  20  wide,  with  this  variety  for  market.  It  also  fetches 
almost  double  the  price  of  other  Grapes  in  Covent  Garden,  and  in 
Edinburgh,  Glasgow,  and  other  large  towns.  Emphatically,  I  should 
enrol  the  Duke  of  Buccleuch  among  the  Grapes  most  worth  planting. 
As  to  the  "Waltham  Cross  Grape,  it  looks  well  on  paper  ;  but  I  have 
no  ex-perience  of  its  qualities.  It  is  spoken  well  of  by  many,  and,  as 
"  S."  writes,  itshould  be  tried.  The  Madresfield  Court  is  a  nobleGrape; 
but  it  cracks  to  a  serious  and  disfiguring  extent  in  some  places — -a 
little,  probably,  in  all.  I  should  be  glad  to  have  the  experience  of 
Mr.  Stevens,  of  Trentham,  and  Mr.  Speed,  of  Chatsworth,  both  of 
whom  grow  this  Gi'ape  extremely  well,  on  this  fault  this  year,  before 
very  strongly  recommending  it  for  general  cultivation.  It  is  a  most 
discouraging  termination  to  a  course  of  careful  culture  to  have  the 
berries  burst  in  a  wholesale  manner.  Doubtless  a  dry  tempera- 
ture inside  checks  to  some  extent  this  tendency  to  split ;  but 
it  can  hardly  counteract  a  heavy  rain,  or  watering  at  the  roots,  or  a 
spell  of  close,  moist,  muggy  weather.  The  Chasselas  Mnsque  is  dis- 
tinguished by  the  same  fault — viz.,  that  of  cracking.  It  is,  however, 
easily  stopped  by  an  extremely  dry  temperature,  which  causes  a  slight 
shrivelling ;  and,  when  that  state  is  induced,  all  danger  from  crack- 
ing is  over — the  skin  gains  strength,  and  the  pressure  upon  it  is 
removed.  Finally,  I  think  "  S."  ranks  Kaisin  de  Calabre  rather  too 
highly.  A  Grape  that  requires  the  same  treatment  as  the  Muscats  to 
perfect  it  is  hardly  worth  growing,  unless  in  situations  where  the 
Muscat  refuses  to  thrive,  or  in  those  still  rarer  cases  where  it  is  not 
liked.  D.  T.  Fish. 


THE  EIG  IN  POTS. 
There  is  no  plan  so  simple  and  so  successfnl  as  that  of  growing  the 
Fig  in  pots  when  it  is  grown  under  glass.  The  plants  are  so 
completely  under  control,  and  their  culture  and  general  management 
is  such  a  simple  matter,  that  the  merest  novice  in  gardening  may 
succeed.  It  is  a  number  of  years  now  since  I  adopted  the  pot 
system  with  early  and  free-bearing  varieties  like  the  Brown  Turkey 
(for  there  are  some  kinds,  like  the  Castle  Kennedy  Fig,  which  are 
not  adapted  for  pot  culture),  and  the  crops  have  always  been 
excellent,  sometimes  three  crops  in  a  season ;  in  fact,  three  crops 
may  be  had  as  easily  as  two — it  is  only  a  matter  of  starting  the 
plants  a  little  earlier,  and  carrying  them  on  a  little  later.  Those 
■who  think  of  attempting  the  pot  system  should  look  out  for  their 
plants  in  autuniu.  It  does  not  matter  much  whether  they  are  big 
or  little,  as  yonng  plants  bear  equally  well  as  old  ones  in  pots  ;  and 
they  retiuire  less  pot  room  at  fii-st,  and  can  be  grovni  closer  together, 
so  that  the  allotted  space  may  be  filled  at  once,  and  a  large  quantity 
of  fruit  gathered  the  fii-st  season.  When  I  began  first  it  was  with  a 
nondescript  collection  of  plants,  chiefiy  Brown  Turkey,  gathered 
from  various  sources,  some  of  which  had  been  in  their  pots  for  ten 
years  or  more,  and  some  not  as  many  months.  In  autunm,  just 
before  the  leaves  fell  off,  they  wore  all  re-potted.  The  young  plants 
received  a  larger  shift,  and  the  old  ones  had  their  matted  balls 
sliced  down,  and  were  restored  to  the  same  sized  pots  again,  using  a 
good  strong  fibry  loam  well  chopped  up,  and  mixed  with  a  consider- 
able quantity  of  old  lime-rubbish,  which  is  most  suitable  for  Figs. 
The  object  of  potting  the  plants  in  autumn  before  the  leaves  fall  is 


to  give  the  roots  a  start  before  winter  sots  in,  and  partially  establish 
the  plants.  If  the  potting  is  delayed  beyond  this  period,  the 
chances  are  that  the  fii-st  crop  of  fruit  will  drop  the  follon-ing 
season ;  and  as  pot  Figs  require  to  be  re-potted  every  season,  or 
every  second  season  at  the  farthest,  this  is  a  matter  of  some 
importance.  To  have  ripe  Figs  early  in  May  and  in  June,  the  plants 
must  be  started  by  the  beginning  of  February.  The  second  crop  is 
generally  a  sure  one,  but  the  first  is  always  precarious,  and  a  little 
more  attention  is  required  to  secure  it.  Very  much  depends  upon 
the  temperature  in  the  early  stages  of  forcing.  A  night  tempera- 
ture of  50',  with  a  rise  of  15'  or  20'  with  sun,  is  high  enough  at 
first.  If  the  plants  are  hurried,  the  wood-buds  will  advance 
quickly,  but  at  the  expense  of  the  fruit.  When  the  embryo  fruit- 
buds,  at  the  joints  of  the  last  year's  wood,  advance  regularly  mth 
the  foliage,  it  is  a  sign  that  the  temperature,  moisture,  and  other 
conditions  are  favourable.  Of  course,  if  the  wood  has  not  been 
well  matured  the  previous  autumn,  there  is  little  chance  at  all  of  a 
good  first  crop.  As  soon  as  the  young  shoots  have  made  three  or 
four  leaves,  they  should  be  stopped.  This  will  hasten  the  first  crop, 
and  cause  a  second  and  more  abundant  crop  to  appear  on  the  young 
wood,  and  they  should  again  be  stopped  beyond  the  next  three 
joints,  to  induce  a  successional  or  third  crop  if  it  is  desired  ;  but  the 
last  growths  should  finish  with  a  terminal  bud,  therefore  the 
pinching  should  not  be  carried  on  till  too  late  in  the  autumn.  I 
need  hardly  say  that  the  Fig,  when  grown  in  pots,  can  scarcely  be 
over-watered,  and  it  will  stand,  with  advantage,  frequent  and  strong 
doses  of  liquid-manure  when  the  fruit  is  swelling.  Bottom  heat 
is  not  required,  but  it  will  be  found  highly  advantageous  to  plunge 
the  pots  up  to  the  rim  in  leaves,  or  any  other  medium  that  may  be 
convenient.  J.  S. 


The  Cloudberry.— In  a  useful  work,  called  "Over  the  Dovre- 
fjelds,"  by  J.  S.  Shepard,  we  find  the  following  account  of 
the  Cloudberrj-  (Rubus  Chamaemorus)  : — This  fruit,  the  Multebser 
of  the  Norwegians,  is  beaten  up  into  a  mass,  and  with  the 
addition  of  cream  and  sugar  makes  "  a  very  dainty  dish." 
The  berries,  which  appear  on  every  dinner  table,  are  somewhat 
larger  than  RaspbeiTies,  and  of  a  bright  yellow  colour.  They  grow 
in  turfy  bogs  in  elevated  situations,  improving  in  size  and  flavour  the 
nearer  they  approach  the  north  pole.  The  plant  flowers  in  June, 
soon  after  the  snow  has  melted,  and  the  fruit  scarcely  ripens,  in 
August,  before  it  is  again  overwhelmed  with  its  winter  covering.  By 
northern  nations  the  Multebser  is  esteemed  a  most  grateful  and  use- 
ful fruit,  and  its  flavour  by  the  Norwegians  is  thought  superior  to 
that  of  the  Strawberry.  The  Laplanders  preserve  them  by  burying 
them  under  the  snow,  but  in  the  southern  districts  they  are  made  into 
a  jam,  which  is  almost  as  delicious  as  the  fresh  berries.  Immense 
tracts  of  country,  both  in  Lapland  and  the  Loftoden  Isles,  are  covered 
with  them,  and  so  important  an  article  of  diet  are  they  as  to  have 
had  a  special  Act  of  the  Storthing  devoted  to  them,  which,  amongst 
other  restrictions  forbids  any  one  (other  than  the  proprietor)  to 
gather  more  than  he  can  eat  on  the  spot. — J.  B.  Q. 

The  Kaisha  Apricot. — Of  all  our  wall  fi-uit  crops  there  is  none 
more  precarious  and  uncertain  than  that  of  the  Apricot.  This  is,  of 
course,  in  a  great  measure  owing  to  the  untimely  and  very  early 
period  of  the  year  at  which  it  puts  forth  its  blossom,  the  soil  being 
yet  icy  cold,  and  the  skies  wintry  and  inclement.  The  risk  and 
uncertainty  are  all  the  more,  it  by  reason  of  a  cold  wet  summer  and 
autumn,  such  as  we  had  last  year,  the  wood  be  indifferently  ripened, 
and,  consequently,  the  bloom  and  its  delicate  organisms  lack  vigour 
and  set  badly.  'The  Apricot  is  also  very  subject  to  gum  and  canker, 
and  frequently  the  symmetry  and  balance  of  a  fine  tree  is  destroyed 
by  a  large  arm  or  branch  suddenly,  and  apparently  unaccountably, 
dying  off,  and  leaving  an  unseemly  blank.  A  variety  less  subject  to 
these  contingencies,  and  more  to  be  depended  on  than  those  generally 
grown,  is  very  desirable,  and  such  it  seems  is  the  Kaisha  Apricot  if 
what  Mr.  Tillery,  of  Welbeck  Gardens,  says  of  it,  in  the  current 
month's  issue  of  the  Florist,  may  be  relied  on.  He  says  that  this  variety 
for  the  last  two  seasons  has  proved  with  him  the  hardiest  of  any  kind 
grown  without  protection.  Last  year  the  Moorpark,  St.  Ambroise, 
Orange,  and  others  were  total  failures  "  but  about  half  a  crop  was 
gathered  of  the  Kaisha."  This  year  again  there  is  a  failure  in  the  Moor, 
park,  and  others,  "  but  the  Kaisha  is  bearing  a  full  crop."  This  spring, 
too,  all  others  sortsbloomed  irregularly,  and  showed  weakness  in  setting 
the  fruit,  "  the  Kaisha  only  excepted."  He,  therefore  recommends 
a  more  extensive  adoption  of  the  Kaisha  for  planting  by  reason  of  its 
hardiness  in  unfavourable  seasons.  Another  argument  in  its  favour 
which  he  puts  forward  is  that  it  is  not  subject  to  "  gumming  or  canker 
in  the  branches,  as  on  the  ^Moorpark  and  other  varieties,  especially 
in  gravelly  soils."  If  any  of  our  practical  friends  have  experience  of 
this  variety,  we  shall  be  glad  to  hear  if  it  is  in  accord  %vith  that  of 
Mr.  TiUery,  more  especially  as  to  its  behaviour  this  year. 


Aug.  16,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


135 


PEARS  OF  THE  SEASON. 
Doyenne  d'Ete  (Doyenne  do  Jnillet,  Jolimont  pi-coopo,  Lcroy- 
Jolimont,  Poire  de  Juilleb,  Roi  Jolimoiit,  St.  Michel,  Summer 
Doyenne,  and  Coloree  de  Juillet,  erroneously). — Fruit  of  third 
size  and  first  quality,  in  use  in  July  aud  August  ;  shape 
roundish  turbinate,  even  and  regular  in  outline  ;  skin  smooth, 
grccnish-3'ello\r,  but  changing  to  bright  yellon'  at  maturity, 
with  a  thick  coat  of  bright  shining  red  on  the  sunny  side  and 
ai'ound  the  eye,  and  a  patch  of  clear  yellowish-spreading  russet 
about  the   stalk,   with   minute    greyish    dots,  which   become 


larger  and  of  a  reddish  colour  on  the  sunny  side;  stalk  gene- 
rally above  an  inch  long,  strong,  aud  set  upright,  almost  level, 
and  by  the  side  of  a  fleshy  protuberance  ;  eye  irregular,  half- 
closed  or  shut,  placed  nearly  level,  or  in  a  very  slight  pursed 
or  plaited  basin;  flesh  whitish,  buttery,  sugary,  melting,  rich, 
and  juic3'.  One  of  the  very  best  of  early  pears.  It  grows 
tolerably  well  upon  the  Qnince,  but  should  be  double-grafted. 
On  the  Pear  stock  it  soon  forms  a  handsome  prolific  pyramid. 
It  has  been  confoiraded  with  the  Coloree  de  Juillet ;  but  they  ai'e 


quite  distinct,  especially  in  their  qualities,  the  Doyenne  being 
very  juicy;  the  other  rather  dry — its  only  fault. 

Coloree  de  Juillet. — Fruit  of  third  size  and  second  quality, 
because  of  its  want  of  juice  ;  in  use  in  July  and  August ;  shape 
regular,  tm-binate,  even  in  outline ;  skin  smooth,  greenish- 
yellow,  changing  as  it  ripens  to  bright  yellow,  very  much 
covered  with  bright  vermilion  on  the  sunny  side  and  around 
the  eye,  with  a  patch  of  bright  russet  about  the  stalk,  and  very 
obscure  dots  of  greyish  red ;  stalk  half  an  inch  long,  set  either 
upright  or  obliquely,  almost  level,  and  generally  by  the  side 


of  a  fleshy  protuberance  ;  eye  partially  open  or  shut,  salient, 
and  surrounded  with  plaits  or  small  knobs  ;  flesh  rather  coarse- 
grained, very  rich  and  sugary,  but  wanting  in  juice.  This 
variety  does  middling  well  upon  the  Quince  ;  but  is  best 
double-worked.  It  quickly  forms  a  nice  prolific  p3ri'amid  upon 
the  Pear.  The  fruit,  like  that  of  the  Doyenne  d'Ete,  is  beau- 
tiful, and  forms  a  pretty  feature  in  a  dessert.  It  is  not  so  juicy 
as  the  Doyenne  ;  but  it  is  richer  in  flavour,  and  might  be  pre- 
ferred by  some  palates.  I  have  been  minute  in  describing  these 
two  Pears  because  of  their  great  resemblance,  and  because  the 
one  is  sometimes  sold  for  the  other  ;  their  forms,  colouring, 
and  juice  at  once  distinguish  them  from  each  other.  I  enclose 
an  outline  figure  of  each,  by  which  it  will  be  seen  that  their 
forms  differ  considerably,  as  does  also  the  length  of  their  stalk. 
Their  eyes  are  exactly  alike,  the  colour  of  the  Coloree  do 
Juillet  is  much  brighter  than  that  of  the  Doyenne,  and  it  is 
mostly  covered  with  a  slight  bloom.  The  two  sorts  are  of  very 
different  ages,  the  Doyenne  having  been  brought  into  notice 
about  the  end  of  the  seventeenth  century,  whilst  the  other  first 
fi'uited  in  1857,  and  was  raised  by  M.  Boisbunel,  of  Rouen. 
Besides  these  two  very  early  Pears,  there  are  now  being 
brought  to  our  sea-side  markets  several  other  early  kinds.  I 
have  this  week  picked  up  in  the  Weymouth  market  the  follow- 
ing sorts,  viz..  Citron  des  Cannes  and  its  variety,  called  C.  do 
C.  ii  longue  queue,  Muscat  Petit,  the  eai'liest  of  Pears ;  Muscat 
Fleure  d'Ete,  a  specimen  of  which  I  send  you,  as  also  a  speci- 
men of  what  they  sell  here  as  Green  Jennetting,  a  corrup- 
tion of  the  name  Guenette.  The  specimen  sent  is  not  the 
true  Guenette,  but  is  our  Green  Chisel,  not  so  rich  a  fruit  as 
the  Guenette.  I  need  not  enlarge  upon  these  little  early  Pears, 
as  but  few  of  them  deserve  cultivation,  although,  nevertheless, 
they  are  sent  from  France  to  our  markets  in  large  cjuantities ; 
and  in  Paris  I  have  seen  some  of  them  brought  to  market  in 
enormous  quantities.  Anything  in  the  shape  of  early  fruit 
being  bought  up  readily,  it  would  be  well  if  cultivators  would 
ouly  grow  the  best  instead  of  the  inferior  kinds  for  market. 

J.  Scott. 


THE  FRUIT  CROPS. 

Surrey.  —  Cobham  Park. — Apples  about  here  are  not  regular  ;' 
some  trees  being  as  thick  as  they  can  hang,  and  others  very  thin ;  many 
very  maggotty  and  falling  off.  Peaches  on  walls,  fair  crops ; 
on  standards,  not  half  a  crop.  All  sorts  of  stone  fruit  very  scarce,  the 
frost  in  May  (12  degrees)  distressed  Peaches,  Plums,  and  Cherries  ; 
Many  Peach  trees  have  not  recovered  yet.  Small  fruit  are  a  fair 
crop. — G.  S. 

Yorkshire. — Bretton  Park,  Wakefield. — In  this  neigh- 
bourhood some  kinds  of  fruit  arc  plentiful ;  others  scarce.  The 
Strawberry  crop  has  been  most  abundant.  On  the  19th  July  80  lbs. 
of  fruit  were  gathered  from  two  rows  of  Eclipse — the  rows  arc  a,bout 
40  yards  long,  the  plants  a  foot  apart.  Many  of  the  fruit  weighed 
2oz.  each,  and  other  kinds  have  been  equally  productive.  Currants 
of  all  kinds  are  plentiful.  Gooseberries  are  thin,  with  the  exception 
of  those  in  one  or  two  cottage  gardens  where  the  bullfinches  did  not 
visit  them  in  winter.  Raspberries  are  a  splendid  crop,  and  the  fruit 
is  large,  good,  and  bright  in  colour.  Apricots  and  Peaches  are  about 
half  a  crop  ;  a  great  part  of  the  bloom  was  killed  by  frost  before  it 
opened.  Some  kinds  of  Apples  are  plentiful ;  but  many  of  the  trees 
had  no  bloom  on  them,  but  those  that  did  blossom  have  set  well. 
Pears  are  scarce  on  wall  aud  standard  trees  ;  and  Plums  are  quite  a 
failure.  Morello  Cherries  are  a  good  crop,  both  on  wall  aud  standard 
trees.  Early. blooming  kinds  have  been  good  on  walls ;  but  on 
standards  most  of  the  blossom  was  destroyed  by  frost  on  the  20th  of 
May.  Figs  look  promising.  Walnuts  and  Filberts  are  about  an 
average  crop. —  G.  Clifton. 

— —  Wortley  Hall,  Sheffield.— Apples,  Pears,  Plums,  and 
Apricots  are  but  a  poor  crop  hereabouts  this  season  ;  Cherries  are 
good,  as  are  also  Strawberries  and  Raspberries  ;  but  Currants  and 
Gooseberries  are  nearly  a  failure,  owing  to  the  ravages  of  the 
bullfinch  in  spring.  All  vegetable  and  field  crops  look  well ;  fruit 
crops,  under  glass,  excellent. — J.  Simpsox. 

Huntingdon.— Eamsey  Abbey.— Stone  fruits  (with  a  few 
e.xceptions)  are  thin  this  year,  in  this  neighbourhood.  The  e.'tcep. 
tions  I  allude  to  are  mostly  trees  that'  have  been  lifted  within 
the  last  two  or  three  years,  thus  suggesting  the  inference  that 
it  is  desirable  to  keep  the  roots  near  the  surface  in  order  to 
ensure  well-ripened  wood  in  a  season  like  last,  when  the  rain, 
fall  was  much  above  the  average.  Bush  fruits  and  Strawberries 
are  most   abundant ;    Gooseberry   and  Black    Currant  bushes  are 


130 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  16,  1873. 


literally  breaking  down  with  their  load  of  fmit.  Apples  and  Pears 
are  scarcely  half  a  crop,  and  are  smaller  than  usual  at  this  season  of 
the  year.  Grapes  in  the  open  air  are  not  so  plentiful  as  last  year, 
and  are  too  late  to  ripen  well  unless  we  have  a  very  line  antumn. 
Walnuts  are  generally  a  fair  crop.  Everything  in  this  neighbour, 
hood  is  later  than  usual  on  the  1st  of  August.  Potatoes  in  the  Fen 
districts  are  looking  well,  and,  so  far  as  I  have  seen  aud  heard,  are 
generally  free  from  disease  ;  and  if  the  present  dry  weather  con- 
tinues a  week  or  two  longer,  a  fine  crop  of  sound  tubers  may  be 
expected. — E.  Hobday. 

Suffolk.— Hardwicke  House,  Bury  St.  Edmunds. — 
Superior  fruits,  such  as  Pears,  Peaches,  Apricots,  and  Plums,  are 
generally  thin  this  season.  Of  course,  there  are  exceptions.  Apricots, 
for  instance,  are  a  general  failure ;  but  trees  here  and  there  are 
heavily  laden,  and  we  hear  of  some  gardens  with  a  good  crop 
throughont.  The  scarcity  of  these  fruits  is  not  wholly  owing  to  the 
May  frosts.  There  was  an  imperfection  of  blossom  generally,  that 
Beemed  to  hinder  the  fruit  from  fairly  forming  or  setting.  I  saw  a 
striking  illustration  of  this  the  other  day.  Part  of  a  Peach  and 
Apricot  wall  had  been  covered  with  glass  during  the  winter,  and  this 
was  almost  as  thin  as  outside.  The  trees  blossomed  imperfectly,  and 
there  was  a  great  lack  of  even  imperfect  blossoms.  Nearly  the 
whole  of  the  flowers  lacked  substance,  many  of  them  were  mal- 
formed, the  coloui-  was  also  paler  than  usual.  Possibly,  also, 
this  resulted  from  the  excess  of  rain  in  the  autumn.  At  all 
events,  this  weakness  of  bloom  as  much,  or  more  than  the  frost, 
explains  the  bare  state  of  many  walls  this  season.  This,  however, 
does  not  apply  to  plums.  These  were  sheeted  over  with  bloom,  and 
the  May  frosts  blackened  them  into  barrenness.  As  the  rule,  with 
more  exceptions  than  in  the  case  of  the  others,  we  have  some  trees 
laden  heavily,  and  have  heard  of  some  fine  crops.  Pears  are  cer- 
tainly scarce ;  Apples  are  plentiful  on  the  average,  but  they  are 
also  thin  in  places.  Cherries  are  an  extraordinary  crop ;  it  is  em. 
phatically  a  Cheriy  season  with  us  here  ;  all  sorts  seem  plentiful, 
though  many  Morellos  have  dropped,  whether  from  an  excess  of 
crop  or  a  late  frost  nip  it  is  difficult  to  affirm.  The  quality  of  the 
Cherry  crop  has  likewise  been  good.  Gooseberries,  Currants,  and 
Raspberries  have  been  a  very  heavy  crop.  The  bulk  of  these  escaped 
the  frost,  and  the  yield  has  been  unusually  heavy,  as  many  as  18 
tons  of  Gooseberries  have  been  marketed  this  season  from  3  acres 
of  ground.  Raspberries  got  slightly  blighted,  or  they  must  have 
exhausted  themselves  in  bearing,  as  it  is,  the  crop  has  been  very  heav}-. 
Strawberries  have  also  been  unus:ially  fine ;  a  few  Queens  and 
others  got  black  eyes  by  the  late  frosts  and  failed,  but  the  general 
crop  has  been  heavy  and  the  flavour  excellent.  The  sun,  however, 
has  been  too  much  for  late  crops,  such  as  Elton  Pine,  unless  under  a 
north  wall,  where  they  have  been  going  on  bearing  fine  fruit  up  to 
the  end  of  July.  The  sun  has  a  curious  effect  on  Eltons,  making 
the  flesh  brittle,  falling  asunder  in  lumps,  and  robbing  the  fruit  of 
all  its  brisk,  somewhat  tart,  flavour.  I  forgot  to  say  that  Mulberries 
and  Medlars  are  pretty  plentiful ;  Walnuts  are  thin,  and  other  nuts 
abundant.  Out  of  door  Grapes  are  also  fine,  and  Figs  plentiful. 
Upon  the  whole,  therefore,  the  fruit  basket  of  the  year  has 
been,  and  will  be,  pretty  fully  furnished  with  good  things.  The 
partial  or  complete  loss  of  our  superior  fruit  is  one  more  powerful 
plea  for  glass  walls  and  orchard  houses,  and,  in  fact,  these  are 
arising  in  all  directions. — D.  T.  Fish. 

Devon. — Killerton,  near  Exeter. — Apricots  here  are  very 
scax'ce ;  Apples,  good  ;  Pears,  a  fair  crop ;  Plams,  moderate,  being 
much  injured  by  bullfinches  early  in  the  year;  Strawberries, 
plentiful;  Cherries,  good;  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  scarce;  Figs, 
moderate;  small  fruits,  abundant;  Nuts,  plentiful. — Jon.v  Garland. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FRUIT  GARDEN. 


Walnuts  Dropping  their  Fruit.— ^Ve  have  a^fine  crop  of  Walnuts  here 
this  season  on  all  the  trees  but  one,  which  is  about  forty-eight  years  old ;  it 
promised  to  prodnce  a  good  crop,  but  when  the  fruit  was  about  the  size  of 
Hazel  nut&  it  dropped  off.  It  would  be  interesting  to  know  the  cause,  which  I 
attribute  to  failing  vigour. — R.  Gilbebt,  Bniyhlei/. 

What  Distance  should  Vines  be  from  the  Glass  ?— It  would  be  inter- 
esting to  ascertain  the  distance  at  which  our  best  Vine-growers  place  their 
Vines  from  the  glass.  My  opinion  is  that  22  inches  is  better  than  a  less  distance, 
as  in  that  case  there  is  no  crowding  of  the  foliage.  In  wiring,  the  modem  style 
is  to  fix  them  in  such  a  way  as  to  crowd  the  foliage  right  against  the  glass, 
which  is  bad. — O.  N. 

Ripening"  Pears  after  they  are  Gathered. — An  American  fruit  grower 
furnishes  some  directions  on  picking  and  ripening  Pears.  After  alluding  to 
the  common  test  of  ripeness  for  picking,  namely,  gently  raising  the  fruit  to 
see  if  it  will  readily  detach  itself  at  the  stem,  he  directs  that  the  specimens  be 
placed  thinly  and  evenly  on  the  floor  of  a  cool  room,  on  a  blanket  previously 
spread,  and  covered  with  a  second  blanket.  He  says,  *'  In  a  short  time  the 
effect  of  the  treatment  will  be  apparent  in  the  most  golden -coloured  Bartletts 
and  rich  ruddy-looking  Seckels  imaginable.  Pears  perfected  in  this  manner 
rarely  have  the  mealiness  of  their  naturally  ripened  companions  ;  nor  do  they 
prematurely  decay  at  the  core  as  when  left  on  the  tree. 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

VARIETIES   OF   SQUASHES. 

TuE  culture  of  Squashes  or  Pumpkins  in  America  ranks  next 
to  that  of  Potatoes  in  importance.  Vast  quantities  are  annually 
raised  there  for  cattle-feeding,  and  some  of  the  kinds  are  much 
esteemed  for  table  use.  The  following  account  of  the  principal 
varieties,  extracted  from  Mr.  J.  H.  Gregory's  little  book  on 
the  subject,  may  be  interesting  to  cultivators  in  this  country  : 
— Owing  to  the  great  tendency  in  the  varieties  of  the  Cucur- 
bita^ieous  family  to  cross  with  each  other,  hybrids  are  very 
common.  Seed  planted  the  first  season  after  the  crossing  has 
been  made  will  usually  produce  a  greater  crop  than  either  of  the 
parent  kinds,  and  individual  Squashes  will  be  superior  in 
quality  to  either  of  the  parents  ;  yet,  as  a  rule,  hybridisation  is 
not  desirable,  for,  after  the  first  season,  there  is  a  deterioration 
in  the  quality  below  the  average  of  the  parent  kinds,  while  the 
mixed  varieties  are  not  so  marketable  as  the  pure  kinds. 

SOFT-STEMMED    KODS. 

The  H0BBA,rd  Squash. — The  form  of  the  Hubbard  is 
spherical  at  the  middle,  gradually  receding  to  a  neck  at  the 
stem  end,  and  to  a  point  usually  curved  at  the  caljrs  end, 
where  it  terminates  in  a  kind  of  button  or  an  Acorn.  In  colour 
it  is  dark  green,  excepting  where  it  rests  on  the  earth,  where  it 
is  of  an  orange  colour.  It  usually  has  streaks  of  dirty  white, 
beginning  at  the  calyx  end,  where  the  ribs  meet,  and  extending 
lialf  or  two-thirds  way  up  the  Squash.  After  the  Squash 
ripens,  the  surface  exposed  to  the  sun  turns  to  a  dirty  brown 
colour.  The  surface  is  often  quite  rough,  and  presents  quite  a 
knotty  appearance.  When  the  Hubbard  is  ripe,  it  has  a  shell 
varying  in  thickness  from  that  of  a  cent  to  that  of  a  Spanish 
dollar.  The  true  Hubbard  is  a  favourite  throughout  the  whole 
of  the  Squash-growing  region. 

American  Turban  Squash. — I  have  given  the  prefix  American 
Turban  Squash,  to  distinguish  it  from  the  French  Turban,  with 
which  many  seedsmen  have  confounded  it.  The  French  Turban 
is  the  most  beautiful  in   colour,   and  the  most  worthless  in 
quality  of  all  the  varieties  of  Squash  that  have  come  to  my 
notice.  Nearly  flat  in  shape,  gi-owingto  10  or  20  lbs.  weight,  it 
has  a  large  prominence  at  the  calyx,  and  shaped  Uke  a  flattened 
Acorn  ;  this  is  elegantly  quartered,  with  a  button  in  the  middle, 
aud  is  most  beautifully  striped  with  white  and  a  bright  grass 
green,while  a  setting  of  bead-work  surrounds  it.     The  body  of 
the  Squash  is  of  the  richest  orange  colour.  In  quality  the  French 
Turban  is  coarse,  watery,  and  insipid.     The  American  Turban 
is,  without  doubt,  a  combination  of  the  Hubbard,  Autumnal 
Marrow,  Acorn,  and  French  Turban,  and  the  finest  achievement, 
that  has  as  yet  been  obtained  by  hybridisation.  Like  all  hybrids, 
it  tends  to  sport,  and  varies  somewhat  in    quality,  so  that 
while  most  of  the  Squashes  are  of  first  quality-,  some  will  be 
found  that  are  inferior  ;  yet,  with  such  parents  as  the  Hubbard, 
Acorn,  and  the  Autumnal  Marrow  (when  we  recall  its  early 
excellence),  we  might  expect  to  find  a  superior  Squash,  and  in 
the  average  quality  of  the  Turban  we  shall  not  be  disappointed  ; 
for,  in  drjTiess,  fineness  of  grain,  sweetness,  delicacy  of  flavour, 
and  richness  of  colour,  when  fully  ripened  it  cannot  be  sur- 
passed.    Like  the  Hubbard,  it  is  edible  before  it  is  fully  ripe  ; 
either    of  these  varieties,  particularly  the   Hubbard,    being 
superior  for  table  use  when  unripe  to  any  of  the  varieties  of 
summer  Squashes.      The  fonn  of  the  body  of  the  Squash  is 
nearly  cylindrical,   the   two  diameters   being   usually  in  the 
proportion  of  three  to  five,  while  it  is  more  or  less  flat  at  both 
the  stem  and  calyx  ends.     At  the  calyx  end  there  is  usually 
more  or  less  prominent  an  Acorn.     This  may  be  ver}'  clearly 
defined,  standmg  out  very  prominently  from  the  of  the  Squash, 
or  it  may  be  very  much  flattened  and  siuik  within  the  body, 
with  the  Acom  barely  traceable.     In  degree  of  prominence  the 
Acorn  sports  greatly ;  for,  on  Squashes  growing  on  the  same 
Vine,  I  have  found  in  one  specimen  the  Acorn  projecting  very 
prominently,   and  very  fully  developed,  while  on  a    second 
specimen  it   could    only    be   traced   in   a   very  rudimentary 
form.     I  have,  as  a  rule,  selected  seed  Squashes  from  those 
in  which   the   Acom  was   not    very  prominently  displayed. 
Some  writers  on  vegetables  treat  the  American  Turban  Squash 
as  but  an  improved  form  of  the  French  Turban,  whereas  it  is 
a  distinct  variety.     It  is  indebted  to  the  French  Turban  for 


AiG.  1(3,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


137 


iiochiug  more  than  the  principal  features  of  its  form,  getting 
its  quality,  keeping  pi'operties,  colour  and  fineness  of  grain 
from  its  other  parent.  As  the  American  Tnrban  is  the  result 
of  hj-bridisation,  there  is  more  or  less  of  variety  in  the  shape 
and  colour  of  the  crop,  and  this  will  continue  to  be  so  unless, 
by  long  and  close  cultivation  of  a  particular  type,  sufficient 
individuality  shall  be  required  by  this  oue  type  to  stamp  the 
entire  crop.  Though  it  may  be  a  very  pleasing  thing  to  the 
eye  to  see  every  s]iecimen  alike,  yet  I  consider  it  too  great  a 
risk  to  cultivate  a  hybrid  Squash  for  this  end  ;  for  who  knows 
what  characteristics  each  plant  has  contributed  or  how  much 
these  are  affected  by  each  other  in  combination  ?  Until  these 
points  are  determined,  there  is  danger,  lest  in  continued 
selections  of  a  given  type  some  good  ti'aits  should  be  eliminated. 
We  know  that  in  some  way  the  original  excellence  of  the 
Autumnal  Marrow  Squash  has  been  lost,  and  no  one  can,  for  a 
certain!}',  tell  when  or  how  this  disappeared,  and  though 
originally  an  admixture  of  other  sorts  was  doubtless  the 
first  step  towards  this  deterioration,  yet  we  are  inclined  to 
believe  that  a  tendency  to  give  prominency  and  individuality 
to  the  original  admixture  has  gradually  borne  down  the 
good  traits  of  the  original  Marrow. 

Autumnal  Ma.iiiiow  Squash. — This  is  also  known  as  the 
Boston  Marrow,  or  Marrow,  it  having  been  a  veiy  prominent 
Squash  in  the  markets  of  Boston  for  a  series  of  years.  A 
mongrel  early  variety  of  it  is  also  known  as  the  "  Cambridge 
]\[arrow."  This  Squash  was  introduced  to  the  public  by  Mr. 
J.  M.  Ives,  in  the  years  1831-2.  When  introduced,  it  was  a 
small  sized  Squash,  weighing  5  or  6  lbs.,  fine  grained  and  dry, 
with  an  excellent  flavour.  Marketmen  found  that  by  crossing 
with  the  African  and  South  American  varieties,  they  could 
increase  the  size  of  the  original  Marrow  ;  they  did  this  with- 
out troubling  themselves  about  any  risk  of  deteriorating  the 
quality,  and  I  doubt  not  that  much  of  the  present  inferior 
quality  of  the  Marrow  Squash  is  due  to  this  vicious  crossing. 
In  form  the  Marrow  is  much  like  the  Hubbard,  but  with  less 
distinctive  prominence  in  the  neck  and  calyx.  In  colour,  the 
Mari'ow  is  between  a  lemon-yellow  and  a  rich  orange ;  the 
skin  is  covered  with  fine  indentations,  giving  it  a  pock-marked 
appearance.  The  body  of  t]^e  Squash  is  divided  into  sections 
by  slight  depressions  in  its  longest  diameter.  Under  the  thin 
outer  skin,  or  epidermis,  is  a  thicker  skin  of  a  dark  orange 
colour.  The  flesh  is  orange-coloured.  The  seeds  are  some- 
what larger  and  thicker  than  in  the  Hubbard,  and  considerably 
larger  but  not  so  thick  as  in  the  Turban.  In  quality  the 
Marrow  of  to-day  varies  much  ;  sometimes  we  find  specimens 
that  are  all  that  can  be  desired,  particularly  as  we  get  near 
to  the  original  type  ;  but,  in  its  general  character,  the  Autumnal 
Marrow  is  watery,  not  sweet,  and  oftentimes  deficient  in 
flavour  and  fineness  of  texture.  From  its  great  productiveness, 
it  is  a  favourite  Squash  with  marketmen,  and  its  rich  orange- 
colour  and  handsome  form  render  it  popular  with  those  who 
liavo  not  become  acquainted  with  the  more  recently  introduced 
and  finer  varieties.  There  are  two  varieties  grown  extensively 
for  Boston  market,  known  as  the  Cambridge  Marrow.  Oue 
of  these  is  quite  large  in  size,  usually  having  the  green-colour 
at  the  calyx,  indicating  a  mongrel  variety ;  the  other  is  of 
medium  size,  and  is  characterised  by  a  brilliant  orange  colour, 
that  makes  it  very  attractive  to  the  eye.  Both  of  them 
mature  a  little  earlier  than  the  purer  sort.  These  three 
varieties  of  fleshy-stemmed  Squashes,  the  Hubbard,  American 
Turban,  and  Autumnal  Marrow,  include  most  of  those  raised 
for  market  purposes.  There  is  a  large  number  of  other 
varieties,  such  as  the  Valparaiso,  African,  Honolulu,  Cocoa- 
nut,  Sweet  Potato,  &c.,  some  of  which  have  quite  distinct 
characteristics,  that  are  more  or  less  raised  in  the  family 
garden  ;  but  several  of  them  are  of  inferior  quality,  some  are 
hybrid,  and,  though  one  or  two  may  be  desirable  for  the 
garden,  yet  none  of  them,  as  far  as  I  have  made  acquaintance 
with  them,  have  charactei'istics  which  would  invite  their 
general  cultivation. 

HARD-STEMMED    KIXDS. 

Passing  to  the  hard  or  woody-stemmed  varieties,  we  find 
included  among  them  the  Winter  Crookneck,  the  Canada 
Crookneck,  Yokohama,  and  Para. 

Crooknecks. — These  had  their  day  and  generation  before 
the   introduction  of  the  soft-stemmed  varieties.    They  were 


then  the  standard  sorts,  and  the  kitchens  of  thrifty  farmers 
were  adorned  with  choice  specimens  hanging  suspended 
around  the  walls  by  strips  of  list,  to  bo  used  during  the 
winter,  in  the  course  of  the  spring,  and  even  well  into  the 
summer  months.  The  Crooknecks  are  characterised  by  long, 
usually  curved  necks,  terminating  in  a  bulb-like  prominence 
at  the  calyx  end,  which  contains  the  seed.  The  Vinos  are 
covered  with  rough  spines,  and  in  the  shortness  of  their  leaf- 
stalks, the  smaller  size  and  different  colour  of  the  leaves,  are 
readily  distinguished  from  the  soft-stemmed  sorts.  They  vary 
much  in  colour  at  the  time  of  the  gathering,  and  there  is  a 
general  tendency  in  all  of  them  to  change  to  a  yellow  hue  in 
the  course  of  the  winter.  In  quality,  the  Large  Winter 
Crookneck  is  coarse-grained  and  watery,  while  the  Canada 
Crookneck  is  finer-grained,  and  at  times  quite  dry  and 
sweet.  The  Winter  Crookneck  weighs  from  10  to  25  lbs.  and 
upwards,  and  the  true  Canada  Crookneck,  which  is  rarely 
found  pure,  averages  from  4  to  6  lbs.  In  keeping  proper- 
ties, the  Crooknecks  excel,  frequently  keeping  in  dry,  warm 
apartments  the  year  round,  and,  hi  a  few  instances,  two  years. 
When  kept  into  the  summer,  the  seeds  are  at  times  found  to 
have  sprouted  within  the  Squash.  The  Crooknecks  are  subject 
to  a  kind  of  dry  rot,  particularly  in  spring,  which  gives  tliem 
a  peculiar  appearance  when  cut,  the  tissue  between  the  cells 
having  a  dull  white  colour,  though  the  fibres  of  flesh  still 
retain  their  bright  yellow  colour.  Worthless  for  table  use. 
The  true  measure  of  the  length  of  time  a  Squash  keeps,  is  how 
long  it  keeps  its  cjuality,  and  not  its  mere  structure. 

TuE  Yokohama. — This  is  comparatively  a  new  visitor  from 
Japan,  it  having  been  received  in  this  country  in  the  year 
1860,  by  Mr.  James  Hogg,  from  his  brother  then  residing  at 
Yokohama,  in  Japan.  The  Vine  is  a  very  free  grower  and  a 
good  yielder,  though,  from  the  comparatively  small  size  of  the 
Squash,  the  weight  of  the  crop  is  not  large  when  compared 
with  the  Huljbard,  Turban,  or  Marrow.  It  is  quite  flat  in 
shape,  with  somewhat  of  a  depression  at  each  end.  The  dia- 
meters are  to  each  other  about  as  one  to  three  or  four.  It  is 
deeply  ribbed,  and  the  flesh,  which  is  of  a  lemon  colour,  is 
remarkably  thick,  making  it  the  heaviest  of  all  Squashes  in 
proportion  to  its  size.  The  flesh  is  very  fine  grained,  smooth  , 
to  the  taste,  and  has  a  flavour  resembling  the  Crookneck. 
With  those  who  like  the  taste  of  the  Crookneck,  the  Yokohama 
will  likely  be  very  popular.  In  external  colour,  before  ripen- 
ing, it  is  of  an  intensely  dark  green,  covered  with  blisters, 
like  a  toad's  back ;  as  it  ripens,  it  begins  to  turn  of  a  light 
brown  colour  at  both  the  stem  and  blossom  ends,  and,  after 
storing,  it  soon  becomes  entirely  of  a  copper-like  colour,  and 
is  covered  with  a  slight  bloom.  It  may  be  well  to  start  this 
Squash  under  glass,  on  squares  of  turf,  though,  after  an  expe- 
rience of  three  seasons,  I  am  persuaded  that  it  is  becoming 
acclimated  ;  indeed,  my  crop  of  last  season  ripened  with  the 
Hubbard  and  Turban.  The  cultivation  of  the  Yokohama  is 
mostly  confined,  as  yet,  to  private  gardens. 

Para,  or  Polk  Squash. — This  is  a  half-bush  Squash.  In 
the  first  stages  of  its  growth,  it  has  a  bush  habit,  and  sets  its 
first  fruit  like  a  bush  Squash  ;  but,  later,  it  pushes  out  runners 
8  or  10  feet  in  length,  and  bears  fruit  along  them.  The 
Squash  was  brought  to  this  country  from  Para,  in  Soirth 
America.  In  shape  it  is  oblong ;  it  is  ribbed,  of  a  tea-green 
colour,  excepting  the  poi-tion  which  rests  on  the  ground 
which  is  of  a  rich  orange  colour.  The  Squashes  weigh  about 
3  lbs.  each.  They  require  the  whole  season  to  mature,  and 
when  in  good  condition,  the  flesh  is  dry  and  of  a  rich  flavour. 
Like  the  Yokohama,  I  apprehend  they  will  be  very  popular 
with  a  class,  rather  than  with  the  community  at  large. 
Both  the  Yokohama  and  the  Para  can  be  kept  well  into  the 
winter.  I  have  kept  a  Yokohama,  crossed  on  the  Turban, 
fourteen  months,  and  Hubbards,  in  two  instances,  twelve 
months. 

THE    summer    squashes. 

The  remarks  made  relative  to  the  cultivation  of  the  fall  and 
winter  varieties,  will  apply  to  the  cultivation  of  the  summer 
Squashes,  with  the  exception  of  the  distance  between  the 
hills ;  this,  as  they  are  of  a  bushy  habit,  should  be  about 
5  feet.  In  quality,  the  summer  Squashes  have  but  little  to 
recommend  them ;  it  is  principally  their  fresh  new  taste  that 
makes  them  acceptable  for  the  table.     South   of  New  York 


138 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  16,1873. 


the  cultivation  of  Squashes  is  confined  almost  wholly  to  the 
bush  varieties.  Until  recently,  the  New  York  market  for  fall 
and  winter  Squashes  has  been  supplied  largely  by  the  growers 
around  Boston.  The  standard  summer  varieties  are  the 
Yellow  and  "White  Bush  Scollop,  often  called  Pattypan  or 
Cymbals,  and  the  Summer  Crookneck.  Of  these  the 
Summer  Crookneck  is  the  best.  All  of  these  form  a 
shell  as  they  ripen,  and  are  then  unfit  for  the  table. 
They  should  not  be  cooked  after  the  shell  can  be  felt  by 
the  thumb-nail.  The  Green  Striped  Bergen  is  an  early 
Tarietj-,  (juite  popular  in  the  markets  of  New  York.  A  small 
Squash,  about  twice  the  size  of  a  large  Orange,  somewhat 
fluted,  called  Sweet  Potato  Squash,  is  highly  prized  by  some 
who  are  of  high  repute  among  Squash  fanciers.  Several  of 
the  varieties  that  are  grown  as  gourds,  for  ornamental  purposes, 
are  edilile;  a  large  proportion  of  them,  indeed,  as  I  have  found 
on  testing  the  largest  of  my  specimens  before  feeding  the 
pigs  with  them.  As  a  general  rule,  all  that  are  not  bitter 
to  the  taste  are  edible.  The  A'egctable  JIarrow  is  about  the 
only  variety  of  the  Squash  family  cultivated  by  our  English 
cousins.  AVith  them  it  is  brought  to  the  table  in  the  same 
style  as  our  own  varieties,  or  so  cooked  as  to  form  part  of  a 
soup.  The  Custard  Squash,  one  of  the  hard  stemmed  sorts, 
of  a  yellowish  cream  colour,  oblong  in  shape,  deeply  ribbed, 
weighing  from  12  to  20  lbs.,  is  quite  a  favourite. 


White  or  Silician  Beet. — This  truly  delicious  vegetable,  when 
properly  grown  and  dresseJ,  is  quite  indispensable.  To  grow  it  well, 
deep  digging  aud  heavy  manuring  are  uecessaiy.  It  should  be  sown 
the  third  week  in  March,  in  drills  18  inches  apart,  kept  clean  by 
means  of  frequent  hoeing,  aud  thinned  when  its  true  character  is 
observable.  When  true  it  is  short  and  stocky,  the  leaves  are  of  a 
light  green  and  curled,  and  the  stalk  of  such  is  of  pearly  whiteness, 
equalled  only  by  that  of  forced  Seakalo.  Should  the  summer  be  very 
dry,  frequent  soakings  with  sewasre  or  dung  water  will  be  needful. 
About  the  first  week  in  October  it  is  ready  for  use,  and,  if  protected 
by  means  of  hay  bands,  it  will  last  through  the  winter  ;  and,  for  some 
months  before  Seakale  comes  in,  I  find  this  Beet  to  be  particularly 
useful.  For  four  years  I  never  could  obtain  a  good  stock  of  it ;  but, 
as  with  everything  else,  so  with  Beet.  When  I  get  a  good  "  strain,"  I 
always  try  to  keep  it. — E.  Gilbert,  Bwrijldey  Gardens,  Stamford. 


The  Potato  Crops.— I  liave  carefully  watched  the  Potato  crops  for  the  last 
month,  ami  I  am  happy  to  say  that  I  see  no  signs  of  disease.  The  yield  is 
most  abundant,  and  the  quality  everything  that  can  he  desired. — R.  Gilbert, 
Hiirghlei),  Stamfunt. 


T  H  E    H  OUSE  HOLD. 

THE    CO:\rPOSITION  OP   THE  GIANT  PUFF-BALL. 

(lycoperdon  gigaxteuji). 
TuE  following  account  of  the  results  of  a  chemical  investiga- 
tion   into  the  composition  of  the   Giaut  Pufi-ball,  by  A.  H. 
Church,  Esq.,  M.A.,  appears  iu  this  month's  number  of  the 
Journal  of  JBotany. 

In  the  autumn  of  1871  some  very  large  specimens  of  the  Giant 
Puff-ball,  Lycoperdon  gigauteum,  were  obtained  from  a  field  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Cirencester.  Several  of  these  weighed  more  than 
2  lbs.  avoirdupois  apiece,  while  others  were  over  1  lb. 

Previous  to  analysing  the  Lj'coperdon  it  was  dried  in  a  current  of 
warm  air.  During  this  process  it  underwent  a  carious  change. 
Although  the  temperature  to  which  it  was  submitted  scarcely 
exceeded  the  boiling  temperature  of  water,  the  mass  of  the  Fungus 
was  observed  to  glow  with  a  dull  red  heat,  until  the  whole  had 
become  converted  into  a  black  charred  mass.  The  final  burning  was 
completed  in  a  large  platinum  tray  in  a  muWe. 

The  ash  thus  prepared  had  the  following  composition  : — 

In  100  parts. 
Phosphorus  pentoxide  ....      4(;i9 

Potash 35-48 

Soda 695 

Lime 2i7 

Ferric  oxide 1'08 

Silica -GO 

Other  stibstances  and  loss    ....       71/ 


10000 
Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  the  mineral  or  ash  constituents  of  this 


Fungus  consist  mainly  of  potassium  phosphate.  We  know  that  both 
the  elements  potassium  and  phosphorus  are  present  in  very  small 
quantity  in  ordinary  soils,  but  are  accumulated  by  plants  in  consider, 
able  quantity,  notably  in  their  seeds  and  most  actively  growing  parts. 
Prom  what  we  have  learut  of  the  mode  of  nutrition  of  Fungi,  they 
may  be  regarded  as  amongst  the  carnivora  of  the  vegetable  kingdom. 
They  probably  obtain  their  food  from  the  stores  already  accumulated 
by  higher  plants,  and  in  this  way  their  extraordinary  richness  in 
such  elements  as  phosphorus  aud  potassium  may  be  accounted  for. 
Thus,  too,  we  can  understand  the  increased  fertility  of  the  soil  inside 
the  "  fairy  rings  "  of  our  pastures,  where  the  last  decaying  remains 
of  the  fungoid  mycelium  contribute  their  stores  of  concentrated  and 
most  assimilable  nutriment  to  enrich  an  extending  zone  of  surface 
soil.  Nor  is  such  enrichment  confined  to  the  ash  constituents  of  the 
plant  only.  The  analysis  of  the  fresh  Puff-ball  reveals  an  enormous 
amount  of  nitrogenous  matter  amongst  its  constituents,  and  nitro- 
genous substances  have  a  most  marked  effect  upon  the  growth  of 
meadow  Grasses.  I  aui  inclined  to  think  that  some  of  the  nitrogen 
of  the  Lycoperdon  exists  in  the  form  of  nitrate?,  and  that  in  this  way 
their  spontaneous  inflammability  and  high  temperature  may  be 
explained.  But  in  the  ftillowing  analyses  the  nitrogen  is  wholly 
calculated  as  albuminoid  or  proteid  matter,  since  no  special  deter- 
mination of  the  amount  of  nitrates  present  had  been  made. 
Composition  of  Lycoperdon  gigauteum. 

In  the  fresh  When  per- 

state.  fectly  dry. 

Water 9089    .        .        .         — 

Fat,  oil  and  resinous  matter         .       '90     .         .         ,    ll'OO 
Albmniuoids  ....     5'4S     .         .         .    CG'78 

Cellulose  or  fungin,  &o.        .        .    210     .        .        .    1478 
."Vsh  or  mineral  matter  .        .      '03    .        .        .      7'44 


Kill  III! 


luinii) 


Magnolia  Brandy. — On  a  fine  dry  day  in  Angnst  or  September, 
when  the  blossoms  of  Magnolia  grandiflora  are  most  abundant, 
select  the  desired  quantity,  just  as  the\- are  expanding,  excluding  such 
as  have  been  open  for  some  hours.  Snch  as  have  not  opened  will  answer 
the  purpose  ;  place  them  in  strong  wide-mouthed  glass  jars  filled  with 
the  best  pale  brandj' ;  cork  them  tightly,  and  set  them  in  a  safe 
place  for  a  few  weeks,  then  draw  off  the  liquor,  bottling  it  and 
corking  safely.  The  colour  and  flavour  of  some  of  the  liquor  may, 
if  desired,  be  altered  by  the  application  of  a  little  Cinnamon  or  other 
fine-flavoured  spices  ;  but  the  ilagnolia  brandy  will  be  found  to  be 
a  very  peculiar  aud  grand  liquor  indeed,  without  additions  of  any 
kind. — James  Bau.nes,  Exiaoutli. 

H.O'w  to  Cook  Egg  Plants. — This  is  a  delicious  vegetable 
if  it  is  only  cooked  rightly.  Fried  Egg  Plant. — Take  a  large  ripe 
purple  egg,  and  cut  it  in  slices  of  half  an  inch  in  thickness  ;  strew  a 
little  salt  over  each,  and  lav  on  a  plate  for  ten  minutes  or  more  to  let 
the  water  run  out ;  dip  each  slice  into  a  well-beaten  egg,  aud 
then  in  cracker  or  bread  crumbs,  and  fry  in  hot  butter  or  lard  as  yon 
would  oysters,  aud  the  plant  will  taste  like  fried  fish.  Boiled 
Egg  Plant. — Cut  the  eggs  in  halves,  and  boil  them  until  perfectly 
soft  and  tender ;  then  scrape  the  pulp  from  the  inside  of  the  skins, 
season  with  salt,  butter,  Ac,  aud  strew  sifted  bread  crumbs  all 
over  them.  Set  the  dish  into  the  oven  to  brown  for  ten  minutes. 
Bailed  Egg  Plant. — Wash  the  vegetables  clean,  and  bake  in  the  oven 
as  yon  would  Potatoes.  Eemove  the  skins  while  hot,  mash  to  a 
paste,  and  season  with  butter,  pepper,  and  salt.  A  raw  Onion 
chopped  fine  and  a  little  Pepper  are  considered  great  additions  to 
this  dish. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  HOUSEHOLD. 


Green  Artichokes  Fried. — Cut  a  couple  of  green  Artichokes  into  eight  or 
more  '*  quarters,"  according  to  the  size  of  the  Artichoke,  and  trim  off  all  that 
is  uneatable  from  each,  putting  them  as  they  are  trimmed  in  cold  water  with 
the  juice  of  a  Lemon  squeezed  into  it  to  prevent  their  turning  black.  When 
the  "  quarters"  are  all  done,  dip  them  in  batter  (made  with  flonr.  oil,  water, 
and  eggs),  see  that  each  piece  is  well  coated  with  it,  and  fry  them  in  plenty  of 
boiling  lard  ;  serve  piled  on  a  napkin  and  garnished  with  fried  Parsley. 

Green  Artichokes  with  White  Sauce.— Trim  them  as  in  the  precedin" 
reciiie.  Parboil  them  for  ten  minute?;  in  f^alted  water  with  the  juice  of  a  I.emo^ 
squeezed  into  it.  Mnlt  2  ounces  of  butter  in  a  saucepan,  add  a  tablespoonful 
of  flour,  mix  well,  and  put  in  as  much  water  as  will  make  sufficient  sauce  ; 
season  with  pepper,  salt,  and  notmeg,  and  place  the  Artichokes  iu  this  sauce 
to  finish  cooking.  When  done,  stir  in,  off  the  fire,  the  yolks  of  two  eggs 
beaten  up  with  the  juice  of  a  Lemon,  and  strained. 

Green  Artichokes  Iced- — Cut  off  the  tops  of  the  leaves,  and  trim  off  the 
stalk  and  the  hard  leaves  round  it.  Rub  each  Artichoke  with  a  piece  of  Lemon 
as  it  is  trimmed,  and  put  them  to  cook  in  boiling  water  with  the  juice  of  a 
Lemon  or  a  small  quantity  of  white  ^^negar ;  when  done,  which  is  ascertained 
by  the  leaves  pulhng  off  easily,  put  the  Artichokes  upside  down  on  a  cloth  to 
drain  off  aJl  the  water,  then  place  them  in  the  refrigerator  or  on  ice  to  get  aa 
cold  as  possible  without  being  frozen ;  serve  with  cold  poivrade  sauce. 


Aug.  1(3, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


139 


LONDON  FRUIT  AND  PLOWEK  MARKETS. 
The  new  meat  market  is  the  first  builcling  which  has  struck 
the  true  note  of  what  a  great  metropolitan  market  ought  to 
be.  The  builcling  itself  is  spacious  and  handsome,  and  is  a 
good  specimen  of  the  average  artistic  skill  of  English  archi- 
tects of  the  second  half  of  the  nineteenth  century.  Its  traffic 
ways  are  broad  and  convenient;  and  that  its  arrangements 
answer  the  purpose  intended  is  sufficiently  proved  by  the  in- 
creased and  increasing  value  of  the  rentals. 

It  is  scarcely  more  than  thirty  or  forty  j-ears  since  the  tumble- 
down stalls  of  old  Covent  Garden  were  swept  away,  and  the 
comparatively  neat  and  graceful  structui'es,  designed  by  Mr. 
Fowler,  were  made  to  occupy  the  site  which  the  stalls  had  so 
long  disgraced.  The  present  buildings  are  neat,  but  altogether 
wanting  in  that  stateliness  of  style  and  dimension  which 
should  characterise  a  great  metropolitan  market.  This  might 
easily  be  rectified,  and  the  market  and  its  necessary  buildings 
greatly  enlarged  by  an  Act  of  the  Legislature,  authorising  the 
purchase  of  that  portion  of  the  Duke  of  Bedford's  property, 
including  the  surrounding  houses  which  form  the  scjuare.  In 
case  of  such  a  purchase  being  effected,  these  houses  would  be 
pulled  down,  and  stately  structui'es  would  arise  in  their  place, 
the  lower  stories  of  which  would  probably  be  open  shops  for 


Flower  markoL  at  the  ^Madeleine. 

the  sale  of  fresh  and  dried  fruits  and  vegetables,  garden  tools, 
garden  ornaments,  bulbs  and  other  flower-roots,  garden  glass, 
and  in  fact  everything  connected  with  the  fruit,  vegetable, 
and  flower  garden.  The  central  portion,  adapted  to  the 
storiug  and  sale  of  the  daily  supply  of  esculent  roots,  might 
be  kept  comparatively  low,  as  at  present,  and  surrounded  with 
a  line  of  trees,  beneath  which  an  open  flower  market,  similar 
to  that  of  the  Madeleine  in  Paris,  represented  in  our  illustra- 
tion, might  be  held.  The  carrying  out  of  such  a  scheme  as 
the  purchase  of  this  patch  of  the  Bedford  property,  and 
constructing  upon  its  site  a  noble,  and  at  the  same  time 
beautiful,  fruit  and  flower  mai-ket,  worthy  of  the  metropolis, 
would  not  entail  more  interference  with  private  property 
than  is  every  day  taking  place  for  the  extension  of  metro- 
politan railways,  or  other  projects  for  facilitating  the  means 
of  inter-communication  between  different  parts  of  London 
and  its  daily  increasing  suburbs — even  the  interesting  fai;'ado 
of  Northumberland  House  being,  possibly,  doomed  to  make 
way  for  a  spacious  approach  to  the  new  embankment. 

If  it  were  deemed  advisable  to  leave  Covent  Garden  alone, 
a  similar  plan  to  the  one  suggested  might  be  carried  out  in 
Leicester  Sc|uare,  which  would  have  the  double  advantage  of 
removing  a  nuisance  and  supplymg  an  imperiously  icquired 
desideratum.     By  purchasing  and  pulling  down  the  surround- 


ing houses  a  noble  area  might  be  created,  as  far  as  the 
rear  of  the  National  Gallery,  to  which  a  northern  facade  should 
be  added,  leaving  a  clear  ai\d  broad  roadway  round  the  entire 
building,  as  there  is  round  three  sides  of  the  Louvre.  This,  in 
itself,  would  so  far  improve  the  value  of  the  surrounding  land 
that  the  whole  outlay  might  be  more  than  covei'cd  by  it. 
A  noble  fountain  might  occupy  the  centre,  while  the  enclosed 
garden  might  be  the  flower  and  plant  market ;  and  there  might 
also  be  rows  of  flower-stands  under  the  trees,  the  lower  story 
of  the  surrounding  buildings  forming  a  line  of  open  fruit  shops 
or  vegetable  shops.  It  may  be  urged  that  the  establish- 
ment of  Hungerford  Fish  Market  was  hailed  by  many 
as  a  great  step  in  the  right  direction;  and  yet  it  ])rovcd 
an  entire  failure — partly,  as  it  was  said,  by  the  combina- 
tion of  the  West-end  fishmongers  against  it,  and  partly 
from  the  habit  of  purchasers  using  private  shops  in  pre- 
ference to  markets.  The  Farringdon  Market  was  another 
gigantic  failure  ;  and  recently  Columbia  Market  has  failed  in  a 
similar  manner — partly  through  prejudice  and  pai'tly  through 
trading  combinations.  Still,  a  beautiful  West-end  flower  and 
fruit  market  could  not,  one  would  think,  fail  to  be  a  success 
at  the  present  time.  Covent  Garden  Market  is  very  popular' 
and  a  better  thing  of  the  same  kind,  if  on  the  requisite  scale, 
would  necessarily  form  a  very  fashionable  resort,  Covent 
Gai'den  remaining  a  sort  of  early  wholesale  market  and  depot, 
and  Leicester  Market  becoming  one  of  display  and  of  retail 
trade.  Judging  by  the  present  rate  of  growth  the  whole 
market  space  of  Covent  Garden  will  in  a  few  years  not  suflioe 
for  more  than  the  fruit  and  flower  traile  alone ;  wliile  the 
central  market  for  the  display  and  sale  of  the  vegetables 
consumed  by  this  vast  city  would  alone  require  a  very  much 
larger  market  than  the  present  one.  Had  we  a  single  market 
large  enough  for  the  probable  fruit,  flower,  and  vegetable,  herb 
and  medicinal  plant  trade  of  London,  and  in  other  respects 
suitable,  it  would  not  only  be  a  very  great  convenience  to 
the  inhabitants  of  London,  but  the  most  interesting  sight 
ever  seen  therein  ;  for  the  character  of  the  gai-den  produce 
round  London  is  the  finest  and  most  varied  known,  and  a 
market  which  would  display  it  daily  in  all  its  freshness  and 
beauty  would  indeed  be  an  important  addition  to  the  few 
modern  works — such  as  the  Thames  Emlxinknient  and  the 
new  Cattle  Market  at  Islington,  which  are  really  worthy  of 
London  in  our  own  day.  But  assuredly  such  a  market  is  not 
to  be  made  in  a  limited  space  like  Covent  Garden.    II.  N.  11. 


GARDEN    STRUCTURES. 

PIT  IN  WHICH  TO  WINTER  GERANIUMS. 
Will  you  kindly  let  me  know  the  best  manner  to  build  a  pit  to  keep 
Geraniums  in  in  winter  ?  whether  brick,  wood,  or  stone  is  best  ?  and 
what  method  is  best  for  heating,  as  I  would  like  to  have  one  made 
on  the  most  approved  principle  .'  also  what  would  be  the  cost  for  one 
with  eight  lights  ?  and  what  ought  the  height  to  he  at  bacl^and  front 
to  be  most  suitable  ?  I  think  myself  heating  with  hot-water  pipes  is 
best ;  therefore,  if  it  is  also  your  opinion,  if  you  will  let  me  know 
what  sort  of  pipes  and  boiler  I  would  require,  you  will  greatly 
oblige  W.M.  Wilkinson. 

Harehope,  Alnwich. 

[Local  circamstanoes  may  in  some  places  render  the  employment 
of  stone,  wood,  or  concrete  for  building  such  a  pit  desirable,  but  in 
most  places  bricks  are  the  cheapest  and  best.  Tho  following  are  the 
dimensions  of  some  of  our  pits,  which  were  built  for  a  similar 
purpose.     The  back  wall  is  3  feet  high  from  gronnd  line,  front  wall 

1  foot  6  inches,  width  of  pits  outside  G  feet  9  inches,  size  of  lights 
7  feet  by  4  feet ;  this  is  a  very  handy  size.  The  pits  are  always  at 
work.  After  the  bedding  plants  are  cleared  out,  they  are  filled  with 
stable-dung  and  planted  with  Cucumbers  or  Melons.  As  soon  as  the 
Melons,  A'c.,  come  off,  the  earth  is  made  level  and  firm,  and  about 

2  inches  of  ashes  are  placed  on  the  top,  when  they  are  ready  for 
sneh  plants  as  Centaureas,  Euhevereas,  &c.,  for  the  winter,  and 
frequently  in  early  spring  I  have  gathered  capital  crops  of  Mush- 
rooms from  the  spawn  generated  spontaneously  in  the  stable. dang 
used  the  previous  summer.  In  this  neighbourhood,  a  pit  of  eight 
lights,  7  feet  by  4  feet,  made  of  the  best  2-inch  red  deal,  and  glazed 
with  21-ounce  glass;  the  pit  walla  to  be  of  good  9-inch  bricliwork, 
and  divided  by  4-inch  walls  into  two  or  three  compartments,  would 
cost  about  £25,  exclusive  of  heating  apparatus.     Howevei-,  the  cost 


140 


THE   GAKDEN. 


[Aug.  16, 1873. 


of  labour  and  materials  vary  in  different  counties,  therefore  all 
estimates  of  this  kind  are  somewhat  illusory.  It  proper  care  is  taken  in 
watering  and  ventilating,  very  little  artificial  heat  will  be  required. 
To  keep  bedding  plants  in  health  in  winter,  the  aim  should  bo  to 
keep  the  plants  cool  and  fairly  dry,  so  as  not  to  stimulate  growth 
during  the  short  days  in  winter.  Still  it  would  not  be  safe  to  be 
without  some  means  of  keeping  out  severe  frost  and  drying  up  damp, 
which  is  the  greater  enemy  of  the  two.  There  is  no  question  that 
hot  water  is  tho  cleanest  and  best,  especially  if  gas  can  be  had  near. 
What  is  required  for  such  structures  is  a  small  boiler,  that  will  act 
quickly  in  sudden  emergencies ;  and  I  confess  that  my  experience 
with  small  boilers  has  not  been  sufficient  to  warrant  me  in  recom. 
mending  one  in  preference  to  another.  One  row  of  3.inch  pipes  will 
be  ample  if  carried  all  round  the  pit.  For  simply  wintering  bedding 
plants  the  best  and  cheapest  pits  I  have  ever  had  were  built  up 
with  earth  and  neatly  turfed  over  outside.  The  walls  inside  the  pits 
were  lined  with  slates.  The  back  walls  were  20  inches  high,  and  the 
front  walls  10  inches.  The  framework  and  light  were  supported  on 
posts  at  intervals  ;  and  of  course,  in  constructing  the  pits,  the  posts 
and  wall. plates  were  in  position  before  the  earth-walls  were  built  up. 
Such  pits  are  much  warmer  in  winter  than  brick  pits,  and  any  handy 
man  can  build  one  after  the  carpenter  has  fixed  the  posts  and  wall, 
plates.  I  have  wintered  thousands  of  the  usual  kinds  of  bedding 
plants  in  such  pits  without  any  artificial  heat  at  all ;  but  it  is  always 
best  and  safest  to  have  one  row  of  2-inch  pipes  all  round  the  pit. 
Such  pits  will  last  a  great  many  years  if  the  bottoms  of  the  posts  are 
chaiTed  and  the  painting  regularly  attended  to,  and  they  are  not  so 
conspicuous  as  brick  pits,  and  might  therefore  be  placed  in  some  part 
of  the  grounds,  if  necessary,  where  brick  pits  wonld  not  be  tolerated. 
— E.  Hobday.] 

THE    GARDEN    FLORA. 

NEW  AND  RAEE  PLANTS  KECBNTLY  FIGURED. 

Iiilao  -  edged  Primula  (P.  cortusioides  var.  lilacina). — 
This  IS  a  very  pretty  Lilac  variety  of  one  of  our  best  hardy,  or  half- 
hardy  Primulas,  differing  from  its  parent  species  in  having  large 
white  flowers,  delicately  margined  with  soft  lilac  instead  of  bright 
rosy-purple.  We  have  three  or  four  distinct  varieties  of  this  tine 
Primrose,  which  vary  from  the  normal  species  and  each  other  princi. 
pally  in  size  of  flowers  and  variety  of  colour,  the  latter  ranging  from 
pure  white  to  deep  rosy-purple.  Grown  in  pots,  it  makes  an  effective 
decorative  plant  for  the  greenhouse,  flowering  profusely  in  May  and 
June,  and  bearing  its  large  flower-heads  well  up  above  the  fresh 
ereen  foliage.  After  flowering,  it  is  very  readily  propagated  by 
dividing  the  plants,  putting  them  in  good  fibrous  loam,  leaf-mould, 
and  sand,  and  setting  them  out  in  a  cool  pit  or  frame.  The  plant 
was  introduced  from  Japan,  and  is  commonly  known  in  Continental 
g.ardens  as  P.  Sieboldi. — BeJgique  HortiroU. 

Letter-leaved  Maranta  (M.  hieroglyphica) . — A  dwarf. growing 
and  very  effective  species,  somewhat  resembling  M.  rosea-picta 
in  habit,  but  far  more  striking  as  a  decorative  stove  plant.  Its  deep 
green  leaves  are  borne  on  purple  stalks,  and  are  in-egularly  striped 
with  broad  white  lines,  which  more  or  less  resemble  hieroglyphic 
character.  It  is  a  native  of  shady  woods  in  New  Granada,  and 
grows  well  in  an  ordinary  plant-stove,  treated  like  its  congeners. 

Rosy  Echeveria  (E.  rosea). — This  is  evidently  a  near  rela- 
tive of  E.  secunda,  and  is  a  charming  rosulate  form,  with  its  glaucous 
fleshy  foliage  very  symmetrically  arranged.  It  will,  doubtless,  be 
useful  as  a  pot  plant,  or  for  the  margins  of  flower-beds,  as  now  so 
much  used  in  our  parks  and  public  gardens. 

Dagua  Philodendron  (P.  Daguense).  —  A  robust  climbing 
species,  having  great  dark  velvety  heart-shaped  leaves,  borne  on 
stout  red  stalks.  It  is  a  quick  grower,  and  soon  forms  a  noble 
and  effective  plant  trained  tip  a  wall  or  over  rock-work,  either 
in  the  plant-stove  or  tropical  conservatory.  It  bears  greenish 
spathes,  shaded  with  crimson-scarlet.  The  plant  succeeds  well 
under  the  same  conditions  essential  for  the  well-being  of  Philo. 
dendron  pertusum. 

Berry-bearing  Yucca  (Y.  baccata).  —  A  robust  caules- 
cent species,  very  ornamental,  and  remarkable  for  bearing  large 
edible  fruits,  resembling  Bananas.  Its  deep  green  rigid  leaves  are 
furnished  with  broad  whitish  filaments,  and  in  this  respect  it  pre- 
sents an  appearance  similar  to  that  of  Agave  Schidigera.  The  large 
fruits  are  of  a  pale  yellow  colour,  aud  contain  large  black  seeds  in  a 
firm  sugary  pulp.  The  species  is  found  in  western  America, 
and  is  not  difficult  to  cultivate,  though  doubtless  it  will  require  some 
slight  protection  in  this  country.  A  Yucca,  bearing  yellow  fruits  as 
large  as  Bananas,  on  a  stout  spike  above  the  deep  green  crown  of 
leaves,  would  be  an  effective  object  in  our  conservatories. 

Wonderful    Masdevallia  (M.   Chimtera).  —  This    is   one  of 


the  most  remarkable  species  in  a  genus  numbering  some  fifty  or  sixty 
species,  and  is  one  of  the  most  curious  of  Orchids.  Its  foliage  is 
similar  to  that  of  its  congeners,  but  the  flowers  are  verj'  peculiar, 
having  long  purple  tails  and  a  slipper-shaped  lip,  like  some  of  tho 
Cypripedes.  The  sepals  are  of  a  pale  yellow  colour,  heavily  blotched 
with  carmine,  and  densely  set  with  black  hairs  round  their  margins. 
The  lip  is  white,  or  very  pale  yellow.  It  grows  in  a  cool  temperature 
like  all  the  species  at  present  introduced. 

Splendid  Tiger  Lily  (L.  Tigrinum  splendens).  —  This  is 
a  fine,  large,  richly-coloured  form  of  au  old  garden  species,  that  gi'ows 
freely  in  the  open  air  planted  as  recommended  for  the  last  species. 
The  flowers  are  borne  on  a  great  spike  two  or  thi'ee  feet  high,  each 
recurved  segment  being  of  a  vivid  crimson-scarlet  colour,  heavily 
spotted  with  black.  It  is  au  effective  plant,  in  clumps  and  masses 
either  for  the  margins  of  shrubberies  or  for  the  herbaceous  border, 
— L'llhist ration  Horticole. 

Intermediate  Buddleia  (B.  intermedia).  —  An  effective 
hardy  shrub,  something  in  the  way  of  B.  curvifolia,  from  seeds  of 
which  it  was  obtained,  and  B.  Lindleyana,  an  old  species  not 
uncommon  in  Botanic  Gardens.  The  Buddleias  are  handsome 
flowering  shrubs  for  walls  or  sheltered  positions,  and  deserve  more 
extended  cultivation.  The  present  variety  bears  long  spikes  of 
bright  purple  flowers  at  the  apex  of  the  current  season's  growth, 
and  is  well  worth  growing. — Revue  Horticole. 


LABELS. 
The  collection  of  plants  at  Bitton  is  the  best  named  I  have 
ever  seen.  A  small  T-shaped,  cast-iron  label  is  used.  It  is  first 
painted  white,  then  black.  When  the  black  has  been  an  hour 
or  so  on,  the  name  of  the  plant  is  written  with  a  fine  but  round- 
pointed  bit  of  iron,  thus  exposing  the  white  surface  below.     In 


this  way  effective  lettering  is  produced,  and  the  labels  being 
black  are  not  at  all  so  offensive  to  the  eye  as  whitened  ones. 
When  it  is  required  to  read  them,  moreover,  the  names  are 
perfectly  legible.  This  mode  of  writing  labels  was  first 
published  by  Mr.  Green,  gardener  to  Mr.  Wilson  Saunders, 
at  Roigate.  W.  E. 


FLOWER  VASES  FOR  DRAWING-ROOMS. 

A  SHORT  time  ago  I  fitted  up  a  few  of  these,  one  of  which,  to 
my  mind,  was  the  most  effective  I  have  ever  arranged,  and  for 
that  reason  I  select  it  for  description.  The  vase  or  stand  was 
of  plain  glass  and  of  the  following  form  : — It  had  a  thick  glass 
stem  of  about  8  inches  high,  on  the  top  of  which  rested  a  flat 
dish  or  tazza,  from  the  centre  of  which  sprang  a  slender 
trumpet  about  Ih  inches  in  height.  The  tazza  was  filled  with 
Stephanotis,  Eucharis  amazonica,  white  Rhodauthc,  spotted 
Calceolarias,  Maize-coloured  Orchids,  and  Bougainvillea,  a 
long  spray  of  which  was  twisted  round  the  trumpet.  Through 
these  wei'e  mixed  large  fronds  of  Maiden-hair  Fern ;  and 
drooping  over  the  edges,  so  as  almost  to  conceal  the  va.se,  were 
fronds  of  dift'erent  kinds  of  Fenis,  several  being  of  the  golden 
section,  and  so  placed  as  to  show  up  the  gold  on  the  back  of 
the  fronds.  In  the  trumpet  were  wild  Grasses,  long  sprays  of 
Lygodium  scandens,  white  Rhodanthe,  mauve  and  Maize- 
coloured  Orchids,  and  Maiden-hair  Fern.  At  each  side  of  this 
stand,  and  in  different  parts  of  the  room,  were  placed  specimen 
glasses,  some  containing  one  bloom,  aud  others  two  or  more  of 
the  same  ;  but  each  glass  contained  a  different  kind  of  flower. 
Amongst  others  used  were  the  following: — viz.,  Pink  Moss 
and  Marechal  Niel  Roses,  Orchids,  Stephanotis,  Bougainvillea, 
scarlet  Pelargoniums,  blue  Forget-me-nots,  and  several  others, 
which  blended  well  with  those  in  the  larger  arrangement.  I 
used  water  in  the  tazza  on  this  occasion,  not  Moss  or  sand,  as 
I  am  generally  in  the  habit  of  doing,  as  I  did  not  want  to  run 
any  chance  of  the  flowers  drooping  from  want  of  moisture. 
In  water,  however,  they  do  not  remain  where  placed  nearly  so 
well  as  when  set  iu  Moss  or  sand.  A.  H. 


Aug.  16,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


141 


WOEK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 
INDOOR  FRUIT  GARDEN. 
Pines. — As  soon  as  these  are  cut  in  any  of  the  pits  get  the  latter 
thoroni^lily  washed,  cleaned,  and  repaired,  the  wood-work  painted, 
and  the  walls  lime-washed.  The  heating  apparatus  should  likewise  be 
seen  to  and  all  got  into  good  working  order.  Remove  such  suckers  as 
are  good  and  strong  as  soon  as  they  are  ready  for  separation,  with  a 
heel  of  the  old  wood  attached  to  them  if  practicable  ;  pot  them  at  once, 
and  start  them  in  a  kindly  temperature.  Crowns,  as  a  rule,  should  be 
avoided  unless  for  the  perpetuation  of  new  or  scarce  sorts,  and  then 
only  those  from  first-class  fruits  ought  to  be  chosen.  No  matter 
at  what  season  suckers  are  ready,  they  should  be  potted.  Shift  all 
plants  that  require  it,  shade  them  and  keep  them  a  little  close  for  a  time, 
and  dew  them  overhead  with  tepid  water  through  a  fine  rose 
or  syringe  at  shutting. up  time.  Those  intended  for  early  summer 
fruiting  should  now  have  their  pots  well  filled  with  roots  and  should 
be  kept  moderately  dry,  but  at  no  season  of  the  3'ear  absolutely  so. 
Such  plants  as  are  about  to  throw  up  their  fruits  enjoy  a  good  grow, 
ing  temperature  and  a  kindly  bottom  heat,  and  for  this  purpose  fresh 
linings  and  plunging  may  be  necessary. 

Vines. — Remove  the  lights  if  practicable  from  the  earliest  Vine, 
ries  in  which  all  the  wood  is  thoroughly  well  ripened  and  the  frnit 
cut,  and  paint  and  repair  the  house.  Where  Grapes  are  now  ripe 
and  hanging,  precautions  should  be  taken  against  the  ravages  of 
wasps  and  other  depredators,  either  by  placing  the  clusters  in  little 
muslin  bags,  or,  if  convenient,  covering  over  all  openings  for  venti. 
lation  with  sheets  of  tiffany,  hexagon  netting,  or  frigi  domo.  A 
somewhat  dry  atmosphere  is  necessary  where  Grapes  are  ripe 
and  colouring,  but  still  guard  against  too  much  aridity.  In  late 
Vineries  where  the  berries  are  swelling,  give  air  night  and  day,  and 
maintain  an  equable  temperature  by  means  of  a  little  (ire-heat,  which 
dispels  stagnant  damp  in  dull  weather  and  renders  the  atmosphere 
sweet  and  healthy  ;  give  also  abundance  of  water,  and  sometimes 
manure-water  to  the  borders,  and  liberally  damp  all  paths,  walls, 
and  floors  during  the  day,  otherwise  shrivelling  soon  sets  in,  and  red 
spider  makes  its  appearance.  The  earliest  pot  Vines  will  now  have 
their  canes  well  browned  off  and  thoroughly  matured,  and  as  soon 
as  this  is  the  case  they  may  be  turned  out  of  doors  and  set  in  well 
sheltered  places  where  their  rods  can  be  kept  erect.  Turn  the  pots 
on  their  sides  when  it  rains  heavily.  Other  pot  Vines  may  be  kept 
in  a  growing  condition  until  they  are  ripe,  when  they  should  be 
treated  like  the  earliest  ones.     » 

Peaches  and  Nectarines. — In  order  to  give  late  fruits  every 
chance  of  ripening  properly,  fully  expose  them  to  the  influence  of 
the  sun.  Trim  out  all  shoots  not  required  for  next  year's  work,  so 
as  to  thoroughly  ripen  those  retained.  Where  the  fruit  has  been 
gathered,  and  the  wood  is  well  matured,  ventilate  the  houses  as 
much  as  possible  night  and  day,  and  syringe  with  a  solution  of 
sulphur  for  the  eradication  of  red  spider,  and  use  some  dissolved  soft. 
soap  or  Gishurst's  compound  in  the  water  when  syringing  for  the 
destrnction  of  scale.  Keep  the  borders  moderately  moist,  for  drought 
under  any  circumstances  is  exceedingly  deleterious  to  the  trees. 

Pigs. — The  second  general  crop  of  these  will  now  be  ripening, 
and  consequently  the  atmosphere  should  be  kept  a  little  drier  than 
usual,  and  the  house  more  freely  ventilated  so  as  to  improve  the 
quality  of  the  Figs.  Trees  swelling  their  fruits  must  be  liberally  fed 
and  syringed,  and  scale  and  other  vermin  eradicated. 

Melons. — Prevent  over-luxuriance  by  means  of  kindly  treatment 
and  a  little  ventilation  at  night  as  well  as  during  the  day,  in 
preference  to  stinting  the  supply  of  moisture  and  pinching  severely. 
However,  their  growth  must  be  regulated  and  held  in  check,  and 
attention  must  be  paid  to  the  fertilisation  of  the  blooms.  To  those 
whose  fruits  are  swelling,  give  heavy  applications  of  water,  and  ; 
occasionally  some  manure-water.  If  the  plants  for  winter  fruiting 
are  not  yet  planted,  no  time  should  be  lost,  for  late-planted  ones 
seldom  give  much  satisfaction. 

Cucumbers. — The  plants  for  winter  fruiting  should  now  be  sown, 
and  cuttings  struck  from  present  fruiters  to  succeed  them.  Worn 
■  out  plants  may  now  be  cut  in  rather  severely,  and  the  borders 
mulched  and  well  watered,  and  the  linings  renewed ;  the  plants  soon 
make  a  fresh  start,  and  bear  well  for  some  time  yet.  Attend  to  the 
usual  routine  of  thinning  the  leaves,  shoots,  and  fruits  whilst  in  a 
young  state. 

KITCHEN  GARDEN. 
August,  like  March,  is  a  month  of  sowing  and  transplanting. 
If  the  weather  is  dry,  then  the  seeds  require  moisture  ;  and  in 
order  to  best  ensure  it,  let  the  ground  be  deeply  dug,  levelled,  and 
rolled,  and  sown  with  as  much  expedition  as  possible,  so  as  to  prevent 
it  from  parting  with  its  moisture  ;  a  mat  or  some  rank  litter  placed 
over  it  until  the  seeds  begin  to  germinate  will  also  be  found  useful 


in  periods  of  draught.  The  hoe  should  be  in  constant  use,  and  all 
weeds  and  vegetable  refuse  should  be  collected  into  a  heap,  where 
by  mixing  it  with  lime  and  by  means  of  frequent  turnings,  insect 
life  and  also  that  of  the  seeds  of  weeds  may  be  destroyed,  and  decom- 
position accelerated.  Hoeing  and  surface  stirring  should  be 
rigorously  persevered  in,  and  slugs  and  insects  should  bo  kept  in 
check  by  means  of  dressings  of  soot  and  lime.  Never  permit 
vegetables  to  "  rnn  "  to  seed,  unless  required  for  that  purpose,  and 
then  they  should  have  a  place  set  apart  for  them.  Manure  well  and 
trench  every  spare  piece  of  ground,  which  if  uncropped  should  be 
ridged.  In  dry  weather  abundantly  water  all  kinds  of  crops  that 
will  be  removed  before  wiutei",  but  to  such  as  remain  during  that 
season  water  should  be  very  judiciously  applied,  as  too  much  induces 
soft  growth  liable  to  be  destroyed  by  frost. 

Angelica. — Sow  as  soon  as  the  seeds  are  ripe,  and  keep  the 
beds  watered  until  the  seeds  germinate ;  a  cool  moist  situation  suits 
them  best. 

Anise. — Gather  the  seeds  of  this  as  soon  as  they  are  ripo  and 
dry,  and  store  them  for  sowing  in  April.  Anise  seeds  are  a  good 
deal  used  in  confectionary  and  for  medicinal  purposes. 

Artichokes. — Cat  down  such  stems  as  have  yielded  heads  ;  and, 
by  mulching  the  ground  about  the  plants  with  manure,  and  giving 
plenty  of  water,  a  good  succession  of  heads  may  bo  obtained 
until  October.  In  the  case  of  young  plants,  too  liberal  treatment  is 
not  advisable,  as  it  makes  them  too  soft  to  winter  well. 

Asparagus. — This  requires  no  more  attention  than  that  of 
keeping  the  ground  clean  and  looking  after  the  larvie  of  the 
Asparagus  beetle  (Crioceris  asparagi). 

Beans,  Broad. — As  soon  as  the  Long  Pods  and  Windsors  are 
gathered,  clear  away  the  plants,  dig  the  ground,  and  plant  therein 
Endive,  Lettuces,  Coleworts,  and  late  Celery,  or  sow  Turnips  on 
it.     Give  plenty  of  water  in  dry  weather  to   the  latest  crop. 

Beet.— Use  the  largest  roots  first,  and  remove  all  plants  throwing 
up  flower  spikes.  Sow  some  of  the  white  or  silver-leaved  Beet  for  a 
spring  supply. 

Borecole  or  Kale. — This  makes  a  fine  succession  to  the  early 
Potato  crop,  and  is,  perhaps,  the  best  of  all  vegetables  for  growing 
on  a  border  with  a  northern  aspect.  A  few  seeds  of  it  may  bo  sown 
in  the  first  fortnight  of  the  present  month  for  spring  planting. 
Some  of  what  is  called  Bada  Kale  may  also  be  sown  in  the  last  week 
of  this  month  for  the  same  purpose. 

Broccoli. — Plant  out  late  Broccoli,  and  remove  all  other  crops 
from  amongst  it  as  soon  as  they  are  ready.  Sow  a  few  seeds  of 
Snow's  Winter  White  Broccoli  about  the  middle  of  the  month  for 
spring  planting  ;  it  will  come  into  use  after  the  early  spring  Cauli- 
flower. 

Cabbage. — The  principal  crop  for  spring  use  should  now  be 
sown.  In  early  localities  the  12th  of  the  month  is  the  general  time 
for  sowing  it,  but  in  late  districts  it  is  best  to  sow  a  little  earlier,  if 
sown  too  early  the  plants  are  apt  to  run  in  spring,  and  if  too  late 
they  never  attain  full  development.  Good  small  sorts  are  preferable 
to  large  growing  varieties,  in  quality  as  well  as  convenience  for  table 
use;  the  following  are  excellent  kinds,  viz.,  Enfield  Market,  Early 
York,  Shillings'  Queen,  Nonjiareil,  and  Little  Pixie.  Sow  also  some 
Red  Cabbage  seeds ;  the  Red  Dutch  is  the  common  large  sort,  but 
the  Dwarf  Red  and  the  Utrecht  Red,  although  smaller  in  size,  are 
superior  to  tho  Dutch  in  quality.  Towards  the  end  of  the  month 
weed  the  beds  and  where  too  thick  thin  a  little.  Transplant  all 
plants  remaining  from  early  sowings,  and  also  Cock's  Hardy  Green 
for  Coleworts  in  the  winter. 

Cardoons. — A  few  of  the  earliest  and  strongest  of  these  may  be 
blanched  towards  the  end  of  the  month.  Get  well-twisted  hay  or 
straw  bands,  and  let  one  person  hold  the  leaves  together  in  an 
upright  position,  whilst  another  encircles  them  tightly  with  the 
bands,  then  earth  them  up  like  Celery.  They  are  fit  for  use  about 
three  weeks  after  they  are  earthed  up. 

Carrots. — In  the  first  week  of  the  month  a  sowing  of  Early  York 
and  Early  Dutch  should  be  made,  for  drawing  in  winter  and  spring, 
in  a  situation  where  they  can  be  conveniently  protected  in  severe 
weather  in  winter. 

Cauliflower. — Sow  this  out  of  doors  in  a  sheltered  place  from 
the  20th  to  the  end  of  the  month,  and  prick  the  young  plants  off 
into  frames  before  the  approach  of  fi-ost.  Differences  of  opinion 
exist  as  to  the  proper  time  for  sowing  the  autumn  crop,  but  the 
period  just  indicated  is  that  generally  adhered  to.  It  is  certain  that 
gross  plants,  which  are  generally  the  result  of  early  sowings,  are 
not  only  liable  to  suffer  from  damp  in  winter  but  frequently  "  button" 
in  spring.  Mr.  Barnes,  late  of  Bicton,  an  excellent  cultivator, 
prefers  sowing  at  once  in  frames  in  the  beginning  of  October  to 


142 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  16,  1873. 


sowing  out  of  doors  this  month.     In  dry  weather  water  advaneing 
crops  to  jirevent  premature  hearting. 

Celery  and  Celeriac. — Earth  up  early  plantings  of  theae  as 
Ihcy  appear  to  require  it.  Water  all  plantations  abundantly,  and 
[ilant  out  a  few  more  rows  for  a  late  crop.  Remove  suckers  from 
the  roots,  and  towards  the  end  of  the  month  draw  a  little  earth  over 
some  of  the  strongest  bulbs  of  the  Celeriac  to  whiten  them. 

Chervil. — Sow  this  broadcast,  and  cover  lightly  with  fine  soil. 
Chicory. — Thin   advancing   plants  of  this,  and  sow  a  few  more 
seeds  for  small  salads. 

Coriander. — Gather  the  seeds  of  this  as  soon  as  they  ripen,  and 
prepare  for  sowing  next  month. 

Corn  Salad. — Sow  this  broadcast  or  in  drills  six  inches  apart, 
for  late  autumn  and  winter  use. 

Cress. — Sow  the  American  kind  for  late  autumn  and  winter  use; 
and  tbe  common  Cress  fortnightly  or  weekly,  according  to  the  demand. 
Dill. — Sow  this,  where  the  plants  are  to  remain,  as  soon  as  the 
seeds  are  ripe. 

Endive. — Plant  out  this  in  quantities  proportionate  to  the 
demand  for  it,  and  tie  up  such  heads  of  the  earlier  put-out  plants  as 
are  nearly  fit  for  use.     Sow  a  few  seeds  for  a  late  crop. 

French  Beans  and  Scarlet  Runners. — Never  permit  the 
pods  of  these  to  get  at  any  time  over-large,  such  being  detrimental 
to  those  that  are  coming  on  in  succession,  and  give  the  plants  plenty 
of  water  in  dry  weather.  Pick  the  points  of  Sclarlet  Runners  when 
not  supported  by  means  of  stakes. 

Garlic  and  Shallots. — Lift  and  dry  the  bulbs  of  these  as 
soon  as  they  are  ripe,  and  then  string  them  on  hay  or  straw  ropes  by 
means  of  their  own  withered  leaves,  after  that  hang  them  up  in  a 
fruit  room  or  Onion  house. 

Leeks. — Transplant  the  late  crops  of  these  during  moist  weather, 
and  give  them  plenty  of  water  at  planting  time. 

Lettuces. — About  the  middle  of  the  month  sow  Bath  Cos,  Brown 
Egyptian,  Green  Paris  Cos,  and  Hick's  White  Cos  ;  also  Lee's  Green, 
Hardy  White  Dutch,  and  the  Hardy  Hammersmith,  all  Cabbage 
sorts,  for  winter  and  spring  use. 

Mustard. — Sow  every  few  da^-s  as  required. 
Nasturtiums. — The  leaves,  flowers,  and  young  shoots  of  Nas- 
turtium may  be  used  as   salads,  and  the  young  seeds   and  flower- 
buds  pickled  in  vinegar  are  used  as  capers.     In  order  to  prolong  the 
flowering  season  plenty  of  water  should  be  given. 

Onions. — Sow  about  the  12th  of  the  mouth  for  spring  trans- 
jjlanting,  as  well  as  for  drawing  young,  the  Tripoli,  White  Spanish, 
Portugal,  Two-bladed,  and  the  Silver-skinned.  The  Welsh  Onion  is 
a  useful  sort  for  sowing  in  the  beginning  of  this  month  for  furnishing 
salads  in  spring.  With  a  long  rod  bend  down  the  'leaves  of  Onions 
all  in  one  direction,  in  order  to  increase  the  size  and  accelerate  the 
maturation  of  the  bulbs.  When  fit  for  harvesting  draw  them,  bundle 
them  at  once,  and  hang  them  them  up  in  an  aiiy  shed  to  dry.  Leav- 
ing them  lying  on  the  soil  gives  them  a  "  strong  "  taste. 

Parsnips.  — •  Sow  some  of  the  hollow-crowned  to  stand  the 
winter,  and  to  come  into  use  rn  spring. 

Peas. — Do  not  encumber  the  ground  with  these  after  they  get 
too  old  ;  on  the  contrary,  trench  the  soil  and  prepare  it  for  Leeks, 
Spinach,  or  the  Cabbage  tribe.  Young  crops  must  be  liberally  sup- 
plied with  water. 

Purslane. — Sow  some  seeds  of  this  for  salad  ;  gather  the  oldest 
of  the  first  sowings  and  treat  them  as  pot-herbs. 

Radishes. — Sow  the  diflrerent  kinds  of  these  in  moderately 
cool  situations.  During  the  next  two  months  they  will  be  found  to 
be  first  rate.  Some  of  the  black  and  white  Spanish  should  likewise 
be  sown  for  winter  and  spring  use. 

Spinach. — Sow  a  main  crop  of  Spinach  in  the  first  of  the 
month,  another  about  the  middle,  and  a  third  in  the  beginning  of 
next  month.  The  Prickly-seeded  and  Flanders  are  excellent  sorts 
for  standing  the  winter. 

Tarragon. — Tarragon  may  now  be  increased  by  means  of 
cuttings  made  of  the  side  shoots,  and  planted  under  handlights. 

Tomatoes. — The  usual  routine  of  stopping  laterals,  preventing 
an  overgrowth  of  leaves,  and  watering  lieavily,  must  still  be  pursued 
in  regard  to  these,  and  when  the  fruit  has  attained  full  size,  it  may 
be  fully  exposed  to  the  influence  of  the  sun,  in  order  to  better 
ripen  and  give  it  colour.  Propagate  a  few  cuttings  of  Tomatoes, 
and  winter  them  in  cool  quarters  in  store  pots.  These,  if  re-potted 
and  kindly  treated  in  spring,  are  earlier  and  much  more  certain 
fruiters  than  seedlings. 

Turnips. — Early  in  the  month  sow  some  of  the  small  quick, 
growing  varieties  of  Turnips,  such  as  the  Yellow  Finland,  White 
Stone,  and  Strapleaf,  on  ground  after  Potatoes  or  Peas.  By  timely 
thinning  and  frequent  surface  stirrings,  together  with  a  dressing  of 
guano  in  showery  weather,  excellent  and  sweet  Turnips  can  always 
thus  be  had. 


THE  BOTANIC  GARDENS,  ST.  PETERSBURGH. 
The  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  establishment  of  the  Imperial  Botanic 
Gardens  at  St.  Petersburgh  was  recently  celebrated  by  several 
oSicers  of  State  and  the  officers  and  employes  of  the  gardens. 
The  origin  of  these  now  extensive  gardens  (like  that  of  the  celebrated 
Jardin  des  Plantes  at  Paris)  was  a  simple  "  apothecaries'  garden  " 
founded  by  Peter  the  Great  on  one  of  the  islands  in  the  Neva  in  1714. 
By  the  year  1823  this  garden  had  increased  so  far  as  to  occupy  its 
present  largo  area  and  comprised  a  department  for  medicinal  plants, 
another  for  botany,  a  school  of  arboriculture,  and  a  few  plant  houses 
in  not  very  good  condition.  The  entire  number  of  species  of  living 
plants  which  it  contained  at  that  date  amounted  to  no  more  than 
1,500.  In  this  year,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Minister  of  the  Interior, 
Count  V.  P.  Kotschubei,  the  Emperor  Alexander  I.  issued  a  ukase  by 
which  all  the  separate  departments  of  the  old  "apothecaries'  garden" 
were  thenceforth  to  be  united  into  one  institution,  under  the  title  of 
"  the  Imperial  Botanic  Gardens."  This  wascan-ied  out  under  the  super- 
intendence  of  Professor  Fischer,  who  was  appointed  the  first  director, 
and  at  the  same  time  a  sum  of  100,000  roubles  was  granted  for  the 
purchase  of  living  and  dried  plants,  another  sum  of  250,000  roubles 
for  the  erection  of  plant  houses  and  dwelling  houses  for  the  oflicials, 
and  a  further  sum  of  68,270  roubles  to  meet  the  miscellaneous 
expenditure  of  the  year.  The  gardens  now  contain  more  than  21,000 
species  of  living  plants,  and  also  include  a  fine  herbarium  of  dried 
specimens  of  over  160,000  species  of  plants  ;  a  botanical  museum 
containing  25,500  specimens  of  fruits  and  seeds,  59,017  specimens  of 
wood  and  timber,  and  1,906  specimens  of  fossil  plants.  Besides 
these,  there  is  a  laboratory  of  vegetable  physiology,  and  a  fine 
library  of  15,552  volumes.  Professor  Fischer  died  in  1852,  and  was 
succeeded  by  C.  A.  Meyer,  who  died  in  1855.  The  present  director, 
Dr.  E.  Regel,  was  then  appointed,  and  to  that  gentleman,  whose 
name  is  distinguished  in  horticultural  and  botanical  literature,  much 
of  the  credit  of  the  present  flourishing  condition  of  the  gardens  is 
justly  due. 

The  foregoing  short  account  is  an  abstract  translated   from   an 
article  in  the  May  number  of  the  "  Gartenflora."  W.  M. 


Market  Carts.— I  have  observed  in  the  papers  Mr.  Bohn's 
action  in  respect  to  the  filthy  condition  of  some  of  the  carts  that 
convey  fruit  to  Covent  Garden  Market.  Somewhat  in  confirmation 
of  this,  allow  me  to  state  what  I  saw  in  Kensington  one  day  last  week, 
from  the  top  of  an  omnibus,  viz  : — A  market-garden  waggon  loaded 
with  manure,  and  on  the  top  a  number  of  fruit  baskets  ;  not  empties, 
but  filled,  because  I  distinctly  observed  green  leaves  on  their  tops, 
secured,  as  is  usual  in  the  case  of  fruit  baskets,  by  cross  pieces  of  stick. 
There  were  probably  a  score  of  bushel  baskets  thus  placed  on  the  top 
of  the  manure.  This  incident  only  confii'ms  the  carelessness  exhi- 
bited in  such  matters,  and  it  is  hardly  possible  to  realise  what  must 
have  been  the  state  of  the  fruit,  pervaded  by  the  steaming  exhala- 
tions of  a  large  waggon-load  of  manure  under  a  hot  July  sun. — 
J.  H.  Ravenshaw,  Derby  Lodrie,  East  Sheen. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. 

August  15th. 
The  supply  and  demand,  aa  a  rule,  are  good,  and  high  prices  for  good  articles 
are  readily  obtained.  Strawberries  are  done,  and  Raspberries  are  getting 
short.  Pears,  Api)lcs,  Plums,  and  Nuts  are  largely  imported  and  in  good  condition. 
Pines,  Grapes,  Melons,  and  Cucumbers  maintain  their  former  excellence,  and 
of  Peaches  there  is  a  fair  supply,  but  Apricots  are  somewhat  scarce.  Goose- 
berries arrive  in  considerable  quantities,  but  bush  fruits,  as  a  rule,  are  now 
decreasing  in  quality  and  tjuantity.  The  supply  of  vegetables  is  large  and  the 
(luality  exceUent,  ijut  in  many  ca^es  French  Beans  and  Scarlet  Runners 
arc  too  old.  Amongst  flower's.  Lilies,  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  Cockscombs, 
Coleuses,  yellow  Calceolarias,  Oleanders,  &c.,  form  the  principal  part. 


Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Asparagus,  per  100, 
3s.  to  tls. ;  Beans,  Kidney,  per  half  sieve,  2s.  to  3s.,  broad,  2s.;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz., 
Is.  to  2s.;  Cabbage,  per  doz.,  2s.;  Carrots,  per  bunch,  4d.  to  8d. ;  Cauliflower,  per 
doz.,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Celery,  per  bundle,  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Coleworts,  per  doz. 
bunches,  4s. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  4d.  to  Is. ;  Endive,  per  doz.,  2s.  ;  Fennel, 
per  bunch,  3d. ;  GarUc,  per  lb.,  6d.;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Horse- 
radish, per  bundle,  3s.  to  4s. ;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  4d. ;  Lettuces,  per  doz. 
Is.  to  2s. ;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  33.;  Mustard  and  Cress,  per  punnet, 
2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  4s.  to  6s. ;  button,  per  quart,  Sd. ;  Parsley,  per  doz. 
bunches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Peas,  per  quart,  9d.  to  Is.  ; 
Potatoes,  per  bushel,  3s.  6d.  to  5s.;  Piadishes,  per  doz.  bunches,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ; 
Rhubarb,  per  bundle,  8d.  to  Is. ;  Salsafy,  do..  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Scorzonera, 
per  bundle,  la.;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ;  Spinach,  per  bushel,  3s.;  Turnips, 
■Id.  to  8d. ;  Vegetable  Marrows,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. 


Aug.  23,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


143 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 

Which  does  mend  nature  :   change  it  rather  ; 
The  Abt  itself  is  Natuke." — Shakespeare. 


but 


A  NEW  DOUBLE   POINSETTIA. 

Every  oue  familiar  Tvith  plants  knows  the  Poinsettia  pulclier- 
rima.  Botanists  call  it  Euphorbia ;  but  it  will  probably  retain 
the  old  name  of  Poinsettia  among  gardeners.  In  this  plant  the 
inconspicuous  flower-clusters  are  surrounded  by  several  floral 
leaves  or  bracts,  each  3  or  4  inches  in  length,  and  of  the  most 
intense  scarlet  imaginable.  When  we  say  that  this  new  Poin- 
settia has  not  only  the  original  series  of  bracts,  Ijut  that  the 
centre,  ordinarily  occupied  by  the  flowers,  is  filled  up  with 
hundreds  of  smaller  bracts  upon  short  stems,  diminishing  in  size 
until  the  smallest  are  only 
an  inch  long,  florists  will 
see  that  hero  is  a  novelty 
indeed.  This  remarkable 
plant  was  discovered  by 
the  indefatigable  collector, 
M.  Roezl,  who  found  it  in 
a  small  Indian  village  in 
the  Jlexican  State  of 
Guerrero  in  May  last.  He 
modestly  says  that  no 
botanist  or  florist  would 
believe  his  description  of 
this  magnificent  plant ;  but 
he  has  brought  dried  speci- 
mens, which  were  examined 
by  the  editor  of  the  Ameri- 
can A(jriculturisf,  who  says 
that  M.  Roezl  is  within 
bounds  when  he  states 
that  the  "  flower-cluster  " 
is  often  14  to  18  inches  in 
diameter  and  about  6 
inches  high.  M.  Roezl 
states  that  the  smallest 
bracts  are  scarlet  tinged 
with  violet,  and  that  the 
flowers  in  Mexico  last 
from  December  until 
April.  The  original  Poin- 
settia is  a  brilliant  plant, 
with  the  leaves  near  the 
flowers  taking  on  aU  the 
delicacy  and  brilliancy  of 
petals,  and  we  now  have  a 
sport  in  which  the  flowers 
themselves  are  superseded 
by  clusters  of  bracts, 
making  it  about  as  dif- 
ferent from  the  normal  sort  as  a  Cauliflower  is  different 
fi'om  a  Cabbage.  In  oui*  reduced  engi'aving  we  can  only 
give  a  general  idea  of  a  cluster,  but  a  careful  examination 
of  the  dried  specimens  shows  it  to  be  no  exaggeration. 
This  will  certainly  take  a  high  rank  for  warm  con- 
servatory decoration,  especially  as  it  holds  its  colour — we 
can  hardly  say  bloom — so  long,  and  for  florists  and  bouquet- 
makers  the  clusters  of  small  and  brilliant  bracts  will  be 
invaluable.  The  large  bracts  of  the  old  sort  can  only  be  used 
in  large  bouquets  and  decorative  pieces,  while  this  will  allow 
the  same  brilliancy  to  be  imparted  to  smaller  work.  A  house 
filled  with  the  ordinary  Poinsettia  in  full  perfection  fonns  a 
gorgeous  display  of  colour,  and  we  can  hardly  imagine  the 
brilli.ancy  that  would  be  presented  by  an  equal  number  of  this 
new  kind.  -The  small  stock  of  the  plant  is  in  the  hands 
of  Mr.  J.  Buchanan,  of  New  York,  who  will  no  doubt 
send  it  out  ere  long.  Our  illustration  is  from  the  American 
Agriculturist,  there  being  as  yet  no  plants  or  dried  specimens 
in  this  country. 


New  Double  Poinsettia, 


HORTICULTURE  IN  THE  MIDDLE  AGES. 
In  a  paper  read  by  M.  le  Comto  do  Gomer  before  the  Acadomie  of 
Amiens,  the  following  outline  of  the  condition  of  horticulturo  in  the 
Middle  Ages  is  deserving  of  some  notice.  In  those  days  gardening 
appears  to  have  been  chiefly  confined  to  the  culture  of  vegetables 
and  fruit,  the  commencement  of  floriculture  to  any  noticeable  extent 
dating  from  a  much  later  period.  After  some  preliminary  remarks 
on  agricultm-al  matters,  M.  le  Comte  says  : — "  Without  going  further 
than  France,  if  we  examine  into  the  state  of  horticulture  as  it  was 
practised  in  the  time  of  Chai-lemagne,  we  shall  find  in  the  records, 
which  are  known  as  the  '  Capitulaires,'  an  enumeration  of  the 
useful  plants  which  the  Emperor  wished  to  see  grown  in  his  gardens. 
Amongst  them  are  most  of  the  vegetables  with  which  we  are  now 
familiar  in  our  kitchen  gardens,  such  as  Fennel,  Chervil,  Garlic, 
Parsley,  Shallots,  Onions,  Cress,  Endive,  Lettuce,  Beet,  Caljbage, 
Leeks,  Carrots,  Cardoon,  French  Beans,  Broad  Beans,  Chick-Peas, 
and  Lentils.  In  the  thirteenth  century  all  sorts  of  vegetables  were 
known  under  the  common  name  of  '  aigrun,'  under  which  wero 
included  Oranges,  Citrons,  and  other  acid  fruits.  Saint-Louis  added 
to  the  list  Nuts,  Walnuts,  and  Chestnuts,  and  when  the  guild  of  the 

fruiterers  of  Paris  received 
their  charter  in  1608,  they 
still  bore  the  designation  of 
'  sellers  of  fruit  and  aigrun.' 
In  the  thirteenth  century  a 
species  of  Melons,  known  as 
Pompons,  was  much  grown ; 
and  Langiiedoc  was  famous 
for  its  Sugar- Melons,  which, 
according  to  Charles  Etienne 
and  Liebaut,  were  so  named 
because  the  cultivators 
watered  them  with  sugar  or 
honey  and  water.  Amongst 
Cabbages,  the  most  cele- 
brated was  the  Chou  do 
Senlis,  the  leaves  of  which, 
says  an  old  author,  e.xhaled 
a  more  agreeable  odour  than 
Musk  and  amber.  This 
species  appears  to  have 
perished  when  the  aromatic 
herbs,  which  were  so  much 
in  request  in  the  kitchens  of 
our  ancestors,  fell  into  dis- 
repute and  ceased  to  be  ex- 
tensively cultivated.  The 
chief  favom-ites  amongst 
these  herbs  were  Marjoram, 
Caraway,  Basil,  Coriander, 
Lavender  and  Rosemary.  The 
Cucumber  was  also  cultivated, 
and  Lentils  were  pretty  ex- 
tensively grown,  but  these 
were  not  in  such  high  favour 
as  the  smaU  Beans  which 
were  used  at  entertainments 
of  the  first  class.  Peas  in 
the  sixteenth  century  were 
considered  a  royal  dish. 
Turnips  and  Lettuces  were 
much  grown ;  among  the 
latter  the  most  esteemed  was  the  Romaine  (or  Cos),  which  owes  its 
name  to  the  cu'cumstance  that  the  seed  of  it  was  sent  from  Rome 
by  Rabelais,  when  he  was  living  in  Italy  with  Cardinal  du  Bellay,  in 
1537.  Western  Em-ope  was  originally  very  poorly  supplied  with  fruits. 
Most  of  the  kinds  which  are  now  grown  were  introduced  from  Asia 
by  the  Romans.  Tho  Apricot  was  brought  from  Armenia,  the  Cherry 
from  the  northern  pai'ts  of  Asia  Minor,  the  Pistachio  tree  and  the 
Plum  from  Syria,  the  Peach  and  the  Walnut  from  Persia,  the  Citron 
from  Media,  the  Filbert  from  Pontus,  the  Chestnut  from  Catana,  a 
town  of  Magnesia,  and  the  Almond  from  various  parts  of  Asia.  The 
Pomegranate,  according  to  some  authors  came  from  Africa,  according 
to  others  from  the  island  of  Cyprus  ;  the  Quince  from  near  Cydon,  a 
town  of  Crete  ;  while  the  Olive,  the  Fig,  the  Pear,  and  the  Apple 
were  aU  introduced  from  Greece.  We  learn  from  the  '  Capitulaires ' 
of  Charlemagne,  that  almost  all  the  fruits  above-mentioned  were 
grown  in  the  gardens  of  that  monarch,  and  that  even  at  that  early 
period  many  varieties  had  been  produced  in  the  course  of  cultivation. 
Amongst  them,  however,  we  do  not  find  the  Reine  Claude  or  Green, 
gage,  nor  the  Bon  Chretien  Pear,  a  variety  first  presented  by  Saint 
Fiancjois  dc  Paul  to  Louis  XI." 


144 


THE  aAEDEN. 


[Aug.  23, 18?3. 


NOTES   OF   THE   WEEK. 

Ouii  seedsmen  must   not  be  surprised  if  they  receive  orders 

from  Franco  for  Potatoes  with  strange  names,  as  we  find  in  a  very- 
good  book  on  Parisian  market-gardening  a  laudatory  allusion  to  an 
old  friend,  which  is  described  as  the  "  L' Abstone  Quidney !" 

The  fine  little  bit  of  "  carpet "  and  sub-tropical  bedding  in 

front  of  the  gardener's  lodge  in  Kensington  Gardens  is  now  well 
worth  a  visit  from  all  interested  in  bedding  arrangements. 

Lauue  quantities  of  Greengage  Plums   (Reine  Claude)  are 

now  being  sent  to  Covont  Garden  Market.  This  is  one  of  the  finest 
of  all  fruits  for  preserving,  and  appears  to  be  tolerably  plentiful  and 
reasonable  in  price  this  season. 

The  Peach  gardens   in  the  neighbourhood  of  Montreuil  are 

just  now  in  excellent  condition,  and  well  worth  a  visit,  either  from 
a  cultural  or  commercial  point  of  view.  In  the  grounds  of  M. 
Chevalier,  more  especially,  the  culture  of  the  Peach  for  market 
purposes  is  carried  out  to  perfection  ;  the  healthy  well-trained  trees 

being  covered  with  an  abundance  of  fine  fruit. 

The    splendid  collection   of   Agaves,   Fourcroyas,  and   Bes- 

chornerias,  belonging  to  M.  De  Jonghe  Van  Ellemeet,  will  be  sold 
by  auction  on  the  22nd  of  next  month,  at  his  chateau  of  Overduin, 
Oostkapelle,  lez  Middelbourg,  in  the  province  of  Zeeland,  Holland. 
The  collection  contains  318  specimens  of  all  the  known  species  of 
the  above-named  plants,  some  of  the  Agaves  being  of  unusually 
large  size. 

The    Paris    markets     are    now    well    stocked    with    fruit, 

consisting  of  Chasselas  Grapes  of  an  amber  colour  tinged  with  pink. 
Figs,  Rock  Melons,  Peaches,  Pears,  and  Apples.  Vegetables  are 
both  plentiful  and  well  grown  ;  they  consist  of  Lettuce,  Chicory, 
Radishes,  Turnips,  Black  Spanish  Radish,  Spanish  Haricot  Beans, 
French  Beans,  Brinjals  or  Aubergines,  and  Vegetable  Marrows  and 
Gourds.  Radishes  and  Endive  are  as  crisp  and  as  fresh  as  in  the  spring. 

We  have  received  from  Mr.  George  Cooling,  of  Bath,  speci- 
mens of  a  seedling  Apple,  which  promises  to  bo  an  acquisition  in 
the  way  of  an  early  table  variety.  It  is  handsome  in  shape,  which 
is  not  unlike  that  of  the  Nonesuch,  but  it  is  considerably  earlier 
than  that  sort ;  it  is  of  medium  size,  very  prettily  streaked  with 
red,  and  is  reputed  to  be  a  sure  and  heavy  cropper. 

At  a  late  meeting  of    the   California  Academy  of   Natural 

Sciences,  Dr.  Kellogg  said  he  had  just  returned  from  under  the 
shadow  of  the  finest  evergreens  ever  grown.  He  hoped  the  secretary 
would  record  the  fact  that  there  were  in  California  golden  Chestnut 
trees  (Castanea  chrysophylla)  from  100  to  200  feet  high,  4  to  6  feet 
in  diameter,  and  with  a  clean  trunk  of  from  50  to  70  feet. 

One    of    the    tanks   in   the  Jardin   des  Plantes  at  Paris  is 

literally  golden  with  the  lovely  blossoms  of  the  Limuocharis 
(Hydrocleis)  Humboldtii,  and  its  bright-looking  leaves  form  a 
floating  carpet,  of  the  richest  green,  on  the  surface  of  the  water. 
With  us,  this  fine  water  plant  is  generally  kept  in  stoves,  or,  if 
outside,  in  artificially  heated  water ;  but  at  Paris  it  has  no  such 
advantages,  thus  indicating  that  it  is  much  more  hardy  than  people 
generally  suppose  it  to  be. 

The  neat  examples  of  Standard  Hibiscus  plunged  out  in  the 

gardens  of  the  Tuileries,  at  Paris,  are  now  flowering  freely,  as  are 
also  fine  plants  of  Pomegranates  in  large  tubs.  A  magnificent  pair 
of  Paulownias  in  the  Jardin  des  Plantes  are  also  very  interesting, 
being  heavily  loaded  with  clusters  of  pale  green  fruit,  which,  at 
some  little  distance,  look  Uko  bunches  of  Muscat  Grapes.  One  of 
these  trees  is  a  perfect  specimen  30  feet  or  more  in  height,  and  well 
covered  with  fresh  green  foliage. 

Mr.  Smee's  letter  in  the  Times,  on  the  subject  of  "  Sewage- 
Grass,"  has  called  forth  replies  from  a  number  of  gentlemen,  whose 
expeerince  quite  disproves  the  conclusions  at  which  Mr.  Smee  has 
arrived.  The  aggregate  of  the  evidence  on  the  other  side  goes  to 
substantiate  the  fact  that  sewage,  when  properly  applied,  not  only 
produces  excellent  crops  of  gi-ass,  corn  and  vegetables,  but  that  it  is, 
also,  not  in  the  slightest  degree  injurious  in  any  respect.  On  the 
other  hand,  as  Mr.  J.  Bailey  Denton  well  remarks,  "  if  the  land  was 
'flooded'  with  sewage — sewage  containing  the  germs  of  disease — 
and  the  growing  gi-ass  was  then  partially  covered  with  it,  so  that  the 
diseased  matter  could  adhere  to  the  blades  to  be  swallowed  by  the 
cows  when  they  consumed  the  grass,  it  is  quite  within  the  range  of 
possibility  that  the  productions  of  a  sewage  farm  may  be  infectious, 
just  as  the  grass  of  an  ordinary  farm  coming  in  contact  with  the 
same  matter  would  be ;  but,  in  the  absence  of  these  conditions,  the 
chances  of  their  being  so  are  as  remote  in  the  one  case  as  in  the  other. 
In  all  properly-conducted  sewage  farms  care  is  taken  not  to  '  drown  ' 
the  land,  but  simply  to  give  it  as  much  liquid  as  it  ivill  absorb,  and 
no  more.  By  this  means  vegetation  is  best  fed,  and  the  sewage  itself 
purified,  without  its  coming  in  contact  with  any  other  part  of  the 
plant  than  its  roots."     It  remains  for  Mr.  Smee  to  consider  whether 


he  has  not  been  too  precipitate  in  delivering  an  ex  cathedrX  judgment 
on  the  question.  For  ourselves,  we  can  only  say  that  some  of  the 
most  delicious  Strawberries  we  have  ever  tasted  were  grown  this  year 
on  sewaged  ground. 

The  fronds  of  that  handsome   Fern,  Adiantum  Hendersoni, 

described  at  p.  Gl,  Vol.  IV..  of  The  G.vrden,  are  finely  figured  in  the 
May  number  of  the  Illustration  Horticole. 

The  effect  of   Acer   Nejundo  variegatum,  when  contrasted 

with  dark  foliaged  evergreens,  is  just  now  very  fine,  and  the  plant 
is  also  valuable  for  bedding  and  sub-tropical  purposes. 

Some  idea  of  the  estimation  in  which  Mignonette  is  held  by 

the  French  may  be  formed  from  the  fact  that  one  nurseryman  in  the 
Rue  Montgalet  sells  about  40,000  pots  of  this  plant  every  year. 

Fi.owEitiNG  Begonias,  principally  hybrids  of  the  B.  Saunder- 

soni  section,  are  largely  used  for  bedding  pui^poses  in  the  Parisian 
gardens.  Many  of  the  foliage  kinds,  of  which  B.  Rex  and  B. 
grandis  may  be  taken  as  types,  are  also  used  with  excellent  effect. 

Large  quantities  of  the  Mirabelle  Hutive,  or  "  Sugar  Plum," 

are  now  being  brought  to  the  Parisian  fruit  market.  It  is  a  small 
round  fruit,  of  a  pale  yellow  colour,  covered  with  white  bloom,  and 
often  spotted  with  crimson  on  the  side  next  the  sun.  When 
thoroughly  ripe  it  is  very  sweet,  and  is  an  excellent  variety  for 
preserving. 

A  CURIOUS  fact  in  natural  history  important  to  Tea  planters 

has  been  discovered — namely,  that  locusts  will  not  eat  Tea-leaves. 
A  Darjeeling  paper  tells  us  that  very  large  flights  of  locusts  recently 
settled  on  the  Tea  gardens,  reddening  the  surface  of  the  ground  by 
their  numbers  ;  but  in  a  few  hours  they  passed  on,  having  devoured 
every  blade  of  Grass,  but  leaving  the  Tea  bushes  absolutely  intact ! 

"  The  Grape  harvest  in  France,"  says  the  Glohe,  "  promises  to 

be  unusually  fine  this  year.  How  large  a  share  the  Vineyards  take  in 
the  produce  of  the  country,  and  to  what  an  extent  they  form  the  wealth 
of  all  classes,  we  may  judge  from  the  fact  that  there  are  2,300,000 
Vineyard  proprietors  in  the  Republic.  In  all  the  sunny  land  of 
France  there  are  only  eleven  departments  which  do  not  grow  the 
Vine,  twenty  cultivate  Grapes  for  home  consumption,  and  fifty -eight 
for  export. 

A  NEW  square  has  just  been  opened  in  Paris,  near  the  Rue  de 

Sevres,  and  named  the  "  Square  des  Petits-Peres."  It  has  been  laid 
out  with  the  object  of  affording  a  cool  and  shady  place  of  resort  in 
summer;  and,  to  this  end,  the  broad  walks  which  surround  tho 
central  space  of  smooth  and  verdant  turf  have  been  planted  on  both 
sides  with  Plane  trees.  A  border  Gk  feet  wide  runs  round  the  square 
inside  the  railings.  This  is  planted  with  a  variety  of  shrubs,  inter, 
spersed  with  flowering  plants.  Six  fine  Elms  of  large  size,  which 
have  grown  for  many  years  on  the  ground  now  enclosed,  have  been 
preserved,  and  contribute  in  no  small  degree  to  the  appearance  and 
useful  purpose  of  the  new  square.  It  should  not  be  forgotten  that 
this,  like  all  other  squares  in  Paris,  and  unlike  any  of  our  Loudon 
squares,  is  open,  in  the  most  unrestricted  manner,  to  all  classes  of 
the  public. 

The  causes  of  "Hay  fever,"  so  long  a  vexed  question  with 

the  faculty,  are  very  satisfactorily  explained  in  a  recently  published 
treatise,  entitled  "  Experimental  Researches  on  the  Causes  and 
Nature  of  Catarrhus  sestivus  (Hay  fever  or  Hay  asthma),  by  Charles 
H.  Blackley,  M.R.C.S.,  England.  By  a  number  of  experiments,  in 
all  of  which  Mr.  Blackley  himself  was  the  subject,  and  which  are 
detailed  at  length  in  the  work,  he  has  proved  most  conclusively  that  the 
sole  cause  of  "  Hay  fever  "  is  the  inhalation  of  the  invisible  floating 
dust  of  the  pollen  of  Grasses,  &c.,  which  in  the  Hay-making  season 
fills  the  air  in  and  near  Hay-fields. — "  The  pollen  of  a  number  of  the 
Grasses  was  first  tried,  and  in  every  one  of  these  trials  this  gave 
distinct  and  unmistakeable  evidence  of  its  power  to  disturb  the  healthy 
action  of  the  respiratory  mucous  membrane.  When  a  small  portion  of 
pollen,  just  suflicient  to  tinge  the  tip  of  the  finger  yellow,  was  applied 
to  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  nares,  some  of  the  symptoms  of  '  Hay 
fever'  were  invariably  developed,  the  severity  and  continuance  of 
which  were  dependent  upon  the  quantity  and  upon  the  number  of 
times  it  was  used.  In  an  experiment  made  with  the  pollen  of  Lolium 
italicum,  the  first  sensation  produced  was  that  of  a  very  slight  degree 
of  anesthesia  of  the  spot  to  which  this  had  been  applied.  This  was 
followed  by  a  feeling  of  heat,  which  gradually  diffused  itself  over  the 
whole  cavity  of  the  nostril,  and  was  accompanied  by  a  slight  itching 
of  the  part.  After  some  thi'ee  or  four  minutes  a  discharge  of  serum 
came  on,  and  continued  at  intervals  for  a  couple  of  hours.  The 
mucous  membrane  appeared  to  swell,  and  eveutually  became  so 
tumid  that  the  passage  of  air  through  the  nostril  was  very  much 
impeded."  We  have  not  space  to  do  more  than  direct  attention  to 
this  really  original  and  instructive  work,  which  efi^ectually  disposes 
of  all  other  theories  on  the  subject,  and  removes  all  uncertainty  as 
to  the  true  cause  of  "  Hay  fever." 


Aug.  23,  1S73.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


145 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 

A  WELL-PROPORTIONED  FLOWER  VASE. 
In  choosing  a  vase,  people  are  too  apt  to  be  misled  by  the 
form  and  beauty  of  the  objects  before  them,  and  to  forget,  or 
at  the  least  to  think  far  too  little  of,  their  suitability  for  the 
display  of  flowers  to  the  best  advantage.  If  glass  vases  are 
coloured,  the  assortment  of  flowers  that  will  look  well  in  them 
must  necessarily  be  restricted  ;  while  vases  of  clear  colourless 
glass  and  of  white  glass — technical!}-  termed  "  flint "  and  "  opal" 


Fig.  1. — Convertible  Dinner-table  Vase  (sectional  view.) 

. — present  no  limits  to  the  variety  of  coloured  flowers  that  can 
be  arranged  in  them.  When  vases  are  wanted  for  special 
purposes,  the  question  of  proportion  comes  into  consideration, 
by  which  I  mean  not  only  proportion  in  the  different  parts  of 


Fig. 


mode  of  fixing  Brancli  Vases. 


the  vase  so  as  to  ensure  an  elegant  form  in  the  unfurnished 
vase,  but  also  proportion  in  reference  to  the  size  of  the  table 
upon  which  it  is  to  be  used,  and  to  the  size  of  the  other  objects 
which  are  to  occupy  the  same  table.  There  are  some  forms  of 
vases  that  look  well  in  a  drawing-room,  which  are  quite 
tinsuitable  for  a  dining-table ;  on  the  other  hand,  there  are 
very  many  beautiful  forms  of  dinner-table  vases  now  to  be  had 
in  the  glass  shops,  not  one  of  which,  that  I  can  remember, 


would  be  out  of  place  in  a  drawing-room  or  boudoir ;  in  short, 
if  a  vase  is  really  suitable  for  a  dinner-table,  it  is  sure  to  bo 
fit  for  any  other  tabic  or  place  of  corresponding  size. 

The  accompanying  sketches  will  illustrate  the  subject  of 
proportion  between  the  different  parts  of  a  vase.  Pig.  1  gives 
a  sectional  view,  and  shows  only  two  of  the  six  brauch- 
vases,  of  which  flg.  2  gives  a  plan.  The  form  is  one  of  the 
latest  introductions,  aud  is  not  yet  very  common.  But  if 
those  who  possess  it  will  compare  their  vase  carefully  with 
these  sketches,  they  will  find  many  points  that  do  not 
correspond.  The  general  arrangements  are  the  same ;  the 
difference  is  in  the  proportions.  The  pedestal  is  .5  inches 
high,  and  the  central  trumpet,  being  17  inches,  makes  (when 
screwed  into  the  pedestal)  the  whole  height  of  the  vase  to  be 
22  inches.  The  top  of  the  Inunch-vasc,  A,  is  9  inches  above 
the  table,  and  the  lowest  part  of  its  supporting  arm  descends 
to  85  inches  from  the  table ;  its  rim  is  Si  inches  across,  and 
its  edge  is  Si  inches  from  the  central  tube.  The  top  of  the 
branch-vase,  b,  is  7  inches,  and  its  lowest  point  2^  inches, 
above  the  table ;  its  rim  is  3  inches  across,  and  its  edge  is 
2  inches  from  the  central  tube.  Having  had  one  made  of 
these  proportions,  and  used  it  frequently,  I  can  speak 
confidently  of  its  superiority  over  the  other  kinds  of  this 
form  of  vase.  These  sketches  will  also  serve  to  illustrate  the 
subject  of  convertibility,  a  very  important  one  to  those  of 
limited  means  and  limited  accommodation  in  the  glass- 
cupboard.  The  plan  shows  that  there  are  six  branch-vases,  three 
of  A,  and  three  of  b,  and  they  are  there  arranged  alternately. 
But  from  the  nozzles  of  the  branches  being  all  of  one  size, 
it  is  clear  that  these  branch-vases  may  be  re-arranged  iu 
various  ways,  according  to  the  kinds  of  flowers  and  foliage 
available,  and  according  to  the  position  which  the  vase  is  to 
occupy.  Thus,  if  it  is  to  go  in  the  centre  of  a  table,  you  must 
either  use  three  or  all  six  branches,  and  if  you  use  only  three, 
then  they  must  be  all  alike,  for  it  would  destroy  the  symmetry 
of  the  vase  to  use  two  of  a  and  one  of  b.  But  if  you  want 
to  use  it  upon  a  side-board,  where  it  only  requires  to  be 
"  dressed  to  one  face,"  you  have  then  the  option  of  employing 
either  six,  five,  three,  or  two  branches  at  a  time.  If  wanted 
for  a  mantel-piece  or  shelf,  it  would  probably  be  found  best 
to  use  one  of  b  Ijetween  two  of  a,  which  would  bring  the 
three  vases  nearly  in  a  straight  line.  For  a  still  narrower 
place,  a  pair  of  either  a  or  b,  placed  on  opposite  sides  of  the 
central  tall  vase,  would  be  the  best  arrangement. 

This  vase  was  made  for  a  small  dinner-table,  either  round, 
square,  or  oblong,  suitable  for  a  party  not  exceeding  eight 
in  member.  It  is  a  great  favourite  with  me,  principally 
because  it  can  be  easily  and  quickly  dressed,  and  requires  only 
a  very  few  flowers,  a  dozen  fronds  of  Maiden-hair,  some 
pieces  of  Grass,  and  a  spray  of  some  graceful  climber,  to 
produce  a  pretty  light  effect.  W.  T.  P. 


Remove  the  Flowers. — All  lovers  of  flowers  must  remember 
that  one  blossom  allowed  to  mature  or  "go  to  seed"  injures  the 
plant  more  than  a  dozen  buds.  Cut  your  flowers  then,  all  of  them, 
before  they  begin  to  fade.  Adorn  your  room  with  them ;  put  them 
on  your  tables  ;  send  bouquets  to  your  friends  who  have  no  flowers, 
or  exchange  favours  with  those  who  have.  On  bushes  not  a  seed 
should  be  allowed  to  mature. 

Flowers  in  Mexico. — One  thing  which  strikes  one  pleasantly 
in  Mexico  is  the  wonderful  abundance  of  flowers.  AH  the  year 
round  crowds  of  Indians  sit  at  the  street  corners  in  the  early  morning, 
making  and  selling  for  a  real  (6d.),  bouquets  which  in  Loudon  or  New 
York  could  not  be  got  for  a  guinea.  Roses,  Verbenas,  Heliotropes, 
and  Carnations  grow  like  weeds  ;  and,  besides  the  made-up  bouquets, 
the  Indians  bring  down  packs,  on  their  hacks  from  the  mountains,  of 
the  Plor  de  San  Juan  (Bouvardia),  a  flower  like  a  white  Jessamine, 
and  for  a  quartilla  (lid.)  you  can  buy  an  armful  ct  it,  which  will  scent 
a'whole  house  for  a  week.  Our  rooms  were  always  fragrant  with 
the  bouquets  which  came  in  fresh  every  two  or  three  days,  and  some- 
times round  the  hanging  baskets  in  the  windows  a  lovely  humming, 
bird  would  hover,  and  dip  his  long  bill  into  the  flowers  for  honey. 

Colouring  Flowers  by  Chemical  Means.— The  American  Nafuralisf  gives 
an  abstract  of  a  paper  by  E.  Puscher  on  this  subject.  The  flowers  are  to  be 
placed  in  a  glass  funnel,  which  is  inverted  over  a  plate  containincj  a  few  drops 
of  sal  ammoniac  solution.  After  a  few  minutes  most  blue-violet  or  bright 
carmine-coloured  flowers  change  to  green,  dark  carmine  flowers  become  black, 
white  change  to  sulphur-yellow.  The  flowers,  plunged  into  fresh  water,  retain 
their  newcolours  for  2 — 6  hours,  and  then  lose  them. 


146 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  23,  1873. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

GRAPE  GROWING  AT  THORESBT. 
Vines,  like  sentient  creatures,  have  their  lilcings  and  dislikings ; 
one  variet}-  doing  splendidly  in  one  place,  and  another  in 
another  place;  and  yet, 'if  each  of  these  places  vrere  scanned 
critically,  we  should,  in  all  proljability,  find  some  varieties 
that  refuse  to  grow  in  them  at  all,  or  at  least  not  so  as  to  be 
considered  "a  success."  At  the  present  time,  that  much- 
abused  Grape  the  Madresfield  Court  may  be  seen  at  Chats- 
worth  bearing  6  and  6  lb.  bunches,  and  the  Mrs.  Pince,  Black 
Muscat,  equally  good;  and  yet  in  a  note  from  perhaps  the 
best  Grape  authority  in  the  country  I  read,  '•  out  of  more 
than  a  thousand  Vines  sent  out  this  spring,  I  have  not  sold 
half  a  dozen  of  either  Mrs.  Pince  or  Madresfield  Court." 
Mrs.  Pince,  properly  grown,  is  unquestionably  the  finest- 
flavoured  winter  black  Grape  we  have,  and  the  best  keeper. 
Of  this,  I  think,  there  can  be  no  question  ;  but  some  one  may 
exclaim,  "  It  won't  colour ! "  Won't  it  ?  Grow  it  properly  and 
there  need  be  no  complaint  on  that  score.  Another  noble 
Grape  is  Melville's  Muscat  Champion,  sent  out  by  Messrs. 
Vcitch;  but  because  it  is  not  black  it  also  is  not  in  favour.  Why 
not  on  the  same  score  exclude  Grizzly  Frontignan,  Purple  Con- 
stantia,  and  many  others?  If  the  matured  colour  of  a  good 
Grajje  is  red  or  purple,  why  grumble  because  it  won't  come 
black  ?  Speaking  of  the  caprices  of  the  Vine,  we  know  that 
the  Black  Muscat,  or  more  popularly  the  Muscat  Hamburgh, 
is  not  to  be  depended  upon  when  grown  on  its  own  roots ; 
but,  when  grafted  on  the  Hamburgh,  it  succeeds  perfectlj", 
especially  on  the  red  sandstone  formation.  Few  would  suspect 
the  hard}'  vigorous  Alicante  of  the  same  caprice,  yet  at 
Thoresby  Park,  where  Grapes  are  admirably  grown,  on  its 
own  roots  it  positively  refuses  to  grow  at  all ;  but  when 
grafted  on  the  Black  Monukka  it  produces  bunches  such  as 
are  rarely  seen.  The  soil  in  that  part  of  Robin  Hood's 
hunting  ground,  though  rich,  is  very  light.  Vines  grow 
well  in  it  for  a  few  years,  but,  after  bearing  half  a  dozen  crops, 
are  worn  out.  The  success  of  the  Alicante,  as  above  stated, 
prompts  Mr.  Henderson  to  use  the  Black  Monukka  generally 
as  a  stock,  and  in  renewing  his  next  house  he  intends  to  graft 
all  the  varieties  on  it,  and  I  predict  he  will  do  so  with  success. 
A  friend  suggests  that  the  Mustang  or  wild  Grape  of  the 
Texan  prairies,  would  be  worth  importing  for  the  same 
purpose,  and  it  is  more  than  probable  he  is  right.  There  it 
scrambles  from  tree  to  tree  in  uncontrolled  luxuriance.  The 
success  of  the  Alicante  at  Thoresby  is  a  fact  worth  marking, 
especially  by  those  who  have  light  soils  to  contend  with.  The 
ruinous  effect  of  sheet-glass,  as  used  at  Thoresby,  is  something 
lamentable.  Where  they  are  not  shaded,  the  Vine  leaves  are 
the  colour  of  brown  paper  and  completely  dried  up ;  and  a 
superb  lot  of  Pines,  just  pushing  up  for  winter  use,  are  quite 
disfigured  from  the  same  cause;  indeed,  so  convinced  is 
Mr.  Henderson  of  the  impropriety  of  using  this  glass  that  he 
is  now  permanently  frosting  it  with  a  preparation  of  sugar  of 
lead,  oil,  and  "dryers."  Pines  at  Thoresby  are  superbly  grown, 
the  fruiting  plants  for  next  season  being  more  like  young 
Aloes  than  Pine  plants  as  they  are  usually  seen ;  in  fact,  every 
plant  is  a  specimen  fit  for  any  conservatorj'.  With  these  facts 
before  us,  and  the  further  fact  that  where  the  experiment  has 
been  tried  for  neai'ly  twenty  years.  Grapes  colour  better  under 
patent  rough  plate  than  under  sheet  glass,  it  behoves  people  to 
pause  before  tliey  use  the  common  kind,  especially  as,  in  these 
times  of  dear  fuel,  it  is  important  to  know  that  strong  glass 
will  be  found  .x  to  7"  warmer  than  the  common  kind,  and  yet 
is  not  dearer.  N. 


THE  GOLDEN  CHAMPION  GRAPE. 
JIr.  Fish's  critique  on  this  Grape  (see  p.  134)  is  very  severe.  If 
yon  will  examine  and  taste  the  few  berries  which  I  send  j-on  from  the 
Tineries  of  Mr.  W.  Newton  of  this  place  }-oa  will  see  that  it  is 
possible  to  grow  the  Golden  Champion,  so  that  it  will  shrivel  instead 
of  rot.  The  Golden  Champion,  like  some  other  of  the  new  Grapes, 
is  the  victim  of  bad  gardening.  It  requires  peculiar  treatment,  and 
no  one  appears  to  have  taken  the  trouble  to  discover  what  that 
treatment  is.  The  Champion,  like  its  parent  the  Canon  Hall 
Muscat,  is   of  low  niaturativo   force,  or,  in  other  words,  it   makes 


gross  growth,  and  our  summers  are  too  short  to  enable  it  to 
thoroughly  ripen  its  wood.  The  consequence  is  immature  shoots 
and  a  gross  plethoric  growth  without  the  force  necessary  to  complete 
maturation.  In  the  same  house  with  the  graft  from  which  the  fruit 
sent  was  taken  is  a  Vine  of  the  Golden  Champion  on  its  own  roots, 
and  the  Grapes  are  worthless,  but  the  fruit  sent  was  cut  from  a 
gi'aft  on  the  Raisin  de  Calabre,  and  what  in  point  of  colour,  finish, 
and  flavour  can  be  more  complete  ?  The  berries  are  not  large,  but 
for  quality  and  finish  they  are  superior  to  the  best  I  have  ever  seen 
from  Mr.  Thomson  himself.  I  therefore  conclude  that  this  Grape 
wants  cultivating,  and  no  doubt  with  its  grossness  subdued,  thorough 
maturation  of  the  wood  ia  the  autumn,  and  Muscat  treatment  it  may 
yet  become  a  useful  Grape,  as  it  undoubtedly  is  a  most  exquisitely 
flavoured  one.  As  a  means  to  that  end  Mr.  Xewton  has  supplied  me 
with  the  first  fact,  and  he  has  suggested  that  even  double  or  treble 
grafting  upon  the  Raisin  de  Calabre  might  be  further  beneficial.  Of 
the  influence  of  stock  upon  scions  we  have  instances  in  other 
fruits,  and  in  some  Grapes,  as  for  example  the  Black  Muscat  upon 
the  Black  Hamburgh.  William  P.  AiUES. 

Neivarli,  Notts. 


Influence  of  the  Stock. — A  writer  iu  a  late  article  alleges 
that  '■  It  is  a  stated  fact  that  the  stock  has  no  influence  to  change 
the  fruit  borne  by  grafts."  Is  it  so  ?  In  an  old  orchard  we  have  a 
favourite  Apple  called  Pomme  Royale.  It  ripens  in  October,  is 
inferior  in  size,  slightly  acid,  green,  tender,  and  juicy,  and  of 
exquisite  flavour,  relished  by  everybody.  Forty  years  ago,  perhaps, 
scions  were  cut  from  it  and  inserted  in  three  fully.grown  seedling 
trees.  The  natural  fruit  of  the  first  was  a  small  juicy  russet, 
exclusively  sour.  That  of  the  second  was  a  larger  Apple,  partially 
red,  not  quite  as  sour  as  the  first,  and  bitter  to  the  taste.  The  third 
tree  produced  a  sweet  Apple,  of  pale  green  colour,  dry,  and  corky. 
When  the  grafts  came  to  bear,  fruit  from  the  first  compared 
favourably  with  that  of  the  tree  from  which  the  scions  were  taken. 
That  from  the  second  tree  was  not  as  good,  and  would  be  sometimes 
slightly  tinged  with  red ;  yet  it  was  tolerable.  The  third  tree  pro- 
duced larger  and  fairer  fruit  than  either  of  the  others,  but  it  was 
hard,  tough,  and  dry  as  compared  with  the  true  kind,  and  never 
gave  satisfaction.  Each  of  the  tlu-ee  was  unmistakeably  Pomme 
Royale,  but  they  differed  widely  in  quality,  which  we  could  account 
for  only  on  the  theory  that  the  stock  does  affect  the  fruit. — W.  B.  P., 
iii  "Neiv  York  Trihune." 

Grape  Failures. — Please  inform  me  if  I  have  overcropped  my. 
Tines.  I  planted  two-year-old  caues  early  in  the  spring  of  1S71, 
and  they  made  very  good  growth  ;  but  I  did  not  let  them  fruit  the 
first  season  in  1872.  They  made  very  good  growth,  and  I  allowed 
them  to  carry  each  about  two  or  three  branches.  I  pruned  them  on 
the  spur  system,  and  this  }-ear  I  thought  they  would  each  be  able  to 
carry  from  ten  to  thirteen  bunches.  They  are  now  beginning  to 
colour ;  but  the  berries  are  very  small.  Is  overcropping  the  cause  ? 
■ — A  SuBSCKiBEK.  [As  your  Vines  grew  well  the  first  and  second 
years,  and  carried  little  or  no  fruit,  they  should  certainly  have  borne 
"  from  ten  to  thirteen  bunches"  this  year — and  finished  them  off 
well — unless  the  bunches  are  unusually  large.  You  do  not  give  the 
length  of  the  bearing  rods,  and  you  have  omitted  to  state  what 
varieties  you  grow.  We  can  onlj-  surmise  that  the  berries  are 
Btoneless,  or  not  thinned  enough  ;  or,  that  the  Vines  have  received 
some  check  at  their  roots,  through  want  of  water  or  some  similar 
cause.  You  had  better  examine  the  berries,  and  if  the  seeds  are 
full-sized  and  hard,  the  evil  must  be  at  the  roots.  Had  the  crop 
been  too  heavy,  it  is  more  likely  that  the  beiTies  would  not  have 
coloured  well,  than  that  they  would  not  have  swelled  to  their  full 
size.     Examine  the  border. — J.  S.] 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FRUIT  GARDEN. 


Strawberries  in  Orchards.— It  is  the  practice  about  San  Jo?t^,  in  California 
to  grow  Strawberries  in  orchards.  The  berries  in  this  sunny  climate  are 
generally  (piite  as  fine  in  the  orchard  a^  on  open  ground.  The  only  question 
seems  to  be  as  to  how  the  trees' are  affected  by  such  culture,  and  on  this  point 
there  seems  to  be  quite  a  diversity  of  opinion  among  gardeners. 

Fruit  Crops  in  Yorkshire- — In  this  district  some  common  sorts  of  Apples 
are  plentiful,  but  choice  kinds  are  scarce.  Of  Apricots  we  have  a  sprinkling. 
Plums  on  some  trees  are  good.  Orleans  and  Victoria  being  the  best ;  Pears  ou 
walls  are  thin,  and  we  have  none  on  espaliers  and  standards.  Dessert  Cherries 
are  scarce,  but  Morellos  are  good  both  on  walls  and  pyramids,  especially  on  the 
latter;  and  small  fruits  of  all  sorts  are  abundant  and  fine,  particularly  Straw- 
berries and  Gooseberries.  Peaches  in  the  garden  here  are  excellent ;  we  have 
them  on  three  different  walls,  and  in  all  cases  we  have  fine  crops  ;  wo  thinned 
off  enough  for  half  a  dozen  crops,  and  the  only  protection  which  they  received 
was  that  of  hen-ing  nets  two  or  three  times  doubled,  yet  the  trees  had  plenty  of 
green  leaves  on  them  at  the  end  of  last  November. — H.  C,  Grimston  Park^  Tad^ 
caster. 


Aug,  23, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


147 


THE    GARDENS   OF   ENGLAND. 


Ferns  along  passages  in  greenhouses  at  Combe  Abbey, 


COMBE  ABBEY. 

Some  time  ago  wo  published  an  account  of  the  gardens  at  Combo 

Abbey,  and  now  follow  it  with  a  plan  of  the  kitchen  garden 

and  its  surroundings  (see  p.  14'0),  and  two  other  illustrations. 

The  portion  of  the  neatly-covered  Peach-wall  shown  will  bear 

evidence  to  more  successful  Peach-culture  than  we  often  see  m 

the  open  air  now-a-days.      The  mode   of  training   of    these 

Combe  Abbey  trees  is   neat   and  peculiar ;    but  there  is  not 

much  of    impoi-tance    in  that. 

The  training  of  all  the  branch- 
lets  aljove  the  main  shoots  is 

supposed  to  facilitate  the  up- 
ward and  equable  flow    of  the 

sap  ;  but  there  is  no  evidence 

that  it  does  so  any  better  than 

when    the     branchlets    spring 

from  both  sides  of  the  branches. 

The  cordons  trained  in  a  similar 

fashion  in   the   long  house  at 

Chiswick  are  certainly  no  better 

in  any  way  than  hundreds  we 

have  seen  trained  herring-bone 

fashion.    It  is  not  to  training, 

but  to  want  of  protection,  we 

must  look  for  an  explanation  of 

our  failure  with  the  Peach  in 

the   open   air.     One    might   as 

well  expect  to  ripen  Muscats  on 

the  bog  of  Allen  as  hope  for  the  Peach  to  attain  perfection  with 

the  treatment  it  often  gets  on  walls.   It  is  tathe  perfect  exposure 

of  these  trees  to  every  rapid  change  of  weather,  to  our  hardest 

frosts,  and  to  blossom-destroying  sleety  rains,  that  freeze  as  soon 

as  fallen,  we  must  trace  the  miserable  condition  or  the  death  of 

the  trees.     On  the  other  hand,  we  have  evidence   here  and 

elsewhere  that,  by  properly  protecting  the  wall  in  spring  by  a 

wide  coping,  or  in  any  other  simple  manner,  we  may  obtain  as 

fine  fruit  as  in  any  country  in  the  world.     It  is  to  be  regretted 

that  the  culture 

of  such  a  noble 

fruit      in      the 

open    air    does 

not  progress  in 

consequence   of 

leaving  the 

trees  so  unmer- 
cifully exposed 

in   spring — and 

in  winter  also  ; 

for  it  should  be 

borne  in    mind 

that  the  Peach 

tree      often 

perishes     from 

cold  long  before 

either    bud    or 

blossom   opens, 

and   this   in 

countries  where 

it  thrives  as   a 

standard  tree — 

as,  for  example, 

this     year      in 

Michigan.  "With 

reference  to  the 

form    here 

adopted,  it  is  doubtful,  very  doubtful,  if  any  form  that  takes 

a   long  time   to  establish   is  the   right   one   for  the    Peach. 
Certainly  we  should  prefer  some  simple  erect-growing  form, 

by  means  of  which  the  wall  could  be  covered  in  three,  or  at 
most  in  four  years. 

The  small  illustration  showing  the  way  in  which  Ferns  are 
grown  beneath  the  benches  and  along  the  passages  in  the 
gardens  at  Combe  Abbey  deserves  notice.  It  is  a  very  simple 
mode  of  growing  many  species  of  Fern  useful  for  cutting,  and 


they  serve  to  soften  down  the  usual  harsh  artificial  look  of  the 
houses  in  a  very  effective  manner.  Wo  do  not  see  enough  of 
this  happy  embellishment  of  objectionable  surfaces  and 
positions.  It  may  be  laid  down  as  a  general  principle  that 
one  may  obtain  ornamental  plants  wherewith  to  embellish 
every  kind  of  earth-surface  that  exists.  Evci'y  day  one  may 
see  "  rockeries  "  in  which  the  steps,  &c.,  look  as  harsh  and 
bare  as  a  new  brick  wall,  yet  in  the  angle  formed  by  each  step 
a  little  colony  of  the  loveliest  Violets  and  other  Alpine  flowers 
would  grow  joyously  in  the  gravel.  The  very  harsh  earthless 
walls  may  be  jewelled  with  the  brilliant  flowers.     But,  above 

■  all  places,  every  open  surface 
in  the  greenhouse  or  stove, 
straotures  in  which  conditions 
favourable  to  plant-life  so  often 
exist  in  perfection,  may  l)e 
easily  covered  with  plants.  We 
hope,  therefore,  that  this 
charming  phase  of  wild  garden- 
ing so  well  shown  at  Combe,  .is 
regards  Ferns,  will  become 
popular,  and  that  we  may  see  a 
little  less  of  the  harsh  red  pot 
and  a  little  more  of  free  nature's 
grace  iu  our  hothouses  and 
other  places  in  our  gardens 
than  we  have  hitherto  done. 
Having  before  referred  to  the 
excellent  systems  of  cultivation 
which  our  choicest  fruits 
receive  here,  we  must  not  go 
over  the  same  ground  again;  but  may  remark,  in  passing,  that 
fine  as  is  the  arrangement  of  the  kitchen  and  fruit  gardens, 
hothouses,  &c.,  the  placing  of  the  wholo  in  the  midst  of  the 
pleasure-grounds,  and  so  near  the  mansion,  was  a  radical 
mistake  in  design. 


.~-,Mi^ 


Portion  o£  the  Peach  wall  at  Combe  Abbey. 


Growing  Mushrooms  on  open  Lawns. — In  dry  positions, 
and  in  loamy  soils,  Mushrooms  may  be  grown  with  advantage   in 

open  situations  on 
lawns.  The  spawn 
should  be  in- 
serted as  follows : 
— Take  a  sharp 
spade,  force  it 
into  the  ground 
2  or  3  inches, 
and  withdraw  it 
without  disturb, 
ing  the  grass ; 
then  place  it  at 
one  end  of,  and 
at  right  angles 
with  the  first  in. 
cision,  and  force 
it  into  the  soil 
in  a  similar  man- 
ner, bending  the 
handle  back- 
wards until  an 
opening  is  made 
sufficiently  largo 
to  admit  a  piece 
of  spawn  of  about 
an  inch  square. 
When  this  is  in. 
serted,  the  spade 
should  be  with- 
drawn, the  turf 
allowed  to  fall  in  its  place,  and  firmly  trodden  down  with  the  foot ; 
the  latter  is  an  important  part  of  the  operation.  The  months  of 
July  and  August  are  suitable  for  performing  this  operation.  The 
pieces  of  spawn  may  be  inserted,  say  at  a  yard  apart.  In  soils 
and  situations  which  are  naturally  wet,  this  plan  would  not  bo 
successful.  When  the  spawn  is  found  abundantly  in  an  old  Mush- 
room-bed, or  runs  freely  through  an  old  heap  of  stable  manure,  is  the 
time  to  secure  it  for  this  purpose,  or  it  may  be  bought  iu  the  usual 
way  in  the  brick  form  and  broken  into  snitable-sized  pieces,  as 
mentioned  above. — E.  H. 


148 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  23, 1873. 


LONDON    MARKET    GARDENING. 

TOMATOES. 
The  large  red-fruited  sort  is  the  only  kind  cultivated  iu 
market  gardens,  and  I  do  not  think  that  growers  for  market 
will  be  easily  persuaded  to  exchange  it  for  any  of  the  so-called 
novelties  that  have  lately  appeared  among  Tomatoes.  No  ! 
Market  gardeners  only  grow  what  they  are  pretty  sure  will 
prove  remunerative.  Early  in  spring  the  seeds  of  the  large 
red  kind  are  sown  broadcast  in  a  frame,  set  on  18  inches  in  depth 
of  fermenting  manure,  over  which  6  inches  in  depth  of  light 
soil  has  been  placed.  In  severe  weather  the  frames  are 
protected  at  night  by  means  of  a  covering  of  litter  placed 
over  the  sashes,  but  this  is  removed  in  the  morning  when  a 
little  air  is  given.  It  is  advisable  to  have  the  young  plants  as 
strong,  healthy,  and  stubby  as  possible ;  and,  in  order  to 
secure  this,  a  gentle  bottom-heat  and  plenty  of  ventilation  are 
necessary.  Soon  after  germination  they  ai'e  thinned  a  little, 
and,  when  they  are  about  li-  or  2  inches  high,  they  are 
pricked  out  into  4  or  6-inch  pots,  two  plants  being  generally 
put  into  each  pot.  Frames  are  sometimes  prepared  for  these 
as  follows  :  First  a  foot  in  depth  of  fermenting  manure  is 
put  together  in  the  form  of  a  Ijed,  on  which  is  placed  8  inches 
in  depth  of  soil,  and  in  such  beds  pots  filled  with  mould  are 
plunged  up  to  the  brim.  The  plants  are  then  dibbled  into 
the  pots,  and  the  frames  shut  up  and  kept  close  for  a  time, 
until  fresh  root-action  has  taken  place.  They  are  afterwards 
kept  freely  ventilated  until  May,  when  the  sashes  are  entirely 
removed  during  the  day,  and  only  replaced  and  lifted  up  at 
night  or  in  wet  weather.  By  planting  time,  which  is  the  last 
week  in  May  and  first  fortnight  in  June,  the  plants  are 
thoroughly  hardened  off,  although  still  unable  to  endure  even 
a  slight  frost. 

In  market  gardens.  Tomatoes  are  seldom  planted  against 
walls,  as  is  done  in  private  establishments  ;  a  warm  situation 
convenient  to  water  is,  however,  selected  for  them,  and  in  such 
positions  they  produce  abundance  of  fine  large  well-coloured 
fruit.  The  earliest  planted  ones  are  generally  put  in  the  most 
favoured  positions,  such  as  a  warm  border,  or  on  either  side  of 
"  spent  "  Mushroom  ridges  where  they  are  well  sheltered.  If 
planted  too  early  they  are  liable  to  be  cut  down  by  late  frosts,  in 
which  case  entire  removal  and  replanting  is  the  safest  remedy, 
but  if  the  damage  be  not  too  great  the  sound  e3'es  will  produce 
shoots,  that  will  cari'y  heavy  crops.  The  second  or  main  plant- 
ing is  made  on  a  more  open,  yet  warm  quarter,  in  rows  about 
3  feet  apart,  and  the  plants  are  set  the  same  distance  asunder 
in  the  rows  ;  indeed  3  feet  is  a  universally  recognised  distance 
at  which  Tomato  plants  should  stand  apart.  In  some  cases 
a  trench  is  thrown  out  18  inches  deep  and  3  feet  wide,  and  a 
foot  in  depth  of  fermenting  litter  is  packed  into  it  and  covered 
with  soil.  On  these  trenches,  which  are  3feet  asunder,  are  planted 
two  rows  of  Tomatoes  only  18  inches  apart,  but  the  plants  in 
them  stand  at  the  usual  distance  apart  and  alternate  one  with 
the  other  in  the  different  rows.  After  planting,  if  frost  is 
apprehended,  an  inverted  pot  is  placed  over  each  plant  at 
night  until  all  danger  is  over.  A  mulching  of  decayed  manure 
is  generally  put  over  their  roots,  and  as  they  advance  in  growth 
little  earth  basins  are  drawn  up  to  them  with  the  hoe  for  the 
retention  of  water  which  is  given  to  them  liberally.  Stakes  four 
feet  long  are  inserted  beside  the  plants,  and  to  these  they 
are  tied  with  matting  as  growth  advances,  taking  care  to 
keep  the  shoots  on  the  sunny  side  of  the  stakes.  To  such  as 
were  planted  against  Mushroom  ridges,  stakes  are,  of  course, 
unnecessary,  as  the  shoots  are  pegged  to  the  ridges,  on  which 
they  thrive  well.  One  of  the  most  importauts  points  in 
Tomato  growing  is  timely  stopping  of  the  laterals ;  indeed,  on 
this  alone  the  amount  of  produce  greatly  depends.  Some 
growers  retain  only  one  rod  to  each  jilant,  others  two,  and  a 
few  three,  but  none  exceed  that  number.  Every  other  lateral 
is  pinched  or  rubbed  off  as  soon  as  it  appears,  and  when  three 
good  clusters  of  fruit  on  each  plant  have  set,  the  point  of  the 
shoot  or  shoots  is  nipped  out,  so  as  to  induce  mcreased  bulk 
in  the  fruit.  If  the  amount  of  foliage  be  too  great  it  is  reduced 
by  removing  some  leaves  wholly  and  by  cutting  off  the  half  of 
a  few  more,  but  sufficient  must  be  retained  to  enable  the  plants 
(o  perform  their  proper  functions,  and  to  shade  the  fruit  s  whilst 
they  are  swelling.  As  soon  as  the  fruit  has  attained  its  full  size 


the  leaves  may  be  turned  aside  so  as  to  expose  it  to  the  sun, 
by  which  means  it  ripens  more  readily  and  is  of  a  better  colour 
than  when  shaded.  The  ripe  fruits  are  generally  picked  off 
twice  a  week,  leaving  the  greener  ones  a  little  longer  so  as  to 
mature  themselves,  but  should  frost  come,  all  fruits  are  jiicked 
off  and  spread  out  on  hay,  in  a  frame  under  sashes  where  they 
eventually  become  red. 

The  amount  of  fruit  borne  by  a  patch  of  Tomatoes  in  a 
well-managed  market  garden  is  really  wonderful.  I  have 
seen  in  the  vicinity  of  London  this  crop  in  some  private 
gardens  and  under  good  circumstances,  provided  they  had 
been  taken  advantage  of,  in  very  bad  condition ;  while  in 
market  gardens  close  at  hand  the  same  crop  was  in  a  most 
flourishing,  healthy,  and  fruit-beariug  state,  simply  because 
the  latter  had  received  unremitting  attention  in  the  way  of 
pinching  oft'  laterals  and  leaves,  timely  stopping  of  the  leading 
shoots,  judicious  cropping  in  the  way  of  bulk  and  quantity  of 
fruit,  and  plenty  of  nourishment  by  means  of  frequent  sup- 
plies of  pure  water  and  occasional  applications  of  manure- 
water  when  convenient,  to  which  were  added  mulchings,  and 
frequent  hoeing  of  the  ground.  Tomatoes  may  follow  the 
winter  and  spring  frame  ground,  and  be  off  the  ground  in  time 
to  make  room  for  the  same  the  succeeding  winter.  If  in  .any 
other  position,  the  ground,  after  the  crop  has  been  removed, 
may  be  manured,  trenched,  and  ridged,  a  preparation  which 
will  admirably  suit  early  Cauliflowers.  W.  F. 


USES  OF  TOMATOES. 
Nowhere  are  Tomatoes  more  largely  used  than  in  Amerira, 
where  they  are  universally  popular,  both  raw  and  cooked  ;  but 
greater  quantities  are  jn'obably  eaten  raw  than  in  any  other 
way,  and  the  manner  of  dressing  them  varies  greatl}-. 
Some  persons  use  only  vinegar  and  salt  ;  others  vinegar,  salt, 
and  oil ;  while  others  prefer  sugar  and  cream,  as  for  Straw- 
berries. We  prefer  them  with  a  salad  dressing,  prepared  with 
raw  eggs,  mustard,  oil  and  vinegar,  salt  and  pepper,  or  with  a 
mayonnaise  dressing,  such  as  is  used  for  lobster  and  chicken 
salad.  Tomatoes  should  always  have  their  skins  removed  by 
pouring  boiling  water  over  them,  and,  after  being  cut  in  thin 
slices,  should  be  placed  upon  ice  to  make  them  crispy  cold. 
If  eaten  in  a  tepid  state,  their  fresh  flavour  is  much  injured. 
The  salad  dressing  should  also  Ije  served  in  a  separate  dish,  and 
served  as  pudding  sauce  or  gravy.  Tomatoes,  to  be  eaten  raw, 
should  always  be  of  the  finest  qualitj',  as  their  superiority  is 
more  readily  discerned  than  when  cooked.  It  is  difliicult  to 
spoil  Tomatoes,  even  if  badly  cooked,  provided  that  bad  butter 
is  not  added  to  them  ;  but  one  can  change  the  modes  of  cook- 
ing them  so  as  to  provide  a  pleasing  variety.  The  following 
American  modes  of  cooking  them  may  be  useful : — 

Stewed  Tomatoes. — Select  very  ripe  Tomatoes,  skin  and 
slice  them,  rejecting  the  hard  parts.  Put  them  in  a  porcelain 
saucepan,  with  a  little  salt  and  pepper,  and  simmer  for  one 
hour  and  a  half.  Add  apiece  of  butter,  or  two  teaspoonfuls  of 
beef,  mutton,  veal,  or  chicken  gravy.  Toast  a  slice  of  bread, 
cut  it  into  inch  bits,  and  put  it  in  the  dish  in  which  the  Tomato 
will  be  served,  turning  the  contents  of  the  saucepan  over  it. 

Aniithi-r  Waij. — Take  one  dozen  good-sized  Tomatoes,  skin 
and  slice  them  ;  put  them  in  a  saucepan  and  boil  for  one  hour  ; 
season  with  pepper  and  salt,  then  strain  through  a  sieve,  put 
back  into  the  pan  and  add  two  well  beaten  eggs.  Stir  rapidly 
for  five  minutes,  then  turn  out  .and  serve.  This  is  very 
delicious  as  an  accompaniment  to  roast  beef  or  mutton. 

Baked  Tomatoes.  —  Select  thoroughly  ripened  fruit,  cut 
them  iu  halves  ;  sprinkle  over  the  cut  half  with  bread  crumbs, 
sugar,  salt,  pepper,  and  butter.  Place  them  in  a  baking  pan 
cut  side  upwards,  and  bake  in  an  oven  for  two  hours.  Serve 
on  a  platter,  garnished  with  curled  Parsley. 

Baked  Stuffed  To^iatoes. — Select  very  large-sized  Trophy 
Tomatoes,  and  cut  out  a  space  at  the  stem  end,  taking  care 
not  to  break  the  outer  skin,  fill  up  this  cavity  with  a  stuflSiig 
of  bread  rubbed  through  a  colander,  butter,  salt,  pepper,  and 
a  little  sugar;  put  back  the  stem  end,  which  should  have  been 
cut  out  in  a  circular  form,  carefully,  so  that  it  will  fit  in  closely; 
]ilace  the  Tomatoes  in  a  baking  pan  and  bake  for  one  hour. 
If  well  managed  they  can  be  made  to  retain  their  shape. 

To  Beoil  Tom-WOES. —  Broiled  Tomatoes  make  a  delicious 


Aug.  23. 1873.; 


THE   GARDEN 


149 


S  -1 


150 


T^HB   GAEDEN. 


[Aug.  23, 1873 


iish;  select  those  that  are  not  over-ripe,  and  cut  them  in 
balves  crosswise  ;  dip  the  cut  side  into  beaten  egg  and  then 
into  wheat  flour,  and  place  them  upon  a  gridiron,  whose  bars 
liavc  been  greased  previously.  AVhen  they  have  become  well 
:3i-owned,  turn  them  over,  and  cook  the  skin  side  until 
thoroughly  done.  Then  put  butter,  salt,  and  pepper  upon  tlic 
;gg  side,  and  serve  upon  a  platter.  • 

Tomato  Sour  without  Meat. — Take  one  dozen  good  sized, 
fery  ripe  Tomatoes,  skin  and  chop  fine ;  put  into  a  soup 
vettle,  boil  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  add  a  bit  of  salei'atus 
IS  large  as  a  Pea,  stir  till  it  stops  foaming ;  turn  in  one  pint 
jf  fresh  sweet  milk  and  three  Boston  crackers  rolled  fine ; 
reason  with  salt  and  pepper  and  a  good  piece  of  butter ;  boil  for 
ifteen  minutes. 


THE     LIBRARY. 


TRENCH  HOME  LIFE.* 
Veis  is  a  very  remarkable  book,  showing,  on  the  author's  part, 
iccurate  observation,  and  much  power  of  expressing  it.  It 
3onsists  of  a  series  of  essays  on  the  Servants,  Children, 
Furniture,  Food,  Manners,  Language,  Dress,  and  Marriages 
sf  the  French.  These  will  show  to  most  Englishmen  who 
read  them  a  new  and,  as  we  think,  in  the  main  a  true  view  of 
French  life,  and  one  which  cannot  fail  to  bo  of  use  in  other 
ways  than  in  the  weakoiiiug  of  national  prejudice  and  vanity. 
Our  notions  as  to  the  life  of  the  French  are  generally 
ibsurdly  wrong,  and  it  was  a  happy  thought  of  the  author  to 
endeavour  to  dispel  them.  Look,  for  example,  at  the  common 
English  notion  that  the  French  live  for  the  most  part  in 
restaurants.  So  untrue  is  this,  that  we  have  known  French- 
men who  never  in  the  course  of  their  lives  dined  in  a 
restaurant,  except  when  forced  to  do  so  in  travelling  !  Then, 
again,  there  is  the  common  notion  that  the  French  live  on 
kick-shaws  and  numerous  messes  so  prepared  as  to  beuni'ecog- 
riisable.  The  opposite  is  the  fact  :  at  a  private  French  table, 
food  of  all  kmds  is  generally  served  in  the  simplest  manner, 
and  hashes  and  messes  are  not  seen.  Of  subjects  that 
dii-ectly  concern  The  Garden,  there  is  little  said,  but  there  is 
a  curious  statement  in  the  essay  on  food  as  to  the  use  made 
of  the  despised  Garlic  in  the  south  of  France.  Over  this,  the 
uithor  grows  enthusiastic  and  even  mysterious.  Preparations 
vivified  with  this  root  are,  it  appears,  prepared  with  unrivalled 
success  by  the  brothers  Eoubion,  in  the  liesercc,  at  Marseilles. 
'•  There  is  but  one  word  in  English  which  describes  the  sensa- 
tion of  the  traveller  who  eats  there  for  the  first  time — that 
word  is  revelation.  New  truths  seem  to  be  impai-ted  to  you  as 
you  swallow,  new  objects  and  new  theories  of  life  seem  to  float 
around  you.  Strange  ideas  come  to  you  across  the  sea ;  and 
when  it  is  all  over,  when,  with  a  calm-bringing  cigar,  your 
legs  stretched  out,  you  silently  digest  and  think,  with  the 
Chateau  d'lf  and  the  flickering  waves  before  you  in  the  moon- 
light, you  gratefully  thank  Providence  for  having  led  you 
there.  All  this  is  the  effect  of  Garlic,  which  acts  upon  you 
like  haschisoh.  .  .  .  The  white  fish  on  Lake  Superior,  the 
prawns  that  get  fat  on  the  dead  negroes  who  are  buried  in 
the  sea  at  Rio  Janeiro,  the  canvas-backs  in  October  at  Balti- 
more are  all  sweet  to  eat  and  to  recollect,  but  they  are  pale, 
indeed,  by  the  side  of  Ailloli"  (Garlic).  The  following  extract 
3n  the  use  of  herbs  and  tlsanr's  is  also  interesting  : — 

The  wise  employment  of  herbs  and  of  tisanes  is  universal.  It 
belongs  to  no  province  and  to  no  department  in  particular ;  it  is 
everywhere  throughout  the  land.  No  salad  is  complete  without  its 
fouj-niture,  which  consists  of  Chervil,  Pimpernel,  Tarragon,  and 
Chives— all  daintily  chopped  up,  so  tlia,t  their  subtle  perfumes  shall 
pervade  the  leaves  of  Romaine  or  of  Lettuce.  Scarcely  a  sauce  is 
possible  without  its  "  bouquet,"  which  results  from  the  distillation  in 
it  of  a  little  bunch  of  Parsley,  Thyme,  and  Laurel.  The  water  in 
which  fish  is  boiled  is  prepared  beforehand  by  decocting  the  same 
berbs  in  it.  As  for  tisanes,  their  name  is  legion ;  and  though  they 
u-e,  for  the  most  part,  rather  medicinal  than  nutritive,  they  occupy 
I  sufficiently  important  place  in  the  economy  of  French  home  life  to 
nejit  mention  here.  The  first  and  most  notable  of  them  is  tineid, 
nade  of  the  dried  flowers  and  young  leaves  of  Lime  trees  ;  then  come 
larsh  Mallow,  Violets,  Apple,  Cherry  stalks,  Orange  Howers,  Tuci- 
»ge,   Camomile,    Ash    leaves,   Arnica,   Molisse,    Verbena,    Fennel, 

'  "  French  Home  Life."    W.  Blackwood  &  Sons. 


Erysimum,  Valerian,  white  Stinging  Nettle,  Ivy,  Absinthe,  Hop 
blossom,  and  twenty  others.  Each  substance  possesses  a  special 
merit  of  its  own,  and  produces  a  particular  effect.  Some  are  stimu- 
lating, some  are  soothing,  some  aid  digestion,  others  bring  about  the 
most  odd  results  by  their  action  ou  our  organs,  one  or  two  induce 
sweet  sleep  and  abundant  perspiration.  In  every  house  in  France  a 
stock  is  kept  of  these  various  ingredients,  ready  dried.  When 
wanted,  a  little  handful  is  thrown  into  a  teapot,  boiling  water  is 
poured  over  it,  and  in  three  minutes  the  gentle  remedy  is  pre- 
pared. It  is  almost  pleasant  to  be  ill  in  France,  in  order  to  make 
acquaintance  with  such  agreeable  physic.  The  variety  of  substances 
in  common  use  is  so  considerable,  that  it  implies  an  extent  of  know, 
ledge  of  herbs  and  simples  beyond  what  we  have  any  idea  of  here. 
This  knowledge  is  insensibly  acquired  in  early  childhood  from  con. 
stant  contact  and  from  constant  use.  Every  French  girl  of  ten  years 
old  knows  what  is  the  right  tisane  to  administer  in  a  given  case  ;  she 
gives  it  to  her  dolls  for  practice. 

As  regards  the  consumption  of  vegetables  in  France  and 
England,  we  learn  that  each  inhabitant  of  Paris  consumes,  on 
an  average,  300  lbs.  of  vegetables  every  year,  while  a  Londoner 
ouly  consumes  141  lbs.  in  the  same  period.  This  fact  may  have 
something  to  do  with  the  freedom  from  stomach  diseases 
which  the  French  certainly  enjoy,  as  compared  with  the 
English  at  home  or  abroad.  It  only  remains  for  us  to  recom- 
mend "  French  Home  Life  "  to  all  interested  in  the  subject. 


ADVANCED  TEXT -BOOK  OP  PHYSICAL 
GEOGRAPHY.* 
Tills  excellent  compendium  of  the  numerous  facts  relating  to 
the  very  extensive  subject  of  which  it  treats  has  been  as  care- 
fully compiled  as  the  author's  well-known  "  Text-Book  of 
Geology,"  to  which  it  forms  an  admirable  companion  volume. 
From  the  chapter  on  the  "Distribution  of  Life  "  we  extract  the 
following : — 

Admitting,  however,  in  the  fullest  degree,  the  influence  of  heat, 
light,  moisture,  and  the  like,  in  the  distribution  of  vegetable  life, 
there  still  lies  over  and  above  them  a  primal  3.rraugement,  by  which 
certain  forms  are  naturallj'  restricted  to  certain  areas.  This 
arrangement,  which  is  seemingly  not  dependent  on  climate  (for  the 
plants  thrive  equally  well  when  transferred  to  other  areas),  imparts 
a  certain  physiognomy  to  these  regions  ;  and  thus  botanists,  entering 
more  minutely  into  the  geographical  aspects  of  their  science,  sub- 
divide the  earth  into  regions  and  provinces  according  to  their  pre- 
valent  floras.  Such  subdivisions  lie  beyond  the  limits  of  onr  outline, 
but  the  learner  will  readily  perceive  their  bearings  when  he  con. 
siders — first,  that  some  forms,  like  the  Tea-plant  and  Camellia,  are 
peculiar  to  eastern  Asia;  some,  like  the  Eucalypti  and  Casuarin^,  to 
Australia;  others,  like  the  Magnolia,  to  the  southern  latitudes  of 
North  America,  and  so  on :  while,  second,  that  every  tribe  of  plants 
has  a  special  aspect  or  physiognomy,  and  where  such  tribes  prevail, 
that  physiognomy  will  be  imparted  to  the  landscape.  Wherever, 
therefore,  certain  orders  are  peculiar,  and  a  certain  number  of 
genera  and  species  prevail,  this  constitutes  a  botanical  "  region," 
such  as  the  region  of  Saxifrages  and  Mosses,  the  region  of  Magnolias, 
the  region  of  Camellias  and  Teas,  region  of  Palms,  and  so  on — 
making  in  all  some  twenty. four  regions,  into  which  the  eai-th's 
surface  has  been  botanically  divided.  In  like  manner  with  aspect  or 
"  physiognomy,"  as  the  Palm  form,  the  Banana  form,  the  Mimosa 
form.  Cactus  form.  Heath  form,  Grassy  form.  Willow  form,  &c. — 
there  being  in  all  twenty-two  such  forms,  which  are  readily  distin- 
guished even  by  the  eye  of  the  botanical  observer. 


WORKSHOP  -APPLIANCES.! 
This  work,  which  is  one  of  Messrs.  Longman's  valuable  series  of 
"Text-books  of  Science,"  contains  an  interesting  and  exact  descrip- 
tion of  the  various  tools  employed  in  the  working  of  wood  and  metals. 
It  explains  very  clearly  the  principles  ou  which  the  different  imple- 
ments are  constructed,  and  supplies  much  valuable  information  as  to 
their  use  and  proper  keeping.  The  text  is  illustrated  by  209  first- 
class  engravings.  Any  man  who  has  the  use  of  his  hands,  and  wishes 
to  understand  how  to  make  the  most  of  the  power  potential  of  any 
tool  employed  either  in  iron  or  wood- work,  will  find  these  307  pages 
of  well-digested  information  all  he  can  desire. 

*  "  Advanced  Text-Book  of  Physical  Gcofcraphy."  By  D.avid  Page,  LL.D., 
F.G.S.  Second  and  Enlarged  Edition.  Edinbm-gh  and  London  :  William 
Blackwood  and  Sons.     1873. 

t  *'  Workshop  Appliances,  including  Descriptions  of  the  Gauging  and 
Measuring  Instruments,  the  Hand-cutting  Tools,  Lathes,  Drilling,  Planing,  and 
other  Machine  Tools  used  by  Engineers."  By  C.  P.  B.  Shelley,  Civil  Engineer, 
Honorary  Fellow  and  Professor  of  Manufacturing  Ai't  and  Machinery  in  King's 
College,  London,    Longmans,  Green,  ,.<:  Co.  1S73, 


Aug.  23, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


151 


THE     INDOOR    GARDEN. 

UEOPEDIUM  LINDENII. 
This  singular-lookinr;  tcrrcstial  Orchid  -was  found  by  M. 
Liudeii  ill  shady  woods  in  New  Granada,  at  an  elevation  of 
between  8,000  and  9,iM)0  feet,  and  where  the  annual  mean  tem- 
perature is  only  a  little  over  56°.  It  was  introduced  into  this 
country  nearly  30  years  ago,  but  has  never  been  cultivated 
very  successfully,  having,  iu  many  cases,  been  killed  by 
subjectins  it  to  too  much  heat.  It  is  easily  grown,  however, 
if  i:)laced  in  fibrous  jieat  and  loam,  in  well-drained  pots.  A 
layer  of  fresh  Sphagnum  should  be  encouraged  to  grow  on 
the  surface  of  the  compost,  and,  if  plentifully  supplied  with 
m.oisture,  in  a  cool  humid  atmosphere,  this  by  no  means  unin- 
teresting Orchid  will  grow  vigorously,  and  perfect  its  curious 
flowers.  In  general  habit  the  plant  can  scarcely  be  distin- 
guished from  the  Peruvian  Long-tailed  Lady's  Slipper  (C. 
caudatura),  of  which  some  consider  it  to  Ijc  only  a  monstrous 
form.     In  their  inflorescence  the  two  plants  closely  resemble 


Linden's  Uropediiini. 

each  other,  except  that  the  Uropedium  has  no  swollen  pouch- 
like lip,  but  in  its  place  a  petaloid  appendage  as  long  as 
the  petals  themselves,  and  similar  in  shape  and  colour.  It 
first  flowered  iu  Europe  about  1853,  with  M.  Pescatore,  at 
St.  Cloud.  Its  blooms,  which  are  prodixced  in  March  or 
April,  last  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks  in  beauty.        F.  W.  B. 


DRAO^NA  AND  COEDYLINB. 

By  Mr.  G.  J.  BAKER.  (Read  before  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society.) 
Theue  are  two  genera  of  arborescent  Liliaceffi  which  since  the 
beginning  of  the  century  have  been  distinguished  by  botanists  by 
universal  consent,  and  which  are  well  marked  from  one  another 
both  by  structural  differences  and  by  habit,  which  seem  lately,  so 
far  as  nomenclature  goes,  to  have  drifted  into  a  state  of  fusion  in 
our  collection  and  trade  catalogues  iu  a  way  that  certainly  would 


be  protested  against  if  Lilies  were  either  Ferns  or  Orchids.  The 
two  genera  to  which  I  refer  are  Dracaena  and  Cordyline,  some 
members  of  which  everyone  knows,  and  everyone  who  has  a  con- 
servatory cultivates.  The  Dragon  tree  of  the  Canaries  is  a  plant 
about  which  everyone  has  read,  and  the  great  Dragon  tree  of 
Orotava,  with  a  trunk  70  feet  high  and  50  feet  in  circumference, 
which  has  an  authenticated  history  going  back  to  the  commence- 
ment of  the  fifteenth  century,  is  a  prominent  item  in  every  bead-roll 
of  vegetable  wonders.  Scarcely  less  celebrated,  though  of  course  not 
known  so  long  in  Europe,  is  the  invaluable  "  Ti"  tree  of  the  Polyne- 
sian islanders,  Cordyline  terminalis.  Its  uses  arc  almost  as  manifold 
as  those  of  a  Palm.  In  the  Sandwich,  Society,  and  Fiji  groups  it 
serves  largely  for  food.  The  tuberous  root,  which  often  weighs  from 
10  to  111  lbs.,  after  being  baked  on  heated  stones,  is  said  to  closely 
resemble  stick-liquorice  iu  taste  and  sweetness.  Bruised,  mixed  with 
water,  and  fermented,  it  forms  an  intoxicating  drink  ;  distilled,  an 
ardent  spirit  is  readily  obtained ;  boiled  before  fermentation,  a  rich 
sj-rnp  capable  of  being  used  as  sugar  is  the  result.  The  leaves 
furnish  excellent  fodder  and  are  used  for  this  purpose  by  European 
settlers.  It  is  often  grown  for  the  sake  of  its  ornamental  leaves  j 
and  the  stems  stuck  into  the  ground  in  a  row,  soon  run  up  into  a  firm 
fence  for  an  enclosure.  These  are  the  two  best  and  oldest  known 
members  of  the  two  genera.  Now  as  to  their  botanical  distinctions. 
The  structural  difference  between  them  is  as  follows  : — In  Dracoena 
there  is  only  a  single  ovule  in  each  of  the  three  cells  of  the  ovary ;  in 
Cordyline  there  are  a  great  many — eight  to  fourteen,  say  the 
books.  Of  course  in  both  there  is  a  tendency  for  the  ovules  to 
become  abortive  without  ripening  into  seeds ;  but  so  far  as  my 
experience  of  the  Ti  trees  goes,  there  are  never  less  than  two  or  three 
seeds  in  a  cell,  whilst  in  the  Dragon  trees  there  cannot  be  more  than 
one,  and  frequently  one  or  two  out  of  the  three  cells  become  obliterated, 
as  is  the  rule  in  the  Oak  or  Horse  Chestnut.  In  Dracasna  the  stigma 
exists  iu  the  form  of  a  head  like  the  button  of  a  fencing-foil,  with 
three  little  blunt  lobes,  as  in  the  Lilies.  In  Cordyline  it  takes  the 
form  of  three  small  hooks  like  the  top  of  a  shepherd's  crook  or  the 
handle  of  a  walking-stick,  as  in  the  Pritillaries.  So  much  for  differ, 
ences  iu  the  actual  structure  of  the  flower  ;  next  for  habit.  In  Cor- 
dyline the  flowers  are  placed  singly  on  the  rachis  of  the  panicle  each 
surrounded  by  a  regular  little  involucre,  formed  of  the  membranous 
bract  that  subtends  the  pedicel  on  the  side  farthest  from  the  axis, 
and  inside  the  pedicel  a  pan-  of  bracteoles,  just  like  the  bract  iu  size 
and  substance,  which  are  sometimes  quite  distinct  from  one  another, 
and  sometimes  united  along  their  borders.  In  Dracasna  the  pedicels 
spring  out  of  the  rachis  in  bundles  of  two  or  three,  or  in  some  species' 
of  many  together,  without  any  such  regular  arrangement  of  bracts 
and  bracteoles  as  I  have  just  described.  The  pedicels  in  Dracaena 
are  usually  longer  than  in  Cordyline,  and  the  perianth  is  united 
through  a  greater  portion  of  its  length,  but  this  does  not  hold  good 
invariably,  and  iu  the  shape  of  the  leaves  there  is  very  much  the 
same  range  of  variation  in  both.  Dr.  Regel  adds  that  Dracaena  may 
be  distinguished  also  by  its  orange-coloured  roots  and  by  the  absence 
of  runners,  but  these  latter  are  present  in  the  African  D.  suroulosa. 
The  number  of  ovules  and  seeds,  the  shape  of  the  stigmas,  and  the 
arrangement  of  the  pedicels  and  bracts  are  the  points  on  which  it  is 
safe  to  rely,  and  the  two  genera  were  separated  by  J  ussieu  wlien 
he  laid  the  foundations  of  the  Natural  System  in  1789,  and  have 
been  adopted  by  Robert  Brown,  Endlicher,  Meisner,  Kunth,  Dr. 
Hooker,  and  all  other  writers  who  have  had  occasion  to  deal  with 
them. 

The  geographical  distribution  of  the  two  genera  is  not  dissimilar, 
They  are  both  spread  through  Tropical  Asia  and  North  Australia, 
and  are  both  entirely  absent  from  Europe  and  America;  but  vi-hilst 
there  are  several  species  of  DracEena  in  Tropical  Africa  there  are  no 
Cordylines,  and  the  latter,  on  the  contrary,  stretches  into  New 
Zealand  and  Polynesia,  where  Dracaena  does  not  reach.  An  excellent 
monograph  of  all  the  known  species  of  Dracaiua  has  lately  been 
published  by  Dr.  Regel  in  the  Gartenjlora,  and  there  is  an  account 
by  Dr.  Hooker  of  the  New  Zealand  and  Australian  Cordylines  in  the 
volume  of  the  Gardener's  Chronicle  for  1860,  and  the  two  later 
descriptive  lists  of  all  the  known  species  and  forms  have  been 
published  by  Dr.  Karl  Koch  in  the  Berlin  Wochensclirift. 

I  will  conclude  vrith  a  list  of  forms  of  Cordyline  which,  within  the 
last  few  years,  have  been  placed  in  circulation  in  horticulture  as 
species  of  Dracaena.  None  of  them,  so  far  as  I  know,  have  been 
botanically  described,  and  we  shall  probably  not  be  far  wi'ong  in 
assuming  that  most  of  the  names  in  the  following  list  represent 
mere  forms  of  Cordyline  terminalis,  varying  in  the  shape,  size,  and 
colouring  of  the  leaf.  I  need  scarcely  point  out  that  the  dis- 
tribution of  slight  varieties  of  an  old  well-known  plant  under  new 
specific  names,  appended  to  a  genus  to  which  they  do  not  belong, 
has  a  great  tendency  to  cause  confusion  in  the  minds  both  of 
gardeners  and  botanists  ;  and  I  hope  that  in  this  particular  case  the 


152 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  23, 1873. 


Horticultural  Society  will ,  for  the  future,  guard  against  the  continn- 
auce  of  the  practice  : — Dracicna  albicans,  D.  amabilis,  D.  angusta, 
H.  Cbclsoui,  i).  Cooperi,  D.  conciuna,  D.  Denniaonii,  D.  gracilis,  D. 
graudis,  D.  Guilfoylei,  D.  limbata,  D.  loiigifolia,  D.  Macleayi,  D. 
Mooreana,  D.  nigrcscens,  D.  nigrorubra,  D.  magnifica,  D.  pendula,  D. 
pulchella,  J).  Wisemanni. 


THE  IMMORTELLE  PLANT. 

In  Franco,  an  affectionate  remembrance  of  the  dead  is  manifested 
by  periodical  votive  floral  offerings,  which  relatives  and  friends 
suspend  over  the  last  resting  places  of  those  who  were  dear  to  them 
in  life.  As  emblems  expressive  of  that  higher  existence  which, 
perhaps  in  their  inmost  hearts,  most  men  desire  to  lead,  even  on  this 
"  sin-worn  mould,"  flowers,  in  their  lovely  and  innocent  lives,  are 
the  most  appropriate  objects  which  the  whole  range  of  nature  can 
present.  But  even  here,  amid  the  highest  and  purest  forms  of 
beauty  vouchsafed  to  human  perception,  occurs  the  humbling  sense 
of  instability  and  fugaoiousness  attached  to  all  sub-lunary  things. 
In  the  expression  of  that  devotion  which  attributes  to  the  memory 
of  the  departed  excellencies  lightly,  or  it  may  be  hardly  at  all, 
I'ocognised  amid  an  induced  apathy  and  "  dreary  intercourse  of 
tlaily  life,"  the  mind,  purifled  by  loss  and  by  the  reBection  that  all 
other  atonement  now  is  late,  would  not  only  present  the  most 
beautiful  offering  that  earth  can  afford,  but  endeavour  to  make  the 
token  as  lasting  as  possible.  And  so  the  flowers  of  the  Immortelle 
or  Everlasting  offer  themselves  among  the  thousands  of  other 
flowers,  many  more  beautif  ul^  but  none  so  fitted  to  grace  the  long 
repose  of  the  tomb. 

This  plant,  known  to  botanists  under  the  name  of  Helichrysum 
orientale,  was  originally  a  native  of  the  north  of  Africa,  the  island 
of  Crete,  and  some  parts  of  Asia.  Although  known  in  Europe  since 
1029,  it  was  not  generally  cultivated  in  gardens  before  the  year 
lyl5.  At  present  it  is  chiefly  grown  in  Lower  Provence,  in  the 
south  of  Prance,  where  the  land  gradually  inclines  to  the  shores  of  the 
Mediterranean.  It  comes  to  greatest  perfection  on  the  slopes  of 
Bandols  and  Ciotat,  in  positions  well  exposed  to  the  sun  and 
surrounded  with  dry  stone  walls,  where  it  commences  to  bloom 
iu  June.  It  is  seriously  injured  by  much  rain,  and  to  some 
extent  even  by  heavy  dews.  It  does  not  thrive  in  any  soil 
that  is  not  light,  sandy  or  stony,  and  porous.  It  is  propa- 
gated by  division  of  the  larger  tufts.  The  flowering-stems  are 
gathered  in  June,  before  the  flowers  are  fully  expanded.  As 
both  immature  flowers  and  those  which  are  too  full-blown  are 
rejected  in  the  market,  it  is  important  that  the  stems  should  be 
cut  neither  too  soon  nor  too  late.  The  flowers  are  gathered  by 
women,  who  make  them  up  into  small  bundles,  which  are 
usually  placed  to  dry  on  the  stone  walls  of  the  enclosure  in  which 
they  grew.  When  properly  dried  they  are  taken  away  by  young 
girls,  who  are  employed  to  remove  the  downy  covering  from  the 
stems  and  flower-stalks.  A  pound  weight  of  the  dried  plants  contains 
about  200  stems,  each  bearing  on  an  average  twenty  flowers.  Each 
tuft  of  the  growing  plants  produces  from  sixty  to  seventy  stems. 
An  acre  of  ground  will  contain  about  16,000  tufts,  which  will 
annually  yield  from  2  to  3  tons  weight  of  dried  Immortelles,  and  a 
well-estahlished  and  well-managed  plantation  will  continue 
productive  for  eight  or  ten  years.  The  flowers  are  sold  either 
by  the  bundle  or  by  weight,  the  bundles  ranging  from  1J-.  to  3d. 
each,  according  to  size;  while,  if  sold  by  weight,  the  price  varies 
from  12s.  to  ISs.  per  cwt.,  according  to  the  state  of  the  market,  &c. 
The  flowers  reach  Paris  packed  in  boxes,  each  containing  100  bundles. 
The  bundles  are  all  placed  in  the  boxes  with  the  flowers  directed 
outwards,  or  against  the  sides  or  ends  of  the  box,  while  the  stems  lie 
towards  the  centre.  By  this  arrangement  the  heads  or  clusters  of 
flowers  escape  the  risk  of  being  crushed  out  of  shape.  The  natural 
colour  of  the  flowers  is  a  deep  yellow,  but  the  mannfacturers  of 
garlands,  bouquets,  &c.,  dye  large  quantities  of  them  in  other 
colours  also,  chiefly  black,  green,  and  orange-red  [rovije  ponceau). 
This  last-named  colour  is  a  very  handsome  one,  and  is  the  favourite 
tint  of  the  people  of  the  south  of  Europe.  It  is  said  to  be  obtained 
from  a  preparation  of  borax.  The  natural  yellow  flowers,  and  those 
which  are  dyed  black,  are  used  together  to  form  the  garlands  devoted 
to  the  dead,  while  those  which  are  dyed  green  or  orange-red  are 
associated  with  the  natural  flowers  in  making  bouquets  or  "  button, 
holes."  In  these,  however,  the  "Immortelle"  takes  no  very  promi- 
nent place  among  other  flowers.  Its  great  distinction  from  them 
consists  in  its  possession  of  those  peculiarities  of  structure  which 
have  induced  a  nation  of  sentiment  and  refined  taste  to  select  it  as  the 
most  fitting  of  all  to  fill  the  office  and  bear  the  title  of  "  The  Flower 
of  the  Grave."  This  plant,  sometimes  seen  in  "  old-fashioned " 
garden  borders,  is  quite  hardy  and  easy  of  culture  on  well. drained 
light  loamy  soils,  and  on  light  soils  generally.  W.  M. 


THE     ARBORETUM. 


DERIVATION  OP  THE  NAME  HORSE  CHESTNUT. 

Tub  conjecture  of  your  correspondent,  Mr.  Palmer  (see  p.  123), 
that  this  name  refers  to  the  cicatrix  left  by  the  fallen  petiole 
resembling  the  impression  of  a  horse's  shoe,  with  the  heads  of 
the  nails,  proves  once  again  how  often  different  observers  hit 
upon  the  same  idea.  I  have  been  accustomed  to  point  out  this 
curious  similitude  to  my  pupils  and  acquaintances  for  thirty 
years  at  least,  and  it  is  offered,  as  the  solution  of  the  name,  in 
"  Notes  and  Queries,"  Third  Series,  Vol.  X.,  p.  Lj.  Notwith- 
standing this,  I  am  satisfied  that  the  name  of  tlie  tree  and  the 
resemblance  in  question  is  a  simple  matter  of  coincidence,  and 
that  the  name  is  intended  to  denote  coarseness  and  unfitness 
for  food  ;  as,  with  more  or  less  of  an  exact  parallel  in  the  case 
of  Horse  Radish,  Horse  Mint,  Horse  Mushroom,  Horse 
Gowans  (in  Scotland  the  name  of  the  Ox-cyc  Daisy),  and 
probably  others.  Compare,  also,  horse  leech,  horse  play,  and 
a  horse  laugh. Leo  Guindox. 

As  Mr.  Palmer  does  not  give  any  authority  for  his  ingenious 
etymology  of  the  name  Horse  Chestnut,  I  fear  that  it  cannot 
be  accepted  as  the  true  one.  "  Horse "  prefixed  to  a  noun 
frequently  signifies  large,  rough,  or  coarse.  Thus  Horse 
Radish,  a  largo  coarse  Radish  (of  course  in  appearance  only)  ; 
horse  jilay,  rough  play;  horse  laugh,  a  rough,  rude  laugh; 
horse  marten,  a  large  kind  of  bee  (see  "Johnson's  Dictionary"); 
so  the  Horse  Chestnut  is  so  named  (at  least  this  seems  most 
probable)  because  the  fruit  is  larger,  coarser,  and  altogether 
inferior  to  the  Sweet  or  true  Chestnut.  The  scientific  name, 
yEsculus  Hippocastanum,  is,  of  course,  no  guide  to  the 
etymology  of  the  English  name;  at  best  it  is  but  a  mongrel, 
the  generic  name  being  Latin,  the  specific  being  a  Greek 
translation  of  the  English  name.  I  have  never  tried  horses 
with  the  fruits  of  the  Horse  Chestnut,  but  sheep  are  parti- 
cularly fond  of  them,  and  eat  them  greedily  under  the  trees 
in  autumn.  I  hope  Mr.  Palmer  will  jiardou  my  objections  to 
his  derivation  of  the  word.  Analogy,  in  this  case — in  the 
absence  of  direct  proof — is  a  safer  guide  than  guesses. 

Salmoniceps. 


THE  ALPINE  FORESTS  OF  EUROPE. 
On  quitting  the  lower  slopes  of  the  mountains  the  ti-aveller, 
in  his  ascent,  leaves  behind  him  the  great  majority  of  the 
deciduous  kinds  of  trees,  and  enters  into  the  region  of  the 
Pines.  These,  in  many  places,  form  immense  forests  stretch- 
iug  up  the  mountain  sides  to  an  altitude  of  7,000  or  8,000  feet 
above  sea-level.  One  of  the  commonest  kinds  in  nearly  every 
part  of  the  Alps  is  the  Spruce  Fir  (Abies),  which  grows  some- 
times mingled  with  the  Larch,  but  more  frequently  alternating 
with  it.  It  is  seen  in  its  greatest  beauty  on  the  limestone 
zone,  which  extends  along  the  northern  side  of  the  Alps  from 
Savoy  to  the  Tyrol. 

The  Larch  has  a  higher  range  than  the  Spruce.  It  grows 
freely  up  to  about  6,000  feet  of  altitude,  and  iu  some  localities, 
such  as  the  Eugadine,  as  far  as  6,700  feet.  Speaking  gene- 
rally, the  zone  of  Larch  forests  extends  from  4,000  to  7,000 
feet.  Magnificent  specimens  of  this  tree  are  often  met  with  iu 
the  woods,  rising  to  a  height  of  from  100  to  120  feet,  with  a 
diameter,  measured  about  a  yard  from  the  ground,  of  4  or 
•5  feet.  The  Silver  Fir  (Abies  Picea)  is  more  sparingly 
distributed  than  either  of  the  foregoing.  It  is  common,  how- 
ever, in  the  Jura,  and  in  parts  of  the  Eugadine  and  Southern 
Tyrol,  but  very  rare  in  the  districts  of  the  Western  Alps.  In 
the  Jura  it  reaches  an  altitude  of  6,000  feet  on  the  Dole,  but  in 
the  Eugadine  it  has  a  lower  range.  On  the  Pennine  chain  it 
has  been  found  uj)  to  about  6,200  feet.  Similarly  limited  in  its 
distribution,  but  occasionally  very  abundant,  is  the  Scotch  Fir 
(Pinus  sylvestris),  which  grows  up  to  about  6,000  feet.  It  is  rare 
in  the  French,  Piedmontese,  and  Swiss  Alps,  where  it  seems 
to  be  generally  confined  to  the  alluvial  land.  It  is,  however, 
occasionally  found  in  the  mountains,  but  does  not  generally 
form  extensive  forests.  In  the  Southern  Tyrol  it  is  more 
abundant,  and  extends  to  a  considerable  height  above  the  sea, 
jierhajis  not  less  than  0,000  feet.     The  last  of  the  Alpine  forest 


Aug.  an,  1S73.J 


THE   GARDEN. 


153 


Pines  is  the  Swiss  Piue  (Pinus  Cembra),  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  of  all,  with  its  glossy,  dark  green,  dense  clusters  of 
foliage.  Though  in  many  districts  very  abundant,  this  is 
decidedly  a  local  tree.  It  is  chiefly  found  on  the  Frela  above 
Livino,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Muuster  Thai,  and  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  Beruiua  and  on  the  Stclvio,  where  ic 
grows  as  far  up  as  8,000  feet  above  the  sea.    A  well-grown 


Piue  is  very  common.  Its  mode  of  growth  is  peculiar  ;  for  a 
considerable  distance  it  trails  along  the  ground,  then  it  rises 
in  a  bold  sweeping  curve,  throwing  out  branches  which  all 
])oint  sharply  upwards,  till  their  extremities  arc  nearly  vei'tical. 
The  long  snake-like  trailing  trunk  is  of  a  reddish-brown 
colour,  and  varies  in  length  from  10  to  30  feet ;  near  the  root 
it  is  often  t  or  .5  inches  thick.     The  smooth  round  stems  are 


Scene  in  a  Pine  forest  on  the  Alps 


specimen  of  this  tree  is  from  50  to  80  feet  high,  the  circum- 
ference of  the  trunk  a  little  above  the  ground  being  a  dozen 
feet  or  so.  In  the  Grodner  Thai  the  wood  is  extensively  used 
in  the  manufacture  of  toys  and  carved  ornaments.  In  a  full 
account  of  Alpine  forest  Pines,  the  dwarf  Pine  (Pinus  Pumilio) 
must  not  be  omitted,  although,  properly  speaking,  its  place  is 
among  the  brush-wood,  as  it  forms  a  scrub  generallj'  only 
about  6  feet  high.     In  the  Engadine  and  Eastern  Alps  this 


very  slippery,  and  when  trodden  on  are  apt  to  bring  the 
incautious  walker  into  a  sitting  posture  with  remarkable 
celerity. 

The  Ban-forests  (Bannwalde)  of  the  Alps  are  strictly  pro- 
tected by  law,  no  one  being  allowed  to  cut  timber  in  them 
under  heavy  penalties.  The  object  of  preserving  these  forests 
is  thus  described  by  M.  H.  Berlepsch  in  his  work  on  "  The 
Alps  :" — "  Every  mountain  village  has  ban-forests,  if  it  is  shut 


154 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  23, 1873. 


iu  by  steep  valley  walls,  and  thcrcfurc  exposed  to  avalanches, 
falls  of  stones,  or  laud-slips.  These  bau-forests  are  kept  up 
from  motives  of  prudence.  The  ollice  of  the  ban-forest  is  to 
hinder,  by  its  mass  of  strong  upright  stems,  the  breaking 
loose  and  sliding  dovni  of  the  vast  heaps  of  snow  that  accu- 
mulate in  the  wiuter,  and  thus  to  prevent  the  formation  of 
'  ground  avalanches,'  not,  as  is  commonly  supposed,  to  hold  up 
the  avalanches  already  started,  like  a  dam.  The  inhabitants 
of  the  Alps  saw  this  necessity  centuries  ago,  and  therefore 
spared  particular  forests,  placing  them  under  the  '  ban,'  /.''., 
declaring  it  unlawful  to  touch  them." 

Our  illustration  represents  a  scene  in  a  Pine  forest  at  a 
considerable  elevation,  where,  on  an  exposed  crest  of  the 
sloping  mountain  side,  some  wild  hurricane  has  torn  its  way 
through  the  tall  Spruces,  levelling  some  to  the  ground  and 
scaring  and  maiming  many  of  the  survivors. 


M'NAB'S  TRANSPLANTING  MACHINE. 
The  merit  of  this  machine  is,  that  a  shrub  or  tree,  weighing 
from  eighteen  cwt.  to  thirty  cwt.,  after  being  prepared,  can  be 
raised,  conveyed,  and  planted  without  being  subjected  to  any 
undue  stress  or  even  the  possibility  of  injury.  A  small  machine 
of  this  kind  weighs  about  8i  cwt.,  and  is  constructed  of  a  strong 
frame  of  wood  and  iron,  supported  on  wheels,  with  two  wind- 
lass rollers  in  front,  and  two  at  the  back,  the  back  rollers  being 
so  arranged  that  they  may  be  taken  off,  to  enable  the  machine 
completely  to  enclose  the  plant  to  be  operated  on.  To  show  how 
tbis  method  of  transplanting  is  performed,  and  to  follow  it  throughout 
all  the  stages,  we  shall  take,  for  example,  a  slu'ub  eighteen  feet  in 
height,  and  the  branches  sixteen  or  eighteen  feet  in  circumference. 
The  first  operation  is  to  tie  in  all  the  branches,  with  a  piece  of  soft 
rope  or  yam,  to  keep  them  as  close  as  possible,  and  thus  prevent 
them  interfering  with  the  works  while  in  progress.  It  is  necessaiy, 
before  tying  up,  to  attach  a  mark  on  the  best  side  of  the  shrub,  or 
what  is  intended  to  be  the  front  after  planting  ;  by  so  doing,  it  will 
save  a  good  deal  of  trouble  after  the  plant  has  been  lowered  into  the 
pit  prepared  for  its  reception.  The  machine  is  capable  of  taking  in 
a  ball  of  earth  with  roots  four  feet  long,  three  feet  four  inches  wide, 
and  three  or  more  feet  deep.  In  every  case  it  is  necessary  to  be 
careful  not  to  exceed  this  width,  making  allowance  for  the  thickness 
of  the  canvas  and  staves  to  be  employed  round  the  roots.  The 
opening  up  of  the  soil  round  the  p  ant  must  now  be  commenced, 
beginning,  of  course,  at  such  a  distance  as  to  secure  all  the  roots 
which  protrude  beyond  the  line  of  the  intended  ball.  The  soil  ought 
to  be  removed  from  the  roots  with  a  three  or  four  pronged  fork, 
taking  care  to  keep  the  ball  of  earth  and  roots  all  round  as  perpen- 
dicular as  possible,  and  where  the  balls  will  admit  of  being  made 
circular  it  is  better  to  be  so.  In  the  case  of  very  large  plants,  an 
oval-shaped  ball  is  just  as  easily  managed  as  a  round  one,  the 
machine  being  sufficiently  strong  for  the  extra  size.  Supposing  the 
ball  to  be  at  its  proper  depth,  and  properly  rounded  and  upright, 
such  roots  as  will  not  bend  may  be  cut  off  close  to  the  earth. 
Sarround  the  ball  with  a  piece  of  canvas  three  feet  broad,  bending 
the  roots  caretnlly  beneath  it,  taking  the  precaution  of  having  the 
doubled  portion  of  the  canvas  anywhere  but  at  the  sides.  After  the 
canvas  has  been  placed  round  the  ball,  take  a  doubled  piece  of  soft 
rope  or  yarn  and  surround  the  canvas  within  eight  inches  of  the 
bottom,  then  bring  the  loose  ends  through  the  centre  loop,  bring  the 
ends  up  the  side,  and  surround  the  ball  again  about  eight  or  ten 
inches  from  the  top.  Between  the  soft  rope  and  the  canvas,  intro- 
duce a  number  of  barrel  staves  of  a  uniform  length  and  breadth, 
about  half  an  inch  in  thickness,  place  them  within  five  or  six  inches 
of  each  other,  according  to  the  firm  or  loose  nature  of  the  soil 
composing  the  ball,  taking  care  not  to  put  any  on  the  extreme  sides, 
that  the  canvas  alone  may  touch  the  machine.  The  object  of  the 
soft  rope  or  yarn  is  to  keep  the  staves  in  their  place  till  the  rack 
rope  is  put  on.  With  this  rope  surround  the  lower  pait  of  the  staves, 
doubling  the  end  several  times  round  the  main  portion  of  itself,  say 
about  two  feet  or  so  in  length ;  bring  the  main  portion  of  the  rope  up 
the  side  of  the  ball,  and  surround  the  top  again  with  it,  doubling  the 
end  round  itself  as  before.  Both  the  upper  and  under  portion  of  this 
rope  must  now  be  tightened  firmly  with  a  stout  pin,  placing  them  at 
opposite  ends  and  perpendicular,  so  as  to  come  within  the 
corners  of  the  machine.  It  is  necessary  to  attend  minutely  to  these 
observations,  -they  being  essentially  necessary  in  order  to  prevent 
them  interfering  with  the  frame  of  the  machine  while  the  lifting  is 
going  on.  The  front  of  the  plant  being  previously  decided  on,  being 
the  side  where  the  machine  can  with  the  greatest  ease  be  introduced 
with  reference  to  the  adjoining  walks  or  roads.  This  concluded,  fix 
a  piece  of  wood  between  the  ball  and  the  edge  of  the  hole,  in  order  to 


prevent    the   plant    getting  off    the   perpendicular   while    working 
beneath  it,  which  is  usually  done  with  a  long  trowel. 

After  the  undermining  has  been  carried  nearly  half-way  through, 
the  lifting  boards,   four  in   number,  made  of  strong  oak  and  curved 
in   the   middle,  with  a   grooved  recess  on   the  under  side  at  each 
end,  within    three   inches    of    the    points   for  receiving  and  keep- 
ing the   lifting  ropes  in  their    proper   places,  are   introduced.      It 
the  ball  to  be  raised  be  compact  and  firm^  two  oak  lifting  boards 
may  be  put  in,  but  if  the   ball  is  inclined  to  be  soft,  it  is  neces- 
sary  first   to   introduce  a   piece  of   deal   the  same   length  as    the 
ordinary  lifting  boards  in  case  it  has  to  be  left  under  the  plant,  as 
the  removal  of  it  in  some  instances  is  apt  to  injui-e  the  ball ;  next 
place   side   by  side  one  of  the   ordinary  lifting  oak   boards.      The 
lif ting.ropes,  made  expressly  for  the  machine,  are  now  put  under  the 
ends  of  the  lifting-boards,  one  on  each  side,  the  centre  or  middle  of 
each  rope  being  placed  exactly  iu  the  centre  of  the  ball,  taking  care 
that  the  rope  is  directly  under  the   grooves   of  the  lifting-boards, 
particularly  the  outside  one  ;  this  done,  fix  in  some  soil  to  keep  the 
bottom  boards  and  the  ropes  securely  in  their  place.     Before  com- 
mencing the  undermining  of  the  back  part  of  the  ball,  secure  it  also  to 
the  bank  with  a  piece  of  wood,  and  then  commence  the  undermining. 
When  finished  place  two  bottom  boards  as  before  mentioned,  taking 
care  that  they  are  exactly  parallel  with   the  two    previously   put 
under,  and  that  the  ends  of  each  are  alike  straight.     The  opposite 
half  of  the  lifting  ropes  must  next  be  put  under  the  grooves  of  these 
boards,  one  at  each  end,   and   secured  with  earth  all  round.     The 
supports  between  the   ball   and   the   sides   of   the  hole  may  also  be 
withdrawn,  as  the  plant  ought  now  to  stand  by  itself.     'The  next 
operation  is  to  lay  two  strong  planks,  one  on  each  side  of  the  plant. 
They   must  be  laid   perfectly  level,  and   parallel  with  each  other, 
keeping  them  as  low  as  the  ground  will  admit  of.     The  machine  being 
at  hand,  remove  the  back  binding  bar  and  the  two  rollers,  then  run 
the  machine  on  the  planks  till  the  centre  of  the  machine  be  exactly  at 
the  centre  of  the  plant ;  replace  the  two  back  rollers  and  binding-bar, 
and  secure  the  wheels  with  stones  or  wedges,  likewise  place  a  piece  of 
board  across  the  planks  in  front  for  the  feet  of  the  machine  to  rest 
on  ;  next  bring  up  the  ends  of  the  lifting-ropes   over  the  rollers. 
This  part  of  the  work  requires  a  little  nicety,  as  the  ends  of  each 
rope  must  be  done  exactly  in  the  same   way.      The  rope   is   first 
brought  up  and  over  the  top  of  the  inmost  roller  three  times,  winding 
it  always  towards  the  centre  of  the  roller ;  then  take  it  over  the  top 
of  the  outer  roller,  and  work  it  also  towards  the  centre,  where  hooks 
are   placed  for  fixing   the  ends  of   the  ropes  on,   each  rope   being 
previously  supplied  with  suitable  strings  for  the  purpose.     All  the 
ropes  being  similarly  adjusted,  the  plant  is  now  ready  for  lifting  and 
removal.     The  foregoing  operation  is  easily  accomplished  with  two 
men,   but   the   lifting   and  removal  requires  more ;  this,  however, 
depends  on  the  size  and  weight  of  the  plant  to  be  raised,  a  moderate 
sized  ball,  say   fifteen  cwt.  or  eighteen  cwt.,  can  easily  be  lifted  by 
four  men,  but  if  larger  six  or  eight  men  will  be   required.     If  the 
tree  or  shrub  is  very  tall,  it  will  be  desirable  to  have  two  guy  ropes 
to  steady  the  top   and  keep  it  perpendicular  during  the  lifting  and 
transmission.     Each  roller  is  provided  with  a  cross-wheeled  handle, 
and  the  outer  rollers  have  a  series  of  iron-bound  holes  pierced  through 
them.     By  means  of  two  round  iron  levers  and  the  wheeled  handles, 
the   plant  is   easily  wound    up    both  back  and   front  at  the  same 
time.       The    strong    crank    catches    at    each    end    of     the    inner 
rollers     prevent     the     possibility    of     the    plant    running     down, 
and     secure     it    firmly    at     every     turn,     when    re-adjusting    the 
levers.     After  the  plant  has  been  raised  high  enough  to  clear  the 
bottom  of  the  wheels,  the  levers  can  then   be  pushed  through  the 
holes   so  as  to  rest   either  on   the    inner   roller    or    binding    bar ; 
this  will  doubly  secure  the  plant,  and  hold  it  tight  in  its  position,  till 
such  time  as  it  is  conveyed  to  its  destination.     If  the  plant  has  to  be 
taken  over  clean  gravel  walks,  it  is  necessary  to  put  a  piece  of  canvas 
under  the  ball  to  prevent  any  loose  earth  from   falling.      If   the 
distance  for  removal  is  not  great,  it  can  easily  be  taken  along  by  the 
men  employed  iu  the  lifting,  but  if  the  distance  for  removal  is  con- 
siderable, the  most  convenient  way  will  be  to  attach  a  horse  and 
draw  it  backwards,  taking  with  it,  if  necessary,  the  two  planks,  foot, 
board,    and    cog   wedges.     If   many  removals   are   going   on,   it   is 
desirable  to  keep  a  double  set  of  planks  and  foot-boards.     The  hole 
for  its  reception  being  prepared,  in  all  cases  taking  care  that  it  is  not 
less  than  three  feet  beyond  the  diameter  of  the  ball  to  be  put  in,  place 
over  it  the  two  planks,  adjusting  themtothewidthof  the  wheels,  then 
run  tlie  machine  with  the  plant  backwards  upon  it,  till  right  over  the 
centre  of  the  hole,  place  the  cog-wedges  to  the  wheels,  and  adjust 
the  foot-board  as  before,  and  arrange  the  men  as  at  the  lifting. 
After  taking  off  the  strain,  sufficient  to  remove  the  four  crank  catches, 
lower  gently  into  the  pit,  by  holding  back  the  handles  and  levers. 
If  the  pit  is  foimd  to  be  too  deep,  raise,  and  put  in  some  soil,  and 
then  lower  again.     When  properly  placed,  undo  all  the  ropes,  and 


Aug. 


1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


155 


take  off  the  two  back    rollers  and   binding   bar,  and   remove    the 

machine.    Imuicdiately  the  machine  ia  withdrawn  from  the  plant,  but 

before  it  13  taken  off  the  planks,  put  on  the  two  rollers  and  binding 

bar,  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  t\vistiug'  the  machine  by  taking  it 

upon  uneven  ground.     Tlie  machine  and  planks  being  removed,  with. 

draw  the  two  lifting  ropes,  which  will  be  easily  done,  ovi'iug  to  the 

curve  on  the  bottom  of  the  lifting  boards.     The  bottom  boards  can 

also  bo  taken  out  by  a  slight  leaning  either  to  the  one  side  or  the 

other,  placing  at  the  same  time  a  little  earth  below  to  keep  the  jilant 

iu  its  upright  position.     If  attention  has  been  paid  to  mark  the  best 

side  previous  to  the  first  tying  up  of  the  branches,  the  plant  can  be 

easily  turned,  so  that  the  best  part  shall  face  any  particular  side  ; 

if  this  has  not  been   done,  it  is  necessary  to  loosen  down  the  whole 

top,  so  as  properly  to  adjust  it — that,  however,  is  very  inconveuient 

tin  such  time  as  the  plant  has  been  filled   in  and  watered.    After 

the  plant  has  been  properly  secured  in  its  upright  position,  take  care 

to  have  the  soil  firmly  fixed  below  the  bottom  of  the  ball  all  round, 

to  prevent  it  sinking  down  ou  any 

one  side  after  the  water  has  been 

applied ;    next   remove    the  rack 

pins  and   binding    ropes,   staves 

and    canvas,    loosen  out  all    the 

roots   and   fill   in  with   prepared 

soil,   taking   care   to   adjust   the 

roots  in  a  horizontal  manner  while 

filling  in ;  afterwards   prepare  a 

basin   round  it   to   retain  water. 

In  all  cases  apply  water  freely, 

but      more      particularly      with 

summer  transplants.      After  the 

branches     have     been     loosened 

down  ,    syringe     freely      if     the 

weather   bo  dry,   and   cover   the 

surface  of  the  ground,  under  the 

branches,  with  fresh  cut  Grass  to 

prevent  the    surface    of  the   soil 

from  drying  up.     In  the  case  of 

summer   transplanted   trees    and 

evergreens,  it  is  a  good  plan  to 

roll   some  Hypnum  or  Sphagnum, 

Moss  round   tlie  stems  and  chief 

branches,  as  it  assists  in  keeping 

the  bark  moist.    I  may  state  that 

these  machines  are   in    constant 

use     iu     the     Eoyal     Botanical 

Gardens,    Edinburgh,    in    which 

they  are  employed  with  complete 

success.  J.  M'Nab. 


Deafontainea  spinosa  in 
Ireland. — This  handsome  ever- 
green shrub  is  perfectly  hardy  in 
the  south  of  Ireland.  We  saw  a 
plant  of  it  the  other  day  in  the 
gardens  of  E.  Pike,  Esq.,  Bess- 
borough,  CO.  Cork,  which  had 
been  standing  out  without  any 
protection  for  the  past  three  or 
four  years,  and  it  was  in  the 
best  possible  condition,  producing 
at  the  time  a  large  quantity  of  its 
beautiful  scarlet  yellow-tipped 
blossoms.  Mr.  Frazer,  Mr.  Pike's 
gardener,  propagates  it  as  fol- 
lows : — In  the  autumn,  say  about  the  end  of  September  or  early 
iu  October,  he  takes  off  his  cuttings  (small  bits  of  the  current 
year's  growth),  and  inserts  them  as  one  would  Calceolaria 
cuttings,  under  a  common  hand-glass  out  of  doors,  using  light 
sandy  soil  for  the  purpose.  About  this  time  of  the  year  he  lifts 
his  young  plants  and  pots  them  one  in  each  pot,  and  as  soon  as 
the  roots  reach  the  sides  of  the  pot,  and  the  plants  become 
established,  they  are  transplanted  to  their  future  quarters  out  of 
doors,  where  they  appear  to  thrive  as  well  as  any  hardy  shrub  with 
which  we  are  acquainted. — Gardeners'  Record. 

Lagerstroemia  elegans  carnea. — A  new  variety,  raised  from 
seed  of  L.  elegans  by  M.  F.  Sahut,  of  Moutpellier.  It  has  the  habit  and 
vigorous  gi-owth  of  its  parent,  resembling  it  also  in  the  structure  of 
the  flowers,  which,  as  is  well  known,  differs  from  that  of  the 
flowers  of  L.  indica ;  but  the  flowers  of  L.  e.  carnea,  instead  of 
being  of  a  brilliant  deep  rose-colour,  like  those  of  L.  elegans,  arc  of 
a  delicate  Rose  or  flesh-colour,  becoming  almost  white  when  they 


M'Nab's  Transplanting  Machine, 


begin  to  fade.  Iu  the  coloration  of  tho  flowers  this  variety  differs 
essentially  from  the  three  other  varieties  of  Lagerstroomia  at  present 
iu  cultivation,  and  forms  a  fourth  type,  not  less  free-flowering  and 
not  less  remarkable  than  the  others  in  a  genus,  which  up  to  the 
present  has  exhibited  few  variations.  In  this  respect  it  is  a  valuable 
acquisition,  for  few  plants  flower  more  splendidly  than  tho  Lagcr- 
struomias. 

Tecoma  (Bignonia)  grandifloi-a  rubra. — ^A  very  fiuc  variety, 
producing  its  flowers  freely  and  coutiuuously.  They  aro  of  tho 
same  size  as  the  flowers  of  T.  grandiflora,  but  are  of  a  haudsomo 
dark  red  colour,  like  those  of  T.  atropurpurea,  of  which  this  variety 
is  a  secdliug.  The  plant  is  more  vigorous  than  T.  grandiflora  and 
its  foliage  is  of  a  dark  green  colour  ;  moreover,  instead  of  flowering 
all  at  once  like  T.  grandiflora,  it  continues  to  bloom  all  through  the 
summer.  Nothing  can  surpass  its  effect  when  in  full  bloom.  M. 
Sahut,  of  Montpollier,  the  raiser,  has  several  specimens  trained  on 
stakes   to   a  height  of    6^-  feec  with  a   spread   of   branches   nearly 

6J-  feet  in  diameter,  which  all 
through  this  summer  were  lite- 
rally covered  with  large  red 
flowers.  It  is  a  much  more 
effective  plant  than  any  other 
Tecoma  or  Bignonia  iu  cnltivatiou, 
whether  grown  as  a  climbing 
plant  or  trained  to  a  stem  on 
stakes  of  different  heights. 

Winter  Embellishment. — 

When    the    deciduous   trees   and 
shrubs  have   shed    their  summer 
garments,  and  stand  out  against 
the  sky  in  bold  relief  of  manifold 
naked  sprays,  the  sight  of  a  green 
leaf    is  at    once  a  relief    and    a 
joy.      Too    little   imjjortance   has 
been    hitherto    attached    to    the 
necessity  of  jjlanting   for  winter. 
Perhaps  some  degree  of  ignorance 
as  to  what  are  the  most  suitable 
subjects  may  be  advanced  as  the 
reason   why    many  of   our  finest 
evergreens     are     neglected.      Iu 
general,    the    view    of    a    flower 
garden  in  winter  is  of  a  dismal 
character.     Bare  beds  and  rotting 
stems  of  semi-herbaceous  plants 
furnishing  all  that  is  to  be  seen. 
A  different  effect  might  be  easily 
attained  by  planting  any  of  tbe 
following  :  —  Common       Holly, 
Rhamnus,    Garrya,    Laurustiuus, 
Common     Laurel,     Mahonia     iu 
variety,      Evergreen    Oak,     Box, 
Aucuba,     Euonymus     japonicus, 
Ligustrum  japonicum,  and  many 
kinds  of  Conifers.     In  addition  to 
these,    there     are    some    shrubs 
which,  although  deciduous,  main- 
tain through  the  winter  months  a 
special  charm  from  the  coloration 
of  their  bavk  or  berries.     Among 
these  may  be  mentioned  Cornus 
alba,    the    yellow  Willow    (Salix 
vitellina),      the     yellow  -  barked 
Peach  (Persica  lutea),the  Golden 
Ash  (Fraxinus  Intea),  the  coral, 
twigged      and    yellow-twigged      Lime     (Tilia      corallina    and     T. 
lutea).      These    trees,    especially    the    Lime,     the    Ash,    and    the 
Peach,     may    easily     be    kept    in     the    condition    of     shrubs    by 
judicious  pruning  or  pinching.     As  a  carpet  for  such  plantings,  Ivy 
or  Periwinkle  may  be  used.     Of  the  latter  there  ai-e  two  species — • 
Vinca  major  and  V.  herbaeea,  of  which  there  are  variegated  varieties. 
Only  those  who  have  seen  it  can  have  any  idea  of  the  effect  of  a 
specimen  of  Cornus  alba  surrounded  in  winter  with  a  carpet  of  Ivy 
or  St.  John's  Wort  (Hypericum  cal^cinum)   which,  as  a  carpeting 
plant,  is  not  sufficiently  used. — W.  M. 


Foliage  Tints.— Tlio  value  of  trees  with  light  green  foliage  iu  a  landscape 
is  well  il  lustrated  in  the  view  from  Kew  Bridge  up  the  Thames.  Oa  the  bank 
to  the  left  hand  stand  one  or  two;Wecping  Ash  trees,  and  on  the  end  of  the  island, 
which  occupies  the  centre  of  the  river,  there  is  agroup  of  young  Sycamores.  Bat 
for  the  light  green  foliage  of  both  these  groups  of  trees,  the  view  up  the  river 
would  be  of  the  most  sombre  character,  stretching  awaj'  over  a  long  reach, 
bordered  ou  either  side  by  a  continuous  mass  of  the  unrelieved  dark  gloomy 
green  of  the  Elms.— M. 


156 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  23,  1873. 


THE    FLOWER     GARDEN. 

EOSE-KAISING. 
TuE  extent  to  which  the  raising  of  Roses  from  seeds  is  carried 
in  France  may  be  conceived  from  the  statement  of  one  Rose- 
grower — that  in  the  year  1865  the  larv;e  of  the  cockchafer 
(vers  blancs)  destroyed  more  than  100,000  of  his  seedling 
Roses.  The  details  of  the  French  mode  of  raising  Roses 
from  seeds,  as  given  by  M.  Bossin,  in  the  last  number  of  the 
lirvHc  Horfii-olr,  are  as  follows  : — "  In  autumn,  the  finest  hips 
are  selected  and  put  by  to  dry  for  some  time  after  being 
plucked.  The  seed  is  then  rubbed  out,  and  sown  either  at 
once  or  in  the  following  spring.  Large  seed-pans  about  6  inches 
deep  are  generall}- used,  but  sometimes  wooden  boxes  of  the  same 
depth  are  employed.  These  are  well  drained  with  crocks,  and 
filled  with  heath  soil  to  within  an  inch  or  so  of  the  top.  The 
seeds  are  lightly  sprinkled  on  the  surface,  and  then  pressed 
down  with  the  hand,  after  which  a  slight  covering  of  the  same 
soil  is  dusted  over  them.  The  seed-pans  are  then  removed  to 
a  conservatory  or  cool  house  for  the  winter.  In  April  they 
are  placed  in  the  open  air  in  a  half-shady  position,  or  under  a 
cool  frame  if  the  weather  is  bad,  as  it  has  been  this  year. 
About  this  time  the  young  plants  are  generally  attacked  by- 
aphis,  and  must  be  fumigated  or  syringed  with  tobacco-water. 
Occasionally  mildew  makes  its  appearance,  and  must  be  met 
by  dusting  the  plants  with  flowers  of  sulphur.  If  the  sowing 
is  deferred  until  spring  the  same  method  is  to  be  observed, 
with  this  exception,  that  the  seeds  should  be  steeped  for 
twenty-four  hours  in  water  before  sowing,  and  the  pots  must 
be  maintained  in  a  condition  of  neither  too  great  humidity  nor 
dryness.  Until  all  the  seeds  have  germinated,  frequent  light 
sprinklings  are  much  better  than  occasional  heavy  waterings. 
Sowings  may  also  be  made  in  the  open  air  in  the  following 
manner.  In  a  lied,  lines  or  rows  ai'e  drawn  3  or  4  inches  deep. 
These  are  filled  with  heath-soil,  on  which  the  seed  is  sown  as 
in  pots.  The  young  plants  begin  to  make  their  appearance 
in  May.  It  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  a  seedling  Rose 
displays  the  full  force  of  its  character  at  its  first  flowering. 
It  generally  takes  a  3'ear  or  two  before  it  becomes  fixed. 
When  a  seedling  shows  something  of  promise,  the  French 
growers  Imd  it  on  the  Briar,  and  wait  two  or  even  three  years 
for  its  full  development.  The  number  of  seeds  in  a  single 
fruit  of  the  Rose  is  very  variable,  sometimes  twenty-five  or 
thirty,  but  most  usually  from  twelve  to  twenty,  and  in  the 
case  of  the  wild  Briar  seldom  over  twenty.  Those  who  wish 
to  raise  Briars  from  seed  will  do  well  to  select  hips  of  a  longish 
form,  as  the  seed  which  they  contain  has  been  found  to  pro- 
duce the  finest  plants."  W.  M. 


FLOWER  GARDENING  IN  VICTORIA  PARK. 
VlCTORi.Y  Park  is  to  the  east-end  of  London  what  Hyde  Park 
is  to  the  west,  and,  on  the  whole,  as  far  as  floral  display  is 
concerned,  the  "  east-enders  "  seem  to  be  very  fortunate. 
The  park  itself  is  somewhat  barren  and  wild-looking, 
though  relieved  here  and  there  Ijy  water,  fringed  with 
gracefully  drooping  Willows  and  a  great  variety  of  other 
hardy  trees  and  shrubs.  The  flower  gardening,  however,  is 
the  main  feature  ;  it  is,  indeed,  the  best  of  the  kind  we  have 
seen  this  season.  Popular  taste  just  now  appears  to  favour 
the  use  of  dwarf,  dense,  flowering  and  foliage  plants  for 
forming  carpet  beds,  and  these  are  certainly  as  effective  as 
bright  glowing  colours  ever  can  be,  when  symmetrically 
arranged  iu  geometrical  designs.  The  introduction  of  the 
Alternantheras,  Lobelia  pumila  grandiflora,  Pyrethrum 
Golden  Feather,  and  other  plants  similar  iu  habit,  has  ren- 
dered this  style  of  flower-gardening  simple  and  easy. 
Some  of  the  beds  here  are  very  striking,  and  among 
them  are  some  combinations  which  we  have  thought 
worth  recording  as  likely  to  be  of  use  next  season  to 
such  as  have  not  seen  them.  The  first  group  of  beds  which 
came  under  our  notice  was  a  striking  pair,  circular  iu  shape, 
the  circumference  being  formed  of  six  semi-circular  segments, 
as  shown  iu  the  annexed  illustration.  These  were  planted  with 
a  round  mass  of  Colons  Verschafl'eltii  in  the  centre,  encircled 
by  a  row  of  dwarf  golden-leaved  zonal  Pelargoniums,  similar 
to  cloth  of  gold.     This  again  was  surrounded  by  a  broad  belt 


of  the  beautiful  blue  Lobelia  pumila  grandiflora,  the  edge 
being  nicely  finished  off  with  a  double  row  of  Echevcria 
glauca.  This  Succulent,  when  grown  in  a  warm  dry  soil,  has 
a  silvery  appearance  when  contrasted  with  decided  dark 
colours,  as  the  blue  of  Lobelia  pumila,  or  the  deep  purple  of 
Iresine  Lindcnii,  and  is  invaluable  as  an  edging  plant,  or  for 


Flower  bed  in  Victoria  Park. 

filling  the  small  compartments  of  carpet  bods  or  borders.  In 
another  bed,  similar  in  shape  to  the  last,  the  centre  consists  of 
Mrs.  Pollock  Pelargonium,  margined  with  Colcus  Verschaf- 
feltii,  around  which  is  a  broad  belt  of  Golden  Pyrethrum,  the 
whole  being  neatly  margined  with  crimson  Alternanthera. 
A  double  scroll  bed  here  is  very  effective,  though  very 
simple     in      its      arrangement.      It     is     formed     of     Alter- 


Flower  bed  in  Victoria  Park. 

nanthera  amabilis,  edged  with  a  double  row  of  Echcveria 
seounda,  and  is  here  and  there  dotted  with  large  Echeverias, 
Scmpervivums,  and  small  circles  and  oblongs  of  Pyrethrum 
Golden  Feather,  Mesembryanthemum  cordifolium  variegatum, 
and  other  dwarf  plants.  The  crimson  Alternanthera  con- 
trasts well  with  the  silvery  edging  and  the  golden  foliage  of 


Aug.  2;;,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


157 


the  Pyretbrum.  As  a  dwarf  yellow  bedder,  or  edging,  this 
last  has  much  to  recommend  it.  It  grows  fi'eely,  and  may  be 
raised  from  seed  by  the  thousand.  Seedlings  may  be  pricked 
out  closely  for  immediate  effect,  and  then  tliiuned  out  gradually 
as  they  increase  in  size.  In  sheltered  positions  on  warm  soils, 
it  is  perfectly  hardj%  and  nearly  as  effective  during  winter  as 
during  the  summer  months.  lu  a  circular  bed  which  we 
noticed,  the  centre  was  filled  with  Pelargonium  Bijou,  mixed 
with  blue  Viola  (Perfection) ;  this  combination  is  popular  this 
year,  and  is  both  bright  and  effective.  Around  the  centre  is 
a  belt  of  Iresine  Lindenii,  the  whole  being  finished  off  with 
a  bright  yellow  b.and  of  Golden  Feather  Pyrethrum. 

One  feature  in  this  park  is  worth  imitation,  and  that  is  all  the 
borders  are  well  stocked  with  hardy  herbaceous  and  bedding 
plants  interspersed  with  bulbs  and  annuals.  Borders  of  this 
kind  are  very  interesting,  and  should  be  more  general  in  all 
our  best  public  gardens.  Gladioli  and  Tiger  Lilies  are  con- 
spicuous, backed  by  hardy  shrubs,  among  which  bushes  of  Cape 
Bladder  Senna  (Sutherlandia  frntesceus)  are  conspicuous, 
being  heavily  laden  with  purple-tinted  inflated  seed-vessels. 
A  round  bed  of  mixed  Verbenas,  purple,  scarlet,  and  white, 
edged  with  the  now  neglected  Gazania  s])lendens  struck  me  as 
being  both  bright  and  distinct.  Some  of  these  mixed  beds  ai'e 
very  jiretty,  and  none  more  so  than  one  consisting  of  Centaurea 
ragusina,  mixed  with  the  purple  Verbena  veuosa,  and  another 
planted  with  dwarf  orange-flowered  Tropaiolums,  mixed  with 
blue  Viola,  edged  with  Alternautheraamoena  and  Golden  Thyme. 
The  centre  of  attraction,  in  the  way  of  bedding  plants,  is,  how- 
ever, the  series  of  oblong  and  round  beds  arranged  in  a  semi- 
circle near  the  centre  of  the  park  ;  these  are  skilfully  planted 
with   good  materials,  the  carpet  beds  being  perhaps  the  best. 


Flower  bed  in  Victoria  Paik. 

These  beds  are  arranged  symmetrically,  the  corresponding  beds 
in  each  c[uadrant  being  counterparts  of  each  other.  The  centre 
bed  in  this  series  is  nicely  planted,  its  eye,  as  it  were,  being 
filled  with  a  golden-leaved  Zonal  Pelargonium,  margined 
with  lines  or  belts  of  Coleus  Verschaffeltii,  golden  Pyrethrum, 
and  crimson  Alternanthera,  the  whole  being  neatly  margined 
with  a  double  row  of  Echeveria  secunda,  while  the  two  lateral 
appendages  are  each  filled  in  with  a  white-leaved  Zonal  in  the 
way  of  Bijou,  and  margined  like  the  central  portion.  This 
arrangement  struck  us  as  being  very  effective.  A  pair  of 
oblong  beds  in  the  second  circle  are  planted  with  Centaurea 
ragusina,  mixed  with  Verbena  venosa.  This  is  again  sur- 
rounded by  a  belt  of  the  dark-leaved  Iresine  Lindenii,  and  the 
whole  is  very  effectivelj-  finished  oft'  with  a  soft  golden  margin 
of  Messmbi-yanthemum  cordifolium.  The  three  prominent 
colours  in  these  beds — purple,  soft  yellow,  and  silvery  white — 
harmonise  well  with  each  other.  One  of  the  most  effective 
circular  beds  we  have  seen  this  season,  was  formed  of  a  mass 
of  Viola  Blue  Perfection,  mixed  with  Pelargonium  Bijou,  and 
margined  with  l^elts  of  Alternanthera  amcena,  Pyi-ethrum 
Golden  Feather,  and  a  double  row  of  Echeveria  glauca.  Two 
oblong  beds,  planted  with  scarlet  Pelargoniums  m  the  centre, 
surrounded  hj  a  belt  of  Verbena  Parple  King,  and  neatly 
finished  oft'  with  an  edging  of  Golden  Feather,  formed  a  rich 
and  telling  combination  of  purple,  scarlet,  and  gold.  One 
drawback  to  the  effectiveness  of  this  series  of  beds,  is  the 
failure  of  the  Calceolarias,  which  just  now  are  scarcely  more 
effective  than  the  Marigolds  in  St.  Paul's  Churchyard.  This 
remark  applies  not  only  to  Victoria  Park,  but  also  to  most 
other  gardens  round  London,  both  public  and  private.  Before 
leaving  the  bedding  plants  tor  the  sub-tropical  walk,  two 
geometrical  borders,  enclosing  specimen  variegated  Hollies  and 
othershrubs,ai'e  worthy  of  notice.  In  the  circular  one,  triangular 


and  diamond-shaped  spaces  are  formed  by  diagonal  lines  of 
Zonal  Pelargoniums ;  these  are  filled  in  with  Alternanthera 
and  Coleus  respectively,  the  margin  being  formed  of  two  belts 
of  jMescmbryauthemum  cordifolium,  edged  with  dwarf  blue 
Lobelia  (L.  pumila  grandillora).  The  other  is  planted  with 
Amaranthus,  and  scarlet,  white,  and  piuk-ttowered  Zonal 
Pelargoniums  in  semi-circles,  the  triangles  in  front  being 
planted  with  bronze  Zonals  and  blue  Lobelia  alternately,  and 
the  triple  edging,  which  is  one  of  the  most  distinct  we  have 
seen,  is  formed  of  Iresine  Lindenii,  Pyrethrum  Golden 
Feather,  and  the  silvery-leaved  Cerastium  tomeutosum.  The 
sinuous  sub-tropical  walk  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  in  the 
Park,  and  well  worth  notice.  A  mass  of  the  pretty  bright 
green-leaved  Acacia  Lophantha,  is  here  very  effective,  as  is 
also  a  neighbouring  clump  of  dark-leaved  Canuas,  edged  with 
Abutilon  Thompsonia:.  Variegated  Maize,  edged  with  Iresine 
Lindenii,  makes  a  bright  and  distinct-looking  group,  well  worth 
repeating  in  warm  sheltered  localities.  A  small  rockery, 
backed  by  Hollies  and  other  evergreen  shi-ubs,  is  planted  with 
a  very  interesting  collection  of  Alpine  plants  and  Succulents, 
interspersed  here  and  there  with  foliage  and  flowering  plants 
on  a  dense  carpet  of  dwarf  Saxifrages  and  Sedums.  This 
arrangement,  which  has  been  well  carried  out  at  Battersea 
Park  for  some  years,  is  a  good  one,  inasmuch  as  it  affords 
an  opportunity  for  the  introduction  of  choice  Succulents  or 
new  plants  before  the  stock  is  sufficiently  large  for  carpets, 
masses,  or  edgings.  The  plants  used  here  are  Chamaspeuce 
diacautha.  Agave  americana  and  its  variegated  varieties, 
Sempervivum  canariense  and  tabuteforme.  Palms,  Aloes,  Cacti, 
and  DracEenas  in  variety.  Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums  are  very 
effective,  drooping  over  the  over-hanging  or  projecting  masses 
of  rock-work  ;  they  grow  and  flower  freely,  and  are  graceful 
in  habit.  Canuas,  variegated  Ivies,  and  dwarf  Conifers  com- 
plete the  group,  the  whole  being  neatly  finished  off  with  a 
margin  of  Echeveria  secunda.  A  good  group  of  Yuccas  is 
just  past  its  best  on  a  sloping  bank,  backed  by  variegated 
Hollies  and  other  evergreen  shrubs.  Yuccas  in  masses  are 
among  the  noblest  ornaments  that  can  be  added  to  our  public 
gardens.  A  very  distinct-looking  bed  here  is  planted  with 
Wigandias,  around  which  is  a  circle  of  the  crimson  Chilian 
Beet,  and  a  dwarf,  but  effective,  edging  of  Tussilago  Parfara 
variegata,  a  very  distinct  plant,  but  difficult  to  eradicate 
when  once  introduced,  and'  it  has  a  bad  habit  of  coming 
up  very  irregidarly  each  successive  year  after  it  is 
first-  planted.  A  round  bed  of  Amarantus  salioifolius, 
edged  with  golden  Abutilon,  and  fringed  with  a  double 
row  of  Echevcrias  is  just  showing  colour,  and  promises 
to  be  very  effective  in  a  week  or  two.  So  far  as  our 
experience  of  this  plant  goes,  it  likes  a  shady  position,  as  it 
becomes  bare  and  leggy  on  dry  hot  soils.  A  mass  of  light- 
coloured  Cannas,  edged  with  Abutilon  and  Iresine  Lindenii,  has 
a  fresh  and  effective  appearance ;  and  the  same  remark  applies 
with  equal  force  to  a  pair  of  oblong  beds  filled  with  bronze- 
leaved  Cannas,  edged  with  the  silvery-leaved  Centaurea  ragu- 
sina. A  very  good  mixed  bed  of  foliage  plants  consists  of 
Ficus  elastica,  green  and  variegated  Maize,  Cannas,  Amaran- 
thus, Coleus,  Solauums,  Acacias,  and  Dracasnas.  The  varie- 
gated Maize  is  3  feet  high,  and  vei-y  In-ight  and  distinct ;  while 
the  green  form  is  fully  6  feet  high  and  flowers  freely,  its 
droopnig  silky  tassels  having  a  novel  effect.  A  pair  of  carpet 
beds  in  this  group  are  planted  very  prettily,  though  the  beds 
themselves  ai'e  heavy  in  shape,  being  something  like  dumb 
bells.  The  central  mass  is  of  crimson  Alternanthera,  sur- 
rounded by  a  belt  of  golden  Pyrethrum,  and  edged  with  a 
double  row  of  Echeveria  secunda.  A  nice  pair  of  oblong  beds, 
planted  with  Coleus  Verschaffeltii,  margined  with  the  golden- 
ioliaged  Mesembryanthemum.are  distinct  and  bright  in  colour. 
A  round  bed  here  is  also  very  prettily  arranged,  the  central 
portion  being  a  star-shaped  mass  of  crimson  Coleus,  the  angles 
formed  by  each  ray  being  filled  in  with  golden  Pyrethrum.  A 
belt  of  Alternanthera  amcena  surrounds  these,  and  the  whole  is 
fringed  with  a  double  row  of  Echeveria  secunda.  A  bed  of 
this  kind,  besides  possessing  brilliant  colours  well  contrasted 
with  each  other,  has  also  some  claim  to  elegance  in  form  and 
arrangement,  so  far  as  it  is  possible  to  attain  these  desiderata 
in  formal  or  geometrical  designs.  A  mass  of  the  purple-leaved 
Dracajna   ferrea,  edged  with  golden  "variegated  Abutilon,  is 


158 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  23,  1873. 


very  distinct,  and  a  few  Palms,  Dracasnas,  Tncoas,  and  Musas, 
dotted  in  here  and  there  on  tlie  fresh  green  turf,  assist  very 
materially  in  relieving  the  formal  sameness  of  the  round  and 
oblong  beds.  One  feature  we  must  not  overlook,  and  that  is 
some  large  Agaves  that  have  been  set  out  round  the  semi- 
circular flower  garden  with  excellent  effect.  In  short,  a  visit 
to  Victoria  Park  just  now  will  amply  repay  any  one  interested 
in  bedding  arr.augemcnts  and  other,  for  the  time  being,  fashion- 
able modes  of  decorating  our  flower  gardens.  F.  W.  B. 


THE  NEW  ROSE,  ALEXANDER  DICKSON. 
As  little  appears  to  be  known  about  this  new  Rose,  a  short  account 
of  it  may  not  prove  uninteresting.  It  was  raised  by  Mr. 
Dickson,  and  was  first  shown  at  tho  National  Rose  Exhibition, 
held  at  Dablin  in  July,  1872.  Mr.  Dickson  showed  a  large 
box  filled  with  it,  which  was  much  admired.  Sevei'al  nurserymen 
gave  orders  for  plants  of  it  to  be  delivered  in  the  proper  season, 
and  Mr.  John  Hairison,  of  the  North  of  England  Rose 
Nursery,  near  Darlington,  was  amongst  the  number  who  ordered 
plants.  Last  summer  he  kindly  gave  me  a  few  buds  of  this  new 
Rose,  which  I  inserted  in  Briar  stocks.  These  took,  and  on  the  2Sth 
of  last  month  I  was  gratified  with  the  sight  of  a  Rose  I  had  pre. 
viously  heard  highly  spoken  of.  Mr.  Harrison  had  not  said  one  word 
too  much  in  its  favour,  for  it  really  is  one  of  the  finest  exhibition 
Roses  that  has  made  its  appearance  for  some  years  back.  The 
following  is  a  faithful  description  of  it : — Its  wood  is  green,  and  the 
foliage  handsome.  Ttie  petals  are  large  and  thick,  causing  it  to  open 
freely.  In  size  it  is  large  and  full.  In  form  it  resembles  Comtesse 
de  Ch.abrilland,  but  the  blooms  are  larger;  the  colour  is  very  like 
that  of  the  well-known  Rose  Madame  Charles  Wood,  but  the  back 
part  of  the  petals  has  somewhat  of  a  lilac  tinge,  or  what  may  be 
termed  a  glaucous  shade — it  is  highly  fragrant,  no  Rose  in  cultivation 
being  more  so.  Its  habit  is  good,  and  it  appeai-s  to  send  out  only 
one  bloom  from  each  shoot,  and  that  a  large  one.  I  have  seen  several 
blooms  in  my  own  garden,  and  they  have  all  been  good.  I  can  safely 
recommend  it  as  an  acquisition.  Henry  Taylor. 

Rose  Cottage,  Feiicote,  Bedale. 


Hablitzia  tamnoides. — This  is  a  very  ornamental  hardy 
herbaceous  plant,  of  a  climbing  char.acter,  and  one  that  produces  its 
cymes  of  greenish -yellow  flowers  in  the  greatest  profusion.  The 
leaves  which  are  cordate-acuminate,  and  entire,  are  of  a  deep  green 
colour ;  when  the  plants  are  tied  to  a  strong  stake  or  trellis  they 
reach  a  height  of  8,  9,  or  10  feet,  and  have  a  very  pleasing  appear, 
auce.  The  flowers  resemble  dense  masses  of  Grape  Vine  flowers,  and 
begin  to  expand  as  soon  as  the  plant  reaches  the  height  of  a  foot  or 
18  inches,  say  in  May,  and  continue  in  flower  throughout  the  whole 
summer  and  greater  portion  of  the  autumn.  This  plant  requires  a 
good  soil,  plenty  of  moisture  in  summer,  freedom  from  stagnant 
water  in  winter,  and  forms  a  good  subject  for  planting  in  open  situa. 
tiona  in  the  wild  garden,  or  on  large  rock  or  root  works,  or  where  it 
could  be  used  to  clothe  tho  stems  of  naked  trunks  of  trees. — Jaues 
Forbes,  Perth. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GAEDEN. 


The  Cardinal  Monkey  Flower  (Mlmulus  cardinalis.)— This  Calitornian 
Mimulus,  which  is  little  more  than  an  annual  plant  on  the  London  and  other 
clays,  is  a  fine,  tall,  and  long-endurinj^  perennial  on  some  warm  soils.  I  saw 
some  against  a  cottage  wall  in  Herefordshire  the  other  day,  quite  4  leet  high, 
and  very  showy. — W. 

Yellow  Canary  Climber  (Tropaeolnm  canariense).— Round  a  cottage 
door  in  Kent,  I  recently  observed  two  plants  of  this  trained  on  two  strings  so  as  to 
completely  surround  the  doorway.  The  effect  was  exceedin<?ly  happy,  the 
plants  beinf:^  in  full  bloom,  anciformiug  a  pretty  frame  around  the  door.'  This 
simple  mode  of  training  might  be  applied  in  all  cases  where  the  door  is 
destitute  of  a  porch  or  verandah. — W.  M. 

Climbers  on  Cottage  Walls.— One  of  the  finest  effects  we  have  seen  for 
some  time  was  presented  to  us  a  few  days  since,  during  om*  visit  to  a  prettj- 
village  in  Kent,  by  some  plants  of  Calystegia  dahurica,  trained  on  a  cottage 
wall.  Strings  had  been  fastened  from  the  ground  to  the  eave  of  the  cottage 
(a  distance  of  about  20  feet) ,  about  a  foot  apart,  and  up  these  the  plants  had 
climbed  the  entire  length,  and  even  hung  down  two  or  tlu-ec  feet  from  the  eave 
where  their  support  ceased.  The  plants  so  trained  were  so  many  stalely  pillars 
of  dense  dark  gi-cen  foliage,  agreeably  diversified  by  tho  numerous  large  and 
handsome  flowers. 

Best  Light  and  Best  Dark  Standard  Roses.— I  should  esteem  it  a  favour 
if  you  would  kmdly  give  me  the  names  of  three  of  the  best  dark  standard 
Roses,  and  three  of  the  best  light  kinds.— Yosemitk.  [The  three  dark  kinds 
may  consist  of  Prince  Camille  de  Rohan,  maroon  ;  S.  Reynolds  Hole,  crimson. 
Hushed  maroon  ;  and  Louis  Van  Houtte,  rich  deep  shaded' rose.  For  three  li^ht 
sorts  take  Jlanchal  Niel,  yellow ;  Boule  do  Neige,  white ;  and  Baroness 
Rothschild,  blush.  Another  good  selection  is  :-Por  the  three  dark,  Chas.  Lefebvre, 
Madame  Victor  Verdier,  and  Baron  de  Bonstetten.  For  the  three  light  ones. 
Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison,  Madame  Alfred  do  Rougemont,  and  Madame  Vidot.j 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

CHIVES. 
This  popular  old  garden  plant  is  a  native  of  Britain,  though 
a  rare  one,  and  inhabits  a  wide  range  over  northern  and  tempe- 
rate Europe  and  Russian  Asia.  It  is  a  thoroughly  hardy 
herbaceous  plant,  and,  being  required  for  the  leaves  only,  it 
may  be  loft  in  the  same  spot  for  years.  When  making  a  plan- 
tation, dig  up  a  few  old  tufts,  pull  them  in  pieces  a  couple  of 
inches  across,  and  plant  in  tufts  at  about  8  inches  apart,  or 
make  an  edging  of  tho  plant  around  a  l)ed  devoted  to  some 
other  herb.  It,  of  course,  does  best  in  a  rich  light  soil,  biit  will 
thrive  anywhere.  The  Chive  is  an  exceedingly  useful  vege- 
table on  accoitnt  of  its  early  growth  ;  indeed  a  few  roots  placed 
in  a  warm  southerly  aspect  will  produce  cuttings  of  nice  green 
shoots  all  the  winter  for  salads  when  Onions  are  scarce  and 
de.ar.  It  is  also  very  useful  for  soups  and  broth.  It  is  most 
invaluable  for  poultry  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  more  particu- 
larly for  young  early  chickens,  turkeys,  and  ducks,  chopped 
up  and  intermixed  in  their  food.  They  will  pick  out  verj-  soon 
every  Ijit  of  Chives  :  it  keeps  them  warm  and  healthy.  For 
very  early  broods  I  always  took  care  to  have  a  few  tufts 
potted  and  placed  in  shelter  or  heat  for  a  supply.  .  B. 


THE  WELSH  ONION. 
(allium  tlstulosum). 
Tins  is  really  a,  Siberian  species,  very  hardy,  with  hollow 
cylindrical  leaves,  and  no  bulbs.  It  is  a  herbaceous  plant,  in 
cultivation  treated  as  a  biennial — sown  in  midsummer  for  use 
in  saliids  the  following  spring.  Being  very  hardy,  it  is  worthy 
of  more  extended  culture.  It  is  the  cihintle  of  the  French, 
and  much  more  grown  in  France  than  with  us.  They  sow  a 
crop  in  February  and  March  for  transplanting  in  April  and 
May,  and  another  in  the  end  of  July.  The  Welsh  Onion  is 
cultivated  but  very  little  now  for  use  in  this  country ;  formerly 
on  account  of  its  earliness  and  hardiness,  it  was  cultivated  in 
almost  every  garden,  and  grown  to  a  considerable  extent  for  the 
London  market  from  fifty  to  sixty  years  ago,  but  through  its 
toughness  and  strong  acrid  flavour  as  soou  as  the  season 
advanced  and  the  plants  got  a  little  sun,  they  could  not  be 
made  use  of  with  any  pleasure.  The  two-bladed,  an  early  quick 
grower,  took  its  place,  and  many  other  good  varieties  have 
been  since  introduced,  any  one  of  which,  if  sown  thickly  about 
the  middle  of  August,  is  fit  for  drawing  for  use  during  the 
whole  winter,  and  also  for  transplanting  for  an  early  crop  of 
bulbs  in  the  following  February.  With  a  little  management 
and  foresight,  both  young  Onions,  and  bulbs  may  fie  produced 
every  day  in  the  year.  J.  B. 


THE  TREE  ONION 
This  we  suppose  to  bo  simply  a  variety  of  the  common  Onion 
of  our  gardens,  but  it  is  a  curiosity  worth  growing.  Sets  of 
bulbs,  and  sometimes  pretty  large  ones,  are  formed  on  the 
stem,  and  from  them  another  shoot  starts  forth,  to  be  again 
surmounted  by  sets  of  smaller  bulbs,  and  so  on.  AVe  have  had 
them  a  yard  or  more  long,  with  three  crowns  of  bulbs  on  many 
stems.  These  bulbs,  it  not  so  good  for  ordinary  use  as  the 
common  Onion,  form  excellent  pickles.  Some  bulbs  are  also 
formed  at  the  base,  but  not  many.  It  may  bo  propagated  from 
either  ground  or  stem  bidbs,  planted  at  about  a  foot  apart  each 
wayin  April,  just  putting  the  bulbs  deep  enough  in  the  ground 
to  be  held  firmly  therein.  The  very  small  stem-bulbs  might  be 
planted  thicker.  When  the  long  bulb-bearing  stems  push  out 
they  should  be  staked  up.  We  have  had  ere  now  much  diffi- 
culty in  getting  this  plaut,  but  it  is  to  be  had  here  and  there. 
"When  mature,  in  early  autumn,  both  stem-bulbs  and  under- 
ground ones  should  be  gathered  in  and  stored  in  a  cool  dry 
place.  The  tree  Onion  was  formerly  cultivated  to  some  extent 
in  the  days  of  the  old  Welsh  Onion,  but  since  we  have  had  so 
many  useful,  good,  and  profitable  varieties  of  the  Onion  intro- 
duced, this  variety  has  been  almost  discarded  from  our 
gardens.  Only  as  a  curiosity  it  is  to  be  found  in  a  few  places  ; 
it  never  was  of  much  value  as  an  article  for  use,  and  there 
never  was  any  dependence  on  its  making  any  profitable  returns 
for  its  culture.  James  Barnes. 


Aug.  23,  1873.] 


TUB   GARDEN. 


159 


MUSHROOM  CULTURE  OUT-OF-DOORS. 

Preparation  of  the  JEaxure. — It  is  of  vital  importance  to 
let  the  rank  steam  ont.  AVhcn  you  get  the  manure  from  tlie 
stables  throw  it  into  a  round  lieaji,  and  give  a  good  watering 
with  manure-water.  Let  it  lie  nutil  the  third  da}',  then  turn  it 
over,  and  give  another  shake  up.  When  well  sweated,  which 
will  be  in  three  days,  another  turn  will  be  necessary ;  it  ■p'ill 
then  be  ready  for  nse. 

Making  the  Bed. — Making  the  bed  is  of  secondary  import- 
ance. Mark  out  the  bed  3  feet  wide  at  bottom,  and,  of  course, 
of  whatever  length  j'ou  have  manure  for.  Put  the  dung  on  in 
layers  of  6  inches  the  whole  length  of  the  bed,  and  spread 
ont  at  the  rate  of  four  shovelfuls  of  dry  soil  to  every  barrow- 
ful  of  dung ;  tread  down  by  stamping  on  it  as  the  work  pro- 
ceeds, until  you  get  the  required  height;  then  clap  the  bed 
all  over  with  the  back  of  a  light  spade,  drawing  the  spade 
downwards  at  every  stroke  to,  as  it  were,  seal  the  bed.  Cover 
np  with  a  mat  immediately,  and  on  no  account  allow  rain  to 
enter.  Place  oue  stick  in  the  middle,  and  one  at  each  end. 
Feel  the  heat  at  least  once  a  day ;  when  found  milii-warm, 
under  rather  than  over,  the  bed  is  fit  for  spawning.  Break 
the  spawn  into  pieces  about  the  size  of  eggs,  taking  each  piece 
in  the  right  hand,  and  with  the  left  lift  the  material  upwards, 
inserting  the  spawn  at  10  inches  apart  all  over  the  bed ;  after- 
wards give  it  another  beating,  making  the  surface  look  smooth 
and  smart.  This  being  done,  set  the  line  9  inches  from  the 
edge  of  the  bed,  and  cut  the  soil  down  inclining  outwards, 
making  a  good  foundation.  To  cover  the  surface  of  the  bed 
any  kiud  of  soil  will  do.  Mine  is  light  and  rich,  but  just  the 
common  garden  stuff.  Put  '2i-  inches  on  before  beating,  then 
sprinkle  over  with  sand  to  make  it  work  clean  ;  begin  at  one 
end,  and  again  beat  it  well,  always  drawing  the  spade  down- 
wards as  the  stroke  is  delivered,  till  you  get  the  whole  finished. 
Cover  up  if  in  winter — say  October — with  -5  inches  of  straw  or 
very  dry  dung,  placed  so  that  the  wet  cannot  get  in.  It  will 
now  have  the  appearance  of  the  roof  of  a  hayrick.  Put  a  mat 
lengthways  over  all,  and  re-insert  the  sticks,  looking  at  them 
sometimes  to  determine  whether  the  bed  is  getting  too  hot,  or 
over  milk-warm ;  if  so,  uncover,  but  put  the  mat  on  this  time 
crossways,  to  keep  out  the  wet.  In  this  way  abundance  of 
Mushrooms  are  grown  in  the  open  air.  R.  Gilbert. 


LAVENDER  CULTURE  EST  HERTFORDSHIRE. 

Comparatively  few  persons  are  aware  to  how  large  au  extent  the 
culture  of  Lavender  for  commercial  purposes  is  carried  on  within  a 
radius  of  thirty  miles  from  London.  In  the  county  of  Surrey  alone 
there  are  nearly  350  acres  of  land  devoted  to  its  growth  j  and  the 
total  extent  of  the  Lavender  fields  in  the  London  district  cannot  fall 
far  short  of  500  acres.  Although  it  is  only  of  recent  years  that  the 
culture  of  the  plant  in  England  has  been  sufficiently  extensive  to 
raise  it  to  the  dignity  of  a  recognised  industry,  the  dried  flowers  have 
been  used  from  time  immemorial  as  a  ]3orfame  ;  indeed,  it  acquired 
the  name  given  to  it  by  the  Romans,  Lavandula,  from  the  use  to 
which  it  was  applied  in  scenting  the  water  of  the  bath.  The 
Lavender  plant  grows  wild  in  some  parts  of  Italy  and  the  island  of 
Sicily  ;  but  it  is  uncertain  at  what  period  it  was  introduced  into 
England.  Shakespeare,  in  the  "  Winter's  Tale,"  puts  these  words  in 
the  mouth  of  Perdita  : — 

Here's  flowers  for  you ; 

Hot  Lavender,  Mint,  Savory,  Marjoram  ; 

The  Marigold,  that  goes  to  bed  with  the  sun, 

And  with  hira  rises  weeping :  these  are  flowers 

Of  middle  summer. 

True,  the  scene  is  laid  in  Bohemia ;  but  it  is  evident  by  the  context 
that  the  plants  named  were  such  as  were  usually  to  be  found  in  an 
English  shepherd's  garden  as  early  as  the  time  of  Elizabeth.  Passing 
over  the  intervening  three  centuries,  let  ua  come  at  once  to  the 
subject  of  our  sketch — the  Lavender  fields  of  Hertfordshire.  An 
hour's  journey  by  the  Great  Northern  Railway,  through  a  charming 
tract  of  country,  past  the  historic  houses  of  Hatfield  and  Knebworth, 
which  lie  hidden  by  trees  on  the  traveller's  right  hand ;  over  that 
grand  engineering  mistake,  the  Welwyn  Viaduct,  beneath  which 
trickles  the  tinny  river  Mimram,  through  Stevenage,  where  Lucas, 
the  hermit,  wrapped  in  his  dirty  blanket,  still  remains  as  when  he 
served  Charles  Dickens  as  a  motlol  for  his  Tom  Tiddler — passing  all 
these,  we  at  length  find  ourselves,  as  the  train  slackens  its  speed,  at 
the  bottom  of  what  seems  to  be  an  extensive  chalk-pit.     This  is  the 


northern  outcrop  of  the  London  basin  ;  and  the  station  at  which  we 
alight,  as  soon  as  the  deep  white  cutting  is  passed,  is  Hitohin.  At 
this  place,  some  fifty  years  ago,  the  experiment  was  first  made  by  a 
Mr.  Perks  of  growing  Lavender  as  a  source  of  profit.  So  well  did  it 
succeed,  that  there  are  now  about  35  acres  of  land  in  Hitchin  devoted 
to  its  culture,  yielding  sufliicient  essential  oil  to  produce  upwards  of 
2,000  gallons  of  Lavender-water  annually.  A  visit  to  tlio  fields  and 
laboratory,  during  the  latter  part  of  July  or  the  beginning  of  August, 
when  the  flowers  are  in  full  bloom,  is  in  itself  worth  the  trouble  of  a 
journey  to  Hitchin,  to  say  nothing  of  the  special  attractions  which 
the  neighbourhood  offers  to  the  botanist,  geologist,  and  antiquary. 

The  largest  field  is  situated  at  the  western  side  of  the  quaint  old 
town,  near  the  house  in  which  George  Chapman,  the  friend  of  Shake, 
speare  and  Ben  Johnson,  completed  his  translation  of  Homer.  The 
young  plants  are  put  out  in  November,  at  a  uniform  distance  of  a  yard 
apart.  Formerly  they  were  placed  at  only  half  that  distance  ;  but  it 
is  found  that  a  heavier  yield  is  produced  from  plants  set  a  yard  apart 
than  from  double  the  number  at  only  18  iuches.  When  three  years 
old,  the  plant  is  at  its  best ;  and,  when  it  reaches  the  age  of  seven 
years,  it  has  made  so  much  wood  that  it  is  more  profitable  to  unroot 
it  and  set  a  fresh  plant.  The  harrest  time  depends  much  on  the 
state  of  the  weather ;  but  it  usually  commences  about  the  first  week 
in  August.  The  flowers  ai-e  cut  with  a  sickle,  bound  up  in  small 
sheaves,  and  immediately  carried  to  the  distillery.  There  the  stalks 
are  cut  otf,  leaving  but  little  more  than  the  flowers,  by  which  the 
bouquet  of  the  oil,  afterwards  extracted,  is  much  improved,  though 
the  quantity  of  the  oil  is  sensibly  diminished.  Much  care  is  needed 
on  the  part  of  those  who  handle  the  sheaves  in  the  distilliug-houseto 
guard  against  being  stung  by  the  bees  which  remain  attached  to  the 
flowers.  The  temperance,  industry,  and  providence  of  these  insects 
are  proverbial;  yet  their  behaviour  in  Lavender  fields,  especially 
towards  the  end  of  the  season,  when  the  flowers  are  fully  develoi^ed, 
cannot  be  too  severely  reprobated.  So  careless  are  they  of  tho  good 
reputation  they  have  earned,  that  they  refuse  to  leave  their  luscious 
feast  even  when  it  is  laid  on  the  trimming  bench  ;  and  hundreds  are 
thrown  into  the  still,  notwithstanding  the  efforts  to  dislodge  them,  in 
a  state  of  helpless  intoxication. 

After  the  flowers  are  separated  from  the  stalks,  they  are  put  in 
the  still,  which  is  a  copper  vessel  holding  about  200  gallons,  beneath 
which  is  a  furnace.  The  flowers  are  pressed  down  tight,  after  which 
the  still  is  filled  with  boiling  water,  and  the  head  carefully  fitted  on 
and  luted  with  clay  or  linseed  meal,  so  as  to  prevent  the  escape  of 
the  steam.  The  head  somewhat  resembles  an  enormous  tobacco, 
pipe,  the  bowl  being  placed  over  the  still.  The  stem  of  the  pipe, 
called  the  worm,  is  coiled  round  and  round  in  a  vessel  of  cold  water 
known  as  the  worm-tub.  As  the  steam  is  driven  off  through  tho 
head  of  tho  still,  it  is  condensed  in  passing  through  the  worm. tub, 
and  runs  into  a  vessel  beneath.  The  essential  oil  is  brought  away 
with  the  condensed  steam  and  floats  on  the  top.  A  siphon  sucks  out 
the  water  beneath  ;  and  as,  in  its  passage  through  the  worm,  it  has 
become  impregnated  with  the  oil,  it  is  utilised  by  being  made  hot, 
and  again  put  into  the  still,  to  boil  the  next  batch.  As  the  water  in 
the  worm. tub  becomes  heated  by  the  steam-tube  passing  throuo-h  it, 
cold  water  is  injected  from  beneath,  which  forces  off  the  upper 
portion  of  the  water,  which  has  become  too  hot  to  perform  its  task  of 
condensation.  In  about  four  hours  the  still  has  giveu  off  all  its 
steam,  and  the  result  is  about  a  pint  of  essential  oil,  of  a  light  yellow 
colour.  In  some  seasons  it  will  fall  far  short  of  that  quantity,  while 
at  other  times  it  will  greatly  exceed  it.  When  the  condensed  steam 
and  oil  have  ceased  to  flow  the  head  of  the  still  is  hoisted  off,  the 
sodden  mass  of  flowers  is  taken  out  with  long  forks,  and  the  still  is 
re-filled.  Tho  refuse  is  taken  back  to  the  fields,  and  there  allowed 
to  remain  until  it  is  used  as  manure  for  the  next  year's  crop.  When 
the  oil  is  first  distilled  it  has  a  peculiar  empj^reumatic  odour ;  but  by 
being  kept  in  bottles  for  twelve  months  it  loses  much  of  its  harsh, 
ness.  It  is  still,  however,  unfit  to  be  used  as  a  perfume  in  its  natural 
state.  In  order  to  convert  the  essential  oil  into  what  is  known  as 
Lavender-water,  it  is  mixed  with  from  twenty  to  fort}'  times  its 
bulk  of  spirit,  and  with  just  a  trace  of  neroli,  or  other  essential  oil, 
according  to  the  taste  of  the  compounder. 

Some  idea  of  the  enormous  consumption  of  Lavender-oil  may  be 
gained  from  the  fact,  that  there  is  annually  produced  in  England 
suflicient  oil  to  produce  nearly  30,000  gallons  of  spirit  of  Lavender. 
A  large  quantity  is  used  in  the  production  of  other  jierfumes  of  more 
pretentious  names.  Soaps  and  toilet.washes  are  chiefly  scented  with 
French  and  Italian  oil,  which  is  worth  but  from  8s.  to  10s.  a  pound, 
while  the  English  oil  is  valued  at  four  times  that  price.  The  differ, 
ence  in  the  value  is  chiefly  due  to  the  fact,  that  in  the  foreign 
distilleries  the  whole  of  the  stalks,  and  even  tho  leaves,  are  put  in 
the  still ;  whereas  in  England,  p.artionlarly  at  Hitchin,  where  even 
more  care  is  taken  than  in  the  Surrey  fields,  nothing  but  the  choicest 
blossoms  are  used. — Chamhers's  Journal. 


160 


THE   GAKDEN. 


[Aug.  23,  1873. 


THE    GARDEN    FLORA. 


NEW  AND  RARE  PLANTS  RECENTLY  FIGURED. 

Rhododendron  Chamsecistus.— This  is  a  pretty  species  of 
liilipntian  proportions,  forming  a  dense  mass  of  dark  green 
foliage  but  a  few  inches  high,  and  bearing  white  flowers  tinted 
with  pale  rose.  It  is  a  native  of  the  Austrian  Alps.  It  does 
tolerably  well  planted  in  peat  on  a  cool  bottom,  and  is  a  nice  addition 
to  Alpine  rock  plants,  which  are  just  now  receiving  some  amount  of 
the  attention  they  deserve. 

Double-flowered  Oxalis  (0.  cernua  fl.  pi.).  — A  pretty 
variety,  bearing  large  double  flowers  of  a  bright  golden.yellow  colour, 
elevated  well  above  the  deep  green  foliage.  It  is  effective  as  a  pot 
plant  for  the  greenhouse  or  conservatory,  or  it  may  be  planted  out 
in  the  herbaceous  border  during  the  summer  months.  It  is  a  native 
of  Sicily,  and  not  uncommon  in  the  environs  of  Palermo. 

Caucasian  Iris  (I.  Iberica).  —  A  dwarf  species  from  the 
Caucasus,  bearing  large  greenish-lilac  and  purple-brown  flowers. 
Thef  oliago  is  slender  and  of  a  dark  green  colour.  The  plant  is  well 
adapted  either  for  a  sheltered  position  in  the  herbaceous  border  or 
for  pot  culture . 

Variegated  Oxalis  (0.  cornicnlata  variegata).  —  A  nice 
variety  of  the  green  or  copper-leaved  species,  so  troublesome  as  a 
weed  in  some  gardens,  from  which  it  is  distinguished  by  being  varie- 
gated with  bright  rose.  The  rosy  tint  is  very  irregular  in  its  distri- 
bution, some  of  the  leaflets  being  all  rose,  while  others  are  only 
slightly  striped  or  mottled.  It  bears  bright  yellow  flowers,  and  may 
prove  useful  in  dry  sandy  soils  for  the  carpet  bedding  now  so  much 
in  vogue. 

Humboldt's  Lily  (L.  Humboldti). — A  noble  Oalifornian  Lily 
having  its  leaves  in  whorls,  and  bearing  bright  orange  flowers  with 
recurved  segments  heavily  blotched  at  the  base  with  dark  crimson. 
It  is  quite  hardy,  and  succeeds  well  planted  in  a  deep,  rich,  and  warm 
soil,  plentifully  supplied  with  moisture. — Flore  des  Serres. 

Riviere's  Zygopetalum  (Z.  Rivieri). — A  charming  Brazilian 
Orchid,  most  probably  a  form  of  Z.  Mackayi,  and  well  worth  growing 
for  its  fragrant  flowers,  which  are  borne  profusely  during  the  winter 
months,  and  last  a  long  time  in  beauty.  The  plant  has  the  habit  of 
Z.  Mackayi,  and  the  flowers  are  similar  in  colour  but  more  densely 
streaked  with  purple  hairy  lines  on  the  broad  white  lip.  It  is  easily 
grown  in  an  ordinary  plant  stove  in  fibrous  peat  and  fresh  sphagnum. 

Reddish  Salvia  (S.  rutilans).  —  A  free-flowering  species, 
useful  for  autumn  and  winter  flowering  along  with  its  congeners,  S. 
splendens,  S.  gesnera3folia,  and  S.  Heerii,  and  succeeding  perfectly 
with  the  same  treatment.  The  present  species  bears  a  terminal 
pauicle  of  bright  scarlet,  the  mouth  of  the  tube  being  streaked  with 
white.  The  foliage  somewhat  resembles  that  of  S.  splendens,  but 
the  flowers  are  smaller  with  green  calyces. — lierue  HorficoJe. 

Cattleya  ehoeoensis. — We  have  here  a  very  striking  plant, 
which  may  be  taken  as  the  type  of  a  well-defined  section  of  this 
already  large  genus.  The  flowers  are  remarkably  compact,  owing 
to  the  pure  white  petals  being  sessile,  and  of  great  breadth.  The 
upper  edges  of  the  petals  overlap  each  other,  giving  a  very  full 
appearance  to  the  flower.  The  short  rounded  lip  is  of  a  pure  white 
colour  (slightly  tinted  with  rose  in  some  varieties),  and  has  a  blotch 
of  lemon-yellow  on  the  disc,  the  apex  being  tipped  with  a  large 
blotch  of  crimson-purple.  Like  all  its  congeners,  the  species  is 
very  variable  as  to  colour,  a  fact  that  adds  to  the  interest  in  gi'owing 
several  individuals  of  the  same  species.  It  comes  from  Eio  Atrata, 
New  Granada,  having  been  introduced  by  Mr.  Wallis  while  collecting 
for  M.  Linden. — L' lUiistration  Horticole. 


NETTLES. 
Oru  native  species  are  two,  namely,  first,  Urtica  urens,  the  small 
annual  Stinging  Nettle;  second,  Urtica dioica,  the  common  perennial 
Stinging  Nettle.  Both  these  forms  occur  over  the  greater  part  of 
the  world,  but  it  is  doubtful  whether  they  ai'e  true  natives  beyond 
the  warmer  parts  of  Europe  and  Asia.  They  are  essentially  trackers 
of  colonisation,  and,  as  such,  the}'  ever  follow  the  wanderings  of  the 
l>lanter  and  farmer  ;  and,  just  as  we  suppose  them  to  have  been  intro- 
duced into  this  country  from  the  east,  so  have  they  found  a  home  in 
the  west  as  emigrants  from  Europe,  but  especially  so  from  England — 
the  seeds  of  the  IT.  urens  being  commonly  met  with  among  garden 
and  flower  seeds,  while  those  of  the  U.  dioica  are  often  too  plentiful 
among  agricultural  seeds. 

The  first  species,  U.  urens,  is  readily  kept  under  by  the  hoe;  the 
]irinciplcs  of  its  destruction  being  "  never  to  sow  it,  aud  never  to  let 
it  seed  when  sown"  (Buckman).  It  is  more  common  to  the  garden 
and  waste  places  adjoining  than  to  the  farm,  though  we  haTS  some- 


times seen  it  so  thick  in  turnips  as  absolutely  to  smother  out  the 
crop,  having  doubtless  being  spread  over  the  soil  from  a  manure 
heap  on  which  a  few  plants  had  matured  their  seed.  This  is  a  fertile 
source  of  weed  cultivation,  and  one  the  farmer  will  do  well  to  think 
of  most  seriously  ;  how  much  so  may  be  gathered  from  the  fact  that 
one  luxuriant  plant  is  capable  of  producing  as  many  as  50,000  seeds  ; 
and  we  learn  from  Professor  Buckman's  table  of  the  fecundity  of 
weeds  that  a  single  plant  of  U.  dioica  may  bear  100,000  seeds. 

The  common  Stinging  Nettle  is  a  larger  plant  than  the  preceding, 
and  occurs  in  different-sized  clusters,  growing  from  an  underground 
creeping  perennial  root-stock.  This  part  of  the  species  is  worthy  of 
study,  as,  although  the  foliage  is  killed  as  though  scalded  with  hot 
water  by  a  few  degrees  of  frost,  if  so  cut  dowu  in  spring  it  soon 
shoots  up  again ;  but  if  the  plant  be  cut  down  with  the  scythe,  or 
the  leaves  become  destroyed  by  frost  towards  the  fall  of  the  year,  it 
does  not  come  up  again  until  the  following  spring.  Hence  the 
farmer  who  cuts  down  Nettles  with  other  rubbish  when  harvest  is 
done,  vainly  thinks  he  has  destroyed  them,  when  in  fact  he  has  only 
done  what  a  lowering  of  the  temperature  would  have  accomplished  a 
few  days  later.  From  this  we  see  the  fallacy  of  the  old  doggrel 
which  our  rustics  apply  indifferently  both  to  Thistles  and  Nettles,  as 
follows  : — 

If  Nettles  (Hettle.'i)  be  cut  in  Aprile, 

They  appear  in  a  little  while ; 

If  in  May,  they  peep  out  the  nest  day ; 

If  in  June,  they  re-appear  very  soon  ; 

If  in  July,  they'll  hardly  die ; 

But  if  in  August,  die  they  must. 

These  verses  point  to  the  futility  of  attacking  Nettles  in  the 
height  of  the  growing  season,  and  would  lead  ns  to  suppose  that, 
because  thej'  do  not  come  up  again  that  season  when  cut  down  late, 
therefore  they  are  destroyed ;  but  the  truth  is  that,  inasmuch  as 
when  cut  late  the  leaves  have  already  performed  their  functions,  one 
of  which  has  been  to  augment  the  spread  and  strength  of  the  under- 
ground stems  (rhizomata),  it  will  be  of  little  consequence  whether 
we  then  cut  them  ourselves,  or  leave  them  to  the  tender  mercies 
of  "  Jack  Frost." 

The  plan  which  we  recommend  for  the  destruction  of  this  pest, 
when  it  occurs  in  places  where  it  cannot  be  forked  out,  is  never  to 
let  the  shoots  make  way  more  than  a  few  inches  above  the  soil,  and, 
as  constantly  as  they  do  so,  to  beat  them  down  with  a  little  ashen 
stick.  Don't  cut  them  with  a  scythe,  as  a  clean  wound  heals 
quickly  ;  but  if  they  are  repeatedly  bruised,  so  that  they  can  make 
no  growth  for  a  season,  we  usually  find  that  the  cure  is  most 
complete.  If  Nettles  occur  where  they  can  be  forked  out,  they  may 
soon  be  got  rid  of  by  this  means,  or  they  may  be  ploughed  deep  and 
hand-picked.  We  have  somewhere  met  with  the  following  distich  as 
applied  to  this  weed,  which  we  give  for  its  practical  value  : — 

Gif  the  Hetties  be  noisome  to  I, 

Then  I  sow  Hemp,  and  the  Hetties  will  die. 

This  would  be  no  bad  way  of  winning  a  waste  from  Nettles,  namely, 
to  plough  or  dig  up  the  ground  and  plant  it  with  Hemp,  as  the 
latter,  from  being  of  a  like  natural  order,  would  appropriate  the 
food  of  the  former  to  its  own  larger  structure  ;  and  so,  like  big  pigs 
amongst  little  ones,  they  wonld  bully  them  out  of  food  and  life. 
But,  in  truth,  nettles  are  not  fond  of  cultivation.  They  make  most 
way  in  waste  places,  but  patience  and  perseverance  soon  conquer 
them ;  and  nothing  shows  the  sloven  so  ranch  as  au  annually 
increasing  crop  of  Nettles. — i'ield. 


THE   HUMMING-BIRD. 


Poised  in  a  sheeny  mist 

Of  the  dust  of  bloom, 
Clasped  to  the  Poppy's  breast  and  kissed, 
Baptized  in  pools  of  Yiolet  perfume 
From  foot  to  plume ! 

Zephyr  loves  thy  wings 

Above  all  lovable  things, 
Aud  brings  them  gifts  with  rapturous  murmurings  : 
Thine  is  tlie  golden  reach  of  blooming  hours, 
Spirit  of  flowers ! 

Music  follows  thee, 

And,  continually. 
Thy  life  is  changed  and  sweetened  happily, 
Hnving  no  more  than  Rose-loaf  shade  of  gloom, 
O  bird  of  bloom  ! 

Thou  art.  a  winged  thought 

Of  tropical  hours. 
With  all  the  tropic's  rare  bloom-splendour  fraught, 
Suruhiirged  with  Beauty's  iudetiuablo  powers. 
Angel  of  flowers ! 

J.tMES    M.UUKK   TlIO-MPSOX. 


Atjg.  23,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


161 


WORK    FOR    THE    WEEK. 
PRIVATE   GARDENS. 

Th.e  Flower  Garden. — The  ordinary  routine  of  tieing,  staking, 
and  watering  must  be  attended  to,  and  the  lawn  must  be  cleared  of 
leaves  every  morning.  Good  stocky  cuttingsof  Pelargoniums  must  now 
be  struck  for  next  year's  use ;  they  strike  freely  in  the  open  border, 
and  require  no  shade  whatever.  All  other  bedding  plants  may  also 
now  be  increased  by  means  of  cuttings ;  but  most  of  them  require  a 
well-shaded  frame,  in  which  they  root  satisfactorily.  The  propaga. 
tion  of  Calceolarias  and  Gazanias  may  be  left  over  for  a  month  yet. 
Preserve  the  symmetry  of  the  pattern  in  the  flower-beds  bj'  pinching 
in  all  encroaching  stoots ;  and,  in  the  case  of  carpet-beds,  the  shears 
should  be  used  weekly  for  the  same  purpose.  Cut  off  all  decaying 
flowers  and  leaves;  and,  by  constant  attention  in  the  way  of  pinch- 
ing, prevent  such  plants  as  are  grown  for  the  beauty  of  their  leaves 
alone  from  flowering.  Suw  seeds  of  annuals  for  spring  flowering  ; 
bnt  qnick.growing  sorts  had  better  be  kept  over  till  next  month. 
Lift  and  transplant  or  pot  Carnation  layers  that  have  rooted  well,  and 
cut  over  the  exhausted  flower-stalks.  Lift  Pansies  in  borders,  divide 
and  transplant  them,  and  plant  out  the  seedlings  raised  in  boxes  and 
warm  borders.  Cut  off  the  points  of  Hollyhock  stems,  so  as  to 
improve  and  invigorate  the  flowers  ;  and  tie  up  loosely,  yet  firmly, 
the  shoots  of  Dahlias.  Give  copious  waterings  to  Phloxes,  in  order  to 
prolong  their  blooming  period,  and  plant  out  from  frames  or  borders 
rooted  cuttings  of  them  ;  if  these  are  of  the  finer  sorts,  and  the 
ground  is  damp  in  winter,  they  should  be  potted  and  wintered  in 
frames.  Transplant  Wallflowers  from  the  seed-beds  to  any  spare 
piece  of  ground,  or  amongst  fruit.bushes  and  trees,  so  that  the  best  of 
them  may  be  lifted  for  spring  flower-gardening,  and  the  remainder 
left  to  produce  flowers  for  cutting.  Transplant  Sweet  Williams, 
Canterbury  Bells,  variegated  and  highly-coloured  and  laciniated 
Buda  Kales,  and  other  plants  used  for  spring  and  early  summer 
decoration.  Lift  bulbs  of  early  blooming  plants,  such  as  the  Crown 
Imperial,  Tritomas,  Ixias,  Sparaxis,  and  transplant  them  soon  after- 
wards in  prepared  ground ;  unless  lifting  is  absolutely  necessary  it 
should  not  be  annually  practised.  Continue  to  bud  Roses  on  the 
Briar,  but  more  particularly  on  the  Manetti  stocks,  and  unfasten  the 
ligatures  from  such  as  were  budded  early  and  have  now  taken  well. 
Prune  hedges,  and  clear  their  bases  of  weeds.  The  transplanting  of 
evergreens  may  now  be  Safely  practised,  the  ground  being  warm  and 
the  air  well  charged  with  moisture.  Under  such  circumstances  the 
plants  become  thoroughly  established  before  cold  weather  sets  in, 
and  are  ready  to  start  into  growth  with  their  accustomed  vigour  in 
spring. 

Hardy  Fruit  Garden. — The  gathering  of  fruits,  an  operation 
which  should  be  judiciously  performed,  will  now  occupy  attention. 
Avoid  rough  handling,  and  too  early  or  too  late  gathering,  also  gather- 
ing in  wet  weather  or  whilst  the  sun  is  shining  brightly.  Stone 
fruit  trees  may  be  budded  during  the  first  part  of  the  month,  and 
Apples  and  Pears  maybe  "worked"  until  the  end  of  the  month. 
Attend  particularly  to  the  training  of  young  fruit  trees,  ami  k'^^n  the 
points  of  their  shoots  free  from  aphides.  Clear  Easpbun  \ '.  ..shes 
of  old  wood  and  sprayey  young  shoots,  and  tie  up  the  stroi::;  "st  of 
the  young  canes.  From  early  layered  Strawberry  runners  strong 
young  plants  may  now  be  obtained,  which  if  planted  at  once  will 
make  a  fine  fruiting  plantation  next  year.  Forced  plants  that  were 
planted  out  will  now  be  producing  a  fair  crop.  Plants  for  spring 
forcing  should  be  shifted  into  their  fruiting  pots. 

MARKET   GARDENS. 

Crops  in  these  have  in  general  been  excellent  this  year.  Cabbages 
and  Coleworts  have  come  up  well,  Celery  is  making  fine  progress, 
and  some  of  the  earliest  of  it  is  already  fit  for  market ;  of  Vegetable 
Marrows  there  is  an  enormous  crop  ;  Cucumbers  were  rather  back- 
ward at  first,  but  when  warm  weather  set  in  they  began  to  frnit 
freely,  and  have  borne  abundantly  ever  since — those  in  frames  are 
almost  over,  but  those  in  pits  will  bear  for  some  time  yet ;  Scarlet 
Runners  and  French  Beans  have  grown  well  and  are  still  bearing 
abundantly,  but  the  earliest  crop  of  the  latter  is  over;  Tomatoes  are 
a  wonderful  crop  this  year. 

Beet,  Carrots,  and  Parsnips. — The  earliest  crop  of  Beet  will 
probably  all  be  marketed  this  month,  and  the  ground  got  in  readiness 
for  Cauliflower  seed,  Colewort  plants,  or  Mushroom  beds.  Pull  up 
and  discard  all  plants  showing  flower. 

Cabbages  and  Coleworts. — The  best  of  the  Cabbage  crop  will 
now  be  past,  and  the  earliest  of  the  Rosette  Coleworts  will  be  fit  for 
use  before  the  end  of  the  month  ;  in  fact,  they  too  often  heart  so 
early  that  there  is  no  market  for  them,  and,  unless  taken  in  time, 
they  burst.  Plant  every  vacant  space,  both  under  the  shade  of  trees 
and  in  the  open  ground,  with  Coleworts  in  lines  about  15  inches 
apart  each  way. 

Cauliflower  and  Broccoli. — Remove  such  Lettuces  as  may 


have  been  planted  amongst  the  Cauliflowers  as  soon  as  they  are  fit 
for  use,  in  order  to  give  the  latter  more  room  and  air.  Prepare  a 
well-sheltered  piece  of  ground  about  the  end  of  the  month  for  the 
main  sowing  of  Cauliflowers.  Keep  Broccoli  gronnd  well  cleaned  and 
the  surface  loose,  and  do  not  have  the  plants  too  thick,  or  they  will 
not  stand  the  winter  well. 

Celery. — Plant  out  main  crops  of  this  in  rows,  about  4  feet  or 
4^  feet  apart.  Water  copiously  in  dry  weather,  and  earth  up  such 
as  require  it.     Some  of  those  planted  early  will  now  bo  fit  for  use. 

Cucumbers. — These  will  now  require  some  care  in  order  to  have 
good  fruit ;  for,  if  neglected,  not  only  will  red  spider  destroy  the 
plants,  but  the  fruit  will  be  small,  deformed,  and  yellow  on  the 
underside.  Diseased  leaves  should  be  picked  off  at  once ;  and  crooked 
fruit,  when  very  young,  should  be  put  into  glasses,  as  one  good 
Cucumber  is  worth  half  a  dozen  inferior  ones  ;  and  the  plants  should 
be  watered  overhead  with  weak  guano-water,  and  kept  regularly 
pinched  and  regulated.  After  the  end  of  the  month,  however,  the 
produce  from  frames  will  hardly  pay  for  the  gathering  ;  and,  in  that 
case,  it  is  better  to  clear  the  plants  out,  and  to  use  the  ground  tor 
something  else. 

French  Beans  and  Scarlet  Runners. — The  earliest  crop  of 
French  Beans  on  borders  will  now  be  past,  therefore  remove  the 
haulm,  dig  the  ground,  and  sow  Cabbage  or  Cauliflower  seed  in  it. 
The  first  main  crop  of  the  same  will  be  still  in  a  moderate  bearing 
condition,  but  the  heaviest  crops  will  be  obtained  from  the  second 
main  crop  and  from  the  Scarlet  Runners.  The  latest  crops  of 
French  Beans  should  come  into  bearing  towards  the  end  of  the 
month,  and  continue  until  cut  down  by  frost.  Never  allow  the 
pods  to  get  too  old  before  they  are  gathered,  as  in  that  case  they 
exhaust  the  plants  to  no  purpose. 

Leeks  and  Onions. — Leeks  from  the  oldest  plantation  should 
now  be  sent  weekly  to  market,  putting  8  into  a  bunch,  and  spread- 
ing out  their  root  ends  in  the  form  of  a  fan.  Transplant  from 
the  seed-beds  into  rows  from  9  inches  to  a  foot  apart  each  way. 
Harvest  Onions  as  soon  as  ripe,  retaining  for  winter  the  soundest, 
and  sending  all  thick-necked  ones  at  once  to  market. 

Ijettuees. — Continue  to  plant  out  these  wherever  space  can  be 
spared  for  them,  and  sow  Hardy  Hammersmith  and  Bath  Cos  fur 
winter  use.  Tie  up  and  remove  for  market  such  as  are  fit  for  use, 
and  support  with  stakes  or  otherwise  such  portions  of  the  spring 
planting  as  have  been  selected  for  seeding  purposes. 

Mushrooms. —  The  earliest  ridges  for  these  in  the  open  air 
should  now  be  formed ;  but  those  intended  for  the  main  crop  need 
not  be  made  until  September.  In  forming  ridges,  use  good  fermenting 
material  that  has  been  lately  turned  ;  put  it  into  ridges  about  2^ 
feet  wide  and  2  feet  high,  made  very  firm,  and  let  the  ridges  stand 
about  5i  feet  apart.  When  these  are  spawned,  earthed  over,  and 
covered  with  litter,  they  will  be  found  to  be  quite  close  enough 
together.  Should  they  be  too  hot,  they  must  be  taken  down  until 
the  dung  begins  to  cool,  and  afterwards  re-built.  Manure  must  also 
be  turned  and  got  ready  for  the  ridges  hereafter  to  be  made. 

Spinach. — The  round-leaved  kind,  if  sown  early,  will  soon  come 
into  use,  and  the  prickly-leaved  and  Flanders,  if  sown  twice  during 
this  month  and  once  early  in  September,  will  furnish  a  supply  late  in 
the  season,  and  also  in  spring. 

Turnips  and  Radishes. — Thin  young  Turnips  a  little,  and  pull 
for  market  such  roots  of  the  other  plantations  as  are  most  advanced, 
leaving  the  smaller  Turnips  to  grow  a  little.  Radishes,  if  sown  in 
cool  shady  places  last  month  will  now  be  fit  for  use,  and  from 
sowings  made  now  and  in  September  fine,  sweet,  crisp  roots  will  be 
obtained. 

Tomatoes. — -Towards  the  middle  of  the  month  these  will  be  at 
their  best,  as  regards  quantity  of  fruit,  but  it  will  be  towards  the 
end  of  the  month  before  the  ripe  fruit  can  be  seen  to  advantage. 
As  soon  as  any  of  the  fruits  begin  to  colour,  prune  in  the  leaves  and 
laterals  pretty  closely,  so  as  to  freely  expose  the  fruits  to  bright 
sunshine.  Some  growers  prefer  allowing  them  to  colour  and  to  fully 
ripen  on  the  plants  ;  others,  on  the  other  hand,  gather  them  immedi- 
ately they  begin  to  colour,  and  place  them  on  a  layer  of  straw,  near 
the  glass,  under  sashes  in  frames;  under  such  conditions,  they  ripen 
pretty  well,  and  by  removing  them  early  from  the  plants,  the 
remaining  fruits  have  a  better  chance  to  swell  and  ripen.  It  is  <an 
acknowledged  fact  that  Tomatoes,  after  they  once  show  colour,  never 
swell  any  more,  consequently  their  removal  from  the  plants  at  that 
stage  is  not  attended  with  any  loss  as  regards  weight  of  crop. 

Vegetable  Marrows. — This  crop  is  now  at  its  best,  and  some 
of  the  most  vigorous  shoots  will  require  attention  as  regards  pegging 
down,  or  placing  bits  of  bricks  or  stones  on  them  to  keep  them 
down  and  cause  them  to  root.  In  dry  weather,  water  them, 
abundantly,  so  as  to  keep  them  in  vigorous  health  and  to  prevent 
the  attacks  of  mildew.  Do  not  allow  the  fruit  to  become  too  old 
before  it  is  gathered. 


162 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  S3, 1873, 


SOCIETIES,    EXHIBITIONS,    &c. 

ROYAL  HOETICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

August  20Tn. 

Gladioli,  Hollyhocks,  Phloxes,  aud  a  few  miscellaneous  plants  formed 
the  more  important  subjects  of  exhibition  on  this  occasion.  Gladioli, 
especially,  were  extremely  fine,  the  spikes  being  large  and  well  furnished 
with  good  blooms  of  brilliant  colours.  In  the  class  of  twenty-four  cut 
spikes,  Messrs.  Kelway  &  Sons,  Langport,  were  first ,  Mr.  J. 
Douglas,  Loxford  Hall,  second,  and  Mr.  O.  Wheeler,  Warminster,  Wilts., 
third.  In  the  class  of  a  dozen  spikes  the  Rev.  H.  H.  Dombrain  was 
first,  Mr.  Douglas,  second,  and  the  Rev.  Lord  Hawke,  Willinghara, 
Uainsborough,  third.  His  Lordship  was  first  for  half  a  dozen,  Mr. 
Doi^brain  second,  and  Mr.  Douglas  third.  Among  red-coloured  varieties 
the  finest  were  Horace  Vernet,  Rossini,  Ball  of  Fire  (very  fine),  President 
Thiers,  Meyerbeer,  William  Early,  Mons.  Legouve,  and  James  Veitch  ; 
amongst  pink  or  pale  salmon-coloured  ones,  Caroline,  Rachel,  Queen 
Rose,  Clara,  and  Adolphc  Brogniart  were  very  fine.  The  flaked  or 
striped  sorts  were  very  beautiful,  particularly  Armide,  Jupiter,  Octavia, 
Lulbc,  Ariaue,  Porsena,  Prince  Arthur,  and  several  unnamed  seedlings. 

Hollyhocks. — These  were  excellent  in  quality,  the  flowers  being 
large,  very  double,  and  of  fine  form,  pure  and  distinct  in  colour.  _  In  the 
amateur's  class  of  a  dozen  cut  blooms.  Lord  Hawke  was  first  with  Con- 
quest, red  ;  Alfred  Chater  and  Octavia,  rosy  pink ;  Phryne,  blush  ;  Fred. 
Chater  and  WiUingham  Model,  yellow  ;  and  some  seedlings.  Mr. 
Minchin,  Hook  Norton,  Oxon,  was  second  in  the  same  class  ;  and  Mr.  B. 
Porter,  Syon  Lodge,  Isleworth,  third.  In  the  nurseryman's  class  of 
twenty-four  blooms,  Mr.  W.  Chater,  Saffron  Walden,  was  first  with 
superb  blooms.  They  consisted  of  Black  Knight  improved,  almost 
black;  Nonpareil,  claret;  Triumph,  Firelring,  Alfred  Chater,  Conquest, 
Eclipse,  Walden  King,  Bijou,  JIarion,  and  Victor,  red ;  Joy  and  Purity, 
pink ;  Jessie  Dean,  Prince  Albert,  Electron,  and  a  seedling,  yellowish 
tinged  with  blush ;  Fred  Chater,  Golden  Drop,  Primrose  Gem,  and 
Walden  Primrose,  yellow  ;  Memorial,  Nymph,  and  Juno,  whitish.  Mr. 
Ct.  AVheeler,  Warminster,  w'as  second,  with  fine  blooms  of  Victory  of 
Bath  and  Alba  superba,  as  whites ;  Mrs.  Bruce,  pink  ;  E.xultans,  Royal 
Albert,  Gladiator,  and  Pallax,  as  reds  ;  and  other  good  sorts.  Mr.  H. 
Minchin  was  third.  In  the  class  of  six  spikes,  Lord  Hawke  was  first  with 
very  fine  and  densely  furnished  spikes  of  Midnight,  very  dark  maroon ; 
Talisman,  red ;  Eleanor,  pinlc ;  Queen  of  Yellows,  yeUow ;  Alba 
superba,  the  purest  white.  Mr.  W.  Chater  was  second  in  this  class,  and 
Mr.  Minchin  third. 

Phloxes. — In  the  class  of  a  dozen  spikes  of  herbaceous  kinds,  Mr.  R. 
Parker,  Tooting,  was  first  with  very  fine  examples  of  Madame  Autin  and 
Madame  A.  Verschafl'elt,  dark  purple ;  Aurore  boreale,  Lothair,  Mons. 
Donneau,  rosy-salmon  ;  Princess  of  Wales,  Madame  la  Comtesse  de 
Turenne,  Souvenir  de  Femes,  Madame  Domage,  whitish,  with  red  eyes ; 
Mons.  C.  Turner,  pale  rose,  red  eye ;  A.  F.  Barron,  violet-rose,  dark  eye  ; 
and  Heloise,  pure  white.  Messrs.  Downie,  Lali'd,  and  Laing,  Forest  Hill, 
and  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Tottenham,  also  showed  fine  blooms  of  Phloxes. 

Miscellaneous  Subjects. — Among  these  a  large  and  varied  collec- 
tion of  showy  herbaceous  Lobelias  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware. 
Conspicuous  amongst  them  were  Dazzle,  Comet,  Foxhunter,  and  St.  Clair, 
as  scarlets  ;  Purpurea  regia.  Ringleader,  and  Marvel,  as  purples  ;  and 
Carminata,  as  a  salmon-coloured  sort.  Mr.  Parker  was  the  only  exhi- 
bitor in  the  class  of  twelve  hardy  perennials,  and  his  plants  were  wonder- 
fxdly  fine.  They  consisted  of  tielianthus  orgyalis,  a  tall  plant  with 
gracef  td  foliage  ;  Helianthus  rigidus,  Rudbeclda  Newmanni  and  speciosa, 
Helenium  coronatum  luteum  ;  Phloxes — Madame  Bonueau  and  acuminata; 
Delphinium  Nahamah  and  Ketelecri,  Statice  latifolia,  Origanum  pul- 
chellum,  and  Molinia  ca;rulea  variegata,  a  pretty  variegated  Grass.  A 
miscellaneous  collection  of  Dahlia  blooms,  remarkable  for  tine  form 
and  quality,  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  C.  Turner,  Slough ;  and  a  stand 
of  Roses  came  from  Mr.  Porter,  Syon  Lodge,  Isleworth.  Three 
superb  examples  of  Cockscombs  were  exhibited  by  Mr.  McLachlan, 
Glasgow.  They  were  well  furnished  with  strong  and  healthy  leaves, 
dwarf  in  habit,  and  the  inflorescence  was  enormously  large,  eclipsing 
anything  of  the  kind  that  has  been  exhibited  for  years.  A  few  branchlets 
of  a  variegated-leaved  Dahha  were  exhibited  by  Mr.  G.  Craddock, 
Compton  Verney ;  and  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  showed  some  good 
seedUng  Hollyhock  flowers.  From  J.  T.  Peacock,  Esq.,  Sudbury  House, 
Hammersmith,  came  two  beautiful  Cacti  in  flower — Echiuopsis  Wilklnsli 
and  Suhelhasii  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Pewell,  Broad  Green,  Croydon,  sent  a  fine 
specimen  of  Adiantuni  Farlcyenso.  A  basketful  of  Blumenbachia 
coronata,  lifted  from  the  open  ground,  and  also  some  specimens  of 
Celosia  Uuttonii  from  the  open  ground,  were  exhibited  by  Messrs. 
A''eltch  &  Sons,  Chelsea.  This  Celosia  has  a  good  stubby  habit  and  deep 
crimson  colour,  and  will,  undoubtedly,  eventually  become  a  popular 
bedding  plant.  A  very  curious  golden  Fern,  Gymnogramma  Alstouii, 
the  ends  of  the  pinnto  being  all  incurved,  was  shown  by  Mr.  Brown, 
Glendon  Hall,  Birmingham;  and  some  nicely  coloured  Coleuses  were 
contributed  by  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird,  &  Laing. 

Fruit. — In  the  class  for  a  dish  of  Apricots  Mr.  G.  KIrkland,  Bletch- 
ington,  Oxford,  was  first  with  the  Aloor  Park,  Mr.  GanUner,  Lower 
Ealington  Park,  second,  and  Mr.  Sentt,  KIdlington,  Oxford,  third,  with 
the  same  sort.  Mr.  Gilbert,  of  Burghley,  also  showed  two  dishes  of  very 
fine  Apricots,  and  Mr.  Tillcry,  of  Welbeek,  some  large  and  heavy  fruits 
of  Peaches.  From  Mr.  F.  Dancer,  Chiswick,  came  specimens  of  Cellini, 
Stirling  Castle,  Cox's  Pomona,  and  Small's  Incomparable  Apples,  from  trees 
grafted  on  the  Paradise  stock.    One  of  the  prettiest  of  early  Apples  was 


sent  by  Mr.  G.  Cooling,  of  Bath.  Of  this  a  notice  will  be  toimd  in 
another  column.  Mr.  Cox,  Redleaf,  sent  some  Citron  des  Carmes  Pears, 
and  Mr.  Bennet,  of  Hatfield,  showed  some  white-fleshed  Melons,  named 
''  Uatlield,"  a  kind  medium  as  to  size,  yeUowish-skinned,  and  netted. 
Jlr.  Gallop,  Bradford,  Paverell  House,  Dorchester,  showed  Bradford 
seedling  Melon,  a  green-fleshed  large-fruited  kind,  and  also  a  variety 
called  Improved  Golden  Queen.  Some  very  fine  Cucumbers,  named 
Munro's  Improved  Rabby,  with  no  "  necks,"  and  about  a  foot  long,  were 
exhibited  by  Messrs.  Munro,  Potters  Bar  ;  and  a  dish  of  the  New  Zeahind 
runner  Beans  from  Mr.  J.  Drewett,  Denbees,  ivith  very  long  pods. 

First-class  Certificates.— These  were  awarded  to  the  following  :— 

Picotec,  Mrs.  Lord  (Lord),  a  pretty  white  flower,  suffused  on  the  edges  with 
rose. 

Hollyhock,  Vanguard  (Lord  Hawke),  a  very  fine  kind,  with  extraordinarily 
large  flowers  of  a  claret  colour. 

Hollyhock,  Fire  King  (Chater),  very  double,  large,  and  red. 

Hollyhock,  Mr.  W.  Chater  (Chater) ,  splendid  blush  flower. 

Hollyhock  Lilac  Queen  (Lord  Hawke),  a  beautiful  distinctly-coloured  lilac 
sort. 

Gladiolus  Captain  Stnckey  (Kelway),  red  marbled  on  edge  with  violet ;  fine 
flower. 

Gladiolus  Scopus  (Kelway),  a  fine  white  flowered  sort  with  violet  throat; 
flowers  very  large. 

Gladiolus  Hesperia  (Kelway),  a  brilliant  scarlet,  suffused  with  violet  in 
throat ;  a  very  fine  flower. 

Gladiolus  Neogeues  (Kelway),  rosy-Ulac,  marbled  on  edges  of  flowers  with 
red  ;  very  fine  large  flowers. 

Gladiolus  Mary  Kinncar  (Douglas), 

Gladiolus  purpureas  auratus  (Boll),  a  pretty  yellow-flowered  species,  with 
purplish-violet  blotelies  in  the  throat. 

Verbena,  Paradise,  WilUams'  (Eckford),  a  good  red,  with  a  large  yellowish 
white  eye. 

Verbena,  Her  Majesty  (Eckford),  a  large-flowered  rose-coloured  sort,  with 
red  eye. 

Begonia,  Prince  of  Wales  (E.  G.  Henderson),  an  extremely  fine,  deep 
scarlet-flowered  hybrid,  with  good  habit. 

Begonia,  Prince  Teck  (E.  G.  Henderson),  a  fine  double-flowered  carminc- 
coloarcd  sort. 

Aster  tanacetifolius  (Veitch),  a  pretty  blue-flowered  plant,  with  deeply-cut 
leaves. 


The  Fortheoming  Fruit  Show  at  Manchester.— I  am 
sorry  to  have  fallen  into  a  little  error  in  my  notice  of  the  above  (see 
p.  103).  The  subscription  list,  it  appears,  is  over  £1,400,  in  addition  to 
£400  voted  by  the  Council  of  the  Bot.anical  and  Horticultui'al  Society ;  so 
that  the  promoters  of  the  subscriptions  are  entitled  to  a  larger  share  of 
credit  than  I  gave  them.  Further,  it  appears  that  there  is  a  distinct 
Exhibition  Committee,  constituted  of  six  of  the  Council  and  six  of  the 
Prize  Fund  Committee,  assisted  by  the  curator  of  the  gardens.  These 
thirteen  gentlemen  have  for  a  considerable  time  held  weekly  meetings. — 
Leo  GiiiNDON. 


Death  from  Eating  Fungi. — Death  occurred  the  other  day  at 
Acton  from  eating  what  were  supposed  to  be  Mushrooms.  It 
appeared  that  the  Fungi  were  given  to  the  deceased,  who  was  a 
domestic  servant,  by  a  gardener  named  Thomas  Hunt,  and  that  the 
deceased  and  two  other  persons  partook  of  them.  They  all  became 
ill,  and  a  medical  man  was  called  in.  The  others  recovered  ;  but 
deceased  died  in  great  agony  the  same  night.  Hunt  said  he  ate  some 
of  the  Fungi  himself  from  the  same  gathering. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. 

August  22nd, 

Flowers. — Plants  in  pots  consist  chiefly  of  Pelargoniums,  Cockscombs  and 
other  Celosias,  Asters,  Gladioli,  Oleanders,  Japan  Lilies,  Fuchsias,  yellow 
Calceolarias,  Petunias,  and  a  few  ornameulal-leaved  Draca:nas,  Crotnns,  Palms, 
Ferns,  little  Conifers,  Myrtles,  and  other  evergreen  shrubs.  One  of  the 
prettiest  of  flowering  plants  in  the  market  at  present  is  Hydrangea  paniculata 
grandillora,  the  white  frotby-like  flowers  of  which  are  produced  in  gi-eat 
abundance  and  contrast  admirably  with  the  brilliant  scarlet  blossoms  of 
Vallota  purpurea,  fine  plants  of  wliich  are  also  coming  largely  into  market.  Of 
cut  flowers,  both  from  out  and  indoors,  there  is  a  good  supply ;  and  it  is  astonish- 
iug  to  see  in  the  market  at  this  season  such  quantities  of  Fern  roots  as  are  to  be 
seen  in  it  daily.    Of  fruit,  both  home  and  foreign,  there  is  a  good  supply. 

Prices  of  Fruits. — Annies,  per  doz.,  6d.  to  is. ;  Apricots,  2s.  to  -is.  per  doz; ; 
Cherries,  per  lb.,  6d.  tolsVed;  Chilies,  per  100,  2s.;  Currants,  per  sieve,  3s.  6d.  to 
6s. ;  FicTs,  per  doz.,  2s.  to  -Is. ;  Gooseben-ies,  per  quart,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Grapes,  hot- 
house, black,  per  lb..  Is.  6d.  to  5s. ;  Muscats,  2s.  to  6s.  ;  Lemons,  per  100,  8s.  to 
Its. ;  Mclous,  each,  2s.  to  6s.;  Nectarines,  per  doz.,  6s.  to  10s. ;  Oranges,  per  100, 
12s.  to  2ls. ;  Pe.iches,  per  doz.,  10s.  to  20s.;  Pears,  per  doz.,  2s.  to -la.;  Pinc- 
Apples,  per  lb.,  3s.  to  Gs. ;  Raspberries,  per  lb.,  -M.  to  Is. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz.. 
Is.  to  2s.;  Walnuts,  per  bushel,  12s.  to  203. ;  ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.- Artichokes,  per  doz.,  33.  to  6s. ;  Asparagus,  per  100, 
3s.  to  6s. ;  Beans,  Kidney,  per  half  sieve,  2s.  to  3s.  ;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz.. 
Is.  to  2s.;  Cabbage,  per  doz.,  2s.;  Carrots,  perbimch,  -kl.  to  Sd. ;  Cauliflower,  per 
doz.,  3s.  to  Os. ;  Celery,  per  bmidle,  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Coleworts,  per  doz. 
bunches,  43. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Endive,  per  doz.,  2s.  ;  Fennel, 
per  bunch,  3d.;  GarUc,  per  lb.,  6d.;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d.;  Horse- 
radish, per  bimdle,  3s.  to  -Is. ;  Leeks,  per  bunch.  Id.  ;  Lettuces,  per  doz. 
Is.  to  2s. ;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s. ;  Mustard  and  Cress,  per  punnet, 
2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  4s.  to  6s. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ;  Parsley,  per  doz. 
bimches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Peas,  per  quart,  9d.  to  Is.  ; 
Potatoes,  per  luishel,  3s.  6d.  to  5s. ;  Radishes,  per  doz.  bunches,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ; 
Rhubarb,  per  bundle.  8d.  to  Is. ;  Salsafy,  do..  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Scorzonera, 
per  bundle.  Is. ;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ;  Spinach,  per  bushel,  3s. ;  Turnips, 
I    id.  to  8d, ;  Vegetable  Mai'rows,  per  doz..  Is,  to  2s. 


Aug.  30, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


163 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  ;    but 
The  Axt  itself  is  Natuke." — Shakespeare. 


PEACH  GROWING  AT  MONTREUIL. 
All  visitors  to  Paris  at  all  interested  in  fruit  culture  should 
visit  Montreuil,  and  I  venture  to  assert  that,  if  they  do  so  at 
the  present  time,  they  will  not  be  disappointed.  Here  are 
acres  of  Peach  grounds  cut  into  narrow  strips  by  white-washed 
walls  of  stone,  9  to  10  feet  high,  while  the  trees  themselves 
in  the  best  gardens  are  as  perfect  iu  shape,  vigour,  and  fruit- 
fulness  as  it  is  possible  for  them  to  be.  Some  may  suppose 
that  a  genial  climate  is  one  of  the  causes  of  success,  but  I 
can  scarcely  put  so  much  stress  on  that  point  as  on  the 
thoroughly  practical  way  iu  which  fruit  tree  culture  is 
managed  in  France.  The  weather  possessed  by  these  cultivators 
is  certainlj'  very  bright,  and  that  frequently  for  months  together 
duruig  the  summer  and  autumn ;  but  their  winters  are  wet 
and  cold,  and  their  spring  frosts  qviite  as  destructive  to  unpro- 
tected blossoms  as  are  our  own.  At  Montreuil  the  little 
gardens  are  fully  exposed  on  a  sloping  hill  side,  but 
the  trees  are  protected  to  a  great  extent  by  the  transverse 


A  Peach  Garden  at  Montreuil. 


walls  by  which  each  strip  is  divided  into  sheltered  com- 
partments ;  and,  in  addition  to  this,  great  care  is  taken  to 
protect  the  trees  from  rain  and  drip  by  the  use  of  neat 
straw,  reed,  or  light  wooden  frames  about  2  feet  wide.  These 
frames  are  supported  on  old  spokes  of  wheels  placed  beneath  the 
plaster  copings,  and  about  a  yard  apart.  These  are  secured  firmly 
in  their  places  by  thick  string  tied  round  the  knuckle-bones  of 
sheep  driven  into  the  plaster  about  two  feet  below  the  frames. 
One  fact  is  obvious  enough  to  all  who  visit  Montreuil — 
namely,  that  great  care  is  taken  to  protect  the  trees  during 
inclement  weather,  much  more  than  is  usually  done  with  our 
own  outdoor  trees  at  home ;  and  this,  I  cannot  help  thinking, 
is  one  of  the  great  secrets  of  success.  Another  thing 
equally  noticeable  is  the  extreme  regularity  of  the  trees,  no 
one  branch  being  allowed  to  monopolise  more  than  its  due 
share  of  sap,  or  gi-ow  an  inch  in  excess  of  its  fellows.  Indeed 
the  precision  with  which  the  tree  is  balanced  by  summer 
pinching  and  judicious  training  is  another  point  worth  the 
attention  of  our  best  fruit  growers.  Should  any  shoot  evince 
a  tendency  to  grossness,  its  vital  force  is  at  once  reduced  by 
removing  portions  of  its  leaves,  and  thus  reducing  the  wood- 
producing  capabilities  of  that  particular  portion  of  the  tree. 
On  the  other  hand,  if  any  shoot  is  inclined  to  remain  weaker 
than  the  rest,  it  is  at  once  unnailed,  and  trained  away  from  the 
wall  in  an  erect  position  so  as  to  allow  the  sap  full  play,  while 
its  vigorous  action  is  further  augmented  by  full  exposure  to 


light  and  air.  The  growers  at  Montreuil  look  on  the  cultivation 
of  Peaches  from  a  commercial  point  of  view,  and  go  into  the 
minutife  of  the  science  of  fruit  tree  culture  with  that  vigorous 
zest  which  is  almost  invariably  the  forerunner  of  success.  All 
their  time,  intelligence,  and,  in  many  cases,  a  life-long  experi- 
ence, are  brought  to  bear  on  the  best  and  surest  way  of  obtaining 
fine  crops,  while  preserving  the  trees  in  a  healthy  state.  Most 
of  the  trees  are  nailed  to  the  plastered  walls,  though  in  some 
cases  neat  wooden  trellises  are  employed  with  good  results. 
Our  illustration  gives  an  excellent  idea  of  a  Peach  garden, 
and  also  shows  the  usual  method  of  training  the  trees. 
The  walls  are  about  a  foot  or  15  inches  thick,  built  of 
rough  stones  found  in  the  immediate  vicinity.  These  ai-e 
covered  with  a  coat  of  cement  about  an  inch  and  a  half 
thick,  so  as  to  hold  the  nails.  These  walls,  being  white- 
washed, are  snowy  white,  and  show  off  the  fresh  green  foliage 
and  richly-coloured  luscious  fruits  to  the  best  advantage. 
Some  idea  of  the  number  of  fruit  borne  on  a  single  tree  may 
be  inferred  from  the  fact  that  I  counted  four  dozen  fine 
Peaches  on  a  single  horizontal  branch,  and  the  tree  had  ten 
or  twelve  branches  bearing  from  two  to  four  dozen  each.  I 
have  often  met  with  fruitful  trees,  but,  with  the  exception  of 
the  noble  old  tree  (under  glass)  at  Chatsworth,  I  never  saw 
such  a  quantity  of  fine  fruit  before  in  such  a  limited  space. 
Several  of  Mr.  Rivers's  new  seedlings,  including  Early 
Beatrice  and  Early  Rivers,  are  doing  well  grafted  on  Grosse 
Mignonne  (Hative),  which  is  one  of  the  most  prolific  and  beat 
of  all  Peaches  for  market  work.  It  is  a  noticeable  fact  here  that 
Peaches  of  the  same  variety,  grown  under  otherwise  equal 
conditions,  are  a  week  or  ten  days  earlier  on  the  Plum  stock 
than  when  grafted  on  the  Almond;  hence  the  Plum  stock 
should  be  used  for  the  early  varieties  in  preference  to  any 
other.  Under  portions  of  several  trees  I  noticed  sheets  of 
brown  paper  coloured  black,  and  these  are  said  to  attract 
sufircient  heat  for  insurmg  ripeness  eight  or  ten  days  sooner 
than  under  ordinary  circumstances.  The  French  cultivators 
are  also  very  careful  to  protect  the  exposed  parts  of  the 
principal  stems  from  the  hot  sun,  and  for  this  purpose  small 
bits  of  board  are  set  against  the  lower  part  of  the  stem, 
while  the  horizontal  branches  are  enveloped  hi  thick  felt 
or  canvas.  On  my  remarking  that  every  branch  had  pro- 
duced its  laterals  with  mathematical  regularity,  I  was 
shown  that  such  had  not  always  been  the  case,  a 
shoot  being  inarched  at  intervals,  so  as  to  supply  the 
omissions  in  the  shortest  possible  time.  In  addition  to 
the  large  fruit-bearing  specimens,  I  was  shown  quantities 
of  fine  fresh  healthy  young  trees  trained  on  a  couple  of 
planks  or  boards  placed  horizontally,  one  above  the  other ; 
and  it  is  interesting  to  note  the  care  taken  to  start  these  trees 
regularly  and  equally  at  first.  One  tree  here  had  been  watered 
with  sulphate  of  ii-on  for  the  "  yellows,"  and  at  the  time  of  our 
visit  looked  fresh  and  healthy.  The  Peach  season  here  lasts 
from  the  first  day  of  July  to  the  middle  or  latter  end  of  October, 
or  nearly  four  months,  the  supply  commencing  with  Early 
Beatrice,  which  is  followed  in  a  few  days  by  Early  Louise  and 
Early  Rivers.  Only  three  or  four  varieties  arc  grown  for  the 
full  crop,  and  these  consist  of  Grosse  Mignonne  (Hative), 
Bellegarde  (Galande),  Belle  Bauce,  and  Bon  Ouvrier.  I  have 
to  thank  M.  Gustavo  Chevalier  for  a  list  of  the  kmds  grown 
here  for  variety,  and  which  are  given  below  in  their  natural 
order  of  ripening : — 

Peaches.— Early  Beatrice,  Early  Rivers,  Early  Grosse 
Mignonne,  Belle  de  Vitry,  Belle  de  Doue,  Bellegarde  (Galande), 
Noire  de  Montreuil,  Peehe  de  Pradau,  Madeleine  de  Courson, 
Madeleine  Rouge,  Comtesse  de  Montjot,  Belle  Bauce,  Peche 
de  Wurtemburg,  Belle  Imperiale,  Reine  des  Vergers,  Bon 
Ouvrier,  Gros  Chevalier  Tardive,  Bourdon,  Teton  de  Venus, 
Salway,  Admirable  Jaune,  Imperatrice  Eugenie,  Origine  du 
Lot,  Gustave  Chevalier  (fine),  Sanguine,  Walburton  Admirable, 
Pacha  d'Egypt,  Princess  of  Wales,  and  Prince  of  Wales. 

Nectauines. — Brugnon,  Violette  Hative,  Violette  Blanche, 
Pitmaston  Orange,  Victoria,  Stanwick,  and  Bowdon. 

During  the  past  season  M.  Riviere  has  given,  in  the  above 
gi'ounds,  a  course  of  instruction  in  arboriculture  as  applied  to 
fruit  trees ;  and  I  cannot  help  regretting  that  such  institu- 
tions are  less  popular  with  us  than  with  our  neighbours  across 
the  Channel.  F.  W.  Buubibge. 


164 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  30,1873- 


NOTES    OF    THE   WEEK. 


In  the  cottage  gardens  of  Devonshire,  Fuchsias  (not  only  the 

old  Ricartoni,  but  many  of  the  more  recent  and  white-coralled  varie- 
ties) form  a  very  interesting  feature  now.  We  need  scarcely  say 
that  there  are  many  nooks  and  corners  south  of  the  Trent  where 
similar  pretty  additions  to  such  gardens  might  be  had. 

JIr.  Wilson    informs   us   that   at   Heatherbank,  Weybridge 

Heath,  he  has  a  fine  specimen  of  Lilinm  tigrinum  splendens  now  in 
bloom.  It  has  three  stems  from  one  bulb,  bearing  respectively 
twenty-six,  twenty-two,  and  eighteen  blooms.  Its  height,  including 
the  pot,  is  S  feet  10  inches,  and  the  spread  of  the  flowers  on  one 
flowering-stem  is  22  inches. 

The   fruiting   of  Wistaria   sinensis   in    this    country    is    a 

somewhat  novel  occurrence.  It  is  now  bearing  numerous  seed- 
pods  in  the  central  arcade  of  Messrs.  Pince's  Italian  Garden,  the 
roof  of  which  is  mainly  covered  with  this  favourite  hardy  wall 
plant.  The  pods  are  in  various  stages  of  growth,  some  being  several 
inches  long,  though  still  quite  green,  the  beans  being  apparently 
fully  foimed. 

A  PARK  at  the  west  end  of  Newcastle  was  opened  to  the 

public  on  Tuesday  last.  It  has  been  purchased  at  a  cost  of  £2.3,000 
by  Mr.  Joseph  Cowen,  Jan.,  and  four  other  members  of  the  Town 
Council,  but  it  is  expected  that  the  place  will  ultimately  be  taken 
off  their  hands  by  the  Corporation.  It  was  originally  known  as  the 
Elswick  Hall  Estate,  and  had  to  be  hastily  purchased  to  save  it  from 
being  turned  into  building  ground. 

About  twenty  plans  for  laying-out  Eoundhay  Park  have  been 

received  in  Leeds  by  the  Town  Council,  in  competition  for  the 
premiums  offered  for  the  best  designs.  The  Yorkslure  Po.-^t  believes 
that  it  is  the  intention  of  the  Corporate  Property  Committee,  after 
examining  them,  to  throw  them  open  to  the  inspection  of  the  rate- 
payers. They  will  be  arranged  in  one  of  the  apartments  of  the 
Town  Hall,  at  the  conclusion  of  the  Assizes. 

We    understand   that   the   Government   of   Victoria,    South 

Australia,  is  about  to  appoint  a  Royal  Commission  to  practically 
investigate  the  diseases  to  which  the  Vine  is  liable  in  that  Colony, 
and  the  remedies  for  such  diseases.  The  diseases  of  fruit  generally 
will  also  come  under  the  notice  of  the  commissioners,  and  in  order 
that  some  useful  result  may  be  an-ived  at,  not  only  Vine  growers 
but  horticulturists  generally,  are  invited  to  take  part  in  the  under- 
taking. 

Green  Tea  as  imported  is  considered  by  the  English  courts 

as  an  adulterated  article,  and  a  grocer  of  Liverpool  was  recently 
fined  for  selling  it.  The  Tea  was  shown  by  chemical  analysis  to  be 
coloured  with  Prussian  blue  and  mineral  matter,  but  experts  in  the 
trade  proved  that  it  was  genuine  green  Tea  as  imported  from  China. 
The  British  Trade  Journal  admits  that  this  Tea  is  adulterated,  and 
that  the  importation  of  green  Tea  into  England  will  be  virtually 
stopped. 

A  CURIOUS  contribution  to  the  literature  of  that  excellent  but 

dolorous  root,  the  Onion,  comes  from  a  little  French  village.  The 
inhabitants  of  this  jjlace  regularly  perform  a  ceremony  without  which 
they  hold  the  general  well-being  of  the  said  vegetable  could  not  be 
secured.  This  ceremony  consists  in  the  gorgeously-attired  people  of 
the  village  dancing  in  a  circle,  holding  hands,  and  is  said  not  only 
to  make  the  Onion  healthy,  but  to  impart  to  it  a  fascinating  round- 
ness and  perfection  of  form.  The  festival  continues  eight  days,  and 
is  accounted  generally  pleasant  and  profitable. 

BE.iKiNGoutMr.Simpson'sremarks(seep.  182)oukeepingfrnit 

by  the  aid  of  ice,  we  find  the  following  in  the  last  issue  of  the  N.Y. 
THhurie  : — "  Christopher  Shearer,  owner  of  a  fine  estate  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, has  1,500  Apple  and  Pear  trees,  a  portion  of  the  crop  from 
■which  he  preserves  in  a  refrigerator,  55  feet  square,  and  holding, 
when  filled,  about  140  cart-loads  of  ice  and  -1,000  bushels  of  fruit. 
Last  fall  he  stored  in  it  1,800  bushels  of  Apples,  mostly  Baldwin's, 
Greening's,  and  Pound's,  and  450  bushels  of  Bartlett,  and  50  bushels 
of  Lawrence  Pears.  This  stock  kept  well  till  late  this  spring,  when 
it  was  sold  for  good  prices." 

We  have  received  from  Mr.  ilougi'edien  a  flowering  branch 

of  Carolinca  insignis,  a  Sterculiaceous  plant,  or  rather  small  tree, 
which  is  now  in  blossom  in  his  hothouses  at  Forest  Hill.  Mr.  Hon. 
gredien  states  that  there  has  been,  and  is  still  (August  21)  quite  a 
profusion  of  blossoms  on  his  plant,  which  is  eighteen  years  of  age.  It  is 
a  tree  which  grows  to  30  feet  in  height  at  least,  and  is  a  native  of  the 
West  Indies.  It  has  digitate  leaves  something  like  those  of  a  Horse 
Chestnut,  but  with  the  leaflets  more  leathery  in  texture.  The  flowers 
which  rise  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  are  of  a  creamy-white  colour. 
The  calyx  is  cup-shaped  entire,  the  petals  strap-shaped,  and  covered 
internally  with  a  soft  white  down.  The  stamens  are  very  numerous 
with  their  filaments  united  into  a  ring  at  the  base,  but  divided 
upwards  into  many  branching  bundles,  and  these  being  of  a  bright 


orange  colour  add  greatly  to  the  beauty  of  the  flowers  which  are  as 
fragrant  as  those  of  a  Magnolia.  Mr.  Mongredien  is  of  opinion  that 
age  must  be  acquired  before  the  tree  gets  into  a  blooming  habit. 

During  the  heat  of  the  present  summer  a   fire  broke  out  in 

the  Cork-tree  forest  of  M.  Sila,  near  Oran,  bordering  on  the  Plains 
des  Andalouses.  The  conflagration  lasted  for  several  days,  and 
destroyed  about  3,750  acres  of  timber. 

L.\ST  week  a  garden  party  was  held  by  spiritualists  at  the 

People's  Garden,  Willesden,  at  which,  with  the  exception  of  a  lecture 
on  legerdemain,  delivered  by  one  of  the  body,  the  proceedings  and 
entertainments  were  of  the  ordinary  material  kind. 

Some  magnificent  blooms  of  double  Zinnias,  each  as  large  as 

a  small  Dahlia,  and  of  different  colours  of  the  most  brilliant  descrip- 
tion, have  been  shown  to  us  by  Messrs.  Stuart  and  Co.,  of  Tavistock 
Row,  Covent  Garden.  They  were,  we  believe,  grown  at  Nice  from 
seed  in  the  possession  of  this  firm. 

The   ravages  of   the  Phylloxera  still   continue  to  claim  the 

attention  of  the  Academic  des  Sciences.  At  the  Seance  of  July  21 
four  communications  were  read  on  the  natural  history  of  the  insect, 
and  on  the  employment  of  the  water  of  ammonia  and  other  matters 
to  destroy  it  on  the  Vines. 

Me.  Peter  Henderson  says  that  the  wages  of  gardeners  in 

the  vicinity  of  New  York  City  are  as  follows : — Single  men,  £o  to  £13 
per  month  and  board ;  married  men,  £7  to  £14,  with  house  to  live  in 
— average  of  the  former  £8  and  board,  and  the  latter  £10  and  house. 
The  more  extended  and  important  the  charge  the  higher  the  wages. 

One  fact  of  importance  was  noticeable  after  the  drenching 

thunder  storm  of  last  Sunday  evening,  viz.,  that  many  of  the  Zonal 
Pelargoniums,  and  other  flowering  plants  in  the  parks,  presented  a 
miserable  appearance,  while  the  carpet-beds  of  Altemanthera, 
Golden  Pyrethrum,  and  succulents  were  but  little  the  worse  ;  indeed 
in  some  cases  the  rain  had,  if  possible,  brightened  them  up. 

The  library  of  natural  history  collection,  the  property  of 

Mr.  W.  Wilson  Saunders,  F.R.S.,  treasurer  and  rice-president  of  the 
Liima;an  Society,  was  sold  bj-  auction  a  few  days  ago  by  Messrs. 
Sotheby,  Wilkinson,  and  Hodge.  The  collection  comprised  most  of 
the  valuable  works  on  botany  and  entomology,  both  English  and 
foreign,  and  realised  £2,041. 

The  Abyssinian  Banana  (Musa  Ensete)  has  this  year,  for  the 

first  time,  produced  and  matured  its  fruit  in  the  open  air  in  the 
Botanic  Garden  at  Palermo.  The  flowers  began  to  appear  in  the 
spring  of  1872,  and  continued  to  be  produced  without  intermission,  all 
through  last  winter.  The  flower-spike  was  over  6i-  feet  in  length,  and 
the  number  of  fruits  which  were  perfectly  matured  amounted  to 
twelve.  The  seeds  of  these  were  sown  under  glass  in  a  high  tempera- 
ture and  have  germinated  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner. 

The  Camellia  house  at  Messrs.  Pince's,  Exeter,  which  may  be 

described  as  four  walls  covered  by  a  glass  roof,  had  fallen  out  of 
repair  ;  it  has  now  been  repaired,  the  walls  raised  4  feet,  a  new  roof 
put  on,  and  the  plants,  which  were  growing  through  the  glass,  have 
thus  more  scope  for  theii'  pent-up  energy.  These  plants  are  of  the 
largest  size,  and  in  the  season  produce  flowers  in  thousands.  The 
walls  of  the  house  are  literally  covered  with  foliage,  and  the  centre 
bush  plants  are  upwards  of  20  feet  in  height.  The  only  artificial 
heat  they  get  is  while  they  are  making  then-  season's  growth. 

We  have  received  from  Mr.  Thompson,  of  Ipswich,  specimens 

of  Pentstemon  Palmeri,  of  Gray,  a  very  distinct  new  kind,  remark- 
able for  its  short  inflated  corolla  and  long  lobes  of  the  lower  lip. 
Only  side  branches  and  flower-spikes  have  reached  us ;  but  Mr. 
Thompson  informs  us  that  the  inflorescence,  which  is  of  a  delicate 
peach  colour,  occupies  quite  2  feet  in  length  of  the  main  stem.  It 
comes  from  Arizona,  and  probably  also  occurs  in  other  Western 
American  states.  The  foliage,  which  on  the  flower-stems  is  connate, 
is  of  a  glaucous  hue,  and  petiolate  on  the  side  branches.  It  is 
evidently  a  robust-growing  plant,  reaching,  when  in  flower,  to  a 
very  considerable  height ;  therefore,  when  the  large  number  of 
flowers  it  produces  is  taken  into  account,  it  cannot  fail  to  be  a  showy 
plant,  either  in  the  herbaceous  garden  or  shrubbery  border. 

We  learn  that  an  entire  change  is  to  be  made  in  the -manage- 
ment of  the  Melbourne  Botanic  Gardens.  For  the  future  Mr. 
Hodgkinson  will  have  the  chief  charge  of  the  whole  of  the  parks  and 
public  gardens  rotmd  Melbourne,  with  the  title  of  inspector-general. 
Baron  von  Mueller  will  cease  to  have  anything  to  do  with  the 
botanical  gardens,  although,  of  course,  any  experiments  he  may 
desire  to  make  in  the  way  of  acclimatisation  or  otherwise  will  be 
carried  out  at  his  request.  He  is  to  be  appointed  Government 
botanist,  and  Government  botanical  lecturer  at  the  universitj-.  His 
present  salary  is  £610  per  annum.  This  will  be  increased  to  £800, 
and  there  will  be  an  allowance  of  £300  per  annum  for  an  amanuensis 
and  for  t'ne  cost  of  collecting  new  plants.  By  this  alteration  the 
Government  domain  and  the  botanic  gardens  will  all  ome  under  one 
management,  and  a  very  considerable  saving  will  be  effected. 


Aug.  30,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


165 


THE     ARBORETUM 


REMARKABLE  TREES  AT  ABERGELE. 
It  is  important  that  the  localities  of  trees,  both  cultivated  and 
wild,  or  apparently  vfild,  that  are  in  every  way  conspicuous  for 
their  age,  dimensions,  physiognomy,  general  habit,  or  any 
.special  quality,  should  be  made  known  in  the  columns  of  The 
Garden.  Only  by  such  means  can  people  be  made  thoroughly 
aware  of  the  marvellous  richness  of  our  island  in  glorious 
trees,  and  it  may  serve  no  slight  purpose  of  utility  by  enabling 
one's  brother  tree-lovers,  when  taken  by  business,  or  led  iu 
search  of  new  enjoymeiit,  to  distant  parts  of  the  country,  to 
know  what  awaits  them.  Here,  at  Abergele,  for  instance,  half 
a-mile  from  where  I  vn-ite,  there  stands,  on  the  edge  of  a 
meadow  close  to  the  wayside,  an  ancient  Willow — a  genuine 
example  of  the  Salix  vitellina  of  Smith,  the  alba  var.  vitellina 
of  all  recent  authors,  massive  below,  greatly  bent  with  old  age, 
and  the  upper  portion  hanging  far  away  from  the  sturdy 
trunk,  almost  like  a  Babylonica.  In  this,  perhaps,  there  is 
nothing  unusual.  A^ery  remarkable,  however,  is  the  tree  in 
question,  in  having  its  long,  lithe,  pendulous  shoots  and  twigs 
all  of  a  delicate 
amber-yellow ;  so  ^ 

that,  when  the 
whole  has  been 
recently  moist- 
ened by  rain,  and 
the  sunshine  is 
falling  upon  it, 
the  tender  and 
satiny  green 
seems  inlaid  in 
every  part  with 
fi  1  a  m  0  n  t  s  of 
gold.  I  do  not 
know  that  the 
comparison  is 
apt  ;  but  this 
beautiful  tree  re- 
minds me,  every 
time  I  pass,  of 
the  way  that  I 
have  seen  the 
auburn  tresses  of 
many  a  pretty 
little  girl  of  eight 
years  old  or  so, 
laced,  as  it  were, 
with  threads 
of  the  self-same 
sunshine.  Could 
it  be  removed 
bodily  to  the 
margin  of  an 
ornamental  piece 
stream,  iu  some 
simply  invaluable. 


Cottage  covered  with  Cotoneaster. 


of  water,  or  to  the  banks  of  a  lake  or 
nobleman's  park,  this  Willow  would  be 
Yet,  so  far  as  I  can  detect,  from  watching 
the  wayfarers  who  go  past,  it  seems  scai'coly  ever  to  attract 
attention.  The  old,  old  story,  "  Full  many  a  flower  is  born  to 
blush  vmseen,"  might  be  related  anew,  it  is  very  evident,  of 
things  which,  if  they  do  not  exactly  waste  "  sweetness  "  on  the 
"  desert  air,"  are  clothed,  at  least,  in  qualities  of  singular 
charm.  So  with  an  Oak — a  hond  fide  British  one — hard  by. 
The  leaves  of  this  tree  are  quite  equal  to  the  best  and  largest 
of  those  of  the  "  Champion  "  at  Pulham  Palace,  or  as  long  as 
one's  hand,  and,  reckoning  to  the  extremity  of  the  lobes,  con- 
siderably Ijroader.  The  texture  of  the  leaves  is  like  that  of  an 
Aralia — the  incipient  Acorns  form  great  knots.  If  the  Fulham 
tree  be  well  named  "  Champion,"  this  one  at  Abergele  I  should 
feel  disposed  to  call  "  Imperator."  L.  G. 


COTONEASTER  MICROPHYLLA. 

(Bv  JAMES  M'NAB,  Royal  Bolanic  Gardens,  Edinlrargli.) 

This  hardy   evergreen   shrub,   which   was    introduced   from 
Nepaul  about  fifty  years  ago,  is  one  of  the  most  accommodating 


plants  we  have  in  cultivation.  If  we  want  permanently  to 
cover  a  heap  of  stones,  or  an  elevated  piece  of  bare  ground,  it 
is  well  adapted  for  such  a  purpose.  If  we  wish  to  clothe  a 
piece  of  unsightly  wall,  no  plant  is  better  suited  for  doing  so 
than  this  Ootoneaster,  as  it  ascends  rapidly.  If  it  is  our 
intention  to  drape  the  walls  of  an  old  turf -topped  ruin,  plant  it 
along  the  summit,  and  its  branches  will  grow  downwards.  If 
for  a  hedge,  plant  in  a  row,  and  support  each  of  the  tops  till 
they  reach  the  height  of  2,  3,  or  more  feet,  and  then  allow  them 
to  hang  down.  If  for  a  single  evergreen  shrub,  tie  several 
leaders  in  a  cluster  to  the  height  wanted,  and  then  allow  tho 
tops  and  side  branches  to  droop.  When  planted  against  a  wall, 
say  10  feet  in  height,  it  will  soon  grow  to  the  top,  run  over  it, 
and  down  to  the  ground  on  the  opposite  side ;  if  it  is  intended 
to  cover  a  portion  of  rockwork  or  old  outhouse,  no  evergreen 
is  better  suited.  Its  being  such  a  hardy  evergreen,  and 
extremely  interesting  both  in  flower  and  fruit,  are  also  recom- 
mendations. During  a  recent  visit  to  Doune  Castle,  in  Perth- 
shire, I  was  surprised  and  pleased  to  see  the  house  of  Mr. 
Dewar,  tenant  of  the  Donne  Castle  farm,  richly  adorned  with 
this  remarkable  shrub.  Several  plants  were  placed  in  front  of 
the  house  about  fourteen  years  ago,  and  they  now  cover  the 

whole  face  of  it, 
and  are  trained 
in  such  a  way 
that  they  fill  up 
every  available 
point.  All  the 
branches  are  kept 
at  uniform  dis- 
tances from  each 
other,  their  wiry 
St  ems  being 
thickly  covered 
with  dense  clus- 
ters of  closely- 
spurred  branches 
and  leaves.  The 
annexed  illustra- 
tion will  give  an 
idea  of  the 
trouble  that  has 
been  taken  for 
many  years  to 
prune  and  trim 
these  plants; 
and,  although 
each  plant  is 
about  14  or  15 
feet  in  height, 
owing  to  the 
manner  in  which 
some  of  the 
bi-anches  are  di- 
rected,  any 
The  whole  operation  of  pruning 
of   the   ladies   belonging  to    Mr. 


length  may  be    attained, 
and  training    is    the   work 

Dewar's  family,  and  I  was  glad  to  see  that  they  take  such 
a  deep  interest  in  its  management.  They  may  well  be 
proud  of  the  results  of  their  labour,  as  it  is  certainly  a 
remarkable  feat  of  perseverance  and  industry.  At  the  time 
of  my  visit,  one  of  the  young  ladies  was  mounted  on  a 
ladder  busy  clipping  off  the  summer-made  shoots,  an  opera- 
tion which  is  done  during  the  month  of  August  every 
year.  The  plants  were  originally  nailed  to  keep  them  in  the 
position  wanted,  particularly  when  in  a  young  state ;  they 
afterwards  gain  strength  and  adhere  firmly  to  the  wall,  but 
are  regularly  flxed  when  they  get  out  of  order.  During  the 
flowering  season,  the  branches  are  white  with  blossom,  and 
red  during  the  fruiting  time.  This  flowering  and  fruiting  is 
greatly  induced  by  the  spurring  and  training  to  which  they 
are  annually  subjected.  The  excessive  moisture  of  last  year 
was  the  cause  of  many  monstrous  shoots  being  produced  on 
the  Cotoneaster.  In  several  gardens  I  observed  them  of  a 
Cockscomb  form,  some  measuring  fully  4  inches  in  breadth 
and  half  an  inch  in  thickness.  This  plant  is  readily  increased 
by  means  of  seeds  or  cuttings.     If  the  plants  are  growing  on 


166 


THE   GAEDBN. 


[Aug.  30,  1873. 


the  ground,  or  on  any  damp  surface,  the  branches  soon 
get  covered  ivith  dehcate  young  rootlets.  The  cuttings, 
after  being  removed  from  the  parent  plant,  have  only  to  bo 
cut  into  lengths  and  inserted  in  the  earth,  where  they  will 
be  found  to  root  freely  in  almost  any  soil.  Owing  to  the  wiry 
nature  of  the  branches  of  the  Cotoneaster,  it  is  quite  possible 
to  train  them  into  the  form  of  letters,  cyphers,  coronets,  or 
any  device  that  may  bo  wished,  either  on  the  ground  or  on 
walls,  but,  where  this  is  done,  annual  training  and  clipping  are 
absolutely  neces- 
sary; portions  of 
the  branches  may 
also  be  Ijai'ed  of 
the  leaves  or 
young  twigs,  to 
suit  certain  forms 
o  f  arrangement, 
and  no  injury  will 
be  found  to  accriie 
to  the  plant  from 
such  mutilations. 


SINGULAR  DISCOVERY  IN  AN  OLD  OAK. 

In  the  hollow  of  an  old  Oak,  which  wag  blown  down  in  Miami  Valley 
by  the  hurricane  on  the  4th  of  last  July,  a  human  skeleton  was  dis- 
covered, together  with  some  brass  buttons,  shreds  of  clothing,  a 
pocket-book,  and  some  papers.  The  man's  name,  as  gathered  from 
the  papers,  was  Roger  Vauderburg,  a  native  of  Lancaster,  Pennsyl. 
vania,  and  a  captain  in  the  revolutionary  army.  He  was  an  aide  to 
Washington  during  the  retreat  across  the  Jerseys,  and  served  a  time 
in  Arnold's  head-quarters  at  West  Point.  In  1791  he  marched  with 
St.  Clair  against  the  North-Western  Indians,  and  in  the  famous  out. 
break  of  that  general  on  the  Wabash,  November  3  of  the  year  just 
written,  he  was  wounded  and  captured.  But  while  being  conveyed 
to  the  Indian  town  at  Upper  Piqua  he  effected  his  escape,  but  fonnd 
himself  hard  pressed  by  his  savage  foes.  He  saw  the  hollow  in  the 
Oak,  and  despite  a  mangled  arm,  and  with  the  aid  of  a  Beech  that 
grew  beside  the  giant  Oak,  he  gained  the  haven  and  dropped  therein. 
Then  came  a  fearful  discovery.  He  had  miscalculated  the  depth  of 
the  hollow,  and  there  was  no  escape.  Oh,  the  story  told  by  the  diary 
of  the  Oak's  despairing  prisoner !  How,  rather  than  surrender  to  the 
torture  of  the  stake,  he  chose  death  by  starvation  !  how  he  wrote  his 
diary  in  the  uncertain  light  and  the  snows  !  Here  is  one  entry  in  the 
diarj- : — "Nov.  10. — Five  days  without  food.  Whtn  I  sleep  I  dream 
of  luscious  fruits  and  flowing  streams.  The  stars  laugh  at  my 
misery  !  It  is  snowing  now.  I  freeze  while  I  starve." — Phila. 
delpliia  Ledger. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

Hardy  Bignonias. — Kiudly  tell  me  if  there  are  other  hardy  Bignonias 
"besides  B.  raai cans.— Delta.  [Bignonia  eapreolata  is  the  only  hardy  species 
■with  which  we  are  acquainted,  except  radicans  and  its  varieties,  major  and 
BUperba]. 

Variegated  Ivies.— Which  of  the  silver  variegated  Ivies  is  the  best  for  plant- 
ing against  a  house-wall.  I  want  a  fast  grower  and  one  whose  variegation  is 
effective. — J,  H.  W,  T.  [Hedera  marginata  elegantissima,  which  is  one 
of  the  best  of  the  silver  variegated  kinds,  or  H,  marginata  alba  robusta.  All 
other  so-called  silver-edged  sorts  are  either  cream  or  straw -coloured.  J 

Berberidopsis  corallina.— Preparation  of  Soil,  &c.— I  want  to  put  out 

against  a  wall  a  plant  of  this  that  I 'got  recently  for  that  purpose,  and  I  wish 
to  give  it  fair  iilay  and  a  good  start.  What  kind  of  soil  am  I  to  set  it  in? — 
J.  T.  P.  [The  soil  most  suitable  for  Berber idopsis  corallina  is  one-half  loam,  one- 
fourth  peat  or  leaf-mould,  and  one-fourth  rotten  manure,  well-drained.] 

Magnolia  grandiflora.— One  of  my  trees  of  this  is  25  feet  in  height,  the 
breadth  of  ihe  branches  is  18  feet,  and  the  girth  of  the  trunk  at  the  surface  of 
the  ground  is  1  foot  11  inches.  This  tree  has  fifty  flower  buds  on  it.  I  have 
another  tree  21  feet  i  inches  in  height,  and  the  spread  of  its  branches  is  23  feet, 
the  girth  of  the  trunk  is  2  feet,  andthe  number  of  flower  buds  on  it  is  sixty-five. 
The  height  and  breadth  of  these  trees  are  circumscribed  for  want  of  wall  space. 
They  are  cut  back  every  year,  and  thev  have  been  planted  abcut  fifty  years. — 
Francis  Wi'tixes,  liitccnsdeii  Moin/e,  Bedford. 

Climbers  for  Broken  Fir  Trees.— I  have  about  a  dozen  Fir  trees  blown 
oft  from  10  to  15  feet  from  the  ground,  in  quite  a  thin  wood  in  a  large  "wild 
garden."  I  am  anxious  to  cover  them  with  flowering  creepers,  and  should  be 
much  obUged  if  you  would  let  me  know  the  names  of  a  few  strong -growing 
climbing  plants  which  would  be  hkely  to  suit.  I  should  plant  them  in  the 
autumn.— B.  [Clematis  moutana  grandiflora,  C.  Jackmani,  common  Honey- 
suckle, common  Jasmine,  Jasminum  nudiflorum,  Virginian  Creeper,  various 
kinds  of  Ivy,  Aristolochia  Sipho,  Rubus  biflorus.  Wistaria,  and  some  of  the 
hardy  American  Vines. — Ed.] 

Kcelreuteria  paniculata.— A  fine  specimen  of  this  grows  on  a  gentleman's 
lawn  at  Stivichali  ;  it  is  a  most  rapid  growing  tree,  and  the  roots  run  a  long  way, 
if  one  may  judi^^e  from  the  feuckers  thrown  up.  The  butt  or  trunk  of  this  tree 
runs  9  feet  high,  and  then  breaks  into  'Our  large  branches;  it  has  an 
average  girth  of  6  feet ;  the  four  branches  run  up  from  8  to  10  feet,  and  then 
throw  out  smaller  branches  which  form  a  very  handsome  top.  Fifteen  years 
ago  the  tree  did  not  girth  more  than  2  feet  6  inches,— H.  M.  J.,  Coventry. 


THE    FLOWER     GARDEN, 

MIXED  BORDEKS. 

I  nisH  to  make  a  border  of  mixed  hardy  plants,  which  shall  be  such 
an  improvement  on  those  generally  seen  as  to  defy  the  criticism  of 
the  most  enthusiastic  bedder  out.  To  do  this  I  only  wish  to  use 
plants  of  neat  and  compact  growth,  of  the  first  order  of  beauty  as 
regards  their  flowers  or  foliage,  and  to  have  as  much  variety  as 
possible.  They  must  be  arranged  according  to  colour,  times  of 
flowering,  and  height ;  and  I  find  it  almost  impossible  to  get  any 
good  spring  bloomers  for  the  back  row,  or  autumn  flowerers  for  the 
front.  All  annuals,  half-hardy  plants,  and  strictly  rock  plants, 
should  be  excluded  j  and  though  a  few  bulbs,  such  as  Narcissi  and 
Hyacinths  might  be  put  in  hy  the  side  of  those  which  flower  lute, 
yet  I  wish,  as  far  as  possible,  to  restrict  the  catalogue  to  herbaceous 
plants.  Can  any  of  your  correspondents  suggest  any  improvements 
in  arrangement,  or  tell  me  of  any  better  plants  than  those  enume- 
rated in  the  following  list.  V/ill  my  border  be  too  crowded  ? 
Plax  fok  a  Mixed  Herbaceous  Bordeu,  33  teet  Long,  axd 
5  FEET  Wide. 


Baclc  row.  Height. 

2i  to  4  feet. 

1.  Phlox,      herbaceous; 
white ;  autumn. 

2.  Iris     sambucina     or 
ochroleuca. 

3.  Epilobium       roseum 
superbum. 

4.  Dielytra   spectabilis ; 
pink ;  spring. 

5.  Lilimu        candidum; 
white ;  summer. 

6.  Anemone    japonica; 
pink ;  autumn. 

7.  Staticelatifolia;blue; 
autumn. 

8.  Iris     Victorine;  blue 
and  white;  summer. 

9.  Dictamnus        albus ; 
white ;  summer. 

10.  L ilium -chalcedoni- 
cum ;  scarlet;  summer. 

11.  Spiraea     japonica; 
white;  summer. 

12.  Iris      germanica; 
orange  and  purple. 

13.  Phlox,     herbaceous; 
purple;  autumn. 

14.  Anemone     japonica ; 
white:  autumn. 


15.  Tricyrtis 
autumn. 


hirta; 


16.  Campanula  Van 
Houttei ;  blue ;  sum- 
mer. 

17.  LiUum  candidum. 

18.  Dictamnus  Fraxi- 
nella;  purple;  sum- 
mer. 


Middle  J'oir.      Height. 
1  to  2^  feet. 

19.  Primula  japonica; 
crimson ;   summer. 

20.  F  u  n  k  i  a  Fortune!  ; 
fol.  var. ;  summer. 

21.  Trollius  asiaticus ; 
yellow ;  summer. 

22.  Lilium  longiflorum  > 
white ;  summer. 

33.  Epimedium  pinna- 
turn  elegans ;  f oUage. 

2-4.  Dodecatheon   Meadia 
■      elegans  ;  pink ;  spring. 

I  25.  Aquilegia  cjerulea ; 
blue  and  white. 

26.  Campanula  nobilis 
alba ;  summer. 

27.  Lihum  Thunbergia- 
num ;  orange ;  sum- 
mer. 

29.  Dielytra  formosa; 
red;  summer. 

29.  Anthericum  LiUago  ; 
white  ;  spring. 

30.  Aquilegia  glandu- 
losa ;  purple  and  white ; 
spring. 

31.  Delphinium  Bella- 
donna ;  blue ;  summer. 

32.  Primula  denticnlata; 
violet;  spring. 

33.  Aquilegia  a  r  c  t  i  c  a ; 
rose-yellow ;  spring. 

34.  Pentstemon  pubes- 
cens  ;  purple ;  summer. 

36.  Funkia;  white- 
striped  fol. 

36.  S  p  i  r  as  a  palmata  ; 
crimson  ;  summer. 

37.  Lilium  longiflorum ; 
white;  summer. 

38.  Potentilla ;  crimson  ; 
summer. 

39.  Polygonatum  multi- 
florum ;  foliage. 

40.  Delphinium  alope- 
curoides  ;  blue ;  sum- 
mer. 


Front  row.       Ilftght. 

3  in.  to'l  font. 

41.  Hepatica  triloba; 
red  ;  spring. 

42.  Linum      campanula- 
turn  ;  yellow ;  summer. 

■iS.  Gentiana        acaulis ; 
blue ;  spring. 

44.  Dianthus       corsicus ; 
white ;  summer. 

45.  Iris  pumila  ;  yellow ; 
spring. 

46.  Campanula       puUa  ; 
blue ;  summer. 

47.  Primula  acaulis  ;  red; 
spring. 

48.  Phlox  Nelsoni;  white ; 
summer. 

49.  Myosotis  dissltiflora  ; 
blue ;  spring. 

50.  Iris  pumila  ;  yellow  ; 
spring. 

51.  Bellis     aucubcefolia ; 
red ;  summer. 

52.  AubrieLiaCampbellii; 
purple ;  variegated  leaf. 

53.  Dianthus    arenarius ; 
white ;  summer. 

54.  Hepatica    triloba; 
blue  ;   spring. 

55.  Primula  acaulis;  red; 
spring. 

56.  L  i  n  u  m      fl  a  v  u  m  ; 
yellow;  summer. 

57.  Anemone    apennina; 
blue;  spring. 

58.  Thymus   citriodorus; 
gold ;  variegated, 

59.  Omphalodes     vema; 
blue ;  spring. 

60.  Bellis  aucubaefolia. 

61.  Iris  pumila;  purple; 
spring. 

62.  Phloxsubulata;pink. 

63.  Primula     acaulis; 
yellow. 

64.  Dianthus  Marie  Pare ; 
white ;  summer. 

65.  Gentiana  acaulis; 
blue. 

66.  Alyssum        sasatile ; 
yellow;  spring. 

67.  Hepatica;  blue. 

63.  Primula        auricula ; 
maroon. 

69.  Aubrietia  grjeca; 
purple. 

70.  Thymus  citriodorus ; 
gold ;  var. 

71.  Iris  pumila. 

72.  Myosotis  dissltiflora. 

A   SUBSCllIBEE. 


THE  ROSE  HARVEST. 
I  HAVE  just  read  "  D.  T.  F.'s  '*  article  on  Roses  in  your  last  issue  (see 
p.  124).  I  presume  his  remarks  on  Marechal  Niel,  at  least  under 
open-air  cultivation,  are  somewhat  exaggerated.  I  fear  it  is  very 
rare  to  find  the  Marechal  so  very  grateful  as  to  favour  us  with  his 
flowers  on  a  south  wall  "  early  in  May,"  even  in  the  most  sheltered 
locality.  Mr.  F.  says  that  "the  suu  takes  the  substance,  colour,  and 
even  the  fragrance,  out  of  this  glorious  Rose."  Then  how  is  it  that 
we  can  never  get  a  perfect  specimen  of  it  except  from  the  conservatory, 
greenhouse,  or  other  structure,  in  which  it  can  have  both  sun,  shelter, 
and  warmth  ?  We  might  as  well  say  the  sun  deteriorates  the  qualities 
of  the  Persian  Yellow  Rose  in  its  native  country.   Of  course,  everybody 


Aug.  30,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


167 


who  knows  yellow  Roses,  and  Marechal  Niel  amongst  them,  will  agree 
with  Mr.  F.  in  giving  the  Marechal  pre-eminence ;  but  I  do  not  see 
why  Mr.  F.  should,  while  speaking  of  yellow  Roses,  introduce 
Baroness  Rothschild  find  Marie  Baumaun,  as  if  to  class  them  both 
among  that  group,  when  he  says  the  Marechal  is  "  far  the  largest,  as 
well  as  the  most  glorious,  of  all  yellow  Roses,  not  forgetting  even 
Baroness  Rothschild  or  Marie  Baumann!"  Indeed,  as  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  of  the  class  of  Roses  to  which  she  belongs,  the 
Baroness  well  deserves  a  low  bow,  as  Mr.  F.  says  he  wishes  to 
do.  But  let  him  no  longer  confound  her  among  yellow  Roses,  nor 
accuse  the  fair  lady  of  being  so  bashful  as  not  to  "  stand  up  ;  but,  on 
the  contrarj-,  to  almost  sit,  among  the  leaves  and  branches."  She 
does  uosnch  thing,  but  just  the  very  opposite.  She  elevates  herself 
in  stately  grandeur  above  her  surrounding  foliage,  on  a  foot-stalk 
some  2  or  3  inches  high,  and  thicker,  I  think,  than  that  of  any  other 
Rose  in  cultivation.  I  have  often  wondered,  since  the  Baroness's 
appearance  amongst  us,  why  she  had  not  been  classed  among  the 
warriors  rather  than  otherwise.  But  I  suppose  her  nomenclators 
were  influenced  by  her  delicate  blush,  which  is  indeed  most  beauti. 
fully  bright,  rather  than  that  robust  quality  which  would  suggest  the 
name  of  some  great  warrior.  So  far  from  being  a  yellow  Rose,  as 
any  one  who  was  not  conversant  with  Roses  might  conclude  on  I'ead. 
ing  Mr.  F.'s  paragraph,  Marie  Baumann  is  a  bright  crimson.  She  is, 
indeed,  most  beautiful,  but  rather  bashful,  as  she  droops  her  head 
as  if  ashamed  to  look  at  us. 

Farther  on,  Mr.  F.  classes  the  pale  yellow  Rose,  Celine  Forestier, 
with  the  yellow  Saf  rano  and  others,  which  is  a  mistake.  I  would  now  add 
that  I  always  found  this  about  the  best  time  in  the  year  to  propagate 
Roses  by  means  of  cuttings.  Last  year  I  propagated  some  dozens  of 
different  varieties  and  they  were  the  chief  ornaments  of  the  place 
during  the  spring,  as  most  of  them  then  flowered  very  nicely.  They 
are  all  now  very  beautiful  healthy  plants,  some  in  6-inch  pots, 
others  in  sizes  larger,  according  to  the  robustness  of  the  variety.  I 
have  this  year  made  three  successive  batches  of  Rose  cuttings,  during 
the  months  of  May,  June,  and  July,  all  with  more  or  less  success.  I 
have  rarely  lost  more  than  three  plants  out  of  a  dozen.  After  I 
have  dressed  the  succulent  cutting  in  the  usual  way,  I  plant  in  3.inch 
pots  filled  with  soil,  two  parts  silver  sand  to  one  part  fresh  loam  ;  I 
then  plunge  in  a  moderately  brisk  hot-bed,  keeping  close  for  about  a 
fortnight,  of  course  shading  frot^  the  hot  sun,  and,  proceeding  thus,  I 
have  no  doubt  of  success.  MiCHL.  Bakby. 

Mount  Callan,  Ennis. 


THE  CAMELLIA  IN  JAPAN. 
From  the  Cnltivateur  de  la  Region  Lyonnaise  we  translate  the 
following  extract  of  a  letter  from  M.  Leon  Sisley : — "  The  only 
Camellia  which  I  have  as  yet  met  with  in  a  wild  state  in  Japan  is  a 
red-flowered  kind.  It  is  very  abundant,  and  is  found  almost  every, 
where  growing  among  other  shrubs,  and  notably  in  the  shade  of  great 
trees.  It  grows  very  slowly,  but  attains  a  large  size,  some  specimens 
having  a  stem  as  thick  as  a  man's  body  and  from  26  to  over  30  feet  in 
height.  The  proper  season  of  flowering  begins  in  April,  but  blossoms 
are  frequently  seen  in  autumn  and  sometimes  in  winter.  Seeds  are 
very  freely  produced,  and  are  gathered  by  the  Japanese  in  October. 
They  extract  an  oil  from  them  which  is  used  for  various  purposes  and 
commands  a  tolerably  high  price.  What  appears  to  me  remarkable 
in  this  Camellia  is  that  last  winter  it  withstood  uninjured  three 
consecutive  months  of  frost  which  at  times  fell  as  low  as  20°  or  21° 
Fahr.,  while  in  the  day  time  the  thermometer  seldom  stood  above 
zero.  The  summer  here  is  rather  wet,  and  the  trees  never  suffer  from 
prolonged  drought,  which  probably  are  favourable  conditions. 
It  would  be  useful  to  make  a  trial  in  Europe  of  the  hardiness  of  this 
shrub  which  I  think  should  prove  quite  hardy  in  France,  at  least  in 
ordinary  winters.  Even  if  the  flowering  were  injured  by  frost  we 
should  have  an  ornamental  shrub  worthy  to  rank  with  the  finest  of 
our  hardy  evergreens.  The  Japanese  have  obtained  from  this  species 
a  number  of  fine  varieties  with  double  flowers  of  various  shades. 
These  are  propagated  by  grafting,  and  in  gardens  preserve  the  hardy 
character  of  the  parent  stock,  having  passed  through  the  last  severe 
winter  uninjured.  I  do  not  know  whether  the  Camellias  cultivated 
in  Europe  have  originated  from  the  same  source,  but  those  which  are 
grown  here  appear  to  me  in  every  respect  identical  with  them." 


EAISING  SEEDLING  ROSES. 
TouB  correspondent,  "  W.  M."  (see  p.  156),  tells  ns  how  Roses  are 
raised  in  France,  an  operation  which  seems  to  be  a  troublesome  one, 
requii'ing,  as  it  appears  to  do,  a  conservatory  or  a  cool  house  in 
which  to  winter  them.  Such,  however,  is  by  no  means  necessary. 
My  plan  is  much  more  simple.  At  the  end  of  October  or  the 
beginning  of  November,  I  gather  the  seeds — small  and  large — dry 


them,  and  put  them  away  till  the  first  week  in  March,  when  a  piece 
of  ground  is  prepared,  and  the  seed  is  sown.  About  the  middle  of 
July  they  are  in  bloom.  When  the  seedlings  appear,  they  should 
have  frequent  waterings  from  a  fine-rose  water-pot.  They  remain 
in  the  seed-bed  till  the  end  of  October,  when  they  are  taken  up  and 
re-planted  under  a  south  wall.  When  the  severe  weather  comes,  I 
merely  put  a  few  sticks  against  the  wall  and  some  dry  litter  on 
them.  I  quite  agree  with  M.  Bossin  in  keeping  the  seedlings  two 
or  three  years ;  some  of  them  flower  very  thin  the  first  year,  but 
the  second  year  they  are  much  better.  William  Roles. 

St.  Michael's  Cemetery,  Bath. 

[Mr.  Roles  appears  to  have  quite  overlooked  the  fact  that  M. 
Bossin  says,  "  Sowings  may  also  be  made  in  the  open  air  in  the 
following  manner,"  which  he  proceeds  to  describe,  and  which  does 
not  seem  to  differ  materially  from  Mr.  Roles's  plan,  the  watering 
and  other  ordinarily  necessary  attention  being  understood.  M. 
Bossin  has  evidently  found  that  autumn  sowing,  even  if  it  is  a  little 
more  "troublesome"  to  place  the  seed.pans  in  a  conservatory  or 
cool  house,  produces  the  most  satisfactory  results,  and  he  therefore 
enters  more  particularly  into  the  details  of  the  plan  which,  in  his 
experience,  has  answered  best.] 


Tropseolum  peregrinum. — May  I  ask  why  this  common  useful 
little  climber  has  lost  its  own  right  name,  and  obtained  the  cockney, 
fied  nickname  of  Tropasolum  canariense,  from  a  fanciful  likeness  to  a 
canary  bird.  This  name  would  imply  that  it  was  a  native  of  the 
Canary  Islands,  which  it  certainly  is  not,  and  this  is,  in  a  botanical 
sense,  utterly  misleading,  and  ought  to  be  checked,  at  any  rate  by 
those  who  ought  to  know  better  ;  but  I  see  in  your  last  number  one 
of  the  gardening  authorities,  Mr.  James  Morrison,  writes  of  Tropseo- 
lum canariense  quite  as  if  it  was  the  true  name.  This  is,  of  course,  a 
very  slight  matter,  but  it  is  a  pity  that  a  trivial  name  should  bo 
entirely  override  the  real  name  of  a  true  species  (not  merely  a 
garden  variety)  and  wholly  mislead  as  to  its  habitat  and  history. 
— An  Old  Soldier. 

Milla  (Triteleia)  uniflora. — Tour  correspondent  J.  T.  P.  (see 
page  130)  has  I  think  failed  to  bloom  this  plant,  simply  because  it 
dislikes  to  be  disturbed.  If  he  keeps  his  pots  as  they  are  they  will 
probably  flower  well  in  the  coming  spring.  When  I  have  taken  up 
my  roots  of  this  for  division,  I  have  never  known  them  to  bloom  well 
the  first  season  after  re-planting.  It  should  be  known  that  the  variety 
of  this  plant  commonly  met  with  is  that  termed  conspicua,  with  broad 
over.lapping  divisions  to  the  flower,  which  is  almost  white.  The 
typical  'Triteleia  uniflora  has  narrower  segments,  more  deeply  tinged 
with  violet,  and  narrower  foliage.  It  is  to  be  met  with  occasionally 
under  the  pseudonym  of  Leucocoryne  alliacea,  though  perfectly 
distinct  from  the  real  plant  of  that  name.  The  name  Triteleia  should 
be  dropped,  MQla,  the  genus  under  which  M.  uniflora  was  originally 
published  by  Dr.  Graham,  being  now  adopted  in  preference. — W. 
Thompson,  Ipswich. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 


Calandrinia  nitida.— This  is  an  effective  plant,  at  this  time  of  year,  for  a 
warm  dry  herbaceous  border.  It  is  of  succulent  habit,  having  thick  glaucous 
leaves,  and  bright  purple  flowers  borne  on  stems  about  a  foot  in  height^A.  F. 

Acanthuses.— Two  or  three  species  of  Acanthus  are  now  in  flower,  and  are 
very  effective.  Planted  in  strong  loam  and  manure,  these  plants  develop 
themselves  and  assume  grand  proportions,  producing  elegantly  cut  massive 
foliage  of  a  deep  shining  green  colour,  and  stately  flower-spikes  3  to  5  feet  high. 
The  flowers  are  generally  white,  but  the  thick  leathery  bracts  are  of  a  deUcate 
purple  tint  and  very  ornamental. — B. 

Summer-flowering  Anemones.— Two  or  three  species  of  these  are  now 
bearing  flowers  in  the  herbaceous  department  at  Kew.  A.  vitifoha  forms  a 
dense  tuft  of  palmate  foliage  of  a  dark  green  colour,  and  bears  white  flowers 
on  stalks  2  feet  high.  The  whole  plant  has  a  velvety  appearance,  and  some- 
what resembles  the  autumn-flowei-ing  A.  japonica  alba.  Another  variety,  A. 
hybrida,  of  rather  dwarfer  habit,  is  bearing  pale  rosy  flowers.  Both  plants 
resemble  the  Japanese  Windflower,  but  they  flower  a  few  weeks  earlier.— T.  W. 

Llliumlongiflorum  and  eximium.— Mr.  Barr  (see  p.  110)  asks  for  help  as 
regards  L.  longiflorum,  concerning  which  all  I  can  do  is  to  corroborate  M.  Van 
Houtte's  assertion  that  Lilium  eximium  is  twice  the  size  of  L.  longiflorum.  All 
the  plants  which  I  have  grown  of  it  are  of  that  character ;  so  large,  indeed, 
are  the  blossoms  that  I  used  to  call  them  "  silver  tundishes,"  and  I  believe  they 
would  hold  quite  a  pint.  I  have  always  thought  L.  longiflorum  remarkable  for 
its  ivory  trumpet-like  flowers,  which  stand  out  at  right  angles  with  the  stem,  a 
circumstance  somewhat  unusual  in  the  case  of  so  large  a  flower.— Thos. 
Williams,  Ormskirk. 

Cocoa  Fibre-- This  is  more  used  at  Bitton  than  I  have  noticed  elsewhere  ; 
not  only  is  it  employed  in  the  usual  ways,  but  also  for  raising  seedlings  without 
any  admixture  whatever ;  and  well  the  seeds  enjoy  it.  Plants  for  the  house  are 
also  grown  in  it  without  any  mixture  whatever,  and  pans  or  boxes  and  beds  of  it 
are  used  for  a  temporary  home  for  plants  which  come  to  hand  at  times  when  it 
may  be  undesirable  or  inconvenient  to  plant  them  out  permanently.  Placed  in 
stock,"  in  cocoa  fibre,  they  begin  to  root  afresh,  and,  as  this  material  falls 
readily  from  the  young  rootlets,  without  injuring  them,  they  are  eoon  in  excel- 
lent order  for  transplanting  to  their  final  homes.— W.  R. 


168 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  30,1873. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

THE  ORCHARD  HOUSE. 

Br  PETER  GRIEVE,  Obltobd  GiBDEWs. 

There  are  few  matters  connected  with  practical  horticulture 
wliich  are  more  interesting  to  amateur  horticulturists  than  the 
cultivation  of  fruit  trees  under  glass.  The  variable  character 
of  our  climate  renders  the  use  of  protection  of  some  sort 
necessary,  to  ensure  the  production  of  fruit,  and  the  reduction 
in  the  cost  of  glass  has  given  a  stimulus  to  the  desire  for  the 
erection  of  structures  for  this  purpose.  Doubtless  many 
structures  of  this  sort  have  been  improvised  or  erected  at  a 
very  moderate  outlay,  in  which  their  possessors  have  contrived 
not  only  to  grow  fruit  trees,  but  also  to  produce  good  fruit. 
The  "  Orchard  House  "  has  greatly  the  advantage  of  houses 
devoted  to  the  culture  of  only  one  or  two  kinds  of  fruit,  as 
it  is  by  no  means  unusual  to  find  cultivated  in  it  Grapes,  Figs, 
Peaches,  Nectarines,  Apricots,  Cherries,  Plums,  and  even 
Pears  and  Apples.  Where  it  is  proposed  to  grow  various  sorts 
of  fruit  in  one  house,  it  is,  no  doubt,  advisable  to  adopt  and  to 
adhere  to  the  pot  system  of  culture.  Indeed,  this  system  would 
appear  to  have  been  at  one  time  considered  the  only  one  applicable 
to  the  orchard  house.  But  this  is  by  no  means  the  case,  and 
although  excellent  fruit  has  no  doubt  been  produced  by  this 
method,  yet  few  will  be  found, 
I  think,  inclined  to  dispute 
the  fact  that  still  better  have  " 
been  produced,  at  a  tithe  of 
the  trouble,  on  trees  planted 
out  in  properly  prepared 
borders,  or  beds  of  soil,  and 
treated  in  a  more  natural 
manner. 

My  experience,  as  regards 
the  pot  culture  of  fruit  trees, 
has  not  led  me  to  form  an 
opinion  similar  to  that  ex- 
pressed by  a  writer  upon  this 
subject,  who  asserts  that 
"  the  best  Peaches  he  ever 
tasted  were  from  trees  grown 
in  pots." 

But  even  in  cases  where  it 
may  be  considered  desirable 
to  grow  various  sorts  of  fruit 
trees  in  pots,  on  account  of  . 
the  limited  area  of  the  struc- 
ture in  which  they  are  grown, 
or  for  the  sake  of  securing 
greater  facility  for  the  re- 
arrangement   of   the  plants, 

&c.,  it  is  still,  I  think,  unadvisable  to  adopt  the  severe 
system  of  pinching  or  stopping  which  has  been  recom- 
niended  by  some  writers  on  the  subject.^  As  has  already 
been  said,  where,  in  a  house  of  moderate  dimensions,  it  may 
be  desired  to  cultivate  a  considerable  variety  of  fruits,  it  is  then 
doubtless,  advisable  to  adopt  the  pot  system  of  culture,  as 
this  affords  considerable  advantages  which  the  plantiug-out 
system  docs  not — such  as  the  placing  of  the  trees  in  the  open 
air  in  suitable  situations,  when  their  fruit  has  been  gathered, 
and  by  this  means  giving  additional  space  to  other  varieties 
whose  fruit  may  be  approaching  that  condition.  Then,  at  cer- 
tain seasons  there  is  the  advantage  of  being  able  to  remove  the 
whole  of  the  trees,  for  a  time,  into  the  open  air,  with  benefit 
to  them,  while  the  house  can  at  the  same  time  be  used  for 
other  purposes.  But  in  larger  garden  establishments  which 
usually  contain  a  variety  of  glass  structures  which  are  expected 
to  furnish  an  abundant  and  continuous  supply  of  fruit 
throughout  the  season,  and  where  collections  (more  or  less  ex- 
tensive) of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  are  also  cultivated, 
reffuiring  unremitting  attention — in  such  cases  I  am  inclined  to 
think  that  the  fewer  fruit  trees  cultivated  ui  pots  the  better — 
this  system  if  practised  extensively  does  not  furnish  an  ade- 
c|nate  return  for  the  labour  employed. 

We   have    here   an   ordinary   lean-to    Peach    house,  about 
30  feet  long  by  12  feet  wide,  the  roof  of  which  is  covered 


Fig.  1. — Lean-to  Orchard  House  at  CulforJ,  with  Vines  on  roof. 


by  two  Peach  trees,  viz.,  a  Royal  George  and  a  Noblesse, 
trained  to  wires  stretched  length-ways  across  the  house,  at  the 
distance  of  15  inches  from  the  glass.  The  house  has  been 
slightly  forced,  and  the  fruits  of  the  Royal  George  variety, 
which  occupies  the  warmest  end  of  the  house,  are  now  (July 
7th)  nearly  qnite  ripe,  and  will  be  succeeded  by  the  Noblesse 
in  due  time.  These  fruits  of  the  Royal  George  are  large  and 
well  coloured,  of  the  finest  possible  flavour,  and  very  few  of 
them  weighing  less  than  8  ounces,  mauy  of  them  considerably 
more,  and  they  are  as  regularly  distributed  over  the  surface  of 
the  tree  as  if  they  had  been  so  placed  by  the  hand.  This  has 
more  or  less,  been  the  case  every  season  since  the  trees  came 
into  bearing,  some  fifteen  or  more  years  since.  And  these  trees, 
with  the  exception  of  the  usual  training,  and  thinning  of  the 
fruit,  and  the  necessary  attention  with  regard  to  watering  and 
syringing,  have  really  required  very  little  or  no  attention.  At 
all  events  I  very  much  doubt  if  in  double  the  space,  and  with 
double  or  even  triple  the  amount  of  trouble  and  attention, 
there  could  be  found  fruit  ecpal  in  quantity  and  quality  on 
trees  grown  in  pots.  This  inclines  me  to  think  that  fruit  of  first- 
rate  quality  might  have  been  more  plentiful  than  it  is  now,  had 
an  equal  or  even  a  less  amount  of  capital  than  was  invested  in 
the  erection  of  orchard  houses  in  many  gardens  some  fifteen 
or  twenty  years  ago  been  laid  out  in  the  construction  of  narrow 
and   cheap  lean-to   or   span-roofed   glass  houses   or  cases  in 

which  the  Peach,  the  Apricot, 
the  Cherry,  the  Pear,  &c. 
could  each  have  had  their 
separate  compartments,  each 
planted  in  beds  or  borders  of, 
prepared  soil  suited  to  their 
respective  varieties,  and 
trained  under  the  roof  at  such 
a  distance  from  the  glass  as 
would  have  ensured  the  full 
benefit  of  solar  heat  and 
light. 

As  to  the  construction 
and  dimensions  of  the  various 
erections  which  may  come 
under  the  denomination  of 
orchard  houses  or  houses 
adapted  to  the  purpose  of 
cultivating  the  various  kinds 
of  fruits  with  more  certainty 
as  to  the  prospect  of  success 
than,  owing  to  the  vai'iable 
character  of  our  climate 
during  the  spring  months, can 
reasonably  lie  expected  from 
open  air  culture,  a  few  words 
may  bo  not  inappropriate. 
The  fruit  trees  occupying  these  structures  may,  of  course, 
be  either  grown  in  pots  or  planted  out  in  prepared  borders. 
The  term  "  orchard  house  "  comprises  structures  exceedingly 
dissimilar  as  to  form  and  dimensions,  etc., — from  the  smallest 
and  economical  lean-to  or  glass  shed,  altogether  innocent  of 
everything  approaching  to  ornamentation,  to  very  expensive  and 
most  ornamental  span-roofed  structures  of  large  dimensions, — 
all,  however,  sufficiently  well  adapted  to  the  purpose  in  view, 
viz.,  the  production  of  good  fruit.  The  owners  of  contem- 
pl.ated  structures  of  this  sort  have  only  to  consult  their  tastes 
and  circumstances  as  to  the  style  and  dimensions  of  the 
same ;  and,  although  it  is  unnecessary  to  incur  great  expense 
in  the  erection  of  such  houses,  it  is  nevertheless  seldom 
advisable  to  run  up  flimsy  or  temporary  erections  for  this 
purpose,  which  are  seldom  found  to  be  tlie  cheapest  in  the 
long  run.  The  span-roof  form  has  undoubtedly  the  advantage 
in  many  respects  of  the  lean-to.  In  erecting  a  house  of  the 
latter  form,  however,  it  is  imadvisable  to  exceed  12  feet  in 
width,  whatever  the  length  may  be,  as  this  width  or  even  less 
will  allow  a  single  row  of  trees,  either  planted  out  or  in  pots, 
to  be  placed  on  each  side  of  a  path,  which  ought  to  be  in  the 
centre  of  the  house,  and  not  less  than  25  feet  wide.  If  a 
double  line  of  trees  is  attempted  to  be  placed  on  each  side  of 
the  path,  it  will  soon  be  found  that  as  the  trees  increase  in 
size,  they  will  become  inconveniently  close  together,  unless  the 


Aug.  30, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


169 


width  of  the  house  very  much  exceeds  what  has  been 
mentioned ;  and,  when  such  is  the  case,  the  span-roofed  form 
is  preferable. 

Fig.  No.  1  will  convey  an  idea  of  what  may  be  recommended 
as  a  lean-to  orchard  house,  with  a  single  row  of  fruit  trees  in 
pots  on  each  side  of  the  path,  which  is  sunk  a  few  inches  under 
the  ground  level  in  order  to  give  increased  head  room,  and  to 
allow  the  development  of  a  Black  Hamburgh  or  Muscadine  Vine, 
trained  to  a  single  wire,  at  a  distance  of  8  or  10  inches  from  the 
glass,  over  the  centre  of  the  path.  The  aspect  of  the  house 
should  be  south,  or  nearly  so  ;  and  the  Vine  should  be  trained 
upon  the  spurring  system,  and  each  spur,  with  its  single  bunch 
of  fruit,  should  be  tied  as  close  to  the  wire  as  possible,  so  that 
the  shade  thrown  by  it  upon  the  back  row  of  trees  will  be 
reduced  to  its  minimum,  and  will  not  prove  in  the  least  degree 
injurious  to  them.  The  width  of  the  house  is  12  feet  (inside 
measure),  10  feet  high  at  back,  and  .5  feet  in  front ;  that  is, 
2  feet  of  9-inch  brickwork,  surmounted  by  lights  3  feet  wide, 
hung  on  pivots  from  the  centre,  and  made  to  open  altogether, 
or  in  lengths,  should  the  house  be  long,  by  the  turning  of  a 
1 -inch  iron  rod  stretching  along  the  front  of  the  house;  and 
to  this  is  fitted  a  rachet-wheel,  with  handle  attached  suffi- 
ciently long  to  enable  the  lights  to  be  shut  or  opened  to  any 
desired  extent,  without  pressing  upon,  or  in  any  way  inter- 
fering with,  the  trees  in  the  front  row.  There  are  no  roof 
openings  whatever,  nor  are  any  required,  as  ample  ventilation 
is  secured  at  the  top  of  the 
back  wall  by  an  arrange- 
ment similar  to  that  at  the  f. 
front ;  that  is,  by  the  action 
of  an  u'on  rod  upon  strong 
continuous  wood  shutters 
2  feet  wide,  and  extending 
the  entire  length  of  the 
house. 

The  front  border,  on  which 
thepots  areplaced,is  6inches< 
above  the  grouad  level,  and 
the  back  border  is  raised  18 
inches,  and  retained  by  a 
45-inch  wall,  or  a  few  courses 
of  brick  in  the  bed.  The 
borders,  to  the  depth  of  18 
inches  or  2  feet,  should  be 
composed  of  properly  pre- 
pared soil,  and  the  Vine  to 
be  tramed  to  a  wire  over 
the  path  way  may  be  planted 
either  inside  the  house  or 
outside,  as  found  most  con- 
venient. Withregardtotheroof  ofthe  house,  the  rafters  should 
bo  placed  20inches  apart,  and  should  be  about  ^\  inches  deep  by 
liinchwide,  and  shouldbe  glazed  with  21-ounce  glass,  20  inches 
by  12.  They  ought  always  to  be  cut  to  a  curve,  as  this  induces 
the  water  to  run  down  the  centre  of  the  panes,  drawing  it 
away  in  a  great  measure  from  the  putty.  This  also  tends 
very  much  to  prevent  breakage  by  the  expansion  of  moisture 
retained  in  the  laps,  which  should  never  exceed  :j-  of  an  inch 
in  width.  A  slip  of  half-inch  board  should  be  nailed  on  the 
centre  of  each  of  the  rafters,  and  this  will  leave  some  half- 
inch  space  on  each  side  on  which  to  rest  the  glass. 

In  fixing  the  front  lights  also,  the  top  shutters  should  be  so 
arranged  that  they  can  be  easily  removed  altogether  when  not 
required ;  and  when  the  fruit  has  become  nearly  ripe,  the 
apci'tures  must  be  at  once  covered  with  Haythoru's  hexagon 
net  or  some  similar  material.  The  sort  of  nets  known  as  No. 
5  and  No.  20  are  each  well  suited  to  this  purpose,  more  par- 
ticularly the  latter  sort,  which  most  eifectually  excludes  birds 
and  insects,  and  at  the  same  time  freely  admits  air.  During 
most  seasons,  and  in  nearly  all  situations,  a  protection  of  this 
sort  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  preservation  of  ripe  fruit 
of  all  sorts ;  and  this  net,  with  ordinary  care,  will  last  for 
many  years. 

Fig.  No.  2  shows  a  section  of  a  structure  similar  to  No.  1  as 
regards  ventilation,  &c. ;  but  it  is  13  feet  wide  inside,  4  feet 
high  at  front — that  is,  2  feet  of  9-inch  brickwork,  and  moveable 
glass  lights  2  feet  wide ;  it  is  10  feet  high  at  back,  with  wood 


shutters  for  ventilation,  the  same  as  in  Fig  No.  1.  This  struc- 
ture may,  of  course,  be  of  any  desired  length,  and  in  it  are 
recommended  to  be  grown  various  kinds  of  fruit  trees  in  sepa- 
rate compartments,  divided  from  each  other  by  glass  partitions. 
The  advantages  of  this  arrangement  will  be  very  apparent,  as 
each  particular  variety  of  fruit  trees  can  be  grown  in  the  soil 
most  suitable  to  their  requirements,  and  in  other  respects  have 
the  treatment  suited  to  their  existing  condition,  without  in  any 
way  affecting  other  sorts  to  which  that  treatment  might  be 
unsuited ;  and,  while  one  compartment  might  be  devoted 
entirely  to  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  another  might,  in  like 
manner,  be  set  apart  for  Apricots,  another  for  Cherries,  and 
another  for  Plums,  Pears,  Figs,  &c.  The  borders  are  raised 
1  foot  above  the  ground  level,  and  the  path  is  25  feet  wide,  and 
upon  a  level  with  the  outside  soil ;  but,  if  more  head-room 
should  be  desired,  it  could  be  sunk  6  inches  or  more  below  the 
ground  level.  The  trees  in  each  case  should  be  planted  out  in 
the  front  border,  close  to  or  within  a  few  inches  of  the  front 
wall,  at  a  distance  of  5  or  6  feet,  more  or  less,  from  each  other, 
and  trained  under  the  roof  to  wires  stretched  lengthways  along 
the  house,  at  a  distance  of  14  inches  from  the  glass.  The 
border  between  the  foot  of  the  back  wall  of  the  house  and  the 
path  should  be  3i  or  4  feet  wide,  and  on  this  are  to  be  placed 
fruit  trees  in  pots  of  the  same  sorts  as  are  trained  in  each 
respective  compartment  under  the  glass.  These  are  intended 
to  be  moved  into  the  open  air,  and  placed  in  suitable  situations, 

as  soon  as  the  shade  thrown 
upon  them  by  the  trees 
ti-ained  to  the  roof  of  the 
house  is  likely  to  become 
injurious.  But  they  must 
be  returned  to  their  respec- 
tive compartments  again 
when  the  fruit  is  approach- 
ing a  state  of  ripeness,  in 
order  that  it  may  be  protected 
from  the  ravages  of  birds 
and  insects. 

(To  be  continued.) 


2. — Lean-to  Orchard  House  at  Culford,  with  Trees  on  roof. 


GRAPES  WORTH 
GROWING. 

In  a  recent  number  of  The 
Garden  (see  p.  134)  there 
appeared  an  article  from  the 
pen  of  Mr.  D.  T.  Fish,  under 
the  above  heading,  which  con- 
tained the  following  passage 
iu  reference  to  the  Golden 
Champion  Vine,  "  I  question  if 
its  raiser  has  a  single  Vine  of  it  iu  his  huge  Vineyard."  This, 
it  may  be  observed,  follows  a  sweeping  condemnation  of  this 
Vine,  as  having  every  bad  quality  that  a  Vine  can  have,  and 
may  convey  to  some  minds  a  suspicion  of  dishonesty  on  my 
part,  in  recommending  to  the  public  a  Vine  that  I  had  dis- 
carded myself.  I  know  that  this  was  far  from  Mr.  Fish's  intention, 
yet  he  will  admit  that  such  may  be  the  result  of  what  he  wrote,  if 
left  uncontradicted.  I  have  no  intention  of  saying  a  word  in  defence 
of  the  Grape  itself;  on  its  merits  it  must  stand  or  fall,  and  the 
following  passage  from  my  Vine  list  of  1872  will  show  that  I  placed 
it  fairly  before  the  pubUc  : — "  Golden  Champion. — This  Vine  has,  in 
many  localities  and  in  the  hands  of  the  best  cultivators,  developed 
a  spot  on  one  side  of  the  ben-y  that  has  rendered  it  worthless,  while 
others  find  no  difficulty  with  it."  As  far  as  my  own  observation  has 
gone,  the  latter  are  ten  to  one  of  the  former,  yet  I  deeply  regret 
that  it  should  have  failed  in  any  one  case.  When  I  planted  my 
Vineries  here,  1  had  in  view  chiefly  the  supply  of  Grapes  for  the 
markets  during  the  autumn  and  spring  months,  and  planted  but  a 
very  small  number  of  any  Vine  except  Lady  Downes,  Black  Alicante, 
Gros  Colmau,  and  Seacliff  Black,  for  winter  and  spring  supply ; 
and  the  Duke  of  Buccleuch  and  Black  Hamburgh  for  autumn 
supply,  for,  be  it  remarked,  I  force  no  early  Grapes.  I,  however, 
find  that  I  have  nine  Vines  of  Golden  Champion,  some  of  them  with 
several  rods  to  them,  and  all  bearing  fine  crops  of  excellent  Grapes, 
ripe  and  free  from  blemish.  Last  year  I  grew  over  100  young  Vines 
of  this  Grape ;  they  were  soon  all  sold,  and  after  they  were  gone  I 
had  orders  from,  amongst  others,  several  of  the  leading  London 
nurserymen,  for  two  dozen  at  a  time.  I  also  observed  that  it  was 
advertised  for.     This  year  my  stock  of  it  is  already  all  sold,  and  I 


170 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Ano.  30, 1873. 


am  daily  refusing  orders  for  it.  Now,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  this 
demand  for  a  Grape  Vine  that  has  been  so  unmercifnlly  condemned 
by  numerous  writers  is  curious,  unless  on  the  supposition  that  people 
prefer  the  evidence  of  their  own  eyes  to  that  of  others,  and  have 
visited  such  fine  exhibitions  of  fruit  as  that  at  Glasgow  last  year, 
Stirling  recently,  and  others,  and  have  observed  that  the  Golden 
Champion  was  a  leading  Grape  in  nearly  all  the  principal  collections. 
Tweed  Vineijard.  W.  Thomso.v. 


THE  PLUM. 
TuE  best  rarleties  of  Plum  belong  to  a  single  species,  the 
Pruuus  domestica.  For  the  convenience  of  garden  culti- 
T.itiou,  a  division  into  two  gi'oups  may  be  made — dessert  and 
culinary.  The  following  is  a  list  of  the  varieties  of  each 
group  arranged  according  to  the  season  of  ripening.  Some  of 
the  best  varieties  for  each  month  h.ave  been  selected. 

DESSERT  PLUMS. — JL'LV. 

Early  Favourite. — Purple,  juicy ;  very  good  bearer.  Ripens  about  the 
20th  July. 

At'GVST. 

De  Montfort.— Purple ;   not  large,  but  very  rich  and  good;    does  not 

always  bear  well. 
Orleans  Early,  or  Monsieur  Hatif. — Early  in  August.     A  large  and  good 

purple  Plum. 
Peach. — A  large  red  Plum,  allied  to  the  Monsieur  or  Orleans.    Very 

good. 
Early  Greengage. — A  small  Greengage,  sometimes  ripening  in  the  end  of 

July. 
Oulhns  Goldengage. — A  large  yellow ;  grown  largely  in  the   district  of 

Oullius.    AUied  to  the  Greengage ;  not  so  rich  in  flavour,  but  very  pro- 
ductive. 
Greengage. — A  well-known  Plum. 
Belgian  Purple  (syn.  Bleu  de  Perck). — A  large  and  good  purple  Plnm; 

excellent  either  tor  the  table  or  kitchen.    Hardy,  and  a  great  bearer. 

SEPTEMHEII. 

Jefferson. — A  large  yellow  Plum,  generally  spotted  with  red ;  very  rich 
and  good. 

AngeUna  Burdett. — A  purple  Plum.    Very  good ;  a  great  bearer. 

Transparent  Greengage. — A  very  large  gage  Plum,  as  rich  as  the  older 
variety.  Does  not  bear  freely  when  young,  but  the  tree  becomes  pro- 
lific as  it  increases  in  age. 

Golden  Espercn. — A  very  large  and  good  yellow  Plum. 

Purple  Gage. — A  large  pui-ple  Plum  ;  very  rich  and  good. 

Bryanston  Gage. — Large,  rich,  and  good ;  a  late  Greengage. 

Reine  Claude  de  Bavay. — Very  large  and  good  ;  later  than  the  Bryanston. 

Coe's  Golden  Drop. — Large  and  late ;  should  hang  on  the  tree  until  it 
shrivels.    A  popular  and  well  known  Plum. 

OCTOHEE. 

Imperatrice  Bleue. — A  rich  and  good  purple  Plum ;  will  hang  long  on  the 

tree. 
Imperatrice  IcTrworth. — Like  the  foregoing. 
Bonnet  d'Eveque. — A  purple   Plum,  ripening  about  the  first  week  in 

October;  excellent  for  the  table  or  kitchen,  very  free  bearer,  and  when 

known  will  be  a  very  popular  fruit. 

CUI.IN.iUY    PLUMS.— JULY. 

Early  Prolific  (syn.  Early  Rivers). — A  purple  Plum  of  great  use  either 
for  gai'den  or  orchard ;  it  is  hardy  and  a  great  bearer. 

.\UGUST. 

Prince  Englebert. — A  very  large  purple  Plum,  and  a  great  bearer. 
Mirabelle. — A  small  yellow  Plum,  much  cultivated  in   France  for  the 

pastry  cooks  ;  a  very  great  bearer. 
Orleans  or  Monsieur. — A  very  well  known  Plum,  purple ;  the  model  of 

most  fruit  painters. 
Belle  dc  Louvain. — A  large  oval  red  Plum;  a  gi'eat  bearer. 
Mitchelson's. — A  large  black  Plum,  a  very  great  bearer. 
Diamond. — A  large  black  Plum  ;  excessively  acid  unless  thoroughly  ripe. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Victoria. — Well  known  for  its  many  excellencies. 

Pond's  Seedling. — A  very  large  and  good  Plum. 

Prince  of  Wales. — A  prodigious  bearer. 

Autumn  Compote. — A  late  September  Plum,  much  like  Victoria. 

Fellenberg  (syn.  Quetsche  d' Italic). — An  oval  purple  Plum,  large;  makes 

an  excellent  preserve. 

OCTOBEB. 
Autumn  Beauty. — A  very  largo  and  good  Plum ;  very  handsome. 
Wyedale.— A  small  purple  Plum,  valuable  on  account  of  its  tardiness ;  a 

great  bearer. 

CLm.\TE    AND    SOIL. 

The  early  period  of  the  flowering  of  the  Plum  renders  the 
bloom  liable  to  destruction  by  late  sprmg  frosts,  and  a  planta- 
tion should  be  made  only  in  those  localities  proved  to  be 
partially  free  from  such  risitations.  Generally  a  hill  side, 
sloping  south-east  or  south-west,  and  as  far  removed  from  a 
water-course  or  valley  as  possible,  should  be  chosen ;  and  the 
colder  and  more  exposed  the  better,  as  the  trees  are  not  pre- 


maturely forced  into  bloom.  It  is  difficult  to  fix  any  limit  in 
Great  Britain  as  to  latitude,  as  the  Plum,  unless  destroyed  in 
its  geniL  by  frost,  will  ripen  far  north.  In  France  it  is  sup- 
posed to  be  grown  -with  profit  only  in  the  same  regions  as  the 
Vine.     A  calcareous  loam  is  the  most  suitable  soil. 

The  Plum  is  propagated  either  by  budding  or  grafting. 
The  best  stocks  are  the  Mussel,  Black  Damask,  Brussels,  and 
Mirabelle.  An  intending  planter  may  buy  the  stocks  from  a 
nursery,  and  give  himself  a  veiy  interesting  and  amusing 
occupation  by  planting  and  grafting  the  trees.  The  stocks 
are  usually  propagated  by  layers,  but  many  are  raised  from 
seed ;  and  the  stones  of  Plums  usually  consigned  to  the  dust 
heap,  if  planted  in  a  small  bed  kept  free  from  -weeds,  -would 
furnish  many  dozens  of  good  stocks  well  adapted  for  Plum 
growing ;  it  is,  however,  very  seldom  that  the  requisite 
patience  will  be  found  for  this  tedious  mode  of  culture. 
Those  who  have  the  stocks  should  bud  about  the  first  week  in 
August,  and  if  the  buds  fail  should  graft  the  first  or  second 
week  in  the  following  March. 

CULTIVATION    OF    TUE    PLU3I    IEEE    IN    G.U!DES.S. 

The  Plum  produces  very  fine  fruit  against  a  wall  with  a 
south-east  or  south-west  exposure,  and  is  well  worth  a  place  ; 
but  it  bears  well  both  as  a  pyramid  or  standard.  The  fruit  on 
a  wall  is  earlier  and  finer. 

TRAINING. 

The  Plum  tree,  whether  on  a  wall  or  as  a  standard,  may  be 
trained  in  any  desired  form.  The  training  required  for  the 
development  of  fruit-bearing  shoots  for  all  fruit  trees  is  appli- 
cable to  the  Plum  ;  but  the  pruning  knife  alone  should  be 
used,  as  sawing  the  branches  is  apt  to  produce  "  gum."  The 
fruit-bearing  branches  of  the  Plum  require  the  following 
treatment :  A  strong  shoot  of  a  young  tree  in  the  spring 
succeeding  its  growth  will  show  only  wood-buds ;  these  shoots 
should  be  reduced  to  about  one-third  of  their  length.  During 
the  summer  these  branches  which  have  been  pruned  will 
develop  into  shoots  more  vigorous  as  they  are  nearer  the  tip. 
Those  at  the  base,  and  for  a  third  of  the  length,  are  only 
from  one-eight  to  two-fifths  of  an  inch  long,  in  the  next 
third  they  are  from  2  to  -5  inches  loug,  while  those  towards 
the  tip  are  from  8  to  20  inches  in  length.  These  last, 
except  the  end  shoot,  are  pinched  off  when  they  are 
6  inches  long,  in  order  to  convert  them  into  fruit  boughs, 
to  promote  the  lengthening  of  the  end  shoot,  and  to  form  the 
branch.  The  third  spring  after  the  first  sprouting  of  the 
branch  the  little  branchlets  at  the  base  carry  a  group  of 
flower-buds,  in  the  middle  of  which  is  a  wood-bud,  intended 
to  prolong  the  brauchlet.  These  are  left  untouched.  The 
longer  branches  carry  also  a  certain  number  of  flower-buds 
towards  their  middle,  and  wood-buds  at  the  top  and  at  the  base ; 
such  of  them  as  are  more  than  3j  inches  long  are  shortened 
to  that  length  by  cutting,  or  by  completely  or  partly  breaking 
them,  according  to  their  degree  of  vigour.  In  this  way  we 
encourage  the  development  of  new  branchlets  towards  the 
base  to  replace  those  -which  have  borne  fruit  the  year 
before.  The  fourth  spring,  the  branchlets  which  have  been 
left  untouched  have  gi-own  a  little,  and  those  that  have 
been  pruned  are  branched.  Some  of  these  latter  must  be 
shortened  a  little,  to  diminish  the  number  of  flowers,  which 
would  exhaust  them,  and  to  prevent  their  growing  too  long. 
This  operation  is  repeated  every  year,  in  order  to  force  the 
fruit-branches  to  develope  at  their  base  shoots  to  complete 
the  proper  form  of  the  tree.  This  mode  of  pruning  is 
applicable  to  all  the  branches  of  the  Plum  tree,  under  what- 
ever form  it  may  be  trained.  If  there  are  any  empty  spaces 
on  the  branches,  among  the  fruit  branchlets,  inarching  may 
be  employed  to  fill  up  the  gaps. 

CULTH'ATION   OF   THE    PLfJI   TEEE   IN   OECHAEDS. 

Plum  trees  arc  best  cultivated  in  orchards,  for  there  they 
yield  the  most  abundant  crops. 

FORM    OF    PLANTING. 

In  proper  orchards  the  Plum  trees  are  planted  in  quincunx 
about  20  feet  apart.  In  the  departments  of  Lot-and-Garonne 
and  Lot,  so  celebrated  for  their  Prunes,  the  Plum  tree  is  often 
planted  among  Vines  and  cereals.  In  that  case  the  field  is 
divided  into  parallel  bauds,  6  or  7  j-ards  wide,  in  which  herba- 
ceous plants  are  grown.    These  are  separated  from  each  other 


Aug.  30,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


171 


by  two  rauks  of  Vines,  about  a  yard  apart,  and  the  Plums  are 
planted  between  these  rows  at  distances  of  13  to  15  yards. 
Thus  planted,  the  trees  give  a  better  crop  than  when  they  are 
planted  in  the  corn-fields — no  doubt  because,  in  the  latter 
case,  the  soil  is  less  frequently  turned,  and  is  more  exposed  to 
drought.  In  English  orchards,  Plums  may  be  cultivated  with 
Gooseberries  and  Currants,  or  green  crops,  such  as  Turnips, 
Carrots,  &o. 

TRAINING. 

For  Plum  trees,  as  standards  in  orchards,  the  stem  is  usually 
7  or  8  feet  high ;  but  round  Paris  they  are  only  2  or  3  feet, 
as,  on  trees  of  this  height,  the  fruit  has  been  found  to  ripen 
earlier,  and  is  more  easily  gathered  ;  but,  on  the  other  hand, 
they  are  more  exposed  to  white  frosts,  and  no  crop  can  be 
grown  Ijcneath  them.  Raised  beforehand  in  the  nursery,  they 
ate  either  grown  on  their  own  roots,  or  grafted  as  standards. 
While  some  persons  leave  the  trees  to  form  their  own  heads, 
others  train  them  on  a  symmetrical  plan  from  the  first — a  better 
plau.  Tmining  in  "vase  "  is  the  best  form,  as  it  exposes  the 
greatest  amount  of  surface  to  the  light.  This  is  all  the 
pruning  they  require,  except  the  removal  of  dead  branches.  The 
fruit  branches  must  be  left  to  Nature  to  take  their  proper  form . 

EENOVATION   OP   PLUM   TREES    EXHAUSTED    BY    AGE    OR 
OVER-CKOPPING. 

The  duration  of  stone  fruit-trees  is  much  shorter  than  that 
of  pippin-bearing  trees.  Their  worn-out  state  is  shown  by  the 
small  growth  of  annual  shoots,  bj-  the  gradual  withering  of  the 
fruit  branchlets  on  the  principal  boughs,  by  the  small  number 
and  size  of  the  fruit,  and  by  the  general  want  of  vigour  in  the 
tree.  This  condition  occurs  much  later  to  standards  left  to 
Nature  than  to  those  that  are  pruned  every  year.  These  trees 
may,  to  a  certain  degree,  be  restored  by  the  same  means  as 
pippin-bearing  fruit  trees ;  only,  as  the  latent  or  forced  buds  of 
the  Plum  tree  pierce  the  old  bark  with  difficiilty,  the  secondary 
or  lesser  branches,  instead  of  being  cut  close  to  the  stem,  must 
be  left  about  20  inches  long. 

TEE   DISEASES   OP  THE  PLUM  TREE. 

These  are  caused  either  by  bad  weather  or  by  noxious 
insects.  Hail,  late  spring  frosts,  and  continued  fogs  are  inju- 
rious to  fructification,  and  produce  the  "  gum "  disease. 
Hence  Plum  trees  ought  to  have  some  protection  in  the  fruit 
garden. 

NOXIOUS   INSECTS. 

The  following  insects  all  attack  the  Plum  tree : — The  Cock- 
chafer (Meloloutha  vulgaris),  Khynchites  conicus,  Bombyx 
neustria,  B.  auriflua,  B.  chrysorrhsea,  Ajits.  Tortrix 
pruniana  ;  the  caterpillar  of  this  moth  appears  with  the 
flowering  of  the  Plum,  Cherry,  and  Apple  trees,  of  which  it 
eats  the  flowers,  and  then  forms  its  cocoon  within  the  leaves. 
The  moth,  of  a  dark  brown  with  two  white  spots  on  the  ends 
of  its  upper  wings,  comes  out  in  June  and  July.  There  is  a 
second  brood  in  August.  The  caterpillars  feed  on  the  leaves, 
change  into  chrysalides  in  the  ground,  and  the  moths  come 
out  in  the  following  spring.  This  insect  is  difficult  to  destroy. 
Tortrix  funebrana ;  the  larvee  of  this  moth  live  on  the  flesh 
of  the  Plvims.  The  fruit  attacked  by  them  falls  before  the 
others.  The  caterpillar  enters  the  ground,  turns  into  a  chry- 
salis and  does  not  loecome  a  moth  till  the  beginning  of  July  in 
the  following  year.  The  only  cure  is  to  shake  the  affected 
Plums  off  the  trees,  and  them  to  destroy  them  with  the 
gi'ubs  inside.  Tortrix  Woeberiana  ;  the  little  caterpillar 
of  this  moth  lives  under  the  bark  of  all  stone  fruit  trees,  whore 
it  burrows,  and  causes  a  flow  of  gum  which  weakens  the  tree. 
It  changes  into  a  chrysalis  under  the  bark,  and  the  moth 
comes  out  in  June  or  July  of  the  next  year.  Aphis  pruni : 
this  insect,  which  is  of  a  greenish-brown  colour,  attacks  the 
young  shoots  and  leaves,  causing  the  latter  to  curl  up  and  die. 
It  is  destroyed  by  tobacco-water,  or  by  fumigation.  These 
insects  are  more  prevalent  in  France  than  in  England. 

GATHERING   THE    PRUIT. 

The  gathering  of  the  finer  sorts  of  Plums  ought  to  be  done 
carefully  after  the  dew  is  dried  off,  by  twisting  the  stalk  of 
each  plum  singly.  They  must  then  be  placed  in  flat  baskets 
and  put  away  in  the  fruitery  for  two  or  three  days ;  for  they 
not  only  retain  all  their  good  qualities,  but  acquire  others, 
having  more  flavour  and  perfume  than  when  eaten  ciuite  fresh. 


A  FEW  STRAY  NOTES  ON  PEARS. 

It  would  be  a  great  gaiu  to  all  of  us  if  gardeners  would  note  the 
flavour  of  the  Pears  which  they  cultivate,  and  state  their  opinions  of 
them  in  your  columns.  This  would  in  some  measure  serve  as  a  guide 
to  gardeners  when  taking  charge  of  different  places.  I  know  of 
nothing  more  vexing  than  to  plant  young  Pear  trees,  and,  after  wait- 
ing for  some  four  or  five  years,  to  be  disappointed.  Some  will  say 
we,  as  gardeners,  should  know  the  best  kinds ;  but  soil  and  climate 
make  all  the  difference  possible.  To  prove  this,  I  may  state  that  some 
Pears  are  first-rate  in  one  place  and  worthless  in  another,  and  I  shall 
give  you  a  few  illustrations  of  the  fact.  At  Arundel  Castle,  Flemish 
Beauty  is  worthless,  while  at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Gardens,  Chis- 
wick,  it  is  nearly  first-rate ;  again,  that  fine  Pear,  Winter  Nelis,  is 
first-rate  at  Arundel,  but  worthless  here  in  Northamptonshire. 
Jargonelle,  in  York,  is  all  that  could  be  wished,  while  here  it  is  not 
worth  eating.  Again,  the  old  Hessel  Pear  at  Mr.  Dancer's,  Chis- 
wick,  is  good — in  fact,  better  that  I  ever  saw  it — while  hero  it  is  not 
worth  growing.  Marie  Louise  is,  as  far  as  I  know,  good  at  all  places. 
Of  Gansel's  Bergamotte,  the  best  for  size  and  flavour  I  ever  saw  was 
at  Heslington,  York  ;  while  at  Arundel  it  is  only  fair,  and  here  not 
grown.  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey  appears  generally  good,  but  the  best 
I  ever  saw  for  size  and  flavour'  was  at  Bank  Grove,  in  Surrey.  GIou 
Morceau  in  Wales  is  first-rate,  while  at  Worksop  Manor  only  mode- 
rate. The  richest  and  best  Pear  I  ever  tasted  was  Beurre  Ranee  at 
Arundel;  while  at  Chiswick,  where  the  fruit  is  twice  the  size,  it  is 
very  moderate.  The  best  twelve  varieties  suitable  for  this  locality  are 
Williams's  Bon  Chretien,  Fondante  d'Automne,  Marie  Louise,  Louise 
Bonne  of  Jersey,  Beurre  Ranee,  Bergamotted'Esperen,  Van  Mens  Leon 
le  Clerc,  Passe  Colmar,  Glou  Morceau,  Beurre  d'Aremberg,  Thomp. 
son's  Pear,  and  Duchesse  d'Angouleme.  The  small  Seckle  Pear  is 
useful,  but  lasts  no  time  ;  although,  perhaps,  for  flavour  alone  it 
has  no  match.  R.  Gilbert. 

Burijhley. 


Fruit  at  Arundel. — I  have  read  with  much  pleasure  in  The 
Garden  (see  p.  125)  a  short  account  of  the  beautiful  gardens  at  Arundel, 
and  I  should  like  to  see  the  subject  continued.  I  am  always  interested 
about  Arundel,  and  know  of  no  place  where  such  splendid  fruit  ia 
grown.  I  have  gathered  Peaches  there  llj  ounces  each,  twenty 
years  ago.  Where  do  you  find  such  Ribston  Pippins  as  at 
dear  old  Arundel  ?  Such  Fig  trees  ?  Such  Pears  ?  The  soil  at 
Arundel  is  of  a  very  stiff  loamy  character,  highly  calcareous  ;  the 
very  chalk  hills  themselves  almost  surrounding  the  garden.  I  shall 
never  forget  the  first  Greengage  Plum  I  tasted  at  Arundel ;  I  wish 
I  had  language  to  describe  it — in  fact  the  flavoui',  size,  and  produc- 
tiveness  of  the  fruit  at  Arundel  is  the  acme  of  perfection.  The 
present  talented  gardener,  Mr.  Wilson,  has  quite  a  history  of  many 
of  the  pets  under  his  charge,  and  the  good-humoured  manner  in 
which  lie  describes  them,  wins  for  him  a  host  of  friends. — R. 
Gilbert,  Burrjhlei/. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FRUIT  GARDEN. 


Ferdinand  de  Lesseps  Grape.— I  liave  tMs  new  Grape  now  ripe,  grafteti  on 
the  Black  Hamburgh,  The  bunches  are  small,  the  bei'ries  medium-sized,  and  of 
a  rich  •golden  colour.    The  flavour  is  rich  and  deUcious. — R.  Gilbeht,  Burghley, 

Large  Gooseberries. — At  a  show  of  Gooseberries  held,  the  other  day  at  Har- 
borne,  near  Bli-mingham,  foiu-  half-dozens  of  each  colour  were  found  to  be  of 
the  following  weights,  viz. ; — 


dwt.  grs. 

Reds  London 23  7 

Dan's  Mistake    ...  23  2 

Bobby    20  17 

Clayton 20  0 

Lion  19  0 

Speedwell IS  23 

Yellows. Leveller 23  12 

Ringer  21  0 

HighSherifT  20  18 

Mount  Pleasant...  20  0 

Leader  19  18 

Catherina 16  17 


dwt.  grs. 

Gkeen Shiner   22  15 

Surprise   20  12 

Turnout     19  10 

Stockwell 19  9 

Matchless 18  6 

Thumper 17  7 

White Antagonist  22  0 

Hero  of  the  Nile  .  20  10 

Careless 19  19 

King  of  Trumps  .  19  16 

BlackleyHero 18  0 

Snowdrift 17  20 


The  Fruit  Crop  in  Sussex.— Apples  here  are  abundant ;  Pears  on  walls  a 
fan-  crop,  on  some  pyramids  there  are  heavy  crops,  on  others  none  ;  we  had  a 
sharp  frost  on  the  20th  of  May  which  injured  pyramid  Pears  very  much. 
Peaches,  Nectarines  and  Apricots  with  me  are  very  thin,  but  I  Iiave  seen  good 
crops  of  all  the  three  in  the  neighbourhood.  Cherries  are  a  very  heavy  crop, 
and  the  fruit  is  fine.  Plums,  especially  Morellos,  are  good  on  walls,  but  rather 
thin  on  standards  and  pyramids  ;  of  Damsons  we  have  very  heavy  crops.  Figs 
on  walls  are  a  fair  crop,  as  is  also  that  of  Nuts  and  Walnuts  ;  of  Quinces  and 
Medlars  we  have  plenty ;  Mulberries,  Cranberries,  and  Gooseberries  are  very 
heavy  crops ;  and  of  Red,  White,  and  Black  Currants  the  crops  are  enormous, 
and  the  fruits  fine  in  quality ;  Raspberries  and  Strawberries  are  also  good. 
Grapes,  of  which  quantities  are  gi'own  out  of  dooi-s  hero  by  the  cottagers,  are  at 
present  promising.  All  the  Apple  orchards  that  I  have  seen  this  season  have 
very  heavy  crops  of  fruit,— Geo,  Bkeese,  Fetworih, 


172 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Aug.  30,  1873. 


LONDON    MARKET    GARDENING. 

THE  CAULIFLOWER. 
'I'lLi.s  is,  perhaps,  the  most  important  of  all  main  market- 
garden  crops,  especially  as  a  sprintr  crop,  and  many  hundred 
iieres  of  land  are  devoted  to  its  cultivation  in  the  vicinity  of 
London.  Formerly  the  produce  was  all  cut  and  sent  into 
market,  but  now  a  well-known  firm  have  materially  altered 
this,  for  they  purchase  the  entire  produce  of  extensive  fields 
for  pickling  purposes.  Not  only  has  this  firm  considerably 
altered  the  Cauliflower  trade  and  growing,  but  they  have 
likewise  added  another  branch  to  the  market  gardeners' 
former  duties,  viz.,  that  of  partially  preparing,  or  rather 
curing,  the  "  curd  "  before  sending  it  over  to  the  manufactory. 
For  ordinary  marketing  purposes,  earliness  is  the  great  end 
to  be  attained,  for  not  only  is  the  price  for  early  produce 
better  than  that  for  late,  but  another  advantage  is  derived 
from  having  the  ground  soon  cleared  from  this  crop  and 
ready  for  another.  The  autumn  sowing  is  decidedly  the  most 
important,  and  it  is  generally  made  in  the  open  ground,  in 
light  earth,  and  a  sheltered  place,  from  the  20th  of  August 
until  the  same  date  in  September,  according  to  the  locality, 
weather,  and  method  of  practice  employed  by  the  cultivator. 
Certain  it  is  that  plants  from  very  early  sowings  are  generally 
too  gross  to  winter  safely,  and  those  from  very  late  sowings 
scarcely  attain  sufficient  strength  to  stand  the  hardships  of 
the  weather,  Ijoth  cases  being  annually  fully  illustrated  in 
many  of  our  gardens.  After  the  plants  come  up,  are  thinned, 
and  have  grown  a  little,  say  towards  the  end  of  October, 
frames  are  prepared  for  them  and  filled  to  within  6  inches  of 
the  sashes  with  light  soil,  into  which  the  Cauliflowers  are 
transplanted  about  o  or  4  inches  apart.  Here  they 
remain  during  the  whiter,  being  merely  protected  from  frost 
and  damp ;  mats  or  litter  being  employed  as  additional 
covering  ui  case  of  severe  weather.  Dry  sand  and  wood 
ashes  are  dredged  amongst  the  plants  in  dull  weather  to 
prevent  "  blacklegs "  and  damp ;  slugs  are  looked  after, 
decaying  plants  and  leaves  picked  out,  and  the  surface  soil 
stirred  with  a  stick  or  very  narrow  hoe.  Dryness  is  the  great 
saving  point  of  the  young  crop,  and,  consequently,  good 
sashes  and  unremitting  attention  to  airing  is  a  desideratum. 
Besides  being  wintered  in  frames,  the  young  plants  are 
sometimes  pricked  out  into  beds  and  covered  over  in  winter 
by  hoops  and  mats,  the  latter  being  I'emoved  in  fair  and  fine 
weather.  In  other  respects  these  are  treated  like  those  in 
frames.  They  are  also  sometimes  wintered  pricked  out  in 
beds  in  the  open  air ;  but,  unless  the  winter  is  mild  and  the 
soil  naturally  dry  and  well  drained,  this  is  neither  a  very  safe 
nor  advisable  system,  especially  in  low-lying  grounds.  Before 
planting  out  in  early  spring,  they  sometimes  grow  to  press 
against  the  glass,  or  even  a  little  higher  than  the  frames,  so 
that  the  sashes  must  of  necessity  be  tilted  up  at  front  and 
back,  which  method  has  a  good  and  hardening  influence  upon 
the  plants. 

Instead  of  being  wintered  in  frames,  they  are  sometimes 
planted  out  in  October  or  November  under  hand  lights,  nine 
plants  being  set  under  each,  and  protected  with  litter  or  mats 
in  the  event  of  very  severe  weather.  These  lights  are  tilted  up 
on  the  south  or  west  side  in  favourable  weather,  and  greater 
care  is  here  necessary  in  keeping  the  ground  dry  than  in 
frames.  The  end  of  January  and  first  of  February,  however,  is 
the  usual  time  forplauting  them  out  under  these  lights,  and  in 
February,  too,  the  first  open-air  plantations  are  made.  The 
rows  of  hand  lights  are  commonly  from  4  feet  to  6  feet  apart 
each  way,  being  intercropped  with  Cabbages  and  Lettuces.  As 
soon  as  the  plants  are  becoming  too  thick,  the  number  is 
reduced  to  three  or  four,  the  rest  being  carefully  lifted  and 
transplanted  under  similar  circumstances,  or  3  feet  by  23  feet 
apart  in  the  open  ground,  and  with  Lettuces  between  them. 
As  those  under  the  lights  advance  in  growth,  the  soil  is  drawn 
to  them  in  the  form  of  basins  ;  and,  where  convenient,  and  time 
can  be  spared  for  the  purpose,  maniire-water  is  given  to  them. 
From  under  these  covers  Cauliflower  is  generally  cut  towards 
the  end  of  April,  and  from  this  and  three  other  successive 
main  plantings  the  supply  is  kept  up  till  July,  when  it  is  con- 
tinued from  seed  sown  in  frames  in  February.  After  these 
early  crops  are  marketed,  the  Cauliflower  season  may  be  said  to 


be  past,  because  late  summer  crops  of  it  are  not  found  to  be  so 
remunerative  as  French  Beans,  Vegetable  Marrows,  and 
Celery;  nevertheless,  some  growers  keep  up  a  constant  supply 
until  Christmas.  The  "VValcheren  and  Snow's  Winter  White, 
however,  are  a  good  deal  grown  for  late  autumn  use,  so  as  to 
succeed  Marrows  and  French  Beans,  and  precede  the  Broccoli. 
The  Early  Ei'furt  and  Walcheren  are  the  principal  sorts  used 
for  the  spring  crops  ;  indeed,  these  sorts  constitute,  with  few 
exceptions,  all  the  sorts  grown.  Early  Cauliflowers  are  suc- 
ceeded by  Celery,  Turnips,  French  Beans,  Lettuces,  Tomatoes 
or  Vegetable  Marrows  ;  in  fact,  sometimes  two  crops  of  Let- 
tuces are  got  from  amongst  the  Cauliflowers  before  the  above 
are  planted.  In  February  and  March,  fields  of  Radishes  are 
sometimes  sown,  and  the  Caulifiowers  planted  amongst  them; 
so  that  the  Radishes  are  removed  for  market  before  the  latter 
make  much  progress.  Spinach  is  sometimes  treated  in  the 
same  way  as  the  Radishes;  but  in  this  case  the  Spinach  should 
be  gathered  before  it  grows  strong  enough  to  mjure  the  other 
crop.  W.  F.,  in  "  Field." 


THE  GREAT  WISTARIA  AT  SALT  HILL,  NEAR 
SLOUGH. 
Amoxg  the  impressions  that  Time,  the  great  eSacer,  cannot 
easily  destroy,  are  many  of  those  afforded  by  the  vegetable 
kingdom.  The  living  mosaic  of  large  Violets  and  Gentians 
on  the  high  Alps  in  early  June,  the  Chestnuts  at  Bushy  Park, 
the  HawthoiTis  in  the  Phccuix  Park,  the  giant  PLues  on  the 
Sierras  of  California,  a  good  flower-show  in  the  gi-eat  tent  in 
the  Regent's  Park,  Rhododendrons  in  June  in  the  Surrey 
nurseries,  the  woods  in  a  diversified  region  of  the  Atlantic 
States  of  America  in  early  autumn,  are  a  few  among  the 
attractions  of  the  world  of  plants  which  are  not  easily  forgotten. 
I  have  seen  few  things  in  garden  or  in  wild  more  impressive 
than  the  enormous  plant  of  Wistaria  which  covers  the  famous 
old  house  at  Salt  Hill.  When  Mr.  C.  Turner,  of  Slough,  drove 
me  there  from  Slough  one  evening  last  summer,  it  seemed  a 
huge  wall  of  flowers  with  the  delicate  hue  of  the  sky  in  them, 
and  produced  in  such  lavish  abundance  as  no  description  and  no 
illustration  can  give  any  idea  of.  The  spurs  of  this  fine  specimen 
thrust  themselves  out  from  the  wall  to  a  distance  of  4  and 
even  5  or  6  feet  in  some  places,  as  if  they  could  not  get  room 
near  the  wall  to  show  all  their  wreaths  of  flowers.  This 
AVistaria  is,  I  believe,  one  of  the  first  plants  introduced  into 
the  country.  It  was  planted  at  first  against  one  of  the  iron 
supports  of  the  verandah.  This  iron  pillar  the  huge  old  stem 
has  long  ago  pushed  up  and  broken  in  its  arms.  Many  are, 
no  doubt,  familiar  with  large  specimens  of  this  plant ;  but 
few  avail  themselves  of  its  grand  capacities  for  the  embel- 
lishment of  their  gardens  and  houses.  Most  of  the  fine 
specimens  are  the  result  of  little  more  than  chance  and 
the  great  natnral  vigour  of  the  plant.  Such  a  giant  is  surely 
worthy  of  as  careful  planting  and  as  good  nourishment 
as  many  of  the  untried  or  half-tried  Conifers  we  are  now 
placing  on  carefully  prepared  mounds  in  our  pleasure- 
grounds.  Considering  its  great  vigour  as  compared  with  the 
climbing  plants  with  which  we  generally  associate  it,  the 
Wistaria  is  a  climbing  tree.  As  such,  it  should  be  made  more 
of  by  artistic  gardeners.  Yes,  a  climbing  tree,  which  may  be 
trained  over  other  large  trees — as  it  grows  in  its  native 
country  ;  a  tree,  one  plant  of  which  will  cover  a  large  house  on 
all  sides,  and  of  which,  combined  with  the  American  Vines  and 
the  strongest  and  the  handsomest  of  the  climbers  hardy  in 
our  clime,  a  great  variety  of  living  pictures  may  be  made  in 
our  pleasure  grounds,  gardens,  and  wildernesses.  The 
Americans  have  a  way  of  training  this  plant  against  their 
houses  which  ought  to  be  more  generally  known  on  this  side 
the  Atlantic.  They  place  single  lines  of  very  strong  wire 
from  the  ground  in  the  small  front  gardens  of  some 
town  houses  to  the  top  of  the  houses,  and  on  each  a 
dense  wreath  of  AVistaria  is  ti-ained ;  the  base  of  each  great 
wreath  being  0  feet  or  more  from  the  wall,  the  house  is  free 
of  the  wreath  the  whole  way  up  till  the  top  is  reached,  and 
there  is  no  difficulty  in  getting  at  the  face  of  the  building  when 
that  may  be  desired.  A  grand  effect  might  be  produced  with 
the  Wistaria  b}'  planting  it  on  the  top  of  high  clifl's,  quarry- 
banks,  chalk-pits,  &c.,  and  allowing   the  shoots  to  hang  doivn 


Aug.  30,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


173 


174 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Aug.  30, 1873. 


and  run  about  naturally.  If  allowed  to  scramble  over  some 
trees  or  high  stumps  on  the  top  of  the  bank  or  cliff,  the  effect 
would  be  heightened.  We  should  like  to  know  something  more 
of  the  history  of  the  Salt  Hill  specimen,  and  shall  be  glad  if 
Jlr.  Turner,  or  somebody  acquainted  with  it,  will  tell  the 
readers  of  The  Garden  more  about  it.  "W. 


THE  NURSERY  OP  THE  CITY  OF  PARIS. 
Ma^y  imagine  that  this  was  destroyed  during  the  late  conflict 
in  France,  but  svich,  happily,  is  not  the  case.     On  the  contrary, 
it  exhibits  but  few  traces  of  having  been  so  near  one  of  the 
most  vigorously  contested  points  in  Paris.     Before  entering 
the  avenue  leading    to    the   gates    I   noticed,  however,  that 
many  of  the  Plane  and   Chestnut  trees  had  bullet  marks  on 
them,  and  in  one  or  two  places  the  iron  palisades  were  torn 
and  twisfed  by  either  shot  or  shell.     On  a  little   square   of 
fresh  green  turf  to  the  right,  I  found  a  choice  selection  of 
the    best  sub-tropical   and    bedding  plants    very    tastefully 
arranged.     One  of  the  chief  features  in  this  quarter  is  a  noble 
Weeping  Willow,  which    hangs   gracefully    in    fresh    greeu 
festoons  over  a  small  pond   of  hardy  aquatics.     The  margins 
of    the  large  flower-beds  and  masses   of    foliage  plants   are 
relieved   by  tastefully  arranged   little    groups    and    isolated 
specimens  of  well  grown  sub-tropical  plants.     A  noble  mass 
of  the  variegated  JSTew  Zealand  Flax  had  leaves  fully  6  feet 
long  and  nearly  5  inches  across,  bearing  at  the  same  time 
two  enormous  flower-stems  nearly  10  feet  iu  height.     This 
plant  has  stood  out  in  the  position  which  it  now  occupies  for 
several  years,  and  is  now  thoroughly  established,  though,  of 
course,  it  has  had  some  ai'tificial  protection  during  winter. 
A  blue  gum  tree  here  is   1-5  feet  in  height,  and  a  Cupressus 
Lawsoniana,  about   the  same  height,  is  growing  very  freely. 
I    have     repeatedly    noticed     how    wonderfully     fresh     and 
healthy  Conifers  in  general  look  during  hot  weather,  when 
most  other  plants  suffer  from  excessive  drought,  and  those  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  La  Muette  are  no  exception  to  the  rule. 
A  fine  group  of  Zea  japonica,  fully  8  feet  in  height,  forms  a 
distinct  and  pleasing  object  here,  and  I   should  like   to  see 
this  and  many  other  of  the  best  ornamental  Grasses  grown 
as  freely  in  the  sheltered  portions  of  our  London  parks  as 
they  are   iu  the    public    gardens    about    Paris.      A    grand 
mass    of    Gymnotliris    latifolia    forms    a    dense    cylindrical 
tuft  of  dark    green    drooping    foliage,  quite    8    feet    high ; 
and   both    flowering   and   foliage   plants  are   abundant,   but 
they  are    judiciously  toned    down    by  means   of  belts  and 
masses  of    Cannas,  DracEenas,  and  other   beautifully-formed 
plants.      Some   of    the    combinations  here    are    pretty    and 
distinct,  especially  one   small  round  bed  with  which   I  was 
much    pleased.      The    central   mass    consists   of  variegated 
Pampas   Grass,  on  a  carpet  of   crimson   Alternanthera,   the 
points  being  formed  of  narrow  lines  of  Sedum  carneum  varie- 
gatum,  which  is  one  of  the  best   of  all  plants  for  lines  or 
carpet  beds.    Another  arrangement  differed  from  this  in  being 
smaller,  and  the  round  bed  was  a  simple  carpet  of  Alternan- 
thera amabilis,  the  base  of  the  Pampas  Grass  being  confined 
and  partly  supported  by  means  of  neat  trellis  work  covered 
with  the  silvery  Gnaphalium  lanatum,  so  as  to  form  a  natural 
basket,  over  which  the  slender  foliage  of  the  Grass  droops 
as  elegantly  as  spray  from  a  fountain.     Hybrid  Begonias  are 
used  here  for  flower-beds  during  summer ;  they  look  vigorous, 
healthy,  and  flower  freely.     Here,  as   elsewhere,  we  find  the 
surface    of  the   beds  mulched  with   manure  or  short  litter, 
which  goes  a  long  way  towards  preventing  drought.     Beneath 
this,  the  surface  of  the  beds   is  moist  and  cool  all  through  the 
hottest   weather.      About   these   mulched    beds   there   is   no 
unpleasant  appearance,  and  the  plan  is  worthy  of  adoption  in 
all  dry  and  hot   situations.     With  an  oblong  bed  of   Dracaena 
australis  fi'inged  with  a  belt  of  scarlet  Pelargonium  I  was 
much    pleased,   as    well    as   with    another  of    Pelargonium 
jMadame  Vaucher,  margined  with  a  broad  belt  of  scarlet,  the 
whole   being  edged  with  the  creamy  variegated   kind   called 
Lady  Plymouth.     I  noticed  that  a  border  of  mixed  shrubs  was 
fringed   with  a  row   of   flowered  Begonias,   and    in    front  a 
sinuous  belt  of  Sedum  carneum  meandered  through  a  dense 
carpet  of   crimson  Alternanthera.      This   last  struck  me   as 
bemg  a  novel  and  effective  arrangement.    Trained  up  pillars 


at  the  entrance  were  one  or  two  healthy  plants  of  Rhynchos- 
pcrmum  jasminoides  covered  with  pure  white  deliciously- 
scented  flowers.  These  plants  .stand  out  here  all  winter  with 
some  slight  protection.  The  Erythrina  does  well  planted  out 
here,  and  produces  gorgeous  spikes  of  deep  coral  red,  or 
crimson  pea-shaped  flowers.  I  noticed  a  mass  of  Eucomis 
punctata  in  one  of  the  beds  flowering  freely  ;  though  not 
showy,  this  favourite  plant  is  well  worth  cultivation  in  warm 
sheltered  portions  of  the  sub-tropical  garden.  A  bold  mass  of 
Cannas  and  of  Ficus  elastica  forms  a  nice  tennination  to  the 
upper  portion  of  the  square. 

The  plant  and  propagating  houses  are  mostly  low  span-roofed 
structures,  partly  curvilinear  and  partly  of  the  ordinary  form, 
and  nearly  all  heavily  shaded  with  canvas  supported  on  frames 
about  a  foot  from  the  glass,  while  occasionally  straw  or  Reed 
mats,  so  common  on  the  Continent,  are  used.  The  propagating 
house  has  three  beds  down  the  centre  and  two  side  benches. 
There  are  three  walks  down  between  the  stages  or  pits,  and  the 
place  is  roomy  and  well  adapted  for  multiplying  plants  by  the 
thousand.  It  is  now  nearly  empty  ;  but,  in  the  winter  and 
spring,  it  is  full  of  cuttings  in  all  stages,  almost  evei-y  inch  of 
available  space  being  covered  with  the  peculiar  shaped  flat 
cloche,  which  is  so  much  liked  by  French  propagators.  Many 
of  the  plant  houses,  in  which  Musas,  Palms,  and  other  decora- 
tive plants  are  stored  during  the  winter  months,  are  now 
empty,  the  stages  being  in  several  cases  covered  with  Cobieas, 
Passifloras,  Tropasolums,  and  other  trailers,  which  grow  freely, 
and  give  the  houses  a  clean  appearance.  In  one  of  the  stoves 
I  came  upon  several  plants  of  the  by  far  too  much  neglected 
Hcemanthus  coccineus,  and,  along  with  it  P.sychotria  leucantha 
was  producing  dense  clusters  of  pure  white  flower-buds. 
Azaleas  arc  grown  here  by  the  thousand,  the  plants,  which 
are  neat  and  bushy,  being  now  plunged  outdoors  to  ripen  their 
wood.  They  are  nicely  arranged  iu  large  circular  beds  or  along 
the  borders,  and  are  edged  in  front  with  belts  of  Phlox  Drum- 
mondii,  purple  Petunias,  and  Echeverias.  Chrysanthemums 
are  plunged  out  in  long  breadths,  fully  exposed  to  sun  and  air. 
Thus  treated,  their  growth  is  as  dwarf  and  robust  as  one  could 
desire. 

I  noticed  here  a  fine  collection  of  all  the  best  kinds  of 
Camellia  in  excellent  health,  and  they  looked  as  if  they  would 
bloom  well.  At  one  end  is  a  large  house  devoted  to  Palms, 
Cycads,  and  other  foliage  plants.  One  end  of  this  house  is 
excavated  two  or  three  feet  below  the  level,  so  as  to  accommo- 
date tall  specimens.  In  the  centre  is  a  circular  tank  with  a 
well  arranged  rockery  in  the  middle,  on  which  Ferns,  Dracasnas, 
Grasses,  small  Palms,  and  Bromeliads  are  tastefully  grouped 
or  arranged  in  pictm-esque  vases,  the  whole  being  siu-mounted 
by  a  handsome  specimen  of  Monstera  deliciosa,  which  sends 
down  its  thong-like  roots  into  the  water  below.  In  the  large 
Palm  house  I  noticed  several  thick-stemmed  plants  of  the 
Date  Palm,  which  some  of  your  readers  may  remember,  as  they 
occupied  conspicuous  positions  at  the  Paris  Exposition  of 
1867.  The  Fernery  is  well  stocked  with  a  clean  and  healthy 
collection,  most  of  which  are  small  plants.  This  house  is  very 
heavily  shaded  with  laths  tied  together,  the  ends  being  painted 
with  a  composition  of  Brunswick  green,  whiting,  and  glue  or 
size,  which  answers  all  the  purposes  of  shading  better  than 
whiting  alone.  The  railway  passes  through  this  portion  of 
the  garden  at  a  low  level,  and  the  sloping  banks  are 
tastefully  fringed  with  delicate  green  Acacias  right  down 
to  the  rails,  Ficus  elastica  seems  a  great  favourite  with 
French  cultivators,  for  here,  in  a  plot  of  cool  frames,  I  found 
them  by  the  thousand,  all  fresh  and  healthy ;  all  the  protection 
they  require  being  supplied  by  means  of  straw  hurdles  or 
frames  supported  a  foot  or  two  above  them  on  slender 
upright  stakes.  In  this  compartment  were  18  neat  little 
span-roofed  houses,  conveniently  ai'ranged  on  each  side 
of  a  covered  corridor.  These  hovises  are  about  12  feet 
wide  and  little  more  than  half  that  height,  having  a  central 
path  and  low  side  benches  for  Heaths,  bedding,  and  other 
small  plants.  Shelves,  suspended  from  the  rafters,  afford 
additional  space  for  seedlings  or  pans  of  cuttings.  Thuja 
hedges,  10  or  12  feet  high,  are  used  as  shelter  for  sub-tropical 
plants  while  hardening  off  before  being  finally  planted  out  in 
their  summer  quarters.  Befoi'e  concluding  my  remarks  on  this 
establishment  I   must  allude  to   the    caves,  or  subterranean 


Aus.  30,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


175 


excavations  beneath.  These  extend  in  various  directions,  and  are 
a  httle  over  6  feet  high,  pillars  having  been  left  here  and  there 
when  the  great  bulk  of  stonewas  removed  forbuilding  purposes. 
All  through  the  winter  these  caverns  are  made  useful  as  store- 
houses for  the  great  fleshy  roots  of  Oannas,  Oaladiums,  and 
other  sub-tropical  plants.  Aralia  papyrifera  also  does  well  in 
the  equable  temperature  of  these  caverns,  and  we  recommend 


Vievr  in  central  corridor. 


all  who  have  the  convenience  of  a  rock  cellar,  or  indeed  any 
cellar  inaccessible  to  frost,  to  adopt  this  simple  and  economical 
system  of  preserving  half-hardy  plants  through  the  winter. 

r.  W.  BUKBIDGE. 


Horticulture  in  Belgium. — "  W.  M."  (see  p.  123)  speats 
of  the  School  of  Horticnltare  at  M.  Van  Houtte's,  which  has 
not  been  in  existence  for  two  years,  as  still  carried  on,  and  again, 
of  "  Botanic  gardens  as  a  means  of  scientific  and  popular  in- 
struction." I  do  not  know  what  other  botanic  gardens  may  be 
like  in  Belgium,  but  I  pity  any  one  who  goes  to  the  one  in 
Ghent  for  instruction.  I  had  no  idea  plants  could  be  kept  alive  so 
managed.  Twenty  plants  standing  in  less  room  than  one  would 
require,  with  naked  stems  6  or  7  feet  long,  and  heads  like  small 
brooms,  formed  a  sight  rarely  equalled.  Add  to  this  that  few  of 
these  miserable  objects  were  named,  and  your  readers  may  imagine 
how  scientific  knowledge  is  advanced  by  such  an  institution.  Those, 
however,  who  use  their  eyes,  will  see  some  things  well  cultivated 
wherever  they  go,  and  special  cultures,  favoured  by  special  circum. 
stances,  particularly  good  in  many  places  there. — J.  R.  Peakso.v, 
Chilwell  Nurseries. 

A  New  Patent  G-lass-cutter. — This  interesting  and,  at  the 
same  time,  useful  novelty  has  just  been  brought  under  our  notice  by 
Messrs.  Dockrell,  South  Great  George's  Street,  Dublin.  Having 
tested  it,  we  are  in  a  position  to  state  that  it  will  out  glass  of  any 
thickness  equally  as  well  as  the  ordinary  diamond,  for  which  it 
forms  an  e?:ceUent  substitute.  "  Gardeners  will  find  this  little 
instrument  uivaluable;  and,  when  it  comes  to  be  better  known,  we 
venture  to  say  few  gardens  will  be  without  one.  It  has  the 
following  advantages  over  the  glazier's  diamond  :  it  can  be  pur- 
chased for  one-fourth  the  price  of  that  instrument,  and  the  unskilled 
labourer  can  use  it  with  as  great  facility  as  the  skilled  mechanic. 
We  have  much  pleasure  in  recommending  it  to  our  practical  friends, 
and  feel  sure  those  giving  it  a  trial  will  not  be  disappointed. — 
Gardeners'  Record. 

A  Conflict  with  a  Wheelbarrow. — If  you  have  occasion  to 
use  a  wheelbarrow,  leave  it,  when  you  have  done  with  it,  in  front  of 
the  house  with  the  handles  towards  the  door.  A  wheelbaiTow  is  the 
most  complicated  thing  to  fall  over  on  the  face  of  the  earth.  A  man 
will  fall  over  one  when  he  would  never  think  of  falling  over  any. 
thing  else.  He  never  knows  when  he  has  got  through  falling  over 
it,  either,  for  it  will  tangle  his  legs  and  arms,  turn  over  with  him 
and  rear  up  in  front  of  him,  and  just  as  he  pauses  to  congratulate 
himself,  it  takes  a  new  turn  and  scoops  more  skin  off  him,  and  he 
commences  to  evolute  anew,  and  bump  himself  on  fresh  places.  A 
man  never  ceases  to  fall  over  a  wheelbarrow  until  it  turns  completely 
on  its  back,  or  brings  up  against  something  it  cannot  upset.  It  is 
the  most  inoffensive-looking  object  there  is,  but  it  is  almost  as 
dangerous  as  a  locomotive. — Amerka^i  Pajper. 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 

ARRANGEMENT  OF  COMMON  FLOWERS. 
The  only  flowers  to  which  I  intend  to  direct  attention  in  this 
paper  are  common  everyday  varieties.  So  much  has  been 
written  on  the  subject  of  elaborate  designs  that  I  think  I  am 
quite  justified  in  saying  a  few  words  in  favour  of  such  as  can 
be  quickly  decorated,  and  of  such  flowers  as  are  within  the 
reach  of.  everybod}-.  The  most  effective-shaped  stand  for  a 
drawing-room  is  one  having  a  flat  circular  di.sh  at  the  bottom, 
with  a  slender  trumpet-shaped  vase  rising  out  of  its  centre. 
Designs  of  this  kind  can  be  obtained  in  large  or  small  sizes, 
according  to  taste  and  price  ;  if  for  everyday  use,  I  would 
recommend  strong  glass  to  be  selected,  and  the  trumpet  shoidd 
unscrew — two  points  which  should  be  borne  in  mind;  for  if 
the  glass  is  strong,  it  is  not  easily  broken,  and  when  the 
trumpet  can  be  unscrewed,  the  whole  can  be  packed  in  little 
room.  So  much  for  the  stand ;  now  for  the  flowers,  a  few  of 
of  which,  when  arranged,  look  very  eifectivc.  One  design, 
which  had  a  pretty  appearance,  was  composed  of  white  Water 
Lilies,  common  Bracken,  wild  Grasses,  and  Ribbon  Grass. 
The  dish  was  filled  with  the  Bracken,  in  which  were  arranged 
four  Water  Lilies,  the  points  of  some  of  the  Ferns  being 
placed  so  as  to  stand  upright,  which  obviated  the  flat  appear- 
ance that  might  otherwise  have  existed ;  through  these  were 
stuck  spikes  of  light-looking  freshly-gathered  Grasses,  and  a 
few  pieces  of  Ribbon  Grass.  The  trumpet  was  filled  with 
Grasses — Ribbon  and  wild  vaiieties  mixed — and  four  small 
fronds  of  Bracken,  cracked,  so  as  to  droop  and  diminish 
apparently  the  length  of  the  trumpet ;  a  spray  of  variegated 
silver  Ivy,  twisted  up  round  it  would  have  been  an  improve- 
ment. I  have  arranged  stands  very  similar  to  this,  with  the 
exception  of  blue  Forget-me-nots,  which  I  mixed  through  the 
Grasses  in  the  bottom  dish  as  well  as  in  the  trumpet.  Another 
stand  which  looked  well,  consisted  of  Grasses,  Bi-acken  and 
Harfs-tonguc  Ferns,  wild  Poppies,  Dog  Daisies  (Chrysan- 
themum leucanthemum),  and  Corn  flowers.  This  stand  had 
first  been  filled  with  the  Ferns  and  Grasses,  and  afterwards 
with  the  flowers,  which  were  placed  through  them,  as  these 
kinds  have  slight  stems.  The  Grasses,  being  put  in  first, 
formed  a  support  for  them.  The  worst  of  the  Poppy  is  it 
lasts  but  a  very  short  time.  However,  as  a  fresh  supply  of  it 
can  be  obtamed  in  almost  every  Corn  field,  this  need  not  bo 
considered  a  drawback,  and  the  eilect  of  the  stand  was  very- 
charming.  Hollyhocks,  Roses,  Rhododendrons,  and  Lilacs  all 
look  well  in  those  kinds  of  stands  ;  a  remark,  by-the-bye, 
which  puts  me  in  mind  of  a  prettily-arranged  one  I  saw  iu 
spring.  The  only  flowers  employed  in  this  case  were  common 
Lilacs  and  Laburnum,  long  single  sprays  of  the  latter  being 
made  to  droop  down  from  the  trumpet.  I  need  scarcely  say 
that  all  the  flowers  I  have  mentioned  are  common  and  easily 
obtained ;  indeed,  with  the  exception  of  the  Water  Lilies 
(which  grow  wild  in  many  ponds),  they  will  be  found  in 
almost  evei-y  cottage  garden,  field,  and  hedgerow ;  few, 
therefore,  c  m  say  that  the  expense  of  flowers  is  what  hinders 
them  from  having  stands  of  them  in  their  sitting-rooms. 

A.  H. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  GARDEN  IN  THE  HOUSE. 

Asters.— Amongst  the  many  varieties  of  these,  which  arc  now  everywhere 
abundani  in  windows,  the  Chrysanthemum-flowered  varieties  seem  best  adapted 
for  that  pm-pose.  These,  associated  as  they  often  are  in  London  balconies  with 
the  gracefully -drooping  spray  of  the  Virginian  Creeper,  have  a  fine  effect,  and 
then- beauty  is  by  no  means  short  lasted. 

Window  Ferns.— I  find  the  different  varieties  of  Ptcris  to  succeed  best  iu 
windows.  P.  tremuTa  does  admirably  with  me,  as  does  also  P.  seiTulata;  but 
best  of  all  P.  cretica  albo-lineata,  which  produces  plenty  of  healthy  fronds,  even 
uuder  very  ordinary  treatment.  Though  not  a  Fern,  I  may  mention  that  I  have 
a  large  bell  glass  full  of  the  toothed  Lycopod,  which  looks  as  green  and  healthy 
as  possible,  though  the  glass  is  never  removed,  and  all  the  water  it  gets  is  what 
runs  down  between  the  glass  and  the  rim  of  the  pan.  The  great  secret  of 
success  with  such  things  is  thorough  drainage,  which  siiould  be  sufficient  to 
keep  the  roots  well  above  all  stagnant  water. — J.  H. 

Attar  of  Roses. — Hose  oil  comes  almost  wholly  from  the  southern  slopes  of 
the  Balkan  mountains.  There  are  at  least  one  hundred  and  fifty  places  whero 
its  preparation  is  carried  on,  the  most  important  of  ail  being  Kizanlik.  The 
Roses  are  planted  in  rows,  like  Vines.  The  flowers  are  gathered  in  May,  and, 
with  the  green  calyx  leaves  attached,  are  subjected  to  distillation.  Five  thousand 
pounds  of  Roses  yield  one  pound  of  oil.  As  may  be  expected,  so  valuable  an 
article  is  often  adulterated.  The  added  substance  is  "  rosia  "  oil,  often  called 
Geranium  oil  when  procured  from  EgsTJt,  This  oil  comes  from  species  of 
Qrase. 


176 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Aug.  30,  1873. 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 


THE  EARLY  ROMAN  HYACINTH. 
This  charming  early.flowering  variety,  so  dwarf  and  free,  and 
bearing  chaste  delicately-scented  white  flowers,  is  now  largely 
imported  from  France,  Holland,  and  Belgium  for  forcing  purposes. 
This  season,  owing  in  part  to  the  great  yearly  demand  for  it,  and  in 
part  to  the  late  spring  frosts,  this  beautiful  Hyacinth  is  marked  in 
Continental  lists  as  being  very  scarce,  and  an  enhanced  price  is  the 
result.  This  will  scarcely  affect  its  growth  for  forcing  purposes, 
because  it  is  so  useful,  and  any  one  walking  through  Covent  Garden 
Market,  at  the  end  of  October,  will  not  fail  to  see  the  delicate  flowers 
of  tliis  Hyacinth  displayed  in  the  windows.  It  forces  ^Yith  great 
rapidity,  and  the  bulbs,  though  not  nearly  so  large  as  those  of  our 
ordinary  Hyacinths,  each  produce  several  spikes  of  flowers.  There 
is  a  blue  form  of  this  early  Hyacinth,  sometimes  called  Parisian 
Hyaciuth,  that  is  a  fortnight  or  so  later  than  the  white  one,  but  it 
is  a  useful  succession  notwithstanding.  The  early  Roman  Hyacinth 
is  well  worthy  the  attention  of  those  who  have  a  glass  structure  in 
which  a  few  things  can  be  got  early  into  flower.  Even  where  there 
is  no  artificial  heat,  a  few  of  those  early  Hyacinths  can  be  had  in 
bloom  some  time  before  our  ordinary  Hyacinths,  even  when  planted 
at  the  same  time.  Last  spring,  having  but  little  room  to  spai-e,  I 
planted  some  of  the  ordinary  Hyacinths  in  pots,  using  32. size,  and 
placed  one  bulb  in  each.  Round  some  of  these  I  put  a  circle  of  early 
Roman  Hyacinths,  using  four,  five,  or  six  bulbs,  according  to  their 
size,  and  I  found  that  these  started  into  growth,  and  actually  came 
into  flower  almost  before  the  Hyacinths  in  the  centre  of  the  pots 
had  made  much  growth.  As  soon  as  the  flowers  furnished  by  the 
Roman  Hyacinths  had  died  away,  the  foliage  was  removed  with  the 
decaying  flowers,  and  thus  the  ordinary  Hyacinth  had  space  to 
grow,  and  in  each  case  flowered  finely,  notwithstanding  the  presence 
of  the  bulbs  just  alluded  to.  Perhaps  this  practice  is  hardly  to  be 
commended,  but  I  did  it  for  economy's  sake,  and  I  was  well  pleased 
with  the  results.  As  a  matter  of  course,  the  soil  should  be  thoroughly 
good,  and  it  is  well  to  apply  a  little  weak  manure- water  or  a  pinch 
of  a  patent  manure  to  the  late  Hyacinth,  It  matters  not  what  care 
may  be  taken  of  the  bulbs  of  the  early  Roman  Hyacinth,  or  how 
scrupulously  they  may  be  preserved,  they  never  flower  so  early  the 
second  year  as  fresh.imported  bulbs  do.  R.  D. 


RHODODENDRONS  FOR  THE  CONSERVATORY. 
Thf.iie  are  few  flner  conservatory  plants  than  some  of  the  Hybrids 
which  have  been  raised  from  species  of  Himalayan  and  other 
East  Indian  Rhododendrons.  The  following  selection  includes  some 
of  the  very  best  varieties,  all  of  them  being  of  easy  culture  in  peat 
or  heath-soil. 

K.  Sesterianum. — Raised  by  M.  Rinz,  of  Frankfort;  leaves 
medium-sized ;  flowers  very  large  and  of  thick  texture,  handsome 
in  shape,  delicately  scented,  of  a  pure  white  colour,  spotted  with 
yellow  on  the  upper  side  of  the  petals ;  a  cross  between  R.  formo- 
sum  and  R.  Edgworthi. 

Dalhousiee  hybridum.  —  Very  large  rosy-white  flowers ; 
leaves  smooth,  of  medium  size  ;  calyx  fringed.  Raised  by  Mr. 
Anderson  Henry  of  Edinburgh  ;  a  cross  between  R.  Dalhousia;  and 
R.  formosum. 

Princess  Alice.  —  A  cross  between  R.  Edgeworthi  and  R. 
ciliatum.  Raised  by  Mr.  Veitch,  of  Chelsea.  Branches  numerous, 
slender,  brown ;  leaves  small,  oval,  pointed,  fringed  with  brownish 
hairs  on  the  margin,  nerves,  mid-rib,  and  stem ;  flowers  large 
rosy-white. 

Prsecox.  —  A  cross  between  E.  ciliatum  and  R.  dahuricum, 
raised  by  Mr.  Parker.  It  forms  a  dwarf  shrub,  which  flowers  in 
March  and  produces  a  great  abundance  of  large  violet  blooms. 
There  are  several  varieties. 

Princess  Royal.  —  A  cross  between  R.  javanicum  and  R. 
jasminiflorum,  raised  by  Mr.  Veitch.  It  is  the  finest  pink  variety 
ever  raised. 

Princess  Alexandra.  —  A  plant  of  regular  compact  habit, 
producing  a  profusion  of  tubular  pure  white  flowers,  with  rose- 
coloured  stamens. 

Princess  Helena. — A  cross  between  the  preceding  kind  and 
R.  jasminiflorum.  A  most  charming  plant,  producing  an  abundance 
of  long  tubular  flowers  of  alight  flesh-colour  shaded  with  rose. 

Fragrantissimum.  —  A  cross  between  R.  Gibsoni  .and  ^R. 
Edgeworthi,  with  very  regular  compact  habit,  and  producing  a  pro- 
fusion of  snow-white  flowers,  slightly  dotted  with  rose-colour  on  the 
upper  divisions,  and  tinged  with  rose  at  the  base  of  the  petals;  deli- 
ciously  fragrant. 

Dalliousiee.  —  A    vigorous-grovving   plant   of    compact   habit, 


and  bearing  enormous  rosy -white  flowers  in  terminal  bouquets.  In 
the  conservatory  it  grows  bushy,  and  exhales  a  sweet  perfume. 
Himalayas. 

Jasminiflorum.  —  A  native  of  Malacca,  of  bushy  habit ;  leaves 
dark  green,  shining.  Flowers  fragrant,  tubular,  white  tinged  with 
rose,  and  with  orange  stamens.     Blooms  often  twice  in  the  year. 

Ciliatum.  —  A  Himalayan  species  of  dwarf  bushy  habit  ; 
leaves  soft,  oval,  fringed  ;  flowers  large,  varying  from  pure  white  to 
deep  rose-colour.     A  hardy  variety,  flowering  in  March. 

Brookeanum.  —  A  native  of  Borneo,  with  large  and  shining, 
leathery,  longish-oval  leaves ;  flowers  broad,  thick  in  substance,  of 
a  handsome  orange  colour,  produced  in  umbels.  Blooms  in  April 
and  May. 

Veitchianum.  —  A  very  handsome  species  from  Moulmein, 
forming  a  medium-sized  shrub ;  leaves  leathery,  oboval  acute, 
glaucous  underneath ;  flowers  pure  white,  4  inches  across,  with  the 
margin  of  the  petals  elegantly  scalloped,  very  freely  produced.  The 
variety  R.  V.  Ia3vigatum  is  from  the  same  country,  and  has  plain- 
margined  petals. 

Edgeworthi.  ■ —  A  native  of  the  Sikkim-Himalaya,  with  a 
semi-trailing  habit,  and  oval  lance-shaped  pointed  leaves,  rust-coloured 
and  woolly  beneath  ;  flowers  large,  white,  delicately  shaded  with  rose 
and  deliciously  fragrant. 

Hookeri. — A  species  from  the  mountains  of  Bhootan,  where 
it  grows  at  the  same  elevation  as  Pinus  excelsa,  and  is  consequently 
a  hardy  kind.  It  forms  a  tolerably  tall  shrub,  with  small,  oblong, 
leathery  leaves,  glaucous  on  the  under-surface.  The  flowers  are 
large,  numerous,  and  of  a  rich  crimson  colour. 

Formosum  (Gibsoni).  —  A  Himalayan  species,  with  small 
leaves  and  numerous  large  white  flowers,  resembling  those  of  R. 
Edgeworthi. 

javanicum  (which  is  rather  tender)  and  Boothi  are  also 
well  worthy  of  notice. 

Nuttaili. — This  was  collected  on  the  mountains  of  Assam 
and  Bhotan,  and  was  sent  home  to  Mr.  Thomas  Nnttall,  of  Rainhill, 
near  Liverpool. 

Countess  of  Haddington. — This  was  raised  by  Mr.  Lees, 
gardener  to  the  Countess  of  Haddington,  at  Tyningham.  It  is  a 
cross  between  R.  Dalhousianum  and  R.  ciliatum,  and  is  one  of  the 
flnest  hybrids  in  cultivation. 

Henryanum. — This  was  raised  by  Mr.  Isaac  Anderson 
Henry,  and  is  a  cross  between  R.  Dalhousianum  and  R.  Sesterianum. 
It  is  pure  white  in  colour,  and  sweet-scented. 

Formosum  magniiicum.  —  This  is  a  superior  form  of  R. 
formosum  or  Gibsoni. 

Multiflorum. — This  is  a  dwarf  compact-growing  kind,  which 
flowers  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  The  blossoms,  which  are  white, 
are  produced  in  gi-eat  abundance. 

The  culture  of  all  the  foregoing  species  is  exceedingly  simple. 
All  they  require  is  to  be  planted  in  pure  heath  soil  in  well-di'ained 
porous  pots,  not  too  large  ;  or  they  may  be  planted  out  in  a  con- 
servatory or  winter  garden  with  Camellias,  and  will  require  no 
greater  amount  of  attention.  In  summer  the  potted  plants  may  be 
placed  in  the  open  air  in  half-shady  positions. 


Cattleya  Pinellii. — This  effective  little  species  is  just  now 
flowering  in  the  Orchid  houses  at  Kew.  It  is  a  pretty  little  plant, 
belonging  to  a  group  known  in  gardens  as  C.  marginata,  C.  pumila, 
and  Lailia  pumila.  Its  pseudo-bulbs  are  from  2  to  4  inches 
long,  and  bear  one,  and  rarely  two  leaves,  of  a  deep  green  colour. 
The  flowers  measure  about  2  inches  across.  The  sepals  and  petals 
are  of  a  rosy-purple  hue,  shaded  with  lilac,  the  lip  being  of  a  dark 
velvety-purple,  margined  in  some  varieties  with  a  narrow  and 
irregular  white  border.  The  disc  is  furnished  with  from  five  to  seven 
rows  of  dark  purple  papillas,  and  the  whole  flower  is  slightly  odorous. 
The  plant  grows  well  on  a  block,  but  should  be  well  supplied  with 
moisture  and  suspended  near  the  light  in  an  intermediate  house.  It 
blooms  from  the  second  young  growth,  before  the  leaf  becomes  fully 
developed. — B. 

Neglected  Greenhouse  Plants. — How  is  it,  I  would  ask,  that 
such  fine  plants  as  Thunbergia  chrysops,  Manettia  bicolor,  and 
Siphocampylos  betulsefolius  are  never  exhibited  in  the  various  col- 
lections of  either  town  or  country  ?  There  are  very  many  old  friends 
which  are  now  lost  sight  of,  and  which,  if  grown  and  flowered  as 
they  were  some  years  since,  -would  give  more  variety  to  the  collec- 
tions of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  than  they  have  at  present. 
The  combination  of  purple  and  sky-blue  with  the  golden  eye  of  the 
Thunbergia  is  most  lovely.  I  remember  growing  and  flowering  it 
many  years  ago,  and  it  was  then  thought  somewhat  difiicult  to 
flower ;  but  it  only  required  root  room,  and  the  main  stems  to  be 


Aug.  30, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


177 


thinned  to  two  or  three,  and  the  laterals  carefully  trained  and 
stopped  by  pinching  the  extreme  points.  The  Manettia  and  Sipho- 
campylos  (the  latter  a  greenhouse  shrub)  are  very  free  fiowerers, 
and  easy  to  manage  it  kept  clean. — An  Oin  Soldier. 


THE  AEECA  PALM. 
Pew,  it  any,  of  the  noble  family  of  Palms  present  a  more 
lovely  or  graceful  appearance  than  the  Areca  Palm  (Areca 
Catechu),  nor 
docs  any  other 
Palm  perform  a 
more  important 
part  in  reference 
to  the  manners 
and  customs  of 
the  people  of 
Southern  and 
Western  India 
than  this  does. 
It  is  a  necessary 
adjunct  to  every 
Cingalese  and 
Indian  village 
wherever  it  will 
grow ;  but,  being 
naturally  a  lover 
of  moisture,  it 
finds  its  most 
congenial  home 
in  the  well- 
watered  valleys 
of  Ceylon.  The 
nut  of  this  Palm 
forms  a  principal 
ingredient  i  n 
betel  chewing 
mat  er  ial ,  a 
luxury  in  which 
tleCingaleseand 
Tamil  people,  old 
and  young,  of 
both  sexes, f reel}' 
indulge.  Of  all 
the  Palm  tribe 
the  Areca  is  one 
of  the  most 
graceful  and  deli- 
cate. It  grows 
to  the  height  of 
40  or  r,0  feet, 
without  in- 
equality on  its 
smooth  polished 
stem,  which  is 
bright  green  to- 
wards the  top, 
and  supports  a 
mass  of  licautiful 
feathery  foliage. 
In  some  of  the 
mountain  valleys 
this  Palm  is  un- 
productive, and 
when  such  is  the 
case  it  is  cut 
down  and  used 
for  water  shoots  in  the  Rice  fields,  and  also  for  making  pingoes 
(the  balancing-sticks  on  which  the  natives  carry  their  burdens). 

Peter  Wallace. 


Areca  Palms 


FUCHSIA  STRING^FLOEA. 
This  beautiful  species  is  hardly  known  beyond  the  limits  of  a 
few  botanic  gardens,  in  which  it  appears,  strangely  enough,  to 
have   passed    a    considerable    time    almost    imnoticed.     The 
coloured  plate  of  the  flowers  and  the  description  given  by  M. 


Carriere  in  the  last  number  of  the  Bevue  Hurticola  will, 
however,  we  have  no  doubt,  have  the  effect  of  directing 
attention  to  the  merits  of  a  plant  which  has  been  too  long 
overlooked  or  neglected.  The  following  is  M.  Carriere's 
description  : — "  Picture  to  yourself  a  plant  with  a  stem  from 
3j  to  6j  feet  high,  two-thirds  of  the  upper  part  of  which  are 
furnished  with  branches  in  dense  whorls,  successively 
diminishing  in  length  as  they  reach  the  top,  and  forming  a 
handsome  conical  head,  each  branch  terminating  in  a  racemose 

panicle  of  hun- 
dreds of  tender 
lilac  rose-col- 
oured flowers, 
resembling  the 
inflorescence  of 
the  Lilac,  whence 
the  specific  name 
of  syringa^flora. 
The  flowers  have 
a  very  long  tube, 
and  the  sepals 
are  very  long, 
narrow,  and 
much  reflected. 
The  petals  are 
about  half  the 
length  of  the 
sepals,  and  of  the 
same  light  lilac 
rose-colour;  they 
are  also  separated 
from  each  other 
and  spread 
widely,  not  form- 
ing a  cup  as  in 
other  kinds  of 
Fuchsia.  The 
resemblance  to 
the  flowers  of 
the  Lilac  is,  in 
fact,  so  great  as 
to  deceive  almost 
any  one  at  first 
sight.  The 
leaves  are  from 
3  to  6  inches 
long,  sub-ellipti- 
cal in  shape,  very 
much  jiointed 
towards  the  apex 
an  d  narrowed 
towards  the  base. 
This  variety 
flowers  from 
October  to  Feb- 
ruary, and  is  of 
very  easy  culture 
in  soil  composed 
of  free  loam 
mixed  with  leaf- 
mould,  stable- 
manure,  or 
heath  soil.  It  is 
readily  propa- 
gated by  means 
of  cuttings  taken 
in  winter  and 
struck  in  the  usual  way.  Plants  raised  in  this  way  will 
flower  the  following  winter."  It  may  be  obtained  at  the 
nurseries  of  MM.  Thibaut  and  Keteleer,  at  Sceau,  near  Paris. 


Variegated  Japanese  Maize. — Among  ornamental  plants, 
this  is  one  of  the  most  useful ;  but,  though  hardy  enough  for  sub- 
tropical gardening,  it  does  not  stand  the  wind  well.  In  sheltered 
situations,  however,  it  is  one  of  the  most  telling  plants  that  can  be 
used,  particularly  near  water.  For  the  conservatory  it  is  indispens- 
able, and  also  for  house  decoration.     In  growing  it  for  such  purposes, 


178 


THE   GAEDEN. 


Aug.  30,  1S7.3. 


the  object  should  be  to  have  stout  plants,  with  broad,  healthy,  and 
well-variegated  foliage.  When  it  runs  to  seed,  it  is  generally  past 
ita  best.  I  find  that  to  have  all  leaves  in  good  condition  at  the  same 
time,  it  requires  to  be  grown  freely  in  a  Vinery  temperature,  with 
plenty  of  light ;  and,  after  it  is  well  grown,  it  may  be  introduced  into 
the  conservatory.  When  grown  slowly  in  a  greenhouse,  the  earliest 
formed  leaves  turn  yellow  at  the  points,  which  gives  the  plants  a 
starved  appearance.  It  is  important  in  the  first  place  to  secure  seed 
from  the  best  variegated  plants.  Large  well-formed  seeds  are  not 
the  best  to  sow,  tor  they  often  produce  plants  without  any  variega- 
tion. Select,  therefore,  seeds  of  moderate  size,  and  sow  them  in 
6-inch  pots,  perhaps  a  dozen  in  a  pot.  Start  them  in  a  warm  house, 
and,  as  soon  as  they  have  made  a  few  leaves,  it  will  be  seen  what 
plants  are  best  variegated ;  and  these  should  be  singled  out  before 
the  seedlings  get  pot-bound,  and  potted  in  rather  light  rich  soil,  in 
G,  8,  or  12-inch  pots,  putting  four,  si.\,  or  eight  plants  in  a  pot,  in 
order  to  have  a  good  head  of  foliage  quickly.  After  potting  they 
should  have  plenty  of  water  at  the  roots.  When  treated  liberally 
and  grown  on  smartly,  I  find  that  good. sized  plants  can  be  had  in 
six  weeks  or  less.  By  sowing  snccessioual  batches,  therefore,  it  is 
quite  possible  to  have  nice  plants  nearly  all  the  year  round. — S. 

Musa  Cavendisliii. — At  Lightcliffe,  near  Wakefield,  the  seat  of 
Sir  Titus  Salt,  Bart.,  I  saw,  a  few  days  ago,  the  finest  group  of 
Musa  Cavendishii  it  has  ever  been  my  good  fortune  to  meet  with. 
The  house  is  some  GO  to  80  feet  square,  with  a  bed  raised  some 
4  feet  high  in  the  centre.  In  this  the  Musas  are  planted  6  feet 
apart,  and  so  perfect  are  they  in  growth,  that  each  plant  is  a 
facsimile  of  its  neighbour,  and  a  specimen  of  perfect  cultivation. 
Last  year  Mr.  Nicoll,  the  gardener,  informed  me  that  the  average 
weight  of  the  various  masses  of  fruit  which  he  cut  was  75  lbs., 
some  weighing  78  lbs.,  others  73  lbs.  This  is  a  grand  average,  as 
80  lbs.  is  outside  weight.  The  loam  in  which  the  plants  were 
growing  seemed  to  be  largely  mixed  with  leaf-mould,  and  manure- 
water,  I  should  say,  had  not  been  spared  ;  but  on  these  points 
perhaps  Mr.  Nicoll  will  enlighten  me.  Planting  in  raised  beds,  from 
an  artistic  point  of  view,  is  not  to  be  commended,  as  the  under-sides 
of  the  leaves  only  are  seen.  I  should  prefer  sinking  the  bed  below 
the  ground-level,  so  that  the  plants  might  be  looked  down  upon. 
Here  a  large  house  has  to  be  heated,  when  one-half  the  height 
would  be  much  more  suitable  for  the  purpose. — A. 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 


FORESTS  AifD  RAINFALL. 

Is  a  comtemporary  we  read  that  "  Forests  are  not  only  fertilisers,  but 
also  the  irrigators  and  reservoirs  of  a  country.  In  New  England, 
and  some  parts  of  the  West,  farmers  are  planting  trees  to  restore  the 
fertility  of  the  soil,  and  prevent  the  distressing  droughts  of  summer. 
The  history  of  the  Isthmus  of  Suez  has  taught  us  a  striking  lesson  in 
this  respect.  A  few  years  ago,  the  whole  region  through  which  M. 
de  Lesseps'  famous  canal  now  passes,  was  a  sterile  desert — the  rain- 
fall amounting  often  to  less  than  an  inch  during  the  year.  There 
were  no  trees  to  be  seen  far  or  near.  When  the  eneigetic  Frenchman 
began  his  gigantic  enterprise,  he  at  once  directed  thousands  of  trees 
to  be  planted  in  proper  localities,  they  grew  up,  thanks  to  careful 
irrigation,  and  now  the  astonished  eye  of  the  traveller  beholds  blooming 
prairies  and  stately  forests,  where  once  all  was  waste  and  wild  desert. 
But  a  still  greater  change  has  come  over  the  climate ;  rain  now  falls 
frequently  and  abundantly,  the  soil  produces  richly  ;  and  if  that  man 
is  to  be  counted  a  benefactor,  who  can  make  a  blade  of  Grass  to  grow 
where  none  could  be  raised  before,  true  glory  belongs  to  him  who  has 
thus  created,  as  it  were,  a  fertile  land,  capable  of  maintaining 
thousands  of  industrious  and  happy  citizens." 

[On  this  subject,  a  friend,  who  has  lately  returned  from  a  throe 
years'  residence  in  Egypt,  informs  us  that  the  foregoing  statement 
must  be  taken  with  much  reservation,  his  own  experience  being  that, 
during  the  entire  period  of  his  sojourn  there,  the  number  of  rainy 
days  was  limited  to  three  or  four.  The  trees  planted  by  M.  de 
Lesseps  along  the  banks  of  the  Suez  Canal,  naturally  thrive  from  their 
proximity  to  the  water,  but  we  are  assured  that  the  "  blooming 
prairies  and  stately  forests"  above-mentioned  exist  only  in  the 
imagination  of  the  writer.] 


The  Australian  papers  contain  accounts  of  the  discovery  of 
large  quantities  of  "bat  guano"  in  mountain  caves  in  Victoria. 
According  to  the  Hampilen  Guardian,  "  Samples  of  the  deposit  in 
question  have  been  forwarded  to  Melbourne  in  more  than  one  instance, 
and  not  only  (as  we  are  informed)  has  the  analysis  made  by  competent 
persons  proved  highly  satisfactory ,  but  the  company  have  received  from 
merchants  in  Melbourne,  the  offer  of  a  considerable  amount  per  ton  by 
way  of  advance  upon  a  consignment  of  guano  equal  to  the  samples 
sent  down." 


CHICORY,  OR  SUCCORY. 
Tuis  is  a  plant  distributed  over  a  vast  portion  of  Europe  and 
Asia,  and  quite  common  on  our  chalky  .soils  in  some  counties. 
Although  it  is  seldom  seen  in  gai-dens,  we  think  a  few  rows  of 
it  ought  to  be  in  every  good  garden,  for  the  sake  of  the 
blanched  leaves  in  winter.  It  is  in  this  form  used  to  a  vast 
extent  in  Paris,  under  the  name  of  Barbe  de  Capucin,  and  is 
a  really  excellent  salad.  For  some  tastes  it  may  be  too  bitter, 
but  the  addition  of  a  little  Corn  Salad  or  Beet  root  modifies 
this.  It  is  as  easily  grown  as  any  common  weed  ;  only,  as,  to 
obtain  the  creamy  white  salad  in  winter,  we  must  take  up  the 
roots,  it  is  better  to  sow  it  in  rather  open  rich  soil  where  it 
may  grow  vigorously  and  be  easily  taken  up,  and  in  drills 
18  inches  apart,  thinning  the  plants  to  from  9  to  12  inches  in 
the  row.  Some  of  our  gardening  authorities  say  the  seed 
ought  to  be  sown  in  June,  but  April  is  the  best  time.  As  to 
forcing  it  in  winter  and  spring,  nothing  is  required  but 
to  take  the  roots  up  carefully,  and  put  them  in  some  dark 
warm  place,  with  a  temperature  of  about  60°,  in  rough  boxes, 
or  directly  on  a  bed.  The  French  grow  it  on  a  large  scale  for 
market,  and  their  system  of  growing  it  in  caves  or  cellars  on 
an  extensive  scale  is  not  such  as  we  should  pursue,  unless  the 
plant  should  find  its  way  into  common  use.  Wherever  Sea- 
kale,  Rhubarb,  or  Asparagus  is  forced,  its  production  should 
be  a  matter  of  no  difficulty.  It  is  sometimes  used  as  what  is 
called  a  small  Salad,  the  seed  being  sown  thickly  in  heat,  and 
the  leaves  cut  and  used  when  very  young  and  soft.  It  is  in 
no  great  request  by  those  who  can  produce  fine  Lettuce, 
Endive,  Celery,  Corn,  and  other  small  Salads  in  abundance  ;  but 
for  the  amateur  it  is  invaluable,  on  account  of  its  easy  culture 
and  wholesome  properties  at  a  season  when  other  good  things 
are  scarce.  James  B-Uines. 


NEW  ZEALAND  AND  OTHER  KINDS  OF  SPINACH. 
Until  the  introduction  of  the  New  Zealand  Spinach,  gardeners 
found  it  a  difficult  matter  to  provide  a  continual  supply  during 
the  dry  summer  months  with  the  common  round  Spinach, 
which  is  ever  intent  on  running  to  seed.  With  the  aid  of 
the  New  Zealand  variety,  however, — which,  properly  speaking, 
is  not  a  Spinach,  though  a  most  excellent  sub  stitute, — they 
can  defy  the  hottest  and  driest  seasons,  which,  in  fact,  are  the 
most  favoui'able  to  its  development.  The  common  summer 
or  round  Spinach  is  an  excellent  variety,  but,  being  an  annual, 
when  sown  after  the  beginning  of  April  it  goes  to  seed  almost 
immediately  under  the  highest  cultivation,  and  affords  but 
few  gatherings,  the  leaves  soon  getting  small  and  tough ; 
hence  the  value  of  the  New  Zealand  Spinach,  which  comes  in 
shortly  after  midsummer,  and  a  few  plants  afiiord  an  abundant 
supply  of  fine  succulent  leaves  tUl  the  beginning  of  December, 
if  frost  is  not  very  severe,  when  the  prickly  or  winter  Spinach 
will  be  ready  for  use.  An  ounce  or  two  of  good  seed  is 
sufficient  for  the  largest  establishment.  The  seeds  are  very 
hard,  and  it  will  hasten  germination  if  they  are  steeped  in 
water  for  twenty-four  hours  before  sowing.  Twelve  6-inch 
pots,  with  about  six  or  eight  good  seeds  in  each,  will  be  enough. 
They  should  be  sown  in  light  rich  soil,  and  covered  not  more 
than  half  an  inch  deep.  The  pots  may  be  set  near  the  light, 
in  any  odd  corner  of  a  hothouse  where  the  temperature 
ranges  from  6-5°  to  70°.  If  the  seed  is  good  and  not  old,  it 
will  vegetate  in  a  week  or  little  more,  and,  as  soon  as  the 
seedlings  have  made  their  second  leaves,  they  should  be 
thinned  out  to  six  plants  or  less  in  a  pot,  and  they  may  be 
moved  into  a  lower  temperature,  say  a  greenhouse  or  cold 
pit,  to  harden  oS  gradually  before  being  planted  out.  This 
is  generally  done  some  time  between  the  beginning  and  end 
of  May,  according  to  the  locality.  A  border  with  a  south  or 
west  aspect  is  the  best  situation  for  this  Spinach,  and  is  even 
necessary  in  cold  districts.  The  border  should  be  dug  deeply, 
and  about  one  or  two  barrow-loads  of  decayed  hot-bed  maniu'e, 
or  rough  leaf-mould  mixed  with  soil,  should  be  laid  down  in 
a  hUlock  for  each  plant  in  the  centre  of  the  border,  and  about 
6  feet  from  each  other.  One  pot  should  be  planted  in  the 
centre  of  each  heap,  taking  care  not  to  disturb  the  ball  of  the 


Aug.  30, 1873.] 


THE   G-AEDBN. 


179 


plants  in  turning  them  out  of  the  pots,  and  they  should  be 
covered  with  hand-light  tops  set  on  three  bricks  until  the 
plants  are  established,  when  they  may  be  removed.  The 
plants  should  be  watered  liberally  in  dry  weather,  and  they 
will  soon  cover  the  ground.  In  the  course  of  the  season, 
one  plant  will  sometimes  cover  40  or  50  square  feet  of 
space. 

The  New  Zealand  Spinach  with  us  always  carries  the  supply 
on  until  the  prickly  or  winter  variety  comes  in.  The  time  to 
sow  this  depends  upon  the  locality.  If  sown  too  soon,  it  runs 
to  seed  the  same  season  and  is  useless.  To  sow  it  late  enough 
to  have  a  crop  of  loaves  without  the  plants  throwing  up  their 
flowering  stems  is  what  has  to  be  aimed  at,  and  for  this  reason 
many  sow  twice  for  the  winter  crops.  In  some  parts  of  Scotland 
and  the  north  of  England  the  middle  of  August  is  not  too  soon, 
while  in  the  south  it  is  not  often  safe  to  sow  before  the  end  of 
September ;  but  a  practical  acquaintance  with  the  climate 
and  locality  will  generally  be  the  best  guide.  This  crop  is 
often  sown  after  Potatoes  or  Onions.  The  ground  shovild  be 
dug  deeply  and  well  manured,  the  seed  should  be  sown  iu 
shallow  drills,  18  inches  apart,  aud  the  plants  must  be  thinned 
out  afterwards  to  2  inches  asunder.  The  winter  ci'op  will 
generally  afford  a  good  supply  of  leaves  till  near  the  beginning 
of  June,  by  which  time  the  round  or  summer  Spinach  will  be 
coming  in  in  abundance.  It  requires  the  same  treatment  as 
the  winter  variety.  We  generally  sow  it  between  the  rows  of 
the  first  and  second  sowings  of  Peas,  and  this  keeps  up  the 
supply  until  the  New  Zealand  Spinach  is  ready  after  Mid- 
summer. Some  care  is  required  in  picking  Spinach,  especially 
in  winter,  when  the  growth  is  often  not  equal  to  the  demand. 
Indiscriminate  picking  will  soon  ruin  the  crop ;  the  largest 
leaves  should  therefore  be  taken  first,  and  picked  off  singly, 
so  as  to  to  avoid  otherwise  injuring  the  plants.  Iu  addition  to 
the  above  directions,  I  need  hardly  say  that  it  is  at  all  times 
beneficial  to  keep  the  ground  stirred  between  the  rows  of  the 
summer  and  winter  varieties,  and  to  keep  an  eye  on  weeds, 
which  should  be  destroyed  as  soon  as  they  make  their  appear- 
ance. J.  S.  W. 


MY  GAEDBN  MARKER. 
This  is  a  contrivance  which  I  have  used  with  some  satisfaction 
for  the  purpose  of  laying  off  the  ground  for  planting  in  drills, 
or  for  making  holes  in  which  to  set  Winter  Greens,  Tomatoes, 
&c.  It  will  be  seen  that  it  makes  a  row,  and  that  it  also  makes 
holes  at  certain  dis- 
tances apart,  so  that 
Peas,  Beans,  &c.,  may 
be  planted  6,  9,  or  12 
inches  apart,  as  the 
case  may  be.  If  the 
wheel  is  1  foot  iu  diam- 
eter, the  holes  will  be 

9  inches  apart.  If  it  is  2  feet  in  diameter,  there  may  be  eight 
pegs  used  instead  of  four,  and  marking  holes  9  inches  apart. 
Cabbage  may  be  set  out  in  such  holes  by  missing  every 
alternate  one,  which  will  bring  the  plants  18  inches  from  each 
other.  J.  D.,  in  "  Tribune." 


COMMON  CHERVIL. 


This  graceful  little  plant  is  cultivated  to  a  large  extent  in 
continental  gardens,  and  also  in  our  own.  It  is  a  native  of 
south-eastern  Europe,  an  annual,  and  requires  a  little  more 
trouble  to  have  in  perfection  than  perennial  herbs.  It  and 
all  the  annual  kinds  of  herbs,  &c.,  should  be  grown  together 
for  convenience  sake,  and  it  should  be  sown  in  succession 
from  the  end  of  February  till  September,  if  a  constant  supply 
■  is  wanted.  In  the  market  gardens  of  Paris  this  plant  is 
grown  to  great  perfection  on  the  light,  very  rich,  and  well- 
watered  soil  common  to  those  places.  It  is  often  sown  among 
other  crops,  and  pulled  aud  used  before  the  others  require  all 
the  ground.  It  may  be  sown  broadcast  and  raked  in,  or  in 
shallow  drills  about  8  inches  apart,  and  very  lightly  covered. 
There  is  no  occasion  to  sow  it  in  a  shady  situation  in  summer, 
provided  the  soil  be  light  and  deep,  aud  not  such  as  will 
harden  and  crack  up  with  a  few  days'  strong  sun.     The  curled 


or  Parsley-leaved  variety  is  the  prettiest,  and  in  many 
large  families  it  is  as  much  sought  after  for  soups  aud  salads 
for  every  day  in  the  year  as  Parsley.  To  cultivate  it  well  for 
a  daily  supply  it  requires,  as  with  other  things,  a  little  method 
and  forethought.  Grow  the  pretty  Fern-leaved  curled  variety 
in  a  rich,  open,  well-pulverised  soil.  For  standing  the 
winter,  choose  a  warm  sheltered  south  or  south-west  aspect 
or  corner,  about  the  12th  or  15th  of  September,  sow  broad- 
cast thinly  or  in  drills,  which  should  be  8  or  9  inches  apart, 
aud  thin  the  plants  to  5  or  6  inches  asunder  in  the  rows  ; 
make  another  sowing  on  the  same  aspect  the  first  week  in 
October,  thus  securing  a  winter  and  early  spring  supply. 
This  time  sow  thicker  and  thin  less  ;  and,  in  order  to  have  a 
portion  unaffected  by  snow  or  severe  frost  and  easily  obtained 
at  all  times,  give  it  some  temporary  protection,  such  as  a 
shallow  frame,  consisting  of  four  boards  nailed  together  and 
covered  with  old  lights,  canvas,  well-oiled  thick  paper,  or 
thatched  neatly  with  clean  straight  straw,  evergreen  boughs. 
Pern,  or  any  material  of  that  kind.  Sow  again  in  Ijoxes  or 
pots  iu  Jauuax-y,  and  place  them  in  gentle  heat  ;  and  make 
another  sowing  in  February  on  a  warm  border.  Sow  also  in 
April,  and  during  the  next  three  months,  a  row  here  and  there 
between  Raspberries,  Gooseberries,  or  other  bush  fruit,  for  the 
sake  of  partial  shade,  or  on  a  north  border  or  cold  damp 
bottom — thus  a  plentiful  supply  of  luxuriant,  good-coloui-ed 
Chervil  may  be  had  every  day  in  the  year.  Large  quantities 
of  this  herb  may  always  be  seen  in  the  Paris  markets ;  and 
there  is  much  more  of  it  now  iu  Covent  Garden  than  there 
used  to  be  fifty  years  ago.  James  Babnes. 


Street  Manure. — London  at  the  present  time  furnishes  very 
little  valuable  scavenge ;  but  fifty  years  ago  and  upwards  the  scavenge 
of  London  and  other  cities  was  much  souglit  after  by  market 
gardeners.  The  various  health  and  towns'  improvement  Acts  during 
the  last  thirty  years  have  led  to  vast  changes,  and  our  leading 
thoroughfares,  at  least,  are  better  looked  after.  Since  the  advent  of 
the  ashphalto  pavement,  horse  aud  cattle  "droppings"  in  the  City 
are  specially  attended  to.  We  can,  however,  picture  to  ourselves 
what  the  streets  of  London  were  a  hundred  years  ago.  Miller,  in 
his  "Gardeners'  Dictionary,"  writes — "There  is  not  any  sort  of 
manure  equal  to  the  cleansing  of  London  streets  for  all  stubborn 
clayey  soils,  which  will  be  better  separated,  and  in  much  less  time, 
with  this  manure  than  any  compost  whatever,  and  it  is  extremely 
well  worth  procuriug  for  grass  or  garden  land."  The  ashes  of  pit 
coal  and  the  soot  of  the  same  coal  were  also  recommended  for  their 
special  qualities,  which  they  are  still  credited  with  and  possess,  to  a 
certain  degree,  according  to  the  circumstances  of  their  use. 

Cucum.ber  Disease. — I  enclose  you  parts  of  a  Cucumber  plant 
for  inspection.  I  have  been  troubled  very  much  this  season  to  get 
both  Cucumbers  and  Melons  to  grow.  The  latter  succeed  very  well 
at  first,  set  their  fruit,  and  then  the  leaves  become  spotted,  the  fruit 
gets  gummy,  and,  of  course,  useless.  Cucumbers  are  the  same  ;  even 
the  common  Ridge  ones  were  quite  killed  after  they  were  planted 
out,  and  the  Vegetable  Marrows  were  attacked  in  the  same  manner  j 
all  the  first  fruits  were  spotted  and  bad,  now  they  appear  to  have 
outgrown  the  disease.  Can  you  afford  me  any  information  on  the 
subject  ? — A.  B.  C.  [Your  Cucumbers  are  suffering  from  what  is 
termed  chlorosis,  a  disease  arising  from  the  absence  of  chlorophyl, 
the  substance  which  gives  colour  to  the  leaves.  The  cause  it  is 
difficult  to  discover  ;  but  we  know  that  rich  soils  aud  rich  manures 
have  a  tendency  to  increase  it.  The  best  remedy  or  preventive  will 
be  found  to  be  pure  simple  loam  and  steady  forcing.  I  have  battled 
with  the  disease  for  40  years,  and  in  scores  of  experiments  have 
been  unable  to  discover  any  certain  specific. — W.  P.  A.] 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 


Potato  Disease. — The  haulm  of  my  Potatoes  is  struck  down  -with  disease. 
What  had  best  be  done  with  it  ?— Ajax.  [Gut  it  off  close  to  the  ground.  By  this 
means  !you  may  preserve  the  tubers  sound  ;  though  they  will  not  increase  in 
size  after  the  iiaulm  is  removed,  they  will,  however,  ripen  perfectly,  which 
process  commences  immediately  upon  their  being  deprived  of  the  haulm.] 

A  Large  Cncumber. — Ws  have  received  fi'om  Mr.  Gibbs,  of  Ryde,  one  (t£ 
the  largest  Cucumbers  we  have  seen.  It  is  35  inches  long,  and  weighs  5  lbs, 
15  0ZS.  We  only  know  of  one  larger  Cucumber,  and  that  was  a  specimen  of 
Volunteer,  grown  by  Mr.  Hamilton,  at  Botcherly.  It  weighed  7-|  lbs.,  and 
was  39  inches  long.  Hamilton  grew  several  33  and  34  inches  long,  aud  weighing 
about  5  Vo^,~Field, 


180 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Aug.  30,  1873. 


THE     PROPAGATOR. 


PKOPAGATING  CBNTAUREAS. 
Amongst  white-foliaged  plants  for  flower-garden  decoration  Can. 
taureas  are  nnrivalled.  No  matter  how  hot  and  dry  the  weather 
may  be,  they  still  retain  their  freshness — in  fact,  a  dry  season  snits 
them  best,  especially  when  planted  early  enough  to  enable  them  to 
get  a  firm  hold  of  the  soil  before  hot  weather  sets  in.  I  frequently 
hear  some  of  my  gardening  friends  remark  that  they  sometimes  hare 
a  difficulty  in  getting  up  a  sufficient  stock  of  Centaureas,  one  of  the 
reasons  of  which  may  be  that  spring-struck  plants  do  not  produce 
cuttings  so  freely,  and  with  a  base  sufficiently  firm  to  root  readily 
and  resist  damp  early  in  the  autumn.  Years  ago,  when  I  had  to 
prepare  a  large  annual  stock  of  these  plants,  I  always  in  autumn 
potted  up  from  the  beds  above  200  of  the  smallest  of  the  plants, 
reduced  their  roots  and  foliage,  potted  them  into  4S-sized  pots,  and 
they  were  kept  in  a  cold  pit  all  the  winter.  In  the  spring,  if  the  stock 
propagated  in  autumn  was  insufficient,  a  few  of  the  plants  would  be 
headed  down  and  placed  in  heat  for  cuttings;  but  the  majority  of 
them  were  left  untouched,  and  were  used  for  centres  of  beds  or  back 
rows  in  ribbon  borders,  or  any  other  position  in  which  large  plants 
were  desirable.  From  the  end  of  August  to  the  end  of  September  I 
consider  the  best  time  to  strike  Centaureas  ;  and,  when  a  hundred  "r 
two  of  the  previous  year's  plants  have  been  saved  through  the 
winter  in  the  way  I  have  stated,  there  is  no  difficulty  in  getting 
thousands  of  cuttings  that  will  root  readily  in  a  cool  pit.  Sandy 
loam  mixed  with  a  fourth  of  its  bulk  of  leaf-mould  makes  the 
best  compost,  although  in  this  respect  Centaureas  are  not  at 
all  particular.  We  use  48-sized  pots  well  drained,  and  having 
the  soil  pressed  in  firmly,  with  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  of  clean 
silver  sand  on  the  top.  The  pots  are  well  watered  about  an  hour 
before  they  are  required  for  use,  to  give  them  time  to  settle  and 
drain.  Ten  cuttings  are  dibbled  into  each  pot ;  they  are  again 
watered  lightly  just  to  settle  the  sand  round  the  cuttings.  Four 
small  sticks  are  placed  round  the  inside  of  each  pot,  and  a  little 
string  of  bast  or  some  tying  material  is  passed  round  just  to  keep 
the  leaves  in  an  upright  position.  They  are  then  placed  in  a  cool 
pit,  and  kept  close  during  the  day  time,  and  shaded  if  necessary  to 
keep  up  the  foliage,  but  ventilation  is  always  given  freely  at  night. 
Treated  in  this  way  we  do  not  find  any  difficulty  in  rooting  any 
number  of  cuttings  we  may  require  in  the  autumn.  In  a  place 
where  large  numbers  of  more  tender  plants  are  required  for  summer 
decoration,  there  is  always  a  great  pressure  in  the  propagating 
department  in  spring,  and  it  is  not  wise  to  defer  till  that  season 
what  can  be  better  done  in  the  autumn.  They  cost  nothing  in  fuel 
and  very  little  in  attention  through  the  winter,  and  they  may  be 
planted  out  early,  and  the  pots  used  again  for  other  plants.  I  have 
sometimes  diljbled  the  cuttings  into  a  bed  of  prepared  soil  in  a  cold 
pit,  and  wintered  them  in  the  same  way  as  Calceolarias  ;  but  on  the 
whole  I  prefer  putting  the  cuttings  into  pots.  They  are  more 
managealjle,  and  if  damp  should  attack  them  they  are  easily  moved 
out,  and  a  few  dry  ashes  scattered  about  soon  puts  matters  right 
again.  In  making  the  cuttings,  it  is  best  to  have  an  inch  or  so  of 
firm  wood  at  the  bottom,  and  the  moderately  small  and  wiry -looking 
side  shoots  from  old  plants  make  the  best  cuttings.  The  roots  of 
Centaureas  are  exceedingly  brittle,  therefore  pot  the  cuttings  oif 
early  in  February  into  small  single  pots.  If  not  planted  out  finally 
in  April,  they  may  at  least  be  altogether  exposed.  They  are  nearly 
hardy  ;  in  fact,  they  stood  out  unprotected  here  all  last  winter.  In 
the  majority  of  seasons  a  few  dry  leaves  placed  round  them  would 
save  them.  E.  H. 


Vegetable  Physiology. — Professor  Joseph  Bohm  has  com- 
municated to  the  Academj'  of  Sciences  of  Vienna  some  curious  and 
interesting  observations  on  vegetable  physiology.  He  has  found  that 
young  plants  produced  from  seeds  germinating  in  pure  oxygen  gas  of 
ordinary  density  speedily  die,  although  they  continue  to  consume 
oxygen  to  as  great  an  extent  as  when  they  are  growing  in  atmo. 
spheric  air.  The  young  plants  thrive,  however,  in  pure  oxygen  when 
the  density  of  the  latter  is  reduced  so  as  to  represent  only  a  pressure 
of  about  6  inches  of  mercury,  or  when  pure  oxygen  of  ordinary 
density  is  mixed  with  four.fifths  of  its  volume  of  hydrogen.  Pro- 
fessor Bohm  has  also  investigated  the  action  of  carbon  upon  the 
growth  and  greenness  of  plants,  and  found  that  an  intermixture  of 
only  2  per  cent,  of  carbonic  acid  in  the  air  in  which  plants  are 
growing  suffices  to  retard  the  formation  of  green  colouring  matter 
(chlorophyl),  and  that  the  process  is  almost  or  entirely  suppressed  in 
an  atmosphere  containing  20  per  cent,  of  this  gas.  No  germination 
of  seeds  took  place  in  an  atmosphere  consisting  of  one-half  carbonic 
acid. 


A  BEGINNING. 
Everybody  knows  that  American  Plants  are  far  better  grown  in 
England  than  in  America.  But  here  and  there,  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  Boston  and  other  large  cities,  wealthy  American 
amateurs  are  now  making  good  collections,  mostly  direct 
importations  from  Surrey.  Among  these  collectors,  perhaps, 
the  best  known  is  Mr.  Hunnewell,  of  Wellesley,  vrhose 
charming  place  in  Massachusetts  we  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
in  1870.  This  gentleman  has,  as  we  learn  from  Hearth  and 
Home,  inaugurated  in  Boston,  the  capital  of  New  England,  with 
much  public  spirit  and  success,  shows  of  American  plants, 
arranged  as  they  are  in  old  England ; — 

A  marked  instance  of  a  man  possessing  wealth  and  knovring  how 
to  use  it  is  Mr.  H.  H.  Hunnewell,  essentially  a  Bostonian,  although 
his  residence  is  at  Wellesley,  some  miles  distant  from  the  city.  His 
modest  nature  would  shrink  from  a  public  notice  of  this  kind,  but 
there  are  so  many  men  of  abundant  means  that  can  only  be  held  up 
as  a  warning,  we  trust  that  he  will  pardon  our  making  use  of  him  as 
an  example.  Mr.  Hunnewell's  place  is  widely  known  as  the  finest  in 
the  country,  and  its  gates  are  freely  open  that  all  may  enjoy  the 
beauties  upon  which  he  has  expended  so  much  money,  and — what  is 
far  more  to  the  puipose — so  much  care  and  personal  supervision. 
But  our  purpose  is  not  at  present  with  Wellesley,  but  the  Rhode, 
dendron  show.  Ehododendrons  are  a  feature  in  the  planting  at 
Wellesley,  and  nowhere  in  the  country  can  there  be  found  so  great  a 
variety  and  such  choice  specimens  of  these  beautiful  plants.  Last 
year  Mr.  Hunnewell  conceived  the  idea  of  making  an  exhibition  in 
Boston  in  order  that  the  many  who  could  not  visit  his  grounds  might 
enjoy  the  floral  display.  His  plans  were  presented  to  the  Massa- 
chusetts Horticultural  Society  and  accepted,  and  a  committee 
appointed  to  co-operate  with  the  projector  to  carry  out  the  details  of 
the  exhibition.  After  untying  a  vast  amount  of  red  tape,  permission 
was  obtained  from  the  city  authorities  for  the  use  of  a  location  on 
the  Common,  and  preparations  were  commenced  some  two  weeks 
before  the  show  opened.  The  exhibition  was  to  be  upon  the  English 
plan,  and  one  not  before  carried  out  in  this  country — that  is  to  form 
the  ground  into  a  well-arranged  garden,  in  which  the  specimens 
are  planted  out  instead  of  being  shown  in  the  usual  way 
in  pots,  set  in  formal  rows  upon  tables  and  benches.  This 
involved  changing  the  surface  of  the  ground  so  that  it  might 
present  those  graceful  undulations  that  would  allow  of  the 
best  display  of  the  specimens.  The  ground  was  inclosed  by 
an  enormous  tent,  or  rather  two  or  three  tents  united,  gas  and 
water  pipes  laid,  edgings  turfed,  and  all  laid  out  in  the  mosc  tasteful 
manner.  An  immense  amount  of  work  was  expended,  and  great 
expense  incurred  before  a  single  plant  was  put  in  place.  The  Rhod- 
odendrons, except  a  single  specimen,  were  all  from  Mr.  Hunnewell's 
own  grounds,  some  of  them  plants  of  great  rarity  and  of  almost 
priceless  value.  The  specimens  wore  taken  up  with  balls  of  earth 
and  loaded  in  the  afternoon.  The  journey  to  the  city  was  made 
during  the  night,  and  they  arrived  at  the  tent  by  sunrise,  and  were 
placed  in  groups,  masses,  or  as  single  specimens  as  their  size  or  rarity 
demanded.  All  this  taking  up  was  personally  attended  to  by  Mr. 
Hunnewell.  But  there  had  to  be  at  the  tent  one  equally  interested 
in  the  matter  to  receive  the  plants  and  see  to  their  proper  planting. 
This  duty  was  assumed  by  Prof.  Charles  S.  Sargent  of  the  Bussey 
Institute,  another  gentleman  who  illustrates  our  statement  that 
Boston  has  numerous  men  of  abundant  means  who  are  enthusiasti. 
cally  devoted  to  horticulture.  Prof.  Sargent  gave  his  whole  time 
and  energies  to  the  work ;  and  it  is  to  these  two,  Messrs.  Hunnewell 
and  Sargent,  that  the  public  is  indebted  for  the  finest  floral  display 
ever  seen  in  this  country.  The  entrance  avenue  to  the  Rhododen- 
dron show — also  covered  by  a  tent — contained  many  fine  Palms,  Tree. 
Ferns,  and  other  rare  plants  contributed  by  the  gentlemen  we  have 
named  and  other  cultivators. 

The  general  view  of  the  tent  is  one  long  to  be  remembered.  The 
choicest  and  rarest  Rhododendrons  were  there  by  hundreds,  if  not  by 
thousands  ;  and  while  the  couj}  cVa:il  was  grand  beyond  description, 
the  particular  inspection  of  individual  specimens  was  not  the  less 
gratifying.  Those  who  saw  the  show  in  its  arrangement  and  group, 
ing,  its  brilliant  contrasts  of  colour  and  general  gardenesque  effect, 
will  hardly  be  satisfied  hereafter  with  the  old  plan  of  showing  plants 
upon  tables.  But  it  is  not  our  purpose  to  describe  the  plants,  it  is 
rather  to  speak  of  the  show  as  a  whole,  and  especially  the  manner  in 
which  it  was  made  possible.  The  whole  expense  of  the  exhibition — 
aside  from  the  risk  of  the  plants — was  between  5,000  and  10,000 
dollars.  This  was  all  assumed  by  Mr.  Hunnewell ;  who  besides 
stripping  his  own  grounds  of  their  choicest  plants,  and  taking  the 
risk  of  injury  in  transit  and  otherwise,  took  also  the  whole  pecuniary 
risk.  The  matter  was  placed  under  the  auspices  of  the  Horticultural 
Society  under  a  most  generous  arrangement.     If  any  surplus  was 


Aug.  30,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


181 


left  after  paying  expenses  it  went  to  the  society,  bnt  if  there  were 
any  deficit  that  went  to  Mr.  Hannewell.  Intended  for  the  gratifica- 
tiou  of  the  community,  but  a  small  admission  fee — just  enough  to 
keep  out  roughs  and  idle  persons — was  charged.  Then  with  true 
liberality  the  children  of  the  public  schools,  the  inmates  of  the 
various  public  and  private  charitable  institutions — indeed,  all  who 
were  worthy  and  needy,  were  invited  to  get  a  glimpse  of  fairyland. 
The  cost  of  this  exhibition  may  be  counted  up  in  dollars  and  cents, 
but  who  shall  sum  up  the  credit  side.  We  know  what  pleasure  it 
gave  to  those  to  whom  fine  plants  are  no  novelty ;  but  to  the  young, 
the  poor,  the  unfortunate,  what  a  cheering  blessing  this  must  have 
been  !  Would  we  could  hope  that  examples  of  this  kind  might  be 
contagious.  Is  there  no  man  of  wealth  in  New  York  who  could  find 
pleasure  in  doing  something  of  this  kind  for  our  much  more  needy 
community  'i 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 
PRIVATE    GARDENS. 

Conservatories. — To  soft. wooded  plants  in  flower,  pure  water 
only  should  be  given;  but  to  such  as  are  making  growth,  occasional 
applications  of  manure-water  may  be  given.  Lapagerias,  both  red 
and  white,  ;u"e  now  in  great  beauty,  as  are  also  Passion- lowers  and 
Fuchsias  on  trellises.  Lilies  placed  amongst  the  green  masses  of 
Camellias,  -Azaleas,  Acacias,  &c.,  have  a  pleasing  effect,  and  few 
plants  can  be  more  charming  for  fronts  of  borders  than  Hydrangea 
paniculata,  Agapanthus  umbellatus,  Vallota  purpurea,  Traoheliuni 
cioiulcum,  and  Plumbago  capensis.  Keep  up  a  good  succession  of  Gom- 
phrena  globosa.  Balsams,  Cockscombs  and  other  Celosias,  Rodauthe 
Mauglesii,  Begonias,  Petunias,  Heliotropes,  Achimenes,  Fuchsias, 
Pelargoniums,  Asters,  Schizaathuses,  Zinnias,  Coleuses,  and  others. 
Remove  plants,  the  beauty  of  which  is  over,  to  frames  ;  in  the  case 
of  tall  straggling  plants,  however,  it  may  be  more  desirable  to  save 
cuttings  of  them  than  to  preserve  the  old  plants  through  the  winter. 
Annuals  may  be  consigned  to  the  rubbish. heap  as  soon  as  their 
flowers  become  faded,  unless  seed. saving  is  an  object.  See  to 
repairs  in  the  way  of  glazing  and  painting,  and  put  everything  in 
good  order  before  winter  sets  in. 

Greenliouses. — The  general  stock  of  hard-wooded  plants  such  as 
Coronillas,  Cytisuses,  Heaths,  and  Azaleas,  must  be  freely  exposed,  if 
in  frames,  to  atmospheric  influences,  but  if  out  of  doors  they  should 
be  screened  from  stroug  suushine  by  plunging  the  pots  in  Cocoa-nut 
fibre  or  ashes,  and  by  laying  the  pots  on  their  sides  in  the  event  of 
heavy  rain-falls.  The  earliest  started  Fuchsias  if  now  cut  back, 
rested,  re-potted,  and  started  into  growth,  make  fine  late-blooming 
plants,  but  young  plauts  are  2:)referable.  Transfer  a  few  Lilies  to  a 
house  with  a  north  and  cold  aspect  so  as  to  keep  them  as  late 
as  possible  in  coming  into  bloom.  The  earliest  ones  should  now  be 
kept  quite  dry  and  in  a  cool  shady  place,  and  succession  ones  just 
moist  enough  to  prevent  the  leaves  from  shrivelling  until  the  stalks  turn 
yellow,  when  the  bulbs  may  be  kept  altogether  dry.  Of  Amarantuses 
have  a  good  stock,  as  they  are  very  effective  mixed  amongst  flowering 
or  white-leaved  foliage  plants,  such  as  Centaureas.  A.  salicifolius  will 
now  be  at  its  best,  and,  in  order  to  maintain  a  good  brilliant  colour  in 
the  leaves,  keep  the  plants  near  the  glass  and  in  an  airy  position  ;  a 
little  peat  put  into  the  soil  in  which  they  are  growing  serves  to 
increase  brilliance  of  colour  in  Amarantuses,  Coleuses,  Iresines,  Alter- 
nantheras,  and  similar  plants.  Be  very  careful  in  watering  plauts 
of  Gomphrena  globosa ;  for  they  are  apt  to  damp  off  quite  suddenly  at 
the  neck  and  to  become  useless  ;  a  little  charcoal  dust  placed  around 
the  base  of  the  stem  has  been  found  to  be  a  good  preventive  of  this 
malady.  Permit  the  earliest  started  hybrid  Begonias  to  go  gradually 
to  rest,  for  although  they  might  continue  to  flower  for  a  short  time, 
yet  their  habit  would  be  of  such  a  loose  and  straggling  character 
that  young  plants  would  be  vastly  superior  to  them.  Sow  Cyclamens 
in  a  very  gentle  temperature,  and  light  soil,  for,  by  sowing  now, 
excellent  flowering  plants  will  be  obtained  when  the  seedlings  are 
fifteen  months  old.  Attend  to  the  pricking  off  and  potting  of 
Calceolarias,  Cinerarias,  and  Chinese  Primulas,  and  pot  Auriculas  and 
place  them  in  a  frame  with  a  northern  aspect.  Graft  a  few 
Epiphyllums  on  Pereskia  stocks,  and  propagate  a  few  of  the  latter  by 
means  of  cuttings.  Unfasten  the  ligatures  of  Camellias  and  Azaleas 
that  have  "  taken,"  a';d  re-pot  the  plants  as  soon  as  practicable. 

Stoves. — Fine  foliage  is  now  more  predominant  than  flowers, 
therefore  the  plants  should  be  arranged  accordingly,  giving  a  light 
and  prominent  position  to  highly-coloured  plants.  Syringe  every 
fine  day,  water  plentifully  but  moderately,  and  shade  thinly  from 
strong  sunshine.  Pot  singly  yonug  Gloxinias  raised  from  cuttings 
made  of  the  leaves,  or  seedlings,  and  gradually  dry  off  those  that 
have  done  blooming.  Such  plants  of  Achimenes  as  are  exhausted 
place  on  a  dry  shelf  and  keep  them  pretty  dry.  Some  Eranthe- 
rnums,  Gymnostachynms,  Sonerilas,  Cyrtodeiras,  Bertolonias,  &c.,  if 


rooted  at  their  several  joints,  may  be  separated,  and  each  division  to 
which  roots  are  attached,  potted  singly.  Euphorbia  jacquinia;. 
flora  and  Poinscttia  pulchorrima  should  have  a  position  close  to  the 
glass  in  a  moderately  warm  place.  Encourage  the  growth  of  Ges- 
neras  of  the  Exoniensis  section  ;  they  make  fine  blooming  and  orna- 
mental plants  from  October  throughout  the  winter.  Plants  of 
Clerodendrons  of  the  Ka3mpferi  and  Fallax  section  must  be  stored 
away  in  some  dry  place. 

Window  Plants. — Remove  show  Pelargoniums  and  other  plants 
that  have  done  blooming,  and  always  endeavour  to  have  good  healthy 
foliage  if  flowers  are  scarce.  The  Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums  are  the 
best  of  all  window  plants  ;  display  them  to  advantage,  and  pick  off 
seeds  of  decaying  leaves  from  Tropasolnms.  Balsams  and  Asters  ai-e 
now  very  pretty  in  windows,  as  are  also  some  plauts  of  Tagetes  and 
African  Marigolds.  Give  plenty  of  water  to  plants  of  Creeping 
Jenny,  and  permit  the  shoots  of  the  Virginian  Creeper  to  droojj  in 
graceful  festoons.  Re-pot  old  roots  of  Cyclamen  persicum,  and 
place  them  in  a  moderately  warm  and  shaded  corner.  Introduce  a 
few  Cockscombs,  yellow  Calceolarias,  Grasses,  and  any  other  miscel- 
laneous plants  obtainable.  Indeed,  a  very  pretty  ornament  in  the 
window  is  the  Japanese  Maize  grown  in  pots.  Mesembryanthemums, 
too,  are  very  useful  for  a  dry  position,  and  Gazania  splendens  for  a 
sunny  one.  There  are  few  better  plants  for  window  use  than  the 
hybrid  Clematises,  and,  whether  planted  in  a  border,  box,  or  pot, 
they  bloom  long  and  fi-eely,  and  are  very  showy.  The  Myrsiphyllum 
asparagoides,  a  plant  much  used  for  window  decoration  in  America, 
is  now  in  splendid  bloom,  and  is  a  grand  plant  which  rctiuires  bnt 
little  care.  The  various  small-leaved  Ivies,  too,  should  not  be  for- 
gotten ;  they  are  useful  for  suspended  baskets,  screens,  or  for 
spreading  over  balconies,  and  they  grow  and  thi-ive  under  even 
adverse  circumstances.  Ferns  and  Selaginellas  are  also,  as  every, 
body  knows,  excellent  for  windows,  especially  for  those  facing  . 
the  north  or  east ;  and  for  windows  facing  the  brightest  suushine, 
Acacia  Lophantha  and  other  kinds  of  Acacia,  some  sorts  of  Asparagus, 
Convolvulus  Mauritanicus,  Grasses,  and  other  plants  of  that  sort  are 
suitable. 

Hardy  Fruit  and  Kitchen  Garden. — Gathering  fruit  as  it 
ripens  is  now  an  important  point,  and  requires  great  attention. 
They  must  not  be  gathered  when  wet,  nor  during  hot  sunny  weather, 
and  they  must  be  handled  very  gently.  In  the  case  of  early  Pears, 
it  is  not  well  to  leave  them  on  the  trees  until  they  are  quite  ripe  ; 
as  a  rule,  they  should  be  gathered  a  day  or  two  before  they  are  in 
that  condition,  otherwise  they  are  apt  to  become  dry  and  rotten  at 
the  core.  The  choicest  wall  fruits  should  be  protected  from  wasps, 
birds,  and  flies,  with  elastic  hexagon  netting  or  other  material  of 
that  kind.  Remove  all  unnecesstiry  lateral  growths,  and  expose  the 
fruits  as  freely  as  possible,  particularly  the  dessert  sorts.  Root- 
prune  gross-growing  unfruitful  trees  now,  and  lift  them  if  need  be 
in  November.  By  this  means  the  roots  will  make  young  fibres  whilst 
there  is  heat  in  the  soil,  and  suffer  less  when  they  come  to  be  finally 
lifted  than  they  otherwise  would  do.  Make  Strawberry  plantations 
from  early  stopped  runners.  These  will  bear  a  good  cx-op  next 
spring,  whereas  if  left  until  later  in  autumn  or  until  spring  before 
they  are  planted,  they  will  not  bear  a  good  crop  until  the  succeeding 
season. 

Kitchen  Garden. — Thin  and  keep  clean  all  seedling  Cabbages) 
and,  if  time  and  space  can  be  spared  to  prick  them  out  some  time 
before  planting,  it  will  greatly  strengthen  the  plauts.  Transplant 
Cock's  Hardy  Green  Coleworts  as  soon  as  the  plants  are  large 
enough,  and  fill  up  every  space  with  the  remainder  of  the  Rosette 
sort.  Sow  Cauliflower  out  of  doors,  to  be  afterwards  pricked  out  in 
a  frame,  or  retain  the  seed  until  the  1st  of  October,  when  it  should 
be  sown  on  a  gentle  hot-bed.  Earth  up  advancing  crops  of  the 
Cabbage  tribe.  Continue  to  plant  out  Lettuces  and  Endive,  the 
latter  on  the  warmest  positions,  and  where  water  is  not  likely  to 
stagnate.  Tie  up  both  some  days  before  they  are  ready  for  use,  and 
discard  any  that  are  running  to  seed.  Attend  to  the  timely  earthing 
up  of  Celery,  and  liberally  feed  growing  plants.  Tie  and  earth  up 
Cardoons  in  dry  weather.  Sow  American  Red  Stone,  White  Stone, 
and  Strap-leaved  Turnips  on  Potatoe  ground,  and  hoe  and  thin  pre- 
vious sowings,  always  using  the  most  advanced  roots  first.  Sow 
Radishes  according  to  the  demand  in  a  warm  position ;  the  early 
autumn  sowings  generally  yield  first-rate  produce.  Sow  some 
Spinach  for  spring  use,  and  also  some  early  Horn  Carrots  on  a  warm 
border  for  the  same  purpose.  Harvest  Onions  as  soon  as  they  are 
ripe,  using  for  present  consumption  the  thick-necked  ones,  and 
retaining  for  winter  purposes  only  the  best  ripened  and  most  solid  ones. 
Earth  up  Leeks  as  they  grow.  Clear  away  exhausted  crops  of  French 
Beans  and  sow  some  in  a  frame  for  a  late  supply.  Never  permit  the 
fruit  to  get  too  old  before  being  gathered  unless  seed-saving  is  an 
object.  The  plantations  of  Globe  Artichokes  made  last  spring  will 
now  be  in  good  bearing  condition,  and  by  supplying  water  freely 


]82 


THE   GAUDEN. 


[Aug.  30, 1873. 


their  season  of  fruiting  may  be  considerably  prolonged.  Remove  the 
flower-stems  from  older  plants  as  soon  as  the  produce  is  cnt. 
Endeavour  to  assist  the  ripening  of  Tomatoes  by  placing  sashes  in 
front  of  them ;  even  hurdles  and  mats  set  up  before  them  at  night 
have  a  beneficial  effect.  Pinch  off  all  useless  laterals  and  leaves  so  as 
to  give  more  light  and  air  to  the  fruit  than  it  had  when  growing. 
Vegetable  Marrows  must  be  kept  in  vigorous  health  by  cutting  out  all 
decaying  shoots  and  leaves,  giving  abundant  waterings,  and  constant 
cutting  off  the  fruit.  Mildew  soon  takes  Marrows  and  Peas  unless 
they  are  liberally  supplied  with  water  at  this  season.  Lift  Potatoes  as 
they  become  ripe,  and  dry  such  as  are  required  for  "  sets  "  next  year. 
Make  occasional  sowings  of  Mustard,  Cress,  Com  Salad,  Chervil,  and 
other  small  saladings. 


VIENNA  EXHIBITION  AWARDS. 
Messes.  J.  B.  Brown  &  Co.,  90,  Cannon  Street,  London,  have  been 
awarded  "the  medal  of  mei'it  "  for  their  galvanised  wire  netting, 
shown  at  Vienna.  This  medal  is  awarded  for  "  excellence  and 
perfection  in  material  and  workmanship,  and  cheapness  of  pro- 
duction." 

To  Messrs.  James  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holbom,  was  awarded  "  the 
medal  for  progress  "  for  a  "  unique  collection  of  Grasses,  Grass  seeds, 
roots,  models,  farm,  vegetable,  and  flower  seeds." 

To  Messrs.  Sutton,  Reading,  has  also  been  awarded  a  similar 
medal  "  for  their  collection  of  Grasses,  Grass,  vegetable,  flower,  and 
farm  seeds." 

This  "  medal  for  progress"  is  given  for  productions  which,  com- 
pared  with  those  of  previoiis  exhibitions,  show  noticeable  progress 
in  the  introduction  of  new  material. 


KEEPING  FRUITS  AND  VEGETABLES  BY  THE  AID 

OP  ICE. 
At  this  time  of  the  year  such  things  as  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Melons, 
and  Pine  Apples  often  come  in  much  faster  than  they  can  be  used. 
When  this  is  the  case,  I  find  it  an  excellent  plan  to  resort  to  the  ice 
house  or  refrigerator.  Pines  will  keep  nearly  a  month,  and  some 
kinds  longer,  if  removed,  pots  and  all,  to  the  fruit  room  when  just 
about  quite  ripe  ;  and  the  period  may  be  mnch  prolonged  if  they  are 
removed  to  the  ice  house  before  decay  sets  in.  I  lay  them  upon 
cotton,  in  tin  boxes  (biscuit  boxes  will  do)  without  any  packing  about 
them,  shut  down  the  lid,  and  set  the  boxes  on  the  ice,  not  buried  in  it. 
Peaches  I  have  kept  quite  a  month  in  this  way  after  they  were  dead 
ripe,  and  Nectarines  six  weeks.  I  place  them  in  shallow  tin  boxes, 
putting  a  piece  of  cotton  between  the  fruits,  but  otherwise  leaving 
them  uncovered.  After  they  have  been  long  on  the  ice  they  should 
not  be  brought  out  long  before  they  are  used,  as  they  do  not  keep 
long  afterwards  without  showing  specks.  Tender.fleshed  Melons,  that 
will  not  keep  a  week  in  the  fruit  room  in  summer,  will  keep  three  or 
fonr  weeks  in  the  ice  house.  At  town  houses,  where  the  fruit  for 
dessert  is  received  in  large  quantities  from  the  country  a  difficulty  is 
often  experienced  in  keeping  it  till  wanted  ;  but,  if  systematic  ar. 
rangenients  were  made  for  storing  it  in  the  ice  bins,  there  need  be 
no  trouble  in  this  respect.  In  the  matter  of  vegetables,  there  is  not 
a  more  serviceable  storehouse  than  the  ice  house.  Not  nnfrequently 
Cauliflowers  come  in  with  a  rush,  leaving  a  blank  iu  the  succession  ; 
when  this  happens  they  should  be  cut  with  a  short  stem  and  a  few 
leaves  and  set  on  the  ice,  but  not  heaped  one  above  another.  Cucum- 
bers will  keep  a  very  long  time,  and  I  have  known  the  autumn  and 
winter  supply  greatly  prolonged  by  storing  them  away  in  boxes  in  the 
same  way  as  frnit.  French  Beans  should  be  packed  in  bundles  and 
set  on  their  ends  in  boxes.  I  am  sure  those  who  try  the  plan  once 
will  resort  to  it  again.  J.  S.,  in  Field. 


Keeping  Apples. — One  of  my  neighbonrs  is  an  enthusiast  in 
Apple  growing.  His  farm  of  50  acres,  with  the  exception  of  about 
10  acres  in  pasturage,  is  covered  with  Apple  trees  of  various  sizes 
and  ages,  though  a  majority  of  them  are  now  in  bearing.  One  of  his 
theories  is  not  to  use  any  animal  manure  around  or  near  his  trees, 
but  to  depend  wholly  upon  vegetable  manure  iu  the  form  of  mulch, 
ing.  He  defends  this  position  upon  the  ground  that  the  one  is  the 
natural  method  and  the  other  artificial — the  latter  tending  to  decay, 
and  the  former  to  health.  He  kept  1,200  bushels  of  Apples,  mostly 
Baldwins,  through  the  past  winter  and  spring  in  his  cellar.  He  says 
by  his  mode  Apples  may  be  kept  the  j'ear  round,  without  losing  their 
juiciness  or  crispness ;  and  his  method  should  be  understood  by 
every  orchardist.  His  theorj-  is  that  the  early  rotting  and  decay  of 
Apples  is  due,  to  a  great  extent,  to  a  vegetable  miasma  in  the  air, 
which  is  communicated  to  it  by  vegetable  evaporation  under  certain 
conditions.  The  effect  of  this  miasma  is  first  seen  in  a  minute 
speck ;  sometimes  as  many  as  a  dozen  may  be  counted  on  the  same 


Apple.  His  remedy  is  a  daily  airing  of  the  cellar  or  place  where 
the  Apples  are  stored,  arranging  so  as  to  have  a  brisk  circulation 
until  all  the  stagnant  air  is  expelled,  and  its  place  occupied  by  pure, 
health}'  air.  His  success  has  certainly  demonstrated  the  feasibility 
of  his  plan.  He  is  one  of  our  most  successful  Apple  growers,  and 
his  views  are  worthy  of  consideration. — C'dtivator. 

A  good  Suggestion. — The  endless  variety  of  vegetable  and 
floral  denizens  of  our  gardens,  each  having  peculiar  wants  and  pre. 
ferences,  makes  it  impracticable  to  include  in  one  book  full  directions 
for  their  individual  culture.  As  they  agree  in  many  of  their  needs, 
or  at  least  agree  in  large  classes,  how  wonld  it  do  to  tell  us  merely 
what  not  to  do  in  each  case,  what  they  do  not  like,  and  what  they 
will  not  submit  to  ?  Would  not  it  be  the  shorter  way  ?  Compli. 
menting  a  friend  one  day,  who  is  a  good  gardener,  by  telling  him  that 
he  evidently  knew  what  to  do  for  his  plants,  another  friend  suggested 
that  it  was  rather  his  knowledge  of  what  not  to  do,  for  he  let  his 
plants  have  large  liberty  and  was  by  no  means  oppressively  good  to 
them.  Do  not  we  fail  oftener  through  unwittingly  doing  what  is  dia. 
agreeable  to  plants,  than  by  failing  to  attend  to  what  we  know  they 
require  ?  And  would  not  a  list  of  forbidden  steps  be  shorter  than  the 
lists  of  requisite  ones  ?  Perhaps  not.  A  German  satirist,  in  com. 
menting  on  the  endlessness  of  the  lists  of  ordinances  of  some  of  the 
law.beridden  petty  states  of  his  country,  suggested  that  it  would  be 
best  to  codify  all  exceptions  in  one  paragraph,  as  "  all  that  is  not 
expressly  allowed  is  forbidden."  Still,  it  would  be  a  useful  under, 
taking  for  some  one  to  give  us  the  forbidden  list  in  regard  to  each 
plant  as  well  as  the  allowable.  And  it  would  not  be  a  voluminous 
one,  for  plants  do  not  stray  into  such  diversities  of  wrong.doing  as  we, 
lords  of  creation,  do. — Aiiterican  Paper. 

Artificial  Rain. — A  short  time  since  a  company  of  gentlemen, 
interested  in  cultural  development,  met  at  Stoke  Park,  near  Slough, 
in  order  to  inspect  Mr.  Isaac  Brown's  novel  system  of  shower 
irrigation  applied  to  pasture.  Mr.  Brown  is  connected  with  the  British 
River  Irrigation  Company,  India  Buildings,  Edinburgh.  His  process 
consists  in  forcing  water  thi'ough  small  perforations  in  lead  pipes, 
by  means  of  a  powerful  force  pump.  The  lead  pipes  are  laid  down 
16  yards  apart ;  a  12.horse  power  engine  works  one  of  Tangye's 
force  pumps.  With  a  pressure  of  60  to  70  lbs.  per  square  inch,  or  a 
head  of  120  or  more  feet,  the  engine  maintains  a  shower  upon  a  plot 
of  about  an  acre  and  a  half,  applying  10  tons  of  water  in  13  minutes. 
Plot  after  plot  is  watered  in  rotation,,  the  work  taking  place  prin. 
cipally  in  the  night.  Six  acres  parted  off  for  the  present  experiment 
were  dressed  with  5  cwt.  per  acre  of  the  patentee's  artificial  manure, 
and  then  watered;  the  Grass,  where  only  a  fortnight  old,  being  in 
beautiful  condition. 


COVENT  QAKUEN  MARKET. 

August  29is. 

Flowers. — Among  these  Asters  form  the  chief  feature,  and  they  are  paiiicu- 
larly  well  grown  ;  for  each  plant  in  a  48.sized  pot  is  furnished  with  from  sis 
to  nine  blooms.  Oleanders,  too,  though  only  about  a  foot  in  height,  are  each 
surmounted  by  one  or  two  spikes  of  beautifully-developed  flowers.  Solanum 
capsieastnim,  covered  with  brilliant  scarlet  berries,  has  just  made  its  appear- 
ance, and  there  are  still  plenty  of  Hydrangea  paniculata  gi-andiflora,  which 
seems  to  be  a  favourite  with  most  people.  Gladioli,  Japan  Lilies,  VaUota, 
Begonia  Weltonieusis,  Bouvardia  jasminiflora,  Pelargoniums,  Fuchsias,  and  a 
various  assortment  of  dwarf  evergreens,  httle  conifers,  Dracjenas,  Ferns,  and 
Selaginellas,  are  also  equal  to  the  demand.  Cut  flowers  consist  of  late  kinds  of 
Roses,  a  few  Orchids,  and  blooms  of  other  plants. 

Fruit. — Of  this  there  is  a  large  supply,  and  prices  for  it  have  consequently 
declined  ;  indeed.  Plums,  which  last  year  fetched  20s.,  can  be  bought  this  season 
for  -Is. ;  and  Apples,  which  fetched  12s.  last  year,  only  realise  28.  6d.  this 
season.  Williams's  Bon  Chretien  and  Jargonelle  are  amongst  the  best  Pears 
at  present  in  the  market,  and  among  Plums  the  Victoria  is  the  most  plentiful. 
Peaches  are  large  and  fine,  and  Figs  are  supplied  in  moderate  quantities. 
Tomatoes  are  now  coming  in  from  the  open  air,  and  Cucumbers  are  very 
plentiful,  but  in  many  cases  only  of  moderately  good  quality. 

Vegetables. — Coleworts  are  being  supplied  in  lai-ge  quantities,  as  are  also 
Lettuces,  Turnips,  Onions  and  Vegetable  Marrows.  The  supply  of  French 
Beans  and  Scarlet  Runners  is  very  large.  Celery  and  Endive  are  also  now 
abundant. 

Prices  of  Fruits. — Apples,  per  half -sieve.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Apricots,  2s.  to  4s. 
per  doz. ;  Chen-ies,  per  lb.,  6d.  to  Is.  6d;  Chilies,  per  UK),  2s.;  Currants,  per 
sieve,  33.  6d.  to  6s. ;  Figs,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  3s. ;  Grapes,  hothouse,  black, 
per  lb..  Is.  6d.  to  3s.  6d. ;  Muscats,  2s,  to  63.  ;  Lemons,  per  100,  10s.  to  18s.; 
Melons,  each,  2s.  to  4s.;  Nectarines,  per  doz.,  4s.  to  8s.;  Oranges,  per  100, 
12s.  to  2  Js. ;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  83.  to  12s. ;  Pears,  per  doz.,  2s.  to  4s. ;  Pine- 
Anplcs,  per  11).,  3s.  to  Os. ;  Raspberries,  per  lb.,  4d.  to  Is. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz., 
Is",  to  2s.;  Walnuts,  per  bushel,  203. ;  ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables. — Artichokes,  jjer  doz.,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Beans,  Kidney,  per 
half  sieve,  2s.  to  3s. ;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Cabbage,  per  doz.,  2s. ; 
Carrots,  per  bunch,  4d.  to  Sd.;  Cauliflower,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  6s.;  Celery,  per 
bundle.  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Coleworts,  per  doz.  bunches,  4s. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  3d.  to 
6d. ;  Endive,  per  doz.,  2s.  ;  Fennel,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  GarUc,  perlb.,  6d.;  Herbs, 
per  bunch,  3d. ;  Horse-radish,  per  bundle,  3s.  to  4s.;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  4d. ; 
Lettuces,  per  doz.  Is.  to  2s.;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  23.  to  3s.;  Mustard  aud 
Cress,  per  punnet,  2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  4s.  to  6s. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. 
Parsley,  per  doz.  bunches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Peas,  per 
(luart,  9d.  to  Is.  ;  Potatoes,  per  bushel,  3s.  Gd.  to  6s. ;  liadishes,  per  doz. 
bunches,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Rhubarb,  per  btmdle,  8d.  to  Is.;  Salsafy,  do..  Is. 
to  Is,  6d. ;  Scorzonera,  per  bundle,  la.;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ;  Spinach,  per 
bushel,  38, ;  Turnips,  4d.  to  8d. ;  Vegetable  Marrows,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. 


Sept.  6,  1873.] 


fSB   GARDEN". 


18B 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  meud  nature  :    change  it  rather  :    but 
The  Akt  rrsELj  is  Natuee." — BlMkesfeare. 


THE  FEBNOH  TAMARISK  TREE. 
(tajiakix  gallica). 

Br  JAMES  M'NAB,  Botanic  Gardens,  Edinburgh. 

This  suffruticose  plant  is  grown  in  considerable  quantities  in 
many  of  the  villa  gardens  round  the  southern  shores  of 
England,  and,  owing  to  its  abundance  in  such  districts,  it  is 
frequently  seen  in  a  very  rough  condition.  In  many  outlying 
places  it  has  become  quite  naturalised,  but  whether  truly 
indigenous  or  not  it  is  difficult  to  say.  The  Tamarix  has, 
however,  takeu  a  place  in  the  British  Flora,  and  may  now  be 
regarded  as  a  native.  In  this  part  of  Scotland  it  is  a  plant 
rather  difficult  to  cultivate,  and  therefore  rarely  seen  in  our 
gardens,  and  when  seen  it  is  generally  of  a  feeble  habit  of 
growth,  and  easily  injured  by  cold,  the  wood  not  being 
sufficiently  ripened  during  the  summer  to  withstand  damp 
low  temperatures. 

A  short  time  ago  I  was  at  North  Berwick,  a  famous  sea-port 
town  on  the  east  coast  of  Scotland,  much  resorted  to  by 
bathers  from  all  districts  of  the  country,  not  only  for  the 
excellence  of  its  waters,  which  flow  directly  in  from  the 
German  Ocean,  but  for  the  admirable  sea  views  to  be  obtained 
there.  The  inland  country  is  also  beautifully  studded  with 
the  residences  of  many  noble  families,  surrounded  by  woU-laid- 
out  gardens  and  extensive  ornamental  grounds.  In  the  imme- 
diate neighbourhood  of  North  Berwick  many  fine  architectural 
villas  have  recentl}'  been  ei;eoted,  and  in  most  cases  the 
gardens  surrounding  them  are  admirably  kept ;  others  again,  as 
in  most  marine  towns,  are  left  in  the  wildest  condition.  This 
may  be  accounted  for  from  the  number  of  children  generally 
brought  to  strch  places.  Most  of  the  garden  adornments  are  those 
usually  to  be  seen  in  such  sea-side  residences,  viz.,  Fuchsia 
Riccartoni,  Sea  Buckthorn  (Ilippophae  rbamnoides)  Veronica 
Audersoni,  and  V.  speciosa.  Hibiscus  syriacus,  Spartium 
junceum,  Buddleia  globosa,  Cotoneaster  microphylla,  also 
Honeysuckle,  Ivy,  and  white  Jessamine.  In  one  of  these  villa 
gardens,  belonging  to  Seaton  Lodge,  the  property  of  P.  C. 
Seaton,  Esq.,  I  was  surprised  to  see  no  less  than  sixteen  fine 
cylindrically-shaped  plants  of  the  Tamarix  gallica,  or  French 
Tamarisk  tree,  all  standing  singly  on  a  grass  lawn  in  front  of 
the  house.  These  have  been  fifteen  years  in  their  present 
position,  and  were  placed  there  by  Mr.  Paul,  the  gardener  in 
charge  of  the  Seaton  Lodge  grounds.  Mr.  Paul  informed  me 
that  the  soil  in  which  they  are  planted  is  naturally  of  a  sandy 
nature,  but  is  freely  mixed  with  good  loam.  The  plants  are 
each  6  feet  high,  and  have  been  kept  at  this  height  for  many 
years.  Each  plant  is  tied  to  a  strong  green  stake,  and  the 
branches  are  carefully  cut  in  every  season,  so  as  to  retain  their 
prescribed  height  and  cylindrical  form.  Covered  with  light 
sea-green  Cypress-like  leaves,  they  certainly  are  most  effective 
and  pleasing  to  the  eye,  more  so  than  I  have  been  accustomed 
to  see  them  in  southern  gardens,  where  the  foliage  is  much 
darker,  from  the  drier  and  warmer  nature  of  the  climate. 

One  remarkable  circumstance  connected  with  the  Tamarix 
at  North  Berwick  is  that  it  is  not  seen  in  any  other  villa 
garden,  although  Mr.  Paul  has  the  superintendence  of  several 
in  the  district,  nor  have  I  seen  it  in  gardens  connected 
with  any  other  sea-port  town  in  the  east  of  Scotland,  although 
it  can  be  freely  propagated  by  cuttings,  if  stuck  into  any 
shady  part  of  the  garden  under  the  shelter  of  a  wall. 
Seaton  Lodge  is  partially  sheltered  from  the  direct  sea 
breeze  by  a  hedge  of  Ivy  and  Buckthorn,  which  is 
generally  kept  about  4  feet  high.  The  position  of  the 
plants  is  about  10  or  12  feet  above  high-water  level,  and 
45  feet  back  from  the  sea  during  high  tides.  Several  other 
half-hardy  exotics  are  also  to  be  seen  in  Seaton  Lodge  grounds, 
such  as  large  Myrtles,  covered  with  bloom  ;  Aloysia  citriodora, 
about  14  feet  high,  also  covered  with  flowers,  both  plants  being 


trained  on  a  wall  having  a  southern  aspect.  Two  plants  of 
Escallonia  maorautha,  a  native  of  Chiloe,  are  now  standing  iu 
the  middle  of  the  garden,  profusely  covered  with  red  flowers. 
They  seem  to  be  annually  cut  in  with  the  knife  to  keep  them 
in  a  bush  form — a  process  which  may  probably  help  them  to 
stand  our  winters.  The  largest  of  these  plants  is  4  feet  high 
and  19  feet  iu  circumference — a  size  not  uncommon  on  the 
west  coast  of  Scotland,  but  quite  unprecedented,  as  far  as 
I  know,  on  the  cast  coast,  showing  the  importance  of 
trying  every  plant  possible  in  sheltered  villa  gardens  near 
the  sea,  where  the  climate  is  generally  milder  and  more 
uniform  than  in  inland  districts.  Mr.  Seaton's  garden  is  also 
celebrated  in  the  neighbourhood  for  the  gaiety  of  its  bedding- 
out  plants,  every  available  space  being  made  use  of.  This  is  a 
system  of  ornamentation,  however,  which  I  would  not  recom- 
mend for  any  residence  where  the  family  remain  all  the  year 
round. 


MANCHESTER  INTERNATIONAL  FRUIT  SHOW. 
Tuis  opened  on  Wednesday  under  anything  but  favourable 
auspices,  the  morning  being  rainy,  followed  by  heavy  thunder 
storms  about  mid-day,  just  as  the  elite  of  the  patrons  of  the 
undertaking  ought  to  have  collected.  However,  at  the  ap- 
pointed time,  Earl  Derby  appeared  upon  the  scene,  surrounded 
by  the  leading  members  of  the  Society  and  in  due  form  opened 
the  exhibition.  It  is  divided  into  four  parts.  First,  the  large 
conservatory,  which  contains  the  chief  displays  of  both  fruit 
and  plants  ;  secondly,  a  large  tent  in  which  the  vegetables,  a 
grand  collection,  and  some  fruits  are  shown;  thirdly,  the 
usual  "annexe"  filled  with  specimen  Conifers,  some  LiUums, 
and  florist  flowers  ;  and  lastly,  a  whole  tent  full  of  Potatoes.  In 
the  grounds  are  various  specimens  of  horticultural  appliances, 
greenhouses,  pitsandf  rames,  boilers  iu  and  out  of  work,  mowing 
machines,  vases,  summer-houses,  and  other  things  too  numerous 
now  to  mention.  The  fruit  show  maybe  pronounced  a  success, 
thoughnot  socompleteascouldhavebeendesu'ed:  first,fromthe 
simple  fact  that  it  is  too  early  for  hardy  fruits,  such  as  Apples 
and  Pears  ;  and,  secondly,  because  other  fruits  are  scarcely  so 
good  as  could  be  desired.  This  remark  applies  especially  to 
stone  fruits.  Judged  from  a  cultural  point  of  view,  with  some 
two  or  three  exceptions,  the  show,  though  good,  was  not 
remarkable.  The  exceptions,  however,  are  noteworthy  ;  ajid, 
when  we  mention  a  Queen  Pine  8  lbs.  4  oz.,  not  perfectly 
finished,  but  still  superb,  by  Earl  Bective's  gardener ;  a  bunch 
of  Black  Hambnrghs  over  13  lbs.,  from  Lambton  Castle,  by 
Mr.  Hunter,  and  other  examples  of  Grape  culture  equally  good, 
one  begins  to  congratulate  one's  self  that  great  gardening  shows 
are  not  yet  devoid  of  some  real  interest.  To  exaggerate  as 
regards  the  superiority  of  the  Grapes  would  be  difficult. 
Earl  Somers's  gardener  at  Eastnor  Castle,  Hereford,  tocdi 
the  lead  with  three  superb  bunches,  black  as  ^  jet,  and 
perfectly  fiiiished,  and  these  were  cut  from  a  Vine  sixty  years 
old.  A  triumph  like  this  is  something  worth  recording. 
From  the  same  Vine  Mr.  Coleman  had  another  bunch  of  Black 
Hambughs,  SJ  lbs.  in  weight,  as  perfectly  finished  as  could  be 
desired.  These  we  regard  as  important  facts — proofs  that  the 
Vine  does  not  wear  out,  so  long  as  the  conditions  necessary  to 
its  healthy  existence  are  provided.  From  Ireland  Mr  Roberts, 
gardener  to  Lord  Charleville,  brought  some  splendid  Grapes, 
injured  by  the  passage,  no  doubt,  but  still  not  deficient  in  finish. 
From  the  Tweed  Vineries  Mr.  William  Thomson  sent  The 
Duke,  with  berries  very  large  and  transparent.  There  can  be 
no  doubt  that  it  is  a  Grape  of  first-rate  qua,lity  for  homo 
consumption,  though  of  its  travelling  qualities,  if  reports 
bo  true,  there  may  be  some  doubt.  New  Grapes  were 
not  numerous,  nor  remarkable,  but  still  Madresfield  Court 
and  Mrs.  Pince  Muscat  were  well  shown.  Of  course  this  is 
not  the  season  for  the  latter,  but  for  winter  use  it  may  still  be 
regarded  as  the  coming  Grape.  Of  that  much  maligned 
Grape  Golden  Champion,  Mr.  Hunter  had  a  noble  bunch, 
nicely  ripened,  but,  as  a  whole,  the  white  Grapes  were  green 
and  anything  but  well  ripened.  Mr.  Cowan  showed  his  lime- 
kiln in  the  act  of  heating  a  large  surface  of  piping.  This 
excited  a  considerable  amount  of  interest.  For  a  large  place, 
where  the  lime  can  bo  consumed,  with  coal  at  its  present  price, 
no  doubt  it  is  a  great  success. 


184 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  6,1873. 


NOTES    OF    THE    WEEK. 


The  heavy  raina  which  we  had  at  the  end  of  last  week  and 

bej^inning  of  this  have  induced  Mushrooms  to  spring  up  in  enormous 
quantities  all  over  the  country,  and  Covent  Garden  and  other  markets 
are  now  full  of  them. 

The  fruit-crop  in  France  is  reported  as  very  deficient  this 

year,  especially  in  the  south-western  departments,  Peaches,  Pears, 
and  Apples  being  unusually  scarce.  Of  Walnuts,  Almonds,  and 
Chestnuts,  however,  the  crop  is  abundant  and  good. 

We  saw  in  Mr.  Bull's  nursery  the  other  day  a  new  Pelar- 
gonium named  Queen  Victoria — a  perpetual  flowering  hybrid,  which 
promises  to  be  a  good  addition  to  this  class  of  plants.  The  flowers 
are  bright  rosy-carmine  edged  with  white,  and  have  a  dark  blotch  on 
the  petals.  The  plant  is  of  flne  habit,  blooms  freely,  and  has  curled 
Parsley.like  leaves. 

We  observed  in  Messrs.  Osborn's  Nursery,  at  Fulham,  a  few 

days  ago  a  new  method  of  grafting  in  the  case  of  weeping  trees.  It 
consists  in  working  them  on  dwarf  stocks,  so  as  to  admit  of  the 
plants  assuming  their  natural  habit  from  the  ground  upwards.  Of 
these  three  good  examples  may  be  found  there,  viz.,  a  Kilmarnock 
Weeping  Willow,  a  Weeping  Beech,  and  a  cut-leaved  Weeping  Birch. 
These  all  present  a  much  more  natural  appearance  than  weeping 
trees  do  when  worked  on  high  naked  stems,  which  hitherto  has  been 
the  practice  generally  followed. 

We  understand  that  at  Bedford  a  greenhouse,  costing  £25, 

has  been  put  up  at  the  workhouse,  as  a  sort  of  gardening  school, 
in  which  the  boys  may  grow  such  plants  as  cannot  be  wintered 
out  of  doors.  In  connection  with  this  the  Bedford  Times  says, 
"  Wo  fear  that  the  late  workhouse  master  hardly  had  the  credit 
which  he  deserved  for  improving  the  grounds  with  flowers."  Some 
doubts  have  been  expressed  as  to  the  legality  of  such  an  item  of 
expenditure  as  £25  for  a  greenhouse  ;  but  should  it,  unfortunately, 
not  prove  strictly  lawful,  it  will,  doubtless,  be  defrayed  privately. 

Mr.  Meeedith,  with  the  excellence  of  whose  Grapes  every. 

body  is  acquainted,  has  at  present  a  houseful  of  Madresfield  Court, 
heavily  laden  with  large  closely-set  clusters  of  extremely  fine  well- 
coloured  and  densely  bloomed  berries.  The  luxuriant  growth  of  this 
Vine  and  its  heavy  crop  certainly  exceed  those  of  any  Hamburgh  in 
the  Garston  Vineries,  and  the  fine  Muscadine  flavour  of  the  fruit 
is  of  the  highest  excellence.  The  Madresfield  Court  is  reported, 
even  by  good  Grape  growers,  to  be  a  bad  bearer,  setter,  and  keeper ; 
and  to  be  one  whose  berries  soon  become  mouldy.  It  is,  therefore, 
generally  looked  upon  as  requiring  some  treatment  peculiar  to  itself. 
Be  that  as  it  may,  we  have  seen  nothing  to  surpass  the  perfection 
at  which  this  Grape  has  arrived  at  Mr.  Meredith's  establishment 
at  Garston. 

The  auction  sale  of  M.  Linden's  large  collection  of  plants  at 

Brussels,  which  has  for  some  time  been  announced,  will  commence 
on  Monday  next,  and  has  been  arranged  as  follows  : — On  Monday, 
Tuesday,  and  Wednesday,  stove  and  temperate  house  Orchids; 
among  these  are  some  new  species  and  recent  introductions  not  yet 
sent  out.  On  Thursday,  cool  Orchids.  On  Friday,  choice  and  large 
specimens  of  Palms,  Cycads,  and  Pandanus.  On  Saturday,  young 
Palms,  well-developed  and  in  pots.  On  Monday,  Sept.  15th,  a  variety 
of  tropical  fruit  trees,  together  with  useful,  officinal,  medicinal,  poison- 
ous, spice-bearing  plants,  &c.,&c.  On  Tuesday,  Sept.  16th,  .stove  and 
temperate  house  plants  with  ornamental  foliage.  On  Wednesday, 
Sept.  17th,  ditto,  together  with  Bromeliads  and  Nepenthes.  On 
Thursday  Sept.  18th,  Ferns,  Agaves,  Yuccas,  cool  house  and  open 
air  plants.  On  Friday,  Sept.  19th,  plants  with  ornamental  foliage 
for  room  decoration,  and  a  miscellaneous  collection  of  various  other 
kinds. 

Perhaps  hardly  anything  in  our  public  parks  presents  a  more 

glaring  example  of  bad  taste  than  the  "  island  "  recently  deposited 
in  the  Serpentine.  In  the  first  place,  the  position  is  ill-chosen.  If 
the  island  was  intended  to  be  effective,  it  should  have  been  placed 
somewhere  in  the  lower  and  widest  part  of  the  piece  of  water,  so 
that  it  could  be  seen  from  many  points  on  the  banks.  In  its  present 
position,  on  one  side  of  the  narrow  neck  of  the  Serpentine,  it  is  not 
noticed  from  many  points  of  view,  and  is,  in  fact,  hardly  seen  until 
one  comes  pretty  close  upon  it.  When  the  visitor  has  reached  this 
point,  the  view  which  the  shapeless  mass  presents  is  neither  pleasing 
nor  instructive.  Notliing  in  nature  or  in  art  appears  to  have  inspired 
the  heads  which  planned  it.  The  high  shelving  sides  which  it 
exhibits  are  like  those  of  a  railway  embankment  on  a  small  scale 
In  the  placid,  almost  motionless,  flow  of  the  Serpentine,  such  an 
aspect  IS  entirely  at  fault.  The  level  of  an  (not  rocky)  island  in 
such  a  position  should  be,  at  all  events,  not  higher  than  that  of  the 
surrounding  banks.  Possibly,  iu  the  course  of  time,  it  may  disinte- 
grate or  sink  so  far  as  not  to  intercept  the  view  of  the  opposite  bank  • 


bnt  until  that  occurs,  or  until  its  creators  are  wise  enough  to 
re-model  it,  we  must  be  content  if  we  cannot  bring  ourselves  to 
conceive  that  it  resembles  anything  so  much  as  a  huge  and  ugly 
heap  of  "  shot  rubbish,"  the  back  of  which  has  been  laboriously 
rounded,  and  the  sides  cut  and  sloped  into  rigid  formality. 

Mr.  William  Sutherland,  late  of  Minto  Gardens,  Hawick, 

and,  for  the  past  two  years,  nursery  superintendent  to  Messrs.  Little 
and  Ballantyne,  Carlisle,  has  been  appointed  manager  of  Mr.  Ker's 
nurseries  at  Garston,  Liverpool,  a  situation  for  which  his  qualifica. 
tions  eminently  fit  him. 

Among  the  many  nostrums  which  have  been  put  forw.ard  as 

remedies  for  the  Phylloxera,  the  latest  is  a  recommendation  to  graft 
the  Vine  on  the  Japanese  Mulberry  (Moras  japonica),  which  is 
almost  exempt  from  the  attacks  of  insect  pests.  It  does  not  appear 
that  the  author  of  this  suggestion  has  ascertained  whether  it  is 
possible  to  graft  the  Vine  on  the  Mulberi'y.  This  may  be,  to  him,  a 
very  trifling  matter,  but  it  happens  to  be  one  on  which  the  success 
of  his  proposed  cure  very  much  depends. 

In  the  conservatories  of  the  Botanic  Gardens,  Manchester, 

are  some  suspended  wire-baskets,  the  centres  of  which  are  filled 
with  Sedum  Sieboldii  variegatum,  Mesembryanthemums  of  the 
Blandum  section,  and  Mother-of-Thousauds,  one  specimen  only  being 
in  each  pot.  The  sides  and  bottoms  are  furnished  with  Echeveria 
secunda  glauca,  inserted  between  the  meshes  of  the  wire.  The 
drooping  character  of  the  plants  in  the  centre  of  these  baskets,  and 
the  fresh  and  glaucous  ornamentation  of  their  undersides  produce  a 
pleasing  effect. 

Near  the  railway  station  at  Blois,  the  slopes  of  the  cutting  on 

each  side  of  the  line  were  quite  gay  this  summer  with  thousands  of 
self-sown  plants  of  Canterbm'y  Bells,  in  numerous  varieties  of  violet, 
rose,  lilac,  and  white-flowered  kinds.  The  plants  originally  escaped 
from  a  neighbouring  garden,  and  have  now  naturalised  themselves  in 
great  profusion  over  a  considerable  length  of  the  railway  banks.  This 
is  only  one  of  many  ornamental  exotic  hardy  plants  which,  as  we  have 
often  pointed  out,  may  be  easily  naturalised  iu  our  woods,  copses,  and 
in  the  rougher  parts  of  the  pleasure  ground. 

Many  complaints  have  been  made  of  the  overpowering  and 

offensive  odour  of  the  flowers  of  the  Ailantus  trees  planted  in  the 
streets  of  Paris  and  other  large  cities.  According  to  M.  E.  Andre, 
it  is  only  the  flowers  of  the  male  trees  which  exhale  this  unpleasant 
scent,  and  he  recommends  that  none  but  female  trees  should  be  for  the 
future  planted  in  public  or  other  places  where  the  peculiar  odour  of 
the  males  might  be  offensive.  This  would  seem  an  important  point 
for  the  Americans  and  others  who  plant  the  Ailantus  largely  as  a 
street  tree. 

In   Mr.  Dickson's    interesting    garden    at    Minstead,    near 

Exeter,  may  be  seen  some  of  the  handsomest  specimens  of  Irish  Tew 
in  England.  They  are  from  20  to  30  feet  high,  most  symmetrically 
proportioned  and  in  perfect  health.  Some  specimens  of  the  upright 
Cypress  there  are  also  still  more  remarkable,  as  they  cannot  be  much 
short  of  50  feet  in  height  and  are  perfect  in  form,  though  objection, 
able  as  regards  position.  Some  examples  of  Pinus  insignis  are 
quite  timber  trees,  and  here  the  Mount  Atlas  Cedars  are  developing 
their  distinctive  character.  Under  the  shelter  of  the  rock-garden 
we  noticed  admirable  specimens  of  the  more  delicate  Coniferas  grow, 
ing  most  luxuriantly.  Here,  too,  Berberis  Darwinii  may  be  seen  in 
wild  luxuriance,  and  Escallonias  in  the  form  of  large  bushes.  In 
the  conservatory,  which  is  large  and  handsome,  is  a  sort  of  ante-room 
houdoir,  which,  being  kept  warm,  receives  the  more  delicate  Orchids 
and  stove  plants  during  their  season  of  blooming  ;  this  mode  of  treat, 
mcnt  renders  them,  without  injury  or  any  material  check,  accessible 
to  everyone. 

We  have  just  been  shown,  by  tha,t    indefatigable  collector, 

M.  Max  Leichtlin,  some  coloured  plates  of  Lilies,  concerning  which 
we  may  say  that,  it  the  originals  equal  the  representations  iu 
beauty,  our  gardens  will  soon  be  enriched  with  some  beautiful 
and  novel  Lilies.  Some  of  them,  such  as  L.  Hansoni,  Columbianum, 
Medeoloides,  Avenaceum,  and  concolor  are  as  yet  extremely  scarce, 
and  all  of  them  are  novelties  more  or  le.'JS.  A  remarkable 
point  about  some  of  these  Lilies  is  the  altered  appearance  which 
they  assume  when  grown  under  different  circumstances.  Thus 
in  California  L.  parvum  on  the  hills  is  crimson  ;  but  near  water 
in  the  valleys  it  is  said  to  be  yellow.  L.  Washingtonianum 
is  another  variable  kind,  which  in  some  districts  is  one  of  the 
finest  of  Lilies ;  but  in  others  scarcely  worth  attention.  L. 
canadense,  too,  blooms  profusely  in  the  south,  where  it  has  many 
flowers  on  a  stem,  while  in  the  nortli  it  has  seldom  more  than  one, 
and  iu  colour  they  vary  from  deep  red  to  yellow.  Circumstances 
such  as  these  will  serve  in  some  measure  to  explain  why  the  same 
Lily  often  comes  to  us  under  different  names,  and  why  the  L.  concolor, 
lately  figured  in  the  "  Botanical  Magazine,"  is  so  different  from 
Salisbury's  Lily  which  bears  that  name. 


Sept.  6,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


185 


THE  ACCLIMATISATION  GARDEN  AT  PARIS. 

Tins  fine  garden  is  situated  in  one  of  the  pleasantest  suburbs 
of  Paris,  and  is  surrounded  for  the  most  part  by  the  Bois  de 
Boulogne,  once  a  fine  forest  of  noble  trees,  but  since  the  Tvar 
little  better  than  a  broad  expanse  of  low  brushwood,  nearly 
every  tree  having  been  cut  down  to  afford  scope  for  military 
operations  during  the  siege.  This  establishment  combines 
zoology  with  flower-gardening,  and  the  result  is  far  from  being 
an  unhappy  one.  The  walks  are  fringed  here  and  there  with 
flower-beds,  and  the  little  stream  or  canal  which  meanders 
through  the  place  is  margined  with  tall  grasses,  great  water 
Docks,  Tamarix,  AVillows,  Reeds,  and  other  semi-aquatics. 
One  of  the  most  interesting  features  in  the  garden  is  a  curvi- 
linear conservatory,  arranged  in  the  natural  style,  with  a  little 
brook  running  through  the  central  portion,  widening  occa- 
sionally so  as  to  aft'ord  room  for  Richardias,  Vallisnerias,  and 
other  aquatic  plants,  while  the  sloping  banks  and  borders  are 
planted  with  Selaginella  hortensis,  by  no  means  a  bad  imita- 
tion of  fresh  green  turf.  These  green  banks  afford  room  for 
isolated  groups  of  Hedychium,  Double  Tiger  Lilies,  and  vivid 
orange-coloured  Lantanas.  One  pretty  feature  here  was  a 
circular  mass  of  Vinca  rosea,  edged  with  a  broad  belt  of  the 
white  variety,  and  it  struck  me  as  being  very  effective,  the 


>,^ 


Sin^lar  example  of  inarctiiig  in  the  Acclimatisation  Garden  at  Paris. 

plants  being  fresh  in  appearance  and  flowering  profusely. 
Vincas  do  well  here,  and  are  largely  grown  by  the  French 
market  gardeners  as  decorative  plants  for  furnishing  pur- 
poses. Here  masses  of  Bambusa  gracilis  grow  up  15  feet 
high,  and  with  all  the  elegance  of  a  Weeping  Willow,  while 
graceful  Palms  and  Tree  Ferns  look  quite  at  home  when  seen 
without  the  usual  ugly  and  artificial  assemblage  of  pots  and 
tubs  so  familiar  to  our  eyes  at  home.  At  one  end  is  a  rockery, 
which  can  be  mounted  by  means  of  rustic  stone  steps,  and 
from  its  summit  a  good  view  of  the  whole  interior  can  be 
obtained.  There  is  a  cave  beneath,  and  the  whole  is  covered 
with  scandent  plants  and  Ferns.  A  fine  mass  of  Gnaphalium 
lanatum  hangs  down  the  face  of  this  rockwork,  and  its  bright 
silvery  aspect  renders  it  at  once  conspicuous  and  highly  orna- 
mental. The  Camellias,  and  other  flowering  shrubs  planted 
out,  are  as  fresh  and  as  healthy  as  those  in  the  great  Tem- 
perate House  at  Kew,  or  the  immense  specimens  at  Chats- 
worth  ;  and  the  more  one  sees  of  these  conservatories  in  the 
natural  style  the  better  one  likes  them.  Near  the  entrance  to 
the  cool  conservatory  and  opposite  the  library  door,  there 
is  a  singular  and  interesting  specimen  of  an  Ash  tree  grafted 


by  approach  (inarched).  Of  this  the  annexed  is  a  sketch 
taken  on  the  spot.  At  Montreuil,  too,  I  saw  some  Peach 
trees  even  more  complicated  than  this  Ash,  and  not  only 
healthy  but  bearing  large  crops  of  fruit.  One  fact  worthy  of 
notice  in  regard  to  the  Ash  is,  that  it  was  started  with  five 
young  saplings,  which,  as  shown  in  the  figure,  are  all  grafted 
together  a  few  inches  above  the  soil. 

A  circular  carpet-bed  here  is  so  nicely  arranged  that  it  is 
much  admired  by  everybody.  The  whole  central  portion  is 
carpeted  with  Sedum  canieum  variegatum,  on  which  nine 
shield-shaped  patches  of  Alternanthera  and  succulents  are 
arranged  with  the  greatest  care  and  exactitude.  The  central 
circle  is  of  Alternanthera  magnifica,  with  a  Turk's  Cap  Cactus 
in  the  middle.  Iresine  Lindenii,  which  fills  the  eight  marginal 
segments,  is  judiciously  contrasted  with  the  soft  clear  yellow 
of  the  Golden  Pyrethrum.  Tradescantia  grows  freely  here  and 
forms  a  cool  neutral  margin  to  the  brighter  colours  within. 
Begonias  grow  and  flower  freely,  and  are  used  in  several 
of  the  beds  with  excellent  effect.  One  bed,  consisting  of  a 
new  hybrid,  resembling  B.  Laura,  is  nicely  arranged  and  neatly 
bordered  with  Nierembergia  gracilis,  the  whole  being  margined 
with  Aralia  albida  variegata.  The  old  scarlet-flowered  B. 
fuchsioides  also  grows  very  dwai'f  and  compact,  planted  out  in 
a  shady  position.  Beds  of  Boehmeria  nivea,  Tamarix,  and 
Cucurbita  maxima  grow  freely,  and  afford  variety.  The  last- 
named  plant  has  bright  green  foliage  elevated  on  petioles 
nearly  a  j-ard  long,  and  bears  great  orange-ribbed  fruits  as 
large  as  a  man's  head.  It  is  worth  a  trial  in  our  own  public 
gardens  as  an  effective  sub-tropical  plant.  A  semi-circular 
bed  just  opposite  the  refreshment  rooms  also  displays  a 
very  good  example  of  neat  and  striking  arrangement. 
Sophora  japonica,  planted  out  on  the  lawn,  is  trained  over  a 
seat,  and  is  one  of  the  finest  of  all  deciduous  trees  for  that 
purpose,  while  I  know  of  no  other  plant  more  graceful  in  its 
outline  during  winter.  Several  masses  of  herbaceous  Phlox, 
purple  and  white,  are  strikingly  effective  as  seen  here  and 
there  between  the  trees.  In  mixed  borders  are  planted  a 
mixture  of  herbaceous  and  bedding  plants,  interspersed  with  a 
few  flowering  shrubs.  Hibiscus,  Tritomas,  Dahlias,  and  Salvia 
splendens  here  flower  freely,  grouped  along  with  Yuccas, 
Chrysanthemum  frutescens,  Cannas,  Solanums,  and  Gaura 
Lindheimeri,  a  North  American  flowering  plant,  used  both 
here  and  in  the  gardens  of  the  Tuileries  with  good  effect. 
Several  trees  here  are  marked  by  bullets,  though  the  garden 
itself  does  not  appear  to  have  suffered  so  much  as  might  have 
been  expected.  Near  the  Gymnasium  is  a  fine  Wellingtouia, 
upwards  of  30  feet  high,  which,  from  its  healthy  appearance, 
promises  to  make  a  noble  specimen.  A  mass  of  white-flowered 
Lantanas,  bordered  with  scarlet  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  and 
edged  with  Begonia  Sandersoni,  struck  me  as  being  a  very 
effective  combination,  and  another  of  Christine  Pelargonium, 
edged  with  .a  broad  belt  of  silvery  Gnaphalium  lanatum, 
seemed  very  pretty.  An  oblong  mass  of  Petunia  Madame 
Furtado,  bordered  with  Alyssum  variegatum,  was  effective, 
the  whole  being  still  further  improved  by  a  clear  blue  margin 
of  Lobelias.  This  garden  is  well  wooded,  and  the  yellowish- 
green  foliage  of  the  Acacias  is  strikingly  effective  at  this  season. 
The  flower-beds,  instead  of  being  all  crowded  together  into  a 
meaningless  design,  are  distributed  so  as  to  light  up  with 
bright  colours  the  fresh  tui'f  and  trees  without  wearying  the 
eye  by  being  everywhere  too  obtrusive  or  glaring. 

F.  W.  Btjebidge. 


Trees. — Amongst  the  trees  of  the  wood  there  is  a  vast  variety  ; 
the  sturdy  Oak,  the  flexile  "Willow,  the  solid  Maple,  the  graceful  Ash, 
the  terraced  Cedar,  with  cones  uprising  through  each  Grassy-looking 
lawn  of  tender  leafery  ;  the  Larch,  in  lieu  of  bells,  hanging  its  scarlet 
blossoms  from  every  pointed  arch  of  its  green  pagoda ;  the  stiff  stout 
Holly,  disdainful  of  the  breeze  ;  the  restless  Aspen  all  in  a  flutter  at 
the  faintest  sigh  ;  the  spacious  Chestnut  enclasping  the  glebe  in  its 
bountiful  branches  ;  the  strict  solemn  Cypress,  with  every  oppressed 
twiglet  pointing  straight  up  to  heaven.  As  with  the  form,  so  with 
the  bark  or  the  timber  ;  the  Ebony  sinking  like  stone ;  the  Cork  on  the 
crest  of  the  billow  ;  the  Elder  so  soft  and  spongy ;  the  Box  in  its  firm 
structure  retentive  of  the  finest  engraving;  the  homely  Deal;  the 
thyine.veneer  emulating  the  spots  of  the  panther,  or  the  plumes  of 
the  peaoock.-:-Dr.  James  Hamilton. 


186 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  6,  1873. 


LONDON    MARKET    GARDENING. 

CELERY. 
Celerv  is  grown  extensively  in  the  valley  of  the  Thames,  and 
in  other  places  where  the  ground  is  somewhat  level,  and  where 
abundance  of  water  can  be  given  whilst  the  crop  is  growing. 
Indeed,  this  is  the  only  crop  grown  out  of  doors  in  market 
gardens  that  is  persistently  watered.  Only  two  varieties  of 
Celery,  as  a  rule,  are  grown — the  white  and  red  Manchester, 
preference  being  given  by  consumers  to  the  latter.  If  prac- 
ticable, Celery  is  made  to  follow  Vegetable  Marrows  and  the 
Cabbage  tribe,  or  French  Beans ;  but,  if  that  is  inconvenient, 
it  is  made  to  occupy  whatever  ground  is  empty  when  plants  are 
ready  for  planting.  A  great  point  observed  by  all  growers  is 
to  have  the  grouud  to  be  planted  cleared  of  its  crop  as  soon  as 
possible  in  autumn  or  early  winter,  and  then  heavily  manured 
all  over  and  trenched  and  ridged,  permitting  it  to  remain  in 
this  condition  until  it  is  required  for  spring  Cauliflowers  or  for 
Radishes.  Generally  the  Celery  is  planted  in  the  alleys 
between  the  beds  of  Radishes,  thus  leaving  the  rows  .5  feet 
apart,  or  between  alternate  linos  of  Cauliflowers  in  May  and 
June,  in  which  case  the  Celery  will  have  taken  to  the  soil,  and 
will  have  begun  to  grow  before  the  Cauliflowers  are  all  removed. 
If  this  sort  of  interplanting,  however,  is  practised,  provision 
must  be  made  for  such  at  manuring  time,  by  marking  oS  the 
ground  in  5-feet  breadths,  and  giving  a  quadruple  Cjuantity  of 
manure  under  each  line,  and  into  this  the  Celery  is  eventually 
planted,  thus  saving  the  labour  of  remanuring,  which  would 
cause  a  disturbance  as  regards  the  spring  crop. 

In  spring  two  sowings  are  commonly  made — one  for  the  early 
planting,  and  the  other,  some  weeks  later,  for  a  late  supply. 
The  seed  is  usually  sown  broadcast  in  frames,  thinned  out  a 
little,  and  exposed  as  freely  as  circumstances  will  admit. 
Another  way  of  raising  the  seed  is  to  prepare  a  trench — say 
about  6  feet  in  breadch  and  1  foot  in  depth — and  to  fill  it  in 
firmly  with  fermenting  manure,  over  which  some  soil  is 
strewed;  then  level  and  roll  the  surface,  sow  the  seeds,  and 
sift  over  them  some  light  soil.  Cover  these  beds  then  with 
rank  litter  until  the  seeds  germinate,  when  the  litter  should  be 
removed,  in  favourable  weather,  during  the  daytime,  but 
replaced  at  night  until  the  weather  is  sufliciently  genial  for  the 
plants  to  stand  without  any  covering  whatever.  "When  the 
seedlings,  either  in  frames  or  in  beds,  have  attained  a  fair  size, 
they  are  pricked  out  (in  Maj')  in  beds,  in  sheltered  positions,  in 
lines  9  inches  apart,  and  2  or  3  inches  asunder  in  the  rows. 
Here  they  are  permitted  to  remain  until  time  and  convenience 
permit  them  to  be  permanently  planted  out,  placing  them  as 
previously  stated,  in  j-ows  o  feet  apart  and  8  or  ii  inches  asunder 
in  the  rows. 

After  the  entire  removal  of  a  spring  crop  of  vegetables  the 
ground  may  be  cleared,  dug  over,  and  marked  off  for  Celery, 
and  if  it  has  not  been  previously  prepared  by  giving  the  extra 
manuring  in  winter  it  must  now  be  applied.  No  ridges  are 
formed  as  in  private  gardens,  but  a  furrow  is  merely  drawn 
with  a  hoe,  as  for  sowing  Peas  or  Beans,  but  a  little  wider, 
and  into  these  furrows  the  plants  ai-e  inserted  by  means  of  a 
dibber.  The  strongest  plants  being  put  out  first  the  remainder 
form  successions,,  and  the  spaces  between  the  rows  are  always 
well  filled  with  Lettuces,  French  Beans,  late  Cauliflower, 
Endive,  &c.  Experience  has  taught  growers  for  market  that 
deep  planting  is  not  advisable,  more  especially  in  the  case  of 
late  crops,  because  when  planted  deepl}'  the  Celerj^  is  apt  to 
suffer  from  damp  at  the  root.  They,  therefore,  plant  in  such 
a  way  that,  when  finally  earthed  up,  the  i-oots  shall  be  above 
the  level  of  the  trenches.  Under  such  conditions  rot  is  almost 
impossible.  Soon  after  the  plants  begin  to  grow,  a  little  earth 
is  drawn  to  their  roots  with  a  hoe,  but  earthing  up,  properly 
so  called,  is  generally  performed  at  different  times,  and  in  the 
two  first  operations  of  this  kind  a  hollow  is  left  along  by  the 
necks  of  the  plants,  so  as  to  conveniently  retain  a  good  supply 
of  water.  At  the  third  and  final  earthing  up  the  ridge  is 
well  closed  at  the  top,  for  growth  will  then  have  ceased,  and 
the  soil  and  atmosphere  being  naturally  moist,artificial  watering 
would  now  be  more  injurious  than  beneficial.  Celery  ridges  are, 
however,  most  liberally  watered  during  the  growing  season, 
cither  in  the  ordinary  way  or  by  means  of  hydrants  to  which 


one-inch  metal  pipes  are  attached,  or  common  gutta-percha 
hoses.  Where  hydrants  do  not  exist,  liogsheads  placed  at 
intervals  in  the  fields  supply  water  for  the  purpose.  Where 
watering  is  not  done  by  cans  the  hose  is  employed  ;  this  mode 
is  reckoned  to  be  eventually  as  cheap  as  any.  One  man  carries 
the  end  of  the  hose  along  the  ridges,  du-ecting  aright  the  force 
of  water,  whilst  another  keeps  it  regulated  and  free  from 
twisting,  and  if  the  length  be  great  a  third  must  be  employed 
to  help,  and  to  attend  to  the  turning  off  and  on  of  the  water. 
Towards  the  end  of  August  the  early  produce  comes  into 
use,  and  from  that  time  until  January  or  February  a  regular 
supply  is  kept  up.  Before  lifting  the  crop,  part  of  the  tops  of 
the  leaves  is  switched  ofl:  with  a  sickle,  then,  in  lifting,  a 
trench  is  thrown  out  at  the  end  of  a  ridge,  which  is  partially 
levelled,  and  the  crop  is  removed  at  the  same  time ;  a  set  of 
people  being  employed  in  lifting,  another  in  wheeling  or 
carting  to  the  packing  shed,  and  a  third  in  washing,  bunching, 
and  packing.  Slugs,  especially  in  moist  weather,  are  some- 
times very  destructive  to  Celery  leaves,  but  their  progress  is 
arrested  by  dredging  along  the  tops  of  the  ridges  with  air- 
slacked  lime,  and  operating  similarly  on  the  banks  or  hedge- 
fronts  surrounding  the  fields  in  which  it  is  grown.  Highlj' 
cultivated  ground  is  seldom  infested  with  this  pest ;  but  where 
there  are  neighbouruig  hedges  or  banks  there  slugs  are  sure 
to  be  found,  and  no  matter  how  well  tilled  the  soil  may  be 
their  ravages  will  become  apparent  unless  liming  is  resorted 
to.  W.  F. 


CUCUMBER  GROWING  FOR  MARKET. 

In  a  quiet  country  village  about  sixteen  miles  from  London  may  be 
seen  a  small  garden  devoted  to  Cucumber  growing  for  market. 
Having  frequently  visited  this  place,  we  are  always  forcibly  struck 
with  the  simple  means  employed  and  the  results  obtained.  The 
structures,  or  houses  as  they  may  perhaps  be  called,  are  primitive 
indeed,  erected  chiefly  by  the  owner,  who  was  a  few  years  ago  a 
gentleman's  gardener,  but  a  working  gardener,  where  the  charge  was 
limited.  For  several  years  past  he  has  devoted  himself  to  Cncumber 
growing  for  the  London  trade.  His  first  house  for  this  pnipose,  if 
house  it  may  be  called,  was  an  ordinay  lean-to  against  a  brick  wall ; 
it  is  about  20  yards  long  and  10  feet  wide.  In  front  of  this  is  another 
of  the  same  length  and  width,  but  with  a  span. roof,  also  a  little  glass 
under  the  front  plate.  These  structures  are  low,  but  to  get  headroom 
a  pathway  is  sunk  along  the  middle,  perhaps  a  yard  deeper  than  the 
ground-level.  On  either  side  of  this  pathway  is  a  long  wooden  trough 
from  end  to  end  of  the  house.  These  troughs  are  the  most  noticeable 
feature  of  the  whole  affair.  They  are  of  rough  inch  boards,  from  2 
feet  6  inches  to  3  feet  wide,  and  10  inches  deep,  the  soil  used  being 
decayed  turf,  full  of  vegetable  fibre,  mixed  with  decayed  horse- 
droppings.  The  troughs  are  not  quite  filled  at  planting  out,  and 
as  the  mass  gets  filled  with  roots,  a  slight  top-dressing  is  from  time 
to  time  applied  of  nothing  more  than  road-grit  and  well-decomposed 
horse-droppings.  The  idea  is  a  proper  one,  that  slight  dressings, 
frequently  appled,  maintain  health  without  over  stimulating.  The 
point  most  noticeable  is  the  small  modicum  of  soil  allowed  the  plants 
to  grow  in  :  they  stand  about  two  feet  apart ;  they  are  grown  with 
straight  stems,  about  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  long  ;  and  trained  on 
temporary  trellises,  one  foot  from  the  glass,  which  is  evidently  not 
far  enough,  as  both  cold  and  sun  affect  them  a  little  at  that  distance. 
The  heat  is  supplied  by  means  of  flues — that  is,  9-inch  socket  pipes 
put  together  with  cement  do  duty  as  brick-flues.  A  row  of  these 
pipes  is  carried  along  on  either  side  under  the  middle  of  the  troughs. 
In  excavating  the  path  the  side  earth  is  left ;  on  the  top  of  this  run 
these  pipe-flues,  almost  close  to  the  bottom  of  the  troughs  in  which 
the  plants  gi'ow.  This  flue  is  the  only  source  of  heat ;  in  severe 
weather  straw  mats  are  put  on,  and  ai'e  found  to  be  of  great  service. 
The  cubical  contents  of  one  of  these  structures  is  very  little  ;  and 
limited  as  the  surface  is,  it  can  readily  be  covered  up  to  economise 
the  heat  given  off  inside.  The  plants  which  have  been  in  bearing  all 
spring  and  summer  were  put  out  in  the  early  part  of  winter ;  the 
object  being  to  have  plenty  when  the  demand  is  good.  The  quantity 
of  fruit  produced  in  these  small  houses  is  something  marvell6us. 
We  shrink  from  a  statement  lest  we  should  be  charged  with  exag- 
geration. They  are  cut  three  times  a  week,  and  supplied  direct  to 
the  consumers,  only  the  rough  ones  are  sent  to  the  market  for  what 
they  will  bring.  The  sort  this  grower  prefers  above  all  others  is 
Sutton's  Perfection.  Telegraphs  and  various  other  esteemed  sorts 
are  grown,  but  no  sort  is  equal  with  him  to  Sutton.  At  our  last 
visit,  Aug.  12,  the  plants  were  exceedingly  healthy  ;  neither  disease, 
insect,  nor  gouty  plants  were  to  be  seen  in  the  place. — The  Oardeixer. 


Sept.  6,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


187 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 


GATHBEING  AND  KEEPING  PKUIT. 
Respecting  the  time  of  gathering  ordinary  frnit  (Apples,  Pears, 
Medlars,  &o.),  as  a  general  rule,  the  fruit  must  be  what  is  called 
tree-ripe,  i.e.,  the  separation  of  the  fruit-stalk  from  that  part  where 
it  is  fastened  must  take  place  without  any  difficulty,  and  the 
stone-fruit  as  well  as  the  berry.fruit  must  be  flesh. i-ipe,  i.e.,  fit  for 
consumption.  Nuts  and  Chestnuts,  however,  must  remain  on  the 
tree  until  they  begin  to  fall  of  themselves.  The  most  of  our 
summer  Pears  and  Apples,  i.e.,  those  which  ripen  till  the  end  of 
September,  become  much  better  flavoured  and  keep  longer  if 
gathered  from  the  tree  before  they  arc  flesh-ripe,  and  spread  on  a 
layer  of  clean  straw,  hay,  &c.,  in  a  shady  and  dry  place.  If  kept 
in  damp  cellars  or  caves,  they  will  always  have  a  bad  taste.  The 
best  way  is  to  gather  them  gradually,  because  they  never  ripen  at 
once,  even  on  the  same  tree  ;  as,  for  instance,  those  on  the  top  or 
on  the  sunny  side  are  generally  fit  for  gathering  a  week  sooner  than 
those  on  the  shady  side,  and  it  is  surprising  how  much  the  date  of 
gathering  influences  the  quality  of  some  fruit.  The  date  of 
ripening,  however,  even  of  a  certain  sort  of  fruit,  is  always  very 
changeable,  according  to  the  weather,  the  position  of  the  tree,  and,  if 
it  is  worked  as  a  dwarf  on  Paradise  or  Quince  ;  these  always  ripen 
their  fruit  much  earlier  because  their  roots  are  nearer  to  the  surface 
of  the  ground.  Plums,  Cherries,  and  most  Grapes,  however,  are  the 
better  the  longer  they  hang  on  the  tree,  even  after  their  normal 
ripening,  especially  those  Plums  that  are  intended  to  be  dried  are 
much  better  if  they  remain  on  the  tree  as  long  as  possible  ;  they  are 
afterwards  much  sweeter,  more  solid,  and  already  nearly  half  dried  ; 
while  some  other  stone  fruit,  as,  for  instance,  most  Apricots,  become 
mealy  if  they  hang  too  long  on  the  tree. 

Referring  to  the  autumn  and  winter  frnit,  Medlars,  which  are  only 
eatable  in  a  decaying  state,  are  gathered  when  tree-ripe  and  spread 
over  a  layer  of  straw,  where  they  may  remain  till  they  are  fit  for 
use.  Autumn  and  winter  Apples  and  Pears  ought  to  be  gathered 
when  tree. ripe.  There  are,  however,  some  late  winter  Pears,  which, 
in  unfavourable  seasons  or  under  other  circumstances,  sometimes 
will  not  become  tree-ripe  in  the  autumn.  They  may  be  left  on  the 
tree  as  long  as  possible,  but  in  every  case  they  must  be  gathered 
before  the  leaves  begin  to  fall,  as  winter  Pears  gathered  after  this 
time  remain  always  like  a  Turnip.  The  cause  is  that  their  flesh 
becomes  dry  after  this  time,  and  the  chemical  process  which  causes 
the  formation  of  sugar  and  softens  the  cells,  is  then  at  an  end.  I 
think  that  when  the  leaves  begin  to  fall,  the  circulation  of  the  sap 
in  the  tree  ceases  also,  and  the  fruit  receives  not  as  much  sap  as  it 
evaporates  ;  perhaps,  also,  a  part  of  its  sap  goes  back  into  the  wood 
after  this  time.  But,  however,  so  long  as  the  circulation  of  the  sap 
is  in  activity,  winter  fruit  may  remain  on  the  tree  with  great 
advantage  as  long  as  possible,  even  under  the  influence  of  severe 
frosts.  I  saw  this  very  well  in  the  autumn  of  1871,  when  I  was  residing 
in  South  Germany  ;  that  autumn  was  very  wet ;  and  no  sort  of 
fruit  trees  ripened  its  wood,  but  in  the  beginning  of  October  all  were 
still  in  full  vegetation.  I  feared  that  we  should  have  a  very 
dangerous  winter  for  our  fruit  trees ;  and,  indeed,  no  German 
pomologist  or  fruit  grower  will  ever  forget  the  winter  of  1871-72, 
which  killed  in  Germany  millions  of  old  fruit  trees,  not  to  mention 
other  millions  of  young  ones  in  the  nurseries.  In  the  little  Grand 
Duchy  of  Weimar  alone,  more  than  600,000  old  fruit  trees  of  all 
kinds  were  destroyed  in  that  winter,  especially  many  old  trees  of 
Plums,  Walnuts,  Pears,  and  Peaches.  To  go  back  to  our  subject, 
that  year  (1871)  we  had  very  few  fruit,  because  late  frosts  in  the 
spring  destroyed  the  blossoms,  except  some  late  flowering  or  very 
hardy  sorts,  as  Boiken,  Parker's  Pippin,  Hawthornden,  Sykehouse 
Pippin,  Luiken  Reinette,  Gros  de  Cassel,  Loskrieger,  &c.  As  the 
trees,  especially  those  of  the  four  first-named  sorts,  were  still  in 
full  vegetation,  we  gathered  in  the  middle  of  October  only  half  of 
them,  and  the  others  not  before  the  middle  of  November,  when  the 
leaves  began  to  fall,  after  several  sharp  frosts  of  10'  to  12°  had 
passed  over  them.  As  all  autumn  and  winter  fruit  begin  to  grow 
most  when  the  nights  become  colder  and  longer,  and  under  the 
influence  of  the  autumn  fogs,  those  Apples  were  nearly  double  as  big 
as  the  earlier  gathered  ones,  and  had  not  received  any  cheek  from 
the  sharp  frosts.  On  the  contrary,  I  found  that  they  kept  better 
and  longer,  and  became  better  flavoured.  This  is  a  certain  proof 
that,  at  least  Apples,  as  long  as  they  are  not  yet  ripe,  may  withstand 
even  very  severe  frosts,  while  I  found  that  ripe  ones  are  destroj'ed 
by  very  slight  frosts.  Another  important  point  in  the  fruit  crop  is 
the  manner  of  gathering  the  fruit.  All  winter  fruit  and  those  that 
are  intended  to  keep  longer  than  a  fortnight,  must  be  gathered 
carefully  by  the  hand,  while  those  that  are  to  be  used  within  three 
weeks  after  gathering,  may  be  shaken  off  the  tree.     There  are  some 


tender  sorts  of  Pears  which  are  very  sensitive  to  even  the  slighest 
pressure,  as,  for  instance,  the  old  Piguo  d'Alenijon  becomes  bitter  if 
bruised.  Respecting  the  keeping  of  winter  fruit,  there  is  a  little 
difference  between  the  different  sorts.  Those  sorts  which  are  very 
much  inclined  to  shrink  must  be  placed  as  soon  as  possible  after 
gathering  in  a  cellar,  or  in  a  cool  and  dark  room,  especially  the  most 
of  those  kinds  which  have  a  russet  skin,  for  instance,  Reinette 
Bnrchard,  Goldmohr,  Sykehouse  Russet,  Parker's  Pippin,  Reinette 
Grise,  &c.,  as  they  evaporate  and  shrink  too  much  in  a  dry  air, 
while  those  with  a  smooth  skin  generally  keep  much  better,  and 
must  be  kept  as  long  as  possible  in  drier  and  cooler  rooms.  All  these 
fruits  must  be  spread  on  hurdles  or  boards  upon  a  thin  layer  of  quite 
dry  and  clean  Moss,  which  must  be  previously  scalded,  and  it  is  very 
advantageous  to  cover  them  afterwards  with  blotting  paper  or  old 
newspapers.  This  paper  preserves  the  fruit  very  much  from  the 
influence  of  changeable  temperature,  in  a  damp  room  from  too 
great  moisture,  and  in  a  dry  room  from  too  much  evaporation.  Caro 
is,  however,  to  be  taken  that  no  other  things  which  may  spoil  the 
air  are  kept  in  the  frnit  room,  as,  for  instance,  vegetables,  Potatoes, 
or  fermenting  matters,  &o.,  as  they  always  spoil  the  flavour  of  the 
fruit.  The  clearer  and  fresher  theair,  the  better  will  the  frnit  keep, 
and  they  must  be  carefully  looked  over  sometimes,  and  every  I'otteu 
one  removed.  If  the  air  in  the  fruit  room  is  too  damp,  it  is  very 
good  to  put  any  kind  of  salt  on  a  board,  which  is  placed  a  little 
obliquely.  The  salt  very  soon  attracts  dampness  from  the  air,  and 
runs  down  in  a  vessel  which  is  put  under  the  board.  If  dried  after, 
wards,  it  may  be  used  again.  The  cooler  and  the  fresher  the  air  in 
the  fruit  room,  the  longer  the  fruit  keep,  as  the  coolness  renders  the 
chemical  process  of  ripening  diflicnlt,  while,  on  tho  contrary, 
warmth  favours  it. 

A  very  good  vpay  for  keeping  late  winter  Pears  and  Apples  is  to 
keep  them  between  dry  Pear  or  Chestnut  leaves  in  the  open  air, 
so  that  a  layer  of  fruit  is  put  upon  a  layer  of  leaves ;  over  them 
again  a  layer  of  leaves,  then  Pears,  and  so  on,  forming  in  thia 
way  a  heap,  which  is  afterwards  covered  with  some  branches 
of  the  Fir  tree  to  prevent  the  wind  destroying  the  heap. 
The  old  St.  Germain  Pear  has  kept  in  this  way  very 
well — indeed,  better  than  in  the  best  fruit  room.  Some  people 
bury  Apples  and  Pears  in  the  ground  in  the  winter,  after 
an  old-fashioned  way  of  keeping,  but  I  should  only  recommend  it 
for  common  and  very  hard  sorts.  The  marks  for  diseernijig  when 
fruit  begin  to  ripen  are,  in  Pears  that  they  become  soft  near  the 
stalk,  which  may  be  ascertained  by  a  slight  pressure  with  the 
finger ;  in  Apples,  when  they  begin  to  smell.  Colour  in  the 
ripening,  does  not  appear  in  all  sorts  of  fruit ;  there  are,  for  instance, 
many  good  kinds  of  Pears  which  never  change  their  colour  even 
when  beginning  to  rot ;  others  change  colour  sometimes,  and  some- 
times do  not ;  as,  for  instance,  the  Beurre  Napoleon  very  often 
remains  grass-green.  There  are  again  some  which  keep  very  well 
three  or  four  weeks  after  ripening,  while  others  do  not  keep  longer 
than  three  or  four  days.  There  must  always  be  great  attention  paid  to 
this,  as  many  Pears  begin  to  rot  in  the  fruit  house,  and  are  soon  quite 
decayed,  although  on  the  outside  they  will  look  well.  Grapes  keep 
very  well  four  and  even  five  months,  if  put  carefully  between  dry 
millet,  in  which  way  also  some  Hungarian  fruit  dealers  export  their 
Grapes  with  the  best  success.  The  Tyroleans,  who  export  quantities 
of  their  celebrated  White  Rosmarin  Apples  to  England,  envelope  them 
twice  carefully  in  silk  paper,  and  pack  them  afterwards  between 
scraps  of  paper,  which  is  without  doubt  always  the  best  material  for 
the  purpose.  Gustave  Weemig. 

Merriott  Nurseries,  Crewherne. 


THE  OECHARD  HOUSE. 

Br  PETER  GRIEVE,  Cdlfoed  Gaedeits. 
{Continued  from  page  169.) 

There  is  an  orchard-house  at  Gulford,  a  span-roofed  structure 
9-5  feet  long,  20  feet  wide,  12  feet  high  in  the  centre,  and  6  feet 
high  at  the  sides.  The  rafters  are  placed  20  inches  apart,  and 
the  glass  used  is  21  ounces  to  the  foot,  cut  into  panes 
20  inches  by  12  inches ;  a  strong  Welsh  slate  of  the  same 
dimensions  taking  in  each  instance  the  place  of  the  lower 
pane,  in  immediate  connection  with  the  troughing.  The 
side  lights  are  hung  on  pivots  from  tlie  centre  (as  shown 
in  section,  fig.  No.  3).  The  quadrant  with  its  lever,  placed 
at  each  side  of  the  house,  acts  upon  the  iron  rod  attached 
to  the  lights,  and  opens  or  closes  them  to  any  desired  extent. 
There  are  no  roof  openings  whatever  in  this  structure,  nor 
are  they  requu-ed,  as,  in  addition  to  the  opening  of  the  lateral 
or   side  lights,  the  two  lights  shown  above  the  door,  in  the 


188 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Sept.  6,  1873. 


elevation,  are  both  made  to  open  in  the  same  manner,  thus 
securing  ample  egress  for  heated  air  at  the  highest  possible 
point  of  the  house,  and  rendering  the  ventilation  in  all  respects 
complete.  Both  the  end  and  lateral  lights  are  so  fixed  as  to 
be  easily  removed  altogether  when  desired,  or,  in  order  that 
their  places  may  be  taken  by  the  Hexagon  netting  before 
alluded  to,  which  most  effectually  preserves  the  ripening 
fruit  from  bird.s,  as  well  as  from  insects  of  all  sorts.  The 
lights  might  even  be  removed  at  an  earlier  period  than 
that  of  the  ripening  of  the  fruit,  were  it  not  that  they  are 
occasionally  required  for  the  purpose  of  closing  the  house,  in 
order  to  fumigate  the  trees,  as  it  is  found  that  not  even  the 
constant  practice  of  syringing  will  (during  some  seasons) 
prevent  Cherry  trees  from  becoming  infested  by  the  black  fly, 
and  Peaches  and  Nectarines  from  being  injured  by  the  com- 
mon green  aphis,  &c.,  for  which  pests  frequent  fumigations 
are  found  to  be  the  only  really  effectual  remedy. 

Fig.  No.  3  is  a  transverse  section  of  this  house,  showing  the 
central  bed  or  border,  which  is  65  feet  wide,  occupied  by  Peach 
and  Nectarine  trees,  trained  in  a  pyramidal  form,  and  planted 
in  the  centre  of  the  bed,  at  a  distance  of  5  feet  from  tree  to 
tree,  while  the  side  borders  are  3  feet  wide,  and  occupied  by  a 
collection  of  pyramidal  Cherry  trees,  planted  3  feet  apart. 
The  paths  are  3  feet  wide,  upon  the  ground-level,  and  the 
borders  are  raised  some  6  or  8  inches  above  the  level  of 
the  paths,  and  are  about  2  feet  deep,  including  drainage. 
Trained  to  a  single  wire  over  the  centre  of  the  paths,  at  a 
distance  of  one  foot  from 
the  glass,  is  the  spuiTed 
stem  of  a  Black  Hamburgh 
Vine,  the  roots  of  which 
are  outside  the  structure. 
Five  feet  of  the  end  of  one 
of  the  side  borders  is  occu- 
pied by  a  cemented  cistern 
6  feet  deep,  into  which  the 
rain-water  from  the  roof  of 
the  house  flows  ;  and  the 
over-flow  from  this  finds 
its  way  into  an  under- 
ground tank  of  large  di- 
mensions, from  which  it 
is  pumped  back  as  re- 
quired. The  inside  cistern 
being  always  kept  full  in 
order  that  the  water  when 
nsed  may  have  acquired  a 
temperature  similar  to 
that  of  the  atmosphei'e  of 
the  house.  The  Peach  and 
Nectarine     trees      which 

occupy  the  centi-al  part  of  this  house  were  originally  grown  for 
some  time  in  pots,  but  have  been  planted  out  in  their  present 
position  for  about  twelve  years,  and  have  long  ago  attained  to 
the  full  size  which  the  structure  containing  them  will  permit. 
They  still  continue  in  excellent  health,  and  generally  bear 
large  crops  of  tolerably  good  fruit,  but  not  so  highly  colom-ed 
as  that  produced  in  another  house,  in  which  these  trees 
are  trained  upon  another  principle,  which  will  be  hereafter 
described.  The  soil  in  which  these  trees  are  grown 
is  composed  of  a  somewhat  tenacious  loam  procured  from 
a  distant  part  of  the  estate,  to  which  was  added  about  an 
equal  portion  of  the  original  soil,  which  is  somewhat  light  in 
character.  There  was  also  added  a  portion  of  well-rotted  dung 
and  some  calcareous  matter,  in  the  form  of  lime-scraps,  &c., 
from  old  buildings,  and  the  borders  have  from  time  to  time 
been  enriched  by  slight  dressings  of  bone-manure. 

Before  the  trees  were  planted  out,  the  border  was  rendered 
firm  by  being  well  trodden  down,  and,  on  removing  the  trees 
from  their  pots,  their  roots  were  as  much  as  possible  set  at 
liberty,  and  cut  back  to  some  considerable  extent.  After  they 
were  carefully  planted,  the  border  was  again  rendered  very 
firm  by  being  well  rammed  down.  The  trees  have  been  root- 
pruned  about  once  in  two  or  three  years  ever  since,  as  has 
been  considered  necessary.  This  is  accomplished  by  throwing 
the  soil  out  of  the  border  until  the  drainage  is  reached,  then 
carefully  withdrawing  the  soil  with  a  fork  from  each  tree  up 


to  within  a  foot  or  18  inches  of  the  stem,  with  a  sharp  knife 
I  cut  back  the  strong  roots,  &c.,  to  whatever  extent  may  be 
deemed  necessary.  Each  tree  is  left  standing  with  its  ball  of 
soil,  not,  perhaps,  exceeding  2i  or  3  feet  in  diameter,  and  can 
now  be  moved  about  or  re-arranged,  should  this  be  desired, 
without  difiiculty  or  danger.  The  severed  roots  and  fibres 
are  now  all  picked  carefully  from  the  loose  soil,  and  when  a 
portion  of  fresh  material  has  been  added  to  the  same,  it  is 
then  returned  to  the  border  and  rendered  as  solid  and  firm 
as  possible  by  being  well  trodden  and  rammed  down  ;  and,  as 
the  soil  is,  and  ought  to  be,  always  rather  dry  when  this 
operation  is  performed  (and  which,  by  the  bye,  is  generally 
accomplished  as  early  as  possible  during  the  month  of 
November),  it  should  now  receive  a  liberal  supply  of  water, 
and  soon  after  this  be  well  mulched  with  half-rotted  manure. 
No  more  water  should  be  given  until  the  month  of  March 
following.  This  treatment  appears  to  induce  the  production 
of  short-jointed  fruitful  wood  ;  but  little  stopping  or  pinching 
is  found  necessary,  and  that  is  generally  confined  to  the 
higher  parts  of  the  trees,  where  they  press  upon  the  glass,  or 
where  occasional  strong  shoots  may  be  produced,  which 
should  be  promptly  stopped,  with  a  view  to  encourage  the 
development  of  the  lower  branches. 

The  Cherry  trees  which  occupy  the  side  borders  were,  like  the 
Peaches  and  Nectarines,  grown  for  some  time  in  pots,  and  were 
some  years  since  planted  out  in  soil  similar  to  that  in  which  the 
Peaches,  &c.,  are  growing,  but  their  progress  was  for  some  time 

less  satisfactory  than  was 
desired ;  and,  some  four  or 
five  years  since,  the  trees 
were  all  taken  up,  with  as 
good    balls    of    earth    as 
could  be  made  to  adhere 
to  them.     The  drainage  of 
the  border  was  examined, 
and  found  to  be  in  all  re- 
spects  satisfactory.     Pre- 
viously to  this  there  had 
been  procured  a  quantity 
of  what  is  known  as  the 
"  runnings  "  of  a  clay-pit 
— that  is,  the  surface  clay 
from  the  sides,  &c.,  of  the 
pit,  which  may  have  been 
for  years  exposed  to   the 
pulverising   influences    of 
the  atmosphere,  frosts,  &c. 
This   is  not  unfroquently 
found  to  be  a  valuable  in- 
gredient  in    rendering   a 
too  light  soil  more  suitable 
for  the  growth  of  fruit  trees.     A  very  considerable  portion  of 
this  material  was  now  incorporated  with  the  original  soil  of  the 
Cherry  borders.     The  trees  were  again  carefully  planted,  and 
the   soil  of  the  borders  rendered  tolerably  firm.     The  result 
has  been,  if  not  quite  all  that  could  be  desired,  certainly  all 
that  could  reasonably  be  expected.     The  trees  have  got  into  a 
better  state  of  health,  and  the  fruit  has  ever  since  been  abun  - 
dant  and  of  excellent   quality.     It  may  be  observed  that  the 
original  or  natural  soil  of  the  garden  here  is  such,  that  Cherry 
trees  can  only  with  difficulty  be  kept  alive  for  a  few  years  in 
it.     The  only  exception  to  this  is  in  the  case   of   the  Morello 
variety,  which,  when  trained  on  a  north  wall,  and  planted   in 
soil  to   which   pulverised  clay   has  been  liberally  added,  will 
continue  for  a  few  years  to  produce  very  good  fruit.     But  the 
trees  seldom  continue  long  in  good    health,  and  are   at  the 
most  but  short-lived. 

The  Vines  trained  above  the  pathway  in  the  orchard  house 
are  of  the  Black  Hamburgh  and  white  Muscadine  sorts,  and 
are  planted  in  the  natural  soil  outside  the  house.  They  are 
secured  to  the  single  wire  over  the  centre  of  the  path,  and 
pruned  upon  the  close  or  short-spurring  system,  each  shoot 
being  stopped  at  the  joint  next  to  the  bunch,  and  tied  close  in 
to  the  stem.  The  fruit  is  produced  in  great  abundance,  and 
IS  of  very  good  quality  and  well-coloured,  and  in  all  its  stages 
throughout  the  season  adds  very  considerably  to  the  interest- 
ing appearance  of  the  interior  of  the  structure. 


Fig.  3. — Section  of  span-roofed  Orchard  House  at  Culford. 


Sept.  6, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


189 


Fig.  4  is  a  transverse  section  of  a  span-roofed  structure  or 
orchard  house  at  Culford,  75  feet  long,  20  feet  wide,  12  feet 
high  in  the  centre,  and  6  feet  high  at  the  sides.  It  is  glazed 
and  ventilated,  &c.,  in  all  respects  like  the  other  span-roofed 
house  already  described.  The  path  in  this  structure,  however, 
is  in  the  centre  of  the  house,  and  is  3  feet  6  inches  wide,  and 
paved  with  6-inch  Minton  tiles.  The  borders  on  each  side  of 
the  path  are  8  feet  wide,  and  raised  some  8  inches  above  its 
level.  "Wires  are  stretched  under  the  roof,  from  one  end  of 
the  house  to  the  other,  at  a  distance  of  16  inches  from  the 
glass,  and  1  foot  apart.  Peach  trees  arc  planted  on  one  border 
and  Nectarine  trees  on  the  other.  This  house  is  also  fur- 
nished with  an  inside  cistern  for  rain  water,  and  an  under- 
ground tank  in  all  respects  the  same  as  in  the  other  house. 
The  trees  are  planted  at  a  distance  of  8  or  10  inches  from  the 
side  walls,  and  about  6  feet  apart.  In  every  instance  the 
leading  shoot  of  each  tree  was  trained  vertically,  while  hori- 
zontal branches  from  each  side  of  the  tree  were  led  along  each 
wire  until  they  met  those  of  the  next  trees,  in  much  the 
same  manner  as  a  Pear  or  other  fruit  tree  is  trained  to  a  wall 
according  to  what  is  known  as  the  horizonal  system  of  training. 
The  development  of  the  trees  is  now  nearly  completed, 
that  is,  the  roof  of  the  house  is  entirely  covered  or  nearly  so, 
and  presents  a  series  of  twelve  cordons  of  Peaches  on  one 
side,  and  an  equal  number  of  Nectarines  on  the  other  side  of 
the  house,  the  central  wire,  or  that  immediately  below  the  apex, 
being  occupied  by  a  Vine.  These  cordons  are  pruned  every 
winter,  or  rather  early  in 
spring,  in  what  may  be 
called  the  rough  spur  sys- 
tem, or  very  much  in  the 
same  way  as  a  Pear  tree 
trained  to  a  wall  would  be 
pruned ;  and  the  young 
shoots  produced  upon 
these  spurs  are  sto]iped, 
or  cut  slightly  back  twice,' 
or  sometimes  three  times 
during  the  growing  sea- 
son. This  house  being  in 
all  respects  efficiently  ven- 
tilated, and  the  trees 
themselves  being  placed 
in  the  best  possible  posi- 
tion to  derive  the  full 
benefit  of  air  and  solar 
light,  &c.,  the  fruit  pro- 
duced by  them  has  gene- 
rally been  of  excellent 
quality  as  regards  colour, 

flavour,  and  size,  and  much  superior  to  any  produced  here  either 
on  standard  or  planted-out  trees,  or  by  trees  growing  in  pots. 
Fruit  trees  in  pots  of  various  kinds  are  placed  upon  the 
borders,  on  each  side  of  the  path,  as  shown  in  section  Fig. 
No.  4,  which  also  shows  two  4-inch  hot-water  pipes  on  each 
side  of  the  house,  close  to  the  side  walls.  These,  however, 
are  seldom  used,  further  than  to  exclude  frost  when  the  trees 
are  in  bloom,  and  the  borders,  &c.,  covered  with  bedding  plants; 
and  for  this  purpose  they  are  then  found  very  useful. 
Any  attempt  (however  meagre  or  incomplete)  to  describe 
the  various  structures,  designated  as  orchard  houses,  should 
not  by  any  means  omit  to  mention  a  very  ingenious  contri- 
vance, invented  by  an  amateur  horticulturist,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Fountaine,  of  Brandon,  in  Norfolk,  in  which  the  fruit  trees  are 
placed,  or  plunged  upon  a  portable  truck,  or  trucks,  which  by  the 
aid  of  simple  but  effective  machinery,  can  be  easily  drawn  out  into 
the  open  air,  and  returned  again  into  the  structure  at  pleasure. 
It  would  appear,  however,  that  the  practice  of  growing  fruit 
trees  in  pots  and  under  glass  is  not  altogether  new.  We  all, 
of  course,  know  that  good  Grapes  have  been  produced  in  this 
manner  from  time  almost  immemorial;  and  even  Peaches  and 
Nectarines  and  other  stone  fruits  are  said  to  have  been 
occasionally  cultivated  in  this  manner,  long  before  Mr.  Rivers 
invented  the  felicitous  term  of  "  Orchard  House."  But, 
notwithstanding  this,  the  grateful  thanks  of  the  country  at 
large  are  not  the  less  due  to  such  names  as  Rivers,  Pearson, 
and  others,  who  have  done  so  much  to  render  the  practice 


universal,  or  to  reduce  it  to  a  universally  accepted  system  of 
culture.  It  was  not  the  climatic  eccentricities  of  our  seasons 
alone  which  induced  the  lovers  and  cultivators  of  fruits 
generally  to  hail  with  gratitude  and  enthusiasm  the  intro- 
duction of  this  system  of  fruit  culture  ;  as  it  may  be  said 
with  truth  that  nearly,  if  not  quite,  one-half  of  the  fruit 
produced  in  many  parts  of  this  country,  in  the  open  air,  and 
on  trees  trained  to  garden  walls,  &c.,  is  injured,  disfigured,  or 
altogether  destroyed  by  birds  and  insects  of  various  sorts. 
And  even  a  tithe  of  the  fruit  so  produced  could  not  be 
secured  unless  gathered  before  being  fully  ripe,  or  by  beir.g 
protected  in  some  way  or  other.  It  may  also  be  said  with 
truth  that  nearly  all  the  stone  fruits  cultivated  in  this  country 
are  improved  in  size,  flavour,  and  appearance  by  being  grown 
under  glass,  always  providing  that  the  necessary  attention  be 
given  to  careful  watering,  ventilation,  &c.  Many  varieties  of 
Plums,  when  grown  as  standard  trees  in  the  open  air,  or  even 
when  trained  to  walls,  produce  fruit  which,  at  the  best,  is  only 
fit  for  culinary  purposes  ;  but  these  sorts,  when  grown  in  the 
orchard  house,  either  iu  pots  or  planted  out,  are  found  to 
produce  fruit  in  all  respects  delicious,  and  fit  for  the  most 
select  dessert.  This  improvement,  secured  by  culture  under 
glass,  also  holds  good  as  regards  other  kinds  of  fruits. 
(To  be  continued.) 


Fig.  4.-86011011  of  an  Orchard  House,  at  Culford,  with  Trees  on  roof. 


Best  Early  and  Late  Fruits. —  The  following  are  a  few 
questions  to  which  I  have  supplied  anawers,  in  the  hope  that  they 

maj'  be  found  useful,  viz. : 
— What  is  the  best  variety 
of  Black  Grape  for  general 
purposes  ?  Black  Hamburgh. 
— What  are  the  best  kinds 
of  White  Grapes  ?  Foster's 
Seedling  for  early,  and  White 
Muscat  for  late  work. — What 
are  the  best  Pine-apples  for 
winter  and  summer  ?  Ripley 
Queen  for  the  summer.  Black 
Jamaica  for  winter.  —  What 
are  the  best  kinds  of  Melons 
for  late  and  early  work  ? 
James's  Gem,  scarlet  fleshed, 
Gilbert's  Green  Fleshed. — 
What  are  the  best  kinds  of 
Peaches  for  early  and  late 
work  ?  Royal  George  for 
late,  and  Early  Beatrice  for 
early  work. —  What  are  the 
best  kinds  of  Nectarines  for 
early  and  late  work  ?  Vic- 
toria tor  late,  and  Elrnga 
for  early  work.— What  are  the  best  kinds  of  Apples  for  dessert- 
early  and  late  ;  for  kitchen  purposes — early  and  late  ?  Ribstou 
Pippin  late,  Kerry  Pippin  early ;  Wellington  late,  Keswick  Codlia 
early. — What  are  the  best  kinds  of  Pears — early  and  late  ?  Marie 
Louise  early,  Bergamotte  d'Esperen  late. — What  are  the  best  kinds 
of  dessert  Plums,  for  use  early  and  late  ?  for  kitchen  purposes  ? 
Greengage  early.  Golden  Drop  late  ;  Victoria  late,  Orleans  early.— 
What  'are  the  best  kinds  of  dessert  Cherries— early  and  late  ?  for 
kitchen  purposes  ?  May  Duke,  Black  Tartarian ;  Morello  and  Kentish. 
— What  are  the  best  kinds  of  Figs— early  and  late  ?  Castle  Kennedy 
early.  Brown  Turkey  late.— R.  Gilbert,  Burghletj  Gardens,  near 
Sta}nford. 

Figs  dropping  their  fruit. — Can  you  inform  me  why  the 
fruits  on  my  Fig  trees  drop  off  when  they  are  about  three  parts 
grown  ?  The  trees  themselves  are  vigorous  ;  the  subsoil,  however, 
upon  which  they  are  grown,  is  chalk.  The  trees  have  been  planted 
six  or  seven  years,  are  in  a  sheltered  position  against  a  south-west 
wall,  and  I  have  never  yet  succeeded  in  getting  any  fruit.  I  should 
be  exceedingly  obliged  if  yon  could  give  some  information  as  to  the 
best  means  of  preserving  them  on  the  trees  till  they  are  ripe. — W., 
Culham.  [The  chalky  subsoil  on  which  the  Pig  trees  are  grown 
would  not,  I  think,  cause  them  to  drop  their  fruit  when  about  three 
parts  grown.  I  have  used  old  lime-rubbish  in  the  bottom  of  borders 
in  which  Fig  trees  were  planted,  and  never  found  any  ill  effects 
from  it,  and  I  believe  the  Fig  rather  likes  a  calcareous  soil.  A  more 
likely  cause  of  failure  would  be  the  trees  growing  in  a  rich  border, 
and  making  too  gross  shoots.  If  this  is  suspected  to  be  the  case,  I 
should  lift  the  trees  and  root-prune  them,  and  afterwards  confine  the 
roots   with   brick-work    in  a  smaller  space,    where   they    could   be 


190 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  6,  1873 


manured  on  the  surface,  or  given  liquid.manure  in  dry  summers 
when  swelling  their  fruit.  Fig  trees  grow  and  bear  well  when  con. 
fined  in  pots  or  tubs,  and  fed  with  liquid.manure  in  the  tig-growing 
season.  The  finest  and  richest  flavoured  Pigs  I  have  ever  grown  were 
from  trees  planted  in  the  turfy  soil  taken  from  the  top  of  a  magnesian 
limestone  rock,  with  their  roots  confined  in  a  3  feet  wide  border,  and 
well  manured  on  the  surface  every  year. — William  Tilleky.] 


FRUIT  IN  THE  MIDDLE  AGES. 
The  Quince  was  much  grown  in  the  middle  ages,  being  considered 
the  most  useful  fruit  of  all.  It  not  only  formed  the  basis  of  the 
celebrated  preserve  called  Cotignac,  for  which  the  city  of  Orleans 
was  so  renowned,  but  it  was  also  used  as  an  accompaniment  to  most 
kinds  of  meat  dishes.  The  Quinces  of  Portugal  were  considered  the 
best ;  but  the  Cotignac  of  Orleans  was  so  highly  esteemed  that  it  was 
never  absent  from  the  dinner-tables  of  the  kings,  queens,  and  princes 
of  France,  and  some  boxes  of  this  preserve  were  the  first  olferiug 
presented  by  the  inhabitants  of  Orleans  to  Joan  of  Arc  when,  after 
succeeding  in  raising  the  siege,  she  entered  that  city  on  the  29th  of 
April,  1129.  In  the  thirteenth  century  the  Chestnuts  of  Lombardy 
were  cried  by  itinerant  venders  through  the  streets  of  Paris ;  but 
in  the  fourteenth  century  we  find  them  superseded  by  the  Chestnuts 
of  Lyonnais  and  Auvergne,  which  had  then  achieved  an  established 
reputation.  Fruit  gardens  have  been  at  all  times  held  in  high 
honour  at  Paris.  The  street  known  as  the  Rue  de  la  Cerisaie  owes 
its  name  to  a  plantation  of  Cherry  trees  made  by  Charles  V.,  while 
the  Rue  Beautreillis  was  named  after  the  fruit  trelUses  of  the  cele- 
brated hotel  Saint  Paul.  The  Portuguese  claim  the  honour  of 
having  first  imported  the  Orange  from  China ;  but,  in  an 
ancient  account-book  belonging  to  the  house  of  Humbert, 
dauphin  of  Tiennois,  in  1333  mention  is  made  of  a  sum  paid 
for  transplanting  Orange  trees.  This  date  is  much  earlier  than 
the  first  voyages  made  by  the  Portuguese  to  the  East  Indies. 
Three  hundred  years  before  the  Christian  era  the  followers  of 
Brennus  had  acclimatised  and  propagated  the  Vine  in  France.  Since 
that  time  its  culture  has  pi'ospered  and  extended  to  such  a  degree, 
that  it  now  forms  one  of  the  principal  sources  of  the  wealth  of  the 
country.  During  the  Middle  Ages,  horticulture  was  almost  purely 
utilitarian  in  its  character,  confining  itself  to  the  production  of  fruits 
and  vegetables.  It  was  not  until  about  the  fifteenth  century  that, 
ornamental  flower-gardening  appears  to  have  developed  itself — first 
in  Italy. 

The  Mirabelle  Hative  Plum.^This  has  not  been  grown 
much  in  England,  principally  because  it  is  very  delicate  as  regards 
flowering  and  is  usually  destroyed  by  spring  frosts ;  it  is  very  useful 
for  preserving,  and  in  the  hands  of  French  confectioners  it  is  deli- 
cious. We  have  grown  the  sort  for  many  years,  and,  as  a  rule,  we 
gather  a  crop  about  once  in  five  years.  In  most  gardens  this  paucity 
is  fatal  to  its  cultivation.  As  an  eating  Plum  it  is  sweet  and  good  ; 
but  it  ripens  at  a  time  when  fruit  is  abundant,  and  we  do  not,  from 
our  experience,  think  that  it  is  ever  likely  to  be  popular.  The  Mira- 
belle de  Metz,  which  ripens  later,  is  better  as  a  preserve  than  the 
Mirabelle  Hative. — Thos.  Rivers  and  Son,  Sawhridrjeworth. 

Fruit  in  Persia. — Fruit  in  most  parts  of  Persia  is  of  excellent 
quality  and  flavour.  The  native  poets  have  celebrated  the  produce 
of  each  district.  Ispahan  boasts  the  best  flavoured  Musk  Melons  ; 
Nishapour,  the  largest  Water  Melons  ;  Holwan,  the  most  luscious 
Figs  ;  Kirmaushah,  the  best  Apricots ;  and  Shirax,  the  finest  Grapes. 
Undoubtedly  Persia  has  a  good  right  to  boast.  Wo  owe  to  her  many 
of  our  finest  and  most  favourite  fruits,  and  she  still  devotes  more 
cxre  than  any  other  Eastern  nation  to  their  culture.  The  Melons  of 
Ispahan  are  tended  with  the  greatest  attention.  In  the  best  gardens 
they  are  placed  on  tiles,  and  turned  round  sevei'al  times  a  da}'',  in 
order  that  each  side  may  ripen  equally  in  the  heat  of  tho  snn.  The 
result  is  that  they  probably  excel  in  flavour  any  Melons  in  the  world. 
They  are  esteemed  a  great  delicacy  in  Persia,  and  are  sent  as  presents 
not  only  to  the  cities  of  the  interior,  but  even  to  Baghdad  and  the  holy 
place  of  Kerbela  and  Nedjef  in  Arabia. —  Q.uarterhj  Review. 

Fruit  in  Southern  Virginia. — A  writer  from  this  district 
says  : — "  Peaches  grow  almost  spontaneously,  and  ripen  from  June 
till  October.  Pears  grow  and  yield  abundantlj'.  All  kinds  of  Grapes 
which  have  been  tried  thrive ;  but  few  are  cultivated.  Said  a 
neighbour,  *  What  is  the  use  when,  with  my  little  hand  cider-mill  and 
a  negro  to  help,  I  can  go  into  tho  woods  and  in  half  a  day  make  ten 
gallons  of  as  good  wine  as  ever  was  drunk  ? '  Apples  do  well ; 
Plums  and  Cherries  do  better  than  ever  known  elsewhere.  Wild 
Strawberries,  Raspberries,  Dewberries,  and  Blackberries  abound;  and 
Prunes,  Pomegranates,  Quinces,  and  Figs  can  be  raised,  and  are,  to 
some  extent,  in  gardens." 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 


RARE  BORDER  PLANTS. 
I  HAVE  the  following  interesting  and  bat  seldom.seen  plants  now  in 
bloom  in  my  garden,  viz. :  — 

Centaurea  arenaria. — This  pretty  species  has  large  solitary 
heads  of  golden-yellow  flowers,  almost  equal  in  size  to  C.  macro- 
cephala,  but  of  a  much  deeper  and  brighter  colour.  The  foliage, 
moreover,  is  not  nearly  so  coarse  as  that  of  the  latter  species.  It  is 
a  very  showy  and  desirable  plant. 

Cyananthus  lobatus. — This  pretty  Himalayan  Alpine  has  done 
very  well  with  me  this  summer,  planted  out  in  the  open  border,  in  a 
mixture  of  loam,  white  sand,  cocoa  fibre,  and  thoroughly  rotten 
manure.  Its  pale  blue  Periwinkle.like  flowers  are  very  uncommon, 
looking. 

CEnothera  anisoloba. — This  curious  Evening  Primrose  is 
closely  allied  to  03.  acaulis  and  tarasacifolia,  but  is  at  once  distinguish- 
able from  either  of  them  by  its  upright  growth.  It  has  large  white 
flowers,  somewhat  smaller  than  those  of  05.  taraxacifolia. 

(E.  marginata.  —  This  very  pretty  species,  for  which  the 
country  is  indebted  to  Mr.  Thompson,  of  Ipswich,  is  closely  allied 
to  03.  eximia ;  it  may  be  said  to  be  intermediate  between  that 
species  and  Q5.  ca3spitosa.  It  has  a  neat,  tidy,  bushy  growth,  and 
produces  a  long  succession  of  fragrant  white  flowers  about  the  same 
size  as  those  of  CE.  speoiosa.  It  is  at  present  very  scarce,  but  when 
once  grown  will  prove  a  lasting  favoui'ite.  Its  narrower  leaves,  more 
compact  growth,  smaller  flowers,  and  more  prolonged  inflorescence 
at  once  distinguish  it  from  the  plant  hitherto  known  as  03.  marginata, 
which  is  in  reality  (E.  eximia. 

Salvia  canariensis. — This  is  a  rather  tall  strong-growing 
species,  with  large  spear-shaped  leaves,  and  heads  of  pale  lavender- 
purple  flowers,  similar  in  colour  to  those  of  S.  lanceolata. 

S.  chaniaedryoides.  —  This  very  lovely  species  ought  to 
find  a  place  in  every  mixed  summer  herbaceous  border.  It  has  very 
small  foliage,  somewhat  resembling  that  of  Veronica  or  Teucriuni 
Chamaedrys,  and  spikes  of  small  deep  sky-blue  flowers,  rather  darker 
than  those  of  S.  patens. 

S.  sylvestris.  —  This  pretty  sage  is  rather  lank  and  strag- 
gling in  its  growth,  and  requires  careful  tying  up,  but  when 
judiciously  fixed  to  the  stake  its  dense  masses  of  small  bright  blue 
flowers  are  most  ornamental  in  the  mixed  border. 

Polygonum  capitatum. — This  very  ornamental  creeping  Per- 
sicaria  is  a  moat  desirable  plant,  both  on  account  of  its  pretty  purple- 
zoned  leaves  and  numerous  globular  heads  of  pink  flowers.  It 
grows  most  luxuriantly  in  cocoa  fibre,  sand,  and  thoroughly  rotten 
manure. 

Gladiolus  cruentus. — This  lovely  corn  flag  is  just  opening  its 
long  dense  spike  of  scarlet-flowers,  slightly  feathered  with  yellowish- 
white  on  the  lip,  and  fully  justifies  its  reputation.  It  is  most 
effective,  both  as  a  single  specimen  and  in  masses. 

Dahlia  Cervantesii. — This  very  handsome  single  Dahlia  is  sel- 
dom if  ever  seen  in  our  herbaceous  gardens,  but  it  is  invaluable  as 
a  back-ground  in  a  mixed  border.  It  throws  up  a  tall  stem,  some  7  or  8 
feet  high,  covered  with  bright  orange-red  flowers.  I  owe  Mr.  Leeds, 
of  Longford  Bridge  a  debt  of  gratitude  for  the  gift  of  this  plant. 

D.  coccinea  in  some  respects  resembles  the  last-named 
species,  but  is  at  once  distinguished  by  its  dwarf  growth  and  smaller 
flowers.  I  saw  a  small  bed  of  this  very  showy  little  Dahlia  in  the 
Oxford  Botanic  Gardens  last  summer,  and  waa  much  struck  by  its 
beauty. 

D.  aurantiaca  lutea.  —  Under  this  name  I  procured  from 
Messrs.  B.  G.  Henderson  a  very  dwarf  Dahlia,  with  bright  yellow 
single  flowers,  about  the  same  size  as  those  of  D.  Cervantesii,  and  with 
which  I  am  delighted. 

D.  glabrata. — This  beautiful  little  miniature  Dahlia  is  also 
kno\vn  as  D.  Merki  and  D.  scapigera.  It  has  numerous  pale  mauve 
or  pure  white  flowers,  which  are  most  effective  iu  border,  button. hole, 
or  bouquet.  I  have  lost,  and  am  very  anxious  to  recover,  the  white 
variety. 

Molucella  Issvis. — For  this  singular  Labiate  I  am  indebted  to 
Mr.  Chas.  Tyrwhitt  Drake,  who  gathered  the  seeds  in  Palestine.  Its 
leaves  somewhat  resemble  those  of  Marrubium  vulgare;  but  its 
remarkable  point  of  interest  is  the  whorl  of  great  gaping  green 
calyces  with  which  the  stem  is  clothed,  each  containing  at  its  base  a 
pale  pinkish  Lamium-like  flower. 

Campanula  isophylla. — This  lovely  Campanula  may  be  said  to 
be  intermediate  between  C.  carpatica  and  C.  Barrelieri.  It  is  a  native 
of  the  south  of  France,  and  is  one  of  the  gems  in  Mr.  Moggeridge's 


Sept.  6, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


191 


riora  of  Mentono.  I  am  indebted  to  Mr.  M.  for  the  seed  from  which 
my  plant  was  raised.  It  strikes  readily  from  cuttings,  and  is  quickly 
increased.  H.  Harpur  Ckewe. 

Drmjton-Bcauchamp  Rectmtj,  Tring. 


Lilium  auratum. — I  have  grown  this  for  two  years,  and  it 
seems  to  thrive  very  well,  and  to  be  perfectly  hardy,  as  are  also  the 
lance-leaved  kinds  ;  but  the  latter  bloom  so  very  late  that  the 
blossoms  do  not  open  properly.  I  should  state  that  my*oil  is  of  a 
very  ordinary  character,  having  had  no  particular  attention  bestowed 
upon  it.  It  is  of  moderate  depth — say  about  18  inches.  My  plants 
of  L.  auratum  arc  about  i  feet  high,  and  I  expect  to  see  them  much 
higher  next  year.  The  blooms  are  quite  as  large  as  those  which  one 
sees  at  shows,  and  are  very  richly  spotted,  the  yellow  bar  or  ray  up 
the  centre  of  the  petals  being  also  very  distinct.  Their  perfume  can 
bo  smelt,  on  a  still  evening,  at  a  considerable  distance  away,  and  is 
most  agreeable.  The  plants  get  no  shelter  except  what  is  obtained 
from  a  garden  wall,  and  they  are  quite  open  to  the  north-east  and 
east.  The  district,  too,  is  smoky,  being  a  manufacturing  one. — John 
Wm.  Gaunt,  Leeds. 

Harmony  of  Colours  in  Flowers. — One  of  the  obscure  points 
of  science  is  the  cause  of  the  harmony  of  colours  always  observed  in 
flowers.  AVhen  two  colours  are  found,  thej'  are  generally  complements 
of  each  other.  The  wild  Asters  of  autumn  generally  have  purple 
rays  and  yellow  disks.  The  Pansy  is  yellow  and  purple,  and  the 
blue  Violet  has  its  stamens  yellow  and  its  petals  a  reddish-blue.  In 
fact  yellow  and  purple  generally  go  together  in  flowers.  A  splendid 
example  is  afforded  by  the  large  Iris  germauica,  the  popular  flower- 
de-luce  of  our  gardens.  From  the  white  base  of  its  petals  the 
colourless  sap  passes  into  the  petals,  which  become  of  a  gorgeous 
purple,  while  the  beard  of  the  petals  becomes  at  the  tip  a  very  rich 
yellow,  though  the  lower  part  of  each  separate  filament  is  not  of  the 
purest  white.  What  chemical  or  physical  law  determines  the 
arrangement  of  colour,  if  there  be  any  such  secondary  cause,  is  not 
yet  discovered.  Two  French  chemists,  Fremy  and  Cloez,  say  that 
the  tints  of  flowers  are  due  to  cyanin,  xanthin,  and  xanthein. 
Cj-anin  is  reddened  by  acids.  A  supply  of  vegetable  acid  developed 
in  a  flower  would  then  turn  the  blue  to  rose  colour,  while  a  scarcely 
sensible  quantity  might  produce  a  purple.  Xanthin  is  a  yellow  from 
the  Sun-flower,  and  xanthein  the  yellow  of  the  Dahlia.  There  are 
probably  also  other  colouring  substances. — American,  Pa]per. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 


Begonia  Sedeni.— This  has  been  in  beautiful  bloom  in  root- work  liere  for 
about  three  weeks.  It  seems  quite  hardy;  it  has  been  planted  out  about  two 
years.— George  A.  Wilson,  Seatkerbank,  Weyhridge. 

IjOmaria  cliilensis. — This  is  a  very  useful  Fern  for  general  decorative 
purposes.  It  has  a  rosulate  habit  and  dark-green  fronds,  not  unlike  those  of 
Blechnum  (boreale)  Spicant.  It  grows  well  in  a  greenhouse,  and  plants  of  it 
keep  fresh  and  healthy  for  months  in  an  ordinary  sitting  room.  The  point 
about  it  most  worth  knowing,  however,  is  that  it  is  perfectly  hardy  in 
favourable  situations,  even  as  far  north  as  Tork. 

Veratrum  nigrum. — This  fine  old  plant  is  in  beautiful  condition  in  my 
garden  at  the  present  time.  It  has  a  branching  spike  of  dark  chocolate- 
coloured  flowers,  with  bright  yellow  anthers,  fully  a  yard  in  length.  In  early 
summer  its  plaited  fan-like  leaves,  nearly  a  foot  broad,  are  very  striking. 
Though  perfectly  hardy,  it  should  be  planted  in  sheltered  situations,  otherwise 
the  wind  makes  sad  havoc  with  its  splendid  foliage. — T.  Williams,  Onu!<klrJc. 

Bocconia  (Macleaya)  cordata. — This  is  a  native  of  Chili,  and,  when 
liberally  treated,  makes  a  noble  mass  in  sheltered  positions  on  lawns  during 
summer.  It  has  glaucous  stems,  and  large-lobed  foliage,  and  in  rich  soil  grows 
7  or  8  feet  high.  It  bears  large  panicles  of  downy-looking  flowers,  but  it  is 
most  ornamental  before  these  are  produced.  In  the  sub-tropical  garden,  or  at 
the  back  of  a  herbaceous  or  shrubbery  border,  it  is  most  effective. — T. 

The  Oleander. — The  different  varieties  of  Oleanders  are  now  flowering 
freely  around  Paris,  where  they  are  largely  grown  in  tubs  and  large  pots,  not 
only  in  the  public  gardens,  but  in  front  of  nearly  every  caft^.  They  are  very 
ornamental,  and  deserve  to  be  more  generally  grown  around  London.  A 
warm  siinny  position  must  be  given  them,  so  as  to  thoroughly  ripen  the  wood, 
or  they  will  not  flower  well. — B. 

The  Horse  Gowan. — I  think  your  correspondent,  Mr.  Leo  Grindon,  has 
fallen  into  a  slight  error  in  stating  that  the  Ox-eye  Daisy  is  called  in  Scotland 
the  Horse  Gowan.  I  have  resided  much  in  that  country,  but  never  heard  it 
so  named.  In  the  northern  counties  of  Aberdeen,  Banff,  and  Kincardine,  the 
Dandelion  is  popularly  known  as  the  Horse  Gowan.  Perhaps  he  will  kindly 
name  the  locality  where  the  Ox-eye  Daisy  bears  the  name  of  Horse  Gowan, 
for  I  was  always  under  the  impression  that  the  name  belonged  exclusively  to 
the  Dandelion. — Leontodoit. 

Digging"  Borders. — A  peculiar  and,  as  I  think,  an  excellent  rule  at  Bittou, 
is  not  to  disturb  the  ground  where  hardy  plants  are  grown  by  digging.  The 
borders  are  so  full  of  rare  and  valuable  plants  that  the  spade  would  be  a 
destroyer  indeed.  The  common  practice  of  digging  borders  is  bad  in  every  way. 
Clean  and  enrich  the  surface  by  all  means,  but  do  not  mutilate  aimlessly.  The 
right  way  is  to  thoroughly  prepare  the  ground  at  first,  and  then  do  with  surface- 
dressing  and  cleanings  till  a  total  change  is  decided  upon.  With  a  thorough 
preparation  at  first,  groups,  beds,  and  borders  will  remain  in  excellent  order  for 
many  years. — W.  R. 


THE     A  RBORETU M. 

PICTOEIAL  OAKS. 

PrerouiAL  trees,  of  an  ornamental  and  beautiful  character,  are 
invaluable  in  working  out  fine  effects  in  the  landscape,  and  as  yet 
this  part  of  gardening  is  only  in  its  infancy.  There  are  two 
beautiful  Oaks  that  are  of  such  great  value  as  ornamental  trees, 
that  there  is  much  need  for  rescuing  them  from  the  comparative 
oblivion  which  surrounds  them.  One  of  them  is  that  flue  form  of 
the  bitter  Oak  known  as  the  Duke  of  Bedford's  variegated  Oak  ;  it  is 
an  improvement  on  Quercus  Cerris  variegata,  and  originated  as  a 
sport  at  Wobnrn  Abbey,  the  seat  of  the  Duke  of  Bedford.  The 
large  deeply-cut  leaves  of  this  variety  are  boldly  and  handsomely 
edged  with  white  ;  the  growth  is  dense,  and  the  habit  elegantly 
pendent.  At  the  Ilortford  Nurseries  of  Messrs.  E.  B.  Francis  and 
Co.,  and  also  at  the  Cheshunt  Nurseries  of  Messrs.  Paul  and  Son, 
capital  examples  of  this  beautiful  Oak  can  be  seen.  An  e.xcellent 
companion  to  this  is  found  in  the  black-leaved  North  American  Oak, 
Quercus  nigra,  which  has  bright  red  leaves  like  a  copper  Beech,  and 
is  quite  a  striking  object.  Probably  the  reason  why  this  handsome 
Oak  is  not  more  common  is  found  in  the  fact  that  it  is  very  difficult 
indeed  to  propagate,  and  it  can  only  be  done  with  anything  like 
certainty  by  means  of  inarching.  Attempts  have  been  made  with 
grafting,  but  it  is  a  very  precarious  process,  as  out  of  500  grafts 
Mr.  George  Paul  said  he  had  only  succeeded  in  getting  five  or  six  to 
take.  With  these  should  be  associated  some  of  the  beautiful  cut. 
leaved  American  Oaks,  some  fine  examples  of  which  are  growing  in 
the  park  of  Bearwood,  Wokingham,  the  residence  of  Mr.  John 
Walter,  M.P.  These  are  truly  pictorial  trees,  bold  and  handsome  in 
growth,  and  forming  noble  objects.  D. 


Thinning  and  Moving  Conifers. — I  have  lately  taken  a 
place  which  has  been  thickly  planted  with  Firs  of  different  kinds  by 
my  predecessor,  and  they  now  require  thinning.  As  an  illustration, 
a  bank  about  200  feet  long,  separating  the  kitchen  garden  from  the 
orchard,  has  been  planted  with  four  rows  of  Spruce  and  Scotch 
Firs  within  a  space  of  12  feet,  the  trees  being  G  feet  apart  in  the 
rows.  Some  of  the  trees  are  now  10  feet  high,  with  a  6-feet  spread 
of  branches.  I  am  desirous  not  only  of  thinning  them  out,  but  of 
using  those  that  are  moved  for  planting  elsewhere.  Will  you  kindly 
advise  me  as  to  the  best  time  and  method  of  doing  this,  so  as  to 
ensure,  if  possible,  that  the  trees  that  are  moved  shall  live,  and  that 
those  that  are  left  shall  not  be  killed  by  the  operation.  They  have 
been  planted,  I  believe,  some  five  or  six  years,  so  the  roots  must 
have  spread. — A  Subsckiber.  [Mr.  David  Syme,  who  has  had  large 
experience  in  such  matters,  advises  as  follows  : — "  The  plantation  in 
question  may  be  thinned  any  time,  during  open  weather,  between 
the  middle  of  November  and  the  middle  of  March.  We  have  seldom 
seen  Firs  that  have  been  thinned  out,  of  the  age  and  size  stated,  do 
any  good  after  being  transplanted,  especially  if  lifted  so  as  not  to 
interfere  too  much  with  the  roots  of  the  remaining  trees.  More 
satisfaction  will  be  obtained  by  planting  the  largest  sized  Firs 
usually  sold  in  nurseries."] 

Trees  in  the  London  Squares. — Londoners  might  be  taunted 
with  thankfulness  for  small  mercies  if  they  ventured  to  boast  that 
there  are  in  the  heart  of  London  trees  as  green,  as  healthy,  and  as 
well  grown  as  any  to  be  found  around  the  ancestral  homes  of 
England.  Any  one,  however,  who  will  divest  his  mind  of  their 
present  surroundings — houses,  railings,  and  a  dusty  road — imagine 
streams,  swans,  and  meadows  instead  of  these,  and  then  take  a  good 
look  on  a  hot  afternoon  at  the  Plane  trees  in  Berkeley  Square,  must 
acknowledge  that  they  would  be  worth  noticing  even  in  the  country, 
so  fresh  and  green  are  they,  and  so  vigorous  withal.  The  Plane  is 
in  London  the  right  tree  iu  the  right  place.  The  conditions  so 
unfavourable  to  vegetable  life  in  a  largo  city  do  not  appear  to  affect 
it  in  the  least,  either  in  growth  or  beauty,  and  it  seems  a  pity  that 
any  other  tree  should  be  planted,  at  least  in  some  parts  of  the 
metropolis.  The  Elm  is  a  decided  mistake  in  London ;  its  foliage, 
never  of  a  bright  green,  becomes  brown  and  shrivelled  long  before 
the  summer  is  over ;  the  Beech  and  Oak  fare  no  better,  and  though 
the  verdure  of  the  Acacia  remains  as  fresh  as  that  of  the  Plane,  we 
have  no  evidence,  as  yet,  that  it  will  flourish  to  an  equal  degree. 
It  is,  therefore,  matter  for  regret  that  more  Plane  trees  were  not 
planted  when  Berkeley  Square  was  provided  with  these  most 
effective  ornaments,  but  it  may  be  hoped  that  so  successful  an 
experiment  will  be  repeated  as  occasion  offers. — Pall  Mall  Gazette. 
[Planting  the  Lime  is  the  greatest  mistake  in  London  planting.  The 
Acacia  is  of  proved  excellence ;  the  Plane  is  well  known  as  a  noble 
town  tree.  Planters  should  aim  at  variety,  and  may  obtain  it 
without  using  either  the  Elm  or  the  Lime,  as  many  other  trees  do 
well  in  towns.] 


192 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Sept.  6, 1873. 


Bare  Shrubs  Acclimatised  on  tlie  coast  of  Wicklow. — 

I  have  seen  many  things  mentioned  as  rarities  in  the  mild  climate  of 
the  South  of  Ireland  that  can  be  easily  matched  on  the  Wicklow 
coast,  500  feet  above  the  sea  level,  and  it  may  be  encouraging  to 
know  what  can  be  done  here,  where  dui'ing  the  east  winds  in  spring 
we,  as  well  as  our  plants,  are  sometimes  "  hard  set  to  live ! "  I  could 
give  a  pretty  long  list  of  evergreen  plants  that  have  long  been  accli. 
matised  here,  such  as  Olea  excelsa,  Pittosporum  Tobira,  and  others, 
that  were  supposed  twenty  or  thirty  years  ago  to  require  the  pro- 
tection of  glass,  and  newer  shrnbs,  such  as  Eugenias,  and  the  Des- 
fontainea  spinosa,  not  only  grow  in  the  open  air  to  a  good  size,  but 
with  merely  the  help  of  a  "  collar,"  or  short  piece  of  draining  tile,  I 
have  been  very  successful  in  striking  cuttings  of  these,  as  well  as 
the  beautiful  Clethra  arborea.  Small  amateur  gardeners,  like  myself, 
will  find  this  a  very  useful  way  in  which  to  strike  Honeysuckles  and 
many  other  things  in  the  open  border. — Paxtonia. 

Lagerstroemia  indica  rosea. — It  may  interest  some  of  your 
readers  to  learn  that  this  beautiful  rose-coloured  flowering  shrub  which 
has  hitherto  been  treated  as  a  stove-plant,  need  no  longer  be  con- 
sidered as  such,  as  it  is  almost,  if  not  perfectly,  hardy,  having  stood 
out  in  an  open  border  throughout  the  whole  of  last  winter,  without 
any  kind  of  protection,  in  the  gardens  of  the  Royal  Society  of  Ireland, 
near  Dublin,  where  it  would  doubtless  have  bloomed  well  this  summer 
had  not  an  inexperienced  under-gardener,  not  knowing  that  it  was 
deciduous,  cut  it  down  to  the  ground  when  he  saw  all  the  leaves  had 
f  illen  off.  Notwithstanding  this  severe  treatment,  however,  the  plant 
shot  up  vigorously  from  the  root,  and,  when  I  saw  it  a  week  ago, 
had  made  shoots  close  on  3  feet  in  height,  which  were  entirely  covered 
with  abundant  healthy  foliage,  and  in  fact  in  every  way  looked  in 
better  health  than  my  own  plant  of  it,  which  has  always  received 
stove  treatment,  and  is  only  brought  down  to  the  cool  conservatory 
when  about  to  open  its  lovely  racemes  of  blossom,  resembling  pink 
frizzled  paper,  and  which  are  the  admiration  of  everyone  who  sees 
them.  I  may  add  that  the  winter  climate  of  Dublin  is,  I  should  say, 
quite  as  severe  as  that  of  most  parts  of  England. — W.  B.  G. 

Myoporum  album. — This  elegant  flowering  shrub  is  well 
worthy  of  more  general  cultivation  for  decorative  purposes  than  it 
receives,  as  it  is  free  in  habit  and  easily  grown.  It  can  be  propa- 
gated, by  means  of  cuttings  made  of  the  young  wood,  as  readily  as 
a  Gerauinm,  or  even  more  so,  for  branches  torn  from  the  plant  and 
thrown  carelessly  on  damp  sand  or  soil  root  freely  in  a  week  or  two, 
and  go  on  flowering  as  if  nothing  had  happened  to  them.  The  plant 
grows  from  12  to  IS  inches  high,  having  a  central  stem  from  which 
the  branches  fall  gracefully  on  all  sides.  Both  branches  and  foliage 
are  of  a  deep  green  colour,  studded  with  translucent  tubercles, 
smaller,  but  not  much  nnlike  tho.se  of  the  Ice  plant  (Mesembryau- 
themum  crystallinum).  The  flowers  are  borne  in  axillary  clusters, 
and  ai'e  something  like  those  of  a  small-flowered  Eriostemon  ;  they 
are  pure  white  in  colour,  and  slightly  scented.  The  plant  is  grown 
extensively  in  France  for  the  Parisian  flower-markets,  where  it  may 
now  be  seen  in  abundance.  It  is  not  only  a  most  profuse  bloomer 
and  elegant  in  habit,  but  it  lasts  in  beauty  for  two  or  three  months 
together  during  the  summer  time,  and  it  may  be  easily  cultivated 
in  perfection  in  a  cool  frame  or  in  the  sitting-i-oom  window.  Any 
soil  seems  to  suit  it ;  but  a  compost  of  fibrous  loam,  leaf-mould,  and 
coarse  sand  is  preferable  to  any  other.  Cuttings  struck  now  will  make 
fine  little  plants  for  next  summer's  flowering. — F.  W.  B. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


"Wood  Paving  in  London.— The  portion  of  roadway  in  Piccadilly  between 
Berkeley  Street  and  Albemarle  Street,  the  paving  of  whicb  is  to  be  renewed,  is 
now  covered  with  wood  paving,  to  be  laid  by  the  Improved  Wood  Paving 
Company,  at  an  estimated  expense  of  £1,190.  The  wood  paving  has  been  on 
trial  for  twelve  months  in  the  City,  having  been  l^id  down  from  London  Bridge 
to  King  William's  statue.  It  is  said  there  are  no  signs  of  decay,  and  the 
police  state  that  they  know  of  no  cases  of  horses  falling  upon  it  since  it  has  been 
laid  down. 

A  fine  Oak.— Staying  for  a  few  days  in  Northamptonshire,  last  week,  I 
had  an  opportunity  of  inspecting  a  fine  old  Oak  tree,  situated  near  Lowick,  a 
village  2i  miles  from  Thrapston,  where  it  forma  a  very  striking  object.  It 
measures  40  feet  in  girth  at  the  base,  and  27  feet  in  girth  at  5  feet  from  the 
f^round,  which  size  it  maintains  for  some  distance  up  the  trunk.  Though 
apparently  healthy,  decay,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  has  begun  its  deadly  work,  but 
it  must  be  years  before  dissolution  has  been  completed.— F.  Mackness, 
Mampgtead  Pari-,  Berks. 

The  Sta^'s-horn  Sumach  (Rhus  typhina).— This  may  now  be  seen  in 
splendid  c<ai(liiinn  in  some  of  our  west-end  squares,  its  beautiful  foliage 
intermixed  witti  that  of  other  trees  and  shrubs,  giving  the  whole  quite  a 
tropical  appearance.  Indeed,  I  have  seen  no  sub-tropical  foliage  this  season 
equal  to  that  of  this  Sumach,  and  when  it  puts  on  its  varied  tints  in  the  autumn, 
it  surpasses  all  the  plants  with  which  I  am  acquainted.  This  is  not  an  un- 
common plant,  but  I  have  never  before  seen  it  so  skilfully  planted  as  it  is  in 
Thurl-)e  Square,  where  it  is  extensively  used,  and  with'  good  effect.— Petkb 
Wallace. 


MR.  WILLS'S  NURSERY,  BROMPTON. 
Of  all  the  nurseries  recently  established  in  the  vicinity  of 
London  few  have  acquired  greater  popularity  in  a  limited  time 
than  the  one  of  which  the  following  is  a  short  account.  Under 
the  management  and  personal  superintendence  of  Mr.  Wills, 
the  business,  which  is  mainly  devoted  to  the  cultivation  of 
plants  suitable  for  the  decoration  of  halls,  ball-rooms,  and 
places  of  that  kind,  has  increased  rapidly.  Few  plants  arc 
cultivated  in  this  establishment  that  are  not  sufficiently 
hardy  to  bear  frequent  removal  and  that  will  not  with- 
stand the  effects  of  gas-lisfht.  Amongst  those  which  IVfr.  Wills 
finds  best  suited  for  this  purpose,  we  may  notice  DracEenas,  as 
D.  congesta, .  D.  (gracilis)  marginata,  D.  Cooperii,  and  D. 
terrainalis,  with  its  varieties.  Ficus  elastica  is  also  largely 
employed,  together  with  choice  Palms  of  all  kinds,  Aralias, 
Araucarias,  Ardisias,  and  Cycas  revoluta;  the  last  plant  is  hardy 
enough  to  bear  a  good  deal  of  rough  usage,  and  always  has  a 
graceful  and  fresh  appearance.  Some  plants  are  here  used  by 
the  thousand,  notably  the  fresh  green  Selaginella  hortensis  as 
edgings  and  margins  for  masses  of  Ferns,  Palms,  Dractenas, 
and  other  fine-foliaged  plants.  Mr.  Wills  informed  me  that  ho 
pays  annually  some  £400  for  his  supply  of  this  plant  alone,  and 
he  has  now  just  finished  building  two  ranges  of  narrow  pits 
solely  devoted  to  the  growth  of  this  plant  in  small  pots. 
Other  small  plants  used  in  quantity  for  edgings  and  borders 
are  Festuca  glauca,  a  very  elegant  Grass  of  a  glaucous  or  pale 
blue  tint,  perfectly  hardy,  though  well  suited  for  pot  culture, 
and  Isolepis  gracilis,  one  of  the  most  elegant  of  all  Grass- 
like plants.  Grown  in  small  pots  it  droops  gracefully  on 
all  sides,  completely  hiding  the  pot,  and,  being  of  a  fresh 
green  tint,  it  is  very  ornamental.  Ficus  repeus,  together 
with  Myrsiphyllum  asparagoides,  M.  undulatum  with 
larger  foliage,  Asparagus  scandens,  and  A.  consanguineus 
are  found  extremely  useful,  furnishing,  as  they  do,  quantities 
of  elegant  fresh  green  spray  for  wreathing  pedestals,  stems  of 
ornamental  vases,  or  for  dinner-table  decoration.  Large 
quantities  of  Cyperus  alternifolius  are  likewise  grown  here,  on 
account  of  its  being  found  to  he  not  only  graceful  in  habit,  but 
durable,  and  well  suited  for  general  decorative  purposes. 
Daphne  indica,  too,  is  largely  grown  for  the  sake  of  its  delight- 
fully fragrant  flowers.  A  fine  collection  of  such  Feins  as  are 
adapted  either  for  supplying  cut  fronds  or  for  general  decora- 
tion may  also  be  found  here  in  quantity.  Among  them 
Davallias  and  Adiantums  are  grown  by  the  hundred.  Of 
Adiantum  cuneattnn  alone  I  noticed  between  "2,000  and  3,000 
plants,  and  nearly  500  fresh  and  vigorous  plants  of  the  lovely 
A.  Farleyense,  which,  when  well  grown,  is  one  of  the  finest 
of  all  Ferns.  Plants  of  this  species  grow  here  literally  "  like 
weeds,"  and  Mr.  Wills  informs  me  that  well-matured  fronds 
of  this  are  not  only  effective  in  floral  decorations,  but  that 
thoy  last  longer,  after  being  cut,  than  those  of  most  other 
Ferns  in  cultivation.  I  noticed  many  fresh  healthy  plants 
of  the  chaste  Eucharis  amazonica,  one  fine  specimen  of  which 
was  just  throwing  up  from  twenty  to  thirty  spikes  of  pure 
white  flowers,  and  several  little  plants,  in  small  pots,  were  each 
bearing  one  spike.  A  fine  pair  of  specimen  plants  of  the  lovely 
winter-flowering  Coelogyne  cristataare  just  making  a  vigorous 
growth,  that  promises  well  for  next  season's  bloom.  Among  the 
Perns  some  noble  trunks  of  Dicksonia  antarctica,  about  10  feet 
high,  call  for  special  notice,  and  two  fine  imported  trunks  of  a 
new  Todea,  in  the  way  of  T.  intermedia,  are  throwing  up  splendid 
fronds  nearly  a  yard  in  length.  One  of  the  finest  of  all  the 
Aralias  for  decorative  purposes,  either  in  pots  or  for  plunging 
outside  during  summer,  is  A.  pulchra,  a  vigorous  grower, 
having  oblong  shining  leaflets  five  or  six  inches  long,  arranged 
round  the  end  of  a  stout  footstalk  a  foot  and  a  half  in  length. 
A  splendid  batch,  consisting  of  500  Ardisia  crenulata,  each 
plant  about  a  foot  high,  looked  fresh  and  healthy,  and  was 
well  set  with  berries.  When  grown  in  small  pots,  few 
plants  are  more  eHective  than  this  for  winter  decoration.  Some 
faint  idea  of  the  enormous  trade  carried  on  here  may  be  in- 
ferred from  the  fact  that  between  20,000  and  30,000  flowering 
and  foliage  plants  are  used  every  week  during  the  height  of 
the  London  season,  besides  quantities  of  cut  flowers  of  the 
choicest  description,  which  are  required  for  wreaths,  bouquets, 
and  floral  decorations  of  all  kinds.  The  annexed  is  an  illustra- 
tion of  the  new  conservatory  as  seen  from  the  Brompton  Road, 


Sept.  6, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


193 


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THE   GAEDEN. 


[Sept.  6,  1873. 


but  besides  this  Mr.  Wills  has  ten  or  a  dozen  other  houses 
iu  which  plant  growing  and  propagation  are  continually 
being  carried  on  ;  even  these  arc  unable  to  supply  the 
enormous  demand  made  on  the  establishment,  and  the  erection 
of  additional  houses  is  in  contemplation.  The  conservatory 
in  question  is  nearly  entirely  constructed  of  iron  and  glass. 
The  stages  and  benches  inside  are  of  concrete,  set  on  iron  sup- 
ports. This  house,  together  with  its  side  wings,  and  two  large 
ranges  behind,  were  erected  by  the  Imperishable  Hothouse 
Company,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Ayres,  and  are  well 
adapted  for  plant  growing,  a  fact  amply  borne  out  bj- the  vigour 
and  healthf  ulness  of  their  contents.  F.  W.  B. 


MM.  CHANTEIEB'S  NUESEKIES  AT  MOETE 
FONTAINE. 
MoHTE  FoxTAiXE  IS  a  little  village  about  30  miles  to  the  North 
of    Paris,   and    is   chiefly   remarkable,    from   a    horticultural 
point  of  view,  for  the  above  establishments.     The  soil  in  the 
neighbourhood  is  a  warm  sandy  loam,  resting  here  and  there 
on   pure    white    sand    beds,    and    the    surface   is   agreeably 
undulated  so  as  to  afford  a  variety  of  aspects.     The  climate  is 
both  dry  and  hot  during  the  summer  season,  a  remark  that 
applies  with  equal  force  to  many  other  districts  around  Paris, 
where  the  sun's  rays  come  down  throitgh  a  cloudless  sky  for 
days  together,  and  rain  dees  not  fall  for  several  consecutive 
weeks.     This  matters  little  to  the  French  horticulturist,  who, 
more   familiar   with   the   use  of    india-rubber  hose    and  the 
watering-pot    than    with    the   spade,    supplies    moisture   in 
abundance,    and    thus    not    only    counteracts    natural     dis- 
advantages, but  also  modifies  them  so  as  to  contribute  in  no 
small  degree  to  his  success.     Like  our  own  market  growers 
around  London,  MM.  Chantrier  have  adopted  low  span-roofed 
houses,  and  numerous  low  pits  or  frames,  from  which  they 
turn  out  decorative  plants  by  the  thousand  all  through  the 
season.     A  very  fine  selection  of  decorative  plants  are  here 
grown,  though  the  speciality,  in  the  way  of  pot  plants,  lies 
between  Dracasuas  and  Ficus,  both  genera  being  grown  in 
quantity  and  great  variety.    A  few  of  the  best  Bromeliads 
are  very  ornamental,  and  are  cultivated  here,  while  there  is  an 
extensive   and   well-grown  collection  of   the  best  decorative 
Ferns   and  Palms.      Dracasnas   are  propagated  early  in  the 
spring  by  taking  off  the  breaks  from  old  leggy  specimens, 
headed  down,  and  plunged  in  a  genial  bottom-heat,  so  as  to 
induce   them  to  throw   out  young  growths,  which  are  then 
taken    off    and    rooted    in    the    ordinary  way,   though   the 
atmosphere  of  the  bed  in  which  they  are  plunged  is  so  moist 
and   genial   that   shoots   not   unfrequently    throw   out   roots 
before  being  taken  off  the  stems.     After  they  are  rooted  and 
have  become  in  some  degree  established — say  about  the  latter 
end  of  April  or  beginning  of  May — beds  are  prepared  in  the 
houses  of  fibrous  peat,  turfy  loam,  leaf-mould,  and  sand,  and 
the  plants   are  planted   out  at  1"2  to  15  inches  apart.    The 
atmosphere  is  kept  at  a  genial  heat,  and  moisture  is  supplied 
in  abundance,  both  by  the  water-pot  and  syringe.     Plants  so 
treated  grow  with  astonishing  rapidity,  making  short-jointed 
sturdy   growth   and  fine    richly-coloured   foliage.      Some   of 
them,  treated  as  above,  are  now  at  least  2  feet  high,  and  are 
noble  specimens  of  good  cultivation.     These  will  shortly  be 
hfted  carefully  and  potted  into  pots  about  the  same  size  as  our 
4t's,  but  broader,  and  not  quite  so  deep.     After  being  potted, 
the  plants  are  syringed  and  kept  in  a  moist  genial  atmosphere 
until   thoroughly  established,  after  which  they  are  sold   for 
decorative  purposes.     The  houses  in  which  these  plants  are 
grown  so  well  are  shaded  with  lath  screens,  or  sometimes  with 
neat  straw  mats,  which  ai-e  extensively  made  in  most  large 
gardens  on  the  continent  during  bad  weather  iu  the  winter 
months.      As   the  plants   become    fully  developed,  however, 
more  sun  is  admitted  to  colour  the  foliage,  and  the  plants  are 
also  gradually  inured  to  a  drier  and  cooler  atmosphere,  so  as 
to  be  of  lasting  service  for  the  decoration  of  drawing-rooms 
and  corridors.     Many  species   of    Dracrena   are   much    more 
hardy  than  is  generally  supposed,  and  here  at  Morte  Fontaine 
hundreds  of  fresh  little  plants,  in  small  60  or  48-sized  pots, 
were  growing  in  common  garden  frames  outside,  with  dung 
linings  between,  but  no  further  protection  or  shade  from  the 
sun  than  that  afforded  by  hurdles  of  thin  brushwood  supported 


on  vertical  stakes  a  foot  or  two  above  the  plants.  These 
plants  were  pictures  of  fresh  and  vigorous  health,  and  much 
better  adapted  for  general  pui'poses  of  indoor  decoration  than 
plants  coddled  in  hot  plant-stoves,  a  custom  so  common  with 
us  at  home.  If  I  am  not  mistaken,  the  coal  question  will  do 
more  lasting  good  to  gardening  than  anything  else  we  have 
experienced  for  years,  not  only  by  increasing  the  taste  for 
hardy  or  half-hardy  plants,  but  also  as  being  likely  to  cause 
us  to  learn,  by  direct  experiment,  what  plants  really  will  grow 
well  without  the  wasteful  and  troublesome  fire-heat  we  have 
been  in  the  habit  of  giving  them  of  late  years. 

Amongst  the  Dracaenas  cultivated  here,  were  fine  batches  of 
D.  (stricta)  grandis,  a  variety  much  in  the  way  of  a  bright- 
coloured  D.  terminalis,  but  with  much  broader  foliage  ;  D. 
Mooreana  and  the  creamy-foliaged  D.  Guilfoylei  are  also  on 
trial,  for  French  market  growers,  like  our  own,  give  eveiy 
new  plant  a  probationary  term  before  they  propagate  it  in 
quantity.  D.  Cooperii,  though  one  of  the  most  graceful  of  all 
the  group,  is  not  a  favourite,  and  it  does  not  find  a  market  so 
readily  as  the  other  kinds.  One  of  the  finest  and  hardiest  is 
D.  nigro-rubra,  which  has  bright  rosy-scarlet  foliage  margined 
wdth  deep  purple,  and  is  of  a  robust  and  vigorous  habit.  D. 
braziliensis  is  a  robust  green-leaved  kind,  not  unlike  D.  reginje 
in  habit,  the  leaf  being  curiously  twisted  at  the  apex.  1). 
robusta  is  a  variety  similar  in  many  ways,  but  has  narrower 
and  more  horizontal  foliage.  D.  (fragrans)  fragrantissima  has 
closely  arranged  light  green  foliage,  not  unlike  that  of  a 
Nidularium,  and  is  a  compact  plant,  though  not  gi'own 
in  quantity.  Leaving  the  Dragon  trees,  we  find  Ficus 
elastica  by  the  thousand,  partly  in  frames  and  partly 
plunged  in  a  bed  of  ashes  outside.  In  both  cases 
the  plants  are  protected  by  light  hurdles,  which,  while 
giving  the  requisite  amount  of  shade,  protect  the  plants 
from  sudden  hail  storms,  which  not  unfrequently  injured  a  great 
many  valuable  plants  before  their  use  was  adopted.  Besides 
F.  elastica,  there  are  several  other  species  of  Ficus  equally  as 
handsome  and  valuable  for  indoor  decoration,  and  of  these  F. 
Chauvieri  is  one  of  the  best.  It  was  introduced  about  1867-8, 
and  is  now  largely  grown  by  MM.  Chantrier.  It  is  easily 
distinguished  from  F.  elastica  by  its  broader  and  shorter 
foliage.  F.  Porteana  is  a  fresh  green-leaved  species,  well 
worth  growing  for  variety,  as  are  also  F.  Bengalensis,  with 
bright,  shining,  heart-shaped  leaves,  arranged  horizontally, 
and  P.  amazonica,  a  variety  conspicuously  furnished  with  pale 
creamy  stipules  at  the  base  of  the  leaves.  The  leaves  them- 
selves are  of  a  fresh  bright  gi-een  colour,  with  pale  veins,  and 
the  young  foliage  is  tinged  with  shining  purple  round  its 
margins.  All  these  may  be  propagated  and  grown  as  easily  as 
the  common  F.  elastica,  and  form  an  agreeable  variety.  The 
general  run  of  the  Dracaenas  fetch  from  2  to  -li  francs  each, 
wholesale ;  but  the  finest  plants  of  D.  stricta,  which  is  the 
favourite,  bring  as  much  as  8  francs  each,  and  sell  for  twice 
that  amount  retail.  The  India-rubbers  bring  from  2  to  5 
francs  each,  according  to  size  and  quality,  and,  reckoning  the 
franc  as  tenpence,  it  will  be  seen  that  growing  these  plants 
must  be  a  remunerative  occupation  when  well  carried  out. 

The  stoves  are  well  adapted  for  growing  small  plants,  being 
low,  and  partly  sunk  below  the  ground  level.  The  paths  are 
of  a  convenient  width,  and  the  plants  are  arranged  close  under 
the  glass  on  the  side  beds  and  stages.  The  shading  consists 
for  the  most  part  of  whitening;  or  mats  formed  of  reeds  or 
straw,  can  easily  be  placed  over  such  plants  as  require  it  from 
the  outside.  We  here  noticed  several  interesting  Bromeliads 
in  good  condition,  and  several  plants  of  Bletia  hyacinthina,  or 
B.  patula,  which  are  making  a  free  and  vigorous  growth  sus- 
pended in  small  pots  close  to  the  glass. 

Guzmannia  tricolor  is  worth  adding  to  every  collection  of 
Bromeliads,  having  gracefully  re-curved  shining  foliage,  and 
an  erect  spike  of  pointed  green  bracts,  striped  with  black, 
from  which  snowy  white  flowers  protrude.  The  bracts  at  the 
extreme  apex  of  the  spike  are  of  a  bright  scarlet  colour,  and 
the  whole  plant  is  very  effective,  even  when  not  iu  flower. 
Bilbergia  Kodocyana  has  broad  curved  foliage,  of  a  fresh  green 
colour  above,  striped  with  silver  below,  and  bearing  an  erect 
conical  spike  of  rosy -purple  flowers,  with  pale  rosy  bracts. 
.33chmea  f ulgens  is  a  fine  decorative  plant,  lasting  in  flower  for 
weeks  together,  and  having  gracefully  recurved  bright  green 


Sept.  6,  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


195 


foliage.     A.  fiilgens  miniata  is  a  larger  flowered  aud  brighter- 
coloured  form,  still  better  worth  cultivation. 

A  plant  of  Dorstenia  caiilescens  has  green  oblong  foliage, 
marbled  with  silver  in  the  centre,  and  pur|.ile  receptacles. 
This  species  closely  resembles  D.  argentea,  and  is  useful  for 
stove  decoration  wLien  small.  Philodendron  pinnatifidura 
makes  a  fine  plant  for  a  lai-ge  stove,  bearing  large  laciniate 
foliage  on  long  pnrple-spotted  stalks.  The  leaves  of  this  plant 
are,  often  3  feet  or  more  long,  and  have  a  very  noble  appear- 
ance. We  noticed  two  plants  specially  adapted  for  covering 
the  walls  of  a  moist  stove,  the  one  being  Anthurinmviolaceuni, 
a  scaudent  species  with  oblong-pointed  leathery  leaves  and 
numerous  clusters  of  white  fruit,  tinged  with  purple-violet ; 
the  other,  Philodrendon  Lindenii,  is  a  trailing  species  with 
hairy  stems,  and  cordate  foliage  of  a  light  velvety  green 
colour,  mottled  with  black.  A  well-grown  batch  of  Selagiuella 
palmata,  a  v.iriety  much  resembling  S.  umbrosa,  but  more 
erect,  is  well  worth  notice,  being  one  of  the  finest  of  all  the 
group  for  pot  culture  and  in-door  decorative  purposes.  The 
plants  here  are  from  12  to  16  inches  high,  of  a  fresh  gi'een 
colour,  and  readily  find  a  market  of  two  to  three  francs  each. 
Several  species  of  Pandamus  make  good  plants  for  decorative 
purposes  when  well  grown,  and  I  may  here  allude  to  an 
ingenious  method  practised  here,  in  order  to  induce  plants  to 
produce  their  suckers.  A  short  poker  or  iron  bar  is  heated 
red-hot,  and  jjlunged  down  the  centre  of  the  plant,  so  as  to 


Mirabelle  Hative  Plum. 

stop  the  central  growth,  and  as  a  natural  consequence  the  vital 
force  of  the  plant  is  then  diverted  to  the  production  of  lateral 
shoots  aud  suckers,  which  are  taken  off  and  propagated  in  the 
ordinary  way.  In  one  o£  the  houses  we  noticed  a  very  distinct 
form  of  Draca3ua  Draco,  named  Ehrenbergii.  It  has  drooping 
strap-shaped  foliage  of  a  decided  glaucous  colour,  and  is  valuable 
for  conservatory  decoration,  as  a  contrast  with  the  green- 
leaved  form. 

In  the  grounds  outside  I  noticed  a  nice  collection  of  Magno- 
lias in  excellent  health  and  vigour,  including  fine  specimens 
of  M.  glauca  arborea,  20  feet  or  more  in  height,  and  covered 
with  its  deliciously  perfumed  flowers.  A  plant  of  M.  glauca 
pumila,  quite  as  old  as  the  last-named  specimen,  is  b.arely  4  feet 
high,  which  proves  it  to  be  a  well-marked  form.  Like  its  con- 
gener, it  flowers  freely,  aud  is  much  more  convenient  for  con- 
servatory decoration  on  account  of  its  more  manageable  size. 
A  noble  tree  of  M.  macrophylla  is  at  least  20  feet  high,  and  has 
foliage  nearly  2  feet  long  by  half  that  breadth.  This  species 
has  borne  flowers  here  over  a  foot  across,  and  richly  scented 
young  plants  of  this  species  bear  very  fine  foliage,  and  it  is 
well  adapted  for  sub-tropical  gardsning  ou  warm  soils  in 
sheltered  positions.  Another  form,  M.  tripetala,  has  also  very 
fine  foliage,  and  may  be  used  in  similar  positions.  Camellias, 
in  all  the  best  varieties,  are  here  as  fresh  and  healthy  as  pos- 
sible, plunged  on  the  north  side  of  a  shady  fence,  and  are  show- 


ing flower-buds  abundantly.  Thousands  of  seedling  Rhodo- 
dendrons arc  growing  nicely  on  raised  platforms  or  beds  of 
fibrous  peat,  and  a  dozen  or  two  of  fine  unnamed  seedlings  are 
being  grown  on  for  exhibition  next  year  ;  one  or  two  varieties, 
I  was  told,  are  striking  and  distinct.  A  very  large  broad- 
leaved  form  of  the  common  Laurel  is  well  worth  growing,  the 
leaves  being  nearly  as  large  as  those  of  Magnolia  grandiflora ; 
and  a  little  plantation  of  jSalisburia  adiantifolia  is  very 
effective,  and  many  of  the  plants  promise  to  make  fine 
speoiracus.  MM.  Chantrier  are  just  now  turning  their 
attention  to  fruit  culture,  and  their  fine  collection  of  fruit  trees 


Low  Plaut  Frames. 

are  in  excellent  order.  Upwards  of  20,000  fruit  trees,  consisting 
of  Pears,  Apples,  and  Cherries,  have  been  recently  budded  and 
promise  to  do  well.  An  expert  propagator  inserts  180  buds 
per  liour,  or  three  per  minute,  with  facility,  aud  a  man  follows 
and  ties  in  the  buds  nearly  as  quickly.  Speaking  of  fruit  trees, 
I  here  noticed  standard  Apricots  20  feet  through  and  very 
healthy,  while  a  tree  of  the  Mirabelle  Plum  was  literally  loaded 
with  its  small  golden  yellow  fruit  which  are  just  now  ripe.  It 
is  a  first-class  variety  for  preserving,  and  deserves  more 
general  cultivation  in  this  country  than  it  at  present  receives. 
Borne  beds  of  the  Alpine  Strawberry,  or  Praisier  des  quartre 
saisons,  are  bearing  an  abundance  of  fruit  which  is  also  fine  in 
quality  and  of  good  flavour.  This  variety  is  worth  culture,  as 
it  supplies  a  few  dishes  of  fruit  after  the  late  Pines  are  over. 
Part  of  the  nursery  is  devoted  to  hardy  evergreen  shrubs  and 
deciduous  trees,  but  decorative  plants  are  the  great  speciality 
here,  and  the  visitor  who  calls  at  Morte  Fontaine  on  his  way 
to  Paris  will  find  energetic  aud  successful  cultivators  in  the 
Messieurs  Chantrier,  both  of  whom  have  acquired  part  of  their 
experience  in  our  own  public  gardens.  P.  W.  Burbidge. 


WATER-SUPPLY. 

A  Prize  Essay,  by  the  Rev.  J.  CLUTTERBUCK. 
All  water-supply,  whether  surface  or  subterranean,  whether 
naturally  issuing  above  ground  from  springs,  or  artificially  reached 
by  wells  or  shafts,  is  derived  from  the  rainfall.  Therefore,  in 
treating  of  the  possibility  of  improving  our  water-supply,  the  question 
resolves  itself  into  the  economical  use  or  application  of  quantities 
which  vary,  but  of  which  the  amount  may  to  a  certain  extent  be  as- 
certained.  Though  rainfall  is  rcducd  to,  and  treated  with  refer, 
cnce  to,  averages,  the  economical  increase  of  water-supply  has 
rather  respect  to  a  minimum,  or  to  quantities,  in  excess  at  certain 
seasons,  to  be  made  available  when  the  ordinary  average  supply 
falls  short.  Taking  Mr.  Symon's  published  averages  of  rainfall 
in  England  at  30  inches,  by  excluding  all  above  30  inches 
as  beyond  the  limit  of  this  inquiry  the  average  is  reduced  to 
about  25  inches,  the  minimum  at  any  place  being  16-91  inches. 
These  facts  should  be  noted,  though  the  variations  in  the  quantity 
that  falls  at  any  given  season  make  it  difficult  to  base  any  calculation 
on  the  gross  quantity  falling  during  the  year.  Subterranean  water 
depends  on  the  quantity  percolating  below  a  certain  depth;  the  gross 
rainfall  has  a  greater  influence  ou  surface  supply.  The  difficulty 
alluded  to  is  shown  in  a  remarkable  manner  by  the  records  of  Daltou's 
gauge,  kept  by  Mr.  Dickenson,  which  registers  the  water  precolating 
3  feet  below  the  surface.  The  average  rainfall  at  the  same  place  for 
29  years  was  22'5,  the  percolation  7'5  ;  the  ten  years  ending  1863 
gave  25'8  total  fall,  percolation  only  5'9  ;  showing  that  in  the  longer 
period  the  average  summer  rainfall  was  in  arrear  and  that  in  winter 
was  in  excess,  while  in  the  shorter  period  the  case  was  reversed. 

It  will  bo  necessary  to  notice  separately  surface  and  subterranean 
water.  The  former  comprehends  all  water  retained  in  ponds  whether 
natural  or  artificial,  that  received  or  collected  from  roofs  of  buildings, 
stored  in  tanks  and  the  like,  or  water  thrown  from  the  surface  of  the 
soil;  subterranean  water,  all  that  sinks  below  the  surface,  accumu- 
lates in  permeable  strata,  and  thence  issues  in  springs  where  vent  is 
given  to  it. 

SURFACE    WATER. 
First,  as  to  water  collected  from  the  roofs  of  buildings.     This  is 
obviously  a   simple    process,     requiring     good    aud    well-arranged 
spouting,  with  sufficient  tank  storage.     In  retentive  soils,  tanks  for 


196 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  6, 1873. 


cottages  may  be  made  at  a  small  cost  by  sinking  casks  into  the 
ground,  though  brick-built  tanks  will  necessarily  be  the  cheapest  in 
the  end ;  this  is  one  of  the  improvements  in  cottage  homes  which 
nover  should  be  omitted,  even  where  well  water  is  abundant.  Open 
ponds,  sunk  into  a  clay  subsoil,  will,  at  certain  seasons,  receive  the 
Boakage  from  the  surrounding  soil ;  even  those  which  are  artificially 
puddled  retain  their  water  in  a  way  difficult  to  explain  when  the 
natural  evaporation  and  artificial  exhaustion  are  taken  into  account. 
This  phenomenon,  for  such  it  may  hs  called,  is  very  remarkably 
illustrated  by  surface  ponds  on  the  highest  ridges  of  the  chalk 
downs,  known  as  dew  ponds. 

DEW   PONDS. 
These  are  chiefly  constructed  on  the  highest  ridges  of  the  chalk 
range,  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  water  during  the  summer  months. 
Natural  springs,  as  supplies,  are  out  of  the  question  on  the  summit 
of  the  chalk  range,  since  the  chalk   water-level  lies  from  100  to  400 
feet  beneath  these  ponds.      The  site  selected  is  generally  at   the 
highest  elevation  on  the  ridges  or  spurs  of  the  chalk  hills,  where  they 
can  receive  no  run  of  surface  water,  though  instances  may  be  found 
where  they  are  placed  near  roads  on  hill-sides,  and  so  receive  the  run 
after  heavy  rains  ;  of  the  former  alone  here  it  is  proposed  to  speak, 
as  they  present  phenomena  not  easily  accounted  for  by  recognised  phy- 
sical causes.     These  ponds  are  constructed  by  persons  of  experience 
and  skill.      At  the  spot  selected  an  excavation  is  made  in  the  surface 
of  the  chalk,  either  round  or  rectangular,  from  30  to  -10  feet  or  more 
in  diameter,  from  4  to  6  feet  deep.     The  bottom,  of  a  basin  shape,  is 
covered  in  portions  with  clay  carefully  tempered,  mixed  with  a  con- 
siderable   quantity    of    lime     to     prevent     the     working    of     the 
earth  worms.      As   the   portions    are  finished    they   are  protected 
from    the    action   of    the    sun    and    atmosphere    by    a    covering 
of  straw ;    when  the  whole  bottom  of    the  pond   is  so  covered  with 
au  efficient  and  impermeable  coating  or  puddle,  a  layer  of  broken 
chalk  is  placed   upon   it  to    prevent   its  injury  by  cattle  or  other 
means.     Their  cost  varies  from  £30  to  £50.     When  all  is  finished, 
water  is  introduced  by  artificial  means.     If  there  is  a  fall  of  snow, 
this  is  collected  and  piled   up    in    the    pond,   as   the   readiest    and 
least  expensive  method  of   accomplishing  the  object.      During  the 
falling  of  the  snow  in  January,  1865,  with  a  strong  wind  blowing, 
flaked   or  wattled   hurdles  were  so   placed   that   the  drifting  snow 
accumulating    against    them    readily  filled  a   pond  on  one    of    the 
highest   ridges  of  the   chalk  range   of  hills.     Ponds  so  constructed 
and  filled    have   been   known   for   periods  of    twenty-five  or  thirty 
years  never  to  become  dry  ;  the  summer  of  1864  was  a  notable  exce])- 
tion,  in    which,    during    the    months    of    April,    May,    June,    July, 
and  August,  a  less  quantity  of  rain  fell   in   the   neighbourhood  in 
question  than  for  the  thirty  years  preceding,  and  dew  was  noted 
deficient.     A  calculation,  based  on  carefully  obtained  facts,  shows 
that  in  40  days,  ending  July  1 1th,  1864,  a  pond  lost  (by  measurement 
of  its  surface  and  depth)  13,500  gallons  of  water ;  adding  the  known 
rainfall,  09,  on  the  slopes  of  the  pond — 1,800  gallons — we  have  a 
total  of  15,300.      The  collection  of  surface-water  from  drains  in  a, 
clatj  subsoil,  even  where  the  contour  of  the  ground  favours  such  an 
arrangement,  must  be  precarious.     These  drains  do  not  run  except 
after  heavy  rainfalls ;  ponds  which  retain  their  water  during  a  long 
period  might  be  filled  by  these  means,  but,  in  the  absence  of  supply 
from  land  or  other  springs,  the  quantities  so  stored  would  be  likely 
to  fail.  Pumping  water  from  a  stream  would  seem  to  be  too  obvious  a 
remedy  to  need  much  notice  ;  yet  I  may  state  that  a  large  mansion, 
tenanted  by  several  families  in  succession,  lost  its  tenants  for  lack  of 
good  water-supply ;  until  at  length,  under  the  advice  of  the  writer, 
an  effectual  remedy  was  found  by  raising  a  supply  through  filtering- 
beds  into  a  tank  from  an  adjacent  and  frequently  turbid  stream. 

L/VND  .SPRINGS. 
Land  spring  is  a  term  generally  applied  to  sources  of  water  which 
are  found  in  or  flow  from  superficial  beds  of  gravel  or  drift,  lying  on 
an  impervious  substratum.  Since  many  districts  throughout  England 
are  entirely  dependent  on  such  sources  for  their  supply  of  water  they 
require  further  notice.  Very  many  of  our  most  ancient  towns  and 
other  places  of  early  habitation  are  placed  on  drift-gravel,  probably 
from  the  facility  with  which  water  is  thence  obtained.  The  older 
part  of  London,  and  the  city  of  Oxford,  on  different  geological 
formations,  are  noteworthy  examples  of  towns  so  supplied,  until  they 
were  extended  beyond  their  ancient  limits,  or  until  these  sources, 
aa  is  often  the  case,  became  tainted  by  infiltration  from  sewers,  cess- 
pools, and  the  like.  Most  of  the  higher  ground  on  the  London  clay, 
such  as  Ilampstead,  Highgate,  Harrow,  Bushey  Heath,  and  the  Bag- 
shot  district — where  a  better  defined  formation  overlies  the  London 
clay— are  examples  of  this  kind  of  supply.  In  the  Bagshot  sands,  in 
consequence  of  their  great  depth  and  wide  development,  by  taking 
advantage  of  the  levels  at  which  water  is  thrown  out  by  bands  of 
clay  alternating  with  the  sand-beds  and  by  turning  to  account  the 
undulations   of  surface,   large  lakes  or  ponds  are  formed,   such  as 


Virginia  Water.     At  Bear  Wood,  a  dam  being  thrown  across  a  valley, 
the   water   collected    in    an   ornamental    lake   serves   to   drive    the 
machinery    of     the     Home    Farm,  —  an    e.xample     of    economising 
waste  water  which  is  worthy  of  especial   notice.      In   the  London 
and   Hampshire  Basins   this   character    of    supply   is    not    entirely 
confined  to  the  limits  of  London  clay  in  situ,  but   extends   to  the 
higher  ridges  of  the  chalk,  which  are  frequently  capped  with  traces 
of  the  tertiary  formations,  so  that  water  is  frequently  retained  in 
gravels  by  which  they  are  covered  or  upheld  in  surface  ponds.     The 
chalk  district  is,  theiefore,  marked  by  the  gathering  of  the  population 
either  on  these  higher  levels  or  else  in  the  valleys  in  which  run  the 
streams  which  issue  from  the  adjacent  chalk  stratum.     In  the  former 
of  these  a  rigid  econom^^  iu  the  case  of  water  is  forced  on  the  con- 
sumers, as,  on  the  failing  of  the  supply,  no  resource  is  left  but  the 
streams   in  the  valleys,   or  very  deep  wells,  from   which  water  is 
necessarily  raised  with  great  labour.     No  district  suffered  more  from 
lack  of  water,  during  the  summer  of  1864,  than  the  higher  ranges  of 
the  chalk,  from  the  failing  of  the  dew  ponds  on  the  downs  and  all 
other  surface  supplies.      The  failure  being  due  to  the  quantities 
actually  drawn  from  them  suggests  an  increase  in  the  number  of 
these  ponds,  or  their  adoption  in  localities  where  they  have  not  been 
tried,  especially  where  they  would  be  easily  formed  in  the  tenacious 
soils  found  on  the  upper  levels.     There  is  sometimes  a  waste  of  water 
in  these  localities  where  it  might  be  turned  to  good  account.     The 
beds  of  sand  or  gravel  and  the  clay  on  which  they  rest,  are  frequently 
drained  by  means  of  shafts  or  dumb-wells,  sunk  through  them  to  the 
surface  of  the  chalk,  into  which   the  water  freely  sinks  from  the 
drains  which  converge  to  them  as  a  central  outfall.     Necessary  as 
draining  is,  this  water  might  often  be  stored  in  ponds  sunk  through 
the    gravel  into    clay,  with    an   arrangement   of  pipes  to   prevent 
its  rising  above  a  certain  level,   or  subterranean  tanks   might   be 
formed  where  the  clay  is  of  sufficient  thickness  below  the  gravel. 
Where  the  beds  of  gravel  are  deep  and  extensive,  it  is  obvious  that 
water  may  be  led  away  from  a  hill-side  and  form  a  perennial  stream 
of  the  greatest  value.     This  is  well  illustrated  on  the  well-known 
Tiptree  Hall  Farm.     When  first  occupied  by  Mr.  Alderman  Mechi, 
land-springs  issued  from   the  slightly  rising  ground  to  the  north  of 
the  house,  the  weepings  of  which  generated  a  peat  bed.     Deep  drains 
were  driven  into  the  hill-side,   cutting  through  the  margin  of  the 
gravel  into  the  clay  beneath,  whence  so  large  a  quantity  of  water  was 
gathered  into  one  head  as  to  supply  all  the  ordinary  wants  of  the 
homestead,  and  furnish  a  volume  sufficient  to  carry  ont  in  all  seasons 
the  system  of  irrigation  co-extensive  with  the  farm,  whilst  its  overplus 
carries  health  and  comfort  to  a  once  fever-stricken  district  in  its 
course  below.      As  the  utilization  of  this  water  is  instructive,  so  in 
the  source  whence  it  flows  a  lesson  may  be  learned  as  to  the  geologi- 
cal and  physical  conditions  under  which  a  like  supply  may  be  turned 
to  good  account  elsewhere.      The  village  of  Tiptree  stands  on  an 
extensive  bed  of  drift-gravel  and  sand,  resting  on  the  tertiary  clay, 
naturally  drained  by  streamlets  which  flow  down  the  shallow  valleys 
or  depressions  by  which  it  is  flanked  or  intersected.     As  in  all  such 
cases,  the  subterranean  water  is  upheld  in  the  soil  at  an  angle  above 
its  outfall,  varying  with,  and  dependent  on  the  closeness  of  the  sand 
or  gravel  in  which  it  lies.     The  water  in  the  village  wells  stood,  in 
the  autumn  of  1864, 16  or  18  feet  above  the  artificial  and  over-flowing 
vent  given  to  it  by  Mr.  Mechi's  drains.      It  is  on  record  that,  when 
these  drains  were  first  dug,  many,  if  not  all,  the  wells  in  the  village 
were  more  or  less  affected.     If  the  supply  were  less,  and  it  was 
necessary    for    the    sake    of    Tiptree   farm    and   establishment   to 
economise  the  supply  (aud  this  may  serve  as  a  general  illustration), 
a  well  (call  it  of  depression)   on  a  large  scale  might  be  sunk  near 
the  centre  of  the  gravel  bed,  whence  the  gi'eatest  body  of  water 
might  be  raised  by  artificial  means,  or  allowed  to  pass  by  gravitation 
from  the  wells  to  the  lower  levels  by  some  simple  contrivance  pro- 
viding for  the  shutting  off  the  water  at  pleasure.     Such  sources  of 
water,  when  practically  perennial,  are  often  said  to  yield  an  unde- 
viating  volume ;  a  periodical  gauging  would  show  that  the  quantity 
is  in  the  ratio  of  the  natural  exhaustion  and  replenishment  by  rain- 
fall. It  should  be  noted  that  sands  and  gravels  are  speedily  replenished ; 
as  gravelly  soils,  from  their  silicious  and  stony  character,  preclude 
such  an  absorption  of  water  as  takes  place  in  loams,  chalk,  and  other 
substances  after  a  period  of  drought.  Careful  observation  and  frequent 
measurements  have  shown  that  wells  iu  sand  and  gravel  are  replenished 
by  a  heavy  summer  shower  ;  whereas  it  requires  from  2  to  3  inches 
of   continuous   autumn  rainfall  to  replace   the   evaporation   of   the 
summer  in  the  soils  of  a  more  tenacious  character.     No  general  rules 
can  be  laid  down  for  dealing  economically  with  sources  or  supplies  of 
water  held  in  drifts  or  gravels  which  flow  above  ground  as  landsprings, 
unless  they  are   founded   on  the   ascertained   geological  condition, 
whether  of  the  gravel-beds  themselves  or  of  the  surface  of  the  clay 
on  which  they  rest.     The  gault,  Kimmeridge,  Oxford,  lias,  and  other 
clays — which  are  of  the  character  of  marls,  as  in  the  new  red  sand- 


Sept.  6,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


197 


stone — present,  -when  thoir  surface  is  exposed,  a  corrugated  character. 
The  Keythorpe  system  of  drainage  is  based  on  this  fact  j  if  wo  may 
judge  by  the  present  river  action  on  the  ganlt  in  the  valley  of  the 
Thames,  this  condition  has  probably  a  fluviatilo  origin.  Be  that  as 
it  may,  the  cntting  through  one  of  these  subterranean  stanks  or 
ridges  will  often  lay  a  large  tract  jramodiately  dry.  This  was  the 
case  in  the  city  of  Oxford,  when  a  system  of  deep  sewer-drainage 
was  attempted,  by  which  the  house-wells  were  laid  dry  through  a 
considerable  district,  till  the  stauk  of  clay  cut  through  was  restored 
by  artificial  means,  when  the  water  was  restored  also.  When,  under 
such  circumstances  the  water-level  has  been  affected,  the  wells  have 
been  sunk  into  the  subjacent  clay ;  but  the  water  held  in  the  clay  is 
often  so  surcharged  with  mineral  substances  as  to  render  it  unfit  for 
nse.  If  the  water  is  not  too  much  reduced  in  the  drift,  the  bottom 
of  the  well  should  be  enlarged,  as  a  sort  of  subterranean  tank,  rather 
than  pierce  the.clay  under  any  circumstances.  The  surface,  or  rather 
land-spring,  supplies  of  water  are  often  undervalued,  and  great  expense 
is  incurred  in  sinking  to  deeper  sources. 

ARTE.SIAN  WELLS. 
Dr.  Buckland,  in  his  "  Bridgewater  Treatise,"  defines  artesian 
wells  as  "perpetually  flowing  fountains,  obtained  by  boring  a  small 
hole  through  strata  that  are  destitute  of  water  into  lower  strata 
loaded  with  subterranean  sheets  of  this  important  fluid,  which 
ascends  by  hydrostatic  pressure  through  pipes  let  down  to  conduct  it 
to  the  surface."  As  there  are  very  many  cases  in  which  the  water 
does  not  attain  the  surface  of  the  ground,  the  name  artesiod  has  been 
applied  to  such,  because  they  do  not  present  all  the  conditions  in  the 
above  definition  ;  besides  which,  their  construction  so  far  differs,  that 
H,  shaft,  as  of  an  ordinary  well,  must  be  sunk  below  the  level  attained 
by  the  water,  from  which  it  must  be  raised  by  artificial  means.  All 
the  deep  wells  in  London  are  of  this  character.  There  is  a  very 
common  impression  that  water  may  be  obtained  in  any  locality  by 
boring,  if  it  be  carried  to  a  sufficient  depth.  Immense  sums  of  money 
have  been  thi'owu  away  in  such  attempts,  and  in  other  cases  the  quality 
of  the  water  when  obtained  renders  it  unfit  for  use.  These  wells  should 
never  be  sunk  without  a  knowledge  of  the  local  geological  conditions 
on  which  their  success  depends.  The  most  experienced  geologists 
may  be  deceived  by  anomalous  conditions  of  the  substrata,  which 
cannot  be  foreseen.  It  may  be  useful  to  mention  some  localities  and 
strata  where  boring  for  water<is  most  likely  to  succeed  or  fail. 
It  has  been  ascertained  that  water  naturally  rises  in  these  wells  to 
the  mean  level  between  the  highest  source  of  supply  and  the 
nltimate  natural  outfall.  This  is  exemplified  in  the  London  and 
Pai'is  basins  ;  the  one  outfall  being  the  River  Thames  below  London, 
the  other  the  sea  at  or  about  Havre.  Under  London  the  level  has 
been  depressed  to  the  amount  of  60  feet ;  at  Paris  the  famous 
artesian  fountain  of  Grenelle  has  been  slightly  affected  by  the  newly- 
bored  well  at  Passy.  Water  will  be  found  to  rise  to  the  surface 
wherever  the  level  of  the  surface  falls  below  the  angle  described  by 
the  subterranean  water-level.  This,  notwithstanding  the  unnatural 
depression  caused  by  London  pumping,  is  the  case  at  Tottenham, 
Tooting,  Uxbridge,  and  other  places.  The  depth  to  which  the 
borings  must  be  carried  varies  considerably.  Water  will  rise  in 
artesian  or  artesiod  wells  throughout  the  London  basin,  where  the 
chalk  is  covered  by  the  London  or  plastic  clays.  Though  ruled  by 
various  outfalls,  and  disturbed  in  some  cases  by  faults,  the  height 
it  will  attain  may  be  made  a  matter  of  calculation :  the  great 
difficulty  is  the  thickness  of  the  upper  strata,  especially  where  the 
surface  of  the  clays  rises  in  hills  and  ridges,  or  where  they  are 
covered  by  the  Bagshot  sands.  If,  by  way  of  example,  a  line  from 
Basingstoke  to  Colchester  be  taken,  where  at  the  former  place  the 
water  in  the  chalk  stands  240  feet  above  Trinity  high-water  mark  ; 
at  Strathfieldsaye,  6s-  miles  distant,  in  a  well  sunk  by  the  late  Duke 
of  Wellington  for  the  use  of  the  villagers,  300  feet  down  to  the 
chalk,  the  water  rises  to  within  15  or  20  feet  of  the  surface,  which 
may  be  150  feet  above  Trinity  high. water  mark  ;  at  Bear  Wood,  350 
feet  to  the  chalk,  the  water  stands  about  120  feet  above  Trinity  high- 
water  mark  ;  at  Cricklewood,  where  this  line  intersects  that  of  the 
section  given,  the  water  is  60  feet  above  Trinity  high-water  mark 
and  270  feet  to  the  chalk ;  at  Tottenham,  70  feet  above  Trinity 
high-water  mark,  and  140  to  the  chalk  j  at  Witham  (the  outlay  here 
was  £150),  306  feet  to  the  chalk,  water  within  a  few  feet  of  the 
surface,  about  120  feet  above  Trinity  high-water  mark ;  at  Col. 
Chester,  143  feet  to  the  chalk,  water  about  5  feet  above  high.water 
mark.  In  the  Hampshire  basin,  though  geologically  the  same  as 
that  of  London,  the  condition  of  the  chalk,  probably  from  greater 
disturbance,  cannot  be  relied  on  as  a  source  of  supply  for  artesian 
wells.  A  well  dug  on  Southampton  Common  to  a  great  depth  was 
a  gigantic  failure.  Again,  at  Portsmouth  Dockyard  the  chalk  was 
reached  at  400  feet,  and  pierced  an  additional  500  feet  without 
success.  Following  our  inquiry  into  the  supplies  to  bo  pi'ocured  by 
boring,  according  to  the  geological  series,  the  next  in  order  is  the 


gault  clay,  which  occupies  a  rather  narrow  slip  of  country,  more 
or  less,  from  Dorsetshire  to  the  Wash.  It  is  also  developed  in 
the  Isle  of  Wight,  under  the  Sussex  Downs,  and  in  Yorkshire. 
The  artesian  wells  at  Cambridge,  sunk  through  the  gault  into 
the  lower  greensand,  are  a  notable  instance  of  success.  The 
water,  once  flowing  to  the  surface,  does  not  attain  that  level  by  a  few 
feet ;  their  depth  is  said  to  be  from  130  to  1 10  feet.  The  water  from 
wells  sunk  through  the  gault  is  slightly  fen-uginous,  as  might  be 
expected  from  the  nature  of  the  greensand,  whence  it  rises.  At 
Grenelle,  where  there  are  the  same  geological  conditions,  the  water 
is  often  used  for  hospital  purposes,  and  it  is  a  practice  to  place  glass 
vessels  in  the  flowing  water,  where  they  acquire  a  yellow  tint.  As 
the  water  in  the  lower  greensand  has  no  defined  outfall,  and  as  the 
depth  of  the  gault  clay  varies,  no  rule  can  be  laid  down.  The  green, 
sand  will  generally  be  reached  under  150  feet,  the  water  will  seldom 
rise  to  the  surface,  therefore  shafts  must  usually  be  sunk,  into  which 
the  water  will  rise.  This  is  the  case  at  Hinxworth,  near  Baldock, 
and  many  other  places  where  the  geological  conditions  are  the  same. 
Care  must  be  taken  not  to  sink  for  water  where  the  lower  greensand 
is  absent,  as  in  many  parts  of  Oxfordshire  and  the  Vale  of  White 
Horse.  Instances  of  failure  have  occurred  at  Tetsworth,  where  the 
gault  rests  on  the  Kimmeridge  clay.  As  the  gault  clay  underlies  the 
escarpment  of  the  upper  greensand,  or  chalk,  the  most  obvious  source 
of  water. supply  to  the  surface  of  the  gault  is  from  the  springs  which 
flow  from,  or  generally  above  the  junction  of  these  strata.  Reservoirs 
might  easily  be  formed  for  whole  districts  by  the  common  and  united 
action  of  landowners  to  secure  water  of  the  best  quality.  Water  rises 
by  gravitation  from  snch  a  source  to  the  top  of  Adwell  House,  near 
Tetsworth.  The  town  of  Aylesbury  is  now  seeking  such  a  supply 
from  the  chalk  range  near  Tring.  These  valuable  waters,  which 
might  in  many  places  be  far  more  profitably  used,  now  run  into  the 
Ouse  or  the  Thames.  Next  in  order  is  the  Kimmeridge  clay.  The 
same  hindrance  as  arises  from  the  absence  of  the  greensand  below  the 
gault  is  found  where  the  Kimmeridge  rests  on  the  Oxford  clay.  It 
was  by  overlooking  this  fact  that  at  least  £2,000  was  needlessly 
expended  in  boring  a  well,  over  500  feet  deep,  at  the  Lunatic  Asylum 
near  Aylesbury.  At  Abingdon  there  is  an  instance  of  water  obtained 
by  boring  through  the  Kimmeridge  clay  into  the  coralline  oolite,  the 
whole  depth,  partly  into  the  latter  stratum,  being  about  60  feet.  The 
water  is  slightly  impregnated  with  sulphuretted  hydrogen  and  iron, 
which  it  is  believed  is  the  case  elsewhere.  It  supplies  a  drinking 
fountain  in  one  of  the  back  streets  of  Abingdon.  No  really  success, 
ful  instance  of  an  artesian  well  in  the  Oxford  clay  has  fallen  under 
my  immediate  observation.  Its  widely. extended  surface  and  position 
on  the  lower  oolitic  stata  are  physical  features  which  point  to  it  as 
lacking  good  water,  and  as  likely  to  derive  a  supply  by  boring  through 
it  to  the  oolitic  rock  beneath.  If  the  well  or  boring  were  carried 
deep  into  the  subjacent  rock  and  were  perpetually  flowing,  the  water 
might  be  cleansed  of  its  impurities ;  but  those  specimens  which 
I  have  met  with  and  tasted  have  been  hopelessly  impure.  Lower  in 
the  oolitic  series  there  ai-e  instances  of  successful  artesian  borings. 
Thus  at  Bourn,  in  Lincolnshire,  a  large  supply  has  been  obtained 
from  borings  thi-ough  the  Forest  marble  and  Bradford  clays,  to  a 
depth  of  about  90  feet,  whence  the  water  overflows  the  surface. 
The  distribution  and  presence  of  these  clay.beds,  and  the  frequent 
faults  in  the  oolitic  strata  are  so  complicated,  that  it  is  impossible 
to  lay  down  any  rules  for  guidance.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the 
lias  clays  which  underlie  the  oolitic  rocks.  The  marlstone,  generally 
charged  with  water,  which  intervenes  between  the  upper  and  lower 
lias  clays,  would  seldom  yield  its  water  except  to  wells  sunk  in  the 
ordinary  way.  At  Chipping  Norton  the  lower  lias  clay  was  pierced 
to  the  depth  of  500  feet,  in  the  hope  of  obtaining  water  from  the 
underlying  new  red  sandstone  formation  :  the  attempt  was  abandoned 
at  that  depth.  Again,  much  the  same  may  be  said  of  the  red  sand, 
stone  formation,  which  forms  so  large  a  part  of  the  surface  of 
western  England,  though  it  may  and  often  does  yield  its  subterranean 
water  when  deeply  pierced.  At  York  water  so  raised  was  too  much 
charged  with  iron  and  other  mineral  substances  to  be  of  any  real 
value.  The  well  known  salt  and  other  mineral  springs  in  this 
formation  point  to  the  probability  of  their  existence  elsewhere.  As 
artesian  wells  derive  their  supply  from  deep. seated  or  mainsprings, 
the  existence  of  such  sources  of  water  has,  to  a  certain  extent, 
been  anticipated,  though  it  is  quite  necessary  to  speak  separately 
of  main  springs. 

MAIN  SPRINGS. 
As  the  term  land  spring  is  usually  applied  to  sources  of  water 
flowing  from  superficial  beds  of  drift,  sand,  or  gravel,  resting  on 
impervious  substrata,  the  term  main  spring  usually  indicates  those 
deep-seated  supplies  found  in  the  recognised  geological  forma- 
tions, such  as  the  chalk,  greensands,  oolitic,  some  beds  of  lias, 
new  red  sandstone,  and  any  other  stratum  into  which  the  water, 
falling  on  its  surface,  will  freely  sink  through  cracks  or  crevices, 


198 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Sept.  6, 1873. 


forming  beds  of   water,  which  rise  in   these  strata  till   they  find 
vent  in  valleys  and  depressions,  and  so  form  the  natural  perennial 
sources    of    rivers,    or    bidden    supplies,    which    are    reached    by 
sinking  shafts  or  wells,  whence  water  is  raised  by  artificial  means. 
To    advance    our    knowledge    of    the    presence    of    these  supplies, 
the    localities    and    depths   at   which    they   may   bo     found,    their 
economical  use,  and  the  means  which  will  afford  increased  facilities 
in  obtaining  them,  ia  the  chief  object  of  this  communication.     The 
water-bearing  formations  above  the   chalk  are  generally  of  so  super- 
ficial a  character,  and  so  complicated  in   their  geological  structure, 
that  no  definite  rule  can  be  laid  down  as  to  the  water  they  contain. 
The  elaborate  Reports  published  by  the  General  Board  of  Health  on 
the  proposed  supply  of  water  to  London  from  the  Bagshot  sands  in 
1850,  was  a  sufficient  guide  to  those  who   wished  to  investigate  that 
question.     Though  these  sands  in  some  localities  are  of  considerable 
thickness,   and  from  the  altei-nation  of   the   sands   with  clay  beds 
throw  out  water  at  various  levels,  they  verj'  often  represent  sources 
of  land  springs.     The  chalk  fonnatioii  occupies  a  large  surface  of  the 
east  and  south  of  England,  and  may  be  said  (it  we  include  the  tertiary 
beds  by  which  it  is  partially  covered)   to  extend  from  the  Chiltern 
range  to  the  German  Ocean.     This  is  the  chief  source  of  the  water 
supplied  to  the  Thames  and  many  other  rivers.     The  water  falling  on 
its  surface  where  exposed,  or  where  covered  with  previous  beds  of 
gravel,  sinks  into  this  stratum  and  forms  a  subterranean  bed  of  water, 
the  surface  of  which  has  been  called  the  chalk. water  level.     The  depth 
at  which  water  may  be  reached  in  the  chalk  may  be  made  a  matter 
of  calculation.     Take  the  level  of  any  known  spring  or  outfall,  and 
then  allow  for  an  inclination  of   10  feet  per  mile  at  least  as  the  incli. 
nation  of  the  water-line,  it   will  be  found  that  the  surface -line  of  the 
subterranean  water  dips  towards  its  nearest  vent,  the  angle  of  incli- 
nation being  ruled  by  the  friction  or  resistance  encountered  by  the 
water  in  its  passage  through   the  stratum.     As   the   subterranean 
supply  is  replenished,  this  line  will  rise  at  an  angle  increasing  with 
its  distance  from  the  vent.     If  the  level  of  water  in  two  wells  situate 
in  a  line  to  the  outfall  be  ascertained,  the  water  will  be  reached  in  a 
well  to  be  made  midway  between  them  at  the  mean  depth  of  the  two  ; 
and  this  will  be  true  of  all  wells  sunk  in  any  water-bearing  stratum 
at  all  like  the  chalk.      The  rising  of  water  from  the  chalk  in  the 
upper  levels,  where  the  water  level  lies  300  or  more  feet  below  the 
surface,  must  be  laborious   and  expensive.     An  Indian  magnate,  the 
Maharajah  of  Benares,  intrusted  to  my  friend,  Mr.  E.  A.  Reade,  C.B., 
a  sum  of  money  to  be  employed  for  the  benefit  of  the  poor,  on  an 
object  not  of  a  religious  character.      He  expended  it  on  a  well  in  the 
chalk,  358  feet   deep,  furnished   with  simple  but  most  serviceable 
machinery  for  raising  the  water — large  buckets,  chains  passing  over 
iron  sheaves,  wound  up  by  a  winch  and  fly-wheel.  Contrivances,  such 
as  a  donkey-wheel,  as  shown  at  Carisbrook,  are  often  used  ;  but  for  a 
common  well  the  simpler  the  machinery  the  better.     Boring  from  the 
bottom  of  a  chalk-well  is  sometimes  resorted  to  with  success ;  but  it 
must  be  remembered  that  the  water  will  not  rise  higher  than  the 
level  at  which  it  stands  ah'eady  in  the  well,  though  tlie  bore-hole  will 
quicken  the  supply.    It  is  better,  if  the  well  has  been  made  sufliciently 
deeo,  to  enlarge  the  bottom  in  a  bell-shape,  or  if  a  great  quantity  of 
water  is  required,  to  drive  adits,  if  there  seem  no  local  reason  to  the 
contrary,  in  a  direction  from  the  known  outfall  of  the  water.     The 
upper  greensand  immediately  underlies  the  chalk  and  chalk-marl. 
Its   development  is  very  irregular;  in  some  places   it   attains   the 
thickness  of  140  feet ;  in  other  localiLies  it  is  scarcely  to  be  traced. 
Like  the  chalk,  it  freely  absorbs  the  water  falling  on  its  surface ;  its 
water-bed  is  ruled  as  that  in  the  chalk,  but  it  is  far  more  accessible ; 
indeed  there  is  no  stratum  where  water  is  more  regulai-ly  distributed 
or  purer  in  quality.     In  sinking  wells  in  this  stratum  care  must  be 
taken  not  to  pierce  the  gault  clay  below,  lest  the  quality  of  the  water 
should   be   affected.      The  lower  greensand  is   separated   from   the 
upper  by  the  impermeable  bed  of  gault  clay  ;    the  lower  greensand 
is    permeable   to   water.      Though    the   beds   of    which    it    consists 
vary    considerably   in   their    condition    and   in   their    capacity    of 
absorption,   sometimes    a    continuous  water-level   may   be   traced. 
It   is    often   necessary   to    enlarge    the    bottom     of    the    well,    to 
secure  sufficient  subterranean  storage,  as  the  wells,  when  exhausted 
are    slowly    replenished.       Very   great    care    must  be    taken    not 
under  any  circumstances,    to  pierce    the    undei'lying    Kimmeridge 
clay.     If  the  Portland  oolite  underlies  the  greensand,  and  should 
the  supply  from  the  latter  be  insufficient,  water  may  be  sought  in 
the  oolite  below,  though  the  water  of  the  greensand  is  usually  of 
better  and  purer  quality.     When  the  Portland  oolite   overlies  the 
Kimmeridge  clay,  the  same  caution  will  apoly.     Under  no  circum- 
stances should   the  surface  of  the  clay  be  pierced.     There  is  a  great 
similarity  in  all  the  oolitic  strata  as  regards  the  supply  of  water, 
yet  no  strata  present  more  difficulties  and  anomalies  in  the  quantities 
yielded.     This  is  to  be  attributed  to   the   unequal  thickness  of  the 
limestone  and  oolitic  seams  of  rock,  interlaced  by  beds  of  clay  of 


most  variable  thickness  and  power  of  upholding  water.  The  Port, 
land  and  coralline  oolite  are  limited  to  a  small  area,  and  in  many 
places  consist  merely  of  isolated  patches,  capping  the  surface  of  the 
Kimmeridge  or  Oxford  clay.  In  such  case  the  spot  fixed  on  may 
materially  infiuence  the  supply.  In  a  known  case  it  was  desired  to 
obtain  water  for  a  farmstead ;  a  well  was  sunk  to  suit  the  con. 
venience  of  the  site  on  which  the  buildings  were  to  be  erected  ;  the 
water  supply  was  insufficient.  It  was  pointed  out  that  the  surface 
of  the  clay  dipped  in  a  certain  direction,  and  that  the  well  should 
be  sunk  near  the  margin  of  the  oolitic  rock  in  the  direction  of  the 
dip.  This  was  done,  and  water  was  obtained  in  abundance.  This 
principle  should  be  kept  in  view  in  seeking  a  supply  of  water 
throughout  the  oolitic  range  and  the  upper  beds  of  the  lias,  where 
permeable  beds  rest  on  clay  whose  surface  dips  in  a  known  direction. 
The  presence  of  water  under  such  circumstances  is  marked  by  the 
springs  which  issue  from  the  hill  sides  at  the  Junction  of  these  beds. 
The  lower  oolitic  series,  separated  from  the  middle  or  coralline  by 
the  Oxford  clay,  which  overlies  the  lias,  ia  one  of  the  principal 
water-bearing  formations  of  England.  Like  the  chalk,  its  surface 
is  furrowed  by  frequent  valleys,  down  which  its  waters  find  vent  in 
perennial  streams ;  though,  unlike  the  chalk,  its  substance  is  inter, 
laced  by  bands  of  clay  of  varying  thickness,  which  throw  out  the 
water  at  every  variety  of  level.  These  bands,  besides  the  faults 
caused  by  disturbance,  make  it  exceedingly  difficult  to  determine 
the  supply  of  water,  and  consequently  the  means  which  will  afford 
the  greatest  facilities  for  obtaining  it.  It  often  happens  that  in  one 
locality  there  are  several  distinct  beds  of  water,  either  to  be  traced 
in  wells,  or  to  be  seen,  as  indicated  by  springs  issuing  from  the  hill 
sides.  Such,  for  instance,  is  the  case  at  Stoucsfield,  in  Oxfordshire, 
where  three  distinct  beds  of  water  are  found  at  various  levels,  at 
about  15,  50,  and  100  feet  from  the  surface  respectively ;  none, 
except  the  lowest,  which  rests  in  the  lias  clay,  yielding  a  large 
amount  of  water,  but  each  sufficient  for  ordinary  domestic  purposes. 
The  only  obvious  way  of  increasing  the  supply  to  the  upper  wells  ia 
the  enlargement  of  the  lower  chamber,  care  being  taken  to  avoid  the 
hazard  of  sinking  below  the  surface  of  the  clay  at  the  bottom. 
Agricultural  drainage  often  decreases  the  subterranean  supply  to 
these  strata;  yet  water  running  from  the  surface  of  the  clays, 
which  often  cover  large  tracts,  sometimes  sinks  by  natural  swallow 
or  swilly  holes  into  the  permeable  rock  beneath,  at  the  margin  of 
the  clay.  These  natural  features  might  be  assisted  by  simple 
artificial  means  to  the  increase  of  the  supply  to  these  strata. 
Many  of  the  valleys  of  this  formation  rest  on  upper  lias  clay. 
If,  as  in  some  cases,  the  base  of  the  valley  is  the  lower  lias,  the 
intervening  marlstone,  usually  charged  with  water,  adds  another 
source  of  water  to  the  district.  Such  valleys  are  well  fitted  for 
the  storage  of  water,  such  as  in  the  reservoirs  which  supply  the 
summit-levels  of  the  Oxford  Canal,  which  have  never  yet  failed. 
From  the  marlstone,  as  from  the  partings  of  clay  in  the  oolite 
above,  springs  issue  at  so  high  a  level  above  the  foot  of  valleys 
as  to  enable  farmsteads,  other  establishments,  and  villages,  to  be 
supplied  with  water  by  gravitation,  delivered  through  pipes  or 
open  cuttings  into  ti'oughs  or  tanks.  Moreover  the  fall  of  water 
facilitates  the  use  of  hydraulic  rams,  by  which  reservoirs  and  whole 
establishments,  as  at  Blenheim,  Cornbury  Park,  Sarsden,  and  other 
places,  are  supplied  with  water  at  comparatively  small  cost.  The 
delivery  of  water  throughout  the  oolitic  series  favours  the  extension 
of  this  practice  in  a  district  where  sinking  for  water  through  lime- 
stone and  other  rocks  is  an  expensive  process.  It  has  been  said  that 
the  marlstone  intervenes  between  the  upper  and  lower  lias  claj's. 
This,  if  the  lower  beds  of  limestone  or  lias  lime  are  excepted,  is  the 
only  deep-seated  source  of  water  in  the  lias  formation.  The  new  red 
sandstone,  beneath  the  lias,  which  forms  so  large  a  portion  of  the 
surface  of  England  to  the  west,  contains  large  quantities  of  water ; 
but  much  of  it  is  excluded  from,  ordinary  uses  by  the  mineral  salts 
and  impurities  with  which  it  is  charged.  The  levels  at  which  it  is 
found  in  the  upper  marls  or  in  the  substance  of  the  extensive  sand, 
rock  varies  very  much :  in  some  cases  the  underground  passage  of 
the  water  is  very  free,  in  others  very  much  confined.  The  exhaustion 
by  mines  is  also  a  cause  of  disturbance  to  the  supply.  Though  very 
many  towns  are  supplied  from  deep  wells  in  this  stratum,  where  large 
quantities  are  required,  as  at  Liverpool,  recourse  is  had  to  storage  at 
higher  levels  in  the  older  formations,  where  rainfall  is  in  excess  and 
the  physical  features  of  the  country  favour  this  arrangement.  The 
variable  quantities  and  quality  of  the  water,  as  ruled  by  the  local 
geological  condition  of  the  new  red  sandstone,  make  it  impossible  to 
point  out  any  rules  except  those  which  are  suggested  by  local  experi. 
ence  for  increasing  such  supplies  for  agricultural  or  domestic  purposes. 
The  increased  rainfall,  as  well  as  the  geological  condition  of  the  older 
formations,  place  the  district  to  the  west  of  the  new  red  sandstone 
(as  was  suggested  in  the  opening  remarks)  beyond  the  limit  of  this 
inquiry. — Journal  of  the  Royal  Aijricultnral  Society. 


Sept.  6,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


199 


THE     INDOOR    GARDEN. 

DIEFPENBACHIA  NOBILIS. 

Tnis  is  one  of  the  most  compact  growing  and  eiiectivo  species 
in  the  whole  group  of  Diffcnbachias,  and  one  which  makes  a 
handsome  plant  when  gro^Yn  in  a  close  hnmid  stove.  Its  thick 
and  fleshy  leaf-stalks  are  about  a  foot  long,  pale  green  in  colour, 
transversely  barred  with  darker  green.  The  blades  of  the 
leaves  are  ovate  or  oblong  and  somewhat  cordate  at  the 
base.  They  vary  from  1  to  2  feet  in  length,  and  are 
about  6  to  9  inches  broad,  and  of  a  deep  green  colour,  prettily 
Ijlotched  all  over  the  central  portion  with  white  irregularly 
confluent  blotches,  that  contrast  foi'cibly  with  the  dark  green 
margins.     This  plant  is  as  easily  grown  as  its  congeners,  and, 


Pereskia  aculeata ;  but  a3  it  cannot  be  employed  unless  previously 
prepared,  a  substitute  may  bo  be  found  in  detachod  pieces  of  Cereus 
grandiflorus.  They  have,  however,  the  disadvantage,  owing  to  their 
flexibility,  of  always  requiring  some  kind  of  artificial  support. 
Pieces  of  the  desired  length  may  be  taken  off,  and  potted  among 
sandy  peat  soil  of  a  iibrous  character,  putting  a  little  sand  round  the 
cutting  to  prevent  decay.  The  grafts  may  be  inserted  at  once  by 
making  a  downward  incision  in  the  stock  with  a  sharp. pointed  knife. 
Be  careful  to  secure  on  the  surface  of  the  scion  sufficient  space  to 
receive  the  ascending  sap,  which  will  render  the  union  more  com. 
plete.  It  would  be  a  loss  of  time  to  use  small  scions,  as  largo  ones 
will  take  as  freely, "and  they  may  be  inserted  down  to  within  a  few 
inches  of  the  pot,  which  will  add  to  the  size  and  beauty  of  the  plant. 
Plunge  the  pots  in  a  bottom  heat  of  from  75'  to  80',  in  a  rather  dry 
atmosphere,  to  preserve  the  wounded  parts  from  decay.     The  opera- 


Dioffenbacliia  nobilis. 


in  addition  to  a  warm  humid  atmosphere,  it  prefers  an  open 
compost  of  fibrous  loam,  leaf -mould,  and  fresh  peat,  with  the 
addition  of  a  little  coarse,  well-wasbed  river  sand.  When 
growing  vigorously  it  requires  a  liberal  supply  of  moisture  at 
the  root.  It  was  introduced  from  South  America  by  Mr. 
William  Bull,  and  promises  to  hold  a  high  place  among  DiefEen- 
bachias.  Like  its  congener,  it  is  readily  propagated  by  means 
of  cutting.=!  made  of  the  fleshy  stem,  and,  when  liberally  treated, 
is  a  robust  grower. 


Epiphyllum  truncatum. — There  is  no  plant  with  which  I 
am  acquainted,  calculated  to  give  a  more  cheerful  appearance  to  a 
plant  stove  or  conservatory  than  this  Epiphyllum  from  the  beginning 
to  the  end  of  November.  Beautiful  as  it,  when  grown  in  a  dwarf 
form,  the  effect  is  much  more  decided  when  it  is  treated  as  a 
standard,  the  flowers  being  brought  up  nearer  to  the  eye.  I  am 
unacquainted  with  any  stock   better   suited  for  grafting  it  on  than 


tion  may  be  successfully  performed  any  time  before  the  plant  begins 
to  grow,  which  is  usually  about  the  beginning  of  March. — Aiph.v. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GARDEN. 

HEeaiailtlllls  coccineus- — It  is  to  be  re3:retted  that  this  fino  bulbous  plant  is 
not  more  generally  grown  than  it  is.  It  bears  a  dense  globuhir  head  of  deep 
crimson-scarlet  stellate  flowers  on  a  speckled  scape  from  15  to  18  inches 
in  height,  and  has  dark  grocn  strap-shaped  foliage.  It  succeeds  in  a  moderate 
temperatare  and  is  even  more  effective  than  Neriue  FothergiUi,  another  neg- 
lected bulbous  plaub  of  easy  culture  and  efl'ective  appearance.  I  lately  saw  the 
HaemanLhus  flowering  freely  in  La  Muette  at  Paris  and  can  recommend  it  to 
all  who  are  fond  of  showy  bulbs. — B. 

Packiug  Exotic  Ferns-— it  may  interest  you  to  know  that  I  have  just  re- 
ceived some  Perns  from  New  Zealand,  packed  merely  in  common  earth  in  a 
box,  which,  after  a  journey  of  four  months  in  the  hold  of  a  sailing  vessel  with 
heated  grain,  arrived  in  perfect  condition,  with  the  exception  of  one  or  two  very 
sm  11  tufted  sorts.  Amongst  those  in  the  best  condition  were  Adianturas  and 
Todeas.  I  mention  this  as  it  seems  a  general  idea  that  they  require  careful  and 
elaborate  packing.  Some  from  Brazil  packed  scientifically  arrived  in  much 
worse  condition. — E.  L. 


200 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  6, 1873. 


WOEK    FOR    THE    WEEK. 
PRIVATE   GARDENS. 

Conservatories. — Encourage  the  ripening  of  the  shoots  already 
made  by  a  gradual  decrease  of  moisture  and  shading  and  a  free 
admission  of  air.  Cut  away  all  gross  shoots  not  wanted,  and  any 
laterals  that  may  now  appear,  and  preserve  only  firm  wood,  for  any 
other  will,  in  all  probability,  not  survive  the  winter;  it  is,  therefore, 
better  to  cut  it  out  at  once  than  to  allow  it  to  remain.  Conspicuous 
amongst  conservatory  plants  now  in  bloom  are  Rochea  falcata,  a  fine 
showy  succulent ;  Grifiinia  hyaciothina,  a  scarce  and  pretty  plant  ; 
Japanese  Lilies,  Campanula  pyramidalis,  red .  and  blue-flowered 
Salvias,  Allamandas,  Lagerstrcemia  iudica,  Mesembryanthemums  of 
the  Blandum  section,  the  Cape  species  of  Pelargoniums,  double  and 
single-bloomed  Zonales,  Zephyranthes  rosea,  Sedum  spectabile, 
Achimenes,  Hydrangea  paniculata.  Fuchsias,  Begonia  Weltoniensis, 
and  other  beautiful  herbaceous  hybrids,  Vallotas,  Cockscombs  and 
other  Celosias,  Oleanders,  Gladioli,  Trachelium  cajruleum,  Balsams, 
Asters,  Gomphrena  globosa,  Zinnias,  Cyclamen  hederatfolium.  Tree 
Carnations,  Petunias,  Heliotropes,  Plumbago  capensis,  Cannas, 
Agapanthus  umbellatus,  Lapagerias,  Tropieolura  Lobbianum,  Passion- 
flowers, and  many  other  hard  and  soft-wooded  plants.  By  a  judicious 
arrangement  of  these,  together  with  Coleuses,  Iresines,  Amarantuses, 
Centaureas,  Euryas,  Dracaenas,  Ferns,  Palms,  and  other  ornamental- 
leaved  subjects,  with  the  general  stock  of  evergreens,  a  very  pleasing 
effect  is  produced. 

Stoves. — Here,  as  in  the  case  of  Conservatories,  moisture  and 
shade  must  be  on  the  decrease,  but  we  must  bear  in  mind  that  ever, 
green  plants  should  never  suffer  from  drought,  nor  yet  thick  fleshy- 
rooted  ones.  The  chief  plants  now  in  flower  in  stoves  are  Allaman. 
das,  Clerodendrons  of  the  Ktompferi  or  Fallax  section,  Dipladenias, 
Gesnera  Seemanni,  Cyrtanthera  Pohliana,  Mej"enia  erecta,  blue  and 
white.  Hibiscus  syriacus,  and  H.  roseo  sinensis,  Scutellaria  Ven- 
tenattii  and  Mocciniana,  Euphorbia  Bojeri  and  splendens,  Taber- 
naemontana  grandiflora,  Rondeletia  speciosa,  Bcloperone  oblongata, 
Justicia  carnea,  Dichorisandra  thyrsiflora,  Angelouia  salicarife- 
I'olia,  Pitcairnia  Olfersii,  Rogeria  gratissima,  Eranthemum 
Ecbalium,  Pancratiums,  Crinnras,  Juanulloa  parasitica,  Reidia  glanca, 
Methonica  virescens,  Oxalis  Plumieri,  and  many  others.  Amongst 
line. leaved  plants  now  so  showy  in  our  stoves  few  are  more  orna- 
mental than  small  plants  of  Brownia  grandiceps,  the  young  leaves 
of  which  hang  down  gracefully,  and  are  prettily  variegated. 
Rivinas,  and  Ardisias,  too,  with  their  pretty  berries,  are  very 
striking  ;  and  the  pretty  little  Mussa;uda  frondosa  and  luteola,  with 
their  singularly  coloured  floral  leaves,  remind  us  that  in  a  few  more 
weeks  we  shall  have  the  brilliant  bracts  of  Poinsettia  pulcherrima  to 
give  life  and  interest  to  our  collections.  Any  stove  plants  transferred 
to  the  conservatory  or  other  cool  place  to  prolong  their  flowering 
period  must  not  remain  away  too  long.  Encourage  the  growth  of 
Poinsettias  and  Euphorbia  jacquinia^flora,  and  give  the  plants  a  good 
dose,  now  and  then,  of  liquid  manure.  Liberally  treat  Aphelandra 
Roezlii,  and  any  young  soft-wooded  plants,  and  re-pot  at  once  any- 
thing that  may  require  it.  Endeavour  to  have  a  succession  of 
Gesnera  exoniensis  and  zebrina,  by  forwarding  some  and  retarding 
others.  Pot  off,  if  necessarj',  seedlings  and  rooted  cuttings,  but  in 
some  cases  the  latter  may  be  left  till  spring.  Have  a  good  stock  of 
Begonias  for  winter  blooming,  and  regulate  the  growths  of  Hexa- 
centris  mysorensis.  Do  not  cut  off  the  spent  flower-stalks  from  Hoyas 
or  Cyrtoceras  reflexus,  as  in  doing  so  you  deprive  them  of  next 
season's  flowers,  for  every  old  spur  produces  a  truss  the  following 
year.  Gradually  dry  off  Gloxinias,  Gesneras,  Achimenes,  Caladiums, 
&c.,  when  they  are  beginning  to  decay,  and  place  the  pots  where  drip 
cannot  reach  them.  In  some  cases  Caladiums  are  treated  as  ever- 
greens, but  such  a  practice  soon  impairs  their  vigour. 

Greenhouses. — Cinerarias  and  Calceolarias  must  be  shifted  as 
they  require  it,  and  kept  cool,  and  old  plants  of  the  shrubby  Calceo. 
larias  should  be  shifted  to  stand  the  winter.  Propagate  Chinese 
Primulas  from  cuttings  in  a  gentle  heat,  and  sow  Cyclamen  seeds  in 
the  same  temperature  and  in  pans  in  a  light  sandy  mixture.  Keep 
established  Cyclamen  plants  near  the  glass  in  a  light  and  airy  house ; 
and,  in  order  to  dispel  damp  and  to  maintain  an  equable  temperature, 
a  little  fire-heat  at  night  with  ventilation  at  the  same  time  should  be 
kept  up  ;  gently  syringe  them  overhead  every  day.  Shake  Cape 
Pelargoniums  out  of  their  pots,  and  pot  them  afresh  in  smaller  pots. 
Propagate  Hydrangeas  from  cuttings  in  a  close  frame,  and  lift  and 
pot  some  rooted  layers  of  Carnations  and  Picotees  for  early  blooming. 
Lift  and  pot  a  few  strong  crowns  of  Neapolitan  Violets  and  place  them 
in  a  cold  frame.  A  few  strong  roots  of  Lily  of  the  Valley  may  also 
be  lifted,  potted  in  rich  soil  and  placed  in  a  cold  frame  for  a  time,  but 
afterwards  they  must  be  transferred  to  a  moderately  warm  situation. 
Sow  Mignonette,  Lobelias,  and  a  general  stock  of  annuals  for  spring 
blooming  and   thin  and  shift  lately-sown  ones.     Give  manure-water 


to  Chrysanthemums,  and  keep  the  young  plants  in  airy  frames,  but 
the  elder  and  stronger  ones  shonld  be  kept  plunged  out  of  doors. 
Those  planted  out  of  doors  bloom  well  in  pots  if  their  roots  are  cnt 
a  few  days  before  being  lifted  and  they  are  kept  rather  moist  for  a 
time.  Gradually  dry  off  Japan  Lilies,  Erythrinas,  and  Brugmansias, 
when  they  have  done  blooming  and  growing  and  when  they  present 
signs  of  fading.  Re-pot  seedlings  of  Humea  elegans  for  next  year's 
use,  and  sow  seeds  of  Campanula  pyramidalis,  as  soon  as  they  are 
ripe,  in  a  pan  of  light  soil  in  a  frame  or  greenhouse.  Sow  seeds  of 
Statices  and  Trachelium  CEeruleuni  in  gentle  heat,  and  prick  off  the 
seedlings  as  soon  as  they  are  fit  to  handle.  Propagate  the  finer  kinds 
of  Conifers  by  means  of  cuttings  inserted  thickly  in  48-sized  pots,  or 
by  means  of  side  grafting  on  the  common  sorts.  A  close  well  shaded 
fi'ame  will  be  necessary  for  them  ;  indeed  the  frame  should  be  inside 
a  close  pit.  No  portion  of  the  stock  should  be  cnt  away  until  the 
scion  has  fairly  taken.  Graft  the  finer  kinds  of  Rhododendrons  on 
R.  ponticum,  and  if  the  plants  are  too  tall  to  be  accommodated  in  a 
frame  standing  erect  they  may  be  partly  laid  on  their  sides.  Remove 
all  strong  suckers  from  Yuccas  and  pot  them  in  a  loamy  soil.  Increase 
Japanese  Maples  by  inarching  and  lift  and  pot  rooted  layers  of  the 
same.  Bring  a  few  Aucubas  into  a  close  house  or  very  gently-heated 
pit  in  order  to  encourage  them  to  ripen  their  berries  a  little  earlier 
than  they  otherwise  would  do.  A  few  plants  of  Solanum  Ca])sicaa- 
trum  may  be  forced  a  little  earlier  than  the  general  stock,  and  those 
still  in  the  ground  should  have  their  roots  cut  around  so  as  to  make 
them  lift  easier. 

THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

Cabbages. — Prick  out  seedlings  from  the  seed-beds  on  a 
border  of  somewhat  poor  soil,  a  few  inches  apart  each  way, 
as  they  stand  the  winter  better  when  stiffly  grown  than  when 
they  are  soft  and  gross.  Such  as  are  left  in  the  beds  for 
planting  out  at  convenience  must  be  kept  thin,  and  the  surface 
of  the  soil  amongst  them  kept  loosened  so  as  to  encourage 
strong  short  plants,  for  "  leggy  "  ones  are  not  only  unsightly  but 
very  inferior  in  quality  to  short-necked  ones.  Plant  out  the  strongest 
on  well. prepared  ground  about  12  or  15  inches  apart  each  way,  so 
that  in  spring  every  alternate  row  and  every  other  plant  in  the  rows 
that  are  left  may  be  drawn  for  Coleworts,  leaving  the  others  to  remain 
to  form  young  hearts.  Vacant  ground  may  now  be  trenched  and 
ridged. 

Cardoons. — Encircle  the  stems  of  the  strongest  with  hay  or 
straw  ropes,  and  earth  them  up  in  order  that  they  may  get  blanched. 

Cauliflowers. — Sow  for  spring  and  early  summer  use  in  the 
open  air  about  the  first  of  the  month,  and  in  frames  at  the  end  of  it. 

Celery. — Earth  this  up  when  the  soil  is  moderately  dry,  and  when 
the  plants  require  it.     Water  abundantly. 

Chervil. — Sow  a  small  quantity  for  winter  and  spring  use. 

Chicory. — Sow  thickly  every  fortnight  for  small  salads,  and  lift 
a  few  strong  roots  to  place  in  the  Mushroom  house  for  furnishing 
blanched  leaves. 

Cress  and  Mustard. — Sow  the  curled  and  common  Cress,  and 
also  Mustard  in  small  quantities  on  a  warm  border  according  to  the 
demand. 

Endive. — Tie  up  to  blanch  such  plants  as  are  ready  for  that 
purpose,  and  plant  out  the  green  Curled  and  Batavian  a  foot  apart 
on  ridges  and  warm  borders. 

Kidney  Beans. — After  this  month  these  cannot  be  obtained 
with  certainty  from  the  open  air ;  therefore  sow  in  old  Melon  and 
Cucumber  frames  in  the  first  of  the  month,  and  also  in  the  end  of 
the  month. 

Leeks. — Earth  up  a  little  the  farthest  advanced  of  this  crop, 
and  transplant  the  remainder  of  the  late  sown  ones. 

Lettuces. — Transplant  the  hardy  Cabbage  sorts  and  also  the 
Bath  Cos,  and  tie  up  advanced  plants  a  week  or  a  fortnight  before 
thej'  are  ready  for  use.  Sow  a  few  white  Cos  Lettuces  in  light  soil 
in  cool  frames  near  the  glass. 

Onions. — Take  up  any  yet  in  the  ground,  and  store  them  as 
recommended  last  month.  Hoe  amongst  and  thin  the  last  month's 
sowings. 

Parsley. —  The  spring  sowings  will  still  be  yielding  a  good 
supply,  but,  if  the  whole  of  the  leaves  are  cut  off  a  portion  of  the 
plantation,  young  leaves  will  be  produced  before  the  winter.  The 
July  and  early  August  sowings  may  now  be  transplanted  for  the 
chief  spring  supply. 

Peas. — To  late  crops  of  these  give  abundance  of  water  in  dry 
weather,  so  as  to  add  vigour  to  the  plants  and  to  obviate  mildew. 

Potatoes. — Take  up  all  Potatoes  that  are  ripe,  and  store  them 
in  dry  weather.  In  lifting,  separate  the  smallest  from  the  others  ; 
keep  the  medinm-sized  ones  for  "  sets,"  and  the  large  ones  for 
culinary  purposes. 

Radishes. — Sow  in   the  first  half    of    the   month  on   a   warm 


Sept.  6,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


201 


border,  and  towards  the  end  of  the  month  make  another  sowing  in  a 
frame. 

Spinacll. — Make  a  sowing  for  winter  and  spring  use,  and  hoe 
and  thin  the  crop  sown  last  month. 

Tomatoes. — As  soon  as  Tomatoes  begin  to  colour,  they  should 
be  picked  off  the  plants  and  placed  in  frames  near  the  glass,  fnlly 
exposed  to  the  snn.  If  left  on  the  plants,  fix  lights  in  front  of  them 
so  as  to  assist  their  ripening. 

Turnips. — Hoe  and  thin  the  late  crops. 


BINGULAR  mSTANOB  OF  DIMORPHISM. 
A  VERY  remarkal)le  instance  of  dimorphism  in  Rosa  cannabi- 
folia  is  recorded  by  M.  Oavricre  in  the  current  number  of  the 
Mcvtw  Hoiiicoh'.  M.  Carriere  states  that  he  possesses  some 
specimens  of  this  plant  which  for  many  j'ears  have  uniformly 
presented  only  the  characteristics  of  the  variety — viz.,  smooth 
shining  bark  ;  linear-elliptical,  dark-green,  finely-toothed, 
alinost  smooth  leaflets  ;  and  double,  or  nearly  double,  flowers, 
less  than  2  inches  in  diameter,  with  small  narrow  petals,  irregu- 
larly slashed  or  cut  on  the  margin,  and  of  a  yellowish-white 
or  sulphur  colour,  somewhat  resembling  that  of  the  Banksian 


Singular  dimorpMsm  in  the  Rose. 

Rose.  This  year,  however,  M.  Carriere  was  surprised  to  find 
that  two  of  his  plants  (vigorous  specimens)  had  each  produced 
a  branch  bearing  an  abnormal  shoot,  as  represented  in  the 
accompanying  illustration.  This  shoot,  which  is  shown  on  the 
left-hand  side  of  the  figure,  was  covered  with  strong  hooked 
prickles,  at  the  base  of  each  of  which  was  a  broad  swelling  in 
the  bark  ;  its  leaflets  were  of  a  broadly-oval  rounded  shape,  of 
a  greyish-green  colour,  roughly  wrinkled,  and  margined  with 
broad  crenate  teeth  ;  the  flowers  which  it  bore  were  single, 
nearly  3  inches  in  diameter,  with  broadly-oval  pure  white 
petals,  which  wore  wedge-shaped,  and  truncate  and  broadly  cut 
or  scalloped  at  the  apex.  M.  Carriere  considers  that  this  is  an 
instance  of  reversion  or  atavism,  as  the  characteristics  of  the 
abnormal  shoot  are  precisely  those  of  Rosa  alba,  of  which 
R.  cannabifolia  is  said  to  be  a  variety. 


In  the  garden  of  the  Museum  at  Paris,  a  specimen  of  Cycas 
revoluta  recently  produced  sixty-seven  vigorous  and  luxuriant  fronds 
from  the  crown  of  the  stem.  This  abnormally  great  development  is 
said  to  be  the  result  of  the  application  of  a  small  quantity  of  a  certain 
new  compost  invented  by  M.  Ville,  one  of  the  Professors  at  the 
Museum. 


OLD-FASHIONED  FLOWERS. 

Fifty  years  ago  the  plesaunce  of  a  small  country  house  was 
never  without  colour  and  sweet  scents  from  January  to  December. 
To  the  children  of  the  present  day  such  a  poem  as  Mrs. 
Sigonrnoy's  "  Flora'sParty  "  is  simply  unintelligible.  Shennly  makes 
mention  of  one  annual,  and  does  not  even  include  Geraniums  in  her 
invitation.  It  would  not  be  easy  to  form  a  personal  attachment  for 
an  annual.     Hood  knew  this  when  he  sang — 

I  remember,  I  remember — 

The  Roses,  red  and  white. 
The  Violets,  and  the  Lilycups— 

Those  flowers  made  of  light ! 
The  Lilacs,  where  the  robin  buUt, 

And  where  my  bro^he^  set 
The  Laburnum  on  his  birthday — 

The  tree  is  living  yet ! 

Annuals  even  "  mock  the  exploring  bee,"  and  if  we  can  say  with 
Wordsworth,  "  it  is  my  faith  that  every  flower  enjoys  the  air  it 
breathes,"  we  shall  not  be  able  to  see  unmoved  the  gardening 
operations  of  autumn.  Perennials,  though  many  die  down  into  retire- 
ment for  a  time,  do  not  leave  ns  without  hope.  When  spring  clothes 
the  trees  and  the  fields  in  their  brightest  array ;  when  the  Primroses 
carpet  the  banks,  and  contrast  so  harmoniously  with  the  wild  Violet ; 
when  the  white  wood  Anemone  and  delicate  Wood-sorrel  have  already 
done  their  part  in  telling  us  winter  is  over — modern  gardens  are,  in 
comparison,  leafless  and  bare.  They  are  sometimes  spoilt  by  the 
bods  of  blue  refusing  to  flower  in  time,  and  the  scarlet  Geraniums 
and  yellow  Calceolarias  holding  almost  undisputed  sway.  As  the 
green  of  mown  Grass  is  not  the  proper  shade  to  go  with  these  gay 
plants,  the  effect  of  the  want  of  the  complementary  blue  is  most 
distressing.  Archbishop  Trench  observes  on  the  enforced  absence  of 
a  whole  order  of  useful  words  from  the  hexameters  of  the  classical 
period.  Much  in  the  same  way,  manj'  of  our  prettiest  flowers  must 
be  banished  from  a  well-arranged  Italian  garden ;  an  institution, 
too,  primarily  designed  for  a  comparatively  grassless  region.  They 
are  either  too  tall,  or  their  colour  is  too  delicate.  Nature  is 
forced  from  her  own  harmonious  minor  into  a  major  key  which  is 
ont  of  tune.  Even  Londoners  may  see  this  exemplified  in  Hyde 
Park.  Some  beds  consist  principally  of  Geraniums  with  pale 
variegated  foliage  and  sickly  pink  flowers,  mixed  with  lilac  Verbena. 
In  others,  a  little  precious  blue  is  completely  neutralised  by  being 
jjlaced  between  rows  of  the  yellow-foliaged  Feverfew.  We  do  not 
wish  to  disparage  the  splendid  effects  to  be  produced  by  large  masses 
of  brilliant  flowers,  nor  could  we  afford  to  dispense  with  the  many 
valuable  additions  which  have  been  made  of  late  years  to  our  lists, 
both  of  annuals  and  half-hardy  plants.  Still  less  do  we  deny  that 
at  considerable  expense  we  may  have  beds  brilliant  both  in  spring 
and  autumn.  But  we  do  desire  to  put  in  a  plea  for  our  grand- 
mothers' flowers,  and  to  remind  people  of  small  income  that  it  is 
impossible  to  have  a  satisfactory  Italian  garden  without  considerable 
space,  while,  by  the  proper  use  of  perennials,  and  at  but  little 
expense  and  trouble,  we  may  have  our  "Plesaunce"  a  glow  of 
colour  and  full  of  aromatic  odours  from  the  time  the  Snowdrop  and 
yellow  Aconite  brave  the  cold  until  the  June  Roses  leave  nothing  to 
be  desired,  and  again  until  the  fi'osts  are  so  keen  as  to  stop  vegeta. 
tion.  In  how  few  gardens  do  we  now  see  the  Dog's-tooth  Violet ! 
American  Cowslips,  too,  are  rare,  and  little  care  is  taken  to  cultivate 
the  Daphne  Cneorum,  although  its  lovers  think  no  garden  complete 
without  it.  Hepaticas  share  the  general  neglect,  yet  who  can  see 
a  clump  of  single  white  or  single  blue  without  pleasure  ?  The 
double  pink  Hepatica  is  so  gay  when  we  have  little  else,  that  it  is 
always  in  great  request  for  the  children's  plots. 

Any  one  who  visits  a  well. planted  garden  during  the  month  of 
May  must  be  struck  with  the  brilliancy  of  its  flowers.  Yet  there 
may  be  nothing  rare  or  uncommon  to  be  seen.  There  are  borders  of 
Polyanthus ;  some  yellow-fringed  Auriculas  and  Lilac  Primulas  stand 
in  favoured  corners,  beside  the  large  blue  Gentianella ;  white  Pinks 
already  begin  to  peep  from  their  sheaths,  gay  trumpet-shaped 
Mimulus,  double  Wallflowers  and  large  dark  single  ones  look  well 
against  a  background  of  apple  blossom  ;  the  early  blue  and  white 
Campanula  and  a  plant  of  Dielytra  contrast  with  each  other,  while 
the  bright  scarlet  and  purple  single  Anemones  share  the  foreground 
with  double  Daisies  and  blue  grape  Hyacinths.  In  July  the  same 
garden  is  equally  beautiful.  It  contains  double  sweet-scented  Rockets, 
Snapdragon  of  every  variety  of  hue,  Phloxes  in  all  their  pale  delicate 
shades,  Catchfly,  Monkshood,  white-plumed  Lilies,  Sunflowers  amor, 
ous  of  light.  Lupins,  Sweet  William,  blue  Iris,  Pentstemons,  Poppies 
with  splendid  scarlet  flowers  and  blue-black  centres.  Tall  plants  of 
blue  Salvia  and  Borage,  and  some  lower. growing  Veronicas  supply  the 
dark  blue  so  much  wanted  in  Italian  gardens.  We  might  add  many 
plants  worthy  of  a  place  which  they  now  seldom  obtain,  such  as 


202 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  6,  1873. 


Hollyhocks,  Crysanthemnms,  or  standard  Fuchsias,  all  of  which  are 
indispensible  near  any  old-fashioned  house. 

As  regards  Roses,  we  venture  to  pronounce  standards  a  mistake. 
They  are  very  beautiful  in  their  place — that  is,  in  Italian  gardens. 
Tliey  are,  however,  no  substitutes  for  Roses  pegged  down  iu  beds, 
so  as  to  cover  the  earth  and  produce  a  mass  of  fragrant  showy 
bloom.  How  seldom  is  the  old  Cabbage  Rose  now  to  be  found,  or  a 
real  abundance  of  the  white  Moss.  Roses  on  their  own  stems,  too, 
last  so  much  longer  than  when  budded,  that  they  are  in  every  way  to 
be  preferred.  Then,  in  shrubberies,  nothing  looks  better  than 
common  rustic  poles,  covered  with  climbing  Roses,  such  as  the  old 
Bengal,  Seven  Sisters,  double  Ayrshire,  Amadis,  Boursault,  and  the 
more  modern  Gloire  de  Dijon.  AH  these  are  extremely  hardy,  and 
some  of  them  will  grow  to  almost  any  height.  People  with  small 
gardens,  and  anxious  to  save  the  expense  of  labour,  would  find  hardy 
shrubs  a  good  investment.  Planted  in  clumps  or  borders,  with  a 
small  space  of  ground  iu  front  in  which  to  put  common  low-growing 
flowers,  bulbs  which  have  been  used  in  pots,  and  some  of  the  Nar- 
cissus and  Daffodil  tribe,  they  produce  an  excellent  effect.  It  is 
scarcely  necessary  to  say  that,  for  the  success  of  perennials,  there 
must  be  no  digging  up  of  borders  in  a  ruthless  manner. — Qlohe. 


SOCIETIES,    EXHIBITIONS,    &c. 

THE    MANCHESTER    USTTERNATIONAL 
EXHIBITION. 

Tins  took  place  this  week  in  the  Gardens  of  the  Manchester  Botanical 
and  Horticultural  Society,  at  Old  Trafford.  About  £1.400  was  offered 
in  prizes,  a  sum  which  induced  some  important  'contributions  not 
only  from  the  Continent,  but  also  from  America.  Altogether 
the  entries  numbered  about  2,400.  The  Queen,  besides  a  donation  of 
£25,  contributed  some  of  the  choicest  productions  of  the  Royal  Gardens. 
The  show  was  opened  at  noon  by  the  Earl  of  Derby,  who  was  accom- 
panied by  the  Bishop  of  Manchester,  the  Mayors  of  Manchester  and 
Salford,  and  many  ladies  and  gentlemen.  Lord  Derby  said  that  they 
had  come  there  to  use  their  eyes  rather  than  their  ears,  and  if  they  were 
to  use  their  ears  at  all  it  would  be  in  the  way  of  listening  to  good  music 
or  agreeable  conversation,  rather  than  in  bearing  speeches  of  which  they 
all  lieartl  enough  or  more  than  enough  at  other  times  and  places.  In 
declaring  the  show  open  he  must  compliment  the  Directors  of  the  Man- 
chester Botanical  Society  upon  the  energy  and  perseverance  and  public 
spirit  with  which  year  after  year,  from  1867  to  the  present  time,  they  had 
supported  exhibitions  of  a  similar  character.  He  was  told  that  in  the 
course  of  six  years  they  had  expended  no  less  than  £5,000  in  prizes,  and 
by  so  doing  they  had  given  a  great  stimulus  and  encouragement  to  horti- 
cultural art  in  all  its  branches.  He  was  glad  that  puljlic  spirit  had  had 
its  reward,  and  that  they  had  not  only  done  much  to  encourage  horti- 
culture, but  that  they  had  materially  improved  the  financial  position  of 
their  own  society.  He  was  glad  to  hear,  and  also,  from  what  he  had  seen, 
to  believe,  that  this  exhibition  would  be  far  superior  to  any  that  had  been 
held  in  former  years. 

The  show  itself  was  on  a  scale  of  magnificence  far  excelling  that  of 
ordinary  exhibitions  of  the  society,  a  gratifying  circumstance,  which  in 
some  measure  repaid  the  Council  and  their  able  curator,  Mr.  Findlay,  for 
their  exertions  in  its  behalf.  The  conservatory  was  devoted  almost  ex- 
clusively to  fruit,  with  such  foliage  and  flowering  plants  as  served  the 
purposes  of  decoration.  The  display  of  Grapes  was,  perhaps,  unrivalled, 
and,  indeed,  was  the  main  feature  of  the  exhibition,  of  which  wo 
shall  now  proceed  to  give  a  detailed  report. 

Collections  of  Fruit.— For  a  collection  of  twenty  kinds  of  fruits, 
limited  to  six  sorts  of  Grapes,  two  of  Pines,  and  two  of  Melons,  and  for 
which  a  first  prize  of  £30  was  awarded,  Mr.  Johnson  (gardener  to  the 
Earl  of  Strathraore)  was  first  with  an  extremely  fine  group,  in  which  were 
six^  sorts  of  Grapes — viz.,  Lady  Downes,  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Black 
Alicante,  Black  Hamburgh,  Bowood  Muscat,  and  Sweetwater  ;  a  Queen 
and  a  smooth-leaved  Cayenne  Pine  ;  Sulhampstead,  Grosse  Mignonne, 
and  red  Magdalen  Peaches;  Due  du  Telliers,  Pitmaston  Orange,  and 
Elruge  Nectarines  ;  Victoria  and  Magnum  Bonum  Plums,  Morello 
Cherries,  Bailey's  Eclipse  and  another  Melon,  and  Brown  Turkey  Figs. 
Mr.  T.  Jones,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore,  was  second  with  a  wonderfully 
fine  collection  of  somewhat  similar  fruits.  In  the  class  of  a  collection  of 
fifteen  kinds  of  fruit,  and  for  which  the  prizes  were  respectively  £20.  £15, 
aiul  £10,  Mr.  J.  Simpson  (gardener  to  Lord  Wharncliffe),  Wortley  Hall, 
Shcfiiold,  was  first  with  some  good  Enville  and  smooth-leaved  Cayenne 
Pines  ;_  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Lady  Downes,  Black  Hamburgh,  and 
Calabrian  Raisin  Grapes;  Little  Heath  and  Colston  Basset  Melons, 
Morello  Cherries,  Noblesse  Peaches,  Elruge  Nectarines.  Moor  Park 
Apricots,  Brown  Turkey  Figs,  Jargonelle  Pears,  Tower  of  Glamis  Apples. 
Mr.  W.  B.  Upjohn  (gardener  to  the  Earl  of  EUesmere),  Worsley  Hall, 
was  second  with  a  fine  collection.  In  the  class  of  ten  Irinds  of  fruits, 
exclusive  of  Pines,  Mr.  G.  Miles  (gardener  to  Lord  Carrington),  Wycombe 
Abbey,  was  first  with  white  and  black  Grapes,  two  dishes  of  Plums,  and 
one  respectively  of  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Pigs,  Melons,  Cherries,  and 
Pears.  Mr.  J.  Bain  (gardener  to  Sir  C.  R.  Broughton),  Ludlow,  was 
second  with  fine  fruits,  especially  some  excellent  Grapes,  remarkable  for 
finish  and  size,  a  bunch  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria  in  this  group  weighing 


4  lbs.,  one  of  Buckland  Sweetwater  4;  lbs.,  and  one  of  Black  Hamburgh 
6j  lbs.  Mr.  Bannerman  (gardener  to  Lord  Bagot)  was  third.  There  was 
a  collection  of  twelve  sorts  of  hardy  fruits,  but  amongst  them  we  noticed 
nothing  reciuiring  special  remark. 

Grapes. — As  regards  size  of  bunches  and  berries,  fine  ripening,  and 
finish,  we  have  never  before  seen  Grapes  shown  equal  to  those  exhibited 
on  this  occasion.  Mr.  Hunter  and  Mr.  Johnson  showed  magnificent 
bunches;  and  two  pot  Vines,  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Lane  and  Sons,  of 
Berkhampsted,  eclipsed  in  weight  of  crop  anything  we  have  previously 
seen.  In  the  class  of  ten  varieties  of  Grapes,  one  bunch  of  each,  Mr. 
Hunter  (gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Durham)  was  first  with  bunches, 
which,  as  a  whole,  exceeded  in  bulk  and  quality  anything 
hitherto  shown.  The  varieties  were  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Golden 
Champion,  Tynningham  Muscat,  Lambton  Castle  Seedling,  Calabrian 
Raisin,  Black  Hamburgh,  Black  Alicante,  Gros  Guillaume,  with 
immense  shoulders ;  Mrs.  Pince's  Black  Muscat,  and  Barbarossa. 
Mr.  Johnson  was  second  with  large  and  first-class  clusters,  consisting  of 
well-ripened  and  beautifully  coloured  berries ;  they  consisted,  in  addition 
to  those  already  mentioned,  of  Bowood  Muscat,  White  Nice,  Burchardt's 
Prince,  Mill  HUl  Hamburgh,  Lady  Downe's,  and  Buckland  Sweetwater. 
Mr.  W.  Hill  (gardener  to  Rev.  W.  Sueyd,  Keel  Hall),  was  third  with  very 
good  medium-sized  bunches.  In  the  class  of  five  varieties  of  Grapes  Mr. 
Hunter  was  again  first  with  wonderful  clusters  of  fruit,  more  resembhng 
several  bunches  tied  together  than  one  cluster,  they  consisted  of  Black 
Hamburgh  (an  immense  bunch),  Barbarossa,  Black  Alicante  (one  of  the 
finest  bloomed  bunches  in  the  exhibition),  Tynningham  Muscat,  Calabrian 
Raisin.  Mr.  A.  Bruce  (gardener  to  J.  Feildes,  Esq.,)  Chorltou  was  second, 
and  Mr.  J.  Roberts  (gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Charlville)  was  third;  both 
exhibitors  having  excellent  Grapes.  For  three  bunches  of  Black  Ham- 
burgh, Mr.  W.  Coleman  was  first  with  magnificent  bunches ;  Mr.  W. 
Temple  was  second,  and  Mr.  A.  Bruce  third  for  fruit  better  ripened  and 
coloured  and  having  larger  berries,  but  vastly  inferior  in  weight  to 
Mr.  Coleman's  fruit  just  aUuded  to.  There  were  some  twenty  dishes  of 
grapes  competing  iu  this  class,  so  that  many  first-class  fruits  had  to  remain 
unnoticed.  For  three  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Mr.  Hunter 
was  first ;  Mr.  Roberts,  second  ;  and  Mr.  Meads,  Farnborough,  third. 
In  the  class  of  three  bunches  of  any  white  Grapes,  exclusive  of  Muscat 
of  Alexandria,  Mr.  Hunter  was  first  with  good  specimens  of  Golden 
Champion ;  Mr.  Hill  second  with  Foster's  white  seedling  ;  and  Mr.  J.  H. 
Goodacre  (gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Harrington),  Elvaston,  was  third 
In  the  class  of  three  bunches  of  any  black  Grape  excluding 
the  Black  Hamburgh,  Mr.  Coleman  was  first  with  Lady  Downes,  grown  in 
a  heavy  soil,  charged  with  lime,  Mr.  A.  Bruce  was  second  with 
Gros  Guillaume,  and  Mr.  Meredith,  of  Liverpool,  third,  with  Madres- 
field  Court.  In  the  class  of  the  best  collection  of  Grapes,  whose  names 
are  not  included  in  the  other  classes,  Mr.  Hunter  was  first  with  good 
fruit  of  Barbarossa,  Black  Prince,  Black  Alicante,  Madresfield  Court, 
Mrs.  Piuce,  West's  St.  Peter's,  Burchardt's  Black  Prince,  Lady  Downes, 
Foster's  White  Seedling,  Calabrian  Raisin,  Golden  Hamburgh,  Trebbiano, 
and  Lambton  Castle  AVhite  Seedling.  In  the  class  of  a  pair  of  bunches 
of  new  Grapes,  three  years  in  commerce,  Madresfield  Court  was  the  only 
successful  variety ;  it  was  shown  in  perfection  by  Mr.  Meredith,  of 
Liverpool,  who  received  a  first  prize  for  it ;  Mr.  Hunter  and  Mr. 
Cox  were  the  other  competitors.  The  heaviest  black  Grapes  was 
a  bunch  of  Black  Hamburgh  from  Mr.  Hunter,  which  weighed 
13  lbs.  2  ozs.,  aud  was  deservedly  placed  first.  Mr.  Coleman  was 
second  with  the  same  sort  weighing  4  lbs.  4  ozs.,  aud  Mr.  Bruce  was 
third  with  the  same  sort.  In  the  class  of  the  heaviest  bunch  of  white 
Grapes,  Mr.  J.  Dickson,  Langholme,  exhibited  a  cluster  of  White  Syrian 
weighing  16  lbs.  6  ozs.,  which  was  first,  the  second  prize-winner  being 
Mr.  Roberts,  with  Muscat  of  Alexandria  some  5  lbs.  in  weight.  The 
prize  for  the  best  seedling  Grape  not  In  commerce  was  awarded  to  Mr. 
W.  Thomson  for  Duke  of  Buccleuch,  which  is  certainly  an  excellent 
variety  with  exceptionally  large  berries.  In  the  class  for  two  Vines  in 
fruit  in  pots,  Messrs,  Lane  &  Sons  were  first  with  a  Black  Hamburgh, 
bearing  thu-ty-two  bunches,  and  a  Foster's  Seedling  bearing  thirty -four 
bunches ;  Mr.  W.  Upjohn  was  second. 

Pines. — Such  Piucs  as  were  shown  were  good,  but  neither  quantity 
nor  quahty  was  in  excess  of  what  one  might  have  expected.  In  the  class 
of  a  pair  of  Queen's,  Mr.  C.  Sandford,  Kirkby  Lonsdale,  was  first  with 
fruits  weighing  5  lbs.  each  ;  Mr.  G.  Smith,  Longford  Hall,  was  second. 
Mr.  T.  Jones,  Frogmore,  took  the  first  prize  for  a  smooth-leaved  Cayenne 
Pine,  aud  Mr.  J.  Miles  received  a  first  prize  for  two  Emulle  Pines 
weighing  respectively  9  lbs.  9  ozs.  and  9  lbs.  14  ozs. ;  and  Mr.  J.  Read 
(gardener  to  — ■  Warburton,  Esq.),  Northwick,  was  second  with  a  pair  of 
good  Jamaicas.  There  was  also  a  new  Pine  growing  in  a  pot  and  swelling 
its  fruit,  exhibited  under  the  name  of  Lambton  Castle,  but  the  plants 
were  too  small  to  judge  of  their  merits.  Pines  uncut  in  their 
fruiting  pots  were  exliibited,  but  among  them  there  was  nothing  remark- 
able. 

Peaches  and  Nectarines.— These  were,  on  the  whole,  good,  but 
not  quite  so  highly  coloured  as  they  commonly  are,  and  by  far  the  finest 
fruit  amongst  them  came  from  beyond  the  Tweed.  In  the  class  of  a 
dozen  Peaches,  two  varieties  of  each,  Mr.  John  Malcolme  (gardener  to 
Lord  Cholmondely),  Nantwich,  was  first  with  Belle  Beause,  Noblesse, 
and  Royal  George ;  Mrs.  W.  G.  Siddall  (Cheltenham)  was  second,  with 
Barriugton,  Grosse  Mignonne,  and  Noblesse;  and  Mr.  J.  Barnes 
(Gloucester),  third.  For  six  Peaches  of  any  sort,  Mr.  J.  Park  (Railway 
Cottage)  was  first,  with  a  magnificent  dish  of  Noblesse ;  Mr.  W.  Kind 
(Rohy  Hall),  second,  with  Grosse  Mignonne,  highly  coloured;  and  Mr. 
A.  Beesley  third,  with  a  dish  of  very  fine  Grosse  Mignonne.  In  the  class 
of  four  dishes  of  Peaches,  Mr.   Johnson  (Glamis  Castle)  was  first,  with 


Sept.  6,  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


203 


very  fine  fruits  of  Noblesse,  Grosse  Mignonno,  Sulhampstead,  and  Keil 
Magdalen.  Mr.  J.  Lowden  showed  two  dislies  of  Noblesse  and  two 
of  tbo  Royal  Guorge,  all  very  tine ;  and  Mr.  J.  Barnes  was 
third,  with.  Grosse  Miguonno,  Bellegarde,  Royal  George,  and  Noblesse. 
Standard  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees,  in  a  prolific  fruit-bearing 
condition,  were  exhibited  by  Mr.  J.  Q.  Law  and  others.  For 
a  dozen  Nectarines,  consisting  of  three  soi-ts,  Mr.  Alfred  Grant  (gar- 
donor  to  J.  li.  Clegg,  Esq.),  Chilford,  was  first  with  fine  highly- 
coloured  samples  of  Elruge,  Pitmaston  Orange,  and  Balgowan  ;  Mr.  Cox 
was  second,  and  Mr.  Isaac  Brundrett  third.  In  the  class  of  six  Nectarines 
of  any  sort,  Mr.  Hind  was  again  first  with  Violet  Hative  ;  Mr.  Malcolm 
was  second  with  Pine  Apple  Nectarine,  and  Mr.  J.  Taylor,  Huyton,  third 
with  Pitmaston  Orange.  In  the  class  of  four  dishes  of  Nectarines,  Mr. 
Johnson  was  first  with  Due  du  TelUers,  Murrey,  Pitmaston  Orange,  and 
Elruge,  the  other  groups  being  mostly  of  the  same  sorts. 

Apricots. — The  Moor  Park  was  the  only  variety  exhibited;  and, 
although  the  prize  dish  of  it  well  maintained  its  reputation,  other  samples 
shown  of  it  were  inferior  in  quahty  compared  with  what  they  should  have 
been.  Amongst  Apricots  the  competition  was  limited.  For  twelve  fruits 
Mr.  Hill  was  first,  Mr.  E.  Rooker  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Larking  third  ;  and 
for  a  dish  of  six  Mr.  Malcolm  was  first,  Mr.  Jennings  second,  and  Mr. 
Larking  third. 

Melons. — Of  these  there  was  a  large  display,  some  of  them  being 
most  unin\'iting  in  appearance,  resembling,  as  they  did,  Vegetable 
Marrows  or  Pumpkins  rather  than  Melons.  Nevertheless,  some  were  good 
both  in  quahty  and  appearance,  and  among  these  none  equalled  in  quahty 
a  specimen  of  Queen  Emma,  which  was  shown  in  perfection  by  Mr.  D.  T. 
Fish,  Hardwicke  House,  Bury  St.  Edmunds.  This  was  deservedly  awarded 
the  first  prize  as  a  green -fleshed  sort  ;  and  Lord  Napier,  from  Mr.  Miller, 
of  Woi'ksop,  was  second.  As  a  scarlet-fleshed  kind,  Munro's  Little  Heath 
stood  first,  and  carried  off  three  prizes  in  its  class. 

Figs. — The  supply  of  these  was  somewhat  limited,  and  in  several 
cases  they  had  evidently  suffered  from  travelling.  The  Brown  Turkey 
was  almost  the  only  variety  exhibited,  and  with  it  Mr.  Coleman  was  first, 
Mr.  Currie,  second,  and  Mr.  G.  Cooling,  Bath,  third. 

Plllins. — There  was  a  keen  competition  in  the  two  classes  for  Plums, 
and  the  several  dishes  exhibited  were  altogether  of  the  highest  merit. 
From  Mr.  Jones,  the  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore,  came  the  best  dish  of 
twenty  fruits,  consisting  of  Magnum  Bonum,  Green  Gage,  Washington, 
Goliath,  and  Deuyer's  Victoria;  Mr.  Webb,  Reading,  was  second ;  and 
Mr.  Cox,  third.  In  the  class  of  twelve  Plums  Mr.  J.  Morris,  Braintree, 
was  first  with  Rivers's  Early  Favourite;  Denyer's  Victoria  being  second. 

Pears. — Of  these  there  was  ft,  goodly  quantity,  but  it  is  a  little  too 
early  to  see  Pears  as  they  should  be  exhibited.  In  the  class  of  the  collection 
of  twelve  sorts,  Mr.  G.  Miles  was  first  with  Beurre  Diel,  Louise  Bonne  of 
Jersey,  Gansel's  Bergamot,  Duchesse  d'Angouleme,  Pitmaston  Duchessc, 
Glou  Morceau,  Marie  LouisOi  Catillae,  Brown  Beurre,  Knight's 
Monarch,  and  Williams's  Bon  Chretien,  Mr.  J.  McGuffoy,  Castle  Douglas, 
was  second,  and  Mr.  E.  Cooling  third.  For  six  Jargonelles  fit  for  table, 
Mr.  C.  Rylance  was  first  with  good  and  fair-sized  fruits,  as  were  those  of 
which  the  second  and  third  prize  lots  consisted.  There  were  about  twenty 
entries  in  this  class.  In  the  class  of  six  Pears,  consisting  of  two  kinds  fit 
for  use  Mr.  J.  Purk  was  first  with  Duchesse  d'Angouleme,  and  Williams's 
Bon  Chretien ;  Mr.  Webb  was  second  with  Jargonelle  and  Williams's 
Bon  Chertien. 

Apples. — Amongst  kitchen  Apples  there  was  a  keen  competition,  but 
in  the  classes  for  dessert  Apples  less  interest  was  manifested.  For  six 
lands  of  baking  Apples,  ripe  or  unripe,  Mr.  Webb  was  first,  with  Astraehan, 
Emperor  Alexander,  Fill  Basket,  Lord  Derby,  Reinotte  du  Canada,  and 
Lord  Suffield.  Mr.  Jones  furnished  Frogmore  Prolific,  Waltham  Abbey 
Seedling,  Keswick  Cpdlin,  Blenheim  Pippin,  and  Eckhnville.  Mr.  G.  Miles 
was  third.  For  a  dish  of  six  baking  Apples.  Mr.  E.  Cooling  was  first, 
■with  Lord  Suffield  ;  Mr.  Purk  second,  with  Alexander ;  and  Mr.  Ronshaw 
third,  with  Lord  Suttield.  No  fewer  than  thirty-four  groups  were 
exhibited  in  this  class.  In  that  of  sis  sorts  of  ripe  or  unripe  dessert 
Apples,  Mr.  Jones,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore,  was  first,  with  the  only 
really  good  dish  on  the  table  ;  they  were  Old  Nonpareil,  Madeleine,  Holly 
Grove,  American  Nonesuch,  Red  Astraehan,  and  Irish  Peach.  Mr.  Webb 
was  fijst,  with  Red  Astraehan,  as  a  dish  of  dessert  Apples  fit  for  the 
table  ;  they  were  twice  as  large  as  any  of  the  Astrachans  in  any  of  the 
other  dishes. 

Gooseberries. — Considering  the  lateness  of  the  season,  the  Red 
Warringtons  were  good,  plump,  and  fresh.  Mr.  J.  Holder,  Prestbury, 
Cheltenham,  was  first;  W.  Wallace,  Esq.,  York,  second;  and  Mr.  S. 
Holder,  Battledown,  third. 

Currants. — Of  Red  and  White  Currants  the  fniit  was  fine,  largo,  and 
fresh.  For  a  dish  of  Red  Currants  Mr.  T.  Miles  was  first,  Mr.  G.  Bethel 
second,  and  Mr.  J.  Holder  third.  For  the  White  Currants  Mr.  G.  H. 
Goodacre,  Elvaston,  was  first;  Mr.  N.  Jones  second,  and  Mr.  George 
Tilyard  third. 

Tomatoes. — These  were  of  superior  quality;  but  thosa  exhibited  in 
the  miscellaneous  collections  of  vegetables  were  quite  as  good  as  those 
staged  for  competition  in  classes  specially  assigned  for  them.  For  four 
different  kinds,  Mr.  Hunter  was  first  with  the  large  red-fruited  Mammoth^ 
Orangefield,  and  Early  Prolific.  Mr.  R.  Gilbert,  Burghley,  was  second; 
and  Mrs.  Siddall  third. 

Classes  open  to  Fruiterers  onljr.— For  the  largest  and  most 
meritorious  miscellaneous  collection  of  fruits,  prizes  were  offered  of  the 
respective  value  of  £25,  £15,  and  £5.  Mr.  Mason,  Bolton,  succeeded  in 
winning  the  first  prize  and  well  did  his  collection  deserve  such  a  distinc- 


tion, for  it  was  the  admiration  of  all  who  saw  it.  It  consisted  of  thirteen 
Pines,  three  Melons,  six  dishes  of  Grapes,  one  of  Tomatoes,  six  of  Apples, 
seven  of  Pears,  six  of  Peaches,  two  of  Nectarines,  one  of  Apricots,  three 
of  Currants,  four  of  Nuts,  one  of  Figs,  three  of  Cherries,  one  of  Capsi- 
cums, ten  of  Plums,  one  of  Gooseberries,  one  of  Lemons,  and  one  of 
Oranges.  Mr.  W.  Copeland,  Manchester,  was  second ;  and  Mr.  W.  Barnes, 
Gloucester,  third.  In  the  class  of  a  collection  of  fifteen  kinds  of  fruits 
Mr.  Robert  Jennings  was  first;  Mr.  F.  Stevenson,  Altrincham,  second; 
and  Mrs.  W.  Siddall  third.  For  a  collection  of  twelve  sorts  of  Pears,  Mr. 
G.  Cooling,  Bath,  was  first  with  Beurre  Hardy,  Duchesse  d'Angouleme, 
Beurre  d'Esperen,  B.  Clairgeau,  B.  d'Amanlis,  B.  Diel,  Brown  Beurre, 
Uvedale's  St.  Germain,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  Belle  de  Brussels, 
Williams'  Bon  Chrotion,  and  Marie  Louise.  Mrs.  E.  Turner  was  second, 
and  Mr.  W.  Barnes  third.  For  a  collection  of  twelve  kinds  of  Appbs, 
Mr.  Cooling,  of  Bath,  was  first;  Mr.  C.  Rylance  second,  and  Mrs.  E. 
Turner  third.  For  twelve  kinds  of  hardy  fruits,  Mrs.  C.  Turner  was  first 
with  two  dishes  of  Apples,  three  of  Plums,  two  of  Pears,  Cherries, 
Neetai'ines,  Peaches,  and  Nuts.  Mr.  P.  Stevenson  was  second,  and  Mr.  G. 
Cooling  third. 

Farther  details  of  this  great  exhibition  will  be  given  in  our  next. 

The  Earl  of  Derby  presided  in  the  evening  at  a  banquet  held  in  tho 
Hulme  Town  Hall  to  celebrate  the  opening  ol:"  the  show.     After  the  usual 
preliminary  toasts  had  been  disposed  of,  his  lordship  proposed  "  Prosperity 
to  the  Manchester  Botanical  and  Hoi-ti cultural  Society."     I  dare  say,  he 
said,  there  may  be  many  people  to  whom  the  idea  of    a  horti cultural 
exhibition  in  the  very  heart  of  the  Manchester  district  may  seem  like 
talking  of  growing  Grapes  in  Norway  or  of  setting  up  a  cotton-mill  in  a 
West  Indian  sugar  island.     (Laughter.)     And,  of  course,  we  must  allow 
that  the  presence  within  a  few  miles  of  us  of  something  like  a  milUon  of 
population,  nearly  all  of  whom  are  engaged  in  trade  or  manufacturing 
pursuits,  with  the  accompaniment  of  more  machinery,  and  probably  more 
smoke,  than  is  to  be  found  in  tho  same  compass  anywhere  else  in  these 
islands  is  not  a  circumstance  which  would  promise  Avell  for  the  success  of 
botanical  or  hortIcultui*al   display.     But  there  are  not  many  things  im- 
possible to  human  energy.     That  is  a  doctrine  which  is  pretty  thoroughly 
impressed  iipon  us  in  Lancashire,  and  just  in  proportion  as  the  display 
and  as  the  preservation  of  rare  and  beautiful  specimens  of  horticultural 
skill  is  rendered  difficult  for  us  by  the  local  cu-cumstances  of  our  position, 
just  in  the  same  proportion  those  who  hve  in  this  neighbourhood  are  the 
more  prepared  to  enjoy  sights  which  contrast  in  such   a   stx'iking  and 
marked  manner  with  those  habitually  before  their  eyes.      (Applause.)      I 
once  heard  a  friend  say  that  there  was  one  advantage  in  living  in  a  great 
town,   and  that  was  that  he  could  thoroughly  rippreciate  the  country 
(laughter),  which,  he  contended,  the  rural  residents  never  could,  because, 
being  used  to  it,  they  took  the  beauty  and  enjoyment  around  them  as 
simply  a  matter  of  course.     I  do  not  go  so  far  as  that,  but  thial;  we  may 
see  in  this  case  the  operation  of  that  universal  law  of  nature  which  tends, 
so  far  as  it  goes,  to  level  tho  conditions  of  human  life.  The  law,  I  moan,  by 
which  all  advantages,  all  sources  of  enjoyment,  are  keenly  appreciated  just 
In  the  degi-ee  in  which  they  are  obtained  with  difticulty.    You  don't  expect 
me  to  argue  or  explain  tho  general  advantages  which  arise  from  such  exhll)i- 
tlous  as  that  we  witnessed  this  morning.     There  are   some  things  which 
are  too  plain  for  argument,  and  which  illustration  can  only  make  less  clear. 
I  suppose  we  may  take  it  for  granted  that  the  Enghsh  people  in  these  days 
are  coming  more  and  more  to  be  inhabitants   of   great  towns.     This  Is,  I 
suppose,  a  necessary  condition  of   our  present  industrial  existence.     If, 
therefore,  for  the  majority  of  us,  living  in  a  town  has  become  inevitable, 
what  we  have  to  do  is  to  try  to  meet,  by  artificial  means,  the  requirements 
of  a  more  artificial  existence.     (Applause.)     If  we  are  shut  out  from  the 
wilder  scenes  of  nature,  or,  at  least,  if  we  are  compelled  to  go  longer  and 
longer  distances  In  order  to  find  them,  we  may  in  some  dogroe  compensate 
ourselves  by  assembling  in  places  like  the   Botanical   Gardens — natural 
creations  more   choice,   more   beautiful,   and  more  varied  than  Nature 
unaided  will  ever  show  you.     We  can   make  our   selections  out  of  all 
countries  and  out  of  all  climates,  and  we  can  show  to  the  natives  of  India 
and  the  natives  of  tropical  America  in  what  they  might  probably  consider 
— I  do  not  consider  it  so— a  dark,  damp,  smoky  suburb  of  a  Lancashire 
town  a  greater  number  of  their  own  most  exquisite  products  than  any  of 
them  would  have  seen  in  their  own  country  during  the  whole  course  of 
their  lives.     (Applause.)     To  do  this  as  we  are  able  to  do  it  is  not  looking 
at  the  matter  as  a  mere  tour  deforce.     It  is  not  a  mere  display  of  man's 
power   over  nature.     It  is  really,  although    it   may  be    comparatively 
small,     a     contribution     to    the     cause     of     general    refinement    and 
civlhsation.       A  man    need  not  be   a  fanatical  worshipper    of    art  in 
any  one  of  its  forms  to  believe,  as  I  do  believe,  that  no  one  can  have 
a  thorough  appreciation  of   natural  and  artistic  beauty  without  being 
the  better  for  its  existence  in  his  mind.     (Applause.)     I  take  it  that  of 
all  forms  in  which  that  feehng  exhibits  itself  there  is  none  which  comes 
so  home  to  the  average  Enghshman  as  that  of  the  garden.     We  are  by 
habit,  tradition,  and  temperament  an  oat-door  people.     We  like  museums 
and  picture  galleries  very  well ;  but  if  we  are  to  tell  the  truth  we  like  our 
gardens,  our  forests  or  commons,  our  parks,  and  our  moors  a  great  deal 
better.     (Applause.)     Even  In  crowded  lodgings  and  In  dirty  streets  you 
will  see  evidence  of  that  feeling.     Whore  nothing  bettor  can  be  kept  you 
will   sec  a  few  flower-pots  outside   the  window,  and  the   same  instinct 
which  puts  those  unfortunate  flowers  in  that  situation  produces  exhibitions 
such  as  that  we  have  seen  to-day.     (Applause.)     I  think,  and  I  hope,  that 
the  time   is  not  very  far  olf,  when  every  large  town,  and  almost  every 
small  town  also,  will  have  its  public  garden,  and  will  consider  that  having 
a  public  garden  is  simply  a  recognised  institution  and  almost  a  necessity. 
(Applause.)     Foreigners — as,  for  instance,  the  French  and  Germans— are 
before  us  in  that  respect  now,  but  I  have  often  noticed  that  it  is  a  way  we 


204 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Sept.  6.  1873. 


have  to  be  a  little  behind-band  ia  several  improvements,  then  to  wake  up 
all  of  a  sudden,  come  up  with  a  rush,  and  make  up  for  lost  time  in  a  very 
few  years.  (Laucfbtor  aud  applause.)  I  will  not  dwell  upon  the  subject, 
because  I  aiu  really  talking  about  that  which  you  know  better  than  I  do. 
I  will  not  dwell  upon  the  mere  ntilitariiin  idea  that  it  is  a  desirable  object 
to  obtain  a  cheap  supply  of  both  vegetables  aud  fruit.  I  am  told,  by  those 
more  a^le  to  spesik  authoritatively  tlian  I  am,  that  both  might  be  much 
mote  abundant  than  they  are  if  horticulture  was  more  generally  studied 
than  it  is  ;  and  obviously  an  art  which  aims  at  extracting  the  most  out  of 
a  limited  quantity  of  land  by  the  application  of  labour  and  scientific  skill 
is  an  itvt  peculiarly  suited  ti:)  our  condition,  labour  and  scientific  skill 
being  abundant  and  land  limited. 

After  some  further  remarks,  Lord  Derby  concluded,  and  the  toast  was 
drunk  with  much  cheering. 

After  ti-acing  the  history  of  the  society  from  1828  to  the  present  time. 
Lord  Derby  said:  The  first  large  exhibition  which  was  held  produced  a 
profit  of  something  like  £500 ;  and  iu  the  last  six  years  the  result  of 
following  that  policy  has  been  that  the  society's  debt,  which  at  its 
mo.riiJHdit  stood  at  £9,000  bad  been  reduced  to  £(3,500. 

Dr.  Watts  (Chairman  of  the  Council)  responded. 

The  Chairman  said,  before  proceeding  to  other  business,  he  wished  to 
intimate  that  six  gentlemen  had  offered  100  guineas  each  if  the  debt  of 
£6,500  was  paid  ofl  ;  and,  in  humble  imitation  of  them,  he  offered  himself 
as  the  seventh.  (Applause.)  He  then  proposed  the  toast  of '*  The  Ex- 
hibitors," and  said  an  exhibitor  at  a  horticultural  show,  if  he  failed,  only 
lost  a  prize  :  a  public  speaker,  if  he  failed,  made  an  exhibition  of  himself. 
(Laughter  and  applause.)  They  had  been  told  that  one  of  the  uses  of 
these  exhibitions  was  to  teach  people  who  thought  a  great  deal  of 
their  own  performances  in  the  horticultural  way  that  they  were  not 
quite  as  great  performers  as  they  supposed ;  and  he  could  very 
well  imagine  a  man  who  had  been  priding  himself  upon  his  flowers  or 
fruit,  and  who  had  spent  a  great  deal  upon  them,  walking  round  the 
tents  that  day  and  coming  to  the  very  rational  conclusion  that  he  himself 
was  about  the  greenest  article  to  be  found  in  his  own  conservatory. 
(Laughter.)  They  were  greatly  indebted  to  the  gentlemen  who,  even 
from  great  distances  and  at  an  amount  of  expense  and  trouble  which  in 
a  merely  pecuniary  point  of  view  a  prize  would  not  make  iip  for,  bad 
sent  their  products  to  the  present  exhibition.  (Hear,  hear,  and 
applause.) 

The  toast  was  responded  to  by  Mr.  W,  Thompson  (Galashiels)  and  Mr. 
AV.  Bull  (Chelsea).  The  health  of  the  judges,  proposed  by  the  Chairman, 
was  responded  to  by  the  Rev.  S.  R.  Hole  and  3Ir.  Shirley  Hibberd.  The 
proceedings  then  terminated. 


EOYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

September  3kd. 

Lovers  of  Dahlias  and  Asters  must  have  felt  disappointed  with  this 
exhibition ;  for,  although  in  some  of  the  classes  excellent  blooms  were 
shown,  yet,  upon  the  whole,  there  was  but  a  poor  display.  One  of  the 
most  interesting  features  of  the  show  was  half  a  dozen  potsofLilium 
speciosum,  exhibited  by  Mr.  T.  Baiues  (gardener  to  H.  S.  Micholls, 
Esq.),  Southgate.  These  were  well  gi'own,  and  profusely  covered  with 
fine  blooms.  The  varieties  were  L.  1.  rubrum,  L.  1.  album,  and  the 
delicate  rose-spotted  L.l.  punctatum. 

Dahlias. — In  the  class  of  twenty-four  ent  flowers  distinct,  Mr.  C. 
Turner,  Koyal  Nurseries,  Slough,'was  first  with  finely-formed  flowers  of 
Rev.  J.  B.  Caram,  bright  red,  tipped  with  yellow  ;  Monarch,  deep  crimson- 
purple,  nearly  black  ;  Arbitrator,  fine  peach  or  salmon  ;  Mr.  Dix,  fiery 
crimson  ;  Mrs.  Saunders,  lemon-yellow,  tipped  with  white ;  Crimson 
King,  deep  crimson,  fine  globular  bloom ;  Annie  Neville,  one  of  the  finest 
and  purest  of  whites  ;  Egyptian  Prince,  a  finely -formed  flower;  Princess, 
creamy-white;  Alexander  Cramond.  deep  velvety  crimson  ;  H.  G.  Quilter, 
light  red,  tipped  with  yellow  ;  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  fine  clear  yellow  ; 
Flag  of  Truce,  white,  suffused  and  streaked  with  lilac;  Toison  d'Or, 
fine  golden-yellow  ;  Charlotte  Darling,  white,  tipped  with  crimson-lake, 
very  bright ;  Incomparable  (John  Standish)  crimson ;  Victory, deep  crimsou- 
pnrple;  Lady  Gladys  Herbert,  white  and  rich  carmine;  Julia  Wyatt,  creamy 
white;  Wra.  Keynes,  fiery  red ;  John  NeWUe  Keynes,  golden-yellow,  tipped 
with  red ;  Ovid,  bright  crimson-purple ;  Prince  Arthur,  clear  golden-yellow. 
Mr.  Sale,  the  Yale  Nurseries,  Sevenoaks,  was  second  with  twenty-four  fine 
flowers.  Mr.  J.  Aldous,  Gloucester  Road,  Kensington,  also  exhibited 
twenty-four  miscellaneous  flowers  in  this  class.  In  the  class  of  twelve 
distinct  flowers  (amateurs),  Mr.  J.  Barpett  (gardener  to  R.P.Taylor, 
Esq.),  Bruton,  was  first  with  good  blooms,  among  which  were  Lady  G. 
Herbert,  John  Kirby,  Donald  Beaton,  Prince  Arthur,  Peri,  Mr.  Dix,  W. 
Keynes,  and  others.  Mr.  Peach  (gardener  to  C.  R.  C.  Petley,  Esq.), 
Riverhead,  near  Sevenoaks,  was  second,  who  showed  Lady  of  the  Lake, 
Vanguard  (deep  crimson-velvet),  James  Cocker,  and  Lord  Palmerston,  in 
excellent  condition.  Mr.  J.  Gaines,  Hampton  Wick,  was  third  with 
twelve  moderate  flowers,  including  John  Standish  and  John  Nerille. 

Asters. — In  the  class  of  twelve  cut  flowers  (not  quilled)  Mr.  G. 
Rowe,  The  Rookery,  Roehampton,  was  first  with  fine  well-coloured 
incurved  flowers;  second,  Mr.  J.  George,  Putney  Heath,  wlo  had  good 
blooms,  but  not  quite  so  fresh  as  the  preceding;  third,  Mr.  E.  Smith 
(gardener  to  T.  D.  Galpin,  Esq.),  Bristol  House,  Putney  Heath.  In  the 
amateurs'  class  Mr.  R.  Anderson,  21,  Blythe  Street,  Bethnal-Green 
Road,  E.,  who  gained  the  first  prize,  staged  twelve  fine  well  coloured 
flowers,  very  clean  and  of  satiny  lustre  ;  second,  Mr.  E.  Rowe,  who  bad 
fine  fresh  flowers^  third,  Mr.  J.  George,  Putney  Heath,  who  had  twelve 


good  recurved  flowers.  In  classes  7  and  8,  Mr.  R.  Anderson  and  Mr.  J. 
Gaines  were  first  in  the  order  named.  In  class  9,  Messrs.  Barr&  Sugden's 
prize  for  a  tray  of  twenty-four  Pompons  or  small-flowered  Asters — not 
less  than  eight  varieties  — Mr.  J.  Gaines  was  first  with  fresh  little  flowers. 
In  this  class  Mr.  R.  Anderson  was  deservedly  awarded  an  extra  prize  for 
a  tray  of  twenty-four  fine  Anemone-centred  flowers,  which  was  one  of 
the  best  features  in  the  show.  These  varieties  remind  one  of  Pyre- 
thruras,  and  differ  from  their  allies  in  having  the  florets  of  the  disc 
developed,  instead  of  those  of  the  ray  as  iu  the  ordinary  kinds. 

Asters  in  Pots. — Class  G  for  six  Asters,  not  quilled,  in  8-inch  pota. 
First,  Mr.  E.  Smith  (T.D. Galpin, Esq.);  second,  Mr.  E.Rowe,  Roehampton; 
third,  Mr.  J.  George,  Putney  Heath.  None  of  these  were  of  special 
merit,  the  plants  being  in  most  cases  drawn  and  leggy. 

Orelaids. — The  principal  exhibitors  of  these  were  Messrs.  Veitch,  who 
had  a  fine  plant  of  Vanda  Bensonii  with  ten  spikes  of  flowers  in  excellent 
condition,  one  spike  bearing  eighteen  fuUy  developed  flowers.  A  pan  of 
the  new  Cypripedium  Sedeni  bore  eight  fine  spikes.  A  splendid  plant  of 
Saccolabium  Blumei  majus  was  staged  in  fme  condition  by  Mr.  Burt 
(gardener  to  H.  B.  Mildmay,  Esq.),  Shoreham-place,  Sevenoaks.  This 
plant  bore  six  fine  spikes  of  well-developed  and  richly-coloured  flowers, 
and  obtained  a  cultiu*al  certificate.  Mr.  J.  Douglas  exhibited  a  fine  cut 
flower-spike  of  the  true  Aerides  snavissimum  nobile. 

Miscellaneous.— A  new  seedling  Gladiolus,  Fanny  TiUery,  was 
exhibited  by  Mr.  TiUery,  of  Welbeck.  It  has  a  fine  spike  of  well-formed 
flowers  of  good  substance,  colour — crimson-lake,  shaded  with  lilac,  each 
segment  having  a  pure  white  stripe  down  its  centre.  It  is  a  seedUng  of 
the  present  year  and  looks  promising.  Cut  spikes  of  a  yellow-flowered 
Foxglove  (Digatalis  laevigata)  were  shown  by  Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley, 
together  with  fine  cut  spikes  of  the  scarlet-flowered  Phygelius  capensis. 

Fruit.— Of  this  there  was  a  poor  display,  the  principal  exhibitors  being 
Mr.  Early,  who  showed  a  collection  of  Plums,  and  Mr.  James  Harris 
(gardener  to  Mrs.  Virian),  Singleton,  Swansea,  who  exhibited  a  well- 
grown  Queen  Pine,  6i  lbs.  in  weight,  grown  in  a  i2-inch  pot.  It  was  said 
to  have  been  cut  from  a  plant  sixteen  months  old.  A  seedling  Peach 
came  from  Mr.  Powell,  Cedar  Cottage,  Windsor,  but  it  was  not  found  to 
be  better  than  existing  kinds.  One  or  two  seedling  Melons  were  shown, 
but,  owing  in  some  degree  to  the  dull  weather,  they  were  not  so  well 
flavoured  as  usual. 

Vegetables. — A  fine  collection  of  Italian  Tripoli  Onions,  of  large 
size,  exhibited    by   Griscuolo,    Kay,    and  Co.,  57,  Gracechurch    Street, 
received    some    attention,   some    of  them    measuring  6  or  "  inches   in 
diameter.     A  dish  of  very  fine  Bryanstone   Kidney  Potatoes  came  from 
Mr.  R.  T.  Veitch,  of  Exeter,  and  specimens  of  a  very  nice  Cucumber  came 
from  Messrs.  Munro  and  Wilkinson,  Potter's  Bar,  Herts.,  named  Duke 
of  Edinburgh.     Its  chief  peculiarity  is  its  extremely  short  neck,  and  if 
it  is  a  proHfic  bearer  it  will,  doubtless,  be  invaluable  for  market  purposes. 
First-class  Certificates- — These  were  awarded  to  the  foUowing : — 
Dahlia  Ovid  (Turner),  a  deep  crimson,  shaded  with  purple-Ulac,  a  bold  aud 
constant  flower  ;  nearly  perfect  in  shape. 
Dahlia  Julia  Davis,  clear  yellow  self. 

Dahlia  Mrs.  ElUs,  a  finely-formed  white  flower,  tipped  with  bright  lilac. 
Messrs.  Veitch  exhibited  the  following : — Begonia  Vesuvius:  This  is,  as  its 
name  implies,  a  fiery  scarlet-flowered  variety,  and  has  a  stout  vigorous  habit. — 
Begonia  Acme  :  This  has  deeper-coloured  flowers  than  the  last,  but  similar  in 
habit,  and  equally  effective.  Both  lifted  from  the  open  ground. — Begonia 
Stella  :  This  has  large  pale  green  leaves  and  deep  crimson -scarlet  flowers, 
and  promises  to  be  an  effective  pot  plant. — Vanda  Bensoni. 

We  would  once  more  remind  exhibitors  that  they  should  see  that  their 
names  are  aftixed  to  their  stands,  as,  owing  to  omissions  of  this  kind 
which  are  becoming  the  rule,  rather  than  the  exception,  at  these  meetings 
much  inconvenience  is  experienced. 


COVEira  GARDEN  MABKET. 

Sbptembeh  5th. 

Flowers. — HeUotropes,  Mignonette,  Aloysia  citriodora,  and  other  sweet- 
scented  plants  in  small  pots  meet  with  a  ready  sale.  Asters  are  now  coming  in 
in  good  condition.  They  are  carefully  lifted  from  the  open  ground,  and  potted 
into  small  pots  a  few  days  before  they  are  sold.  Fuchsias,  Lilies  of  various 
kinds,  Amaryllis  Belladonna,  the  brilliant  scarlet  Scarborough  Lily  (Vallota), 
little  Ferns,  Lycopods,  and  small  Conifers  still  continue  to  make  up'the  supply. 
White  Asters  figure  largely  in  some  of  the  bouquets,  along  with  Tea  Roses, 
Bouvardias,  Rhj-nchospermum  Orchids,  Maiden  -  hair  Ferns,  and  Grasses. 
Small  Myrtles  and  Conifers,  Euonymus,  and  other  evergreens,  find  a  ready  sale. 
Large  consignments  of  wreaths,  crosses,  and  bouquets  of  everlastings  or 
immortelles  have  been  received  from  the  continent. 


Du.  ;  Ejutuvtj,  per  uoa.,  ^a.  ;  e  eimei,  per  uuiifii,  ou.  ;  vraiuc,  per  lu.,  oil.;  jd 
per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Horse-radish,  per  bundle,  3s.  to  is.;  Leeks,  per  bunch 
Lettuces,  per  doz.  Is.  to  2s.;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s.;  Mustard 
Cress,  per  punnet,  2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  4s.  to  6s. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ; 
Parsley,  per  doz.  bunches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Peas,  per 
quart,  9d.  to  Is.  ;  Potatoes,  per  bushel,  33.  6d.  to  5s. ;  Radishes,  per  doz. 
bunches.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Rhubarb,  per  bundle.  8d.  to  Is.;  Salsaiy,  do..  Is. 
to  Is.  6d. ;  Scorzonera,  per  bundle.  Is.;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ;  Spinach,  r^t^r 
bushel,  3s. ;  Turnips,  4d.  to  8d. ;  Vegetable  Marrows,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  2s. 


per 


Sept.  13,  1873.] 


*HB  GARDEN. 


205 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  ia  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :   change  it  rather  ! 
The  Aet  itself  is  Nature." — Shakespea/re, 


but 


LONDON   GARDENS. 


Visitors  to  London  who  take  an  interest  in  the  style  of 
gardening  carried  on  in,  or  immediately  around,  our  great 
metropolis,  may  find  in  the  following  some  useful  hints.  There 
are  but  few  phases  of  horticulture  unrepresented  in  our  London 
gardens,  and  the  numerous  improvements  that  have  been 
recently  carried  out  in  our  parks  and  promenades,  set  them 
in  the  front  rank  as  places  of  public  recreation. 

THE    PAKKS. 

These  claim  our  first  consideration,  and,  in  speaking  of  them, 
wc  cannot  even  direct  attention  to  all  their  important 
features.  Hyde  Park  occupies  the  foremost  position  among 
public  parks;  in  it  one  may  stroll  over  broad  breadths 
of  cool  turf,  or  sit  beneath  the  shade  of  giant  Elms  near 
the  ornamental  water,  and  easily  imagine  one's  self  miles 
in  the  country.  The  bedding  arrangements  in  Hyde  Park, 
though  sufficiently  floral  also,  manifest  a  taste  for  sub- 
tropical plants,  which  have  for  years  formed  the  chief 
feature  of  Battersea  Park.  Among  groups  of  trees  in  this 
park,  may  be  seen  some  fine  old  Elms,  and,  near  the 
fountains  in  Kensington  Gardens,  a  grand  clump  of  different 
kinds  of  Ashes.  In  Kensington  Gardens,  too,  are  one  or  two 
interesting  bordei's  well-filled  with  hardy  herbaceous  plants. 
In  Battersea  Park  sub-tropical  gardening  is  carried  out  with 
energy  and  spirit.  Here  one  may  see  Tree  Perns,  Palms, 
Musas,  Cycads,  Cannas,  Caladiums,  and  other  forms  of  semi- 
tropical  vegetation  luxuriating  out  of  doors  with  a  vigour  that 
is  truly  surprising  in  our  northern  clime.  The  success  which 
has  attended  the  culture  of  these  comparatively  tender  plants 
at  Battersea  depends  on  their  being  planted  in  sheltered  nooks 
where  rough  winds  do  them  no  harm.  Carpet  bedduig  is  well 
carried  out  here  with  succulents  and  other  compact-gi'owing 
plants.  St.  James's  and  the  Green  Park  both  possess  nice 
breadths  of  greensward,  and  the  former  was  at  one  time  cele- 
brated for  its  collection  of  hardy  shi'ubs  and  trees,  which  were 
all  correctly  named  by  Don,  but  somehow  neither  names  nor 
collection  has  been  kept  up.  It  contains  a  pretty  piece  of 
ornamental  water,  whieh,  with  its  island,  waterfowl,  and  Buck- 
ingham Palace  in  the  middle  distance,  has  a  fine  effect. 
Victoria  Park — the  people's  park  as  it  is  called,  and  the  name 
is  not  undeseiTed,  for  it  is  the  favourite  resort  of  the  working 
classes  of  the  east-end  of  London — is  noted  for  its  effective 
bedding  arrangements,  while  at  the  same  time  it  contains  a 
fine  collection  of  hardy  trees  and  shrubs.  It  also  contains  a 
fine  piece  of  ornamental  water,  prettily  overhung  with  Weeping 
Willows,  or  other  trees  and  shrubs  of  an  appropriate  character, 
with  which  its  islands  and  banks  are  somewhat  thickly  planted. 
With  Regent's  Park,  containing  as  it  does,  both  zoological  and 
arid  botanic  gardens,  most  visitors  are  familiar.  Its  "  floral 
walk"  is  well  worth  seeing,  as  are  also  the  floral  decorations  in 
the  Zoological  Gardens.  The  Botanic  Garden,  so  exquisitely 
laid  out  by  Mr.  Marnock,  is,  however,  its  chief  feature,  and  no 
gardener  should  leave  London  without  seeing  it. 

PUBLIC    GAUDENS. 

Among  these,  the  Royal  Botanic  Garden  at  Kew  stands 
pre-eminent,  both  as  regards  size  and  general  interest.  It  is 
specially  noted  for  its  fine  collections  of  hardy  trees  and 
shrubs  and  herbaceous  plants,  and,  taken  as  a  whole,  is  nerhaps 
the  finest  botanic  garden  m  the  world.  Pine  specimens  of  the 
common  and  Turkey  Oaks,  Cedar  of  Lebanon,  Deodar,  Judas 
Tree,  Araucaria,  Magnolia,  Sophora,  Maiden-hair  tree.  Elms, 
Limes,  and  Planes  will  be  found  both  in  the  botanic  garden, 
properly  so-called,  and  in  the  pleasure  grounds.  The  collection 
of  Succulents  is  one  of  the  most  extensive  in  existence.  Ferns 
are  well  represented,  both  from  tropical  and  temperate  regions; 
the  Orchids  are  worth  notice,  as  the  collection  includes  many 
old  or  rare  kinds  now  seldom  seen  elsewhere  ;  and  the  collec- 
tion of  Palms  includes  some  of  the  finest  specimens  in 
cultivation.  One  house  is  devoted  to  the  culture  of  the 
Royal  Water  Lily  (Victoria  Regia)  and  other  tropical  aquatics, 


including  Euryale  ferox,  Nymphioas,  Papyrus  antiquorum, 
and  the  Sacred  Bean  or  Nelumbium.  One  of  the  most  useful 
and  interesting  houses  in  the  gardens,  not  even  excepting  the 
Palm  house  itself,  is  the  great  temperate  house  in  the 
pleasure  grounds.  Here  most  of  the  specimens  are  planted 
out  in  parallel  beds,  and  grow  with  amazing  health  and 
vigour.  Specimens  so  treated  of  Araucaria  excelsa,  A. 
Bidwilli,  Cyathea  medullaris,  Dicksonia  antarctica,  Todea 
africana,  and  the  Blue  Gum-tree  of  Australia  (Eucalyptus)  are 
amongst  the  finest  to  be  found  in  European  gardens.  The 
Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Garden  at  Chiswick,  though 
now  much  reduced  in  size,  is  still  worth  a  visit  on  account  of 
the  interesting  experiments  conducted  there  for  the  purpose 
of  testing  the  excellence  or  otherwise  of  new  fruits,  flowers, 
and  vegetables.  Most  of  the  decorative  plants  used  in  the 
conservatory  at  South  Kensington  are  grown  here.  The 
gardens  at  South  Kensington  belonging  to  the  society  are  just 
now  worth  notice,  as  are  also  those  at  the  Crystal  Palace, 
Sydenham.  The  chief  attraction  here  is  the  flower  gardening, 
which,  as  a  rule,  is  well  carried  out.  There  are  also  some  fine 
trees  and  shrubs ;  and  magnificent  views  of  the  surrounding 
landscape  may  be  obtained  from  the  palace  and  terraces.  The 
same  remarks  apply  to  the  grounds  at  the  ill-fated  Alexandra 
Palace,  Muswell  Hill. 

PRIVATE    GARDENS. 

Under  this  head  we  can  only  allude  to  such  gardens  as  are 
most  easy  of  access  to  strangers.  Among  these  Syon, 
near  Isleworth,  is  well  worth  seeing  ;  it  is  an  extensive  place, 
celebrated  for  its  fine  trees.  Here,  too,  the  Cocoa-nut  first 
produced  its  fruit  in  this  country,  and  at  one  time  Syon  was 
famous  for  its  tropical  fruits,  the  growth  of  which  is,  how- 
ever, now  given  up.  Gunnersbury  Park  is  another  fine  place 
noted  for  its  fine  fruit,  more  especially  Pine-apples  and  Grapes. 
It  was  here  that  Mr.  Mills  grew  his  celebrated  Providence 
Pine,  which  weighed  ISJ  lbs.,  and,  as  a  Pine  and  Grape-growing 
establishment,  Gunnersbui-y  still  fully  maintains  its  former 
celebrity ;  here  may  be  seen  one  of  the  best  new  Vineries  in 
the  country.  Strawberries  are  forced  by  the  thousand 
pots,  and  French  Beans  aud  Cucumbers  are  extensively 
grown  all  the  year  round.  The  Peach  wall  here  is  covered 
with  a  glass  case,  under  which  heavy  crops  are  annually 
produced.  The  conservatory  contains  a  magnificent  pair  of 
Tree  Ferns  (Dicksonia  antarctica)  23  feet  bigh,  the  largest, 
perhaps,  ever  imported.  Lovers  of  Orchids  should  visit  Mr. 
Day's  establishment  at  Tottenham,  and  Mr.  Rucker's  at 
Wandsworth,  both  places  celebrated  for  fine  collections  of 
these  deservedly  favourite  plants.  Mr.  Wilkins,  of  Lcyton, 
and  Mr.  Bockett,  The  Firs,  Muswell  Hill,  have  also  very  fine 
collections  of  Orchids  and  exhibition  plants.  Mr.  Micholls' 
collection  of  stove  plants  at  Southgate  is  the  most  remarkable, 
as  regards  size,  perhaps  in  the  country,  and  must  on  no  account 
be  overlooked.  The  Pitcher.plants  which  it  contains  are 
marvels  of  skilful  cultivation.  The  noble  collection  of  trees 
at  the  Bishop  of  London's  Palace,  Fulham  must  also  be  seen, 
both  on  account  of  their  size,  age,  and  variety ;  and  the  Roses 
and  Conifers  in  Mr.  Bohn's  garden  at  Twickenham  are  also 
well  worth  inspection. 

MARKET    GARDENS. 

The  best  cultivated  market-gardens  round  London  are  those 
known  as  the  "Fulham  Fields,"  the  once  famous  Deptford 
grounds  being  now  over-run  by  the  builder.  From  Chelsea 
to  Kew  Bridge  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Thames,  and  including 
Fulham,  Hammersmith,  Tui'nham  Green,  and  Chiswick — 
indeed,  almost  all  the  land  between  the  river  and  the  road 
extending  from  Hammersmith  to  Kew — is  occupied  by  garden 
crops.  On  the  other  side  of  the  same  road,  the  garden  lands 
extend  from  Hammersmith  to  Acton,  and  from  thence  between 
Gunnersbury  and  Brentford,  through  a  large  district  of 
Isleworth,  to  Richmond,  Twickenham,  and  Hounslow.  In 
Stratford,  Lea  Bridge,  and  other  north-eastern  districts,  are 
the  Essex  Onion  fields.  On  the  south  side  of  the  Thames, 
extending  from  Deptford  to  Woolwich,  are  many  market- 
gardens.  From  Battersea  to  Putney  are  several  scattered 
patches,  but  from  Putney  and  through  Barnes  to  Mortlake 
are  large  areas  of  market-garden  ground.  The  whole  tract  of 
land  between  Mortlake,  Richmond,  Kew  Gardens,  and  the 
Thames  is  entirely  under  market-garden  crops. 


206 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Sept.  13, 1873. 


NOTES    OF   THE   WEEK. 


Mr.  George  Maw,  of  Benthall  Hall,  has  recently  added  to 

his  fine  collection  Saxifraga  Rudolphiana.  This  is  a  very  small 
member  of  the  S.  oppositifolia  group,  much  smaller  than  S.  retusa, 
atid,  as  it  need  hardly  be  added,  a  precious  addition  to  our  collections 
of  Alpine  plants. 

A  I'LANT  of  the  variegated  American  Aloe  (Agave  Americana 

variegata)  is  now  in  flower  in  the  temperate  house  at  Kew.  It  is  not 
a  large  specimen,  and  consequently  the  flower-stem  is  not  robust  nor 
of  great  height,  which,  including  the  tub,  is  about  14  feet.  It  bears 
on  its  top  the  usual  candelabrum-like  mass  of  greenish-yellow  flowers. 

Consignments  of   French  Chasselas  or  Fontainbleau  Grapes 

are  now  arriving  in  Covent  Garden  Market,  where  they  realise  Is. 
])er  lb.  They  are  greatly  superior  to  the  watery  Spanish  Grapes 
which  are  just  now  imported  in  such  large  quantities. 

That    superb     new    hardy    flowering    shrub,    Xanthoceras 

Eorbifolia,  hitherto  found  to  be  so  diiflcult  to  increase,  has  at  last 
been  successfully  propagated  by  Messrs.  Thibaut  and  Keteleer,  of 
Sceaux,  near  Paris.     It  will  be  "  sent  out  "  by  that  flrm  in  1875. 

A   VIGOROUS   plant   of  the  common  American  Aloe   (Agave 

americana)  is  now  in  flower  in  the  open  aii'  at  Penzance.  It  has 
withstood  the  winter  for  several  y^ars  past  in  that  part  of  Cornwall, 
and  now  bears  a  strong  spike,  25  feet  in  height,  and  furnished  with 
thirty. seven  branches. 

TuE   autumnal   Croci  are  now  beginning  to  flower  in  our 

public  gardens,  and  remind  us  that  these  beautiful  hardy  floral 
gems  are  not  grown  so  generally  as  they  ought  to  be  for  purposes 
of  outdoor  decoration.  They  are  most  effective  when  planted  in 
undisturbed  positions,  such  as  on  the  lawn  or  in  the  wild  garden,  a3 
their  flowers,  being  borne  without  foliage,  look  somewhat  naked  in 
open  borders. 

Epigvnium  i.eucobotrys  is  now  showing  its  remarkably  pretty 

fruit  in  Mr.  Gumbletou's  garden  at  Belgrove,  Queenstown.  It  does 
not  always  produce  the  fruit  at  the  ends  of  the  branches  under  the 
leaves  as  figured  in  the  "  Illustrated  Bouquet."  In  the  specimen  in 
question  two  racemes  of  fruit  come  out  of  the  hard  bare  stem  ;  the 
fruit  resembles  polished  ivory  balls  nearly  as  large  as  a  snow  berry, 
^vith  a  brilliant  black  dot  in  the  apex  of  each  berry,  surrounded  by 
fine  smaller  dots.     The  roots  are  tuberous  like  a  Yam. 

As  the  fruits   of  California  are  now  sold  in  our  own  markets, 

the  state  of  the  crops  there  is  not  without  interest.  In  April  a 
heavy  frost  injured  the  Grapes  so  much  in  the  vicinity  of  Sacramento, 
that  the  crop  will  be  light,  and  in  other  sections  it  will  not  reach  an 
average.  The  Strawberry  crop  was  not  up  to  the  full  average  ;  but 
prices  were  high,  and  the  receipts  were  decidedly  satisfactory.  The 
first  Peaches,  Hale's  Early,  brought  eighteen  cents  a  pound ;  but  soon 
with  large  shipments,  prices  sank  to  four  and  six  cents.  The  supply 
is  full,  but  not  in  excess  of  the  demand.  Apples  are  plentiful  and 
cheap.  Plums  are  not  plentiful,  nor  do  shipments  pay  well,  espe- 
cially when  made  to  a  distance.  Pears  are  in  great  abundance,  and 
are  shipped  to  the  States  in  large  quantities.  The  quality  is  good, 
but  the  great  drawback  is  the  high  price  of  freights. 

The   final   arrangements   for   the  Bradford  meeting  of  the 

British  Association  are  as  follows  : — The  first  general  meeting  will  be 
held  on  Wednesday,  Sept.  17,  at  8  p.m  precisely,  when  Dr.  Carpenter 
will  resign  the  chair,  and  the  President-Elect,  Pi-of .  W.  A.  Williamson, 
F.E.S.,  will  assume  the  presidency,  and  deliver  an  address.  On 
Friday  evening,  Sept.  19,  at  8-30  p.m,  a  discoui-se  by  Prof.  W.  0. 
Williamson,  F.R.S.,  of  Manchester,  on  coal  and  coal  plants  ;  on  Satur- 
day evening,  Sept.  20,  a  lecture  on  fuel  to  working  men  only,  by 
Mr.  Siemens,  F.K.S. ;  on  Monday  evening,  Sept.  22,  at  8.30  p.m,  a 
discourse  on  molecules,  by  Prof.  Clerk  Maxwell,  P.R.S. ;  on  Tuesday 
evening,  Sept.  23,  at  8  p.m.,  a  soiree ;  on  Wednesday,  Sept.  21,  the 
concluding  general  meeting  will  be  held  at  2.30  p.m.,  and  in  the 
evening  a  grand  concert  will  be  given  in  St.  George's  Hall,  at  8  p.m. 
The  excursions  on  Thursday,  Sept.  25,  will  be  to  Harrogate,  Ripon, 
Studley,  Bolton  Abbey,  Gordale  Scarr,  Malham,  Clapham  Caves, 
Settle  Caves,  and  Ingleboro'. 

— I —  We  have  received  from  Mr.  Thompson,  of  Ipswich, 
specimens  of  two  novelties,  in  the  way  of  Composite  plants,  one,  a 
very  pretty  new  Gaillardia  (G.  amblyodon.  Gray),  a  species  found 
distributed  pretty  generally  throughout  Texas,  and  doubtless  other 
neighbouring  states.  It  resembles  some  of  the  varieties  of  G.  picta, 
but  differs  from  all  of  them  in  the  rich  crimson  colour  possessed  by 
the  ray  florets,  in  the  peculiar  scales  of  the  involucre,  and  in  having 
longer  foot-stalks  to  the  flowers.  In  general  habit  it  is  larger  and 
more  bushy  than  G.  picta.  The  other  is  a  large-flowered  and  richly, 
coloured  form  of  Centaurea  americana,  named  Hallii  in  compliment 
to  its  discoverer.  Its  flowers  measure  from  3  to  4  inches  across,  and 
are  of  a  rich  Tyriau  purple  tint.  The  pale-coloured  scales  of  the 
involucre  are  fringed  with  comb-like  teeth,  and  when  seen  at  a  little 


distance  remind  one  of  heads  of  common  Mignonette.  It  is  a  native 
of  Texas.  Both  plants  are  profuse  flowerers,  and  their  fine  appear, 
ance,  when  in  blossom,  will  recommend  them  to  all  lovers  of  herbaceous 
plants.  The  Gaillardia  is  figured  in  Dr.  Gray's  "  Chloris  Boreali- 
Americana." 

The  beautiful  Sumach,  Rhus  glabra  laciniata,  is   now  finely 

in  flower,  and,  if  anything  could  add  to  its  prettily  diversified  foliage, 
it  is  the  pleasing  dark  orange-crimson  flower  spikes,  which  it  is  now 
bearing  in  Messrs.  Osborn's  Nursery,  at  Fulham. 

■ One  of  the  most  striking  plants  now  in  flower  in  the  great 

conservatory  at  Chatsworth  is  Musa  coccinca.  It  is  planted  out  in  a 
border  in  the  form  of  a  clump,  and,  being  of  a  dwarfish  character, 
its  brilliant  red  flowers  are  seen  to  advantage,  and  contrast  vividly 
with  the  bright  green  foliage  by  which  they  are  surrounded. 

- — — -  One  of  the  finest  displays  of  Fuchsias  we  have  ever  seen  ia 
now  in  the  gardens  of  Chiswick  Honse.  They  are  planted  out  in  the 
open  border,  and  trained,  like  Vines,  up  the  rafters.  As  they  richly 
fall  from  these  through  the  length  of  the  conservatory  range  (about 
100  yards)  one  may  fancy  one's  self  in  a  Fuchsia  grove. 

I.N  the  collection  of    Orchids  belonging    to  M.  Dutreux,  at 

Celle  St.  Cloud,  near  Paris,  a  very  remarkable  variety  of  Coelogyne 
cristata  has  recently  been  raised.  'The  leaves  of  this  plant  are  streaked 
with  veins  of  the  purest  white,  like  those  of  Phalaris  arundinacea 
picta.  M.  Dutreux  intends  to  multiply  this  singular  variety  as 
speedily  as  possible,  and  when  sufficiently  plentiful  for  distribution, 
it  will  no  doubt  be  much  sought  after. 

We  have  received  from  Mr.  Grieve,  of  Culford,  some  beau- 
tifully ripened  Nectarines,  the  produce  of  trees  spur-pruned  on  the 
Cordon  system.  Owing  to  the  crop  being  heavy  they  were  not 
particularly  large ;  but  they  were  highly  coloured  and  finely 
flavoured.  It  is,  therefore,  evident  that,  even  in  the  case  of  Peaches 
and  Nectarines,  excellent  fruit  can  be  produced  by  this  system. 

The  vestry  of  St.  George's,  Hanover  Square,  have  consented 

to  a  liberal  offer  of  Mr.  Barlow,  a  vestryman,  to  plant  trees  in 
Piccadilly,  on  the  footway  running  from  Hyde  Park  Comer  up  to 
Arlington  Street.  The  trees  selected  are  Planes,  similar  to  those  on 
the  Victoria  Embankment.  The  example  thus  set  in  Piccadilly 
might,  as  we  have  often  stated,  be  very  usefully  followed  in  other 
parts  of  London. 

We  understand   (says  the  Builder)   that  the   plans    for  the 

reconstruction  of  Alexandra  Palace  having  been  drawn  up  and  agreed 
upon,  the  ruins  have  now  been  handed  over  to  the  builders,  and  the 
rebuilding  of  the  palace  will  be  commenced  as  soon  as  the  Ji'bris  can 
be  cleared  away.  It  is  said  that,  with  the  exception  of  the  walls  of 
the  centre  transept, the  building  will  be  entirely  reconstructed.  The 
new  palace  is  to  be  larger  than  the  old  building,  being  both  longer  and 
broader.  It  is  to  have  three  transepts,  one  forming  a  concert  hall, 
another  a  theatre,  and  the  third,  it  is  stated,  will  be  devoted  to  bazaar 
purposes.  These  will  be  connected  by  corridors,  in  which  light  goods 
will  be  exhibited  for  sale.  In  some  respects  the  new  building  will 
resemble  the  Crystal  Palace,  it  having  been  decided  that  iron  and  glass 
shall  be  largely  used  in  the  construction  of  the  building.  It  is 
expected  to  be  completed  and  ready  for  opening  in  June  next. 

The  vintage  in  France  is   being  carried  on  actively  in  the 

south,  and  is  favoured  with  just  the  temperature  desired.  In 
Languedoc  the  w'est  has  been  better  treated  than  the  east,  as  it  is  on 
the  latter  side  that  the  phylloxera,  hail,  and  frost  have  exeicised  the 
greatest  ravages.  Certain  cantons  (among  others  Perols,  Villeneuve, 
and  Montpellier)  complain  of  the  pyrale,  a  sort  of  butterfly,  the 
nymph  of  which  is  so  hurtful  to  the  Vine,  and  which  already,  between 
1828  and  1837,  caused,  in  the  Meconnais  and  the  Beaujolais,  damage 
estimated  at  thirty.four  millions,  or  three  millions  a  year.  Means 
have  not  yet  been  found  to  destroy  that  insect  in  its  various  forms 
of  egg,  caterpillar,  chi-ysaUs,  and  butterfly.  As  the  regretted  M. 
Bonjean  said  in  a  report  to  the  Senate  against  the  destruction 
of  small  birds,  a  hundred  tom-tits  would  do  more  than  the 
combined  efforts  of  thousands  of  Vine-growers.  The  Gard 
has  suffered  particularly  from  phylloxera,  and  about  a  third 
of  the  crop  has  been  eaten  up  by  that  terrible  scourge.  The 
yield  will  only  be  one-halt  of  that  of  an  ordinary  year.  In  the 
Narbonne,  where  the  Vines  are  a  little  late,  there  is  every  reason  to 
believe  that  the  crop  will  be  good.  The  rain  has  done  much  good  to 
the  Grapes,  which  had  been  somewhat  burned  up.  The  vintage  has 
not  yet  commenced  in  the  Bordelais.  The  fruit  is  ripening  there 
under  good  conditions  ;  in  the  Medoc,  however,  the  change  in  the 
colour  is  proceeding  slowly.  The  Vines  in  the  ai-rondissement  of  La 
Reole  are  said  to  have  been  attacked  with  oidium,  excepting  those 
treated  with  sulphur.  The  vineyards  in  the  centre,  those  of  the 
Loir-et-Cher  among  others,  have  a  most  promising  appearance,  but, 
as  in  Burgundy  and  Champagne,  the  gathering  will  scarcely  com- 
mence before  the  month  of  October,  and  then  only  can  an  estimate 
be  formed  of  the  yield. — Galiijnani. 


Sept.  13,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


207 


THE     INDOOR    GARDEN. 

SEDEN'S  LADY'S-SLIPPER. 

(CYPRIPEDIUM   SEDENI.) 

At  a  late  meeting  of  the  Koyal  Horticultural  Society,  Messrs. 
Veitch  and  Sou  exhibited  a  nice  pan  of  this  interesting  plant, 
bearing  eight  strong  spilces  of  rosy-purple  flowers.  It  had 
been  previously  exhibited,  and  obtained  a  fli'st-class  certificate, 
although  not  so  profusely  tiowei-ed  as  on  this  occasion.  Besides 
its  value  as  a  decorative  i>lant,  it  is  also  interesting  as  being  a 
hybrid.  It  is  the  result  of  a  ci-oss  between  C.  Schlimii,  arai'e 
and  beautiful  species  from  Ocana,  and  C.  Keichenbacbi  longi- 
folium,  a  robust- 
growing  species  from 
Costa  Rica.  In  habit 
it  is  nearly  inter- 
mediate, its  dark 
shining  foliage  re- 
sembling that  of  C. 
longifolium,  while 
the  margins  of  the 
leaves  are  partially 
revolute  and  undu- 
lated, as  in  C. 
Schlimii.  The  noble 
foliage  alone  is  amply 
sufficient  to  recom- 
mend this  fine  hybrid 
to  the  notice  of 
Orchid  growers  ; 
•while  its  rosy 
flowers,  which  are 
produced  in  great 
profusion,  are  dis- 
tinct from  those  of 
any  other  Lady's- 
Slippers,  both  in 
colour  and  form. 
The  spikes,  which 
are  of  a  purple  or 
chocolate  colour, 
vary  from  12  to  18 
inches  in  height,  and 
are  thickly  beset 
■with  hairs.  Several 
flowers  are  borne  on 
each  spike,  though, 
as  far  as  I  have  seen, 
the  ]ilant  resembles 
C.  longifolium  in 
only  developing  one 
flower  at  a  time  on 
the  same  spike.  The 
largest  flowers 
measure  about  3 
inches  across,  each 
being  subtended  by 
a  large,  almost  folia- 
ceous  bright  green 
bract.  The  sepals 
are  nearly  white, 
slightly  suffused, and 

veined  with  rose  or  rosy-purple,  and  have  undulated  margins. 
The  petals  are  longer  than  the  sepals,  and  are  white,  with  deep 
rosy  margins,  the  depth  of  tint  varying  in  different  plants.  In 
form  they  are  nearly  intermediate  between  the  short  roundish 
segments  of  0.  Schlimii  and  the  longer  and  tapering  petals  of 
C.  longifolium,  and  are  once  twisted  or  partially  tortile 
at  their  apices.  The  pouch  or  slipper-shaped  lip  comes 
to  that  of  the  last-named  species ;  but, 
green,  suffused  with  bright  or  lucid 
a    bright    rosy-purple     tint,    and    much 


mental,  and  will  grow  well  in  a  moderately  warm  temperature. 
The  accompanying  sketch  will  convey  some  idea  of  the  habit 
and  general  contour  of  the  flowers.  Apropas  of  Lady's-Sli])- 
pers,  wo  may  here  allude  to  a  romarKably  fine  plant  of  C. 
Schlimii,  in  the  collection  of  E.  Wrigley,  Esq.,  of  Bury.  This 
specimen  has  several  leading  growths,  and  leaves  fully 
16  inches  long,  and  nearly  2  inches  in  width,  of  the  freshest 
green  imaginable.  This  species,  which  is  seldom  seen 
in  vigoi-ous  health,  will  be  found  to  grow  best  in  a  cool 
and  humid  temperature.  A  shady  corner  of  the  houso 
should  be  selected  for  it,  whore  it  will  not  bo  checked  by  cold 
draughts,  and,  like  its,  congeners,  it  requires  an  abundant 
supply  of  moisture  at  the  root  when  growing,  and  a  fresh 

open  compost, 
thoroughly  well 
drained.  B. 


^:^ 


Seden's  Lady's-Slipper  (Cypripedium  Sedeni). 


nearest  in  shape 
instead  of  being 
brown,    it     is     of 


more  effective  from  an  ornamental  or  decorative  point  of 
view.  Most  Cypripedes,  though  singular  in  shape,  are  deficient 
in  bright  colouring,  and  in  this  respect  C.  Sedeni  must  be  looked 
upon  as  a  step  in  the  right  direction.     It  is  strikingly  orna- 


Hibiscus  roseo- 
sinensis. — One  of  the 
prettiest  indoor  plants 
we  have  lately  seen  is 
a  specimen  of  Hibiscus 
rosoo-aiueusis,  in  the 
gardens  at  Whalley 
House,  Manchester. 
It  is  planted  against  a 
glass  partition  in  a 
Pinery,  trained  as  a 
wall  plant,  and  its 
roots  are  in  good  loamy 
soil,  to  which,  how- 
ever, they  do  not  con. 
fine  themselves,  but 
wander  widely  into 
the  tan.bed,  in  which 
the  Pines  are  planged. 
By  keeping  a  goodly 
quantity  of  young 
wood  on  this  plant  and 
watering  it  abun. 
dantly,  a  long  succes. 
sion  of  the  most  bril. 
liant  scarlet  flowers  is 
the  result.  This  is  the 
single  red  form,  and  ia 
much  more  pleasing 
than  the  double  sort. 
The  latter  is  grown  in 
another  house  in  the 
same  range. — F. 

Conservatory 
Rhododendrons.  — 
Two  lovely  Khododen. 
drons  may  be  added 
to  your  list  (seep.  176,) 
requiring  glass  protec. 

f' '-  tion  or  moderate  heat, 

one  is  the  true  Java- 
nicum,  the  other 
Brookii — I  say  true  iu 

ythe  case  of  the  Java 
Ithododeudron,  for 
there  is  a  very  inferior  - 
variety  iu  circulation 
under  the  same  name. 
Can  auybody  say  why 
a  most  beautiful  hybrid,  between  some  hardy  Rhododendron  and 
Azalea  pontica,  called  Smith's  Aureum,  has  so  entirely  disappeared  ? 
I  once  had  a  couple  of  plants,  which  unfortunately  died  before 
flowering,  but  I  saw  a  plant  in  magnificent  bloom  at  Lord  Normanby's 
Villa  at  Florence,  the  flowers  in  large  trusses,  and  as  deep  a  yellow 
as  the  parent  Azalea,  but  with  the  habit  of  a  Rhododendron.  It  is 
quite  worth  a  little  trouble  to  cultivate,  and  the  protection  of  glass 
if  necessai-y. — An  Old  Soldiek. 


Sarracenias.— In  a  cool  and  airy  conservatory  iu  the  Botanic  Gardens, 
Manchester,  are  two  specimens  of  Sairacenia  purpurea  some  2^  feet  in 
diameter,  and  in  a  most  flourishing  condition.  They  are,  however,  not  indi- 
vidual plants,  but  consist  of  several  grouped  together,  each  being  in  a  separata 
pot  plunged  in  a  large  pan  among  Sphagnum.  Both  Sarracenias  and 
Sphagnum  are  alike  flourishing,  and  lead  to  the  belief  that  one  is  looking  only 
at  one  plant,  instead  of  several.  Arranged  thus,  Sarracenias  appear  to  greater 
advantage  than  when  grown  separately  in  small  pots. 


208 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  13,  1873. 


A  RAMBLE  IN  ARRAN. 

Bt  JAMES  M'NAB,  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Edinburgh. 

Most  tourists  to  Scotland  must  have  visited  Arrau,  a  billy 
island  off  the  west  coast,  about  20  miles  long  and  10  miles 
broad,  exhibitiug  a  rich  and  picturesque  variety  of  mountain 
scenery,  rarely  to  bo  met  with  in  such  a  limited  space.  Out 
of  a  four  days'  sojourn  on  this  island,  two  were  warm  and 
pleasant,  while  the  others  were  dull  .ind  rainy,  a  state  of 
weather  not  uncommon  in  Arran,  but  well  suited  for  the 
district,  as  it  is  in  a  great  measure  composed  of  wild  heathy 
moors  and  natural  pasturage.  The  plants  observed  in  the 
villa  gardens  give  evidence  of  a  climate  superior  to  that 
experienced  in  many  parts  of  the  mainland,  particularly  whei'e 
distant  from  the  sea.  Fuchsia  discolor  (which  may  well  be 
called  the  burning  bush)  is  now  abundant  everywhere,  both  as 
standards  and  on  cottage  walls,  gorgeously  arrayed  with 
crimson  blossoms.  It  grows  freely  from  cuttings,  so  that 
no  difficulty  need  be  experienced  in  conveying  it  from  cottage 
to  cottage,  no  matter  how  remote.  Besides  the  Fuchsia,  we 
frequently  observed  the  Leycesteria  formosa,  a  shrubby  plant 
from  Kepaul,  covei-ed  with  drooping  clusters  of  reddish-purple 
berries ;  also  Veronica  speciosa  and  V.  Andersonii,  and 
occasionally  Hydrangeas,  Weigelas,  and  Deutzias,  but  the  latter 
are,  far  from  prevalent,  although  they  can  be  as  easily  propa- 
gated as  the  Fuchsia  itself.  These  are  generally  mixed  with 
numerous  varieties  of  common  evergreen  shrubs.  Flowering 
suffx'uticose  plants  are  scarce,  a  cii-cumstance  owing  perhaps  to 
the  deer  coming  down  at  night  among  the  villa  gardens,  and 
clearing  off  everything  eatable  within  their  reach.  If  so, 
this  may  in  some  measure  account  for  the  inactivity  which 
seems  to  prevail  among  the  native  inhabitants,  in  introducing 
novelties  from  neighbouring  gardens. 

With  the  exception  of  the  Silver  Fir,  lovers  of  arboriculture 
will  not  find  much  to  interest  them.  This  tree,  however,  of 
itself  is  a  perfect  picture ;  generally  growing  in  deep  rich 
soil,  chiefly  composed  of  peat  and  loam.  The  specimens  of 
Silver  Fir,  although  not  so  large  as  are  to  be  seen  in  some  of 
the  grounds  connected  with  the  mainland,  are  nevertheless 
very  fine,  particularly  in  the  reserve  grounds  connected  with 
Brodick  Castle.  The  generality  of  these  specimens  are  about 
60  or  60  feet  high,  and,  where  growing  in  situations  sheltered 
by  Beech,  Ash,  Oak,  Spruce,  or  Scotch  Fir,  their  drooping 
branches  are  as  symmetrical  as  those  of  any  Araucaria  in  the 
country ;  but  when  the  trees  attain  a  large  size,  the  symmet- 
rical habit  entirely  leaves  them.  In  this  condition  they  are 
seen  over-topping  all  the  trees  of  the  forest,  and  exposure  to 
the  wind  soon  causes  their  tops  to  become  scraggy.  The 
largest  specimens  were  about  110  feet  high,  and  from  15  to  16 
feet  in  circumference  at  the  base.  Two  Silver  Firs  in  the 
Brodick  Castle  grounds,  not  far  from  each  other,  must 
evidently  have  had  their  tops  injured,  as  the  stems  at  the 
height  of  12  feet  became  forked,  as  represented  in  the  annexed 
sketch.  Two  of  the  uppermost  Ijrauches  left  after  the 
accident  on  opposite  sides,  had  long  ago  been  striving  for  the 
leadership,  which  both  had  equally  attained.  These  two  trees, 
now  60  feet  high,  are  as  perfect  and  symmetrical  as  any  on 
the  grounds,  and  the  irregularity  here  noticed  cannot  be  seen 
without  looking  steadily  up  their  stems.  Several  forests  of 
Larch  are  to  be  seen  in  various  parts  of  the  island,  but  chiefly 
confined  to  large  rounded  hills.  They  seem  all  in  the 
healthiest  condition,  evidently  enjoying  the  soil  and  situation 
where  they  have  been  planted  ;  as  well  as  the  Scotch  Fir,  of 
which  many  admirable  and  characteristic  specimens  abound. 

In  the  pleasure-grounds  of  Brodick  Castle  many  very 
interesting  shrubby  plants  are  to  be  seen,  proving  that  the 
climate  of  Arran  is  admirably  adapted  for  almost  all  kinds  of 
evergreens,  such  as  Portugal  Laurel,  Bay  Laurel,  Laurustinus, 
Alaternus,also  Holly,  Yew,  and  Red  Cedar,  which  were  growing 
vigorously  ;  in  maiiy  cases  the  Portugal  Laurels  are  fully  40 
feet  high,  and  leafy  to  the  ground.  Of  the  other  evergreen 
shrubs  I  may  mention  Alaternus,  10  feet  high  and  18  feet  in 
circumference  of  branches  ;  Gaultheria  Shallon,  covered  with 
flowers  and  fruit,  single  shrubs  .5  feet  high,  of  a  regular  semi- 
globose  shape,  and  27  feet  in  circumference ;  Erica  vagans 
muUiflora,  standing  in  regular  massy  clumps,  the  largest 
being  6  feet  high,  and  30  feet  in  circumference.     The  Fuchsias 


and  Hydrangeas  are  also  magnificent,  the  former  12  feet  high, 
and  40  feet  in  circumference,  and  the  latter  6  feet  high,  and 
27  feet  in  circumference.  The  Hydrangeas  were  partially  in 
flower,  but  not  to  the  extent  I  expected  them  to  be.  Of  the 
various  species  of  Arbutus,  the  A.  Unedo  was  the  only  one  I 
remarked,  and,  to  my  surprise,  always  in  poor  condition.  With 
the  exception  of  one  plant  of  Rhododendron  altaclarense,  or  per- 
haps one  of  the  allied  hybrid  varieties,  between  R.  arboreum  and 
R.  Catawbiense,  no  other  hybrid  Rhododendron  was  observed, 
while  the  ordinary  Gibraltar  species  (R.  ponticum)  and  its 
numerous  varieties,  abundant  all  over  the  grounds,  were  literally 
covered  with  fruit,  proving  the  rich  display  they  must  have  made 
during  the  flowering  season.  The  soil  in  which  they  are 
growing  is  naturally  of  a  peaty  character,  and  the  sides  of  the  hill 
walks  bordering  them  were  in  many  places  regularly  carpeted 
with  seedlings  averaging  from  1  to  10  inches  in  height.  Since 
the  Rhododreudron  has  been  found  to  succeed  so  well  in  the 
natural  soil  of  Arran,  the  proprietor  ought  to  encourage  the 
cultivation  of  the  white,  scarlet,  and  dark  hybrids.  They 
would  be  found  to  succeed  quite  as  well  as  the  common  purjile 
kinds,  and  many  nurserymen,  I  feel  convinced,  would  be 
delighted  to  give  plants  of  the  scarlet  hybrids  in  exchange  for 


Singular  Fir  Tree  in  the  Island  of  Arran. 

seedlings  of  R.  ponticum,  as  they  are  admirably  adapted  for 
stocks,  on  which  to  gmh  the  scarlet  and  other  varieties. 

In  few  districts  of  Scotland  are  the  soil  and  climate  better 
suited  for  exotic  shrubs  and  plants,  such  as  Yuccas,  Tritomas, 
Cordylines,  and  a  host  of  others,  than  those  of  Arran.  None, 
however,  were  seen  in  the  open  air ;  the  only  examples  observed 
being  under  glass.  It  may  be  that  the  deer  attack  all  newly 
introduced  plants  when  first  put  out ;  but  if  this  is  the  case, 
how  does  it  happen  that  those  already  existing  have  got  up 
as  they  have  done  without  sustaining  injury?  Many  other 
species,  if  tried,  might  succeed  equally  well,  and  ultimately 
add  ornament  and  interest  to  the  island.  In  the  way  of 
recently-introduced  Conifers,  very  little  has  been  done,  the 
chief  specimens  seen,  and  that  very  sparingly,  being  the 
Araucaria  imbricata,  Cedrus  Deodara,  Abies  Morinda,  Pinns 
excelsa,  Wellingtonia  gigantea,  Pinus  Lambertiana,  and 
P.  austriaca.  The  only  Araucaria  worthy  of  notice  is 
20  feet  high  and  28  feet  in  circumference  of  branches, 
but  the  ])roportions  are  considerabl}'  inferior  to  some  of 
those  seen  in  one  of  the  gardens  at  Lamlash.  All  the 
British  Conifers  mentioned  look  as  if  they  required  a  trench 
opened  up  round  them  to  be  filled  with  good  soil  mixed  with 
old  rol rted-manure,  in  order  to  stimulate  them  to  more 
luxuriant  growth,  which  the  climate  is  quite  capable  of  doing 
if  the  necessary  food  were  supplied  to  their  roots.  Some 
portions   of    the   pnrk-lawn   present   a  peculiar    appearance, 


Sept.  13, 1873.] 


THE   aARDEN. 


209 


owing  to  the  method  by  which  some  of  the  tree-stems  arc 
protected  to  prevent  the  deer  from  injnring  their  baric. 
They  have  a  strong  wire  fence  put  round  each,  4  feet  high  and 
about  3  feet  from  the  stem,  planted  thiclily  round  with  Whins, 
which  appear  to  be  Icept  in  proper  order.  These  Whins  or 
Furze  do  not  seem  to  be  much  injured  by  tlie  over-hanging 
branches  of  the  trees  which  they  are  planted  to  protect. 
One  very  interesting  feature  of  Arran  is  the  extreme  luxuriance 
of   the   native   Heather,   but  the  finest  growth  we  observed 


Tree  Guard  made  of  Wire  and  Fiirze,  or  Whin?. 

occupied  two  or  three  miles  of  the  country  extending  along 
both  sides  of  the  road  between  Brodick  aud  Lamlash.  The 
common  Ling  (Oalluna  vulgaris)  grows  in  large  round  clumps, 
from  12  to  18  inches  in  height,  and  in  an  endless  variety  of 
tints.  The  landscape  effects  produced  by  this  beautifully- 
coloured  foi'eground,  broken  only  by  long  undulated  groups  of 
bushy  Scotch  Firs,  also  Alder  and  Beech,  particularly  along 
the  course  of  the  streams,  backed  by  the  lofty  and,  at  that 
time,  unclouded  summit  of  Goat  Fell,  supported  by  the 
rugged  tops  of  its  smaller  associates,  was  a  sight  not  often 
to  be  seen  in  that  state  of  perfection  in  which  myself  and  my 


1  -     «  Ji'  =v-S-.:^; 


Ivy  found  on  damp  Moss  in  Arran. 

pleasant  travelling  companions  had  the  good  fortune  to  witness 
o.n  the  22nd  ult. 

It  was  truly  amusing  to  see  the  energy  of  lady  visitors  in 
the  collecting  of  Ferns ;  the  excessive  moisture  of  the  climate 
being  very  conducive  to  the  growth  of  most  cryptogamic 
plants.  The  variety  of  them,  however,  is  not  so  numerous  as 
some  are  led  to  suppose.  Seedlings  of  all  sizes  are  particularly 
plentiful,  but  hundreds  carried  off  for  rare  species  will  only 
turn  out  to  be  seedlings  of  the  male  Shield  Fern,  Toothed 
Shield  Fern,  and  the  female  Spleenwort.  Besides  these,  nume- 
rous specimens  are  got  of  the  Hai-d  Fern,  Oak  Fern,  Beech 
Fern,  Male  Spleenwort,  Hart's-tongue,  Wallrue,  and  the  Hay 
Fern.     The  common  Bracken  ia  excessively  vigorous   all  over 


the  island,  generally  averaging  about  6  feet  in  height.  Other 
very  interesting  Ferns  are  occasionally  got,  but  these  are  few 
and  far  between.  Rustic  baskets  of  Ferns  are  made  up  and  sold 
as  containing  about  thirty  varieties  each,  but  on  a  close  inspec- 
tion ten  varieties  of  all  sizes  were  as  many  as  I  could  make 
out  in  any  of  them.  When  leaving  the  island  we  saw  many 
ladies  carrying  Ferns  they  had  collected,  along  with  bundles  of 
sticks  and  small  Larch  branches  covered  with  cones,  to  enable 
them  to  make  up  fancy  baskets  for  themselves  on  their  return 
home. 

While  going  through  the  Brodick  Woods,  I  was  delighted  to 
notice  on  the  stems  of  many  of  the  Oak  trees  a  most  beautiful 
small-leaved  Ivy  (of  which  I  enclose  a  branch.)  The  leaves  are  an 
inch  long,  three  quarters  of  an  inch  broad,  deeply  sinuated  and 
closely  imbricating  each  other.  As  this  Ivy  grows  on  the  damp 
Moss  surrounding  the  stems,it  willbe  found  admirably  adapted 
for  the  ornamentation  of  rustic  Fern  baskets.  It  will  root 
ireely  in  the  Moss  of  which  they  are  chiefly  composed,  and 
the  points  ought  to  hang  gracefully  down  all  round,  so  that 
when  the  wood  of  the  basket  begins  to  fail,  the  Ivy  roots  ought 
to  keep  the  mass  together. 


THE    FLOWER     GARDEN. 


THE  CULTURE  OF  IXIAS  AND  SPARAXIS. 
The  following  snccesaful  mode  of  growing  these  charming  plants, 
both  under  glass  and  in  the  open  air,  is  given  by  M.  E.  Andre  in  the 
Illusiratkm  Horticole  : — "  About  the  lOtli  of  October,  having  yre- 
viously  prepared  a  compost  consisting  of  ouo-third  fine  river-sand, one- 
third  heath-soil,  aud  one-third  spent  hot. bed  material,  I  potted  my 
plants  in  well. drained  pots  about  5  inches  in  diameter,  putting  five 
or  six  bulbs  in  each  pot.  The  pots  were  then  placed  under  the 
shelves  of  the  house  until  the  bulbs  began  to  push,  when  they  were 
removed  to  a  temperate  house  and  placed  on  the  front  ledge  of  one 
of  the  beds.  About  the  beginning  of  November,  the  leaves  of  the 
Ixias  and  Sparaxis  were  from  6  to  10  inches  long,  according  to  the 
vigour  of  the  varieties,  and  they  continued  to  grow  gently,  receiving 
during  the  winter  only  as  much  water  as  was  absolutely  necessai'y  to 
prevent  the  soil  from  becoming  too  dry.  Towards  the  middle  of 
February,  flower-buds  began  to  appear  on  the  rush.like  stems  which 
rose  from  the  middle  of  the  leaves,  and  it  became  necessary  to  support 
these  stems,  which  in  some  cases  were  over  3  feet  high,  with  slender 
stakes  to  prevent  them  from  falling  and  breaking  off.  With  these 
simple  precautions  I  enjoyed,  for  more  than  a  month,  the  sight  of 
some  splendid  flowers,  of  which  the  fresh  blooms  of  the  Isias, 
Sparaxis,  and  Babianas  were  particularly  charming.  There  was  a 
succession  of  most  pleasing  varieties,  but  none  more  beautiful 
than  Ixia  crateroides  and  Isia  pallida,  which  I  recommend 
to  all  amateurs.  The  Watsonias,  which  have  long  stout  leaves 
like  those  of  Gladiolus,  and  the  Tritonias,  both  of  which  were 
treated  in  the  same  way,  did  not  bloom  until  April.  After  flowering, 
I  left  the  bulbs  to  dry  slowly  in  the  pots  in  which  they  had  flowered, 
and  placed  them  all  under  the  shelves  along  with  the  Achimenes 
which  had  gone  out  of  flower.  The  following  October,  when  taking 
them  out  of  the  pots  in  order  to  replant  them,  I  found  all  the  bulbs  in 
good  condition.  The  culture  of  these  plants  in  the  open  air  is  not 
more  difiicult ;  nevertheless,  it  may  not  suit  all  soils  and  climates. 
The  method  which  I  have  employed  here  in  Touraine,  aud  which  is 
now  rewarding  me  with  a  profusion  of  bloom,  is  as  follows  : — About 
the  beginning  of  October  I  prepare  a  bed  of  ordinary  garden  soil  by 
mixing  it  with  a  quantity  of  riveror  white  pit. sand,  in  order  to  render 
it  as  light  and  porous  as  possible.  In  this  I  bury  the  bulbs  about 
3  inches  deep,  aud  at  a  distance  of  6  inches  from  one  to  another.  The 
Watsonias,  growing  somewhat  more  vigorously,  require  to  bo  planted 
at  greater  intervals.  The  leaves  begin  to  appear  overground  before 
the  1st  of  November ;  and,  if  the  soil  is  suitable,  they  show  it  by  a 
short  and  dark-green  growth.  In  December  they  must  be  protected 
from  frost — not  that  the  Ixias,  &c.,  feel  it  much,  unless  the  ground  is 
deeply  frozen ;  but  because  the  sudden  changes  of  frost  and  thaw,  rain 
and  dryness,  which  occur  in  our  climate,  are  very  different  from 
the  conditions  which  these  plants  experience  in  winter  in  their  native 
habitats  at  the  Cape.  The  best  mode  of  sheltering  them  is  to  place 
a  frame  or  frames  over  the  bed,  and  cover  them  with  the  lights 
merely.  It  is  quite  unnecessary  to  have  any  linings  of  manure  or 
leaves.  Water  the  plants  only  so  far  as  to  prevent  dryness  of  the 
soil.  I  proceed  thus  until  the  middle  of  March.  A  fortnight  before 
that  time,  I  take  care  to  shade  the  glass  of  the  frames  by  painting 
it  with  a  solution  of  Spanish  white  in  water,  to  which  I  add  a  little 
milk.     This  I  find  the  simplest  and  best  kind  of  shading.     About  the 


210 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  13,  1873. 


15tb  of  March  I  take  off  the  lights,  and,  if  the  weather  is  mild,  the 
flower-buds  soon  appear,  and  are  quickly  followed  by  the  full  bloom. 
Stakes  are  seldom  necessary,  as  the  plants  do  not  grow  so  tall  in  the 
open  air  as  they  do  under  glass  ;  sometimes,  however,  they  are  found 
useful.  Of  Sparaxis  the  iinest  kinds  are  S.  Pavonia,  S.  pulcherrima, 
S.  tricolor,  and  S.  grandiflora,  and  of  these  there  are  numerous  and 
charming  varieties.  By  this  simple  mode  of  culture,  I  secure  a 
wonderfully  profuse  show  of  bloom.  As  soon  as  the  stems  begin  to 
dry,  I  cease  watering,  and  in  June  and  July  I  take  up  the  bulbs  and 
lay  thera  by  for  re-planting  iu  the  following  October.  These  beau- 
tiful flowers  only  open  well  in  the  full  sunshine.  If  they  arc  cut 
for  bouquets,  care  should  be  taken  that  the  vases  in  which  they  are 
placed  shall  be  set  in  that  part  of  the  room  where  they  will  receive 
the  greatest  amouut  of  light." 

The  following  descriptive  list  of  the  principal   varieties  of  these 
plants  may  be  useful  to  some  of  our  readers  : — 

Ixias. 


Achievement.  —  Flowers,    white, 

tinged  with  rose. 
Aimable.  —  Lemon-yellow,    with 

velvety  rose-coloured  centre. 
AUce. — Delicate  rose-colour. 
Alliance. —  Purple,  ■  streaked  with 

white. 
Aramis. — Pale  yellow,  with   rose- 
coloured  eye. 
Aspasia. —  White,     shading    into 

purple  ;  a  splendid  flower,  of  fine 

form. 
Anais. — Pale  maroon,  with  magenta 

centre. 
Aurantiaca   ^najor. — Yellow,  with 

black  centre. 
Atirora. —  Crimson,    shaded    with 

yellow. 
Brutus. — Yellow,  with  a  large  red- 
dish centre. 
Bucephahin. — Violet  crimson. 
Calypso. —  White,    streaked    with 

blue,  and  a  maroon  centre. 
Campana. — Pure  white ;  dark  red 

centre. 
Cwsar.  —  Yellow,    screaked    with 

purple ;  brilliant  centre. 
Cleopatra. —  White,    dotted    -with 

red ;  fine  black  centre. 
Conquerant.  —  Red,   shaded    with 

yeUow;  fine. 
Constance. —  Rich    yellow,     mixed 

with  red;   dark  centre;  flowers 

large. 
Cla/rus. —  Lemon-yellow,   streaked 

with  purple ;  centre  black ;  fine 

form. 
Crateroides. — Crimson. 
Cyrus. — Straw-colour ;  large  purple 

centre. 
Diana.  —  White  ;     large      purple 

centre. 
Distinction. — Lilac ;  violet  centre  ; 

flowers  semi-double,  late  bloom- 
ing. 
Elfrida. — White ;  brilliant  centre. 
Esther. —  Cream-coloured,    shaded 

with  crimson ;  fine, 
Evelina. —  White;    bi-illiant   rosy 

centre. 
Faune. —  Brilliant  orange,  shaded 

with  rose. 
Fidrjens. — Scarlet. 
Qem.  —  French     white;     purple 

centre. 
Oiant. — Light   rose,    changing  to 

purple. 
Olory.  —  Crimson  ;     large     black 

centre. 
OoldenDrop. — Handsome  yelljw  ; 

black  centre. 
G  ran  d  Duhe. — Straw  coloured ;  red 

■  centre. 
Hector. — Purple ;  flowersvery large. 
Hcrcule. — Rose  and  lilac. 
TsaheUa. — Lilac  and  white;    very 

fine. 


Josephine. — Brilliant  rose,  shaded 

with  white. 
Lady  Slade. — Brilliant  rose  ;  very 

effective. 
Luna. — Cream-coloured ;  dark  ma- 
roon centre. 
Longiflora  hyirida. — Pure  white; 

white  centre. 
Lucretius. — Purple,    shaded    with 

yellow  and  tinged  with  orange. 
Jl/at!o)ma.--White;  large  redcentre. 
Maynifica.  —  Rich    yellow  ;     dark 

centre. 
Mnjcstueuse.  —  Straw  -  coloured ; 

large  and  fine. 
Jlfarcifs.- -Cream-coloured,  streaked 

with  rose  ;  black  centre. 
Mars.  —  Deep    red,    shaded    with 

crimson  ;  black  centre. 
Mnrvellous.  —  BrUUaut     yellow; 

black  centre. 
Modele. — Straw-coloured. 
Nelsoni. — Straw-coloured,  streaked 

with  pm'ple. 
Nora. — Fine  white ;   brUUant  rose 

centre. 
Noscijaij. — White,  dotted  with  red ; 

crimson  centre. 
Pallas.  —  Cream  -  coloured  ;   large 

and  fine ;  one  of  the  best  varieties. 
P/ia)'aoji.--Salmon-colom'ed ;  black 

centre. 
Pra-stans. — Purplish  crimson ;  fine. 
Flatus. — Rich  yellow ;  black  centre. 
Purpurea  major.  —  Fine    purple  ; 

large. 
P.  striata. — Ditto,  streaked. 
P.  eleyans. — Rosy  purple. 
Rosalie. — White  ;  red  centre. 
Rosea. — Rose-coloured. 
R.  macnlata. — Spotted  with  rose. 
R.  multifiora. — BrLUiant  rose. 
R.  plena. — Rose ;  flowers  double. 
Safrano. — BrUUant  yellow,streaked 

"with  magenta. 
SciUa.. — Cream-coloured,    streaked 

■with  rose  ;  black  centre. 
Silas.  —  Cream-coloured;       deep 

crimson  centre. 
Snou'drop. — White;    blue   centre; 

one  of  the  finest. 
Sunbeam. — Orange,  streaked  with 

crimson  ;  very  fine. 
Titus. — YeUow  ;  maroon  centre. 
The  Bride. — White  ;  blue  centre. 
Triomphe.  —  Rose-coloured ;  bril- 
liant deep  yellow  centre. 
Feints. — Sulphur  yellow,  streaked 

or    dotted  with    rose ;    maroon 

centre. 
Yirgilo.  —  BrilUant  yeUow;    large 

black  centre. 
Tiridifiora. — Green ;  purpleoentre. 
Viola. — White ;    brilliant   crimson 

centre. 
Vulcain. — Crimson,    shaded    with 

orange. 


Bulhifera. 
Grandiflora. 
G.  striata. 


Sparaxis. 

Maculata. 

Pavonia. 

Pulcherrima. 


Purpurea  striata. 

Thunbergii. 

Tricolor. 


Babianas. 


Attraction. — Blue;  a  strong-grow- 
ing and  branching  variety. 

Bicolor. — Petals  alternately  white 
and  pale  blue. 


General  Scott. — Rosy  purple  mixed 

with  white. 
Pallida. — Pale  blue. 
Rosea  graiulis. — Rosy  purple. 
Villosa. — Blue. 


Tritonias. 


Aurea. — Golden  yellow. 
Bella. 
Crocata. 
Delicata. 
Eclair. - 
Eleonore. 
E.vimia. 
L'Avenir 
habit. 


—Saffron. 
— Pure  white. 
Brilliant  scarlet. 
Very  fine. 

-  Pale    orange ;     erect 


Leopold. — Rosy  orange ;  very  large 
flowers. 

Longijlora. 

Pallida. — Salmon-coloured. 

Pauline. — Rose-roloured ;  crimson 
centre. 

Rosalie.  —  Brilliant  rose;  semi- 
double. 

Rosea  longiflora. 


Polemonium  cseruleum  variegatum  as    an   Edging. — 

One  of  the  most  satisfactory  edging  or  band  plants  we  have  here  is 
this  Polemonium,  which,  although  perfectly  hardy,  is  but  rarely  met 
with  in  cultivation.  Notwithstanding  that,  its  beautifully  striped 
feathery  leaves  give  our  flower  garden  rather  a  unique  appearance.  It 
may  be  that  plants  to  bo  favourites  novv.a-days  must  be  easily 
procurable  in  quantities  ;  and,  unfortunately,  this  Polemonium  is  some, 
what  liable  to  damp  off  in  winter,  more  particularly  under  glass.  When 
kept  in  a  frame  during  winter,  the  glass  must  be  removed  every 
favourable  day,  for,  with  the  exception  of  having  wet  or  intense 
frost,  a  close  stagnant  atmosphere  is  all  that  need  be  guarded 
against.  I  have  seen  plants  lifted  from  the  beds  and  placed 
upou  the  surface  of  the  soil  under  a  wall,  surrounding  the 
roots  with  spent  tan,  to  be  continued  during  the  winter,  as  fresh 
as  possible  ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  provided  the  sub-soil  and  beds 
are  iierfectly  free  from  stagnant  moisture,  they  need  not  be  lifted 
froDi  the  beds  at  all.  Draw  away  about  an  inch  of  the  soil  from 
around  them,  and  surface-dress  with  finely-sifted  ashes,  pressing 
them  tightly  around  the  neck  or  collar  of  the  plants.  When  the 
latter  push  out  in  spring  they  may  be  divided  and  planted  where 
they  are  to  remain.  In  many  cases,  so  much  fostering  care  has,  I 
am  persuaded,  been  the  cause  of  failure  with  this  plant,  concerning 
the  culture  of  which,  when  more  plentiful  and  less  cared  for,  much 
of  the  apparent  difficulties  will  vanish,  and  instead  of  its  value  being 
18s.  per  dozen  it  will  scarcely  be  worth  as  many  pence. — Geo. 
Westland,  The  Gardens,  Witley  Court 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 


Celosia  Hu tt on ii.— Among  dark-leaved  bedding  plants  ihla  is  one  of  the 
best  I  have  seen  this  year.  It  is  compact  in  growth,  excellent  in  habit,  and 
could  be  used  anywhere  in  beds  or  borders  where  symmetry  is  a  consideration. 
—P.  W. 

AmarantUS  salicifolius-— Plants  of  this,  set  out  of  doors  in  Messrs.  Veitch's 
nursery,  are  now  beginning  to  assume  a  fine  orange-scarlet  hue,  and  to  be  very 
effective.  It  is  a  plant  of  easy  culture,  and  deserves  to  be  much  more  exten- 
sively grown  than  it  is. 

Phygelius  capensis. —  This  is  an  effective  plant  trained  in  sheltered 
positions  along  a  south  wall.  It  is  now  flowering  very  profusely  at  Kew, 
where  it  is  bearing  spikes  of  scarlet  tubular  flowers,  each  panicle  being 
considerably  over  a  foot  in  length.  It  is  also  a  valuable  plant  for  the 
herbaceous  border,  blooming,  as  it  does,  when  only  about  a  foot  high. — B. 

Veronica  Andersonii. — Plants  of  this  are  now  flowering  freely  in  every 
villa  garden,  in  which  some  of  them  reach  a  height  of  about  2  feet  6  inches, 
and  measure  about  the  same  in  breadth.  They  are  covered  with  scores  of  dark 
bluish-purple  flower-spikes,  which,  if  the  autumn  continues  mild,  will  keep  in 
beauty  until  near  Christmas. — P.  W. 

Pentstemons.— Ill  a  collection  of  these  now  in  bloom  at  Messrs.  E.  G.  Hen- 
derson's nursery,  Wellington  Road,  the  following  appeared  to  be  the  best,  viz  : 
Lafontaine.  a  bright  carmine-flowered  sort  with  a  white  throat,  Gustave  Aubert, 
and  Bridesmaid,  the  latter  nearly  a  pure  white.  These  are  dwarf  and  compact 
growers,  and  altogether  beautiful  varieties  either  for  borders  or  for  masses. — 
P.  Walla-CE. 

Worms  on  Lawns. — Can  you  kindly  recommend  me  anything  to  kill  worms 
on  a  lawn?  My  little  lawm  in  the  town  is  intcsted  with  them. — Clbbicus. 
[Dissolve  one  ounce  of  corrosive  sublimate  in  a  little  hot  water,  which  mix 
with  forty  gallons  of  cold  pump-water,  and  water  the  lawn  in  ihimp  weather, 
if  possible ;  or,  water  the  lawn  with  lime-water,  which  drives  the  worms  to  the 
surface,  when  they  may  be  crushed  by  a  heavy  roller.] 

Dampier's  Glory  Pea  (Clianthns  Dampieri).— This,  which  is  well-known 
to  cultivators  of  greenhouse  plants  as  one  of  the  most  difficult  of  all  plants  to 
grow  and  flower  successfully,  is  now  not  only  growing  vigorously,  but  is  also 
flowering  profusely  planted  out  and  trained  on  the  south  wall  of  the  Orchid 
houses  at  Kew  Its  foliage  is  very  fresh  and  silvery-looking,  and  a  few  days 
ago  the  plant  bore  four  perfect  clusters  of  its  crimson  and  blackish-purple 
blossoms. — B. 

Fruiting  and  Hardiness  of  Musa  Ensete.— You  have  lately  referred  to 
the  fruiting  of  this  Musa  in  the  open  air  at  Palermo.  In  lS6i  or  1865,  a  Musa 
Ensete  planted  oui  in  the  Pare  Monceaux  at  Paris  produced  a  magnificent 
bunch  of  fruit  which  ripened,  but,  unfortunately,  did  not  produce  fertile  seeds. 
After  that,  the  plant  naturally  died.  It  may  also  be  added  that  a  plant, 
planted  by  me  some  years  before  out  of  doors  at  La  Muette,  endured  the 
winter  merely  protected  with  planks  thatched  with  Moss. — E.  A. 


Skpt.  13,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


211 


THE     ARBORETU M. 

HARDY     TREES    AND     SHRUBS. 

By   GEORGE  GORDON,  A.L.S. 
ACEK   SIKKIJIENSE    (tUE    SIKKIM    MAPLE). 

This  forms  a  handsome  middle-sized  deciduous  tree,  with  a 
spreading  and  very  ramose  liead.  It  is  a  native  of  Bhootau 
and  Siickini,  in  Eastern  Nepaul,  where  it  is  found  at  an  elevation 
of  from  6,000  to  9,000  feet ;  it  was  first  introduced  in  1857. 
The  leaves  are  broadly  ovate,  tapering  to  a  long  acute  point, 
three-ribbed,  rounded  and  cordate  at  the  base,  slightly 
crenated  or  entire  on  the  edges,  smooth  on  both  surfaces,  of  a 
deep  glossy  green  above,  and  on  rather  short  footstalks,  and, 
just  before  they  fall  off  in  the  autumn,  turn  to  a  deep  yellow 
tinted  with  red.  The  flowers  are  small,  greenish-yellow,  and 
are  produced  in  long,  dense,  terminal,  nodding  spikes  in  May. 


Leaf  of  the  Sikkim  Maple. 

The  keys  or  fruit  are  small,  glabrous,  and  in  long,  dense,  ter- 
minal, pendulous,  simple  racemes ;  the  carpels  are  rounded, 
and  the  wings  straight  on  the  back  and  slightly  extended. 
The  leiigth  of  a  full-sized  leaf  is  8  inches  including  the  foot- 
stalk, which  is  about  li  inch  long,  and  the  lireadth  is  3  j  inches. 
Its  synonyms  are  Acer  Griffithii  and  cordifolium. 


CURIOSITIES  OP  TREE-PLAETING. 
A  ruovERB  of  north-west  India  declares  that  three  things  make  a 
man  to  he  truly  a  man — to  have  a  son  boi'n  to  him,  to  dig  a  well, 
and  to  plant  a  tree.  It  is  impossible  for  the  untravelled  Englishman 
to  realise  the  misery  of  a  treeless  country.  Europe  has  no  natural 
deficiency  of  trees  ;  hence  church-building  took  the  jjlace  of  the  old 
Aryan  tree-planting,  as  an  act  of  piety  to  God,  and  of  duty  to  the 
future,  in  the  counsels  of  the  early  Christian  teachers  of  the 
European  nations.  Both  in  East  and  West,  trees  were  no  doubt  the 
first  temples,  and  the  planting  of  groves  was  the  primitive  form  of 
church  building.     Abraham,  we  are  told,  planted  a  grove  in  Beer. 


sheba,  to  commemorate  his  solemn  covenant ;  but  amongst  his 
descendants  it  became  in  time  the  mark  of  a  pious  ruler  to  "  cut 
down  the  groves,"  as  the  seats  of  pagan  worship ;  the  mark  of  a 
careless  ruler  to  leave  them  untouched;  and  the  mark  of  an  impious 
ruler  to  plant  and  dedicate  new  groves.  It  is  not  hard  to  find 
reasons  why  the  grove  naturally  became  the  first  temple.  Men  were 
no  doubt  impressed  by  the  hoary  age  of  trees  compared  with  the 
short  life  of  man.  A  tree  was  often  the  centre  around  which  each 
succeeding  generation  deposited  its  traditions — a  visible  bond  uniting 
the  departed  with  the  living,  and  the  living  with  the  unborn.  The 
cool  grateful  shade  of  trees  was  a  natural  type  of  the  graoiousuess 
the  worshippers  sought  for  from  the  power  they  worshipped — • 
especially  in  eastern  lands,  where  shadow  is  so  precious  and  so 
exceptional.  The  yearly  new  birth  and  death  of  their  foliage  was  a 
national  symbol  of  human  life.  The  darkness  and  density  of  the 
grove,  we  must  add,  hid  the  obscenities  and  cruelties  which  belonged 
to  the  darker  developments  of  heathen  worship. 

Mr.  Ruskin  has  spoken  to  us  moderns  upon  the  obligation  of  plant- 
ing trees  as  a  part  of  our  duty  to  the  future.  No  doubt  the  family 
and  the  tribe,  as  well  as  religion,  were  present  to  the  mind  of  the 
earliest  planters  of  trees,  for  priest,  king,  and  father  were  combined 
iu  the  planter's  person.  Some  of  the  conditions  of  primitive  life  are 
repeated,  with  a  difference,  in  the  new  lands  of  the  West ;  and  we 
have  a  recollection  of  some  very  Ruskin. like  remarks  on  tree-planting 
as  a  duty,  which  appeared  three  or  four  years  ago  in  that  most  appro- 
IJriato  organ  of  a  people  believing  in  itself,  the  excellent  Ovei-land 
Montlihj  of  San  Francisco.  California  has  trees,  we  all  know :  we 
have  heard  something  of  their  gigantic  girth .  But  the  gi-eatest  part 
of  those  it  has  are  everlastingly  green ;  or,  as  the  writer  puts  it, 
"  exempt  from  that  alternation  of  decay  which  brings  around  those 
yearly  lessons  so  wholesome  to  every  man,  to  remind  him  of  that 
which  shall  be  hereafter  :  there  is  not  that  most  musical,  most  melan- 
choly, rhythm  of  decay  which  ripens  all  that  is  divinest  of  the  heart," 
He  counsels  every  Californian  to  plant  (as  his  own  protest  against 
the  too  brisk  and  business-like  character  of  Californian  life)  ' '  a  decid- 
uous tree,  just  for  the  leaves;  and  when  they  are  falling,"  says  he, 
"let  him  sit  under  it  and  dream  a  little."  It  is  rather  a  long  and 
roundabout  method  of  delivering  one's  self,  or  society,  from  mammon- 
worship  ;  but,  as  there  is  some  natural  deficiency  of  such  trees  in 
California,  he  gives  the  advice  of  a  very  ancient  type  of  patriarch 
and  patriot,  when  he  says  :  "  Let  every  Californian,  like  Laertes,  plant 
his  new-born  son  a  row  of  trees ;  and  every  bevy  of  maidens,  like  the 
companions  of  Helen,  devote  to  the  bride  a  Sycamore."  Any  one  who 
has  seen  the  happy  thousands  of  the  poorest  of  Londoners  dancing, 
playing,  eating,  and  drinking  under  the  shadow  of  the  noble  Elms  ia 
Greenwich  Park,  on  Easter-Monday  or  Whitsuu-Monday,  must  be 
brought  to  confess  that  Charles  II.  did  at  least  make  some  good  pro- 
vision for  the  English  nation.  Evelyn  tells  us  that  he  planted  these 
trees  (little  dreaming,  indeed,  of  their  future  use)  in  the  third  year 
after  the  Restoration. 

When  an  Englishman  who  has  been  long  absent  from  his  father- 
land again  catches  his  fii'st  glimpse  of  its  road. sides  and  fields 
through  the  windows  of  a  railway  carriage,  perhaps  nothing  strikes 
him  so  forcibly  as  the  picturesqueness  and  the  sparseness  of  the  trees. 
He  has  seen  trees  in  level  lands  stretching  for  miles  like  a  thin 
diaphanous  wall  in  dull  uniformity  :  now  he  sees  them  merely  dotted 
here  and  there  upon  the  landscape,  but  each  tree  is  more  or  less  of 
a  picture  in  itself.  Or  he  has  seen  in  mountain  lands  every  spot  of 
available  earth  seized  upon  to  supply  life  to  a  Cherry  tree,  a  Walnut 
tree,  a  Pear  tree  :  he  has  seen  fruit  trees  everywhere  lining  the  roads 
and  fields,  instead  of  hedges,  and  probably  wondered  if  English  lads 
could  pass  to  and  fro  every  day  under  luscious  Cherries  or  Pears  and 
leave  them  untasted ;  now  he  sees  nothing  but  solitary  trees,  or  scat, 
tered  groups,  which  look  as  if  they  had  planted  themselves  out  of 
whim  or  playfulness  just  where  they  pleased,  not  one  of  which  can 
bring  any  money  to  its  proprietor  except  by  its  destruction.  Give  a 
German  or  Swiss  Bauer  the  tenancy  of  an  English  farm,  and  he  would 
at  once  begin  to  arrange  himself  an  orchard  out  of  the  mere  unused 
corners  and  slices  of  land  he  would  almost  certainly  find  in  its  fields 
and  along  its  boundary-lines.  I  must  leave  it  to  the  adepts  to 
determine  whether  he  would  show  himself  a  good  or  bad  agri- 
culturist by  his  activity. 

Tree-planting  has,  in  fact,  retained  in  Germany  longer  than  else, 
where  something  of  its  cult  character,  binding  together  religion, 
nation,  and  family.  In  the  Vosgesen,  the  old  German  farmers  were 
not  allowed  to  marry  until  they  had  done  something  for  the  future 
good  of  the  tribe  by  planting  a  stated  number  of  Walnut  trees. 
When  the  amiable  and  liberal  Oberlin  was  pastor  of  Wildbach,  in  the 
Steinthal,  he  set  forward  this  old  custom  of  tree-planting  as  a 
Christian  duty. 

The  asking  of  a  distinguished  guest  to  plant  a  tree  is  a  pleasant 
way  of  commemorating  his  visit.     We  do  not  know  that  it  is  much 


212 


THE  GAitDElNT. 


[Sept.  13, 18?  3. 


used  here.  In  1852  the  Oratoriau  poet,  F.  W.  Faber,  was  visited  at 
St.  Mary's,  Sydenham,  by  Prince  Massimo  and  Cardinal  Wiseman, 
each  of  whom  left  behind  him  the  record  of  his  visit  in  a  tree  of  his 
own  planting.  According  to  the  German  fancy,  no  tree  planted  as 
a,  memorial  will  grow  and  flonrish  unless  it  has  a  motto  given  it  at 
the  time  of  its  planting.  When  the  late  Baron  Bunsen  was  visiting 
Lepsius  at  Berlin  in  1857,  the  antiquary  requested  him  to  plant  a 
young  Oak  in  his  beautiful  garden.  "  I  held  the  tree,"  writes 
Bauscn,  **  while  the  earth  was  thrown  over  its  vigorous  roots,  and  I 
said,  ill  giving  the  name — 

'  Oak,  I  plant  thee.     Grow  in  beauty ;   straight  and  iirm  and  vigorous 

stand! 
Bunsen  is  the  name  I  give  thee  :  flourish  in  the  German  land. 
For  the  house  of  Lepsius  blooming,  through  the  storms  grow  fair  and 

free, 
And  a  shelter  in  the  noonday  to  his  children's  children  be ! '  " 

One  of  his  sons  planted  at  the  same  time  a  Weymouth  Pine,  to  which 
they  fastened  the  accommodating  German  motto,  "  Woune-Muth  " 
(joj-ful  courage).  Tree-planting  is  as  necessary  a  part  in  many 
Gorman  rejoicings  as  it  has  been  of  French  I'ejoicings  during  each 
Revolution  epoch.  The  Trees  of  Liberty,  however,  were  often 
planted  to  die — actually  as  well  as  metaphorically.  I  have  seen 
trees  of  this  kind,  stripped  of  all  but  a  crown  of  leaves,  planted  in 
German  Switzerland  to  mark  a  local  festival.  The  poor  people  of 
the  village  of  Cleversnlzbach  gathered  together,  on  the  10th  of 
November,  1859,  round  the  grave  of  Schiller's  mother,  and  marked 
the  birthday  of  her  son  by  planting  a  Lime  tree  "in  the  soil  that 
covers  the  heart  that  loved  him  best."  When  the  parish  priest  of 
Starrkireh,  in  the  German  canton  of  Solothurn,  was  excommunicated, 
his  parishioners  planted  a  tree  opposite  his  parsonage  with  the  very 
determined  motto,  Dem  Pfarrer  zum  Schutz,  Rom  zum  Tnitz. 

In  different  iiarts  of  our  own  country  we  may  come  across  trees — 
in  Sherwood,  indeed,  across  entire  woods — planted  to  commemorate 
national  events.  But  our  English  tree-plantings  have  long  been 
mainly  the  work  of  individuals,  and  not  of  communities.  A  tree 
planted  in  Lord  Kollo's  garden  at  Duncrub,  to  commemorate  the 
union  of  England  and  Scotland  in  1707,  a  Fir,  80  feet  high,  and  18 
feet  in  girth,  was  blown  down  in  the  gale  of  March,  1866.  The 
greatest  day  of  commemorative  tree-planting  ever  known  in  England 
was  probably  the  first  anniversary  of  the  Restoration,  May  2yth, 
1661.  The  letters  from  different  to\vns  in  the  •'  Mercurius  Publicus  " 
and  the  "King's  Intelligencer"  of  that  year,  contain  accounts  of 
such  plantings.  Many  of  these,  however,  were,  like  the  Trees  of 
Liberty,  planted  only  to  last  as  long  as  the  festival.  In  one  letter 
from  Halesworth,  in  Snii'olk,  the  "own  correspondent"  of  the  period 
writes  ;  "  The  number  of  trees  that  were  planted  in  the  town  was 
so  great  that  it  perfectly  resembled  an  artificial  forest.  The  whole 
town  lay  under  so  absolute  a  disguise  that  the  inhabitants  knew  not 
t'aoir  own  houses." — "  Mercurius  Publicus,"  June  6th,  No.  2.3. 
The  wholesale  commemorative  planting  in  the  Sherwood  district 
marks  victories  gained  by  our  famous  admirals.  Lord  Newark 
planted  twenty-five  acres,  partly  forest  trees  and  partly  Fir,  and  called 
it  Howe's  Grove,  in  honour  of  Earl  Howe's  great  victory.  A  planta- 
tion of  15  acres,  adjoining  Thoresby  Park,  is  called  after  Earl  St. 
Vincent ;  and  twelve  acres  on  the  north  boundary  of  Badby  Forest, 
celebrate  Lord  Duncan.  In  other  parts  of  the  Sherwood  district 
gi-eat  plantations  bear  the  names  of  Nelson,  St.  Vincent,  Howe,  and 
Spencer — the  last  in  honour  of  the  nobleman  who  then  presided  at 
the  Admiralty,  and  to  whose  judicious  arrangement  of  the  fleet  the 
English  successes  were  in  part  attributed. 

Individual  trees  planted  by  famous  men  are  still  to  be  seen  by  the 
pilgrims  who  visit  their  homes  and  haunts.  In  the  last  century  there 
was  Quite  a  fashion  for  planting  Willows.  It  is  said  that  the  first 
Weeping  Willow  seen  in  England  was  sent  to  the  poet  Pope,  as  a 
present  from  Turkey,  by  his  friend  Lady  Mary  Wortley  Montagu, 
and  planted  by  him  in  his  garden  at  Twickenham.  It  is  the  famous 
Salix  babylonica  of  the  Psalter,  upon  which,  on  the  banks  of 
Euphrates,  the  weeping  daughters  of  Jerusalem  hung  their  harps. 
Garrick  planted  two  Willows  on  his  lawn  beside  his  Shakespeare 
Temple ;  in  the  midst  of  a  thxmderstorm,  which  destroyed  one  of 
them,  the  pious  and  devoted  widow  of  the  great  actor  was  se.en 
running  up  and  down  excitedly,  crying  out :  "  Oh,  my  Garrick !  Oh, 
my  Garrick!"  The  Willow  known  as  Dr.  Johnson's  Willow,  at 
Lichfield,  was  blown  down  long  ago  ;  it  was  .said  in  the  Ga.nleners' 
Ma^/aziiie  to  have  been  planted  by  him,  but  it  is  more  probable  that 
his  admiration  and  talk  of  it  developed  the  legend  of  his  planting  it. 
At  the  time  of  its  destruction,  it  was  13  feet  in  girth.  Pieces  of 
household  furniture  and  snuff-boxes  were  made  of  it ;  and  slips  from 
it  were  planted  by  his  admirers  throughout  the  neighbouring 
country ;  an  off-set  of  the  old  tree  was  planted  on  the  same  site. 
Thomas  Moore  tel's  us,  that  when  Byron  first  went  to  Newstead 
Abbey  from  Aberdeen,  at  the  ago  of  "ten,  he   planted  a  young  Oak 


in  some  part  of  the  grounds.  He  had  a  notion,  or  thought  he  had, 
that  as  it  flourished,  so  should  he.  Six  or  seven  years  later,  on 
revisiting  the  spot,  he  found  his  Oak  choked  np  with  weeds,  and 
almost  dead. 

Dr.  Johnson's  case  throws  light  upon  many  legendary  tree-plant- 
ings  at  a  greater  distance  from  ns  in  time.  The  Mulberry  tree  in  the 
beautiful  gardens  of  Christ  College,  Cambridge,  owed  its  defensive 
bands  of  lead,  and  its  props,  to  the  legend  that  it  was  planted  by 
Milton.  There  is  an  Oak  in  the  gardens  of  the  convent  of  St.  Onophrio, 
at  Rome,  in  which  Tasso  died,  which  has  long  been  said  to  have  been 
planted  by  the  poet :  some  of  the  monks,  however,  have  begun  to 
ascribe  its  planting  to  the  more  saintly  hands  of  St.  Philip  Neri. 
Mery  planted  in  Rossini's  garden  at  Passy  two  slips  of  Laurel,  one 
taken  from  a  tree  growing  at  Tasso's  tomb  at  St.  Onophrio,  the  other  at 
Virgil's  tomb  near  Naples  ;  a  crown  of  Laurel,  foi-med  from  these  two 
trees,  was  placed  upon  the  composer's  cofiin.  Legend  will  no  doubt, 
in  course  of  time,  attribute  the  planting  of  the  trees  to  Rossini.  Tho 
noble  Yew-hedge  in  the  parsonage  garden  at  Bishopsboume,  in  Kent, 
is  now  said  (so  the  Dean  of  Westminster  stated  in  his  recent  sermon  on 
Hooker)  to  have  been  planted  by  the  greatest  of  English  theologians. 
The  planting  of  an  Orange  tree  in  the  convent  of  Sabina,  in  Rome,  is 
now  attributed  to  St.  Dominic,  in  the  year  1200  ;  and  another  Orange 
tree  in  the  convent  of  Fondi,  to  the  famous  Dominican,  St.  Thomas 
Aquinas,  in  1278. — Chambers' s  Journal. 


Derivation  of  the  name  Horse  Chestnut. — Messrs.  Grindon 
and  Salmoniceps  (see  p.  152)  take  me  to  task  for  assuming  that  the 
"mark  of  a  horse-shoe"  is  the  rightful  derivation  of  the  word 
"  Horse  Chestnut,"  whereas  I  merely  claimed  that  this  derivation 
was  new  to  me,  and  less  "  far-fetched  "  than  the  two  given  by  London, 
and  in  this  I  think  many  people  will  agree  with  me.  The  origin  of 
names  popularly  applied  to  plants  has  generally  some  foundation,  sucli 
as  the  likeness  of  an  animal,  or  part  of  an  animal,  or  its  being  the  food 
of  some  particular  animal.  But  I  grant  that  most  of  the  "  horsy" 
things  enumerated  by  these  gentlemen  are  large,  rough,  coarse, 
rude,  and  unfit  for  human  food,  and  as  such  take  the  prefix  "  horse," 
and  I  see  no  valid  reason  why  Horse  Chestnut  should  not  be  of  the 
number,  although  I  think  they  would  find  it  hard  to  prove  it.  Were 
I  inclined  to  be  facetious,  I  should  claim  to  have  found  tho  true 
mare's  nest,  by  the  print  of  her  foot  left  on  the  branches  while 
roosting  there. — Pkederick  Palmer,  Versailles. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


Indigofera  floribunda. — This  is  now  producing  hundreds  of  pink  spikelets 
of  flowers  at  Messrs.  Veitch's,  and  only  requires  to  be  seen  to  become  popular. 
As  an  open-wall,  alcove,  and  even  as  a  border,  autumn-flowering  plant  it  has 

few  equals. — W.  P. 

Crataegus  DIacNabiana.  —  This  Tfaom,  which  I  saw  the  other  day  at 
Messrs.  Osborn's,  has  not  yet  flowered,  as  far  as  I  know,  but  its  leaves  are 
large  and  Oak-like,  and  quite  distinct  from  anything  in  the  way  of  Thorns 
with  which  I  am  acquainted.— P. 

Pyramidal  Trees.— Messrs.  Osborn  have  a  pyramidal -growing  Tulip  tree 
(Lii-iodendron  tuUpiferum  fastig^iatum)  which  promises  to  be  a  desideratum. 
They  have  also  a  pyramidal  mowing  variety  of  Acer  Lobelii,  and  a  pyramidal 
Plane  tree  (Platanus  occidentalis  pyramidahs),  all  of  which  look  as  if  they 
would  prove  useful  additions  to  trees  of  that  character. — W. 

Hibiscus  syriacns. — No  shrub,  or  rather  small  tree,  with  which  I  am 
acquainted  is  now  so  beautifully  in  bloom  as  this.  It  forms  a  fine  contrast  to 
the  dull  sombre  foliage  by  which  it  is  everywhere  surrounded.  There  are 
several  varieties  of  this  hardy  autumn-flowering  Hibiscus.  Surely  some  of  them 
should  be  introduced  into  shrubberies  for  the  sake  of  variety. — P."  Wallace. 

The  Beech  in  Italy. — Magnificent  natural  Beech  groves  occupy  the  very 
highest  points  in  many  parts  of  the  Appennines  ;  relics  of  them  may  be  found 
even  on  the  Monte  Sant'  Angelo,  near  Naples  ;  they  exist  on  a  far  larger  scale 
in  the  Sila  of  Calabria,  where  Professor  Schouw,  the  Danish  botanist,  found  the 
counterpart  of  his  own  Baltic  vegetation ;  in  wild  Corsica  they  topple  on  the 
summits  of  the  loftiest  granite  precipices,  far  above  the  Pine  forests  which  are 
braced  round  the  middle  of  the  mountains. — The  PUgrimige  of  the  Tiber. 

Willow  leaves. — I  send  you  specimens  of  two  different  kinds  of  Willow 
leaves  both  gathered  from  one  tree.  Are  such  variations  common  ?— A.  D, 
[It  is  a  mistake  to  suppose  that  the  two  specimens  of  leaves  sent  are  the  produce 
of  the  same  plant,  as  the  small  bit  with  the  narrow  leaves  belongs  to  the  Rose 
Willow  (S.  Helix),  the  large  leaves  to  the  Grey  Sallow  (S.  cinerea).  The  mistake 
may  have  arisen  from  a  seedling  Rose  Willow  having  sprang  up  in  a 
decayed  part  of  the  other,  an  occurence  not  at  all  uncommon. — G.  Gobdoit.] 

Do  Laurustinuses  smell  offensively  ?— This  question  has  reference  to  an 
extract  taken  from  a  report  of  a  meeting  of  the  Malvern  Local  Board  of  Health, 
held  on  the  29th  of  July  last,  and  which  is  as  follows: — "The  Inspector  of 
Nuisances  reported  that  he  had  received  complaints  respecting  an  offensive 
smell  near  Abbey  Villa,  but  was  unable  to  discover  any  nuisance.  The  Chair- 
man said  that  it  had  been  found  that  the  smells  complained  of  did  not  proceed 
from  the  sewers  but  from  the  Lam'estine  hedges.  Any  one  who  took  particular 
notice  would  find  that  at  times  very  unpleasant  smells  proceeded  from  those 
shrubs."  Now,  what  I  wish  to  know  is,  whether  or  not  there  are  any  good 
grounds  for  this  statement,  and  I  shall  feel  obliged  by  some  of  j'oar 
correspondents  furnishing  me  with  information  on  the  subject. — C.  Bctleb. 


Sept.  13,  1873.] 


TUB   GARDEN. 


213 


rLOWER-GARDENING  IN  THE  PAEC  MONCEAUX. 
Amoug  all  the  public  gardens  in  Paris  this  is  one  of  the  most 
interesting,  and  one  now,  when  both  bedding  and  sub-tropical 
plants  arc  at  their  best,  well  worth  a  visit.  Like  most  other 
Parisian  gardens,  it  possesses  fine  undulating  breadths  of  fresh 
green  turf,  and  it  is  also  well  wooded.  Pew  English  gardeners 
.are  aware  of  the  trouble  experienced  across  the  channel  in 
keeping  turf  moist  and  green ;  it  is  kept  regularly  watered 
during  the  hot  weather  with  the  hose,  which  is  an  indispen- 
sable adjunct  to  every  French  gardeu,  and  one  on  which  the 
success  of  French  gardening  in  a  great  measure  depends.  The 
Pare  Moneeaux  is  not  very  extensive,  but  the  extreme  breadth 
of  treatment  to  which  it  has  been  subjected,  and  the  judicious 
arrangement  of  the  trees  and  shrubs,  make  ample  amends  for 
the  want  of  space.  The  shubberies  are  in  many  eases  margined 
with  belts  of  flowering  and  foliage  bedding  pl.ants,  while 
isolated  groups  of  Yuccas,  Ficus,  Aralia,  and  other  sub-tropical 
plants  break  up  and  relieve  the  formal  edges  so  commonly  met 
with  in  borders  and  shrubbery  margins  generally.  The  flower- 
beds are  placed  singly  or  in  groups  without  any  regard  to 
mere  formal  or  geometrical  design  ;  still  they  are  vcrj-  effective 
without   in  any  case  becoming  obtrusive.     One  of  (he  most 


vigorously,  and  is  one  of  the  most  graceful  plants  that  can 
be  used  for  warm  positions  on  lawns  or  sheltered  bays  along 
the  margins  of  shrubberies.  A  well-grown  mass  of 
Anthuriura  macrorhizum  and  Panicum  sulcatum  is  striking, 
while  the  many  tropical  plants  here  arranged  outside  aft'ord 
an  excellent  illustration  of  the  success  to  be  attained  by 
judiciously  planting  out  many  of  our  fine-foliaged  stove- 
plants  during  the  summer  months.  Erythrinas  are  quite 
at  home  here,  and  arc  now  bearing  bright  coral-coloured 
flowers  in  luxuriant  profusion.  This  plant  does  tolerably  well 
planted  out  during  our  hottest  summers,  and  it  is  one  of  the 
most  distinct  and  beautiful  of  all  plants  for  pot  culture, 
though  much  neglected  for  that  purpose  now.  Three  small 
round  beds,  planted  with  silvery  variegated  Dahlias  edged 
with  Coleus  Queen  Victoria,  looked  pretty ;  but  Dahlias 
generally  do  not  succeed  well  about  Paris.  Un  a  grassy  knoll 
I  observed  a  collection  of  Agaves  arranged  with  good  effect, 
and  among  them  one  or  two  specimens  are  throwing  up 
strong  flower-spikes.  Several  of  the  beds  are  carpeted  with 
Selaginella  hortensis,  which,  at  some  little  distance  off,  can 
scarcely  be  distinguished  from  the  turf.  This  grows  quite 
freely,  and  gives  a  neat  finish  to  the  beds,  besides  keeping 


The  Drive  in  the  Pare  Moneeaux. 


effective  beds  or  masses  which  I  have  seen  for  a  long  time  is 
a  large  group  of  Acer  Negundo  variegatum  near  the  centre  of 
the  park.  This  can  be  seen  from  nearly  every  point,  and  lights 
up  the  whole  place  with  its  snowy  foliage.  The  base  of  this 
bed  is  planted  with  a  belt  of  purple  Phlox,  which  mingling,  as  it 
does,  with  the  white  foliage  adds  considerably  to  the  brilliancy 
of  the  effect  while  the  whole  arrangement  is  very  materially 
enhanced  by  a  broad  margin  of  Pelargonium  Stella  pro- 
fusely covered  with  large  trusses  of  deep  scarlet  flowers. 
Most  of  the  beds  here  are  oblong  Ln  shape,  and  very  simply 
arranged,  though  not  necessarily  ineffective  on  that  account. 
Sub-tropical  plants  have  done  remarkably  well  here  during 
the  past  hot  weather,  and  some  of  the  leaves  on  a  plant  of 
Caladium  esculentum  measured  3  feet  in  length  by  2  feet  6 
inches  in  breadth.  A  fine  mass  of  this  Caladium,  near  one  of 
the  gates,  looked  remarkably  healthy,  and  was  neatly  bordered 
with  a  belt  of  Iresine  Herbstii.  When  in  a  sheltered  position 
on  a  warm  moist  soil,  few  plants  are  more  effective  than  this. 
Several  beds  and  masses  of  hybrid  flowering  Begonias  are 
looking  extremely  well,  and  B.  Bex,  on  a  dense  carpet  of 
Alyssum,  was  producing  fine  new  leaves,  and  looked  as  fresh 
and  as  healthy  as  if  in  a  plant  stove,  instead  of  being  fully 
exposed    in    the    open  air.     Bambusa    gracilis    also    gi'ows 


the  surface  moist  without  the  litter  and  trouble  attending  the 
use  of  mulching;  still  both  have  their  own  special  advantages. 
A  large  mass  of  Madlle.  Nilsson  Pelargonium  (rosy-pink), 
mixed  with  Madme.  A^auchcr  (white),  edged  with  a  band  of 
Harry  Hieover  (fiery-scarlet)  made  an  effective  combination ; 
and  a  pair  of  oblong  beds  filled  in  the  centre  with  a  dwarf 
free-flowering  Erythrinaand  Gaura  Liudheimeri  mixed,  looked 
very  pretty  edged  with  the  old  Gazania  splendens,  a  very 
effective  plant  in  hot  bright  seasons.  Groups  of  Aralias, 
Gum  trees,  and  variegated  Yuccas  are  judiciously  arranged 
here  and  there,  giving  variety  and  interest  to  the  grassy 
slopes;  while  two  or  three  plants  of  the  large-leaved  Musa 
Ensete  are  in  a  most  flourishing  condition.  Cannas 
luxuriate  here  both  in  beds  and  in  isolated  clumps,  and 
Bocconia  (Macleaya)  cordata.  Castor-oil  plants,  Pampas 
Grass,  Draca3nas,  and  Palms  are  everywhere  noticeable 
on  account  of  their  health  and  freshness.  A  fine  new 
ornamental  Grass — Gymnothrix  latifolia — is  here  growing 
luxuriantly,  forming  dense  green  masses  of  foliage  6  feet  high, 
and  half  as  much  in  diameter.  This  plant  is  worthy  of  careful 
culture,  and,  though  not  quite  hardy,  its  roots  can  be  removed 
with  a  ball  and  stored  away  in  a  shed,  or,  better  still,  in  a 
cellar  where  frost  is  excluded,  and  where  the  temperature  is 


214 


THE   GAEDBN. 


[Sept.  13, 1873. 


equable.  Lantanas  are  compact  iu  habit,  and  flower  very  pro- 
fusely, much  more  freely  than  when  grown  indoors,  either  as 
masses  or  as  individual  specimens.  One  or  two  beds  are  here 
planted  with  them  with  excellent  effect,  and  some  standai'ds 
on  a  sloping  shrubbery  Ijorder  mixed  with  Blue  Lcadwort — 
(Plumbago  capensis),  and  backed  with  Erythrinas,  were  very 
remarkable.  A  fine  mass  of  Papyrus  antiquorum  formed  a 
novel  feature,  and  looked  fresh  and  healthy.  It  is  fringed  at 
the  base  with  Cyperus  alternifolius  on  a  carpet  of  Begonias. 
Several  beds  of  the  scarlet-flowered  Hibiscus  sinensis  were 
blooming  freely,  and  one  mass  edged  with  white-flowered 
Petunias,  was  very  striking.  One  of  the  most  effective  beds 
in  the  park  is  an  oblong  mass  of  Coleus  Queen  Victoria,  mixed 
with  Begonia  nitida  and  edged  with  belts  of  Coleus  Verschaf- 
feltii  and  Blue  Lobelia.  This  formed  a  charming  an-angcment. 
Another  striking  group  consisted  of  Ficus  macrophylla  on  a 
carpet  of  the  silvery-foliaged  Gnaphalium  lanatum.  A  large 
mass  of  mixed  sub-tropical  plants,  in  a  shady  position, 
was  very  effective,  several  Dicksonias  being  among  them, 
with  stems  neatly  covered  with  Moss,  so  as  to  keep  them 
moist.  Nearly  every  day  these  beds  and  clumps  of  sub- 
tropical plants  are  sprinkled  with  the  hose,  a  system  that  not 
only  preserves  them  fresh  and  free  from  dust,  but  also  keeps 
them  well  supplied  with  moisture  at  the  root.  Not  the  least 
interesting  feature  in  this  ]5ark  is  its  collection  of  trees,  some 
of  which  are  of  considerable  age.  It  consists  for  the  most 
part  o£  Elms,  Limes,  Chestnuts,  and  a  few  Acacias,  Poplars, 
and  Willows.  The  trees  are  judiciously  arranged  in  bold 
masses,  and  the  different  shades  of  green,  from  the  light  tint 
of  the  Acacias  to  the  deeper  hues  of  the  Elms  and  Chestnuts, 
stand  out  clear  and  bright  beneath  the  blue  sky  so  constant 
here  all  through  the  summer  months.  The  light  feathery- 
foliagcd  Acacias  are  a  speciality  about  Paris,  possessing,  as 
they  do,  a  lighter  tint  of  green  than  any  other  tree. 

Taken  as  a  whole,  the  park  is  extremely  interesting,  and 
forms  an  agreeable  promenade  to  thousands  of  Parisians  durmg 
the  summer  and  autumn  months.  Here,  as  elsewhere,  in 
French  public  gardens  I  noticed  an  absence  of  the  railings 
and  fences  so  absurdly  conspicuous  in  our  public  parks  aljout 
London.  F.  W.  Bukbidge. 


BAD  TASTE  IN  FLOWER-GARDENING. 
It  occurs  to  us  that  one  of  the  greatest  evils  by  which  our  gardens 
of  the  present  day  are  characterised,  speaking  generally,  is  sameness, 
and  the  utter  want  in  so  many  cases  of  recognising  and  acting  on  the 
distinctive  natural  capabilities  of  individual  sites  on  which  dwelling- 
houses  are  built  and  gardens  laid  out ;  bnt  instead  of  this,  a  complete 
want  of  harmony  between  the  natural  position  and  the  gardens  them- 
selves is  produced.  This,  in  the  first  instance,  and  the  complete 
obliteration  of  all  repose  in  the  grounds,  by  trying  to  crowd  every 
known  thing  in  gardening  and  garden  design  into  a  given  space 
which  may  only  be  adapted  tor  one  or  more  properly  carried  out,  is 
one  of  the  greatest  monstrosities  of  the  present  day.  The  trying  to 
copy  in  a  small  garden  what  is  only  adapted  for  a  large  one  is  produc. 
tive  of  an  abortion.  It  appears  to  us  that  that  the  most  objectionable 
thing  in  relation  to  small  gardens  is  the  entire  destruction  of  anything 
like  repose  in  the  attempt  to  crowd  too  much  into  small  places. 
This  vain  attempt  to  copy  from  other  and  quite  o}>posite  places  every 
conceivable  feature,  where  only  one,  or  at  most  a  few,  would  be 
appropriate,  fritters  out  of  existence  that  easy  grace  and  repose  for 
which  nothing  else  can  make  up.  From  such  gardens  it  is  a  great 
relief  to  escape  to  the  open  common  or  park,  to  look  on  a  stately  tree 
or  graceful  shrub  standing  free  from  some  trumpery  accompaniment 
which  mars  so  much  their  beauty.  Many  illustrations  could  be 
given  of  grounds  that  might  otherwise  be  massive  and  imposing,  but 
which  have  been  tortured  into  unmeaning  masses  by  a  crowd  of 
intricate  and  puerile  designs  and  combinations.  Perhaps  no  more 
striking  illustration  of  the  utter  want  of  ease  and  repose  in  any  one 
portion  of  a  garden  could  be  be  cited  than  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Gardens  at  South  Kensington ;  viewed  from  any  point  that  can  be 
chosen,  there  is  not  one  single  feature  of  ease  and  rejiose.  The 
space  is  besmeared  all  over  with  intricate  designing,  and  it  scarcely 
ranks  in  respect  of  merit  with  a  modem  cemetery.  In  the  centre  of 
the  Royal  Botanic  Garden  iu  the  Regent's  Park,  and  looking  either 
to  or  from  the  large  conservatory,  there  is,  on  the  other  hand,  to  be 
found  that  breadth  and  repose,  surrounded  by  easy  and  graceful 
lines,  which  to  our  mind  are  worth  a  thousand  ginger-bread  and  mis- 
placed designs.      These   reniaiks   are  principally  applicable  to  the 


main  features  of  a  place.  To  a  certain  extent  the  same  principle 
holds  good  in  the  minor  details  of  a  garden.  As,  for  instance, 
in  the  laying  down  of  a  series  of  flower-beds  iu  the  close 
vicinity  of  perhaps  some  previously  established  features  in  the 
shape  of  a  stately  tree  or  graceful  shrub,  features  which  should 
be  held  far  too  sacred  to  be  encroached  upon  or  marred  by  any  paltry 
bed  of  evanescent  flowers.  Take,  as  a  public  illustration  of  what  we 
mean  by  this,  the  lonsj  series  of  flower-beds  which  skirt  Park  Lane  in 
Hyde  Park.  These  form  a  far  too  crowded,  continuous,  and  mono- 
tonous string  of  flower-beds,  more  like  a  nurser3-man's  trial  ground 
than  a  flower  garden.  To  our  mind  the  turfing  up  of  halt  the  beds 
here  would  improve  its  appearance  very  much,  and  give  it  some 
repose  in  the  shape  of  more  greensward.  But  our  special  object  in 
this  case  is  to  point  out  the  "  studied  insult  "  which  has  been  offered 
to  the  forest  trees  in  this  bed-making  in  Hyde  Park,  by  placing 
round  their  trunks  small  butter-pat  circles  of  such  plants  as  Alter, 
nantheras.  Verbenas,  and  paltry  succulents.  It  is  to  be  regretted 
that  every  place  here,  where  there  is  room  for  a  bed,  has  been  thus 
nibbled  np,  and  it  is  a  pity  that  any  such  misplaced  beds  as  those 
round  the  base  of  the  forest  trees  should  be  exhibited  in  so  public  a 
place,  to  be  perhaps  copied  by  others.  The  spaces  of  gi'eea  turf 
preserved  round  these  trees  would  have  given  some  repose  where  it 
is  much  wanted.  This  crowding  of  all  natural  features  out  of  any 
given  piece  of  ground  by  an  everlasting  fritter  of  tiny  beds  is  surely 
no  sign  of  progress ;  on  the  contrary,  it  reveals  a  vitiated  taste  in 
gardening. — The  Gardener.  [Wo  welcome  this  protest  against  some 
of  the  glaring  errors  of  our  most  conspicuous  public  flower-gardens  ; 
iu  this  case,  however,  the  evil  docs  not  arise  from  crowding  a  variety 
of  features  into  a  small  space,  but  because  the  system  of  loud 
colouring  in  unending  flat  and  formal  masses  is  bad  in  itself.] 


THE     PROPAGATOR. 


SANTOLINA  INCANA. 

DvuiXG  the  next  month  or  six  weeks  is  a  very  good  time  to  put  in  a 
stock  of  cuttings  of  this  desirable  hardy  edging  plant.  Wo  always 
jiropagate  this  class  of  plants  in  autumn,  in  cold  frames,  raised  a 
little  above  the  natural  sm-face  to  ensure  free  drainage  (they  will  do 
equally  well  under  hand-lights) .  Two  inches  of  ashes  should  be  placed 
in  the  bottom  of  the  frame  to  kcrp  out  worms.  If  this  precaution  is 
not  taken,  many  of  the  cuttings  will,  in  all  probability,  be  drawn  oat 
of  the  soil,  and  the  cutting-bed  so  honey-combed  as  to  prevent  their 
rooting.  No  great  depth  of  soil  is  required — about  3  inches  will  be 
ample,  which  maybe  composed  of  sandy  loam  and  leaf-mould  (about 
a  third  of  the  latter  will  be  a  good  proportion)  and  the  whole  passed 
through  a  half-inch  sieve.  When  placed  in  the  frames,  it  should  be 
made  firm,  and  a  sprinkling  of  any  coarse  kind  of  sand  on  the  top. 
The  best  cuttings  are  the  small  side-shoots ;  and,  after  being  dressed 
with  a  sharp  knife,  may  be  dibbled  in  1  inch  apart  all  over  the 
frame.  We  usually  place  the  frames  on  the  north  side  of  a 
wall  ;  but  any  other  position  will  do  for  them — only,  if 
exposed  to  the  full  sunlight,  more  attention  will  be  required 
in  watering,  shading,  &c.,  whereas  on  the  north  side  all  the 
attention  required  is  to  open  the  lights  for  an  hour  or  two  on  the 
mornings  of  fine  days,  just  to  change  the  air  inside.  In  March,  the 
frames  may  be  taken  oil  and  used  for  other  purposes,  and  the  little 
rooted  plants  may  be  finally  planted  out  in  April  or  May.  Planted 
about  4  inches  apart,  and  cut  in  three  or  four  times  daring  the 
season  with  the  shears,  they  make  neat  and  durable  edgings.  Its 
compact  habit  of  growth  makes  it  alone  a  desirable  plant  to  have  in 
large  numbers  for  carpet  bedding.  It  is  comparatively  easy  to 
plant  a  garden  when  one  has  a  good  stock  of  plants,  always 
supposing,  of  course,  that  the  necessary  taste  and  judgment  are  not 
lacking;  but  taste  and  judgmeht  will  not  compensate  altogether 
for  a  dearth  of  materials,  and  I  have  always  found  it  desirable,  so 
far  at  least  as  hardy  plants  are  concerned,  to  do  all  the  propagating 
in  the  autumn,  and  so  relieve  the  pressure  that  is  sure  to  come  iu 
the  spring  where  much  bedding-out  is  done.  E.  H. 


Fuchsia  Seeds. — Would  you  kindly  inform  me  how  seeds  of  Fuchsias  are 
extracted  fiom  the  dried  pulp  for  sowing.  I  should  fancy  thati  if  they  were 
])ickcd  oiit  a  jrood  many  seeds  would  be  spoilt.  Also,  how  one  ought  to  manage 
with  regard  to  Strawberry  seed.  [Mr.  CanncU,  the  great  Fuchsia  grower,  who 
has  ha(l  ample  experience  in  .such  matters,  &.ays  : — "When  the  seed  pods  are 
thorouglily  ripened,  p.artly  dry  them  in  the  sun,  after  which  cut  them  iu  halves 
and  fiuarters  with  a  moderately  sharp  knife,  and  minntel.y  examine  each  part, 
the  old  self-coloured  varieties  produce  seed  very  freely,  but  the  choice  kinds 
very  sparingly,  particularly  the  light  varieties.  An  abundance  of  hollow  seed 
will  be  found,  but  good  plump  seed  is  aboitt  half  the  size  of  that  of  the  Pansy, 
and  easily  distinguished  and  picked  out."] 


Sept.  in,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


215 


A  PALM  GROVE. 
Palms,  in  the  form  of  single  specimens,  as  seen  lierc  and  there 
in  this  country,  are  familiar  to  most  of  us,  and  even  miniature 
forests  of  them  may  be  met  with  at  Kew,  ChatSTVorth,  and  else- 
where ;  but,  interesting  as  such  collections  undoubtedly  ai'C, 
they  convey  but  a  faint  idea  of  what  a  Palm  forest  is  in 
tropical  countries.  Speaking  of  a  Palm  grove  in  its  own 
sunny  land,  the  Rev.  Charles  Kingsley  says  : — "  It  is  a  sight 
never  to  be  forgotten,  to  have  once  seen  Palms  breaking 
through,  and,  as  it  were,  defying  the  soft  rounded  forms  of 
the  broad-leaved  vegetation  by  the  stern  grace  of  their  simple 
lines  ;  the  immovable  pillar-stem,  looking  the  more  immovable 
beneath  the  toss,  and  lash,  and  flicker  of  the  long  leaves  as 
they  awake  out  of  their  sunlit  sleep,  and  rage  impatiently  for 
awhile  before  the  mountain  gusts, and  fall  asleep  again.  Like 
a  Greek  statue  in  a  luxurious  drawing-room,  sharp  cut,  cold. 


else.  It  sometimes  reaches  a  height  of  about  8  feet,  and  is 
surrounded  by  smaller  plants  of  the  same,  in  every  stage  of 
growth,  from  the  seedling  spi-inging  from  the  ground  a  few 
inches  high  to  plants  of  the  height  just  mentioned.  Such 
masses  vary  from  groups  of  10  to  20  feet  in  diameter,  whilst 
solitary  plants  are  dotted  about  everywhere  throughout  the 
forests.  On  nearing  tropical  countries  by  the  sea  Palms  arc 
invariably  the  first  objects  that  arrest  attention,  their  tops 
often  being  visible  long  before  the  low-lying  sandy  shores  even 
come  into  view.  Such  Palm  groves  as  that  represented  by  our 
wood-cut  are  sights  of  common  occurrence  in  all  tropical 
countries.  Peter  Wallace. 


A  Golden  Bindweed. — This  fine  Bindweed,  or  Golden  Morning 
Glory  of  the  Americans,  was  found  by  Professor  George  Davidson,  of 
tho  United   States  Coast   Survey,  on  his  recent  expedition  to  Lower 


A  r;ilm  Giuvo 


virginal ;  shaming  by  the  grandeur  of  mere  form  the 
voluptuousness  of  mere  colour,  however  rich  and  harmonious 
— so  stands  the  Palm  in  the  forest,  to  be  worshipped  rather 
than  to  be  loved."  Such  a  scene  I  have  witnessed  myself, 
and  can  fully  verify  Mr.  Kingsley's  beautiful  description  of  it. 
I  have  met  with  Palms  in  masses,  where  for  miles  no  other 
vegetation  disputed  their  supremacj',  save  plebeian  under- 
growth. Such  forests,  when  looked  down  upon  from  some 
neighbouring  height,  have  an  appearance  far  surjjassing  that 
produced  by  a  less  stately  vegetation.  Whether  it  be  the 
plume-like  foliage  of  the  Cocoa-nut,  which  is  one  of  the  most 
graceful  and  rapid-growing  of  Palms,  or  the  fan-shaped  leaves 
of  Coryjohas  and  Chamajrops,  the  effect  is  the  same.  One  of 
the  latter — I  believe  Chama;rops  Palmetto — gives  to  the  forests 
of  Louisiana  and  Texas  one  of  their  most  pleasing  features. 
The  under-growth  of  these  forests  for  miles  consists  of  little 


California  (at  San  Jnan  del  Cabo,  25  miles  west  of  Cape  San  Lucas, 
latitude  23°  03')  to  establish  or  verify  the  former  site  of  the  ancient 
observatory  of  the  transit  of  Veuns.  The  gonus  Aniseia  was  formed 
from  plants  separated  from  the  old  Ipomoea  and  Calystegia  species 
of  Convolvulaceaj,  owing  to  the  unequal  size  of  the  scales  or  tho 
green  cup  of  the  flower.  This  is,  therefore,  one  of  the  many  forms  cf 
Morning  Glories,  so  well-known  to  florists.  These  twiners  possess 
rare  beauties,  as  do  many  plants  that  prettily  wind  and  festoon  the 
shrubberies  and  lattice-work  of  rural  retreats.  White  and  blue, 
pink  and  purple  are  the  prevailing  hue's  of  this  family  of  flowers, 
yellow  being  relatively  a  rare  colour.  This  has  also  the  advantage 
of  a  deep  dark  purple  eye  and  tube,  and  of  fine  size.  It  is  a  perennial. 
These  points  must  commend  it  to  the  attention  of  horticulturists. 
The  above  remarkable  plant  is  figured  in  the  California  Horti. 
cuUurist,  with  a  description  by  Dr.  Kellogg,  whose  account  of  it 
induces  us  to  hope  that  a  novelty  so  striking  and  ornamental  may 
soon  be  introduced  into  our  gardens. 


216 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  13>  18?3 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 


THE  ORCHAED  HOUSE. 

Br  PETER  GRIEVE,  Culfoed  Gabdens. 

{Continued  from  page  189.) 

SOIL    SUITED    FOR   FRUIT    TREES. 

Perhaps  the  best  description  of  soil  for  the  purpose  of 
{i;rowing  fruit  trees  of  all  sorts,  under  glass,  -whether  in  pre- 
pared borders  or  in  pots,  is  the  top  spit  of  a  pasture  of 
tolerably  tenacious  loam.  This  should  be  cut  of  a  thickness 
not  .exceeding  3  or  4  inches  in  depth,  and  if  cut  some  six 
mouths  or  more  before  it  is  required  to  be  used  so  much  the 
better,  although  some  cultivators  prefer  using  it  as  soon  as 
it  is  cut,  and  I  am  not  aware  that  there  are  any  decided  objec- 
tions to  doing  this.  But  I  would,  nevertheless,  prefer  using 
it  when  it  had  lain  about  the  time  I  have  stated,  and  after  it 
had  been  mixed  with  about  one-fourth  of  its  bulk,  more  or  less, 
of  well-rottedJarm-yard  manure,  and  had  been  several  times 
turned.  When  this  has  been  done  the  vegetalile  matter  con- 
tained in  the  soil  will,  to  some  extent,  have  become  decom- 
posed, and  in  a  fit  state  for  supplying  plant  food.  When  about 
to  be  used,  if  considered  in  any  degree  too  light,  a  portion  of 
well-pulverised  clay,  or  of  the  "  runnings"  of  a  clay-pit,  may 
with  advantage  be  added  to  it.  And  if,  on  the  other  hand, 
the  compost  should  be  found  to  be  of  a  too  tenacious  nature, 
then  sand  or  lime-scraps  from  old  buildings  should  be  added. 
And  under  any  circumstances,  unless  the  soil  is  naturally 
somewhat  calcareous  in  character,  a  portion  of  the  latter 
material  should  by  all  means  be  used.  At  an  early  period 
during  the  month  of  October  the  quantity  of  this  compost 
likely  to  be  required  should,  if  possible,  be  got  under  cover, 
in  order  to  become  partially  dry,  and  in  a  fit  state  to  handle 
and  use  for  potting  or  planting  the  various  sorts  of  fruit  trees. 

FURXISIIIXG   AN    ORCIIAKD    HOUSE. 

During  the  month  of  October  or  early  in  November  is  the 
most  suitaljle  time  to  furnish  an  orchard  house  with  the 
necessary  number  of  fruit  trees.  In  doing  this  it  is,  no  doubt, 
the  most  economical,  and,  perhaps,  in  the  long  run,  the  most 
satisfactory  plan,  to  commence  with  "  Maiden  trees,"  more 
particularly  as  regards  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  also  Apricots. 
But  if  it  be  desired  to  have  fruit  at  the  earliest  possible 
period,  and  if  the  expense  of  purchasing  potted  trees  be  not 
objected  to,  they  can  generally  be  obtained  of  any  desired 
form  and  size  in  most  nursery  establishments.  We  will 
suppose,  however,  that  it  is  intended  to  commence  with 
"  Maiden  "  trees,  that  is,  trees  which  have  been  budded  some 
fifteen  or  sixteen  mouths,  and  have  each  developed  one  shoot, 
more  or  less  vigorous.  lu  making  the  selection,  choose  trees 
which  have  formed  straight  well-ripened  shoots,  some 
3  or  4  feet  in  length,  more  or  less.  Whether  it  be  intended  to 
grow  the  trees  permanently  in  pots,  or  ultimately  to  plant 
them  out  in  prepared  borders  or  beds  of  soil,  it  will,  at  all 
events,  be  advisable  to  gi-ow  all  in  pots  during  the  first  season. 
As  soon  as  the  trees  have  been  taken  out  of  the  soil,  let  their 
roots  be  slightly  cut  back  with  a  sharp  knife,  and  at  once 
potted  carefully  in  a  portion  of  the  compost  which  has  been 
already  described,  using  well-drained  pots  some  10  inches  in 
diameter,  not  larger,  as  they  are  only  intended  to  remain  one 
season  in  these  pots.  The  soil  used  ought  to  be  tolerably  dry, 
and  the  trees  should  be  potted  rather  firm,  using  a  light  wood 
rammer  with  which  to  press,  or  rather  to  pound  down,  the 
soil.  A  few  days  after  being  potted,  they  should  have  one 
good  watering  to  settle  the  soil  somewhat,  and  may  then  be 
wintered  in  any  convenient  situation,  in  the  orchard  house  or 
elsewhere,  and,  to  save  space,  may  be  placed  tolerably  close 
together,  and  the  pots  plunged  or  covered  with  dry  leaves,  or 
some  similar  material.  The  pruning  should  be  delayed  until 
the  trees  are  about  to  break  into  leaf,  and  when  this  is  the 
case,  let  them  be  set  fm-ther  apart,  each  pot  being  placed  upon 
a  border  of  light  soil ;  tie  np  the  leading  shoot  or  stem  to  a 
stake  in  order  to  keep  it  quite  straight,  and  shorten  it 
to  some  3  or_  4  feet,  by  cutting  back  to  a  good  wood 
bud,  and  cut  in 'the  lateral  shoots  to  within  two  or  three 
buds  of  the  stem.  As  growth  progresses,  tie  up  the  leading 
shoot  to  the  stake,  stop  rival  leaders,  or  any  over  luxuriant 
shoots,  and  use  every  means  to  induce  each  tree  to  assume  a 


pyramidal  form,  as  this  is,  without  doubt,  the  most  desirable 
form  for  a  fruit  tree  under  glass.  A  considerable  tendency  will  be 
evinced  by  the  trees,  for  a  time,  to  make  over  vigorous  growth 
towards  the  upper  part  of  the  stem  ;  this  must,  however,  be 
prevented,  as  much  as  possible,  by  close  attention  to  stopping, 
or  pinching  the  too  luxuriant  shoots,  and  encouraging  the 
development  of  the  lower  branches.  But  in  cases  where,  in  spite 
of  every  attention,  the  lower  branches  of  any  tree  may  fail,  it  can 
then  be  allowed  to  assume  the  form  of  a  bush  or  half-standard 
tree.  As  the  season  advances,  the  trees  will  require  abundance 
of  water,  but  stimulants  in  the  form  of  surface  dressings,  or 
manure-water,  will  not  be  required  during  the  first  summer. 
There  may,  probably,  be  a  tendency  on  the  part  of  some  of  the 
trees  to  root  into  the  border  on  which  they  stand ;  this  need 
not  be  allowed,  however,  unless  the  pots  arc  well  filled  with 
roots,  the  securing  of  this  being  one  of  the  two  objects  at 
present  in  view,  the  other  being  the  production  of  healthy,  and 
not  over  luxuriant,  wood.  By  the  beginning  of  the  second 
week  of  November  this  wood  should  be  ripe,  and  most  of  the 
leaves  will  have  fallen.  Those  trees  which  are  intended 
to  be  grown  in  pots  should  now  be  shifted  into  what  may  be 
called  their  fruiting  pots,  viz.,  pots  some  15  or  18  inches  in 
diameter,  which  should  each  have  five  holes,  of  about  an  inch  in 
diameter,  in  the  bottom,  in  order  to  allow  the  roots,  when 
considered  necessary,  to  penetrate  the  border  upon  which  the 
pots  are  placed.  In  most  instances,  it  will  not  be  necessary 
to  allow  the  trees  to  do  this  during  the  first  season  after 
being  put  into  their  fruiting  pots.  It  must  also  be  borne  in 
mind  that  this  permission  to  the  roots  to  enter  the  border  is 
always  under  complete  control,  and  when  any  tendency  to 
over  luxuriance  on  the  part  of  any  tree  enjoying  this  privilege 
is  observed,  it  can  be  at  once  checked  by  tilting  the  pot  on 
one  side,  and  severing  one  or  more  of  the  roots.  Place  a  small 
portion  of  littery  manure  or  Moss  over  the  drainage  of  the  pots, 
to  prevent  the  soil  from  mixing  with  it,  and  thereby  rendering  it 
ineffectual ;  and  upon  this  place  some  of  the  rougher  part  of 
the  compost  which  has  already  been  recommended.  The  trees 
must  now  l^e  carefully  rem'oved  from  the  pots  in  which  they 
have  been  growing  during  the  preceding  twelve  mouths.  And 
when  their  roots  have  been  carefully  disentangled  and  set  at 
liberty,  let  them  be  re-potted  as  firmly  as  possible  in  the  larger 
pots.  When  this  has  been  done,  place  the  pots  perfectly  level 
upon  the  surface  of  the  border  intended  for  their  reception, 
and  raise  them  slightly  above  it,  by  placing  two  bricks  under 
each  pot.  This  will  prevent  the  roots  from  entering  the 
border  at  present,  and  will  also  allow  the  water  which  may 
drain  from  the  pots  to  pass  freely  away.  Place  the  trees 
at  a  distance  of  3  feet  from  stem  to  stem.  They  should  now 
receive  one  good  watcring,and  may  soon  after  this  be  coveredup 
with  dryleavesor  litter,and  so  remain  duringthewintermonths. 
AVhen  it  is  intended  to  plant  the  trees  out  in  the  borders 
of  the  house,  these  should  be  prepared  for  them  by  throwing 
out  the  natural  soil  to  a  depth  of  not  less  than  2  feet,  placing 
6  inches  of  broken  bricks  or  flints  at  the  bottom  for  drainage ; 
cover  this  with  turves  cut  from  some  road  side  or  pasture, 
placing  the  grassy  side  next  to  the  drainage,  and  fill  up 
the  border  with  suitable  soil,  which  may  be  similar  to  what 
has  been  recommended  for  the  potted  trees.  The  trees 
intended  to  be  turned  out  should  now  be  taken  from  their 
pots,  the  roots  disentangled,  and  carefully  planted  in  the 
borders,  spreading  the  roots  well  out  at  the  time  of  doing  so. 
The  soil  of  the  bed  or  border  should  now  be  rendered  cpiite  firm 
and  solid  by  Ijeing  well  pressed  or  trodden  down.  Afterwards 
level  the  surface  of  the  soil,  and  allow  it  to  remain  so  for 
about  a  week,  when  a  good  watering  should  be  given.  And, 
soon  after  this,  mulch  the  surface  with  half-rotted  manure, 
and  allow  it  to  remain  so  during  the  whiter.  This  period  of 
potting,  or  planting  out,  as  the  case  may  be,  will  be  the 
commencement  of  the  second  season  of  the  trees"  existence 
as  orchard-house  trees.  Pruning  need  not  be  commenced 
until  the  following  spring,  when  the  shoots  should  be 
shortened,  and  the  formation  of  the  trees  attended  to.  This 
should  be  more  the  object  of  the  second  season's  culture  than 
the  production  of  fruit,  although  some  of  the  trees  may  be 
allowed  to  bear  a  few  fruits  even  so  early  as  their  second 
season.  In  making  the  foregoing  remarks,  it  has  been  taken 
for  granted  that  the  house  or  houses,  as  the  case  may  be,  had 


Seft.  13,1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


217 


been  furnished  with   "Maiden,"   or  very  yoimg   trees.     But 
they  are  at  the  same  time  equally  applicable  to  trees  which 
Lave  been  cut  back,  and  which  have  been  ouce  or  twice  trans- 
planted.    When  the  month  of  November  again  arrives,  these 
trees  of  various  sorts  will  have  completed  their  second  year  in 
the  oi'chard  house.     Each  tree  will  most  likely  have  ripened  a 
few  good  fruits,  and,  what  is  of  more  importance,  will,  with 
the  necessary  attention,  have  grown  (whether  planted  out  or 
in  pots)  into  nice  pyramidal,  or  otherwise,  well-formed  trees, 
with  well-ripened  wood,  and  abundance  of  bloom   buds.     If 
such  kinds  as  the  Poach,  the  Cherry,  and  the  Plum  trees  have 
been  much  infested  with  insects,  such  as  the  green  and  the 
black  aphis,  red  spider,  &c.,  it  may  then  be  advisable  to  prune 
the  trees  at  ouce,  and  dress  or  paint  them  with  tobacco-water, 
rendered  of  the  consistency  of  thick  paint  by  the  introduction 
of  about  equal  parts  of  flowers  of  sulphur,  lime,  and  soot ;  put 
on  with  a  soft  painter's  Inrush,  taking  care  at  the  same  time 
to   avoid   injuring   the  bloom-buds,  or  fruit   spurs.      But,  if 
iusccts   have   been  well   kept  under  (as  it   is  desirable  they 
should   be)     by   constant    syringing,   fumigation,    &c.,     then 
this  winter    dressing    will    not    be   required,  and    the    trees 
need    not    be   pruned   until  the   end   of    February.      In  the 
meantime   the   surface   of    the    border   where   the  trees   are 
planted  out  may  at  once  be  pricked  over  with  a  fork,  to  a 
depth  not  exceeding  2  inches,  and  immediately  covered  with  a 
good  mulching  of  rich  half-rotted  manure,  which  should  be 
allowed  to  remain  on  until  the  fruit  is  fairly  set.     The  water 
which  the  border  may  from  time  to  time  require  should  be 
poured  upon   this   mulching,   from  which    it  will  carry  the 
fertilising    properties    it    may    contain    into   the   soil.      The 
mulching  will  also,  to  some  extent,  prevent  evaporation,  and 
render  less  water  necessary.     When  it  has  become  quite  dry 
and   exhausted,   it    may   once  or    twice  duriug   the  growing 
season  be  renewed.     The  trees  growing  in  pots  should  also  at 
this  time  have  the   surface   soil  removed   to  a  considerable 
depth,   and  replaced  by   a    rich   surface   dressing,   composed 
]irincipally  of  horse-droppings.     The  two  bricks  which  have 
hitherto  kept  each  pot  above  the  surface  of  the  border,  should 
now  be  removed,  and  the  pots  be  allowed  to  stand  upon  the 
soil,  into  which  the  roots  will  soon  penetrate.     This  border 
should,  of  course,  be  composed  of  suitable  soil,  to  the  depth  of 
about  1  foot.     As  soon  as  the  fruit  of  the  various  varieties  of 
trees  have  been  properly  thinned  out   (being  careful  not  to 
leave   on   any   tree   too   heavy  a  crop),  let  the  top-dressing, 
which  it  may  be  supposed  will  by  this  time  have  become  to 
some  extent  exhausted,  be  removed  and  replaced  by  another 
composed  of  similar  materials.     To  facilitate    this    process, 
pieces   of   zinc  should  be   employed,  of  some  5  or  6  mches 
deep,   and   of    the   necessary   length  to    go    quite  round  the 
inside  of  the  rim  of  the  pots  ;  this  will  afford  space  to  give 
an  ample  surface-dressing  to  the  plants.     About  the  middle 
or  the  end  of  July,  when  the  fruit  is  fast  swelling  off,  it  may 
again  be  advisable  to  remove  this  surface  dressing,  and  replace 
it  by  another.     But  this  will,  of  course,  in  a  great  measure, 
depend  upon  the  amount  of  fruit  the  trees  may  be  bearing, 
and  upon  the  health  of  the    trees,  &c.     Liquid-manure  may 
also    be   occasionally  administered   to  the  trees,    if   thought 
necessary,    but,    with    the   liberal    surface-dressings    recom- 
mended,   the  roots   being  also  to   some    extent   allowed   to 
enter    the     rich    border    on    which    the    pots    are     placed, 
this    will   not  be  found  to   bo    greatly   requii-ed   at    present. 
At  the   eud  of  the  third  season   of  the  trees,  as  inmates   of 
the  orchard  house,  they  should   be  taken  out  of  their  pots 
altogether,  not  with  a  view  of  giving  them  larger  pots,  but  in 
order  to  re-arrange  the  drainage  of  the  pots,  give  a  portion 
of  fresh  soil,  &c.     Some  little  difficulty  may  be  experienced 
in  effecting  this  operation,  which  is,  however,  readily  enough 
overcome  in  the  following  manner.     Let  the  pot  containing 
the  tree  to  be  re-potted  (the  soil  of  which   should  have  been 
allowed  to  become  somewhat  dry),  be  thrown  upon  its  side, 
and   while  one  man  pulls  gently    by  the  stem  of    the  tree, 
anothei',  with  a  wooden  mallet,  forces  a  blunt  pointed  stick 
into  first  one  and  then  another  of  the  five  holes  in  the  bottom 
of  the  pot.     This  will   soon  be  found  to  loosen  the  tree  in  its 
pot,  so  that  it  can  soon  be  drawn  altogether  out  of  it.     The 
ball  should  now  be  considerably  reduced,  picking  out  the  soil 
carefully  without  injuring  the  fibrous  roots.     It  will  generally 


be  found  that  some  strong  roots,  in  making  their  way  into 
the  border,  have  to  some  extent  filled  up  the  holes  in  the 
bottom  of  the  pot,  deranging  and  rendering  the  drainage 
ineffectual,  &c.  These  strong  roots  should  now  be  cut  well 
back,  and  after  the  pot  has  been  well  cleaned  inside  and 
outside,  the  drainage  re-arranged,  &c.,  the  trees  should  be  at 
once  re-potted  in  suitable  soil,  which  should  be  pressed  around 
the  ball  as  firmly  as  possible.  The  pots  .should  now  be  placed 
upon  the  border  the  same  as  before.  But  if  the  trees  have 
considerably  increased  their  dimensions,  it  will  also  bo 
necessary  to  considerably  increase  the  distance  from  stem  to 
stem  of  each  tree.  At  the  end  of  the  third  season  it  may 
also  be  advisable  to  examine  the  roots  of  the  plantcd-out 
trees,  and,  if  found  necessary,  root-pruning,  to  some  slight 
extent,  may  be  practised  with  advantage. 

These  somewhat  lengthened  observations  will  now  come  to 
a  close  by  an  attempt  to  inquire  (as  concisely  as  possible)  into 
the  advantage  of  growing  fruit  under  glass,  and  as  to  the 
adaptability  of  the  various  kinds  of  fruit  trees  to  orchard 
house  culture. 

(To  be  continued.) 


UNFRUITFUL  FIG  TREES. 
Will  you  kindly  say  whether  it  is  possible  to  bring  old  and  long, 
neglected  Fig  trees  into  bearing  condition,  and  by  what  treatment  ? 
Those  in  question  are  on  the  back  wall  of  a  cool  greenhouse,  and  have 
an  espalier  covered  with  Peach  trees  between  them  and  the  front  of 
the  house,  which  faces  the  south.  Do  you  think  Figs  would  ripen 
well  in  such  a  position,  and,  if  so,  what  kinds  would  be  most  suitable, 
i.e.,  if  it  be  necessary  to  remove  the  old  trees  ? — Paxtonia. 

[A  good  Fig  grower  (iilr.  Westland,  of  Witley  Coui't),  to  whom  j-our 
case   has  been   submitted,   says  : — "  I   have   never  known  Figs  to 
succeed  under  the  shade  of  other  trees.     Under  such  conditions  they 
neither  develop  nor  ripen  their  fruits  in  perfection.     Where  a  more 
suitable  structure  cannot  be  afforded  them,  more  satisfactory  results 
would,  doubtless,  be   attained  from   keeping  the   plants  in  pots,  so 
placed  as  to  receive  the  full  iufluence  of  the  sun — a  point  which  is 
essential  to  perfect  maturation  of   the  fruit.     In  a  mixed  house  of 
Figs  and  Peaches,  under  natural  conditions  as  to  soil  and  culture, 
there  is,  however,  no   good  reason  why  Fig  trees  should  not  succeed 
upon  the  back  wall.    Your  correspondent's  trees  are  probably  barren, 
owing  to  overcrowding  of  the  wood,  over  luxuriance,  or  unrestricted 
action  of  the  roots,  or  a  cold  wet  undrained  subsoil.     If  tne  branches 
have  been  bundled  together  for  years  nothing  can  be  done  until  such 
time  as  their  leaves  have  fallen.      Then  thoroughly  regulate   the 
shoots,  so  as  to  cover  the  space,  selecting  the  medium-sized  ones, 
and  cutting  them  oif  at  different  lengths,  laying  them  in  about  a  foot 
apart.     With  a  slight  assistance  from  the  syringe  in  spring,  shoots 
will  be  freely  produced,  both  upon  old  and  young  wood.     These  must 
be  removed,  except  such  as  are  required  for  permanent  use,  and, 
as   they  advance  in   growth,  the  terminal  bud   must   be  sedulously 
pinched  out  at  about  the  fourth  joint.     This  is  an  important  matter 
in  the  cultivation  of  the  Fig,  and  must  be  attended  to  frequently 
when  it  is  in  active  growth,  as  shoots  push  up  very  quickly,  and,  if 
long  neglected,  recourse  must  be  had  to  the  pruning  knife,  which  is 
undesirable.     An  unrestricted   root-run   is   also  often  the   cause  of 
unfruitfulness,  and  this  is  a  point  to  which  attention  should  be  paid 
when  positions  for  the  trees  are  being  prepared.     If,  upon  examina- 
tion, it  is  found  that  the  trees  are  running  riot  in  the  border  pre- 
pared for  the  Peaches,  it  will  be  best  to  lift  the  Figs,  shorten  their 
roots  to  about   5  feet  from  the  trunk,  and  to  plunge  them  outside, 
until  the   conditions  under  which   they  have  been   placed  are  fully 
examined,  and  the  drainage  rendered   complete.     If  the  subsoil  is 
at  all  cold  and  wet  it  must  be  concreted,  leaving  above  it  a  depth 
of  3  feet  for  soil   and   drainage,  thus    placing   the    trees  entirely 
under  control.     The  roots  should  be  confined  to  the  border  by  means 
of  a  brick  wall,  and  in  erecting  this  it  is  necessary  that  precaution  be 
taken  to  secure  perfect  drainage  and  that  the  drainage  tiles  are  so 
arranged  that  any  superabundant  moisture  that  maybe  given  may  be 
quickly  removed  without  stagnating  about  the  roots.      The  border 
need  not  exceed  6  or  7  feet  in  width.     A  calcareous  turfy  soil  is  to 
be  preferred  in  which  to  plant  the  trees,  adding  lime-rubble  in  order 
to  secure  free  permeability  to  water  and  unrestricted  action  to  the  roots. 
As  regards  soil  the  Fig  is  not  at  all  particular,  it  will  succeed  in 
almost  any  soil   that   is   friable  and  sufficiently  rich,   without  the 
addition  of  manure.    Stimulants  may  always  be  given,  where  requisite, 
in  the  shape  of  top-dressings  and  liquids,  before  filling  in  the  soil  of 
the  border;  a  turf  maybe  placed,  grass  side  downwards,  upon  the 
brokenrubble,  carefully  covering  the  drain  pipes ;  the  roots,  too,  should 


218 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  13, 1873. 


be  carefully  laid  out  and  firmly  packed  in,  keeping  both  trunk  and 
roots  somewhat  high  at  the  time  of  planting,  in  order  to  allowfor  sub. 
sidence  of  the  soil.  With  snch  attentions  as  these  I  have  no  doubt  that 
perfect  success  will  be  the  result,  and  that  fruitfulness  will  bo  pro- 
moted without  destroying  the  tree.  Should  replanting,  however,  be 
determined  on  and  young  trees  be  wanted  for  the  purpose,  select 
from  such  free-bearing  roots  as  Grosse  Verte,  Figne  Violette,  Ilaby 
Castle,  Browu  Turkey,  Ail  de  Perdrix,  White  Marseilles."] 


KEEPING  APPLES. 
We  offer  a  few  notes  of  some  observations  and  experiments  made 
\vith  reference  to  the  best  way  of  keeping  Apples  in  cellars  or  fruit, 
rooms,  for  common  family  use.  Fruit  will  always  keep  better  if 
the  open  air  is  excluded.  We  have  found  that,  by  simply  wrap- 
ping Apples  in  paper,  the  protection  thus  afforded,  chiefly  no  doubt 
against  sudden  changes  of  temperature,  was  perceptible,  but  not 
great.  A  greater  number  of  specimens  decayed  within  a  given 
time  when  exposed.  For  the  same  reason  Apples  will  keep  longer 
when  barreled  and  headed  np  than  othervpise.  There  is,  however,  a 
serious  difficulty  with  this  mode.  The  owner  cannot  know  when 
decay  commences,  and,  when  once  it  has  begun,  it  goes  on  more 
rapidly  in  consequence  of  the  confined  air.  On  the  whole,  therefore, 
and  for  common  use,  we  find  a  series  of  shelves  the  most  convenient 
contrivance.  The  accompanying  plan  represents  the  arr.angement 
we  have  made.  The  fruit-room  is  separated  from  the  rest  of  the 
cellar  by  an  eight-inch  brick  wall,  and  the  bottom  and  sides  are 
covered  with  water-lime  cement.  The  cement  excludes  moisture, 
and  prevents  decay,  so  that  the  fruit  rather  tends  to  shrivel  if  not 
ripe  enough  when  picked.  The  windows  are  hung  on  hinges,  so  as 
to  be  opened  by  hooking  up  to  any  required  degree  for  ventilation, 
lu  cold  weather  they  are  kept  open  enough  to  bring  the  temperature 
down  to  nearly  freezing,  and  when  there  is  warm  weather  (warmer 
than  the  heat  of  the  earth)  they  are  closed. 

When  the  fruit   is  gathered    in  autumn  it    is    stored  in    an   out- 
building facing  the  north,  and  kept  as  cool  as  practicable  until  within 


1 — ^ -t= 

PASSAGE 

FRUIT    SHELVES 

PASSAGE 

Ground-plan  of  Fruit-room  (Fig.  1). 

a  few  days  of  the  usual  freezing  up  of  winter,  when  it  is  removed  to 
the  shelves  of  this  fruit-room.  These  shelves  are  placed  one  above 
another,  and  are  supported  by  the  upright  timbers  (made  dark  in 
the  engraving),  with  space  enough  between  them  to  allow  picking 
over  by  hand.  The  passage  around  admits  ready  access,  and  facili- 
tates the  proper  circulation  of  air.  A  thermometer  enables  the 
attendant  to  preserve  a  low  temperature  without  freezing.  When 
the  first  decayed  specimens  are  seen  they  are  promptly  removed, 
and,  by  examining  every  few  days,  the  very  beginning  of  decay  may 
be  detected  by  a  practised  eye,  and  the  Apples  picked  out  and  used 
for  culinary  purposes.  It  this  examination  or  assorting  is  well 
attended  to,  and  the  room  kept  cool,  very  few  decayed  specimens 
will  be  found,  and  the  ordinary  demand  will  require  a  portion  of 
the  sound  ones.  Experience  will  enable  the  attendant  to  select 
snch  sound  ones  as  will  not  keep  long.  The  stratum  of  Apples  on 
the  shelves  is  never  more  than  a  few  inches  thick,  requiring  but 
little  disturbance  to  pick  them  over,  as  the  less  they  are  handled  the 
better. 

In  order  that  Apples  may  keep  well,  it  is  important  that  they 
be  gathered  from  the  tree  as  near  the  right  time  as  may  be,  but  there 
is  no  period  when  all  will  be  at  precisely  the  proper  degree  of  maturity, 
some  being  over-ripe  and  others  yet  immature.  There  is  a  general 
average,  however,  which  attention  and  observation,  with  some  ex- 
perience, will  enable  any  one  to  reach.  The  over-ripe  specimens, 
when  removed  to  the  cellar  or  Apple  room, will  be  likely  to  decay  first, 
and  .should  be  fii'st  picked  and  used.  The  unripe  ones  will  shrivel  and 
should  also  be  used.  Of  the  remainder,  it  will  be  difficuU  to  know- 
beforehand  which  will  decay  first,  and  they  must  therefore  be  occa- 
sionally examined.  After  many  years  of  trial,  we  find  this  by  far  the 
most  convenient  and  perfect  way  to  keep  Apples  which  are  to  be 
daily  nsed  ;  and  by  giving  personal  attention  to  the  picking,  or  com- 
mitting it  to  a  trusty  man,  our  Apples  keep  longer  than  by  barrelling, 
and  go  further. 

By  a  successive  removal  of  decaying  specimens,   the  number  re- 


maining will  be  gradually  reduced  to  a  few  very  long  keepers;  and 
it  has  been  our  practice  to  select  a  few  bushels  of  the  best  of  these 
on  the  approach  of  the  warm  weather  of  spring,  and  place  them  in 
shallow  boxes  with  lids,  and  slide  them  under  the  lower  shelf.  Pro- 
tected in  this  way,  and  in  contact  with  the  cold  cellar  bottom,  with 
the  addition  of  an  occasional  assortment,  we  sometimes  have  sound, 
fresh  specimens  of  some  varieties  at  mid-summer.  The  hot  weather 
usually  commences  about  the  middle  of  June,  and  after  this  date 
they  begin  to  lose  their  flavour.  For  table  use,  therefore,  we  do  not 
expect  to  retain  a  supply  after  fresh  Strawberries  have  ripened,  and 
never  later  than  the  first  of  July — at  which  date  we  had  good  Apples 
this  year. 

The  boxes  we  have  just  spoken  of,  are  those  which  have  been  pre- 
viously used  for  storing  winter  Pears,  the  Apples  occupying  their  place 


1       1  ''"'^ 

DRAWERS  jj                      1 

; 

PASSAGE 

FRUIT  SHELVES 

L 

PASSAGE 

FRUIT  SHELVES 

[ 

PASSAGE 

Ground-plan  of  Fruit-room  (Fig.  2). 

after  they  are  gone.  The  fruit  room  which  we  have  employed  is 
11  feet  wide  and  33  feet  long;  the  shelves  are  5  feet  wide  in  the 
clear,  and  a  space  of  2  feet  between  them  allows  free  admission  for 
examining  and  picking  over.  There  is  ample  room  on  the  shelves  for 
storing  sixty  or  seventy  bushels,  which  afford  a  free  supply  for  stewing, 
baking,  pies,  and  for  dessert,  during  several  months,  for  a  large 
family,  with  some  to  give  away,  if  treated  as  already  described. 
Unassorted,  they  would  not  last  half  as  long.  For  establishments 
where  a  larger  supply  is  desired,  the  fruit-room  may  be  arranged 
as  shown  in  fig.  2,  where  there  are  two  series  of  shelves,  besides 
another  of  Pear  drawers.  We  have  found,  however,  that  by 
the  use  of  the  neat  shallow  boxes,  with  lids,  already  alluded 
tOj  we  can  conveniently  store  all  our  winter  Pears,  affording  more 
than  we  can  use  till  mid-winter,  when  they  are  succeeded  by  Apples. 
The  Pear  boxes  are  placed  under  the  lower  Apple  shelf,  where  they 
keep  cool,  are  well  protected,  and  are  easily  drawn  out  for  occasional 
examination.  Drawers  would,  however,  be  still  more  convenient. — 
The  Cidtiratoi: 


A' BELGIAN  FRUIT  GATHEREE. 
I  n.WE  just  seen  the  waiter  at  the  hotel  here  gathering  Pears  from 
a  late  Pear  tree  in  a  way  that  was  quite  new  to  me,  and  worth  a 
note.     Ho  had  a  pole  10  or  12  feet  long;    on  the  top  of  this  was 


fixed  a  thin  disk,  about  G  inches  in  diameter,  set  with  wooden  teeth, 
just  like  the  teeth  of  a  hay-rake.  Carefully  placing  this  under  a 
Pear,  so  that  the  Pear  rested  on  the  disk,  and  giving  a  slight  twist, 
he  at  once  detached  and  brought  down  the  Pear  unbruised. 

Hotel  de  Coiniiterce,  Brui/cs,  H.  N.  Ei,la(;o.mi!e. 


A  Prolific  Apricot  Tree. — In  the  kitchen  garden  at  Malshanger 
Park,  Basingstoke,  the  seat  of  Wyndham  S.  Portal,  Esq.,  there  is  a 
remarkable  old  Turkey  Apricot  tree,  to  which  an  age  of  three- 
quarters  of  a  century  is  assigned,  and  which  completely  covers  a 
piece  of  wall  nearly  -10  feet  in  length  and  11  feet  in  height.  The 
tree  has  a  fine  vigorous  growth,  the  branches  do  not  decay,  and  it 
invariably  bears  large  crops  of  fruit.  This  year  it  is  computed  that 
it  will  yield  rather  over  150  dozen  of  fruit ;  in  1871,  200  dozen  were 
taken  from  it.  It  has  been  thought  that  the  longevity,  freedom  of 
cropping,  and  vigour  of   this  Apricot  may  possibly  indicate  that  it 


Sept.  13,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


219 


is  a  seedling,  not  a  worked  tree ;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  it  is 
asserted  that  there  are  worked  trees  of  great  age  and  dimensions 
that  also  produce  large  crops  of  fruit.  It  may  be  added  that  chalk 
abounds  in  the  Malshanger  district,  and  that  the  kitchen  garden 
is  highly  calcareous.  Jlr.  Kneller,  the  gardener  at  Malshanger, 
writes  to  us  to  say  that  he  will  have  much  pleasure  in  showing  this 
tree  to  anyone  who  may  have  the  curiosity  to  inspect  it. 


THE  BEST  FKUIT-DRIEE. 
Samples  of  various  dried  fruits  of  rare  excellence  have  recently 
been  submitted  to  us  for  inspection.  Apples,  Peaches,  Pears,  Grapes, 
and  Raspberries  of  different  kinds  which  were  examined,  seemed  to 
have  lost  little  except  the  water  which  formerly  gave  them  pinmp. 
ness,  and  a  larger  proportion  of  the  sweetness  and  proper  flavour  was 
retained  than  in  any  fruits  of  the  kind  we  had  previously  seen.  On 
examining  the  method  by  which  such  products  were  obtained,  we 
found  it  of  such  simplicity,  cheapness,  and  certainty,  that  its 
importance  to  both  fruit-growers  and  consumers  warrants  its  being 
brought  prominently  to  their  notice.  Of  this  apparatus  the  annexed 
is  an  illustration.  Its  essential  parts  consist  of — 1st,  a  box  or  tube  (T), 
one  end  of  wliich  is  supported  by  brick. work  (E),  the  other  end  rests 
on  adjustable  supports,  by  which  the  box  (T)  can  be  elevated  to  any 
desired  angle;  2nd,  slat-bottomed  trays  (A  BCD)  fur  receiving  the 
frnit.  These  trays  when  placed  in  the  box  (T)  rest  on  cleats,  in 
which  notches  are  cut,  on 
which  the  lower  edges  of 
the  trays  rest.  Inside  the 
brick-work  (E),  the  heating 
apparatus  is  placed.  This 
may  be  a  wood  or  coal 
stove,  or  a  steam  coil,  or 
other  suitable  heater.  When 
in  operation,  the  heater 
being  ready,  a  tray  (A)  filled 
with  fruit  is  introduced  at 
the  lower  end  of  the  box 
immediately  over  the  heater, 
and  the  box  is  closed  by 
shutting  the  hinged  covers 
(F) .  The  hot  air  now  passes 
np  through  the  fruit,  carry- 
ing with  it  a  portion  of  its 
moisture,  and  finds  egress 
ac  an  opening  at  the  upper 
end  of  the  box.  This  open- 
ing may  be  protected  from 
dust  by  a  screen  of  netting. 
By  the  time  another  tray  of 
fruit  is  prepared,  the  first  is 
sufficiently  dry  to  be  pushed 
forward  one  notch  by  intro- 
ducing the  second  tray  at 
the  lower  end.  In  this  way 
successive   trays  are  intro. 

duced,  and  the  preceding  trays  pushed  forward  nntil  the  first 
one  reaches  the  upper  end.  By  the  time  this  is  done,  in  fair 
drying  weather,  the  fruit  is  ready  to  be  taken  out  and  packed  for 
market.  The  smallest  sized  apparatus,  as  usually  made,  will  keep 
two  persons  employed  paring  fruit  ready  for  the  drier.  This  is 
rapid  work,  and  its  rapidity,  and  also  the  excellence  of  the  dried 
fruit  when  turned  out,  is  due  to  the  arrangement  of  the  trays  in  the 
box. 

In  driers  heretofore  made,  the  trays  have  been  arranged  one  above 
the  other,  so  that  the  hot  air  from  lower  trays  passed  through  those 
above.  This  in  its  passage  became  steam,  gave  the  fruit  a  cooked 
taste,  carried  away  much  of  the  aroma,  and  had  little  drying  power 
after  passing  through  several  trays.  In  the  American  drier,  two 
flues  are  made  by  the  continuous  line  of  trays.  The  hot  dry  air 
passes  along  the  lower  flue,  and  up  through  the  fruit,  ready  to 
absorb  and  carry  away  its  moisture ;  the  hot  moist  air,  emerging 
from  a  tray,  passes  along  above  the  fruit  through  the  upper  flue  to 
the  exit.  The  apparatus  is  patented,  but  the  company  owning  the 
patent  make  terms  so  favourable,  that  most  people  having  an  orchard 
will  find  it  profitable  to  use  it  in  saving  their  surplus  fruit. — American 
Agriculturist. 


Improved  Fruit-drier. 


be  condemned  by  the  sanitary  inspectors,  but  that  unripe  fruit  will 
meet  with  a  similar  fate.  This  is  a  most  timely  piece  of  advice,  and 
one  which  we  gladly  second.  The  recklessness  with  which  green 
fruits,  especially  Apples,  are  hawked  about  the  London  streets, 
should  certainly  receive  a  check,  for  there  can  be  no  doubt  that,  of 
the  two,  immaturity  is  a  more  common  and  quite  as  potent  a  cause 
of  disease  as  decay.  The  deficiency  of  sugar,  and  the  excess  of 
free  acid  and  cellulose  in  unripe  fruit,  render  it  irritating  and 
indigestible.  It  is,  from  a  chemical  point  of  view,  nearly  valueless 
as  an  article  of  diet,  and  when  taken  into  the  stomach  serves  merely 
to  cause  colic  and  diarrh(]ca,  and  to  prevent  the  assimilation  of 
whatever  wholesome  food  may  have  been  eaten.  As  to  the  waste- 
fulness of  picking  fruit  before  it  is  mature,  we  will  say  nothing. 
"  Although."  says  the  Pall  Mall  Oazette,  "  there  are  childi'en,  and 
even  grown-up  people,  who  will  devour  anything  in  the  shape  of 
fruit,  even  though  it  may  be  as  hard  as  a  bullet  and  sour  as  vinegar, 
j'et  it  is  doubtful  whether  in  these  days,  when  cholera  is  looming  in 
the  distance,  it  is  safe  to  venture  on  any  experiments  of  this 
nature." 

The  Mango. — The  Mango  is  a  fruit  which  tries  the  palate  in  an 
eccentric  way,  delighting  the  stranger  at  one  time  with  its  delicious 
flavour,  and  disgusting  him  at  another  by  leaving  a  taste  in  his  mouth 
which  travellers  have  said  may  best  be  realised  by  licking  a  newly- 
painted  door.  The  Mango  is  common  in  all  parts  of  the  East,  and  in 
South  America.     Those  of  Massagong,  near  Bombay,  are  the  best, 

and  those  of  Brazil  the 
worst.  In  shape  and  ap- 
pearance it  is  something 
like  a  very  large  yellow 
Plum.  It  has  a  large,  flat- 
tish  oval  stone,  to  which  is 
tenaciously  attached  by 
fibres  a  juicy  yellow  pulp 
which  is  very  refreshing, 
but  which  it  would  puzzle 
the  compiler  of  a  handbook 
on  etiquette  to  tell  you 
how  to  eat  "  elegantly," 
unless  you  use  a  teaspoon, 
but  even  then  you  will 
come  to  a  difficulty,  for  you 
have  to  hold  the  Mango  as 
well  as  to  eat  it.  The  cor- 
rect way  is  to  sit  before  a 
tub  of  water  with  a  napkin 
round  your  neck  and  a  dish 
of  Mangoes  within  easy 
reach,  not,  as  I  have  seen 
it  stated  iu  a  traveller's 
account  of  a  trip  to  Brazil, 
to  enable  you  to  dilute  the 
turpentine  by  dipping  your 
Mango  iu  the  water,  but 
that  you  may  enjoy  your 
juicy  awkward  fruit  re. 
gardless  of  the  mess  it  leaves  you  in.  It  is  always  well  to  take  your 
first  bite  at  a  Mango  carefully,  to  see  whether  it  is  a  turpentiny  one 
or  not.  Green,  it  makes  an  excellent  pickle  ;  and  ripe,  a  moderately 
jelly.-G.  W. 


TJnwliolesome  Fruit. — The  Pall  Mall  Gazette,  in  commenting 
upon  a  recent  conviction  for  selling  decayed  Cherries,  draws  atten- 
tion to  the  scope  and  meaning  of  the  words  "  unfit  for  human 
consumption,"  and  expresses  a  hope  that  not  only  decayed  fruit  wiU 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

The  Ribstoii  Pippin  Apple.— In  Mr.  Young's  sjarden  at  Upper  Teddiugtoii 
is  probably  the  fmest  Ribstuu  Pippin  Apple  tree  anywhere  to  be  found.  It  is 
upwards  of  30  feet  in  height,  and  nearly  as  much  in  diameter.  It  is  in  most 
perfect  health,  the  leaves  and  slioots  having-  all  the  appearance  of  those  of  a 
young  tree.  It  is  now  bearing  what  may  be  termed  a  fair  average  crop,  and 
the  fruit  promises  to  be  as  fine  as  I  have  ever  seen  it. — Petee  Wallace. 

American  Peaches  —Mr.  Quin,  a  well-known  fruit-grower,  of  New  Jersey* 
and  one  of  the  editors  of  the  Neic  Turk  Tribune,  says  :  "  I  returned  home  from 
Europe  with  the  firm  and  proud  belief  that  with  Apples.  Pears,  and  Peaches, 
we  can  beat  the  the  world,  in  size,  quality,  and  production."  Mr.  Qiiin  is  right 
about  the  Pears  and  Apples  ;  and,  probably,  the  natural  advantages  of  many 
parts  of  America  will  one  day  make  the  statement  true  of  Peaches.  But  if  the 
European  grower  is  to  judge  of  the  quality  of  American  Peaches  by  what  is 
seen  in  the  shops  in  American  cities,  Mr.  Quin  is  very  wrong  indeed,  for  the  fruit 
is  such  as  no  English  gardener  dare  send  to  the  table  under  the  name  of  Peaches. 

A  remarkahle  pair  of  Pot  Vines.— A  pair  of  pot  Vines  of  unusual  excel- 
lence was  shown  at  Manchester  the  other  day  by  Messrs.  Lane  of  Berkhamptead. 
One  of  these,  a  Black  Hamburgh,  had  thirty-two  clusters  of  Grapes  on  it;  the 
other,  a  Foster's  White  Seedling,  had  thirty-four  clusters,  and  they  were  all  of 
good  size,  well  ripened  and  coloured.  They  were  growing  in  11-inch  pots  in  a 
compost  of  loam  mixed  with  some  manure,  and  have  had  the  benefit  of  having 
their  pots  pluuged  a  little  whilst  growing  and  swelling  their  fruit  ;  inverted  pots 
being  placed  under  them  to  prevent  the  egress  of  roots  from  the  holes  in  the 
bottom  of  the  pots.  Both  were  remarkable  examples  of  good  Grape  growing 
in  pots.— F. 


220 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Sept.  13,  1873. 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 

TABLE  DECORATIONS  AT  THE  CRYSTAL  PALACE. 
At  the  autumn  show,  held  at  the  Palace  the  other  day,  there 
■(vere  a  good  many  exhibitors  in  both  of  the  classes  set  apart 
for  table  decorations.  The  winner  of  the  first  prize  in  the 
open  class,  as  well  as  in  that  for  amateurs,  was  Mr.  Hudson, 
Champion  Hill,  Csmberwell.  On  this  occasion  the  decorations 
consisted  of  fruit  and  flowers  combined,  and  not  of  flowers 
only,  as  at  former  shows  held  there.  This  was  a  happy  thought, 
inasmuch  as  it  is  one  thing  to  arrange  stands  of  flowers, 
and  another  those  of  fruit ;  those  who  may  be  highly  successful 
with  the  former  are  often  quite  the  reverse  with  the  latter, 
and  this,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  was  very  observable  at  the  Palace 
last  Saturday,  many  exhibitors,  who  had  been  winners  of 
first  and  second  prizes  on  former  occasions,  being  quite  thrown 
oat,  owing  to  their  total  mismanagement  of  the  fruit.  'J'he 
decorations  of  the  first  prize  table  in  the  open  class  consisted  of 
three  graceful  Palms,  the  centre  one  being  the  tallest.  Round 
the  stems  of  these  were  twined  sprays  of  Lygodium  scandeus, 
while  round  the  base  of  the  centre  plaut  were  put  the  following 
flowers,  viz.,  blooms  of  Eucharis  amazonica,  Lilium  lancifolium 
ruljrum,  scarlet  Amaryllis,  Stephanotis,  pink  Begonia,  blue 
Corn-flower,  blue  Larkspur,  wild  Grasses,  Maiden-hair  Fern 
(Adiantum  cuneatum),  and  some  leaves  of  Pampas  Grass,  the 
whole  being  finished  off  with  a  wreath  of  light  Ferns,  which 
extended  out  on  the  cloth.  The  vases  belonging  to  the  outside 
Palms  were  in  much  the  same  style  as  the  centre  one,  except 
that  Roses  and  Jasmine  were  added  to  the  other  flowei-s  named. 
There  were  several  specimen  glasses,  each  containing  a  Rose- 
bud. The  fruit  consisted  of  (at  the  top  and  bottom)  Grapes 
and  a  Melon;  these  were  placed  on  rather  high  stands. 
There  were  also  four  glass  baskets,  containing  Plums, 
Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Pears.  Round  the  handles  were 
twisted  spraj's  of  Lygodium  soandens,  and,  through  the 
fruit,  fronds  of  Maiden-hair  Fern.  Indeed,  it  was  in  the 
arrangement  of  his  fruit  that  Mr.  Hudson  made  his 
great  hit,  that  of  the  Melons  being  simply  perfection.  In  the 
decoration  of  the  first  prize  table  (amateurs),  three  March 
stands,  with  trumpets  issuing  from  the  dishes,  were  employed. 
The  flowers  in  the  three  bottom  dishes  were  the  same,  and 
consisted  of  blue  Agapanthus,  blue  Forget-me-uots,  Eucharis 
amazonica,  Amaryllis  (scarlet),  Gyj^sophila,  Grasses,  and 
Maiden-hair  Fern.  Up  the  stems  was  Lygodium  scandeus. 
In  the  second  tier  of  the  centre  stand  were  four  blooms  of 
Pancratium  fragrans,  &c.,  drooping  round  the  edge ;  four 
blooms,  two  white  and  two  red,  of  Lapageria,  and  Maiden-hair 
Fern.  In  the  top  trumpet  were  long  fronds  of  a  light  Fern, 
which  drooped  gi-acefuUy  down  to  the  top  dish  ;  and  amongst 
them  were  white  Orchids,  wired,  and  which  had  a  good  efl^ect. 
The  other  flowers  used  were  Forget-me-not,  blue  Salvia,  and 
a  long  spike  of  a  scarlet  Pentstemon,  Grasses,  and  Ferns. 
The  top  dishes  of  the  end  stands  matched,  and  consisted  of 
Eucharis,  white  Bouvardia,  scarlet  Lapageria,  and  Maiden- 
hair Ferns;  in  the  trumpets  were  Bouvardia,  Forget-me-not, 
blue  and  white  Corn-flower,  a  spike  of  pale  tinted  scarlet 
Pentstemon,  and  drooping  round  fronds  of  Pteris  serrulata; 
the  specimen  glasses  had  a  Rose-bud  in  each.  There  were 
eight  dishes  of  fruit.  There  was  a  class  for  one  centre-piece, 
consisting  of  Grapes  and  foliage;  and  here,  again,  a  want  of 
knowledge  of  how  to  arrange  fruit  properly  was  very  visible, 
all  the  stands  staged  being  far  too  heavy  and  packed-looking. 
The  best  was  that  to  which  was  awarded  the  first  prize ;  it  was 
exhibited  by  Mr.  Bones,  of  Romford.  It  was  a  March  stand  con- 
taining white  and  green  Grapes,  through  which  were  mixed  Ferns 
and  variegated  Maple  leaves.  This  stand  was  far  ahead  of  the 
others  iu  its  arrangement,  but  still  it  was  too  heavy.     A.  H. 


ROOM  FERNERIES. 
There  is  no  more  beautiful  adorument  for  a  house  in  the  wintry 
season  than  an  indoor  Fernery,  and  as  it  requires  but  little  attention 
or  sunlight,  it  is  a  decoration  which  is  within  the  reach  of  most  of  us. 
A  simple  stand,  which  can  be  made  by  any  carpenter  or  house-joiner, 
and  can  be  furnished  with  legs  like  a  table,  is  required.  Into  this 
there  should  be  fitted  a  ziuc  pan,  from  3  to  4  or  5  inches  in 
depth,  according  to  the  size  of  the  Fernery.     If  it   is  small — say  2 


feet  iu  length  by  IG  inches  in  width,  3  inches  will  be  depth  enough 
for  the  pan.  But  larger-sized  Ferneries, are  the  most  desirable.  The 
handsomest  one  I  ever  saw  was  3  feet  in  length  and  2  feet  in  width. 
The  zinc  pan  must  be  painted  green,  and  the  glass  cover  be  either 
air  tight  or  nearly  so  as  it  can  be  made,  and  placed  over  the  pan,  or 
else  fastened  tightly  to  it,  with  a  door  set  ui^oa  hinges,  made  of  a 
pane  of  glass,  opening  in  the  middle.  When  so  large  a  Fernery  is 
prepared,  one  can  grow  a  great  variety  of  Fems,  Mosses,  and  Lycopoda 
in  it,  and  can  make  tiny  hanging  baskets  out  of  nut-shells  or  wicker, 
work,  and  grow  slender  delicate  trailers  in  them,  and  also  many  lovely 
treasui'es  of  the  wild  woods.  The  height  of  a  Fernery  is  important, 
and  it  should  be  made  as  high  as  is  possible  to  keep  the  case  well  pro- 
portioned, because  the  Ferns  and  other  plants  require  plenty  of  room  in 
which  to  develop  and  expand  their  various  beauties  in  a  graceful 
manner.  When  the  Fernery  case  is  made,  it  is  needful  to  fill  it  with 
soil,  and  you  must  be  particular  to  select  this  with  care.  Common 
garden  soil  will  not  answer  your  purpose  for  a  Fernery  any  more 
than  for  a  hanging  basket.  If  you  have  access  to  the  woods,  you 
can  procure  the  best  soil  in  the  same  place  where  you  select  the 
Ferns  and  Moss  with  which  to  fill  the  pan.  But  if  this  cannot  be 
done,  and  you  are  forced  to  rely  upon  the  florist  to  fill  your  plant 
case,  let  him  also  furnish  the  soil  it  requires.  And  in  case  both  these 
suggestions  fail  you,  make  a  compost  of  one  part  silver  sand,  one 
part  loa,my  peat,  and  one  part  leaf-mould  ;  or  substitute  powdered 
charcoal  and  cocoa-nut  fibre  for  the  peat  and  leaf  mould.  Place  a 
few  bits  of  charcoal  in  the  bottom  of  the  pan  to  keep  it  sweet. 
Water  the  soil  thoroughly  when  the  plants  are  first  put  in,  and  then 
close  the  Fernery,  and  place  it  in  a  shaded  room  for  several  days 
without  opening  it.  If  the  soil  is  well  watered  when  the  plants 
are  placed  in  it,  it  will  not  require  any  more  water  for  months,  but 
once  in  six  weeks  or  two  months  it  is  well  to  give  it  a  little  fresh 
air  by  opening  the  door  for  half  an  hour  or  so.  K  any  of  the 
fronds  of  the  Ferns  turn  brown,  or  the  other  plants  decay,  it  is  best 
to  open  the  case  and  remove  them,  as  they  will  taint  the  air.  If  the 
Fernery  is  made  upon  a  table,  castors  should  be  placed  on  the  legs, 
so  that  it  can  be  easily  moved,  and  thus  it  can  be  changed  from  one 
window  to  another.  Au  eastern  or  western  window  suits  it  well,  as 
it  does  not  require  but  very  little  sun — yet  needs  light.  Moisture 
is  constantly  condensed  during  the  night,  and  it  is  deposited  upon 
the  glass  sides.  It  is  this  condensation  which  makes  Ferns  flourish 
under  the  glass,  when  the  diy  atmosphere  of  our  living  rooms  would 
destroy  them.  I  will  give  exact  directions  for  making  a  Fernery,  that 
any  carpenter  can  follow.  Black  Walnut,  Oak,  or  Maple  can  be  Tised. 
Dimensions,  3  feet  by  2,  and  2  feet  in  height.  Size  of  glass,  22 
inches  by  22  for  the  ends,  and  34  by  22  for  the  sides  and  top.  The 
bottom  board  should  be  38  by  26  ;  should  be  made  of  inch-and-a-half 
plank,  and  project  an  inch  beyond  the  sides.  The  sides  should  be 
of  inch  stuff,  and  grooved  to  let  in  the  glass  panes,  which  should 
be  fastened  in  with  putty.  Many  like  a  pitched  roof,  which  will  add 
to  the  height,  and  can  be  shaped  with  panes  of  glass  to  resemble  a 
French  roof  house.  A  pretty  moulding  can  be  fastened  around  the 
outside,  which  wiU  be  ornamental,  and  also  serve  to  conceal  the  zinc 
pan,  which  is  placed  inside.  A  little  door  must  be  made  in  the  back 
of  the  Fernery,  by  which  plants  can  be  removed  or  added,  and  air 
and  water  given  when  needful.  A  glass  case  can  also  be  fitted  over 
a  marble  or  iron  vase,  filled  with  plants,  and  a  very  pretty  Fernery 
made  with  little  trouble. — The  Albany  Cultivator. 


Hardy  Climbers  for  the  Balcony. — Coba^a  scandens  is  a 
nearly  hardy  creej^er,  and  very  useful  for  window  gardening,  as  it  grows 
and  flowers  freely,  planted  in  a  window  box  and  trained  either  up  the 
railings  of  the  balcony  or  up  strings  or  wires  placed  for  the  purpose. 
Cuttings  taken  oft  old  plants  root  freely  if  plunged  in  a  gentle 
bottom-heat  in  the  spring,  and,  if  grown  on  freely  and  gradually 
hardened  off  about  the  latter  end  of  May,  they  may  be  planted  out 
with  impunity,  and  will  go  on  flowering  all  the  summer.  Eccremo- 
carpus  scaber  may  be  treated  in  the  same  way,  but  the  best  plan  to 
adopt  with  this  is  to  sow  the  seed  in  the  autumn,  and  to  keep  the 
young  plants  in  a  sunny  corner  all  winter  ready  to  plant  out  in  the 
spring.  TropEBolum  peregrinum  is  a  fine  yellow -flowered  trailer, 
easily  raised  from  seed  in  the  spring,  while  for  a  fresh  green-leaved 
trailer  noneequals  the  Virginian  Creeper  or  the  Australian  Kangaroo 
Vine  (Cissns  antarctica),  both  of  which  do  well  in  an  ordinary  window 
box  if  liberally  supplied  with  water. 


A  Gentlemax  from  Ohio  informs  the  American  Aijrlculturist  that 
there  is  on  the  farm  of  Mr.  George  W.  King  at  Painesville,  Ohio,  a 
Sassafras  tree  which  1  foot  from  the  ground  measures  10  feet  4 
inches  in  circumference,  and  4  feet  from  the  ground  8  feet  10  inches. 
It  is  120  feet  high,  presenting  a  clean  trunk  of  50  feet  to  the  lower 
branches. 


Sept.  13, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


221 


■*< 


*Aa 


GARDEN     DESTROYERS. 

THEIPS  H^MOBRHOIDALIS. 
Every  gardener  knows  the  thrips.  It  is  a  tribe  of  insects  of 
au  anomalous  character,  which  has  been  erected  into  a 
separate  order  by  HalUday  under  the  name  of  Th5'sanoptera — 
an  arrangement  generally  acquiesced  in.  Its  most  remarkable 
character  is  its  mouth,  which  is  placed  between  the  anterior 
thighs.  It  has  broad  mandibles,  and  injures  the  plants  it 
attacks  by  biting  the  leaves.  All  the  species  of  thrips  live 
upon  plants,  and  they  are  so  numerous  in  individuals  that  in 
the  suu  it  is  often  not  easy  to  find  a  flower  without  a  number 
of  these  little  black  elongated  motes  creeping  among  the 
petals.  The  larvM  are  pale  yellowish 
or  reddish,  and  inhabit  the  same  place 
as  the  perfect  insects,  and  in  their 
company.     They  differ,  farther,  from  /; 

the  latter  only  in  not  having  wings  f'', 

and  antennas.  They  have  the  same 
habit  as  the  Stapbylinidw  of  raising 
their  tails  as  if  to  defend  themselves. 
The  pupaa  have  imperfect  wings. 
The  perfect  insect  is  black  or  dark 
brown,  and  its  wings  ai-e  furnished 
with  a  broad  fringe.  The  species  are  |t 
said  to  be  numerous.  The  present  " 
species  is  supposed  to  be  exotic,  and 
to  have  been  introduced  with  foreign 
plants.  It  lives  in  our  hothouses  and 
conservatoi'ies,  and  feeds  upon  almost 
every  plant  in  the  place.  In  the  con- 
servatory Azaleas  suffer  particularly 
from  them.  In  the  hothouse  Palms, 
Ferns,  Bignonias, Euphorbias,  Aralias, 

and  especially  Orchids,  suffer  most.  "'^SSk^Sf'^^^'  \ 
The  leaves  of  the  bitten  plants 
become  m  irked  with  white?,  yellow, 
or,  in  the  case  of  Orchids,  with  black 
blotches,  sometimes  covering  and 
disfiguring  the  whole  leaf,  as  shown 
in  the  accompanying  woodcut.  By-  MHHK'"  V)^ 
and-bye  the  leaves  shrink  or  become  -  --- 

flaccid,  as  if  burnt  at  their  tips,  and 
then  fall  off.  The  Orchids  which 
they  prefer,  or  which  suffer  most 
from  them,  are  the  Phatenopsis, 
Cattleyas,  Lselias,  Dendrobiums, 
Aerides,  Saccolabiums,  &c.  The 
insects  keep  for  the  most  part  on  the 
under  side  of  the  leaves,  and  on  the 
young  shoots.  The  female  lays  her 
eggs  usually  along  the  margin  of  the 
mid-rib.  The  eggs  are  microscopically 
small,  longish,  round,  and  whitish. 
The  larva  is  hatched  in  eight  or  ten  Orch>d -leaf  .attacked  ijy  thrips. 
days.  It  changes  its  skin  four  times.  At  the  third  change 
the  rudiments  of  wings  begin  to  appear ;  it  takes  about  three 
weeks  to  reach  its  full  development.  Fumigation  with 
tobacco  is  the  most  approved  remedy.  It  kills  the  perfect 
insect  and  the  larvas,  but  has  no  effect  upon  the  eggs.  Hence 
the  process  requires  frequent  repetition — say  once  a  fortnight 
until  the  breed  is  exterminated.  It  is  unnecessary  to  tell  the 
gardener  that  this  remedy  must  be  used  with  caution,  and  not 
applied  indiscriminately  to  all  plants.  Orchids  suffer  much 
from  it,  so  do  the  Gesueriaoeai,  and  most  Ferns.  Cinerarias 
and  Heliotropes  do  not  like  it.  In  such  cases,  sulphur  in 
powder  applied  with  the  fingers  to  the  moist  leaves,  or,  still 
better,  Gishurst's  Compovind,  have  been  found  effectual. 

A.  M. 


r 


Paris  Green. — Paris  wreen  is  a  compound  of  arsenic  and  copper.  It  is 
either  identical  witli  the  pigment  known  as  Scbeele's  green  in  the  arts,  or  is 
very  similar  to  it.  It  consists  of  oxide  of  copper  23'51,  and  of  arsenious  acid 
7r-t6  per  cent ;  thus  being  a  most  virulent  poison.  The  green  pigment,  which 
consists  of  sulphate  of  copper,  alum,  and  ammonia,  or  of  other  combinations 
of  copper,  Ume,  &c.,  is  known  as  Brunswick  green.  This  compound  is  not  so 
poisonous  as  the  Paris  green.  Some  years  ago  Paris  green  was  used  to  colour 
confectionery  in  the  city  of  Paris,  but  this  being  detected  by  the  "  Council  of 
Health,"  its  use  for  such  purposes  was  prohibited.  It  is  much  used  in  America 
in  the  destruction  of  insects. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 


SAGE. 
Tins  pleasing-looking  under-shrub,  a  native  of  the  south  of 

Europe,  is  always  au  inmate  of  the  herb  garden.  It  is  very 
vigorous,  and  will  grow  anywhere  ;  but  we  have  seen  it  perish 
on  the  London  clay,  and  it,  of  course,  does  best  on  a  warm  and 
well-drained  soil.  As  it  is  apt  to  get  too  straggling  when 
kept  too  long  in  one  spot  without  being  transplanted,  the  best 
way  is  to  replant  every  third  or  fourth  year;  and  should  the 
plants  ever  be  cut  off  in  winter,  a  tuft  on  some  dry  bank  would 
most  jirobably  survive  and  furnish  any  amount  of  cuttings. 
Where  but  a  small  supply  is  required,  a  tuft  or  two  on  the 
margin  of  a  clump  of  shrubs  would  suffice.  The  slips  may  bo 
readily  struck  in  a  shady  border  under  a  handlight,  or  on  an 
old  or  gentle  hotbed.  It  may  also  be  freely  raised  from  seed  ; 
but  that  means  is  not  often  resorted  to,  as  cuttings  strike 
readily,  and  are  more  quickly  raised  than  seedlings.  There 
are  several  varieties — the  red,  green,  narrow-leaved  green  or 
Sage  of  virtue,  and  broad-leaved  green  or  balsam  Sage.  The 
leaves  of  these  varieties  present  various  shades  of  colour,  and 
there  is  also  a  handsome  variegated  variet3',  cultivated  for 
ornament  only.  I  always  practised  every  April  pegging  down 
and  layering  the  outside  and  lowest  branches,  and  thus  alwaj's 
had  a  stock  of  young  plants  in  hand  for  planting  the  next  and 
every  succeeding  April.  Often  the  severe  frost  would  kill  all  the 
centre  of  the  old  plants,  while  the  young  layers  were  safe  and 
sound,  and  the  whole  of  those  plants  not  layered  would  very 
often  be  killed.  James  Barnes. 


A  FEW  WOEDS  ABOCTT  BEANS. 
OuK  earliest  oat  of  door  Beans  are  the  longpod  and  broad  Windsor 
section,  simply  because  being  perfectly  hardy  they  can  be  sown  at 
almost  any  period  of  the  winter,  but  as  a  rule  they  are  not  so  useful 
as  the  dwarf  or  thinner  Beans,  as  these  latter,  when  properly  cooked, 
constitute  quite  a  vegetable  delicacy,  little  inferior  to  a  good  dish 
of  Peas.  Broad  Beans  for  the  tables  of  the  rich  are  generally  used 
whilst  very  young,  and  for  obtaining  them  in  such  a  stage  of  growth, 
and  yet  of  good  size,  no  sort  is  better  than  Johnson's  Wonderful — a 
kind  that  is  also  known  as  Mackie's  Monarch — and  which  is,  without 
doubt,  the  finest  broad  Bean  for  all  purposes  ever  sent  out.  I 
especially  commend  it  to  cottagers  as  a  splendid  cropper,  and  where 
the  soil  is  good  it  will  prodnce  fine  pods  from  7  inches  to  8  inches  in 
length,  full  of  Beans  that  cannot  be  excelled  in  quality.  It  is 
singular  that  in  spite  of  the  existence  of  this  grand  Bean,  our 
market  gardeners  seldom  grow  it,  being  chiefly  attached  to  the 
broad  Windsor,  a  circumstance  probably  arising  from  the  fact  that 
the  latter  is  best  known  in  the  market,  and  that  it  takes  many  years 
to  change  the  popular  taste  in  favour  of  some  new  comer.  The 
broad  Windsor,  at  its  best,  seldom  produces  more  than  three  Beans 
in  a  pod ;  but,  of  course,  they  are  very  large.  I  once  knew  a  lady 
who  would  have  only  broad  Windsors  grown,  and  she  used  to  have 
them  served  up  to  table  after  they  were  old,  and  would  admit  of 
the  skins  being  removed  without  breaking  the  mealy  inside ;  thus 
used,  these  old  Beans  are  exceedingly  nice,  and  in  that  state  only. 
Eclipse  is  a  fine  runner  Bean,  a  tall  kind,  having  very  long  straight 
pods,  that  are  tender  and  nice.  The  dry  seed  is  light  brown  in 
colour,  and  striped  with  purple ;  it  is  flat  and  small.  The  Premier 
Runner  is  a  kind  which  I  have  grown  for  several  years,  and  which  is 
in  reality  a  superior  dwarf  kind  broken  into  a  runner.  It  grows  to  a 
height  of  from  5  to  6  feet,  and  is  a  most  profuse  bearer,  the  pods, 
when  cooked,  being  exceedingly  tender.  One  sowing  of  this  Bean  in 
good  holding.grouud,  and,  properly  staked,  will  furnish  such  a  con- 
tinuous supply  that  the  necessity  for  making  frequent  sowings  of 
dwarf  kinds  is  quite  dome  away  with.  The  seed  has  a  reddish  ground, 
thickly  covered  with  dark  specks.  The  very  finest  runner  I  have 
ever  seen  belongs  to  the  white  Dutch  section,  or  what  is  in  reality 
the  white  form  of  the  old  scarlet  runner.  I  selected  it  last  year,  and 
have  grown  it  again  this  season,  and  find  that  it  maintains  its 
character  perfectly.  Mr.  Barron,  of  Chiswick,  saw  it  growing  here  a 
few  weeks  ago,  and  he  then  declared  it  to  be  the  finest  Bean  he  had 
seen.  He  mentioned  a  fact  in  relation  to  the  white  and  scarlet 
runners  that  is  not  generally  known,  namely,  that  Continental  seed 
produces  a  more  luxuriant  bine  and  less  fruit  than  home-grown  seed, 
a  point  worth  attention.  The  Negro,  though  occasionally  apt  to  run, 
is  one  of  the  very  finest  and  best  of  late  Beans,  and  yields  a  large 
crop.  I  hear  that  a  first-class  certificate  has  been  recently  granted 
to  a  fine-podded  kind,  known  as  Cutbush's  Grand,   but  which  is  in 


222 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  13, 1873. 


reality  a  good  selection  of  the  old  red  Flageolet.  The  ripe  seed  is 
long  and  kidney-shaped,  and  of  a  rich  mulberry  colour ;  closely 
resembling  this  is  Sutton's  new  Bean,  Canadian  Wonder,  the  seed  of 
which,  however,  is  rather  lighter  in  colour  and  the  plant  rather  later 
than  Flageolet.  Another  kind  that  is  highly  spoken  of  is  Osbom's 
new  French  Bean,  which  is,  however,  considered  by  some  to  be  but 
an  old  friend  under  a  new  name,  and  others  think  that  as  a  forcer  it 
neither  boats  Sion  House,  Fulmer's  Early,  or  Newington  Wonder. 
Another  new  distinct  and  certainly  first-rate  early  Bean  is  the  new 
Salmon  Mexican — a  salmon-coloured  Bean  that  is,  undoabtedly,  as 
good  of  its  class  as  any  variety  with  which  I  am  acquainted.  There 
is  amongst  private  gardeners  and  market  gardeners  considerable 
difference  of  opinion  as  to  what  constitutes  a  really  useful  dwarf 
Bean,  the  gardener  invai'iably  liking  a  Bean  that  will  furnish  a  con- 
tinuous daily  supply  for  a  long  time,  whilst  the  market-grower 
desires  a  sort  that  will  yield  one  or  two  large  simultaneous  gatherings, 
and  then  can  be  pulled  off  to  make  room  for  another  crop.  There 
are  a  few  kinds  that  have  this  latter  feature  specially  developed,  but 
as  gardeners  generally  like  a  constant  supply  they  will  speedily  find, 
upon  trial,  what  particular  kind  suits  them  best  in  this  respect. — A. 
D.  B.,  ill  "  The  Gardeners'  Record." 


WINTER  LETTUCE. 
TnosE  who  have  a  frame  or  hand-lights  to  spare,  and  wish  to  have 
nice  tender  Lettuce  in  early  winter,  and  later,  should  now  fill  them 
with  plants.  This  advice  is  most  applicable  to  those  who  live  in 
cold  localities,  or  where  early  frosts  arrest  a  late  autumn  growth. 
For  the  earliest  winter  Lettuce  I  always  prepare  a  frame  early  in 
September.  I  use  no  bottom  heat  in  the  way  of  leaves  or  anything 
else  ;  there  is  still  enough  of  sun  and  warmth  to  promote  a  luxuriant 
growth,  with  the  occasional  assistance  of  glass,  to  produce  fine 
plump  Lettuce  by  the  beginning  of  winter  that  will  keep  for  a  long 
while  in  a  standstill  but  excellent  condition,  in  a  dry  frame.  Prepare 
a  bed  of  good  light  rich  soil  in  the  frame,  such  as  refuse  potting, 
soil,  or  anything  of  that  kind.  Let  the  surface  of  the  bed  bo  within 
1  foot  of  the  glass,  and  when  ready  plant  with  young  plants  of  Hardy 
Green  or  Hammersmith ;  and  for  first  use,  Paris  White  Cos.  If  there 
is  likely  to  be  a  scarcity  outdoors  in  late  autumn,  place  4  inches  apart, 
and  the  same  distance  between  the  rows,  and  use  every  alternate  row 
first,  and  afterwards  every  alternate  plant  in  the  rows  left.  This 
leaves  the  main  crop  of  plants  8  inches  apart  each  way,  which  will  be 
sufficient  for  their  development.  They  will  require  watering  and 
other  attentions  till  they  are  full  grown.  This  will  be  in  November 
or  early  in  December  ;  and,  after  this,  the  object  ought  to  be  to  keep 
the  plants — not  to  grow  them.  To  do  this  the  frame  should  be  kept 
dry  and  cool  by  lifting  off  the  lights  in  favourable  weather,  and 
putting  them  on  in  wet  weather.  Only  keep  all  still  and  dry,  and  a 
well-filled  frame  of  compact  Lettuces  will  bo  the  reward.  A  plan, 
only  second  to  this,  is  to  lift  full-grown  plants  from  the  open  ground 
in  October  or  November  with  balls,  and  set  them  together  in  a  dry 
shed,  filling  up  the  spaces  between  the  balls  with  rather  dry  soil. 
They  will  keep  a  long  time  this  way. — J.  S.,  in  "  The  Field." 


French  Short-horn  Carrot. — This  Carrot,  of  which  wo  see  so 
many  brought  from  France  into  Covent  Garden  Market  in  the  early 
part  of  the  season,  is  easy  of  cultivation,  and  better  suited  to  some 
soils  than  those  generally  grown  in  this  country.  Carrots  in  a  young 
state  are  at  all  times  of  the  year  in  .great  request ;  and  this  one, 
when  full  grown,  from  its  shape,  and  from  its  being  of  finer  texture 
and  flavour,  is  much  preferred  to  any  of  the  others  for  ornamental 
cookery.  I  procured  last  season  some  seed  of  it,  which  I  have  found 
to  be  both  true  to  its  kind  and  of  excellent  quality.  I  find  it  like- 
wise to  grow  much  faster  than  the  common  Horn  Carrot.  To  prove 
this  I  sowed  last  year,  on  the  loth  August,  on  a  well-prepared  piece 
of  ground,  two  beds,  one  of  each  sort,  side  by  side  ;  they  vegetated 
and  came  up  as  nearly  as  possible  at  one  time  ;  but  I  found,  in  the 
beginning  of  November,  that  the  French  Horn  was,  on  an  average  of 
the  crop,  nearly  double  the  size  of  the  other.  Upon  the  soil  in  this 
neighbourhood  the  sorts  of  Carrot  commonly  grown  are  very  subject 
to  canker-worm — so  much  so  that  they  frequently  prove  a  failure ; 
but  the  one  in  question  has  entirely  escaped,  and  has  done  in  every 
way  remarkably  well. — J.  S.,  Roehainpton. 


Leek  Culture  in  Flanders.— In  the  Walloon  district  of  Flanders,  says  M. 
E.  Andr^,  the  following  mode  of  planting  Leeks  is  generally  practised  :— With  a 
long  dibber  a  liole  is  made  as  deep  as  the  length  of  the  young  plant,  which  is 
then  inserted  into  it,  so  that  merely  the  tops  of  the  leaves  appear  above  gi'^und. 
The  hole  is  not  closed  up  by  press'ing  the  dibber  at  the  side,  nor  is  any  soil 
filled  in  to  it,  as  sufllcient  is  washed  down  to  the  roots  in  the  course  of  watering. 
The  result  is  the  production  of  white  and  tender  stalks,  eriual  in  length  to  the 
depth  of  the  hole.    This  is  a  very  old  and  well-known  method  in  Scotland. 


WORK    FOR    THE    WEEK. 
THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Bedding  Plants. — Pick  off  all  decaying  flowers  and  seed-pods, 
and  remove  flower-spikes  from  variegated-leaved  plants,  with  the 
exception  of  Pelargoniums,  so  as  to  preserve  the  symmetry  of  the 
plants  and  maintain  effective  variegation  of  the  leaves.  Give  plenty 
of  water  to  the  plants  during  afternoons  in  dry  weather,  and  stake 
any  plants  requiring  that  attention.  Where  Gladioli  have  been 
planted,  either  in  lines  or  otherwise,  amongst  other  plants,  cut  off 
the  spikes  as  soon  as  the  blooms  have  faded ;  but  preserve  the  leaves 
intact.  Treat  Hollyhocks  in  the  same  manner  ;  and,  if  necessar}-, 
they  may  be  cut  down  to  the  ground  as  soon  as  they  have  done 
blooming,  and  the  young  shoots  that  will  afterwards  emerge  from  the 
root  may  be  employed  for  purposes  of  propagation.  Peg  down  all 
trailing  plants,  and  lead  them  over  the  sides  of  baskets  and  vases. 
Coprosma  Baueriana  variegata  looks  very  pretty  pegged  to  the 
ground,  and  when  the  naked  shoots  are  covered  with  soil,  leaving 
only  the  tops  above  the  surface.  The  main  stock  of  cuttings  of  the 
various  bedding  jilants  should  now  be  put  in ;  but,  should  the  quantity 
be  insufficient,  propagation  may  be  continued  until  the  1st  of 
October;  but  after  the  1st  of  September,  unless  in  exceptionall}' 
fine  seasons,  a  very  gentle  heat  may  be  required.  This  may 
be  obtained  from  a  frame  placed  over  a  layer  of  leaves  a  foot  in 
depth,  or  by  having  a  hot-water  pipe  running  through  the  frame; 
but  where  any  moderately  warm  pit  or  greenhouse  can  be  spared, 
nothing  else  is  necessary  for  ordinary  plants.  Verbenas  and  Pelar- 
goniums from  early-struck  batches,  and  that  are  now  well  rooted, 
should  be  transplanted  into  boxes,  in  which  they  will  have  to  remain 
until  spring.  Some  of  the  variegated-leaved  Pelargoniums  should 
be  potted  singly,  for  it  is  necessary  to  have  them  strong  before  the 
approach  of  winter.  Propagate  Ageratums  and  Salvias  now  from 
side  shoots,  and  insert  the  cuttings  about  2  inches  apart  in  boxes 
filled  with  loam,  leaf-soil,  and  sand  in  about  equal  proportions. 
Towards  the  end  of  the  month  strike  some  cuttings  of  Gazanias 
under  similar  circumstances.  Cuttings  of  the  finer  sorts  of  Petunias 
may  be  saved,  but  as  they  come  so  well  from  seed  sown  in  spring, 
it  is  almost  needless  to  occupy  space  with  them  in  winter.  Coleuses, 
Iresines,  Lantanas,  &c.,  must  be  struck  in  heat,  but  plants  of  the 
last  two  which  have  been  kept  in  pots  throughout  the  summer  make 
the  best  stove  plants.  Echeverias  and  succulents  in  general  may 
now  be  raised  from  seed  sown  in  sandy  soil  in  a  pit,  and  pricked  off 
as  they  require  it ;  or  they  may  be  increased  by  means  of  leaves 
and  ordinary  cuttings.  By  increasing  the  stock  of  these  in  August 
and  September,  good  plants  can  be  obtained  for  planting  out  ne.xt 
year.  The  many  off-sots  that  appear  around  the  necks  of  Semper- 
vivums  may  be  thinned  out  for  the  same  purpose,  and  got  well 
established  before  the  approach  of  winter. 

Sub-tropical  Plants. — These  will  now  be  at  their  best,  and 
looking  magnificently,  set  off,  as  they  generally  are,  by  a  basement 
either  of  brightly-coloured  leaves  or  bloom.  As  isolated  specimens, 
judiciously  studded  on  lawns  and  in  rooks,  fine-leaved  plants,  such  as 
Wigandias,  Fcrdinandas,  Uhdeas,  Castor  Oil  plants,  Acacias,  and 
many  others  produce  a  grand  appearanco.  Cannas  are  now  finely  in 
bloom,  and  the  gigantic,  but  hardy,  herbaceous  Polygonum  Sieboldii 
is  also  now  laden  with  flowers,  as  are  likewise  hardy  Hibiscuses  of 
various  kinds.  Among  smaller  plants  now  in  flower  Vallota  pur- 
i:)urea  is  one  of  the  finest,  and  it  is  admirably  suited  for  the  front  of 
moderately-sized  flower-beds.  Erythrinas  now  form  conspicuous 
objects,  being  in  full  bloom,  and  the  variegated  Japanese  Maize,  now 
in  flower,  has  a  most  effective  and  relieving  appearance.  Propagate 
Coprosma  Baueriana  variegata  from  the  half-ripened  shoots,  by 
inserting  them  thickly  under  hand-lights  in  a  close  or  very  gently 
heated  frame  or  pit.  Coleuses,  too,  must  be  increased  according  to 
demand,  and  .\lternantheras  if  required;  but  stove  plants  kept  in 
pots  in  a  cold  frame,  throughout  the  summer  and  autumn  months, 
make  the  best  stock  plants,  and  they  winter  better  than  younger 
ones.  Increase  the  stock  of  Ficnses  from  cuttings  in  heat.  Palms 
from  seed,  Musas  from  seeds  and  suckers,  &c.,  but  such  annuals  as 
Tobacco  plants,  Wigandias,  and  others  may  be  left  unsown  until 
early  in  spring. 

Calceolarias. — Towards  the  end  of  the  month  frames  must  be 
got  in  readiness  for  the  winter  stock  of  these,  no  matter  whether  it 
be  cuttings  or  old  plants  that  are  to  be  saved.  These  frames  may 
either  be  made  of  wood  or  turf,  and  they  must  be  set  upon  a  well- 
drained  bottom  covered,  a  few -inches  deep,  with  ashes.  Over  this 
put  6  or  7  inches  in  depth  of  sandy  loam,  mixed  with  a  little  leaf. 
soil,  and  on  the  surface  place  half  an  inch,  layer  of  pure  sand, 
beating  all  pretty  firmly.  No  heating  material  whatever  will  be 
necessary  in  winter,  covering  the  sashes  with  some  protecting 
material  being  sufficient.  In  the  last  fortnight  of  the  present  month 
and  during  any  part  of  October  the  cuttings  may  be  successfully  put 


Sept.  13,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


223 


in,  about  2  inches  apart,  and  shaded  for  a  little  time  afterwai-ds. 
Short  stnbby  laterals  should  be  chosen  for  propagating  purposes, 
and  all  should  bo  rejected  that  have  visible  flower-buds.  Dustings 
with  dry  wood-ashes  now  and  then  is  a  good  preventive  of  the 
Calceolaria  disease  or  damp  that  often  proves  so  destructive  to  them. 
Such  varieties  should  be  most  extensively  increased  that  thrive  best 
in  the  locality ;  as,  for  instance,  Aurea  floribunda  does  not  do  well 
near  London,  whilst  in  many  other  parts  of  England  and  Scotland  it 
is  the  best  of  all  Calceolarias.  Gaines's  Yellow  is  the  sort  most 
cultivated  about  London,  and  amplexicaulis,  too,  does  even  better 
than  it,  but  its  habit  is  so  loose  that  we  want,  for  general  purposes, 
a  variety  having  a  stocky  habit,  and,  if  possible,  the  blooms  of 
amplexicaulis.  Princess  Helena,  a  dark  variety,  does  remarkably 
well  in  Lancashire.  Ambassador,  cauariensis.  Prince  of  Orange, 
Aurantia  multiflora,  Havelock,  and  Golden  Gem,  are  also  good  varieties 
for  the  flower-garden. 

Hardy  Herbaceous  Plants. — The  number  of  these  in  flower 
is  weekly  becoming  less  ;    but,  by  a  little  forethought,  a  considerable 
amount  of  bloom  might  still  be  maintained.     For  instance,  if  a  few 
Delphiniums,   double-flowerod  Pyrethrums,    Antirrhinums,  Pontstc- 
raons,  and  Phloxes  were  cut   back  very  early,    they  would  send  up 
fresh  shoots  that  would  now  be  in  full  bloom  ;  whilst  those  permitted 
to  go  on  in  their  natural  course  will  have  had  their  decayed  flower, 
stems  removed  some  time  ago,  with   the   exception   of   the  Phloxes, 
which  may  still  be  in  fair  condition.     Herbaceous  Asters  will  now 
rank  amongst  the  cliief  features  of  the  herbaceous  or  mixed  border, 
especially  such  varieties  as  Amellus,  linarifolius,  versicolor,  sagitta3- 
folius,  punctatus,  Shortii,  rigidu',  discolor,  hyssopifolius,  and  others. 
They  should  be  strongly  staked  to  prevent  breakage  by  wind.     The 
two   varieties   of   the   double-flowered    Helianthus    multiflorus    are 
perhaps  the  most  showy   of   herbaceous  plants  at  present,  and   fit 
companions  for  them  are  the    Rudbeckias  Neumannii,  columnaris, 
speciosa,  and  purpurea  grandiflora,  which  are  all  grand,  showy,  and 
free-blooming   hardy  autumn   flowers.       Arundo  conspicua,   too,   is 
a    fine    object,    either    in    the     form    of     isolated     specimens     on 
lawns   or   in   borders,   and    will    soon    be   followed    by   the    more 
stately  Pampas  Grass,   which    should    receive  occasional   thorough 
soakings   of   water.      The  Eupatorium    purpureum   will    be  in  fall 
bloom  in  the  latter  part  of  the  month,  and  looks  well   planted  near 
ornamental  waters,  and  Solidago  mexicana  and  arguta  will  now  be 
beautifully  in  bloom  in  our  shrubbery  borders,  and  in  back  lines  in 
herbaceous   borders.     The   hardy   Fuchsias   are,  perhaps,    the  most 
attractive  of    September   plants,   and   Veronica   salicifolia,    too,  is 
another  plant  now  in  great  beauty,  as  is  also  the  Tritoma  XJvaria. 
Amongst  the  smaller  plants  that  bloom  in  September  may  be  men- 
tioned Sisyrinchum  convolutum,  a  pretty  little  yellow  flower;  Vitta- 
dinia  triloba,  a  Daisy-like  blossom,  with  the  good  property  of  keeping 
long  in  bloom  ;  Corydalis  capnoides  alba,  an  interesting  white  form  ; 
the  little  yellow  Achillea  Ageratum,  Statices  of  various  sorts,  Linaria 
alpina,  Lythrum  floccosum  and  L.  alatum.  Anemone  japoniea,  white 
and   rose ;     Japan   Lilies,    Erodium    macradenum,   Machoeranthera 
glabra,  Buphthalmum  maritimnm,  Zapania  nodiflora,   Sedum  spec- 
tabile,   and    S.   Telephium,  Asclepias    tuberosa,    Cyclamen   hedera;- 
folinm,  and  many  Violas,   annuals,  and  autumn-blooming   bulbous 
plants.     Cut  over  all  decayed  and  decaying  flower  spikes,  and  remove 
withered  leaves,  so   as   to  preserve  neatness  and  cleanliness.     Any 
specimens  that  have  bloomed  early,  and  that  have  completed  their 
growth,   may  now   be   lifted,   divided,   and   re-planted   as   soon   as 
possible  in  a  rich  well-prepared  and  deeply-worked  soil.    Propagation 
of  herbaceous  plants  from  cuttings  should  cease  after  the  first  of 
next  month,  otherwise  the  cuttings  will   be  insufiiciently  rooted  and 
too  weak  to  stand  the  winter  well.     Alpines  and  other  plants  in  pots 
should  now  be  looked  over,  cleaned,  re-potted,  and   placed  in  cold 
frames.     Transplant  Irises  of   sorts,  and  thin  the  blooms  of  choice 
Chrysanthemums. 


The  "  Horse-gowan." — Your  con-espondcnt  "  Leontodon  "  (p. 
192)  thinks  1  have  "fallen  into  an  error"  as  to  the  Ox-eye  Daisy 
being  called  in  Scotland  the  Horse. gowan,  and  inquires  in  what  part 
of  the  country  that  name  is  applied  to  it.  The  fact  was  communi- 
cated to  me  twenty-five  years  ago  by  a  friend  long  since  gone.  One 
day,  when  we  were  examining  the  exquisitely  symmetrical  arrange- 
ment of  the  unexpanded  disk-florets  of  the  Ox-eye,  which  exactly 
anticipates  the  "engine-turning"  on  the  back  of  a  watch,  he  re- 
marked, "These  we  call  in  Scotland  Horse-gowans."  My  friend 
came  from  Dunfermline,  and  his  remark  may  have  applied  only  to 
his  own  neighbourhood.  The  dictionaries  all  appear  to  consider  the 
Daisy  to  be  the  Gowan,  and  popular  feeling  accepts  no  other  in  the 
sweet  allusion  in  "  Auld  Lang  Syne."  Gowan,  then,  being  obviously 
the  little  or  common  field  Daisy,  it  seems  but  reasonable  that  Horse- 
gowan  should  denote  the  big  or  Ox-eye  Daisy. — Leo.  Gkindox. 


THE  GOLDEN-SPUREED  COLUMBINE. 
(aquilegu  chrysantiia.) 
More  than  twenty  years  ago,  the  writer  in  his  wanderings   in   the 
wilds  of  Northern  Mexico,   came  across  a  Columbine,   which  at  the 
time  seemed  to  him  not  only  the  most  beautiful  Columbine,   but  the 
most  charming  wild  flower  he  had  ever  seen.     How  he  searched  foe 
seeds — for,  being  a  thousand  miles  from  anywhere,  roots  were  of  no 
use — how   sadly   he    contented    himself    with    specimens    for    the 
herbarium,  and  how  he  filled  his  hat-band  and  the  button-holes  of  a 
red  flannel  shirt  with  flowers,   are  matters  of  pleasant  recollection. 
He  supposed,  of  course,  he  had  a  new  species,  and  was  not   a  littlo 
disappointed  to  find  that  both   Torrcy  and   Gray  considered  it  as  a 
yellow   variety   of    Aquilegia   leptocera — what  is  now   known    and 
cultivated  as  Aquilegia  cairulea   (the  Itocky  Mountain  Columbine). 
As  the  plant  is  destined  to  be  a  popular  one,  Ave  give  it  the  name  of 
"  Golden-Spurred  Columbine."     That  most  industrious  collector  and 
excellent  botanist,  Dr.  C.  C.  Parry,  was  fortunate  enough  to  obtain 
seeds  of  it,  and  the  plant  has  been  for  some  time   in  cultivation  in 
the  Botanic  Garden  of  Harvard  University.     It  has  been  sparingly 
introduced  from  there  into  European  and   a  few  American  gardens, 
aud  it  is  noticed  in  foreign  journals  with  high  commendation    as 
Aquilegia  leptocera  flava.     This  is  not  the  place  to  discuss  botanical 
nomenclature     aud     synonyms.        Suffice    it    to    say,    that,     after 
cultivating  the  plant  for  several  years,  and  comparing  it  with  the 
Rocky  Mountain  Columbine  (A.  cosrulea),  Dr.  Gray  has  concluded 
to    describe    it    as    a    new    species,    Aquilegia    chrysantha.     The 
botanical   distinctions    between    this  and  A.  csernlea  are   not  very 
marked,   but  it  is  one  of  those  cases  in  which  other  than  purely 
botanical   characters   may  have  weight.     The  plant  comes  from  a 
different  geographical  range,  grows  taller,   flowers  nearly  a  month 
later,  and  blooms  for  two  months  continuously  ;  these  peculiarities, 
added  to  its  full  yellow  colour,  seem  to  warrant  it  to  rank  as  a 
species.     Like  the  Rocky  Mountain  Columbine,  it  has  a  very  long  and 
slender  spur,  often  over  2  inches  in  length.    It  is  perfectly  hardy,  even 
more  so   than   the  Rocky  Mountain   species,  which,  in  some  soils, 
being  injured  by  the  heat  of  summer,  is  not  sufficiently  strong  to 
stand  the  winter,  a  difficulty,  however,  which  has  never  been  within 
our  experience.     We  learn  that  seeds  of  this  plant  will  be  offered 
by  some  of  our  leading  seed-dealers  this  autumn.     [We  are  indebted 
to  the  American  AgriciiUurist  for  the  above  interesting  history  of 
this  fine  plant,  to  which  we  several  times  alluded  during  the  summer.] 


TRIALS  OF  PELARGONIUMS  AT  CHISWIGK. 

The  following  is  a  complete  list  of  the  Pelai-goniums  which  have 
received  *  *  *  each  (equivalent  to  a  first-class  certificate)  at  the 
Chiswick  trials,  1873  :  — 

Golden  Tricolors.— Beautiful  for  Ever,  Colonel  Lloyd  Lindsay, 
Countess  of  Enniskillen,  Madonna,  Oriental,  35.3,  36/",  E.  G.  Henderson. 

Silver  Tricolors. — Circassian  Beauty,  J.  Hodgson;  Fair  Rosamond, 
Lass  o'  Gowrie,  E.  G.  Henderson  and  Son. 

Golden  Margined.— Golden  Brilliantissima,  J.  Gibson. 

White  Variegated.— Laura,  E.  Bland. 

Bronze-leaved. — Crown  Prince,  G.  Acton  ;  Emperor  of  Brazil, 
Downie,  Laird,  and  Laing ;  Preelight,  Carter  and  Co. ;  Golden  Harry 
Hieover,  E.  G.  Henderson  and  Son ;  Mrs.  Elliott,  Downie,  Laird,  and 
Laing;  Reine  Victoria,  E.  G.  Henderson  and  Son. 

Pink-flowered. — Amaranth,  J.  R.  Pearson  ;  Bella,  Carter  and  Co. ; 
Cleopatra,  — Barrett;  Evans'  Seedling,  —  Evans;  Mrs.  Halliburton,  B. 
Bland  ;  Wclbeck  Nosegay,  W.  Tillery. 

Scarlet  Zonals.^Begere,  Downie,  Laird,  and  Laing ;  Don  Giovanni, 
William  Paul ;  Dr.  Livingstone,  Carter  and  Co. 

Cerise  and  Scarlet  Nosegays.— Chunder  Sen,  E.G.  Henderson 
and  Son  ;    Forest  Hill  Nosegay,  Downie,  Laird,  aud  Laing. 


A  Pair  Flovrer  Sho'W. — A  flower  show,  consisting  of  the 
Virginacea:  was  held  yesterday  in  the  Assembly  Rooms,  at  Missington. 
Prizes  were  awarded  to  the  parental  exhibitors  of  several  uncommonly 
beautiful  specimens,  and  others  were  highly  commended.  The  winners 
of  gold  and  silver  medals  included  an  Augusta  formosa,  an  Arabella 
auricoma,  an  Amelia  elegans,  an  Agnes  gracilis,  a^  Barbara  subf  usea,  a 
Carolina  rosea,  a  Dorothea  boopis,  an  Emma  speciosa,  a  Frances  calU«- 
phyra,  and  a  Georgiana  glauca.  Many  others  were  highly  commended  : 
in  particular  the  Henrietta  canoi-a,  and  Isabella  saltatrix.  Attention  was 
attracted  by  the  Julia  ridens,  the  Katharina  procax,  the  Louisa  languens, 
the  Maria  garrula,  and  the  Nora  loquacissima.  Among  some  specimens 
of  a  typical  character,  less  distinguished  by  their  beauty  than  by  other 
peculiarities,  the  most  remarkable  were  the  Olivia  rotunda,  the  PrisciUa 
pinguis,  the  Rosa  androdes,  the  Rebecca  acuta,  and  the  Selina  simplex. 
The  exhibition  comprised  a  magnificent  specimen  of  the  Dorcas  carota, 
and  an  equally  splendid  one  of  the  Jemima  Aiilgaris. — Punch. 


224 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Sept.  13,  1873. 


SOCIETIES,    EXHJBITIONS,    &c. 

THE    MANCHESTER    EXHIBITION. 

(^Continued  from  p.  204.) 

VegftabIjES  occupied  a  large  tent  by  tliemselves,  tlie  monotony  of  its 
contents  being  relieved  by  the  presence  of  fruit  trees  in  pots  and  stove 
and  gi'eeuhouse  plants  arranged  along  the  centre  of  the  middle  tables. 

Collections  of  Vegetables.— In  this  class  the  first  prize,  £12, 
was  awarded  to  Mr.  John  Holder,  Cheltenham,  for  a  marvellously  fine 
collection,  consisting  of  forty-five  dishes.  It  contained  several  sorts  of 
Vegetable  Marrows,  Onions,  Garlic,  Red  and  ordinary  Cabbages,  Brussels 
Sprouts,  Savoys,  Cauliflower,  Spinach,  Turnips,  Leeks,  Parsnips,  Beet, 
Salsafy,  Celery,  Tomatoes,  Cucumbers,  Chillies,  Peas,  French  and  Broad 
Beans,  Scarlet  Runners,  Mushrooms,  Horse  Radish,  Rat-tailed  Radish, 
and  several  vai-ieties  of  Potatoes.  Mr.  John  Turk,  Railway  Cottage,  was 
second,  and  Mr.  Gilbert,  Burghley,  third.  For  fifteen  varieties  of  vegetables, 
Mr.  G.  Miles  was  first  with  Leicester  Red  Celery,  Veitch's  Autumn  Giant 
Cauliflower,  Yellow  Malta  Turnips,  Vegetable  Marrows,  Tomatoes,  Early 
White  Naples  Onions,  Long  Red  Surrey  Carrots,  Globe  Artichokes,  Student 
Parsmp,  Cucumbers,  &c.  Mr.  J.  Holder  was  second,  and  Messrs.  Cope- 
land  and  Doran,  Stretford,  third.  For  ten  varieties  of  vegetables,  Messrs. 
J.  Snowdon  and  Sons,  Thirsk,  were  first,  Mr.  J.  Holder  second,  and 
Messrs.  Copeland  and  Doran  third.  For  six  varieties,  Mr.  G.  Giles  was 
first,  Mr.  Giles  Bloxham  second,  and  Mr.  W.  Sldmier,  Cheltenham, 
third. 

Cauliflowers,  Cabbages,  &e.— For  two  heads  of  Cauliflowers, 
Mr.  J.  Hunter  was  first  with  superb  heads  of  Veitch's  Autumn 
Giant;  Mr.  G.  B.  Tillyard  was  second;  and  Mr.  G.  Smith,  St. 
Helens,  third.  Most  of  the  Cabbages  were  of  the  large  kinds,  better 
fitted  for  agricultural  purposes  than  for  garden  work.  For  two 
heads  of  the  White  Cabbage,  Mr.  A.  Fallows,  Stretford,  was  first; 
Mr.  Wm.  Cragg,  Wimperley,  second ;  and  Mr.  Skinner  third.  The 
Red  Cabbages  had  large  and  firm  hearts,  and  preference  was  given  to  the 
darkest-leaved  kinds.  Mr.  Cragg  was  first,  with  very  solid  heads ;  Mr. 
E.  S.  Yates,  Sale,  second;  and  Mr.  E.  Smith,  Cheltenham,  third.  The 
Savoys,  like  the  Cabbages,  were  very  large,  and  mostly  of  the  Drumhead 
sort ;  indeed,  size  seemed  to  have  greater  weight  than  quality.  For  two 
Savoys  Mr.  Rylance  was  first,  Mr.  A.  Fallows  second,  andH.  C.  Wilson, 
Esq..  Prestwich,  third. 

Onions  and  Leeks. — These  were  invariably  good,  the  Onions  being 
large  and  solid,  though  not  ripe,  and  the  competition  was  very  keen,  no 
fewer  than  forty-nine  lots  being  present  in  the  class  of  a  dozen  bulbs  of 
spring-sown  Onions.  Mr.  J.  Pestridge,  Chipping  Norton,  was  first  with 
Onions  about  4  inches  in  diameter,  Mr.  J.  Walker,  Thame,  being  second, 
and  Mr.  J.  Lakin,  Chipping  Norton,  third.  For  twelve  Tripoli  Onions, 
Mr.  Sldnner  was  first,  Mr.  Biddle,  Loughborough,  second,  and  Mr.  G. 
MUes,  third.  The  Leeks  were  of  prodigious  size,  some  of  them  having 
clear  nocks  about  2  inches  in  diameter,  and  from  G  to  0  inches  long.  Mr. 
Wilson,  Hawick,  was  first  with  half-a-dozen  heads,  Mr.  H.  Biddle, 
Loughborough,  second,  and  Mr.  R.  Galasher,  Renfrew,  third. 

Turnips,  Carrots,  and  Beet.— The  Turnips  consisted  of  good 
usable  roots  of  several  white  and  yellow  sorts,  and  were  unexceptionaUy 
solid.  For  a  dozen  roots,  Mr.  Fallows  was  first,  Mr.  Woodier,  second, 
and  Mr.  Cragg,  thu-d.  The  Carrots  were  clean,  of  medium  size,  and 
included  several  sorts  of  Horn  and  Long  Red  kinds.  For  a  dozen 
Ca,rrots,  Mr.  E.  Smith  was  first,  Mr.  Turk,  second,  and  Mr.  Skinner, 
third.  Beet  was  pretty  good,  especially  that  from  Mr.  Grifiin,  who  was 
first,  Mr.  Turk  was  second,  and  Mr.  Skinner,  third. 

Peas  and  Beans.— For  twenty-four  pods  of  Peas,  Mr.  J.  Barrow, 
Lynn,  was  first,  with  Ne  Plus  Uultra ;  Mr.  H.  Simcock,  Barton  Moss, 
was  second  ;  and  Mr.  Bradley  third,  with  Ne  Plus  Ultra.  The  Pods  of 
the  French  Beans  were  long  and  fine,  and  just  fit  for  use.  Mr.  D.  Lumsden, 
Sleaford,  was  first,  with  PooUy's  Wonder,  the  pods  of  which  were  about 
0  inches  long  and  somewhat  narrow  ;  Mr.  Turk  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  T. 
Byrne,  Old  Trafford,  third.  The  Scarlet  Runners  were  also  of  excellent 
quality,  the  pods  being  large  and  fleshy.  For  twenty-four  pods  of  Scarlet 
Runners,  Mr.  W.  Clark,  Loughborough,  was  first;  Mr.  E.  Smith,  second; 
and  T.  H.  McConnel,  Esq.,  Congleton.  third. 

Cucumbers  and  Vegetable  Marrows.— Cucumbers  consisted 
of  all  the  leading  sorts  and  a  great  many  unnamed  seedlings,  and  not 
only  were  they  well  represented  in  the  classes  devoted  to  them,  but.  they 
were  lavishly  supplied  among.st  the  collections  of  vegetables.  For  a 
brace  of  Cucumbers,  Mr.  Fallow  was  first  with  a  fine  long  white-spined 
seedling,  Mr.  Heywood  was  second  with  another  white-spined  seedling, 
and  Messrs.  Munro  &  Wdkinson,  Potter's  Bar,  third  with  Duke  of 
Edinburgh,  an  excellent  medium-sized  sort  with  no  "  neck."  The 
Vegetable  Marrows  presented  no  great  variety ;  Moore's  Cream  being 
apparently  the  most  favoured  sort.  Mr.  J.  Barrow  was  first  for  two,  Mr. 
E.  Smith  second,  and  Mr.  Copeland  and  Doran  third.  Examples  were 
exhibited  of  a  Hong  Kong  Cucumber  that  were  grown  at  WoodhUl, 
Prestwitch,  from  seeds  introduced  by  W.  Langton,  Esq.,  Litchford  Hall. 
The  fruits  are  a  little  dar];er  in  colour  than  the  Vegetable  Marrow, 
between  2  and  3  feet  in  length,  4  inches  or  so  in  thickness,  cylindrical  in 
form,  and  very  blunt  at  both  ends,  where  it  is  also  a  little  thicker  than  it 
is  in  the  middle  of  the  fruit.  Mr.  Manderson  of  the  Alexandra  Park, 
likewise  exhibited  fruits  of  the  same,  grown  from  seeds  presented  by  F. 
C.  Edge,  Esq.,  Bowdon.  The  fruits  have  anything  but  an  enticing 
culinary  appearance. 

Lettuces  and  Celery.— The  Lettuces  presented  nothing  very 
strilting,  either  in  quaUty  or  variety.  Mr.  Leppoc,  Higher  Broughton, 
was  first  with  a  brace  of  Cos  sorts ;  Mr.  Simcock  was  second,  and  Mr. 


Skinner  third.  Celery  was  generally  good,  aad  the  heads  large.  Yates's 
Incomparable,  Wright's  Grove  White,  the  Manchester  Red  and  White, 
Cole's  and  Williams'  varieties,  and  many  seedlings,  saved  by  the  exhibitors, 
were  the  principal  kinds  that  were  shown.  For  three  heads  of  the  red 
sorts  Mr.  Smith  was  first,  Mr.  Simcock  was  second,  Mr.  Gilbert  third,  and 
Mr.  H.  Beard  fourth.  For  the  same  quantity  of  the  White  Celery  Mr.  J. 
Smith  was  first,  Mr.  J.  Holder  second,  G.  Tillyard  third,  and  Mr.  Simcock 
fourth. 

Potatoes. — A  small  marque  was  almost  entirely  devoted  to  collections 
of  Potatoes,  which  were,  taken  as  a  whole,  as  fine  an  exhibition  of  this 
esculent  as  has  perhaps  ever  been  seen.  For  twenty-four  varieties,  Mr. 
D.  Lumsden,  Sleaford,  was  first  with  Callas,  Millard,  Carter's  Main  Crop, 
Rod-skinned  Flour-ball,  Early  Rose,  King  of  the  Earlies,  Dorrington 
Hero,  Veitch's  Improved  Ashleaf,  Sandringham  Kidney,  Carter's  Ashtop 
Fluke,  Jackson's  Seedling,  Peerless,  Milky  Wuite,  Birmingham  Prize- 
taker,  Paxton's  Wonder,  Paterson's  Victoria,  Prince  Teck,  Early 
Dykeman,  Bressee's  Prolific.  Dunbar  Regent,  Climax,  and  The  Bloomer. 
Mr.  P.  Mackinlay  was  second,  and  Mr.  R.  Dean  third.  In  the  class  of 
twelve  varieties  of  Potatoes,  Mr.  R.  Dean,  Ealing,  was  first  with  beautiful 
samples  of  Woodstock  Kidney,  Rector  of  Woodstock,  English  Rose, 
Onwards,  Union,  Birmingham  Blue,  Bountiful,  Perfection  Kidney,  Red 
Emperor,  Excelsior  Kidney,  Early  White  Kidney,  and  Early  Gem.  Mr. 
Mackinlay  was  second,  and  Mr.  Biddle  third. 

No  foreign  society  took  advantage  of  the  classes  set  apart  for  the 
exhibition  of  fruits  and  vegetables  by  horticultural  societies,  nor  did  our 
home  societies  respond  as  might  have  been  expected.  The  Loughborough 
and  the  Cheltenham  and  Gloucester  Societies  were  the  only  competitors, 
the  former  showing  both  fruits  and  vegetables,  and  obtaining  in  each  cage 
the  gold  medal  or  first  prize  ;  the  latter  showed  only  vegetables. 

Stove  and  Greenhouse  Plants.— Some  huge  specimens  of  these 
were  supplied  by  Messrs.  E.  Cole  and  Son,  in  competition  for  the  prizes 
offered  in  the  class  of  twelve — six  to  be  flowering,  and  the  other  six 
remarkable  for  their  foliage.  They  consisted  chiefly  of  Cocos  Wedde- 
liana,  Cycas  revoluta,  Gleichenia  flabellata,  Crotons,  Allamandas,  and 
Dipladenias.  Fuchsias  of  fair  size  were  also  shown.  Agaves  were  shown 
by  Mr.  Peacock  (Hammersmith),  Mr.  Williams,  and  Mr.  Shaw.  Mr. 
Peacock  was  also  first  in  the  class  of  fifty  succulents,  with  a  magnificent 
group  of  curiously-grafted,  well-grown,  and  healthy  specimens  of 
Echinopsis,  Echinocacti,  Pilocereus,  MamUlarias,  Agaves,  &c. ;  Mons. 
Pfersdort",  of  Paris,  being  second,  and  Mr.  Shaw  third.  Messrs. 
Jackman  and  Son,  Woking,  showed  some  fine  specimens  of  autumn- 
blooming  Clematises,  grown  in  tubs  and  trained  on  trellises.  For  eight 
greenhouse  Yuccas  Mr.  Shaw,  Bowdon,  was  first  with  five  plants  of  albo- 
spica,  tricolor  pendula,  filamentosa  variegata,  quadricolor,  Draconis, 
Stokesi,  canaliculata,  and  Aloifolia  variegata;  Mr.  Williams  was  second, 
and  Mr.  Peacock  third. 

New  Plants. — In  the  class  for  the  best  half-dozen  new  plants,  in  or 
out  of  flower,  introduced  into  Europe  by  the  exhibitor,  and  not  found 
in  commerce,  Mr.  William  Bull,  of  Chelsea,  was  first,  with  excellent 
specimens  of  most  beautiful  and  valuable  plants.  They  consisted  of  Croton 
spirale,  one  of  the  most  distinct  of  its  class  ;  C.  majesticum,  a  strong- 
growing,  handsome,  and  highly-coloured  sort;  Pritchardia  grandis,  a 
Palm  with  entire  vivid  green  leaves,  very  handsome,  and  distinct  from  all 
others  1  Campsidium  valdi\'ianum,  an  exquisite  semi-scandent  plant  very 
suitable  for  covering  a  small  trellis;  Bertolonia  superbissima,  a  gem 
amongst  fine-leaved  stove  plants,  being  of  moderately  strong  growth,  and 
distinctly  marked  with  little  round  rose-coloured  spots;  and  a  very  fine 
Dracaena,  called  vitiensis. 

Dracaenas,  Palms,  and  Ferns. — In  the  class  for  half-a-dozen 
DracfEuas,  Mr.  Wm.  Bull  was  first  with  six  as  fine  plants  as  we  have  ever 
seen  exhibited,  consisting  of  Ferrea  variegata,  Sliepherdii,  Chelsonii, 
Imperialis,  Regina,  and  Praseri ;  Mr.  S.  Jennings,  Shipton-on-Stour.  was 
second  ;  and  Mr.  Dixon  third.  For  Ivies  in  pots,  Messrs.  Lane  and  Son 
were  first  with  very  fine  specimens,  trained  in  a  pyramidal  form  for 
couvenienceof  travelling ;  but  for  window  boxes,  screens,  suspended  baskets, 
or  other  ornamental  pui-poses  of  that  kind,  a  freer  mode  of  growth, 
would  be  necessary.  The  varieties  were  maculata,  albo-lutescens. 
canariensis  latifoha  maculata,  argentea  rubra,  gold-blotched,  Himalaica, 
Caenwoodiana,  argentea,  and  hibernica.  Messrs.  WilUams,  Shaw,  and 
Yates  were  the  successful  exhibitors  of  greenhouse  Palms  :  and  the  first 
two  gentlemen  and  Mr.  Dixon  took  the  awards  for  tree  Ferns.  British 
Ferns  were  contributed  by  Mr.  Shuttleworth  and  by  the  Hon.  Mrs. 
Howard,  of  Milnthoi-pe. 

Plants  for  Table  Decoration. — These  were  arranged  in  aline 
along  the  centre  of  one  of  the  fruit  tables.  For  the  best  half-dozen,  Mr. 
W.  Bu'.l  was  first,  with  Pandanus  Veitchii,  Croton  majesticum,  Cnrculigo 
recurvata,  variegata.,  Djemonorops  palembanicus,  Latania  aurea,  and 
Reidia  glaucescens;  Mr.  B.  S.  Williams  was  second,  with  Geonoma 
Sarapiguense,  Croton  longifolium.  Areca  Verschaffeltii,  Kentia  australis, 
Dracfpna  nigra-rubra,  and  Pandanus  Veitchii ;  Mr.  John  Shaw,  of 
Bowden,  Manchester,  was  third,  with  pretty  little  plants  of  Dracaena 
Mooreana,  Guilfoylei.  and  others  already  named. 

Conifers  and  Hardy  Evergreens.- Some  excellent  specimens 
of  Conifers  were  contributed  ;  Messrs.  Barron  and  Sons,  Derby,  being  first 
in  the  class  of  twelve,  with  the  following  mostly  grown  in  tubs,  viz., 
Araucaria  imbricata,  Thujopsis  dolobrata,  Retinospora  pisifera,  R.  obtusa, 
R.  plumosa  aurea,  Arthrotaxus  latifolia,  A.  selaginoides,  Picea  mag- 
nifica,  P.  princeps,  P.  bracteata,  Gupressus  Lawsoniana  stricta.  Biota 
orientahs  elegantissima.  Mr.  Young,  Godalming,  was  second,  and  Mr.  J. 
Shaw  third.  For  a  dozen  hardy  evergreen  trees  and  shrubs,  Messrs. 
Barron  were  again  first,  with  Berberis  Wallichii,  Taxus  adpressa, 
Skimmia  fragrantissima,  two  sorts  of  Retinospora,  and  several  kinds  of 


Sept.  13,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


2^5 


Hollies ;  Mr.  (i.  Caldwell,  Knutsford,  and  Mr.  Young,  were  the  other 
successful  exhibitors  in  this  class.  For  twelve  variegated  Japanese  plants, 
Messrs.  Barron  were  also  first,  with  Eurya  latifolia,  Euouymus  radicaus 
variegata,  E.  japonica  ovata  auroa  variegat;i,  E.j.  latifolia-albo  variegata, 
Retinospora  plumosa  aurea,  R.  p.  variegata,  Thujopsis  dolobrata. varie- 
gata, Acer  polymorphum  roseo-pectiuatum,  Aralia  Sieboldii  variegata, 
Juniperus  japonica  albo-varicgata,  Bleaguus  japouica  variegata,  Osman- 
thus  latifoUus  vai-iegatus,  O.  UHcifolius  nanus  variegata,  and  Kadsura 
joponica  variegata.  For  a  pair  of  Golden  Yows,  Mr.  Hill,  Stone,  was 
iirst ;  Messrs.  Barron  second,  and  Messrs.  G.  and  W.  Yates  third.  For  a 
pair  of  standard  HoUies,  Messrs.  Lane  and  Son  were  first  with  finely 
variegated  plants ;  Messrs.  Barron  being  second,  and  Mr.  Shaw  third. 
Large  Bay  trees  were  exhibited  by  Mr.  Williams,  Mr.  Perera,  and  Messrs. 
Lane. 

Bouquets  and  Drawing-room  and  Window  Floral 
Ornaments. — The  bonquets  were  very  neatly  and  tastefully  made  up, 
and  of  a  convenient  size  for  the  hand.  For  a  wedding  bou(|uet,  Mr.  F. 
Perkins  was  first  with  an  extremely  pretty  collection  of  white  blooms, 
consisting  chiefly  of  Eucharis,  Panoratiums,  Spiraea  japonica,  wired 
Tuberose  fiowcrs,  Bouvardias,  and  others,  mixed  with  the  foliage  of  Oak- 
leaved  Pelargoniums  and  the  light  airy  fronds  of  Adiantum  cuneatum. 
Jlr.  C.  E.  Turner  was  second  with  a  bouquet,  of  which  the  variegated 
Panicum  formed  a  chief  constituent;  Mr.  R.  S.  Yates  was  third.  In 
the  class  of  three  bouquets  for  balls,  Mr.  R.  S.  Yates  was  first  with  pretty 
little  compositions,  chiefly  of  Stephauotis,  Orchids,  Tea  Roses,  Pan- 
cratiu.ms,  pink  Pelargoniums,  Spira?as,  &c.  Mr.  C.  E.  Turner  was  second 
with  bouquets,  of  which  Dipladenias,  Stephanotis,  Hoyas,  Ixoras,  and 
Eucharis,  formed  the  chief  constituents  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Shaw,  of  Bowden, 
was  third  with  very  pretty  bouquets,  tastefully  mixed  with  Vallotas, 
Nerines,  and  wired  blooms  of  Agapanthus  umbellatus.  The  dinner- 
table  decorations,  consisting  only  of  suitable  vases  and  other  table  pieces, 
were  of  the  most  tasteful  and  effective  kind,  March  stands  being 
predominant.  For  vases  ornamented  with  flowers  for  the  dinner-table, 
Mr.  Yates  was  first,  Mr.  Cypher  second,  and  Mr.  Turner  third.  For  a 
furnished  flower  stand  for  the  drawing-room,  Mr.  Yates  was  also  first. 
For  a  furnished  plant-case  for  the  drawing-room,  Mons.  Pfersdorif, 
Paris,  was  first,  Messrs.  Slack  &  Brownlow  second,  and  Mr.  Shuttleworth 
third. 

Cut  Flowers. — Among  these  Dahlia  blooms  predominated.  Amongst 
white  sorts  Miss  Uenshaw,  Jidia  Wyatt,  and  Flag  of  Truce  were  in  fine 
condition;  as  were  also  Yellow  Boy,  J.  N.  Keynes,  Toison  d'Or,  and 
Acme  of  Perfection  amongst  yellows.  Amongst  the  finest  of  others  there 
were,  of  dark  kinds,  T.  Goodwin,  Sir  J.  Smith,  Chancellor,  J.  Standish, 
C.  Backhouse,  and  High  Sheriff  ;< of  lilacs.  Baron  Taunton,  Criterion, 
Mrs.  Boston,  W.  R.  Laird,  Rosebud,  and  Rosy  Queen  ;  and  of  fancy 
coloured  sorts  Fanny  Stewart,  Lady  G.  Herbert,  Memorandum,  Cre- 
morne,  Mary  Keynes,  Mrs.  Saunders,  Monarch,  Sparkler,  and  Prospero. 
The  principal  exhibitors  of  Dahlias  were  Messrs.  Clark,  Walker,  Painter, 
Milner,  AVood,  Thomas  Goodwin,  and  Rylance.  The  winning  Holly- 
hocks were  reraarliably  fine ;  indeed,  those  from  Lord  Hawke  had  a 
brilliancy  and  richness  of  colouring  about  them  that  at  once  set  them  in 
the  foremost  rank.  Conspicuous  amongst  them  were  Vanguard,  deep 
crimson;  Midnight,  almost  black:  Mauve  Queen,  rosy-mauve;  and 
Oriflamme,  a  brilliant  red.  The  Gladioli  constituted  a  grand  feature 
amongst  cut  flowers  ;  and  Messrs.  Kelway  and  Sons,  in  addition  to  taking 
the  fii'st  prize  for  twenty-four  spikes,  exhibited  a  great  bank  of  blooms. 
Amongst  the  best  were  Virgil,  Meyerbeer,  Horace  Vernet,  Xerxes, 
Proteus,  Norma,  Iphis,  Vacuna,  Legarve,  Helle,  and  Lady  Bridport. 
There  was  a  class  for  Stocks,  but  the  exhibits  produced  were  of  inferior 
merit.  The  Asters,  however,  were  good,  especially  the  quilled  sorts, 
of  which  Mr.  Jennings  and  Mr.  Betteridge  were  the  pi-inoipal  exhibitors. 
Mr.  Dobbie,  of  Renfrew,  showed  French  Marigolds  in  perfection ;  and 
the  African  sorts  from  Mr.  Milner,  Bradford,  were  extremely  pretty.  Cut 
blooms  of  Phloxes,  and  other  herbaceous  plants,  were  also  shown ;  but 
the  most  important  subjects  amongst  hardy  flowers  were  Roses,  of  which 
Mr.  Prince,  of  Oxford,  was  a  successful  exhibitor.  His  plants  are  all 
grafted  on  the  seedling  Briar  stock,  of  which  he  exhibited  several  plants 
with  their  roots  bare,  in  order  to  show  the  healthy  union  between  stock 
and  scion.  In  the  class  of  eighteen  bunches  of  cut  flowers,  Messrs.  E .  Cole 
and  Sons  were  first.  Miss  Baines  second,  and  Mr.  Perkins  third.  Amongst 
the  blooms  exhibited  in  this  class  were  the  choicest  treasures  of  the 
Orchid-house,  stove,  and  conservatory  ;  and  most  conspicuous  of  all  was  a 
bunch  of  flowers  of  Musa  coccinea  in  Messrs.  Coles'  stand.  Prizes  were 
offered  for  Verbena  blooms  ;  but,  probably  owing  to  the  wet  season,  they 
were  neither  bright  nor  large.  In  the  class  of  cut  blooms  of  twelve  sorts 
of  double  Pelargoniums,  Mr.  F.  Perkins  was  first  with  some  trusses  of 
most  beautiful  flowers,  most  of  which  had  individual  blooms  as  double  as 
a  Rose.  Amongst  them  were  Madame  Marie,  Victor  Lemoine, 
Andrew  Henderson,  and  Wilhelm  Pfitzer.  Mr.  Laxton's  new  double- 
flowering  Pelargoniums,  which  were  exhibited  by  Messrs.  W.  and  J. 
Brown.  Stamford  and  Oakham,  deserve  special  mention  They  consisted 
of  E.  J.  Lowe,  with  large  compact  trusses  of  very  double  flowers,  the 
petals  of  which  are  scarlet  on  the  upper  side,  and  whitish-pink  on  the 
under  side,  thus  giving  the  flowers  a  variegated  appearance  ;  Auroi-a,  a 
large  semi-double  sort  of  a  bright  scarlet  colour.— this  will  probably  make 
a  good  bedding  kind.  The  gem  of  all,  however,  was  named  Jewel,  with 
large  dense  trusses  of  brilliant  scarlet  flowers,  which  are  exceedingly 
double.  Messrs.  Veitch  and  Sons  showed  blooms  of  the  beautiful  Dipla- 
denia  insignis ;  Mr.  Bull  furnished  flowers  of  D.  Brearleyana ;  Messrs. 
Dickson  and  Co.,  Edinburgh,  a  collection  of  Pansies  and  bedding 
Violas  ;  and  Mr.  Chadwick,  of  Dnldnfield,  blooms  of  Carnations  and 
Picotees. 


Miscellaneous  Collections.  —  Under  this  head,  Mr.  B.  S. 
Williams,  of  Upper  HoUoway,  exhibited  a  large  group  of  stove  and 
greenhouse  plants.  Conspicuous  amongst  them  were  several  extremely 
pretty  Aua'ctochiluses,  aline  specimen  of  PaulUnia  thalictrif oUa,  Pandanus 
Veitchii,  Terminalia  elegans,  Croton  Weismannii  and  irregulare,  Geonoma 
Sarapiguense,  Maranta  Makoyana,  Cocos  WeddeUana,  Adiantum 
Hendersonii,  amabile,  and  Farleyense,  Phormium  Colensoi,  and  specimens 
of  the  exquisite  httle  alpine  Nertera  depressa  loaded  with  berries. 
Mr.  Bull  also  furnished  a  collection  of  new  and  rare  plants,  among 
which  were  Dracaena  Goldiana,  the  zebra-leaved  sort  that  has 
deservedly  been  so  much  eulogised  of  late ;  Vriesia  reticulata,  Anthurium 
crystallinum,  Dicmonorops  periacanthus,  Gymnogramraa  decomposita, 
and  many  others.  A  group  of  Palms,  Filmy  and  other  Ferns,  Dracaenas, 
Agaves,  Succulents,  Euryas,  Dasylirions,  &c.,  was  furnished  by  Mr.  W. 
E.  Dixon,  Beverley  ;  and  Mr.  Shaw,  of  Bowden,  sent  some  excellent 
specimens  of  Antectochili.  Messrs.  J.  &  W.  Birkenhead  showed  several 
fine  Ferns,  especially  a  specimen  of  Cheilanthes  elegans  3^  feet  through, 
and  densely  furnished  with  fronds ;  Davallia  Tycrmannii,  a  crested 
Gymnogramma  chrysophylla,  Davallia  tenuifolia  stricta,  and  others. 
Messrs.  Cole  &  Son  had  four  fine  plants  of  Yucca  filamentosa  variegata. 
An  extra  prize  was  awarded  to  0.  0.  Wrigley,  Esq.,  for  a  collection  of 
Ferns;  and  a  similar  award  was  made  to  J.  Rylands,  Esq.,  Stretford,  for 
a  group  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants.  One  of  the  most  striking 
objects  in  the  exhibition  was  the  large  stand  of  Messrs.  Dickson,  Brown, 
and  Tait,  Manchester.  It  was  well  famished  with  stove,  greenhouse,  and 
hardy  plants,  and  also  with  fruits,  especially  a  large  variety  of  Melons 
and  ornamental  Gourds.  Vegetables  of  many  sorts  were  likewise 
exhibited  by  this  firm,  and  also  pots,  vases,  &c.  The  Rev.  F.  D.  Horner, 
Kirkby,  Ripon,  sent  a  collection  of  heads  of  Indian  Corn  grown  out  of 
doors  in  Yorkshire.  Mr.  Webb,  of  Calcot,  had  twenty-one  varieties  of 
Nuts  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Mitchell,  Escrick  Park,  York,  showed  a  fruit  of  the 
Monstera  deliciosa.  Mr.  Fowler,  Castle  Kennedy,  received  a  certificate 
for  his  Abies  Douglasii  var.  Stairii,  which  was  thought  highly  of,  as 
was  also  Mr.  Young's  Juniperus  chiuensis  aurea.  Mr.  R.  Smith,  of 
Worcester,  showed  a  fine  collection  of  small  Conifers  and  ornamental 
trees  and  shrubs.     

CRYSTAL  PALACE  FRUIT  SHOW. 

September  6tii. 
The  fruit  shown  on  this  occasion,  in  nearly  every  class,  was  of  fine  quality, 
and  by  no  means  limited  in  quantity.  Apples  specially  were  good,  some 
of  the  specimens  being  unique  as  regards  size  and  appearance.  Pears  and 
Plums  were  also  well  represented.  Of  Grapes  there  was  a  large  collection, 
and  Pines  were  of  average  quality.  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  too,  were 
fine.  Gladioli  were  in  good  condition,  though  the  number  of  exhibitors 
was  limited.  Table  decorations  were  nicely  arranged,  and  many  of  them 
evinced  advancing  taste  in  this  direction. 

Fruit. — In  collections  of  eight  dishes,  the  first  prize  was  awarded  to 
Mr.  W.  Coleman,  Eastnor  Castle,  Ledbm-y,  for  samples  of  Royal  George 
Peach,  Golden  Gem  Melon  (a  fine  fruit),  three  splendid  bunches  of  Black 
Hamburgh  Grapes,  one  Pine-apple,  three  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria 
Grapes,  Pitmaston  Orange  Nectarine,  Brown  Turkey  Figs,  Jett'erson 
Plums,  all  of  very  excellent  quality ;  second,  Mr.  F.  Deuxberry  (gardener 
to  Earl  Darnley),  Cobham  Park,  Gravesend,  for  Elruge  Nectarine,  White 
Marseilles  Fig,  Black  Alicante  Grapes,  good  Scarlet  Gem  Melon,  Muscat 
of  Alexandria  Grapes,  a  splendid  dish  of  Morello  Cherries,  and  Royal 
George  Peach.  In  the  class  of  three  Pine-apples,  Mr.  Henry  Plummer 
(gardener  to  R.  Thornton,  Esq.),  Cannon  Hill,  Merton,  was  first  with 
three  fine  fresh  fruit  of  Smooth  Cayenne;  second,  Mr.  Charles  Harris 
(gardener  to  C.  Bailey,  Esq.),  Stanfoist  Gardens,  Abergavenny,  for  three 
well-grown  Queens;  third,  Mr.  George  Everleigh  (gardener  to  R.  N. 
Thornton,  Esq.),  Knowle,  Sidmouth,  South  Devon,  for  Smooth  Cayenne, 
Black  Prince,  and  Antigua.  Mr.  Thomas  Page  (gardener  to  M.  Leaf, 
Esq.),  Park  Hill,  Streatham  Common,  also  shovred  three  nice  fruit  in  this 
class.  In  the  class  of  single  Pines,  any  variety,  Mr.  Charles  Han-is  was 
first,  with  a  good  Queen ;  second,  Mr.  M.  Rochford,  Page  Green, 
Tottenham.  In  the  class  of  Black  Grapes,  three  bunches,  Mr.  W.  Coleman 
was  first,  with  three  splendid  bunches  of  Black  Hambm-gh,  as  fresh  as 
when  cut,  and  with  fine  well-finished  berries  of  good  size  ;  second,  Mr.  G. 
HaUiday  (gardener  to  J.  Norris,  Esq.),Castle  Hill,  Bletchingly,  forthree  fine 
bunches  of  Muscat  Hamburgh,  a  somewhat  dirticult  Grape  to  grow,  but 
the  finest  flavoured  black  kind  in  cultivation.  These  were  good  examples 
of  how  it  should  be  grown ;  third,  Mr.  W.  Gammon  (gardener  to  G. 
Boosey,  Esq.),  The  Pines,  Bickley  Park,  Kent,  for  good  clusters  of  Black 
Aiicante,  weU  coloured  and  in  fresh  condition.  Mr.  W.  Kemp  (gardener 
to  the  Duke  of  Northumberland),  Albany  Park,  Guildford,  showed  three 
bunches  of  Frankenthal  in  this  class.  The  berries  were  of  large  size,  but 
not  well  coloured.  Mr.  W.  Bones  (gardener  to  D.  Mcintosh,  Esq.), 
Havering  Park,  Romford,  Essex,  had  three  vei-y  fine  clusters  of  the  last- 
named  variety  in  this  class,  but  they  were  not  nicely  finished.  Mr. 
Lawley  (gardener  to  F.  Power,  Esq.),  Franks  HaU,  Dartford, 
Kent,  had  good  Black  Prince;  and  Mr.  John  Burnett  (gardener 
to  Mrs.  Hope),  the  Deepedene,  Dorking,  had  small,  but  nicely 
grown.  Black  Hamburghs.  In  the  class  of  white  Grapes,  three 
bunches,  Mr.  W.  Coleman  was  first  with  a  large  and  well-finished  cluster 
of  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  in  very  fine  condition,  and  neatly  staged 
on  pink  paper,  a  colour  which,  next  to  purple,  shows  off  white  or  yellow 
Grapes  to  the  best  advantage ;  second,  Messrs.  Lane  and  Sons,  Berkhamp- 
stead,  who  had  three  large  clusters,  but  not  quite  so  well  ripened  as 
those  to  which  the  first  prize  was  awarded— this  firm  also  received  first 
prize  for  Vines  in  pots ;  third,  Mr.  W.  Cole  (gardener  to  J.  S.  Budgett, 


226 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  13,  18?3. 


Esq.),  Ealing  Park,  who  showed  smaller  bunches  than  the  last-named,  but 
much  better  ripened.     AH  the  Grapes  staged  in  this  class  were  Muscat 
of  Alexandria,  which  was  shown  by  eleven  exhibitors.     For  the  largest 
bunch  of  any  kind,  Mr.  W.  Bones  was  first  with  Black  Hamburghs,  (ij  lbs. 
in  weight;    second,  Mr.  W.  Coleman  with  a  well-colovired  duster  of  the 
same  weighing  41b  lUoz. ;  third,  Mr.  J.  Douglas  (gardener  to  F.  Whitbourne, 
Esq.),  LoxfordHall,  for  a  large  bunch  of  Mrs.  Pince,  weighing  4  lbs.  10  ozs. 
— the  berries  were  very  tine.     In  the  class  of  Peaches,  one  dish,  six  fruit 
in  each,  Mr.  Thomas  Jones,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore,  was  first  with  fine 
fruit  of  Barrington  ;    second,  Mr.  G.  King  (gardener  to  K.  Soder,  Esq.), 
Highbeacbes,  Slangham,  for  fine  well-coloured  Royal  George ;  third,  Mr. 
Jos.  Smith  (gardener  to  J.  Swift,  Esq.),  Southfi?ld  Lodge,  Eastbourne, for  a 
splendid  dish  of  Late  Admirable.  This  class  was  well  contested,  there  being 
nearly  thirty  dishes  staged,  two-thirds  of  this  quantity  being  first-class 
fruit.     For  one  dish  of  Nectarines,  Mr.  G.  King  was  first  with  fine  richly- 
coloured   examples  of   Violette  llative ;  second,  Mr.  Thos.  Frost,  Bower 
Nursery,   Maidstone,   for  beautifully-coloured  fruit  of  the  Pine-apple 
Nectarine;  third,  Mr.  Jas.  Smith,  with  fine   well-ripened  examples   of 
Stanwick.     There  were  nearly  twenty  entries  in  this  class,   the  fruit 
exhibited  being,  on  the  whole,  above  the  average  as  regards  quality.     For 
green-flesh  Melons,  one  fruit,  Mr.  John  Burnett  was  first  with  a  nicely- 
ripened  fruit   of  Hybrid  Cashmere  ;  second,  Mr.  W.  Denman,  Sandridge 
Park,  Bromley,  Kent,  for  Beechwood ;  tliird,  Mr.  G.  Halliday  (gardener 
to  James  Norris,  Esq.),  Castle  Hill,  Bletchingley,  for  a  nice  little  fruit  of 
Golden  Queen.     This  is  a  nice  Uttle  Melon,  about  the  size  of  Scarlet  Gem , 
and,  like  that  variety,   most  beautifully  netted.      There  were  nineteen 
entries  in  this  class.     For  scarlet-fleshed  Melons,  one  fruit,  Mr.  ^V.  Shaw 
(gardener  to  H.  R.  Price),  Down  Lodge,   Epsom,  was  first  with  a  little 
Scarlet   Gem ;    second,   Mr.    Richbell,  Tadworth,  Epsom,  for  the  same 
variety  ;  thu-d,  Mr.  W.  Cole,  with  a  large  and  peculiar  variety  of  Scarlet 
Gem.     Figs,  single  dish  :  First,  Mr.  VV.  Chisholm,  Maidstone,  with  very 
fine  fruit  of  the  Brunswick;  second,  Mr.  J.  Smith   with  Brown  Ischia ; 
third,  Mr.  G.  Mann  (gardener  to  Mrs.  Meeking),  Slough,  with  tine  fruit 
of  Brown  Turkey  and   Brunswick  mixed.     In  this  class  there  were  seven 
entries.     For  Cherries,  single  dish,  Mr.  G.  Sage,  Ashridge   Gardens, 
Berkhampstead,  was  first  with  fine  examples  of  Morello ;  second,  Mr.  F. 
Deuxberry,  with  the  same  variety;  third,  Mr.  W.  Haider  (gardener  to 
H.  Balston,  Esq.),  Springfield,  Maidstone.     Of  Cherries  ten  fine  dishes 
were  shown.     For  Plums,  three  dishes,  J.  Douglas  was  first  with  fine 
fruit  of  Transparent  Gage,  Victoria,  and  Jefferson ;  second,  Mr.   Geo. 
Sage,  with  Goliath — a  fine  round  purple  fruit — Jefi'erson,  and  Kirke's; 
third,  Mr.  J.  Bolton  (gardener  to  W.  Spottiswocd,  Esq.),  Coomebank, 
Sevenoaks,  with  Jefferson,  Kirke's,  and  Washington,  a  beautiful  yellow 
fruit,   delicately   tinted  with   soft  rosy-lilac ;    fourth,   Mr.   W.    Holder, 
with  fine  examples  of  Greengage,  Victoria  and  Jefi'erson.    For  dessert 
Apples,  four  dishes,  Mr.  VV.  Holder  was  first  with  Cox's  Orange  Pippin, 
Quarrenden,  Kerry  Pippin,  and  Jefferson  ;  second,  Mr.  W.  Jones  (gardener 
to   E.   Purser,    Esq.),    Bridge   House,    WalUngton,    with    Quarrendon, 
Nonesuch,    Kibstou   Pippin,   and    another  named    Cox's    Orange,    but 
evidently  not  that  variety.     For  kitchen  Apples,   four   dishes,  Mr.  W. 
Holder  was  first  with  Blenheim  Orange,  Lord  Suffield,  Lord  Derby,  and 
Nelson's   Glory ;   second,   Mr.    H.    Pressley,    Dulwich,    with    Blenheim 
Orange,  Emperor  Alexander,  Manx  CodUn,  and   Yorkshire   Greening — 
all   very    fine ;    third,  Mr.    T.    Jones,    with    Blenheim    Orange,     Lord 
Suflield,   EcklinviUe,   and    Frogmore    Prolific;    fourth,   Mr.  R.   Webb, 
Culham  House,  Calcot,  Reading,  with  Alexander,  Astrachan,  FiU  Basket, 
and  Lord  Suftield.      Both  dessert  and   kitchen   Apples  were  exhibited 
in  splendid  condition,  there  being  nineteen  entries  in  the  latter  class  alone. 
For   Pears,    three  dishes,    distinct,   Mr.   Chas.   Tivey   (gardener  to    P. 
Gosset,   Esq.),    Bagot,   Jersey,  was  first  with   Doyenne    Blanc,    Louise 
Bonne   of    Jersey,   and   Beurre   d'Amanlis — all  fine ;    second,    Mr.    AV. 
Holder,  with  Beurre  Clairgeau,  WiUiams'   Bon   Chretien,  and  Gratioli ; 
third,  Mr.  J.  Douglas,  with  very  fine  Williams'  Bon  Chretien,  Summer 
Beurre  de  Aremberg,  and  Beurre  d'Amanlis ;  fourth,  Mr.  Thos.  Frost, 
who  had  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  Theodore  Mare,  and  Williams'  Bon 
Chretien.     Pears,  single  dish,  for  flavour,  first,  Mr.  Chas.  Tivey,  with 
Beurre    d'Amanlis ;    second,    Mr.    W.    Holder,    with     Williams'    Bon 
Chretien ;  third,  Mr.  Thos.  Frost,  with  the  last  named  variety. 

Gladioli. — In  the  class  of  thirty-six  GladioU,  Messrs.  Kelway  & 
Son,  Langport,  Somerset,  were  first  with  a  splendid  stand  of  riclaly- 
coloured  spikes  in  the  freshest  possible  condition.  The  finest  spikes 
were  those  of  Victoria,  a  fine  open  salmon  flower  ;  Umbro,  soft  scarlet ; 
Orcleus,  a  rich  crimsou  ,  Alphenor,  a  fine  salmon ;  Lady  Bridport,  soft 
rose,  flaked  with  salmon;  and  Meyerbeer,  a  rosy-scarlet;  second,  Mr. 
Jas.  Douglas.  In  the  class  of  twenty-four  Gladioli,  Messrs.  Kelway  & 
Son  were  again  first  with  Victoria,  a  fine  rosy-lilac  fine  bright  scarlet ; 
scedhng  unnamed ;  Eugene  Scribe,  a  nice  French  flower,  white,  striped 
with  rich  rosy-lake ;  Petleys,  a  tine  large  scarlet  flower,  with  white 
centre ;  Rhamis,  a  creamy. white,  suft'used  and  flaked  with  soft  lilac  ; 
Satyrus,  a  rich  flaked  crimson-scarlet  with  lilac  centre  ;  and  Hecamede, 
soft  yellow  and  crimson-maroon.  For  twelve  Gladioli,  Mr.  Jas.  Douglas 
was  first  with  tine  spdies,  in  excellent  condition,  of  Horace  Vernet,  a  tine 
kind  with  fiery-crimson  flowers,  striped  with  white;  Meyerbeer,  a 
delicate  rose,  shaded  with  vermilion ;  Coryphee,  white,  shaded  with 
bright  rosy  and  striped  with  lake;  Coral  Caves,  a  fine  salmon- 
flower,  flaked  with  fiery  verraihon  or  scarlet:  A''irgile,  a  clear 
scarlet,  were  the  most  effective;  second.  Rev.  H.  Dombrain 
third,  Mr.  Harrison  Weir,  with  spikes  of  Oliver  Goldsmith,  creamy- 
white,  with  rosy  tube  ;  Lady  of  the  Lake,  soft  rosy-lilac ;  George 
Gurney,  ci'imson-scarlet,  and  others.  For  six  Gladioli  (seedUngs  not  in 
commerce),  Messrs.  Kelway  &  Sou  were  first  with  Lord  Derby,  creamy- 
white,  flaked  with  rose  in  the  tube  ;   Mrs.   Reynolds  Hole,  soft  lilac, 


streaked  with  carmine ;  Harrison  Weir,  a  noble  spike,  salmon,  shaded  with 
bright  crimson,  maroon  stripe;  Lord  Hawke,  soft  scarlet;  Rev.  H.  H. 
Dombrain,  flowers  large,  of  good  substance,  of  a  soft  rosy-scarlet  colour, 
and  white  ;  second,  Mr.  J.  Douglas,  with  nice  spikes  of  Ivanhoe,  white, 
flaked  with  deep  carmine  ;  Rob  Roy,  a  clear  fiery-scarlet ;  Mabel  Glass,  a 
white  flower,  having  a  peculiar  speckled  appearance,  being  profusely 
striped  with  deep  rosy-carmine ;  Waverley,  in  the  way  of  his  Seedling  70, 
a  clear  scarlet  and  white  ;  Carmine  Queen,  a  soft  rose,  striped  with 
carmine  ;  and  Seedling  71,  a  decided  acquisition,  a  creamy-white  flower, 
heavily  flaked  with  rose-salmon. 

Miscellaneous  Subjects.  —  Mr.  T.  Jackson  (gardener  to  G. 
Gower,  Esq.),  Titsey,  obtained  an  extra  prize  for  a  collection  of  fruit, 
consisting  of  Grapes,  Oranges,  Pears,  Nectarines,  Peaches,  Plums,  Figs, 
and  small  oranged-striped  Queen  Anne's  Pocket  Melons,  pretty,  but  not 
edible.  Mr.  John  Steele,  31,  Dunstan's  Place,  Peckham  Rye,  had  a 
good  collection  of  vegetables,  which  were  commended.  Mr.  W.  Kemp 
exhibited  a  nice  collection  of  Melons  in  this  class.  Mr.  W.  Lakerman, 
Thornton  Heath,  also  exhibited  a  well  grown  collection  of  Onions, 
Potatoes,  and  other  vegetables.  Mr.  W.  Paul,  Waltham  Cross,  staged 
several  stands  of  Roses,  Gladioli,  and  Pelargoniums ;  also  a  basket  of 
Euonymus  flavescens,  of  a  bright  golden  colour,  which,  if  constant,  ^vill 
prove  useful  for  beddi/ig  and  shrubbery  decoration.  Messrs.  Jas.  Carter 
&  Co.  had  a  good  collection  of  Gladioli  in  excellent  condition.  Messrs. 
Downie,  Laird,  &  Laing  had  a  nice  stage  of  general  decorative  plants,  as 
Palms,  Yuccas,  Dracaenas,  Coleus,  Phlox,  Soiadophyllum  (Aralia)  pul- 
chmm.  Mr.  John  Ley,  Croydon,  had  an  interesting  collection  of  stove 
and  greenhouse  Palms,  Ferns,  and  other  foliage  plants,  including  a  few 
plants  of  Adiantum  pedatum,  a  hardy  North  American  species  worth 
general  cultivation.  From  Mr.  Chas.  'Turner  came  some  fine  stands  of 
Dahlias,  for  which  an  extra  prize  was  awarded.  Messrs.  Thos.  Rivers  & 
Sou  had  a  very  interesting  collection  of  miniature  fruit  trees  both  in 
pots  and  lifted  from  the  open  ground.  Of  table  decorations,  which 
formed  a  highly  interesting  feature  of  the  show,  an  accoimt  is  given  in 
another  column. 


PRIZES   FOR  PLANTS  NOT  GROWN  BY  THE 
EXHIBITOR. 

Permit  ine,  through  your  columns,  to  inform  the  horticultural  public  that 
I  have  resigned  the  office  of  secretary-general  to  the  Cercle  Horticole  of 
Lyons.  The  reasons  which  have  forced  me  to  take  this  step  are  as 
follows ; — A  question — of  small  importance  in  the  estimation  of  some 
persons,  but  of  very  great  consequence  in  my  opinion — had  arisen  on  the 
occasion  of  the  discussion  on  the  programme  of  the  next  exhibition  of  the 
Cercle  Horticole  of  Lyons.  I  stoutly  maintained  the  principle  that  no 
exhibitor  should  be  allowed  to  compete  for  a  prize  with  plants  which  he 
had  not  grown  himself,  as  I  hold  that  the  labour  and  care  of  the  cultivator 
alone  should  be  rewarded  in  these  competitions.  The  majority  of  the 
meeting,  however,  thought  otherwise,  and  I  was  obUged  to  submit. 
Against  then-  decision  I  make  a  public  protest  by  my  withdrawal,  as  I 
cannot  sanction  by  my  presence  a  measure  which  I  have  always  denounced 
as  a  fraud,  and  on  which  I  will  leave  it  to  the  horticultural  world  to  pro- 
nounce judgment.  As  secretary -general  of  the  Cercle  Horticole  of  Lyons, 
I  had  hoped,  through  my  numerous  connections  in  Europe  and  America, 
to  be  of  some  service  to  horticulture.  My  resignation  of  the  office  does 
not  altogether  destroy  that  hope,  for  I  shall  still  continue  to  devote 
what  energy  I  have  left  to  its  interest.  Jean  Sisley. 

Lyons. 

Awards  at  Vienna.— Messrs.  Dick  Radclyfl"e  &  Co.,  of  High 
Holborn,  were  awarded  a  medal  of  merit  at  the  Vienna  Universal 
Exhiliition  for  seeds,  tools,  and  other  horticultural  appliances;  and  a 
similar  award  was  also  made  to  Mr.  E.  Lloyd,  Horticultural  Works, 
Grantham. 


COVBUT  QAKBEN  MAKKET. 

September  12th. 

Flowers. — Asters  in  small  pots.  Lilies  of  the  L.  speciosmn  type,  Mignonette, 
Balsams,  Myrtles,  Vallotas,  Bouvardias,  and  foliage  plants  still  make  up  the 
supply.  Small  succulent  plants,  as  Aloes,  Cereus,  Opuntias  and  Stapelias  are 
still  supplied,  and  recently  flowering  bulbs  of  the  Belladonna  and  Guernsey 
Lilies  have  made  then-  appearance.  Some  very  beautiful  wreaths  are  being 
made  of  Immortelles,  and  very  elegant  boutiucts  are  still  being  composed  of 
Stephanotis,  Bouvardias,  Tiil^eroses,  Jasmine,  Corn-flower,  pink  Pelargoniiuns, 
and  Orchids.    A  few  Violets  have  made  their  appearance  during  the  past  week. 

Prices  of  Fruits. — Apples,  per  half-sieve,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Cherries,  per  lb.,  9d.  to 
Is.  6d;  Chilies,  per  100,'2s. ;  Figs,  per  doz.,  6d.  to  2s.;  Grapes,  hothouse, 
black,  per  lb..  Is.  to  6s.;  Muscats,  2s.  to  6s.  ;  Lemons,  per  100,  l-ls.  to  25s.; 
Melons,  each,  2s.  to  4s.;  Nectarines,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  8s.;  Oranges,  per  100, 
12s.  to  2te. ;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  63.  to  12s.;  Pears,  per  doz..  Is.  to -is. ;  Pine- 
Anples,  per  lb.,  3s.  to  65. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s.;  Walnuts,  per  bushel, 
12s.  to  203. ;  ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  ls.6d.  to 3s. ;  Beans,  Kidney, per 
halt  sieve.  Is.  6d.  to  2s.  ;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz..  Is.  to  3s. ;  Cabbage,  per  doz.,  2s. ; 
Carrots,  per  bunch,  4d.  to  6d. ;  Cauliflower,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  63. ;  Celery,  per 
bundle.  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Coleworts,  per  doz.  bunches,  3s. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  3d.  to 
6d. ;  Endive,  per  doz.,  2s.  ;  Fennel,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  Garlic,  per  lb.,  6d.;  Herbs, 
per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Horse-radish,  per  bundle,  3s.  to  4s.;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  3d.; 
Lettuces,  per  doz.  Is.  to  2s.;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s.;  Mustard  and 
Cress,  per  punnet,  2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  4s.  to  63. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ; 
Parsley,  per  doz.  bunches,  4s.;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is.;  Peas,  per 
quart,  9d,  to  Is.  ;  Potatoes,  per  bushel,  3s.  6d.  to  6s. ;  liadishes,  per  doz. 
bvmches.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Rhubarb,  per  bundle,  8d.  to  Is.;  Salsafy,  do.,  Is. 
to  Is.  6d. ;  Scorzonera.  per  bundle.  Is.;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d.  ;  Spinach,  per 
bushel,  3s. ;  Turnips,  4d.  to  8d.    Vegetable  Marrows,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  2s. 


Sept.  20,  1873.] 


THE   GAKDEN. 


227 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  Thia  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  :    but 
The  Akt  itself  is  Natuke." — Shakespea/re. 


WYCOMBE    ABBEY. 


This,  the  seat  of  Lord  Carringtou,  is  situated  close  to 
the  town  of  High  Wycombe.  The  estate  is  divided  by 
the  road  which  leads  from  Wycombe  to  Great  Mai'low ; 
the  mansion,  a  fine  baronial  residence,  being  situated  on 
one  side  of  the  road,  the  far-famed  fruit  garden  on  the 
other.  This  structure,  which  occupies  the  lowest  part  of  a 
well-timbered  and  finely-undulated  park,  is  in  the  old  English 
Gothic  style,  and  is  built  of  the  same  kind  of  stone  as  that  of 
Windsor  Castle,  viz.,  of  boulders,  which,  in  certain  places  in 
Buckinghamshire  and  adjoining  counties,  occur  a  foot  or  so 
below  the  surface,  but  not  generally  of  large  size.  This  kind 
of  stone  is  of  great  hardness,  and  in  this  case  the  mortar 
joints  are  fortified  with  small  chips  of  the  conglomerate  or 
"  plum-pudding  stone,"  which  are  driven  into  them  in  close 
rank.  This  stone  and  style  of  building  is  almost  ever- 
lasting. The  park  contains  some  noble  specimens  of  Elm, 
Oak  (especially  the  Turkey)  and  Oriental  Planes.  One 
of  these  Planes,  which  stands  on  the  south  side  of  the 
mansion,  has  a  spread  of  branches  which  almost  sweeps 
the  turf  for  more  than  a  hundi-ed  yards  in  circum- 
ference ;  and  there  are  several  more  in  the  grounds 
little  inferior  to  this  noble  plant.  Singularly  enough,  how- 
ever, the  Western  Plane,  growing  in  close  proximity,  does  not 
succeed  at  all,  and  cannot  be  considered  anything  better  than 
a  sickly  tree,  the  falling  leaves  of  which  are  a  perpetual 
nuisance.  This  is  a  remarkable  fact  connected  with  a  tree 
which  thrives  even  in  smoky  towns,  and  yet  does  not  succeed 
on  the  breezy  downs  of  Buckinghamshire.  Near  by  is  a  very 
fine  specimen  of  the  Tulip  tree,  the  quaintly-marked  flowers 
of  which,  as  well  as  the  leaves,  Mr.  Miles  informed  us  he 
found  admirably  adapted  for  ball  and  dinner-table  decoration. 
Flower  gardening  at  Wycombe  only  holds  a  secondary  place. 
There  are  a  few  beds  of  summer-flowering  plants  dotted  over 
the  grass,  but  if  they  were  blotted  out,  the  fine  velvety  turf 
would  not  suffer  thereby,  but  would  be  immensely  improved. 
A  few  years  back,  cattle  grazed  up  close  to  the  mansion,  but 
recently  some  few  acres  have  been  enclosed,  and  we  beUeve 
there  is  an  intention  of  taking  in  more  ground  in  extension  of 
the  lawn.  An  avenue  of  tine  Elms  ruus  parallel  with  the 
carriage  drive,  but  this  has  been  unfortunately  divided  by  a 
plantation  which,  no  doubt,  will  be  ultimately  removed,  so  as 
to  give  full  scope  to  the  vista. 

The  kitchen  and  fruit  gardens  are  divided  from  the  dressed 
ground  by  a  public  road,  under  which  is  an  arched  sub-way, 
built  of  flints  and  fancy  stones,  a  mural  combination  of  con- 
siderable interest.  Emerging  from  this  tunnel,  on  the  right 
hand  side  are  ranges  of  plant,  fruit,  and  forcing  houses — 
plain  unpretending  buildings,  many  of  them  of  ancient  date, 
but  still  containing  fruit  of  first-class  quality.  In  the  plant 
department,  plants  only  suitable  for  cutting  and  indoor 
decoration  are  grown,  and  Ferns  in  large  quantities  for 
cutting;  in  fact,  we  might  almost  say  everything  in  this 
establishment  is  grown  for  cutting.  The  Vineries  are  steep 
and  rather  narrow  buildings,  but  the  produce  is  of  very 
superior  quality,  though  the  old  Vines  are  not  so  good  as  they 
were  some  few  years  back.  The  roots  ramble  inside  and  outside 
the  house,  so,  last  year,  Mr.  Miles  lifted  the  outside  roots  and 
renewed  the  border,  and  this  season  he  proposes  carrying  out 
the  same  scheme  with  regard  to  the  inside  borders.  On  Vines 
thus  treated  the  fruit  is  wonderfully  improved,  some  Lady 
Downes'  being  exceedingly  good,  while  the  Mrs.  Pince  Black 
Muscat  is  in  grand  condition.  We  may,  however,  remark  that 
Mr.  Miles,  like  Mr.  Henderson,  at  Coleorton  Hall,  takes  his 
earliest  Grapes  from  small  span-roofed  pits,  and  finds  great 
advantage  in  so  doing.  The  Peach  houses  are  of  the  regular 
lean-to  form,  the  early  ones  being  considerably  longer  than 
the  late  ones,  which  are  merely  narrow  cases.  The  trees, 
however,  in  all,  are  in  first-i-ate  condition,  the  foliage  being 


bold  and  well  ripened,  and  the  wood  and  buds  perfectly 
matured.  Here  red  spider  is  not  allowed  to  colonise,  and  the 
trees  show  the  advantage  of  freedom  from  its  attacks.  Fine, 
however,  as  the  indoor  Peaches  are  at  Wycombe,  and  suitable 
as  the  soil  undoubtedly  is  for  Peach-growing,  this  fruit  is  not 
at  home  except  under  glass,  the  trees  being  subject  to  gum 
and  canker.  Upon  some  remarkably  fine  young  trees  Mr. 
Miles  is  trying  the  experiment  of  biennial,  if  not  annual, 
root-pruning ;  that  is,  a  given  spaoe  is  allotted  to  the  roots, 
and  beyond  that  they  will  not  be  allowed  to  go.  This  experi- 
ment we  shall  watch  with  interest,  and  probably  some  day 
record  the  result. 

Cherries  are  forced  here  with  singular  success,  a  fact  to 
which  our  great  fruit  shows  fully  bear  witness.  The  secret 
of  Cherry-forcing,  paradoxical  as  it  may  appear,  is  not  to 
force  at  all,  but  to  give  them  a  free  circulation  of  air  both. 
night  and  day.  Those  who  want  finely-flavoured  Strawberries 
may  take  a  hint  from  Mr.  Miles's  practise :  all  his  plants  in 
different  houses,  just  as  the  fruif  shows  signs  of  ripening,  are 
collected  together  and  placed  in  the  Cherry  house,  and  here, 
under  a  free  cu-culation  of  air,  they  ripen  most  perfectly,  and 
are  of  the  finest  jjossible  flavoiu-. 

The  chief  point  of  interest  at  this  interesting  place  is, 
however,  the  Pines.  These,  as  is  well  known,  whether  at 
midsummer  or  midwinter,  are  always  good ;  indeed,  it  is 
questionable  whether  the  winter  ones  are  not  the  best.  Mr. 
Miles  does  not  grow  many  kinds ;  Queen,  Black  Jamaica, 
Smooth  and  Prickly  Cayennes,  Charlotte  Rothschild,  and  a 
few  examples  of  Providence  being  all  that  he  requu-es,  and 
these  are  rarely  more  than  twelve  months  old  before  they  are 
in  fruit.  These  Pines  are  grown  in  a  series  of  small  half-span 
houses,  each  about  20  feet  long  and  10  feet  wide,  with  a  6-foot 
bed  in  the  front,  and  a  narrow  pathway  and  border  at  the  back. 
In  addition  to  Pines,  these  pits  are  also  used  for  Melons, 
Cucumbers,  French  Beans,  &c.,  and  are  remarkably  handy 
places.  Each  of  these  little  pits  will  hold  about  twenty  full- 
grown  Pine  plants,  standing  so  that  the  leaves  are  not  at  all 
crowded,  and,  in  fact,  during  the  growing  season,  they  scarcely 
do  more  than  touch  one  another.  Indeed,  Mr.  Miles's  success 
as  a  Pine  grower  may  be  explained  in  a  few  words.  A 
thoroughly-matured  sucker,  grown  so  that  it  never  knows 
a  check  from  its  being  first  potted  until  the  fruit  is 
matured.  When  we  say  no  check,  we  mean  no  material  check ; 
of  course  the  full-grown  plant  has  to  be  matured,  and  at  that 
time  it  is  exposed  to  a  free  circulation  of  warmed  air,  but  the 
temperature,  both  at  root  and  top,  is  so  lowered  as  to  bring 
the  plant  into  a  state  of  comparative,  if  not  positive,  rest. 
This  secured,  it  is  only  necessary  to  renew  the  bottom  heat, 
and  almost  immediately  the  incipient  fruit  begins  to  show 
itself.  For  winter  fruiting,  Mr.  Miles  has  two  steeper  and 
lighter-roofed  houses  than  those  in  which  summer  fruit  is 
grown,  and  into  these  the  plants  that  are  now  swelling  their 
fruit  are  placed.  In  another,  he  has  a  set  of  plants  on 
which  he  is  trying  the  effect  of  eight  or  ten  different  kinds  of 
concentrated  manures,  and,  though  they  are  all  doing  well,  in 
no  case  are  they  so  good  as  in  the  loam  of  the  district,  pure  and 
simple.  This  Mr.  Miles  collects  from  some  common  land  on 
the  chalk  formation,  some  three  or  four  miles  away.  It  is  cut 
not  more  than  two  inches  thick,  is  stacked  for  not  more  than 
ten  or  twelve  months  before  being  used,  and,  though  strong 
and  loamy,  it  is  so  full  of  rich  fibrous  matter  that  scarcely  any 
plant  could  refuse  to  grow  in  it.  This  is  used  in  its  virgin 
pm'ity,  stimulants  of  vigour  being  applied  by  means  of  the 
watering  pot.  But  the  remarkable  thing  is  (at  least  so  it 
would  be  considered  by  some),  that  Mr.  Miles's  plants  are  not 
large,  but  each  may  be  said  to  be  a  concentration  of  the  kind 
of  material  out  of  which  good  fruit  is  made.  Succession 
plants,  or  rather  suckers,  when  fii'st  potted,  are  grown  in 
small  pots ;  but  still  the  same  rule,  of  allowing  each  plant  full 
breathing  space,  is  observed.  Figs  trained  to  trellises  close  to 
the  glass  are  also  grown  here  with  success. 

The  kitchen-garden,  a  deep  alluvial  deposit,  contains  a 
fine  assortment  of  the  best  fruits  both  on  walls  and  in  open 
cjuarters ;  and  of  vegetables  there  is  abundance.  The  fruit 
crop  here,  like  that  in  most  other  places,  is  not  a  full  one,  but 
still  there  is  a  large  stock  of  superior  fruit,  especially  in  tho 
way  of  Apples  and  Pears. 


228 


THE   GARDEN. 


[SfePT.  20,  1873. 


NOTES    OF    THE   WEEK. 


Mk.  Haery  Veitch  informs  us  that  he  has  lately  seen  a  fine 

specimen  of  the  Camphor  tree  about  25  feet  high  in  the  open  air  in 
Mr.  Tox's  garden  at  Pengewick,  Falmouth.  Acacias  do  well  in  the 
open  air  in  the  same  garden. 

We  have  received  some  of  the  dried  bracts  or  floral  leaves  of 

the  new  double  Poinsettia  from  Dr.  George  Thui-ber,  the  well-known 
New  York  botanist,  who  has  a  very  high  opinion  of  its  beauty. 

We  read  in  a  foreign  journal  that  a  cultivator  of   Zurich 

recently  met  with  his  death  from  incautiously  handling  some  guano 
while  suffering  from  a  wound  in  one  of  his  hands.  The  guano  pene- 
trated the  wound,  poisoned  the  blood,  and  induced  a  state  of  suffering 
which  soon  terminated  fatally. 

A  CURIOUS  and  beautiful  effect  was  produced  in  one  of  the 

ice-making  machines  built  lately  in  Philadelphia.  It  was  a  cake  of 
manufactured  ice,  in  the  centre  of  which,  completely  inclosed  by  the 
translucent  material,  was  a  bouquet  of  fresh  flowers.  Every  leaf 
and  flower  was  perfectly  visible,  while  the  brilliancy  of  the  colours 
was  enhanced  by  the  refraction  through  the  ice. 

On  the  25th  of  last  month  the  neighbourhood  of  Louviers,  in 

the  north  of  France,  was  visited  by  a  terrible  hailstorm,  which 
destroyed  nearly  all  the  glass  in  the  gardens  and  nurseries,  swept  the 
fruit  and  leaves  from  the  trees,  and  completely  riddled  the  Cabbages, 
Lettuces,  and  other  vegetables  that  were  exposed  to  its  fury.  Some 
of  the  hailstones  measured  6  inches  in  circumference,  and  weighed 
over  3j  lbs.  each. 

The  Torrey  Botanical  Club — so  named  in  honour  of  its  first 

president,  the  late  Dr.  Torrey — holds  its  meetings  at  the  Herbarium, 
in  Columbia  College,  in  the  evening  of  the  last  Tuesday  of  every 
month  (July  and  August  excepted),  and  all  botanists,  either  residing 
in  or  visiting  the  city  of  New  York,  are  invited  to  attend  ;  or,  if  they 
cannot  be  present  at  that  time,  to  call  on  the  president  of  the  club  at 
245,  Broadway,  or  on  the  secretary  at  the  Herbarium.  English 
horticulturists  and  botanists  visiting  America  should  take  note  of 
this,  as  we  know,  from  personal  experience,  that  they  are  sure  to  be 
kindly  received,  and  directed  in  every  matter  on  which  they  may 
seek  information. 

Winter  seems  this   year  to   have  ousted  autumn  from  its 

usual  place.  Disagreeable  though  this  be,  it  enables  us  to  test  the 
value  of  the  new  and  magnificent  races  of  Clematises  for  the  embel- 
lishment of  our  gardens  in  autumn.  We  visited  Messrs.  George 
Jackman's  nurseries  at  Woking  last  Monday,  and,  notwithstanding 
the  many  cold  rains  of  the  previous  days,  the  Clematises — in  great 
variety,  and  trained  in  various  ways — were  blooming  gloriously,  and 
affording  a  display  of  colour  which  probably  no  other  hardy  plants 
could  at  this  time  of  year  equal. 

In  a  stove  in  Mr.  Parker's  nursery,  at  Tooting,  there  are  at 

present  many  plants  of  the  following  Curcumas  in  flower — viz.,  C. 
Koscoeana,  with  bright  orange  bracts  and  red  flowers ;  petiolata,  with 
deep  mauve  bracts  and  yellowish  flowers  ;  and  cordata,  a  beautiful 
kind,  the  lower  bracts  of  which  are  greenish-blue,  and  the  upper  ones 
blue  tipped  with  intense  brilliant  purplish-scarlet.  Considering  the 
paucity  of  indoor  blooming  plants  at  this  season,  these  Curcumas,  so 
distinct  in  flower  and  leaf  from  most  other  plants,  and  also  so  easily 
gro^vn,  should  be  more  fully  appreciated. 

The  Abbe  Kolland  has  communicated  to  the  Cidtivaieur  cle 

la  Rerjion  Lyonnaise  an  "  infallible  remedy  "  against  the  Phylloxera, 
which,  after  two  years'  trial,  he  recommends  "  with  confidence  "  to 
Tine  growers.  It  consists  in  inoculating  the  Vine  with  the  pure 
essence  of  Eucalyptus  globulus.  A  broad  incision  is  made  through 
the  bark  at  the  neck  of  the  Vine,  in  which  a  few  drops  of  the  essence 
are  deposited  by  means  of  a  small  camel-hair  brush.  The  result  is, 
that  in  about  three  days  the  Phylloxera  entirely  disappears,  while  the 
Vine  is  not  in  the  least  degree  injured  by  the  operation.  The  incision 
may  be  made  through  any  other  part  of  the  bark  with  equal  success, 
but  the  result  is  more  speedily  attained  the  nearer  it  is  made  to  the 
roots. 

The  value  of  many  hardy  perennials  of  the  Composite  family 

as  late.blooming  plants  is  now  strikingly  evident  wherever  they  are 
grown  in  quantity.  In  addition  to  the  various  species  of  Asters, 
some  of  which  are  flowering  and  others  commencing  to  bloom,  we 
noticed  this  week  various  other  plants  at  Kew  which  would  help  to 
make  our  borders  gay  throughout  the  present  month.  Prominent 
among  these  were  the  Helianthuses,  of  which  there  are  numerous 
kinds,  the  best  probably  being  laetiflorus  and  the  well-known  double 
variety  of  multiflorus.  The  Rudbeckias,  too,  are  now  finely  in 
bloom,  particularly  R.  hirta  and  tomentosa ;  Californica  is  also 
another  good  kind.  The  old  Helenium  autumnale  is  likewise  flowering 
freely  as  usual,  and  is  one  of  the  best  perennials  in  bloom  at  the 
present  time.  To  the  above  may  be  added,  moreover,  the  fine  golden, 
yellow.flowered  Coreopsis  lanceolata,  and  the  showy  white  Pyrethrum 


serotinum.  With  these  and. one  or  two  others  one  might  have  as  fine  a 
collection  of  perennials  belonging  to  this  family  in  flower  at  one 
time  as  could  be  met  with  in  any  month  in  the  year. 

Our  seed  shops  are  fast  becoming  stocked  with  Dutch  bulbs, 

concerning  which  the  general  report  is  that  they  are  small  this 
season,  but  that  they  are  firm  and  of  good  quality. 

In  the  bulletin  of  the  Torrey  Botanical  Club  mention  is  made 

of  a  singalar  specimen  of  the  Larix  americana,  from  the  greater 
number  of  the  cones  of  which  branches  were  sprouting  this  summer. 

On  the  21st  and  22nd  of  this  month  a  general  exhibition  will 

be  held  at  Spa,  in  Belgium,  at  which  prizes  will  be  given  for  flowers, 
ornamental  plants,  vegetables,  fruit,  wild  flowers,  and  Mushrooms. 
The  prizes  are  open  to  exhibitors  of  all  nations. 

The  Royal  Park,  Leeds,  so  long  used  as  a  place  of  amuse- 
ment, has  been  disposed  of  by  auction  for  building  purposes,  for 
£16,500,  at  the  rate  of  about  £825  per  acre. 

The  new   Odontoglossum   Roezlii  is  now  in   flower  in  Mr. 

Ball's  nursery,  King's  Road,  Chelsea.  It  has  large  flowers  of  snowy 
whiteness,  blotched  with  bright  purple,  and  is  a  valuable  addition  to 
an  already  beautiful  group  of  cool  Orchids. 

Among   many   interesting   plants  now   to    be   seen   in    Mr. 

Anthony  Waterer's  nursery,  at  Knaphill,  is  a  remarkable  specimen 
of  the  tree  Andromeda  (A.  arborea),  now  iu  full  bloom.  It  is  nearly 
20  feet  high,  and  bears  small  white  bell-like  flowers  in  racemes,  so 
like  those  of  the  Lily-of-the-Valley,  that  one  might  well  call  it  the 
Lily-of-the-Valley  tree. 

The  pretty  little  Eria  convallarioides  has  just  flowered  in 

Messrs.  Low  and  Co.'s  nursery  at  Upper  Clapton.  As  its  specific 
name  implies,  it  very  much  resembles  the  Lily  of  the  Valley,  and, 
like  that  well-known  plant,  it  is  deliciously  sweet-scented,  one  small 
sprig  being  sufScient  to  scent  the  house  in  which  it  is  growing. 

At  Messrs.  Lee's  we   noticed  the  other  day  about   a  dozen 

plants  of  Todea  superba,  just  imported  from  New  Zealand;  they 
were  pushing  forth  young  foliage,  and  appeared  not  to  have  suffered 
either  by  the  voyage  or  from  removal,  care  having  been  taken  to 
keep  their  roots  undisturbed  in  native  soil,  which  was  imported  along 
with  them. 

At  Constantinople,  according  to  M.  Barillet,  the  Jessamine  is 

extensively  grown  for  the  manufactm-e  of  pipe-stems  (chibouques). 
For  this  purpose  the  stems  are  carefully  trained  until  they  have 
attained  the  desired  length  and  thickness,  care  being  taken  to  protect 
the  bark  by  a  covering  of  varnished  linen  or  calico.  Two  or  three 
times  a  year  the  bark  is  sponged  with  Citron-juice,  which  is  said  to 
give  it  the  light  colour  so  much  sought  after.  Some  of  these 
pipe. stems  are  over  16  feet  in  length,  and  sell  for  as  much  as  £20 
each. 

The    handsome  rose-flowered    Japanese    Cherry    (Cerasns 

Lannesiana),  of  which  we  have  given  an  account  at  p.  108,  Vol.  II.,  of 
The  Garde.v,  is  finely  figured  in  the  cnrrent  number  of  the  Revue 
Horticole.  The  flowers,  when  iu  bud,  are  of  a  deep  bright  rose  colour, 
and,  when  fully  expanded,  are  of  a  delicate  rose  or  pink.  Up  to  the 
present,  the  specimen  in  the  Jardin  d'Acclimatation,  at  Paris, 
although  flowering  profusely,  has  not  matured  its  fruit,  as  they 
invariably  drop  off  when  about  half  grown. 

The  Council  of   the  Pharmaceutical   Society  are  desirous  of 

forming  a  complete  herbarium  of  medical  plants  from  every  quarter 
of  the  globe,  whether  oflicinal  or  not.  Mr.  Holmes,  the  Curator  of 
the  Society's  Museum,  17,  Bloomsbury  Square,  will  be  glad  to  enter 
into  communication  with  any  foreign  botanists  and  pharmaceutists 
willing  to  co-operate  in  the  work. 

— —  The  Rev.  Thomas  Garnier,  Dean  of  Winchester,  who  died 
recently  at  the  age  of  98,  was  the  "father"  of  the  Linnean  Society, 
having  been  elected  during  the  last  century,  in  1798,  only  ten  years 
after  the  foundation  of  the  society.  Some  of  his  contributions  to 
botanical  literature  bore  the  date  of  last  century. 

We  understand  that  the  bryological  books  and  exceedingly 

rich  and  important  collections  and  preparations  of  Mosses  left  by  the 
late  Professor  Sullivant,  whose  death  we  recorded  last  week,  are 
consigned  to  the  Grey  Herbarium  of  Harvard  University,  with  a  view 
to  their  preservation  and  long-continued  usefulness.  The  remainder 
of  his  botanical  library,  his  choice  microscopes,  and  other  collections 
are  bequeathed  to  the  State  Scientific  and  Agricultural  College  just 
established  at  Columbus. — Nature. 


Belgian  Fruit  Gatherer. — In  your  number  of  last  week  (see  p. 
211)  you  have  a  wood-cut  and  short  description  of  what  is  called  a 
"  Belgian  Fruit  Gatherer."  I  have  had  nearly  a  similar  one  in  use  for 
these  ten  years  ;  but  iu  my  case  the  handle  is  fixed  differently  from  that 
of  the  one  figured,  viz.,  in  the  same  line  as  the  disc — just  in  the  same 
position  as  the  handle  of  a  hair-brush.  This  is  a  better  plan,  as  all  the 
gatherer  has  to  do  is  to  get  a  fruit  between  the  teeth,  and  pull  or  comb 
it  ofi".  I  made  mine  from  a  description  I  saw  in  some  cheap  work  conii  ig 
out  at  that  time,  called,  I  think,  "  Garden  Management,"  and  I  think  it 
it  was  said  to  be  an  American  invention. — J.  Gillba^'ks. 


Sept.  20,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


229 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 


DINNER  TABLE  DECOBATIONS. 

During  the  autumn  and  -winter  season  these  floral  embellish- 
ments are  specially  desirable.  Their  arrangement  need  not  be 
of  au  expensive  chai'acter,  -while  a  most  charming  variety 
may  be  indulged  in  to  almost  any  extent  by  those  -who 
possess  a  keen  sense  of  the  beautiful  in  nature  and  art. 
The  general  arrangement  for  a  small  party  of  six  or  eight 
persons  is  to  have  three  of  these  light  stands,  the  central  one 
a  fe-w  inches  taller  than  the  others,  or  even  if  they  are  all  of 
the  same  height,  a  little  tact  in  arranging  the  longest  spikes 
of  flo-wcrs,  or  sprays  of  foliage,  in  the  central  vase  will  remedy 
this  sameness  and  formality.  Another  arrangei-nent  is  to  have 
a  March  stand  for  the  centre  piece,  and  a  pair  of  simple  glass 
vases — the   plain   trumpet  pattern  being  preferable — one  ou 


flowers  of  graceful  form  and  decided  colours.  Eucharis 
Vallota,  many  kinds  of  Lilies,  Orinums,  Pancratiums,  and  the' 
lovely  blue  African  Lily  (Agapanthus)  are  specially  to  be 
recommended.  The  -wax-like  flo-wers  of  both  the  rosy  and 
white  Lapageria  may  be  neatly  mounted  ou  wires"  and 
suspended  from  the  margins  of  the  vase,  where  they  look 
natural  and  have  a  good  effect.  Sprays  of  Jasmine,  white 
Bouvardias,  and  pearly  Stephanotis  will  suggest  themselves 
for  this  use,  and  some  Orchids  are  very  chaste  and  beautiful. 
The  use  of  the  choicest  exotics  may  be  indulged  in,  if  they 
are  procurable,  but  they  are  by  no  means  absolutely  essential 
in  order  to  compose  a  truly  effective  vase.  The  decorations 
here  figured  contain  very  few  flowers,  and  still  they  were  very 
beautiful  and  much  admired  by  all  who  saw  them.  The  bases 
of  the  stands  are  concealed  .by  a  fruige  of  large  Fern  fronds, 
on  which  are  laid  flowers  of  the  snowy  Eucharis  and  the  fiery 
Scarborough   Lily  alternately.     Among  these,   the  beautiful 


First  Prize  Dinner-table  Decorations  at  the  Crystal  Palace. 


each  side,  while  occasionally,  for  a  very  small  party,  one  stand 
neatly  furnished  will  be  sufficiently  effective.  As  to  the 
manner  in  which  flowers  should  be  arranged  no  amount  of 
written  instructions  would  teach  so  much  as  a  glance 
at  the  accompanying  illustrations — which  have  been  care- 
fully made  from  first-prize  groups.  Next  to  Ferns, 
ornamental  Grasses  occupy  a  prominent  position,  some  of 
the  common  species  being  invaluable  for  dinner-table  decora- 
tion. There  is  a  delicate  grace  about  them  not  possessed 
by  any  other  plants,  and  they  have  the  additional  advantage 
of  lasting  for  any  length  of  time  when  carefully  di'ied.  Some 
of  the  more  delicate-growing  Horse-tails  are  valuable  aids  in 
this  way,  and  keep  fresh  for  a  long  time  in  water,  while 
feathery  sprays  of  the  common  Asparagus  have  few  equals 
for  delicate  green  freshness  and  beauty.  Nearly  all  Ferns 
may  be  pressed  into  this  service,  and  amongst  flowering 
plants  the  most  useful  for  this  purpose  vary  according 
to  the    season,   but    preference    should    be    given    to    bold 


blue  buds  and  flowers  of  Agapanthus  umbellatus  peep  here 
and  there,  bright  as  the  sky  on  a  fine  autumnal  day,  and  the 
effect  of  the  lower  part  is  still  further  enhanced  by  the 
judicious  use  of  Lagurus  ovatus  and  other  graceful  orna- 
mental Grasses.  The  tier  above  is  fringed  with  Maiden-hau- 
Ferns,  beneath  which  hang  the  beautifully-formed  blooms  of 
both  the  ros}'  and  white-flowered  Lapagerias.  The  other 
flowers  here,  as  below,  are  Eucharis  and  Vallota,  with  the 
addition  of  Franciscea  calycina,  Eondeletia  speciosa,  and  blue 
Afi-ican  Lily.  The  trumpet-shaped  vases  above  are  lightly 
filled  with  spikes  of  Ghelone  barbata  or  scarlet  Pentstemon 
and  light  Gi'asses,  the  whole  forming  a  most  charming 
arrangement.  The  trumpet-shaped  vases  above  are  filled  with 
water,  but  the  flat  receptacles  below,  which  are  concealed  by 
the  flowers  and  drooping  foliage,  are  filled  with  wet  sand, 
which  is  equally  as  good  for  preserving  the  flowers,  and  also 
affords  a  firmer  hold,  each  flower  remaining  in  it  exactly  where 
it  is  placed.  W. 


230 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  20, 1873. 


THE     ARBORETUM. 

SEASIDE  PLANTING. 
None  but  those  who  have  beeu  engaged  iu  forming  plantations 
or  pleasure-gi-ounds  on  an  exposed  sea-coast  can  form  any  idea 
of  the  difBculties  to  be  encountered  in  carrying  out  that  kind 
of  work.  My  experience,  which  has  been  considerable,  may 
therefore  aid  others  who  have  work  of  that  character  to  per- 
form. The  principal  evils  which  one  has  to  contend  with  iu 
seaside  planting  are  the  saline  particles,  which  are  carried  by 
the  wind  and  deposited  with  such  persistent  force  on  the 
leaves  and  tender  shoots  of  trees  and  shrubs  planted  near  the 
seaboard  as  to  cause  them  to  burn  and  wither  away.  This  is 
more  particularly  the  case  when  the  plants  are  young  and 
have  just  been  transplanted  from  the  sheltered  rows  of  the 
niu'sery-garden  and  other  places,  where  they  have  not  been 
exposed  to  the  full  force  of  the  south-west  or  other  gales  that 
come  laden  with  salt  from  the  ocean.  Another  evil,  nearly  as 
great,  is  the  fact  that  the  young  trees  and  plants  become 
loosened  through  wind-waving,  unless  they  are  well  staked, 
leaving  often  a  large  hole  near  the  ueck  or  collar,  in  which 
water  rests,  and  causes  the  bark  at  that  point  and  the  roots 
to  decay.  Firm  planting  and  staking  are  great  points  in  the 
management  of  young  plantations  near  the  seaside. 
Preparation  of  Soil. 

Everyone  who  has  had  any  experience  iu  planting  knows  how 
necessary  it  is  to  deeply  dig  or  trench  the  ground ;  but  this  in 
some  instances  can  be  wrongly  carried  out.  Wherever  there 
is  a  sub-soil  of  stiff  clay,  or  poor  binding  loam,  I  hold  it  to  be 
wrong  to  throw  the  good  top  spit  into  the  bottom  of  the  trench, 
and  to  bring  the  sour  clay  or  poor  loam  to  the  top.  Roots 
make  no  progress  in  such  sterile  soil,  and  the  tops  have  no 
opportunity  of  making  a  vigorous  start.  Moreover,  I  have 
often  seen  these  kinds  of  soil  run  together,  and  set  as  firmly 
as  cement  for  some  inches  deep  on  the  surface,  so  as  to  be 
impervious  to  air  or  rain,  and  the  yonng  roots  taken  from  the 
well-prepared  soil  of  nurseries  refuse  for  some  time  to  feed  on 
the  sour  poor  soil  in  which  they  find  themselvei?.  In  ail  cases 
in  which  the  soil  is  as  I  have  just  described,  it  is  prefei-able  to 
trench,  so  that  the  best  material  can  be  kept  on  the  top.  If  the 
second  spit  of  soil  is  equal,  or  nearly  so,  in  quality  to  the  top 
soil,  trenching  should  be  performed  in  the  ordinary  manner  of 
casting  the  first  spit  into  the  bottom  of  the  trench  and  the 
lower  one  on  the  top,  this  being  by  far  the  quickest  way  ;  and 
in  some  instances,  where  the  imder  spit  is  composed  of  sandy 
poor  loam,  I  would  bring  it  to  the  top,  as  this  kind  of  soil 
speedily  settles  with  a  few  showers  round  the  base  of  the 
young  trees,  without  leaking  or  being  impervious  to  rainfall, 
as  the  soils  I  have  before  mentioned  are.  All  heavy  clayey 
soils  should  be  thoroughly  drained  previous  to  being  trenched 
and  planted;  the  draining  can  be  done  by  means  of  open 
drains  or  ditches  in  ordinary  plantations.  Spaces  for  open 
drains  should  be  left  until  the  trenching  and  planting  are  done, 
when  they  can  be  carefully  thrown  out,  with  smooth  sloping 
sides,  and  the  surplus  soil  cast  among  the  young  plants.  I 
prefer  4-inch  common  socket  drain-pipes,  and,  if  obtainable,  I 
would  put  some  common  rubble  as  a  slight  covering  to  the 
pipes,  and  turn  a  turf  sod  upside-down  on  the  top  of  the 
rubble.  If  the  latter  cannot  be  obtained,  place  the  turf  as 
above-mentioned  on  the  drain-pipes.  I  think  it  is  always  best 
to  allow  the  land  to  have  some  days  to  settle  after  trenching 
previous  to  putting  in  the  plants  ;  and,  if  a  good  heavy  shower 
has  taken  place  between  the  time  of  trenching  and  planting, 
so  much  the  better  for  the  young  trees.  In  chalky  and  stiff 
hard  lands,  I  would,  if  labour  could  be  afforded,  trench  three 
feet  deep. 

Selection  of  Shrubs  and  Trees. 

Among  forest-trees  the  Elm  stands  in  the  foremost  rank, 
owing  to  the  way  in  which  it  manages  to  grow  aloft  and  spread 
its  ponderous  limbs  direct  in  the  teeth  of  the  wind.  On  the 
south  coast,  in  many  neighbourhoods,  are  found  some  magni- 
ficent examples  of  Elms  growing  in  most  exposed  situations. 
In  the  old  town  of  Eastbourne  some  splendid  Elms  grow 
within  a  few  hundred  feet  of  the  sea,  and  in  the  new  streets 
and  esplanades  recently  made  there,  the  Cornish  Elm  is  the 
tree   selected  to  form  the   avenues  and   shade-trees  of   that 


watering  place,  and  the  manner  in  which  they  arc  growing 
f'llly  justifies  the  choice.  The  Sycamore  likewise  thrives  well 
near  the  sea,  and,  owing  to  its  rapid  growth,  is  also  a  valuable 
tree.  Oak,  Birch,  Willows,  and  Poplars,  Ash,  and  in  fact 
every  kind  of  deciduous  trees,  may  be  used  in  mixed  planta- 
tions near  the  sea,  for  the  sake  of  variety  of  foliage  and 
expression  ;  but  the  two  first  named  are  the  most  certain.  It 
is,  however,  not  deciduous  trees  that  are  the  greatest  sufferers 
from  the  salt  spray.  Evergreen  trees  and  shrubs  are  the  most 
injured,  and  many,  particularly  Conifers,  cannot  exist  at  all 
within  the  salt  line.  Fortunately,  however,  there  are  a  goodly 
number  that  do  withstand  the  sea  breeze,  which,  with  careful 
and  judicious  grouping  and  planting,  produce  a  good  effect 
where  other  things  would  fad.  The  following  is  a  list  of  such 
as  I  have  tried  and  know  will  succeed,  viz. :  Piuus  austriaca,  a 
Conifer  which  grows  rapidly  and  affords  good  shelter.  I  have 
found  this  Pine  to  resist  the  effects  of  the  salt,  and  to  grow  in 
the  most  exposed  situations,  even  in  the  form  of  single  trees, 
as  well  as  in  avenues,  having  no  shelter  whatever.  It  succeeds 
best  planted  when  about  18  inches  or  2  feet  in  height.  I  have 
often  lifted  it  when  6  feet  and  8  feet  in  height  with  success. 
The  following  Pines  will  also  grow  near  the  sea,  if  not  in  too 
exposed  situations,  viz.,  Piuus  Cembra,  insignis,  Pinaster,  the 
Corsican  Pine,  and  the  Aleppo  Pine.  The  Pinus  sylvestris,  or 
Scotch  Fir,  after  it  has  been  planted  some  time,  resists  the  salt 
well,  but  I  have  had  young  plants  of  it,  fresh  from  nursery 
beds,  so  injured  by  salt  that  many  of  them  died.  Among  the 
Piceas  I  found  the  following  to  do  well,  viz.,  Picea  lasiocarpa, 
P.  nobilis,  P.  Nordmanniaua,  P.  Pinsapo,  and  P.  grandis.  Of 
the  Fir  tribe,  I  found  Abies  canadensis,  Douglasii,  Menziesii, 
Clanbrasilliana,  and  pygmea  all  to  have  great  power  of 
resistance  as  regards  sea  breezes.  Young  plants,  when  first 
exposed,  particularly  if  obtained  from  inland  nursei'ies,  some- 
times suffer.  I  would  recommend  everyone  who  has  planting 
to  do  by  the  sea  to  obtain  the  plants  near  at  hand,  and 
from  the  most  exposed  nurseries  they  can  find  In 
continuing  my  list  of  plants  and  trees  that  will  succeed 
well  under  ordinary  care  I  must  not  omit  Araucaria  imbricata, 
which  is  one  of  the  very  best  for  the  purpose,  and  one  that 
bears  transplanting  well,  even  when  nearly  20  feet  in  height. 
This  Araucaria  will  grow  almost  close  to  the  edge  of  the  sea. 
Another  class  of  useful  trees  for  seaside  planting  are  the 
Cypresses,  of  which  I  found  the  following  do  well,  viz., 
Cupressus  Lambertiana  and  macrocarpa,  the  latter  having 
quite  a  notoriety  as  a  seaside  plant,  which  on  the  south  coast 
is  fully  borne  out  bj'  the  many  fine  examples  of  it  to  be  met  with. 
In  a  garden  at  Eastbourne  I  saw  a  fine  example  of  this  fine 
Cypress  upwards  of  50  feet  iu  height,  and  about  the  same  in 
spread  of  the  branches.  Last  year  I  planted  some  fine 
trees  of  Cupressus  Lawsoniaua  in  very  exposed  situations, 
where  they  stood  many  a  trying  breeze,  but  they  were  not  at  all 
injured  by  the  salt.  I  also  found  Thujopsis  borealis  and  many 
of  the  Thujas  bear  exposure  well,  as  did  also  Fitzroya  pata- 
gonica,  and  several  of  the  Junipers  and  Yews.  Among  ever- 
green trees  and  shrubs  the  evergreen  Oak  (Quercus  Ilex), 
Hollies,  Euonymus,  Phillyreas,  Bays,  Portugal  and  common 
Laurels,  Laurustinus,  Arbutus,  Erica  codonoides  and  medi- 
terranea,  and  Rhododendrons,  if  only  slightly  sheltered,  also 
do  well.  In  fact,  there  are  many  other  well-known  trees  and 
shrubs  that  bear  almost  any  amount  of  exposure  to  the  sea 
breeze.  Among  these  I  may  mention  the  Tamarisk,  which 
grows  near  the  seashore  everywhere.  In  St.  Michael's,  in  the 
Azores,  Pittosporum  uudulatum  and  Tobira  grow  down  to 
the  edge  of  the  sea,  and  Camellias  may  be  found  only  a  few 
hundred  feet  away  from  it.  The  common  green  and  silver- 
striped  Euonyniuses  are  the  best  plants  with  which  I  am 
acquainted  for  protection  to  borders  of  low  tender  shrubs. 
Their  rapid,  compact,  and  sturdy  habit  of  growth  renders 
them  almost  as  impervious  to  wind  as  a  brick  wall;  conse- 
quently, when  planted,  either  as  a  hedge-row  or  in  broken  lines, 
they  form  excellent  nurses  and  protectors  to  the  more  tender 
pl.ants.  I  have  never  found  the  Euonymus  to  be  injured  by 
salt  spray,  though  I  have  seen  it  growing  close  to  the  sea.  I 
have  known  it  to  grow  from  18  inches  high  to  the  height  of 
6,  7,  and  8  feet  iu  a  few  years.  For  forming  masses  on 
embankments  I  prefer  it  to  the  common  Laurel.  It  bears 
cutting  in  any  shape,  and   is  a  plant   admirably  .adapted  for 


Sept.  20, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


231 


forming  divisions  between  small  properties.  No  one,  there- 
fore, need  despair  of  making  gardens  and  plantations  near  the 
sea,  with  so  much  material  from  which  to  choose,  if  they  have 
only  good  soil,  and  will  trench,  plant  firmly  and  thick,  and  by 
all  means  stake  young  trees  for  a  year  or  two.  By  planting 
the  Austrian  Fir  in  belts  four  or  five  deep  round  the  outer 
edge  of  plantations,  they  speedily  form  a  thick  screen,  and 
shelter  the  less  hardy  trees.  In  narrow  and  exposed  borders 
of  ornamental  shrubs  an  excellent  screen  or  nurse  can  be 
thus  made  : — Drive  some  stakes  firmly  into  the  ground  about 
■i  feet  apart,  interlace  them  with  wattles,  and  draw  or  pack 
them  firmly  with  green  Furze.  This  will  afford  protection 
for  two  winters,  by  which  time  the  trees  and  shrubs  will  have 
become  established,  and  will  protect  one  another. 

Time  of  Planting. 
There  are  a  variety  of  opinions  as  to  the  proper  time  to 
plant  trees  and  shrubs — or,  perhaps,  I  should  say,  as  to  the 
different  times  at  which  they  may  be  planted.  Some  say, 
"  plant  at  any  time,"  and  this  may  succeed  occasionally.  But, 
when  one  has  forty  or  fifty  acres  of  plantations  to  put  in, 
midsummer  is  not  the  time  one  would  choose  for  the  operation, 
even  it  supplied  with  hydrants  and  similar  appliances.  My 
experience  points  to  early  spring  as  the  best  time  for  seaside 
planting.  Trees  and  shrubs  planted  in  the  early  autumn  are 
subjected  to  the  whole  of  the  winter's  surly  blast,  which,  in 
addition  to  the  singeing  they  get  from  the  salt  spray,  robs  them 
of  moi'e  than  half  their  leaves.  I  am  now  alluding  to  situa- 
tions very  much  exposed.  With  the  shelter  of  a  hill,  or  of 
strong  belts  of  plantation,  T  would  plant  in  October  rather 
than  in  spring,  particularly  if  I  wei'e  sure  that  the  winter 
would  be  open,  such  as  we  had  last  year.  I  have,  however, 
planted  young  Austrian  and  Scotch  Firs  from  the  same 
nursery  both  in  autumn  and  in  early  spring,  and  have  found 
the  spring-planted  ones  to  succeed  infinitely  better  than  those 
put  in  in  autumn,  which  got  burnt  so  brown  with  salt  spray  as 
to  be  to  all  appearance  dead,  and,  in  fact,  many  of  them  wore  ; 
whilst  the  spring-planted  trees  rarely  or  never  turned  a  leaf, 
and  failures  among  them  were  rare.  I  have  mentioned  the 
neighbourhood  of  Eastbourne  as  possessing  many  fine  exam- 
ples of  seaside  planting.  There  is  one  in  particular  worthy 
of  special  notice,  viz.,  the  property  of  Mr.  Thomas.  It  is 
situated  in  a  somewhat  sheltered  valley  at  the  foot  of  the 
Southdowns.  The  planting  commences  in  the  bottom  of  the 
valley,  and  continues  to  the  top  of  the  Downs,  and  apparently 
consists  of  some  two  or  three  hundred  acres  of  well-managed 
wood,  in  which  the  mingling  and  harmonising  of  the  ordinary 
forest-trees,  such  as  Beech,  Birch,  Larch,  Firs,  Oak  and 
Chestnut  are  so  well  carried  out  as  to  form  one  of  the  prettiest 
summer  and  autumn  sylvan  pictures  I  have  ever  seen.  This 
place  has  the  appearance  of  not  having  been  planted  more  than 
twenty-five  or  thirty  years.  Peter  Wallace. 


The  Wood  of  Paulownia. — Paulownia  imperialis  is  nsed  to  a 
considerable  extent  in  this  conntry  as  an  ornamental  tree.  M.  Carriere, 
o£  the  Jardin  des  Plantes,  has  recently  called  attention  to  the  value 
of  its  timber.  He  thinks  that  the  extreme  lightness  of  the  wood  has 
caused  it  to  be  neglected.  A  well  dried  branch  of  a  young  tree  is 
scarcely  heavier  than  Cork.  The  wood  from  an  old  tree  is  more 
compact,  and  is  susceptible  of  a  fine  silky  polish.  The  striking 
peculiarity  of  the  wood  is  that  it  does  not  shrink,  nor  warp,  nor 
split,  even  when  green,  or  however  thin  it  may  be  cat.  The 
Japanese  use  it  in  thin  veneers  for  the  same  purposes  that  we 
use  pasteboard — to  make  boxes,  &c.  M.  Carriere  thinks  that  when 
the  value  of  the  tree  becomes  better  known  it  will  be  planted  along 
roads  and  such  places. 

Fine  Cryptomeria  Lobbii. — When  looking  over  the  grounds  at 
Whiteford  House,  near  Callington,  Cornwall,  the  property  of  Sir  W. 
Call,  the  other  day,  I  observed  a  remarkably  fine  and  well. grown 
specimen  of  what  appeared  at  a  little  distance  to  be  a  Wellingtonia 
gigantea,  and  on  remarking  to  the  gardener  (Mr.  Richardson),  who 
was  showing  me  over  the  place,  what  a  well-furnished  specimen  it 
was,  he  informed  me  that  it  was  not  a  Wellingtonia,  as  I  had 
imagined,  but  a  fine  specimen  of  that  beaatiful  Conifer,  so  seldom 
seen  in  a  large  state  in  this  country,  Cryptomeria  Lobbii.  It  seems, 
from  what  the  gardener  said,  that  I  was  by  no  means  singular  in 
mistaking  the  tree  for  a  Wellingtonia,  as  nearly  every  one  who  came 
there  did  so  till  they  inspected  it  closely.     This  is  by  far  the  finest 


specimen  of  this  Conifer  I  have  ever  seen  ;  it  must  be  over  50  feet  in 
height,  and  it  is  beautifully  and  densely  furnished  with  handsome 
deep  green  foliage  down  to  the  ground.  The  foliage,  indeed,  is  of  a 
so  much  deeper  shade  of  green,  and  the  tree  is  also  so  much  denser 
and  closer  a  habit  of  growth  than  the  better-known  Cryptomeria 
japonica,  that  a  very  fair  specimen  of  the  latter  growing  close  to  it 
looked  quite  thin  and  poor  beside  it.  This  tree  was  planted  about 
twenty. five  years  ago  by  the  late  Sir  Wilfiam  Call.  There  are  also 
here  fine  specimens  of  Abies  Douglasii,  Picea  nobilis,  and  of  the 
beautiful  Fraxinns  Ornus,  or  flowering  Ash — a  tree  much  less  grown 
than  it  should  be.— W.  E.  G. 

Renovating  Old  Trees. — The  following  is  a  description  of 
the  means  nsed  to  renovate  an  old  favourite  Ash  tree,  which  is  sup- 
posed to  be  more  than  a  hundred  years  old,  and  which,  for  several 
seasons  back,  has  showed  unmistakeable  signs  of  decay,  so  much 
so  that  every  storm  strewed  the  ground  about  it  with  dead  branches 
and  limbs.  At  one  time,  now  a  considerable  number  of  years  ago, 
there  was  a  permanent  seat  fixed  round  the  base  of  the  trunk, 
which  made  a  flat  surface  for  the  feet  necessary,  in  addition  to  the 
space  taken  up  by  the  seat.  The  effect  of  this  was  that  a  number 
of  large  knarly  roots  were  exposed  to  the  action  of  the  weather, 
and  this,  as  well  as  the  surrounding  ground,  got  entirely  over. run 
with  the  Snowberry  plant ;  so,  therefore,  the  soil  must  have  been 
much  exhausted.  With  the  view  of,  if  possible,  preventing  the  old 
tree  from  dying,  we  had  the  ground  trenched  for  a  distance  of  from  10 
to  12  yards,  thoroughly  eradicating  all  roots  other  than  its  own,  and 
then  sloped  up  the  soil  so  as  to  entirely  cover  all  the  roots  with  earth, 
afterwards  finishing  with  turf,  which  is  mown  about  four  times  in 
the  season.  The  result  of  these  operations  has  been  that  the  tree, 
even  to  the  very  trunk,  has  pushed  forth  a  number  of  young  twigs, 
which  hai^e  clothed  with  fresh  foliage,  and  have  made  it  a  very 
interesting  object  to  those  who  formerly  had  seen  it  only  bearing  a 
few  leaves  at  the  extremity  of  the  branches,  and  not  even  on  all 
of  them,  for  many  of  them  were  already  dead.  Throughout  the 
whole  tree,  however,  wherever  there  was  life  in  the  bark,  there  is 
now  freshness  and  beauty.  All,  therefore,  interested  in  saving  fine 
old  trees  showing  signs  of  debility,  should  lose  no  time  in  adopting 
similar  means  to  those  just  described,  and  success  will  be  almost  sure 
to  be  the  result. — H.  Rose,  The  Gaydens,  Grangemuir,  Pifteniceen. 

Two  Desfontaineas. — As  that  beautiful  flowering  shrub,  the 
Desfontainea  spiuosa,  and  its  relative  hardiness  in  different  parts  of 
this  country  seems  to  be  exciting  a  good  deal  of  interest  just  at  pre- 
sent, 1  think  it  may  interest  some  persons  to  learn  that  1  have  for 
several  years  had  in  my  collection  two  distinct  varieties  of  this 
beautiful  shrnb,  both  of  which  have  proved  themselves  perfectly 
hardy  with  me ;  they  are  the  ordinary  D.  spinosa  and  D.  spinosa 
Hookeri,  sent  me  by  Mr.  Van  Houtte,  of  Ghent.  This  latter  variety 
is  perhaps  of  rather  more  erect  and  pyramidal  habit,  has  narrower 
foliage,  which  is  also  a  deeper  green  than  the  type,-  the  blossom 
tubes  are  decidedly  narrower,  and  the  yellow  outside  colour  at  tip  of 
flower  is  of  a  broader  and  more  clearly -marked  character.  Both 
varieties  blossom  freely  with  me  every  year ;  but  I  have  never  seen 
the  fruit  or  seed  produced  anywhere  save  on  the  exceptionally  fine 
specimen  at  Rocklodge,  Monkstown.  I  have  never  seen  any  other 
specimen  of  D.  Hookeri  except  my  own. — W.  E.  G-,  in  "Gardener's 
Record." 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


Forests  of  Algeria. — These  are  very  valuable,  though  they  are  occasionally 
iujured  by  periodical  conflagrations,  caused  by  the  Arabs,  in  order  to  gain 
better  pasturage.  They  produce  several  species  of  Oak  and  Cork,  the  Aleppo 
Pine,  from  which  resin  is  extracted ;  the  Cedar  of  the  Atlas,  a  most  valuable 
timber  for  building  purposes  and  cabinet-making ;  the  Thuja,  celebrated  even 
in  the  time  of  the  Komans  as  an  ornamental  wood ;  Ash,  Elm,  &c.  These 
forests  cover  an  area  of  about  3,500,0U0  acres,  and  of  these  376,355  acres  have 
already  been  conceded  to  private  individuals,  and  200,000  have  been  given  up 
for  the  use  of  the  native  population. 

The  Fulham  Oak  (Quercus  Cerris  Fulhamensis-)— A  singular  story  is 
related  with  regard  to  this  Oak.  In  the  winter  of  1837-38,  which  is  generally 
known  as  "  ilurphy's  winter,"  loud  reports,  similar  to  those  of  a  pistol,  issued 
from  among  the  branches.  These,  it  was  afterwards  discovered,  were  caused 
by  the  frost  making  the  bark  burst  in  various  places.  Previous  to  this,  the 
main  branches  were  devoid  of  small  spray,  but  during  the  summer  of  1833, 
even  the  thickest  of  the  stems  became  covered  with  small  branches,  formed,  no 
doubt,  from  adventitious  buds,  and  they  have  continued  to  grow  ever  since. — 
Petee  Wallace. 

Evergreen  Propagation. — What  is  the  best  month  for  taking  off  and  plant- 
ing cuttings  of  Esciilloiiiii,  Veronica,  Aucuba  japonica,  and  Tamarisk;  and  what 
is  the  besttimefor  planting  them  out  afterwards  ? — A.  Geealdine.  [Escallonias 
and  Aucubas  may  be  proi)agated  by  means  of  layers  or  cuttings,  made  of  the 
young  wood,  put  in  dm'ing  the  spring,  but  the  layers  are  perhaps  best  if  a  small 
number  only  is  required.  Tamarisk  and  Veronicas  strike  fi'om  cuttings  nearly 
as  freely  as  Willows,  and  may  be  inserted  in  a  shady  position  any  time  during  the 
summer  months.  As  regards  planting  out  evergreens,  some  recommend 
September  as  the  best  time  to  perform  the  operation  j  but  we  believe,  with  care, 
they  may  be  planted  at  all  times  of  the  year. 


232 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  20, 1873. 


THE    FLOWER     GARDEN. 

FLOWER  GARDENING  IN  HYDE  PARK  AND 
KENSINGTON  GARDENS. 
The  bedding  arrangements  bero,  taken  generally  are  a 
decided  improvement  on  those  of  former  years.  As  hitherto, 
the  chief  points  of  attraction  are  the  series  of  parallel  beds 
bordering  on  Park  Lane  and  the  semi-circular  plot  opposite 
Mr.  Chamberlain's  lodge  iu  Kensington  Gardens.  The  Park 
Lane  beds  are  for  the  most  part  edged  with  two  or  three  narrow 
bands  of  carpet  plants,  their  centres  being  filled  in  with  masses 
of  Pelargoniums,  Verbenas,  Calceolarias,  and  other  flowering 
bedders.  This  plan  gives  a  neat  finish  and  considerable  con- 
vexity to  the  beds,  without  rendering  it  necessary  to  elevate  the 
soil  to  any  great  extent— a  system  that  is  apt  to  prove  trouble- 
some by  causing  excessive  dryness  during  hot  weather.  The 
first  series  of  beds  on  the  right  are  margined  with  a  belt  of  the 
deep  purple  Iresiue  Lindeuii  contrasted -with  the  soft  yellow 
Pyrethrum.  Those  on  the  left  are  perhaps  even  still  more 
eli'ective,  the  margins  here  being  composed  of  three  rows 
instead  of  two.  Blue  Lobelia  alternating  with  white 
variegated  Poa  trivialis,  makes  a  bright  and  telling  line, 
as  also  does  Alternanthera  amabilis,  the  outside  edge  being 
Echeveria  secunda.  The  second  bed  here,  on  the  right  of  the 
flower  walk,  is  filled  iu  with  Pelargonium  Queen  of  Queens, 
mixed  with  Verbena  venosa.  This  last  is  an  effective  arrange- 
ment, and  forms  one  of  the  best  bits  of  harmonious  colouring 
we  have  seen  for  some  time.  Mrs.  Pollock  and  Blue  Viola 
mixed,  as  seen  on  the  opposite  side,  is  hardly  so  effective, 
though,  by  no  means,  a  bad  combination.  It  is  scarcely  possible 
to  have  too  much  purple,  blue,  or  white  in  our  flower-beds  if 
bright  scarlets  and  gaudy  yellows  are  used  in  moderation. 
For  a  bright  and  effective  crimson  we  have  nothing  better,  as 
yet,  than  the  dwarf  and  effective  Alternanthera  amcena.  Of 
all  the  Zonal  Pelargoniums  used  in  these  beds,  perhaps  the 
pink-floworcd  Amaranthe  is  the  best,  and  shows  to  the  most 
advantage.  This  appears  to  be  a  free-flowering  variety,  pro- 
ducing a  good  truss,  and  makes  one  of  the  best  beds  here  on 
the  left.  The  following  bed,  also  on  the  left,  is  composed  of  a 
central  mass  of  the  dark  crimson  Coleus  Verschaffeltii  (im- 
proved), surrounded  by  arow  of  the  golden-leaved  Zonal  Crystal 
Palace  Gem.  Another  bed,  on  the  left,  filled  with  Stella 
variegata  and  Purple  King  Verbena  mixed  is  a  good  and  well- 
arranged  group,  well  worth  repeating  with  the  above-named 
edging.  Two  other  pink-flowered  Pelargoniums  do  well  here, 
Rose  Bradwardine  and  Mrs.  C.  Custance  ;  the  former  is  a  free- 
flowering  variety,  and  likely  to  be  useful  for  belts  or  masses. 
The  scarlets  mostly  used  are  Lucius,  Wellington,  Glow,  Stan- 
stead  Rival,  Bonfire,  Warrior,  Duchess  of  Sutherland,  and 
Mrs.  J.  Lee.  The  beds  in  the  second  series  are  edged  differently 
from  the  above,  those  on  the  right  being  formed  of  a  row  of  dwarf 
Purple  Lantaua,  not  unlike  Imperatrice  Elizabeth  Verbena  in 
appearance,  and  a  dwarf  margin  of  the  silvery  Antennaria 
tomentosa.  Those  on  the  right  side  have  three  rows,  composed 
of  Alternanthera,  Mesembryanthemum  cordifolium  variegatum, 
and  Echeveria  secunda.  This  Mesembryanthemum  is  one  of 
the  prettiest  edgings  that  can  be  used  for  dark-coloured  foliage 
or  flowering  plants,  and  contrasts  well  with  either  Iresiue  or 
Alternanthera.  One  bed  here  of  ColeusVorschaffeltii, surrounded 
by  a  belt  of  Centaurea,  is  very  effective,  and  is  margined  like  the 
other  bods  on  the  right.  Pelargonium  Louis  Roselle  makes  a 
bright  and  telling  bed  on  the  right  with  the  same  margin. 
A  bed  of  Centaurea,  mixed  with  Verbena  venosa,  forms  a 
harmonious  mass  here,  and  is  neatlj'  margined  with  Alter- 
nanthera and  Verbena.  A  mass  of  Albion  Cliffs,  mixed  with 
blue  Lobelia,  is  a  nice  combination,  and  is  finished  off  with 
a  carpet  margin  of  Iresine  Lindeuii,  Golden  Mesembryan- 
themum, and  Echeveria  secunda.  In  some  of  the  beds  west 
of  Grosvenor  Gate,  blue  Lobelias  and  Golden  Feather  are  used 
as  edging  with  good  effect.  An  oblong  bed,  planted  with 
crimson  Coleus,  is  surrounded  with  a  belt  of  Pelargonium, 
Crystal  Palace  Gem,  and  edged  with  a  row  of  blue  Lobelia 
and  Alternanthera,  in  the  order  named.  This  is  a  good'and 
telling  arrangement,  well  worth  repeating.  I  here  may  notice 
two  beds  filled  in  with  the  old  Calceolaria  amplexicaulis,  one 
of  the  clearest  and  softest  of  all  yellow  flowering  plants. 

The  sub-tropical  plants  at  Albert  Gate  have,  to  some  extent. 


suffered,  being  iu  rather  an  exposed  position.  They  consist  of 
New  Zealand  Flax,  Dracasnas,  Cycads,  Musa  Ensete,  Chamae- 
rops,  and  other  Palms.  The  long  strips  of  turf  on  each  side 
Rotten  Row  are  laid  out  rather  irregularly  with  beds,  and 
these  are  filled  with  both  sub-tropical  and  bedding  plants  in 
great  variety.  The  clumps  of  spring  Rhododendron  and 
other  shrubs  being  margined  with  Pelargoniums,  Iresine, 
Lobelias,  and  Heliotropes.  One  or  two  oblong  or  scroll  beds 
here  are  planted  with  a  mass  of  Cannas  iu  the  centre,  around 
which  is  a  belt  of  silvery  Centaurea,  another  of  scarlet  Pelar- 
goniums, then  a  band  of  crimson  Alternanthera,  the  whole 
finished  off'  with  Echeveria  secunda.  Another  bed,  similar  in 
shape  to  the  last,  has  Coleus  Verschaffeltii  in  the  centre, 
bordered  with  a  breadth  of  Golden  Zonal  in  the  way  of  Crystal 
Palace  Gem,  next  a  row  of  Alternanthera,  and  an  edging  of 
Serapervivum  calcareum.  The  silvery  Pachyphyton  brac- 
teosum  is  used  here  for  edging,  and  is  well  adapted  for  the 
purpose,  being  neat  and  distinct  in  habit.  I  wonder  this  plant 
is  not  more  generally  used  by  amateurs,  not  only  for  carpet- 
beds  and  margins,  but  as  a  pot  plant,  since  it  is  so  easily 
propagated  from  leaf  cuttings.  One  pleasing  feature  here  is 
the  introduction  of  Lilies,  as  L.  eximium  and  varieties  of  L. 
speciosum,  which  are  just  now  highly  ornamental  in  several 
of  the  beds  and  along  the  borders.  One  or  two  Fuchsia  beds 
are  very  conspicuous,  and  deserve  attention.  These  plants 
are  just  now  flowering  freely,  and  being  planted  on  a  dense 


Bedding  in  Kensington  Gardens. 

carpet  of  foliage-plants  and  neatly  margined  with  variegated 
dwarf-growing  Fuchsias,  and  other  plants,  are  highly  orna- 
mental. ■  Two  or  three  beds  here,  iu  which  dark  purple-leaved 
bedders  are  contrasted  with  the  Golden  Abutilon,  are  worth 
notice.  A  heart-shaped  bed,  formed  of  Coleus  Verschaffeltii 
and  Golden  Abutilon,  margined  with  belts  of  Poa  trivialis  var. 
and  Alternanthera  is  very  bright  and  distinct,  the  whole  being 
neatly  finished  with  a  row  of  Echeveria  (secunda)  glauca. 
One  or  two  other  attractive  beds  may  be  noticed  here,  but 
nothing  can  compare  with  the  little  garden  fronting  Mr. 
Chamberlain's  house  in  Kensington  Gardens.  This  is  not  only 
a  bright  little  bit  of  carpet  bedding,  but  also  instructive  in  an 
eminent  degree,  as  showing  the  eff'ect  of  a  judicious  combina- 
tion of  foliage  and  sub-tropical  plants  along  with  "  bedders." 
This  little  flower-garden  is  semi-circular,  the  outside  being 
circumscribed  b}'  a  neat  panel  boi'der  4  or  5  feet  wide.  This 
is  very  effectively  planted.  It  is  margined  on  each  side  with 
rows  of  Santolina  incana,  Mesembryanthemum  cordifolium 
var.  finished  off  with  a  row  of  Echeveria  secunda.  The  belts 
which  divide  the  border  into  panels  are  planted  with  Alter- 
nanthera amabilis,  a  bright  glowing  red  kind,  with  a  dense 
habit.  The  lozenge-shaped  panels  are  planted  with  the  Golden 
Pyrethrum,  in  the  centre  of  which  are  small  squares  divided 
diagonally,  one-half  being  planted  with  Lobelia  pumila 
grandiflora  or  Santolina  iucana,  and  the  other  with  Alter- 
nanthera amoena,  a  richly-coloured  variety  of  the  deepest 
carmine  tint.     The  triangular  spaces  on  each  side  are  filled 


SuPT.  20,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


233 


with  the  silvery  Autemiaria  tomentosa,  wliich  is  one  of 
the  best  silvery  plants  ive  have  for  dense  carpet  bedding. 
The  Sautoliua  is  nearly  hardy  and  very  dressy  for  lines,  as  it 
requires  but  little  attention  to  keep  it  iu  form.  AVhen  con- 
trasted with  deep  purfile  Ircsine,  or  Coleus,  or  with  cnmson 
Altcrnanthera,  it  has  a  pale  blue  tint,  and,  from  the  case  with 


Bedding  in  Kensington  Gardens. 

which  it  is  propagated  and  kept  through  the  winter,  ought  to 
be  largely  used.  The  central  bed  in  this  group  is  planted  with 
crimson  Altcrnanthera  amcjeua,  the  cross  in  the  centre  having 
been  in  the  first  instance  planted  with  Lobelia  pumila  grandi- 
flora  and  Sautolina  incaiia.  This  is  a  striking  arrangement, 
and  the  belt  of  Golden  Feather  with  which  it  is  surrounded 


Bedding  in  Kensington  Gardens. 

adds  considerably  to  the  effect,  the  whole  being  neatly  finished 
with  Echeveria  seounda.  On  each  side  this  are  a  pair  of  round 
beds,  planted  in  the  centre  with  Coleus  Verschaffeltii  (improved), 
surrounded  with  belts  of  Golden  Feather,  crimson  Altcrnan- 
thera, Santolina,  Lobelia  pumila,  and  a  row  of  Echeveria  to 
iiuish  up  with.  This  Coleus  is  a  decided  advance  on  the  old 
variety,  and  is  wonderfully  liright  when  contrasted  with  Golden 


Feather  or  Mesembryanthemum.  Four  heart-shaped  beds 
here  are  worth  notice  ;  two  of  them  are  planted  with  golden 
Tricolors,  and  two  with  silver  Zonals  mixed  with  blue  Viola,  a 
happy  and  pleasing  combination  much  used  this  season  instead 
of  self-coloured  masses.  These  are  margined  with  belts  of  pur- 
ple Altcrnanthera,  Santolina,  and  an  edging  of  Sempervivum 
(calcareum)  californicum.  There  are  several  other  beds,  but 
these  are  the  most  effective  as  here  figured.  Nice  little  specimen 
Dracaenas,  Palms,  Yuccas,  and  Grevilleas  are  planted  out,  or 
isolated  on  the  fresh  turf,  and  the  masses  of  mixed  sub- 
tropicals  at  each  end  of  the  panel  border  are  well  worth  notice. 
Milner's  tricolor  Fuchsia  Sunray  grows  well  planted  out 
here,  and  promises  to  be  a  decided  acquisition  for  this  style  of 
gardening.  Much  of  the  effect  of  this  cheerful  little  garden 
is  derived  from  the  cool  masses  of  Ivy  and  sub-tropicals  with 
which  it  is  furnished,  and  which  form  a  fresh  green  background 
to  the  whole.  Most  of  the  bright  and  harmonious  colouring 
in  this  little  plot  is  derived  from  the  employment  of  Alter- 
nantheras,  Coleus,  Golden  Feather,  Mesembryanthemum, 
Santolina,  and  Antcunaria,  with  the  addition  of  very  few 
flowering  bedders.  This  system  has  at  least  one  good  point — 
it  is  always  the  same,  and  no  amount  of  i-ain  or  stormy  weather 
affects  it  as  is  the  case  where  misses  of  flowering  Pelargoniums 
are  used — indeed,  a  few  showers  seem  but  to  render  the  plants 
brighter  and  cleaner  than  they  were  Ijefore.  There  are  about 
eight  thousand  plants  used  in  this  plot  alone,  and  it  is  daily 
visited  by  hundreds,  who  evidently  appreciate  this  pleasant 
bit  of  colouring  at  its  true  woi'th.  F.  W.  B. 


THE  BEST  BEDDING  LOBELIAS. 
Now  that  the  season  is  drawing  to  a  close,  it  would  be  well  if 
gardeners  would  record  their  experience  iu  regard  to  such 
bedding-out  plants  as  have  succeeded  with  them  best.  In 
glancing  over  many  gardens  during  the  summer  I  have  kept 
a  look-out  for  Lobelias,  and  have  marked  their  various  qualities. 
I  observe  that  the  old  L.  speciosa,  bright  blue,  is  still  in 
favour  in  the  North  of  England.  This  and  albo-ca3rulea, 
which  is  a  lighter  shade  of  bine,  are  the  best,  I  think,  in  this 
section.  In  the  dwarf  group  L.  pumila  grandiflora  is  an 
excellent  bedder.  This,  also,  is  bright  blue.  The  white 
varieties  are  not,  I  find,  favourites,  though  they  may  be  occa- 
sionally found  interspersed  in  beds  to  produce  variety.  Among 
these  compacta-alba,  and  another  called  White  Pearl,  are  the 
best,  the  latter  not  so  good  as  the  former.  Purple  varieties 
are  not  so  numerous  as  blue  kinds  ;  undoubtedly  the  best 
among  them  is  the  one  known  by  the  name  of  Prince.  Another 
of  a  lilac  tint,  too,  cannot  be  too  highly  spoken  of  ;  its  name  is 
Omen.  To  recapitulate,  the  following  ai-e  the  best,  with  which 
I  am  acquainted,  for  bedding  purposes,  viz.  : — 

Compacta-alba. — White;  a  prof ase  bloomer,  dense  and  bushy 
in  habit. 

Prince. — Purple  ;  a  good  well-marked  variety. 

Omen. — Lilac  ;  not  so  compact  as  the  last. 

Pumila  grandiflora. — Deep  bine ;  dwarf  in  habit,  and  a  free 
bloomer. 

Albo-cserulea. — Bright  bine  ;  pretty  in  large  tufts. 

Mazarine  blue. — Light  blue  ;  ought  to  be  grown  with  white. 

Speciosa. — Bright  blue  ;  the  best  of  all  for  small  gardens. 

James  F.  Kobinson, 


Culture  of  Cystopteris  montana. — Many  seem  to  think  it  a 
difficult  matter  to  cultivate  this  Fern  in  the  open  air,  or  in  the  hartly 
Fernery,  and  for  some  years  I  have  been  of  the  same  opinion.  The 
first  small  plant  I  had  in  my  hands  I  placed  in  a  mixture  of  peat  and 
silver  sand,  but  somehow  it  did  not  succeed  ;  it  lived  for  a  year  or 
two,  during  which  it  sent  up  a  few  sickly  dwarf  fronds  ;  then  it  died 
altogether.  Afterwards  a  friend  presented  me  with  a  small  specimen, 
which  I  treated  somewhat  differently  from  my  first  plant.  I  planted 
it  in  cocoa-nut  refuse,  mingled  with  a  little  loam,  in  a  large-sized  pot 
half-filled  with  broken  crocks  and  stones.  When  it  showed  symptoms 
of  life  I  plunged  the  pot  in  a  shady  part  of  the  Fernery  where 
sunlight  never  reached  it,  and  it  succeeded  admirably.  In  planting 
all  our  native  Ferns,  having  creeping  rhizomes,  care  must  be  taken 
not  to  place  the  rhizome  beneath  the  soil.  I  have  always  sncceeded 
best  with  them  when  they  were  about  level  with  the  surface,  and 
simply  covered  over  with  a  little  damp  Moss.  It  should  be  borne  in 
mind  that   cocoa-nut  refuse   and  cocoa-nut  fibre  are  not  one  and  the 


234 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  20,  1873. 


same  thing.  I  am  afraid  the  latter  is  often  sold  under  the  name  of 
cocoa-nut  refuse ;  but  the  fibre  is  almost  worthless  for  gardening 
purposes.  Cocoa  refuse  is  sufficiently  cheap  for  gardeners  and 
nurserymen  to  secure  a  large  quantity  ;  it  certainly  improves  by 
keeping,  and  should  never  be  employed  in  the  Fernery  until  it  is  at 
least  twelve  months  old.  Those  who  grow  the  Cystopteris  have  one 
enemy  with  which  to  contend  ;  that  is,  if  the  plants  are  not  carefully 
guarded,  the  young  fronds  especially  will  speedily  disappear,  being 
greedily  eaten  by  snails. — Jas.  F.  Robinson. 

Extraordinary  Hydrangeas.— I  was  staying  at  Pendine,  a 
small  village  on  Carmarthen  Bay,  about  ten  miles  from  Tenby,  a  few 
days  ago,  and  saw  there  two  of  the  finest  Hydrangeas  it  has  ever 
been  my  good  fortune  to  see.  They  were  growing  in  a  small  garden 
belonging  to  Mr.  Morris,  better  known,  perhaps,  as  the  Bard  of 
Morfabychau.  They  each  measured  30  feet  in  circumference,  6  feet 
high,  and  were  literally  laden  with  truly  magnificent  blossoms.  I 
counted  six  hundred  fully-expanded  heads  of  bloom  upon  the  two 
plants,  and  there  were  many  more  in  a  younger  state.  They  were 
perfect  specimens,  the  flowers  being  evenly  distributed  over  the 
plants.  The  soil  (about  18  inches  in  depth),  is  formed  by  the  disinte- 
gration of  red  ragstone  and  limestone  (the  garden  being  at  the  foot  of 
a  mountain),  below  which  occurs  the  solid  rock.  The  aspect  is  south- 
east, and  quite  open  to  the  sea. — Charles  Dennis,  SouthwarJ:  Park. 

Plumbago  Capensis. — I  have  tried  this  for  several  years  in  the 
flower-garden  (in  West  Middlesex),  chiefly  as  a  carpeting  plant,  under 
Palms,  Acacias,  and  similar  tall,  but  not  dense-growing,  plants,  and  I 
have  invariably  found  it  to  grow  famously,  but  not  to  flower  well. 
For  a  time  I  attributed  this  paucity  of  bloom  to  the  variableness  of 
the  weather ;  but  last  year  I  substituted  Lobelias  and  Sedum 
spectabile  for  the  Plumbago  ;  the  former  afforded  me  plenty  of 
flowers,  and  the  latter  a  turfy  verdure,  until  the  middle  of  July.  I 
then  lifted  and  discarded  the  Lobelias,  and  lifted  and  potted  the 
Sedums,  and  transplanted  into  their  places  young  plants  of  Plumbago 
Capensis  that  I  had  previously  grown  in  a  cool  airy  greenhouse,  and 
which  were  well  supplied  with  flower-spikes.  The  result  was,  that  I 
had  fine  blooming  plants  of  Sedum  spectabile  in  my  greenhouse  in 
August  and  September,  and,  at  the  same  time,  a  sea  of  azure  in  my 
flower-garden,  until  the  chilly  nights  of  October  put  an  end  to  the 
existence  of  the  Plumbago. — J.  A.  E. 

Ageratum  Imperial  Dwarf. — Until  this  season  this  popular 
bedding,  plant  has  somewhat  disappointed  me,  being  uncertain  as 
regards  habit  and  duration  of  bloom  ;  but  all  through  this  year,  and 
at  the  present  time,  it  is  flowering  most  profusely,  and  correctly 
maintaining  its  dwarf  compact  habit.  When  in  this  condition  it  is 
one  of  the  most  charmingly  effective  flowering  plants  with  which  I 
am  acquainted,  and  it  is  doubly  valuable  now  when  the  Verbena  is 
so  generally  subject  to  disease.  The  cheerful  azure-blue  of  the 
Ageratum  fills  up  the  gap  very  efficiently,  and,  as  a  band  or  second- 
row  plant,  it  is  most  appropriate,  furnishing  a  very  beautiful 
contrast  to  scarlet,  yellow,  or  white.  It  is  worthy  of  note  that  in 
taking  cuttings  they  should  be  selected  from  plants  that  have  a 
dense  habit,  for,  except  this  is  attended  to,  they  are  certain  to  prove 
very  uncertain  as  to  height.  The  true  "  strain  "  yields  cuttings  but 
sparingly  after  flowering ;  therefore  it  is  best  to  cut  a  few  plants 
over  for  the  purpose  of  producing  cuttings. — G.  Westiand,  The 
Qardens,  Witley  Court. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Chamapeuce  diacantlia-— This  is  a  welcome  addition  to  our  flower-gardens, 
for  not  only  does  it  grow  and  flourish  in  them  remarkably  well,  biit  when 
studded  in  carpet  beds  its  soft-silvery  leaves  have  a  fine  effect,  even  amongst 
brilliant  Alternantheras,  and  other  colour-leaved  plants  of  that  kind. 

The  Manetti  Rose  Stocks. — l  have  just  now  a  fine  row  of  this  stock,  and 
should  feel  obliged  by  some  of  your  Rose-growing  readers  telling  me  the  best 
time  for  lifting  and  potting  it,  also  the  best  time  for  grafting  for  forcing 
In  pots.— R.  G. 

Anemone  Japonica,  Honorine  Jobert- — This  is  one  of  our  best  autumn- 
flowering  hardy  herbaceous  plants,  and  its  large  pure  white  flowers  are  very 
useful  in  a  cut  state.  When  taken  up  out  of  the  ground  and  potted,  it  is  also 
very  serviceable  in  the  consei"vatory.  For  this  purpose  it  wants  a  good  soaking 
of  water,  and  to  be  put  in  the  shade  for  a  few  days. — R.  H.  B. 

Zephvrantlies  carinatus.—Thisandits  pure  white  congener  Z.  candidus, 
are  now  flowering  freely  in  open  borders.  It  has  grassy  foliage  a  foot  long,  and 
bears  delicate  pink  flowers  on  scapes  nearly  as  long  us  the  foliage.  When  grown 
in  warm  sheltered,  positions  as,  for  instance,  at  the  base  of  a  south  wall,  these 
Zephyranthes  form  pretty  additions  to  our  list  of  hardy  autumnal  bulbs.  One 
species  is  called  the  West  Wind  Flower,  and  is  commonly  met  with  growing  in 
the  gardens  of  Ceylon,  as  margins  to  walks  and  beds. 

Hardiness  of  Calla  sethiopica.— in  the  sprmg  of  1S73  I  planted  two  large 
plants  of  this  in  a  pond,  where  they  now  remain,  and  they  have  flowered 
profusely  during  the  summer,  and  I  may  mention  that  they  were  frozen  over 
several  times.  The  pond  is  about  3  feet'deep  in  winter,  and  about  a  foot  deep 
in  summer  ;  they  were  planted  rather  at  the  side  than  in  the  middle  ;  they  were 
grown  in  large  pots  previously  to  being  planted  out,  and  were  merely  turned 
out  of  the  pota  into  the  water.— D.  S.  Gilleit,  Court  Qardens,  Great  Marloic. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 


THE  ORCHARD  HOUSE. 

Bt  peter  grieve,  Cdltoed  Gaedbns. 

{Continued  from  p.  217.) 

Peach.es   and  Nectarines. 

TuE  Peach,  and  its  smooth  variety,  the  Nectarine,  were  intro- 
duced into  this  country  about  the  year  1562.  They  are, 
no  doubt,  in  all  respects,  the  trees  par  excellence  for  the 
orchard-house,  and,  in  order  to  extend  their  season  of 
production  as  much  as  possible,  it  is  advisable  to  cultivate  a 
considerable  number  of  varieties.  These  may  either  be  planted 
out  in  prepared  borders  or  beds  of  soil,  which  should  be 
rendered  as  firm  and  solid  as  possible,  or  they  may  be  grown 
in  15  or  18-inch  pots  in  soil  such  as  has  been  already  described  ; 
firmly  potted  and  occasionally  surface-dressed  with  rich 
compost,  and  watered  with  manure-water.  I  feel  inclined  to 
gLve  a  preference  to  the  former  system  of  cultm-e.  But  it 
would,  perhaps,  be  the  safest,  as  well  as  the  most  satisfactory 
plan,  to  practice  to  some  extent  both  methods.  The  trees  may 
bo  trained  in  the  form  of  pyramids,  half  standards,  or  dwarf 
bushes,  but  the  first-named  form  is  to  be  preferred.  This  must 
be  secured  by  careful  pruning,  or  rather  by  stopping  and 
pinching  the  young  or  maiden  trees  during  the  growing 
season,  so  that  very  little  winter  pruning  will  be  required 
during  the  first  two  seasons  at  least.  This  may  be  done  either 
early  during  the  mouth  of  November,  or  may  be  deferred 
until  the  following  February,  and,  should  the  weather  at  that 
time  l)e  very  severe,  it  may  be  still  further  deferred.  The 
spring  or  late  pruning  of  these  trees  has  the  advantage  of  the 
bloom  or  flower-buds  being  more  fully  developed,  consequently 
the  operator  can  the  more  easily  distinguish  the  bloom  from 
the  leaf  buds.  But,  generally  speaking,  there  is  but  little 
difficulty  in  doing  this,  even  during  the  autumn.  It  will  also 
be  understood  that  in  shortening  the  shoots  it  is  always  neces- 
sary to  cut  close  to  a  triple-bud  if  possible,  otherwise,  to  a 
single  or  leaf-bud.  The  triple-bud  consists  generally  of  a 
wood,  or  leaf-bud,  in  the  centre,  with  a  bloom-bud  on  each 
side.  And  if  a  shoot  be  cut  to  a  single  bloom-bud,  or  to  one 
or  more  bloom-buds,  where  the  leaf  or  wood-bud  is  absent,  the 
shoot  must  necessarily  die  down  to  the  next  single  leaf  or 
triple-bud.  As  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees  are  always  exceed- 
ingly liable  to  the  attacks  of  insects,  such  as  the  green  fly, 
thrips,  and  red  spider,  &c.,  it  is  consequently  always  advisable 
to  dress  or  paint  the  trees  after  they  have  been  pruned, 
with  a  composition  such  as  has  been  already  recommended,  or 
with  a  solution  of  Gishurst's  compound,  of  about  the  strength 
of  8  ounces  to  1  gallons  of  water.  But,  whatever  dressing 
may  be  used,  care  must  be  taken  in  using  the  brush,  so  as  to 
avoid  injury  to  the  fruit  buds,  and  this  precaution  is  the  more 
necessary  if  the  pruning  has  been  delayed  until  the  spring  is 
somewhat  advanced,  and  the  buds  arc  beginning  to  swell. 

As  soon  as  the  fruit  is  fairly  set,  a  system  of  syi'inging  must 
he  commenced,  and  this,  it  will  be  necessarj',  in  most  cases,  to 
continue  until  the  fruit  begins  to  approach  a  state  of  ripeness. 
The  fruit  should  be  thinned  out  to  some  extent  as  soon  as  it 
attains  the  size  of  small  Peas,  and  should  again  be  examined  at 
a  later  period,  and  further  thinned  should  this  be  found  neces- 
sar}' ;  and  if,  in  any  case,  any  tree  or  trees  in  pots  may  have 
failed  to  set  a  crop  of  fruit  by  the  beginning  of  July,  they 
may,  with  advantage,  be  placed  for  a  time  in  the  open  air, 
together  with  a  few  trees  of  any  variety,  which  it  may  be  desired 
to  retard  in  ripening.  This  will  give  additional  space  to 
planted  out  trees,  and  others  which  may  require  the  same. 
Indeed  all  trees  in  pots  may,  with  great  advantage,  be 
placed  for  a  time  in  the  open  air  after  their  fruit  has  been 
gathered.  It  may  hardly  be  necessary  to  saj'  that  Peaches  and 
Nectarines  at  all  seasons,  when  the  weather  is  mild,  require  free 
ventilation.  After  the  beginning  of  July,  air  should  Ije  admitted 
at  night  as  well  as  during  the  day,  unless  it  be  during  the 
prevalence  of  high  and  boisterous  wiuds.  It  has  already  been 
said  that  the  Peach  and  Nectarine  season  may  be  very 
considerablj'  prolonged  by  the  judicious  selection  of  varieties. 
The  following  list  has  consequently  been  divided  into  three 
distinct  sections,  that  is  to  say  into  early,  medium,  and  late : — 


Sept.  -20,  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


235 


EARLY    I'EACUES. 
Earhj  Beatrice. — Said  to  be  the  earliest  of  all  Peaches. 
Early  Louise. — An  early  and  good  sort. 
Earhj  Rivers  Peach. — A  good  early  sort. 
Rivers's  Early  York. — Good  and  early. 
Acto7i  Scot. — An  excellent  early  Peach. 
Crawford's  Earhj  Peach. — The   finest  of   the  yellow-fleshed  sorts  ; 

possessing  a  peculiar  aroma. 
Earhj  Albert. — A  richly. flavoured  fruit. 
Early  Admirable. — One  of  the  best  carlj^  Peaches. 

PEACHES,   MEDIUM    AS    TO    THEIR   TIME    OP   EIPENING. 
Dr.  Hogg. — Hardy,  vigorous,  and  prolific ;  fine  flavoured. 
Royal   George. — A  well-known  good  variety. 
Grosse  Mignonne. — Lai'ge  and  fine. 
Belle  de  Croi.r. — A  very  large  and  fine  sort. 
Stirling  Castle. — A  very  fine  new  sort. 
Noblesse. — One  of  the  best  of  Peaches. 
Lord  Palmerston. — New  and  good  variety. 
Prince  of  Wales. — New  and  one  of  the  best. 

LATE    PEACHES. 
Salway. — Flesh  of  deep  orange  colour  ;  very  fine. 
Barrington. — Hardy,  handsome,  and  good. 
Bellegarde. — -A  fine  handsome  sort. 
Walbtirtoti  Admirable. — An  excellent  variety. 
Violette  Hdtive. — A  handsome  sort. 
Galande. — An  excellent  variety. 
Chancellor. — Large  and  fine. 
Late  Admirable. — A  good  late  Peach. 

EAELY   NECTARIKES. 
Balgowan. — A  large  and  handsome  fruit. 
Hunt's  Tawny. — Early,  with  yellow  flesh. 
Murrey. — A  very  early  usefal  sort. 
Violette  HO.tive. — One  of  the  very  best  sorts. 
Violette  Rouge. — A  very  fine  sort. 
Lord  Napier. — A  new  sort,  very  handsome  and  finely  flavoured. 

NECTARINES,   MEDIUM    AS   TO   THEIR   TIME    OP   RIPENING. 
Bowden. — A  large,  rich,  melting  sort. 
Doicnton. — A  very  fine  sort. 
Elruge. —  One  of  the  very  best  sorts. 
Imperatrice. — Large,  juicy,' and  good. 
Pitmaston  Orange — A  first-rate  yellow-fleshed  sort. 
Prince  of  Wales. — A  fine  new  sort. 
Rivers's  Orange. — Fine  flavoured  and  productive. 
Old  Wliite. — A  very  distinct  variety. 

LATE   NECTARINES. 
Oldenburgh.—yfiW  hang  long  upon  the  tree. 
Victoria. — A  fine  variety. 


AN  INDIAN  BIRD  SCAEBfi. 
TuE  accompanying   illustration   represents  one   of  the  most 
effective  and  least  objectionable  contrivances  I  ever  met  with 


from  a  file  mark  ;  the  suspending  string  passing  through  the 
cork  terminates  in  a  nail,  button,  or  pebble,  which  thtis  becomes 
the  tinkler  or  clapper  of  a  bell  which  the  slightest  breeze  sets 
and  keeps  in  motion.  If  the  suspension  of  the  bottle  is 
effected  by  means  of  wire  instead  of  twine,  the  effect  is  much 
better.  Twine  is  too  limp  ;  wire  or  watch-spring  gives  a 
sort  of  rigid  elasticity.  The  inventor  was  a  poor  Koonbee  far 
away  in  an  Indian  jungle.  I  am  not  aware  that  he  ever  patented 
his  invention,  or  raaped  any  reward,  beyond  the  remarkable 
eflficiency  of  the  contrivance  in  protecting  his  crops,  and  the 
concession  of  all  the  bottles  emptied  in  my  camp. 

HeadiiujJey,  Leeds.  Washington  Teasdale. 


for  keeping  birds  from  fruit.  The  sketch  almost  explains 
itself— an  empty  bottle  suspended  from  a  pliant  branch  or 
twig,  the  bottom  being  cut  off  by  drawing  a  heated  wire  round 


FKUIT  HOUSES  AT  RABT  CASTLE. 
I  SAW  here  the  other  day  a  few  ripe  Pine  Apples  on  plants  in 
pots,  one  of  which,  a  Providence,  measured  24  inches  in  cir- 
cumference, and  must  have  weiglied  about  11  lbs.  The  con- 
servatory here  is  a  fine  building ;  it  is  82  feet  in  length,  22 
feet  6  inches  in  width,  and  15  or  16  feet  in  height.  It  contains 
some  ten  large  Orange  trees  in  robust  health,  and  the  full 
height  of  the  house.  On  the  roof  Mandevilla  suaveolens  and 
Plumbago  capeusis  are  both  flowering  freely.  Suspended 
baskets,  containing  various  Geraniums  and  Sedum  Sieboldii 
are  at  present  striking  objects ;  the  tricolor  ivy-leaved  kind 
streaming  down  over  the  edges.  Lapageria  rosea  covers  one 
end  of  this  house,  and  is  always  in  flower.  The  forcing  houses 
are  especially  well  worth  inspection.  The  Victoria  Nectarine 
looks  as  if  it  would  prove  to  be  a  first-class  variety.  The 
Stanwick  is  bearing  a  good  crop,  which  will  doubtless  ripen  well 
if  the  trees  get  little  or  no  water.  The  Raby  Pig  tree  occupies  a 
lean-to  house  here,  5U  feet  in  length,  and  generally  bears  heavy 
crops.  What  is  called  the  second  Peach-house  is  66  feet  in 
length,  and  about  16  feet  in  width.  Its  roof  trellis  is  covered 
with  Plums,  of  which  there  is  an  admirable  crop,  especially  of 
Golden  Drop,  Goliath,  Green  Gage,  and  Washington.  On  the 
back  wall  were  good  crops  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines.  By 
cutting  back  a  healthy  tree  of  the  Barrington  Peach,  and 
budding  upon  it  the  Prince  of  Wales  Nectarine,  a  fine  example 
(12  feet  high,  and  as  much  wide)  of  this  fine  variety  has  been 
secured,  and  it  is  bearing  a  good  crop  of  fruit.  In  the  early 
Peach-house  the  crop  has  been  gathered,  and  the  trees  are 
ripening  their  wood.  The  soil  in  which  they  are  growing  was 
procured  from  an  upland  valley,  into  which  a  fine  alluvial  soil 
had  been  driven  down  from  the  hills  above  by  the  rains,  and 
washed  comparatively  free  from  all  extraneous  matter.  This, 
pure  and  simple  to  the  depth  of  nearly  3  feet,  forms  the  Peach 
tree  border.  The  trees  are  found  to  make  plenty  of  fibre  in 
it,  and,  when  first  planted,  gross  wood  was  checked  by  lifting 
and  root-pruning,  and  now  there  is  nothing  but  fi-uit-bearing 
shoots  left  all  over  the  house.  This  border,  assisted  with  two 
or  three  good  soakings  of  liquid  manure  during  the  season,  is 
all  that  is  necessary  to  furnish  the  fine  fruits  produced  at 
Raby.  Attention  is  paid  to  have  a  dry  atmosphere  during  the 
setting  period,  but  at  other  seasons  water  is  given  freely  even 
up  to  the  time  of  ripening.  Ventilation  is  always  given,  night 
and  day,  to  suit  the  out-ddor  temperature,  cold  cutting  draughts 
being  guarded  against.  Close  at  hand  is  a  Vinery  70  feet  in 
length,  in  which  the  Vines  are  four  years  old,  and  in  prime 
health,  the  bunches  being  excellent,  and  the  berries  highly 
coloured.  Hero  are  grown  Bowood  Muscats,  Buckland 
Sweetwater,  and  Black  Hamburgh;  the  crop  is  good  and 
evenly  distributed  over  the  house,  and  no  doubt  the  sorts  just 
named  will  make  a  good  appearance  at  the  Bishop  Auckland 
show,  which  takes  place  in  the  latter  part  of  this  month. 
Passing  a  succession  of  Pine  pits,  40  feet  by  12,  in  which 
the  plants  are  clean  and  healthy,  short  and  stocky  as  they 
ought  to  be,  we  come  to  the  fruiting-house.  This  is  47  feet 
iu  length,  and  18  feet  in  width.  Here,  plunged  in  a  pit,  over 
an  air  chamber,  which  can  be  warmed  to  any  reasonable  extent, 
may  be  seen  a  fine  stock  of  fruiting  Pines,  which,  when  ripe, 
may  average  about  4  lbs.  each.  On  the  roof  at  the  back, 
Cucumbers  and  Melons  are  grown  in  a  well-built  brick  trough, 
the  bottom  heat  being  supplied  by  means  of  plenty  of  hot- 
water  pipes.  Here  too,  when  necessary,  the  early  crops  of 
Grapes  are  grown.  The  kinds  of  Pine  Apples  chiefly  grown 
at  Raby  are  the  smooth  Cayenne  and  Charlotte  Rothschild. 


236 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  20, 1873. 


Many  are  the  Melon  and  Cucumber  beds  made  up  here  during 
the  season;  and,  as  to  kinds,  the  Raby  Hybrid  Melon  is  exten- 
sively f^rown.  It  has  a  good  constitution,  is  a  free  bearer,  and 
excellent  in  flavour.  Wo  come  now  to  a  long  narrow  close  pit, 
having  a  rubble  chamber,  in  whicharehot-water  pipes,  covered 
with  halt-decayed  leaves.  This  is  the  first  succession  Pine  pit. 
In  this  the  crop  of  Pines  is  first  grown,  and  its  usefulness 
may  be  understood  when  I  say  that  it  is  considei'ed  to  be 
indispensable.  A  short  walk  and  we  are  at  the  celebrated 
range  of  Vineries ;  their  total  length  is  IdO  feet  by  19  feet,  and 
they  are  in  four  divisions.  The  first  we  enter  is  alt  that 
remains  of  the  original  Vines.  The  crop  is  now  cut,  and  the 
foliage  nearly  gone.  In  the  second  division  there  are  fine 
healthy  young  Vines  with  a  good  crop,  evenly  distributed 
over  the  house.  Muscat  Hamburghs  are  hanging  over  our 
heads  in  perfection,  showing  large  bunches,  and  even  good- 
sized  well-coloured  berries.  Lady  Downes  and  Black  Ham- 
burghs are  all  good.  This  was  the  first  house  taken  in  hand 
by  Mr.  Wescott  eight  years  ago.  The  third  division  is  planted 
wholly  with  Muscats  ;  the  Vines  have  good  short-jointed  wood, 
and  some  excellent  Grapes  hanging  from  them.  The  fourth 
division  contains  a  mixed  collection  of  the  most  approved 
varieties.  These  young  Vines  are  a  credit  to  the  establish- 
ment, and  will,  there  can  be  no  doubt,  continue  to  improve. 
We  are  now  on  a  subject  that  has  been  often  debated,  and  we 
refer  to  our  rather  lengthy  notes  for  evidence  that  we  are 
right  in  what  we  now  say  of  the  Raby  Vine  borders.  In 
removing  the  old  borders  the  soil  was  found  to  be  black,  soft, 
and  cut  like  soap,  now  and  then  a  shank-bone  intervening, 
while  the  skulls  of  deer  were  numerous.  The  depth  of  the 
back  was  4  feet,  and  in  front  3  feet ;  the  bottom  was  well 
concreted,  but  with  very  imperfect  drainage  ;  and  here,  without 
doubt,  lay  the  foundation  of  all  the  mischief — a  sad  oversight, 
and  one  not  easily  accounted  for  by  those  who  knew  the  late 
Mr.  Roberts.  In  making  the  new  borders,  about  1  foot  of 
broken  brick  was  placed  upon  the  concrete ;  a  di'ain  was  made 
along  the  front,  and  every  facility  furnished  for  carrying  off 
superfluous  water.  The  border  was  formed  in  parts  of  about 
4  feet  at  a  time.  The  soil  consisted  of  turf  from  a  very  old 
pasture,  cut  about  2  inches  thick,  stacked  for  six  months,  and 
then  taken  down  for  use  ;  this  was  mixed  with  one-third  lime- 
store  scrapings  from  the  roads.  These  limestone  road 
scrapings,  when  laid  up  for  a  year  and  turned  over  frequently, 
become  free,  share,  fine  decomposed  soil,  just  such  as  is 
required  for  supplying  wholesome  nutriment  to  the  root- 
fibres.  This  is  the  source  from  which  come  that  fine  bloom 
and  large  well-finished  berry  so  prominent  a  feature  of  the 
Raby  Grapes — a  small  proportion  of  charcoal  and  lime-rubbish 
is  added  to  the  above,  and  these  form  the  composition  of  the 
borders.  The  young  reader  will  not  fail  to  mark  the  difference 
between  the  Peach  and  the  Vine  borders.  In  the  Peach  border 
there  is  a  degree  of  consistency,  and  I  shall  add  poverty, 
incompatible  with  the  Vine,  the  soil  in  the  border  for  which 
is  free,  open,  and  rich.  John  Richardson. 

Green  Parle,  Darlington. 


EARLY  PEARS. 

We  have  received  from  Mr.  Scott,  of  Merriott  Nurseries,  Crewkerne, 
Somerset,  some  fine  early  autamn  Pears  from  his  unique  collection, 
of  which  the  following  are  descriptions  : — ■ 

Beurre  Gififard. — A  first-class  early  Pear  quite  ripe,  and  of 
more  than  medium  size.  In  shape  it  is  bluntly  pyriform,  with  an 
open  eye  set  in  ,a  hollow  basin,  the  fruit  being  supported  by  a  slender 
stalk  about  an  inch  in  length,  and  inserted  obliquelv  on  the  end  of 
the  fruit.  The  skin  is  greenish-yellow,  mottled  with  pale  red  on 
the  sunny  side;  and  the  flesh  is  white,  melting,  juicy,  and  aromatic. 
Of  this  we  have  specimens  both  from  Merriott  and  from  Jersey,  the 
latter,  as  might  be  expected,  much  larger  and  rather  earlier  than 
the  English.grown  fruit.  Mr.  Scott  says  that  the  Beurre  Giffard 
does  well  on  the  Quince,  and  forms  a  good  pyramid  for  a  small 
garden ;  but  that  the  bird.s  are  particularly  fond  of  the  fruit. 

Precoce  Goubalt. — This  is  of  a  roundish  or  roundish-turbinate 
form  ;  smooth,  even,  and  regular  in  outline,  varying  considerably  in 
size.  The  eye  is  of  medium  size,  closed,  and  set  in  a  wide  saucer- 
like  basin ;  and  the  stalk  is  thin,  about  an  inch  inlength,  and  slightly 
bent,  and  set  upright  in  a  small  narrow  cavity.  The  skin  is  pale 
green,  covered  with  irregular-sized  fawu-ooloured  dots,   and  a  few 


tracings  of  russet  on  the  sunny  side,  and  a  small  patch  of  the  same 
about  the  eye  and  stalk.  Mr.  Scott  says  that  it  is  an  abundant 
bearer,  but  not  a  very  good  fruit,  and  does  not  deserve  to  be  much 
cultivated  if  it  comes  no  better  than  it  has  this  year.  He  adds  that 
one  fruit  of  Andre  Desporte  is  worth  a  basketful  of  such  sorts  as 
Precoce  Goubalt,  and  it  is  quite  as  free  a  bearer. 

Supreme  de  ftuimper. — A  medium-sized  Pear,  of  good 
quality,  of  a  blunt  pyriform  shape,  with  an  open  or  half-closed  eye 
set  in  a  hollow  basin,  and  having  a  short  stalk  set  obliquely  on  the 
end  of  the  fruit  by  a  slight  lip.  The  skin  is  of  a  clear  yellow  colour, 
somewhat  specked  and  netted  with  russet,  and  richly  shaded  with  red 
on  the  sunny  side.  The  flesh  is  whitish,  melting,  juicy,  sweet,  and 
perfumed;  and,  in  order  to  have  the  fruit  in  good  condition,  it 
should  be  gathered  some  time  before  being  ripe,  otherwise  it  becomes 
mealy  and  dry. 

Petite  Marguerite. — This  is  one  of  the  prettiest  and  most  deli- 
cious of  early  Pears,  rather  under  medium  size,  having  one  side  larger 
than  the  other,  and  being  of  a  turbinate  and  irregular  ventricose  shape. 
The  eye  is  small,  half  or  nearly  altogether  shut  and  slightly  sunk, 
and  the  stalk  is  short,  strong,  and  obliquely  inserted  in  a  slight 
plaited  basin.  The  skin  is  of  a  grass-green  colour,  dotted  with  grey, 
brown,  and  rich  vermilion  on  the  sunny  side,  with  a  patch  of  rnsset 
about  the  stalk.  The  flesh  is  yellowish-white,  fine,  and  very  melting, 
and,  if  gathered  before  being  ripe,  very  juicy  ;  indeed  this  Pear 
should  be  eaten  before  it  gets  very  ripe  because  it  is  apt  to  get  dry, 
but  if  taken  in  time  it  is  of  honied  sweetness.  Mr.  Scott  received 
the  first  plants  of  this  Pear  tree  from  the  raiser  M.  Leroy,  of  Angers, 
in  1865,  and  it  first  ripened  its  fruit  in  the  Meriott  Nurseries,  on 
Aug.  18,  1869.    It  is  a  prolific  variety,  and  grows  freely  on  the  Quince. 

Coq. — A  goodly-sized  fruit  of  ordinary  quality,  of  a  pyriform  and 
irregular  form.  The  eye  is  small,  round,  and  slightly  sunk,  and  the 
stalk  is  long,  thick,  knotted,  waved,  and  swollen  at  the  base.  The 
skin  is  thin.  Citron-yellow,  dotted  and  spotted  with  deep  grey  espe- 
cially around  the  stalk,  and  shaded  with  brilliant  carmine  on  the 
sunny  side.  The  flesh  is  white,  fine,  and  half-melting,  and  the  juice 
very  sweet  and  sugary,  but  without  much  perfume.  Mr.  Scott  finds 
this  variety  to  grow  freely  on  the  Quince,  and  to  form  good  pyra- 
mids.  In  Normandy  there  is  a  perry  Pear  quite  distinct  from  this 
called  De  Coq,  and  there  is  also  another  small  and  distinct  Pear  of 
the  same  name  grown  in  Belgium. 

Belle  de  Guasco. — This  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  early 
Pears,  but  scarcely  worth  cultivating  for  its  fruit.  It  is  of  medium 
size,  of  a  regular  pyriform  shape,  with  a  large  open  and  hardly-sunk 
eye,  and  with  a  long  curved  stalk,  swollen  at  the  point,  and  set  nearly 
level  by  a  large  nipple.  The  skin  is  Citron-yellow,  greenish  on  the  shaded 
side,  and  of  a  beautiful  vermiUon  colour  dotted  with  russet  on  the 
sunny  side.  The  flesh  is  white,  firm,  and  melting,  and  the  juice  is  very 
abundant,  vinous,  and  acid — indeed,  to  some  palates,  it  is  too  astringent. 

Alexandrina  Bivort. — This  is  a  moderately  large  Pear,  and  of 
good  quality.  It  is  roundish,  ovate,  or  Doyenne-shaped,  having  a 
small  open  eye  with  broad  segments,  set  in  a  plaited  basin,  and  a 
slender  stalk  over  an  inch  in  length,  and  which  is  curved  and  fleshy  at 
the  end  next  the  fruit.  The  skin  is  smooth,  bright  green,  and  irre- 
gularly covered  with  small  russet  dots,  and  a  faint  reddish  tinge  on  the 
sunny  side.  The  flesh  is  finely  grained,  melting,  very  juicy,  sugary, 
rich,  and  perfumed  ;  and,  to  have  the  fruits  in  perfection,  they  must 
be  gathered  before  they  are  ripe.  Mr.  Scott  says  that  the  tree  is  a 
great  bearer,  and  that  it  succeeds  very  well  upon  the  Quince. 

Guenette. — This  is  a  very  old  Pear,  which  has  been  in  culti- 
vation since  1650,  and  is  sold  in  considerable  quantities  in  the  Paris 
markets  under  various  names,  and  also  largely  in  the  Weymouth 
market  under  the  name  of  Green  Junnetting.  It  is  sometimes 
confounded  with  the  Green  Chisel,  but  it  differs  from  that  sort  in 
being  more  pyriform,  the  eye  open,  and  the  stalk  placed  in  continua- 
tion of  the  fruit ;  besides,  when  ripe,  it  is  a  richer  and  more  buttery 
fruit.  The  Guenette,  however,  is  a  very  small  Pear  of  second-rate 
quality,  and  of  a  roundish-turbinate  form.  The  eye  is  large,  half 
closed  or  open,  with  a  few  protuberances  around  it,  and  the  stalk  is 
long,  straight,  and  inserted  without  depression.  The  skin  is  green, 
with  a  slight  brownish  tinge  next  the  sun-;  the  flesh  is  white,  juicy, 
and  sugary. 


Eaising  Strawberries  from  Seed.— Will  yon  kindly  tell  me  the  best  way 
of  removina:  the  seeds  from  the  berries,  and  the  proper  time  for  sowing  them. 
—J.  L.  G.  [If  a  small  number  of  seeds  only  is  required,  they  may  be  picked 
from  the  surface  of  the  berry  with  the  point  of  a  knife,  spreading  a  sheet  of 
paper  below  to  catch  them  as  they  fall.  If,  however,  the  quantity" required  is 
large,  the  berries  should  be  put  into  water  and  washed  until  the  seeds  are 
separated  from  the  pulp,  when  the  little  that  adheres  to  them  can  be  removed 
by  rubbing  or  drying  them  in  a  smooth  towel.  When  the  seed  is  washed,  care 
must  he  taken  to'dry  it  well,  as  it  is  apt  to  get  mouldy.  Wo  should  advise  you 
to  sow  it  early  in  the  spring,  or  even  now  if  convenient,  in  boxes  of  light  earth, 
placing  them  on  a  stmny  shelf  in  a  cold  house  or  pit  during  the  winter  months.] 


Sept.  £0, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


237 


GARDENS  OP  STONEWORK. 
Those  who  have  devoted  much  time  and  attention  in  examining 
many  of  the  best  geometrical  gardens  of  Italy,  have  found  them 
barren  of  interest  from  a  gardening  point  of  view,  in  direct 
proportion  to  the  predominance  of  their  artificial  embellish- 
ments. The  great  defect  of  the  Italian  style  of  ornamental 
gardening  is  the  marked  absence  of  natural  grace  and  beauty 
which  is  the  necessary  result  of  the  system.  And  it  can  hardly 
be  otherwise ;  for,  if  a  given  space  is  occupied  chiefly  with  a 
mixture  of  colonnades,  flights  of  stone  steps,  paved  terraces, 
balustrades,  turrets,  fountains,  statues,  and  vases,  the  effect, 
whatever  may  be  its  merits  as  a  display  of  sculpture  and 
architecture,  must  be  of  a  very  different  character  from  that 
presented  by  a  varied  assemblage  of  natural  objects,  and  must 
necessarily  be  more  or  less  devoid  of  the  peculiar  charm  and 
interest  produced  by  a  judicious  disposition  of  trees,  and  shrubs. 


convinced  that  it  is  in  every  way  an  error  of  judgment  to 
expend  large  sums  of  money  in  architectural  gardening.  Our 
illustration  represents  a  portion  of  the  gardens  of  the  Villa 
Albani-Castlebarco,  in  which  an  abundance  of  heterogeneous 
statuary  and  broad  cold  masses  of  stonework  contrast  pain- 
fully with  the  few  specimens  of  vegetation  that  are  visible. 
The  general  effect  is  not  much  superior  to,  and  not  much 
unlike,  that  of  Trafalgar  Square  when  it  rejoices  in  its 
summer  decoration  of  tubbed  Bay-trees.  Some  of  the  old 
Italian  gardens  are  far  more  beautiful  in  their  decay  than 
ever  they  were  in  their  prime,  from  the  simple  fact  that  the 
mouldering  stonework  of  their  terraces,  &c.,  has  become 
covered  and  draped  with  a  natural  vegetation  which  has 
sprung  up  among  the  unheeded  ruius.  The  old  garden  at 
Pisa  is  one  of  the  best  examples  of  this  "loveliness  in  death," 
this  beauty  of  decay,  which  finds  its  expression  in  the  Italian 


A  Garden  of  Stonework  :  the  Villa  Albani-Castlebarco. 


and  flowers.  In  gardens  laid  out  in  the  natural  style  time  is 
always  a  great  improver.  The  trees  go  on  for  years  increasing 
in  stature  and  stately  grace ;  the  shrubs  acquire  a  denser 
foliage  and  a  broader  outline ;  while  the  humbler  plants  and 
herbs,  j-ear  after  year,  spread  more  widely,  and  cover  the 
the  surface  with  a  rich,  mantle  of  verdure.  In  the  purely 
architectural  garden  we  have  the  reverse  of  all  this.  In 
a  few  years  the  weather  does  not  fail  to  tell  upon 
the  balustrades,  and  the  fountains,  and  the  statues,  and 
a  dismal  picture  of  ever-increasing  decay  (rendered  only 
more  evident  by  any  attempt  at  mending  or  plastering 
up)  is  the  main  result  of  the  labour,  time,  and  money 
expended  in  their  erection.  "We  need  only  visit  some  parts 
of  the  grounds  of  the  Crystal  Palace,  and  behold  certain 
structures  there,  first  conceived  and  executed  not  many 
years  since,  but  now  in  an  advanced  stage  of  dilapidation,  to  be 


word  morbldezrM;  but  many  of  these  stone-work  gardens  in 
Italy  and  France  which,  although  equally  in  ruins,  are  not 
similarly  shrouded  with  vegetation,  are  bare,  harsh,  and 
repulsive  in  aspect.  W.  M. 


Flower-Culture,  and  its  Sanitary  Results. — The  more  we 
know  about  that  seemingly  mysterious  product,  ozone,  the  stronger 
evidence  do  we  obtain  that  it  has  much  to  do  with  the  changes  in 
human  health,  noticeable  in  different  localities,  and  at  various 
seasons.  Hence  the  cultivation  of  many  shrubs  and  plants,  besides 
its  economical  or  aesthetic  value,  has  an  agency  connected  with 
hygiene ;  for  Professor  Mantegazzi  has  demonstrated  that  a  great 
many  species  grown  in  gardens  produce  much  ozone,  not  only  under 
the  influence  of  the  sun's  rays,  but  even  after  dusk.  He  has  named 
amongst  plants  of  utility  in  this  way,  Lavender,  Cherry. Laurel, 
Thyme,  Narciaae,  and  Mignonette. 


238 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Sept.  20,  1873. 


ON  THE  MANAGEMENT  OP   PONDS  AND  WELLS. 

Br  R.  0RLEB.4.R. 
O.N'E  cubic  inch  of  rain  represents  a  fall  of  100  tons  of  water  per 
acre  !  So  says  that  most  accurate  of  calculators,  the  Begistrar- 
General ;  and  the  calculation  is  easy  of  proof.  Now  the  average 
annual  rainfall  of  England  varies  from  about  20  or  25  inches  on  the 
east  coast,  to  40,  GO,  and  80,  or  even  more,  on  the  hills  and  on  the 
west  coast.  Supposing  that  we  take  30  inches  as  the  average, 
we  find  that  3,000  tons,  equal  in  round  numbers  to  about  13,000 
hogsheads  of  water,  are  showered  down  for  every  acre  of  England, 
at  some  time  or  other  in  the  course  of  the  twelve  months.*  Yet 
all  England  has,  so  to  speak,  been  starved  for  want  of  water. 
Most  incumbent  is  it,  then,  upon  every  thoughtful  man  to  try  and 
remedy  the  waste  which  evidently  must  occur  somewhere  ;  and  to 
inquire  how  the  bountiful  supply  from  the  skies  may  be  best 
husbanded  againt  a  period  of  necessity.  In  cities  and  large  towns 
the  demand  for  water — the  most  important,  perhaps,  of  all  the  com- 
modities of  life — is  such,  that  even  a  slight  deficiency  in  the  usual 
supply  causes  so  great  an  inconvenience  to  all  classes,  that  a  remedy 
more  or  less  expensive  is  sure  to  be  applied  almost  as  soon  as  the 
want  has  made  itself  known.  But  in  rural  parishes,  the  case  is  very 
different ;  and  there  are  two  main  reasons  why  this  is  so.  One,  and 
probably  the  chief,  is  their  poverty  and  general  inability  to  carry 
out,  unaided,  any  great  enterprise  ;  while  the  other  is  the  apparent 
mental  apathy  of  men  bred  and  born  in  the  country  as  compared 
with  the  inhabitants  of  towns,  whose  energies  are  daily  and  hourly 
rubbed  up  and  sharpened,  as  it  were,  by  intercourse  with  their 
fellows.  Most  of  us  who  live  in  rural  parishes,  are  more  or  less 
dependent  upon  agriculture  for  our  daily  bread  and  daily  occupation  ; 
and  agriculture  in  its  turn  is  so  dependent  upon  seasons  and  the 
weather,  that  we  country  people  are  too  apt  to  imagine  that  other 
things  are  equally  dependent  upon  the  same  source  ;  we  think  what 
is  to  be  is  to  be ;  and  so,  resigning  ourselves  to  our  fate,  we  often 
ovei'look  a  remedy  which  really  lies  within  our  own  power. 

It  is  clear  from  the  above-quoted  statement  of  the  Registrar- 
General,  that  there  can  be  but  few  parishes  in  England  in  which, 
supposing  that  there  was  no  waste,  sufficient  rain  does  not  fall  to 
provide  an  ample  supply  of  water  for  all  agricultural  and  douiestic 
purposes.  Our  inquiry,  then,  should  rather  be  directed  towards  the 
ascertainment  of  the  best  means  of  storing  up  our  supply,  than  of 
increasing  it  or  creating  a  new  one.  It  is  not  my  present  purpose 
to  trace  the  origin  and  extent  of  that  great  fresh-water  ocean  which 
is  beneath  our  feet,  or  to  treat  of  springs — the  overflowing  of  that 
vast  bed  of  water,  but  rather  to  inquire  how  a  sufficient  supply  of 
water  may  be  obtained  and  kept  in  those  places  where  the  springs 
are  too  deep  to  be  easily  or  cheaply  available.  This  must  be  done 
by  means  of  ponds  or  wells,  open  or  covered  reservoirs.  First,  then, 
let  us  inquire  as  to  ponds.  Most  rural  parishes  have  some  of  these 
about  the  farms  or  close  to  the  villages.  But  of  what  sort  are  they, 
in  what  situations,  and  how  are  they  treated  ?  Too  often  they  are 
but  wide  shallow  pools,  giving  off  plenty  of  damp  and  fog  in 
winter,  while  in  summer  they  are  perhaps  quite  dry,  or  at  best 
contain  but  a  few  inches  of  clear  water  above  a  deep  bed  of  slush 
and  mud.  The  deepest  part  of  the  pond  is  almost  invariably  the 
farthest  from  the  mouth,  consequently,  when  cattle  go  to  drink, 
they  trample  further  and  further  into  the  mud,  as  the  water  recedes 
before  them,  and  the  mud  consumes  almost  as  much,  if  not  more, 
than  the  cattle  themselves.  Every  pond  should  have  a  mouth,  if  only 
for  the  convenience  of  cleaning  it  out ;  but  most  assuredly  that  part 
which  is  nearest  to  the  mouth  should  be  the  deepest ;  and  I  would 
have  the  whole  pond  so  constructed,  with  a  regular  slope  from  every 
part  towards  the  month,  that  the  last  cupfull  should  be  found  there. 
Those  who  resort  so  it,  be  they  men  or  cattle,  would  then  have  the 
water  always  fresh  and  clean,  and  there  would  be  no  occasion  for 
them  ever  to  advance  into  the  pond  beyond  the  month.  Lest, 
however,  cattle  should  be  tempted  by  the  heat  of  the  weather  to 
bathe  or  stand  in  the  pond,  I  consider  it  very  important  that  a  line 
of  posts  and  rails  should  be  erected  aci'oss  the  pond,  just  in  front  of 
the  mouth.  The  mouth  itself  should  be  a  gradual  slope  from  the 
sm-face  of  the  ground  down  to  the  level  of  the  bottom  of  the  pond ; 
and  it  is  only  true  economy  to  pave  or  pitch  it,  so  that  the  cattle 
may  stand  on  a  hard  bottom.  This  pitching  should  be  of  good  sound 
flattish  stones,  set  up  edgeways,  and  filled  in  with  sand  and  lime. 
Pebbles  and  round  stones  do  not  answer,  as  they  are  very  slippery 
for  stock  to  stand  on,  besides  being  liable  to  get  kicked  up,  and 
moved  from  their  places.  The  bottom  course  should  be  a  good  piece 
of  Oak  timber,  well  pegged  down  to  two  or  three  stout  piles,  to 
prevent  the  rest  of  the  pitching  from  slipping  by  degrees  into  the 

*  It  may  of  course  be  objected  that  a  fall  of  40  inches  in  one  place  does  not 
compensate  for  one  of  only  20  inches  in  another  ;  but  I  think  even  the  small 
fall  of  20  inches  may,  with  care,  be  made  to  provide  a  supply  sufllcient  for  all 
ordinary  occasions. 


pond.  This  pitching  would  be  of  great  help,  too,  in  case  of  its 
being  necessary  at  any  time  to  send  a  cart  down  for  water.  For  my 
own  part,  however,  I  should  say  that,  never  on  any  pretext,  should  & 
water-cart  be  sent  down  the  mouth  ;  but  I  would  use  a  small  hand 
or  garden  pump,  and,  by  means  of  two  short  pieces  of  hose,  pump 
the  water  into  the  cart  while  standinsr  on  the  level ;  for  I  am  con- 
vinced that  by  this  means,  much  waste  both  of  water  and  labour 
would  be  avoided,  besides  wear  and  tear  of  horseflesh,  and  damage 
to  the  pond. 

I  would  next  call  attention  to  the  very  great  importance  of  making 
ponds  sufliciently  deep.  Many  ponds  will  hold  water  throughout  an 
ordinary  summer  ;  but  directly  that  an  unusual  drought  comes,  and 
the  want  of  water  is  really  felt,  it  may  be  said  without  exaggeration 
that  four  ponds  out  of  five  are  suddenly  found  to  be  dry.  Whatever 
may  be  the  superficial  size,  there  should  be  a  minimum  depth  of  not 
less  than  6  or  8  feet  at  the  mouth,  which  is,  as  I  said  before,  to 
be  the  deepest  part.  By  every  additional  inch  or  foot  in  depth,  a 
great  hoard  of  water  is  most  economically  stored  up  ;  for  a  small, 
deep  pond  has  three  great  advantages  over  a  larger  and  shallower 
one.  In  the  first  place  it  occupies  less  space  ;  secondly,  it  loses  less 
in  proportion  by  evaporation,  from  its  smaller  surface  ;  while  thirdly, 
when  the  water  gets  low,  that  which  remains  is  effectually  shaded  by 
the  high  banks.  This  mention  of  shade  brings  me  to  another  impor. 
tant  item  in  the  design  of  a  pond.  It  is  astonishing  what  an  effect  a 
little  shade  has  in  checking  evaporation.  A  pond  that  is  well  shaded 
will  hold  water  for  weeks  after  one  of  equal  dimensions,  but  lacking 
shade,  has  become  dry.  Yet  how  recklessly  this  very  summer  have  I 
seen  men  cutting  up  every  bush  and  tree  round  the  banks  of  their 
ponds.  True,  a  few  leaves  may  drop  into  the  water ;  bnt  if  the  pond- 
owner  will  only  take  the  trouble  to  observe  the  marvellous  tenacity 
of  a  thoroughly  saturated  leaf,  he  will,  I  am  sure,  be  soon  convinced 
that  many  an  autumn  must  pass  away  ere  the  accumulation  of  leaves 
which  may  drop*  into  his  pond  can  do  him  any  harm.  Always  there- 
foi'e,  if  possible,  have  the  mouth  of  your  pond  on  the  north  side,  and 
shade  on  the  south.  The  best  shade  is  that  given  by  Fir  trees,  for 
they  give  it  all  the  year  round.  Moreover  a  less  quantity  of  leaf 
falls  from  them  than  from  other  trees,  and  that  which  does  fall,  being 
specifically  heavy,  falls  straight,  and  is  not  likely  to  be  blown  by  the 
wind  when  fallen.  Neither  are  the  branches  of  Fir  trees  as  liable  as 
others  to  die  and  fall  off,  unless  they  are  allowed  to  grow  too  thick 
together.  It  is  a  maxim  among  those  who  cultivate  the  Fir  for  its 
beauty,  that  no  tree  of  this  sort  should  ever  touch  its  neighbour. 
At  the  same  time,  in  exposed  situations,  they  must  not  be  planted  in 
too  narrow  a  belt,  or  the  wind  will  blow  through  and  stunt  them 
all.  It  may  be  as  well,  too,  to  remark  that  the  Scotch  Fir,  from  its 
more  hardy  habit,  is  infinitely  better  adapted  for  exposure  than  its 
more  delicate  congener,  the  Spruce.  The  Yew  would,  perhaps,  be 
even  better  for  shade  than  the  Fir,  but  for  its  poisonous  qualities. 
After  the  Fir,  I  doubt  whether  there  is  on  the  whole,  any  better 
plant  for  shade  than  the  Hawthorn  bush.  Its  leaves  sprout  early, 
and  fall  late  ;  and  it  possesses,  besides,  the  great  advantage  that  it 
forms  its  own  fence  ;  for  it  is  of  great  importance  that  a  pond  should 
be  fenced,  and  no  access  allowed  to  it  except  at  its  appointed  mouth, 
otherwise  there  will  be  danger  of  children  and  cattle  being  drowned, 
to  say  nothing  of  banks  broken  and  trodden  into  the  water.  I  have 
so  far  endeavoured  to  show  what  I  consider  to  be  the  proper  con- 
struction of  a  pond,  where  only  a  single  mouth  is  required.  It 
remains  to  see  what  is  the  best  situation  for  such  a  pond,  and 
then  how  far  its  construction  may  be  modified  by  its  situation. 

Our  forefathers  appear  to  have  adopted  the  plan,  in  very  many 
parts  of  England,  of  digging  their  ponds  in  the  middle  of  the  field ; 
and,  as  a  consequence,  each  farm  was  provided  with  almost  as  many 
ponds  as  fields.  To  their  ideas,  a  pond  evidently  was  a  pond,  and 
Ihey  fancied  that  the  more  ponds  they  had,  the  better  were  they 
supplied  with  water.  The  last  two  seasons,  however,  have  shown 
the  fallacy  of  this  reasoning,  and  we  have  discovered  to  our  cost 
.  that  the  title  of  pond  was  too  often  an  empty  one.  Now-a-days 
every  pole  of  ground  is  so  much  more  valuable  than  it  was  in  the 
time  when  these  old  ponds  were  dug,  that  few  farmers  can  afford  a 
pond  to  every  field.  Ic  is,  therefore,  an  object  to  make  the  same 
pond  serve  for  two  or  even  four  fields.  If  for  the  latter,  it  must  of 
course  be  in  the  corners  of  the  fields  j  and  when  we  reflect  on  the 
great  and  constantly  recurring  inconvenience  arising  from  a  poud 
in  the  centre  of  a  ploughed  field,  it  will  be  seen  that,  ceteris  parihis, 
the  corner  is  the  best  place  for  a  pond,  even  where  it  is  required  for 
one  field  only.  It  is  impossible  to  plough  quite  into  a  corner,  there- 
fore the  space  may  as  well  be  occupied  by  a  pond  as  become  a 
receptacle  for  weeds  and  rubbish.     In  a  field  of  good  permanent 

*  The  case  would  of  course  be  very  different  where  a  pond  is  surrounded  on 
all  siJcs  by  many  trees,  or  is  fed  by  a  ditch  or  brook  which  will  bring  leaves 
from  elsewliere ;  but  then  the  mischief  is  caused  by  the  leaves  which  are 
llown  or  brought,  not  by  those  which  drop  into  the  poud. 


Sept.  20, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


239 


pasture,  which  is  never  likely  to  be  broken  up,  there  would  be,  of 
course,  no  more  land  wasted  by  a  pond  in  the  centre  than  by  one  in 
the  comer  ;  but  my  previous  remarks  upon  shade  aud  fences  prove, 
I  think,  that  the  corner  is,  in  this  case  also,  the  best  site.  There 
are  several  matters,  however,  besides  coavenieuce,  which  the  digger 
should  take  into  consideration  before  he  commences  a  new  pond. 
He  should  ask  himself  whether,  in  the  first  place,  the  spot  selected 
is  likely  to  gather  a  suiUcient  supply  of  water;  and,  if  so,  then 
whether  is  it  likely  to  hold  what  it  has  gathered  'i 

Now,  it  is  well  known  to  scientific  men  that  a  rain-gauge  placed 
upon  the  ground  gathers  more  water  than  one  raised  a  few  feet  from 
the  ground ;  in  fact,  that  the  higher  the  gauge  is  placed,  the  less 
rain  does  it  gather.  The  reason  of  this  is  that  every  drop  has,  in 
its  descent,  to  pass  through  a  very  humid  atmosphere,  and  by  the 
law  of  attraction  is  continually  aggregating  to  itself  moisture  from 
this  atmosphere  until  it  reaches  the  ground.  It  is  clear,  therefore, 
that  the  nearer  to  the  clouds  each  drop  is  arrested,  the  smaller  in 
proportion  it  will  be.  It  follows  from  this  reasoning,  that  the  lowest 
part  of  a  field  will  gather  the  most  rain ;  and  if  a  pond  be  placed 
there,  drains  from  the  rest  of  the  field  can  in  addition  be  brought 
into  the  pond.  Nor,  unless  the  laud  is  very  flat,  need  the  waste  pipe 
(which  is  in  effect  but  a  continuation  of  a  drain)  be  placed  quite  as 
low  as  the  supply  pipe ;  for  I  have  often  seen  water  running  fast 
into  a  pond  from  a  drain  whose  mouth  was  considerably  below  the 
surface  of  the  water  in  the  pond.  At  the  same  time,  as  the  bulk  of 
water  in  the  pond  mus,t  have  a  tendency  to  hold  back  the  water  in 
the  drain,  I  dare  not  recommend  that  the  waste  pipe  should  ever  be 
more  than  12  or  IS  inches  higher  than  the  supply  pipe,  and  then 
only  in  cases  where  the  land  to  be  drained  is  some  feet  higher  than 
the  surface  of  the  pond,  otherwise  I  should  be  particularly  careful 
to  keep  a  clear  fall  of  some  depth  below  the  supply  pipe.  By  thus 
draining  a  field  into  a  pond,  or,  in  other  words,  making  a  pond  at 
the  month  of  a  drain,  a  good  supply  of  water  may  often  be  obtained 
in  summer  from  a  thunder. shower,  which  would  otherwise  have 
raised  the  pond  only  an  inch  or  two  ;  so  that  this  single  advantage 
often  makes  a  very  small  pond,  or  even  a  good  deep  hole  at  a  drain's 
mouth,  equivalent  to  a  large  pond  in  a  worse  situation.  Need  I 
remind  my  readers  that  rats,  rabbits,  aud  foxes  are  very  fond  of 
frequenting  drains  ?  Indeed,  I  once  knew  a  4-inch  pipe  between 
two  ponds  blocked  up  by  the  bodies  of  two  eels  which  had  tried  to 
pass  each  other  in  opposite  directions.  All  danger,  however,  of  this 
sort  may  be  easily  avoided  by  the  simple  precaution  of  inserting 
between  the  two  last  pipes  of  the  drain  a  piece  of  perforated  zinc, 
or  galvanised  wire  netting  of  a  small  mesh.  But  where  the  water 
from  a  ditch  is  conducted  into  a  pond,  it  is  very  essential  to  filter  it 
through  a  strong  close  wattle,  or  better,  through  two,  at  a  distance 
of  a  few  feet  from  each  other;  otherwise  the  pond  will  be  soon 
choked  up,  the  ditch  proving  of  more  harm  than  good. 

We  now  come  to  the  second  queston,  viz.,  is  a  pond  in  this  lowest 
part  of  the  field  likely  to  hold  water  ?  And  here  the  would-be  pond- 
digger  will  find  a  small  acquaintance  with  geology  very  useful.  If 
he  knows  what  stratum  is  subjacent  to  the  stu'face-soil,  he  can  tell 
to  what  depth  he  may  safely  penetrate.  Should  the  stratum  be 
porous,  as  sand,  gravel,  or  limestone,  he  must  not  dig  down  to  it, 
,  for  he  could  never  depend  upon  his  pond  holding  water,  except 
perhaps  where  the  adjoining  country  is  almost  a  perfect  flat ;  as,  for 
instance,  an  elevated  table-laud,  or  low-lying  meadows,  where  gravel 
is  often  a  good  water-bearing  stratum.  If,  however,  there  is  any 
fall  of  the  land  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  pond,  a  porous  sub- 
stratum will  be  almost  sure  to  let  out  the  water.  It  is  possible, 
certainly,  so  to  puddle  the  bottom  and  banks  with  clay  that  leakage 
may  seldom  occur ;  but  the  process  is  costly,  besides  the  constant 
danger  of  cracks  coming  through  heat  or  accidents.  Unless,  there- 
fore, the  pond  is  likely  to  hold  water  in  the  lowest  part  of  the  field, 
the  digger  must  choose  some  other  spot.  And  the  next  best  site  will, 
nine  times  out  of  ten,  be  in  the  highest  part ;  for  I  have  shown 
already  that  nearly  everywhere  in  England  sufficient  rain  falls  to 
give  directly  a  fair  ordinary  supply  of  water,  apart  from  that  which 
may  be  derived  from  drainage.  Trusting,  then,  that  his  pond  will 
be  filled  from  the  skies,  let  the  digger  select  as  flat  a  place  as  he 
can,  and  this,  if  not  at  the  lowest,  will,  I  think,  be  more  often  found 
at  the  highest  part  of  a  field  than  at  any  intermediate  level.  Above 
all  things,  let  him  bear  in  mind  that  it  is  almost  nseless  to  dig  a 
pond  on  the  side  of  a  hill,  where  there  is  anything  like  a  sharp  fall 
below  the  pond ;  for  the  law  of  gravity  will  certainly  cause  the 
water  to  oose  out  below,  unless  the  subsoil  is  a  regular  stiff 
clay.  Such,  and  indeed  most  ponds,  will  hold  plenty  of  water  in 
winter  ;  but  our  object  is  to  discover  one  that  will  not  fail  in  a  dry 
summer. 

Let  us  next  briefly  consider  the  third  point,  namely,  the  treatment 
of  the  pond.  The  pond  is  too  commonly  left  to  take  its  chance. 
When  cattle  want  to  drink,  they  are  allowed  to  go  into  it  as  far  as 


they  please ;  if  water  from  it  is  wanted  for  another  place,  the  water- 
cart  is  backed  down  deep  into  its  muddy  bosom  ;  and  when,  at  the 
end  of  some  dry  summer,  the  pond  also  is  found  to  be  dry,  a  few 
loads  of  mud  are  taken  out  of  that  part  farthest  from  the  mouth,  the 
sheltering  bushes  are  cut  down,  and  the  pond  is  declared  to  have 
been  well  cleaned  out.  Such  treatment  will,  no  doubt,  enable  the 
pond  to  hold  water  till  the  ne.Tt  dry  summer  comes,  when  in  all 
probability  it  will  again  fail,  and  the  unfortunate  proprietor  will 
wonder  to  himself  and  complain  to  his  neighbours  that  he  cannot 
anyhow  get  his  pond  to  hold  water.  If,  however,  anyone  will  take 
the  trouble  to  wade  through  this  essay,  and  adopt  the  course 
suggested  by  it,  I  can  promise  him  that  he  may,  if  he  likes,  wade 
also  up  to  his  neck  in  his  own  pond  at  the  end  of  the  next  dry 
summer,  and  the  expense  shall  be  less,  on  an  average  of  years,  than 
he  is  now  put  to  by  the  constant  expense  of  carting  water  from  a 
distance,  to  say  nothing  of  the  partial  cleanings  out,  which  under 
the  old  system  occur  so  frequently.  I  repeat,  then,  never  on  any 
account  allow  cattle  to  go  further  into  the  pond  than  the  edge  of 
the  pitching  in  the  mouth.  To  prevent  this,  it  is  absolutely  necessary 
to  have  a  line  of  rails,  or  a  chain,  or  some  such  obstacle,  across 
the  mouth  of  the  pond.  As  regards  the  use  of  the  water-cart,  I 
need  only  refer  to  what  I  have  before  said  on  this  subject.  Aud, 
lastly,  as  regards  cleaning  out,  I  maintain  that  a  pond  ma  le,  placed, 
aud  treated  as  I  have  recommended,  will  hardly  ever  requirj  that 
process.  But  if,  in  the  course  of  thirty  or  forty  years,  it  -hould 
appear  to  be  getting  more  choked  up  than  is  desirable,  I  would 
advise  the  owner,  instead  of  waiting  till  it  dries  itself,  to  taVe  an 
opportunity  (say  after  harvest)  of  pumping  out  the  water  that  may 
be  left.  He  might  then  leave  it  to  dry  for  a  few  days,  and  as  s  ion 
as  he  begins  to  clean  it  out,  let  him  put  several  hands  on  at  once  anl 
get  the  job  done  quickly  and  well,  taking  care  to  keep  the  bottom 
in  its  proper  shape,  and  to  repair  the  pitching  and  rails  if  necessary. 
I  have  known  so  many  instances  where  a  pond  has  been  partly 
cleaned  out,  and  the  remainder  of  the  work  stopped  and  spoilt  by  a 
heavy  rain,  that  I  wish  to  urge  the  advisability  of  not  loitering  over 
such  a  work.  If  rain  comes  on  when  the  mud  has  been  removed 
from  only  a  part  of  the  pond,  the  mud  in  the  other  part  is  again 
floated,  and  comes  back  to  spread  itself  over  the  clean,  and  so  lower 
part.  Where  a,  large  pond  has  to  be  cleaned  out,  it  is  a  great  help 
to  the  men  to  attach  a  horse  by  a  long  chain  to  the  wheelbarrows. 
Each  wheelbarrow,  when  loaded,  is  placed  on  the  plank ;  the  horse 
draws  it  up  to  the  tipping-place,  where  the  man  tips  it,  unfastens 
the  chain,  aud  returns  on  the  down  plank,  the  horse  also  returrung 
for  the  next  load. 

I  have  now  exhausted  all  the  suggestions  which  I  have  to  offer 
about  ponds  ;  but,  before  quitting  the  subject,  I  should  like  to  add  a 
few  words  as  to  the  great  importance  and  desirability  of  having  a 
large  deep  reservoir  close  to  every  good  homestead.  I  know  of  a 
case  where  a  landlord  dug  one  for  his  tenant  (the  latter  finding  the 
carting),  and  the  very  next  year  the  tenant's  stacks  were  all  burnt 
down  by  an  incendiary,  as  is  supposed  ;  and  there  is  not  the  slightest 
doubt  but  that  all  the  landlord's  buildings  vvould  also  have  been 
consumed  if  there  had  not  been  a  copious  supply  of  water  from  the 
reservoir,  just  dug,  so  close  at  hand.  As  it  was,  the  buildings  were 
hardly  injured  at  all.  This,  of  course,  is  an  extreme  case  ;  but  the 
value  of  a  good  supply  of  water  at  the  commencement  of  a  fire  is 
almost  beyond  calculation.  In  the  eastern  and  midland  counties  it 
is  generally  difficult  to  get  a  large  natural  supply  of  water  at  any 
distance  from  the  villages,  which  always  congregate  round  the 
springs.  But  it  is  very  essential  for  farm-premises  to  be  as  near  as 
possible  to  the  centre  of  the  farm,  often  many  miles  away  from  any 
stream  or  spring.  A  pond,  then,  or  a  well,  is  all  that  can  be  looked 
to  for  the  stock  or  for  fire  ;  and  in  the  latter  case  a  pond  is,  of  the 
two,  decidedly  the  more  usefu',  as  several  engines  may  be  fed  from 
it  at  the  same  time,  leaving  plenty  of  room  for  labourers  to  dip  their 
buckets.  A  deep  well  is  very  expensive  to  dig,  besides  the  risk  of 
not  finding  water  when  you  have  penetrated  as  far  as  means  or 
inclination  allow ;  and  any  well,  where  the  water  lies  at  more  than 
about  26  feet  from  the  surface  of  the  ground,  requires  a  costly  pump. 
I  consider,  therefore,  that  for  farm  buildings,  where  there  is  no  other 
supply,  the  best  plan  is  to  make  a  good  wide  well  (for  a  pump), 
about  26  or  28  feet  deep,  and  to  dig,  a  few  yards  off,  a  really  useful 
pond.  Let  all  the  water  from  the  spouting  be  conducted  into  the 
well,  and  make  a  waste  pipe  from  near  the  top  of  the  well  into  the 
pond.  Thus,  in  a  dry  time,  a  shower  will  fill  the  well  first,  and  the 
surplus,  if  any,  will  be  saved  in  the  pond.  I  will  conclude  with 
some  remarks  on  springs  and  wells  in  connection  with  the  water 
supply  in  rural  parishes.  A  well  without  a  spring  is,  in  reality,  only 
a  covered  pond,  though,  being  covered,  it  suffers  no  loss  from 
evaporation  by  either  sun  or  wind.  In  some  places  a  well  sunk  to 
a  given  stratum  will  be  quite  sure  to  find  water,  while  in  other 
localities  the  springs  are  so  precarious  that  one  well  may  never  fail , 


240 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[SzFT.  20,  1873. 


though  another,  a  few  j'ards  off,  may  be  worthless.  A  gentleman  of 
my  acquaintance  had  a  tolerably  good  well,  about  25  feet  deep, 
which  never  failed  for  many  hours  together,  though  it  had  no  great 
supply.  He  was  wise  enough  not  to  tamper  with  this,  but  wanting 
more  water,  dug  another  well  a  few  yards  off.  Having  dug  down  to 
about  50  feet  without  finding  any  water  at  all,  he  bored  down  still 
deeper,  until  at  last  the  water  rose  into  the  bore  with  a  great  rush, 
and  he  fancied  he  was  going  to  have  a  grand  supply.  The  next 
morning,  however,  it  had  all  vanished,  and  he  could  never  again  get 
any  water  there.  He  had,  in  fact,  tapped  a  spring,  which,  almost  as 
soon  as  it  was  tapped,  lost  itself  again  through  a  vein  of  sand. 
Strange  to  say,  the  original  well  was  in  nowise  affected  by  the  new 
one.  Bat  here  let  me  say  a  word  of  caution  against  a  deception 
■which  I  have  known  to  be  practised  by  professional  well-borers.  At 
a  certain  homestead  a  well  was  dug  down  to  a  limestone  rock 
without  finding  any  water  ;  the  borers  were  then  ordered  to  pierce 
the  rock  till  they  did  find  water.  The  men  accordingly  spent  some 
days  at  the  bottom  of  the  well,  and  professed  to  have  bored  to  some 
unheard-of  depth,  but  without  success,  and  the  job  was  reluctantly 
given  up.  For  some  years  the  tenant  was  put  to  the  expense  of 
carting  water  from  a  distance  almost  every  day.  At  last,  however, 
he  engaged  a  man,  who  had  been  successful  with  a  deep  well  in  a 
neighbouring  parish,  to  try  and  obtain  water  for  him.  This  man 
examined  the  well,  and  feeling  sure  that  there  must  be  water  in  the 
rock,  he  began  to  excavate.  The  work  had  proceeded  very  little 
way  before  he  discovered  that  the  original  borers  had  only  penetrated 
about  2  feet  further  than  the  well,  though  they  had  been  paid  for  I 
don't  know  how  many  feet.  Encouraged  by  this  discovery  he 
renewed  his  work,  and  was  very  soon  rewarded  by  an  ample  supply 
of  water.  We  often  see  springs  issuing  from  the  ground  and  running 
to  waste,  spoiling  perhaps  a  considerable  piece  of  ground  before 
their  water  is  collected  into  a  ditch  or  other  channel.  If  the  owner 
would  only  take  the  trouble  to  follow  the  spring  back  into  the  ground 
for  a  few  feet,  and  place  in  it  a  draining-tube  which  should  empty 
into  a  small  tank  or  tub  let  into  the  soil,  with  a  waste  pipe  at  the 
opposite  side,  he  might  have  an  excellent  supply  at  a  minimum  of 
cost ;  and  two  loads  of  stone,  placed  round  the  tank  to  give  firmness 
to  the  earth,  would  make  it  as  good  a  drinking-place  as  could 
be  desired.  Again,  in  many  places  a  brook,  which  is  often  dry  or 
nearly  so  in  summer,  may  be  made  to  give  a  certain  and  ample 
supply  all  through  the  year  by  erecting  sluices  across  it  at 
intervals ;  and,  though  the  cost  of  this  is  considerable,  yet  it  will 
often  pay,  simply  by  making  the  brook  a  good  fence  instead  of  a 
bad  one. — Journal  of  the  Royal  Aijricultural  Society. 


THE  ENCLOSURE  AROUND  ST.  PAUL'S. 
The  preparations  (says  the  Times)  for  opening  this  enclosure,  and 
widening  the  road  at  that  inconvenient  turn  in  a  great  thoroughfare, 
are  now  so  far  advanced  that  there  seems  some  hope  that  they  may  be 
completed  in  a  week  or  two.  Good  taste  would,  perhaps,  have 
forbidden  the  squat  posts  which  stand  like  a  row  of  capstans  along 
the  curve  of  the  new  boundary  line  of  the  property  of  the  Dean  and 
Chapter  ;  and,  if  these  were  inevitable,  there  is  certainly  no  reason 
why  they  should  have  been  made  of  salmon-coloured  granite  from  the 
ominous  Isle  of  Mull,  or  polished  to  a  degree  which  contrasts  pain, 
fully  with  the  grimy  statue  of  Queen  Anne  and  the  venerable  stone 
of  Sir  Christopher's  work.  For  all  this,  however,  no  improvement 
more  striking  will,  perhaps,  have  been  effected  in  the  Metropolis  by 
a  change  so  simple — we  might  have  said  so  cheap,  but  that  the 
Cathedral  authorities,  in  their  zeal  for  the  well-being  of  the  Church, 
have  exacted  from  the  citizens  in  return  for  this  striking  im- 
provement of  their  own  property  no  less  than  £15,000,  which, 
however,  they  promise  to  devote  mainly  to  decorating  the  build- 
ing. But,  after  all,  this  sum  will  be  but  a  trifle  to  pay  for 
the  change,  if  those  who  have  the  power  to  effect  improvements 
in  London  will  only  come  and  look  at  the  new  state  of  things 
and  profit  by  the  example  which  it  presents.  To  remove  clumsy  iron 
railings  and  substitute  light  ones,  which  neither  obstruct  the  view 
nor  impede  the  circulation  of  air ;  to  open  spaces,  which  are  now 
shut  up  and  useless  ;  to  convert  dismal  grave-grounds  and  sooty 
nooks  into  bright  and  cheerful  places,  really  costs  very  little.  Some 
of  our  city  parishes  have  already  turned  their  old  grave-grounds  into 
very  neat  beds  of  shrnbg  and  flowers.  Why,  then,  should  not  the 
Dean  and  Chapter  of  St.  Paul's  take  the  hint,  and  now  they  have 
reformed  one  side  of  their  enclosure,  turn  the  large  space  at  the  other 
side  into  a  cheerful  garden,  with  a  railing  which  would  not  prevent 
people  looking  in  ?  Ou.r  sooty  atmosphere,  it  is  ti-ne,  is  a  great 
enemy  to  horticulture  ;  but  the  gardener's  occupation  is  a  perpetual 
struggle  with  evil  influences,  and  soot,  like  blight  and  vermin,  can  be 
bafHed  with  a  little  care.  The  gardens  of  the  Temple  furnish  con- 
vincing evidence  on  this  point.     They  have,  it  is  true  the  great  open 


space  of  the  Embankment  and  the  river  at  hand  ;  but  let  any  one 
who  would  know  the  ]iossibilitics  of  town  gardening  observe  the  con- 
dition of  the  Grass  and  flowers  in  Clement's  Inn  and  Xew  Inn, 
Strand.  The  gardener  of  New  Inn  would,  we  believe,  be  happy  to 
show  any  person  what  may  be  done  in  the  way  not  merely  of  exhibit- 
ing imported  flowers,  but  of  propagating  and  rearing  delicate  plants 
in  the  very  heart  of  oue  of  the  smokiest  of  all  cities. 


THE     LIBRARY. 


THE  NEW  COOKERY  BOOK.* 
This  is  a  very  comprehensive  work,  containing  no  fewer  than 
1,747  receipt.s,  which  embrace  almost  every  subject  belonging 
to  culinary  art,  instructions  for  carving,  the  choosing  of 
meats,  fish,  vegetables,  &c.,  and  the  various  preparatory 
operations  of  the  kitchen.  The  receipts  have  the  merit 
(rare  in  similar  works)  of  stating  the  exact  quantities  of 
the  ingredients  employed,  so  that  the  results  in  each  case 
maj-  be  confidently  predicted.  Although  not  coming  exactly 
within  our  province,  we  are  induced  to  notice  Miss  Bowman's 
book  from  finding  the  chapter  on  the  cooking  of  vegetables, 
&c.,  far  better  done  than  is  usually  the  case.  One  error, 
however,  we  venture  to  point  out.  In  speaking  of  the 
Potato,  the  authoress  states  that  "  the  common  people  of 
Ireland,  who  subsist  chiefly  on  the  Potato,  onhj  half  boil  if, 
that  they  may  have  the  enjoyment  of  masticating  it."[!]  This 
assertion  we  know  to  be  as  untrue  as  it  is  amusing.  The 
"  common  people  of  Ireland '"  have  long  since  found  out  the 
secret  of  cooking  Potatoes  to  perfection,  and,  if  they 
occasionally  err  in  the  matter,  it  is  in  the  direction  of  over- 
boiling, as  they  do  not  consider  them  fit  to  place  on  the  table 
until  they  are  "  laughing  in  their  jackets,"  i.e..  until  the  skins 
are  well  burst  in  boiling.  Should  a  half-boiled  specimen 
chance  to  make  its  appearance  in  the  dish,  Paddy  invariably 
rejects  it,  because,  as  he  says,  he  doesn't  like  "  a  Pratie  wid  a 
bone  in  it." 


SMITH'S  FRUITS  AND  FARINACEA.f 
Those  who  are  interested  in  the  cjuestion  of  Dietetics  will  find 
in  this  little  work  a7i  ample  resume  of  all  that  has  been 
hitherto  said  on  the  subject  of  Vegetarianism.  The  advantages 
of  the  system  are  put  forward  in  a  singularly  temperate  and 
attractive  manner,  and  the  arguments  appeal  not  less  to  reason 
than  to  well-established  results.  The  great  difficulty  for  the 
advocates  of  Vegetarianism  appears  to  lie  in  the  breaking 
through  of  old  habits  and  prejudices  in  those  whom  they 
desire  to  convert.  The  following  extract,  from  many 
statements  of  a  similar  kind,  goes  far  to  prove  that  bodily 
strength  at  least  is  in  no  wise  enfeebled  by  a  purely  vege- 
tarian diet : — 

The  natives  of  Central  Africa,  who  subsist  wholly  on  vegetable 
food,  possess  astonishing  bodily  powers.  "  The  people  of  Jenna," 
says  the  enterprising  Landers,  "  have  abundance  of  bullocks,  pigs, 
goats,  sheep,  and  poultry  ;  but  they  prefer  vegetable  food  to  animal. 
Their  diet,  indeed,  is  what  we  should  term  poor  and  watery;  consist- 
ing chiefly  of  preparations  of  the  Yam,  and  of  Indian  Corn  ;  notwith. 
standing  which,  a  stronger  or  more  athletic  race  of  people  is  nowhere 
to  be  met  with.  Burdens  with  them  are  invariably  carried  upon  the 
head  ;  and  it  not  unfreqnently  requires  the  united  strength  of  thi'ee 
men  to  lift  a  calabash  of  goods  from  the  ground  to  the  shoulders  of 
one ;  and  then,  and  not  till  then,  does  the  amazing  strength  of  the 
African  appear.  Some  of  the  women  that  we  saw  bore  burdens  on 
their  heads  that  would  tire  a  mule  ;  and  children  not  more  than  five 
or  six  years  old  trudged  after  them  with  loads  that  would  give  a 
tall-grown  person  in  Europe  a  brain-fever."  The  Kroomen  are  a 
particular  race  of  people,  differing  entirely  from  the  other  African 
tribes.  They  inhabit  a  country  called  "  Setta  Krow,"  on  the  coast 
near  Cape  Palmas.  Their  pi-inciple  emploj-ment  is  of  a  mai-itime 
nature.  A  certain  number  of  these  men  are  always  employed  on 
board  of  the  ships  of  war,  on  the  African  coast,  for  the  purpose  of 
performing  those  duties  in  which  considerable  fatigue  and  exposure 
to  the  sun  are  experienced.  They  only  require  a  little  Palm  oil,  and 
a  few  Yams  to  eat,  and  they  are  always  ready  to  perform  any 
laborious  work  which  may  be  required  of  them. 

*  "  The  yew  Cookery  Book,  a  Complete  Manual  of  English  and  Foreign 
Cookery."    By  Anne  Bowman.    London  :  George  Routledge  &  Sons. 

t  "  Smith's  Fruits  and  Farinacea."  Condensed  by  F.  W.  Newman,  il.A. 
London :  F.  Pitman,  Paternoster  Row.    1873. 


Sept.  20,  1873.] 


THE   aARDEN. 


241 


THE     INDOOR    GARDEN. 

ODONTOGLOSSUM  ALEXANDRiE. 
It    is  allowed  that   this  noble   Orchid    is    one    of    the    most 
beaiitiCul  of  the  genus  to  which  it  belongs,  but  it  may  not  be 
equally  well  known  that  it  is  as  easy  to  grow,  under  certain 
conditions,  as  a  Heath  or  au  Azalea.     In  one  or  two  places  I 
could  name  it  is  cultivated  lj3^the  hundred, and  flowers  can  be  cut 
from  it  any  day  in  the  year  ;  still  the  plants  are  not  coddled, 
and  in  one  instance  they  are  grown  by  the  dozen  in  au  ordi- 
nary brick  pit,   with  the  lights  propped  up  on  fine  days,  in 
order  to  give  them  an  abundant   supply  of  air.     Under  these 
conditions  they  grow  freely,  and  make  pseudo-bulbs  -li  inches 
long,  and  nearly  as  thick  as  one's  wrist — great  plump  bulbs, 
surmounted   by  fine   bronze-tinted   foliage,   indicative   of  the 
robust  constitution  infused   into  them   by  a  moderately  cool 
temperature,  abundance  of  tepid  moisture,  and  full  exposure 
to  both  light  and  air.     This  species  does  well  for  a  time  in  a 
hot  temperature,  beneath  heavy  shading,  but  it  certainly  does 
not  require  stove  treat- 
ment ;    indeed,   in   the 
long  run,  the  plants  are 
positively  injured  by  it, 
and  do  not  flower  nearly 
so    profusely  as   those 
grown  in  a  cooler  tem- 
perature with  plenty  of 
air.     It  has  been  called 
a    greenhouse    Orchid, 
but   it    requires   much 
more   humidity  in  the 
atmosphere  than  is  ac- 
corded to    greenhouse 
plants  in  general.      A 
house     partially    sunk 
below  the  ground  level, 
or  one  naturally  moist, 
is  well  adapted  to  this 
and  many  other  "  cool 
Orchids."        Under 
favourable     conditions 
this    plant     keeps     on 
growing  for  a  consider- 
able portion  of  the  year 
— indeed,   the    resting 
season  so  necessary  to 
many  Orchids  from  the 
tropics  is,  in   the  case 
of  this  Odoutoglossum, 
reduced  to  a  minimum, 
and   the    plant    should 
on     no      account     be 
allowed      to      become 
thoroughly  dry  at  the 
root.     As  regards  com- 
post, nothing  is  better 
than  fresh  fibrous  peat 
broken   into  small   lumps   with   the   fingers,   the   small   por- 
tions being  rejected.     To  this  add  about  one-fourth  of  dried 
horse  droppings  and  a  handful  or  two  of  leaf-mould.     With 
this  mix  a  little  well-washed  sand,  coarse  road  or  river  sand 
being  preferable  to  white  sand,  which  allows  the  compost  to  settle 
so  closely  together  as  to  become  sour  and  stagnant.     A  little 
chopped  Sphagnum  is  added  by  some  growers.    Use  small  pots, 
nothing  being  so  fatal  to  good  Orchid  growing  as  over-potting, 
and  see  that  they  are  throughly  well  drained  with  clean  crocks. 
The  pots  should  be  about  two-thirds  full  of  drainage  so  as  to 
ensure  every  facility  for  the  escape  of  superfluous  moisture. 
In  potting,  elevate  the  bases  of  the  bulbs  slightly  above  the 
rim  of  the  pot,  pressing  the  compost  firmly  around  the  fleshy 
roots  without  bruising  them,  and  finish  oH  the  surface  with  a 
layer  of  fresh  living   Sphagnum,  which  should  be  encouraged 
to    gi-ow  as  freely  as  possible.     Living  Moss  suits   this  and 
many  other  cool  Orchids  well,  as   it  keeps  the  surface  of  the 
compost  clean,  and  the  roots  in  an  equable  state  with  respect 
to  moisture.     One  of  the  chief  charms  possessed  by  this  plant  is 
the  variableness  of  its  flowers,  scarcely  any  two  being  exactly 


alike.  They  vary  not  only  in  size  and  form  of  the  segments, 
but  also  in  colour,  some  varieties  being  pure  white,  while  others 
have  their  sepals  and  petals  heavily  suffused  with  rosy-lilac, 
and  the  sepals  and  lip  variously  blotched  or  spotted  with  red- 
dish-brown. The  accompanying  illustration  shows  the  general 
contour  of  a  medium-sized  flower,  which  is  spotted  only  on 
the  lip,  the  sepals  and  petals  being  perfectly  white.  The 
flowers  of  this  species  being  borne  on  graceful ly-arched  spikes, 
are  well  adapted  for  cutting,  and  form  charming  natural 
wreaths,  either  for  the  drawing-room  vase  or  for  other  pur- 
poses of  indoor  decoration,  accompanied  by  such  Ferns  as 
Davallia  or  Adiantura,  the  fresh  greenness  of  which  relieves 
and  sets  off  the  pearly  whiteness  of  the  wax-like  blossoms  to 
excellent  advantage.  B. 


Odontoglossum  Alexandria. 


Hyacinth.  Flowers  a  Second  Season. — E.  C.  Hiscox,  writing 
to  the  Florist,  Enys : — "After  Hyacinths  have  done  their  duty  the 
first  year  in  greenhouse  or  conservatory,  I  take  them  to  that  part;  of 
the  garden  where  the  sun  shines  all  day,  and   plunge  the  pots  to  the 

rim  in  prepared  and  well- 
drained  materials,  mostly 
coal  ashes.  I  leave  them 
undisturbed  till  Sep- 
tember or  October,  ac- 
cording to  the  time  I 
want  them  to  flower,  and 
then  take  them  up,  re. 
potting  them  carefully  in 
good  sandy  loam.  I  have 
adopted  this  practice  for 
the  last  two  or  three 
years,  and  have  found  it 
to  answer  well,  especially 
in  the  case  of  the  single 
varieties,  which  succeed 
best  under  this  treat, 
ment.  This  season  I  have 
had  the  following  beauti. 
fully  in  flower,  viz.; — 
Prince  Albert  Victor, 
Lord  Macaulay,  Leonidas, 
Baron  Humboldt,  Vol. 
taire,  Ahda  Jacoba,  Victor 
Hugo,  Norma,  L'Orne. 
ment  de  la  Nature,  Mont 
Blanc,  and  many  others 
having  spikes  from  6 
inches  to  8  inches  in 
length." 

Spiraea  palmata. — 

This  promises  to  be  a  good 
plant  for  forcing,  and  it 
is  beginning  to  be  appre- 
ciated as  such.  As  in  the 
case  of  Spiraea  japonica, 
plants  of  it  intended  for 
forcing  should  be  potted 
in  the  autumn,  about 
November,  and  should  be 
plunged  in  ashes,  or  some  such  raw  material,  in  the  open  air,  and  kept 
sheltered  from  heavy  rains  ;  as  soon  as  the  crowns  show  symptoms  of 
swelling  the  plants  may  be  removed  to  a  suitable  house,  and  pushed  on 
into  growth,  increasing  the  temperature  as  the  time  of  blooming  is 
approached.  I  saw  last  spring  some  nice  dwarf  vigorously-grown 
plants  of  this  Spirasa  that  had  been  treated  in  this  manner,  each 
bearing  five  or  six  spikes  of  flower.  As  a  matter  of  course,  it  will 
never  be  got  into  flower  so  quickly,  or  be  made  to  bloom  so  freely,  as 
Spiraja  japonica  ;  but  it  is  very  charming  indeed  when  its  panicles 
of  bright  rosy-crimson  flowers  are  fully  expanded. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GARDEN. 

Begonia  Brilliant.— Tins  new  hyljrid  is  now  producing  quiie  a  hundred 
blooms  of  the  brislitest  carmine  colour  at  Messrs.  Veitch's,  and  some  of  the 
flowers  measure  3  inches  in  diameter.  It  will  be  useful  as  a  conservatory  plant 
and  for  cut  llowers. — W, 

Incrustation  of  Boilers.— It  is  stated  by  M.  Austin  that  glycerine  mixed 
with  the  water  in  the  boilers  of  steam-engines  prevents  the  deposition  of  the 
lime  salts,  and,  consequently,  protects  the  boilers  from  incrustation.  About  one 
pound  of  glycerine  to  every  300  or  400  lb.  of  coal  burnt  is  said  to  be  sufflcient  for 
this  purpose. 


242 


THE  GAEDBN. 


[Sept.  20, 1873. 


DEYING  FLOWERS  IN  NATURAL  COLOURS. 

In  one  of  the  numbers  o£  The  Gakden  (see  p.  54)  I  find 
a  notice  about  drying  flowers  in  natural  colours.  I  have  no 
doubt  that  the  way  there  recommended,  if  carefully  done,  will 
answer  very  well  for  some  sorts  of  flowers ;  but  I  have  also 
no  doubt  that  very  seldom  or  never  will  anybody  take  so 
much  trouble,  and  that  there  are  many  flowers  which  never 
will  answer  in  that  way.  I  cannot,  however,  understand  why 
the  author  of  that  article  has  never  succeeded  in  drj'ing  double 
flowers  ;  I  think  he  has  neglected  to  put  sand  between  the 
petals.  As  I  have  had  occasion  to  practise  drying  and  colouring 
many  kinds  of  flowers,  Grasses,  and  Moss  by  the  thousand 
for  many  years  in  Germany  and  France  every  season,  with  the 
best  success  and  without  much  trouble,  I  am  induced  to 
communicate  my  experience,  the  more  so  as  I  have  observed 
a  curious  secrecy  on  this  subject  displayed  by  most  of  those 
gardeners  who  have  had  any  practice  in  this  matter ;  and  I 
should  be  very  glad  if  the  following  article  would  induce  those 
who  have  had  some  experience  upon  this  subject  to  publish 
the  results  at  which  they  have  arrived. 

There   are    several    ways   of    preserving    flowers   in   their 
natural  colours,  or  in  other  colours,  viz.,  by  drying,  smoking 
with  brimstone,  and  colouring.     I  shall  first  speak  of  drying 
and    smoking     with    brimstone,     leaving     colouring     for     a 
future   number.      There   are  different   processes    adapted   to 
the   condition   of  the   flowers   which   are  to  be  dried.       The 
most  simple  of  all   is   to   cut  them  in   a   dry  state  and  hang 
them  in  a  dry  shady  place  on  strings  or  on  stakes,  not   too 
thick,  where  for   many  years  they  may  dry  and  remain   till 
they  are  used.     In  a  room  not  closed  against  the  daylight, 
or  at  least  against  the  sunlight,  the  colour  will  not   keep  well, 
but  will    bleach  more  and  more  and  become  pale ;  while  in  a 
damp  room  the  flowers  will  rot.     If,  however,  they  are  to  be 
used  for  bouquets  or  other  decorations,  it  is  a  very  good  plan 
to  place  them  in  a  slighty  damp  atmosphere  the  day  before, 
where  they  may  attract  a  little  moisture.     If  used  in  a  quite 
dry  state,  they  are  too  liable  to  break,  which  is  prevented  if 
they  have  thus  been  moistened  a  little.     Care,  however,  should 
be  taken  as  to  the  state  of  the  flowers  when  cut  for '  drying. 
The  best  state  for  most  kinds  of  flowers  is  when  they  have 
not  yet  begun  to  bloom  (not  yet  opened),  because  after  being 
cut  and  hung  up  they  always,  in  some  degree,  continue  their 
blooming ;  but  if  cut  in  a  too  full  blooming  state,  they  pass, 
while  drying,  into  the  state  of  ripeninsr,  i.  c,  they  ripen  their 
seeds  and  are  afterwards    useless,  as  those  flowers   are   too 
liable  to  fall  out.      If  all  this  is  attended  to,  the  following 
kinds  of  flowers  pi'eserve  their  natural  colours  very  well  : — 
Statice,     many     varieties,     especially     S.     incana,     sinuata, 
and   Armeria    keep    beautifully ;    Gypsophila    elegans,   very 
pretty   in    bouquets,    even   in   those    of    fresh  flowers,    and 
much  used  for  this    purpose  on  the  continent;   Gomphl-ena 
globosa   purpurea;    Helichrysum,   many  varieties,    especially 
the  hardy  annual  ones,  but  they  ought  to  be  cut  in  a  very 
early  stage,  or  in   bud,  because  they  are  finest  if    cut  before 
they  open.     To  the  Helichrysum  belongs  also  the  celebrated 
Immortelle  plant,  about  which  I  have  read  a  very  interesting 
article  in  one  of  the  late  numbers  of  The  Garden  (see  p  152). 
Acroclinium  roseum,  a  pretty  flower  of  a  beautiful  rosy  colour; 
Rhodaiithe  Manglesii,  a   little   smaller  than  an  Acroclinium, 
and  one  of   the   prettiest  dried   flowers ;   Delphinium,  all  the 
blue   or  red  varieties,  as  Ajacis,  candelabrum,  and   the   blue 
perennial   varieties.      Especially    fine    also    is    our   common 
Delphinium  Consolida,  which  represents  the  finest  blue  among 
dried  flowers,  and  may  be  found  in  the  summer  time  in  the 
fields  in  some  places.     Besides  the  foregoing,  there  are,  with- 
out doubt,  many  others  which  will  answer  well  in  this  way. 
There  are  also  the  Grasses  which  keep  well,  and  are  of  a  very 
ornamental  character,  either  by  themselves  in  Grass  bouquets, 
or   together  with  other  dried  flowers,  giving  them  a  lighter 
appearance.     I  will   name  Gynerium   argenteum,  the   pretty 
varieties  of  Agrostis.as  for  instance  A.  pulchella  and  nebulosa, 
Lagurus  ovatus,  Hordeum  jubatum,  Briza,  and  its  varieties, 
among  which  is  our  common  Briza  media,  one  of  the  finest, 
and   many  others.     I   now   come   to  kinds   of   flowers  which 
are   more    difficult  to   dry,  i.e.,  which    will  always    change 
their   colour  or    spoil   their  form   if    dried  m  the  foregoing 


manner,  as  for  instance,  Yiola  tricolor  maxima,  Pelar- 
gonium, Geranium,  &c.  They  must  all  be  dried  in  silver 
sand.  The  silver  sand  must  be  rendered  quite  clean,  without 
any  organic  matter  whatever,  by  repeated  washing,  until  the 
sand  ceases  to  discolour  the  water ;  afterwards  it  must 
be  perfectly  dried.  To  make  it  fit  for  the  purpose,  how- 
ever, we  must  heat  the  sand  rather  high,  and  in  this  state 
mis  with  it,  by  constant  stirring,  a  little  bit  of  stearine,  which 
prevents  the  sand  from  adhering  to  the  flowers.  Afterwards 
we  must  have  a  bos,  not  higher  than  three  inches,  but  as  broad 
as  possible.  This  box  has,  instead  of  a  bottom,  a  narrow-meshed 
iron-wire  net  at  a  distance  of  :}  inch  from  where  the  bottom 
should  be.  Such  a  bos  is  placed  on  a  board  and  filled  with 
sand  till  the  net  is  just  covered  with  a  thin  layer  of  sand. 
Upon  this  layer  of  sand  is  then  placed  a  layer  of  flowers,  and 
then  again  a  layer  of  sand,  then  flowers,  and  so  on.  The  layer 
of  sand  varies  in  thickness,  according  to  the  kind  of  flowers, 
from  i  to  ^  inch.  In  this  way  we  may  put  in  the  box  two  or 
three  layers  of  flowers  ;  more  than  three  will  not  answer  well. 
This  being  done,  the  box  must  be  removed  to  a  very  sunny  dry 
place,  the  best  being  close  under  the  glass  in  an  empty  green- 
house, &c.,  exposed  to  the  full  influence  of  the  sun.  If  the 
weather  is  sunny  and  dry,  the  flowers  will  be  perfectly  dried  in 
four  or  five  days — i.e.,  in  France  and  Germany  ;  in  our  English 
climate,  however,  we  have  not  always  sunny  weather  enough 
for  this  purpose,  and  the  sun  has  not  so  much  power  as  on 
the  continent.  We,  therefore,  generallj'  require  a  week  or  even 
ten  days  of  sunny  weather ;  and,  if  we  have  no  sun  at  all,  but 
foggy  and  wet  weather,  we  must  dry  our  flowers  in  a  dry  room 
which  is  slightly  heated.  When  the  flowers  are  dry,  the  box  is 
lifted  a  little,  the  sand  falls  gently  through  the  iron  net,  and 
the  flowers  remain  in  their  positions  over  the  net  without  any 
disturbance  whatever.  They  should  then  be  taken  out  carefully 
and  kept  in  a  dry,  and,  if  possible,  dark  place,  where  no 
sun  can  reach  them,  and  afterwards  they  will  keep  very 
well  for  many  years.  In  this  way  uearly  every  kind  of  flower, 
single  or  double,  may  be  thoroughly  dried.  Generally,  they  are 
dried  in  this  way  for  the  trade — Pansies,  Pelargoniums, 
Geraniums  (the  double  ones  are  especially  fine).  Asters,  Roses, 
Calceolarias,  Aconitum,  &c.  ;  care  is,  however,  to  be  taken 
that  the  flowers  are  cut  in  dry  weather,  and  that,  while  lying  in 
the  sand,  no  part  of  the  flower  shall  touch  another  part,  as  this 
always  spoils  the  colour  and  causes  decay.  Between  all  the 
parts  of  a  flower  sand  must  be  filled  in ;  therefore,  it  is  necessary 
to  put  in  the  double  flowers  in  an  erect  position — i.e.,  with  the 
stalk  downw.ards — in  order  to  fill  the  sand  between  the  petals; 
while  most  of  the  single-blooming  flowers,  especially  Pansies, 
must  be  put  in  with  the  stalks  upwards.  With  Calceolarias, 
Aconitum,  and  other  flowers  which  are  formed  like  them,  the 
cavity  of  the  flowers  must  be  carefully  filled  with  sand  before 
laj-ing  them  in.  White  flowers  do  not  retain  their  pure  white 
colour,  but  always  become  slightly  tinged  with  yellow.  Among 
dried  flowers  we  have  hardly  any  representative  of  a  pure  white 
except  the  Ammobium  alatum  and  white  Immortelles. 
Merriott  Nurseries,  Crewherne.  Gtjstave  Weemig. 


Lime  and  Mag'nesia  Preventives  of  Potato  Disease. — 

From  an  account  of  some  analyses  of  the  ash  of  diseased  Potatoes, 
communicated  by  Mr.  A.  S.  Wilson  to  the  Chemical  News,  we  extract 
the  following : — "  Different  observers  state  the  per  centage  of  magnesia 
in  the  ash  of  sound  tubers  at  from  5  to  10  per  cent. ;  in  this  ease  it 
is  only  'S9i  per  cent.  In  the  two  samples  of  diseased  ash,  Mr. 
Hannay  only  found  I'OO  and  01  per  cent,  of  magnesia.  Similarly, 
Mr.  Hannay's,  as  well  as  my  own,  results  show  that  the  amount  of 
lime  is  abnormally  low  in  the  diseased  samples.  In  this  case  I 
found  1'77  per  cent,  of  lime  ;  in  the  sound  sample  Mr.  Hannay 
found  5'19  per  cent.,  and  considerably  less  in  both  the  diseased 
samples.  Some  years  ago.  Prof essor  Thorpe  found,  from  the  analysis 
of  diseased  and  healthy  Orange  trees,  that  in  the  former  the  amounts 
of  lime  and  magnesia  are  deficient ;  the  same  thing,  we  have  seen, 
is  the  case  in  the  diseased  Potato  plant.  It  has  lately  been  shown, 
by  Dr.  F.Grace  Calvert, that  lime  is  one  of  the  few  substances  which 
we  know  that  are  capable  of  altogether  preventing  the  development 
of  fungi  in  organic  solution.  He  does  not  give  any  e-x-periments 
relating  to  the  action  of  caustic  magnesia  on  fnngi,  but  doubtless  its 
action  will  be  found  to  be  similar.  Here,  then,  is  a  curious  and,  at 
the  same  time,  significant  fact — diseased  Potatoes  are  deficient  in 
lime  salts,  and  lime  prevents  the  development  of  fungi." 


Sept.  20,1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


243 


THE  JARDIN  DES  PLANTES  IN  PARIS. 
This,  like  the  Jardiu  cVAcolimatatiou,  is  partly  devoted  to 
zoology  as  -well  as  to  horticulture  and  botany,  and  bore  lectures 
are  given  to  students  in  nearly  all  branches  oE  natural  science, 
including  arboriculture  as  a])plied  to  both  ornauiental  and 
fruit-bearing  trees.  The  museums  are  full  of  valuable  speci- 
mens and  preparations,  adapted  for  illustration  and  comparison, 
both  in  the  animal  aud  vegetable  kingdoms.  The  garden  is 
limited  in  extent,  but  well  wooded,  aud  contains  well-arranged 
collections  of  ornamental  trees  aud  shrubs,  as  well  as  of 
herbaceous  and  economic  plants.  Pine  specimens  of  the 
dwarf  fan  Palm  are  placed  on  each  side  the  lecture  hall  during 
the  summer  season.  These  plants  have  a  history  of  their  own, 
having  beeu  presented  to  Louis  XIV.,  and  are  reraai-kable  for 
ihe  size  of  their  stems,  which  are  20  feet  or  more  iu  height. 
Here  are  good  specimens  of  Celtis  australis  and  C.  ocoidentalis ; 
a  robust  tree  of  the  silvery  Lime,  Tilia  argentea ;  Eraxinus 
americana,  with  foliage  not  unlike  that  of  the  black  Walnut 
(Juglans  nigra),  grafted  about  2  feet  above  the  ground  level, 
on  a  stock  of  the  common  Ash.  There  is  also  a  good  speci- 
men of  the  Judas  tree  (Cercis),  and  two  noble  trees  of 
Paulownia  imperialis,  brought  to  the  garden  in  1834.  One  of 
these  is  about  30  feet  high  aud  nearly  perfect  in  form,  having 
an  undivided  trunk  12  feet  high,  and  a  large  and  healthy  head 
of  fresh  foliage.  These  fine  specimens  are  now  heavily  laden 
with  clusters  of  pale  yellowish-green  fruit  about  the  size  of 
Muscat  Grapes.  One  interesting  feature  here  is  a  Yew  tree 
40  feet  in  height  covered  with  Lycium  barbarum,  and  elegant 
fresh  festoons  of  Wistaria  (Glycine)  sinensis  droop  in  masses 
from  bough  to  bough  in  the  most  charming  manner  possible. 
This  last  plant  (Wistaria)  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  all 
wall  plants  for  town  gardens,  aud  a  specimen  of  it  here, 
growing  on  the  open  lawn  partially  supported  by  stakes,  is  an 
attractive  object,  especially  to  those  who  seldom  see  the  plant 
otherwise  than  nailed  formally  along  a  wall.  Iron  railings 
aud  palisades,  usually  so  prominent  in  town  gardens,  might  be 
draped  with  elegant  festoons  of  this  plant  with  advantage. 

I  noticed  a  fine  border  full  of  bedding  plants,  succulents, 
aud  sub-tropical  plants,  all  correctly  named,  a  practice  especially 
useful  iu  the  case  of  succulent  plants  which  are  not  well 
known  by  the  generaUty  of  gardeners.  Of  these  I  observed  a 
collection  adapted  for  carpet  beds  or  borders,  including  the 
following  species  ; — Sempervivum  Brauuii,  a  dense-growing 
glaucous  species;  the  well-known  S.  araohnoideum,  covered 
with  silvery  hau'S,  not  unlike  those  of  a  spider's  web  !  and  S. 
arvense,  a  curious  kind,  I'eminding  one  of  a  dense  stunted  form 
of  S.  calcareum.  S.  soboliferum  is  a  dense-habited  green 
form,  the  entire  plant  being  but  little  larger  than  a  shilling, 
while  the  young  plants  are  of  a  deep  crimson  colour.  I 
also  noticed  here  Cassia  floribunda,  forming  a  shrub  three  to 
four  feet  high,  and  flowering  freely.  This  makes  a  fine  green- 
house plant  when  liberally  treated,  and  is  highly  ornamental 
when  grown  in  small  pots  for  conservatory  decoration.  A 
feature  of  this  garden,  of  much  importance  in  an  educational 
point  of  view,  is  its  fine  collection  of  plants  for  general 
instruction,  all  of  which  are  correctly  labelled.  They,  are 
grown  in  a  part  of  the  garden  separated  from  the  other 
portions  by  a  neat  fence,  and  open  daily,  Saturdays  excepted, 
from  six  to  nine,  ten  to  two,  and  from  three  to  six  at  night. 
The  plants  are  arranged  in  narrow  oblong  beds,  placed  parallel 
with  each  other ;  and  walks  and  alleys  enable  the  visitor  to 
examine  either  plants  or  names  with  the  greatest  ease.  In 
order  to  distinguish  the  different  groups,  the  names  are  printed 
on  different-coloured  labels  thus  : — 


Medicinal  plants 

Food  „     

Economic      ,,      (arts) . 

Ornamental  ,,      

Poisonous     


Red  labels 0   Annual. 

^ir  :;  :::::::::::::::}  f  sienniai. 

Yellow V-    Herbaceous. 


Black    ,,    Ij    Woody. 

Immediately  on  entering  this  department  (Ecole  de  Botaniquel 
the  visitor  is  struck  with  the  I'ichness  of  the  collection  ;  and 
the  labels  are  not  only  plainly  painted  in  large  type,  but  are 
also  elevated  on  slender  sticks  2  or  3  feet  above  the  ground 
level,  so  as  to  obviate  any  necessity  for  stooping.  This  is 
worth  the  attention  of  the  authorities  of  our  own  public 
gardens ;  for  we  know  of  nothing  more  wearying  to  the 
patience  than  being  forced  to  bend  the  head  level  with  one's 
knees  in    order  to    decipher    a    badly-written    label    nearly 


obliterated  by  contact  with  the  wet  earth  during  raiuy 
weather.  In  many  poiuts  the  French  are  years  behind  our- 
selves ;  but  there  are  one  or  two  things  we  may  learn  from 
them  with  advantage.  I  noticed  in  this  garden  a  good  collec- 
tion of  Grasses  and  hardy  or  half-hardy  Bamboos,  all  in  the 
most  luxuriant  health  and  vigour.  Two  or  three  species  of 
Aruudinaria  are  just  now  throwing  up  their  great  brown 
plumes,  and  of  these  both  A.  japonica  and  a  halepeusis  are  well 
worth  growing  in  isolated  masses  in  shady  positions  on  a  warm- 
lying  lawn,  where  they  form  conspicuous  objects,  nearly  as 
effective  as  the  Pampas  Grass.  Two  effective  Grasses  here  are 
Pennisetum  longistylum  and  P.  Mileaceum  ;  the  former,  pro- 
ducing silvery  plumes  on  stalks  about  18  inches  high,  is  very 
effective,  and  well  suited  for  using  as  a  bedding  plant,  or  for 
marginal  belts  and  ribbon  borders,  where  it  would  be  shown 
off  to  advantage. 

^  Several  Chinese  Bamboos  growing  here  are  from  8  to  10  feet 
high,  aud  are  very  eflective  planted  out  in  many  of  the  public 
parks  and  gardens  round  Paris.  The  best  are  B.  aurea, 
B.  gracilis,  and  B.  viridi-glaucescens;  and  these  would  succeed 
well  in  many  sheltered  parts  of  the  south  of  England  during 
the  summer  months.  Here  we  noticed  an  effective  group  of 
Sea  Hollies,  among  which  Eryngium  eburneum  is  conspicuous, 
Ijearing  spikes  8  to  10  feet  high.  Several  species  of  Smilax  may 
here  be  seen  growing  side  by  side,  S.  aspera  and  S.  excelsa 
being  8  to  10  feet  high,  and  deserving  of  notice  as  ornamental 
trailers.  Smilacina  racemosa,  a  plant  exceedingly  like  Poly- 
gonatum  multiflorum  in  general  habit,  is  now  bearing  its 
terminal  racemes  of  copper-coloured  berries  the  size  of  small 
peas.  Another  trailer,  Dioscorea  Decaisneana,  growing  8  to 
10  feet  high,  is  just  now  flowering  profusely,  and  its  blossoms, 
which  are  small  and  of  an  apple-green  colour,  though  incon- 
spicuous, are  most  deliciously  perfumed.  A  notable  feature  here 
is  the  collection  of  hardy  and  tropical  aquatic  plants  grown  in 
cemented  tanks  out  doors.  This  idea  is  worth  notice  in  our  own 
public  gardens,  as  many  plants  grown  in  stifling  stoves  bloom 
profusely  iu  the  Jardiu  des  Plantes  in  the  open  air  without  any 
protection  whatever  durmg  the  summer  months.  Limnocharis 
(Hydrocleis)  Humboldtii,  Nymphaea  rubra,  Papyrus  antiquorum, 
and  other  tropical  plants  succeed  here  admirably,  along  with 
many  others  equally  tender  and  interesting  to  the  horticulturist. 
A  collection  of  plants  grown  for  culinary  purposes  is  very  inter- 
esting, the  plants  being  arranged  in  oblong  parallel  beds,  neatly 
margined  with  Box  edgings.  As  with  ourselves,  the  Elms 
and  Limes  have  a  rusty  appearance  at  this  season  of  the  year, 
while  Acacias  and  Planes  are  as  fresh  and  attractive  as  ever. 
Everywhere  around  Paris  I  was  struck  by  the  refreshing 
greenness  of  the  last-named  trees,  which  are  so  largely  used 
in  the  avenues  and  boulevards.  Another  handsome  shrub  or 
small  tree  common  here  is  Khus  copallina.  This  is  very 
effective,  and  its  lobed  foliage  is  nearly  as  graceful  as  that  of 
Ferns  or  Palms.  The  bedding  display  in  the  Jardiu  des 
Plantes  is  not  particularly  attractive  (though  a  good  view  of 
the  flower-garden  is  obtained),  as  it  is  sunk  in  a  quadrangle 
some  3  or  4  feet  below  the  general  ground  level.  The  plant- 
houses  contain  numerous  curiosities,  chiefly  of  botanical 
interest,  aud  uot  calliug  for  any  special  notice  here.  Ferns, 
Pampas  Grass,  Tamarisk  trees,  Yuccas,  Portulacas,  and  other 
plants  are  grouped  in  masses,  or  isolated  on  the  turi  beneath 
the  shade  of  tall  white  Poplars  and  the  elegant  drooping 
festoons  of  the  weeping  Willow,  one  of  the  finest  and  most 
appropriate  of  all  trees  for  harmonising  with  aquatics  aud 
water-side  vegetation.  The  intelligent  visitor  to  the  Jardin 
des  Plantes  will  find  much  to  admire,  and  some  few  things 
which  it  will  be  as  well  to  avoid  in  our  own  practice  here  at 
home.  F.  W.  B. 


Many  acres  of  the  waste  lands  of  Utah — which,  owing  to 
the  large  quantities  of  salt  and  alkali  with  which  the  soil 
was  impregnated,  were  hitherto  unfertile — have  been  thoroughly 
reclaimed  by  flooding  the  fields  or  lots  with  fresh  water,  which, 
after  standing  for  some  time,  is  drawn  off,  carrying  with  it  the 
dissolved  minerals.  This,  being  repeated  a  few  times,  leaves  the  soil 
sweet  and  suited  for  crops  of  all  kinds.  Where  there  is  not  water 
sufficient  to  flood  the  fields,  it  is  found  a  good  plan  to  plough 
often,  leaving  the  surface  rough  and  ploughed  in  such  a  way  that, 
when  it  rains,  the  water  may  run  off  into  the  ditohes. 


244 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  20,  1873 


GARDEN     PEST R  O  Y  E  R  S  . 

BROWN-TAILED  MOTH. 
(boubvx  (liparis)  chrysorrhea.) 

About  April,  or  soon  after  that  lime,  the  gardener  may 
occasionally  see  surrounding  the  bare  twigs  of  his  orchard 
trees  a  little  patch  of  something  hairy,  as  if  a  little  bit  of 
mouse's  or  squirreFs  fur  were  rolled  round  the  twig.  He  cuts 
off  the  twig.and,  investigating  the  patch  of  hair,  he  tinds  under 
it  a  quantity  of  eggs,  laid  like  those  of  the  lackey  moth,  in  a 
bracelet  ring  round  the  twig,  only  usually  in  a  longer  and  more 
continuous  series — perhaps  an  inch  in  length.  These  are  the 
eggs  of  the  Bombyx  chrysorrhea,  and  the  fur  covering  them  is 
a  quantity  of  hair  rubbed  from  tlae  tail  of  the  moth,  probably 
involuntarily  by  it,  in  laying  the  eggs,  which  must,  when 
freshly  laid,  be  covered  with  a  glutinous  secretion,  which 
rapidly  dries.  To  this  the  long  hairs  from  the  tail  of  the 
mother  insect  adhere,  the  secretion  hardens  and  detains  them, 
when  they  break  off  and  remain  as  a  natural  protection  to  the 
eggs.  The  quantity  of  hair  so  suiTOunding  the  eggs  is  sur- 
prising, looking  often  twice  as  big  as  the  whole  moth  itself. 
These  are  eggs  that  have  been  laid  by  early-emerging  moths, 
which  have  passed  the  winter  in  the  chrysalides,  having  been 
too  late  for  the  previous  season.  The  main  body  of  eggs  are 
laid  later  in  the  season,  in  August  or  end  of  July.     They  are. 


Caterpillar  of  the  Brown-tailed  Moth. 

when  newly  laid,  of  a  rose  colour,  which  becomes  grey  as  they 
get  older.  As  soon  as  the  eggs  are  hatched,  whether  it  be  in 
the  end  of  spring  or  the  beginning  of  September,  the  young 
caterpillars,  as  soon  as  born,  set  tn  work  to  build  a  sort  of  silken 
tent,  enveloping  some  leaves  on  which  they  feed.  This  has 
the  appearance  of  a  thick  web  among  the  leaves  and  twigs.  If 
broken  open,  it  will  be  found  to  contain  many  cells — one,  in  fact, 
for  each  caterpillar,  each  of  them  making  its  own  room,  as  it 
were,  besides  contributing  to  the  general  erection  of  the  house. 
This  is  used  as  a  shelter  or  place  of  refuge  into  which  they 
retire  when  night  or  a  shower  comes  on.  In  the  morning,  or, 
when  fine  weather  returns,  they  come  out  again  and  disperse 
themselves  over  the  surrounding  foliage  on  which  they  feed. 
As  they  are  very  voracious,  they  soon  consume  the  leaves  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  their  tent,  and  then  they  go  farther 
off  to  another  part  of  the  tree  and  construct  a  new  tent. 
Before  winter  comes  on,  they  have  generally  changed  their 
skin  once.  When  the  cold  weather  comes,  and  the  leaves  fall 
before  the  autumnal  blast,  the  caterpillars  retire  under  the 
shelter  of  their  tent,  and  fall  into  a  state  of  torpidity,  in  which 
they  pass  the  winter  without  food.  As  soon  as  spring 
revives  vegetation,  and  the  fruit  trees  begin  to  blossom,  the 
caterpillars    revive    too,     and     come    out,    with     a    hunger 


proportioned  to  the  severity  and  extent  of  their  fast,  to  carry 
on  their  ravages  and  devastate  the  orchards  in  which  they 
have  established  themselves.  The  season  passes  on,  they 
increase  in  size,  and  cast  their  .skin  when  it  becomes  too 
tight  for  their  growing  bulk.  After  their  last  moult,  they  do  not 
return  to  their  tent,  but  disperse  themselves  over  the  tree. 
The  accompanying  figure  shows  the  full-grown  caterpillar.  It 
is  blackish-brown,  with  rows  of  tubercules  of  the  same  colour, 
each  of  which  bears  a  tuft  of  ferruginous  hairs.     There  is  a 


The  Brown-tailed  Moth. 

double  row  of  white  spots  on  the  back  of  the  fourth  and  fol- 
lowing segments,  and  on  the  ninth  and  tenth  (and  sometimes 
also  on  the  two  preceding)  segments  is  a  spot  of  vermilion, 
placed  between  two  small  tufts  of  ferruginous  hairs.  These 
red  spots  are  somewhat  vesicular  and  slightly  retractile.  The 
larva  usually  passes  into  the  chrysalis  state  in  the  month  of 
June,  first  spinning  a  soft  grey  cocoon,  which  it  places  between 
the  leaves  or  in  the  bifurcations  of  the  branches.  The  perfect 
insect  comes  out  in  the  following  month.  This  is  a  common 
insect ;  on  the  continent  it  is  exceedingly  numerous,  and 
destructive  to  fruit  trees.  It  is  to  it  that  the  decrees  ordaining 
the  collecting  and  destroying  of  catei-pillars  more  particularly 
apply.  This  clearing  away  of  caterpillars  (called  Echenillage 
in  France)  is  comparatively  easy  with  this  species,  the  nests 
of  the  caterpillars  being  easily  seen  at  all  times,  and  especially 
conspicuous  in  winter.  They  are  generally  placed  near  the 
ends  of  the  branches,  and  look  like  a  bundle  of  withered  leaves 
mixed  up  in  a  dense  spider  web.  They  can  easily  be  cut  off 
and  destroyed,  and  the  sooner  this  is  done  after  winter  has 
fairly  set  in  the  better.  If  delayed  too  long,  fine  weather  may 
have  returned,  revived  the  little  caterpillars,  and  tempted  them 
abroad.  A  good  many  parasitic  Ichneumons  are  recorded 
as  helping  to  keep  this  destructive  moth  within  bounds. 

A.  M. 


Slugs. — We  all  know  that  quick-lime  causes  these  troublesome 
depredators  to  rapidly  disperse ;  but  I  have  found  that  it  often 
sends  them  to  where,  of  all  places,  we  would  not  wish  to  see  them. 
Mr.  Coleman,  gardener  to  Lord  Somers,  adopts  the  following  method 
of  getting  rid  of  them : — A  lad  is  sent  along  all  the  walks  of  the 
garden  each  evening  with  a  bag  or  bucket  full  of  bran,  and  he 
places  a  handful  of  it  on  the  borders,  at  every  8  or  10  feet  or  so,  in 
a  heap.  Early  nest  morning  he  traverses  the  same  ground  with  an 
empty  bucket,  dust-pan,  and  small  broom.  Bran  is  an  article  slugs 
are  very  fond  of,  and  it  seems  to  attract  them  from  all  quarters  ;  the 
heaps  are,  therefore,  found  covered  with  them,  often  a  complete 
mass.  The  lad  then  sweeps  the  whole  into  his  dust-pan,  empties  it 
into  the  bucket,  and  by  the  time  he  has  finished  his  walk,  many 
hundreds,  if  not  thousands,  are  thus  captured.  A  week  or  two  of 
such  work,  or  even  a  day  or  two  now  and  then,  must  be  the  means 
of  saving  a  great  deal  of  our  garden  produce.  I  would  recommend 
that  when  collecting  the  slugs,  a-  little  salt  and  water  be  in  the 
bucket,  which  will  effectually  prevent  the  escape  of  a  single  member 
when  captured,  as  the  salt  causes  them  to  sicken  and  die  at  once. — - 
I.  HriE. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  GARDEN  DESTROYERS. 

Ants  on  Lawns. — I  have  found  flowers  of  sulphur  useful  in  checking  ants 
where  boiling  water  cannot  be  used. — J.  W.,  Croydon. 

A  Connecticut  man.  who  set  out  an  elaborate  scai'ecrow  in  his  Strawberry 
plot,  was  surprised  to  find  that  a  pair  of  robins  had  built  their  nest  and  were 
raising  their  young  under  its  hat. 

"Wasps  verms  Peacies. — About  ten  days  ago  wasps  commenced  destroying 
our  Peaches  in  good  earnest.  Not  having  an  extra  large  crop,  I  was,  of  course, 
most  anxious  to  save  them,  which  I  have  done  by  *'  taking  "  five  hives  of  bees, 
and  putting  the  empty  liives  by  the  side  of  our  Peach  walls.  In  a  few  minutes 
they  were,  literally  speaking,  full,  when  I  treated  each  hive  to  a  little  boiling 
water,  killing  the  wasps  by  thousands.  I  find  Scotts'  Mixture  of  no  use.  I 
covered  them  all  over  with  it  by  way  of  experiment,  but  it  failed  to  kill  them. 
— R.  Gilbert,  Burghley. 


Sept.  20,  1873.] 


THE   GARDDI^. 


245 


GO  WAN  VERSUS  DAISY. 
The  Gowan  ia  the  Scotch  and  north  of  England  name  for  the 
TroUius  europteus,  or  Mountain  Globe-flower.  This  plant,  more  local 
than  rare,  is  found  in  Burus's  part  of  Scotland  on  steep  braes,  as  he 
alludes  to  it  in  "  Auld  Lang  Syne"  ;  and  Withering  states  that  "  it 
grows  in  shady  mountaino^^s  situations,  not  commons."  I  have 
heard  the  name  of  Gowan  also  erroneously  applied  to  the  Marsh 
Marigold  and  the  Ranunculus  auricouius  (Goldilocks),  by  i>eople  who 
did  not  know  one  of  these  plants  from  the  other.  Burns's  "  Ode  to 
the  Daisy  "  shows  that  he  knew  the  difference  and  alluded  to  tvYO 
different  flowers.  In  the  glossary  of  a  large  edition  of  Burns's 
works,  published  by  Blackie  &  Co.,  it  is  true  that  Gowan  is  said 
to  be  "  the  local  name  of  the  Daisy,  Hawkweed,  Dandelion,  and 
other  yellow  flowers."  This  is  evidently  loose  and  incorrect,  and 
the  statement  of  one  who  knew  little  or  nothing  of  botany.  In 
"The  Botany  of  the  Lake  District,"  an  appendix  to  Mrs.  Lynn 
Linton's  work,  "  The  Lake  Country,"  I  find  the  Globe-flower  or 
Lucken-gowan.  This  list  was  compiled  by  one  of  the  ablest  botanists 
of  the  present  day.  A  Scotch  land-steward  recently  said  to 
me,  "  I  wish  the  weather  would  take  up ;  all  our  Wheat  is  dead 
ripe,  and  as  yellow  as  a  Gowan."  This  is  a  common  north-country 
expression  on  both  sides  of  the  border,  which  I  have  heard  used 
hundreds  of  times  when  anything  of  a  bright  yellow  was  alluded  to. 
While  fishing  lately,  my  companion  exclaimed  "  I  hooked  a  trout 
just  now  with  a  belly  like  a  Gowan,"  i.  e.,  bright  yellow.  He  also 
is  a  first-class  botanist,  and  well  known  as  an  able  contributor  to  the 
leading  journals  in  that  line.  Moreover,  as  he  suggests,  Burns 
would  not  apply  the  epithet  "  fine,"  alms  gaudy,  to  a  Gowan,  if  he 
meant  a  Daisy ;  when  writing  directly  and  specially  about  a  Daisy 
he  addresses  it  as  a  "  Wee,  modest,  crimson-tipped  flower." 

Jackson  Gillb.4.nks. 


WORK    FOR    THE    WEEK. 

PRIVATE  GARDENS. 

Th.e  Arboretum. — Ornamental  fruit-bearing  plants  now  form 
a  conspicuous  feature  in  this  department.     The   Mountain  Ash  is 
literally  loaded  with  clusters  of  brilliant  berries,  and  the  Pyracantha 
and  Siberian  Crab  are  equally  well  furnished  with  beautiful   fruit. 
The    berries   of    the    Holly,   both    yellow    and    red,    Cotoueasters, 
Pernettyas,  and  Skimmias  are  also  very  ornamental.     Tha   Andro. 
medas    are  showing    their    flower.bnds,    but    the    most    exquisite 
of  all  hardy  plants  in  bloom  at  present  are  the  various  foruis  of  the 
Wild  Heather  and  Irish  Heaths.     Now  is  a  good  season  for  trans- 
planting evergreens,  with,  perhaps,  the  exception  of  Hollies,  conse- 
quently where  it  is  possible  to  move  them  now  it  should  be  done. 
For  Rhododendrons,   Kalmias,  and  other  peat-loving  plants,   make 
roomy  holes,  and  incorporate  with  the  natural  soil  (if  not  peaty)  the 
refuse  peat  from  the  potting  bench,  and  also  some  decayed  manure. 
In  planting,  carefully  spread  out  the  roots,  make  the  soil  pretty  firm, 
and  give  it  a  good  watering  to  settle  it.     Transplant  or  prick  out 
one  and  two-year  old  seedling  Rhododendrons  in  nursery  lines  in 
beds,  and  stick  some  fresh  Fern  fronds  amongst  them,  so  as  to  shade 
them.     Make  cuttings  of  Laurels,  Ivies,  Euonymuses,  &c.,  and  insert 
them  in  well-sheltered  borders.     Layer  the   young  shoots  of  ever- 
greens where  it  is  desirable  to  increase  the  stock  of  them,  and  place 
a  little  prepared  soil,  consisting  of  leaf-soil,  peat,  loam,  and  sand, 
around  the  incision  or  portion  placed  in  the  soil.     The  layers  of 
deciduous  trees  and  shrubs  may  be  cut   asunder  from    the  parent 
stocks,  but  they  must  not  otherwise  be  disturbed  until  the  fall  of 
the  leaf,  when  they  may  be  lifted  and  transplanted.     Conifers,  with 
care,  may  be  removed  at  almost  any  season  of  the  year,  but  just  as 
their  buds  are  swelling  into  growth  in  spring  is  the  right  time  to 
remove  them.     Now,  however,  is  the  right  time  to  propagate  them 
from  cuttings  and  by  grafting.     It  is  only  necessary  to  increase  the 
finest  kinds  in  this  fashion,  for  Pinuses,  Piceas,  Abies,  and  some 
others,  as  a  rule,  come  so  freely  from  seed  that  it  is  unnecessary  to 
have  recourse  to  any  other  method.     For  the  perpetuation  of  sports 
and  finely -variegated  forms  of  Gupressus,  Retinosporas,  Juniperuses, 
&c.,  grafting  is  the  safest  mode  of  procedure,  and  it  is  the  readiest 
one  by  which  slow-growing  plants  may  be  raised  in  quantity.     For 
instance,  many  Retinosporas  take  a  considerable  time  to  make  strong 
plants  from  cuttings,  whereas  by  means  of  grafting  on  good  stocks, 
vigoi'ous  healthy  plants  may  be  obtained  in  twelve  months.     Select 
for  cuttings  good  thinnings  from  the  side  shoots,  about  5   inches 
long,  and  prick  them  in  pretty  thickly  in  6-inch  pots,  half  filled  with 
drainage,  on  which  is  put  some  peaty  soil,  surfaced  with  sand.     Place 
the  pots  containing  the  cuttings   in  a  cold  frame  for  a  time,  and 
closely  shade  them.     Thus  circumstanced,  they  soon  callus,  whilst 
if  inserted  at  once  in  a  little  heat  in  a  close  frame  rot  would  certainly 
destroy  a  considerable  portion  of  them.     Before  grafting  see  that  I 


the  stocks  are  well  established  and  healthy,  for  on  that  more  than 
upon  any  other  thing  depends  success  in  the  operation ;  and,  if 
possible,  have  them  in  comparatively  small  pots,  so  that  a  shift  after 
the  scions  have  taken  may  act  advantageously.  Side-grafting  in 
the  case  of  Conifers,  as  well  as  in  that  of  Camellias  and  most  hard- 
wooded  plants,  is  the  best  method  to  pursue;  it  may  be  effected  by 
making  a  slip  along  the  side  of  the  stock  for  about  half-an.inch,  at 
the  root  end  of  which  should  be  left  a  niche,  so  as  to  prevent  the 
scion  from  slipping  downwards.  The  scion  must  be  cut  as  near  as 
possible  to  fit  this  incision,  which  should  be  made  more  to  suit  the 
scion  than  the  scion  to  suit  it.  Secure  the  scion  to  the  stock  by 
means  of  soft  bast  or  worsted,  and  leave  the  stock  untopped  till 
spring,  or  as  soon  afterwards  as  the  scion  is  able  itself  to  utilise  the 
sap  furnished  by  the  roots.  When  all  has  been  finished,  place  the 
grafted  plants  in  close  frames  inside  pits  or  other  frames,  where  the 
temperature  will  not  fall  below  42"  or  4.5°  during  any  part  of  the 
winter.  They  must  be  closely  shaded,  and  if  the  stocks  are  too  tall 
to  stand  erect  in  the  frames,  they  may  be  placed  in  a  slanting 
direction,  so  as  to  fit  the  frame,  but  in  all  cases  care  must  be  taken 
that  wet  does  not  lodge  about  the  union  of  the  scion  and  stock, 
otherwise  damping  off  would  certainly  be  the  result.  Auoubas  may 
now  be  rapidly  increased  by  means  of  cuttings  made  of  the  half, 
ripened  wood,  in  a  close  pit  or  partly-heated  frame.  They  also 
strike  freely  in  an  intermediate  house  in  cocoa-nut  fibre,  in  which 
has  been  mixed  some  silver  saud.  If  put  in  thickly,  after  they  become 
rooted,  they  should  be  lifted,  and  planted  in  boxes  or  pots.  Japanese 
Maples  that  were  layered  indoors  may  have  the  layered  branches 
removed  and  potted,  but  do  not  iutefere  with  those  outside  until  next 
month,  unless  their  branches  were  formerly  separated,  and  they  can 
now  be  lifted  with  good  roots.  Layers  of  Clematises  should  also  be 
separated,  and  the  summer-struck  cuttings  and  spring-grafted  plants 
potted  as  they  require  it.  If  there  is  a  young  stock  of  Conifers, 
Rhododendrons,  Aucubas,  and  other  hardy  plants  yet  in  pots  in  the 
pits  or  frames,  expose  them  as  much  as  is  advisable,  but  do  not  plant 
them  out  until  spring,  as  they  would  be  liable  to  suffer  in  winter. 
Pot-nursed  plants  are  always  best  transplanted  in  spring. 


THE   KITCHEN   GARDEN. 
Prick  out  Cabbage  plants  a  few  inches  apart  each  way,  on  moderately 
light  soil.     Plant  out  the  strongest  12  or  15  inches  apart,  where  space 
can  be  spared  for  them.     Any  piece  of   ground   that  has  just  been 
trenched  and  ridged — such  as  Potato  ground,  or  that  lately  occupied 
by  Strawberries,   French  Beans,  Onions,  or  other  crops — makes  an 
excellent  home  for  Cabbages,  because  the  plants  may  be  planted  along 
both  sides  of  the  ridges,  from  which  they  get  considerable  protection. 
Sow  Cauliflower  seeds  at  once  in  a  warm  situation  in  the  open  air,  if 
not  already  done,  and  prick  them  into  frames    when    hard    frost  is 
likely  to  set  in.     Where  the  locality  is  cold  and  the  sowing  has  been 
delayed,  it  is  better  to  sow  at  once  in  light  .soil  in  frames.     Indeed, 
some  prefer  sowing  in  frames  to  sowing  out  of  doors  and  afterwards 
pricking  the  seedlings   into  frames.     If   such  be  the  case,  the  last 
week  in  September  and  the  first  week  in  October  is  the  right  time  to 
do  it ;  and,  if  a  foot  deep  of  leaves  be  firmly  pressed  under  the  frames, 
so  as  to  give  a  very  little  bottom-heat,  it  will  be  found  highly  bene- 
ficial to  the  seedlings.     Dryness  of  the  surface  is  the  great  secret  of 
wintering  Cauliflowers  in  frames  successfully ;  therefore,  always  have 
a  good  store  of  dry  dust  and  wood-ashes  at  hand  for  strewing  amongst 
the  plants  in  dull,  wet,  or  foggy  weather.     Earth  up  Celery  as  the 
plants  require  it,  and  plant  out  some  for  a  late   supply.     Earth  up 
Leeks  to  give  them  long  blanched   necks,  and  transplant  some  more 
for  spring  use.     Earth  up  the  strongest  Cardoons  in  fine  dry  weather, 
after  tying  the  leaves  together  with  hay   or  straw  bands ;  they  are 
generally  fit  for  use  about  three   weeks   after  being  tied  up.     Use 
every  means  to  ripen  out-door  Tomatoes.     Placing  lights  in  front  of 
them  is  of  great  assistance  in  causing  them  to  colour  well  ;  but,  if 
such   appliances   cannot  be   resorted    to,    and   there   is  little  pro- 
bability    of  their   ripening   on    the    plants,  remove  them  as    they 
become     fully     swelled,     and     place     them     in     a     frame     close 
to    the    glass.       Vegetable     Marrow     plants,     with    a   little     care 
and  pruning,   might   be  kept   in  good   bearing  condition  for  some 
time  yet,  provided  they  have  escaped  mildew.     It  is  almost  useless 
to  keep  Cucumbers  longer  in  frames  that   are  neither  heated  with 
hot-linings  nor  hot-water.     Have  a  good  succession  of  French  Beans 
in  frames,  and  modify  their  growth  by  more  or  less  heat  to  suit  the 
time  when  they  are  required  for  use.     Plant  out  Lettuces  as  oppor- 
tunity occurs,  and  also  Endive  upon  dry  banks  and  other  favourable 
places.     Tie  up  the  furthest  advanced  plants  of  Endive  with  matting 
so  as  to  blanch  them  and   make  them  crisp  and  good  before  they 
are  used  ;  and  lift  a  few  plants  and  place  them  in  frames  some  time 
before  they  are  required  for  use.     Harvest   as  speedily  as  possible 
any  Onions  still  in  the  ground,  and  tie  them  up  into  bundles  to  hang 
on  nails  or  pegs  in  the  fruit  room  or  shed,  in  preference  to  permitting 


246 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  20, 1873. 


them  to  lie  about  the  ground.  Weed  August-sown  Onions,  and  scatter 
over  the  surface  of  the  ground  some  sifted  wood-ashes,  dry  soil,  lime- 
rubbish,  or  soot.  Sow  Chervil,  Mustard,  Cress,  and  Rape  on  a  warm 
border,  and  also  some  Spinach  for  spring  use.  Make  another  sowing 
of  Radish  in  the  open  air  if  necessary,  and  about  the  end  of  the 
month  make  the  first  sowing  in  frames.  Lift  a  few  Chicory  roots 
and  place  them  in  the  Mushroom-house.  In  order  to  perpetuate  the 
fruiting  of  Scarlet  Runners  and  French  Beans,  pick  off  every  service- 
able pod,  and  rather  than  leave  a  few  pods  for  seeds  on  each  plant 
permit  a  few  plants  to  be  exclusively  set  apart  for  that  purpose. 
Treat  Peas  in  the  same  manner.  Never  allow  vegetable  crops  to 
encumber  the  ground  after  they  have  become  useless ;  on  the  con- 
trary, clear  them  off  at  once,  heavily  manure  the  ground,  and 
trench  and  ridge  it.  Save  all  stakes  for  next  year,  and  convey  all 
refuse  vegetables  to  the  rubbish  heap. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 
The  heavy  rains  which  have  fallen  have  been  very  destructive  in 
this  department.  Lift  any  tender  plants  that  can  be  spared  from 
amongst  the  others,  pot  them,  and  place  them  in  close  frames,  so  as 
to  have  them  established  before  winter  sets  in.  Propagate  Pelar- 
goniums in  close  frames  or  greenhouses,  and  begin  the  increasing  of 
Calceolarias  and  Gazanias.  Any  isolated  specimens  of  sub-tropical 
perennial  plants,  such  as  Palms,  Zamias,  and  Dracaenas,  should  be 
housed  before  there  is  danger  of  their  being  injured  by  frost.  Plant 
bulbs  of  all  spring-blooming  plants  in  borders  or  other  available 
places,  and  reserve  sufficient  bulbs  to  fill  the  flower-beds  when  the 
bedding  plants  are  removed.  In  trausplanting  Lilies  of  different 
sorts  a  good  mixture  of  rotten  manure  should  be  added  to  the  soil, 
and  the  bulbs  should  be  placed  in  situations  in  which  there  would 
be  little  probability  of  their  being  disturbed  for  two  or  three 
years. 

Conservatories. — A  good  succession  of  blooming  plants  at  this 
season  is  a  difficult  matter,  and  therefore  we  should  endeavour  to 
maintain  as  much  leaf-beauty  as  possible.  Berry-bearing  plants, 
such  as  Skiramias  and  Solanums,  are  also  very  ornamental,  as  are 
likewise  Lapagerias  and  Passifloras,  amongst  flowering  plants. 
Lift  Solanums  from  the  open  ground,  and  place  them  in  frames  for 
a  time.  Take  Aucubas  indoors,  so  as  to  induce  their  berries  to 
ripen,  and  encourage  the  growth  of  a  few  of  the  strongest  Cyclamens 
by  keeping  them  near  the  glass  in  houses  or  pits  that  are  heated  a 
little,  and  where  they  can  have  plenty  of  ventilation.  Take  care  to 
keep  up  a  good  succession  of  Balsams,  Cockscombs  and  other 
Celosias,  Primulas,  Globe  Amaranths,  Fuchsias,  Mignonette,  double, 
flowering  Pelargoniums,  Statices,  and  a  few  other  similar  plants. 
Gradually  dry  off  Lilies  in  pots,  also  Clerodendrons  of  the  Kjempferi 
section.  Daturas,  &c.  Caladiums  must  be  kept  in  good  condition  as 
long  as  possible ;  as  soon  as  they  begin  to  decay  they  should  be 
stored  away  in  a  dry  place  in  order  to  ripen  their  bulbs.  Gloxinias 
should  also  be  placed  on  dry  shelves,  and  young  plants  of  them 
raised  from  leaves,  if  large  enough,  should  be  potted  singly.  Achi- 
meneses  in  suspended  baskets  require  a  thorough  overhanliug  abont 
this  season,  so  as  to  prolong  their  season  of  blooming.  Remove  all 
decayed  leaves  and  flowers,  and  thin  out  some  of  the  shoots. 
Encourage  the  growth  of  Aphelandra  Roezlii,  Poinsettias,  and 
Euphorbias,  bearing  in  mind  that  short  stubby  growths  are  better 
than  long  weakly  shoots.  Take  indoors  the  majority  of  plants  placed 
outside,  such  as  Heaths,  Epacrises,  and  hard-wooded  plants  in 
general.  Wash  the  pots,  and  syringe  the  plants  clean  before 
housing  them,  and,  in  the  event  of  mildew  making  its  appearance, 
apply  sulphur  freely  in  order  to  counteract  its  progress.  Well-rooted 
cuttings  of  hard-wooded  plants  may  be  potted  off  at  once  if  there  is 
convenience,  to  get  them  established  before  winter ;  but,  if  not,  defer 
the  operation  until  spring,  when  they  may  be  potted  off  singly  and 
grown  on  in  a  gently-heated  frame. 


A   New    Poison    (Strophanthus    hispidus).— There    has 

lately  been  discovered  a  poison  called  "  inoea,"  which  is  said  to  be 
more  subtle  than  digitaline.  It  is  obtained  by  pressure  from  the  seeds 
of  Strophanthus  hispidus,  an  apooynaceous  plant  found  in  Gaboon  ; 
and  from  experiments  made  with  samples  of  it,  taken  from  arrows 
upon  which  the  natives  place  it,  it  appears  that  it  acts  more  power- 
fully than  digitaline  or  antiarine,  and  quickly  paralyses  the  heart. 
Three  milUgrammes  kill  a  frog,  a  sparrow,  or  a  dog,  though  the 
resistance  of  certain  animals  varies  :  a  snail,  for  iastance,  requires 
five  milligrammes  ;  a  mouse  has  withstood  three  milligrammes  of  the 
extract  (obtained  by  macerating  the  seeds  in  alcohol)  ;  while  this 
latter  dose  kills  a  dog,  nearly  a  thousand  times  heavier  than  the 
mouse.  The  heart  comes  to  a  complete  standstill  after  a  few 
irregular  efforts. — The  Druggist. 


SOCIETIES,    EXHIBITIONS,    &c. 

ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL   SOCIETY, 

Septembek  17th. 

Notwithstanding  the  frequent  heavy  rains  which  we  have  had,  this 
meeting  was  more  successful  than  could  have  been  anticipated, both  fruits 
and  flowers  being  furnished  in  tolerable  abundance,  though  not  nearly 
so  profusely  in  the  competition  classes  as  in  those  devoted  to  miscel- 
laneous subiects. 

Plants,  Cut  Flowers,  &c.— In  the  class  of  a  dozen  blooms  of 
Zinnias,  ilr.  C.  Osman,  South  Metropolitan  Schools,  Surrey,  was  first 
with  fine  well-coloured  blooms  ;  but  the  other  exhibits  in  this  class  were 
not  particularly  remarkable.  There  was  a  class  for  Stocks,  but  the  two 
which  competed  were  of  inferior  quality.  In  the  class  of  a  dozen  spikes 
of  Pentstemons,  Mr.  B.  Porter,  Syon  Lodge,  was  second,  no  first  prize 
being  awarded.  Helichrysums,  too,  were  only  moderately  good;  and 
there  was  no.  competition  in  the  class  devoted  to  Celosias.  For  six 
Begonias  in  flower  there  was  no  competition ;  but  for  six  of  the  same 
kind  of  plants  in  the  fine-foliaged  section,  Mr.  Walker,  Gunnersbary 
House,  was  first  with  The  O'Donoghue,  Rollissonii,  Rex,  Manoel 
de  Silva  Brusky,  Princess  Charlotte,  and  MarshalUi;  while  Mr.  T. 
Farrow,  Brigadier  Hill  House,  Enfield,  was  second  in  the  competition. 
The  most  attractive  feature  of  the  meeting  was,  probably,  a  dozen 
specimens  of  Tea-scented  Roses,  in  pots,  which  were  exhibited  by  Mr. 
William  Paul,  Waltham  Cross,  in  excellent  condition.  The  blooms  were 
abundant  and  good,  and  the  foliage  clean  and  healthy.  The  varieties 
were  President,  Unique,  Madame  Hippolyte  Jamain,  Monsieui-  Furtado, 
Marie  Van  Houtte,  Madame  Jules  Margottin,  Souvenir  d'Elise  Vardon, 
Jean  Pernet,  and  Catherine  Mermet.  In  addition  to  these,  Mr.  Paul 
exhibited  a  miscellaneous  collection  of  cut  blooms  of  Hybrid  Perpetual 
and  Tea-scented  Roses,  all  of  the  greatest  possible  excellence.  Amongst 
I  the  Hybrid  Perpetnals  the  following  were  the  finest,  viz. : — Duke  of 
i  Edinburgh,  Dupuy-Jamain,  General  Jacqueminot,  Marie  Baumann,  Paul 
I  Neron,  Mademoiselle  Annie  Wood,  Alfred  Colomb,  Senateur  Vaisse, 
\  Baroness  Rothschild,  Louis  Van  Houtte,  and  Marquise  de  Castellane. 
I  Conspicuous  amongst  the  Tea-scented  varieties  were  President,  Belle 
Lyonnaise,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  Souvenir  d'tin  Ami,  and  Alba  rosea.  Mr. 
Paul  also  showed  a  collection  af  extremely  pretty  and  brilliantly -coloured 
Zonal  Pelargonium  blooms;  and  a  stand  of  Gladioli.  From  Messrs. 
Yeitch  and  Sons,  Chelsea,  came  a  collection  of  Hardy  Heaths  in  flower; 
also  Menziesias,  and  plants  of  Pernettya  Mucronata  thickly  covered  with 
berries.  The  Heaths  consisted  of  Erica  vulgaris,  with  white  and  yellow 
variegated  leaves,  the  double-flowered  variety  of  the  same,  a  beautiful 
carmine-coloured  variety  called  Alportii,  and  a  white-bloomed  sort. 
There  were  also  E.  vulgaris  rigida,  and  a  showy  white  variety  called 
E.  tenuifolia  alba.  The  same  firm  also  showed  some  plants  of  Celosia 
Huttonii,  lifted  from  the  open  ground  in  order  to  exhibit  the 
dense  habit  and  the  crimson  colouring  possessed  by  this  valuable  plant. 
They  also  furnished  the  curious  Blumenbergia  coronata  lifted  from  the 
open  ground ;  a  new  Masdevallia,  called  maculata,  but  not  so  brightly 
coloured  as  some  of  its  congeners  ;  and  also  a  new  Maranta,  called  hiero- 
glyphica,  a  very  pre1:ty  and  ornamental  kind.  Mr.  Wm.  Bull,  of  Chelsea, 
showed  a  nice  plant  of  the  true  Cocoa-nut  Palm  ;  and  pretty  plants  of 
Welfia  regia  and  D^monorops  fissus  ;  also  a  large  specimen  of  Dracsena 
Shepherdii.  The  same  exhibitors  likewise  showed  a  specimen  of  Nidu- 
iarium  ignescens  in  flower,  and  shomng  the  bright  magenta  colouring  of 
the  central  leaves ;  a  pretty  little  example  of  Pourretia  brevifoha,  a 
Bromeliaceous  plant,  compact  in  habit,  and  having  arched  leaves  and 
pinkish -violet  flowers  with  conspicuous  yellow  stam'ens  ;  also  some  hybrid 
Begonias,  remarkable  for  the  size  and  brilliancy  of  their  flowers  ;  indeed, 
one  called  ignca  vied  in  deep  scarlet  with  anything  we  have  yet  seen  in 
that  way,  and  it  had  the  peculiar  property  of  producing  male  flowers 
only.  Mr.  B.  S.  Williams,  Upper  Holloway,  exhibited  a  miscellaneous 
collection  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  and  Orchids.  Among  them 
were  excellent  plants  of  Cocos  Weddeliana,  Dracrena  regina,  Phormium 
Colensoi  variegata,  Dcemonorops,  periacanthus,  and  others.  The  Orchids 
comprised  some  good  blooming  plants  of  Odontoglossum  grande,  LseHa 
elegans,  Cattleya  crispa  and  \-iolacea,  Dendrobium  McCarthias,  Oncidium 
dasystyle,  and  cucullatum,  Sophronites  grandiflora,  Vanda  tricolor,  Sacco- 
labium  Blumei  majus  and  several  Anaictochiluses.  A  cultural  com- 
mendation was  awarded  to  Mr.  J.  W.  Wimsett,  Ashburnham  Park 
Nurseries,  for  excellent  specimens  of  Dracaenas  Shepherdii,  Fraseri 
stricta,  Mooreana,  excelsa  omata,  magnifica,  and  metallica.  Mr.  C.  Turner, 
Slough,  exhibited  a  fine  collection  of  large  flowered  self  and  fancy 
flowered  Dahlias;  also  clusters  of  bloom  of  the  Pompone  varieties. 
Amongst  the  newer  varieties  of  Mr.  Turner's  Dahlias  were  Arbitrator, 
bufl"  or  fawn  coloured,  suffused  vnth.  purple  and  yellow  at  the  base  of  the 
petals ;  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  a  deep  yellow  ;  Florence  Pontin,  pure  white 
ground  and  crimson -tipped  petals  ;  Mrs.  Fordham,  French  white,  tipped 
with  soft  purple ;  Herbert  Turner,  French  white  tinged  with  lilac  (fine) ; 
Miss  Bateman,  yellow,  suffused  with  red ;  and  Prince  Arthur,  a  beautiful 
clear  yellow  flower.  Amongst  the  others  were  Annie  Neville,  white ; 
Chairman,  yeUowish-buff ;  Charles  Turner,  yellow,  tipped  with  crimson  ; 
Earl  of  Pembroke,  claret ;  Fair  Imogene,  white,  faintly  suffused  vrith 
lavender;  Flag  of  Truce,  white;  Harriett  Tetterill,  blush,  margined  with 
dark  purple ;  James  Cocker,  purple  (fine)  ;  John  Standish,  bright  red 
(splendid);  Julia  Wyatt,  creamy  white;  King  of  Primroses,  primrose; 
Lady  G.  Herbert,  white,  edged  with  crimson  ;  Maid  of  Essex,  pale  ground, 
tipped  with  rosy-purple  ;  Marchioness  of  Lome,  orange ;  Memorial,  pale 
rose;  Toison  d'Or,  a  splendid  yellow i  Vice  President,  orange;  W.  P. 


Sept.  20,  1873.] 


"SnE  GARDEN. 


24? 


Laird,  lilac  ;  and  Yellow  Standard,  yellow.  Amongst  the  fancies,  whicli  are 
a  peculiarly  pretty  class,  were  Rev.  J.  B.  Camra,  Dolly  Varden,  Ai*-.trac- 
tiou,  Fanny  Stuart,  Flossie  Williams,  Galatea,  Lady  Stokes,  Grand 
Sultan,  Mrs.  Saunders  (tlio  finest  of  its  class),  Monarch,  Pauline,  Polly 
Perkins,  Prince  Puma,  and  Richard  Dean.  In  the  group  of  bouquet  or 
Pompone  Dahlias,  shown  be  the  same  exhibitor,  were  Little  Fairy,  Baby 
Waite,  White  Aster,  German  Favourite,  Burning  Coal.  Butterfly,  Fire- 
ball, Emotion,  Prince  of  Prussia,  Little  Beauty,  Lightning,  Northlighfc, 
aud  Prince  of  Liliputians.  Mr.  J.  Keynes,  Salisbury,  showed  blooms  of 
some  of  his  last  year's  Dahlias,  and  also  several  good  seedlings  of  this 
year.  Amongst  the  best  of  last  year's  blooms  were  Egyptian  Prince, 
Walter  Bead,  Cremorne,  Thomas  Goodwin,  Miss  Turner,  Rev.  Mr.  Camm, 
"W.  Newman,  Ada  Tiflin,  Mr.  Sinclair,  Emily  Williams,  J.  Service,  Ne 
Plus  Ultra,  Harlequin,  and  Thos.  White.  From  Mr.  Geo.  Prince,  of 
Oxford,  came  a  large  collection  of  very  fine  blooms  of  Roses,  which, 
notwithstanding  the  late  rains,  were  extremely  fresh  and  brightly 
coloured.  They  were  from  plants  "  worked  "  on  his  seedling  briar  stocks. 
Some  remarkably  tine  French  Marigolds  were  shown  by  Mr.  J.  C.  Crussell, 
Safron  Walden;  and  some  very  dwarf  habited  plants  of  the  same,  with- 
splendid  flowers,  were  shown  by  Mr.  R.  Dean,  Ealing.  Mr.  Crussell  also 
exhibited  a  collection  of  remarkably  large  blooms  of  African  Marigolds. 
From  the  society's  gardens,  Chiswick,  came  a  collection  of  white,  pink, 
and  salmon. flowered  Pelargoniums,  also  several  plants  of  Zinnia 
Haageana  fl.  pi.,  the  blooms  of  which  were  very  double,  and  the  habit  of 
the  plants  dwarf  and  branchy.  Prom  Messrs.  W.  Hender  and  Son, 
Plymouth,  came  a  spike  of  Amarantus  Henderii,  the  points  of  its  branches 
being  very  brilliantly  coloured.  From  Messrs.  J.  Standish  and  Co.  came 
pretty  little  plants  of  Cupressus  nootkatensis  variegata  alba  and  Biota 
elegantissima,  and  a  good  specimen  of  Laiix  leptolepis.  Messrs.  Osborn 
and  Sons  exhibited,  among  other  things,  plants  of  Salix  crispa,  or  the 
Ringlet -leaved  Willow ;  S.  americana  pendula,  with  long  pendent  branches 
and  narrow  leaves  ;  S.  capriea  pendula,  or  Kilmarnock  Weeping  Willow ; 
and  a  species  of  Willow  called  Osborn's  Weeping,  which  appears  to  be 
naturally  of  a  creeping  rather  than  of  a  weeping  character  ;  but  grafted, 
as  it  was  in  this  instance,  as  a  tall  standard,  its  branches  hung  down  most 
gi-acefully.  The  same  firm  also  showed  a  vigorous  plant  of  Quercus  rubra, 
or  Champion  Oak,  with  beautifully  red-veined  leaves,  15  inches  long  and 
7  inches  wide  ;  and  a  specimen  of  Q.  pedunculata  concordia,  which,  though 
only  grafted  last  spring,  has  made  a  growth  some  -1  feet  in  length,  the 
leaves  being  of  a  bright-yellow  colour.  In  this  collection,  too,  were  shown 
the  Platanus  acenfolia  pyramidalis,  or  London  Pyi*amidal  Plane ;  the 
Acer  platanoides  dissectum,  wjth  nicely-cut  leaves  ;  A.  platanoides,  a  tree 
of  a  straight  erect  habit;  and  the  true  Acer  rubrum,  the  red-tipped 
shoots  of  which  appear  so  conspicuous  when  mixed  amongst  those  of 
other  plants.  Amongst  fastigiated  trees  was  a  specimen  of  Taxodium  dis- 
tichum  fastigiatum,  as  straight  as  an  Irish  Yew,  and  Betula  alba  fastigiata, 
an  erect  and  handsome  tree.  The  Messrs.  Osborn  also  showed  a  plant  of 
SaUsbui-ia  adiantifoha  laciniata,  which  was  grafted  last  spring,  and  which 
has  now  a  branched  shoot  nearly  3  feet  in  length  ;  branches  of  the 
Xanthoxylon  piperitum,  with  clusters  of  green  fruit ;  various  forms  of 
Rhus  glabra,  one  variety  (R.  g.  laciniata)  being,  when  in  a  young  state, 
an  admirable  subject  for  sub-tropical  gardens,  as  is  also  the  Tamarix, 
which  was  like-wise  exhibited.  In  addition  to  these,  the  same  firm  showed 
various  variegated -leaved  plants,  such  as  Ulraus  campestris  aurea,  U.  c. 
viminalis  variegata,  and  the  variegated  forms  of  Populus  candicans, 
Cornus  sibirica,  Cerasus  Mahaleb,  Catalpa  syring^efolia,  and  others;  also 
branches  of  various  kinds  of  Crataegus,  in  fruit. 

Fruit.—For  a  collection  of  Tomatoes,  Mr.  W.  G.  Pragnell,  Sherborne 
Castle,  Dorset,  was  first  with  some  very  fine  fruits  of  the  large-fruited 
Orangefield,  Earley's  Defiance,  Hathaway's  Excelsior,  Sim's  Mammoth, 
the  Pear-shaped,  red  and  yellow  Cherry-fruited,  Currant,  Grape,  and 
others.  Mr.  Pragnell  was  also  first  for  a  collection  of  Vegetable  Marrows. 
There  was  a  good  competition  in  the  class  of  early  Pears,  and  Mr.  J,  M. 
Moorman,  Coombe  Bank,  Kingston-on-Thames,  was  first  with  Williams's 
Bon  Chretien,  and  Mr.  J.  Woodbridge,  Syon  House,  second  with  Jersey 
Gratioli.  Amongst  the  best  of  the  other  Pears  were  Hampden's 
Bergamot,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  and  Marie  Louise,  but  Williams's  Bon 
Chretien  was  the  best.  Of  Apples,  too,  there  were  several  fine  dishes, 
and  Mr.  Woodbridge  was  first  with  Kerry  Pippins,  and  Mr.  Douglas,  of 
Loxford  Hall,  second  with  Reinette  Jaune  Hative.  Amongst  the  other 
dessert  Apples  exhibited  were  Ribston  Pippins,  Blenheim  Pippins,  Cox's 
Orange  Pippins,  King  of  the  Pippins,  and  Devonshire  Quan-endens. 
Mr.  Douglas  exhibited  some  fine  Lord  Palmerston  Peaches,  grown  in 
pots  in  the  orchard  house ;  and  some  Pine-apple  Peaches,  grown  on  theopen 
wall,  were  shown  by  Mr.  Moorman.  Abasketof  fruits,  consisting  of  Grapes, 
Plums,  and  Pears,  was  sho^vn  by  Mr.  W.  Coles,  Twickenham;  and  a  collec- 
tion of  finiit,  consisting  of  many  sorts  of  Apples,  extremely  fine  outdoor 
Peaches  and  Plums.  Mr.  J.  Gardiner,  Lower  Eatington  Park,  Stratford- 
on-Avon,  showed  some  Fah-y  Apples  on  the  branches  ;  and  Mr.  Sadler, 
Wandsworth  Lodge,  Tooting,  furnished  remarkably  fine  Emperor  Apples. 
Mr.  Williams,  Holloway,  showed  a  seedling  Apple,  called  WilUams' 
Eclipse.  Mr.  Walker,  DultenPark,  Leeds,  exhibited  a  green-fleshed  Melon, 
called  Walker's  SeedUng ;  Mr.  Gilbert,  Burghley,  sent  a  scarlet-fleshed 
sort,  as  did  also  Mr.  Westcott,  of  Raby  Castle,  and  Mr.  Sadler.  Some 
large  seedling  Apples  were  shown  by  Mr.  Westland,  Witley  Court ;  and 
two  dishes  of  Pears  by  Mr.  F.  Dancer,  Chiswick.  From  the  society's 
gardens  at  Chiswick  came  Beurre  Amaulis  Panache,  and  Louise  Bonne 
of  Jersey  Panache  Pears,  also  a  dish  of  Muscat  Champion  and  Madres- 
field  Court  Grapes.  Mr.  G.  F.  Wilson,  Weybridge,  showed  a  dish  of 
Early  Ascot  Frontignan  Grapes  that  were  ripe  a  month  ago  in  a  cool 
orchard  house.  Mr.  A.  Smee  showed  a  dish  of  Gravenstein  Apples ;  and 
Mr.  Donaldson,   South    Hall,  Middlesex,    showed    a    twin    Telegraph 


Cucumber.  Mr.  R.  Dean  showed  a  fine  collection  of  Potatoes,  prin- 
cipally Mr.  Fenn's  varieties ;  and  also  some  largo  samples  of  Hathaway's 
Excelsior  Tomatoes. 

First-class  Certificates-— These  were  awarded  to  the  following : — 

Actiuiopteris  radiata  (Veitch),  a  gem  amongst  dwarf  Forns. 

Nephrolepis  davallioides  furcata  (Veitch),  a  medium  growing  Fern  with 
crested  pinnas ;  a  very  desirable  kind. 

Aljutilon  Sellowianum  marmoratum  (Vcitcb),  a  very  robust  plant,  with 
leaves  most  peculiarly  coloured  with  creamy  blotches. 

Nepenthes  Chelsonii  (Veitch),  a  handsome  plant  witli  strong  pendant  leaves, 
bearing  large  pitchers.  This  plant  is  a  hybrid  between  N.  Hookerli  and 
Dominiana, 

Odontoglossura  Roezlii  (Bull),  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  Odontoglossums  in 
the  way  of  O.  Phalfeonopsis  or  Vexillarium.  The  flowers  are  large  and  pure 
white,  with  lemon  markings  on  the  base  of  the  lip,  and  a  purplish  spot  at  the 
biise  of  the  two  side  sepals. 

Phillanthus  uivosus  (Bull),  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  tender  shrubs  with 
the  points  of  the  shoots  much  variegated  with  white,  and  shaded  a  little  with 
pink.    A  native  of  the  South.  Sea  Islands. 

DahMa  Parrot  (Keynes),  a  large  flowered  fancy  sort,  the  ground  colour 
being  yellow,  and  striped  and  mottled  with  rosj-purple. 

Dahlia  Mrs.  Stancombe  (Keynes),  canary  yellow,  with  the  edges  of  the 
petals  faintly  shaded  with  violet. 

Dahlia  Letty  Coles  (Keynes),  a  deep  lilac  ground,  flaked  with  purple. 

Dahlia  Mrs.  Lewington  (Keynes),  a  fine  self-coloured  rosy-lilac  flower. 

Dahlia  White  Queen  (Wheeler),  a  fine  pure  white  flower. 

Dahlia  Emma  (Turner),  a  large  flowered  lilac-bloomed  sort,  the  under-lip  of 
the  petals  being  the  darkest  coloured. 


THE    MANCHESTER    EXHIBITION". 

{Concluded  from  p.  225.) 
HOUSES,  BOILERS,  ETC. 

Cowan's  Compensating  System  of  Heating. — Situated  at 
the  back  of  the  conservatories,  and  near  the  herbaceous  grounds  in  the 
gardens,  was  erected  Cowan's  Ume-kiln,  in  full  working  order,  and  heating 
1,000  feet  of  4-inch  pipes.  The  boiler,  a  true  saddle  one,  was  fixed  in 
brickwork,  and  the  pit  of  the  stokehole  was  only  5  feet  deep,  so  that  no 
great  objections  could  be  raised  against  this  system,  as  requiring  a  great 
depth  of  drainage  to  have  it  in  good  working  order.  Mr.  Cowan  had 
brought  a  boiler  purposely  made  to  suit  a  much  less  depth  of  stokehole 
than  that  already  mentioned,  and  which,  unfortunately,  arrived  too  late  for 
timely  erection.  It  was,  however,  on  exhibition  alongside  of  the  one  in 
operation,  and  seemed  well  adapted  for  the  purpose  required.  By  the 
boiler  at  work  a  very  steady  heat  was  maintained  with  scarcely  any  trouble 
in  firing,  and  the  lime  produced  was  of  first-rate  quality.  The  limestone 
is  broken  into  pieces  about  the  size  of  half -bricks,  and  fed  at  the  top, 
and  the  Ume  is  taken  out  at  the  bottom  ;  indeed,  the  whole  system  is  one 
of  the  greatest  simplicity  and  ingenuity,  and  will  prove  of  the  utmost 
importance  in  limestone  districts.  It  requires  no  skilled  workman  to 
attend  to  it,  for  any  labourer  or  boy  can  manage  it  quite  as  easUy,  if  not 
more  so,  than  an  ordinary  coal-burning  furnace.  The  council  were  pleased 
to  award  a  silver  medal  to  Mr.  Cowan,  the  inventor. 

Glass  Structures. — Messrs.  T.  H.  P.  Dennis  &  Co.,  Chelmsford, 
showed  several  examples  of  their  greenhouses  and  frames,  all  of  which 
were  remarkable  for  strong  but  Ught  construction.  Their  amateur's 
house  is  a  wooden  structure,  10  feet  long  and  5  feet  wide,  with  a  front 
stage  about  29  inches  in  depth.  This  little  house,  when  complete,  only 
costs  £6,  and  is  remarkably  well  suited  for  the  growth  of  Pelargoniums, 
Fuchsias,  and  other  favourite  plants  of  that  kind.  The  same  firm  also 
showed  a  greenhouse,  18  feet  by  12  feet,  so  arranged  that  it  could  be 
taken  to  pieces  and  transferred  to  any  other  site.  Mr.  Perry,  Banbury,  was 
the  winner  of  the  medal  for  the  best  system  of  ventilating.  The  hou^e 
ventilated,  according  to  his  plan,  was  a  curvilinear  structure,  25  feet  in 
length  by  14  feet  in  breadth.  The  ribs  and  runners  were  of  wood,  and 
the  glass  was  fixed  in  its  place  by  cathedral  lead  uprights,  fastened  by 
brass  screws  ;  and  the  ventilation  was  performed  by  means  of  the  double 
chain,  lever,  and  quadra.nt  system,  the  top  opening  along  its  whole  length 
very  easily  with  cog-wheels  and  a  winch.  Messrs.  Boultou  &  Co.,  of 
Norwich,  had  an  extensive  display  of  small  houses,  frames,  and  plant 
cases  of  all  kinds,  suitable  for  small  gardens  and  for  salad  growing,  or  for 
nursing  and  protecting  young  plants  of  almost  any  sort.  Besides  these, 
the  same  firm  exhibited  a  great  variety  of  garden  furniture,  such 
as  conservatory  and  lawn  chairs,  forms,  shades,  and  tables.  Lawn 
mowers,  too,  were  exhibited  by  them,  and  also  several  forms  of 
garden  engines,  for  one  of  which  (a  large  and  useful  engine  set 
on  wheels)  was  awarded  the  medal  for  the  best  garden  engine. 
Messrs.  Humphrey  and  Co.,  Nottingham,  showed  some  nice-looking 
greenhouses,  especially  one  4;0  feet  by  IS  feet,  which  was  both  handsome 
and  useful,  and  ventilated  on  the  most  approved  principle.  Messrs.  W. 
Richardson  and  Co.,  of  Darlington,  exhibited  several  plant  houses,  of 
commodious  and  serviceable  dimensions,  strong  and  handsome  in  form, 
and  remarkable  for  the  satisfactory,  easy,  and  simple  way  in  which  the 
ventilation  worked  upon  the  leverage  principle.  For  the  best  garden  seat 
the  medal  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Elliot,  Alston,  and  Olney,  St.  Ann's 
Street,  Manchester,  for  an  elegant  long  seat,  the  dupHcate  of  which  has 
taken  a  similar  prize  at  the  International  Exhibition  of  "Vienna.  Mr. 
Gilbert,  of  Burghley,  showed  examples  of  his  new  hand-lights,  which  are 
not  only  light  and  elegant  in  construction,  but  particularly  well  adapted 
for  the  growth  or  propagation  of  small  plants,  and  they  can  be  made  of 
any  required  size.  Their  ventilation,  too,  is  ample,  and  on  an  improved 
principle,  and  so  contrived  that  it  can  be  applied  in  wet  as  well  as  in  dry 


248 


THE  GAilDEN. 


[Sept.  ^0,  1873, 


weather,  without  drip.     To  these  frames,  or  plant  protectors,  the  council 
were  pleased  to  award  a  medal. 

Heating  Apparatus. — Messrs.  Dennis  and  Co.  exhibited  examples 
or  their  horizontal  tubular  boilers,  varying  in  size  from  one  made  t )  heat 
7,00U  feet  of  -l-inch  pipes  to  another  made  to  heat  30U  feet  of  the  same 
kind  of  piping.  These  boilers  were  highly  commended  by  the  judges. 
Mr.  S.  Deards,  Harlow,  Essex,  obtained  the  medal  for  the  best  boiler 
with  his  patent  centrifugal  apparatus.  This  boiler  is  a  spiral  coil  of  pipe, 
self-feeding,  and  is  reckoned  a  very  economical,  fuel-saving,  and  satisfac- 
tory invention.  Messrs.  Green  and  Co.,  of  Leeds  and  London,  exhibited 
one  of  their  patent  boilers,  of  considerable  proportions,  and  made  for 
Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  and  Son,  St.  John's  Wood.  Mr.  Watson,  St. 
Albans,  exhibited  one  of  his  "Masterpiece"  stoves.  It  is  made  so  that 
it  can  be  used  simply  as  a  stove,  having  a  steam  pan  on  its  top  to  coun- 
teract dryness  in  the  atmosphere.  It  is,  however,  also  made  to  heat  hot- 
water  pipes  which  may  be  of  any  ordinary  small  size,  but  the  portion  repre- 
senting tbe  union  of  the  flow  and  return  pipes  to  the  boiler  is  only  1  inch 
in  diameter.  Mr.  B.  Harlow,  Macclesfield,  exhibited  samples  of  his  boilers, 
one  of  which,  selected  to  warm  a  school  in  Liverpool,  is  to  heat 
4,000  feet  of -1-inch  pipes.  Good  saddle  boilers  were  shown  by  Messrs. 
J.  Cowan  and  Co.,  Old  Trattbrd,  Manchester  ;  and  very  serviceable 
tubular  saddle  boilers  by  Mr.  W.  Gnmshaw,  Rusholme  Road,  Manchester. 
Mr.  T.  Jones,  G8,  Temple  Street,  London  Road,  Manchester,  showed  his 
terminal  saddle  boiler,  which  is  an  excellent  boiler,  requiring  a  very 
shallow  stokehole.  The  judges  highly  commended  it.  Mr,  R.  WagstafF. 
Hyde,  near  Manchester,  exhibited  bis  upright  tubular  boiler,  which  is 
certainly  a  good  boiler  for  Limall  and  medium-sized  houses. 

MisceUaneous  Appliances. — To  Messrs.  Follows  &  Bates,  Dutton 
Street,  J^Ianrhoster,  a  medal  was  awarded  for  the  best  mowing  machine. 
Thev  exhibited  oO-iuch  and  10-iuch  "  Anglo- American  "  machines,  and 
also  several  of  their  "  Climax  "  ones.  For  wirework  for  garden  purposes, 
a  medal  was  awarded  to  Mr.  J.  Geddes,  4,  Cateaton  Street,  Manchester, 
who  exhibited  a  great  variety  of  iron  railings,  trellises,  nettings,  feneiogs, 
tree  guards,  &c.,  all  of  a  serviceable  character.  The  Manchester 
Concrete  Company,  CI,  Princess  Street,  exhibited  samples  of  their  work, 
showing  excellent  imitations,  in  concrete,  of  natural  rocks  and  strata. 
Messrs.  Slack  and  Brownlow,  1,  Victoria  Street,  Manchester,  showed  a 
great  variety  of  horticultural  elegancies  in  the  way  of  pots,  vases,  and 
little  aquai'iums  and  aviaries  combined.  These  were  set  like  plant  cases 
upon  pedestals;  the  water  portion  being  nearest  the  glass  contained 
fish  and  plants,  and  in  the  centre  was  a  glass  case  immersed  in  the  water, 
with  ventilation  an  inch  or  two  above  the  surface,  and  in  this  birds  seemed 
to  enjoy  themselves.  To  see  the  fish  swimming,  as  it  were,  over  the  heads 
of  the  birds  was,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  somewhat  novel.  Mr.  J.  Cress, 
Lord  Street,  Southport,  exhil)ited  some  rustic  garden  vases ;  and  Messrs. 
Inmanand  Co.,  Stretford,  Manchester,  showed  very  pretty  rustic  summer 
houses.  Mr.  J.  Hudson,  4(J,  School  Road,  Sale,  Manchester,  showed 
plant  cases  for  fixing,  with  cast-iron  brackets,  outside  of  windows  ;  and 
Messrs.  J.  Davis  and  Co.,  opticians,  Royal  Polytechnic,  Regent  Street, 
Loudon,  had  a  stand  of  thermometers,  barometers,  and  similar  horti- 
tural  requisites.  Messrs.  Green  and  Co.  showed  a  steam-eugine  roller, 
similar  to  those  seen  in  our  London  streets,  and  which  was  made  for  the 
Royal  Gardens,  Windsor.  With  this  machine  a  newly- metalled  or 
macadamised  walk  or  main  road  may,  in  a  few  hours,  be  made  to  present 
a  thoroughly  compact  and  even  surface. 


DUNDEE  HORTIOULTUHAL  SOCIETY. 
The  enterprising  society  of  this  large  and  flourishing  town  had  a  most 
successful  exhibition  last  week  in  the  Drill  Hall  aud  square  in  front.  It 
was  opened  on  Thursday  by  Mr.  James  Yeaman,  the  newly-elected  presi- 
dent, who  delivered  an  appropriate  address,  and  closed  on  Saturday  by 
Councillor  Macdonald,  one  of  tbe  vice-presidents.  With  the  exception  of 
the  show  held  in  the  Baxter  Park,  when  the  British  Association  met  in 
Dundee,  the  society  has  had  no  exhibition  equal  to  the  one  now  closed. 
The  well-filled  entries  were  1,678,  being,  for  plants  241  (pots  811  in 
number)  ;  cut  flowers,  429;  fruit,  300  ;  vegetables,  708.  The  amount  of 
prize  money  was  £280;  visitors,  including  members  and  friends,  the  chief 
support  of  the  society,  13,106.  The  amount  paid  by  the  general  public  for 
admission  was  £317  7s.  The  pot  plants  were  a  splendid  sight,  and  showed 
that  the  wealthy  merchants  of  Juteopolis  are  not  devoted  to  Jute  alone. 
The  first  prize,  for  nine  stove  or  greenhouse  plants  (being  the  challenge 
cup  presented  by  Joseph  Grimmond,  Esq.,  Corbett  Castle,  and  £5  in 
money),  was  fairly  won  by  Mr.  R.  M.  McMillan,  Mr.  Grimmond's  own 
gardener.  The  local  nurserymen  vied  with  each  other,  carrying  prizes  in 
the  different,  departments,  greatly  to  the  advantage  of  the  show. 
Messrs.  Robertson  and  Galloway,  Glasgow,  carried  away  the  first 
prize  for  the  best  twenty-four  Gladioli.  The  first  prize  for  the  best 
eighteen  Dahlias  was  taken  by  Mr.  John  McPherson,  Polmuir  Gardens, 
Aberdeen.  The  Alpines  were  numerous,  and  included  many  rare  aud  fine 
specimens.  The  first  prize  for  the  best  thirty  was  most  decidedly  won 
by  Mr.  A.  Pattison,  Baxter  Park.  The  cut  flowers,  as  a  whole,  were 
very  good,  but  unmistakeably  affected  by  recent  raw  and  rainy  weather. 
The  tabic  decorations,  hand,  table,  and  coat  bouquets  were  numerous 
and  gorgeous,  not  a  few  of  them  tastefully  put  up.  The  fruit  was 
excellent ;  Mr.  George  Reid  (gardener  to  Bailie  Moncur)  canied  off  the 
first  prizes  for  the  best  four  bunches  of  Grapes,  best  black  bunch,  best 
bunch  of  Lady  Downes',  and  best  bunch  for  tloom.  The  first  prize  for 
the  heaviest  bunch  was  gained  by  Mr.  George  Gillespie  (gardener  to  James 
Paterson,  Esq.),  of  Kinnettles,  who  also  carried  off  the  first  prize  for 
two  Pine-apples.    There  was  quite  a  plethora  of  vegetables.    The  little 


hamlet  of  Balledgarow,  in  the  Carse  of  Gowrie,  entered  in  all  the  depart- 
ments aud  carried  away  no  less  than  twenty-seven  prizes.  There  were 
two  tables,  10  feet  by  6,  laid  out  as  specimens  of  dessert  decoration, 
everything  complete  for  a  banquet.  The  first  prize.  £5,  was  awarded 
to  Mr.  David  Ross  (gardener  to  Col.  Macdonald),  St.  Martin's  Abbey, 
Perthshire.  The  second,  £3,  to  Mr.  Mackie,  late  gardener  to  the  Earl 
of  Ca-nperdowu.  The  merits  of  both  were  warmly  discussed,  and  the 
general  opinion  appeared  pretty  equally  divided. 


On  the  Offaring  of  Prdmiums  at  Exhibitions.  —  The 
following  ou  the  prize-offering  of  the  great  American  Pomological 
Society  is  worth  consideration  in  connection  with  similar  affairs  at  home, 
in  which  monotony  so  often  reigns.  "We  hope  that  the  society  will 
vote  to  discontinue  all  premiums  in  future.  The  objects  of  the  society 
are  to  correct  nomenclature,  to  ascertain  the  adaptability  of  varieties  to 
the  different  States,  and  to  take  proper  notice  of  new  fruits.  This 
offering  of  premiums  to  States,  societies,  or  individuals,  is  foreign  to  the 
purposes  of  the  society;  and,  besides  this,  it  subjects  cities  where  the 
meetings  may  be  held  to  an  unnecessary  and  onerous  expense.  A  dozen 
new  fruits  are  of  more  value,  speaking  pomologically,  thau  the  whole 
car-load  of  old — and  no  doubt  splendidly  grown- varieties  that  will  be 
sent.  Hereafter,  let  those  who  can  show  their  fruit,  but  let  the  matter 
of  premiums  be  dropped  now  and  for  ever,  reserving  the  society's 
medal  for  those  who  have  distinguished  themselves  in  promoting 
pomology.  Then,  again,  if  there  ever  was  a  waste  of  time  it  is  in 
hearing  one  read  an  essay  on  fruit  culture,  that  might  just  as  well  be 
perused  at  leisure  in  print.  It  is  generally  the  ease  that  those  who  vrriie 
well  do  not  read  well,  and  if  essays  are  of  necessity  to  be  read,  let  the 
society  employ  a  reader.  If  essays  must  be,  let  them  be  submi  tted  to  a 
competent  pablishiug  committee." 

The  Highgate  Horticultural  Society  and  Wild  Birds.— 
An  effort  has  been  successfully  made  by  this  society  to  interest  gardeners 
in  the  "  Wild  Birds'  Protection  Act."  At  the  suggestion  of  the  Baroness 
Burdett-Coutts,  prizes  were  offered  by  her  ladyship  to  those  members  of 
the  society  who  signed  the  following  pledge  :  "  We,  the  undersigned, 
pledge  ourselves  to  preserve  at  all  times,  mid  bii-ds,  their  nests  and  eggs, 
and  further  undertake  that  we  will  endeavour  to  prevent  their  destruc- 
tion by  others."  Upwards  of  thirty  of  the  principal  gardeners  of  High- 
gate  and  its  neighbourhood  signed  this  pledge,  and  are  now  doing  all  iu 
their  power  to  preserve  the  beautiful  little  creatures  that  they  formerly 
considered  their  enemies,  but  now  do  so  no  longer.  There  is  every  reason 
to  believe  that  every  member  of  the  society  is  willing  to  sign  the  declara- 
tion, and  it  is  fully  expected  that  through  the  kindness  of  their  patroness, 
the  Baroness,  the  Highgate  Horticultural  Society  will  have  taken  the 
initiative  in  a  movement  which  will  be  followed  throughout  the  country, 
and  which  will  do  more  for  the  preservation  of  our  feathered  songsters 
than  the  ill-framed  "  Wild  Birds'  Protection  Act,"  or  any  other  known 
means.  To  the  same  end,  we  have  heard  with  much  pleasure  that  Colonel 
Jeakes  has  offered  a  prize  for  the  best  essay  on  "  The  use  of  Birds  to  the 
Gardener  and  Agriculturist,  and  the  necessity  for  their  preservation," 
the  competition  to  be  limited  to  the  members  of  the  Highgate  Working 
Men's  Club. 


Personal. — Mr.  Anstell,  formerly  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Marl- 
borough, bas  become  gardener  to  Sir  GrevUle  Smythe,  at  Ashton  Coui't, 
near  Bristol;  Mr.  George,  late  gardener  to  Neville  Wyatt,  Esq.,  Chel- 
tenham, has  been  appointed  gardener  to  Lady  Rolle,  at  Bicton ;  Mr. 
George  Thomson,  late  of  Stanstead  Park,  has  been  elected  superin- 
tendent of  the  outdoor  department  of  the  Crystal  Palace ;  Mr.  Rowe, 
late  gardener  at  the  Rookery,  Roehampton,  has  become  gardener  to 
the  Vicomtesse  Clifton,  at  Dover  House,  Roehampton. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET, 

Skptembee  19th. 

Flowers. — Those  for  bouquets  consist  chiefly  of  Bouvardias,  Roses,  Stepha- 
notis,  Eucharis,  Tuberoses,  Camellias,  Gardenias,  white  Asters,  Pelargoniums, 
Violets,  &c.  Plants  in  pots  are  chiefly  confined  to  Asters.  Pelargoniums,  Helio- 
tropes, Vallottas,  Fuchsias,  Myrtles,  Begonia  Weltoniensis,  and  a  few  othere. 

fruit  and  Vegetables.— Of  fruits,  the  supply  is  quite  equal  to  the  demand. 
Outdoor  Peaches  and  Figs  are  plentiful,  but  they  are  sometimes  sadly  destroyed 
by  bad  packing.  During  the  past  week  importations  of  fruits  have  been  limited. 
Messina  Lemons  are  at  present  in  demand,  those  from  Malaga  being  scarcely 
ripe.    Vey:etal:»les  are  abundant  and  good. 

Prices  of  Fruits.— Apples,  per  half-sieve,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Cherries,  per  lb.,  9d.  to 
Is.  6d;  Chilies,  per  100, "2s.  ;  Figs,  per  doz.,  6d.  to  2s.;  Grapes,  hothouse, 
black,  per  lb.,  Is.  to  6s.;  Muscats,  2s.  to  Gs.  ;  Lemons,  per  100,  Ms.  to  2o3. ; 
Melons,  each,  2s.  to  4s.;  Nectarines,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  Ss. ;  Oranges,  per  100, 
12s.  to  24s.;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  63.  to  12s.;  Pears,  per  doz..  Is.  to  4s. ;  Pine- 
Anples,  per  lb..  3s.  to  6s.  ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s.;  Walnuts,  per  bushel, 
12s.  to  20s.  ;  ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  ls.6d.  to  3s. ;  Beans,  Kidney, per 
half  sieve,  Is.  6U.  to  2s.  ;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  2s. ;  Cabbage,  per  doz.,  2s.  ; 
Carrots,  jier  bunch,  4d.  to  6d.;  Cauliflower,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  6s.;  Celery,  per 
bundle,  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Coleworts,  per  doz.  bunches,  3s. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  3d.  to 
6d. ;  Endive,  per  doz.,  2s.  ;  Fennel,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  Garhc,  per  lb.,  6d.;  Herbs, 
per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Horse-radish,  per  bundle,  3s.  to  4s. ;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  3d. ; 
Lettuces,  per  doz.  Is.  to  2s.;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3a.;  Mustard  and 
Cress,  per  punnet,  2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  43.  to  63. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ; 
Parsley,  per  doz.  bunches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is.  ;  Peas,  per 
quart,  9d.  to  Is.  ;  Potatoes,  per  bushel,  3s.  6d.  to  6s. ;  liadishes,  per  doz. 
bunches.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Rhubarb,  per  bundle,  8d.  to  Is. ;  Salsafy,  do.,  Is. 
to  Is.  6d.  ;  Scorzonera,  per  bundle,  Is.;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ;  Spinach,  per 
bushel,  3s. ;  Turnips,  4d.  to  8d.     Vegetable  Marrows,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. 


Sept.  27,  1873.] 


THE  GAEDEN. 


249 


THE    GARDEN. 

"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  :    but 
The  Art  rrsELr  is  Nature." — Shakespeare. 


ON  THE  VASE  CULTDTE  OF  IVY. 

By  JAMES  M'N^VB,  Royal  Botauic  Gardens,  Ediuburgli. 

Ivy,  in  one  form  or  another,  has  long  been  employed  as  a 
decorative  plant  with  much  success,  both  iu  and  out  of  doors  ; 
but  there  is  one  vray  in  which  this  truly  useful  climber  deserves 
more  encouragement  than  it  has  hitherto  received,  viz.,  the  vase 
culture  of  it  in  Moss  and  water  for  drawing-room  purposes. 
I  have  known  the  same  pieces  of  Ivy  to  be  emploj-ed  in  this 
way  for  four  or  five  years,  and  a  very  pleasing  effect  they 
produced.  I  have  mentioned  this  circumstance  to  several 
persons,  but  its  cultivation  in  this  particular  style  does  not 
seem  to  be  gaining  ground  so  fast  as  it  ought  to  do.  For  this 
purpose  the  Ivy  should  be  grown  in  long  opaque  glass  jars  or 
vases,  and  it  is  essential  that  such  vessels  should  be  wide  at 
the  top,  so  that  the  plants,  after  being  properly  rooted,  can  be 
taken   out  and  the    jars   cleaned   when  necessary.      In   the 


■■*PSKJ 


Vase  filled  witli  Yucca  aud  Irish  I^T. 

selection  of  Ivy  for  vase  culture,  long  pieces  with  .small 
leaves  are  to  be  recommended  ;  those  taken  from  the  stems  of 
trees  where  the  points  are  inclined  to  be  pendent  will  be 
found  to  answer  best,  such  Ivy  having  generally  stout  stalks 
covered  with  aerial  roots.  Each  vase,  according  to  its  size, 
should  contain  three,  four,  or  five  pieces,  each  piece  being 
rolled  up  separately  in  a  small  portion  of  Hypnum  or 
Sphagnum  Moss,  the  latter  being  preferable.  After  this,  tie 
all  the  pieces  loosely  together  iu  a  clump  to  suit  the  width  of 
the  vase,  and  place  them  in  it  so  that  the  ball  of  Moss  does 
not  reach  within  6  or  6  inches  of  the  bottom.  It  will  be 
necessary  to  keep  the  water  in  the  vase  about  half-way  up  the 
Moss  till  the  cuttings  are  properly  rooted.  From  the  Moss, 
the  roots  will  extend  into  the  water  below,  and  it  will  be  found 
that  those  roots  produced  in  the  Moss  and  water  will  be  quite 
sufficient  to  nourish  the  plants.  Cutting  plants  whose  roots 
have  been  produced  in  soil,  if  lifted  and  placed  in  vases,  will 
ultimately  do  well ;  but  the  probability  is  that  the  roots  will 
die  and  the  plants  for  a  time  sicken  untU  new  fibres  are 
formed  capable  of  enduring  Moss  and  water  culture.  After 
the  Ivy  is  properly  rooted,  the  glass  jars  may  be  kept  full  of 
water,  and  sprigs  of  flowers  may  also  be  inserted  in  them. 
The  water  and  flowers  may  be  changed  when  necessary,  and 
even  the  Ivy,  whose  roots  ought  now  to  be  a  solid  mass,  may 


also  be  taken  out  and  replaced  at  pleasure  without  injury. 
With  dark-coloui-ed  vases,  the  variegated  Ivies  may  be  success- 
fully employed,  if  treated  as  recommended  for  the  green 
variety.  The  accompanying  sketch,  made  by  our  artist,  of  one 
of  two  vases  which  may  now  Ije  seen  m  the  Pine  Ajiple  Nursery 
Company's  gi'ounds  at  Maida  Vale,  is  a  tasteful  illustration  of 
the  way  in  which  Ivy  may  be  used  for  vase  decoration  out  of 
doors. 


COVENT  GARDEN  FLOWER  MARKET. 

EvEKY  trade  has  its  speciality.  The  supply  ot  London  with  food 
is  a  frequent  topic  of  woudcr  or  complaint,  as  the  case  may  be. 
But  how  about  supplying  London  witii  flowers  ?  Covent  Garden 
Market,  as  we  all  know,  is  the  centre  of  the  trade,  and  the 
principal  avenue  is  the  spot  where  the  most  fashionable  bouquets 
are  obtained.  There,  if  we  may  use  the  phrase,  is  the  London  habitat 
of  the  Gladiolus,  now  in  perfection  ;  the  Camellia  ;  and,  in  their  due 
season,  the  very  early  Violet  and  the  Primrose.  There  often  may  be 
seen  walking,  for  a  visit  of  inspection,  many  of  the  celebrities  of  the 
day.  Bat  behind  all  this  retail  trade,  as  we  may  call  it,  there  is  a 
large  mercantile  interest — the  dealers  who  supply  the  London  public 
with  flowers,  obtained  principally  from  the  market.  The  trade  is  a 
peculiar  one  ;  from  the  first-rate  florist  to  the  poor  man  who  hawks 
with  his  barrow,  all  are  more  or  less  dependent  upon  the  market ;  and, 
in  view  of  the  peculiar  requirements  of  this  special  branch  of  business, 
a  most  important  extension,  or  rather  an  adjunct  to  the  market, 
has  recently  been  carried  out  by  the  Duke  of  Bedtoi'd,  the 
owner  of  the  property.  It  is  not  yet  by  any  means  completed, 
but  the  portion  erected  is  in  thorough  working  order.  The  Hum- 
mums  is  the  name  of  a  hostel  of  historical  fame,  and,  in  the  corner 
adjoining,  our  readers  have  doubtless  noticed  an  open  wooden 
fencing,  enclosing  an  entrance  to  the  new  building.  As  the  market 
hours  are  from  5  a.m.  to  9  a.m.,  we  need  not  say  that  this  peculiar 
spot  is  not  much  frequented  by  the  fashionable  public  at  such 
uncanonical  hours.  But,  nevertheless,  important  business  is  done 
there.  The  new  building,  designed  and  erected  in  the  course  of  the 
last  year  or  two  by  Messrs.  W.  Cubitt  and  Co.,  of  Gray's  Inn  Road, 
occupies  a  piece  of  land  which  runs  through  from  the  angle  of  tho 
market  before  alluded  to  into  Wellington  Street,  a  distance  of  two 
hundred  feet,  and  at  the  widest  point  of  the  plan  (which  is  somewhat 
irregular)  measures  76  feet.  The  basement,  is  covered  with  groined 
brick  arches,  and  the  floor  is  of  asphalte.  The  central  section,  120 
feet  by  76  feet,  is  70  feet  high  to  the  ridge,  lighted  by  semi- 
headed  clerestory  windows  and  a  lantern.light,  with  ample  pro- 
vision  for  ventilation.  The  general  internal  construction  is  of  cast 
iron,  piercing  segment  girders  springing  from  column  to  column,  and 
carrying  the  superstructure.  The  total  number  of  stalls  for  the  sale 
of  flowers  wholesale — i.e.,  by  the  dozen  or  the  hundred  of  pots  or 
plants — is  about  270.  Many  of  these  are  occupied  by  regular  dealers ; 
but  some  of  them  are  let  at  a  weekly  rental  to  very  poor  people — the 
men  who  make  their  living  by  collecting  Ferns  and  wild-growing 
plants  of  similar  chai'acter.  The  early  hour  at  which  the  business  is 
done,  ot  course,  in  the  winter  season,  requires  the  aid  of  gas,  and  a 
large  number  of  powerful  star  lights  is  accordingly  provided.  The 
external  elevation  towards  Wellington.street  is  the  most  important — ■ 
three  lofty  semi-circular  arches,  the  windows  glazed  with  Hartley's 
plate-glass,  white  brick  facings,  with  dressings  in  Portland  stone  and 
terra-cotta.  We  doubt  not  that  many  a  man  passes  this  building  with 
a  certain  feeling  of  curiosity  as  to  its  purpose  and  destination  ;  but 
if  he  will  only  take  the  trouble  to  get  up  early  enough  for  a  call  in 
market  hours,  he  may  be  somewhat  enlighted  as  to  how  to  oljtain 
flowers  in  London. 


COWAN'S  LIME-KILN  HEATING. 
As  there  has  been  a  considerable  amount  of  interest  excited  about 
this  system  of  heating,  we  have  much  pleasure  in  giving  inser. 
tion  to  the  following  letter,  just  received  from  Mr.  Cooke, 
gardener  at  Ardfert  Abbey,  near  Tralee.  He  says  : — "  The 
apparatus  which  has  been  erected  here  on  Cowan's  patent  com- 
pensating system  of  heating  horticultural  and  other  buildings,  and 
which  has  been  at  work  for  the  past  three  weeks,  is  a  complete 
success,  both  as  regards  the  thorough  burning  of  the  limestone  and 
its  great  heating  powers.  It  is  so  simple,  too,  in  its  arrangement, 
that  a  common  labourer  can  easily  manage  it,  and  I  find  that  the 
lime  produced  from  this  kiln  is  of  superior  quality  to  lime  burnt  in 
the  open  air."  We  may  state  that  Mr.  Cooke  is  the  first  who  has 
really  started  one  of  Mr.  Cowan's  apparatuses.  Though  a  good 
many  of  them  are  in  course  of  erection,  none,  except  his,  we  believe, 
has  Ijeen  actually  started,  and  we  are  glad  to  find  that  he  corroborates 
all  that  has  been  stated  in  its  favoni'. 


250 


THE  GAEDEN. 


[Sept.  27,  1873. 


NOTES    OF    THE    WEEK. 


We   have   received   from   Mr.  Ellacotnbe  a   lovely  bloom  of 

Exogonium  Purga,  which  is  hardy  at  Bitton.  Its  flowers  have  a 
very  long  slender  tube  compared  with  the  size  of  the  limb,  and  are 
of  as  fine  a  violet-pnrple  as  that  of  Horsfall's  Ipomsea,  a  genus  to 
which  this  plant  is  cli  sely  related.  Its  tuberous  roots  furnish  the 
true  Jalap  of  commerce. 

The  larn^e  Vinery  at  Chiswick  is  just  now  a  sight  well  worth 

seeing,  the  crop  being  both  fine  and  abundant.  The  outside  borders 
were  renovated  a  year  or  two  ago,  and  some  of  the  "Vines  that  were 
planted  inside  were  removed  so  as  to  give  more  room  to  those 
remaining,  the  result  of  which  is  increased  vigour  and  fruitfulness. 

— Ji'ST  now,   when   many   hardy    flowering    shrubs    are    too 

frequently  overlooked,  we  are  pleased  to  see  Abelia  rupestris 
flowering  freely  in  Messrs.  Lee's  nursery  at  Hammersmith.  It  is 
a  plant  worth  adding  to  every  collection  of  autumnal-flowering 
shrubs. 

Hj;ma>;thus  cocci.veus  is  just  now  bearing  ten  fine  flower. 

spikes  in  the  Heath-house  at  Kew.  Though  not  uncommon,  this 
plant  is  seldom  seen  in  anything  like  the  fine  condition  now  indicated. 

Fixe  masses  of  the  graceful  Arundo  Donax  may  now  be  seen 

in  various  places  round  London.  They  grow  from  S  to  10  feet  high, 
and  have  a  striking  appearance  associated  with  Conifers  and  hardy 
evergreen  shrubs. 

The  beautiful  blue-flowered    Thunbergia  lanrifolia   is    now 

finely  in  bloom  at  Chiswick,  in  a  cool  house.  It  is  not,  by  any 
means,  an  uncommon  plant,  but  its  growing  and  flowering  in  a  cool 
house  may  be  noteworthy. 

Messrs.  Bell  &  Thokpe,  of  Stratford-upon-Avon,  are  about 

to  sell  off  their  nursery  stock  and  to  apply  themselves  wholly  to  the 
manufacture  of  their  imperishable  labels.  The  sale  is  to  commence 
on  Wednesday  next. 

Messrs.   Jackman,   of  Woking,   have  raised,   and  will   soon 

"  send  out,"  a  race  of  Sweet-scented  Clematises,  with  large  flowers. 
Among  the  odours  are  some  somewhat  like  those  of  the  Primrose  and 
the  Violet. 

The    designs  for  laying  out   the  new   park  at  Leeds,   for 

which  three  premiums  of  two  hundred,  one  hundred,  and  fifty  guineas 
were  offered  last  March  by  the  Corj^oration,  were  last  week  exhibited 
in  the  Town  Hall.  They  have  been  supplied  by  seventeen  com- 
petitors, and  exhibit  a  great  variety  of  design,  the  estimated  outlay 
also  ranging  from  £53,670  to  £84,600. 

— —  PoLTCYCNis  LEPiDA  is  now  prettily  in  flower  in  the  Orchid 
houses  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  at  South  Kensington. 
Though  not  a  showy  Orchid,  it  is  by  no  means  an  uninteresting  one, 
bearing,  as  it  does,  from  ten  to  fifteen  of  its  singularly-shaped 
flowers  on  an  erect  nodding  spike.  It  is  rare  in  collections,  though 
well  worth  growing. 

According  to  the  Grocei',  a  French  engineer,  one  M.  Jouglet, 

has  discovered  a  method  of  making  artificial  sugar  equal  to  the  pro- 
duce of  the  Sugar-cane  or  the  Beetroot.  The  cost  is  calculated  at 
one  farthing  a  pound,  and  the  invention  has  already  been  sold  for 
1,200,000  francs  to  a  company,  who  intend  to  work  the  patent  on  a 
grand  scale. 

Mr.   W.  Bull  has   succeeded   in    again   importing  a  large 

quantity  of  Liberian  Coffee  plants  and  seeds  from  the  Western  Coast 
of  Africa.  The  seeds,  on  being  roasted,  proved  to  be  of  excellent 
quality,  and  have  the  additional  advantage  of  being  at  least  twice  the 
size  of  those  borne  by  the  common  Coffee  plant.  The  leaves  of  this 
plant  are  very  large,  and  in  form  remind  one  of  those  of  Magnolia 
grandiflora.  Mr.  Bull  is  about  to  ship  them  to  Ceylon  for  further 
experiment.  It  is  expected  that  this  species,  when  better  known, 
will  be  largely  cultivated,  and  that  it  will  bear  much  heavier  crops 
than  C.  arabica. 

This  week  the  public  gardens,   purchased  and  beautified  by 

Jlr.  Julius  Brencbley,  of  Milgate  Park,  Maidstone,  and  the  museum, 
containing  his  collection  of  birds,  shells,  ivories,  bronzes,  &c., 
together  costing  upwards  of  £20,000,  were  thrown  open  to  the 
public,  amid  great  rejoicing.  At  half-past  two  in  the  afternoon 
the  mayor  and  corporation  of  Maidstone  walked  in  procession 
from  the  Town  Hall  to  the  gardens,  and  declared  them  open. 
At  four  there  was  a  luncheon  in  the  Town  Hall,  and  in  the  evening 
a.  confersazioup,  which  was  held  in  the  museum,  papers^being  read  by 
Mr.  F.  Buckland,  Inspector  of  Salmon  Fisheries,  and' Mr.  C.  Roach 
Smith.  The  members  for  the  borough.  Sir  Sydney  Waterlow  (the 
Liberal  candidate),  and  Major  Ross  and  Colonel  Stanley  (the  Con- 
servative candidate.s),  were  present.  The  munificent  donor  did  not 
live  to  see  the  completion  of  a  work  in  which  he  had  taken  so  great 
an  interest.  He  died  at  Folkestone  in  February.  Shortly  before 
his  death  he  published  "  Jottings  during  a  Cruise  of  Her  Majesty's 
ship  Curai;oa  among  the  South  Sea  Islands  in  1865." 


Oltdoob  Figs  have  seldom  been  so  plentiful  and  so  fine  as 

they  are  this  year,  proving  that  they  enjoy  a  dripping  season  as 
much  or  more  than  a  hot  one. 

CoNTi.NE.NTAL  fruit-growers  have  not  been  slow  to  recognise 

the  merits  of  the  Early  Rivers'  Peach,  a  favourable  notice  of  which, 
accompanied  by  a  coloured  figure,  appears  in  this  month's  number  of 
the  Belgian  Bulletin  d'Arhoririilticre. 

We  have  just  received  from  Messrs.   Backhouse  and    Son, 

York,  a  specimen  of  a  new  Erigeron  (E.  macranthum)  from  the  Rocky 
Mountains.  The  flowers  are  large,  with  pale  pinkish  rays,  and  are 
not  so  handsome  as  those  of  E.  speciosum.  As  a  hardy  border  plant, 
it  will,  however,  no  doubt,  be  found  useful. 

We  were  glad  to  see  the  other  day   about   a  quarter  of  an 

acre  of  stout  plants  of  the  fine  old  rosy  Spirsea  (S.  vennsta)  in  Mr. 
Anthony  Waterer's  nursery  at  Knaphill,  Woking.  It  is  one  of  the 
most  uncommon  of  really  good  old  border  flowers,  and,  being  as 
hardy  as  the  common  Meadow  Sweet,  should  have  a  place  in  every 
garden.     The  late  blooms  are  still  on  some  of  the  plants. 

—  We    are   informed    by   Mr.    Archibald    Fowler,    of    Castle 

Kennedy,  that  a  plant  of  New  Zealand  Flax  (Phormium  tenax), 
which  is  quite  hardy  in  that  part  of  Wigtonshire,  and  which  flowered 
early  this  summer,  is  now  bearing  upwards  of  fifty  seed-pods,  which, 
at  a  short  distance  off,  look  not  unlike  the  pods  of  ordinary  field 
Beans  when  nearly  ripe.  The  spike  on  which  they  are  growing  is 
fully  8  feet  in  height. 

According  to  a  statement  of  M.  Van  Hulle  in  the  Bulletin 

(V Arboriculture,  Walnuts  are,  in  general,  very  scarce  this  year  on  the 
continent.  During  a  recent  tour  through  Germany,  the  Tyrol, 
Austria,  Hungary,  Italy,  and  Switzerland,  M.  Van  Hulle  found  the 
trees  almost  everywhere  bare  of  fruit,  except  on  the  left  bank 
of  the  Rhine,  in  particular  between  Coblentz  and  Mayence,  where 
the  crops  were  so  heavy  that  the  branches  had  to  be  supported  with 
props. 

The  Knight  of  Kerry  writes  to  us  from  Glanleam,  Valencia,  as 

follows  : — "  I  wrote  to  you  last  year  describing  my  Fuchsia  Riccartoni 
as  having,  in  the  previous  summer,  attained  a  circumference  of  115 
feet.  I  now  beg  to  report  progress.  At  the  end  of  the  season  of 
1872  it  measured  124^  feet,  and  I  have  just  this  moment  again  had 
it  carefully  measured,  and  find  it  to  be  132}  feet.  It  was  late  in 
coming  into  blossom  this  year,  but  it  has  amply  made  up  for  its 
tardiness,  for  it  is  a  perfect  blaze  of  crimson.  In  the  same  grass 
plot  we  have  an  Hydrangea  measuring  4S  feet  in  circumference,  which 
I  am  told  is  an  unusual  size. 

The   inevitable   ultimate   assertion    of    Nature   over   man's 

greatest  triumphs  of  brick  and  stonework  has  seldom  been  more 
plainly  put  forward  than  we  have  seen  it  a  few  days  since  at  Chelsea, 
a  hundred  yards  or  so  above  Battersea  Bridge.  On  the  lower  abut- 
ments of  the  embankment  there  many  native  plants  have  taken  root 
— Grasses,  Lythrum,  Polygonum,  Barbarea,  Cochlearia,  Rumex,  and 
some  other  smaller  species  which  we  were  not  able  to  distinguish  in 
the  distance.  On  the  end  of  one  partially  decayed  beam  of  a 
landing-place,  half-submerged  at  high  tide,  we  counted  no  fewer 
than  five  species  growing  as  vigorously  as  we  have  ever  seen  them  in 
the  most  favourable  soil. 

During   the  past  week  we  have   seen  a  fine   collection  of 

Stapelias  in  Mr.  Peacock's  garden  at  Hammersmith,  among  which 
the  following,  representing  as  many  sections  of  the  genns,  were 
conspicuous,  viz.  : — S.  tubiflora,  pale  yellow  in  colour,  densely  set 
inside  the  tube  with  purple  glandular  hairs  ;  S.  maculosa,  flat  form, 
blotched  with  deep  purple  on  a  yellow  ground;  S.  erusciforme,  a 
small  deep  purple  kind,  the  flowers  being  wrinkled  like  crape;  and 
S.  fuscata,  a  large  flowered  kind  with  revolute  segments  of  a  dirty 
yellow  colour,  barred  with  pale  brown.  Mr.  Peacock's  collection  of 
these  interesting  though  repulsive  plants,  on  account  of  the  bad 
smell  emitted  by  them,  is  one  of  the  largest  and  healthiest  in 
existance. 

The  design  for  the  new  Manchester  Fruit  Market,  which 

competed  for  the  premiums  offered  by  the  Markets'  Committee,  have 
been  exhibited  in  the  large  room  of  the  To^vn  Hall.  Four  premiums 
were  offered,  for  which  there  were  thirteen  competitors.  The  first 
premium,  £200,  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Spekeman,  Son,  and  Hickson, 
Cross  Street,  Manchester ;  the  second,  £150,  to  Messrs.  Mangnall  & 
Littlewood,  Norfolk  Street;  the  third,  £100,  to  Messrs.  Clegg  & 
Knowles,  Cross  Street ;  and  the  design  for  which  the  fourth,  £50,  was 
awarded  was  the  joint  production  of  Messrs.  Alley  &  Wilson,  Cross 
Street,  and  Mr.  A.  H.  Davies  CoUey,  Chapel  Walks.  The  site  of  the 
new  market  is  a  triangular  piece  of  land,  extending  from  the  junction 
of  Deansgate  and  Victoria  Street  to  St.  Mary's  Gate,  which  forms  its 
base,  and  embracing  all  the  ground  lying  between  those  two  streets. 
The  market  is  intended  to  occupy  about  2,000  square  yards  of 
the  space,  and  the  remainder  is  to  be  appropriated  to  shops, 
oflices,  &c. 


Sept.  27,  1873.] 


TEE   GARDEN. 


251 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 

EOEZL'S  ODONTOGLOT. 

(ODONTOGLOSSUM   EOEZLII.) 

Tins  is  a  valuable  addition  to  the  small  group  of  Miltonia- 
flowered  Odontoglots,  of  which  O.  Phatenopsis,  and  the  still 
more  effective  O.  vexillarium,  arc  the  only  species  at  present 
in   our    collections.     It 
is  another  of  Mr.  Roezl's 
discoveries  on  the  wes- 
tern     slopes     of      the 
Andes,  and  very  appro- 
priately bears  his  name. 
Judging      from      the 
flowering  specimens  of 
it    which   we    recently 
saw  in  Mr.  Bull's  Orchid 
houses    at   Chelsea,    it 
appears     to    be    much 
more  robust  and  vigor- 
ous in  constitution  than 
either  of  its  congeners. 
In    general      habit     it 
somewhat  resembles  O. 
Phatonopsis,     but,     in 
addition  to  the    differ- 
ence cited  above,  it  has 
broader    leaves,   which 
are  a  foot  in  length,  of 
a  bright    and    decided 
green     colour     above, 
while  below  they  are  of 
a    glaucous     tint,    and 
striped   with  fine  dark 
green  lines.  The  pseudo- 
bulbs  are  flattened,  and 
of  the    same    size   and 
colour  as   those   of    O. 
Phatenopsis.      As   re- 
gards the  flowers,  they 

more   closely   resemble 

those  of  O.  vexillarium 

than    O.    PhalfBnopsis, 

but  from  the  former,  O. 

Boezlii    differs   materi- 
ally in  habit, beingmuch 

narrower  in  the  foliage 

than  that  kind,  and  also 

in     having     the     dark 

green  veins,   to   which 

we  have  already  alluded. 

Some  might,   however, 

possibly  regard  it  as  a 

pale     flowered    variety 

of  the  O.  vexillarium ; 

but,  besides  its  smaller 

flowers,     with     more 

sharply-pointed        seg- 
ments,    the     darker 

green-veined    leaves 

serve  to   distinguish  it 

fi'om  that   variety  at  a 

glance,  even  when  not 

in  bloom.     The  aocom- 

p  a  n  y  i  n  g   illustration 

shows   the   contour    of 

the  flowers,  and  general 

character  of  the  plant, 

though,  as  a  matter  of  course,  it  does  not  express  the  chaste 

purity  of  the  snowy  blossoms  as  they  appear  in  reality  on  the 

plant  itself.     The  sepals  are  about  an  inch  or  an  inch  and  a 

quarter  long,  sharply  pointed  at  their  apices,  and  of  a  pearly 

whiteness.     The   petals    are  as  long  as  the  sepals,  slightly 

broader,  and  contracted  a  little  near  the  middle.     Like  the 

sepals,  they  are  white,  with  a  large  deep  rosy-purple  blotch  at 

the  base  of  each.    The  lip  is  large,  bilobed  at  its  apex;  and 


sagittate  at  the  base,  as  shown  in  our  figure.  The  crest  is  of 
a  clear  lemon-yellow  tint,  marked  with  red  or  crimson  inter- 
rupted lines,  the  rest  of  the  broadly-expanded  lines,  together 
with  the  column,  being  pure  white.  It  is,  to  all  appearance,  a 
most  robust  grower,  and,  when  thoroughly  developed,  will,  in 
all  probability,  prove  a  profuse  flowerer,  as  the  small,  thouo-h 
vigorous  plant  from  which  our  sketch  was  taken,  bore  two 
spikes  of  flowers.  It  likes  a  moderately  cool  and  moist  atmo- 
sphere, but  should  be 
protected  from  cold 
draughts.    F.  W.  B. 


Roezl's  new  Oflontoglot, 


Conservat  cry 
Rhododendrons. — I 

have  juat  read  the  letter 
of    your      corresnondent, 
"An    Old     Soldier,"    on 
conservatory     Khododen- 
drona  in  your  iasue  of  the 
13th    inst.,  and  shall    bo 
very  glad  if  he  will  inform 
me  what  he  conaiders  ro 
be   the   true    Javanicura, 
and  whether  I  shall  find  it 
figured    in    any    of    the 
English    or  foreign   illua. 
trated  periodicals.     1  am 
acquainted  with  two  varie. 
ties     of     B.     javanicum, 
both    of    them,    I    think, 
figured    in  Van   Houtte's 
"  Flore  des  Serrea"  under 
the  names  respectively  of 
Javauicum  Veitchii, bright 
golden-yellow,  and  Javani- 
cum    aurantiaoum,    deep 
orange.  The  latter  variety 
I   flower    regularly   each 
sea8ou,of  the  former  I  once 
possessed   a   small   plant, 
but      it      died      without 
blooming,  and  I  am  now 
informed  by  Messra.Veitch 
that  they  are    unable    to 
supply  it,  and   that   they 
do   not    know    where    to 
obtain  a  supply.       I  had 
also  sent  me,  some  time 
ago,  a   small   plant  of   a 
narrow-leaved   variety  of 
Javanicum,      under      the 
name     of     anguatifolium, 
but  it  has  never  bloomed 
with  me,  so  I  am  unable 
to   say  what    the    flower 
may  be,  or  whether  it  is 
different    from,   or   iden- 
tical with,  either  of   the 
above-named  varieties.     I 
may  also  add  to  the  list 
mentioned  at  page  176  the 
beautiful    and    most   dis- 
tinct variety  not,  I  think, 
included  in  that  list,  of  K. 
Lobbi,  requiring,  perhaps, 
a  little    more   heat   than 
Javanicum,  but  very  free- 
flowering  and  well  worth 
adding  to  any   collection 
of  these  beautiful  plants. 
I  may  also  inform  "  An  Old 
Soldier  '  that  I  possess  the  hybrid  he  mentions  as  Smith's  aureum, 
and  that  he  can  obtain  plants  of  it  from  Messrs.  Veitch,  of  Chelsea. 
— W.  E.  G. 


Fuchsia  gracihs  variegata.— I  noticea  at  Kew  the  other  dav  a  verv 
pretty  offect  i,ro(luced  l,.v  tvaininff  a  plant  of  this  Fuchsia  up  the  stem  ot  ii 
Draca.na  about  8  feet  high.  This  prettily  variegated-leaved  Fuchsia  is  also 
used  in  other  parts  of  the  temperate  hcuae  as  a  conservatory  cUmber  with  tho 
very  best  results.— P.  Wallace. 


252 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  27, 1873. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

OECHAED  HOUSE  TEEES. 

Br  PETER  GRIEVE,  Colpoed  Gibbbns. 
The  Apple. 
The  Apple  succeeds  so  well  in  the  opeu  air  that  it  may 
appear  quite  unnecessary  to  grow  it  in  any  form  under 
glass.  A  few,  however,  of  the  finer  sorts  may  be  grown 
so,  if  for  no  other  reason  than  to  give  finish  or  completeness 
to  a  collection  of  fruit  trees.  Besides,  it  is  found  that  there 
are  some  very  fine-looking  American  varieties  of  this  fruit, 
for  which  it  would  appear  that  our  summers  are  hardly  long 
enough  or  sufficiently  warm  to  bring  them  to  their  maximum 
point  of  excellence,  such  as  the  Northern  Spy,  the  Eeinette  du 
Canada,  the  Melon  Apple,  &c.  ;  while  some  of  our  old 
favourites,  such  as  the  Eibston  Pippin,  Golden  Pippin,  Golden 
Eeinette,  Cox's  Orange,  the  Old,  and  the  Scarlet  Nonpareil, 
are  all  of  them  well  worthy  of  being  grown  under  glass. 
Trees  intended  for  this  purpose  should  be  grafted  upon  the 
Paradise  stock,  and  potted  in  soil  similar  to  what  has_  been 
recommended  for  the  Apricot  and  other  fruit  trees ;  subjected 
also  to  similar  treatment  as  regards  summer  pinching  or 
stopping,  &c.,  until  a  pyi-amidal  or  some  other  desired  form 
is  secured.  Under  glass,  these  trees  will  generally  keep 
pretty  free  from  insect  annoyances  of  all  kinds,  but  should  a 
few  caterpillars  put  in  an  appearance,  they  must  be  picked 
off  by  hand ;  and  should  (but  this  is  not  at  all  likely)  the 
American  blight  show  itself,  burn   the  plants  so  efiected  at 

once. 

The  Pear. 

The  varieties  of  this  much  esteemed  fruit  at  present  in  culti- 
vation are,  like  those  of  the  Apple,  exceedingly  numerous  ;  and 
during  most  seasons,  succeed  very  well  in  the  open  air  in  this 
country,  being  perfectly  hardy.  But,  our  climate  being  exceed- 
ingly uncertain  during  spring,  it  happens  not  unfrequently 
that  a  ruinous  depression  of  temperatui'e  takes  place  at  the  very 
time  when  the  Pear  is  in  full  flower;  and,  although  this 
depression  may  not  last  longer  than  a  few  hours,  it  is  too 
frequently  found  to  be  quite  sufficient  to  destroy  all  hopes  of  a 
crop  of  Pears  during  the  ensuing  season.  The  night  of  the 
19th  of  last  May,  or  the  morning  of  the  20th  of  that  month, 
affords  a  memorable  example  of  this  nature.  A  cold  and  com- 
paratively sunless  summer,  such  as  we  sometimes  experience, 
is  also  found  to  fail  to  bring  some  of  the  best  varieties  of  this 
fruit  to  anything  like  the  perfection  which  they  will  attain 
under  more  favourable  circumstances.  Soil  and  climate  would 
also  appear  to  exercise  a  great  influence  upon  the  quality  of 
this  fruit,  as  it  is  found  that  some  sorts  which  are  really  of 
excellent  quality,  when  grown  in  the  north  of  England  and 
some  parts  of  Scotland,  are  worthless  and  insipid  in  flavour 
when  produced  in  the  more  genial  climate  of  the  south ; 
while,  on  the  other  hand,  the  northern  summer  is  neither 
sufficiently  long,  nor  warm,  to  ripen  many  varieties  which 
attain  great  perfection  in  the  most  exposed  positions  in  the 
south  of  England. 

Pear  trees  intended  for  orchard  house  culture  should  be  all 
woi'ked  upon  the  Quince  stock,  which  induces  a  healthy  but 
not  over  vigorous  growth ;  and  they  should  be  potted  in  good 
friable  loam,  slightly  enriched  with  well-rotted  manure,  and 
potted  as  firmly  as  possible.  The  pots  used  should  not  be  too 
large,  on  account  of  their  having  to  be  frequently  moved 
about  after  being  potted,  say  during  the  month  of  November. 
They  may  then  be  placed  as  close  together  as  may  be  desired, 
and  the  pots  should  be  well  covered  with  leaves  or  dry  litter 
of  some  sort,  and  so  remain  during  the  winter  months.  Early 
in  March,  should  the  weather  be  mild,  they  may  be  uncovered 
and  placed  at  the  necessary  distance  from  each  other  and 
carefully  pruned,  and  this,  followed  by  judicious  stopping  and 
pinching  of  the  shoots  during  the  growing  season,  will  bring 
the  trees  as  soon  as  possible  into  the  desired  form — that  of  a 
pyramid  being  considered  best.  When  the  trees  are  in  bloom, 
air  should  be  admitted  very  freely  whenever  the  weather  is 
mild.  Under  glass.  Pears  are  generally  found  to  set  their  fruit 
very  freely,  and  they  must  consequently  be  thinned  out, 
taking  care  not  to  leave  too  many  fruits  upon  a  tree;  but  the 
number  should  be  regulated  by  the  size  and  the  vigour  of  the 


tree.  If  the  trees  are  allowed  to  ripen  their  fruit  under  glass, 
it  will  most  likely  be  exceedingly  large  and  fine  in  appearance, 
but  at  the  same  time  will  probably  be  insipid  and  deficient 
in  flavour.  On  this  account  it  is  always  advisable  to  remove 
them  into  a  suitable  situation  in  the  open  air.  This  may  be 
done  about  the  middle  of  June,  or  soon  after  that  time,  when 
they  should  be  plunged,  to  the  rim  of  the  pots,  in  light  and 
comparatively  dry  soil,  if  possible,  and  mulched  with  rich 
half-rotted  manure  to  the  depth  of  at  least  two  inches.  Give 
water  when  it  appears  to  be  required,  but  this  mulching  will 
to  a  great  extent  prevent  evaporation,  and  render  water  less 
necessary.  But  when  the  fruit  is  rapidly  swelling  off, 
occasional  doses  of  weak  manure-water  may  be  given  with 
advantage,  and  due  attention  must,  during  this  time,  be  paid 
to  pinching  or  stopping  the  young  shoots,  in  order  to  secure, 
or  preserve,  the  desired  form  of  the  trees. 

Long  before  the  fruit  is  ripe,  the  small  blue-headed  Tomtit 
may  not  unlikely  take  the  liberty  of  puncturing  small  holes  in 
some  of  the  finest  fruits,  close  to  the  footstalks,  and  this  of 
course  ensures  the  rapid  decay  of  the  fruits  so  injured.  To 
prevent  this,  take  circular  pieces  of  thin  cardboard,  about  the 
size  of  a  half-crown  piece.  Make  a  hole  in  the  centre  about 
the  size  of  the  stalk  of  the  fruit,  and  from  this  hole  with  a 
sharp  knife  make  a  clean  cut  through  the  margin,  and  slip  the 
stalk  of  each  fruit  through  this  slit  into  the  central  hole. 
This  will  effectually  protect  the  part  of  the  fruit  most  likely 
to  be  operated  upon  by  this  very  pretty,  but  rather  mischievous, 
Uttle  bird. 

As  a  rule,  it  will  be  advisable  to  grow  only  the  very  best 
and  most  handsome  varieties  of  the  Pear  under  glass.  The 
following  short  list,  which  may  be  greatly  extended,  gives  the 
names  of  a  few  of  such : — Brown  Beurre,  Easter  Beurre, 
Beurre  Bosc,  Beurre  Clairgeau,  Bergamotte  (Huyshe's), 
Chaumontel,  Comte  de  Lamy,  Doyenne  du  Cornice,  Duchesse 
d'Angonleme,  large  and  fine ;  Forelle,  or  Trout  Pear,  very 
beautiful;  Gen.  Todtleben,  Glou  Morceau,  Gratioli  of  Jersey, 
Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  Madam  Treyve,  Prince  Albert,  Soldat 
Laboureur,  Triomphe  de  Jodoigne,  Winter  Nells,  &c. 
The  Cherry. 

The  wild  Chen'y  is  a  native  of  Britain,  and  many  species  and 
varieties  of  CheiTy  are  also  indigenous  to  the  south  of  Europe, 
North  America,  and  elsewhere.  Few  varieties  of  hardy  fruit 
are  more  worthy  of  cultivation  under  glass  than  the  Cherry.  In 
woodland  districts,  almost  always  infested  by  birds,  it  is  gene- 
rally a  most  difficult  matter  to  get  this  delicious  fruit  fully 
ripened  in  the  open  air,  consequently  the  protection  afforded  by 
an  orchard  house  is  what  is  really  required.  It  is  equally 
well  adapted  for  pot  culture,  and  for  the  purpose  of  planting 
out  in  prepared  borders  of  suitable  soil,  and  being  trained  into 
the  form  of  a  pyramidal-shaped  tree.  The  soil  used  to  pot  or 
to  plant  them  in  may  be  similar  to  that  recommended  for 
Apricots,  &c.,  with  the  addition  of  a  considerable  portion  of 
well-pulverised  clay.  Like  the  Apricot,  the  Cherry  requires 
to  be  grown  in  a  well-ventilated  structure  to  ensure  the  fruit 
setting  well.  But,  unlike  the  Apricot,  it  is  unfortunately 
subject  to  the  attacks  of  insect  enemies,  more  particularly  the 
black  aphis,  for  which  the  only  really  effectual  remedy  is 
fumigation,  assisted  by  frequent  syringings,  as  soon  as  the 
fruit  is  fairly  set,  and  continued  until  it  begins  to  change 
colour.  On  this  account  a  separate  compartment  is  very 
desirable  for  the  Cherry,  which  is  one  of  the  few  fruits  of 
which  it  may  truly  be  said  that  too  great  a  variety  of  them  can 
hardly  be  grown,  as  nearly  all  are  good,  and  yet  all  are  so 
distinct.  All  Cherry  trees  intended  for  growing  under  glass 
should  be  worked  upon  the  Mahaleb  stock  (Cerasus  Mahaleb), 
which  is  admitted  to  be  better  suited  for  this  purpose  than  the 
common  Cherry  stock.  All  collections  of  this  fruit  should 
contain  at  least  the  following  varieties,  viz.,  May  Duke,  Arch 
Duke,  Eoyal  Duke,  Early  Amber  Heart,  Werder's  Early 
Black  Heart,  Knight's  Early  Black,  Black  Eagle,  Black  Tar- 
tarian, Belle  de  Chois}',  Belle  d'Orleans,  Governor  Wood,  Ohio 
Beauty,  with  the  various  Bigarreau  sorts,  all  of  which  are 
very  good.  And,  as  very  late  sorts.  Belle  Magnifique,  Late 
Duke,  and  Morello,  may  be  safely  recommended.  The  latter, 
when  thoroughly  ripened,  will  hang  on  the  trees  and  keep  well 
up  to  the  middle  of  October,  and  is  then  well  worthy  of  a 
place  in  the  most  choice  dessert. 


i 


Sept.  27,  1873.] 


THE   GASDEN. 


253 


The  Plum. 

The  Plum  (Prunus  domestica)  is  indigenous  to  England,  and 
its  various  varieties  are  found  to  succeed  admirably  when  grown 
under  glass.  Very  much  of  what  has  just  been  said  regarding 
the  Pear,  applies  equally  to  this  fruit,  the  bloom  of  which  is 
so  frequently  destroyed  by  spring  frosts  in  the  open  air.  This 
circumstance  renders  it  advisable  to  cultivate  at  least  a  portion 
of  the  trees  in  the  orchard  house.  They  may  be  grown 
in  pots  of  similar  dimensions  to  those  recommended  for 
Pears,  and  the  soil  or  compost  employed  may  also  be  much  the 
same.  If  any  alteration  is  made  in  this  respect  it  might, 
possibly  with  advantage,  be  rendered  somewhat  richer.  They 
will  also  require  the  same  attention  as  regards  watering, 
stopping  of  the  young  shoots,  &c.,  as  other  varieties  of 
orchard  house  trees.  The  most  desirable  form  in  which  to 
train  the  tree  is  that  of  a  pyramid.  Under  glass  they  will 
generally  set  fruit  in  great  abundance,  which  must  be  thinned 
out  carefully.  By  all  means  avoid  leaving  too  heavy  a  crop, 
which  will  be  sure  to  render  the  fruit  less  fine,  and  to  some 
extent  deficient  in  flavour. 

The  Plum  under  glass,  as  well  as  in  the  open  air,  is  subject 
to  the  attacks  of  a  bluish  aphis,  or  smother  fly,  as  it  is  some- 
times called,  which  generally  yields,  however,  to  repeated 
syringings  with  diluted  tobacco-water,  or  to  fumigation.  On 
this  account  it  is  also  advisable  to  dress  the  trees  after  they 
have  been  pruned,  in  the  same  manner  as  has  been  recom- 
mended in  the  case  of  Peaches,  &c,  All,  or  a  portion,  of  the 
trees  should  be  removed  into  the  open  air  in  June,  and 
plunged  and  treated  in  all  respects  similar  to  the  Pear  ;  but,  in 
the  case  of  the  Plum,  it  will  be  necessary  to  return  them 
again  into  the  orchard  house,  so  that  the  fruit  may  complete 
its  ripening  process,  and  be  protected  from  the  ravages  of 
wasps  and  birds,  which  during  some  seasons,  unless  the  fruit 
is  in  some  way  protected,  will  destroy  it  as  fast  as  it  ripens. 
In  the  ease  of  late  sorts,  such  as  Coe's  Golden  Drop,  &c.,  it  is 
advisable  to  allow  the  trees  to  remaLu  under  glass  until  the 
fruit  is  ripe,  abundance  o'f  air  being  always  freely  admitted 
to  the  structure.  Where  the  fruit  may  hang  upon  the  trees 
imtil  it  shrivels  it  is  often  found  to  be  delicious.  The  trees 
should  be  placed  out  of  doors  for  a  time,  as  the  fruit  is 
gathered  from  them.  All  varieties  of  this  fruit  will  succeed 
well  under  orchard  house  culture,  but  the  following  list  con- 
tains the  names  of  a  few  of  the  best  table  sorts  only,  selected 
so  as  to  give  as  prolonged  a  season  as  possible  : — Early  Plums  : 
Belgian  Pui'ple,  Drap  d'Or,  Claude  Hative,  Early  Favourite, 
Golden  Gage,  Peach  Plum,  Violet  Plum,  Greengage,  Rivers's 
Early  Prolific*. — Plums,  medium  as  to  ripening:  Bonne  Bouche, 
Guthrie's  Aunt  Ann,  Huling's  Superb,  Jefierson,  Heine  Claude 
de  Bavay,  Eeine  Claude  Violette,  Washington. — Late  Plums  : 
Coe's  Late  Red,  Coe's  Golden  Drop,  Eellemberg,  Ickworth 
Imperatrice,  Imperatrice  Blue,  Guthrie's  Late  Green. 

The  Pig. 

The  Fig  was  introduced  into  this  country  about  the  year 
1548.  It  may  be  grown  successfully  in  the  orchard 
house  in  15  or  18-inch  pots,  in  the  form  of  dwarf  bushes, 
or,  better  still,  as  low  standards,  with  clean  stems  about 
15  or  18  inches  in  length.  The  shoots  will  require  to 
be  thinned  out,  and  those  remaining  must  be  pinched 
or  stopped  occasionally,  in  order  to  get  the  plants  into 
their  proper  or  desired  form.  The  soil  may  be  the  same 
as  has  been  recommended  for  other  fruit  trees,  and  should 
be  surface-dressed  with  rich  manure  once  or  twice  during  the 
time  that  the  fruit  is  swelling,  when  they  should  also  be 
supplied  with  abundance  of  water,  which  may,  to  some 
extent,  be  withhold  when  the  fruit  begins  to  approach  a  state 
of  ripeness,  wlien  great  care  should  also  be  taken  to  prevent 
the  fruit  from  becoming  wet,  by  discontinuing  syringing,  &c. 
Not  being  very  liable  to  the  attacks  of  insects,  continuous 
syringing  is  not  required  ;  and  should  the  brown  scale  attack 
the  foliage  (which  it  sometimes  does),  it  should  be  washed  off 
with  a  sponge  and  tobacco-water.  In  an  orchard  house 
without  artificial  heat,  only  one  crop  is  to  be  expected  in  a 

•  This  Plvun  should  be  in  every  collection ;  and,  althongh  possibly  not  a 
table  fniit  strictly  speaking,  may,  nevertheless  be  used  for  this  purpose.  Its 
productivenesss  is  really  extraordinary,  as  it  hardly  ever  fails  to  produce  a 
heavy  crop,  even  when  all  other  sorts  grown  under  similar  conditions,  more 
or  less  fail. 


season,  which  will  probably  ripen  from  the  middle  of  August 
to  the  beginning  of  September,  and  to  secure  this  it  may  be 
advisable  to  keep  them  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  house. 
The  best  sorts  for  orchard  house  culture  are  the  Early  Violet, 
Lee's  Perpetual  or  Brown  Turkey,  and  White  Marseilles ;  the 
Castle  Kennedy  variety  might  also  be  tried. 

The  Mulberry. 

The  common  black  Mulberry  is  a  native  of  Italy,  and  was 
introduced  into  this  country  about  1548.  In  many  gardens 
this  rich  and  delicious  fruit  does  not  ripen  well,  and  is  very 
apt  to  drop  off  prematurely.  But  it  is  found  that  when  grown 
under  glass  it  attains  a  greater  size,  and  is  much  improved  in 
flavour,  as  well  as  in  colour.  It  is  well  adapted  to  orchard 
house  culture,  is  by  no  means  particular  as  to  soil,  and  should 
be  grown  in  pots  in  the  form  of  a  pyramid  or  dwarf  standard 
tree.  It  ought  to  have  abundance  of  water  until  the  fruit 
shows  signs  of  ripening,  when  less  should  be  given  ;  but  this 
must  not  be  withheld  to  a  great  extent,  or  the  fruit  will  bo 
likely  to  drop  off. 


BARREN  FIG  TREES. 
When  asked  to  prescribe  for  baiTen  Fig  trees,  my  first  question  is — 
Are  the  leaves  of  yonr  tree  much  divided,  because,  if  bo,  yon  have 
probably  got  the  Brunswick  ?  Discard  it,  and  plant  the  Brown 
Turkey,  which  will  produce  ten  times  as  much  fruit.  Now,  this  is 
the  advice  I  should  tender  to  "  Paxtonia  "  (p.  217).  If  the  sort  is 
right,  follow  Mr.  Westland's  counsels.  If  not,  do  not  take  Grosse 
Verte,  merely  because  it  stands  first  in  his  list.  As  regards  flavour, 
it  certainly  deserves  its  foremost  position,  but  it  is  an  inveterate 
cracker,  and  requires  the  most  careful  attention  as  to  watering. 
The  air  also  must  be  kept  dry,  and  considerable  heat  given.  It  is 
suited  only  for  an  ardent  cultivator,  who  can  brook  frequent  disap- 
pointment. Under  glass,  with  little  heat,  the  three  best  are  in  Mr. 
Westland's  list.  Placed  in  the  order  of  their  ripening,  they  are  Early 
Violet,  White  Marseilles  or  Raby  Castle,  and  Brown  Turkey.  Where 
there  is  httle  heat,  the  summer  or  first  crop  cannot  be  dispensed 
with,  and  all  these  ripen  two  crops  annually,  the  first  two  even 
without  heat.  I  consider  Raby  Castle  and  Marseilles  the  same.  The 
only  difference  I  know  is  the  length  of  the  footstalk,  which  is  a  very 
variable  mark.  As  to  CEil  de  Perdiix,  it  is  a  noble  plant,  with  large 
leaves  and  short-jointed  wood.  But  it  has  no  summer  crop,  and  the 
fruit  is  so  close  on  the  bough,  that  the  lower  part  ripens  with  difficulty, 
and  long  after  the  top.  If  the  fruit  cracks,  it  ripens  better ;  but 
split  fruit  mildews,  unless  the  air  is  dry  up  to  red-spider  point,  and 
even  then  the  fruit  becomes  smothered  with  flies  and  ants.  By  crack, 
ing,  I  mean  splitting  from  the  eye  downwards ;  mere  minute  trans, 
verse  cracks  over  the  skin  are  good  signs.  Where  there  is  heat 
enough  to  ripen  off  an  autumnal  crop  in  August  and  September,  I 
recommend  the  White  Isohia,  which  has  every  conceivable  good 
quality,  except  size  and  beauty.  The  former,  however,  is  amply 
compensated  for  by  its  amazing  fertility.  If  beauty  joined  with 
excellence  be  desired,  take  Panachee  and  Colonel  di  Signora  nera. 
Both  of  these,  however,  are  later  than  White  Ischia.  G.  S. 


THE  GOLDEN  CHAMPION  GRAPE. 

New  flowers,  fruits,  or  vegetables  must  be  estimated  at  their 
proper  value;  and  this  should  be  done,  at  the  risk  of  offending  or 
even  injuring  their  raisers  and  those  interested  in  their  sale.  Writers 
must  write  for  the  public  good,  entirely  oblivous  to  private  interests. 
If  truth  promotes  the  latter,  well  and  good ;  but  if  not,  it  must, 
nevertheless,  be  uttered.  One  has  only  to  make  sure  of  his  facts 
and  of  there  being  a  necessity  to  promulgate  them.  Nothing  can 
be  more  obvious  than  the  need  of  caution  in  the  assessment  of  the 
value  of  new  varieties.  The  puffing  of  novelties,  because  they  are 
new,  is  at  the  present  moment  the  greatest  nuisance  in  horticulture. 
It  affects  all  classes.  Even  our  fruit  and  floral  committees  and 
greatest  authorities — practical  and  scientific — have  hardly  escaped 
from  its  influence.  Hence  we  have  new  things  innumerable  not 
equal  to  old  ones,  and  one  of  the  highest  services  that  can  be 
rendered  to  horticulture  is  the  weighing  of  new  things  in  the  balance 
of  practice  and  recording  the  results.  It  thus  happened  that  some 
weeks  ago,  in  reply  to  an  article  that  appeared  in  The  Garden  on 
"  Grapes  Worth  Growing,"  I  challenged  the  writer's  high  estimate  of 
the  Golden  Champion  Grape,  and  counselled  planting  fewer  than  he 
recommended.  Such  a  challenge  could  hardly  escape  criticism,  and 
it  has  brought  down  upon  me  two  sturdy  combatants — the  raiser 
and  Mr.  W.  P.  Ayres.     Perhaps  some  apology  is  due  from  me  to  the 


254 


THE   GAEDBN. 


[Sept.  27,  1873, 


raiser,  for,  in  drawing  a  strong  contrast  in  favour  of  the  Duke  of 
Bnccleuch  in  comparison  with  the  Golden  Champion,  I  intimated 
that,  while  two  large  Vineries  were  famished  with  the  former,  few 
or  none  of  the  latter  were  grown  at  Clovenfords  ;  whereas,  it  seems 
that  some  are  grown,  and  that  a  considerable  number  continue  to  be 
sold.  It  follows,  therefore,  that  Mr.  Thomson  has  still  confidence 
in  the  Golden  Champion — a  confidence  so  far  justified  by  the  fine 
examples  of  this  Grape  shown  at  Manchester.  It  is  quite  possible 
that  the  Golden  Champion  did  not  at  first  reveal  any  of  its  peculiar 
defects,  either  at  Dalkeith  or  Clovenfords,  and  it  is  certain  that  it  was 
sent  out  in  good  faith  with  the  certificate  of  the  fruit  committee  of 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  attached  to  it  as  a  first-class  new 
variety.  Here  it  may  be  assumed  the  raiser's  responsibility  ended. 
And  in  discussing  the  merits  and  demerits  of  this  or  any  fruit,  I 
intend  to  steer  quite  clear  of  any  question  of  motive  in  the  raiser, 
with  which  I  have  nothing  whatever  to  do.  By  their  fruits  we  shall 
know  Grape  Vines  assuredly,  and  the  fruit  of  the  Golden  Champion 
is  so  generally  spotted  as  to  render  it  comparatively  worthless.  I 
write  this  after  seeing  the  fine  examples  at  Manchester  and  else. 
where.  Those  examples  of  success  but  confirm  the  rule  of  general 
failure.  I,  like  others  that  Mr.  Thomson  adverts  to,  prefer  the 
evidence  of  my  own  eyes,  and  that  of  others  equally  trust, 
worthy,  who  have  either  written  or  spoken  to  me  of  their 
utter  failure  with  this  Grape.  I  have  no  interest  in  writing 
down  a  good  frnit.  My  interest,  or  rather  my  pleasure,  would 
be  in  writing  it  up.  But,  if  truth  points  the  other  way, 
nothing  shall  hinder  my  writing  it  down.  Assuredly  it  put  in  a  good 
appearance  at  Manchester,  and  I  have  seen  it  good  in  several  other 
places  ;  and  I  grew  three  fine  bunches  of  it  myself  last  year,  yet 
have  I  cut  out  two  strong  Vines,  and  only  reserved  one.  And  at 
Manchester  the  opinions  of  cultivators  were  strongly  antagonistic  to 
this  Grape.  Some  said  it  did  well  in  England,  some  in  Scotland,  and 
more  that  it  did  alike  badly  in  both  countries.  I  am  sorry  I  cannot 
accept  Mr.  Ayres's  panacea  of  grafting  as  a  cure  for  spotting.  I 
worked  a  Champion  on  a  strong.growing  Hamburgh,  and  the  result 
was  much  worse  than  on  its  own  roots.  I  heartily  wish  it  were 
otherwise,  for  a  newsparkhng  Grape  of  such  noble  appearance  would 
be  a  decided  acquisition  at  dessert.  I  hope  we  shall  find  such  a 
Grape  in  the  Duke  of  Buccleuch,  which  appears  to  possess  all  the 
good  qualities  of  the  Champion,  without  its  faults.  Two  considerations 
have  induced  me  to  speak  out  thus  emphatically  about  this  last, 
named  Grape — one  to  prevent  disappointment,  the  other  to  vindicate 
the  skill  and  character  of  those  who  have  failed.  The  Golden 
Champion  has  proved  an  Apple  of  discord  in  many  establishments, 
and  it  is  only  just  to  the  profession  when  cii'cumstances  enable 
any  one  to  garner  facts ;  that  these  should  be  stated  to  prove  that 
constitution,  rather  than  skill,  is  at  fault  in  failing  to  finish  this  fine- 
looking  Grape.  D.  T.  Fish. 


Fruit  Prospects  in  America. — Of  Apples  with  us  the 
prospect  now  is  that  they  mil  be  dear.  Do  you  know  that  we 
rarely  see  Newtown  Pippins  offered  in  the  markets  ?  The  gi'owers 
of  them  are  few,  and  they  sell  directly  to  shippers.  Besides,  owing 
to  our  now  having  so  many  better  Apples,  they  are  not  so  much 
sought  after  as  formerly.  Of  Pears  really  good  sorts  are  never  cheap. 
Do  you  know  what  a  fine  Pear  the  Vicar  of  Winkfield  (Le  Cure  of 
some)  is,  if  properly  managed  ?  We  allow  it  to  remain  on  the  trees 
until  hard  frosts  occur,  and  then  treat  it  just  as  one  would  a  winter 
Apple,  when  it  will  be  found  brisk  and  excelleut.^GEOEGE  Thuebek, 
New  Torlc. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Fruit  Crops  at  Bracebridge  Vicarage,  Lincoln.— Cox's  Orange  Pippin 
Apple  is  splendid  with  us  this  year  ;  and  Lord  Burlei£?h  fruits  well,  but  shows  a 
strong  predilection  to  canker.  Russian  is,  perhaps,  the  best  early  kitchen  Apple 
we  have  met  with  excepting  Lord  Suffield.  Mid-season  Pears  have  nearly  all 
ripened  hereabout,  and  both  early  and  late  were  bitten  by  frost.  Plums,  which  are 
scarce,  have  been  greatly  injured,  as  well  as  Cherries,  by  fly. — C.  C.  Ellison. 

Influence  of  the  Stock  on  the  Scion- — How  much,  in  the  case  of  many 
fruits,  the  quality  is  influenced  by  the  stock,  I  saw  last  week,  when  we 
gathered  here,  among  other  Pears,  the  Rokeby.  This  sort  was  taken  from  a 
tree  worked  on  the  Pear-stock,  and  was,  in  every  stage  of  ripening,  very  bad, 
being  dry  and  mealy ;  while  the  same  sort,  worked  on  the  Quince,  in  the  same 
groimd,  was  full  of  juice,  melting,  and  doliciously  flavoured,  and  was  a  fortnight 
earUer. — G.  W.,  Sferrioit  Nurseries. 

The  Early  Richmond  Cherry.— Wbat  the  Eartlett  is  among  Pears,  or  the 
Concord  among  Grapes,  the  Early  Richmond  is  in  the  list  of  Cherries.  The 
fact  of  its  superior  excellence  for  cooking  purposes  has  made  it  one  of  our 
most  popular  fruits  wherever  it  has  bee  a  tested.  Large  orchards  in  the 
Western  Statea-prove  its  popularity  in  that  part  of  the  country,  and  we  have 
yet  to  learn  a  single  exception  to  the  general  estimate  in  which 'it  is  held.  The 
tree  is  perhaps  more  hardy  than  any  other  variety,  excepting  only  the  Morello, 
and  its  regular  crops  of  fruit  entitle  it  to  precedence  for  profit.  It  begins  to 
bear  at  a  very  early  age,  and  when  other  kinds  are  terribly  injured  by  the 
black  knot,  the  Early  Richmond  is  almost  exempt.  It  is  not,  at  least,  so  liable  to 
the  disease  as  others  of  this  class.— ifew  Tork  Tribune. 


THE     ARBORETU M. 

SHRUBS    OF  MAGELLAN   AND    CHILOE. 

In  the  very  interesting  "  Notes  on  the  Natural  History  of  the  Straits 
of  Magellan,"  by  Robert  Cunningham,  M.D.,  naturalist  to  H.M.S. 
Nassau,  mention  is  made  of  several  plants,  which,  if  introduced  into 
England,  are  certainly  only  in  private  collections.  I  venture, 
therefore,  to  inquire,  through  the  medium  of  your  journal,  whether 
Berberis  ilicifolia  exists  in  a  living  state  in  England.  It  must 
be  a  strikingly  fine  species,  according  to  the  writer,  who  describes  it 
as  bearing  flowers  sometimes  as  large  as  Cherry  blossoms,  of  a 
splendid  orange-yellow  hue,  varying  to  flame  colour,  in  corymbs ;  the 
plants  attaining  a  very  large  size,  sometimes  as  much  as  upwards  of 
10  feet  in  height.  As  Berberis buxifolia,  dulcis,  Darwinii,  and  others 
are  in  our  collections,  it  seems  strange  that  this  fine  species  is  not  in 
general  cultivation.  Again,  he  speaks  of  a  beautiful  Bignoniaceoua 
Creeper  (Campsidium  chilense)  bearing  clusters  of  rose-coloured 
flowers.  Is  this  known  in  England  ?  The  following  must  also  be 
worthy  of  cultivation  :  Bromelia  bicolor,  with  long  radiating  green 
leaves,  the  inner  ones  being  brilliant  red ;  Gunnera  chilensis,  with 
dense  spikes  of  orange-red  fruits ;  a  tall  shrub,  Citharexylon 
cyanocarpum,  with  glossy  dark-green  leaves,  and  clusters  of  splendid 
bluish-purple  berries ;  Tricuspidaria  (Crinodendron)  Hookeri,  a 
low  tree,  producing  handsome  solitary  drooping  bright  crimson 
flowers.  All  these  seem  desirable  plants,  and  would  be  worth  the 
attention  of  collectors.  Many  other  things  described  are  well  known 
to  us,  such  as  Mitraria  coccinea  and  Sarmienta  repens,  though,  I 
presume,  neither  have  been  tried  in  the  open  air  in  South  Devon  or 
Cornwall,  where  the  glorious  Embothrium  coccineum  thrives  with 
much  vigour.  Dr.  Sutherland  speaks  of  a  second  species,  Emboth. 
rium  lanceolatum  as  the  handsomer  of  the  two.  Is)  this  in  England  ? 
A  Tigridia,  with  pale  bluish-purple  flowers,  must  also  be  valuable, 
together  with  numberless  fine  herbaceous  plants;  and  it  is  worth 
noticing  that  the  charming  Lapageria  rosea,  bore  unharmed  the 
fames  of  smelting  houses,  which  had  completely  destroyed  the 
vitality  of  the  tree  that  supported  it.  It  is  pleasant  to  read  of  our 
well-known  favourites,  Berberis  Darwinii,  Sida  (Abutilon)  vitifolia, 
Philesia  buxifolia,  Buddleia  globosa,  &c. ;  but  there  must  still  exist 
in  these  regions  numberless  lovely  things  that  would  add  beauty  to 
our  conservatories,  if  not  to  our  shrubberies  and  gardens. 

A  Devo.vux. 


Fine  specimens  of  Conifers  at  Penny  Hill,  Bagshot. — 
This  place  is  remarkable  for  its  beautiful  Coniferous  trees,  some  of 
which  I  have  measured,  and  find  their  dimensions  to  be  as  follows  : — 
Juniperus  japonica  alba,  7  feet  by  ,5  feet  6  inches ;  Thujopsis 
Standishii,  9  feet  by  6  feet ;  Retinospora  pisifera,  15  feet  by  14 
feet ;  Thujopsis  dolobrata  variegata,  7  feet  by  5  feet ;  Abies  Alberti, 
two  fine  specimens,  25  feet  by  15  feet ;  Abies  lasiocarpa,  22  feet  by 
9  feet;  Sciadopitys  verticillata,  8  feet  by  6  feet;  Thuja  gigantea 
(Lobbii) ,  two  fine  specimens,  25  feet  by  10  feet ;  Libocedrus  decurrens 
(Thuja  gigantea),  20  feet  by  8  feet ;  Abies  grandis,  17  feet  by  16 
feet ;  Wellingtonia  gigantea,  40  feet  by  20  feet.  There  are  also  at 
this  place  some  fine  specimens  of  Silver  and  Gold  Hollies,  16  feet  in 
height,  and  from  5  feet  to  6  feet  in  diameter. — W.  H.  B.\bbage. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

Fine  Umbrella  Pine. — There  is  a  specimen  of  this  Pine  (Sciadopitys 
verticillata)  9  feet  high  in  Lady  Wilhams's  garden  at  Tregillo,  Cornwall. — H. 

The  American  Arbor- Vitse  as  a  Hedge  Plant.— This  makes  a  very  close 
graceful  hedge  when  well  kept,  and  is  very  hardy ;  strong  winds  are  apt  to 
open  it  too  much  if  in  exposed  positions,  or  when  allowed  to  grow  too  free. 

Golden  Yew  on  Common  Yew  Hedges.— Grafting  the  Golden  Yew  here  and 
there  on  shoots  allowed  to  grow  up  from  hedges  of  the  common  Yew  is 
frequently  pratised  in  the  great  Surrey  nurseries.  The  practice  deserves 
adoption  in  private  gardens. — V.  E.  R. 

Tlie  Green  "Weeping  Holly.— This  valuable  evergreen  weeping  shrub  is, 
like  many  other  weeping  trees,  not  likely  to  receive  the  notice  it  deserves  tiJl 
good  specimens  are  frequently  seen.  One  of  the  best  we  know  of  is  on  the  lawn 
in  Mr.  G.  Jackman's  nursery  at  Woking.— W. 

Dentzia  Hedges. — Deutzia  scabra  is  a  very  attractive  plant  when  in  bloom  ; 
it  is  quite  hanly,  forms  a  dense  mass  of  foliage,  and  appears  eminently 
adapted  for  a  hedge  or  screen.  It  bears  the  shears  with  impimity,  puts  out  its 
foliage  early  and  holds  it  late.  Those  who  desire  a  neat  little  hedge  or  screen 
where  animals  cannot  injure  it,  will  find  this  excellent  for  the  purpose. 

Leaf -pictures  inAutnmn. — The  commonest  Sumach  (Rhus  typhina),  often 
seen  in  our  gai-dens,  but  rarely  valued  and  used  as  it  deserves,  is  a  tree  much 
valued  in  America  and  Canada  for  the  brilliancy  assumed  by  it-s  leaves  in 
autumn.  From  recent  observations  of  this  tree  in  Surrey,  even  after  the  late 
cold  rains,  I  am  led  to  say,  that  I  have  never  seen  more  brilliant  leaves  on  the 
tree  in  America  or  Canada  than  it  bears  with  us.  This  is  also  true  of  the 
Virginian  Creeper  and  other  American  trees.  The  beauty  of  our  own  native 
trees  in  auiumn  being  also  of  a  very  high  character,  one  is  led  to  ask — whj'  do 
we  not  plant  with  a  view  of  producing  pictures  of  fohage  in  the  autumn  in  our 
parks  and  gardens? — W.  R. 


S*PT.  2?,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


255 


GARDEN     DESTROYERS. 

THE  PLUM  MOTH. 
(tortrix  pruniana.) 
In  many  gardens  the  Plum  and  Cherry  trees  suffer  much  from 
the  ravages  of  a  small  tiny  moth  (Tortrix  pruniana),  which  is 
figured  in  the  .accompanying  wood-out.  The  larva  may  be 
found  early  in  May,  or  even  in  April.  It  is  at  first  pale  yellow, 
but  after  its  second  moult  it  becomes  green,  or  dirty  green, 
or  even  greyish.  The  body  is  covered  with  small  black  points, 
from  each  of  which  springs  a  stiff  little  hair.  The  head,  the 
shield  on  the  first  segment,  the  true  feet,  and  the  extremity  of 
the  last  segment  are  shining  black.  In  its  first  youth  it  lives 
ill  the  heart  of  the  flowers  of  the  Plum  and  Cherry,  of  which 
it  eats  a  portion.  When  the  flowers  begin  to  fade  it  retreats 
among  the  leaves,  which  it  ties  together  in  a  bundle.  When 
it  arrives  at  maturity  it  lines  the  interior  of  its  le.af -lodging 
with  silk,  and  there  passes  into  the  chrysalis.  The  latter  is 
bi'own,  not  so  much  elongated  as  that  of  most  of  its  allies,  with 
the  margin  of  its  segments  furnished  with  minute  spines. 
The  figure  of  the  perfect  moth,  here  given,  is  so  characteristic 


The  Plum  Moth. 

that  a  description  is  unnecessary.  The  colour  of  the  upper 
wings  is  black  and  white,  the  black  mingled  with  some  dark 
brown.  The  lower  wings  are  blackish-grey.  It  comes  out  in 
June  or  July.  There  is  a  second  brood  in  August,  of  which  the 
larvEe,  in  the  absence  of  flowers,  live  between  leaves,  and  trans- 
foi-m  fihemselves  into  the  chrysalis  on  the  surface  of  the  ground, 
under  a  little  Moss  or  herbage,  so  as  to  produce  the  moth  in 
spring  when  the  flower-buds  are  on  the  point  of  opening.  A.  M. 

Insects  and.  Birds. — Few  persons  are  aware  of  the  innumer- 
able nnmber  of  insects  thus  destroyed  by  birds.  The  following 
observations,  and  several  of  them  are  much  below  the  mark,  will 
show  this : — The  blue  titmouse  has  been  watched,  and  found  to  feed 
its  young  from  3.30  a.m.  to  8.30  p.m.  475  times,  bringing  one  large 
or  two  or  three  small  insects  each  time.  The  thrush  from  1.15  a.m. 
to  9.15  p.m.,  206  times.  The  blackbird  from  3.15  a.m.  to  8.40  p.m. 
113  times.  The  Mistletoe  thrush,  from  4.20  to  8  p.m.,  sixty-six  times, 
each  time  bringing  several  large  worms  or  insects.  The  sparrow,  from 
two  or  three  to  six  or  eight  insects  at  once,  and  as  this  goes  on  for  all 
the  day,  and  they  frequently  have  two  or  three  broods  in  the  year, 
they  must  destroy  an  immense  number.  I  watched  the  other  day  a 
wagtail  catching  insects  to  feed  its  young,  and  it  took  eight  or  nine 
into  its  bill  in  a  minnto  or  two,  and  had  not  left  off  when  I  turned 
away.  The  starlings  I  frequently  observed  this  spring  getting 
caterpillars  for  their  young. — F.  O.  lIoRras. 


TLOKAL  CHAEMS. 

With  superstitions  and  traditions  taint. — Milton. 

I.v  all  ages,  and  in  all  climes,  flowers  have  been  made  use  of  as 
safeguards  against  witchcraft  and  sorcery,  and  as  antidotes  to  the 
evil  effects  produced  by  tho  labours  of  the  professors  of  the  "  Black 
Art."  The  Greeks  especially  appear  to  have  entertained  a  firm 
and  steadfast  belief  in  the  magical  properties,  for  good  or  ill,  of 
many  plants.  With  them  when  any  person  was  seized  with  a 
dangerous  illness  it  was  customary  to  fix  above  the  portal  of  his 
door  a  branch  of  Laurel,  of  all  trees  deemed  most  beneficial  in  its 
influence  ;  in  conjunction  with  Rhamnus,  it  is  mentioned  by  Laertius, 
in  his  "  Life  of  Bion,"  as  thus  made  use  of.  This  latter  plant 
seems  to  have  been  designed  to  keep  off  evil  spirits,  against  which  it 
was  deemed  an  invaluable  remedy.  Parsley  was  deemed  a  very 
ominous  herb  by  this  people,  from  the  fact,  it  is  supposed,  of  its 
having  been  in  great  request  for  decking  tombs  and  burial  grounds  ; 
it  was  strewed  also  upon  the  dead  when  laid  out  for  interment,  a 
custom  which  gave  rise  to  the  proverb,  when  speaking  of  any  one 
mortally  ill,  "  that  he  has  need  of  nothing  but  Parsley."  Amongst 
the  flowers  commonly  used  upon  graves,  to  preserve  them  from  the 
desecration  of  evil  spirits,  were  Myrtle  and,  more  frequently  than 
any  other,  Roses.  Euripides  makes  Electra  complain  that  her 
father's  (Agamemnon)  tomb  had  not  been  protected  by  boughs  of 
the  former,  whilst,  amid  many  examples  which  may  be  referred  for 
the  latter,  is  Anacreon's  ode  to  the  Rose,  wherein  he  particularly 
states  that  no  ills  will  approach  the  tomb  guarded  by  that  flower. 
Herbs  and  flowers  of  magical  power  were  much  sought  after  for  use 
in  love  potions  by  the  Greeks,  either  to  produce  affection  where  it 
was  absent  or  cure  it  when  it  was  baleful.  The  Thessalians  were 
particularly  noted  for  their  manufacture  of  these  medicaments,  and 
in  "  Khododaphne ;  or,  the  Thessalian  Spell,"  one  of  the  most 
exquisitely  melodious,  but  least  known  poems  in  the  English  language, 
the  whole  plot  hinges  upon  the  magical  potency  of  tho  Laurel  Rose, 
than  which  its  author  sings,  "  magic  knows  no  herb  or  plant  of 
deadlier  might."  In  their  attempts  to  produce  love  by  means  of 
these  philtres,  the  sorcerers  frequently  destroyed  the  reason  or 
lives  of  the  persons  to  whom  the  decoctions  were  administered.  To 
allay  the  passion  when  once  excited  their  floral  antidotes  were 
innumerable ;  but  if  the  love  was  inspired  naturally  and  not  by 
means  of  charms,  it  was  generally  deemed  incurable.  Caucasus  and 
Colchis  are  frequently  referred  to  by  the  Hellenic  poets  as  famous 
for  producing  magical  plants  remedial  of  love.  Acjims  castiis  is  often 
mentioned  as  an  antidote  by  Greek  writers,  whilst  among  the  Latins, 
Virgil  and  others  aUude  to  the  sovereign  power  which  the  herb 
Baccharis  possesses  against  all  kinds  of  fascinations  ;  for  this  reason 
it  was  frequently  used  in  the  manufacture  of  garlands.  The  Roman 
physicians,  whose  duties  were  multitudinous,  had  to  determine  what 
kind  of  plants  should  be  admitted  into  the  floral  crowns  designed  to  be 
worn  at  banquets,  and  the  plants  generally  selected  were  Parsley,  Ivy, 
Myrtle,  and  the  Rose,  all  of  which  were  deemed  antidotes  to  the  effects 
of  wine.  Myrtle  and  Laurel  both  were  largely  used  at  the  feasts  of 
Greece  and  Rome.  Sprays  of  the  former  were  steeped  in  the  wine,  in 
the  belief  that  it  improved  the  flavour  and  added  to  its  invigorating 
properties.  Its  berries  were  also  taken  medicinally.  Laui'el  was 
worn  by  the  Delphic  priestesses  when  engaged  in  their  sacrificial  rites, 
during  which  time  they  were  accustomed  to  chew  some  of  the  leaves, 
in  the  belief  that  they  communicated  the  spirit  of  prophecy ;  and  the 
modem  idea  of  putting  Laurel  leaves  under  one's  pillow  in  order  to 
acquire  inspiration  is  probably  a  remnant  of  the  ancient  superstition. 
The  Laurel  and  Bay,  for  it  is  difficult  to  separate  them  in  legendary 
allusions,  so  inextricably  have  the  poets  and  fabulists  confused  them, 
were  deemed  very  efficacious  in  the  prevention  of  illness,  and  in 
preservation  from  lightning  and  sorcery.  The  ancient  physicians 
considered  the  Bay  a  panacea  for  all  complaints,  doubtless  holding  it 
in  snch  esteem  from  the  fact  of  its  being  dedicated  to  Apollo,  the 
God  of  Physic,  as  well  as  of  music.  It  is  supposed  that  this  associa- 
tion led  to  the  fashion  of  young  doctors  of  medicine  being  crowned 
with  Laurel  berries  (hacca  lauri),  whence  the  terms  of  "bachelor" 
and  "  laureate."  The  Laurel  had  so  great  a  reputation  for  clearing 
the  air  and  averting  contagious  complaints,  that  during  a  raging 
plague  Claudius  was  advised  by  his  physicians  to  remove  his  court  to 
Laurentium,  so  celebrated  for  its  Laurels.  The  withering  of  the 
Bay  tree  was  deemed  very  ominous,  and  a  sign  of  death.  The  great 
pestilence  of  Padua  was  preceded  by  all  these  trees  rapidly  decaying, 
so  tradition  alleges  ;  whilst  the  death  of  Nero — a  lucky  event,  one 
would  have  thought — was  also  foreshown  by  a  similar  phenomenon. 
Says  Shakespeare  ; — ■ 

'Tis  thought  the  king  is  dead.    We'll  not  stay — 

The  Bay  trees  in  our  country  are  withered. — Riclianl  II.,  ii.,  4. 

With  the  Greeks  it  was  customary  to  fix  a  branch  of  Laurel  over  the 
doorway  of  any  one  seized  with  dangerous  illness,  in  order  to  avert 


256 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sepi.  27,  1873. 


ieath  and  drive  away  evil  spirits.  Theophrastus  tells  us  that  the 
superstitions  man  of  his  time  was  accustomed  to  keep  a  Bay  leaf 
in  his  mouth  all  day  to  preserve  him  from  misfortune  ;  and  Theo- 
critus says  that  lovers  were  in  the  habit  of  burning  Laurel  as  a  means 
of  exciting  love  in  the  bosoms  of  those  on  whom  they  had  fixed  their 
affection ;  supposed  to  be  an  antidote  to  the  powers  of  lightning,  a 
Laurel  chaplet  or  wreath  was  ever  worn  by  Tiberius  Csesar,  who  was 
30  fearful  of  thunder  that  he  would  creep  under  the  bed  and  hide  his 
head  in  branches  of  this  plant.  Webster,  in  his  play  of  "  The  White 
Devil,"  makes  Cornelia  say : — 

Reach  the  Bays — ■ 

I'll  tie  a  garland  here  about  his  head ; 

'Twill  keep  my  boy  from  lightning. 

Stupid  old  Culpepper  did  not  overlook  this  curious  belief,  and,  in 
his  usual  quaint  way,  thus  expatiates  upon  this  plant: — "  Resisting 
witchcraft  very  potently,  as  also  all  the  evils  old  Saturn  can  do  the 
body  of  man,  and  they  are  not  a  few  ;  for  it  is  the  speech  of  one — 
and  I  am  mistaken  if  it  were  not  Mizaldus — that  neither  witch  nor 
devil,  thunder  nor  lightning,  will  hurt  a  man  where  a  Bay  tree  is. 
.  .  .  .  The  berries  are  very  effectual  against  all  poisons  of 
venomous  creatures,  as  also  against  the  pestilence,  and  other 
infectious  creatures"  (sic).  This  belief  of  the  Bay  tree's  power  to 
ward  off  lightning  is  very  widely  spread,  and  is  continually  alluded 
to  by  writers,  even  down  to  the  present  time.  The  device  of  the 
Count  de  Cunois,  Madame  de  Genlis  says,  was  a  Bay  tree,  with  the 
motto,  "  I  defend  the  earth  which  bears  me."  A  plant  much 
celebrated  by  the  sorcerers  of  antiquity  fer  its  curative  and 
magical  qualities  was  the  Black  Hellebore ;  or,  as  it  is  sometimes 
styled,  from  the  fact  of  it  blossoming  so  very  early  in  the  year,  the 
Christmas  Rose.  It  was  also  named  after  Melampus,  a  Greek  sooth, 
sayer  or  physician  of  Pylos,  who  is  said  to  have  flourished  about  a 
century  before  Moses,  and  to  have  cured  the  daughters  of  Proetus, 
king  of  Ai'gos,  of  mental  derangement  by  a  decoction  made  from 
this  plant.  From  this  circumstance  it  became  so  famed  a  medicine 
for  the  insane,  that  iiaviga  ad  Anticyram,  or  "  go  to  Anticyra," 
a  place  where  Hellebore  flourished  abundantly,  was  a  proverbial 
form  of  advice  to  the  hypochondriacal.  The  Black  Hellebore  was 
made  use  of  by  the  ancients  to  hallow  their  dwellings,  so  as  to  keep 
them  free  from  evil  spirits,  as  also  their  cattle,  to  keep  them  free 
from  spells.  When  the  root  was  dug  up  many  solemn  ceremonies 
were  performed,  and  prayers  offered  up  to  propitiate  particular 
deities ;  a  circle  was  drawn  around  the  plant  with  a  sword,  and 
obeisance  made  by  the  devotee  to  the  East.  The  flight  of  the  eagle 
was  closely  watched  during  the  ceremony,  for  if  the  bird  neared  the 
spot  during  the  celebration  of  these  rites  it  was  deemed  an  omen  of 
the  death,  during  the  year,  of  the  person  who  took  up  the  plant. 
Considered  to  have  marvellous  powers  as  "  an  eye. opener  "  for  the 
blind,  Juvenal  sarcastically  observes  that  "  Misers  need  a  double 
dose  of  Hellebore."  It  was  also  supposed  to  strengthen  the  brain, 
whence  Carneades,  the  Cyrenaic  philosopher,  when  he  set  about 
refuting  Zeno's  writings,  sha,ri5ened  his  wit  by  inhaling  powdered 
Hellebore.  The  Gauls  likewise  believed  in  the  magical  properties  of 
this  plant,  and  before  going  to  the  chase,  from  some  superstitious 
fancy,  rubbed  their  arrows  with  it. 

The  Anemone,  which  was  anciently  the  emblem  of  sickness,  Pliny 
tells  us  had  wonderful  powers  attributed  to  it  by  the  magicians  and 
wise  men  of  yore,  and  they  ordained  that  everybody  should  gather 
the  first  Anemone  of  the  year  which  he  saw,  and  repeat  the  words, 
"  I  gather  thee  for  a  remedy  against  disease."  He  was  then  to 
carefully  place  it  in  scarlet  cloth  and  keep  it  undisturbed,  unless  he 
became  unwell,  when  it  was  to  be  tied  either  round  his  neck  or  arm. 
Dioscorides,  an  ancient  writer,  whose  grave  assertions  as  to  the  won. 
derful  qualities  of  flowers  are  most  ludicrous,  says  that  the  root  of 
Hyacinth  will  procure  hair  on  bald  and  beardless  men ;  and  a  disciple 
of  his  declares  that  the  expressed  juice  of  Lily  of  the  Valley  root, 
taken  in  ale,  "  soldereth  and  glueth  together  the  bones  of  any  one 
soever  that  chances  to  have  them  broken,  in  whatever  part  of  the 
body  it  may  be,  in  a  very  short  space,  and  very  sti'ongly;"  and 
Gerard  and  the  old  French  herbalists  confirm  this  statement.  The 
Periwinkle,  or  "  Magician's  Violet,"  as  it  is  sometimes  styled  in 
France,  from  the  belief  that  it  assists  sorcerers  in  their  magical 
operations,  had  many  medicinal  virtues  and  singular  qualities  ascribed 
to  it  by  our  ancestoi-s.  Ray  recommends  it  for  fastening  loose  teeth  ; 
Bacon  says  that  in  his  time  it  was  common  for  people  to  wear  bands 
of  green  Periwinkle  tied  round  the  calf  of  the  leg  to  prevent  cramp  ; 
whilst,  most  wonderful  of  all,  old  Culpepper  says  that  it  is  owned  by 
Venus,  and  that  the  leaves,  eaten  together  by  man  and  wife,  caused 
love  between  them.  What  a  pity  the  plant  has  lost  its  virtue !  Of 
all  the  magical  properties  assigned  to  plants,  probably  none  have 
been  so  singular  as  that  ascribed  by  our  ancestors  to  Moonwort.  Om- 
author  tells  us  that  "  it  is  believed  by  many  that  Moonwort  will  open 
the  looks  wherewith  dwelling-houses  are  made  fast,  if  it  be  put  into 


the  key-hole ;  as  also  that  it  will  loosen  the  locks,  fetters,  and  shoes 
from  those  horses'  feet  that  go  on  the  places  where  it  groweth  ;"  and 
Culpepper,  in  his  ridiculous  old  "  Herbal,"  says  "  Moonwort  is  a  herb 
which,  they  say,  will  open  locks  and  unshoe  such  horses  as  tread 
upon  it.  This  some  laugh  to  scorn,  and  those  no  small  fools  neither ; 
but  country  people  that  I  know  call  it  *  unshoe  the  horse  ;'  "  and, 
adds  the  old  rascal,  "I  have  heard  commanders  say  that  on  White 
Downs,  in  Devonshire,  near  Tiverton,  there  were  found  thirty  horse- 
shoes palled  off  from  the  Earl  of  Essex's  horses,  being  there  drawn 
up  in  a  body,  many  of  them  being  newly  shod,  and  no  reason  known, 
which  caused  much  admiration  ;  and  the  herb  described  usually  grows 
upon  heaths."  After  such  testimony  it  cannot  excite  surprise  to  find 
that  many  magical  qualities  were  assigned  to  Moonwort,  or  Lunary. 
Chaucer  alludes  to  its  use  in  incantations ;  other  authors  consider 
that  amongst  its  virtues  might  be  reckoned  the  power  of  curing 
insanity  ;  and  Drayton,  introducing  it,  says  : — 

Enchanting  Lunarie  here  lies. 
In  sorceries  excelling. 
According  to  Phillips,  the  Mandrake,  or  Mandragora,  is  a  species 
of  Nightshade  blossoming  in  April ;  but  in  this  description,  he 
pi'obably  speaks  of  the  briony,  used  by  the  Eughsh  witches  and 
treasure-seekers  in  place  of  it,  "  the  veritable  Atropa  Mandragora," 
as  Mr.  Hardwick  observes  in  his  recent  valuable  work  on  "  North 
England  Folk  Lore,"  "  not  being  found  in  the  northern  portion  of  the 
continent  of  Europe."  He  also  alludes  to  its  supposed  power  of 
conferring  good  fortune  upon  its  possessor — a  superstition  so  strongly 
prevalent  in  the  middle  ages  that  little  figures,  formed  of  the 
Mandi-ake  roots,  and  called  Abrunes  by  the  Germans,  were  dressed 
gaily,  and  consulted  as  oracles.  Brought  over  to  England  in  the 
reign  of  Henry  VIII.,  according  to  Phillii^s,  they  found  ready  pur- 
chasers, "  it  being  pretended  that  they  would,  with  the  assistance  of 
some  mystic  words,  be  able  to  increase  whatever  money  was  placed 
near  them."  Madame  de  Genlis  tells  of  a  writer  who  gravely 
describes  these  little  idols,  he  saying  that  they  must  be  wrapped  up 
in  a  piece  of  sheet,  for  then  they  will  bring  continuous  good  luck. 
The  same  author,  moreover,  states  "  that  some  people  of  a  weak 
Judgment,  and  fond  of  the  marvellous,  pretend  that  these  Mandrakes 
pay  a  tribute  of  a  pistole  a  day ;"  but  this,  he  assures  us,  is  not 
true,  all  they  are  able  to  do  being  "  to  make  their  masters  lucky  at 
play,  discover  to  them  treasures,  and  foretell  what  is  to  happen." 
Even  with  the  Greeks  this  plant  had  acquired  a  strange  reputation, 
and  they  are  believed  to  have  named  it  Circeinm,  after  Circe,  a  witch 
celebrated  in  classic  lore  for  her  knowledge  of  the  magical  influences 
of  herbs.  With  the  Romans  this  reputation  still  appertained  to  the 
Mandrake,  and  the  ceremonies  which  Pliny  describes  as  practised  at 
its  extraction  from  the  ground  much  resemble  those  made  use  of  at 
the  uprooting  of  the  Hellebore.  The  quacks  of  antiquity  roundly 
asserted  that  Mandrake  grew  only  in  one  small  spot  in  China,  whence 
they  were  procured  at  great  risk  and  danger.  When  the  plant  was 
taken  from  the  earth,  they  declared  it  gave  a  dreadful  shriek,  and 
the  person  daring  enough  to  drag  its  root  from  the  soil  was  smitten 
with  death.  To  avoid  this  fate,  therefore,  the  plant  was  fastened  to 
the  tail  of  a  dog,  who  had  to  bear  the  penalty  of  the  deed.  Shakes- 
peare thus  alludes  to  the  superstition  : — 

And  shrieks  like  Mandrake,  torn  out  of  the  earth. 

That  Uving  mortals  hearing  them  run  mad. 
Amongst  other  marvellous  properties  assigned  to  the  Mandrake , 
was  that  of  exciting  amorous  inclinations  ;  hence  Venus  was  styled 
Mandragoritis,  and  the  Emperor  Julian  drank  its  juice  nightly,  as  he 
himself  accords,  as  a  love  potion.  The  Pteony  was  renowned  in 
ancient  fable  for  its  miraculous  powers  of  terrifying  demons,  who 
cannot  abide  near  it ;  even  a  small  portion  of  the  root  worn  round 
the  neck  being  sufficient  to  protect  the  wearer  from  all  kinds  of 
enchantment.  It  was  named  after  Pseon,  a  famous  physician,  who, 
with  the  help  of  this  plant,  cured  the  wounds  which  the  gods  received 
dm-ing  the  Trojan  war.  Of  all  flowers  celebrated  for  their  powers 
over  evil  spirits,  none  appear  to  surpass  the  St.  John's  Wort, 
anciently  known  as  Fuga  Dasmonum,  or  Devil's  Flight,  from  the 
belief  that  it  would  defend  persons  from  phantoms  and  spectres,  and 
drive  away  "  auld  Hornie  "  himself  and  all  his  mischievous  crew. 
By  the  peasantry  of  Europe  it  is  still  deemed  to  be  endowed  with 
marvellous  qualities  ;  and  on  the  nativity  of  St.  John  the  Baptist — 
that  is,  the  24th  June — it  is  customary  for  the  villagers  to  gather 
its  blossoms  and  hang  some  of  them  over  the  windows  and  doors  of 
their  cottages,  in  the  hope  that  its  sanctity  will  deter  malevolent 
spirits  from  entering  the  abode.  Sir  Walter  Scott's  ballad,  "The 
Eve  of  St.  John,"  is  a  good  illustration  of  the  superstitious  regard 
with  which  this  day  was  noted.  Closely  connected  vrith  this  famous 
plant  was  also  Fern,  the  seed  of  any  kind  of  which,  if  gathered  on 
St.  John's  Eve,  had  the  faculty  of  rendering  its  finder  invisible  at 
pleasure.  Mr.  Hardwick  quotes  Kelly  to  this  effect : — "  In  the 
Oberpfalz  it  is  believed  that  the  St,  John's  Wort  can  only  be  found 


Sept.  27,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


25!? 


aDioDg  the  Fern  on  St.  John's  night.  It  is  said  to  be  of  a  yellow 
colour,  and  to  shine  in  the  night  like  a  candle,  which  is  just  what 
is  said  of  the  Mandrake.  Moreover,  it  never  stands  still,  but  hops 
about  continually,  to  avoid  the  grasp  of  men." 

Mr.  Hardwick  gives  several  instances  to  prove  that  these  remark, 
able  qualities  are  still  believed  in  by  the  peasantry  of  the  North  of 
England,  and  amongst  many  other  singular  stories  connected  with 
the  Fern,  from  Grimm's  "  German  Mythology  "  quotes  the  following, 
which  is  stated  to  be  very  popular  in  Westphalia : — "A  man,  in 
seai'ch  of  a  foal,  passed  through  a  meadow  on  Midsummer's  Eve, 
when  some  Fern  seed  fell  into  his  shoes.  He  did  not  return  homo 
until  tho  following  morning,  when  he  was  astonished  to  find  that 
his  wife  and  children  appeared  utterly  unconscious  of  his  presence. 
When  he  called  out  to  them,  '  I  have  not  found  the  foal,'  the 
greatest  alarm  and  confusion  followed ;  for  the  members  of  his 
household  could  hear  his  voice,  but  failed  to  detect  his  person. 
Fancying  he  was  hiding  in  jest,  his  wife  called  out  his  name.  He 
answered,  '  Here  I  am,  right  before  you.  Why  do  you  call  me  ?  ' 
This  but  increased  their  terror.  The  man,  perceiving  that  he  was 
to  them  invisible,  thought  it  not  improbable  that  something  in  his 
shoes,  which  felt  like  sand,  might  really  prove  to  be  Fern  seed.  He 
accordingly  pulled  them  off,  and,  as  he  scattered  the  grains  on  the 
floor,  resumed  his  visibility  to  the  eyes  of  his  astounded  family." 
White  Thorn  and  Black  Thorn  are  both  sacred  plants.     J.  Inoeaji. 


SMALL  SPAN-ROOFED  PLANT  HOUSES. 
Most  plant-growers  are  aware  of  the  good  results   attainable 
in  low  span-roofed  structures  where  every  plant  is  close  under 
the  glass,  and  consequently  fully   exposed  to  the   light.     Our 
market  growers,  who  produce  hundreds   of  fine  sturdy  little 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 


Section  of  spran-roofed  Plant  House. 

flowering  plants  for  the  London  markets  every  week  during 
the  season,  appreciate  these  structures  very  highly,  and  the 
best  of  them  are  content  with  these  low  houses,  and  a  series  of 
cool  pits  and  frames  for  hardier  plants.  In  some  cases  they 
may  be  sunk  partly  below  the  ground-level  with  advantage 
but  this  is  scarcely  necessary  except  in  exposed  or  bleak 
positions.  If  there  is  no  propagating  pit  on  the  premises,  one 
of  these  houses  makes  an  excellent  substitute  with  the  aid  of  a 
few  small  one-light  frames,  or  even  a  few  bell-glasses  or  com- 
mon hand-lights,  while  for  growing  on  young  fresh-rooted 
plants  they  are  just  the  thing.  The  figure  represents  a  section 
of  one  of  the  small  houses  of  this  kind  used  at  La  Muette,  the 
Nursery  Garden  of  Paris.  There  are  eighteen  of  these  struc- 
tures arranged  on  each  side  of  a  covered  corridor  from  which 
access  to  each,  or  all,  can  be  obtained  with  every  convenience 
of  warmth  and  dryness  during  the  roughest  weather.  In  the 
winter  and  spring,  these  houses  are  crowded  with  bedding  and 
other  ornamental  plants  by  the  thousand.  They  are  about 
12  feet  wide,  and  not  above  7  feet  high  in  the  centre,  and  are 
neatly  roofed  with  iron  and  glass.  T'hey  may  be  erected  very 
cheaply  either  of  iron  or  wood,  and  we  venture  to  express  the 
opinion  that  they  are  far  more  useful  to  villa  gardeners  and 
amateurs  than  the  usual  kind  of  ornamental  structures  at- 
tached to  suburban  residences,  many  of  which  are  entirely 
unsuited  for  plant-growing.  The  figure  illustrates  the  heating 
and  internal  arrangements,  more  clearly  than  any  description 
could,  and  we  can  thoroughly  recommend  these  houses  as  being, 
if  not  strikingly  ornamental,  at  least  practically  adapted  for 
the  growth  of  most  kinds  of  house-plauts.  B. 


CHINA  ASTERS. 
I  HAVE,  for  several  years,  grown  Victoria  Asters  for  seed,  and 
the  more  I  grow  them  the  better  I  like  them.  I  sow  my  seed, 
in  lines,  amongst  Stocks,  Balsams,  and  other  annuals,  in  a  soil 
bed  in  the  greenhouse,  where  they  get  plenty  of  light  and  air ; 
and  early  in  May,  when  the  plants  are  strong,  they  are  dibbled 
out  in  lines  of  colours  amidst  other  things,  so  that  the  diverse 
colours  are  kept  as  distinct  as  possible.  I  do  not  grow  them 
in  richly-manured  ground,  such  as  is  necessary  when  they  are 
cultivated  for  purposes  of  exhibition.  Looking  for  seed  of  the 
best  quality,  it  is  not  well  to  induce  a  too  robust  growth,  but 
early  flowers  of  fair  average  quality,  as  the  chances  of  ripening 
the  seed  whilst  the  weather  is  warm  and  dry  are  increased ; 
then  on  each  plant  the  blooms  are  thinned  out  to  about  five 
in  number,  as  that  is  enough  to  produce  good  quality  and  fair 
quantity.  It  is  noticeable  in  the  Aster  that  the  centre  bloom 
is  seldom  or  never  so  good  as  are  those  on  the  side  shoots ; 
where  it  is  so  it  is  always  out  away — and  those  who  grow  for 
exhibition  specially  should  always  do  that  in  an  early 
stage  of  growth,  and  at  the  same  time  disbud  to  about 
four  or  five  blooms.  This  is  an  important  element  of  success. 
I  notice  in  the  Aster  that  the  greatest  amount  of  variation 
comes  amongst  the  dark-coloured  ones — usually,  however, 
breaking  into  other  dark  shades,  and  seldom  reverting 
to  light  ones.  The  most  noticeable  change  I  have  found  this 
year  is  in  the  progeny  of  a  red  and  white  striped  one  that 
sported  out  last  year,  and  all  of  which  have  this  year  produced 
dark  blue,  light  blue,  purple,  light  purple,  and  reds,  but  not 
one  striped  form.  Still  the  blooms  produced  are  of  the  best 
quality,  so  there  is  no  loss.  One  of  the  most  effective  and 
most  constant  to  colour  is  the  white,  which  is  not  only  the 
earliest,  but  also  the  tallest.  It  is  very  even  in  height,  which, 
is  about  2-i  inches,  and  it  should  always  be  planted  to  form  the 
tallest  row.  Nearest  to  this  in  colour  is  pink,  or  white  tinted 
with  rose ;  this  comes  very  true  to  colour,  and  in  height  is 
about  16  inches.  I  have  others  of  different  colours,  such  as 
a  lavender,  which  comes  verj'  true  in  colour,  and  its  height  is 
about  17  inches ;  a  pale  purple,  16  inches  in  height,  also  very 
true  to  colour;  bright  rose,  a  very  efieotive  and  taking  colour, 
and  a  variety  which  produces  flowers  of  the  very  finest  cjuality, 
and  which  grows  some  16  inches  in  height;  dark  red,  a  fine 
showy  colour,  very  true  and  most  effective  ;  height  about  18 
inches.  Dark  blue  comes  with  me  rather  uneven  and  untrue 
in  colour,  some  being  correct,  others  purple,  deep  red,  and 
pale  red,  but  all  good  in  quality ;  average  height  20  inches. 
Bright  blue  is  with  me  a  pleasing  and  showy  colour,  which, 
comes  very  true  and  even  in  height,  which  is  about  16  inches. 
Lastly,  I  have  a  deep  purple,  a  fine  dark-coloured  kind,  which 
sports  only  to  dark  red,  and  which  is  most  effective  either  to 
stand  or  for  cutting ;  height  even,  and  about  16  inches. 
These  colours  constitute  all  that  I  grow  at  present,  but  some 
few  have  sported  enough  to  constitute  distinct  colours  to  save 
for  another  year.  Asters  are  everybody's  border  flowers, 
being  so  easy  to  cultivate,  and  when  in  bloom  they  furnish 
valuable  material  for  nosegays.  The  flowers  are  solid  and 
lasting,  and,  as  the  colours  are  striking  and  varied,  bunches  of 
cut  blooms  of  them  are  always  attractive  and  pleasing. 

A.  D. 


Tlie  Rose  Harvest. — I  regret  that  the  word  "  yellows " 
happened  to  be  inserted  in  the  wrong  place  (see  p.  124),  thus  leading 
the  uninitiated  to  infer  that  the  "  Baroness  Rothschild,  &c.,"  might  be 
that  of  colour.  I  still  contend,  however,  that  the  Baroness  is  so  abort 
on  her  short  footstalk  as^to  often  look  as  if  she  were  sitting  among  her 
fine  green  leaves,  and  that  even  she  would  be  more  beautiful  and 
far  more  useful  for  cutting  did  she  stand  up  higher.  While  upon 
Roses,  permit  me  to  ask  your  correspondents,  Mr.  Michael  Barry  and 
others,  how  they  account  for  the  paucity  of  our  second  harvest  of 
Roses  this  season  ?  The  plants  have  seldom  been  in  better  condition, 
or  the  flowers  fewer  and  far  between.  Last  year  the  autumnal 
harvest  was  almost  half  as  abundant  as  the  midsummer  one,  and 
the  flowers  were  good.  This  season  the  numbers  are  few,  and  the 
quality  e.^ceedingly  moderate.  This  state  of  things  seems  general, 
not  local.  Within  a  few  weeks  I  have  seen  the  Roses  at  Manchester, 
Ipswich,  and   other   shows,  and  the  quality  and  quantity  were   less 


258 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  21, 1873. 


and  worse  than  I  remember  to  have  seen  them  for  years.  The 
weather  can  hardly  be  the  chief  cause  of  this  comparative  failure. 
For,  coincident  with  this  scarcity  of  blooms,  we  have  a  free  growth 
and  a  healthy  state  of  the  plants.  Some  might  say  that  the  free 
growth  had  run  away  with  the  flowers.  But,  that  theory  will  hardly 
apply  to  Roses,  that  mostly  show  the  finer  bloom  as  termini  to  the 
strongest  shoots. — D.  T.  F. 

Lilies  for  Small  Gardens. — I  have  found  much  pleasure  in 
a  little  bit  of  mother  earth,  hardly  as  large  as  a  corporation  table 
cloth.  In  this  small  space,  in  which  I  can  grow  no  Roses  (for  I  am 
almost  surrounded  by  tall  buildings),  I  have  at  this  time  a  loggery  or 
root- work,  in  which  a  fair  collection  of  hardy  English  Ferns  is  doing 
well ;  an  oval  peat-bed,  in  which  twelve  Rhododendrons  have 
flourished  for  these  last  ten  years,  with  Retinosporas,  Azalea  amoena, 
hardy  Heaths,  Gladioli,  &c. ;  and  attached  to  this,  like  the  handle  to 
an  eye-glass,  is  a  narrow  bed  of  ordinary  garden  soil,  for  a  few 
herbaceous  perennials  and  ordinary  bedders.  Under  the  wall,  my 
daughter  has  a  narrow  bed  of  Violets  and  Primroses.  In  the  peat 
I  have  Lilium  speciosum  now  blooming  finely,  and  four  roots  of  L. 
auratnm,  all  of  which  have  been  there  for  the  last  four  years.  And 
here  comes  my  wonder :  three  of  these  roots  (Lilium  auratum) 
bloomed  in  June  and  early  in  July;  their  height  was  about  4  feet, 
one,  especially  fine,  having  seventeen  blooms  on  it  of  large  size; 
the  fourth  is  now  nearly  9  feet  in  height,  and  has  twenty. sis  blooms 
on  it,  some  fully  expanded,  and  some  not  yet  open.  They  were  all 
bought  at  the  same  time,  and  are  all  presumably  of  the  same  age. 
Whence  the  difference  in  height  and  time  of  blooming  ?  Everyone 
tells  me  that  my  Lilies  have  been  exceptionally  fine,  and,  therefore, 
I  have  thought  it  well  to  furnish  you  with  some  account  of  them. — 
E.  T.,  Staines. 

Primulas  in  France. — Primula  japouica,aud  all  the  other  out  of 
door  sorts  here,  dry  up  and  lose  their  leaves  after  blossoming,  in  a  longer 
or  shorter  space  of  time,  according  to  the  species.  After  hardening 
their  hearts  (or  crowns)  during  their  season  of  rest,  they  burst  forth 
anew  and  send  out  green  and  luxuriant  leaves.  Primula  grandiflora 
aud  elatior  spring  up  again  with  the  September  rains  ;  P.  cortusoides, 
the  heart  of  which  is  below  ground,  remains  dormant  from  July  or 
August  until  spring.  Primula  japonica  seemsto  vary ;  some  seedling 
plants  obtained  this  spring,  after  duly  blossoming  in  June,  dried  up 
within  a  fortnight.  I  attributed  the  withering  to  the  great  heat, 
and  was  consequently,  unfortunately,  tempted  to  water  them,  though 
not  profusely,  and  they  all  rotted  and  were  lost.  Now,  some 
plants,  propagated  by  means  of  offsets  last  summer  from  the  original 
kind,  obtained  from  London  that  spring,  after  blossoming  this  June, 
are  now  still  in  full  leaf,  the  mother  plants  having  last  year  retained 
their  leaves  quite  late  into  the  winter.  After  losing  my  plants  this 
summer,  I  experimented  on  a  border  of  Primula  grandiflora,  which 
was  as  crisp  and  dry  as  if  quite  dead  ;  all  those  I  watered  rotted,  and 
those  I  let  alone  are  now  bursting  into  leaf.  From  this  I  would 
infer  that,  when  divested  of  their  leaves,  be  it  in  summer  or  winter, 
Primulas  require  rest  and  must  not  be  meddled  with.  As  yet,  I  do 
not  know  whether  seedlings  of  P.  japonica  lose  their  leaves  during 
the  winter  or  not ;  mine,  sown  last  year  as  soon  as  the  seed  was 
ripe  in  an  open  border,  are  as  luxuriant  as  Cos  Lettuces  ;  they  show 
no  signs  of  blossoming,  and  I  believe  that  these  plants  nevei  do 
blossom  before  they  are  a  year  old  from  the  time  they  appear  above 
ground,  or  two  years  from  sowing  time.  I  allude  to  out  of  door 
culture. — Fredeuick  Palmee,  Versailles. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 


Stellaria  graininifolia  aurea  — In  what  way  can  I  best  increase  my  stock 
of  this  new  ed^niiL,^  iilnnt? — W.  C,  South Hack-nei/.  [Cuttings  of  it  strike  freely, 
and  it  may  be  also  increased  by  division.] 

Hardy  Heaths. — These  are  now  in  great  beauty  in  the  Coombe  "Wood 
Nurseries.  They  consist  chiefly  of  Erica  Tetralix  alba,  rubra,  Mackayana,  and 
intermedia;  E.  cinerea  coccinea  and  alba;  and  E.  vulgaris  aurea,  lanceolata 
alba  tenella,  data,  and  an  extremely  handsome  aud  free-blooming  double- 
flowered  variety  of  vulgaris. 

Amarantus  salicifolius. —Though  this  has  done  well  this  season  in  one  or 
two  places,  iia,  for  instance,  at  Messrs.  Veitch's,  yet  it  has  been  a  partial  failure 
compared  with  last  year,  a  circumstance  doubtless  attributable  to  the  absence 
which  we  have  had  of  bright  weather.  Last  .year  it  grew  luxuriantly,  and  by 
the  middle  of  August  was  as  brilliant  as  an  Alternanthera ;  but  this  year  it  has, 
as  a  rule,  neither  grown  well  nor  changed  colour  as  it  ought  to  have  done. — F. 

Large  Harebells.— Campanula  Van  Houttei  I  find  to  bo  very  suitable  for  the 
choice  licrliaccDiis  border.  It  is  easy  to  increase  by  division  in  March,  and 
loves  a  good  bound  sondy  loam  fco  grow  in.  A  good  plant  of  it  should,  in  the 
second  summer  of  its  life,  l)e  the  size  of  a  beehive,  and  completely  smothered 
with  bells  of  a  large  size.  Other  interesting  Campanulas  are  C.  barbata  and 
C.  nobUis,  and  its  white  variety.  These  are  no  mean  additions  to  this  interesting 
family ;  the  ordinary  treatment  of  Campanulas  also  suits  these  varieties. 
C.  urticifolia  alba  and  its  double  white  and  purple  varieties  are  doubly  valuable 
where  cut  flowers  are  in  reciucst,  as  they  frequently  throw  up  a  second  crop  of 
flowers  'iuite  late  in  the  autumn.— W,  K.,  sydmham. 


CHINESE  GARDENS. 
Sra  William  Chambees,  who  visited  China  about  the  miclrlle 
of  the  last  century,  and,  on  his  return,  published,  in  1757,  a 
work  on  "  Oriental  Gardening,"  states   that,  in  the  laymg  out 
of  the  Chinese  gardens,  three  principal  effects  are  aimed  at 
by  a  succession  of  views   or   scenes,  which  are   respectively 
characterised  as  the  pleasing,  the  terrible,  and  the  surprising. 
The  visitor,  on  entering  a  garden,  is  generally  introduced  to 
something  of  the  last-named  sort,  which  has  been  planned  with 
great  art  to  excite  astonishment  by  its  mystery.     Sometimes  a 
stream  is  conducted  through  a  subterranean  channel,  so  con- 
structed that  the  waters  in  passing  produce  a  vague  tumultuous 
reverberating  sound,  which  it  puzzles  the  listener  to  account 
for.    Sometimes  artificial  rocks  or  buildings  are  curiously  made 
with  skilfully-designed  crevices,  cavities,  and  interstices,  from 
which  the  wind,  as  it  plays  upon  them  gently  or  in  stormy 
blasts,  evokes   a  marvellous  variety  of    strange   sounds  and 
weird  unearthly  music.     Sometimes  "  the  path  lies  through 
dark  passages  cut  in  the  rocks,  on  the  sides  of   which  are 
recesses  filled  with  colossal  figures  of  dragons,  infernal  furies, 
and  other  horrid  forms,  which  hold  in  their  monstrous  talons 
mysterious  cabalistical  sentences  inscribed  on  tables  of  brass, 
or  preparations  that  yield  a  constant  flame,  serving  at  once 
to   guide  and  astonish  the  passenger.      From  time  to  time 
he  is   surprised  with   repeated  shocks  of   electrical  impulse, 
with  showers  of  artificial  r.ain,  or  sudden  violent  gusts  of  wind, 
and    instantaneous   explosions    of    fire.     The  earth   trembles 
under  him  by  the  power  of  confined  air ;  and  his  ears  are  suc- 
cessively struck  with  many  different  sounds  produced  by  the 
same  means,  some  resembling   the   cries  of  men  in  torment ; 
some  the  roaring  of  bulls  and  howl  of  ferocious  animals,  with 
the  yell  of  hounds  and  the  voices  of  hunters  ;  others  are  like 
the  mixed  croaking  of   ravenous   birds  ;    and  others   imitate 
thunder,  the  raging  of  the   sea,  the  explosion  of  cannon,  the 
sound  of  trumpets,  and  all  the  noise  of  war.     Sometimes  the 
traveller,  after  having  wandered   in   the   dusk   of   the  forest, 
finds  himseff  on  the  edge  of  precipices,  in  the  glare  of  daylight, 
with  cataracts  falling  from  the  mountains  around,  and  torrents 
raging  in  the  depths  beneath  him  ;  or  at  the  foot  of  impending 
rocks,  in  gloomy  valleys  overhung  with   woods  ;    or   on  the 
banks  of  dull-moving  rivers,  whose  shores  are   covered  with 
sepulchral  monuments,  under  the  shade  of  Willow,  Laurel,  and 
other  plants  sacred  to  Manchew,  the  Genius  of  Sorrow."    The 
writer  goes  on  to  describe  the  scenes  of  terror  as  "  composed 
of  gloomy  woods,  deep  valleys  inaccessible  to  the  sun,  impend- 
ing   baiTen   rocks,   dark    caverns,  and  impetuous    cataracts 
rushing  down  the  mountain   from   all  parts.     The  trees  are 
ill-formed,  forced  out  of  their  natural  directions,  and  seemingly 
torn  to  pieces  by  the  violence  of  tempests.     Some  are  thrown 
down,  and  intercept  the  course  of  the  torrents  ;  others  look  as 
if  blasted  and   shattered   by  the  power  of  lightning.     The 
buildings  are  in  ruins,  or  half-consumed  by  fire,  or  swept  away 
by  the  fury  of  the  waters,  nothing  remaining  entire  but  a  few 
miserable  huts   dispersed  in  the  mountains,   which   serve   at 
once  to  indicate  the  existence  and  wretchedness  of  the  inhabit- 
ants.    Bats,  owls,  vultures,  and  every  bird  of  prey,  flutter  in 
the  groves  ;    wolves,  tigers,  and  jackals  howl  in  the  forest ; 
half-famished    animals    wander    upon    the    plains  ;    gibbets, 
crosses,  wheels,  and  the  whole  apparatus  of  torture  are  seen 
from  the  roads;  and  in  the  most  dismal  recesses  of  the  woods, 
where  the  ways  are  rugged  and  overgrown  with   poisonous 
weeds,  and  where  every  object   bears  the  marks  of  depopula- 
tion, are  temples  dedicated  to  the  King  of  Vengeance  ;   deep 
caverns    in    the    rocks,    and    descents    to    gloomy    subter- 
raneous habitations,  overgrown  with  brushwood  and  brambles, 
near  which    are    inscribed,    on    pillars    of     stone,    pathetic 
descriptions     of     tragical     events,    and    many   horrid    acts 
of    cruelty,  perpetrated    there    by   outlaws   and    robbers   of 
former    times ;    and,  to   add   both    to    the    horror  and   sub- 
limity of    these     scenes,    they   sometimes    conceal   in    cavi- 
ties,  on  the   summits  of  the   highest  mountains,   foundries, 
lime-kilns,  and   glass-works,  which  send  forth  large  volumes 
of  flame,  and  continued  clouds  of  thick   smoke,  that  give  to 
these  mountains  the  appearance  of  volcanoes."     We  shall  now 
pass  on  to  the  third  and  last  kind  of  scenes — the  "  pleasing." 
"  These  are  composed  of  the  gayest  and  most  perfect  produc- 
tions of  the  vegetable  world,  intermixed  with   rivers,  lakes. 


Sept.  27,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


259 


c^scadei,  fouutaiu'^,  and  witer  worL^  of  ill  sorts , 
beiug  combined   and   disposed   in  all   the    pic- 
turesque forms  that  art  or  nature  can  suggest 
Buildings,  sculptures,  and  paintings  are  added,  to  give  splendour, 
and  variety  to  these  compositions  ;  and  the  rarest  productions  of  the 
animal  creation  are  collected  to  enliven  them ;  nothing  is  forgotten  that 
can  either  exhilarate  the  mind,  gratify  the  senses,  or  give  a  spur  to 
the   imagination.      In   their  large  gardens   they  contrive   different 
scenes  for  the  different  times  of   the  day;    disposing  at   the  points 
of  view  buildings,  which,  from  their  use,  point  out  the  proper  hour 
for  enjoying  the  view  in  its  perfections  ;  and  in  their  small  ones, 
where  one  arrangement  produces  many  representations,  they  make 
use  of  the   same  artifice.      They  have',  besides,  scenes    for    every 
season  of  the  year ;  some  for  winter,  generally  exposed  to  the  southern 
sun,  and  composed  of  Pines,  Firs,  Cedars,  evergreen  Oaks,  Phillyrcas, 
Hollies,  Tews,  Junipers,  and  many  other  evergreens,  being  enriched 
with  Laurels  of  various  sorts,  Laurustinus,  Arbutus,  and  such  other 
plants  and  vegetables  as  grow  or  flourish  in  cold  weather ;   and,  to 
give   variety  and   gaiety  to  these  gloomy  productions,  they  plant 
amongst  them,  in  regular  forms,  divided  by  walks,  all  the  rai-e  shrubs, 
flowers,  and  trees  of  the  torrid  zone,  which  they  cover  during   the 
winter  with  frames  of  glass,  disposed  in  the  forms   of  temples  or 
other  elegant  buildings."    The  preceding  sketches,  from  the  pen  of 
one  who  was  an  eye-witness  of  the  scenes  which  he  has  described, 
give  a  better  idea  of  the  old  Chinese  gardens  than  any  other  work 
which  hascome  under  our  notice.    Sir  W.  Chambers  was  Comptroller- 
General   of  Public   Works  to  his    Majesty    George    III.,   and    his 


'  Dissertation    on    Oriental   Gardeninc 


260 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Sept.  2?,  1873. 


instructive  book,  which  we  recommend  to  those  of  om-  readers 
who  may  be  fortunate  enough  to  have  an  opportunity  of 
perusing  it. 

Our  illustration  gives  a  very  lively  notion  of  the  grotesque 
character  of  a  Chinese  garden  scene  of  the  "  surprising  "  sort. 

W.  M. 


THE  USE  OP  THE  jriCROSCOPE  TO  THE 
CULTIVATOR.* 
Upwards  of  five-aiid-thirty  years'  experience  in  the  almoat  daily  use 
of  the  microscope  for  investigating  subjects  of  natural  history  leads 
me  to  speak  with  some  degree  of  confidence  as  to  the  benefit  that 
this  instrument  may  confer  upon  the  farmer  [or  gardener],  by 
enabling  him  first  to  enter  into  the  minutiae  of  the  wondrous  con- 
trivances ordained  by  the  Creator  to  maintain  life,  health,  and 
succession  in  organised  beings,  and  next  to  tnrn  that  knowledge  to 
account,  by  seconding  the  more  recondite  operations  of  nature  in 
those  processes  wherein  his  interests  are  most  concerned.  Through 
neglect  of  such  a  resom-ce,  bad  or  defective  seed  may  cause  the  loss 
of  a  season's  growth  j  crops  may  be  wasted  by  the  ravages  of  disease, 
which  might  have  been  stayed  had  it  been  sooner  detected ;  while,  by 
its  adoption,  adulteration  in  manures  and  various  other  substances 
may  be  brought  to  light,  so  that  the  farmer  [or  gardener]  may  be  no 
longer  at  the  mercy  of  the  manufacturer  or  the  dealer.  He  may  also 
gain  much  insight  into  the  mode  and  principles  of  vegetable  growth, 
of  inflorescence  and  fructification  ;  and,  by  watching  the  influence  of 
manures  and  other  substances  upon  plants,  he  may  learn  the  right 
time  and  manner  of  applying  them,  as  well  as  the  appearances  of 
disease  in  its  incipient  stage  and  subsequent  development,  together 
with  the  action  of  all  such  preparations  as  either  check  or 
eradicate  it. 

One  of  the  fii-st  subjects  for  which  the  farmer  [or  gardener]  would 
probably  seek  the  aid  of  the  magnifying.glass  would  probably  be  the 
seed  required  for  sowing.  Every  species  of  seed,  and  almost  every 
variety  of  each  species,  will  be  found  to  possess  some  difference  in 
appearance,  either  of  colour,  size,  or  external  marking,  that  will  at 
once  give  it  a  distinctive  character.  In  numerous  instances  the 
external  tracery  upon  the  testa,  or  skin  of  the  seed,  furnishes  not 
only  a  beautiful  microscopic  object,  but  a  means  of  identification. 
Henbane,  Tobacco,  Poppies,  Anise,  and  CaiTaway  will  serve  as  good 
illustrations  of  this  fact  j  while  each  of  the  different  species  of  Silene, 
or  Catch-fly,  will  exhibit  not  only  a  strong  family  likeness,  but 
likewise  sufficiently  distinctive  traits  to  at  once  determine  it  specifi- 
cally. It  is  almost  impossible  to  obtain  a  correct  idea  of  these 
characteristics  in  any  other  way  than  by  actual  observation  j  hence 
all  the  seeds  used  by  the  farmer,  as  well  as  those  of  the  common 
weeds,  should  be  rendered  familiar  to  him  by  examination  and  study. 
Defects  and  impurities  in  samples  of  seed  fall  under  two  heads:— 
1st.  Genuine  seed,  but  barren  or  unripened;  or,  again,  extraneous 
substances  that  will  not  grow,  added  to  increase  bulk.  2nl.  Other 
kinds  of  seed  capable  of  growth,  the  plants  from  which  would  be 
undesirable  or  injurious  to  the  crops  or  land.  The  strongest  plants 
being  derived  from  fnlly-developed  and  well-ripened  seeds,  it  will  be 
the  first  consideration  that  the  bulk  of  the  sample  shall  consist  of 
such.  The  character  of  these  will  be  at  once  caught  by  the  eye,  and 
smgled  out  as  a  prominent  feature.  A  small  quantity  being  taken 
into  the  palm  of  the  hand,  and  a  magnifying.glass,  proportionate  to 
the  size  of  the  seed,  being  used,  a  tolerably  fair  estimate  may  be 
made  of  the  entire  sample,  and  any  extraneous  substances  that  are 
not  seed  at  once  detected.  For  the  larger  seeds  a  common  hand, 
magnifier  will  be  sufficient ;  but,  for  the  more  minute,  a  much  greater 
magnifying  power  will  bo  required — at  least  until  the  observer  shall 
have  become  perfectly  familiar  with  the  objects.  It  is  a  well-known 
fact  that  the  faculty  of  recognising  minute  objects  turns  in  a  great 
degree  upon  familiarity  with  them  ;  so  that,  upon  intimate  acquaint- 
ance, even  very  minute  objects  are  readily  recognised  at  a  mere 
glance  with  a  common  lens. 

"  Doctored  "  seed  ranks  as  one  of  the  impurities  comprised  within 
the  first  division.  When  scalded  seed  has  been  mixed  ■«  ith  choice 
varieties  of  Turnip  seed,  a  practised  eye  will  be  able  to  detect  them 
on  carefully  examining  the  hilum  or  germ  of  the  seed,  which  is 
killed  by  the  treatment.  In  the  case  of  over-year  Turnip  seed  that 
has  been  "  renovated "  in  the  oven,  a  similar  examination  will  be 
likely  to  expose  the  deception.  If  Trefoil  seeds  have  been  "  oiled," 
or  shaken  in  a  greasy  bag,  dust  will  be  found  sticking  to  the  surface 
(especially  if  a  little  dust  be  shaken  over  them),  which  is  not  the 
case  when  they  possess  only  their  own  natural  gloss.  The  bulk  of 
the  seed  is  made  up  of  farina  or  starch,  and  gluten.     The  latter 

•  Abridged  from  a  Prize  Essay  by  W.  K.  Bridgman,  L.D.S.,  R.C.S.,  in  the 
Journal  o£  the  Royal  Agricultural  Society." 


when  soaked  in  cold  water,  swells  so  that  the  grain  may  easily  be 
crushed,  or  cut  into  thin  slices,  so  as  to  show  its  internal  structure. 
The  quantity  of  stai'ch-cells  and  the  quaUty  may  thus  be  readily 
observed,  and  the  quality  of  the  gi'ain  or  seed  judged  of  by  its  rich- 
ness in  starch  grains.  The  embryo,  which  lies  at  the  depression 
called  the  scar,  the  spot  at  which  growth  commences,  should  be 
carefully  examined,  as  seed  that  has  begun  to  sprout  from  damp, 
and  has  then  been  checked,  is  wholly  useless  for  sowing.  The  hilum 
or  scar  is  the  spot  at  which  it  is  attached  to  the  seed-pod  or  recep- 
tacle, and  where  the  nourishment  enters  it  from  the  coverings  or 
seed  vessel.  When  the  seed  is  fully  ripened,  it  separates  of  itself, 
and  a  cicatrix  is  formed  which  offers  a  distinctive  indication  that 
the  seed  has  been  matured.  It  is  also  at  this  spot  that  the  moisture 
enters  when  the  seed  swells  preparatory  to  growth,  and  also  where 
the  first  sprouts  of  the  future  plant  protrude.  'The  state  of  this 
cicatrix,  whether  it  be  minute  and  perfect,  or  has  been  enlarged  and 
shrivelled,  are  the  points  to  be  examined,  and  a  comparison  of  good 
di'y  seed  with  some  that  has  been  sprouted  and  then  dried,  will  show 
most  clearly  in  what  this  difference  of  appearance  consists. 

IIAMUKES. 
The  microscope  will  scarcely  enable  any  inexperienced  observer  to 
learn  much  of  the  composition  or  quality  of  manure,  although  with 
practice  much  may  undoubtedly  be  done.  The  inorganic  bodies, 
such  as  sand  and  ashes,  may  readily  be  seen.  Any  organic  sub- 
stance, as  Eawdust,  or  other  vegetable  offal,  may  also  be  detected  ; 
and  if  a  portion  be  washed  in  a  very  small  quantity  of  boiling  water, 
and  a  drop  or  two  of  this  solution  then  suffered  to  dry  on  a  glass 
slide,  the  peculiai'  salt  or  salts  may  be  learned  by  their  form,  as 
every  particular  salt,  or  combination  of  salts,  has  its  specific  con- 
figuration and  arrangement,  which  by  the  aid  of  the  polariscope  will 
at  once  become  apparent.  A  knowledge  of  the  form  and  characters 
of  these  salts  is,  of  course,  implied  in  such  an  investigation.  Blood, 
fish-offal,  and  other  similar  substances  may  likewise  be  made  out  by 
careful  manipulation.  The  genuineness  of  guano  may  also  be  learned 
through  the  presence  of  certain  flinty  remains  or  organic  bodies, 
which  are  peculiar  to  the  different  deposits.  Straw  of  Wheat,  Oats, 
Grass,  and  many  other  vegetables,  contains  certain  arrangements  of 
flint  in  their  substance  that  are  left  entire  after  all  vegetable  matter 
has  become  decomposed  and  washed  away.  These  flinty  and  im. 
perishable  remains  of  vegetable  organisms  that  have  existed  in  the 
sea,  and  have  either  served  directly  as  food  for  the  penguins,  or 
previously  filled  the  stomachs  of  fishes  and  molluscs  on  which  they 
have  preyed,  being  deposited  with  the  excrement  which  forms  the 
guano  beds,  are  the  characteristic  features  of  the  best  guanos. 
"  When  examined  microscopically,  a  great  abundance  of  beautiful 
silicious  skeletons  of  diatomacece  are  found  amongst  it;  and, 
curiously  enough,  the  best  samples  of  guano  contain  the  greatest 
number  of  these  remains,  which,"  says  the  late  Professor  Quekett, 
"were  first  detected  by  my  late  brother  in  1845."  It  is  not 
improbable  that  the  superiority  of  farmyard  manure  may  depend 
very  greatly  upon  the  silica  that  the  hay,  corn,  and  straw  contain, 
which  is  but  sparingly  appropriated  by  the  animal.  It  may  also 
arise  from  a  deficiency  of  silica  that  the  straw  of  corn  is  often  weak, 
and  breaks  down  under  the  weight  of  the  ear.  The  exterior  surface 
of  straw,  canes,  &c.,  derive  their  fine  polish,  as  well  as  their 
strength,  from  a  layer  of  flint,  as  may  be  proved  by  boiling  them  in 
nitric  acid.  For  the  process  of  obtaining  these  remains  from  guano, 
and  the  flint  from  the  stalks  and  leaves  of  plants,  &c.,  the  reader  is 
referred  to  the  valuable  little  work  of  Mr.  Davies  on  the  "  preparing 
and  mounting  objects  for  the  microscope,"  which  is  a  complete 
manual  on  the  subject  at  a  small  cost.  For  an  examination  of  these 
silicious  remains,  the  quarter-inch  or  one-fifth  of  an  inch  object-glass 
will  be  required,  and  a  very  accurate  adjustment  of  the  light  must 
be  obtained  to  bring  out  their  very  beautiful  patterns  in  a  satis, 
factory  way.  Of  sand,  loam,  ttu-f-ashes,  and  other  such  like 
additions,  there  will  be  little  difficulty  in  detecting  the  presence, 
by  a  little  practice. 

DISEASE,  AS  AFFECTIXG  THE  KOOTS,  STEMS,  Oil  LEAVES  Of  PLANTS. 
It  may  be  considered  a  rare  circumstance  to  find  any  one  of  these 
parts  affected  in  any  way  by  disease  not  arising  from  local  injury, 
without  at  the  same  time  the  whole  plant  being  out  of  health.  We 
are  apt  to  consider  the  pulling  off  a  diseased  leaf,  or  the  cutting  out 
a  withered  stem  a  sufficient  remedial  ti-eatment,  but,  were  the  rootlets 
to  be  examined  microscopically,  it  would  soon  be  seen  that  some, 
thing  here  too  was  wrong.  It  is  an  important  question,  open  for 
investigation,  whether  all  diseased  formations  in  plants  do  not  com- 
mence with  an  abnormal  action  at  the  tips  of  the  rootlets,  due  to 
some  change  within  the  soil  itself,  such  as  undue  di-yness,  sndden 
accession  of  a  superabundance  of  moisture,  the  application  of  stimu- 
lating manure,  either  too  strong,  or  applied  when  the  plant  is  not 
in  a  condition  to  receive  it.     The  moral  of  this  is  that  the  moment 


i 


Sept.  27, 1873.] 


THE  GAUDEN. 


261 


anything  may  be  seen  to  be  going  wrong,  let  the  rootlets  be  at  once 
carefully  examined,  and  a  note  made  of  the  condition  of  the  soil  at  tho 
time,  as  to  openness,  compactness,  or  dryness,  as  also  of  tho  treat- 
ment which  the  land  may  have  received  just  previous  to  the  discovery. 
It  is,  then,  to  the  terminal  points  of  the  roots  and  rootlets  that  the 
inquirer's  attention  must  be  directed,  and  for  this  purpose  the 
microscope  is  invaluable,  as  affording  at  a  cheap  rate  that  infor- 
mation which,  obtained  in  the  field  on  a  large  scale,  becomes  a  costly 
experiment.  The  discovery  of  a  patch  of  fungus  upon  the  leaf  or 
stem  of  a  plant  must  not  be  taken  for  a  cause  of  injury  to  the  plant ; 
it  generally  only  indicates  a  want  of  vital  action,  aud  is  the  con- 
sequence of  decaying  organic  matter.  Fungi  are  rarely,  if  ever, 
found  on  healthy  surfaces,  but  it  is  a  law  of  nature  that  nothing 
stands  still ;  if  a  plant  be  growing  freely  and  healthily,  it  holds  its 
own,  and  no  sporadic  fungi  find  a  location,  but  tho  moment  vital 
action  flags  or  ceases,  either  from  decreased  vital  energy,  or  from 
local  injury,  a  lower  order  of  vegetation  instantly  commences  to 
obtain  a  sway.  Mildew  generally  shows  itself  after  a  season  of  active 
growth,  followed  by  an  inequality  in  the  supply  of  moisture  from 
the  soil  and  from  the  atmosphere.  In  other  words,  when,  from 
drought,  but  little  moisture  finds  its  way  into  the  system  through 
the  medium  of  the  roots,  such  amount  being  insufficient  to  maintain 
a  full  and  active  circulation  within  the  plant,  and  when  the  vital 
action  thus  becomes  sluggish,  the  dews  and  damp  of  the  night  air 
overbalance  it,  and  the  germination  aud  growth  of  fungi  then  com. 
mence.  Fungi  are  known  to  be  rapidly  developed  during  and 
immediately  after  a  thunderstorm,  owing,  it  is  supposed,  to  the 
nitrogenous  compounds  formed  in  the  air,  as  a  result  of  these 
electrical  discharges.  Hence,  upon  this  hypothesis,  the  application  of 
a  stimulus  to  the  roots  should  take  place  whenever  any  excessive 
stimulus  is  being  derived  from  the  atmosphere.  Growth  accelerated 
by  means  of  artificial  stimulants  should  be  gradually  attained,  and 
as  gradually  reduced,  care  being  taken  to  maintain  a  healthy  action 
during  the  season  of  comparative  rest,  and  to  maintain  an  even 
balance  of  root  action  and  atmospheric  stimulus.  The  cell-structure 
of  vegetable  growth  should  be  carefully  studied,  as  the  "cell "is 
the  fundamental  unit,  by  a  repetition  of  which  even  the  largest  forms 
are  constructed,  and  hence  the  life  of  the  cell  is  the  life  of  the  plant, 
and  death  of  a  part  may  be  followed  by  the  death  of  the  whole, 
unless  a  sufficient  amount  of  reaotion  can  be  started.  The 
"  mycelium  "  of  a  fungus  may  sometimes  be  traced  running  through 
every  part  of  a  plant,  and  under  these  circumstances  the  death  of 
the  plant  invariably  follows.  It  may  sometimes  bo  traced  only  in 
the  bark,  or  the  epidermis,  and  then  be  of  less  consequence.  In 
these  investigations  the  higher  powers  of  the  microscope,  as  well  as 
some  acquaintance  with  the  character  and  habits  of  the  parasitic 
fungi  are  indispensable.  But  the  roughness  or  scabbiness  of  roots 
and  stems  is  often  caused  by  other  than  fungous  growths  ;  it  some- 
times arises  from  injuries  inflicted  by  the  puncture  or  presence  of 
insects — the  larva)  of  flies  and  beetles;  at  other  times  it  may  be 
produced  by  some  injurious  and  irritating  cause  connected  with  the 
soil.  A  small  transverse  sUce  cut  very  thin  by  means  of  a  sharp 
razor,  and  examined  in  water  between  two  pieces  of  glass,  will  show 
the  disposition  of  the  cells  both  healthy  and  injured,  and  how  far 
the  latter  extend,  or  are  connected  with  the  general  structure. 
Transverse  sections  of  the  leaves  taken  through  a  diseased  spot,  and 
examined  edgewise,  show  also  to  what  extent  the  cells  of  a  leaf  may 
be  affected  by  disease.  The  leaf  itself  is  an  important  study,  and 
requires  some  little  amount  of  patient  investigation  to  be  thoroughly 
understood,  but  without  this  knowledge  it  is  utterly  impossible  for 
any  one  to  appreciate  the  exquisitely  beautiful  and  delicate  offices 
it  has  to  performj  and  the  means  by  which  its  functions  are  can-ied 
on. 

THE  MAGNIPYING  GLASS  OE  MICROSCOPE. 
The  construction  of  the  magnifying  glass,  or  microscope,  varies 
according  to  the  use  for  which  it  is  intended ;  but  the  essential  part 
consists  of  a  highly  polished  piece  of  very  clear  glass,  termed  "a 
lens,"  which  has  one  or  more  curved  surfaces  ;  an  ordinary  spectacle 
glass  may  be  taken  as  the  simplest  form  of  a  common  magnifier  of 
very  low  power:  a  sphere  of  glass,  or  of  any  other  transparent 
substance,  being  the  highest  magnifier  that  can  be  obtained  by  one 
single  piece.  Thus,  the  more  convex  it  is,  the  shorter  is  its  focus  ; 
or  in  other  words,  the  closer  must  the  object  and  the  eye  be  placed, 
to  obtain  a  distinct  vision,  and  consequently  the  more  the  object  is 
magnified.  The  perfection  that  has  been  of  late  years  attained  in  the 
construction  of  the  microscope  has  been  effected  by  using  a  number 
of  different  pieces  of  glass  of  different  qualities  combined  together, 
so  as  to  do  away  with  imperfections  natural  to  a  lens  formed  of  one 
single  piece  of  glass  only. 

Lenses  are  mounted  as  common  hand  magnifiers,  in  tortoise-shell 
frames,  folding  up  for  the  pocket.  These  contain  from  one  to  three 
glasses  of  different  powers,  so  arranged  as  to  be  used  singly  or  com. 


bined ;  and  a  set,  consisting  of  oue-and-a-half  inch,  one-inch,  and  half- 
inch  focus,  will  be  found  very  generally  useful.  In  addition  to  its  use 
as  a  hand  magnifier,  Messrs.  Smith,  Beck,  and  Beck  provide  a  stand, 
by  which  it  can  be  made  into  a  simple,  bat  very  useful,  single  micro- 
scope. 

The  disadvantage  of  small  glasses  of  short  focus  is  that  they  have 
to  be  held  close  to  the  eye,  and  the  object  close  to  the  glass,  which 
causes  a  degree  of  strain  to  the  eyes  that  is  both  disagreeable  and 
dangerous  to  the  eyesight.  These,  however,  are  now  almost  wholly 
superseded  by  the  compound  microscope,  wherein  this  defect  is 
entirely  overcome.  A  mnch  greater  additional  advantage  is  also 
gained  by  substituting  the  latter  for  the  single  magnifier.  When 
the  utility  of  the  magnifying-glass  has  been  once  found  out,  it  almost 
invariably  leads  to  a  craving  for  greater  power,  so  as  to  obtain  a 
still  further  enlargement  and  better  view  of  the  object  under  exami. 
nation.  The  principle  of  the  single  glass  does  not  admit  of  any  very 
great  increase  of  this  magnifying  power,  while  with  the  compound 
arrangement  the  limit  of  the  enlargement  is,  as  yet,  scarcely  known, 
and,  as  now  constructed,  modern  achromatic  instruments  are  so 
contrived  as  to  provide  the  highest  as  well  as  extremely  low  powers. 

HINTS    TO    STUDENTS. 
When   an   instrument  has  been  selected,  the  next  step  will  be  to 
learn  how  to  use  It.     There  is  one  thing  which  must  be  constantly 
borne  in  mind  from  the  very  first,  which  is  never  to  touch  the  glasses 
with  the  fingers,  nor  to  wipe  them  with  anything  hard  or  rough : 
they  should   be  brushed  with  a  dry  camel-hair  pencil  when  dusty, 
but  when  they  require  to  be  wiped,  this  should  be  done  with  a  piece 
of  clean  and  very  soft  washleather,  kept  on  purpose,  and  carefully 
wx'apped  up  from  dust  when  not  in  use.    The  use  of  the  various  pieces 
of  apparatus  will  be  best  learned  by  obtaining  a  half-hour's  instruction 
from  an  old  hand.     The  method  of  observing  must  be  gained  by 
practice  after  the  student  has  been  put  into  the  right  way.     It  is  a 
well  known  fact  that  persons   not  accustomed  to  observe  minutely 
see   nothing  distinctly  on  first  looking  into  a  microscope — that  is, 
although  they  may  see  the  whole  contour  of  the  object  presented, 
they  take  only  a  general  view  of  it,  and  are  not  impressed  with  any 
special  definite  fact,  such  as  could  be  referred  to  from  memory  after- 
wards, as  a  distinctive  characteristic.  There  is  the  greatest  difference 
possible  between  seeing    and    observing.     Seeing    is  the   rule,  and 
observing  the  exception.     Place  a  piece  of   lichen. covered  stone  or 
wood  in  the  hands  of  a  dozen   different  persons,  and  it  is  more  than 
probable  that  not  one  of  them,  ten  minutes  afterwards,  would  be 
able   to  say  whether  it  was  red,  blue,  yellow,  or  green.     Now,  it  is 
this  habit  of  observing  minutely  and  attentively,  whether  it  be  with 
the  common  eye-glass  or  with  the  highest  powers  of  the  microscope, 
that  is  the  first  step  to  be  attained.     Some  particular  feature  should 
be   looked  for,  such  as  external  shape,  roughness  or  smoothness  of 
surface,    colour    or    peculiarity    in    form    of    markings,    Ac,    and 
afterwards  the  same  features  should  be  looked  for  in  other  kindred 
bodies,  and  the  differences  noted  and  written  down  if  possible.     The 
best  practice  is  to  commence  upon  any  common  objects  that  may  be 
met  with,  such   as   seeds,    sand,    table-salt,  &c.,   examining    them 
separately  at  first,  and  then  mixing  them  so  as  to  obtain  a  view  of 
several  objects  together.    Portions  of  the  flowers  and  leaves  of  plants 
afford  an  almost  unceasing  fund  of    instruction,  whether  in  their 
healthy  or  diseased  state.     It  is  always  desirable  to  obtain  first  with 
a  low  magnifier,  a  good  general  idea  of  the  structure  or  composition  of 
any  object  before  submitting  it  to  higher  powers,  and  to  increase  the 
enlargement  by  degrees — using  first  an  inch-and-a-half  object-glass, 
then  a  two.thirds  or  half-inch,  a  quarter-inch,  &c.,  as  required.     The 
diseases  of  plants  are  so    intimately  associated  with   the  laws  of 
vegetable  life  that    a    superficial    acquaintance  with  the  ordinary 
external  appearance  of  disease    in  either    roots,  stems,   or  leaves, 
cannot  be  of  the  slightest  avail  unless  something  be  known  of  the 
principles  of  vegetable  physiology — i.e.,  of  the  structure  and  function 
of  the  several  parts  of  the  plant  in  their  "normal,"  or  natural  and 
healthy  state.     To  acquire  this  knowledge,  diligent  use  of  the  com. 
pound  microscope  is   indispensable,  accompanied  by  some  work  on 
histology  or  vegetable  physiology  as  a  guide  to  the  mode  of  investi. 
gation.     Diseases  are  also  supposed  to  be  produced  by  fungi,  such  as 
mildew,  rust,  &c.,  but  these  growths  are  rather  indicative  of  disease 
elsewhere.     When  the  normal  condition  of  the  cell  structure,  of  the 
root  fibres,  leaf-cells,  and  other  parts  of  the  plant  are  known,  the 
mycelium  of  these  fungi  may  be  recognised  and  sometimes  traced  all 
through  the  structure.     To  comprehend  the  nature  and  arrangement 
of  these  fungous  pests  of  vegetable  life  every  part  of  the  plant  should 
be  carefully  examined  for  their  presence.    The  structure  of  the  leaves 
also  bears  a  marked  significance  as  to  the  mode  of  treatment  plants 
ought   to  receive ;    the    hairs  and    glands  upon  their  surface,   the 
stomata  on  one  or  both  sides,  are  all  connected  with  the  laboratory 
within  the  substance,  and  have  their  respective  functions  to  perform, 
any  cessation  of  which  becomes  the  precursor  of  disease.    Portions 


262 


THE  GAKDEN. 


[Sept.  2?,  1873. 


cf  the  upper  or  under  skin  of  the  leaf  may  be  stripped  off  with  a 
sharp  knife  and  placed  wet  between  glasses  so  as  to  be  ready  for 
examination.  The  internal  stracture  of  the  leaf  is  best  seen  by  taking 
a  very  thin  section  by  means  of  a  razor  across  the  thickness  of  the 
leaf,  and  thus  getting  an  edgewise  view  of  it  and  the  hairs,  &c., 
which  are  ci>nnected  with  it.  Sections  made  with  a  sharp  razor  may 
be  taken  from  all  parts  of  tlie  plant  so  as  to  afford  a  considerable 
amount  of  knowledge  of  its  peculiar  structure.  Dry  and  hard  seeds, 
such  as  Pens  and  Beans,  Ac,  after  being  thoroughly  softened  in 
water,  may  likewise  have  thin  slices  shaved  ofi  in  the  same  manner. 
All  small  seeds  may  be  preserved  in  a  very  simple  manner  when 
required  only  for  reference.  Take  a  strip  of  any  common  card, 
or  stiff  paper,  cut  to  1  inch  wide  and  3  inches  long,  which  ia  the 
standard  si/.c  of  microscopic  object-slides.  In  the  centre  of  this  put 
a  little  thick  gum,  or  thin  flour. paste,  and  drop  on  it  a  heap  of  the 
clean  dry  seeds,  and  after  a  few  minutes  shake  off  all  that  are  loose  ; 
put  aside  till  thoroughly  dry,  and,  if  preserved  from  dust  and  damp, 
they  may  be  kept  for  j'cars.  A  collection  should  be  made  of  the 
seeds  of  all  common  weeds,  but  more  especially  of  those  that  are 
particularly  obnoxious  or  injurious  to  crops  or  pasture.  All  materials 
such  as  wool,  hair,  vegetable  fibres,  starch,  pollen,  very  minute  seeds, 
or  dust  of  any  kind,  if  required  dry,  may  be  preserved  between  two 
pieces  of  glass  fastened  together  by  paper  pasted  upon  them  ;  but 
these  are  more  commonly  first  soaked  in  turpentine  and  then  covered 
with  Canada  balsam. 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 


THE  TKEE  ONION. 
I  HAVE  grown  the  tree  Onion  upwards  of  twenty  years,  and,  as  my 
practice  has  always  been  successful,  and  different  in  some  respects 
to  other  people's,  I  think  a  description  may  prove  interesting  to 
those  amateurs  who  are  fond  of  cultivating  this  curious,  useful,  and 
uncommon  Onion.  In  order  to  attain  perfect  success,  the  following 
three  methods  of  culture  must  be  adopted  in  order  to  get  the  three 
sizes  of  bolbs  wanted,  viz.,  one  size  for  kitchen  use,  another  for 
pickling,  and  the  third  size  for  seed,  in  order  to  obtain  a  larger  size 
still  for  kitchen  use. 

Firstly,  all  the  bulbs  to  bo  planted  are  best  put  into  the  ground 
triangularly,  about  8  inches  apart,  using  Onions  about  the  size  of  Nut- 
megs ;  they  may  be  planted  singly,  but  in  that  case  require  an  enormous 
quantity  of  sticks  for  support ;  when  they  are  planted  in  triangles, 
one  stick  supports  the  growth  of  three  Onions.     When  the  bulbs 
have  grown  about  a  foot  high,  a  stick  from  3  to  3^  feet  long  must  be 
thrust  into  the  centre  of  each  triangle,  and  the  growing  shoots  tied 
to  it  for  support.     I  usually  plant  the  tree  Onions  about  the  middle 
of  March,  just  covered  by  the   soil;  they  soon  begin  to  grow.     In 
the  month  of  June,  a  bunch  of  Onions,  varying  in  number  from  four 
to  eight,  will  make  its  appearance  at  the  top  of  one  or  two  stiff 
stems.     Two   stems   are  generally  sent  up  from  one  onion.     Soon 
afterwards  another  shoot  is  seen  growing  out  of  the  bunch  of  Onions 
forming   the   first   tier,  which  generally    attain  the   size   of   large 
Nntmogs,  and  again  another  bunch   of  Onions  is  produced,  smaller 
than  those  on  the  first  tier.     In  due  time  another  stem  is  produced, 
containing  another  bunch  of  Onions  of  very  small  size.     This  third 
bunch  it  is  of  great  consequence  to  protect,  by  securing  it  carefully 
to  the  stake.     Most   cultivators   never  take  any  care  of  the  little 
Onions  produced  at  the  top  of  the  tree;  they  are  so  very  small, 
being    only   about    the   size   of    the   nail    of  the  little  finger,  and 
in  many  cases  smaller  still.     By  all  means  take  care  of  these  little 
worthless-looking  Onions,  for  reasons  which  I  will  state  hereafter. 
It  will  be  seen  that  three  tiers  of  bunches  of  Onions  are  produced 
on  one  stem,  and  that  the   Onion  planted  generally  produces  two 
stems,  rendering  them  very  prolific  ;  but,  in  addition  to  this,  two 
good-sized    usable   bulbs    are  formed  in  the  ground.     The  second 
jilan  of  culture  only  differs  from  the  first  in  nipping  out  all  shoots 
which  grow  above  the  first  tier,  the  effect  of  which  is  to  produce 
only   one  bunch  of    good-sized  Onions  on  each  of  the  two  stems, 
besides  the  bulbs   in  the  ground.     Onions  produced  by  the  second 
plan  are  quite  large  enough  for  the  kitchen,  the  picklers  having 
been  nipped  off.     The  third  plan  consists  in  making  a  bed  of  Onions, 
'  such  as  those  produced  from  the  common  Onion  seed.     A  bed  4  feet 
wide  must  be  prepared  by  digging  in  plenty  of  manure,  or  using 
guano  in  proportion  of  1  lb.  to  every  3  feet  in  length.     This  must  be 
spread   about   and   dug  in.      About  February,  or  early  in  March, 
plant  out  the  little  nibbishy  Onions  before  mentioned,  grown  on  the 
third  tier,  in  rows  6  inches  wide  and  6  inches  apart.     Plant  out 
every   one   of    them ;  the  smaller    they  are,    the  finer  Onions  are 
produced.     Do  not  plant  deeper  than  about  half  an  inch.     In  due 
time  these  little  Onions  will  surprise  you,  by  growing  into  large  ones, 


and  having  the  same  appearance  exactly  as  those  produced  from 
seed  ;  but  you  have  the  pleasure  of  not  losing  them  by  the  maggot, 
and  you  have  no  trouble  of  thinning  out  scallions.  You  want  no 
sticks  to  them,  as  they  do  not  send  up  a  stem  with  bunches  of 
Onions  formed  in  tiers  one  above  another.  Tlie  most  curious  part  in 
this  third  mode  of  culture  is  that  the  Onions  appear  to  have  lost  the 
character  of  the  tree  Onion  for  a  season  ;  but  if  you  plant  one  of 
the  large  Onions  produced  in  this  way,  the  true  character  of  the 
tree  Onion  is  produced  again.  The  tree  Onion  will  grow  in  almost 
any  kind  of  soil,  and  is  particularly  useful  to  persons  having  a  sandy 
or  gravelly  soil  where  it  is  difficult  to  raise  Onions  from  seed.  It  is 
very  useful  for  pickling,  and  is  quite  a  curiosity  in  its  way,  and  can 
be  rendered  very  profitable.  As  I  plant  several  hundreds  of  Briars 
in  my  back  garden  every  year  for  the  purpose  of  budding  Roses,  I 
generally  plant  about  three  tree  Onions  at  the  foot  of  each  Briar. 
The  Briars  act  as  supports,  and  the  Onions  arc  not  iu  the  way  at 
budding  time.  I  make  the  Briars  do  double  duty.  I  take  np  tree 
Onions  early  in  October ;  those  grown  on  the  upper  tiers  are  not  ripe 
before  that  time.  If  the  reader  prefers  growing  upon  the  second 
plan,  nipping  the  tops  off  when  one  tier  is  grown,  the  Onions  upon 
that  tier  will  be  ripe  early  in  September. — Field. 


NOTES  ON  LATE  PEAS. 


Although  I  have  no  desire  to  say  a  word  in  disparagement  of  new 
Peas,  still  in  every  class  we  find  certain  standard  varieties  that  have 
been  favourites  for  years,  and  that  will  probably  continue  so.  The 
three  best  late  Marrow  Peas  with  me  this  year,  for  flavour  and  free 
and  continuous  bearing,  are  British  Queen,  Ne  Pins  Ultra,  and 
Veitch's  Perfection.  British  Queen  is  an  old  variety,  that  will 
grow  at  least  6  feet  high  in  most  soils,  and  has  that  most  useful 
habit  of  continuous  bearing,  which  is  so  much  more  necessary  in 
a  late  Pea  than  in  many  other  kinds.  Where  sticks  can  be 
easily  obtained,  there  is  little  use  in  growing  very  dwarf  Peas. 
True,  tall  Peas  take  up  more  room  if  the  rows  are  placed  side 
by  side,  but  I  do  not  consider  that  is  the  best  and  most 
profitable  way  of  treating  them.  If  the  rows  are  sown  10 
feet  or  12  feet  apart,  and  crops  of  Turnips,  Cabbage,  Spinach, 
or  other  vegetables  occupy  the  vacant  spaces  between  them, 
tall  Peas  really  take  up  no  more  room  than  dwarf  ones,  and  their 
productiveness  is  certainly  far  greater.  Of  course  much  depends 
upon  due  care  being  used  in  gathering,  and  never  leaving  any  Peaa 
on  the  stems  to  get  too  old  for  use.  This  has  a  very  exhausting 
tendency  either  with  Peas  or  Beans,  although  perhaps  it  is  not 
noticed  so  much  with  Peas  as  with  Beans,  as  a  succession  is  usually 
kept  up  by  fortnightly  sowings.  Still,  the  period  for  late  Marrow 
Peas  may  be  prolonged  by  careful  gathering ;  as,  except  in  the  south, 
the  last  sowing  of  MaiTow  Peas  should  be  made  not  later  than  the 
end  of  June,  and  if  carefully  managed  those  will  furnish  a  continuous 
supply  well  into  the  autumn.  A  sowing  of  early  kinds  might  be 
made  as  late  as  the  middle  of  July,  and  in  favourable  seasons  would 
turn  out  satisfactorily.  Another  sowing  of  early  kinds  might  be  made 
in  August  to  supply  tender  green  tops,  which  are  much  sought  after 
by  some  cooks  for  flavouring  soups,  &c.,  and  again  also  in  September. 
Mildew  is  the  bane  of  late  Peas  in  most  soils.  I  don't  know  any 
better  remedy  for  it  than  mulching  and  keeping  them  well  supplied 
with  water  in  dry  weather,  so  as  to  avoid  any  severe  check  from 
extreme  drought.    E.  Hobdav. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 


Cloches.— Can  you  help  me  in  the  matter  of  cloches?  I  find  that  they  are 
not  to  be  liouKbt.  I  want  very  much  to  try  the  French  system  of  growing 
.Lettuce,  yet  without  the  cloches  cannot  expect  to  succeed. — Ed.  Perceval 
Weight.  M.D.  [Cloches  are  supplied  by  Messrs.  Breffit,  83,  Upper  Thames 
Street,  London,  E.G.,  and  by  Messrs.  Powell  &  Sons,  Whitefriars  Glass  Works. 
The  prices  are  rtbout  a  guinea  a  dozen,  or  2s.  each  for  a  less  number. 

Tomatoes  in.  America.— To  show  how  well  these  succeed  with  us  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  New  York,  I  may  mention  that  I  have  two  rows  of  them  in 
my  garden  150  feet  long  each,  tre'Uised.  From  these  I  get  Tomatoes  by  the 
bushel ;  enormous  Trophies,  each  a  pound  or  more  in  weight.  We  eat  and  give 
away  all  wo  can,  but  still  many  are  wasted,  as  wo  cannot  can  them  so  cheaply 
as  those  who  make  that,  matter  their  especial  business.— G.  Thukbek. 


In  Japan  every  house  mast  be  decked  with  flowers  on  New 
Year's  day  ;  and  to  supply  the  demand,  the  shops  are  full  of  dwarf 
Peach  trees,  bearing  doable  blossoms,  and  growing  in  large  china 
vases  and  pots.  The  Japanese  gardeners  have  a  peculiar  talent  for 
raising  dwarf  plants  and  trees ;  and  so  great  is  the  national  fancy 
for  such  miniature  products  of  vegetation  that  the  toy  and  fancy 
shops  abound  with  very  minute  and  delicate  imitations  of  such  plants 
and  flowers  out  out  of  coloured  paper. 


Sept.  27, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


263 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 

PLANTS  FOE  HANGING  BASKETS. 
Neat  galvanised  wire  baskets,  when  furnished  with  appro- 
priate plants,  are  specially  useful  for  either  conservatory  or 
greenhouse  decoration.  The  size  of  the  baskets  must,  to  a 
certain  extent,  be  regulated  by  the  situation  which  they  are  to 
occupy,  but  the  larger  the  better,  provided  the  house  is  large 
enough  to  show  them  off  to  advantage.  For  large  conservatories, 
they  may  be  from  2  to  4  feet  in  diameter, 
and  about  the  same  in  depth.  These  hold 
a  large  body  of  soil,  and,  if  well  drained, 
plants  grow  much  better  m  them  than  in 
small  baskets,  which  require  constant  at- 
tention in  order  to  keep  them  in  a  regular 
state  as  to  moisture.  For  windows,  or 
small  greenhouses,  the  baskets,  of  course, 
must  be  much  smaller  than  those  just 
stated;  but,  as  it  generally  happens  that 
they  are  much  easier  to  get  at  in  small 
than  in  large  houses,  they  need  not  suffer 
from  want  of  moisture.  Many  are  dis- 
appointed with  their  baskets  through 
having  them  planted  inappropriately,  but 
most  plants  will  grow  as  freely  in  them  as 
in  pots,  provided  they  receive  the  same  at- 
tention. Our  illustration  conveys  an  idea 
of  what  these  baskets  are  when  tastefully 
planted ;  it  was  engraved 
from  a  sketch  made  some 
time  ago  in  the  Eoyal  Horti- 
cultural Society's  conserv- 
atory at  South  Kensington. 
It  was  one  of  several  ar- 
ranged under  the  direction 
of  Mr.  Barron,  and  which  ' 
have  been  very  attractive 
during  the  past  summer. 
Instead  of  the  stiff  and 
formal  appearance  too  often 
encouraged  under  the  name 
of  neatness,  these  baskets 
were  veritable  hanging  gar- 
dens in  miniature — models 
of  graceful  beauty  rarely  ex- 
celled. In  the  planting  of 
them  flowering  plants  are 
toned  down  and  softened 
by  an  admixture  of  Ferns, 
Ivy,  and  other  graceful 
foliage  plants,  while  a  few 
trailers,  such  as  CobtEa  scan- 
dens.  Ivy,  and  the  Virginian 
Creeper,  may  be  twined 
around  the  sides,  or  allowed 
to  droop  in  graceful  festoons 
as  shown  in  our  illustra- 
tion. In  large  baskets,  a 
charming  variety  of  form 
and  colouring  may  be  intro- 
duced by  means  of  succu- 
lents, Stag's-hom  Ferns, 
Aralias,  Cannas,  Dracisnas, 
Palms,  and  plants  of  Ficus 
elastica,  along  with  Hydran- 
geas, Ivy-leaved  and  scarlet 

zonal  Pelargoniums,  Achiraenes,  Begonias,  and  common 
Fuchsias,  the  last  being  among  the  most  beautiful  of  all  plants 
for  basket  decoration.  Both  Coleus  and  Iresine  are  admirably 
adapted  for  planting  in  hanging  baskets,  as  when  looked  at 
between  the  eye  and  the  light  their  colours  are  seen  to  excel- 
lent advantage,  especially  when  associated  with  fresh  green 
fronds  of  Maiden-hair  and  other  Ferns.  Panicum  sulcatum 
is  an  effective  basket  plant,  and  many  ornamental  Grasses 
might  be  used  with  excellent  effect.  When  these  baskets  are 
cleared  out  and  re-arranged  in  the  autumn,  it  is  an  excellent 


plan  to  insert  a  few  Roman  and  other  Hyacinths,  Tulip, 
Crocus,  and  Jonquil  bulbs  in  them,  all  of  which  flower  freely 
and  light  up  the  foliage  plants  and  Ferns  with  charming 
glimpses  of  bright  colouring  early  in  the  sprmg,  when  other 
flowers  are  scarce.  Epiphyllums  also  make  valuable  basket 
plants  for  flowering  during  winter,  and  should  be  grown  in 
quantity  for  that  purpose.  Some  of  the  scarlet  Tropa3olums 
of  the  Lobbii  section  are  likewise  well  suited  for  basket  culture, 
and  bloom  very  freely  when  suspended  close  to  the  glass  in 
a  sunny  situation.  Many  of  the  Clematises  are  invaluable 
for  basket  work  in  cool  conservatories, 
and,  under  such  conditions,  produce  their 
arge  star-like  flowers  in  great  abundance. 
These  plants  also  grow  in  a  very  elegant 
manner,  drooping,  as  they  do,  from  the 
baskets  in  graceful  festoons  of  flowers  and 
fresh  green  foliage.  B. 


I      f< — i-h 


A  hanging  basket  at  South  Kensington. 


PREPAEING  SKELETON  LEAVES. 

Bt  JAMES  F.  ROBINSON. 

We  have  recently  heard  much  about  find- 
ing suitable  employment  for  ladies,  and 
allowing  them  to  enter  the  medical  pro- 
fession, &c.  I  leave  these  discussions  to 
abler  minds ;  and,  in  a  more  humble 
manner,  I  shall  endeavour  to  point  out  a 
little  congenial  employment  for  the  leisure 
hours  of  our  fair  readers  ;  one,  moreover, 
in  which,  whilst  they  are 
usefully  occupied,  they  will 
derive  both  amusement  and 
pleasure.  Most  amusing 
scientific  work  is  simply 
adapted  for  the  passing  hour ; 
but  mine,  if  enthusiastically 
followed,  will  bring  joy  when 
glanced  at  in  years  to  come, 
for  "  A  thing  of  beauty  is  a 
joy  for  ever"  in  more  senses 
than  one.  A  very  pleasant 
occupation  for  leisure  mo- 
ments is  the  art  of  prepar- 
ing, or  rather  skeletonising 
leaves.  The  old  method,  as 
most  of  my  readers  are 
aware,  was  simply  to  immerse 
the  leaves  beneath  water  for 
several  weeks  until  the  epi- 
dermis and  parenchyma  had 
decayed;  then,  taking  them 
out,  to  rub  off  the  decayed 
fleshy  or  cellular  matter  in 
a  bowl  of  clean  water.  To 
say  the  least  of  this  method, 
it  was  very  unsatisfactory, 
and  often  yielded  results 
far  from  pleasing,  without 
taking  into  consideration  the 
great  amount  of  patience 
needful  to  complete  the  pro- 
cess. Now,  thanks  to  chem- 
istry, we  have  another  and  a 
better  plan,  not  occupying 
as  many  hours  as  the  old 
decaying  method  took  weeks 
to  accomplish.  An  excellent 
recommendation  for  processes  of  this  kind  is  theii-  simplicity, 
as  anything  complicated,  or  requiring  expensive  requisites  in 
its  performance,  is  sure  to  be  scouted,  or,  at  most,  to  gain 
but  few  adherents.  Most  of  my  lady  friends  to  whom  I  have 
recommended  the  undermentioned  process  for  skeletonising 
leaves,  have  fallen  so  much  in  love  with  it,  as  to  follow  it  up 
constantly  in  the  autumn,  merely  for  amusement.  The  result 
has  been  the  production  of  many  an  elegant  drawing-room 
ornament,  either  placed  in  the  vase  or  mounted  for  framing 
beneath    glass,  as   a    permanent  record    of  their  industry. 


264 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Sem.  27,  1873. 


First  dissolve  four  ounces  of  common  washing-soda  in  a 
quart  of  boiling  water,  then  add  two  ounces  of  slaked  quick- 
lime, and  boil  for  about  fifteen  minutes.  Allow  this  solution 
to  cool ;  afterwards  pour  off  all  the  clear  liquor  into  a  clean 
saucepan.  When  the  solution  is  at  the  boiling  point,  place  the 
leaves  carefully  in  the  pan,  and  boil  the  whole  together  for  an 
hour.  Boiling  water  ought  to  be  added  occasionally,  but 
sufficient  only  to  replace  that  lost  by  evaporation.  The 
epidermis  and  parenchyma  of  some  leaves  will  more  readily 
separate  than  in  others.  A  good  test  is  to  try  the  leaves  after 
they  have  been  gently  simmering  (boiling)  for  about  an  hour, 
and,  if  the  cellular  matter  does  not  easily  rub  off  betwixt  the 
finger  and  thumb  beneath  cold  water,  boil  them  again  for  a 
short  time.  ^Yhen  the  fleshy  matter  is  found  to  be  sufficiently 
softened,  rub  them  separately,  but  very  gently,  beneath  cold 
water  until  the  perfect  skeleton  is  exposed.  The  skeletons  at 
first  are  of  a  dirty  white  colour :  to  make  them  pure  white, 
and  therefore  more  beautiful,  all  that  is  necessary  is  to  bleach 
them  in  a  weak  solution  of  chloride  of  lime.  I  have  found  the 
best  solution  is  a  large  teaspoonful  of  chloride  of  lime  to  a 
quart  of  water ;  if  a  few  drops  of  vinegar  are  added  to  the 
bleaching  solution,  it  is  all  the  better,  for  then  the  free  chlorine 
is  liberated.  Do  not  allow  them  to  remain  too  long  in  the 
bleaching  liquor,  or  they  will  become  very  brittle,  and  cannot 
afterwards  be  handled  without  injury.  About  fifteen  minutes 
is  sufficient  to  make  them  white  and  clean-looking.  After  the 
specimens  are  bleached,  dry  them  in  white  blotting-paper 
beneath  a  gentle  pressure.  Of  course  in  this,as  in  other  things, 
a  little  practice  is  needful  to. secure  perfection.  Simple  leaves 
are  the  best  for  young  beginners  to  experiment  upon  :  Vine, 
Poplar,  Beech,  and  Ivy  leaves  make  excellent  skeletons.  Care 
must  be  exercised  in  the  selection  of  leaves,  as  well  as  the 
period  of  the  year,  and  the  state  of  the  atmosphere,  when  the 
specimens  are  collected,  otherwise  failure  will  be  the  result. 
The  best  months  to  gather  the  specimens  are  July  to  Sep- 
tember. Never  collect  specimens  in  damp  weather,  and  none 
but  perfectly-matured  leaves  ought  to  be  gathered. 

In  my  next  paper  I  shall  explain  how  to  print  leaves  and 
fronds  of  Ferns  by  the  Chromotype  process ;  also,  how  to 
prepare  autumnal  leaves  on  glass  for  the  amusement  of  winter 
evening  parties. 

EVEELASTINGS  FOR  WINTER  DECORATION. 
SoiiE  of  the  Everlastings,  or  Immortelles,  are  strikingly 
beautiful  when  neatly  arranged,  and  if,  in  some  cases,  they 
lack  the  fresh  sweetness  of  newly-gathered  blossoms,  they  have 
the  advantage  in  being  permanent,  and  are  often  serviceable 
as  decorative  objects  when  fresh  fiowers  are  both  expensive 
and  difficult  to  obtain.  We  here  speak  of  Everlastings  in  the 
general  sense,  including  those  flowers  which  are  dried  arti- 
ficially in  their  natiu-al  colours.  For  permanent  winter 
bouquets  and  other  floral  decorations,  they  prove  very 
useful,  when  tastefully  arranged  along  with  ornamental 
Grasses  and  dried  Fern  fronds,  elegant  sprays  of  Club  Moss, 
or  Selaginella.  For  variety,  they  may  be  grouped  with 
skeletonized  leaves  and  seed  vessels,  the  ivory  whiteness  of 
which  contrasts  most  effectively  with  the  bright-coloured 
flowers  and  green  Ferns  already  recommended.  These 
flowers  are  largely  used  on  the  continent  in  the  manufacture 
of  wreaths  and  crosses  for  the  decoration  of  tombs  and  shrines, 
while  their  importation  to  this  country  now  forms  a  prominent 
part  of  the  autumn  business  of  our  leading  decorative  florists. 
One  advantage  possessed  by  these  flowers  is,  that,  when  care- 
fully handled,  they  may  be  re-arranged  and  used  in  new  and 
pleasing  combinations  time  after  time ;  and,  as  ornaments  for 
the  chimney-piece  or  side-board,  they  are  peculiarly  adapted, 
and,  if  arranged  under  glass  shades,  they  will  keep  fresh  and 
clean  from  dust  for  a  considerable  period.  Most  of  the  Ever- 
lasting flowers  are  produced  by  composite  plants,  and  may  be 
easily  raised  from  seeds  sown  in  May,  in  a  warm  sunny  border, 
or  they  may  be  sown  in  pots  in  the  greenhouse  or  frame  a 
month  or  two  earlier,  so  as  to  be  in  a  forward  state  for  planting 
out  when  the  mild  weather  commences.  Seeds  of  both 
Immortelles  and  ornamental  Grasses  may  be  bought  from  any 
London  nurseryman  tor  a  mere  trifle.  If,  however,  one  has 
no  convenience  for  cultivating  them,  they  may  be  purchased, 


either  loose  or  in  bunches,  for  a  few  shillings  any  time  during 
the  autumn  months.     The  kinds  most  useful  for  the  purposes 
above  alluded  to  are  the  rosy  and  white-flowered  Acrocliniums, 
Helichrysums,  as  H.  bracteatum  and  H.  monstrosum,  which 
have  large  flowers,  produced  in  quantities  in  the  open  border, 
and  very  variable  as  to  colour,  running  through  all  the  shades 
of   yellow,   orange,   red,   purple,  crimson,  and  white.     Other 
smaller-flowered    species,    as    H.  arenariuic,  H.  elegans,  H. 
capitatum,  H.  apiculatum,  and  H.  striatum,  grow  freely  in  a 
sunny  position,  on  a  warm  sandy  soil,  producing  their  flowers 
in     great    abundance.      Helipterum     Sandfordu    is    another 
charming     yellow-flowered     half-hardy    annual    well     worth 
growing  for  bouquets  and  winter  flowers.     The  most  beautiful 
of  all  Everlastings  are  those  borne  by  the  Ehodanthes.     These 
charming  little  plants  have  pale  glaucous  foliage,  and  flower 
freely,  when  about  a  foot  high,  if  treated  as  recommended 
above.     They  are  also  invaluable,  as  pot  plants,  for  greenhouse 
or  window  decoration,  while  theii'   delicate   silvery  or  rose- 
tinted    flowers    may  be   grouped  with  the    choicest    exotics 
without  offending,  in  any  way,  the  most  refined  taste.     These 
plants  are  cultivated  largely  by  the  London  market  growers 
for  the  supply  of  Covent  Garden  Mai'ket,  four  or  five  seedling 
plants  being  pricked  out  into  a  forty-eight  pot  and  grown  on 
in  a  cool  frame  until  they  flower.     The  kinds  at  present  in 
cultivation  are,  R.  Manglesii,  R.  Manglesii  major,  both  bearing 
delicate   rosy  flowers ;    R.  atrosanguinea,  crimson-purple ;   R. 
maculata,  rosy-purple,  with  a  dark  circle  round  the  eye  ;   and 
R.  maculata  alba,  the  most  beautiful  of  the  whole  group,  the 
flowers  and  buds  being  of  the  most  delicate  silvery  whiteness 
imaginable.    Some  of  the  Waitzias  are  well  adapted  for  window 
decoration,  and  occasionally  the   flowers,  which    are  either 
yellow  or  reddish-purple,  may  be  utilized  for  bouquets.    W. 
aurea,  W.  acumiaata,  W.  corymbosa,  and  W.  grandiflora,  are 
all  effective  and  worth  general  cultivation.     Several  species  of 
Xeranthemum  are  amongst   the   most    beautiful   of  all   the 
Immortelles,   and    ought    to    be   much    more    popular   than 
they  are  at  present ;    X.  album,  X.  atropurpureum,  and  X. 
imperiale  being  the  best.     In  addition  to  the  above,   all  of 
which  may  be  grown  in  a  sheltered  herbaceous   border,  we 
have  several  greenhouse   plants  that  produce  flowers  of  the 
Everlasting  type.    One  of  the  finest  of  half-hardy  Everlastings, 
though  mostly  grown  in  pots   in  the   greenhouse,   is  Gom- 
phrena  globosa,  a  charming  plant,  its  varieties  bearing  rosy- 
purple,     flesh-coloured,    and     pure    white    flowers.      Agaiu, 
Phoenocoma  prolifera,  Aphelexis  purpurea,  and  its  varieties, 
all  bear  large  rosy  star-shaped  flowers,  well  adapted  for  per- 
manent decorative  purposes.     The  plants  above  referred  to 
are   natural  or  true   Everlastings,  all  the   preparation  they 
require  being  to  cut  them  soon  after  the  buds  expand,  and  lay 
them  on  shelves  in  a  dry  dark  room,  or  they  may  be  tied  up 
loosely  in  bunches  and  suspended  from  a  line  where  they  dry 
in  a  few  days.     The  flowers  should  be  cut  before  they  become 
fully  expanded,  and  a  dry  sunny  morning  should  be  selected 
for    the    purpose — flowers    cut    when    damp    being   apt    to 
spoil  by  rotting.      Several  of   the   Statices   and   Gypsophila 
elegans,  though  not  strictly  speaking  Everlastings,  may  be 
dried  easily,  and  are  then  very  elegant  additions  to  the  winter 
decorations.     The  most  beautiful   Immortelles  are,  however, 
stiff  and  formal  when  arranged  alone,  and  of  all  other  plants 
ornamental  grasses  are  the  most  useful  for  adding  variety  and 
grace  to  groups  of  these  flowers.     Occasionally  a  few  bright 
tinted  autumnal  leaves  may  be  added,  these  being  now  pre- 
pared and  varnished  by  many  of  the  American  as  well  as  by 
English   decorative   florists.      These,   with   the    skeletonised 
foliage  previously  referred  to  will  infuse  an  agreeable  variety 
into  a  tasteful  arrangement  of  these  flowers,  and  form  a  natural 
ornament  as  permanent  as  those  composed  of  artificial  flowers, 
and  a  great   deal  more  interesting.     The  best   Grasses   for 
bouquets   and   decorative  vases    are,  Agrostis   argentea,  A. 
elegans,  A.  nebulosa,  and  A.  laxiflora,  all  veiy  graceful  and 
effective.     All  the  Quaking   grasses  (Briza)  are  good,  as  B. 
compacta,    B.     major,    and    B.    gracilis,    while    Brizopyrum 
siculum  is  very  useful  for  bouquet  work,  and  especially  for 
edgings.     All    the    species  of   Chloris,    such    as    C.  barbata, 
C.  ciliata,  C.  cucullata,  C.  elegans,  and  C.  radiata  are  useful, 
producing  fine  and  gracefully  radiating  spikes  quite  distinct 
from   the  general   forms    of   Grasses.      The    same   remark 


Sept.  27, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


265 


applies  to  the  different  forms  of  Eleusinc,  all  of  which  are 
very  effective.  The  common  Love  Grass,  Eragrostis  elegans 
and  E.  cylindriflora,  are  both  very  finely  divided,  as  are  all 
the  species  in  the  genus.  Hordeum  jubatum  and  the 
common  Hare's-tail  Grass — Lagurus  ovatus — are  both  useful 
for  either  bouquets  or  vases,  while  the  Feather  Grass — Stipa 
pennata — and  several  allied  species  are  well  known,  and  their 
silky  plumes,  which  sway  to  and  fro  with  the  slightest  breath 
of  air,  are  much  admired.  Ornamental  Grasses,  though 
beautiful,  are  not  much  appreciated  by  the  generality  of 
cultivators,  still  many  florists  are  now  beginning  to  use  them 
largely  for  decorative  purposes ;  doubtless  attiateurs  will 
follow  suit.     There  is  an  immense  variety  of  elegant  species 


Basket  of  Flowers  and  Grasses. 

well  suited  for  bouquets,  and  assortments  of  twenty  or  thirty 
varieties  will  be  supplied  by  any  London  seedsman  for  a  mere 
trifle.  It  is  almost  needless  to  mention  that  both  Grasses  aud- 
Everlastings  may  be  mixed  with  ordinary  flowers,  either  when 
fresh  or  in  the  dried  state.  Of  late  years  it  has  become  the 
custom  to  use  both  Immortelles  and  preserved  autumnal 
foliage  along  with  the  evergreens  for  Christmas  decoi-ations. 
The  Maple,  Oak,  and  other  leaves  are  very  beautiful,  varying 
from  pale  yellow,  through  all  the  shades  of  red  and  brown,  to 
the  deepest  crimson  tint  imaginable,  and  being  sold  loose  they 
can  be  arranged  according  to  fancy.  With  the  materials  we 
have  here  indicated,  some  very  elegant  arrangements  in  the 
way  of  wreaths,  crosses,  bouquets,  and  vases  may  be  made, 


Chimney  piece  Vases,  with  Flowers  and  Grasses. 

according  to  the  taste  and  ingenuity  of  the  artist.  Our  illus- 
tration shows  three  ornamental  vases  neatly  arranged  with 
Grasses  and  Everlastings,  as  chimney-piece  decorations,  for 
which  they  are  well  adapted.  Another  elegant  arrangement 
is  to  fill  a  shallow  basket  with  flowers  and  Grasses,  as  shown 
above,  thus  forming  a  graceful  ornament  for  either  the 
drawing-room  or  parlour  table.  We  are  indebted  to  Mr.  John 
Harrison,  of  Darlington,  for  the  use  of  the  accompanying 
engravings  in  illustration  of  this  subject.  F,  W.  B. 


WINTER  BOUQUETS. 
Ox  the  mantel.piece  of  the  parlour,  in  our  pleasant  country  home, 
stand  two  beautiful  Bohemiaa  glass  vases.     During  the  summer  they 
are  bright  with  flowers,  but  when  winter  comes  they  stand  mournful 
and  empty  monuments  of  the  beauty  and  bloom  which  the  cold 


chilly  winds  of  December  stole  from  us,  while  the  "  lesser  lights  " 
around  do  duty  by  holding  tapers  of  many  colours  and  fanciful 
shapes.  What  to  fill  these  empty  vases  with,  was  the  question.  I 
remembered  a  method  I  had  seen  for  crystallizing  Grasses  for 
bouquets,  and  resolved  to  try  it.  I  went  to  work  and  gathered  the 
Grasses,  tying  up  two  large  bunches,  mingling  the  long,  graceful 
wild  Eye  with  various  feathery  Grasses,  giving  dignity  and 
substance  by  the  addition  of  sturdy  Timothy  and  Millet,  bearded 
Wheat  and  Norway  Oats,  and  crowned  the  whole  with  long,  drooping 
heads  of  an  enlarged  form  of  our  Millet.  It  made  a  beautiful 
finish  for  my  bouquet,  which  I  tied  up  loosely,  and  suspended  over 
a  small  wooden  tub.  I  then  dissolved  a  pound  of  alum  in  a  quart 
of  rain  water,  and  when  scalding  hot,  poured  it  over  the  Grasses, 
taking  care  that  the  solution  reached  every  part  of  them.  I  left  them 
hanging  all  night,  and  found  them  in  the  morning  with  a  crystal 
shining  from  every  spray.  So  the  question  how  to  fill  the  vases  was 
answered,  and  all  this  coming  winter,  in  the  lamp. light  and  glow 
from  the  fire,  they  will  Bcintillate  and  sparkle  as  though  the  dews  of 
Golconda  had  fallen  upon  them,  thus  proving  "a  joy  for  ever" — 
or  until 

The  Roses  bloom  again, 

And  the  springs  do  gush  anew, 

when  I  can  treat  persons  to  a  new  version  of  the  old  adage,  and  toll 
them  "  all  are  not  diamonds  that  glitter."  S.  J.  O. 


To  Restore  Faded  Flowers. — Most  flowers  commence  to 
droop  and  wither  after  being  kept  in  water  for  twenty-four  hours  ; 
a  few  can  be  revived  by  substituting  fresh  water,  and  a  pinch  of 
saltpetre  in  it  will  tend  to  keep  them  bright  and  fresh.  But  badly 
withered  flowers  can  be  made  fresh  by  placing  them  in  a  cup  of 
boiling  hot  water,  deep  enough  to  cover  at  least  one-third  of  the 
stems  ;  by  the  time  the  water  has  cooled  entirely,  the  flowers  will 
have  become  bright  and  erect.  Now  cut  off  the  ends  of  the  stems 
about  an  inch,  and  place  them  in  cold  water,  and  you  will  be  sur- 
prised at  the  reviving  influence  of  this  treatment.  Thin.petaled, 
white  and  light-coloured  flowers,  however,  will  not  become  so  fully 
restored  as  high  coloured,  thick. leaved  blossoms. — Daisy  ErEBEiGHT. 


IN  AN  APPLE  ORCHAED. 


Oh,  Apples  on  the  Apple  tree, 

How  fair  you  look  !  how  thick  you  be  ! 

Some  red,  some  yellow,  and  some  grey, 

You  ripen  slowly  day  by  day. 

The  sun  has  touched  you,  and  the  rain. 

The  calm,  and  then  the  hurricane, 

The  drought  has  dried  you,  and  the  dew 

Has  drenched;  and  still  you  grew  and  grew. 

Oh,  Apples  on  the  orchard  tree, 

Speak  to  this  heart,  its  teachers  be ! 

Where'er  I  find  a  settled  place. 

There  I  should  grow  with  patient  face. 

Let  bud  yield  room  to  blossom's  suit, 

And  that  in  turn  to  forming  fruit. 

Below  the  surface  of  the  mind 

A  secret  sweetening  I  would  find  ; 

And  in  the  heart's  deep  core  enwrought 

The  mystic  seeds  of  strong  love-thought. 

And  by  my  neighhoiu's  I  would  stand, 

And  touch  them  mth  a  gentle  hand. 

And  I  would  not  have  over-care 

If  I  be  high,  or  low,  or  where ; 

But  I  desire,  as  time  shall  pass, 

A  gatherer  coming  through  the  Grass, 

With  keen  quick  eye  and  ready  touch 

To  pick  all  fruit,  ere  ripe  too  much ; 

With  a  broad  basket  on  his  arm 

To  save  me  from  old  Winter's  harm  ; 

Then,  at  the  last,  in  gamer  stored. 

An  offering  to  the  Orchard's  Lord. 

— Cliamhers's  Jovrnal. 


An  Egyptian  Medical  Papyrus. — The  Allgemeine  Medi- 
zinische  Central. Zeitung  states  that  Professor  Ebers,  of  Leipsic, 
during  a  recent  visit  to  Egypt,  obtained  possession  of  an  ancient 
Papyrus,  written  in  the  oldest  hieratic  character,  and  believed  to  be 
above  3,400  years  old.  Notwithstanding  its  great  age,  not  a  single 
letter  is  wanting  in  the  110  leaves  of  which  it  consists.  It  is  a  com. 
plete  treatise  on  ancient  Egyptian  medicine.  Nine  leaves  are 
devoted  to  diseases  of  the  eyes — a  subject  in  which  the  Egyptians 
were  in  advance  of  all  other  nations  of  antiquity.  The  substance  on 
which  this  treatise  is  written  is  prepared  from  the  stem  of  that  tall 
and  graceful  sedge,  Papyrus  antiqnorum. 


266 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Sept.  27,  1873. 


T  H  E    H  OUSE  HOLD. 

THE  HEALING  PROPERTIES  OF  CABBAGE  LEAVES 
The  therapeutical  value  of  Cabbage  leaves,  whicli  has  long  been 
recognised  in  household  medicine,  is  discussed  at  considerable  length 
by  Dr.  Blanc  in  the  Revue  de  la  Tltcrapeutiqtie,  and  the  conclusions 
to  which  he  comes,  concisely  stated,  are  as  follows  : — 1.  The  Cabbage 
leaf  excites  and  augments  suppuration  of  the  secretion  of  ulcers, 
■ulcerations,  vesicles,  and  pustules.  It  has  the  same  action  on 
the  integuments  affected  by  an  erysipelatous  or  furunculous 
inflammation,  but  removes  tissues  in  a  morbid  condition.  2.  This 
augmentation  of  suppuration  is  constantly  followed  by  an  ameliora- 
tion and  often  by  a  cure.  It  is  the  condition  necessary  to  the  result, 
and  the  property  of  the  leaf  which  determines  this  result  is  an 
indirectly  curative  property.  3.  This  property  does  not  consist  in 
any  principle  which  the  leaf  yields  for  absorption,  but  rather  in  an 
affinity  which  the  leaf  has  for  the  vitiated  secretions.  4.  The  leaf 
exercises  this  affinity  on  open  ulcers,  or  on  ulcers  covered  by  a  thick 
or  thin  scab  or  crust ;  it  exercises  it  on  the  thickened  epidermis  or 
where  it  is  converted  into  thickened  rind-like  membranes  ;  in  simple 
or  confluent  variola,  throughout  mortified  tissues,  through  the 
integuments,  whether  inflamed  or  non-inflamed,  but  removes  tumors 
capable  of  aljsorption.  5.  When  the  tegumentary  affection  is  wide- 
spread or  general,  the  action  of  the  leaves  on  the  parts  where  they 
ai'e  applied  benefits  the  whole  disease.  6.  The  matter  in  the  parts 
not  covered  by  leaves  is  absorbed,  and  at  once  directed  under  the 
leaves,  to  be  immediately  excreted  at  that  part.  7.  Treatment,  by 
the  leaves,  of  a  suppurative  affection  prevents  re-absorption  and 
consequent  pyeemia.  8.  The  cure  obtained  by  this  means  is  more 
complete  and  certain  than  by  any  other,  because  it  is  brought  about 
only  when  the  cause  and  products  of  disease  are  eliminated  from  the 
system.  9.  This  mode  of  treatment  is  in  perfect  harmony  of  action 
vrith  the  vis  medicatrix  naturm.  This  essays,  in  skin  diseases,  to 
eject  from  the  system  their  cause  and  effects,  whilst  the  leaves  aid 
this  action.  10.  The  cure  of  an  ulcer  by  the  leaves,  however  wide- 
spread and  long-standing  it  may  be,  is  without  danger,  and  relapse 
is  very  rare.  11.  The  cicatrices  obtained  by  the  leaves  are  remark- 
able for  their  small  degree  of  deformity.  12.  Small-pox,  measles, 
and  scarlatina,  treated  by  applications  of  the  leaves,  have  few  or  no 
sequelEB  ;  e.  g.,  phthisis  is  not  to  be  feared. 


HOW  TO  PRESERVE  FRUIT. 

Green  Gages. — Weigh  three-quarters  of  a  pound  of  sugar  for 
each  pound  of  fruit,  after  having  split  the  Plums  and  taken  out  the 
stones.  Take  the  kernels  from  them,  pour  boiling  water  over  them, 
and  rub  off  the  skins.  Then  put  the  sugar  over  the  fire  with  a  cup 
of  boiling  water  ;  melt  it  and  skim  it  thoroughly.  Put  in  the  Plums 
and  the  kernels,  and  let  them  boil  until  quite  clear  ;  skim  out  into 
glass  jars,  and  turn  the  syrup  over  them  while  it  is  boiling  hot.  By 
placing  the  glass  jar  upon  a  wet  towel,  and  putting  a  large  silver 
spoon  into  the  jar,  before  adding  the  syrup,  there  is  no  danger  of 
cracking  the  glass.  Of  course  the  spoon  is  taken  out  when  you 
close  the  jar  tightly. 

To  Preserve  Damsons. — Put  half  a  pound  of  powdered  loaf- 
sugar  to  every  pound  of  Damsons ;  mix  well  together,  and  put  them 
into  a  stone  pot ;  cover  them  up  closely,  place  in  a  pot  of  boiling 
water,  and  boil  for  three-quarters  of  an  hour.  Let  them  stand  until 
nearly  cold ;  then  strain  off  the  juice,  add  a  quarter  of  a  pound  to 
every  pint  of  it,  and  boil  and  skim  until  perfectly  clear.  Pour  it 
over  the  Damsons,  put  a  paper  wet  with  alcohol  or  whisky  over  them, 
and  cover  and  tie  down  with  strong  brown  paper.  They  will  keep 
perfectly  good  for  at  least  a  year. 

To  Keep  Damsons. — Put  them  into  stone  jars ;  set  the  jars 
up  to  their  necks  in  a  kettle  of  cold  water,  and  boil  them  for  half 
an  hour.  Then  cork  up  tightly.  When  needed  for  use,  add  sugar 
to  taste. 

To  Dry  Plums. — Gather  the  Plums  when  not  too  ripe.  Prick 
each  one  with  a  darning  needle  in  several  places.  Take  half  a  pound 
of  sugar  to  each  pound  of  fruit.  Melt  the  sugar  with  a  little  water  ; 
skim  it  thoroughly ;  then  add  the  Plums  and  boil  for  half  an  hour. 
Skim  out  the  Plums,  and  boil  the  sugar  for  twenty  minutes  longer, 
or  until  it  nearly  candies,  which  you  can  tell  by  taking  up  a  small 
quantity  in  a  spoon  and  letting  it  drop  down  until  it  threads  out  in 
minute  strings.  Turn  it  over  the  Plums,  and  put  them  to  dry  in  a 
cool  oven,  stirring  them  up  every  few  minutes.  When  candied,  put 
into  paper  boxes. 

To  Preserve  Apricots. — Turn  boiling  water  over  them,  and 
let  them  stay  in  it  until  you  can  peel  off  the  skins,  or  rub  them  off 
witlra  towel.  Take  three-quarters  of  a  pound  of  sugar  to  every 
pound  of  fruit.    Melt  the  sugar,  and  clarify  it  with  the  whites  of  two 


eggs  thoroughly  beaten  ;  add  them  when  the  sugar  is  melted,  and, 
when  it  boils  up  well,  turn  in  a  small  teacup  of  cold  water.  When  it 
boils  again,  remove  the  scum  which  rises  to  the  top  ;  pour  off  the 
clarified  syrup  into  a  preserving  kettle,  and  put  in  the  fruit ;  let  it 
boil  for  ten  minutes  ;  Bkim  out  into  jars  ;  turn  in  the  syrup  and 
fasten  closely. 

To  Preserve  Pears. — Take  Pears  not  quite  ripe  and  peel  off 
the  skins.  Prepare  a  syrup  with  three-quarters  of  a  pound  of  sugar 
to  each  poimd  of  fruit.  Melt  it  and  boil  for  half  an  hour,  removing  all 
the  scum  which  rises.  Put  in  the  Pears,  and  let  them  boil  for  ten 
minutes,  or  just  long  enough  to  soften  a  little  ;  then  take  out,  and 
cover  tightly  with  paper  wet  in  whisky  or  alcohol,  and  cover  with 
another  paper  placed  over  the  mouth  of  the  jar. 

Apple  Jelly. — Take  the  Apples,  pare,  core,  and  quarter  them, 
and  boil  in  water  enough  to  cover  them,  until  quite  soft.  Then  turn 
into  a  flannel  jelly-bag,  and  let  the  juice  run  out  without  squeezing 
at  all.  The  jelly-bag  is  made  Uke  an  enormous  funnel,  with  a  short 
nose  and  sewed  up  in  one  seam.  Take  a  square  of  flannel  and  double 
over  in  two  points,  lapping  it  in  the  middle,  and  you  will  see  how  it 
is  done.  Tie  this  bag  by  fastening  tapes  to  each  side  of  it,  to  chairs, 
and  let  the  juico  run  into  a  dish.  To  one  pint  of  juice  put  one  pound 
of  white  sugar,  apd  boil  for  twenty  minutes.  Then  turn  into  jelly 
cups.     Add  sugar  to  the  jam,  and  boil  for  marmalade. 

Preserved  fruits  often  either  ferment,  mould,  or  candy,  unless  they 
are  placed  in  air-tight  cans,  and  these  are  not  always  within  reach 
of  the  housewife.  Now  these  three  effects  are  produced  by  three 
separate  causes — they  ferment  because  they  were  not  boiled  enough  ; 
they  mould  from  being  kept  in  a  damp  place  ;  they  candy  from 
being  boiled  too  long.  If  papers  dipped  in  whisky  or  alcohol  are 
laid  directly  over  preserves  and  jellies,  it  will  often  prevent  them 
from  spoiling.  Preserves  should  be  kept  in  a  dark  but  dry  place,  and 
in  arranging  them  on  the  shelves  of  a  store-closet  they  should  not 
come  in  contact  with  the  plastering. — Cultivator. 


A  New  Salad.. — I  think  I  discovered  something  new  in  the 
way  of  salads  the  other  day,  and  if  not  new  something  very  agreeable. 
Enjoying  a  salade  des  I6ij\mies  the  other  morning,  it  occurred  to  me 
that  cold  baked  Tomatoes  and  cold  Vegetable  Marrows  would  go 
very  well  together.  I  accordingly  tried  and  mixed  good  cold  baked 
Tomatoes,  not  too  much  done,  with  the  skins  off,  and  some  good- 
sized  Vegetable  Marrows,  adding  some  Tarragon  vinegar.  The 
result  was  a  peculiar  and  most  delicious  salad.  Garnished  with  some 
of  the  trifling  vegetable  accompaniments,  which  a  good  maker  of 
salads  knows  how  to  use,  it  might  be  improved,  but  I  could  desire 
nothing  more  delicious  in  the  way  of  a  salad  during  the  warm  days 
of  summer  and  early  autumn. — V. 

Blackberry  Wine. — Measure  your  berries  and  bruise  them  ;  to 
every  gallon  adding  one  quart  of  boiling  water.  Let  the  mixture 
stand  twenty -four  hours,  stirring  occasionally  ;  then  strain  off  the 
liquor  into  a  cask,  to  every  gallon  adding  two  pounds  of  sugar ;  cork 
tightly,  and  let  it  stand  to  the  following  October,  and  the  wine  is 
ready  for  use,  without  further  straining  or  boiling.  Another  way  : 
— Take  100  quarts  of  Blackberries,  crush  them  and  press  out  the 
juico.  Then  dissolve  110  pounds  of  white  sugar  in  20  gallons  cold 
water.  Measure  the  S}Tnp  ;  add  the  juice,  and  as  much  more  water 
as  will  bo  required  to  make  40  gallons  in  all.  If  you  want  to  make  a 
smaller  quantity,  preserve  the  above  proportions.  After  putting  it 
in  the  cask  (one  that  has  recently  had  whisky  is  preferred) ,  set  it 
in  a  cellar  or  other  cool  place  with  the  bung  open  to  the  air  until 
Christmas.     Then  stop  tightly  or  bottle  it. 

Blackberry  Cordial. — To  two  quarts  of  juice  add  one  pound  of 
white  sugar;  half  ounce  Nutmeg;  half  ounce  Cloves  pulverized. 
Boil  all  together  for  a  short  time,  and  when  cold  add  a  pint  of 
brandy. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  HOUSEHOLD. 

How  to  Cook  Mushrooms. — Get  half  grown  Muslirooms,  peolthcm  and  lay 
them  side  upwards  on  a  plate  ;  put  to  each  a  small  piece  of  butter,  but  only 
one  layer  thick  ;  pepper  and  salt  to  taste  ;  add  two-tal)lespoonfuls  of  ketchup, 
and  one  of  water  ;  jiress  round  the  rim  of  the  plate  a  strip  of  paste,  pet  another 
plate  of  the  same  size,  firmly  pressed  in  the  paste ;  put  the  whole  in  a  brisk 
oven  for  25  minutes  ;  the  top  plate  should  be  left  on  until  served,  when  you  will 
not  only  have  a  dish  fit  for  an  Emperor,  but  one  that  would  delight  an 
Empress. — R.  Gilbeht,  Burleigh  Gardens. 

Coddled  Apples.— The  name  is  homely,  but  the  article  good.  After  the 
smaller  fruits  are  out  of  season,  coddled  Apples  make  one  of  the  very  best 
desserts  that  can  be  sent  to  the  table.  Gather  small  imripe  Apples,  do  not 
peel  them,  but  cut  them  into  slices  from  the  core ;  put  them  in  a  saucepan 
and  pour  on  water  enough  to  cover  theni ;  cover  the  saucepan  and  stir  the 
Apples  occasionally  to  prevent  burning,  and  when  thoroughly  soft,  ransh  them 
smooth  through  a  sieve.  Send  to  the  table  in  a  glass  or  china  dessert-dish, 
with  milk  or  cream,  if  you  have  it,  and  put  the  Nutmeg  and  grater  on  the  table 
for  those  who  like  this  spice. 


Sept.  27,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


267 


WORK   FOR    THE    WEEK. 

PRIVATE  GARDENS. 

Fines. — To  plauts  swelling  their  fruits  give  a  little  manure, 
water  occasionally,  and  maintain  a  temperature  of  from  85°  to  90' 
during  the  daytime,  and  from  70'  to  75'  at  night.  Manure-water 
must  be  more  sparingly  used  in  dull  than  in  bright  weather,  and  a 
gentle  syringing  with  clean  tepid  water  now  and  then  in  fine  weather 
is  beneficial.  Queen  Pines  ripening  their  fruits  should  be  kept 
rather  dry  at  the  roots,  and  in  [a  well-ventilated  pit,  in  order  to 
improve  their  flavour.  Tate  off  and  pot  all  suckers  from  the  plants 
as  soon  as  they  are  large  enough ;  plunge  them  in  a  brisk  bottom 
heat,  and  sprinkle  them  gently  overhead  every  fine  afternoon,  but 
do  not  water  the  soil  until  the  roots  begin  to  grow.  Such  plants  as 
are  required  to  start  into  fruit  in  December  and  January  should  now 
be  kept  as  dry  and  cool  as  possible,  so  as  to  give  them  a  good  rest, 
and  to  cause  them  to  start  away  vigorously  into  growth  when 
required. 

Vines. — The  wood  of  Vines  intended  to  be  forced  in  November 
should  now  be  thoroughly  ripe,  and  the  leaves  off  or  falling;  there- 
fore prune  and  dress  them  as  speedily  as  possible,  in  order  that  they 
may  have  a  fair  rest  before  forcing  begins.  The  houses  in  which 
they  are  growing  should  be  kept  quite  cool  and  well  ventilated,  both 
at  top  and  bottom.  Pot  Vines  for  early  forcing  should  also  now  be 
ripe,  and  should  be  placed  out  of  doors,  where  the  canes  can  be  tied 
up  loosely  against  a  south  wall  or  hedge  ;  in  case  of  heavy  rains, 
tui'n  the  pots  on  their  sides  to  prevent  saturation  of  the  soil,  which 
sometimes  induces  premature  growth.  In  late  Vineries,  where  the 
Grapes  are  not  yet  quite  ripe,  ventilate  freely  during  the  daytime, 
and  also  a  little  during  damp  nights,  when  a  little  fire-heat  should 
likewise  be  applied.  It  is  of  importance,  however,  to  have  all 
Grapes  well  ripened  about  the  end  of  the  present  month.  Vines 
from  which  the  fruit  has  just  been  cut,  and  also  such  as  were  planted 
last  spring,  and  which  have  not  yet  borne  fruit,  should  receive  great 
attention,  as  regards  getting  the  wood  ripe,  by  means  of  abundant 
ventilation  and  gentle  fire-heat  at  the  same  time,  if  possible.  In 
order  to  preserve  the  warmth  of  the  soil  in  the  outside  borders,  they 
ought  to  be  covered  with  spare  sashes,  wooden  shutters,  tarpauling, 
or  roofing  tiles,  to  prevent  the  E^utumnal  rains  from  reducing  the 
temperature. 

Melons. — The  season  for  frame  Melons  is  now  all  but  over. 
In  pits,  however,  the  plants  for  late  fruiting  should  be  vigorous, 
and  previously  prevented  from  setting  their  fruits  till  now,  when, 
with  great  care,  a  night  temperature  of  70',  judicious  applica- 
tions of  tepid  water,  and  slight  syringings  on  fine  days  only,  they 
will  ripen  a  good  late  crop.  Mulch  the  beds  with  leaf-mould  or  old 
Mushroom  dung  to  prevent  them  from  drying  too  quickly.  Do  not 
give  much  water  to  fruits  that  are  fully  swollen,  or  that  are  ripening, 
as  such  would  be  apt  to  cause  the  fruit  to  crack,  and  deteriorate  its 
flavour. 

Cucumbers. — Winter  fruiting  plants  of  these  should  now  be 
establishing  themselves  in  the  beds,  and  must  not  be  too  much 
syringed.  The  soil  for  late  Cucumbers  should  not  be  quite  so  rich 
as  for  summer  fruiting  ones.  Maintain  a  night  temperature  of  70' 
to  75',  and  pick  off  any  leaves  affected  by  thrips,  and  use  sulphur  to 
counteract  mildew.  AH  fruits  for  seed  should  have  been  secured 
earlier  in  the  season  than  this,  for  by  keeping  them  thus  late  the 
plants  are  considerably  weakened.  Avoid,  too,  overcropping,  and 
give  some  weak  manure-water  to  fruiting  plants. 

Strawberries. — If  these  were  shifted  into  their  fruiting  pots  last 
month,  they  will  now  have  become  good  well-rooted  plants.  Give 
them  some  manure-water  made  from  dung-:— not  guano — and  pick  off 
any  runners  as  they  appear.  Water  them  in  the  mornings  in  preference 
to  the  evenings. 

Hardy  Fruit  Department. — Harvest  all  fruits  when  fit  for 
that  purpose,  for  any  delay  in  this  matter  oftimes  induces  decay,  or 
badly-flavoured  fruit.  Indeed,  much  more  depends  on  the  time  of 
gathering  than  on  almost  anything  else  as  regards  flavour  and  quality. 
Pick  off  all  young  laterals  on  wall-trees,  and  spread  out  the  wood  so 
as  to  allow  it  to  become  thoroughly  ripened.  It  is  of  importance  to 
unfasten  the  ligatures  around  buds  as  soon  as  the  latter  have 
"taken"  well,  so  as  to  get  the  buds  and  wood  well  ripened.  It  is  a 
good  sign  to  see  buds  pu  in  in  August  now  quite  browned  like  the 
sunny  side  of  the  young  'shoots,  for  then  they  generally  stand  the 
winter  well.  Cut  off  the  heels  on  Stocks  grafted  last  spring,  and 
select  the  stoutest- wooded  young  p'ants  for  pot  culture,  and  the 
medium-sized  ones  for  permanent  plants,  as,  owing  to  their  being  the 
best  ripened,  they  generally  are  the  most  satisfactory.  Dress  up  the 
stems  of  young  standards,  by  pruning  off  all  the  sprayey  shoots  left, 
to  prevent  the  stem  becoming  hide-bound.  In  order  to  prevent  this 
in  old  plants,  slit  down  the  bark  every  second  year  with  a  knife. 


MARKET  GARDENS. 

The  present  damp  weather  seems  to  suit  vegetable  crops,  for  all  are 

growing  freely,  and  none  are  showing  unseasonable  signs  of  decay. 

Scarlet  Runners  have  made,  as  it  were,  a  fresh   start,  and  are  now 

bearing  very  profusely  ;  but  the  bulk  of  the  French  Beans  are  getting 

into  the  sere  and  yellow  leaf.     Indeed,   the   Scarlet   Runners,  or  red 

and  white  flowered  Dutch  Beans,  continue   longer  in   bearing,   and 

yield  a  considerably  greater  amount   of   produce,  than  the  French 

Beans,  which   are   undoubtedly   the  best  for  early  work.     Rosette 

Coleworts  are  now  quite  plentiful,  as  they  are  being  cleared  in  large 

quantities  from  amongst  the  Celery  rows.    Celery  is  remarkably  good 

this  year,  and  has  not  entailed  much  trouble  in  watering.     Potatoes 

and  Onions  have  been  good,   and,  as  a  rule  are  mostly  harvested. 

Endive  is  now  coming  in  well,  and    Radishes   are   crisp  and  good. 

Turnips  have  not  germinated  so  effectually  as  they  do  some  years ; 

but,  where  they  have  missed,  the  space  is  made  up  with  Lettuces. 

The  earliest  Mushroom  beds  are  bearing  a  little,  and  the  bulk  of  the 

Tomatoes  have  been  gathered.     Dig  every  available  piece  of  ground, 

and  plant  spring  Cabbages  and  Coleworts  thereon.    Weed  Cauliflowers, 

thin  them  a  little,  and  dust  some  lime  around  the  outskirts  of  the 

beds  to  prevent  the  inroad  of  snails  and  slugs.     Weed  the  beds  of 

young  Onions,  and  see  that  those  stored  in  shed  do  not  heat  or  turn 

bad,  and  select  for  market  all  the  stout-necked  ones  first,  and  such  as 

are  liable  to  rot.     Lift  Carrots,  Beet,  and  Parsnips,   as  required  for 

market,  and   take  them  as  they  come  without  selection,   for  the  plan 

of  taking   one  here  and  another  there  over  the  field  is   not  only  not 

economical,  but  loosens  the  soil  about  the  others,  and,  by  clearing  all 

off,    the  ground  can  be  got  in  readiness  for  another  crop.     Tie  up 

Endive  some   days   before  it  becomes  fit  for  use,  and  make   fresh 

plantations  of  the  same  in  well-prepared  warm  ground.    Hoe  Spinach, 

and  clear  off  old  French  Beans  so  as  to  give  room  for  Savoys,  Brussels 

Sprouts,  and  Broccoli.     Earth  up  Celery,  and,  as  the  first  plantation  is 

removed  for  market,  utilise  the  ground  by  stocking  it  at  once  with 

Cabbage  or  Endive.     Make  another  plantation  of  Leeks,  and  pick  off 

all  remaining  fruits  from  Tomatoes,  and  ripen  them  under  sashes   in 

frames.     Finish  the  making  of   Mushroom  ridges,  and  spawn  those 

already  put  up  as  soon  as  the  heat  has  sufliciently  subsided.     It  is 

dangerous  to  insert  the  spawn  if  the  heat  be  greater  than  90°.    Gather 

and  store  fruits.     Those  that  will  soon  become  ripe  may  be  sent  to 

market  at  once,  but  late-keeping   and  good  fruits   should  be   kept 

imtil  they  are  nearly  ripe. 


COAL  PLANTS. 
At   a   meeting  of  the  members  of  the  British  Association,  held  the 
other   evening   in    St.    George's    Hall,    Bradford,    Professor   W.    C. 
Williamson,  of   Manchester,  delivered  a  discourse  on  coal  and  coal 
plauts.     He  commenced    by  calling  attention  to   a   lecture  on  coal 
delivered  a  few  years  ago  at  Bradford  by  Professor   Huxley,  and  to 
the  progress  which  had  been  made  in  our  knowledge  of  coal  and  coal 
plants  since  that  date.     With  that  lecture  within  their  reach,  it  was 
not  necessary  for  him  to  enter  in  detail  upon  many  such  questions 
as  the  vegetable  origin  of  coal  and  the  drift  theory  of  its  accumula. 
tion.     Most  men  were  now  agreed  that  it  was  once  a  vegetable  soil 
which  accumulated  under  the  shade  of  primaeval   forests  growing  on 
areas  of  depression.     In  time   the   land   sank  beneath  the  sea,  and 
the  vegetable  elements  were  buried  under  layers  of  sand   and   mud, 
accumulations  of   which  again   restored  the  area  to  the   sea  level, 
when  spores  of  plants  once  more  germinated  in  a  blue  mud,  and  the 
succession  of  phenomena  which  had  previously  occurred  was  again 
renewed.     The  frequent  repetition  of  these  changes  finally  resulted 
in  the  accumulation  of  the  thousands  of  feet  composing  the  vertical 
series  of  rocks  which  were  termed  the   carboniferous   strata.     Pro- 
fessor  Huxley  directed   attention  to  some   minute  coin-like   bodies 
which  are  very  abundant   in  some   coals,  and  which    had   been  pre- 
viously  noticed   by    Witham,    Morris,    Dawson,   and   Balfour.     The 
larger  of  these  bodies  Huxley  regarded  as  sporangia  or  spore-cases, 
and  the  smaller  ones  as  spores,  while  he  considered  that  their  disin- 
tegration had  led  in  most  cases  to  the  formation  of  the  bulk  of  what 
we  call  coal.     Professor  Williamson  showed  in  detail  that  these  were 
not  spore-cases,  but  two  kinds  of  spores — microspores  and  macros- 
pores — such  as  severally  occur  in  the  upper  and  lower  portions  of 
the  fruits  of  many  living  Club  Mosses.    Their  sizes  and  their  structure 
demonstrated    the    truth   of    this    conclusion,  which    was    further 
sustained  by  the  fact  that  sporangia  were  not  deciduous,  but  spores 
were;  and  these  objects  having  fallen   in  such  vast   myriads  from 
gigantic  Club  Mosses  can  only  have  been  deciduous  organs.     The 
lecturer  then  gave   reasons   for   concluding  that   these    spores  had 
played  a  much  more  limited  part  in  the  origin  of  coal  than  Professor 
Huxley   had   assigned   to    them.      Ho   showed    specimens    of    coal 
distinctly  composed   of   masses  of   small   fragments  of   mineralized 
vegetable   tissue,  but  which,  when   their   sections    were   examined 


268 


THE  GAUDBN. 


[Sept.  27,1873. 


under  the  microscope,  exhibited  no  trace  whatever  of  organic  struc- 
ture, but   were   wholly  undistinguishable  from   the   ordinary  black 
matter  of  coal.     Specimens  were  also  shown  which  were  masses  of 
spores  in  Shale  and  ironstone,  as  well  as  a  large  series  of  sections  of 
the  Lancashire  coals — some  of  the  best  of  which  had  few  spores   in 
them,    while    some   of    the   worst    abounded   with   these    objects. 
Thus,  we  have  masses  of  spores  without    coal,  and  of  coal  almost 
■without    spores.      Huxley    concluded    that    coal    was    composed  of 
mineral  charcoal   and    coal   proper — the  latter  term    being  equiva- 
lent to   spores  altered   or  unaltered.      The    lecturer,   on   the   other 
hand,  recognised  three  such  elements  : — Mineral  charcoal — i.e.,  frag- 
ments of  fossil  wood  retaining  its  structure;  coal  proper — i.e.,  mineral 
charcoal  disorganised  ;  and  spores  in  various  states.     Turning  to  the 
plants.  Professor  Williamson  called  attention  to  the  progress  which 
the  study  of  their  organisation  had  made  within   the  last  few  years. 
Beginning  with  Witham,  of  Lartington,  and  Brongniart,  the  work 
had  been  carried  forward  by  Corda,  Binney,  Carruthers,  Renault,  and 
many  others  ;  working  especially  upon  materials  drawn  from  Autnn, 
Arran,  Burntisland,   and   Oldham.     We  can  now   distinguish  three 
groups  of  fossil  plants : — 1.  Those  of  which  we  have  the  form,  but 
not  the  organisation.     2.  Those  of  which  we   have   both   form  and 
organisation.     3.  Those  of  which  we  know  the   structure,   but  are 
ignorant  of   the  outward  form.     What  has   jet  to  be  done  is  the 
correlation  of  the  first  and  last  of  these  three  groups.     That  most  of 
the  plants  of  the  coal  were  cryptogamic  was  long  ago   demonstrated 
by  Brongniart.      This  is  more   true   even   than   the   demonstration 
supposed.     These  plants  are  chiefly  Calamites,   corresponding   with 
living   Horsetails — Lepidodendra   and    their    numerous  allies — now 
represented  by  the  Club  Mosses,  Ferns  in  great  numbers,  and  plants 
supposed  to  represent  the  Pines  and  Ferns   of  the  group  known  as 
Gymnospermous   exogens.     The  Calamite  was  a   lofty  Jointed  plant, 
with  a  hollow  pith,  surrounded  by  a  woody  zone  ai-ranged  as  a  circle 
of  longitudinal  woody   wedges,  the  whole  being   encased  in  a  thick 
bark.     When  sand  or  mud  entered  the  pith   cavities,  it  was  pressed 
against  the  inner  edges  of  the  woody  wedges,  which  indented  the  cast 
with  longitudinal  grooves,  while  a  thick  ring  of  pith,  remaining  at 
each  node,  occasioned  transverse   constructions   at  each  joint.     The 
casts  thus  moulded,  and  covered  with  a  thin  film  of  coal,  the   only 
remnant  of  the  original  wood  and  bark   constitute  the  objects  gene- 
rally known   as   Calamites.     But   the  professor  exhibited  sections, 
tracing  up  the  plant  from  minute  twigs  to  large  stems,  the  least  of 
which  had  Ijoen  27  inches  in  circumference.     Hence  these  plants,  in 
their  maturity,  must  have  been  arborescent.     He  pointed   out  that 
most  of  the  objects  which  had  hitherto  been  associated  with  these 
stems  as  leaves  and  fruit  belonged  to  an  altogether  different  group  of 
])lants.     Their  true  verticillate  leaves   and   fruit  have  nevertheless 
been   found.     The  most  conspicuous   objects   in   the   carboniferous 
forests  were  certainly  the  Club  Mosses — plants  which,  whether  creep- 
ing over  our  grassy  uplands  or  forming  the  undergrowth  of  tropical 
forests,  are  now  of  dwarf  dimensions,  and   possess  a  corresponding 
simplicity  of  organisation.     On  the  other  hand,  the  Lepidodendra  and 
Sigillarias  of  the  coal  measures  had  stems  rising  like — 

The  mast 
Of  some  great  admiral — 

and  of  proportionate  bulk.  This  stem  sustained  a  cluster  of 
branches  densely  clothed  with  leaves,  and  sustaining  innumerable 
cones,  while  the  roots,  in  the  form  known  as  Stigmaria3,  spread  as 
widely  underground  as  those  of  a  British  Oak — the  proverbial  type 
of  all  stability.  These  gigantic  dimensions  required  a  different 
organisation  from  that  which  sufficed  for  the  dwarf  living  representa- 
tives of  these  forest  trees,  and  such  an  organisation  was  provided 
for  them.  The  Professor  then  traced  the  processes  of  growth  by 
which  young  twigs,  with  a  structure  like  that  of  a  living  Lycopod, 
when  converted,  by  the  addition  of  successive  layers  of  woody  tissue 
to  the  exterior  of  what  previously  existed,  into  stems  12  feet  in 
circumference.  A  double  woodj'  cylinder  was  thus  formed.  There 
was  an  inner  one  surrounding  the  pith,  and  which  was  a  develop- 
ment and  expansion  of  the  central  vascular  bundle  of  the  young 
twig,  and  an  outer  one,  formed  of  exogenous  layers.  Of  these  two 
cj'linders,  the  latter  alone  entered  the  roots,  and  the  former  the 
leaf-clad  twigs  ;  hence  the  sap  absorbed  by  the  roots  from  the  soil 
had  to  be  transferred  from  the  one  to  the  other  of  these  cylinders 
in  order  to  reach  the  leaves.  It  was  this  class  of  plants  whose  conss 
furnished  the  macrospores  and  microspores,  the  nature  of  which  was 
discussed  in  the  earlier  part  of  the  lecture.  Closely  allied  to  the 
Lycopods  are  the  elegant  little  plants  known  as  Asterophyllites  and 
Sphenophyllum.  These  were  long  believed  to  be  the  branches,  leaves, 
and  fruits  of  Calamites ;  but  they  constitue  a  group  of  which  the 
organization  of  both  stems  and  fruits  is  altogether  distinct  from  that  of 
Calamites.  The  Professor  next  reviewed  various  forms  of  the  stems 
and  leaf  .stalks  of  Ferns,  some  of  which  he  had  succeeded  in  connecting 
with  the  leaves  to  which  they  belonged,  after  which  he  described  the 


fossil  remains  of  plants  of  the  Pine  tribe,  of  a  remarkable  form  of  which 
both  the  stems  and  the  fruits  are  not  uncommon  in  the  coal-measnres. 
He  gave  his  reasons  for  believing  that  these  trees  grew  apart  from 
the  other  more  succulent  coal-measure  plants  on  higher  and  drier 
ground,  their  fragments  having  been  floated  down  to  the  carboni. 
ferons  deposits  as  drift  wood.  The  plants  thus  far  noticed  by  the 
lecturer  were  entirely  confined  to  the  two  gi'oups  of  Cryptogams 
and  Gymnospermous  exogens,  or  Pines.  The  question  arises.  Were 
there  in  that  age  no  representatives  of  the  Dicotyledonous  and 
Monocotyledonous  plants — that  is,  plants  of  the  ordinary  flowering 
types  ?  Several  such  have  been  included  in  published  lists,  but,  on 
investigation,  they  all  melt  away.  One  which  has  been  believed  to 
be  a  Palm  the  Professor  showed  to  be  a  Fern.  Another  regarded  as 
a  near  ally  of  the  Broom. rapes  was  now  known  to  be  nothing  of  the 
kind.  The  evidence  that  any  such  plants  existed  during  this  early 
age  of  the  world  was  of  the  most  unsatisfactory  kind,  and  all  the 
known  carboniferous  deposits  from  Greenland  and  Australia  told  the 
same  tale  of  a  cosmopolitan  vegetation  limited  to  the  Cryptogamic 
and  Coniferous  types.  The  physiological  teachings  of  these  ancient 
fossils  were  next  examined.  The  existence  of  an  exogenous  process 
of  growth  in  the  stems  of  Calamites,  Lycopods,  Asterophylites,  and 
others,  was  dwelt  upon  as  a  phenomenon  which  has  no  true  counter- 
part in  the  living  plants  of  the  same  types,  and  it  was  further  shown 
that  this  mode  of  growth  was  also  absent,  or  so  nearly  so  that  the 
faint  exception  only  proved  the  rule — from  all  the  fossil  and  recent 
Ferns,  whether  herbaceous  or  arborescent ;  and  the  Professor  con- 
cluded his  lecture  by  pointing  out  that  the  hue  of  the  carboniferous 
vegetation  must  have  been  one  unbroken  green,  like  that  which  Mr. 
Wallace  has  shown  to  be  characteristic  of  tropical  forests  of  the 
present  day. 


OBITUARY. 

We  regret  to  announce  the  death,  on  last  Wednesday  week,  of  M. 
Barillet,  so  well  known  as  an  accomplished  writer  in  foreign  horticultural 
journals.  M.  BarUlet  had  long  been  suffering  from  a  distressing  liver 
complaint,  and,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  was  trying  the  waters  at  Vichy 
as  a  last  resource.  Our  lamented  colleague  was  not  less  distingmshed 
for  his  botanical  knowledge  than  for  his  skill  as  a  practical  horticulturist. 


LAW  NOTE. 
Gathering  Mushrooms. — The  Ashford  magistrates,  on  Tuesday, 
were  appUed  to  for  summonses  against  persons  who  had  gathered 
Mushrooms  in  a  meadow  without  leave  from  the  owner.  The  magistrates 
told  the  appUcant  that  they  were  unable  to  issue  a  summons, 
Mushrooms  not  being  the  subject  of  larceny.  Some  surprise  has  been 
expressed  at  this ;  but  the  fact  is  that  the  act  of  gathering  Mush- 
rooms is  not  an  offence  under  the  Larceny  Act,  nor  are  Mushrooms 
property  within  the  Malicious  Injuries  to  Property  Act.  A  question 
has  been  asked  in  the  Justice  of  the  Peace  as  to  whether  there  is 
any  remedy  for  gathering'  Mushrooms  on  the  land  of  another  and 
taking  them  away.  The  reply  is  that  if  damage  is  done  to  the 
field  there  is  a  remedy  under  the  Malicious  Injuries  Act,  and  if  a 
trespass  has  been  committed  there  is  another  remedy.  Supposing  there 
be  no  trespass  (as  when  there  is  through  a  field  a  pubUc  foot-path),  there 
is  no  remedy  for  the  gathering  and  cari'ying  away  of  Mushrooms.  By  the 
common  law,  larceny  cannot  be  committed  of  things  which  savour  of  the 
reaUty,  and  are  at  the  time  they  are  taken  part  of  the  freehold.  Mush- 
rooms are  of  this  description,  and  are  not  cultivated  roots  within  the  3rth 
section  of  the  Larceny  Act.  More,  the  act  of  taldng  Walnuts  or  Chestnuts 
from  a  tree  growing  in  a  field  is  not  an  offence,  provided  no  damage  is 
done  to  the  tree." 


COVENT  GABDEN  MAKKET. 

Septembeh  26th. 

Flowers. — Plants  in  pots  are  abundant  and.  in  general,  excellent.  Cut 
flowers  are  tastefully  arranged  in  bouquets,  button-lioles,  and  wreaths,  these 
consist  for  the  most  part  of  Stephanotis,  Violets,  white  Camellias,  Tuberoses, 
Forpet-me-nors,  jind  Bouvardias. 

Prices  of  Fruits.— Annies,  per  half-sieve,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Chilies,  per  100, 
2s.;  Cobbs,  perlb.,  Is.  to"  is.  6di  Figs,  per  doz.,  6d.  to  2a. ;  Filberts,  per  lb.,  Is. 
to  Is.  6d. ;  Grapes,  hothouse,  black,  per  lb..  Is.  to  6a.;  Muscats,  23.  to  63.; 
Lemons,  per  100,  lis.  to  25s.;  Melons,  each,  23.  to  4s.;  Nectarines,  per  doz., 
33.  to  8s. ;  Oranges,  per  100,  123.  to  21s. ;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  63.  to  12s. ; 
Pears,  per  doz..  Is.  to  4s. ;  Pine-Aoples,  per  lb..  3s.  to  63. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz.. 
Is.   to  2s. ;  Walnnts,  per  bushel,  128.  to  20s. ;  ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  ls.6d.  to  3s. ;  Beans,  Kidney, per 
half  sieve,  Is.  6d.  to  23. ;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Brussel  Sprouts,  per 
half-sieve,  2s.  6d. ;  Cabbage,  per  doz.,  2s.;  Carrots,  per  bunch,  4d.  to  6d. ; 
Cauliflower,  per  doz.,  33.  to  63. ;  Celery,  per  bundle,  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Cole- 
worts,  per  doz.  bunches,  3s. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Endive,  per  doz., 
2s.  ;  Fennel,  per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Garlic,  per  lb.,  6d.  ;  Herbs,  per  bmich,  3d. ; 
Horseradish,  per  bundle,  3s.  to  43. ;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  Lettuces,  per 
doz.  Is.  to  2s.;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  33.;  Mustard  and  Cress, 
per  punnet,  2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  4s.  to  63. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ; 
Parsley,  per  doz.  bunches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Peas,  per 
quart,  9d.  to  Is.  ;  Potatoes,  per  bushel,  3s.  6d.  to  5s. ;  Itadishes,  per  doz. 
bunches.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Rhubarb,  per  btmdle,  8d.  to  la.  ;  Salsafy,  do.,  18. 
to  Is.  6d. ;  Scorzonera,  per  bundle.  Is.;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ;  Spinach,  per 
bushel,  3s. ;  Turnips,  per  bunch,  4d.  to  8d. ;  Vegetable  Marrows,  per  doz..  Is. 
to  2s. ;  Brussels  Sprouts,  per  half-sieve,  2s.  6d. 


Oct.  4,  1873.] 


THE  GAilDBN. 


^69 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  :    but 
Tub  Art  itself  is  Nature." — Shakespeare. 


EXHIBITION  OF  FUNGI  AT  SOUTH  KENSINGTON. 
TiiK  prizes  offered  for  Fungi  by  the  Eoyal  Horticultural 
Society,  brought  together  on  VVednesday  last,  one  of  the  finest 
collections  of  both  edible  and  poisonous  kinds  we  ever 
remember  to  have  seen.  Many  species  of  merely  botanical 
interest  were  exhibited,  but  what  we  propose  on  this  occasion 
is  to  look  at  the  question  of  Fungi  from  an  economical  point 
of  view,  that  being  the  one  most  likely  to  be  of  general  interest. 
Wo  have  in  this  country  many  species  that  arc  more  or  less  fit 
for  food  ;  but,  owing  to  the  imperfect  knowledge  which  the 
generality  of  people  possess  respecting  them,  they  are  for  the 
most  part  neglected.  Fungi  arc  much  used  as  food  in 
Australia  by  the  natives,  and  kangaroos  are  said  to  search  for 
and  devour  them  with  avidity,  while  in  Terra  del  Fuego  a 
species  of  Cyttaria  {C.  Darwinii)  forms  the  most  substantial 
food  of  the  natives  during  lengthened  periods.  In  Northern 
Europe  many  different  species  of  Fungi  form  a  staple  article 
of  dail3'  food.  In  Norway,  Sweden,  and  Russia,  species  that 
arc  here  considered  either  poisonous  or  worthless,  are  there 
pi'cserveJ  in  large  quantities  for  use  during  severe  and  pro- 
tracted winters.  Among  the  kinds  most  used  "as  food  in 
Northern  Europe  we  may  iustanoe  various  Agarics,  as  A. 
deliciosus,  A.  Kossula,  and  A.  melleus.  Three  or  four  species 
of  Boletus  are  also  regularly  eaten  iu  large  quantities. 
In  Russia  all  the  edible  species,  and  many  which  we 
regard,  as  a  rule,  as  unwholesome,  are  either  grilled  with 
butter  and  oil,  or  boiled  in  water,  and  then  preserved  for 
several  months  in  vinegar  highly  seasoned  with  pepper 
and  other  condiments.  This  last  plan  is  a  tolerably  safe  one 
for  testing  questionable  species.  Tons  of  edible  Mushrooms 
are  annually  dried  in  ovens  for  winter  supply  in  Northern 
Europe,  where  gigantic  Pine  forests  furnish  ample  supplies. 
Wc  are,  therefore,  much  behind  our  neighbours  as  regards  the 
conversion  of  Fungi  into  wholesome  food.  The  only  kinds 
at  present  used  either  in  this  country  or  iu  France  are  the 
common  field  Mushroom  (Agaricus  oampestris),  horse  Mush- 
room (A.  arvensis).  Truffle  (Tuber  asstivum),  Morel  (Morchella 
esculenta),  and  occasionally  Agaricus  personatns.  In  addition 
to  these  we  have  repeatedly  eaten  the  vegetable  beef-steak 
(Fistulina  hepatica),  a  fleshy  parasite  on  the  common  Oak,  the 
gravy  from  which  is  most  delicious ;  the  taste  of  the  Fungus 
itself,  however,  more  resembles  that  of  a  bullock's  liver  than 
a  juicy  steak.  Agaricus  procerus,  the  parasol  or  partridge- 
breasted  Mushroom,  with  its  near  ally,  A.  rachodes,  we  have 
repeatedly  eaten  stewed  in  milk,  much  to  the  horror  of  our 
friends,  although  both  are  superior  to  the  best  cultivated 
JIushrooms  as  regards  delicacy  and  flavour.  The  pretty 
little  Fairy-ring  Champignon  (Mavasmius  oreades)  often 
found  alnindantly  in  pastures,  is  one  of  the  best  of  all 
the  edible  kinds,  either  when  eaten  fresh  or  when  dried  for 
stews  and  soups.  In  addition  to  these  we  have  Boletus  edulis, 
B.  scaber,  B.  flavus.  Gigantic  Puif-ball  (Lycoperdongiganteum), 
Cantharellus  cibarius,  Lactarius  deliciosus,  and  Hydnum, 
rcpandum,  besides  many  others  less  generally  known  as 
respects  their  esculent  qualities.  In  reoommendmg  Fungi  as 
food-plants,  wc  have  to  contend  against  two  of  the  greatest 
obstacles  to  jjrogi'ess — iguorancc  and  deeply-rooted  prejudice  ; 
but  wo  hope  yet  to  see  the  time  when  both  good  and  bad  Fungi 
will  be  better  known  than  at  present.  In  selecting  Fungi  for 
food,  the  I'cccnt  case  of  poisoning  at  Hammersmith  shows  that 
caution  must  lie  exercised,  or  unpleasant  consequences  may  be 
the  result.  Nevertheless,  most  of  the  species  which  we  have 
named  are  easily  recognised  without  any  special  knowledge, 
and  they  are  all  not  only  palatable,  but  in  many  cases,  when 
nicely  cooked,  delicious.  It  is  perhaps  too  much  to  expect  that 
elementary  lessons  on  botany  should  be  given  in  our  national 
schools,  but  it  does  seem  an  oversight  to  send  youngsters  adi'if  t 
without  any  knowledge  of  our  commonest  food-producing 
plants.  Our  best  authorities  agree  that  edible  Fungi  possess 
nutritious  properties  in  a  very  high  degree,  and  it  is  to  be 


regretted  that  valuable  food  should  be  lost  in  large  quantities 
simply  because  we  lack  the  knowledge  necessary  for  its  collec- 
tion and  utilisation. 


THE  GOLDEN  CHAMPION  GRAPE. 
To  rise  superior  to  difficulties  used  to  bo  a  great  characteristic  of 
the  British  gardener,  and  to  grow  intractable  things  in  the  best 
manner  his  pride.  But  Mr.  Fish  has  found  the  Golden  Champion  to 
bn  intr.actable  with  him ;  it  spots  and  rots,  while  with  others  it 
shrivels  to  a  perfect  sweetmeat,  and  without  asking  the  re.oson  why, 
ho  swoops  down  upon  it  in  a  hostile  manner,  aud  would  fain  wage  a 
wai'  of  extermination  in  regard  to  it.  Now,  I  say,  if  A.  can  grow 
Golden  Champions,  why  can't  B.  ?  Shall  I  answer  the  question  ? 
B.  fails,  simply  because  he  does  not  ob.serve  the  conditions  indis- 
pensable to  perfect  success.  Mr.  l^'ish  knows  full  well  that  neither 
in  the  animal  nor  vegetable  kingdom  does  every  member  luxuriate  to 
perfection  under  precisely  the  same  circumstances.  Concerning  tho 
Golden  Champion  I  hare  the  fullest  possible  reason — that  of  peiftct 
success — for  believing  that  it  will  yield  to  proper  treatment.  Four 
years  ago  I  built  and  planted  a  range  of  Vineries  tor  a  professional 
gentleman  i]i  Nottinghamshire,  and  had  full  permission  to  plant  what 
varieties  I  thought  proper.  Among  others  the  Golden  Champion 
found  a  place,  and  so  complete  is  its  success  that,  paradoxical  as  it 
may  appear  to  Mr.  Fish,  both  the  White  and  Black  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  are  being  cut  away  to  make  room  for  the  (in  reality) 
Champion.  William  P.  Avues. 

6,  Waterloo  Place,  Pall  Mall,  W.C. 


With  reference  to  the  discussion  respecting  the  merits  of  tho  Golden 
Champion,  permit  me  to  say,  that  some  varieties,  of  little  value 
generally,  succeed  exceptionally  well  in  certain  localities.  For 
instance,  Busby's  Golden  Hamburgh  (generally  considered  worthless), 
is  every  year  the  handsomest-looking  Grape  in  our  Hamburgh. house. 
Its  bunches  this  year  average  over  21bs.  each,  and  several  bunches 
are  over  31bs.,  the  crop  being  a  full  one.  Every  gardener  knows 
that  for  flavour  or  keeping  qualities  it  does  not  equal  the  Muscat; 
but,  for  autumn  use,  its  noble  appearance  on  the  desert  table  entitles 
it  to  greater  consideration  than  it  generally  receives.  • 

Henham  Garden,  Suffolk.  James  Gkooji. 


TOBACCO  TRIUMPHANT. 

The  British  Anti-Tobacco  Association  will  be  terribly  affected  by 
some  painful  intelligence  which  appears  in  the  Virginia  Territorial 
Enterprise.  It  seems  that  Professor  Manlesel,  a  German  gentleman 
who  has  lately  arrived  in  that  city,  has  invented  a  scheme  for  laying 
Tobacco  smoke  on  to  houses  like  gas,  and  is  now  engaged  in  erecting 
extensive  works  in  Virginia  for  that  pni-poso.  The  Tobacco  is  to  be 
burned  in  large  retorts,  aud  tho  smoke  thus  produced  will  pass 
through  pipes  to  a  large  bell-shaped  receptacle  of  boiler  iron,  where 
it  will  be  cooled,  purified,  and  so  scented,  that  it  will  have  the  flavour 
of  the  finest  Havannah  cigar;  From  the  smokeometer  a  main  pipe 
will  lead  up  iuto  the  city,  and  from  this  will  be  small  branch  pipes 
leading  to  all  the  principal  houses  in  the  town.  In  every  house 
where  the  smoke  is  taken  there  will  be  a  meter  more  delicately  con. 
structed  than  a  gas-meter  for  measuring  and  recording  the  amount 
of  smoke  consumed.  Running  from  these  meters  will  be  pipes  leading 
to  all  the  rooms  in  the  house,  and  connected  with  these  pipes  will  bo 
long  flexible  tubes  with  amber  mouth. pieces  for  tho  convenience  of 
smokers,  who  will  only  have  to  turn  a  small  silver  thumb-screw, 
and  the  cool  delicious  perfumed  smoke  will  glide  into  their 
mouths.  For  smokers  in  tho  street  the  Professor  has  invented 
india-rubber  receptacles  fitting  to  the  chest,  which,  when  inflated 
with  smoke,  greatly  improve  the  appearance.  Connected  with  these 
bags  are  flexible  tubes  ending  in  amber  mouth-pieces,  which  may  be 
tucked  into  the  waistcoat  pocket.  Smoke  thus  provided  will  be 
freed  from  nicotine  and  other  injurious  elements,  and  the  expense  of 
smoking  will  be  considerably  reduced. 


At  a  recent  mooting  of  tho  Court  of  Common  Council,  a  long 
and  animated  discussion  took  place  with  reference  to  tho  site 
of  a  new  fruit  and  vegetable  market  in  the  City.  It  was  contended 
on  tho  one  hand  that  Farringdon  Market,  if  rebuilt,  with  new 
approaches,  would  prove  the  best  site  j  and,  on  the  other  hand,  that 
the  vacant  land  adjoining  the  new  Meat  Market  was  preferable.  It 
was  iiointed  out  that  the  latter  was  close  to  the  Metropolitan 
Railway,  whilst  tho  promoters  of  tho  scheme  for  utilising  the 
present  market  attributed  its  failure  to  its  inconvenience. 
Eventually  the  old  site  was  chosen  by  a  large  majority. 


2?0 


O^HE  GAtlDEN. 


[Oct.  4,  1873. 


NOTES    OF    THE   WEEK. 


Heru  Max  Leichtlix  writes  to  Dr.  Kegel,  informing  him 

that,  having  transplanted  a  specimen  of  Lilium  Coridion  into  heath, 
soil,  its  flowers  changed  in  colour  from  sulphur-yellow  to  red,  so  that 
the  plant  exactly  resembled  a  specimen  of  L.  Partheneion.  Dr.  Kegel 
considers  this  a  proof  that  both  are  but  forms  of  the  same  species. 

We  are   informed   by  J[essrs.  Munro  and  Wilkinson  that  in 

1870  they  grew  at  Potters  Bar  25,000  Cucumbers,  and  sold  them  in 
the  London  market  for  £531  Os.  -id. 

The  Royal   Horticultural    Society   has   announced   that   its 

Chrysanthemum  show,  which  was  to  have  been  held  at  South  Ken. 
sington  on  the  5th  and  Gth  of  November,  will  not  take  place  until 
the  12th  and  13th  of  that  month. 

It  was  stated  last  week  (p.  250)  that  the  estimates  for  laying 

out  Roundhay  Park,  Leeds,  varied  from  £53,670  to  £84,600.  We 
have  since  been  informed  that  the  lowest  estimate  was  £29,000,  and 
that  the  highest  was  £165,000. 

The  second  volume  of  !^L  Boissier's  valuable  work — "Flora 

Orientalis  " — has  just  been  published.  It  extends  as  far  as  the 
Comacea^,  and  fully  maintains  the  high  reputation  of  its  author  as 
an  able  and  accomplished  botanist. 

One  of  the  finest  illustrations  we  have  seen  for  a  long  time  is 

the  coloured  figure  of  Iris  iberica,  which  appears  in  the  current 
number  of  the  JJerue  Horticole,  and  which  displays  the  beauty  of 
the  flower  in  a  more  charming  manner  than  we  remember  to  have 
seen  in  any  other  illustration  of  the  same  plant. 

Mr.  McNab  told  us  the  other  day  of  a  curious  observation  of 

his  with  reference  to  transplanting  large  specimens  of  the  genus 
Sorbus.  It  is,  that  if  moved  when  leafless  they  invariably  die.  To 
transplant  them  with  perfect  safety  the  operation  mast  be  performed 
when  they  are  in  full  leaf,  in  July  or  Angust. 

From  the  report  of  the  Alhantj  Cultivator  on  the  recent  great 

American  Pomological  Congress,  we  learn  that  the  new  State  of 
Nebraska,  where  the  first  fruit-tree  was  planted  not  more  than  fifteen 
years,  "  made  a  magnificent  show  of  Apples,  including  two  hundred 
and  seventeen  varieties."  This  State  obtained  the  first  prize  for  a 
"  State  collection"  of  Apples. 

TnE  Times  (says  the  Mefropoliian)  has  been  hoaxed  again,  or, 

at  least,  it  looks  very  much  like  it.  Some  one  has  thrust  greatness 
on  Mr.  Barlow,  a  Hanover  Square  vestrj-man,  and  informed  the 
Athenwum  that  "  the  local  authority  "  has  accepted  a  gift  of  trees 
from  that  gentleman,  and  the  Times  copied  the  statement.  The 
"  local  authority  "  has  declined  to  plant  trees,  and  Mr.  Barlow  is  not 
likely  to  lay  out  £100  for  Plane  trees. 

• — -  Several  of  the  French  journals  are  complaining  about  the 
immense  exjjortation  of  fruits  and  vegetables  to  England,  and  declare 
that,  not  only  does  this  raise  the  price  of  garden  produce  at  home, 
but  that  the  English  take  the  best  of  everything.  It  is  calculated 
that  nearly  a  hundred  million  pounds  weight  of  fruit  has  been  sent 
to  England  this  year  as  against  fourteen  million  pounds  weight 
exported  in  1860. 

AccoRDi.vG  to  the  report  of    the  French  Commission,  who 

have  been  investigating  the  effectiveness  of  various  insecticides 
commonly  employed,  neither  paraffin  oil  nor  alcohol  is  sufficient  to 
prevent  the  reappearance  of  the  American  blight  on  Apple  trees, 
which  had  been  temporarily  freed  from  it  by  the  application  of  these 
remedies.  Similarly,  neither  oil,  whether  applied  alone  or  in  con. 
junction  with  soap  or  flowers  of  sulphur,  nor  poisonous  substances 
(including  a  solution  of  caustic  potass),  have  been  found  effectual  in 
preventing  the  reappearance  of  scale  on  Pear  trees,  which,  last  year, 
had  been  thoroughly  cleansed  from  it. 

Some  of    the  Fellows  of    the  Royal   Horticnltural  Society, 

especially  debenture-holders  and  compounders,  feel,  says  the  Bidicier, 
a  little  disquiet  with  respect  to  the  present  position  of  affairs,  and 
want  to  know  what  is  doing  at  South  Kensington  and  who  is  doing 
it.  Since  the  old  Conncil  went  out,  making  a  very  poor  fight,  by 
the  way,  and  the  new  Council  or  quasi  Council  went  in,  there  has 
been  a  dead  silence  beyond  the  doors  of  their  meeting-room. 
Whispers,  or  rather  echoes  of  whispers,  have,  however,  reached  the 
outer  body  to  the  effect  that  the  new  Council  is  no  Council  at  all, 
not  having  been  properly  appointed,  and  that  any  acts  of  theirs 
would  bo  illegal,  so  that  the  old  Council  could  not  even  negotiate 
with  them  if  it  were  desired.  If  this  be  true  (we  are  not  able 
ourselves  to  assert  it),  and  that  a  lawsuit  to  settle  the  legality  of  the 
governing  body  looms  in  the  distance,  coupled  with  the  assertion 
that  the  lease  is  actually  forfeited  to  the  Commissioners  of  1S51.  to 
whom  the  Society  owes  some  £30,000,  it  is  surely  time  for  the 
Fellows  to  look  into  the  matter  for  themselves,  and  take  such  steps 
as  may  seem  necessarj-.  We  have  heard  it  said  that  the  Com- 
missioners would  probably  not  object  to  release  the  Societv  from 
all  their   obligations,  pay  the  debentures   (£19,000),  and  take  the 


gardens  for  the  use  of  the  public.  But,  of  coarse,  there  would  be 
two  words  as  to  that.     Anyhow,  something  must  be  done. 

We   understand    that   the   Royal   Caledonian   Horticultural 

Society  intends  to  hold  a  great  international  fruit  and  plant  show  in 
Edinburgh  in  1875. 

The  Guernsey  Lily  (Nerine  samiensis)  is  now  beginning  to 

flower  freely  in  pots,  and  its  beauty  and  easy  culture,  both  in  cool 
conservatories  and  in  sheltered  borders  out  of  doors,  ought  to  recom. 
mend  it  to  all  lovers  of  late-flowering  bulbs. 

One  of  the  noblest-looking  flowers  we   have  seen  for  a  long 

time  is  that  of  Lilium  Krameri,  as  figured  in  the  current  number  of 
the  Botanical  Mayazine.  It  is  supposed  to  be  a  hybrid  between  L. 
specioaum  and  L.  japonicum,  and  is  likely  to  prove  a  hardy  garden 
plant  of  the  highest  value. 

We  learn  from  the  Botanical  News  that  "Mr.  Watson  has 

jirinted,  for  private  distribution,  under  the  title  of  '  Topographical 
Botany,'  the  first  part,  containing  all  the  Dicotyledons,  of  his  sum- 
mary of  the  distribution  of  British  plants  throughout  the  112  counties 
and  vice-counties  of  Great  Britain." 

The  very  remarkable  Bromeliad,  Caraguata  Zahnii,  is  finely 

figured  in  the  current  number  of  the  Botanical  Magazine.  It  is  one 
of  the  most  brilliant  of  plants,  the  leaves  being  coloured  green, 
crimson,  and  yellow.  It  was  introduced  by  Messrs.  Yeitch,  and 
named  by  them,  in  compliment  to  its  discoverer,  Mr.  Zahn. 

Mr.  W.  J.  Veitch,  of  Exeter,  writes  to  as  to  say  that  last 

week,  when  at  Torquay,  he  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing,  in  the  grounds 
of  Rock  End,  the  Variegated  Aloe  growing  on  the  bare  rock,  and 
throwing  up  a  most  luxuriant  spike  of  bloom,  at  least  10  feet  high. 
He  also  mentions  that  it  is  extraordinary  what  a  distance  the  suckers 
of  this  Aloe  ran  from  the  parent  plant. 

— • —  Here,  says  the  Neu:  I'lrt  Tribu.ne,  are  Tomatoes  to  talk  of ! 
They  are  of  the  Trophy  kind,  were  grown  near  Irvington,  New 
Jersey,  by  Mr.  Nelson  Taylor,  and  some  of  their  dimensions  are  as 
follows : — One  cluster  of  eleven,  very  compact  on  a  short  branch, 
weighs  13  pounds  9  ounces  ;  a  single  specimen  measures  22^  inches 
in  circumference,  the  largest  28j  inches,  and  weighs  3  pounds. 
They  are  smooth  and  firm  after  the  manner  of  the  Trophy. 

Two  very  singular  Peaches  are  figured  and  described  in  the 

August  number  of  the  Qartenfiora.  One,  named  the  Scharali  Peach, 
is  a  long,  pointed.  Almond-shaped  fruit,  with  a  greenish-j^ellow  skin. 
The  other,  or  Tarali  Peach,  is  an  irregularly  shaped  frait,  roundish 
at  the  base,  and  slightly  pointed  at  the  apex,  with  a  yellow  warty 
skin,  which  becomes  parplish-red  near  the  stalk.  The  quality  of 
this  Peach  is  very  good,  and  the  flesh  is  melting  and  has  a  decided 
Cinnamon  flavour.  Both  kinds  are  natives  of  Upper  Armenia  and 
Persia. 

A  VERY  curious  and  handsome  shrub  from  Java  is  described 

and  figured  in  the  August  number  of  the  Gartenflora.  This  ia 
Euphorbia  plumerioides,  which  grows  from  6  to  10  feet  high,  and 
has  floral  leaves  of  a  bright  red  colour,  which  give  it  a  very  orna- 
mental appearance.  The  branches  are  about  as  thick  as  a  goose 
quill.  It  requires  a  temperature  of  55°  to  60",  and  blooms  from 
November  to  January.  In  Java  this  plant  is  much  used  for  the 
decoration  of  burial-places. 

We  learn  from  the  Florist  that  the  vegetable  crops  in  the 

gardens  at  Keswick  Old  Hall,  Norwich,  have  been  nearly  consumed 
by  the  Purple  Clover  Weevil  (Apion  apricans),  which  has  travelled 
from  a  stack  of  Clover  hay  just  outside  the  garden  wall,  and 
threatens  to  eat  up  everything,  if  some  means  are  not  found  to  check 
its  progress.  The  vegetables  that  have  suffered  most  are  Celery, 
Parsley,  Broad  Beans,  Parsnips,  Scarlet  Runners,  French  Beans,  Peas, 
Lettuce.  The  insects  do  not,  however,  appear  to  care  for  the  Cabbage 
tribe. 

A  xew  and  handsome  species  of  Iris  has  bloomed  this  year  in 

the  Botanic  Gardens  at  St.  Petersburg.  It  was  discovered  in 
Turkestan  by  Herr  Oberst  Korolkow,  and  sent  by  him  to  Dr. 
Kegel,  who  has  named  it  Iris  Korolkowi  in  honour  of  the  disco- 
verer. It  grows  about  3  feet  high,  and  produces  its  flowers  in  pairs. 
They  somewhat  resemble  those  of  Iris  iberica  in  colour,  being  of  a 
dull  white  ground,  thickly  marked  with  deep  purple  veins ;  the  outer 
divisions  of  the  flower,  however,  are  only  bearded  along  the  central 
nerve.  The  plant  is  well  figured  and  described  in  the  August  number 
of  the  Garte7iflora. 

The  following  remarkable  instance  of  vitality  in  the  Orange 

tree  is  related  in  a  foreign  journal : — "  Two  persons,  to  whom  an 
Orange  tree  had  been  bequeathed,  not  being  able  to  agree  as  to  their 
respective  shares  in  it,  resolved  at  last  to  divide  it  into  two  equal 
parts  by  sawing  it  through  from  the  top  to  the  bottom.  This 
was  accordingly  done ;  each  removed  his  part,  covered  the  wounds 
made  by  the  saw  with  a  mixture  of  clay  and  cowdimg,  and  planted 
it.  The  result  was  that,  by  degrees,  the  bark  covered  the  exposed 
surface,  and  each  of  the  halves  became  a  perfect  and  healthy  tree." 


Oct.  4,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


271 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 

A  NEW  WEEPING  TREE  FERN. 

(CYATIIEA   BURKEI.) 

Tuts  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  all  ti'eeFerus, and  deserves 
to  become  extremely  popular.  Our  illustration  was  taken  from 
a  noble  specimen  of  it,  imported  from  Southern  Africa  by  Mr. 
W.  Bull,  of  Chelsea.  It  appears  to  be  rather  difficult  to  import 
in  good  condition,  as  the  trunks  have  to  be  brought  some 
hundreds  of  miles  down  the  country  before  they  are  shipped, 
and  frequently  suffer  on  the  journey.  In  habit  it  is  perhaps 
the  most  graceful  of  all  tree  Ferns,  its  ample  light-greeu 
feathery  fronds  sweeping  elegantly  downwards,  as  shown  in 
our  illusti'ation.  It  may  be  grown  in  an  ordinary  greenhouse 
or  cool  conservatory,  and,  when  fully  developed,  forms  a  most 
attractive  object.  It  grows  freely  in  the  usual  compost, 
making  fine  pendent  fronds   from  4  to  6  feet  long,  and  from 


New  Weeping  Tree  Fern. 

2  to  2^  feet  in  breadth  in  the  widest  part.  The  stout  reddish- 
purple  mid-ribs  are  tubercled,  and  furnished  at  the  base  with  a 
profuse  quantity  of  slender  chaffy  scales.  The  trunk  is  dark- 
coloured,  and  nearly  a  foot  in  diameter  in  the  thickest 
parts,  the  imported  specimens  varying  from  5  to  10  feet  in 
height. 


FILMY  FERNS. 
Under  this  heading  I  intend  to  offer  a  few  remarks  upon  the 
cultivation  of  those  exquisite  andfragile-looking  members  of  the 
Fern  family  included  in  the  genera  Triohomanes,  Hymenophyl- 
lum,  Feea,  Hymenostaohys,  and  Leptopteris,  which,  on  account 
of  the  extreme  delicacy  of  their  fronds,  have  become  general 
favourites.  Much  diversity  of  opinion  would  seem  to  exist  as 
to  the  position  the  genera  Hymenophyllum  and  Trichomancs 
should  occupy  in  the  classification  of  the  various  triljes  which 
constitute  the  order  Filices,  for  whilst  one  of  our  greatest 
Botanical  authorities  separates  them   from   the  true  Ferns, 


others  have  given  them  the  post  of  honour,  and  have  placed 
them  at  the  very  head  of  the  list.  They  ought,  however,  to 
occupy,  I  think,  the  lowest  position  in  the  order,  their  structure 
being  the  very  simplest  to  be  found  among  Ferns.  The 
majority  of  the  Filmy  Ferns,  which  have  been  introduced  to 
cultivation,  will  thrive  in  a  lower  temperature  than  would  at 
first  seem  reasonable  by  merely  mentioning  the  name  of  the 
country  from  which  they  came,  but  it  must  be  borne  in  mind 
that  although  many  of  them  are  natives  of  tropical  countries, 
they  almost  invariably  affect  considerable  elevations  in  mouu- 
taiu  forests  or  in  deep  shady  ravines,  and  thus  it  will  be 
readily  understood  why  they  do  not  require  the  excessive  heat 
which  some  would  have  us  believe  is  necessary  to  their  suc- 
cessful cultivation.  At  the  same  time  there  are  some  species 
which  will  not  thrive  without  brisk  stove  heat.  The  ques- 
tion is  frequently  asked — are  Filmy  Ferns  difficult  to  gi-ow  ? 
My  answer  is,  certainly  not;  but  they  will  not  suffer 
neglect,  on  the  contrary,  they  must  be  well  cared  for, 
and  the  conditions  of  atmosphere  and  temperature  required 
for  their  healthy  growth  must  constantly  surround  them. 
An  abundance  of  humidity  in  the  air,  combined  with  a 
subdued  light  and  a  quiet  atmosphere,  are  the  three  essentials 
to  be  provided  for  their  well-being.  With  some  few  exceptions, 
however,  they  dislike  heavy  gloom,  yet,  on  no  account,  should 
the  sun's  rays  be  allowed  to  reach  them.  In  providing  the 
necessary  moisture,  my  advice  is,  never  to  rise  the  syringe. 
Some  growers,  it  is  true,  sprinkle  their  plants  frequently  over- 
head, and  I  am  aware  that  some  are  sufficiently  robust  to  with- 
stand this  treatment,  but  it  is  equally  certain  that  this  course, 
if  contmued,  will  cause  many  to  exchange  the  delicate  green  of 
their  fronds  for  a  dingy  brown,  and  even  black,  hue,  and  thus 
they  will  become  small  by  degrees,  although  not  beautifully 
less,  whilst  the  practice  of  syringing  woolly-haired  species 
brings  speedy  death.  The  syringe  may,  however,  be  used 
amongst  Filmy  Ferns  with  advantage,  if  confined  to  the 
sprinkling  of  the  floor,  stages,  or  walls,  which,  with  some  pans 
of  water  for  the  purpose  of  evaporation,  will  be  found  sufficient 
for  thoroughly  charging  the  atmosphere  with  moisture,  and 
for  producing  a  nice  dew-like  condensation  on  the  foliage, 
which  is  what  they  thoroughly  enjoy  ;  for,  although  the  fronds 
of  Filmy  Ferns  should  never  be  allowed  to  show  the  slightest 
tendency  to  curl,  I  do  not  consider  it  essential  to  their  well- 
being  that  they  be  kept  constantly  in  a  drenched  state,  and 
those  who  preserve  the  happy  medium — i.e.,  neither  swerving 
to  the  over-dry  nor  to  the  over-wet  system — are  those  who  will 
be  rewarded  with  the  greatest  amount  of  success.  For  the 
cultivation  of  Filmy  Ferns  upon  a  large  scale,  a  house  should 
be  specially  provided  for  them,  but  in  such  a  structure 
quantities  of  other  Fems  would  grow  more  luxuriantly  than 
they  would  do  in  an  ordinary  stove  or  greenhouse.  For  such 
a  house  I  would  take  advantage  of  a  natural  narrow  ravine,  if 
such  existed  in  the  grounds ;  roof  it  in  with  glass,  and  glaze 
each  end.  Here  would  be  a  splendid  house  on  the  natural  style, 
which  would  be  comparatively  inexpensive,  both  to  build  and  to 
heat.  In  the  fitting  up  of  such  a  place,  blocks  of  sandstone 
should  be  provided  for  species  with  creeping  rhizomes  to  cling 
to,  and  on  account  of  their  retaining  the  moisture  so  congenial 
to  the  fine  roots  of  these  plants.  This,  however,  is  not  attain- 
able by  all  Fern  growers,  and  the  next  plan  is  to  have  a  few 
large  Wardian  cases,  fitted  up  with  sandstone  to  form 
miniature  rocks  and  valleys,  in  order  to  gain  more  surface 
than  the  mere  width  and  length  of  the  case  would  allow. 
Or  the  walls  of  a  plant  house  may  be  covered  with  glass 
doors,  and  suitable  recesses  made  for  the  reception  of  many 
species  of  Filmy  Ferns,  which,  for  convenience  sake,  may  be 
divided  into  two  sections — first,  those  with  an  erect  stem,  and 
second,  those  with  creeping  rhizomes.  All  species  belonging 
to  the  first  section  should  be  planted  or  potted  in  the  usual 
manner,  the  soil  to  be  good  rough  fibrous  peat,  a  little  loam, 
plenty  of  sharp  sand,  and  live  Sphagnum  Moss ;  always 
beating  in  mind  that  good  drainage  for  the  roots  is  absolutely 
necessary.  Those  species  belonging  to  the  second  section, 
which  have  creeping  stems,  usually  produce  a  quantity  of 
what  may  be  called  adventitious  roots,  which  cling  to  any 
congenial  surface,  and  blocks  of  sandstone  suit  them  admirably, 
therefore  they  should  be  fixed  in  such  a  position  as  will  enable 
them  to  adhere  to  some  pieces  of  material  of  this  kind,  which 


272 


THE  GAEDEN. 


[Oct.  4,  1873. 


they  will  soon  clothe  with  a  delicate  drapery  of  rich  green 
fronds.  There  are  a  few  species  which  cannot  be  brought 
into  cither  of  the  above  sections,  two  of  which  will  be  found 
in  the  following  enumeration,  viz.,  T.  brachypus  and  T. 
Ankersii.  These  species  have  scaiident  stems,  but  are  entirely 
destitute  of  adventitious  roots,  and  depend  entirely  upon  the 
true  roots  which  fix  them  in  the  soil.  Such  species  should 
be  planted  upon  some  rocky  eminence,  and  allowed  to  grow 
downwards ;  or  they  would  form  beautiful  objects  in  rustic 
hanging  baskets. 

Many  of  the  Filmy  Fei'ns  here  enumerated  are,  unfor- 
tunately, somewhat  rai-e,  and,  therefore,  expensive,  but  others 
are  liow  reasonable  in  price,  and  within  the  reach  of  persons 
of  moderate  means  ;  moreover,  all  the  kinds  here  quoted  as 
thriving  in  greenhouse  temperature  may  be  grown  in  a  Fern 
case  in  the  drawing-room,  and  if  a  heated  case  is  at  command, 
any  of  these  delicate  gems  may  be  enjoyed  thousands  of  miles 
from  their  native  forests  or  mountain  glens,  in  many  instances 
it  may  be  even  in  greater  perfection  than  when  seen  in  their 
wild  habitats ;  and  this,  too,  by  dwellers  in  crowded  cities,  who 
have  not  a  yard  of  ground  to  call  Ijy  the  name  of  a  garden. 
We  arc  indeljted  to  the  Messrs.  ]}ackhouse,  of  York,  for  the 
introduction  of  many  species  ;  and  in  their  establishment  great 
rai-e  is  taken  of  these  lovely  and  delicate  plants.  The  Botanic 
Gardens  at  Kew  also  boast  of  a  considerable  number  of  species, 
but  after  these  establishments,  the  finest  grown  plants  and  the 
largest  collections  that  have  come  under  my  own  notice,  have 
been  the  property  of  dwellers  in  towns  and  cities,  where 
Wardian  cases  and  various  contrivances  had  been  adopted 
to  facilitate  growth,  and  render  them  suitable  for  room 
decoration. 

In  the  cultivation  of  a  great  number  of  these  plants,  it  is 
impossible  to  maintain  the  temperature  exactly  to  a  degree, 
nevertheless  I  consider  a  uniform  temperature  a  matter  of 
considerable  importance  in  the  cultivation  of  Filmy  Ferns,  for 
in  the  gloomy  shade  of  the  mountain  forests  and  dark  ravines 
in  which  many  of  them  exist,  we  are  told  the  variation  of 
temperature  is  very  little,  and  my  own  experience  with  them 
goes  to  prove  that  a  quiet,  somewhat  shady,  atmosphere,  and 
a  tolerably  uniform  temperature  always  produce  the  best 
results.  The  greenhouse  kinds  thrive  well,  as  a  rule,  in  a 
temperature  of  say  from  40°  to  00°;  as  a  matter  of  course,  during 
the  hot  summer  months,  it  is  almost  an  impossibility  to  main- 
tain so  low  a  temperature,  unless  the  system  of  introducing 
blocks  of  ice  into  the  Fern  case  or  Fernery  were  adopted,  but 
I  am  unaware  how  the  plants  are  affected  by  this  ;  perhaps 
those  who  have  had  experience  in  this  style  of  decoration,  as 
so  successfully  carried  out  at  the  Promenade  Concerts  in 
Covent  Garden  Theatre,  could  enlighten  us  on  this  point.  The 
species  included  in  the  enumeration  of  stove  kinds  enjoy  a 
temperature  ranging  from  oO°  to  75°.  As  the  beauty  of  these 
plants  depends  entirely  upon  the  brightness  of  theii-  rich  green 
pellucid  fronds,  and  as  it  is  almost  impossible  to  clean  them 
when  once  soiled,  it  becomes  a  matter  of  the  greatest  import- 
ance that  pure  and  clean  water  should  be  used  whenever  they 
may  be  sprinkled  over  head,  hence  the  advantage  of  keeping 
the  sniToundings  sufficiently  moist,  for  by  condensation  all 
impurities  are  removed  or  left  behuid.  G. 

CTo  he  continued.) 


THEE  AND  CLIMBING  CARNATIONS. 
We  are  pleased  to  see  tliat  Mr.  Blackley,  of  Lejton,  has  issued  a 
list  of  hi3  Tree  and  Climbing  Carnations,  illnstrated  by  means  of 
coloured  and  other  representations  of  the  varieties  which  he  culti- 
vates. From  his  cultural  instructions  we  extract  the  following  : — 
Although  (he  says)  Tree  Carnations  have  usually  been  designated 
perpetual  flowerers,  such,  in  reality,  is  not  the  case,  for  one  plant, 
according  as  it  has  been  shifted  and  treated,  will  only  bloom  for  its 
limited  time,  and  from  the  bloom-spikes  it  has  been  tempted  to  send 
np — and  to  get  a  succession  of  blooms  a  considerable  number  of  the 
same  plants  must  be  kept.  This  is  not  the  case  with  the  climbing 
varieties,  which,  once  started  to  flower,  will  continue  to  bloom 
unceasingly  if  properly  treated.  The  propagation  of  these  varieties 
is  most  readily  effected  b}'  means  of  cuttings  or  pipings  taken  in 
sprinf.  These  should  be  from  3  to  4  inches  long,  and  shonld  be 
taken  from  good  strong  shoots  only.  They  should  be  cut  with  a 
shai-p  knife,  close  to,  but  just  under,  a  joint,  the  cut  being  made 


straight  across.     The  frame  or  pan  in  which  they  are  to  be  struck 

should   be   perfectly  air-tight,    thoroughly  well   drained,  and  tilled 

with  a  compost  of  good  tuify  leaf.mould,  adding  a  little  silver-sand 

or  tinely-sifted  coal  ashes.     The  bottom  leaves  should  be  cut  off  close 

with  a  pair  of  scissors,  but  the  grass  must  not  be  cut  at  the  ends,  as 

formerly  was  done,  and  still  is  done,  to  a  great  extent,  but  should  be 

left  in  its  natural  state.     The  cuttings  being  thus  prepared,  shonld 

be  inserted  deep  enough  in  the  compost,  but  not   so  much  as  to  let 

the  joints  of  the  uncut  grass  touch  the  mould,  and   they  should  bo 

placed  2  or  more   inches   apart,  according  to  accommodation.     Tho 

frame  or  pan  in  which  the  pipings  ai'O  placed  must  have  a  gentle,  but 

steady  bottom  heat,  and   they  should  be  watered   with  tepid  water 

from  a  fine  rose  till  the  compost   is  as  wet  as  mud  ;    then  place  tho 

glass   over   them   and    leave    them   undisturbed    for   three  weeks, 

when  every  cutting   will    bo   rooted,  let    them    have    a    little   air 

then,  but  keep  them  well  watered,  and  pot  them  off  at  the  end  of 

four  weeks.     Should  they  require  watering  before  the  expiration  of 

the  three  weeks  this   should   be  done  without  removing  the  glass, 

where    possible,    as,    for    instance,    a    bell     glass,    not    quite    so 

large     as    the     pan     for    which     it    is     iised,     will    enable     you 

to    well     water    tho     whole     without     lifting    the     glass.      They 

should    now    be   potted   off    singly    in    small    GO-sized   pots,  using 

the     same     compost    as    already    recommended,    adding     a    little 

thoroughly  rotten  dung.     When  well  established  in  the  above  pots, 

they  should  be  shifted  into  their  blooming   pots,  say  40'3  or  48's, 

according  to  their  strength,  and  placed  out  of  doors  on  cinder  ashes 

during  tho  summer  months,  carefully  stacked  and  tied,  and  always 

well  looked  after  with  water.     The  greatest  enemy  to  Carnations  is 

red  spider,  and  to  cure  this  I  give  the  very  best  recipe.     To  two 

gallons  of    rain  water   add  half   a    pound  of   soft-soap,   previously 

dissolved  in  hot  water;  to  this  add  one  ounce  of  sulphur.vivum  (black 

sulphur),  finely  pounded,  and  syringe  the  plants  affected  thoroughly 

well,  and  one  dose  will  suffice  to  effect  a  cure.     The  red  spider  is 

produced  by  a  dry  heat,  and  will  not  be  found  in  a  house  having  a 

moist  atmosphere.     It  can   hardly  be  seen  by  the  naked  eye,  but  its 

presence  may  readily  be  detected  through  the  foliage  losing  its  rich 

healthy  bloom,  and  assuming  a  seared  yellowish  dry  appearance. 

The  variety  called  La  Belle  is  a  climber  or  trailer,  and  will  not 
flower  until  it  has  attained  a  growth  of  from  2i  to  3  feet,  and,  if 
kept  in  too  warm  a  place,  it  will  not  bloom  till  it  is  4  feet  in  height. 
It  must  not  bo  stopped,  as  it  has  the  habit  of  sending  out  laterals, 
or  branches  from  every  joint.  These  branches  often  bloom  when 
only  from  G  to  12  inches  in  length ;  but,  as  it  requires  plenty  of  air, 
it  will  be  seen  that  it  is  detrimental  to  its  usefulness  and  beauty  if 
all  these  laterals,  together  with  the  main  stem,  are  fastened  to  a 
single  stake.  A  trellis  of  some  sort  is  absolutely  necessai'y,  and,  as 
the  plants  should  be  placed  out  of  doors  in  a  sheltered  spot  from 
June  till  September,  a  balloon. shaped  trellis  will  generally  be  found 
most  useful.  There  is  yet  another  advantage  possessed  by  La  Belle, 
a  great  desideratum,  which  is  as  follows  : — When  a  good  price  is  paid 
for  a  plant,  it  is  not  a  little  provoking  to  find  it  go  off  or  die,  without 
hope  of  reproducing  it  without  fresh  outlay.  Now,  this  cannot  take 
place  with  La  Belle,  or,  in  fact,  with  any  of  my  plants,  for  two 
reasons.  First,  they  each  produce  abundance  of  grass,  which  is 
easily  propagated  to  ensure  a  constant  supply  of  young  plants  ;  and, 
secondly,  if  at  each  shift  the  plant  is  potted  two  or  more  joints 
deeper,  the  original  plant  mil  never  go  off.  The  latter  mode  has 
been  adopted  by  me  for  years,  and  plants  which,  many  years  ago, 
ought,  under  the  usual  treatment,  to  have  died,  or,  at  least,  gone 
back — i.e.,  ceased  to  produce  flowers  equal  to  what  they  did  in  their 
younger  days — may  now  be  seen  with  stems  like  little  trees,  and 
blooming  in  all  tho  gladsomeness  of  strength  and  youth.  This  is 
wholly  to  be  attributed  to  the  deep  potting. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GARDEN. 


Prickly  Pears. — I  have  a  Pricklj-  Pear  under  glass,  about  7  feet  hicrh,  with, 
four  blooms  upon  it.  The  plant,  I  imagine,  is  well  nigh  thirty  years  old.  May 
I  ask  it"  it  is  a  rare  occmrenee  for  Prickly  Pears  to  bloom  in  this  country  ? — 
M.  W.,  Bath.  [It  is  not  uncommon  for  Prickly  Pears  to  bloom  in  this  countiy ; 
in  fact,  grown  plants  generally  do  so  eveiy  season.] 

Lapageria  alba.— Plants  of  this  are  now  in  bloom  in  Messrs.  Veltch's 
nursery,  in  a  cool  conservatory.  It  is,  without  doubt,  one  of  the  handsomest 
of  autumn-flowering  indoor-cUmbing  plants,  and  not  being  a  particulaiiy 
strong  grower,  it  does  not  over-crowd  the  roof  of  the  conservatory  or  green- 
house in  which,  it  is  planted ;  and  just  produces  flowers  in  sufficient  profusion 
to  be  effective.  The  rose-coloured  kind  and  this  might  bo  grown  so  as  to  allow 
the  blossoms  of  the  two  to  intermingle  with  good  effect. 

Dipladenia  Brearleyana-— A  plant  of  this  at  Mr.  Bull's  is  now  bearing 
fifteen  trusses  of  rich  deep  crimson  flowers.  When  they  first  open  they  are  of 
a  pale  rose  colour,  but  afterwards  they  change  to  an  intense  dark  crimson.  In 
addition  to  the  trusses  that  are  open  there  are  many  young  ones  coming 
forward.  This  plant  will,  doubtless,  become  a  favourite  not  only  on  account  of 
the  brilliancy  of  its  flowers,  but  also  on  account  of  its  habit,  which  is  short- 
jointed  for  a  climber.    The  flowers  each  measure  5  inches  in  tUameter.— P. 


Oct.  4,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


273 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 


ORCHARD    HOUSE    FRUITS. 

Bt  peter  grieve,  CciFOiiD  Gabdess. 
The  Apricot. 

The  Apricot  (Armeniaca  vulgaris),  like  most  of  our  fruit  trees, 
belongs  to  the  great  natural  order,  Rosaceas.  It  is  of  eastern 
origin,  and  ivas  introduced  into  England  from  tlie  Levant  at  so 
early  a  jjoriod  as  the  year  1543.  lu  its  native  habitat  the 
winters,  thougli  dry,  arc  cold  and  severe  ;  and  during  early 
spring,  when  the  Apricot  is  in  bloom,  hot  sunshine,  acoom- 
]iauied  by  piercingly  cold  wind,  not  unfrequently  prevails. 
AVhen  this  fruit  is  grown  uuder  glass  in  this  country,  it 
is  found  to  be  of  the  greatest  importance,  in  inducing  the  fruit 
to  set  freely,  that  the  structure  the  plants  occupy  should  be 
thoroughly  ventilated.  Indeed,  it  has  very  frec|uently  been 
found,  when  this  necessary  condition  has  not  been  fully  com- 
plied with,  that  a  complete  failure  in  obtaining  a  crop  has  been 
the  result,  although  the  trees  may  have  been  perfectly  healthy 
and  the  bloom  abundant ;  so  that  very  little  appi'ehension  need 
be  entertained  as  to  injury  likely  to  result  from  draughts  or 
cold  cutting  winds  prevailing  during  the  time  these  trees  ai'e 
ill  bloom.  The  Apricot  is  also  fortunate  in  being,  to  some 
extent,  exempted  from  the  attacks  of  insect  enemies,  such  as 
the  aphis  and  red  spider,  so  troublesome,  and  even  sometimes 
destructive,  to  the  Cherry  and  the  Peach,  &c. ;  so  that  fumiga- 
tion and  constant  syringing  are  not  at  all  necessary  in 
their  case,  and  possibly  rather  injurious  than  otherwise.  They 
are,  however,  subject  to  the  ravages  of  a  small  leaf -rolling  cater- 
pillar, which  is  sometimes  very  troublesome,  and  the  only  remedy 
for  which  is,  I  believe,  careful  hand-picking.  On  this  account 
it  is  always  advisable  to  have  these  trees,  whether  in  pots 
or  planted  out,  as  much  as  possible  by  themselves,  in  order 
that  these  necessary  conditions  may,  as  far  as  possible,  be 
accorded  to  them,  without  greatly  interfering  with  the 
requirements  of  the  other  inmates  of  the  structure.  Indeed, 
in  cases  where  it  is  necessary  to  grow  these  trees  in  an  orchard- 
house  along  with  other  species  of  fruit  trees,  it  may  then  bo 
advisable  to  adhere  to  the  pot  system  of  culture,  using  soil  or 
compost  such  as  has  been  already  described ;  as  this  method 
affords  the  means  of  removing  all  or  any  portion  of  the  trees 
into  the  open  air,  where  they  can  be  placed  for  a  time,  under 
a  north  wall  or  in  some  other  suitable  position,  and  by  this 
means  very  considerably  prolong  their  season  of  ripening. 
But  when  a  separate  compartment  can  be  assigned  to  them,  it 
will  then  be  advisable  to  plant  the  trees  out  iu  a  properly 
prepared  border  of  soil  and  where  every  other  necessary 
condition  can  be  accorded  to  them,  and  it  will  then  be  found 
that  more  desirable  results  will  be  secured  than  would  bo 
obtained  by  retaining  the  trees  in  pots. 

For  some  years  a  collection  of  bush  or  half-standard  Apricot 
trees  were  grown  iu  the  orchard  houses  here  in  pots,  along 
with  other  fruit  trees,  but  with  indifferent  success ;  and  they 
were  ultimately  planted  out  in  a  line  iu  front  of  the  Apricot 
wall,  some  12  feet  high,  and  about  70  yards  in  length.  The 
bush  trees  were  planted  at  a  distance  of  6J  feet  from  the  wall, 
and  !•  feet  from  stem  to  stem.  At  a  distance  of  7  j  feet  from 
the  wall,  strong  posts  or  studs  were  fixed  in  the  soil  6  feet  apart, 
and  G\  feet  high,  to  these  was  fixed  a  strong  rail  or  plate, 
and  resting  upon  this  plate,  and  upon  brackets  under  the 
coping  of  the  Apricot  wall,  are  placed  old  lights,  which  had 
formerly  formed  a  greenhouse,  thus  forming  a  glass  roof  for 
the  entire  length  of  the  wall.  The  front  is  formed  by  weather 
board  to  the  height  of  2  feet  from  the  ground ;  and  the 
remaining  4^  feet  is  covered,  when  necessarj^  by  a  curtain 
of  frigi  dome,  which  can  be  let  down  and  taken  up  at  pleasure, 
with  little  or  no  trouble.  Thus  the  trees  trained  to  the  wall, 
as  well  as  the  bush  trees  in  front  of  them,  are  all  suffi- 
ciently protected,  when  danger  from  frost  is  apprehended. 
The  lights  are  so  placed  as  not  to  fit  quite  close  to  the  wall,  so 
that  a  circulation  of  air  is  constantly  maintained,  which 
can  bo  increased  when  necessaiy  by  a  portion  of  the  lights 
being  so  arranged  as  to  be  easily  drawn  down.  When  the 
fruit  is  fairly  set,  and  all  danger  from  frost  past  for  the  season, 
the  lights  and  the  curtain  are  all  of  course  removed,  and  again 
put  on    about    the  beginning   of   the    following    February. 


The  bush  trees  have  now  been  planted  where  they  are  at 
present  for  about  ten  years,  and  they  generally  bear  good, 
and  sometimes  heavy,  crops  of  fruit,  which  ripens  later  by 
about  three  weeks  than  that  of  the  same  sorts  trained  to  the 
walls,  which  is  found  to  be  an  advantage.  They  do  not  appear 
to  have  iu  any  way  interfered  with  the  health  or  well-being  of 
the  trees  upon  the  wall,  although  it  might  have  been  an 
advantage  could  the  Ijush  trees  have  Ijeen  planted  at  a  greater 
distance  from  the  wall.  But  this  was  of  course  necessarily 
determined  by  the  length  of  the  old  lights. 

With  regard  to  the  most  suitable  varieties  of  this  fruit  there 
are  certainly  none  to  surpass  in  excellence  the  sort  long 
known  as  the  Moorpark  variety,  which  may  safely  be  recom- 
meuded  for  all  purposes  ;  that  is  for  training  to  walls,  for  pot 
culture  in  orchard  houses,  or  to  be  planted  out  iu  prepared 
soil,  under  glass,  and  trained  in  the  form  of  either  pyramids, 
standards,  or  bushes.  To  this  may  be  added  the  Peach 
Apricot,  a  large  and  very  fine  variety;  also  a  few  trees  of 
Hemskirk,  Kaisha,  Eoy.al,  Shipley's,  St.  Ambroise,  and  Musch 
Musoh,  &c.  But  the  sorts  above  named  will  furnish  a  collec- 
tion sufficiently  large  for  any  establishment. 

The  Grape  Vine. 

The  Grape  Vine  (Vitis  viutfera)  is  a  native  of  various  countries , 
and  belongs  to  the  small  natural  order  Ampclideai,  of  which 
it  is  the  type  and  representative.  In  this  country  the  Grape 
Vine  is  generally  grown  in  structures  expressly  devoted  to  its 
culture,  the  value  and  importance  of  its  delicious  fruit  fully 
compensating  for  all  trouble  and  expense  incurred  in  its 
cultivation.  It  is  moreover  in  all  the  stages  of  its  develop- 
ment a  very  ornamental  plant,  as  well  as  being  exceedingly 
accommodating  in  its  habit  of  growth.  There  are  few  orchard 
houses  large  or  small,  span-roofed  or  lean-to,  where  space  may 
not  be  found  for  a  Vine  or  Vines,  without  greatly  (if  at  all) 
interfering  with  the  other  inmates  of  the  structure,  either 
trained  to  pillars  supporting  the  roof  of  the  house,  to  wires 
over  the  pathways,  or  in  some  other  way,  so  as  to  lend  beauty 
and  interest  to  the  interior  of  the  structure,  and.  also  to  pro- 
duce abundance  of  the  most  delicious  fruit.  If  desired.  Vines 
can  also  be  grown  in  pots,  in  the  orch.ard  house,  in  various 
forms,  such  as  training  the  rod  spirally  to  stakes  fixed 
in  the  soil  of  the  pot,  or  in  the  form  of  a  dwarf  bush ;  and 
also  in  the  form  of  a  low  standard,  or  tree.  The  latter  form 
is,  I  think,  to  be  preferred  for  orchard  house  culture,  and  m.ay 
be  produced  in  the  following  manner ; — Let  the  plant  be  a 
strong  rod,  established  in  a  12  or  14-inch  pot ;  let  a  neat  but 
strong  stake  be  fixed  in  the  soil  of  the  pot,  not  however  so 
near  the  stem  of  the  Vine  as  to  injure  it.  To  the  head  of  this 
stake  should  be  fixed  a  circular  strong  wire  hoop,  some  18 
inches  or  2  feet  in  diameter;  and  at  a  height  of  some  4  or  5 
feet  (more  or  less  as  may  be  desired)  from  the  surface  of  the 
pot  tie  the  rod  to  this  stake,  and  cut  it  at  the  bud  which  is 
nearest  to  a  level  with  the  hoop,  but  rather  under  than  above 
it,  as  the  heart  of  the  tree  or  standard  must  bo  formed  by  the 
two  uppermost  buds.  The  shoots  produced  under  these  are  to 
be  stopped  at  the  second  or  third  leaf,  and  are  ultimately  to 
be  cut  off  alogether,  so  that,  during  the  first  season  only 
two  shoots  can  be  produced,  which  must  be  tied  down  to  the 
wire  hoop.  These  may  each  be  allowed  to  produce  a  bunch  of 
fruit,  and  should  be  stopped  at  the  leaf  above  the  bunch. 

When  winter-pruned,  these  shoots  should  each  be  cut  to 
two  or  three  buds  from  the  base  of  the  shoots,  so  that  six 
shoots  will  probably  be  produced  during  the  following  spring, 
which  may  each  be  allowed  to  carry  a  bunch.  The  shoots 
being  each  neatly  secured  to  the  wire  hoop,  the  head  of  the 
standard  tree  will  now  bo  formed,  and  the  stopped  shoots  on 
the  stem  should  be  cut  clean  off.  Grapes  grown  iu  this 
manner  hang  down  gracefully  under  the  foliage,  and  have  a 
very  pleasing  ai^pearanco.  They  should  be  potted  iu  rich 
fibrous  loam,  enriched  with  a  portion  of  rotted  manure  and 
half-inch  bones.  They  should  also  be  occasionally  surface- 
dressed  with  "  Meredith's  Vine  manure,"  a  rich  and  very 
fertilising  preparation.  These  standard  Vines  should  not  be 
intermixed  with  the  ordinary  orchard  house  trees,  but  should 
be  placed  with  the  Figs  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  house. 
The  sorts  may  be  Black  Hamburgh,  White  and  Iloyal 
Muscadine,  Sweetwater,  &c. 


274 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Oct.  4, 1873. 


Red  and  White  Currants. 

Tho  Red  and  White  Currant  (Ribos  ruljrura  and  Ribos  allnrra) 
are  indigenous  to  Britain.  They  are  the  only  varieties  of  this 
family  which  may  be  considered  as  worthy  of  a  place  in  the 
oi'chard  house.  The  Gooseberry  appears  to  have  been  tried, 
but  has  not  been  found  to  be  well  adapted  to  tho  purpose. 
A  few  plants,  however,  of  the  former  might  be  formed  into 
standards,  similar  to  the  Grape  Vines  before  described, 
and  would  be  found  interesting  and  also  useful,  as  their  fruit 
forms  a  very  agreeable  addition  to  the  dessert,  moi'o  par- 
ticularly that  of  the  white  variety.  Both  sorts  are  improved  by 
being  grown  under  glass.  The  best  sorts  for  this  purpose  are, 
the  Red  Grape,  Knight's  Long  Bunch,  Raby  Castle,  and  White 
Dutch. 

The   Strawberry. 

Tho  Strawberry  is  indigenous  to  Britain,  and  all  the  desirable 
varieties  of  this  delicious  fruit  may  be  successfully  grown 
and  fruited  in  the  orchard  house.  The  plant  should  be 
prepared  in  tho  usual  way,  as  if  for  forcing,  and  should  be  well 
established  in  pots  not  exceeding  0  inches  in  diameter,  and 
should  receive  their  last  shift  as  early  as  possiljlo  during  the 
month  of  August.  They  may  be  wintered  in  cold  pits  or 
frames,  or  may  bo  plunged,  to  the  rim  of  the  pots,  in 
the  open  border,  and  be  protected  by  having  some  light 
littery  matter  shaken  over  them.  Should  the  weather  set  in 
very  severe  about  the  end  of  February  or  the  beginning 
of  March,  they  may  be  brought  into  tbe  orchard  house, 
and,  if  this  structure  be  a  lean-to  with  glass  front,  a 
portion  of  them  may  be  placed  upon  the  soil  in  front  of  the 
trjcs,  while  another  portion  of  them  might  occupy  a  shelf 

(near  to  the  top  of  the  back  wall,  so  as  not  to  be  at  a  greater 
distance  from  the  glass  than  18  iucbes  or  2  feet.  In  large  and 
span-roofed  houses  shelves  can  be  suspended  from  the 
rafters  over  the  centres  of  the  patbs,  or  in  the  same  position 
as  those  in  which  it  has  already  been  recommended  to  train 
the  single  stem  of  a  Vine.  Tho  pots,  when  placed  vipou  such 
shelves,  should  always  be  set  in  p.ans  or  saucers  to  prevent 
drip  falling  from  them,  and  care  must,  of  course,  bo  taken  not 
|)  to  allow  water  to  accumulate  and  stagnate  in  the  pans.  Before 
[  the  fruit  begins  to  change  colour,  it  should  be  neatly  supported 
by  stakes,  to  in-eveut  it  from  coming  in  contact  with  the  soil, 
|.  or  from  hanging  over  the  sides  of  the  ]iots.  Treated  in  this 
manner,  the  fruit  will  be  finer  and  will  ripen  at  least  a 
fortnight  earlier  than  that  of  the  same  sorts  in  tlio  open  air, 
and  will  also  have  the  advantage  of  being  clein  and  free  from 
being  damaged  by  birds,  slugs,  and  insects.  Tho  best  (or  at 
all  events  good)  sorts  for  this  purpose  are  Keen's  Seedling, 
British  Queen,  Mr.  Radcliffe,  Dr.  Hogg,  Sir  Joseph  Paxtou, 
and  Sir  Charles  Napier,  &c. 


GATHERING  PEARS. 
At  a  certain  stage  in  the  growth  of  all  kinds  of  fruit  there  are 
distinct  outward  marks  developed  that  always  indicate  matu- 
rity. These  marks  soon  become  familiar  to  the  practical  fruit- 
grower, who  at  a  glance  sees  the  specimens  fit  for  gathering, 
while  those  not  so  far  advanced  are  loft  on  the  trees  a  few  days 
longer.  Beginners  are  always  at  a  loss  to  know  the  proper 
time  to  pick  their  crop  of  Pears.  If  taken  off  the  trees  too 
soon,  the  fruit  withers  before  ripening ;  while,  if  left  on  too 
long,  loss  follows  from  evaporation  and  decay,  the  fruit  being 
of  an  inferior  quality.  To  avoid  these  evils,  then,  should  be 
the  aim  of  those  fruit-growers  who  are  not  already  familiar 
with  this  p.art  of  tho  business — an  important  one  for  those  who 
grow  Pears  for  profit.  There  is  a  change  in  colour  that  takes 
place  in  pears  that  is  a  sure  sign  of  ripeness  to  the  experienced 
eye.  This  is  always  accompanied  by  nnmistakeable  marks 
which,  it  consulted  liy  the  novice,  there  need  be  no  loss  from 
untimely  picking.  The  seeds  of  Pears  always  change  from  a 
light  to  a  dark-brown  colour  when  the  fruit  is  matured,  and 
will,  when  gathered  then  and  placed  in  a  proper  place,  ripen 
without  withering.  Another  and  safe  rule  to  follow  in  gather- 
ing Pears  is  to  watch  for  the  swelling  of  the  end  of  the  stem 
attached  to  tho  twig,  and,  by  raising  tho  Poar  gently  by  hand, 
it  separates  without  effort;  while,  with  a  green  specimen,  no 
such  separation  will  take  place  unless  force  is  used.  Neither 
for  home  use  nor  market  should  Pears  be  allowed  to  ri])cn  on 


the  tree,  for  the  quality  of  such  will  always  be  inferior  to  those      11 
ripened  in  a  dry,  dark,  and  cool  atmosphere,  f 

Pears  intended  for  market  should  be  hand-picked,  sorted  into 
two  sizes  at  the  time  of  gathering  ;  and  a  stem  upon  each  Pear 
is  an  important  appendage,  making  a  difference  in  their  favour    '1 
of  from  lOs.  to  20s.  per  barrel,  wliich  is  the  most  convincing    J" 
argument.     In  practice  it  seldom  happens  that  all  t!ie  fruit  on     ' 
a  tree  is  fit  to  gather  at  the  same  time.     Going  over  the  trees    , 
two  or  three  times  in  a  period  of  the  same  number  of  weeks,    I 
taking  off'  each  time   the  fruit  far  enough  advanced,  will  be 
found  the  best  practice  to  follow.     In  picking,  sorting,  and 
packing,  avoid  rough  usage  ;  for,  whenever  Pears  are  bruised, 
they  rot  before  ripening,  and  of  course  such  blemishes  will  tell 
against  the  fruit.     Delicate  and  thin-skinned  sorts  are  more 
easily  injured  byrough  handlingthan  varieties  with  tough  skins, 
like  Duchesse  d'Angouleme,  Benrrc  Bosc,  and  Lawrence;  but, 
whether  tough  or  tender,   rough  handling  should  be  avoided. 
Pick  Pears  only  on  dry  days,  and  under  no  circumstances  is    1 
it  best  to  pack  such  fruit  for  market  until  it  has  cooled  off,    I 
which  it  will  in  a  few  hours  if  placed  in  a  dry,  cool  atmosphere, 
to  which  darkness  should  be  added  if  the  fruit  is  kept  in  bulk    | 
for  any  length  of  time  after  picking.     Where  the  latter  is  tho 
case,  it  is  well  to  turn  the  heap   over  by  hand,  say  once  in  ten    I    , 
days,  taking  out  bruised  or  decaying  specimens.   No  vegetables     |  J 
should  be  stored  in  the  same  room  with  Pears,  for  the  latter  are       11 
sure  to  aocjuiro  the  flavour  of  the  former. — Neiv  York  Tribune.         ' 


Good  Flavour  in  Pears. — The  question  of  Pears  having  a  better 
flavour  in  one  place  than  in  another  is  more  often  a  fault  in  the  tree 
than  in  the  locality.  Fruit  growers  know  that  now  and  then  they 
will  get  a  Peach  (for  example)  that  is  destitute  of  flavour,  while  one 
of  the  same  kind,  perhaps  not  ten  yards  off,  is  all  that  can  be  desired. 
So  I  have  found  it  to  be  with  Pears.  I  will  instance  two  :  Beurre* 
d'CEil,  an  admirable  Pear,  which  Mr.  Gilbert  omits  in  his  list.  I  have 
one  in  my  garden,  a  standard,  of  excellent  flavour  ;  I  planted  another 
five  or  six  years  ago.  The  fruit  of  the  latter  is  far  finer  to  the  eye 
than  in  the  original  tree,  but  it  has  no  more  flavour  than  a  Turnip. 
I  planted  a  tree  of  Mario  Louise  at  the  same  time.  It  grew  to  a 
splendid  pyramid  some  12  or  13  feet  high,  but  the  fruit  was  never 
worth  a  straw,  though  splendid  to  the  eye.  I  put  in  two  others  a 
year  or  two  after,  and  tho  flavour  is  excellent.  My  process,  when  I 
got  such  a  tree,  is  not  to  do  away  with  it,  but  to  graft  it  with  some 
other  Pear,  and  in  two  years  I  get  a  crop,  while  in  three  the  tree 
is  as  fine  as  it  was  when  grafted.  It  is  quite  possible  that  situation, 
as  regards  exposure  or  shelter,  may  have  something  to  do  with  tho 
matter ;  and,  though  I  do  not  question  that  there  may  be  also  some- 
thing in  locality — because  we  know  that  we  cannot  grow  many  of  the 
Jersey  Pears  to  get  the  flavour — yet  there  is  also  some  allowance  to 
be  made  for  the  tree  itself.  Josephine  de  Malines  is  one  of  the  best 
late-keeping  Pears  grown.  It  is  not  large,  but  keeps  very  late, 
has  a  fine  flavour,  and  may  bo  grown  either  on  the  pyramid  or  espaUer. 
— F.  F. 

Figs. — I  have  been  fruiting  a  large  collection  of   Figs  to  see 
which  are  the  best  worth  growing,  and  I  think  there  is  no  doubt  that 
tho  Bourjassotte  grise  is  tho  finest  variety  in  cultivation.     This  is      I 
tho  same  kind  which  has  been  long  cultivated  at  Clumber  under  tho 
name  of   Blanche,  a  most   inappropriate   name  for  it,  because  the 
outside  is  a  greyish-green,  and  the  inside  very  dark  crimson.     Many 
persons  think  highly  of  white  Marseilles  Fig,  I  think  it  a  very  over.     1 
estimated  variety.     When  in  fine  condition  it  is  good,  as  most  others      . 
are,  but  the  flavour  is  often  very  poor.     The  Bourjassotte  grise  is  never  -^.m 
bad,  and  hardly  ever  second-rate;    in  fact,  I  never  gather  a  fruit 
without  expecting  it  to  bo  first. rate.  As  many  persons  want  to  plant  a 
Fig,  and  perhaps  only  one,  let  me  advise  them  to  choose  this  kind  in 
preference  to  all  others. — J.  R.  Peakson,  Chilwell. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

New  Early  Peach. — Having  tried  most  of  the  early  Peaclies,  my  experience 
leads  me  to  think  that  Hale's  Early  is  far  the  best  early  Peach  in  cultiva- 
tion. With  me  it  has  ijroved  much  earUer  than  Early  York,  much  larger, 
and  on  comparison  better.  In  fact,  if  I  were  asked  to  name  the  six  best 
Peaches  for  flavour,  I  should  give  Hale's  Early  as  one  of  them. — J.  R, 
PjiARSON,  Chilicell. 

The  Tetofski  Apple.— As  evidence  of  the  early  period  at  which  this  Apple 
comes  into  bcarinij,  Thf  Wcxiovn  Farmer  mentions  that  ifr.  Tattle  of  Baraboo, 
had  100  bushels  of  these  Apples  on  the  trees  in  his  nursery  rows,  some  of  them 
only  two  years  old.  Tliis  early  bearinir  habit,  the  hardiness  of  the  tree,  and  the 
early  ripening,  bcautj*  and  fair  (though  not  hrst  class)  quality  of  the  f[-nit,  are 
thought  sutljcicnt  to  render  the  Tutofski  worthy  of  being  more  extensively 
planted  than  in  lime  past,  particularly  by  those  who  are  at  present  destitute  of 
Apples. 


Oct.  4,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


2^5 


THE     ARBOR ETU  M . 

A  NEW  CHERRY. 

(cEKASnS     LANNESIAXA.) 

Tins  Ijcautiful  rose-flowered  Cherry,  to  wliicli  wc  have  ah-e.itiy 
alluded  more  than  once,  is  a  native  of  Jajian,  and  was  first 
introduced  into  the  Jardiu  d'Acclimatation,  in  Paris,  in  1870, 
by  M.  Lannes,  of  Montebello,  after  whom  it  has  been  named. 
The  habit  of  the  tree  very  much  resembles  that  of  tlio  wild 
Cherry.  The  leaves  ai-e  long- 
stalked,  oval,  slightly  at- 
teiuiated  at  the  base,  which 
is  usually  truncate,  abruptly 
contracted  towards  the  apex, 
and  then  ending  in  a  long 
point,  margined  n-ith  very 
long  and  narrow  teeth.  Tlio 
flowers,  which  are  of  a  rosy 
flesh-colour  passing  into  pale 
rose,  are  long-stalked  and 
arranged  in  umbel-like  clus- 
ters, the  bases  of  which  are 
furnished  with  laciniated 
stipules.  The  flower-buds 
are  of  a  bright  rose-colour. 
The  petals  are  five  in  number, 
spreading,  oboval,  and  bifid. 
The  flowers  are  single  and 
nearly  2  inches  across.  Like 
those  of  almost  all  species  of 
Cherry,  they  first  appear  in 
the  beginning  of  April,  and 
when  the  tree  is  in  full  bloom 
it  is  almost  entirely  hidden 
under  the  mass  of  rosy  flowers 
with  which  it  is  covered,  jind 
is  positively  brilliant  in  its 
effect.  As  plants  of  this 
species  flower  while  very 
young,  it  affords  valuable 
subjects  for  pot  culture,  with 
a  view  to  table  decoration. 
The  plant  from  which  our 
illustratiou  was  sketched  was 
only  16  inches  high,  and  the 
flowering  branch,  which  was 
about  as  much  in  length,  was 
densely  covered  with  bloom. 
There  is  no  question  that  C. 
Lannesiana  is  an  ornamental 
tree  of  the  highest  merit, 
combining,  when  in  flower, 
the  effect  of  the  delicate  tinge 
of  rosy  Apple-blossoms  with 
the  freer  grace  of  the  longer 
and  slendei'er  shoots  and  the 
brighter  foliage  of  the  Cherry 
ti'ce.  In  addition  to  the  orna- 
mental character  of  this 
variety,  it  adds  the  ad- 
vantages of  being  perfectly 
hardy  and  easily  grown  in 
any  soil  in  which  a  common 
wild  Cherry  tree  will  live. 
The  best  mode  of  propagat- 
ing it  is  by  grafting  it  on  the  wild  Cherry,  either  by  cleft- 
grafting  or  by  budding.  M.  CaiTicre,towhom  we  are  indebted 
for  the  foregoing  account,  considers  it  probable  that  this  is  the 
tj'pe  of  Cerasus  Sieboldii.  Our  illustration,  while  in  some  de- 
gree exhibiting  the  pi'ofusion  in  which  the  flowers  are  produced, 
gives  no  idea  of  the  charm  of  tint  displayed  in  the  coloured  plate 
of  M.  Garriere,  from  which  we  have  re-produced  it. 


Lanncs's  Cherry. 


Oak  Spangles. — In  the  course  of  a  walk  abont  homo  on 
the  27th  of  September,  I  came  upon  sevoral  Oak  trees,  which 
presented    an    unusual    appearance,  their  under-leaves    being  more 


crowded  with  Oak  spangles  than  I  have  ever  noticed  them 
before.  In  Mr.  Leo  Grindon'a  "  Trees  of  Okl  England  "  (Pitman, 
1870),  p.  23,  there  is  an  ilhistration  of  a  leaf  so  bejewelled,  and  in 
Prideaux  Selby's  "  Forest  Trees,"  p.  287,  it  is  shown  that  each  of  these 
spangles  is  the  nidus  of  a  cynips,  which  in  due  course  discloses  a 
grub,  upon  the  rupture  or  cutting  open  of  the  matured  spangle. 
The  perfect  insect  makes  its  appearance  in  May.  The  spangle 
begins  to  become  raised  or  bossed  at  tbe  fall  of  the  leaf.  I  enclose 
an  Oak  leaf  covered  with  these  spangles,  being  curious  to  learn 
whether  I  am  right  in  considering  if  it  be  exceptionally  crowded  with 

them.  [Yes.]  Mr.  Tegetmeier 
states  in  his  work  on  pheasants 
that  that  bird  is  exceedingly 
fund  of  the  grub  which  issues 
from  each  of  these  little  bosses. 
—J.  D. 

The  Preservation  of 
Wood.  —  The  application  of 
wood  to  the  rough  and  trying 
purposes  of  street  paving,  ren. 
ders  any  inquiry  into  the  means 
of  assiu'ing  its  preservation  of 
great  interest.  At  Toledo,  Ohio, 
blocks  were  found  to  be,  at  the 
end  of  four  or  five  year,  entirely 
rotten  ;  yet,  when  the  wood 
paving  at  the  corner  of  King 
and  Jordan  Streets,  in  Toronto, 
was  taken  up  after  some  two 
or  three  years'  wear,  it  was 
found  to  be  practically  as  good 
as  new.  It  had  diminished 
only  from  one-sixteenth  to  one- 
eighth  of  an  inch ;  but,  although 
the  surface  had  thus  been  ground 
down,  it  was,  by  that  very  pro- 
cess, rendered  almost  as  hard 
as  iron.  Toledo  blocks  had  been 
coated  with  tar.  The  proba- 
bility is  that  the  latter  had 
been  thus  treated  while  the  wood 
was  still  green  or  moist,  and 
that  the  superficial  covering 
served  to  confine  the  moisture, 
and  so  to  make  the  process  of 
softening  or  rotting  away  all  the 
easier.  Instances  are  men- 
tioned by  an  experimenter — 
M.  Melsenns — in  which  prepared 
blocks,  into  the  sinuosities  of 
whose  woody  fibres  the  tarry 
preparation  had  penetrated, 
after  exposure  to  alternate 
steam  baths  and  frosty  weather, 
and  to  burial  in  wet  or  marshy 
soil,  were  perfectly  sound  and 
uniujured  after  twenty  years' 
trial.  A  section  of  a  piece  of 
timber  impregnated  with  tar 
shows  that  the  conserving  sub- 
stance has  followed  the  lines 
of  the  longitudinal  fibres,  and 
the  microscope  often  reveals 
the  complete  filling  of  the  pores, 
and  every  channel  uhich  might 
give  entrance  to  deleterious 
agents  is  plugged  by  the  tar, 
which,  in  many  cases,  is  also 
found  a  perfect  preserver  of 
bolts,  screws,  and  nails.  It 
must  be  clear  that  no  such  results  as  these  could  be  attained  without 
a  careful  selection  and  preservation  of  the  wood  in  the  first  instance. 
Then  it  becomes  a  question  what  is  the  best  preserver,  regard  being 
had  to  cheapness.  Is  it  carbolic  acid  or  tar,  or  what  F  The  answer 
may  most  materially  affect  the  application  of  wood  where  durability  is 
an  absolute  necessity  to  its  adoption.- — Toronto  Globe. 

Graceful  Crmbi nations. — We  are  glad  to  notice  evidence  of  horticulturists 
becoming  awiilie  to  the  high  natural  beauty  that  may  result  from  allowing 
climbiBg  plants  to  grow  on  trees — their  natural  supports.  Thus,  at  Messrs. 
Jackman's,  the  other  day  we  saw  the  handsome  Clematis  montana,  growinjf 
through  Ko'lreuteria  ]'aniculat.a.  The  snowy  flowers  of  the  Clematis  appear 
among  the  bare  branches  before  the  leaves  open  on  the  tree.  Graceful  com- 
binations of  this  kind  may  bo  made  in  infinite  variety.— W.  It. 


276 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  4,1873. 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 

BEST  BEDDING  LOBELIAS. 

Havino  seen  in  your  columns  (|).  23;!)  some  notes  from  your 
correspondent,  Mr.  J.  P.  Robinson,  on  the  varieties  of  Lobelia 
wliich  he  considers  best  suited  for  making  au  eli'ectivc  display  iu 
the  north  of  England,  1  thiuk  a  few  notes  concerning  the 
varieties  of  this  useful  bedding  and  edging  plant  from  a 
cultivator  in  the  south  of  Ireland  may  be  interesting  and 
instructive  to  some  of  your  readers,  especially  those  residing 
in  Devon  .and  Cornwall,  where  the  climate  much  resembles 
that  of  the  south  of  Ireland. 

As  to  the  new  Lobelias  sent  out  for  the  first  time  this  year, 
I  got  from  Messrs.  E.  Ct.  Henderson,  .at  the  commencement  of 
this   season,  a  dozen  each  of  their  new  varieties.  White  Pearl 
and  Mazarine  Gem,  and  single  plants  of  Drusilla  and  Claudia, 
to  plant  in  a  ti'ial  bed,  and  propagiite  if  found  desirable;  also 
from  Mr,  Dixon  (the  sender  out  of  the  new  double  Lobelia)  a 
nc-w  white  variety,  named  Nivea.    White  Pearl  I  planted  round 
a   bed    of  the  two   new   scarlet   Verbenas,   Prince   of  Wales 
(Turner)  and  Pomerania   (Henderson),  and  during  the  early 
part   of  the  season,  for  about   a   month,  it  was   exceedingly 
cifective  and  pretty,  being  of  the  true  compact  pumila  type  and 
habit,  and  the  flowers   considerably  larger  than  those  of  the 
variety,  in  my  opinion,  falsely  named  pumila  grandiflora  ;  but 
the  flowers  are  not   white   enough,   the   upper  lip   having   a 
decided    bluish   tinge ;    nor   is   it   a    sufficiently    continuous 
bloomer,  all  my  plants   (the  dozen  having  been  divided  into 
twenty-six  before  putting  out)    having,   after   being   about  a 
nicmth  planted  out,  developed  themselves  into  good-sized  green 
tufls,   with   only   a   single   isolated  blossom  here  and  there, 
ceasing  to  be  iu  any  way  effective  round  the  scarlet  Verbena. 
Mazarine  Gem  is  quite  the  deepest  blue  and  most  lovely  flower 
of  the  kind  I  liave  yet  seen,  and,  when  it  first  opened,  was 
much  admired;   but  its  haljit  is  much  ilatterod  in  the  coloured 
pl:itc  published  by  those  who  sent  it  out,  as  it  is  there  made  to 
a.p])ear  of  a  close,  upright,  and  erect  growth,  whereas  it  is  iu 
reality  of  an  exceedingly  long  and   spreading  habit.     Planted 
as    an    outside   edging    to    a    double    row    of    that    exceed- 
ingly   beautiful,    and     most    effective,    and     much-too-littlc- 
known     plant,    the     white     variegated     Trop;colum     Minnie 
Warren,    it     made     a    beautiful    contrast     of     colours,    but 
sjjread  quite  into    and  under  the  leaves    of  the   Variegated 
Nasturtium.     Iresiuo    Lindenii,    planted    between    the   rows 
of     Minnie    Warren,     made     altogether    a    most     effective 
and  beautiful  bed.     Of  the  other  three  new  varieties,  to  which 
I  have  alluded,  Drusilla  is  of  a  really  erect  and  compact  habit 
of  growth,  and    bears   flowers    of    a    good    deep    shade,   of 
a  medium   size,  and  almost  without  any  perceptible  eye.     I 
C07isider  it  a  variety  well  worth   propagating  for  next  season. 
Claudia  is  .also  an  exceedingly  pretty  and  effective  variety,  of 
a  lighter  shade  of  blue,  with  a  large  and  distinct  white  eye, 
much  resembling  a  new  variety  of  Last  year's  sent  out  by  the 
same  firm  under  the  name  of  Princess  of  Wales.     This  is  of  a 
much  more  spreading  and  branching  habit,  but  continued  to 
produce  its  fiowers   well    on    to    the  end  of    the  season.     I 
consider  this  also  well  worth  propagating  as  a  companion  and 
contrast  to  Mazarine  Gem.     Mr.  Dixon's  Nivea  is   quite  the 
best  and  purest  white  I  have  yet  seen,  and  produces  a  full- 
sized  flower  of  the  utmost  purity,  and  is  of  a  nice  compact 
medium  height  and  habit,  quite   superseding   Lee's   Purity, 
which  I  have  had  to  discard  as  too  coarse  growing.     And  now 
that  I  have  disposed  of  the  new  varieties  of  1873,  let  me  add  a 
few  remarks  respecting  those  scut  out  by  Messrs.  Henderson 
at  the  commencement  of  the  bedding  season  of  1872,  one  of 
which,  Lustrous,  is  especially  deserving,  in  my  opinion,  of  the 
very  highest  praise,  as  it  has  not  been  even  a])proached  for 
effectiveness  or  beauty  of  habit  by  any  of  the  novelties  of  this 
year,  ranch  less  surpassed.     I   had  a  single  plant  when  it  was 
first  sent  out,  and  as  it  grew  and  could  be  propagated  with  the 
utmost  freedom,  I  had  this  year  sufficient  to  edge  on  both  sides  a 
seroll-ljcd,  down  the  centre  of  which  was  planted  a  row  of  that 
most  effective  of  bronze   bicolor  Pelargonium,  Black  Douglas. 
All  the  plants  grew  evenly  and  well,  the  Lobelias  being  perfect 
round  cushions  of  deep  blue,  evenly  and  profusely  blossomed, 
and  iu  habit  perfecbion  as  regards   shape  and  compactness. 


This  bed  was  the  admiration  of  every  one  who  came  into  my 
garden,  and  all  admitted  that  they  had  never  before  seen  so 
beautiful,  or  in  every  way  effective,  a  Lobelia.  The  other  four 
varieties  may  be  brielly  dismissed.  Advancer  is  a  Pink,  which, 
though  in  advance  on  anything  yet  seen  in  tluat  colour  as  to 
size  of  flower,  is  yet  hardly  worth  growing.  No  plus  Ultra  is 
the  dwarfcst  of  all  the  family,  and  the  first  season  I  had  it  it 
made  a  pretty  little  tuft  in  the  trial  bed,  but  it  is  extremely 
difficult  to  propagiite  owing  to  the  shortness  of  its  growth. 
In  a  fine  dry  summer  it  may  be  worth  cultivating  as  au 
edging  for  small  beds,  but  this  summer  the  continued  r.ains 
seemed  too  much  for  it,  and  it  ceased  to  Howcr  early  in  the 
season.  The  same  remarks  apply  to  Oriental,  which  is  also  of 
extremely  dwarf  habit,  with  a  much  larger  white  eye,  resem- 
bling Paxtoui.  An  older  variety,  Serena,  is  a  very  free  grower 
and  most  continuous  fiowerer  up  to  the  end  of  the  season, 
producing  very  large  flowers,  with  a  white  underlip  and  pale 
blue  top,  iu  some  flowers  shading  oft  to  .almost  pure  white  ; 
this  variety  is  of  an  exceedingly  vigorous  liabit  of  growth,  and 
made  a  most  effective  broad  band  round  a  bod  of  crimson  King 
Verbena.  With  me  the  lovely  little  Gem  Lobelia  pumila 
flore  pleno,  has  not  proved  a  sufficiently  free  bloomer  to  be 
effective  when  planted  out,  the  four  plants  I  luad  having  done 
nothing  but  grow,  and  only  one  of  them  having  produced  one 
or  two  isolated  blossoms.  It  may  prove  a  freer  bloomer  in  a 
drier  season,  or  when  grown  as  a  pot  plant.         .     W.  E.  G. 


AMERICAN  COWSLIP,  OE  SHOOTING  STAR. 

(dodhcatueon  jie.ujia.) 

No  wild  flower. of  Great  Britaiu,  Switzerland,  .and  other  parts  of 
Eiiroijc  is  more  justly  cclel'rated  on  its  native  soil  fur  it.s  beauty  and 
its  early  appcaraucc  in  spring  than  tlic  ri'imrosc.  The  oilil  riiifl 
sancy-looking  American  Cowslip  is  tlic  must  beautiful  member  of  the 
Prinuuso  family  among  the  flowers  of  California  anil  other  parts  of 
the  United  States.  Hence  its  common  name,  American  Cowslii). 
Gray  tells  us  it  is  found  in  rich  woods,  from  Pennsylvania  and  Mary- 
land to  Wisconsin  and  southward.  IIo  also  adds,  that  it  is  called  iu 
tho  West  "  Shooting  Star,"  alluding,  no  doubt,  to  the  manner  iu  which 
its  llovvcr-leaves  are  turned  back.  This  gives  each  bloom  somewhat 
the  appearance  of  the  bright  head  of  a  meteor,  followed  by  a  train  of 
light.  The  reason  for  this  common  name  is  much  more  apparent 
th,au  for  the  systematic  one,  Dodecatheon,  from  two  Greek  words, 
meaning  the  twelve  gods,  in  allusion  to  the  twelve  chief  divinities 
of  the  Romans.  This  name  was  given  fancifully  by  the  eminent 
Linnaeus  himself,  and  we  are  at  a  loss  for  its  application,  unless  it  bo 
that  he  wishes  thus  to  stamp  it  pre-eminently  as  a  crowning  glory 
among  onr  wild  flowers.  The  specific  name,  Meadia,  was  given  in 
honour  of  a  Dr.  Mead,  of  Virginia,  by  Catesby,  a  pioneer  of  American 
Botany,  through  whom  it  was  first  introduced  into  England  from 
Virginia,  as  early  as  1741.  Loudon,  in  his  "  Encyelopa;dia  of  Plants," 
describes  five  different  varieties  of  this  handsome  plant,  with  white, 
rose-coloured,  and  lilac  flowers.  Gray  describes  but  one  species 
belonging  to  the  older  States,  with  flowers  rose-colour  or  white.  At 
least  three  varieties  are  common  to  California,  the  white  and  the 
cream-coloui'ed  belonging  to  the  hard  knolly  lands  of  the  plains,  the 
rose-coloured  found  only  in  the  mountains.  In  the  white,  which  is 
the  most  common  variety,  the  petals,  varying  in  number  from  five 
to  eight,  are  a  pure  white  with  a  straw-coloured  spot  at  the  base. 
This  is  followed  by  a  ring  of  a  deep  velvet-like  purple,  then  a  second 
and  smaller  ring  of  a  bluish-purple.  At  the  base  of  each  of  these 
rings  are  small  yellow  spots.  In  the  centre  of  the  flower,  the  stamens 
and  pistil  unite  in  a  spike  of  a  bluish-black  hue.  Tho  variety  and 
delicacy  of  colouring  make  the  entire  appearance  of  the  flower  one  of 
exquisite  beauty.  Its  odour  is  strong  and  spicy,  like  Cinnamon,  and 
very  similar  to  that  of  the  most  fragrant  Pinks.  Its  roots  are  fibrous, 
its  leaves  oval,  small  and  radical,  resting  flat  upon  the  ground. 
From  the  centre  of  these  arises  a  single  flower. stalk,  usually  from  six 
to  nine  inclics  high,  withont  a  leaf,  and  surmounted  by  a  cluster  of 
drooping  flowers,  varying  from  four  to  ten  in  number.  It  now  only 
remains  to  call  attention  to  a  difference  between  the  American 
Cowslip,  as  found  in  California,  and  the  species  described  by  Professor 
Gray.  He  s.ays  tlie  Eastern  kind  has  tho  calyx  five-cleft ;  corolla 
five-p.arted,  with  live  stamens  and  one  pistil.  In  the  Californian 
species,  the  calyx  is  from  five  to  seven-cleft,  usually  six  ;  corolla  five 
to  eight-parted,  usually  six ;  stamens  five  to  seven,  usually  six  ;  pistil 
one. — Ealphik.  [In  addition  to  tho  above,  two  fine  species,  D. 
integrifolium  and  D.  Jeffreyannm  may  bo  found  in  some  of  our 
nurseries.] 


Oct.  4, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


277 


CARPET  BEDDING. 
Various  opiuions  arc  often  expressed  as  to  the  merits  and 
demerits  of  this  system  of  flower  gardening  ;  but  there  can 
be  no  doubt  as  to  its  general  excellence,  more  especially  for 
small  places.  Nearly  all  the  jilants  used  for  this  purpose, 
■with  tlie  exception  of  Echevcrias  and  Sempcrvivums,  can  be 
jiropagated  either  by  means  of  seeds  or  sprin,<^  cuttings  in  a  few 
weeks,  and  consequently  they  require  no  room  or  attention 
during  winter.  Of  course  in  some  cases  a  iilant  or  two  must 
Ijo  kept  for  stock.  One  of  the  finest  of  all  carpet  plants  is 
the  Golden  Feverfew,  which  can  be  propagated  by  the 
thousand  from  seed.  Alternantheras,  Iresine,  Coleus,  the 
flesh-coloured  variety  of  Sedum,  and  the  beautiful  soft  golden 
coloured  Mesembryanthcmum  may  all  be  struck  from  cuttings 
inserted  in  a  genial  temperature  and  a  moderate  bottom  heat. 
The  same  remark  applies  to  the  new  Golden  Chickweed.  while 
the  Silvery  Santoliua,  Veronica  incana,  Antennaria  tomontosa, 
and  Stachys  lanata  increase  readily  in  a  common  frame  by 
division.  Many  of  the  larger  succulents  require  more  house 
room  in  winter  than  can  generally  be  afforded  them,  as  they 
have  to  be  removed  intact,  but  they  may  be  used  in  the  way 
of   margins  in  the  greenhouse  or  conservatory,  or   even  as 


Flower-bed  in  the  Jardin  d'Acclimatatiou. 

■window  plants,  all  they  require  being  a  light  situation  where 
frost  is  excluded.  One  of  the  best  arguments  in  favour  of 
carpet  bedding,  however,  is  its  permanent  character.  Ordinary 
flowering  plants  are  often  completely  spoiled  for  weeks 
together  by  being  subjected  to  heavy  rains,  and  present  a 
washed-ont  forlorn  appearance.  Carpet  beds,  on  the  contrary, 
if  neatly  planted,  look  well  in  all  weathers,  from  the  time  they 
are  planted  out  until  late  in  the  autumn.  Good  examples  of 
this  kind  of  bedding  may  be  seen  in  Victoria  Park,  Battersea, 
and  in  the  Koyal  Horticultural  Society's  Gardens  at  South 
Kensington.  Of  French  gardens,  sub-tropical  plants  consti- 
tute the  main  feature,  although  the  carpet  system  is  attempted 
in  them  with  good  results.  Our  illustration  represents  a 
circulai'  bed  in  the  Jardin  d'Acclimatation,  which,  at  the  time 
■we  made  the  sketch,  struck  us  as  being  very  effective.  The 
planting  and  arrangement  are  better  shown  by  such  a 
diagram  as  this  than  could  be  done  by  the  most  carefully- 
worded  description.  B. 


WINTERING  TENDER  PLANTS. 
Ix  most  cases  cold  pita  and  frames  are  all  that  can  be  commanded  for 
ivintering  tender  flower-garden  plants.  There  is  sometimes  an  out- 
house, spare  room,  or  bow -window  that  can  boused  as  an  auxiliary  to 
a  pit  or  frame.  With  such  convenience,  indifferent  as  it  maybe  con- 
sidered, and  really  is,  it  is  astonishing  how  much  can  be  accomplished 
by  judicious  management  and  earnestness  of  purpose.     In  the  con- 


struction  of  cold  pits  to  be  used  for  wintering  such  things  as  Gcra- 
niums,  Verbenas,  &c.,  the  principal  object  to  be  secured  is  dryness, 
because  dampness  is  a  far  greater  enemy  to  such  plants,  and  one 
more  difficult  to  combat  than  frost.  On  this  account  I  havo  au 
objection  to  sinkiug  below  the  ground-level,  unless  the  walls  below 
ground  be  made  perfectly  water-tight  by  cement,  and  the  bottom 
should  be  as  thoroughly  drained  as  possible.  Indeed,  it  is  a  good  plan 
either  to  pave  or  cement  the  bottom  of  the  frame  or  pit  to  prevent 
water  rising  by  capillary  attraction,  in  which  case  there  must  bo 
holes  for  the  escape  of  all  moisture  that  may  collect  inside  ;  and  tbo 
foundation  of  the  inside  should  be  of  open  rubble,  with  a  drain  to  t.ako 
the  -water  away.  Pits  sunk  a  little  fnto  the  ground  and  constructed 
in  this  way  are  warmer  than  when  raised  above  the  gronud-level. 
But  I  would  rather  have  all  above  tho  level,  and  construct  the  walls 
hollow,  enclosing  a  stratum  of  air,  which  is  the  best  non-conductor. 
Oueof  the  principal  points  necessary  to  success  in  wintering  plants 
without  the  aid  of  lire-heat,  is  that  of  preparing  the  plants  in  autumn. 
I  have  already  recommended  for  all  cases  early  and  the  coolest  system 
of  propagation  ;  but  this  is  most  especially  applicable  to  the  case  of 
those  who  havo  no  bettor  convenience  than  cold  frames  or  pits  to 
•«'inter  their  plants  in.  Early  propagation  allows  of  the  plants  being 
exposed  to  the  open  air,  and  enables  them  to  become  thereby  robust ; 
and  their  growth  is  thus  ripened  or  solidified,  so  that  they  are  not  so 
susceptible  of  iujury  from  either  damp  or  cold.  They  of  course 
become  well  rooted,  which  is  another  requisite  to  success.  When  it 
becomes  necessary  to  place  the  plants  in  the  pits,  in  order  to  be 
secure  from  autumn  frosts,  the  lights  should  be  drawn  off  by  day 
when  the  weather  is  dry,  not  a  drop  of  water  should  be  allowed  on 
the  leaves,  and  they  should  be  kept  dry  to  the  drooping  point.  This 
brings  on  a  state  of  maturity  before  winter,  calculated  to  stand  a 
damp,  cold,  confined  atmosphere,  and  the  absence  of  light,  with  tho 
least  possible  injurj'.  In  placing  the  plants  in  the  pit,  do  not  over, 
crowd  them.  The  pots  should  bo  washed  clean ;  and,  where  tho 
leaves  of  such  as  Geraniums  are  crowded,  thin  out  some  of  tho  largjcst 
of  them.  Some  dry  loose  material,  such  as  hay  or  straw,  should 
be  in  readiness  as  winter  approaches  for  covering  up  with  in  case  of 
severe  frost,  and  some  of  the  same  materials  should  be  packed  round 
the  sides  of  the  pit.  But  for  this  avoid  anything  likely  to  heat  and 
prematurely  excite  the  plants  by  a  rise  of  temperature.  When  thick 
coverings  over  the  glass  become  necessary,  the  material  should,  if 
possible,  be  perfectly  dry,  and  shaken  on  as  loosely  as  possible,  as  the 
more  loosely  it  lies  the  more  air — the  best  non-conducting  medium — 
it  contains.  If  over  the  loose  dry  material  some  light  covering,  such 
as  strong  oiled  calico,  can  be  thrown,  it  will  prevent  cold  winds  from 
penetrating,  and  keep  the  hay  or  straw  dry.  When  it  becomea 
necessary,  from  severe  and  continuous  frost,  to  keep  the  glass 
covered  wp  for  a  few  weeks  at  a  time,  and  when,  perhaps,  the 
thermometer  inside  the  pit  would  indicate  a  few  degrees  of  frost, 
great  caution  is  necessary  in  uncovering  and  exposing  the  plants  to 
light  and  air  when  the  weather  changes  suddenly  to  a  thaw.  To 
uncover  suddenly,  under  such  circumstances,  exposes  them  to  such 
a  sudden  reaction  as  will  prove  far  more  destructive  than  a  degree 
or  two  of  frost.  The  covering  should  not  be  touched  till  the  tempera- 
ture inside  has  risen  above  freezing  a  few  degrees,  and  then  it  should 
not  be  removed  all  at  once  but  by  degrees.  Plants  are  living  things, 
possessing  all  the  susceptibilities  of  the  most  perfect  and  delicate 
organism,  and  are  as  subject  to  injury  from  sudden  and  extreme 
changes  of  light  and  heat  as  is  the  human  frame.  Many  never 
think  of  this,  or,  if  they  do,  are  apt  to  forget  it ;  and  so,  as  soon  as  it 
thaws,  off  goes  the  covering,  and  the  plants  are  injuriously  affected 
even  by  the  sudden  flood  of  light,  and  if  they  have  been  slightly 
frozen  they  are  ruptured  by  a  too  sudden  thaw,  and  mould  and 
rottenness  follow.  Frost  should  not  be  allowed  to  creep  in  if 
possible,  but  if  it  does,  it  should  be  allowed  to  creep  out,  not  be 
suddenly  expelled.  The  great  points,  therefore,  in  wintering  plants 
where  fire-heat  cannot  bo  applied  are — first,  to  keep  the  plants  dry, 
and  in  as  complete  a  state  of  rest  as  possible  all  the  latter  part  of 
autumn  and  winter.  Secondly,  when  it  becomes  necessary  to  cover 
up  for  any  length  of  time  from  severe  frost,  the  covering  material 
should  be  dry  and  loose.  Thirdly,  when  thaw  takes  place,  do  not 
uncover  at  once,  but  gradually,  and  not  till  the  thaw  is  complete. 
All  winter  watering  should  be  avoided  beyond  what  is  necessary  to 
preserve  life,  and  it  is  much  better  to  have  plants  at  the  drooping 
point  than  the  least  over  wet.  This  is  equally  applicable  to  plants 
wintered  in  spare  rooms,  and,  indeed,  even  in  greenhouses  where 
fire-heat  can  be  used.  It  is  astonishing  how  little  water  is  sufficient 
in  winter  for  flower  garden  plants,  and  especially  Geraniums,  which 
are  often  ruined  by  late  propagation  and  over-watering  in  winter. 
I  have  frequently  had  variegated  Geranium  cuttings  in  8-inch  pots 
on  shelves  go  without  water  for  eight  and  ten  weeks,  and  look 
splendid,  although  so  dry  that  some  would  think  they  would  be 
starved. — D.  Thomson,  in  "  The  Gardener." 


278 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Oct.  4, 1873i 


Flower  Gardens  for  Children. — It  is  desirable  on  many 
accounts  that  children  should  cultivate  flowers  rather  than  fruits  or 
vegetables.  Most  children  are  fond  of  flowers,  and  all  can  be  taught 
to  love  them,  and  the  hardier  and  cooinioner  sorts  at  least  do  not 
tax  the  energies  so  heavily  in  cultivation  as  either  fruits  or  vege- 
tables.  Besides,  since  flowers  appeal  solely  to  the  moral  sense,  they 
facilitate  the  inculcation  of  generous  habits.  As  children  acquire 
strength  and  skill,  they  may  gradually  be  intrusted  with  the  care  of 
vegetables  or  fruits  ;  but  they  must  bo  taught  to  use  the  products  of 
their  little  gardens  as  a  means  of  conferring  happiness  on  others. 
But  of  all  the  lessons  to  be  learned  in  a  garden  the  most  valuable  is 
the  art  of  observing  ;  for  so  varied,  so  delicate,  so  minnte,  and  yet  so 
unerring  are  the  operations  of  nature,  that,  though  the  closest  study 
must  fail  to  fathom  her  mysteries,  the  rewards  of  such  study  are  so 
rich  and  so  surprising  that  even  the  student  of  tender  years  is 
perpetually  stimulated  to  fresh  researches.  This  interest  in  natural 
objects,  once  awakened,  will  prove  an  inexhaustible  source  of 
pleasure.  Botany  is,  however,  not  the  only  study  to  be  pursued  in  a 
garden.  The  sun,  air,  winds,  rain  and  dew,  birds,  insects,  the 
peculiarities  of  soil,  all  may  be  studied  from  nature's  ever.open,  but 
too  often  unheeded,  page. 

Gowans  and  Bowans. — I  think  that  Mr.  Gillbanks  has 
established  an  unanswerable  case  by  his  remarks  on  this  flower,  at 
p.  215.  I  am  no  botanist,  but  I  wish  to  add  what  appears  to  be  a 
strong  confirmation  of  his  argument.  I  once  read  a  report  of  a 
lecture,  given  by  some  very  learned  man,  on  the  meaning  and  origin 
of  curious  border  and  northern  proper  names.  I  knew  a  man  of  the 
name  of  Gowanlock,  somewhere  about  Moffat ;  and  the  lecturer  told 
us  that  it  had  been  originally  applied  as  a  nickname  to  some  yellow- 
haired  laddie.  We  all  have  seen  some  Scotch  girls  with  a  profusion 
of  bright  yellow  hair,  without  the  slightest  tinge  of  red,  and  very 
beautiful  it  is.  Blacklock  is  also  a  common  Scotch  name.  Now,  it 
would  be  ridiculous  to  say  that  a  man's  hair  was  the  colour  of  a 
Daisy.  Again,  "  Roy  "  is  ancient  Scotch  for  red,  and  Rob  Roy  took 
his  name  from  the  colour  of  his  hair  ;  vulgar  Londoners  would  simply 
have  called  him  "  carrots."  The  country  name  of  the  Yellow  Ragwort 
is  Bowan,  or  Bowen,  but  I  never  saw  it  in  print ;  our  antiquaries 
think  it  is  Danish.  We  have  a  great  many  Danish  and  Icelandic 
words  on  the  border,  and  in  Northumberland.  All  I  know  is,  that 
the  Ragwort  always  indicates  good  deep  soil. — Carlisle. 


AUTUMN. 

The  Foxglove  bells  are  tolling  autumn  hours, 
The  hours  of  ever-shortening  silver  day  ; 
The  hours  that  see  the  moon  in  full  array 
Rain  on  the  eai-th  her  radiant  ripening  showers  ; 
The  hours  when  pilgrim  corn-fields  rest  in  bowers 
Of  final  bloom,  when  reapers,  binders  come. 
And  wa.^ons  go  and  come  from  field  to  home 
Oft  till  the  stars  sleep  on  their  azure  towers  : 
The  twdight  hours  that  hear  the  robin's  lute ; 
The  morning  hours  that  see  the  spider's  Hue 
From  branch  to  branch  in  dewy  splendour  shine ; 
The  colder  hours  that  see  the  Bramble's  fruit 
Blush  on  its  purple  path,  as  Winter's  foot 
Is  heard  approaching  on  the  lofty  Pine. 

— Chanibers's  Journal. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GAEDEN. 


Early  Tulips,— Will  you  kincllytell  nie  the  names  of  a  good  scarlet,  and 
also  a  good  yellow  Tulip,  for  early  beddine,  and  about  9  inches  in  height.— 
T.  H.  [The  earliest  yellow  Tulip  is  Duo  Van  Thol,  which  grows  about  6  or 
8  inches  in  height,  but  the  one  to  bloom  uniformly  with  the  miscellaneous 
group  of  early  Tnlips  is  Golden  Prince,  which  grows  about  9  inches  in  height. 
In  the  scarlet  section,  the  earliest  is  Scarlet  Due  Van  Thol,  which  grows  6  inches 
in  height,  followed  by  Vermilion  Brilliant,  8  inches  ;  Artis,  a  crimson-scarlet  ; 
and  La  Belle  AlUance,  a  bronze-scarlet,  S  to  9  inches. 1 

The  White  Everlasting  Pea.— This  fine  old  plant  is  not  nearly  so  much 
planted  as  the  coloured  form,  though  the  white  one  is  really  the  better  plant 
of  the  two.  It  gi-ows  as  freely  as  the  old  form,  often  attaininj  8  or  9  feet  in 
height,  and  it  is  just  now  one  mass  of  snowy  blossoms.  The  flowers  being 
borne  on  long  slender  stalks  arc  well  adapted  for  cutting,  and  they  may  be  used 
along  with  the  choicest  exotics.  It  figiu-es  largely  at  present  in  some  of  the 
Covent  Garden  bouquets.  When  once  planted  in  good  loam  it  grows  like  a 
weed.— W. 

Purple-leaved  Angelica.— This  is  a  variety  of  the  common  Angelica 
sylvestris,  which  has  leaves,  stems,  and  branches  of  a  reddish-purple  colour, 
with  a  metallic  lustre.  It  reproduces  itself  with  some  certainty  from  seed, 
although  in  every  sowing  a  greater  or  less  proportion  of  green-leaved  plant-s 
come  up.  Division  of  the  shoots,  however,  i*  a  sure  method  of  perpetuating 
the  purple-leaved  variety.  The  size,  habit,  and  colour  of  this  plant  render  it 
valuable  as  an  ornamental  subject,  especially  when  contrasted  with  gi-eeu- 
leaved  plants,  or  such  as  have  whitish  foliage,  like  Centaurea  candidissima, 
Gnaphalium  lanatum,  &c. — M. 


FURZEDOWN,  STRBATHAM. 
This  is  one  ot  the  most  pleasing  suburban  gardens  we  have 
seen  for  some  time.    The  house  is  surrounded  by  an  expanse  of 
cool  green  turf,  over  vrhich  one  or  two  fine  Cedars  of  Lebanon 
stretch  their  sombre  branches.     Attached  to  the  house  is  au 
elegant  conservatory  in  the  architectural  style,  the  interior  of 
which  is  well  arranged  for  effect.     Here  we  noticed  well-grown 
specimens    of  Yucca    aloifolia,    Cycas  revoluta,  also   a  good 
specimen  of  Dicksouia  antarctica,  and  in  the  centre  a  noble 
specimen   of    Cyathea   dealbata,  bearing  a    grand    plume  of 
elegantly-cut  fronds,  bright  green  above  and  silvery  beneath. 
This  pretty  conservatory,  the  interior  of  which  is  seen  from 
the  diniug-room,  is  always  kept  gay  with  choice  flowering  and 
foliage  plants,  and  several  closed  panels  at  the  back  are  fitted 
up  with  rock-work,  on  which  some  of  the  most  delicate  exotic 
Ferns  and  other  foliage-plants  are  grown,  tastefully  associated 
with   cascades   and   fountains   in    miniature.      In   prominent 
positions  between  the  recesses    are  elegant   vases,  in  which 
clioice  exotic  plants  and  Ferns  are  grouped  for  effect.    Graceful 
climbing  plants  droop  in  elegant  festoons  from  the  roof,  and 
give  a  charmingly  natural  appearance  to  the  fairy -like  scene 
be'ow.     On   the   lawn,  near  the  conservatory,  is  a  beautiful 
Wellingtonia  gigantea.  in  a  sheltered  recess.     This  plant  is  a 
perfect  cone  in  shape,  fresh  and  healthy  down  to  the  ground, 
and  some  twenty  feet  high.     Around  it,  at  a  little  distance  off, 
are  planted  golden  Yews,  the  effect  of  which,  when  the  sun  is 
shining  fully  on  them,  is  magnificent.     Such  plants  as  these 
light  up  masses  of  dull  green  shrubs  which  usually  preponde- 
rate   too    greatly  in    most  places,  especially   during  winter. 
Snugly  embowered  among    shrubs  and  trees   is   a   massive 
summer-house,  covered    with  Ivies,  Honeysuckle,  Hops,  and 
Virginian  creeper,  each  scrambling  vigorously  for  the  masterj'. 
Left  unpruned  to  ramble  at  will,  these  soften  down  angulari- 
ties   and    render  art   less   conspicuous.      On  the  lawn  are  a 
fine  Service  tree,  and  some  nice  clumps  of  Pampas  Grass  and 
Yuccas.     One  of  the  most  interesting  features  in  the  pleasure 
grounds  is  a  pond  for  hardy  and   half-hardy  aquatics,  among 
which  are   white   and    yellow   Water    Lilies    blooming    pro- 
fuselv,  in  company  with  Richardia  asthiopica  (which  docs  well 
treated  as  a  sub-aquatic),  the  greater  Water  Dock,  and  on  the 
the  grassy  margins,  a  few  plants  of  Agapanthus  umbellatus 
just  coming  into  flower.     The  effect  of  these  aquatics  in  such 
a  position  is   very  pleasing,   and  we  can    only   express  sur- 
prise that  plants  so  beautiful  and  easy  to  grow  should   bo 
excluded  from  many  gardens,  where  there  is  everj'  convenience 
for  their  successful  culture. 

In  the  kitchen  and  forcing  gardens  are  compact  stoves, 
Vineries,  Pineries,  and  Peach  houses,  all  of  which  appear  to 
be  well  adapted  for  the  purposes  for  which  they  are  intended. 
Flowering  and  foliage  plants  are  grown  here  in  large  quan- 
tities, as  well  as  Grapes,  Pines,  and  Melons.  In  the  plant-stove 
we  found  some  healthy  Orchids,  principally  grown  for 
supplying  cut  flowers,  and  amongst  those  a  fine  specimen 
of  Lajlia  purpurata  very  profusely  flowered.  In  this  house 
is  also  a  fine  plant  of  Platycerium  bifonne,  which,  when 
well  grown,  is  a  very  effective  stove  epiphytal  Fern.  All  the 
Platyceriums  are  noble  objects  for  the  decoration  of  the  stove 
or  warm  conservatory ;  and  in  order  to  convey  some  definite 
idea  of  their  peculiarly  picturesque  appearance  we  subjoin 
a  sketch  of  the  specimen  just  alluded  to.  Among  the 
Perns  a  plant  of  the  elegant  Adiantum  Farleyensc  is  doing 
well  and  producing  a  number  of  young  fronds,  and  all  the 
plants  in  the  Fernery  are  fresh  and  healthy,  such  kinds  being 
chiefly  grown  as  are  most  useful  for  cutting  and  for  decorative 
purposes  generally.  Vines  do  well  at  Furzedown,  and  there 
are  five  Vineries  well  stocked  with  fruiting  canes  of  the 
leading  kinds.  Peaches  inside  were  a  very  fair  crop,  two 
houses  being  devoted  to  their  culture,  and  besides  these 
there  are  fine  crops  on  the  walls  outside.  Two  houses  are 
devoted  to  the  cultivation  of  Pines,  and  are  well  stocked 
with  fruiting  and  succession  plants. 

One  thing  cannot  fail  to  strike  the  visitor  to  Furzedown, 
and  that  is  the  profusion  of  Roses  grown  all  over  the  place. 
Roses  in  pots,  Roses  on  trellises,  Roses  planted  outside,  and 
Roses  planted  inside ;  they  meet  the  eye  at  every  timi,  and 
load  the  atmosphere  with  their  fragrance  during  the  summer 
and  autumn  months.     A  small  house  or  pit,  partly  sunk  below 


Oct.  4,  1873.] 


TUB   GARDEN. 


279 

:!!!}'!i!'!!{!i"!l!!l!ll!l|IMiiffl 


THE  CONSERVATORY  AT  FURZEDOWN:  ENTRANCE  FROM  THE  KOUSE. 


280 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  4,  1873. 


the  ground  level,  is  vised  for  furnishing  early  flowers.  In  this 
house  were  strong  plants  of  Mardchal  Niel,  Gloire  de  Dijon, 
and  other  loading  Koses,  planted  out,  and  these  produce  an 
immense  quantity  of  beautiful  fresh  blooms  for  cutting  in 
February  and  March.  Outside,  near  the  conservatory,  a  fine 
trellis  of  five  arches  is  partly  covered  with  climbing  Roses  and 
Honeysuckles  ;  and  here,  as  elsewhere,  there  is  a  profusion  of 
choice  flowers. 

Tho  well-stocked  kitchen  garden  is  walled-in,  and  partly 
surrounded  by  a  sheltered  border,  which  comes  in  very  handy 
for  early  crops  of  vegetables  and  for  salads.  One  of  the 
most  notalile  objects  in  the  kitchen  garden  is  a  fine  wire 
trellis,  erected  by  Messrs.  J.  B.  Brown  &  Co.,  90,  Cannon 
Street,  which  extends  from  one  end  of  it  to  the  other, 
down  the  broad  central  walk.  On  this  are  plants  of  tho 
best  hardy  climbers  and  Roses,  including  a  specimen  of 
Marcchal  Niel,  blooming  freely  and  making  shoots  ueai'ly  as 
strong  as  one's  finger.  This  form  of  strong  but  neat  and 
light-looking  trellis  is  as  useful  for  the  fruit  garden  as  for  orna- 
mental climbers  and  Koses.  The  Marcchal  is  trained  overarches 
in  the  centre  of  the  garden,  and  from  these,  lateral  wings  extend 
across  in  each  direction.  Trellises  of  this  description  look 
reraarkaljly  well,  especially  when  covered  with  a  profusion  of 
flowers  and  foliage.  Among  indoor  decorative  flowering  plants 
those  found  to  be  most  useful  arc  Epiphyllums,  which  are  here 
grown  in  quantities  for  conservatory  decoration  during  the 
winter  months.  In  the  Pineries  we  noted  several  fine  healthy 
plants  of  Allamanda  Schottii,  trained  on  a  trellis  close  to  the 
glass.  Gardenias  are  planted  out  for  tho  sake  of  their  pure 
white  delioately-]icrfumcd  flowers.  The  gardener's  cottage  is 
conveniently  placed  at  the  entrance  to  the  kitchen  garden,  and 
is  a  neat  stone  structure,  the  porch  overhixng  with  the  green 
leaves  and  twining  shoots  of  Virginian  creeper  and  the 
common  ITtop  ])lant. 

Our  illustration  of  the  conservatory  shows  tho  elfect  as 
seen  from  the  dining-room ;  and  als_o  shows  the  fine 
effects  which  may  be  produced  by  the  tasteful  grouping  of 
Palms,  Trce-Ferns,  Cycads,  Yuccas,  Ficuses,  Araucarias,  and 
other  permanent  foliaged  plants.  Conservatories  judiciously 
arranged  in  this  style  have  much  to  recommend  them, 
especially  where  labour  is  an  object,  while  vegetation,  of  so 
rich  and  varied  a  character,  forms  a  pleasing  background  for 
any  choice  flowering  plants,  which  may  be  from  time  to  time 
introduced.  F.  W.  B. 


INFLUENCE  OF  THE  SEA  ON  OUR  CLIMATE.* 
If  the  Gulf  Stream  flowed  through  the  midcllo  of  the  North  Atlantic, 
iu  the  same  manner  as  it  does  along  the  American  coast,  in  a  narrow 
rapid  and  hot  current,  it  would  produce  but  little  effect  on  our 
climate ;  bat,  drifted  as  it  is  by  the  returning  trade-wind,  it 
communicates  its  heat  to  the  wide  sea  from  Ireland  to  the  banks  of 
Newfoundland,  and  fills  tho  whole  space  between  Norway  and 
Iceland.  It  is  from  this  greatly  extended  surface  of  heated  water 
that  onr  westerly  winds  derive  their  warmth  and  moisture.  It  is 
diificult  to  form  an  adequate  conception  of  the  amount  of  heat 
lioured  into  the  Atlantic  by  the  Gulf  Stream,  and  drifted  northward 
by  the  south-west  winds.  It  is  only  by  comparing  the  temperatures 
on  land  and  on  sea  that  wo  can  arrive  at  any  approximate  result. 
In  January  the  temperature  of  tho  air  on  mid-ocean  is  about 
53°  when  in  the  same  latitude,  east  and  west ;  in  the  middle  of  both 
continents  it  is  5"  below  zero  :  tho  difference  of  5S^  being  equal  to 
more  than  double  tho  amount  of  heat  which  exists  in  England 
between  the  months  of  January  and  July.  Here  then  is  a  cause 
which  produces  a  much  greater  influence  on  local  winter  climate 
than  the  sun ;  aud  we  begin  to  comprehend  the  extent  and  unfailing 
cnerg}'  of  that  power  which  reverses  the  normal  position  of  the  lines 
of  equal  temperature,  and  twists  them  from  east  to  west  into  north 
and  south  curves.  Our  winter  heat  comes  not  from  the  south,  but 
fiom  the  west.  But  again  :  the  average  temperature  in  January  of 
50°  north  latitude,  over  sea  and  land,  is  about  16' ;  on  the  same 
jjarallel  in  the  middle  of  the  Atlantic  it  is  then  53';  aud  on  our 
western  shores  13  ■,  showing  an  increase  of  temperature  over  tho 
sea  of  37',  due  to  tlie  influence  of  the  Gulf  Stream.  Assuming  that 
the  outlines  of  sea  and  land  remained  the  same,  with  no  warm  current 
of  water  flowing  north\v,ards  from  the  torrid  zone,  then  the  Jauuai'y 
temperature  of  tho  south-west  of  England  would  be  as  cold  as  that 

*  Abridged  from  an  article  by  Nicholas  Whitley,  F.M.S.,  in  the  Journal  of 
the  Royal  Asricultiiral  Society. 


of  the  south-east  of  Iceland  ;  and  on  Scotland  would  fall  the  cold  of 
the  extreme  north  of  Europe. 

THE  EFFECT  OF  SEA  TEJirERATURE  ON  THE  Allt. 
It  has  been  said  that  the  Gulf  Stream  does  not  really  produce 
such  an  effect  on  our  climate  as  has  been  attributed  to  it  ;  that,  iu 
fact,  the  winter  heat  over  western  Europe  is  the  result  of  the  south, 
west  winds.  Again,  it  has  been  urged  that  the  latent  heat  released 
by  the  condensation  of  moisture  on  our  western  coast-line  is  the 
cause  of  our  abnormal  climate.  Cut  even  admitting  the  full  cITects 
which  these  causes  produce,  we  have  only  to  carry  the  inquiry  cue 
step  further  back,  to  show  that  the  warmth  of  tho  wind  and  the 
excess  of  vapour  from  the  air  are  both  derived  from  the  heated  surface 
of  tho  ocean.  It  has  also  been  intimated  that  the  south-west  wind, 
returning  as  an  upper  current  from  the  torrid  zone,  falls  on  tho  surface 
of  the  North  Atlantic,  and  imparts  its  warmth  to  the  water,  and 
thus  raises  and  sustains  tho  high  temperature  of  the  sea  ai'onnd  our 
coasts.  This  oiiinion  raises  a  distinct  issue.  Does  the  wind  impart 
its  heat  to  the  sea,  or  does  the  sea  warm  the  wind  ?  The  generally- 
received  opinion,  that  the  air  which  rests  on  tho  surface  of  the  sea 
partakes  of  its  temperature,  appears  to  receive  comlirmatiou  from 
the  character  of  the  climate  of  coast-lines — from  the  nature  of  the 
regular  alternation  of  sea  aud  land  breezes  ;  and  a  comparison  of 
the  amount  of  heat  iu  the  sea  and  air  of  the  Atlantic  tends  also  to 
confirm  this  opinion.  An  examination  of  four  voyages  across  the 
Atlantic,  from  longitude  10'  to  10°  west,  gives  tho  following  results 
as  the  mean  of  all  the  observations  taken,  about  the  50th  parallel 
of  latitude  on  each  voyage  : — 

Temperature  of 
Water.  Air. 

Dog.  Deg. 

January  13  to  22,  IS  19 62  ...       49 

„  1  to    6,18.50 51-5         ...        61-6 

7  to  11,  1-tSl 500         ...        4H-6 

,,        19  to  30,  1852  (lUo  storm) 58o         ...        657 

Means  ...        ...    5'J"i  52*2 

Sho\ving  an  excess  of  the  beat  of  the  "water  above  the  air  of 
1*2 '.  Tho  charts  of  the  American  coast  also  show  that  in  the  Arctic 
current  the  water  and  air  are  in  January  usually  as  low  as  30'; 
that  when  the  ship  passes  eastward  into  the  warm  eddy  of  the  Gulf 
Stream  the  water  rapidly  attains  a  temperature  of  57 ',  but  the  air 
lags  behind,  and  its  heat  gradually  increases  over  a  distance  of  250 
miles  before  it  becomes  assimilated  to  that  of  the  water.  In  all 
these  cases  tho  water  is  the  governing  element,  has  a  preponderating 
influence,  and  cannot  derive  its  higher  temperature  from  the  some- 
what colder  air  which  rests  on  it. 

WIXDS. 
The  wind  is  the  vehicle  of  climate ;  it  is  to  us  tho  cari'ier,  bringing 
warmth  and  humidity  from  the  west,  or  continental  cold  from  the 
cast.  The  wind  from  each  point  of  the  compass  impresses  its  pecu. 
liar  character  on  the  weather  of  each  day,  and  it  makes  or  mars  the 
seasons  as  they  pass.  It  is  usual  to  speak  of  the  variable  and  lickle 
nature  of  our  climate,  but  this  chai'acteristic  is  mainly  impressed  on 
it  by  the  indeterminate  changes  in  the  diiectiou  of  the  wind. 
Arranging  the  winds  in  the  order  of  their  frequency,  wo  have  the 
average  number  of  days  in  the  year  for  each  wind  at  Greenwich,  as 
follows  :  — 


m  the  south-west    . 

..  101  days. 

From  the  north-west    . 

.    24  days 

,,         north-east     . 

..    44      „ 

,,         east        ...    . 

•     23       „ 

,,         north      ...     . 

•  ■     -H      ,1 

,,        south-east     . 

•     20      ,. 

,,         west        ...     . 

..     38       „ 

Calm 

•     31      „ 

,,         south 

..     34      „ 

It  will  be  seen  that  our  prevailing  winds  ai'c  from  the  south-west  .and 
from  the  north-east ;  and  that  the  south-west  is  the  predominant 
wind  for  eight  months  of  the  year,  and  the  north-east  jircvails  from 
one  to  two  months.  There  are,  however,  great  inequalities  in  the 
persistency  of  these  winds.  Thus,  iu  the  year  1856  the  south-west 
blew  for  eighty  days  ;  but  in  1859  for  128  days.  Again,  in  1847  the 
north-east  wind  prevailed  for  twenty. three  days  only ;  but  in 
1855  it  continued  for  seventy-four  days.  The  whole  charatitcr 
of  the  weather  and  the  climate  of  the  year  is  altered  by 
these  variations.  The  activity  of  the  ■nind  appears  also  to 
be  subject  to  the  same  uncertainty,  for  the  number  of 
calm  days  ranges  from  seven  to  eighty-six  in  different  j'cars. 
Tho  winds  from  the  cardinal  points  of  the  compass  arc  tolerably 
equally  distributed  throughout  the  year,  but  tho  dry  and  cold  wind 
in  spring  from  the  north-east  is  a  true  visitor  in  April  and  May. 
But  the  most  powerful  and  persistent  wind  throughout  the  year  is 
the  warm  and  moist  south-wester  :  it  is  most  prevalent  in  July  and 
August,  at  this  season  often  bringing  wet  harvest  weather;  it  reaches 
a  second  and  inferior  maximum  in  December,  driving  back  the  conti. 
nental  cold  till  after  Christmas,  and  its  influence  is  often  felt  through 
January.  Onr  two  prevailing  winds,  the  south-west  and  north-east, 
arise  from  the  same  cause  as  true  land  and  sea-breezes,  viz.,  the 
unequal  distribution  of  heat  over  the  land  aud  the  sea.    On  the  west 


Oct.  i,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


281 


oE  these  islands,  as  I  have  shown,  lies  the  wide  Atlantic,  with  a 
surface  heated  to  51'  in  early  spring.  On  the  east,  the  continent  of 
Europe  has  a  temperature  from  30'  to  10'  lower  of  cold  dry  air, 
which  becomes  extreme  in  the  north-cast;  and  the  variable  uatnro 
of  our  climate  arises  from  tho  winds  as  t.hcy  prevail  from  those 
(juartcrs.  Let  tho  cold  from  tho  nortlucast  be  ever  so  intense  in 
winter,  the  powerful  westerly  wind  will  drive  it  back,  occupy  its 
place,  and,  day  after  day,  the  thermometer  will  stand  at  50'.  Tho 
low  lands  of  our  eastern  coast  are  exposed  to  the  full  jiower  of  the 
cold  north-east  wind  of  spring,  which  also  sweeps  nnchecked  over 
the  central  plain  of  England,  and  settles  down  at  night,  with  aggrat 
vatcd  severity,  in  the  valleys  of  the  Trent  and  the  Thames.  If  it 
blows  long  enough,  it  falls  over  the  brow  of  the  Cotswolds  on  tho 
A'ale  of  Berkeley,  sweeps  through  the  gorges  of  our  western  hills, 
and  then  mingles  with  the  warnr  air  of  the  Atlantic  coasts,  where 
the  warmth  from  the  sea  materially  alters  its  character.  The  great 
cold  from  the  east  wind  on  tho  2-3rd  of  December,  18G0,  produced  a 
minimum  temperature  in  the  valley  of  the  Trent,  near  Nottingham, 
of  8'  below  zero  ;  in  the  valley  of  the  Thames  3'  below  zero.  At 
Truro  the  lowest  reading  of  my  thermometer  was  13^,  and  at  Tresco 
Abbey,  in  tho  Scilly  Isles,  it  was  21'.  Thus  in  a  period  of  extreme 
cold  the  warmth  communicated  from  the  sea  maintained  on  our 
western  coast  a  temperature  of  32°  above  that  of  the  eastern  lands. 

WET   .JULYS. 

Tho  cause  of  a  wet  July  must  be  traced  to  the  south-west  wind, 
which  reaches  the 
maximum  of  pre- 
valenco  in  this 
month,  and  its 
variable  weather 
to  the  inconstancy 
of  the  winds.  The 
south-west  wind 
at  this  season 
sweeps  the  abun- 
dant vapour  from 
the  surface  of  the 
sea,  and  arrives, 
laden  with  mois- 
ture, on  our  wes- 
tern shores  at  a 
temperature  of  58' 
to  GO'--vcry  nearly 
equal  to  the  mean 
heat  in  the  air 
over  the  land  ; 
but,  driven  on. 
wards  over  the 
hilly  surface  of 
the  western  high, 
lands,  it  meets 
with  a  colder  stra- 
tum, and  the 
chilled  night  air 
also  tends  to  con. 
dense  the  vapour 
and  produce  an 
abundance  of  rain. 

In  such  a  season  cloud  on  cloud  rolls  in  from  the  west  till 
masses  of  vapour  obscure  the  sun,  which  day  after  day  no  ray  of 
his  can  pierce ;  then,  long  pendant  streams  of  condensing  vapour 
float  over  the  languishing  ears  of  corn,  or  descend  in  heavy  rain  to 
injure  and  retard  the  harvest.  But  there  are  seasons  when,  under 
the  influence  of  the  clear  sky  of  the  east  wind  of  spring,  the  soil 
becomes  so  heated  by  the  solar  rays  that  the  radiation  of  heat  from 
the  land  becomes  more  than  a  match  for  the  vapour  from  the  sea.  The 
sun  has  obtained  the  mastery,  and  it  gives  him  the  means  and  the 
power  to  maintain  it.  Then  the  summer  is  of  the  most  genial 
character,  and  the  heat  is  tempered  by  the  fresh  balmy  breeze  from 
the  west. 

EFFECTS  OF  SEA-TE3IPEIIATURE  ON  THE  CLIMATE. 
These  effects  are  principally  manifested  in  a  high  winter  tempera, 
ture,  and  in  tho  abundance  and  distribution  of  rain.  The  greatest 
influence  of  the  warmth  from  the  Atlantic  on  our  shores  is  felt  on 
the  south-western  coasts  of  both  England  and  Ireland ;  and  I  have 
therefore  been  led  carefully  to  examine  the  peculiar  climate  of  the 
Scilly  Isles,  sun-ounded  by  the  warm  water  of  the  sea  and  open  to 
the  full  effect  of  the  south-west  wind,  twenty  miles  beyond  the  Land's 
End.  I  obtained  from  St.  Agnes'  lighthouse  a  set  of  observations 
extending  over  twelve  years ;  Mr.  Moyle,  of  St.  Mary's,  kindly 
undertook  to  register  day  and  night  thermometers,  and  has  sent  me 
returns  for  six  years.    The  results  reduced  to  monthly  means  and 


C  .Tan. 

Feb. 

lilnr. 

April. 

Mny. 

June.~) 

Scilly  Isles 

\  «-3  . 

.  45-8 

..  W  3 

..  47-7 

..  63-8 

..  67U   t  Year. 

-     J  July. 

Aujj.. 

Sept. 

Oct,. 

Knv. 

Dec.  C  63-35 

L  BO-2  . 

..  (W5 

..  5SS 

..  03-7 

..  60-6 

..   ISO  J 

C  Jan. 
\  36!)  . 

Fell. 

JIar. 

April. 

JIav. 

June.") 
.  .591    (  Ye.ar. 

Grccuwich          ... 

.  3.S-7  . 

..  ll-B 

..  4'i'2  . 

..  S2U  . 

-     ^Julv. 

An-. 

Sept. 

Oct. 

Nov. 

Dec.  f   400 

(.  Ol.S  . 

..  Uli  . 

..  68-8 

..  00-3  . 

..   131  . 

.  93S  J 

compared  with  tho  mean  temperature  for  fifty  years  at  Greenwich 
are  as  follows  : — 

cilly  Isles 

rccuwich 

Thus  the  mean  temperature  of  the  islands  exceeds  that  of  Green, 
wich  by  31°,  and  in  tho  month  of  January  tho  mean  heat  at  Scilly  is 
9V'  above  that  of  the  neighbourhood  of  Loudon.  The  temperature  of 
the  air  upon  the  Atlantic  which  the  south-west  wind  sweeps  over 
our  coast  in  January  is  about  52'  before  it  is  reduced  by  the  colder 
air  of  the  land  ;  and  the  elfcct  of  winds  from  other  quarters  is  to 
cause  a  decline  of  warmth  of  0'  at  Scilly  and  S'  on  the  south-west 
of  Ireland.  The  following  table  shows  the  relative  amount  of  heat  at 
the  places  mentioned  during  the  winter  months  : — 

Dec.  Jan.  Feb. 

Dep.  Deff.  'Dej^. 

4S  0  ...  40-3  ...  4.)  3 

43-8  ...  43  9  ...  41-6 

41-0  ...  300  ...  3S-4 

43-3  ...  43-H  ...  410 

43-3  ...  41-0  ...  41-1 

30  8  ...  31)0  ...  387     . 

397  ...  37-4  ...  38-2     . 

45-7  ...  421  ...  418     . 


Years. 


Scilly  Isles 

Cork  

Sanchvick  (Orkney) 
Penzance    ... 

Exeter        

Greenwich 
Edinburgh 
Montpellier 


13 
10 
7 
21 
10 
60 
17 
11 


Eose  and  Clematis  Trellis  at  Fnrzcdown.     (See  p.  278.) 


Mean. 
Deg. 
...  .JOT  . 
...  437  ., 
...  397  . 
...  44-3  . 
...  iVo  .. 
..  33-5  .. 
..  38-4  ., 
..     4-1-2     . 

From  this  table  it 
appears  that  du- 
ring the  three 
winter  months 
Penzance  has  a 
temperature  pre- 
cisely the  same  as 
that  of  Mont- 
pellier ;  Cork  falls 
short  of  it  by  only 
half  a  degree  ;  and 
the  heat  of  tlio 
Scilly  Isles  ex- 
ceeds this  noted 
winter  resort  by 
2.1  degrees.  At 
this  season  Edin- 
burgh has  the 
same  amount  of 
heat  as  Green- 
wich, although 
350  miles  further 
north ;  and  yet 
200  miles  further, 
at  Orkney,  the 
winter  tempera- 
ture exceeds  that 
of  Greenwich  by 
one  degree.  I 
gladly  avail  my. 
self  of  a  descrip- 
tion of  the  effect 
of  the  Gulf  Stream 
Secretary  of  the  Scot- 
Gulf     Stream     leaves     its 


on  our  winter  temperature  by  the 
tish  Meteorological  Society  :— "  The 
impress  unmistakeably  on  the  temperature  of  each  of  the  months,  aa 
shovvn  by  the  position  of  the  monthly  isothermals.  In  winter  the 
deviation  from  their  normal  or  east  and  west  direction  is  greatest. 
Indeed,  as  regards  Great  Britain,  the  lines  are  then  at  right  angles 
to  this  normal  direction,  and  lie  north  and  south.  In  Ireland  they 
seem  to  envelop  the  island  with  their  folds,  which  increase  in  warmth 
from  the  centre  of  the  island  outward  to  the  ocean.  This  points  out 
clearly  that  the  great  source  of  heat  from  which  the  climate  of  Great 
Britain  derives  its  warmth  is  in  the  west ;  in  other  words,  it  is 
regulated  by  the  ocean." 

The  winter  warmth  is  first  suffused  along  the  western  coast-line, 
and  then  sweeps  up  the  valleys  which  open  on  the  south-west  to  the 
sea.  A  glance  at  a  geological  map  will  show  that  all  the  older  rock- 
formations  have  in  these  islands  a  gener.al  strike  from  the  north-east 
to  the  south-west,  and  thus  govern  the  direction  of  many  open 
valleys  and  mountain  chains.  This  is  particularly  the  case  in  the 
south-west  of  Ireland,  where  the  valleys  and  bays  open  funnel-like 
to  the  sea ;  and  on  the  west  of  Scotland  the  firths  and  lochs  have 
a  similar  arrangement.  In  England  the  bell-mouthed  Severn  opens 
up  a  passage  for  the  warm  wind  to  the  middle  of  the  country.  The 
flat  surface  of  the  middle  of  Ireland  enables  the  westerly  wind  to 
have  a  clear  sweep  over  most  of  tho  island  ;  it  afterwards  sheds  its 


282 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Oct.  '1, 18?3, 


heat  on  the  plain  of  Chcsbiro,  and  duluges  tho  Cumberland  moun. 
taiBS  with  rain.  The  hills  which  constitute  tho  backbone  of  England 
form  a  dividing  wall  of  climate,  which  may  be  traced  from  tho 
Ci)tswolds  northward  along  tlio  crests  of  tho  I'ennine  range  to  tho 
Cheviot  Uills.  On  tho  west  of  this  lino  we  have  the  warmth  and 
humidity  of  the  ocean,  on  tho  east  the  dry  air  and  greater  summer, 
heat  of  the  continent-  It  is  a  wall  which,  so  far  as  climate  is 
concerned,  divides  the  arable  field  from  the  grazing  lands  of  England  ; 
on  the  one  side  there  is  a  preponderance  of  corn-growing  power,  on 
the  other  of  meat-producing  capabilities.  The  texture  of  the  soil 
and  the  demand  at  the  market  may  modifj'  this  conclusion  j  but,  other 
things  being  c{jual,  submission  to  the  teaching  of  climate  ^vill  in  tlie 
long  run  be  found  the  safest  and  most  prolitable  course  for  the  farmer 
to  pursue.  After  the  end  of  April  and  during  the  summer  months 
the  British  Isles  receive  no  warmth  from  the  surrounding  seas  ;  but 
tho  wide  ocean  on  the  west  then  produces  a  contrary  effect.  As  the 
great  wave  of  summer-temperature  sweeps  northward  over  Europe, 
it  is  retarded  by  tho  cooler  air  from  the  sea  on  the  western  coasts, 
where  the  isothermals  ai;p  bent  southward  along  the  coast-lino  from 
Denmark  to  Belgium.  The  amount  of  heat  which  in  July  rests  on 
the  south  of  England  is  on  the  continent  e.xtended  further  north 
than  St.  Petersburg  ;  and  in  this  month  the  summer-heat  is  as  great 
at  Tornea  and  Archangel  as  at  Edinburgh.  The  comparatively  low 
temperature  of  the  water  of  the  German  Ocean  in  summer  tends  also 
further  to  reduce  the  influence  which  the  high  summer  temperature 
of  Central  Europe  would  otherwise  exert  on  the  eastern  plains  of 
England  ;  but  any  defect  of  our  climate  due  to  this  cause  is  more 
than  compensated  for  by  the  equality  of  temperature  and  steady 
downfall  of  rain  which  we  enjoy,  and  which  gave  a  capability  of 
productive  power  to  the  soil  of  England  far  greater  than  the  dry 
summer-heat  of  the  continent  could  bestow. 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

PATERSON'S  POTATOES. 
The  name  of  Paterson  has  become  so  closely  linked  to  the 
Potato,  that  a  generation- must  pass  away  ere  it  be  forgotten, 
supposing  that  the  descendants  of  the  famous  raiser  of  Dundee 
should  cease  sending  out  any  more  new  varieties.  It  was  the 
late  Mr.  Patersou's  fortune  to  obtain  more  fame  than  money 
in  repayment  for  his  original  outlay  and  trouble  expended  oa 
Potato  raising ;  but  some  of  his  fellow-citizens,  not  forgetful 
of  the  great  efforts  he  had  put  forth  in  his  endeavours  to 
improve  the  breed  of  Potatoes,  made  him,  iu  his  later  days,  a 
handsome  present,  that  must  have  carried  with  it  some  conso- 
lation for  previous  disappointments.  Mr.  Paterson's  great 
desire  was  to  secure  a  breed  of  Potatoes  that  possessed  at 
once  the  merits  of  large  croppers,  good  quality,  and  of  great 
disease-resisting  power;  and,  although  time  and  circumstances 
have  shown  that  this  latter  desideratum  has  not  been  secured, 
it  will  be  admitted  that  his  sorts  are  all  good  croppers — some  of 
them  very  large  ones — and  that  the  larger  portion  of  his  kinds 
have  the  merit  of  fairly  good  quality.  Few  of  them,  however, 
can  be  classed  as  "  garden  "  varieties,  as  they  are  characterised 
by  a  very  robust  growth,  that  requires  the  open  field  and  an 
alnindance  of  space  for  its  full  development,  but  few  of  them, 
also,  are  what  is  known  in  the  south  as  early  kinds ;  some  of 
them  that  are,  in  northern  parlance,  termed  "  early  "  being 
as  late  in  maturing  here  as  kinds  that  we  classify  as  late  ones. 
That  Paterson's  kinds  have  obtained  considerable  favour  iu  the 
north  there  can  be  but  little  doubt,  as  strong-growing  and 
somewhat  coarse-looking  sorts  seem  to  be  chiefly  grown  down 
there ;  thus  the  Scotch  Regents  and  Kocks,  Rintoul's  white 
and  striped  Dons,  and  Paterson's  kinds  are  mo.stly  grown,  and 
seem  to  present  to  the  northern  grower  the  finest  of  first- 
class  Potatoes.  The  sudden  and  extraordinary  influx  of 
American  sorts  of  Potatoes  into  this  country  just  at  the 
moment  that  the  Patersons  were  jiushiug  the  sale  of  their 
more  recent  seedlings  must  have  considerably  effected  their 
sale,  as  thousands  of  persons  readily  gave  a  fancy  price  for  the 
Yankee  article  without  much  reference  to  its  table  qualities, 
whilst  better  kinds  offered  to  them  at  a  cheap  rate  at  their  own 
doors  were  left  to  ]iine  in  the  shadow  of  cold  neglect.  Without 
doubt  the  height  of  the  American  fever  is  now  past ;  not  one 
grower  in  twenty  will  say  a  good  word  for  the  Bresee's  section, 
excepting  one  ortwo,  in  relation  to  their  table  qualities.  And  this 
deficiency  is  by  uo  means  made  up  by  its  large  cropping  qualities. 


It  is,  however,  but  fair  to  say,  that  iu  the  matter  of  haulm  and 
ripening  most  of  the  American  sorts  beat  Paterson's.  Indeed, 
tho  robust,  or  rather  coarse  growth  and  lateness  of  rii^ening  of 
the  latter,  have  assisted  not  a  little  to  stand  in  the  way  of 
their  more  general  cultivation.  Of  all  Paterson's  kinds  the 
best  known  amongst  gardeners  is  Victoria,  a  capital  variety ; 
tubers,  flattish  round  in  shape,  white-skinned,  and  of  good 
table  quality.  It  has  upright,  robust  haulm,  and  is  late  in 
ripening.  This  kind  is  largely  cultivated  for  market  purposes, 
and  as  a  good  late  keeper,  but  is  best  suited  for  field  growth. 
Perhaps  one  of  the  most  praised  Potatoes  a  year  or  two  since 
was  Paterson's  Bovinia,  a  kind  that  has  only  been  recommended 
for  cattle  food,  and  consequently  does  not  come  within  the 
range  of  my  observations.  Farmers  seem  to  be  much  taken 
with  it,  and  no  doubt  for  its  special  purpose  it  i.s  a  valuable 
acquisition.  Mrs.  Paterson,  who  succeeded  to  the  manage- 
ment of  her  late  husband's  business  last  spring,  offered  a  list 
of  some  twenty-two  kinds,  all  of  their  own  raising,  but  several 
of  these  being  of  later  introduction  arc  put  forward  as. 
improvements  upon  certain  older  seedlings,  purposely  to 
displace  them,  so  that  the  list  can  be  reduced  in  number  with 
advantage.  Thus,  there  is  an  improved  Victoria  or  Queen 
Potato,  that  is  a  much  heavier  cropper  than  the  old  sort, 
and  is,  therefore,  more  worthy  of  general  cultivation.  The 
earliest  sorts  in  the  list,  as  I  find  them  to  be  after  two  years' 
trial,  are  their  New  Early  White  Kidney,  a  true  Ash  Leaf, 
much  in  growth  and  appearance  like  Lee's  Hammersmith 
Kidney,  and  not  quite  so  early  as  Royal  Ashtop;  and  New 
Early  Red  Kidney,  which  again  bears  a  close  resemblance  to 
Wonderful  Red  Kidney,  being  about  as  early,  and  producing 
tubers  much  like  it  in  appearance.  It  is  smoother  and  hand- 
somer than  Paterson's  kinds  generall}',  and  is  useful  as  an 
early  coloured  exhibition  tuber.  Following  these  comes  Zebra, 
an  early  second-early  kind,  having  haulms  of  moderate  growth, 
and  producing  tubers  of  great  size ;  iu  colour  ground  white 
streaked  with  red.  Its  quality,  however,  is  certainly  not 
before  that  of  Bovinia.  Early  Perfection  closely  resembles  the 
Regent  in  haulm,  and  in  shape  and  colour  of  tuber  ;  whilst  I 
find  its  prefix  to  be  a  misnomer,  as  it  is  with  me  one  of  the 
latest  ripeners ;  nevertheless,  it  seems  to  be  a  good  field 
vai'iety.  Perhaps  the  handsomest  round  tuber  to  be  got  out  of 
the  lot  is  to  be  found  in  Princess  Lorne — a  flattish,  white,  round 
kind,  streaked  with  light  purple  about  the  eyes.  It  bears 
considerable  resemblance  to  the  old  Wellington,  but  has 
taller  haulm  and  rather  larger  tubers.  It  is  also  a  good 
crojjper,  and  of  excellent  quality.  Some  of  the  largest 
tubers  I  have  lifted  came  from  Albert  or  Prince — a  strong- 
growing  late  kind,  and  which  produces  large  crops. 
The  tubers  are  iu  colour  purplish,  streaked  with  white 
about  tho  eyes  ;  skin  rough  and  netted ;  this  will  no 
doubt  make  a  favourite  sort.  It  does  not  requii-e  a 
rich  soil,  but  plenty  of  room  and  deep  tillage.  Alexandra  is 
a  large  late  white  kind,  somewhat  resembling  Napoleon,  which 
was  originally  sent  out  with  Victoria,  but  seems  not  to  have 
made  any  particular  impression.  British  Queen  is  a  red- 
skinned  kind,  that  nearly  resembles  the  old  Red  Regent,  but 
has  longer  tubers.  I  think  this  kind  is  excelled  for  field 
purposes  by  the  Red  Skiu  Flour-ball.  Paterson's  New  White 
Kidney  is  evidently  a  seedling  of  the  Daine's  Matchless 
section,  as  it  bears  the  closest  possible  resemblance  to  that 
kind.  It  is  a  superior  white  Kidnej'  fit  for  field  culture,  and 
produces  immense  crops.  The  Seedling  Fluke  turned  out  so 
badly  with  me  that  I  have  got  rid  of  it.  My  last  mentioned 
sort  is  New  Blue  Kidney,  elongated  round  in  shape;  a  large 
cropper  and  having  very  white  flesh.  It  is  one  of  the  latest 
ripeners  of  all  the  collection.  Growers  of  large  breadths  for 
market  will  do  well  to  give  some  of  Paterson's  newer  sorts  a 
trial,  as  in  moderate  soil  they  ]n-oduce  large  tubers  mostly 
of  capital  quality.  Looked  at  with  the  eye  of  a  connoisseur, 
it  is  evident  that  Paterson's  seedlings  cannot  be  expected  to 
take  any  important  position  as  garden  varieties ;  they  make 
too  much  haulm  and  have  too  coarse  and  deep  eyed  tubers  to 
suit  the  modern  gardener,  and  can  have  but  little  chance  on 
tho  exhibition  table.  Other  raisers  are  making  progressive 
steps  in  that  direction,  and  may  they  meet  with  more  jjrescut 
encouragement  than  in  life  fell  to  the  lot  of  the  persevering 
Paterson.  A.  Deax. 


Oct.  4, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


283 


THE     LIBRARY. 

CHAPTERS  ON  TREES.* 
"We  welcome  this  addition  to  the  number  of  useful  books  for 
■n-hich  tho  public  are  indebted  to  Messrs.  Cassell  aud  Co.  It 
does  not  appeal  to  the  professional  botanist  or  horticulturist, 
but  aims  at  supplj-ing,  in  a  neat  and  compact  volume,  such 
information  on  the  subject  as  is  likely  to  be  required  by  the 
great  mass  of  general  readers,  such  as  a  description  of  each 
tree,  its  uses,  and  various  interesting  facts  connected  with  its 
history.  In  addition  to  this,  an  illustration  is  given  with  each 
chapter,  showing  the  general  appearance  and  habit  of  the  tree 
described.  These  illustrations  are  forty-one  in  number,  and, 
as  a  specimen  of  the  work,  we  have  much  pleasure  in  repro- 
ducing one  of  them  in  oiir  pages,  together  with  its  accom- 
panying descriptive  chapter. 

THE    PLAXE. 

The   Oriental    Plane    (Platanus   orientalis)    is  one   of   the   most 


clothed  with  a  bristly  down,  that,  like  so  many  wings,  bears  them  to  a 
distance.  Apart  from  its  downy  wings,  tho  seed  is  in  the  shape  of  a  nail 
without  a  head.  The  balls  remain  on  the  tree  till  the  following  spring. 
Tho  growth  of  tho  Plane  is  rapid,  and  in  favourablo  circumstances 
it  will  attain  the  height  of  30  feet  in  ten  years.  It  lives,  also,  to  a 
great  age,  and  some  of  tho  Piano  trees  in  Europe  have  a  very 
ancient  history  to  disclose.  It  is  much  associated  with  the  history 
of  the  Greeks,  and  a  tree  lingered  for  many  centuries,  which  King 
Agamemnon  was  said  to  have  planted  in  the  classic  city  of  Delphoa. 
Another  tree  has  a  still  more  interesting  history  connected  with  it, 
and  is  said  to  have  been  planted  by  Menelaus,  the  husband  of  Helen 
of  Troj'.  There  was  an  island  in  the  Levant,  joined  by  two  bridges 
to  the  mainland  ;  it  was  called  "  Plataniste,"  because  it  was  covered 
with  Plane  trees,  and  here  the  young  men  of  Sparta  used  to  perform 
their  athletic  exercises.  When  tlie  wedding  day  of  the  beautiful 
Helen  drew  near,  a  bridal  garland  was  made  for  hec  of  the  globe, 
like  catkins  of  the  Piano  trees  which  grew  on  the  island.  So  mag- 
nificent were  the  Plane  trees  of  Greece,  that  one  of  them  was  said 
to  have  stopped  the  army  of  King  Xerxes  in  its  progress,  when  he 
was  invading   Greece.     He  was   so  enraptured  with  the  beautiful 


Olil  Oriental  Plane  Tree. 


favourite  trees  of  the  East.  It  grows  to  the  height  of  70  feet,  and 
has  wide-spreading  bi'anches,  and  a  massive  trunk.  The  bark  of  the 
trunk  is  smooth,  and  of  a  whitish-grey,  and  scales  off  every  year  in 
irregular  patches.  The  branches  are  round,  and  a  little  crooked  at 
the  joints,  and  the  bark  of  tho  young  trees  has  a  purple  tint.  The 
large  handsome  leaves,  which  are  almost  tropical  in  their  appearance, 
are  on  long  foot-stalks,  which  swell  at  the  base  and  cover  the  young 
buds.  Each  leaf  is  cut  into  four  deep-pointed  segments,  tho  two 
outer  of  which  are  slightly  lobed.  The  fine  large  segments  have 
many  dents  in  their  edges,  and  each  has  a  strong  mid-rib  with  veins 
spreading  from  it ;  the  upper  surface  of  the  leaf  is  of  a  shining 
green,  and  the  under  side  of  a  paler  colour.  Nothing  can  be  moro 
graceful  than  the  manner  in  which  the  flowers  are  produced.  Before 
the  leaves  appear  In  spring,  a  number  of  ball-shaped  catkins  are 
seen  suspended  by  long  threads  from  the  tree,  from  two  to  five  on  a 
stalk.  The  flowers,  which  are  too  minute  to  be  seen  by  tho  naked 
eye,  are  inclosed  In  these  catkins ;  and  towards  autumn,  when  tho 
seeds  in  the  ovaries  are  ripe,  the  balls  open,  and  tho  seeds  come  out. 


*  "  Chapters  on  Trees ;  a  Popular  Account  of  their  Nature  and  Uses.' 
Mai-y  and  Elizabeth  Kirby.    Cassell,  Fetter,  anil  Galpin. 


By 


appearance  of  the  tree  that  he  could  not  prevail  upon  himself  to  leave 
it.  Although  time  was  of  the  utmost  importance  to  him,  he  lingered  for 
a  day  and  a  night,  under  the  shadow  of  the  Plane.  And  in  one  of  those 
mad  freaks  to  which  he  was  subject,  encircled  it  with  a  golden  collar, 
aud  hang  gems  and  costly  articles  of  clothing  upon  it;  and  when 
at  last  compelled  to  quit  the  spot,  he  h.ad  a  gold  medal  stamped  with 
the  representation  of  the  tree  that  had  so  enchanted  him,  aud 
carried  it  about  with  him.  Ancient  historians  add  that  this  foolish 
delay  was  one  cause  of  the  great  defeat  and  overthrow  he  sustained 
from  the  Greeks.  The  whole  history  of  the  Plane  is  on  classic 
ground.  In  Athens,  it  was  planted  near  the  public  schools,  and 
formed  beautiful  avenues  ;  and  here  were  the  shady  walks  in  which 
the  scholars  of  old  times  delighted  to  muse.  Here  Aristotle  and 
Plato  taught  their  disciples,  and  Socrates  swore,  not  by  the  gods, 
but  by  Plane  trees.  The  Romans  fully  appreciated  the  beauty  of 
the  Plane,  and,  in  imitation  of  thi  Athenians,  planted  their  public 
walks  with  it.  There  is  a  story  handed  down  to  us  of  "rather  an 
amusing  character.  It  is  said  that  the  great  orators  of  Rome, 
including  the  famous  Cicero,  felt  tho  utmost  interest  in  the  Plane 
trees  newly  planted  in  the  gardens  of  their  villas  ;  and  would,  even 


284 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Oct.  4,  1873. 


■when  engaged  in  public  duties,  each  one  in  turn  step  home  and 
refresh  hTa  Plane  tree,  not  with  water,  but  by  pouring  ii'iiie  to  the 
roots.  Pliny  tells  us  of  a  tree  growing  in  his  time  which  was  in 
itself  a  forest,  and  was  in  the  public  road  close  by  a  fountain.  Its 
branches  were  as  thick  as  trees,  and  covered  an  immense  space  of 
ground.  The  governor  of  Lycia  gave  an  entertainment  to  his 
friends  iu  the  hollow  trunk,  which  was  81  feet  in  circumference, 
and  had  some  mossy  stones  inside  like  rustic  seats.  The  feast  gave 
great  satisfaction  to  the  guests  ;  and  they  used  for  carpets  and 
cushions  the  niagnilicent  leaves  of  the  trees.  The  rain,  which 
poured  in  torrents,  did  not  reach  them,  and  they  declared  they  had 
never  enjoyed  themselves  more,  even  when  banqueting  in  their 
marble  saloons,  with  all  the-  wealth  and  luxury  of  ancient  Rome 
about  them.  From  the  earliest  times,  the  Plane  tree  has  been 
associated  with  Persia.  The  Persian  gardens  are  ornamented  with 
avenues,  under  which  the  owners  sit  and  enjoy  the  balmy  breeze. 
And  the  Persian  performs  his  devotions  under  the  shadow  of  the 
Plane,  and  hangs  upon  it  the  garments  and  other  articles  offered 
as  a  sacrifice  to  his  deity.  Many  of  these  garments  hang  to 
the  bark  by  rusty  nails,  until  they  drop  to  pieces  of  their  own 
accord.  The  Plane  was  introduced  into  England  about  the 
sixteenth  century,  and  as  an  ornamental  tree  is  much  valued. 
The  timber  is  of  yellowish-white,  until  the  tree  becomes  old, 
and  then  it  is  brown,  mixed  with  jasper-like  veins.  It  can  be 
polished  to  resemble  Walnut ;  but  no  use  is  made  of  it  in  England. 
There  is  another  species  of  Plane  tree  that  grows  in  America, 
and  is  called  the  'VVestern  Plane,  to  distinguish  it  from  its 
relative  in  the  East.  It  is  a  larger  tree,  and  of  more  rapid  growth, 
and  has  broader  and  less  deeply-cut  leaves,  and  the  fruit  is  smooth 
and  much  larger.  It  is  found  in  a  vast  tract  of  land  in  North 
America,  and  goes  by  the  name  of  "  Button  Wood."  The  Western 
Plane  delights  to  grow  along  the  great  rivers  of  the  Ohio  and  the 
Mississippi,  and  in  the  fertile  valleys  watered  by  those  mighty 
streams.  The  lower  parts  of  these  valleys  are  covered  with  thick 
dark  forests,  composed  of  gigantic  trees.  The  leaves  that  fall  every 
year  decay,  and  form  a  rich  vegetable  mould,  that  contributes  to  the 
amazing  growth  of  the  trees.  Here  the  "  Button  Wood  "  floniishes 
in  gi'cat  luxuriance,  and  is  loftier  and  larger  than  any  of  its  neigh, 
hours.  It  has  a  vai'iety  of  names  besides  those  wo  have  mentioned. 
Sometimes  it  is  called  the  Water  Beech,  or  the  Sycamore ;  and  often 
it  is  named  the  "  Cotton  tree,"  because  of  the  thick  down  which  covers 
the  inner  surface  of  the  leaves  when  they  first  expand.  In  the  course  of 
the  summer,  the  down  becomes  detached,  and  floats  iu  the  air  in  such 
quantities  as  to  be  unpleasant  and  injurious.  When  the  tree  is  very 
abundant,  persons  in  the  neighbourhood  dread  greatly  the  floating 
down,  which  irritates  the  lungs,  and  has  a  tendency  to  produce  con. 
sumption.  The  wood  of  the  Western  Plane  has  a  fine  grain,  and  can 
take  a  high  polish ;  but  though  it  is  sometimes  used  for  bedsteads,  yet 
the  cabinet-maker  rather  avoids  it  on  account  of  its  tendency  to 
shrink.  It  is  a  very  picturesque  tree,  and  has  the  property  of 
throwing  off  its  bark  in  scales,  and  thus  freeing  itself  from  Moss  and 
other  parasites.  This  is  done  in  an  irregular  manner,  first  in  one 
place,  and  then  iu  another ;  and  as  the  newly. exposed  bark  is  of  a 
lighter  colour,  the  stem  has  the  appearance  of  being  marked  in  a 
peculiar  and  rather  striking  manner.  It  is  this  power  of  casting  its 
bark  that  enables  it  to  flourish  in  the  middle  of  the  smoke  of  London. 


WHAT  A  HOUSE  SHOULD  BE.* 
The  opinions  of  a  professional  gentleman,  who  "  was  a  school- 
boy at  Yarmouth  some  seventy  years  ago,"  and  whose 
matui'er  years  have  been  fertile  of  sound  suggestions  on  sani- 
tary subjects,  are  entitled  to  respectful  consideration.  The 
present  volume  is  dedicated  to  those  who  wish  to  (and  can) 
make  for  themselves  a  perfectly  healthy  home  ;  but  the  vital 
questions  of  sewage  and  ventilation  are  dealt  with  on  such  broad 
and  sound  principles  that  even  our  Boards  of  Health  may  add 
something  to  their  extended  knowledge  by  a  perusal  of  Mr. 
Bardwell's  book.  The  author  has  written  not  for  show,  but 
for  use.  If  he  occasionally  slips  in  his  classical  quotations, 
the  failure  of  these  little  second-hand  attempts  at  embellish- 
ment does  not  detract  in  the  least  from  the  sterling  merits  of 
the  author's  own  work. 


A  Capital  Riddance. — Tho  absence  of  the  editor,  who  is 
examining  the  orchards  of  tho  Shenandoah,  gathering  wild  flowers  in 
Texas,  and  studying  native  timber  trees  in  tho  Wahsatch  and  Rocky 
mountains,  will  sufficiently  account  tor  the  superior  excellence  of  tho 
August  and  September  numbers. — American   Gardeners  MonthJtj. 

•  "  What  a  llonse  Slioulil  Be."    By  William  BarJwcU,  Aixhitect  and  Sanitary 
Engineer.    Loudon :  Dean  &  Sou. 


T  H  E    H  OUSE  HOLD. 

FEUITS,  AND  THEIR  VALUE  AS  FOOD. 
TiiK  following  table  of  the  "Composition  of  Fruits,"  is  condensed 
from  a  list  of  fifty-one  analyses.  The  fruits  are  arranged  in  the 
table  according  to  the  percentage  of  soluble  matter.  This,  other 
things  being  equal,  is  a  fair  measure  of  their  comp.arativo  values  for 
food.  The  percentage  of  water  does  not  show  this  value  so  well, 
because  of  the  great  difference  in  the  percentages  of  insoluble 
mattei's.  This  latter  item  consists  chiefly  of  seeds  and  skins,  with 
a  small  quantity  of  insoluble  cellulose  and  pectoso,  the  latter  rarely 
amounting  to  one-fifth.  The  sugar  in  the  first  column  includes  both 
sacch.arose,  or  "  cane  sugar,"  and  fructose,  or  "  fruit  sugar."  The 
acid  in  the  second  column  is  expressed  as  hydrated  malic  acid. 
COMPOSITION    OF    PEUIIS. 


SOLUBLE 

MA.TTEEE 

. 

S 

i^-s. 

KIXDS  OF  PBUIT. 

O 

S  a -Si? 

.a  s  5  s 

.a  c 
11 

o 

il 
11 

u 

m 

fH 

■< 

a. 

OQ 

H 

HH 

IS 

Apples 

6-40 

•02 

•4S 

TOi 

•29 

14^83 

313 

82-01 

Apples,  another  variety    ... 

7-5S 

1-01 

•22 

2-72 

•44 

12^00 

2^96 

85  01 

Grapes 

12-18 

■9t 

'75 

•38 

•37 

14-57 

3-03 

82-40 

Cherries           

10-29 

•70 

•04 

rsa 

•U5 

14-49 

6-01 

79-50 

Pears,  sweet  red       

7-47 

•04 

■25 

3-sl 

•28 

ir88 

4-C3 

83-49 

Pears,  lar^^e  Holland 

l-o7 

•C7 

•02 

8-30 

•67 

lf83 

7^40 

80-77 

Apricots           ...        

1-31 

•SI 

•01 

7-60 

•78 

1117 

5-34 

83-48 

Gooseberries 

7-12 

r^i 

•42 

1-18 

•38 

W53 

312 

88-21 

Currants          

6-3S 

2-15 

•SO 

•15 

•59 

9-77 

5^42 

81-81 

Strawberries 

7-37 

1-13 

•30 

■13 

•48 

9-67 

2-86 

87-47 

Whortleberries          

6-7S 

1-34 

•79 

■56 

•86 

9-33 

13-12 

77-55 

Plums,  blue  and  black 

2-13 

1-30 

•4.-> 

408 

•52 

S-43 

4-63 

87-00 

Raspljerries,  garden 

4-20 

1-23 

•6J 

1-53 

•43 

8-05 

4-68 

87-37 

Blackberries 

4-11 

1-19 

■hi 

1--H 

•41 

8-00 

5-59 

86-41 

Raspberries,  wild    

3-60 

fOS 

•55 

l-Il 

■27 

7-51 

8-64 

83-80 

Strawberries,  wild 

3-90 

1-49 

•59 

■10 

•67 

6-75 

0-10 

87-15 

The  above  shows  how  inaccurate  is  the  common  notion  about 
fruits.  It  also  shows  that  the  proportion  of  solids  is  much  larger 
than  it  is  generally  stated  iu  many  works  on  food.  The  improvement 
in  tho  nutritive  value  of  fruits  effected  by  cultivation  is  strikingly 
seen  on  comparing  the  composition  of  the  garden  Strawberries  and 
Raspberries  with  that  of  the  wild  varieties.  Tho  increase  of  the 
soluble  or  easily  digestible  matters  is  very  considerable,  amounting 
in  the  case  of  the  Strawberry  to  nearly  fifty  per  cent.  In  the  case 
of  the  Raspberry,  the  insoluble  matters  have  diminished  nearly 
one-half  in  tho  cultivated  variety.  Judged  by  the  old  standard  of 
the  amounts  of  niti'ogeucus  or  so-called  flesh-forming  constituents, 
fruits  occupy  a  very  low  position  indeed.  But,  according  to  the 
view  now  entertained  by  our  best  chemists  and  physiologists,  that 
the  true  measure  of  nutritive  value  is  the  force  or  potential  energy 
of  the  substance,  fruits  occupy  relatively  a  much  higher  position. 
Dr.  Frankland  gives  a  table  showing  the  actual  energies  developed 
by  various  foods  when  oxidized  in  the  body.  A  sample  of  Apples 
containing  tho  same  proportion  of  solids  as  tho  first  one  given  iu 
the  foregoing  table,  bore  the  following  relation  to  other  foods,  taking 
one  pound  of  wheat  flour  as  a  standard  : — ■ 


lbs. 

oz. 

lbs.  oz. 

Flom-      

1 

0 

Bread      

1    12 

Apples    

5 

15i 

Potatoes 

3     12 

Veal,  lean 

3 

li 

Milk        

8      1» 

Beef,  lean 

2 

11 

White  of  egg    ... 

0    10 

Ground  Rico    ... 

1 

0^ 

Carrots    

7      6 

H:ird  boiled  eggs 

1 

11 

Cabbages 

...         9      3i 

Grapes  would  probably  average  about  5  lbs.  2  oz.,  and  the  other 
fruits  iu  proportion  to  their  quantity  of  solid  matters.  It  must 
always,  however,  be  borne  in  mind  that  all  comparisons  of  tho 
nutritive  value  of  foods  are  only  reliable  in  so  far  as  the  foods  com. 
pared  are  equally  digestible.  Of  invalids  it  may  be  said  that  what 
is  food  to  one  is  poison  to  another,  and  with  them  each  case  has  a 
law  to  itself.  ^Vith  persons  in  ordinary  health  the  results  are  more 
uniform,  but,  unfortunately,  wo  know  very  little  concerning  tho 
relative  digestibility  of  foods.  Experiment  has,  however,  shown  that 
nearly  one-half  of  our  daily  food  escapes  complete  digestion  and 
assimilation.  In  the  light  of  this  fact  the  fruits  occupy  a  very 
favoui^able  position,  the  great  majority  of  them  showing  a  high  pro. 
portion  of  soluble  mattei's.  This,  in  the  more  common  fruits,  ranges 
from  two-thirds  to  five-sixths  of  the  total  solids,  and  gives  them  much 
moro  nutritive  value  than  the  figures  indicate.  This  also  partly 
explains  tho  value  to  invaUds  of  such  fruits  as  Grapes  and  Straw. 


Oct.  4, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


285 


berries,  which  contain  relatively  but  a  small  proportion  ol!  insoluble 
matters.  Since,  then,  fruits  are  highly  nutritions,  it  is  evident  that 
they  should  be  used  as  foods.  From  a  false  idea  of  their  nature,  they 
liavo  too  frequently  been  used  as  drinks,  and  taken  at  improper 
times.  They  have,  in  consequence,  received  a  bad  name,  and  anxious 
mothers  warn  their  children  against  fruit;  but  let  them  take  extract 
of  beet  or  any  other  concentrated  flesh  food,  and  the  same  ailments 
begin  to  shoiv  themselves,  and  in  forms  more  dangerous  than  ever 
followed  the  use  of  ripe  fruit  at  equally  unseasouablo  hours.  Fruit 
should  be  used  as  part  of  a  meal.  With  children  and  healthy  adults, 
just  before  breakfast  and  dinner  are  tlio  best  times.  Invalids  will 
iind  it  safer,  especi.ally  with  juicy  fruits,  to  take  it  about  the  middle 
of  the  meal,  other  dishes  preceding  and  succeeding  it.  This  refers 
c'liielly  to  uncooked  frnit.  When  cooked  and  served  liot,  frnit  may 
be  safely  taken  at  any  period  of  the  meal.  Invalids  will  also 
generally  find  the  more  acid  fruits  less  digestible,  and  especially  so 
when  preceded  in  the  same  meal  by  Potatoes.  Fruits,  especially 
when  not  quite  lipe,  are  generally  rendered  more  digestible  by 
cooking.  Stewing  is  the  general,  and  a  good  method,  but  roasting  is 
]ireferable.  This  may  be  done  in  an  oven,  or  before  an  open  (ire. 
Cooked  in  this  manner,  fruit  will  generally  be  found  to  require  littlo 
or  no  sngar,  a  decided  advantage  with  invaliils. 

Unripe  fruits  should  not  be  eaten,  many  of  the  acids  found  in  the 
green  fraits  being  poisonous.  We  do  not  know  of  any  analysis  of 
green  fruits  ;  but  the  following  table  shows  the  changes  in  Pears  from 
ripeness  to  mellowness,  and  linally  to  decay  : — 

Ripe  and  Kept  till         Kept  till 

Fresh.  Mellow.  Browu. 

Ttesinous  colouring  matter      ...       0'03       ...         o*ol       ...       0-lU 

Sugnr        e-45      ...      irsa      ...      srr 

Gum 317  ...  207  ...  2  tii 

Licmine        SSJ  ...  219  ...  l\s.5 

Albumine 0-03  ...  0-21  ...  0-23 

Metapectie  Acid Oil  ...  0-03  ...  0  lil 

Lime 0.03  ...  0-Ot  ...  — 

Water           86-23  ...  8333  ...  0272 

lOO-OO  ...  ICOOO  ...  76-Sl 
It  will  be  noticed  that  as  the  Pear  mellows  the  sugar  increases  in 
amount,  chiefly  at  the  expense  of  the  gum  and  indigestible  lignine. 
The  rotting  Pear  again  shows  a  decrease  in  all  the  more  important 
constituents ;  the  sugar  has  in  p&rt  fermented,  and  gone  off  as 
carbonic  acid  and  moisture,  there  being  a  loss  in  weight  of  about  23 
percent.  A  sour  acid  of  decay,  called  metapectie  acid,  has  also  been 
generated.  JIuch  more  of  interest  might  be  added  ;  but  enough  has 
been  said  to  show  that  fruits  should  be  accorded  a  higher  value  as 
wholesome  foods  than  has  usually  been  conceded  to  them.  Those  who 
are  fond  of  frnit  will  be  gratified  to  be  assured  that  it  is  not  only 
delicious  to  the  palate,  but  rich  in  positive  nutriment. — Journal 
of  Chemistnj. 


Tomato  Ketchup. — Tomato  ketchup  may  be  made  in  the  follow- 
ing manner: — Scald  ripe  Tomatoes  just  enough  to  remove  the  skins, 
sprinkle  with  salt,  and  let  them  stand  a  day  ;  strain  through  a  sieve 
to  remove  the  seeds  ;  then  to  every  two  quarts  add  two  ounces  of 
Cloves  and  two  of  black  pepper,  two  Nutmegs,  a  very  little  cayenne 
pepper,  and  salt  if  necessary ;  boil  the  liquor  half  an  hour,  let  it  cool 
and  settle  ;  add  a  pint  of  the  best  cider  vinegar,  and  bottle  tightly ; 
keep  in  a  cool  place. 

Curing  and  Packing'  Figs. — This  is  extremely  simple.  The 
Figs  are  exposed  on  wooden  trays  to  the  sun  until  sufficiently  cured 
to  pack  safely.  When  the  curing  is  completed  they  should  have  a 
somewhat  transparent  skin  through  which  the  seeds  are  visible,  and 
the  inside  should  appear  dark  and  luscious.  That  sugar  is  sprinkled 
on  them  is  a  popular  erroneous  idea.  Thinness  of  skin  is  the  chief 
merit  of  a  good  Fig ;  the  coarse  rough  scaly,  thick-skinned  specimens 
not  being  thought  much  of  in  market.  But  although  the  drying 
is  a  perfectly  simple  affair,  there  is  that  in  the  packing  which  makes 
or  mars  the  Fig,  and  the  figure  of  the  packer's  profit  depends  on  how 
he  sends  them  to  market.  Pigs  are  no  longer  packed  iu  drums,  and 
the  method  of  flattening  them  and  packing  them  in  layers  and  boxes 
has  been  carried  to  excess,  and  so  often  causes  the  Figs  to  split  and 
lose  their  flavour  and  fragrance  that  it  is  discouraged.  If  Southern 
Figs,  those  especially  of  the  most  luscious  flavour  and  with  the  thin- 
nest skins,  are  carefully  dried  and  packed  neatly  in  small  fancy 
boxes,  holding  one,  two,  or  three  pounds,  aud  only  packed  so  closely 
as  to  become  compact  aud  avoid  bursting  the  fruit,  it  is  quite 
probable  that  the  home  product  would  very  soon  become  more  highly 
appreciated  than  the  Turkey  Figs.  At  first  there  would  be  the 
popular  prejudice  against  the  home  production,  but,  aa  in  the  case 
of  many  other  things,  this  would  soon  wear  away  if  real  excel- 
lence were  there  to  back  up  the  claims  of  the  native  article  to 
recognition. 


MADDER. 

The  following  extract,  from  Dr.  Russell's  address  before  the  British 
Association,  will  afford  our  readers  some  interesting  particulars  on 
this  subject :—"  I  pass  on  now  to  the  spociiil  subject  to  which  I  wish 
to  ask  your  attention.  It  is  the  history  of  the  vegetable  colom'ing 
matter  found  in  Madder  ;  it  has  been  in  use  from  time  immemorial, 
and  is  still  one  of  the  commonest  and  most  important  of  dyes  ;  it 
is  obtained  from  a  plant  largely  cultivated  in  many  parts  of  the 
world  for  the  sake  of  the  colour  it  yields  ;  and  the  special  interest 
which  now  attaches  to  it  is  that  the  chemist  has  lately  shown  how 
this  natural  colouring  matter  can  be  made  iu  the  laboratory  as  well 
as  in  the  fields — how,  by  using  a  by-product  which  formerly  was 
without  value,  thousands  of  acres  can  be  liberated  for  the  culti- 
vation of  other  crops,  and  the  colouring  matter  which  they  formerly 
produced  be  cheaper  aud  better  prepared  in  the  laboratory  or  in  tho 
manufactory.  That  a  certain  colouring  matter  could  be  obtained 
from  the  roots  of  the  Rubia  tiuctornm  and  other  species  of  the  same 
plant  has  been  so  long  known  that  apparently  no  record  of  its 
discovery  remains.  Pliny  and  Dioscorides  evidently  allude  to  it. 
The  former,  referring  to  its  value  as  a  dyeing  material,  says — '  It  is 
a  plant  little  known,  except  to  the  sordid  and  avaricious  ;  and  this 
because  of  the  lai-ge  profits  obtained  from  it,  owing  to  its  employ, 
meut  in  dyeing  wool  and  leather.'  He  further  says — '  The  Madder 
of  Italy  is  the  most  esteemed,  aud  especially  that  grown  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Rome,  where  and  in  other  places  it  is  produced  in 
great  abundance.'  He  further  describes  it  as  being  grown  amonf 
the  Olive  trees,  or  in  fields  devoted  especially  to  its  growth.  The 
Madder  of  Ravenna,  according  to  Dioscorides,  was  the  most  esteemed. 
Its  cultivation  in  Italy  has  been  continued  till  the  present  time,  and 
in  1863  the  Neapolitan  provinces  alone  exported  it  to  the  value  of 
more  than  a  quarter  of  million  sterling.  At  the  present  day  we  are  all 
very  familiar  with  this  colouring  matter  as  the  commonest  that  ia 
applied  to  calicoes :  it  is  capable  of  yielding  many  colours,  such  as 
red,  pink,  purple,  chocolate,  and  black.  "jPhe  plant  which  is  tho 
source  of  this  colouring  matter  is  nearly  allied,  botanically  and  iu 
appearance,  to  the  ordinary  Galiums  or  bedstraws.  It  is  a  native 
probably  of  Southern  Europe,  as  well  as  Asia.  It  is  a  perennial, 
with  herbaceous  stem,  which  dies  down  every  year ;  its  square-jointed 
stalk  creeps  along  the  ground  to  a  considerable  distance,  and  the 
stem  and  leaves  are  rough,  with  sharp  prickles.  The  root,  which  ia 
cylindrical,  fleshy,  aud  of  a  pale  yellow  colour,  extends  downwards 
to  a  considerable  depth  ;  it  is  from  this  root  (which,  when  dried,  is 
known  as  Madder)  that  the  colouring  matter  is  obtained.  The 
plant  ia  propagated  from  suckers  or  shoots ;  these  require  some  two 
or  three  years  to  come  to  full  maturity  and  yield  the  finest  colours, 
although  in  Prance  the  crop  is  often  gathered  after  only  eighteen 
mouths'  growth.  From  its  taking  so  long  to  develop,  it  is  evidently 
a  crop  not  adapted  to  any  ordinary  series  of  rotation  of  crops.  The 
plant  thi'ives  best  in  a  warm  climate,  but  has  been  grown  in  this 
country  and  iu  the  north  of  Europe. 

In  India  it  has  been  grown  from  tho  earliest  times,  and,  as  before 
stated,  has  been  abundantly  cultivated  in  Italy  certainly  since  the 
time  of  Pliny  ;  he  also  mentions  its  cultivation  in  Galilee.  In  this 
country  its  culture  has  often  been  attempted,  and  has  been  carried  on 
for  a  short  time,  but  never  with  permanent  success.  The  Madder 
now  used  in  England  is  imported  from  Prance,  Italy,  Holland,  South 
Germany,  Turkey,  and  India.  In  1857  the  total  amount  imported 
into  this  country  was  434,056  cwts.,  having  an  estimated  value  of 
£1,284,989 ;  aud  the  average  annual  amount  imported  during  the  last 
seventeen  years  is  310,042  cwts.,  while  the  amount  imported  last  year 
(1872)  Was  283,274  cwts.,  valued  at  £922,214.  In  1861  it  was 
estimated  that  in  the  South  Lancashire  district  alone  150  tons  of 
Madder  were  used  weekly,  exclusive  of  that  required  for  preparing 
garanciu.  I  quote  these  figures  as  showing  the  magnitude  of  the 
industry  that  we  are  dealing  with.  Another  point  of  much  interest 
is  the  amount  of  land  required  for  the  cultivation  of  this  plant :  iu 
England  it  was  found  that  an  acre  yielded  only  from  10  to  20  cwts. 
of  the  dried  roots,  but  in  South  Germany  and  in  Prance  the  same 
amount  of  laud  yields  about  twice  that  quantity.  The  Madder 
cultivator  digs  up  the  roots  in  autumn,  dries  them,  in  some  cases 
peels  them  by  beating  them  with  a  flail,  and  exports  them  in  the 
form  of  powder,  whole  root,  or  after  treatment  with  sulphuric  acid, 
when  it  is  known  as  garancin.  The  quality  of  the  root  varies  much  ; 
that  from  the  Levant,  and  known  as  Turkey-root,  is  much  valued. 
According,  however,  to  the  colour  to  be  produced  Is  the  Madder  from 
one  source  or  another  preferred.  To  obtain  the  colouring  matter, 
which  is  but  very  slightly  soluble  in  water,  from  these  roots,  they 
are  mixed,  after  being  ground,  with  water  in  the  dye-vessel,  aud 
sometimes  a  little  chalk  is  added.  The  fabric  to  be  died  is  intro- 
duced, and  the  whole  slowly  heaited ;  the  colouring  matter  gradually 
passes  from  the  root  to  the  water,  and  thence  to  the  mordanted  fabric, 
giving  to  it  a  colour  dependent  on  tho  nature  of  the  mordant. 


286 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  4,  1873. 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 


WINDOW   GARDENING. 

I  onsEBVF,  that  most  writers  on  floriculture  begin  by  informing  their 
readers  that  no  person  need  attempt  a  window  garden  (except  it  be 
Ivy  and  Ferns)  unless  they  can  have  sunshine  upon  their  plants  some 
portion  of  the  day  ;  and,  likewise,  that  the  air  from  a  furnace  and 
the   fumes    from   coal   or   gas,   is   death    to   plants.     An   ounce   of 
experience  is  worth  a  pound  of  opinions  ;  and  with  your  permission 
I    "rise   to  explain"  my  plan.     While  I   admit   the  difficulties  of 
window-gardening  under  all  the  above  drawbacks,  still   I   insist  that 
a  perfect  bower  of  sweets  can  be  made  of  a  north  window  in  a  room 
heated  by  coal  and  lighted  by  gas  ;  and  that,  too,  with  very  little  extra 
expense  or  trouble.     Take,   for  instance,  an  old  card-table,  remove 
the  top,  line  the  inside  with  zinc,  and  have  a  faucet  inserted  under- 
neath ;  saw  a  thin  board  so  that  it  will  nicely  cover  the  table ;   in 
this  board  bore  holes  thickly  with  a  small  gimlet,  adding  an  auger 
hole  in  the  centre  sufficiently  large  to  admit  the  nozzle  of  a  small 
funnel ;  place  a  thick  covering  of  Wood  Moss  over  the  board  ;  turn 
a  kettleful  of  very  warm  water  through  the  funnel  into  the  zinc 
reservoir,  and  place  your  plants  upon  the  Moss.     By  drawing  off  the 
water  when  it  becomes  cold,  and  replacing  it  with  hot  water  every 
night  .and  morning  throughout  the  winter,   your  plants  will  thrive 
splendidly,  and  even  without  a  gleam  of  sunshine,  you  can  have  many 
flowers  during  the  months  of  snow  and  storm.     The  slow  rising  of  the 
steam  through  the  Moss  undci'neath  the  pots,  keeps  the  air  around 
the  plants  humid,  while  the  bottom-heat  thus  obtained  gives  rapid 
growth.     Instead  of  a  table  I  procured  a  "  glazed  window-garden," 
had  it  lined  with  zinc,  and  in  this  placed  pots  of  double  Geraniums, 
Abutilon,  Begonia,  Ancuba   japonica,  white  Bouvardia,  and  various 
other  plants,   with  several  varieties  of  hardy  bulbs.     Above  these, 
out    of    i-each   of     the    Terns,     are   carved   Walnut   brackets,   one 
supporting  a  white,  the  other  a  pink.  Primrose;  while  still  other 
side-brackets  hold  pots  of  English  Ivy  and  Wax-plant.     From  the 
centre,  depending  from  a  strong  hook,  hangs  a  very  large  rustic 
basket.     Daring  the  entire  winter,  this  basket  was  a  mass  of  bright 
colours.     A  large-leaved  Fern  occupied  the  centre,  but  was  entirely 
surrounded  by  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  Crocus,  and  Narcissus,   of  every 
possible   shade.      After  the  flowering  bulbs  had  faded,  they  were 
removed,  and  a  Begonia  Kex,   Ivy,   variegated   Alj'ssum,  v.ariegated 
Balm,    Ivy-leaved     Geranium,    ]?assiflora    trifasciata,    and    Cobrea 
scandens,  took  the  place  of  the  bulbs,  and  so  the  basket  remains  a 
thing  of  beauty  still.     On  each  side  of  the  window  below  the  side, 
brackets,  hang  small  Moss  baskets,  one  containing  a  Maderia  Vine, 
the  other  a  Geranium  ;  but  the  prettiest  basket  of  all  was  made  of 
wire,  filled  with  Wood  Moss  and  Crocus  bulbs.     Through  this  Moss, 
the   pui'ple   and  white   blossoms  looked    forth   like    veiled    brides, 
winning  the  admiration  of  all  beholders.     For  my  Ivy  I  have  made 
a   hanging.basket,   trimmed   with   old-fashioned  leather-work,    and 
lined  with  zinc  to  prevent  dripping.     In  this  I  set   the  earthen  pot 
containing  the  plant,  and  thus  obtain  a  handsome  receptacle  for  my 
Ivy  without  endangering  its  life  by  planting  it  in  a  vessel  with  no 
drainage.     There  is  no  trouble  with  the  green  fly  or  red  spider  in  my 
window;  the  moisture  from  the   hot  water  is  not   relished  by  Mr. 
Spider,  and  I  have  learned,  by  several  years'  experience,  that  it  is 
an  excellent  thing  to  utilise  Paterfamilias's  tobacco  smoke  to  keep 
off  the  aphis.     The  cigar  stumps  are  also  excellent.     I  put  them  in 
the  watering-pot,  turn  on  cold  water,  set  it  on  the  stove  until  it  is 
blood-warm,  then  thoroughly  wet  the  earth  around  the  plants  with 
this  tobacco-tea — the  worms  don't  like  it,  but  the  plants  do. — Hearth 
and  Home. 


Put  Flowers  on  Your  Table. — Set  flowers  on  your  table — a 
whole  nosegay  if  you  can  get  it,  or  but  two  or  three,  or  a  single 
flower,  a  Rose,  a  Pink,  a  Daisy.  Bring  a  few  Daisies  or  Buttercups 
troui  your  last  field  work,  and  keep  them  alive  in  a  little  water ; 
preserve  but  a  bunch  of  Clover,  or  a  handful  of  flowering  Grass — one 
of  the  most  elegant  of  nature's  productions — and  you  have  something 
on  your  table  that  reminds  you  of  God's  creation,  and  gives  you  a  link 
with  the  poets  that  have  done  it  most  honour.  Put  a  Rose,  or  a  Lily, 
or  a  Violet  on  your  table,  and  you  and  Lord  Bacon  have  a  custom  in 
common,  for  this  great  and  wise  man  was  in  the  habit  of  having 
flowers  in  season  set  upon  his  table,  we  believe,  morning,  noon,  and 
night — that  is  to  say,  at  all  meals,  seeing  that  they  were  growing  all 
day.  Now  here  is  a  fashion  that  will  last  you  for  ever,  if  you  please — 
never  change  with  silks,  and  velvets,  and  silver  forks,  nor  bo  depen. 
dent  on  caprice,  or  some  fine  gentleman  or  lady  who  have  nothing  but 
caprice  and  changes  to  give  them  importance  and  a  sensation. 
Flowers  on  the  morning  table  are  especially  suited  to  them.  They 
look  like  the  happy  wakening  of  the  creation  j  they  bring  the  breath 


of  nature  into  your  room  ;    they  seem   the  very  representative  and 
embodiment  of   the  very  smiles  of  your  home,  the  graces  of 
morrow. — Leigh  Hunt. 


FRANCOA  RAMOSA  AS  A  WINDOW  PLANT. 

Fjiaxco.^s,  though  rarely  .seen  in  cultivation,  are,  nevertheless, 
well  worth  attention,  either  as  plants  for  the  greenhouse,  cool 
conservatory,  or  even  for  flowering  in  the  open  border  during 
the  late  autumnal  months.  As  window  plants  they  flower 
from  September  up  to  Christmas,  and,  when  well  grown,  aro 
very  ornamental,  producing  as  they  do  tall  spikes  of  pinkish- 
white    flowers    in   great  profusion.      Their  foliage  is   large, 


Aj 


;-^ 


Flowor-spiko  of  Fraucoa  rfxmosa. 

irregularly  pinnate,  and  thickly  set  with  white  hairs.  The 
flower-spikes,  which  are  erect,  are  generally  branched,  and  vary 
from  a  foot  to  ncarlj-  a  yard  in  length,  and  are  very  handy  for 
cutting  when  other  flowers  are  scarce.  When  wanted  for 
window  decoration  they  should  be  grown  in  sandy -loam  and 
leaf-mould,  taking  care  not  to  over-pot  them,  or  they  are  apt 
to  produce  leaves  instead  of  flowers.  Grown  on  a  .shelf  near 
the  glass  in  a  cool  house,  or  fully  exposed  in  a  cold  frame  or 
turf  pit  outside,  they  make  sturdy  little  plants  and  flower 
freely.  They  are  easily  propagated  by  means  of  cuttings  put 
in  in  the  spring.  Our  illustration  shows  a  portion  of  the 
flower-spike,  natural  size.  This  plant  has  recently  been 
flowering  very  freely,  planted  out  ou  the  rockwork  at  Kew. 

F.  W. 


Oct.  4,  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


287 


PEAES  OF  THE  SEASON. 
The  following  are  in  good  condition  with  mo  this  season  and  are  well 
worthy  of  notice  viz  :  — 

Abbe  de  Beaumont. — This  is  a  smallish  Pear,  not  unlike  the 
Hazel,  and  of  excellent  quality.  It  was  raised  by  M.  Leroy,  of 
Angers,  and  fruited  with  him  for  the  first  time  in  18(51.  I  introduced 
it  iu  1870.  It  is  obtusc-turbinate  in  shape  with  a  greenish-yellow 
skin,  marbled  and  dotted  with  fawn,  especially  round  the  stem.  The 
flesh  is  white  and  meltiug,  and  delicionsly  sweet  and  acidulated.  The 
tree  is  an  abundant  bearer  and  does  well  on  the  Quince. 

Alphonse  Karr. — This  nicely  perfumed  Pear  kept  with  me  in 
1870  until  December  16th.  My  specimens  this  year  are  small  and 
more  turbinate  then  they  were  in  that  year.  It  is  a  good  Pear  and 
useful,  but  not  first-rate. 

Amelie  le  Clerc. — This  delicious  Pear  was  raised  by  M.  Le  Clorc 
of  Laval,  the  raiser  of  that  finest  of  all  Pears,  Van  Mons  Leon  Le 
Clerc,  but  it  did  not  fruit  till  after  his  death.  It  does  well  on  the 
Quince,  and  was  fruited  for  the  first  time  in  1S50.  but  not  sent  out 
until  eleven  j-ears  afterwards.     I  imported  it  in  1862. 

Ange  (d'). — This  is  one  of  the  oldest  and  often  one  of  the  best 
of  Pears.  It  adds  to  other  good  qualities  that  oE  being  an  abun- 
dant bearer  and  one  of  the  best  for  conserves.  M.  Decaisne  thinks 
it  identical  with  the  Pear  called  in  Italy  Pera  Morota. 

Belle  et  Bonne. — This  is  an  enormous  and  constant  bearer, 
especially  upon  the  Q,uince  ;  it  rarely  misses  having  a  crop.  I  have 
before  me  specimens  of  it  from  a  tree  forty  years  old,  grafted  upon 
the  Quince  4  feet  above  the  ground.  I  have  had  the  tree  twenty- 
three  years,  and  it  was  quite  that  age  when  I  got  it,  and  it  does  not 
seem  to  feel  its  weight  of  years  or  the  weight  of  fruit  either, 
although  this  last  makes  it  bend  to  the  ground  ;  in  fact,  it  is  literally 
a  fountain  of  Pears. 

Belle  de  Flushing. — This  is  a  small  and  beautiful  little  Pear 
when  fully  exposed  to  the  sun.  It  requires  to  be  gathered  a  week 
or  ten  days  before  getting  ripe,  for  if  left  upon  the  tree  too  long  it 
gets  mealy  and  loses  its  rich  flavour.  The  tree  is  an  abundant 
bearer  as  a  pyramid.  It  is  of  American  origin,  where  it  is  called 
Harvard,  a  name  which  ought  to  be  retained. 

Bergamot  (i.e.,  Bergamotte  d'Automne  of  the  French,  and  it 
has  many  other  synonyms). — The  origin  of  this  variety  has  been 
disputed,  but  I  think  it  originated  in  the  East  and  was  introduced 
through  the  Romans  into  Europe.  It  is  too  well  known  to  need 
description. 

Bergamotte  Lucrative  (Fondaute  d'Automne). — This  is 
one  of  the  best  and  most  delicious  of  Pears  when  grown  as  a 
pyramid  on  the  Quince;  on  a  wall  it  becomes  very  large,  but 
loses  its  rich  flavour.  Thus  cultivated  it  is  not  so  fine  on  the  Pear 
as  on  the  Quince. 

Bergamotte  Hollande. — This  is  a  nice  delicately-porfumed 
small  Pear,  of  very  old  date,  and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  it  has  been 
honoured  with  at  least  eight  or  ten  synonyms.  It  does  not  do  well 
upon  the  Quince,  but  it  succeeds  on  the  Pear  stock,  and  better  still 
if  double  worked. 

Bergamotte  Reinette. — This  is  a  seedling  of  M.  Boisbnnel, 
and  fruited  first  about  1857.  It  is  an  enormous  bearer,  and  a  very 
handsome  fruit.  It  grows  exceedingly  well  upon  the  Quince.  I 
received  it  under  the  above  name,  which  is  its  true  one.  I  have  also 
had  it  under  the  name  of  Souvenir  du  Congrcs  Pomological,  but  the 
last  is  quite  a  different  thing. 

Berryais  (le). — This  is  an  excellent  good-sized  Pear, of  a  bluntly 
turbinate  or  short  pyriform  shape,  with  a  citron-yellow  skin,  dotted 
with  greyish  russet.  The  flesh  is  white  and  melting,  and  furnished 
with  an  abundance  of  acidulated  and  delicate  juice,  having  a  pleasant 
aroma.  It  does  well  upon  the  Quince,  on  which  it  makes  fine 
pyramids.  It  was  raised  by  M.  Boisbuuel,  of  Rouen,  in  1861,  and 
sent  out  in  1863.  As  yet,  however,  it  is  little  known  in  England, 
but  it  deserves  to  be  largely  cultivated. 

Beurre  d'Amanlis. — This,  like  all  our  finest  fruit,  has  had  to 
bear  many  names.  It  is  a  noble  fruit,  which  attains  here,  on  a  dwarf 
standard,  the  weight  of  three-quarters  of  a  pound.  As  the  merits 
of  this  fine  early  autumn  Pear  are  so  well  known  I  need  not  enlarge 
upon  them.  Its  origin  has  been  attributed  to  M.  Van  Mons,  but  M. 
E.  Fornaj',  of  the  Garden  of  Plants  at  Paris,  has  pointed  out  the 
incorrectness  of  the  above  parentage,  and  says  that  it  originated  at 
Amanlis,  a  village  near  Rennes,  in  France.  The  tree,  being  of  a 
pendent  habit,  should  be  worked  on  a  stem  about  4  feet  in  height, 
and  should  be  allowed  to  take  its  natural  drooping  chai'acter. 
When  permitted  to  grow  as  it  will,  it  runs  much  less  danger  of 
getting  its  heavy  fruit  blown  oif,  as  the  long  flexible  branches  wave 
to  and  fro,  and  so  the  force  of  the  wind  gets  broken.  If  trained 
as  a  pyramid  the  wind  gets  a  full  sweep  of  the  large  fruits,  and 
down  they  come. 

Beurre  Goubalt. — This  is  quite  different  from  Precooe  Goubalt. 


The  tree  is  a  low  grower,  and  a  most  abundant  and  regular  bearer, 
hardly  ever  missing  a  crop.  It  docs  middling  on  the  Quince,  but, 
being  a  moderate  and  dwarf  grower,  it  does  not  require  it. 

Beurre  Hammecker. — This  is  one  of  our  most  beautiful  and 
prolific  Pears.  It  is  often  finely  tinted  and  striped  on  the  sunny 
side  with  vermilion.  It  is  very  variable  in  flavour  ;  sometimes  it  is 
first-rate,  and  at  other  times  it  is  only  a  sweet  juicy  fruit  without 
any  flavour. 

Beurre  Kennes. — This  is  a  most  abundant  bearer,  but  does  not 
do  well  on  the  Quince,  and  the  fruits  are  very  variable  in  shape, 
being,  as  a  rule,  sliort  and  pyriform.  Tlie  skin  is  vermilion,  covered 
with  russet,  and  the  flesh  is  white,  melting,  juicy,  and  aromatic.  It 
is  a  seedling  raised  by  Van  Mons,  but  it  did  not  fruit  until  two  years 
after  his  death. 

Brun  (lie). — This  fine  new  Pear  was  raised  at  Troyes  by  M. 
Gueniot,  and  fruited  for  the  first  time  in  1862.  I  introduced  it  iu 
1865,  and  in  1867  it  fruited  with  me,  and  was  truly  delicious  in  the 
end  of  September.  This  year  it  is  not  as  yet  quite  ripe.  It  grows 
^vell  upon  the  Quince,  and  bears  heavy  crops,  which  are  firmly 
attached  to  the  tree,  and  do  not  easily  blow  off.  I  can  highly 
recommend  it. 

Calebasse  d'Ets. — This  is  a  wonderful  bearer  and  excellent 
Pear,  of  first-class  quality.  It  does  not  succeed  on  the  Quince  unless- 
double  worked. 

Comtesse  d'Alost. — This  is  a  good  Pear,  but  little  known  ia 
England  ;  it  grows  freely,  and  bears  abundantly  upon  the  Quince. 

Delices  de  Jodoigne. — This  is  one  of  our  best  and  most 
prolific  Pears  on  the  Quince.  There  seem  to  be  two  varieties  of  it,  one 
having  fleshy  stalks,  and  otherwise  a  little  different  from  the  other. 
The  tree,  too,  has  all  the  leaves  of  a  beautiful  claret  and  verniilioa 
colour,  whilst  the  other  sort  has  all  its  leaves  green.  As  to  growth, 
&c.,  these  two  trees  are  identical. 

Esperen. — This  ia  a  fine  Pear,  which  ripens  in  September  and 
October,  and  one  that  grows  and  bears  freely  upon  the  Quince.  It 
was  raised  by  Van  Mons  in  182.3,  and  is  of  a  pyriform  and  irregular 
shape,  with  a  clear  greyish.yellow  skin,  dotted  and  traced  with 
greenish-grey,  and  clouded  with  fawn  or  pale  rose  on  the  sunny  side. 
The  eye  is  large  and  open,  and  the  flesh  white,  half  melting,  with 
abundance  of  sugary  perfumed  juice.  It  is  well  figured  and  described 
by  Professor  Decaisne  in  his  beautiful  work  called  "  Jardiu  Fruitier," 
and  is  well  worthy  of  cultivation. 

Flemish  Beauty,  or  Fondante  des  Bois.— This  fine  Pear 
is  too  well  known  to  need  description,  but  I  take  this  opportunity  of 
recommending  those  who  grow  it  to  always  gather  it  a  week  or  more 
before  it  gets  ripe,  and  to  put  it  away  in  a  cool  airy  place  to  ripen 
off.  By  so  doing  the  flavour  will  be  much  improved,  aud  it  will  keep 
some  time  longer  than  if  ripened  on  the  tree. 

Merriott,  Crewlcerne,  Soiner/et.  John  Scott. 


"WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 
THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 
Now  that  summer  crops  are  mostly  removed  from  the  ground,  no 
time  should  be  lost  in  manuring  all  empty  quarters,  and  in  trenching 
and  ridging  them.  The  hoe  should  be  kept  at  work  during  this 
month  amongst  growing  crops,  useless  trees  and  perennials  should  be 
discarded,  and  provision  should  be  made  for  supplying  their  place 
with  young  ones. 

Asparagus. — As  soon  as  the  stalks  have  completed  their  growth, 
aud  have  begun  to  turn  yellow,  remove  them,  tie  them  into  bundles, 
which  should  be  kept  erect  and  quite  dry,  and  which  will  be  found 
extremely  useful  for  protecting  plants,  seed-beds,  and  frames  from 
frost  in  winter.  When  the  beds  are  thus  cut  over,  clean  them,  and 
fork  the  surface  into  the  alleys,  and  replace  it  by  a  good  dressing  of 
decayed  manure,  over  which  again  place  the  soil  just  removed,  which 
should  be  left  in  as  rough  a  condition  as  possible,  so  as  to  be  bene- 
ficially influenced  by  the  weather.  If  necessary,  the  seeds  may  be 
sovvn,  as  soon  as  they  are  ripe,  in  rows  about  12  or  18  inches  apart,  in 
ji  light,  rich,  and  sandy  soil.  Early  in  spring,  however,  is  considered 
the  best  time  for  this  operation.  In  selecting  tho  berries,  take  the 
largest  and  finest,  and  those  of  the  brightest  red  colour ;  and,  after 
being  gathered  for  a  week  or  two,  wash  out  the  seeds,  then  dry  them, 
and  store  them  away  in  brown-paper  bags,  drawers,  or  other  con. 
venient  places,  till  sowing  time.  If  the  seeds  are  to  be  kept  more 
than  one  year,  or  are  to  be  sent  abroad,  the  best  method  is  to  dry  the 
berries,  and  to  leave  them  in  that  condition  until  the  seeds 
are  required,  when,  by  rubbing  them  between  tho  hands,  in 
which  is  held  some  sand,  they  will  separate  readily.  The  spent  or 
exhausted  plantations  may  now  be  broken  up,  and  all  the  good  roots 
retained  for  forcing,  while  weak  and  inferior  ones  should  be  discarded. 
The  ground  should  then  bo  heavily  manured  with  cow  or  pig  dung, 
or   ordinary  farm  yard  manure,   if    possible,    deeply  trenched  and 


288 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  i,  1873. 


ridged,  and  this  will  form  an  excellent  situation  for  early  spring 
CanliBowers.  In  forcing  Asparagus,  which  generally  begins  about 
the  middle  of  this  month,  make  a  slight  hot-bed — one  that  will  be 
likely  to  maintain  a  tenipoiatnro  ot  60'  or  C5^ — of  leaves,  or  leaves 
and  stalile  litter  mixed,  and  over  it  put  a  3  or  4  inch  deep  layer  of 
decayed  leaf-soil,  old  pottiiig-mould,  or  other  light  earth,  and  in  this 
place  the  roots  rather  thickly.  Cover  the  crowns,  somewhat  lightly 
at  first,  with  the  same  substance,  but,  after  the  shoots  begin  to  grow, 
add  a  little  more.  The  warmth  may  be  regulated  by  covering  the 
sashes,  more  or  less,  with  litter,  and,  by  puting  linings  of  the  same 
around  the  frames,  in  case  of  a  decrease  of  temperature.  When  the 
"  grass  "  begins  to  grow,  light  must  be  admitted  daily  by  uncovering 
the  sashes,  and  a  little  ventilation,  in  favourable  weather,  greatly 
improves  the  quality  of  the  heads.  Where  there  is  an  insufficiency 
of  old  roots  for  forcing,  use  three-3'ear  old  ones,  which  are  best,  and 
be  very  careful  in  lifting  them,  as  they  are  very  susceptible  of  injury. 
These  directions  are  applicable  all  through  the  forcing  season. 

Balm. — It  is  sometimes  necessary,  for  convenience  sake,  to 
replant  Balm  at  this  season  whilst  the  operation  of  digging  and 
trenching  is  being  pursued  ;  therefore  choose  for  it  a  light  warm 
soil  and  a  sheltered  situation.  Divide  the  roots  at  planting  time, 
and  insert  them  in  rows  about  a  foot  apart  each  way.  Cut  down  the 
stems  of  old  plants  as  soon  as  frost  sets  in. 

Broad  Beans. — Preserve  the  haulm  of  Beans  for  protecting 
puri)OEes,  and  in  no  case  should  it  now  be  permitted  to  encumber  the 
ground.  Quarters  lately  occupied  by  Beans  should  be  well  manured, 
trenched,  and  ridged  through  the  winter,  and  cropped  with  some  of 
the  Cabbage  tribe.  Spinach,  Asparagus,  or  Scakale,  in  spring.  For 
a  very  early  crop  of  Beans,  sow  some  seeds  of  the  Early  Mazagan  or 
Early  Dwarf  Prolific  about  the  end  of  the  month,  in  a  warm  border 
that  has  been  deeply  worked,  but  unless  rather  poor,  it  should  not 
be  manured  for  this  crop.  Lime,  marl,  wood-ashes,  and  such 
inorganic  manures,  are  of  material  importance  to  the  Bean  crop  ; 
and,  indeed,  if  the  ground  to  be  cropped  in  the  spring  can  be 
decided  on  now,  and  any  insufiiciency  in  these  manures  supplied,  it 
will  be  of  greater  importance  than  if  applied  when  the  Beans 
are  sown,  for  lime  requires  to  bo  in  the  ground  some  time,  and  if 
applied  in  autumn,  its  benefit  on  a  spring-sown  crop  soon  becomes 
apparent. 

Beet,  Parsnips,  Carrots,  &c. — Towards  the  end  of  the 
month  cut  over  the  leaves  of  Beet  to  within  3  inches  of  their  base 
a  few  days  before  the  roots  are  to  be  lifted.  A  good  mode  of  lifting 
them  is  to  cast  out  a  trench  alongside  the  rows,  as  deep  as  the  roots, 
and  to  separate  the  soil  carefully  from  them.  Do  not,  however,  lift 
many  of  the  roots  this  month,  as  they  preserve  their  flavour  much 
better  in  the  soil  than  out  of  it,  and  in  the  case  of  frost  a  mulching 
of  any  protecting  material  may  be  employed  to  keep  it  out  of  the 
ground.  Parsnips  continue  growing  till  November,  therefore  it 
would  be  waste  to  lift  them  now  ;  indeed,  if  at  all  practicable,  they 
should  never  bo  lifted  and  stored,  but  just  left  where  they  are 
growing  and  lifted  as  required  for  use.  When  they  begin  to  grow, 
however,  iu  February,  they  must  all  bo  lifted.  About  the  end  ot 
the  month  Carrot-lifting  may  begin.  They  should  be  loosened  by 
means  of  an  iron-pronged  fork  and  drawn  up  by  tho  leaves.  They 
ought  then  to  be  dressed  by  cutting  the  leaves  quite  close  to  the 
flesh,  and,  indeed,  if  a  bit  of  the  green  top  too  be  cut  off,  it  will 
prevent  the  Carrots  from  sprouting  in  spring,  and  will  not  impair 
their  keeping  properties.  Salsafy  and  Scorzonera  roots  v?ill  now  be 
iu  good  using  condition,  but  they  should  not  be  lifted  for  storing 
until  frosty  weather  necessitates  such.  Skirret,  too,  will  be  fit  for 
use,  but  it  should  never  be  lifted  and  stored  if  it  is  possible  to  get 
a  continuous  supply  of  it  throughout  the  winter  from  the  open 
ground.  In  storing  Carrots,  Beet,  or  Parsnips,  they  should  be 
placed  in  a  very  cool  shed  or  cellar,  in  a  heap,  but  not  so  great  as 
to  cause  fermentation.  The  crop  end  ot  the  rools  should  be 
outermost,  and  some  moderately  dry  soil  or  sand  mixed  amongst 
them.  A  covering  of  straw,  dried  Perns,  Asparagus  shoots,  &c., 
may  bo  used  it  frost  is  likely  to  get  at  them. 

Cabbage,  Cauliflower,  Broccoli,  &c.— Finish,  if  possible, 
tho  platiling  out  of  Cabbages  for  spring  use,  by  filling  all  available 
spaces  Willi  plants  to  remain  for  heartiug  or  for  pulling  for  Colo- 
worts.  What  plants  remain  prick  out  pretty  thickly  into  rows  in 
borders  or  between  fruit-bushes,  as  they  will  come  in  very  useful  for 
filling  up  empty  spaces  throughout  the  winter  and  early  spring. 
Gather  Brussels  Sprouts  as  they  are  ready,  and  trench  the  ground 
they  occupy  as  soon  as  it  is  empty.  Transplant  the  remainder  of 
the  Buda  Kale  for  late  spriug  use.  Broccoli,  both  white  and  purple, 
will  now  be  coming  into  use,  but,  as  tho  Cauliflower  will  be  more  in 
demand  than  it,  our  attention  must  be  directed  to  the  protecting  and 
preserving  of  late  Broccoli  crops,  and  this  is  tho  proper  mouth  to 
see  to  sucli.  The  easiest  way  is  to  lift  the  plants  with  good  balls  of 
roots  attached,  and  place   them  thickly  iu  rows  with  their  heads 


incliued  towards  the  north.  Break  a  leaf  over  Cauliflower  heads  as 
they  begin  to  form,  for  at  this  season  the  atmosphere  is  apt  to 
discolour  them  and  frost  to  destroy  them,  but  when  covered  by  the 
broken  leaf  they  are  much  less  susceptible  of  injury.  If  CauliUowcrs 
were  sown  out  of  doors  in  the  end  of  August  iu  cold  localities,  and 
in  Sci>tember  in  more  favourable  districts,  they  must  be  kept  thin 
and  clean,  and  wood-ashes  and  lime  occasionally  dusted  amongst 
them.  Towards  the  end  of  this  month,  or  before  frost  is  likely  to 
set  in,  prepare  cold  frames  and  trample  the  soil  firmly  iu  the  bottom 
of  thera  to  within  10  inches  or  12  inches  of  tho  glass ;  over  this  firm 
base  ]ilace  a  4  inch  or  6  inch  layer  of  light  soil,  into  which  prick  the 
plants  about  3  inches  or  4  inches  apart  each  way.  When  plants  are 
strong  and  fleshy  thej'  are  liable  to  "  button"  in  spring,  but  on  tho 
other  hand,  if  they  are  weakly  they  do  not  stand  a  severe  winter 
without  suffering  considerably.  Some  excellent  gai'dcners  make  it  a 
practice  to  sow  their  Cauliflowers  in  the  first  week  of  October  in 
frames,  under  which  is  a  layer  of  a  foot  or  so  of  leaves,  with  good 
results.  They  require  abr.ndant  ventilation,  occasional  drcdgings  of 
wood-ashes  or  dry  soil  or  dust,  and  protecting  with  mats  or  litter  in 
the  case  of  hard  frosts. 

Celery  and  Cardoons. ^Celery  should  be  earthed  up  as  is 
needed, -choosing  dry  weather  for  doing  it,  and  remove  any  suckers 
that  can  be  discerned  about  the  plants.  Band  and  earth  up  Cardoous 
in  dry  weather. 

Endive. — Frequently  stir  the  ground  about  the  Endive,  and  dust 
it  over  with  lime  to  prevent  the  inroad  of  slugs.  As  tho  plants 
become  large  enough  for  blanching,  tie  them  up  with  matting,  or 
place  over  them  inverted  pots,  slates,  tiles,  thin  boards,  or  pieces 
of  mattiug,  or  they  may  bo  lifted  and  planted  in  dry  soil  in  a 
cellar,  or  covered  pit  or  frame.  Before  the  approach  of  severe 
weather  some  good-sized  plants  should  bo  selected  and  planted  in 
frames.  Transplant  the  Curled  and  Batavlan  kinds  on  dry  banks 
for  spring  use,  and  protect  them  from  keen  frosts  with  rank  litter. 

Globe  Artichokes. — Cut  over  old  fruit-bearing  stalks  close  to 
the  crowns,  and  remove  tho  weakest  of  the  shoots  so  as  to  strcngtlieu 
those  that  are  left,  iu  order  to  cause  them  to  stand  the  wiuter  better, 
and  be  more  easily  protected.  From  plantations  made  last  spriug 
some  heads  may  be  obtained  at  this  time  ;  and,  if  they  are  required 
for  pickling,  they  should  bo  cut  when  they  are  about  2  inches  in 
diameter.  If  severe  or  unsettled  weather  set  iu,  cut  over  all  remain- 
ing flower-stalks  having  heads  on  them,  plant  the  stalks  in  damp 
sand  in  a  cellar  or  shed,  and  cut  off  the  decaying  portion  of  the  stalk 
every  three  or  four  days. 

Lettuces. — Sow  White  and  Green  Paris  Cos  Lettuces  iu  frames 
for  transplanting  next  spring.  The  Green  Cos  is  an  excellent  sort 
for  spring  growing,  but  not  so  good, for  summer  work  as  the  White 
Cos.  The  frames  in  which  those  should  now  be  sown  ought  to  be 
shallow,  facing  the  south,  and  filled,  almost  to  the  brim,  with  light 
soil.  Level  it,  and  press  it  with  the  back  of  a  spade  or  board,  sow 
the  seeds,  and  sift  over  the  whole  some  fine  soil.  A  good  store  of 
dry  wood-ashes,,  dry  dust,  and  sand  should  bo  under  cover  for 
dredging  amongst  the  plants  in  winter,  for  nothing  is  more  prejudicial 
to  thei-n  than  wet.  If  tho  sashes  be  not  waterproof,  whole  patches 
will  probably  damp  off  under  the  drip,  therefore  have  frames  and 
sashes  in  good  order.  Plant  out  the  hardy  sorts  of  Cos  and  Cabbage 
Lettuces,  and  plant  some  in  a  frame,  for  use  in  case  of  an  emergency. 
Mustard  and  Cress. — These  may  be  sown  in  warm  borders  until 
the  middle  of  the  month,  but  after  that  time  it  is  better  to  sow 
indoors  in  boxes,  or  borders  in  fruit  houses. 

Onions,  Garlic,  and  Chives. — In  wet  weather  look  over  stored 
Onions,  and  pick  out  all  that  are  beginning  to  spoil.  Thin  and 
clean  young  crops.  Lift  old  plants  of  Chives,  and  divide  them,  and 
plant  the  divisions  about  9  inches  apart  iu  rows  a  foot  asunder,  or 
use  them  as  edgings  to  some  quarters  of  the  kitchen  garden.  Separate 
the  cloves  of  Garlic  and  Shallots,  and  plant  a  few  for  eaily  use 
about  G  inches  apart  in  rows  a  foot  from  each  other,  in  a  light  rich 
and  rather  dry  soil  and  a  sheltered  place. 

Parsley. — Towards  the  end  of  the  present  mouth  the  summer 
Parsley  leaves  will  begin  to  decay  ;  therefore  provision  should  be  made 
for  a  wiuter  supply.  Some  roots  should  be  lifted  and  planted  thickly 
in  frames  or  out  of  doors,  where  they  can  be  conveniently  covered. 

Potatoes. — All  Potatoes  should  now  bo  lifted  iu  flue  weather,  it 
this  is  not  already  done,  and  after  being  cleared  of  all  diseased  ones, 
built  into  little  ridges,  which  should  be  covered,  and,  after  a  time, 
turned  and  examined  for  diseased  tubers,  and  finally  bnilt  into  larger 
ridges,  aud  covered  so  as  just  to  exclude  the  wind,  rain,  and  frost. 
Air  tiles  should  be  placed  in  the  pits  some  feet  apart,  and  should 
be  stopped  with  hay  or  straw.  If  stored  indoors  in  sheds  or 
cellai'S,  they  must  be  cool  and  dry,  anil  not  in  too  great  a  heap.  The 
seed  Potatoes  should  bo  kept  dry  and  airy  on  the  floors  or  shelves  of 
sheds  or  lofts. 

Radishes. — Sow  these  in  pits  or  frames,  aud  a  sprinkling  of 


Oct.  4  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


289 


seed  over  the  soil  in  frames  where  French  Boaua  and  Potatoes  are 
grown,  comes  in  very  useful.  A  sowing  may  also  bo  made  on  a 
warm  border  ont  of  doors,  but  it  must  be  protected  with  litter  in 
frosty  weather. 

Seakale. — Clear  away  the  decayed  leaves  of  these,  aud  protect 
tho  crowns  with  leaves  or  litter.  Lift  some  of  the  strongest  for 
forcing,  which  may  bo  conveniently  done  in  the  Mushroom  house  or 
any  dark  partitioned-off  part  of  a  forcing  house.  Gently  heated 
frames  may  also  be  employed  for  the  same  purpose. 

Tomatoes. — Any  fruits  still  on  the  plants  and  unripe  may  bo 
assisted  in  ripening  by  keeping  the  sashes  in  front  of  them,  or 
pulling  them  and  laying  them  in  frauies  near  the  glass  or  inside 
greenhouses.  Perhaps  the  most  effectual  method  at  this  late  season 
would  be  to  cut  off  the  bunches  of  fruit  with  pieces  of  the  wood 
adjoining,  and  hang  them  up  before  the  sun  inside  bright  and  clean 
glasshouses.  In  order  to  secure  good,  healthy,  stocky,  and  quick- 
frniting  plants  for  next  year,  propagate  a  few  cuttings  now,  and  treat 
them  rather  hardily  during  the  winter. 


SOCIETIES,    EXHIBITIONS,    &c. 

EOYAL   HORTICULTURAL   SOCIETY, 
OcronEu  1st. 

FU-NGi,  for  which  prizes  were  oflered  both  for  edible  aud  poisonous 
collections,  formed  the  most  prominent  feature  of  this  meeting ;  but,  in 
addition  to  these,  Roses,  herbaceous  plants,  and  fruits  were  also  con- 
tributed. 

Fungi. — Of  these  several  collections  were  furnished  in  competition 
for  the  pi-izes  ottered  by  Mr.  Wilson  Saunders.  Mr.  J.  English,  of  Epping, 
was  first,  and  Mr.  B.  J.  Austin,  C,  llussel  Street,  llcading,  second. 
Conspicuous  amongst  Mr.  English's  varieties  that  were  ht  for  food  were 
Fistulina  hepatica,  Hydnum  repandum,  Lcpiota  prooera,  Amanita 
rubescens.  Boletus  scaber,  Hygrophorus  virgiueuS,  Coprinus  comatu-s, 
Laotarius  deliciosus,  Clitopilus  pruuulus,  Eussula  alutacea,  PsaUiota 
cainpestris,  aud  Marasmius  oreades.  Amongst  poisonous  sorts  in  the 
same  group  were  Lactariiis  oontroversus,  Leutiuus  eoehleatus,  Polyporus 
iudjricatus  (very  rare),  Peziza,  imrantia,  Pholiota  pudica  (rare),  Laotarius 
vellercus,  Clavaria  fusiformis,  Pholiota  spoctabilis,  Polyporus  rutesecns, 
P.  suU'ureus,  Amanita  muscarius,  Flaramula  aluicolor,  Clitoeybe  odorus, 
and  others.  Mr.  English  a'so  showed  a  tasteful  wmdow  or  mantel-piece 
ornament  composed  of  a  group  of  dried  Fungi  suitable  for  placing  under 
a  shade.  In  the  class  of  a  coUection  of  edible  Fungi,  Mr.  VV.  G.  Smith 
was  first  with  an  extensive  group;  Miss  L.  E.  Hubbard,  Leonardslee, 
Horsham,  second  ;  and  Mr.  J.Austin  third.  Part  of  the  gigantic  Fungus 
from  the  Bank  of  England  was  exhibited,  and  Mr.  Woodbridge.  Syon 
House,  Mr.  Eaiiey,  Valentines,  and  Mr.  Keith,  Forres,  also  contributed 
good  specimens  of  some  rare  kinds. 

Roses.— From  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshnnt,  came  a  very  large 
group  of  cut  blooms  of  Roses,  remarkable  for  fine  form,  size,  and  bright- 
ness of  colour.  Amongst  dark-red  varieties  were  Joseph  Fiala,  Maurice 
Bernardin,  Vicomte  A^igier,  Madame  Victor  Verdier,  Cojntcsse  d' Oxford, 
Gloire  de  Santenay,  Ferdinand  de  Lesseps,  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  Pierre 
Netting,  Paul  Neron,  Annie  Wood,  Charles  Lefebvre,  and  Duke  of 
Wellington  ;  of  pink  and  paler  colours  were  Cheshuut  Hybrid 
(fine),  Martjuis  de  Castellane,  Elie  Morel,  La  Fiunce,  Abel  Grand, 
Duchess  of  Orleans,  Madame  A.  de  Rougemont,  Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  La 
Fontaine,  Belle  Lyonnaise,  Souvenir  d'Ehse,  Boule  de  Neige,  and  others. 
Mr.  Wm.  Paul,  of  Waltham  Cross,  also  showed  a  large  collection  of 
extremely  fine  blooms  of  Roses,  amongst  which  Etienne  Levet,  Mdlle. 
Annie  Wood,  La  France,  Madame  C.  Crapelet,  Marechal  Vaillant,  Dr. 
Andry,  Dupuy-Jamain,  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  and  Celine  Forestier  were 
very  fine. 

Table  Plants.— Mr.  J.  W.  Wimsett,  Ashburnham  Park,  showed  some 
extremely  pretty  Uttle  plants  suitable  for  table  decoration.  They  com- 
prised DiBuionorops  fissus,  Kentia  austrahs,  Rhapis  fiabellitormis,  Cocos 
Weddeliana,  Areca  Baueri,  A.  purpurescens,  lutesccns,  Latana  aurea, 
Thrinax  elegans,  Draoiena  Cooperi  terminahs,  nigro-rubra,  and  gi'acilis, 
Pandanus  Veitchii,  and  P.  Javanieus  variegatus,  Aralia  Veitchii,  Crotou 
AVeismauni,  and  Curouligo  rocurvata  striata. 

Miscellaneous.- From  Messrs  E.  G.  Henderson  &  Son,  St.  John's 
Wood,  came  hybrid  Begonia  Prince  of  Wales,  with  large  brilliant  carmine 
flowers  ;  and  B.  Dr.  KeUog  with  the  same  shaped  blooms,  but  not  of  such 
an  intense  colour  ;  also  several  varieties  of  the  Golden  Variegated  Thyme. 
A  green  double-ilowercd  DahUa  was  shown  by  Mens.  Sieckmaun,  of 
Germany.  Any  one  acquainted  with  Rosa  monstrosacan  form  some  idea 
of  the  appearance  of  this  variety,  which,  by  the  way,  is  no  particular 
novelty.  From  iLv.  Wm.  Bull  came  a  very  elfective  dark-crimsou-leaved 
variety  of  Ricinus  called  refulgens  ;  and  Mr.  Coulter  sent  a  plant  of 
Eucharis  araazoniea,  beautifully  bloomed.  A  plant  of  Ccelogyne  cristata, 
with  green  and  white  variegated  leaves,  was  shown  by  P.  Crowley,  Esq., 
Waddon  House,  Cr-oydon ;  and  Dahlia  flowers  were  supplied  by  Mr. 
Harris,  Orpington,  and  Mr.  Rawlings,  Romford.  From  the  society's 
gardens  at  Chiswick  came  a  fine  plant  of  Lomaria  gibba  Belli,  and  a 
specimen  of  Lady  Middleton  Pelargonium,  bearing  rose  and  scarlet 
flowers. 

Hardy  Herbaceous  Plants. — Of  these  a  gi-oup  was  furnished  by 


Mr.  R.  Parker,  of  Tooting.  They  consisted  of  an  immense  specimen  of 
Aster  discolor  major,  covered  with  its  D.aisy-like  flowers  ;  A.  Amellus,  in 
fine  condition  1  a  vigorous  plant  of  Clerodendrou  Bungcanum,  in  flower  ; 
tho  Tritoma  grandis,  or  "fiery  poker,"  with  tall  spikes  of  red  flowers; 
and  T.  Uvaria  glaucesceus,  with  many  flower  spikes,  varying  from  2  to  3 
feet  high.  There  were  also  specimens  of  Rudbcckia  Ncwmanni,  Verbena 
venosa,  cut  blooms  of  Phlo.';  Lady  Sinclair,  Delphinium  M.  le  Bihan,  Prince 
of  Wales,  and  Nahamah,  Physostegia  imbricata,  Helianthus  multiflorus 
majus,  Aster  Imvis,  Pyrethrum  serotiuum,  and  several  varieties  of  tho 
double-flowered  sorts.  This  collection  also  contained  several  specimens 
of  Colchicums,  including  the  true  Colchicum  autunmale,  a.  pallidum,  a. 
album,  byzantinum,  b.  maximum,  and  v.ariegatum. 

Fruit. — Collections  of  fruit  were  not  so  numerous  as  might  have 
been  expected.  For  a  collection  of  black  Grapes  Mr.  T.  Bannerman, 
BUthfield,  Rugelcy,  Stafford,  was  first  with  Gros  Colman,  Black  Ham- 
burgh, Gullet's  Hamburgh,  Lady  Dowues.  Mrs.  Piece,  West's  St.  Peters', 
Champion  Hamburgh,  Black  Tenoritrc,  Madresfield  Court,  Barbarossa, 
aud  Alicante.  For  a  collection  of  white  Grapes  Mr.  Wattam,  Shendish, 
Hemel  Hempstead,  was  first  with  Foster's  Seedhng,  Duchess  of  Buc- 
cleuch,  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Bowood  Muscat,  Royal  Vineyard,  and 
Buckland  Sweetwater.  Tho  best  single  bunch  of  black  Grapes  was  also 
contributed  by  Mv.  AV'attam,  who  showed  a  large,  well-finished,  anil  very 
densely  bloomed  cluster  of  AUcantJ  ;  Mr.  "Woodbridge  was  second  w  itli 
Madresfield  Court.  For  the  best  bunch  of  white  Grapes,  Mr.  Wood- 
bridge  was  first  with  a  very  fine  bunch  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria ;  and  Mr. 
Wattam  second  with  the  same  sort.  Mr.  W.  Sweeting,  of  Sneyd  Park, 
Bristol,  showed  three  bunches  of  fruit  from  a  seedling  Vine,  the  fruit  of 
which  is  oval  .and  black,  and  good  in  flavour.  One  cluster  was  from  a 
Vine  grown  upon  its  own  roots  ;  the  other  two  were  cut  from  Vines  that 
had  been  grafted.  This  Gr.ipe  is  a  late  keeper,  and  consequently  likely  to 
be  an  acquisition.  Mr.  Wm.  Paul  showed  Waltham  Cross,  a  handsome 
white  Gi-ape,  and  also  another  large  white  sort  called  Winter  Muscadine. 
Two  promising  varieties  of  white  seedlinz  Gi-apes  were  exhibited 
by  Mr.  Pearson  of  ChilwcU ;  and  Mr.  Bland,  of  Gordon  House, 
Isleworth,  showed  some  wonderfully  fine  examples  of  Black  Hamburgh. 
Of  Apples  and  Pears  a  collection  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  Dancer,  of  Little 
Sutton.  It  contained  fruit  of  such  size  and  beauty  as  tobe  the  admira- 
tion of  everyone.  The  C.jmuiittee  recommended  that  the  Lindley  medal  bo 
awarded  for  this  collection.  Mr.  Dancer  also  showed  wonderfidly  fine  dishes 
of  Sendal's  and  Belle  de  Scptembre  Plums.  Mr.  J.  Perkins,  Thornhanr 
Hall,  Suffolk,  showed  a  very  large-fruited  yellow  Tomato,  remarkable  for 
the  number  of  fruit  in  the  clusters,  each  of  which  contained  six  or  seven 
immense  fruits.  Mr.  W.  Cole,  EaUng,  showed  a  dish  of  fine  fruits  of 
Hathaway's  Excelsior  Tomatoes;  aud  Mr.  Coulter,  Hayden  Hall,  East- 
cott,  sent  a  dish  of  the  large-fruited  sort.  Mr.  Turner,  of  Slough,  showed 
some  very  fine  white  Spanish  Onions ;  and  Mr.  Dancer  ripe  and  young 
fruits  of  very  large  forms  of  Vegetable  Marrows— one  a  yellow-coloured  ; 
and  the  other  green,  striped  witih  yellow.  A  collection  of  fine  Pears  and 
Apples  were  exhibited  by  Mr.  T.  Sadler,  Wandsworth  Lodge,  Tooting, 
who  also  showed  some  Red-skinned  Flour-ball  Potatoes.  A  dish  of  very 
fine  Emperor  Apples  and  four  dishes  of  Plums  were  shown  by  Mr.  Early; 
aud  two  dishes  of  Plums  and  one  of  Pears  by  Mr.  Jacks,  Battle  Abbey, 
Sussex.  Mr.  J.  Scott,  Brigden  Hall,  Enfield,  furnished  dishes  of  King  of 
Pippin  Apples,  Imporatrice,  and  Coe's  Golden  Drop  Plums,  Black  Ham- 
burgh Grapes,  Figs,  and  Walburton  Admirable  Peaches.  Messrs.  Stuart 
audMein,  Kelso,  exhibited  a  large  collection  of  garden  Turnips  ;_  and 
Messrs.  Veitch,  of  Chelsea,  a  group  of  ornamental  and  useful  cuUnary 
Beets. 

First-class  Certificates-— These  were  awarded  to  the  following  :— 

Thyme  Golden  Fleece  (E.  G.  Hcnilerson),  the  most  yellow  of  all  this  class, 
very  pretty  and  effective  as  a  l)cdding  plant. 

C'attleya  speciosa  var.  Bassetti  (Baincs),  a  pretty  and  apparently  frec-flowermg 
variety. 

Pourretia  achupuUa  (Williams),  a  strong  growins  Bromeliaceotts  plant,  with 
longarchedspiuy  leaves,  the  ends  of  nearly  all  of  which  are  of  a  vivid  crimson, 
a  colour  which  is  also  blotched  irregularly  over  them. 

Apple,  Barchard's  Seedling  (Dancer),  a  very  fine  Apple,  largo  and  hand- 
some, aud  the  tree  does  well  as  a  standard. 


EXHIBITION    OP    APPLIANCES    FOR    THE 
ECONOMICAL  CONSUMPTION  OP  FUEL. 

While  coals  remain  so  dear,  it  may  be  interesting  to  know_  that  the 
Manchester  Society  for  the  Promotion  of  Scientific  Industry  is  endeav- 
ouring to  take  means  to  prevent  waste  consumption.  The  Council  of 
this  Society  have  resolved  that  an  exhibition  shall  be  held  in  Manchester 
of  all  appliances  and  apparatus  that  tend  to  the  economic  use  and  saving 
of  fuel,  for  the  purpose  of  inducing  attention  to.  and  elieitmg  opinons  of 
practical  men  on  the  matter,  and  of  giving  aU  consumers  of  coal  an 
opportunity  of  comparing  the  various  appliances,  with  a  view  to  their 
adoption  of  that  which  will  best  serve  their  purposes.  The  exhibition 
will  comprise ; — 1 .  Appliances  which  may  be  adapted  to  existing 
furnaces,  &c.,  whereby  an  actual  saving  is  effected  in  the  consump- 
tion of  fuel.  2.  Appliances  which  may  be  adapted  to  existing 
furnaces,  &c.,  whereby  waste  heat  is  utilised.  3.  New  steam  generators 
and  furnaces,  boilers  aud  engines  specially  adapted  for  the  saving 
of  fuel  and  appliances,  whereby  waste  products  are  utilised,  and  the 
radiation  of  heat  prevented,  &c.  The  exhibition  will  include  apphances 
used  for  raanirfacturing,  agricultural,  and  domestic  purposes.  Either  tho 
apparatus  itself,  or  diagrams,  or  models  may  be  exhibited,  and  no  limit  is 


290 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Oct.  4,  1873. 


placed  upon  the  class  of  article  to  bo  exhibited.  Exhibitors  will  be 
required  to  deliver  their  exhibits  free  of  charge  at  the  place  of  exhibition, 
aud  to  remove  them  at  the  close  of  the  exhibition.  They  must  also  erect 
them,  it'  necessary,  at  their  own  expense.  Every  exhibit  must  be  accom- 
panied by  a  full  description,  which  must  include  a  statement  of  the  par- 
ticular work  the  apparatus  is  intended  to  perform.  A  duplicate  of  this 
statement  must  be  handed  in  when  application  is  made  to  exhibit. 
Exhibitors  will  be  given  every  opportunity  of  explaining  the  speciality  of 
their  appaj-atus. 

I'urther  information  may  he  obtained  from  the  secretary  of  the  society, 
11,  Manchester  Chambers,  Manchester. 


THE  AMERICAN  NATIONAL  FRUIT   CONGRESS. 

Tnis  great  re-union  took  place  in  Boston  on  the  10th,  11th,  and  12th  of 
last  month,  and  in  connection  with  it  was  an  exhibition  of  fruits,  which 
was  national  in  its  character.  The  occasion  had  been  long  looked  forward 
to  with  deep  interest,  and  many  heads  and  hands  were  busy  for  months 
together  in  preparing  for  the  festival.  The  reality  surpassed  its  fairest 
promise.  The  attendance  was  not  only  more  numerous  than  at  any 
previous  session,  but  the  proceedings  were  such  as  to  mark  a  new  era  in 
the  history  aud  usefulness  of  the  association.  These  biennial  sessions 
are,  in  reality,  a  national  congress  of  fruit-growers,  at  which  the  relative 
merits  of  the  different  varieties  in  the  various  States  are  discussed,  and 
their  scale  of  value  noted  in  the  society's  catalogue.  This  volume, 
containing,  as  it  does,  the  experience  of  the  best  practical  pomologists  in 
the  whole  country,  is  of  immense  value  to  all  fruit-growers,  and  is 
recognized  as  standard  authority  all  over  the  world.  At  this  meeting,  we 
learn  from  the  Xew  Vi)rl'  Trihiine,  in  addition  to  the  members  of  the 
society,  delegates  were  present,  numbering  nearly  300.  Massachusetts 
sent  seventy-seven ;  New  York,  forty-one ;  Pennsylvania,  tifty ;  Rhode 
Island,  fifteen;  Connecticut,  fifty;  Canada,  four;  Maine,  ten; 
California,  one ;  Virginia,  fourteen ;  Georgia,  eight ;  Lorusiana,  four  ; 
Nebraska,  five ;  Nova  Scotia,  eleven  ;  Minnesota,  one;  New  Hampshire, 
three;  New  Jersey,  nine;  Ohio,  three;  Indiana,  two;  Illinois,  four; 
Iowa,  three;  Kansas,  three;  Missouri,  one;  Tenessee,  one ;  Washington, 
D.C.,  two. 

The  Show  of  Fruit.— Although  the  severe  drought  in  the  east 
and  too  much  rain  in  the  west  and  south,  have  made  the  fruit  crop  in 
many  States  almost  an  entire  failure,  the  exhibition  was  magniHc^nt,  and 
the  large  capacity  of  Horticultural  Ilall  was  taxed  to  the  utmost.  Among 
the  most  noticeable  collections  was  one  of  over  400  varieties  of  Pears, 
exhibited  by  the  Hon.  Marshall  P.  Wilder.  Large  and  beautiful  collections 
of  Pears  were  also  exhibited  by  the  Cambridge  Horticultural  Society  and 
by  Messrs.  EUwanger  Barry.  The  collection  of  the  Ontario  (Canada) 
Fruit  Growers'  Association  contained  fifty  varieties  of  Plums,  some  of 
them  very  fine.  Much  attention  was  attracted  by  the  fruits  from  Utah. 
They  seemed  to  have  been  roughly  handled  in  transit,  and  were  not  as 
■well  preserved  as  sume  other  collections,  but  enough  could  be  seen  to 
show  that  most  of  them  must  have  been  beautiful  specimens  when  they 
left  their  distant  home.  California's  contribution  contained  magnificent 
fruit,  the  Grapes  in  particular  forming  a  prominent  feature  of  the  show. 
The  collection  of  Seedling  Grapes  exhibited  by  Captain  Moore,  of  Concord, 
deserves  special  mention,  and  some  of  his  seedlings  seem  to  be  very  pro- 
mising. A  whole  car-load  of  tine  and  varied  specimens  from  Nebraska  was 
brought  under  the  personal  charge  of  a  party  headed  by  the  Governor  of 
the  State.  Large  contributions  also  flowed  in  from  Kansas,  Jlissouri, 
Nova  Scotia,  and  from  a  number  of  Southern  States,  including  Virginia, 
Georgia,  and  Floritla.  The  fruits  from  the  West  and  from  the  British 
Provinces  naturally  excited  the  most  interest,  and  were  the  most  sur- 
prising from  the  considerable  size,  perfection  of  development,  and  freedom 
from  the  worm  and  other  pests  which  distinguished  them  over  the  pro- 
ductions of  older  sections  of  the  country. 

Premiums.— Of  these  some  of  the  more  important  are  the  follow- 
ing:— Apples:  First  premium  for  State  collection,  to  Nebraska;  second 
for  same,  to  Kansas;  individual  collection,  first  premium  to  John  W. 
Ross,  of  Perrysburg,  0. ;  no  competition  for  the  second  premium. — 
Pears:  State  or  society  collection,  first  premium,  Cambridge  Horticul- 
tural Society  of  Massachusetts  ;  second,  Connecticut  Horticultural 
Society ;  individual  collection,  first  premium  to  EUwanger  &  Barry  ; 
ficcond,  Hovey  &  Co. — Grapes :  State  or  society  collection,  first  premium, 
Ontiirio  Fruit  Growers' Association;  second,  South  Haven  Pomological 
Society  of  Michigan  ;  individual  collection,  first  premium,  J.  H.  Rickets, 
Newburg,  N.  Y.  ;  second,  Hoag  tt  Clark,  Lockport,  N.  Y.  For  best 
collection  of  Grapes  grown  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  first  premium, 
James  Rutton,  Floren,  Cal. ;  best  collection  grown  under  glass,  first  pre- 
mium, George  B.  Durfee,  Fall  River,  Mass. — Peache-s :  State  or  society 
collection,  first  premium,  Central  Delaware  Fruit  Growers'  Association; 
second,  Ontario  Fruit  Growers'  Association,  Canada;  individual  collec- 
tion, first  premium,  David  F.  Myers,  Delaware. — Plums:  State  or 
scciety  eolleeti^n,  first  premium,  Ontario  Fruit  Growers'  Association; 
second,  Desiret  Agricultural  Association  of  Utah ;  individual,  first 
premium,  C.  H.  Greenman,  Milton,  Wis.;  second,  G.  P.  Peffer, 
l*ewaukee.  Wis. 

The  President's  Address.— The  sessions  of  the  Convention 
began  on  Wc<lnesday,  the  visiting  society  having  first  been  formally 
welcomed  by  the  city  and  their  especial -host.  In  the  afternoon  of  the 
.«ame  day,  the  Hon.  Marshall  P.  Wilder,  of  Boston,  President  of  the 
Society,  a  position  which  he  has  filled  with  grace  and  especial  fitness 
from  its  foundation,  delivered  his  aunu:il  address.  In  the  course  of  this 
address,  he  gave  an  interesting  historical  sketch  of  the  formation  of  the 


American  Pomological  Society,  reviewed  the  progress  made  during  its 
quarter  of  a  century  of  existence,  aud  prophesied  a  still  greater  future 
for  American  pomology.^  He  enforced  the  duty  of  constant  effort  to 
improve  our  native  varieties  of  fruits  and  to  produce  new  varieties;  and 
speaking  of  our  gradually  increasing  independence  of  foreign  importa- 
tion to  obtain  the  best  fruits,  said  : — "  Of  the  forty-three  kinds  of  Plums 
in  our  catalogue  more  than  half  are  American.  Of  fifty-eight  kinds  of 
Peaches  more  than  two-thirds  are  American,  and,  in  fact,  very  few 
others  are  much  in  cultivation.  Of  the  nineteen  kinds  of  Strawberries 
all  but  three  are  American.  Of  thirty-one  varieties  of  hardy  Grapes  all 
are  American.  Thus,  of  these  fruits,  we  have  in  our  catalogue  at  the 
present  time  151  varieties,  and,  writh  the  exception  of  thirty-seven,  all 
are  of  American  origin.  The  catalogue  of  the  society  was  said  to  be 
the  first  attempt  m  this  country  to  suppress  by  common  consent  our 
inferior  fruits  from  cultivation,  and  to  define  the  adaptation  and  value  of 
approved  varieties  to  a  wide-spread  territory.  It  is  the  result  of  the  most 
patient  investigation  by  its  originator,  Mr.  Barry,  from  its  first  preparation 
in  1800  down  to  the  present  time.  Atthe  timeof  its  first  publication  it  was 
issued  in  octavo  form,  but  in  less  than  ten  years  it  was  necessary  to 
enlarge  it  to  quarto  form,  so  as  to  admit  of  additional  columns  for  the 
new  states  and  territories  coming  within  our  jurisdiction.  Instead  of 
the  fifty-four  varieties  of  fruit  recommended  in  1S4J3,  it  now  contains 
the  names  of  577  kinds,  and,  with  the  list  of  025  rejected  varieties  passed 
over  by  the  society,  makes  a  total  of  1,202  on  which  the  society  has  set 
its  seal  of  approval  or  rejection.  An  important  part  of  this  work,  not 
shown  by  these  figures,  is  the  reduction  of  the  list  as  compared  with 
former  catalogues,  by  striking  out  varieties  too  good  to  be  placed  in  the 
rejected  list,  yet  superseded  by  better  sorts.  In  Pears  alone  this  reduc- 
tion has  been  from  122  to  ninety-one  kinds.  It  has  always  been  the  aim 
to  condense  the  list  into  as  small  a  number  of  varieties  as  possible.  An 
important  si;ep  taken  by  the  society  was  to  place  its  mark  of  condemna- 
tion on  the  long  list  of  unworthy  fruits  which  were  previously  in  its 
collections,  thereby  saving  to  cultivators  a  vast  amount  of  time,  trouble, 
and  expense  in  the  propagation  of  useless  varieties.  The  remaining 
sessions  of  the  society  were  taken  up  with  discussions  in  regard  to  the 
introduction  of  different  varieties  of  fruit  into  the  catalogue  and  the 
rejection  of  others,  and  with  other  routine  business.  The  most  important 
resolutions  passed  were  to  abolish  the  "starring"  of  varieties  at  the 
meetings  of  the  society.  Hereafter  the  question  of  merit  will  be  discussed 
only,  and  from  the  information  thus  gained  the  committee  will  determine 
the  position  of  each  variety.  It  was  also  decided  that  no  money-pre- 
miums shall  be  offered  by  the  society,  and  that  hereafter  awards  for 
meritorious  objects  shall  consist  of  the  new  Wilder  Medal.  Chicago  was 
chosen  as  the  place  for  the  next  biennial  meeting,  and  it  was  decided  to 
hold  an  extra  meeting  in  connection  with  the  Centennial  at  Philadelphia 
in  1S7G. 


Cowan's  Lim.e-kiln  Heating.— I  have  only  seen  the  working 
of  this  system  of  heating  once,  and  that  at  Manchester,  but  I  never  saw 
anything  in  its  way  so  satisfactory.  The  heating  power,  coupled  with 
the  shght  trouble  given  to  those  who  attend  to  it,  is  marvellous,  and  where 
limest^me  can  be  had,  this  system  must  be  very  economical.  I  may, 
however,  add  that  the  arrangement  of  the  pipes  was  by  no  means  good, 
as  far  as  display  regarding  the  quaUties  of  the  apparatus  was  concerned. — 
Alex.  McKexzie,  ,4/c.('a»t/ra  Palace,  Musivell  Hill. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MAKKET. 

OCTOBEE  3rd. 

Flowers.— The  supply  of  these  is  equal  to  the  demand,  which  is  at  present 
somewhat  limited.  Foremost  amongst  those  in  pots  are  pretty  fittle  Asters, 
about  6  or  7  inches  in  height,  eo  densely  flowered  as  to  completely  hide  the 
leaves  ;  Fuchsias  from  spring  and  summer  cuttings,  and  fine  specimens  of 
Eesronia  Weltoniensis.  There  arc  also  young  plants  of  Solanum  capsicafltnim, 
with  bright  orange -scarlet  berries,  and  various  dwarf  Chrysanthemums,  as 
well  as  Vallotas  and  little  plants  of  Evergreens.  Cut  flowers  consist  of  Roses, 
Eucharis,  Bouvardins,  white  CamcUias,  Gardenias,  Chinese  Primulas, 
llignonettc,  Pelargoniums,  and  Violets. 

Fruit  and  Vegetables.— Of  fruit  there  is  a  plentiful  supply,  but  still  prices 
range  high.  Grapes  are  good  and  plenliful,  but  Peaches  are  nearly  over,  as  are 
also  Melons  and  Figs.  Pears  and  Apples  are  of  excellent  quEility,  and  very 
plentiful.  Vegetables,  which  mantain  iheir  excellence,  consist  chiefly  of 
Carrots.  Onions,  Broccoli,  Cauliflower,  Brussels  Sprouts,  Cabbage,  Colew'orts, 
Celery,  Tumijis,  Endive,  and  Radishes. 

Prices  of  Fruits.— Annies,  per  half-sieve,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Chilies,  per  100, 
2s.  ;  Cobbs,  per  lb.,  Is.  to  Is.  Gd;  Figs,  per  doz.,  6d.  to  2s. ;  Filberts,  per  lb..  Is. 
to  Is.  6d. ;  Grapes,  hothouse,  black,  per  lb.,  Is.  to  6s.;  Muscats,  2s.  to  68.  ; 
Lemons,  per  100,  Ite.  to  2.5s.;  Melons,  each.  23.  to  4s.;  Oranijes,  per  100, 
12s.  to  24s.;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  6s.  to  12s.;  Pears,  per  doz.,  Is." to  4s. ;  Pine- 
Anplcs,  per  lb.,  33.  to  6s. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s.;  Waliiute,  per  bushel, 
12s.  to  208. ;  ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  ls.6d  to 3s. ;  Beans.  Kidncy,per 
half  sieve,  Is.  6d.  to  2s.  ;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Brussel  Sprouts,  per 
half-sieve,  2s.  6d. ;  Cabbage,  per  doz.,  2s.;  Carrots,  per  bunch,  4<1.  to  6d.; 
Cauliflower,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Celery,  per  btmdle,  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Cole- 
worts,  per  doz.  bunches,  3s. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  3d,  to  6d. ;  Endive,  per  doz., 
2s.  ;  Fennel,  per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Garlic,  per  lb.,  6d.  ;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d.  ; 
Horseradish,  per  bundle,  3s.  to  4s.;  Leeks,  per  bunch.  3d.;  Lettuces,  per 
doz.  Is.  to  2s.;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s.;  Mustard  and  Cress, 
per  punnet,  2d. ;  Onions,  per  bashel,  4s.  to  63. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ; 
Parsley,  per  doz.  bunches,  4s.;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is.;  Peas,  per 
quart,  9d.  to  Is.;  Potatoes,  per  bushel,  2s.  6d.  to  4s.;  P.adishes,  per  doz. 
bunches,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Rhubarb,  per  bundle.  8d.  to  Is.;  Salsafy,  do..  Is. 
to  la.  6d. ;  Scorzonera,  per  bundle.  Is.;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ;  Spinach,  per 
bushel,  3b.  ;  Turnips,  per  bimch,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Vegetable  Marrows,  per  doz.,  Is, 
to  2s. ;  Brussels  Sprouts,  per  half-sieve,  3s.  6d. 


Oct.  li,  1873.] 


l^HE  GARDEN. 


291 


THE    GARDEN. 

"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  :    but 
The  Akt  hself  is  Natuke." — Shakespea/re. 


IDEAS  ABOUT  MUSHROOMS. 
A  GARDENER  gathered  some  Mushrooms,  growing  uniicr  trees, 
and  presented  them  to  a  bar-maid.  They  proved  to  be 
poisonous,  and  three  persons  were  made  ill  by  thera.  The 
case  was  very  sad,  for  one  poor  girl  died  ;  and  sad,  too,  was  it 
for  the  gardener.  Not  only  had  he  to  boar  the  sorrow  of  the 
injury  ho  had  unwittingly  caused,  but  he  was  actually 
committed  to  take  his  trial  for  murder.  There  had  been  some 
"  few  words "  previously  between  them,  and  the  gift  of  the 
Mushrooms,  which,  in  all  probability  was  a  practical  apology 
for  the  quarrel,  was  made  to  seem  malicious.  The  grand  jury 
at  the  Central  Criminal  Court  threw  out  the  bill  of  indictment 
as  a  matter  of  course,  and  the  jjoor  gardener  was  set  at 
liberty.  Much  commiseration  was  very  naturally  felt  for  all 
parties,  and  Mr.  Justice  Denman,  with  the  best  and  kindest 
motives,  called  attention  to  the  importance  of  laying  down 
some  rules  for  distinguishing  the  good  from  the  bad.  The 
public  journals,  with  intentions  equally  good,  endeavoured  to 
support  his  lordship's  philanthropy  and  his  lordship's  views 
on  edible  Funguses  in  general,  until  one  is  compelled  to 
confess  that  "  Mushroom  ideas,"  and  "  Ideas  about  Mush- 
rooms," are  almost  synonymou.s  terms.  "  Don't  gather  them 
from  under  trees,"  says  the  judge  ;  when  everyone  knows 
that  many  of  the  best  kinds  will  only  grow  there.  For 
example,  the  Edible  Boletus  {Boletus  edulis),  the  vegetable 
beef-steak  (Fistulina  hepatica),  and  many  others.  "  Gather 
them  in  the  open  field,"  says  the  judge  again;  when  many 
very  poisonous  ones  (Hygrophori,  &c.)  actually  grow  only 
there.  "  Don't  eat  bright-coloured  ones,  or  any  which 
change  colour  when  cut,"  says  his  lordship.  Whj-,  the 
brilliant  Orange-milk  Agaric  (Lactarius  deliciosus),  which 
bears  the  distinctive  epithet  of  "  delicious,"  actually  turns 
a  verdigris  green  when  bruised;  and  so  exceptions  might 
be  taken  to  every  rule  laid  down  by  the  judge  and  his  com- 
mentators. The  rules  they  would  lay  down  are  good,  no  doubt, 
as  general  rules,  to  skilled  people,  but  certainly  cannot  be 
followed  by  persons  iu  general  without  special  education. 
The  true  secret  of  preventing  such  sad  mistakes  is,  that  people 
should  not  eat  funguses  until  they  have  learned  to  know  them  by 
their  self-evident  individual  characters.  No  skilled  knowledge 
is  really  necessary.  The  Blackberry  is  known  from  the  berry 
of  the  deadly  Nightshade,  which  is  equally  black.  People,  in 
picking  Parsley,  don't  gather  the  poisonous  Fool's  Parsley, 
which  so  often  grows  near  it,  though  they  are  utterly  ignorant 
of  the  botanical  names  or  characters  of  the  plants  themselves. 
Many  of  the  edible  funguses  have  appearances  even  moi-e  dis- 
tinct than  the  plant  named.  For  example,  the  Maned  Agaric 
(Coprinus  comatus),  the  Champignon  (Marasmius  oreades),  and 
the  Panxsol  fungus  (Agaricus  procerus),  are  more  readily  dis- 
tinguishable from  each  other  and  from  everything  else  in 
nature,  than  the  common  Mushroom  (Agaricus  campestris) 
itself.  When  people  have  once  learned  to  know  these  indi- 
vidually, they  may  then  eat  them  with  perfect  safety,  always 
supposing  that  they  are  young  and  in  good  condition. 
And  this  brings  us  back  to  the  consideration  that,  in  the 
instance  of  poisoning  before  us,  the  common  Mushroom  itself 
was  the  offending  member  of  the  family,  and  the  judge  and 
his  commentators  have  shot  wide  of  the  mark  by  including 
edible  Funguses  in  general — -since  every  one  knows  the 
common  Mushroom,  it  may  well  be  asked,  why  should  it  have 
proved  poisonous  in  the  instance  in  point  ? — without  any 
knowledge  of  the  condition  of  the  Mushrooms  when  gathered 
and  eaten  it  is  difficult  to  answer  this  question.  It  is  very  rare 
that  the  common  Mushroom  does  prove  poisonous,  but  it  is  well 
known  to  do  so  under  certain  conditions,  and  these  are  almost 
always  when  the  Mushroom  itself  is  the  subject  of  decay. 
When  the  growth  of  a  Mushroom  is  suddenly  stopped,  a 
change  in  its  structure  begins  ;  it  is  often  itself  attacked  by 
another  Fungus.  This  sends  its  delicate  mycelium  threads 
through  the  gills,  and  in  its  commencement  the  change  might 
easily  be  overlooked.  It  has  been  known  to  have  been  ttius  over- 


looked, and  to  have  produced  uijurious  qualities  in  the  Mush- 
room. This  is  one  cause,  and  other  forms  of  decay  and  change 
of  structure  may  doubtless  have  the  same  effect.  The 
wondrous  fact  that  Mushrooms  should  so  closely  resemble  one 
of  the  highest  organised  substances  in  nature,  animal  muscle, 
both  in  its  nutritivg  and  chemical  properties,  is  worthy  of  much 
thought.  The  Mushroom  is  the  growth  of  a  few  hours,  the 
meat  the  result,  as  it  were,  of  an  animal's  lifetime.  Such 
rapid  growth  to  high  excellence  entails  almost  of  necessity  a 
a  decay  ef|ually  rapid  and  deleterious.  When  this  is  well  con- 
sidered, the  wonder  will  be  that  Mushrooms,  so  cai'elessly 
gathered  and  so  freely  eaten,  should  not  prove  poisonous  much, 
more  frequently  than  is  found  to  be  the  case. 


COWAN'S  LIME-KILN  HEATING. 
On  Saturday,  the  -Ith  instant,  a  committee  of  gentlemen  interested 
in  horticulture  met  to  inspect  the  now  lime-kiln  heating  appai'atua 
just  completed  at  Hatfield.  A  large  and  powerful  a23paratus  on  thi3 
plan  has  just  been  erected  for  the  purpose  of  heating  several  largo 
ranges  of  Vineries  and  forcing-houses.  In  addition  to  heating  7,000 
feet  of  4-inch  piping,  it  is  expected  to  convert  chalk,  so  plentiful  iu 
the  neighbourhood,  into  excellent  lime  for  use  on  the  estate.  Wo 
believe  this  is  the  first  time  the  apparatus  has  been  tested  with  chalk, 
and  the  result  of  the  trial,  which  took  place  last  Saturday,  was  as 
satisfactory  as  could  be  expected.  The  apparatus  at  Hatfield  is  the 
first  erected  on  a  large  scale,  and  some  idea  of  its  magnitude  may  be 
obtained  when  we  describe  it  as  12  feet  wide  and  from  12  to  13  feet 
high.  The  kiln  is  egg-shaped,  being  widest  in  the  middle,  and  con- 
tains a  solid  mass  of  f uef  10  feet  high  and  6  feet  through  in  its  widest 
part.  Over  this  glowing  mass  the  boiier  is  situated,  and,  being  for 
the  most  part  directly  over  the  fire,  is  subjected  to  a  very  high  lieat. 
ing  power.  We  believe  Mr.  Cowan  has  made  arrangements  for 
surrounding  the  kiln  with  a  boiler  in  addition  to  the  one  just 
alluded  to  ;  but,  so  far  as  our  own  experience  of  the  hot-water 
system  of  heating  goes,  we  believe  that  the  most  economical 
and  practical  method  would  be  to  place  an  improved  saddle 
boiler  directly  over  the  top  of  the  fire.  Every  hot-water 
engineer  is  aware  that  two-thirds  of  the  heat  from  a  fire  rises 
vertically  for  every  third  that  is  diffused  horizontally,  and  this  fact 
points  to  a  boiler  directly  over  the  fire.  The  kiln  need  not  always 
be  in  use,  arrangements  having  been  made  for  the  insertion  of  firo 
bars  immediately  below  the  boiler,  which  can  then  be  fed  with 
either  wood,  coal,  or  coke  in  the  ordinary  way.  If  circumstances 
require  it,  however,  the  whole  or  part  of  the  kiln  itself  may  be 
constructed  of  iron  plates,  thus  forming  a  boiler  of  enormous  power, 
capable  of  heating  several  miles  of  4-inch  piping.  Lime  burning 
can  be  carried  on  without  applying  the  heat  for  horticultural 
pui-poses,  and  in  this  case  the  circulation  is  turned  from  the  pipes 
into  a  large  tank  placed  above  the  boiler.  This  system  has  been 
well  proved  with  limestone  and  found  to  be  a  success.  Anthracite 
coal  is  preferred  tor  burning  limestone,  and,  like  coke,  it  emits  very 
little  smoke,  a  great  consideration  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
country  residences.  The  apparatus  at  Hatfield  has  been  erected  by 
Messrs.  Boyd  &  Sons,  of  Paisley. 


We  have  received  from  Mr.  Thomson,  of  Penge,  examples  of 
the  following  Mesembryanthemums — viz.,  M.  laoerum,  a  fleshy 
triangular-leaved  kind,  with  foliage  not  unlike  that  of  mutabile  or 
heteropetalum.  It  bears  lovely  large  orange-crimsou-coloured  double 
flowers,  superior  to  those  of  both  the  kinds  just  named,  and  having 
the  good  property  of  keeping  open,  even  in  the  absence  of  direct 
sunlight.  Along  with  it  came  inolaudens,  a  showy  purplish-lilac 
kind  ;  Haworthii,  a  variety  iu  the  way  of  conspicuum,  but  larger  and 
more  showy  ;  formosum,  bright  rose,  with  a  cream-coloured  eye ;  and 
intonsum.  Both  the  last  have  a  spreading  habit,  which  fits  them  well 
either  for  beds  or  for  rock-work.  Associated  with  these  were 
imbricans,  a  small-growing  kind  in  the  way  of  polyanthum  ;  aureum, 
which  has  been  largely  bedded  out  iu  the  London  parks  this  year; 
and  aurantiacum,  another  abundant-flowering  kind,  of  a  deeper  and 
richer  shade  of  orange  than  that  of  aureum.  Among  silvery  white- 
flowered  kinds  may  be  named  blandum,  a  strikingly  showy  variety; 
and  incurvum,  also  a  fine  kind,  with  flowers,  as  its  name  implies, 
more  incurved  than  those  of  blandum.  Another  free-flowering  white 
kind  may  be  found  in  lepidum,  a  variety  very  suitable  for  rock-work, 
as  are  also  echinatum  and  its  yellow  variety,  both  of  which  are  dwarf, 
and  flower  most  profusely.  Barbatum  has  small  delicate  peach- 
coloured  blossoms  ;  and  dolabriforme,  unlike  others  of  its  race,  shuts 
up  its  pretty  orange-coloured  flowers  during  the  day  time,  and  opens 
them  in  the  evening.  Aureum  was  in  blossom  as  early  as  March,  and 
others  have  produced  multitudes  of  flowers  all  through  the  season. 


292 


THE  aAHDEK. 


[Oct.  "11,  1873. 


NOTES    OP   THE   WEEK. 


Nepenthes   sanguinea  is   now  producing  remartably  fine 

pitchers  in  the  Koyal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea.  This  rare  species 
beais  vivid  blood-red  or  crimson-coloured  pitchers  from  6  to  12  inches 
in  length. 

Mr.  Bull  has  now  in  flower  a  beautiful  new  Tillandsia,  the 

flower-spike  of  which  is  furnished  with  large  bracts  of  a  soft  rose 
colour.  Gastronema  sanguincum  is  also  flowering  freely  in  his 
nurseries. 

The  interesting  American  Blackberry   (Rubns  deliciosus)  is 

figured  in  this  month's  number  of  the  Botanical  Magazine.  The 
fruit  is  described  as  being  of  delicious  sweetness  and  considerable 
size,  while  the  flowers  somewhat  resemble  those  of  a  white  Rose  in 
size  and  abundance. 

Messus.  Sutton   have  erected   this  year,  as  usual,  at   the 

Crystal  Palace,  a  charming  harvest  trophy.  It  is  a  hundrtd  feet  in 
length,  and  represents  the  products  of  both  farm  and  garden  in  their 
most  attractive  aspects.  Seeds,  too,  of  many  kinds,  are  prettily 
arranged  in  glass  cases. 

An  influential  meeting  was  held  the  other  day  at  Torquay  to 

discuss  the  question  as  to  the  desirability  of  furnishing  that  town 
■with  a  winter  garden  and  aquarium,  and  the  best  site  on  which  to 
place  them.  It  was  suggested  that  the  old  harbour  should  be  filled 
up  and  utilised  in  that  waj'. 

Intelligence     has   arrived    of    the   death   of   Dr.   William 

Jameson  in  June  last,  at  Quito,  where  he  had  resided  for  many 
years  as  Professor  of  Chemistry  and  Botany  to  the  University.  As 
a  botanist  and  zoologist  of  high  standing.  Dr.  Jameson  is  well 
known  by  his  extensive  contributions  to  public  institutions  in 
America  and  Europe. 

At  the  recent  Fungus  show  at   South    Kensington,   a  new 

economical  use  for  this  class  of  plants  was  indicated  by  the  Bev.  Mr. 
Berkeley,  who  produced  a  cap  made  out  of  the  beaten-oot  interior 
mass  of  Polyporus  fomentarius,  the  amadou  or  German  tinder  of 
commerce,  which  he  describes  as  both  warm  and  light.  It  is  stated 
that  large  use  is  made  in  Hungary  of  this  material  for  caps  and 
■waistcoats,  and  it  is  also  used  for  caulking  boats. 

The   Swiss  Times   states   that   the  Conseil  A.dministratif  of 

Geneva  have  concluded  the  purchase  of  the  fine  property  of  Cropettes, 
containing  about  9.}  acres,  for  the  sum  of  335,100f.,  subject  to  the 
approval  of  the  Municipal  Council.  The  property  is  beautifully 
situated  on  the  wooded  slope  which  rises  on  the  north  side  of  the 
city  at  Montbrillant ;  and  the  object  of  the  purchase  is  to  lay  it  out 
as  a  park  for  the  inhabitants  of  the  quarters  of  St.  Gervais  and 
Paquis. 

As  the  planting  season  is  now  at  hand,  parties  interested  in 

decorating  gardens,  squares,  streets,  &c.,  with  trees  and  shrubs, 
should  spend  a  little  leisure  time  in  making  observations,  ■where  such 
exist  within  the  area  of  this  smoke-stricken  city  (London),  to  note 
the  kinds  which  thrive  under  such  disadvantageous  circumstances  ; 
and,  to  assist  them  in  arriving  at  proper  conclnsions  in  the  matter,  we 
■would  ask  them  to  remark  the  noble  Plane,  the  graceful  Acacia,  the 
free  and  handsome  Ailantus,  the  varieties  of  the  Sumach,  and  all 
the  family  of  Poplars,  and  contrast  them  with  the  Lime  and  other 
trees  which  are  now  denuded  of  their  foliage,  and  so  nnsuited  for  city 
planting. 

An   English    oSicer,    formerly    in    the   Indian    army,   and 

thoroughly  experienced  in  the  cultivation  of  Tea,  has  addressed  a 
memorial  to  tlie  Italian  Government,  declaring  that  many  parts  of 
that  kingdom  are  suitable  for  the  cultivation  of  that  plant,  and  that 
he  himself,  if  he  were  invited,  would  give  his  services  gratuitously 
to  introduce  and  develope  it.  We  doubt  not  that  both  Tea  and  Coffee 
could  be  raised  with  great  success  in  many  parts  of  Italy,  but  espe- 
cially in  Sicily,  where  they  would  stand  the  winter.  In  Naples 
Coffee  berries  become  a  fair  size,  and  the  coffee  made  is  good  in  point 
of  flavour ;  but  it  is  necessary  to  have  the  trees  housed  during  the 
■»vinter— a  precaution  which  would  not  be  necessary  in  Sicily. 

We  understand  that  energetic  action  is  being  taken  with  a 

view  to  holding  a  Great  International  Fruit,  Flower,  and  Plant  Show 
next  year  at  Belfast,  on  the  occasion  of  the  visit  of  the  British 
Association  to  that  town.  We  are  further  informed  that  not  only 
has  the  project  been  warmly  taken  up  and  approved  of  by  the  horti- 
cultural element  in  the  immediate  locality,  but  that  cordial  and 
substantial  support  has  been  promised  by  several  leading  members 
of  the  trade,  as  also  by  many  of  the  foremost  horticulturists  both  in 
England  and  Scotland.  The  session  of  the  British  Association  for 
1874  will  open,  wo  believe,  on  or  about  August  19th ;  consequently, 
the  proposed  show  will  take  place  some  day  between  that  and  its 
close  on  August  26tli.     It  will  bo  well,  both  as  regards  metropoUtan 


and  local  fixtures  for  next  year's  autumn  shows,  that  this  should  be 
borne  in  mind,  so  as  to  leave  exhibitors  and  others,  who  would  caro 
to  be  present,  free  for  the  great  gathering  at  Belfast. 

. Bournemouth,    we   hear,    is    expending    some    £30,000    on 

ornamental  gardens  and  other  improvements,  considered  necessary 
for  the  embellishment  of  that  fashionable  watering  place. 

We  learn  that  Mr.   W.  C.   Flagg,  of  Alton,  Illinois,  has  been 

appointed  Secretary  to  the  American  Pomological  Society,  an  appoint- 
ment for  which  his  full  knowledge  of  fruit  well  qualifies  him. 

An  establishment  at  Nassau,   Bahama  Islands,  has  about  a 

thousand  hands  employed  in  canning  Pine-apples.  This  season  they 
purchased  1,000,000  Pine-apples,  and  packed  1,010,000  cans. 

. Among  the  latest  publications  of   the  Smithsonian  Institu. 

tion  is  a  volume  issued  under  the  title  of  "  A  Contribution  to  the 
History  of  the  Freshwater  Alga:  of  North  America,"  by  Horatio  C. 
Wood,  jun.,  M.D. 

The  Hydrangeas   which  have  flowered  so  freely  along  the 

margins  of  the  shrubbery  borders  and  beds  in  the  Royal  Horti. 
cultural  Gardens  at  South  Kensington  are  still  conspicuous,  after 
having  been  gay  for  nearly  twelve  weeks. 

The  Anemone-leaved  Geranium  (G.  ancmona;folium)  is  used 

largely  in  the  flower-beds  in  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  gardens 
at  South  Kensington.  It  does  not  flower  freely  outside,  but  makes  a 
vigorous  growth,  some  of  its  palmatisect  leaves  being  a  foot  across. 
It  is  well  worth  a  place  in  the  subtropical  garden. 

The  second  part  of  vol.  xxix.   of  the  "  Transactions  of  the 

Linnrean  Society,"  just  published,  is  occupied  by  a  continuation  of 
Colonel  Grant  and  Professor  Oliver's  "  Botany  of  the  Speke  and 
Grant  E.tpedition."  The  number  of  new  species  described  in  this 
part  is  thirty-five ;  and  it  is  illustrated  by  thirty-five  full  sized  410 
plates,  the  expense  of  which  is  munificently  borne  by  Col.  Grant. 

The   well  known  and  eminent  botanLst,  Dr.  Karl  Koch,  of 

Berlin,  who  has  been  for  twenty-three  years  secretary  of  the  Prussian 
Horticultural  Societ}',  and  editor  of  the  society's  journal,  has  lately 
sent  in  his  resignation  of  both  these  offices.  We  understand  that 
certain  disagreements  and  distm'bances  which  have  prevailed  among 
the  members  of  the  society  during  the  last  two  or  three  years  have 
resulted  in  the  very  serious  loss  to  them  of  Dr.  Koch's  distinguished 
services. 

The  annual   Fungus  forays  of   the   Woolhope  Naturalists' 

Field  Club,  in  Herefordshire,  will  take  place  from  October  20th  to 
the  25th.  The  club  meeting  is  fixed  for  Thursday,  October  23rd, 
and  the  fine  park  of  Holaie  Lacy,  near  Hereford,  is  the  hunting 
ground  selected.  The  Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley,  C.  E.  Broome,  Esq.,  and 
many  other  of  the  leading  mycologists  will  be  present ;  and  thns  the 
sunshine  of  science  will  certainly  be  there,  and  we  will  trust,  ton, 
that  the  sun  of  St.  Martin  will  add  its  own  grand  tribute  towards 
the  brilliancy  of  the  meeting. 

Now,  says  Nature,   that  so  much  attention  is  being  paid  to 

the  introduction  into  our  colonies  of  useful  foreign  trees  and  crops, 
we  desire  to  call  special  attention  to  the  publication  at  Brisbane  of 
"  The  Olive  and  its  products :  a  treatise  on  the  habits,  cultivation, 
and  propagation  of  the  tree,  and  upon  the  manufacture  of  oil  and 
other  products  therefrom,"  by  L.  A.  Bernays,  F.L.S.,  Vice-President 
of  the  Queensland  Acclimatisation  Society.  The  work  has  special 
reference  to  the  advantages  to  be  derived  from  the  introduction  of 
the  Olive  into  Queensland,  and  is  printed  and  published  at  the  expense 
of  the  Colonial  Government. 

— —  The  following  method  of  preserving  wooden  labels  that  are 
to  be  used  on  trees  or  in  exposed  places  is  recommended  in  a  German 
paper.  Thoroughly  soak  the  pieces  of  wood  in  a  strong  solution  of 
copperas  (sulphate  of  iron),  then  lay  them,  after  they  are  dry,  in 
lime  water.  This  causes  the  formation  of  sulphate  of  lime,  a  very 
insoluble  salt  (gypsum)  in  the  wood.  The  rapid  destniction  of 
labels  by  the  weather  is  thus  prevented.  Bast,  mats,  twine,  and 
other  substances  used  in  tying  up  or  covering  trees  and  plants,  when 
treated  in  the  same  manner,  are  similarly  preserved.  At  a  recent 
meeting  of  a  horticultural  society  in  Berlin,  wooden  labels  thus 
treated  were  shown  which  had  been  constantly  exposed  to  the 
weather  during  two  years  without  being  affected  thereby. 

The   Commissioners   of   her   Majesty's   Works    and    Public 

Buildings  intend  to  distribute  this  autumn,  as  usual,  among  the 
working  classes  and  thepoor  inhabitants  of  London,  the  surplus  bedding 
plants  in  Battersea,  Hyde,  the  Regent's,  and  Victoria  Parks,  and  in 
the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  and  the  Pleasure  Gardens,  Hampton  Court. 
If  the  clergy,  school  committees,  and  others  interested  will  make 
application  to  tho  superintendents  of  the  parks  nearest  to  their 
respective  parishes,  or  to  the  Director  of  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew, 
or  to  the  Superintendent  of  Hampton  Court  Gardens,  in  the  cases  of 
persons  residing  in  those  neighbourhoods,  they  will  receive  early 
intimation  of  the  number  of  plants  that  can  be  allotted  to  each 
applicant,  and  of  the  time  and  manner  of  their  distribution. 


Oct.  11, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


293 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 


PURPLE  LADY'S-SLIPPEE. 

(cYriurEDiuit  ruuruKATUM.) 
Tins  pretty  variety  of  Lady's-Slipper  is  not  unfrequently  mis- 
taken for  its  nbicinitons  congener  G.  barbatnm,  a  circnmstance 
not  to  be  wondered  at ;  for,  in  many  respects,  the  two  plants 
are  nearly  identical.  The  foliage  is  similar  to  tbat  of  Veitch's 
variety  of  the  Bearded  Lady's-Slipper,  and  the  flowers  closely 
resemble  those  of  some  varieties  of  C.  barbatnm,  if  we  except 
the  characteristic  glands  or  warts  along  the  upper  margins  of 
the  petals,  which  are  absent  in  C.  pm-puratum.  The  petals  of 
C.  barbatnm,  and  all  its  varieties,  if  we  except  0.  barbatnm 
Dayii,  are  more  or  less  spotted  with  dark  purple,  but  purpu- 
i-atnm  seldom  shows  these  markings,  and  has  more  pure  white 
in  the  upper  part  of  the  upper  sepal,  or  standard,  than  most 
varieties  of  barbatnm  ;  with  these  exceptions,  it  is  a  conntor- 
part  of  the  Bearded  Lady's-Slipper,  to  which  no  doubt  it  is 
very  closely  allied.  It  flowers 
during  the  autumn  and  winter 
months  in  a  moderately  warm 
temperature,  the  prevailing 
colours  being  purple,  white,  and 
green.  It  is  a  native  of  Java, 
and  does  well  treated  like  the 
other  tropical  species  of  this 
genus.  Our  illustration  shows 
the  general  contour  of  the 
plant,  and  is  a  trifle  less  than 
half  the  natural  size.  B. 


HYACINTH  CULTURE. 
The  most  suitable  compost  for 
the  cultivation  of  Hyacinths  in 
pots  consists  of  one-half  decora- 
posed  friable  turfy  loam,  the 
remainder  equal  parts  of  well 
rotted-manure,  leaf-mould,  and 
river  sand.  As  in  all  other 
cases,  the  materials  should  be 
in  the  intermediate  condition 
between  wet  and  dry  when 
mixed  for  use,  so  that  the  com- 
post may  admit  of  being  firmly 
pressed  without  being  made 
adhesive.  The  season  for  plant- 
ing is  from  September  on- 
wards. When  planted  in  pots, 
two-thirds  of  the  bulb  should 
be  left  above  the  surface  of  the 
soil.  The  size  of  the  pots  used 
may  be  regulated  by  the  pur- 
poses for  which  the  plants  are 
required,  as  the  quantity  of  soil 
supplied  to  the  roots  is  of  less 
importance  than  a  regular  and 

sufficient  supply  of  moisture,  so  that  if  very  small  pots  are 
required  for  particular  purposes  they  may  be  used,  care 
being  taken  during  the  growth  of  the  plant  that  the  roots 
do  not  want  water  ;  5-inch  pots  (forty-eights)  for  one  bulb,  and 
6-inch  pots  (thirty-twos)  for  two  or  three  bulbs,  are  suitable 
sizes  for  general  use.  We  may  remark,  that  the  effect  of 
planting  two  or  three  bulbs  together  is  so  much  superior  to 
that  produced  by  single  bulbs,  that  except  for  special  purposes 
few  persons  having  once  adapted  the  former  will  bo  satisfied 
with  the  latter  plan.  In  the  process  of  potting,  the  soil  should 
be  pressed  moderately  firm,  but  should  not  be  too  much  con- 
solidated. After  planting,  the  pots  are  best  set  out  of  doors, 
and  well  watered  so  as  to  ensure  that  the  soil  becomes 
thoroughly  moistened,  for,  unless  this  is  attended  to,  the  roots  as 
they  commence  gi'owing  do  not  readily  penetrate,  and  the 
bulbs  become  thrown  on  one  side,  so  that  the  after-growth  is 
disfigured ;  this  is  especially  liable  to  occur  when  the  soil 
besides  being  dry  is  also  firmly  pressed  down.  When  the 
water  has  passed  away,  the  bulbs  are  to  be  covered  over  to  a 


Purple  Lady's-Slipper  (Cypripecliiun  purpuratmu; 


depth  of  six  inches  with  old  rotted  tan  or  leaves,  under  which 
they  are  to  remain  until  the  pots  become  filled  with  roots,  and 
the  young  leaves  have  shot  out  an  inch  or  so  in  height  above 
the  soil  they  are  planted  in.  Then,  after  clearing  away  all  the 
particles  of  earth  from  the  crowns  and  young  leaves,  so  that 
they  may  be  fully  exposed  to  light,  the  pots  are  to  be  removed 
to  a  cold  house  orframe,  where  they  remain  till  they  are  required 
for  forcing.  Such  plants  introduced  to  a  warm  atmosphere  in 
succession  will  furnish  a  supply  of  bloom  for  the  decoration  of 
the  conservatory  or  the  window  from  December  till  May.  Tho 
actual  period  when  they  reach  the  blooming  condition  will 
depend,  of  course,  very  much  on  the  time  when  they  are  removed 
to  a  warm  temperature,  and  the  amount  of  forcing  to  which  they 
are  subjected.  Gentle  excitement,  be  it  remembered,  is,  in  all 
oases,  preferable  to  hard  forcing.  Those  bulbs  which  are 
potted  by  the  beginning  of  September  may  be  had  in  bloom 
about  Christmas;  while  others  potted  about  the  end  of 
September  or  the  beginning  of  October,  will  bloom  about 
March,  if    assisted   with   a   slight    increase    of    temperature. 

They  are  best  grown  as  near  as 
possible  to  the  glass,  and  with 
all  the  ventilation  that  can  bo 
al¥orded  them ;  these  two  agen- 
cies acting  on  tho  plant  so  as 
to  secure  short,  stiff,  healthy 
foliage.  The  pots  should  be 
examined  from  time  to  time 
after  potting,  in  order  that 
when  they  become  tolerably 
filled  with  roots  the  bulbs  may 
be  removed  from  beneath  the 
plunging  material  before  their 
leaves  and  young  stems  have 
much  grown.  In  any  case,  the 
leaves  should  not  be  suffered 
to  grow  more  than  an  inch  or 
two  in  length  while  they  re- 
main in  this  position.  Those 
plants  which  grow  slowly  with- 
out the  agency  of  artificial  heat 
may  be  expected  to  produce 
tlie  most  vigorous,  perfect,  and 
highly  -  coloured  trusses  of 
bloom.  When  the  bulbs  are 
planted  in  glasses,  their  bases 
only  should  touch  the  water. 
The  glasses  should,  for  a  time, 
be  placed  in  a  dark  cool  place, 
until  the  roots  have  attained  a 
considerable  length,  so  that 
when  brought  out  and  exposed 
to  the  light,  the  roots  may  be 
capable  of  affordijig  a  good 
supply  of  nourishment  to  the 
young  leaves  and  stems.  From 
time  to  time  the  bulbs  should 
be  examined,  and  all  super- 
fluous or  decaying  matters 
which  occasionally  form  about  their  base  should  be  carefully 
cleared  away.  No  other  attention  is  required  beyond  an 
occasional  supply  of  fresh  water,  which  will  be  oftener  needed 
as  the  plants  attain  full  growth,  and  approach  the  flowering 
condition.  It  may  be  hardly  necessary  to  mention  that  neither 
glasses  nor  pots  should  be  kept  on  the  mantelpiece,  as  the 
heat  from  the  fire  is  inimical  to  the  vigorous  development  and 
duration  of  the  flowers.  They  should,  when  grown  in  tho 
dwelling-house  be  kept  all  day  at  the  window,  whore  they  may 
enjoy  the  full  light,  and  a  cool  room  is  preferable,  but  it  is 
proper  to  remove  them  from  the  window  at  night,  during 
severe  frosty  periods.  Eain  or  soft  water  should  always  be 
employed. 

In  making  a  selection  of  varieties  from  the  dealers'  lists,  it 
is  always  the  better  plan  to  include  those  only  which,  having 
been  previously  grown,  have  been  proved  to  produce  good 
flowers ;  not  allowing  other  kinds  to  be  substituted  to  suit  the 
vendor's  convenience.  This  should  more  than  ever  be  insisted 
on,  as  many  inferior  v.irieties  are  now  offered  by  the  Dutch 


294 


THE   GAEDBN. 


[Oct.  11, 1873. 


■wholesale  growers,  at  a  cheap  rate.  Some  of  the  old  favourite 
kinds  are  beginning  to  degenerate ;  and  as  it  occupies  many 
years  to  acquire  a  large  stock  of  any  new  variety,  so  when 
once  a  variety  is  brought  into  cultivation  in  the  Dutch  gardens, 
it  is  many  years  before  the  growers  can  be  induced  to  discard 
it,  though  it  may  be  known  to  be  worthless  in  comparison 
with  other  varieties  of  the  same  clas.s.  This  perhaps,  is  not 
surprising,  so  long  as  there  are  to  be  found  iu  England  pur- 
chasers of  these  cheap  inferior  sorts.  The  single-flowered 
varieties,  though  by  many  supposed  to  be  inferior  to  double 
ones,  are  in  reality  not  so.  Indeed,  it  is  a  question  whether 
for  vigour  of  constitution,  and  fullness  of  truss,  the  single 
kinds  are  not  superior  to  the  double,  for  though  there  are  fewer 
segments  to  each  individual  flower  in  the  former,  yet  the  truss 
or  spike  consists  of  two  or  three  times  the  number  of  pips  or 
flowers,  and  in  most  instances  the  trusses  produced  are  much 
larger.  The  single-flowered  kinds  all  succeed  well  in  glasses. 
Few  flowers  are  more  effective  for  bods  in  the  flower  garden 
during  the  latter  part  of  April  and  the  beginning  of  May,  than 
the  distinct-coloured  varieties  of  Hyacinth.  For  this  purpose, 
a  few  only  of  distinct  and  decided  colours  should  be  chosen  ; 
these  should  be  planted  in  masses  or  in  distinct  beds  of  the 
same  colour  and  kind.  They  require  a  light,  rich,  thoroughly 
drained  soil,  and  it  may  be  necessary  to  provide  this  to  the 
depth  of  a  foot  or  more,  by  removing  the  natural  soil  and 
substituting  a  proper  compost.  One  of  the  most  suitable 
composts  for  beds  would  be  foi'med  by  mixed  equal  parts  of — 
1,  the  soil  of  turfs  of  sandy  loam,  cut  very  thin,  and  perfectly 
rotted ;  2,  thoroughly  decayed  cow  manure,  or,  in  default  of 
this,  hot-bed  manure  and  leaves  well  decayed  ;  and  3,  river  or  sea 
sand.  The  beds  should  be  prepared  in  September  or  early  in 
October  in  fine  dry  weather,  and  the  bulbs  jilanted  about  6 
inches  beneath  the  surface.  During  the  winter  and  early 
spring  any  devices  may  be  resorted  to,  to  prevent  the  soil 
becoming  saturated  by  rains,  or  seriously  disturbed  by  frosts, 
for  which  purposes  a  waterproof  covering  cloth  may  be  found 
the  most  effective,  though  a  thick  mulching  of  any  of  the 
ordinary  protecting  materials  should  be  sufficient.  Any 
coverings  of  these  kinds  must  of  course  be  removed  as  soon  as 
the  leaves  begin  to  burst  through  the  soil ;  after  which  a  slight 
shelter  against  early  spring  frosts  afforded  to  the  foliage,  and 
against  dashing  rains  afforded  to  the  flowers,  will  be  repaid  by 
the  results.  The  bulbs  are  to  be  removed  when  the  leaves  have 
decayed,  previously  to  which,  in  a  well-ordered  garden,  a 
succession  of  flowers  will  have  been  introduced. 

A  FEW  HiyTS  ON  WHAT  TO  AvoiD  AXD  PfiACTisE. — Avoid  late 
planting,  which  is  fatal  to  success,  however  large  and  matured 
the  bulbs  may  be.  A  successful  bloom  from  Hyacinths 
invariably  depends  upon  obtaining  a  slowand  mature  formation 
of  the  root-fibres  before  the  leaf-growth,  either  in  the 
darkened  recesses  of  a  room,  for  glass  culture,  or  by  coverings 
of  soil  in  garden  borders  for  pot  culture.  Where  cool  and 
dark  recesses  are  not  at  hand,  the  glasses  may  be  heavily 
screened  from  light  by  sheets  of  paper  or  some  similar  means. 
Never  place  the  Glasses  upon  a  mantelpiece  or  shelf  within 
the  influence  of  fire  heat  during  the  process  of  growth.  Avoid 
a  low  water  mark  in  the  glasses,  by  keeping  it  to  a  level  with 
the  base  of  each  bullj.  To  ensure  vigorous  growth  and  good 
bloom,  the  most  favourable  exposure  to  sunlight,  and  occasional 
fresh  air  when  mild,  are  essential.  All  extremes  of  temperature 
should  be  avoided,  and,  for  the  earliest  blooms,  where  no  outward 
window  screens  are  used  in  severe  weather,  the  glasses  should  be 
removed  nightly  to  a  side  table  untilmorning,and  thenreplaced. 
To  stimulate  and  strengthen  the  growth,  dissolve  a  pinch  of 
sulphate  of  ammonia  occasionally  in  the  water  after  the  bulbs 
are  exposed  to  light.  E.  G.  Henderson  &  Son. 

Wellingion-Tioad  Nursery,  St.  John's  Wood. 


CYPRIPEDroM  ROEZLI. 
This  handsome  species  was  discovered  by  M.  Roezl,  on  the 
banks  of  the  River  Dagua,  in  Columbia,  between  the  western 
and  central  ranges  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  It  is  the  largest 
and  most  vigorous-growing  of  all  known  species  of  Cypri- 
pedium.  The  leaves  arc  upwai-ds  of  3  feet  in  length,  and  the 
ttem,  which  is  sometimes  over  3  feet  high,  bears  from  fifteen 
to  twenty  flowers.    The  leaves  are  in  two  rows,  strap-shaped 


pointed  at  the  end,  sheathing  the  stem,  keeled  on  the  under 
surface,  and  flat  on  the  upper  surface.  The  plant  is  smooth  in 
every  part.  The  flower  has  two  Rose-coloured  sepals,  marked 
with  veins  of  a  deeper  hue,  both  of  an  oval  lance-shaped  form, 
the  lower  one  being  considerably  larger  than  the  upper.  The 
two  petals  are  e.ach  about  4  inches  long,  very  narrow,  and 
ending  in  a  long  sharp  point ;  they  ai-e  of  a  yellow  colour,  edged 
with  a  purplish  margin.  The  lip  is  about  2  inches  long, 
yellowish,  passing  into  purplish-red  on  the  part  which  forms 
the  oblong  slipper.  The  plant  is  easy  of  culture  in  a  deep  pot, 
filled  with  a  mixture  of  leaf-mould  and  SIoss,  and  kept  in  a 
warnr  part  of  the  Orchid  house.  It  is  a  very  di.stinct  and 
handsome  species,  and  is  well  figured  in  the  April  number  of 
this  year'.s  Gartcnflora. 


EVILS  OF  RAPID  POTTING. 
The  process  of  potting  plants  consists  of  a  certain  combination  of 
skilful  and  precise  movements  which  resnit,  or  should  result,  in 
setting  the  plant  in  the  pot  in  such  a  manner  that  the  plant  may 
almost  immediately  commence  a  development  of  roots  and 
extension  of  growth.  These  movements,  or  at  least  some  of  them, 
may  be  made  with  military  exactness.  The  operator  may  seize  the 
pot  with  one  hand,  the  plant  with  the  other  at  one  and  the  same 
time  ;  he  may  then  complete  the  operation  in  either  three  or  fonr 
exact  movements.  In  the  former  case  the  plant  would  be  potted  in 
four  seconds,  in  the  latter  case  five  seconds,  which -would  amount 
to  seven  thousand  two  hundred  in  a  day  of  ten  hours.  But  part  of 
the  operation  of  potting  small  plants  or  rooted  cuttings  cannot  be 
executed  with  such  precision,  viz.,  the  proper  disposition  of  the 
roots.  If  the  roots  of  the  plant  are  pushed  into  the  pot  with  a 
wad,  the  movement  would  then  form  one  of  the  four  or  five,  and 
the  operation  completed  in  fonr  or  five  seconds  ;  but  if  the  roots 
were  placed  in  the  pot,  as  they  should  be  to  make  a  profit.able  job  of 
it,  the  time  consumed  would  be  about  equal  to  all  the  rest,  which 
would  reduce  the  number  of  plants  potted  in  a  day  of  ten  hours  to 
about  thi'ee  thousand,  or  fiom  that  to  three  thousand  five  hundred, 
which  is  all  that  any  man  can  do  iu  a  workmanlike  manner.  As  no 
man,  be  he  ever  so  skilled  in  his  movements,  can  overcome  the 
element  of  time  sufficiently  to  make  from  four  to  five  thousand 
distinct  movements  in  an  hour,  each  movement  requiring  at  least 
one  second  of  time,  and  every  man  at  all  acquainted  with  the 
potting  bench,  knows  perfectl}'  well  that  not  even  a  rooted  Verbena 
cutting  can  be  transferred  to  a  pot  and  passed  in  less  than  four  ■ 
movements.  There  may,  however,  be  a  method  of  bringing  a  plant, 
pot,  and  soil  together  with  a  jerk,  in  such  a  manner  that  once  in  a 
while  the  roots  of  a  plant  may  happen  to  catch  a  favourable  hold 
and  the  plant  grow ;  but  in  this  case  the  lime  and  labour  required 
in  emptying  the  pots  afterwards  will  be  so  great  that  the  method 
will  never  be  adopted  for  prqnt.  After  considerable  experience  in 
this  line,  I  am  fully  convinced  that  unless  plants  are  decently 
handled  in  potting  the}'  soon  show  it,  whether  they  are  rooted 
cuttings  or  plants  of  more  mature  growth. — H.  E.  Cnirry,  in 
"  Gardener's  Monthhi." 


rrench.  Culture  of  Dracaenas. — The  article  in  Thk  GABnEx 

about  the  nurseries  at  Morto  Fontaine  (see  p.  194)  was  veiy 
interesting  to  me,  as  I  have  worked,  before  the  war,  in  several 
nurseries  near  Paris.  The  culture,  however,  was  nearly  everv- 
where  the  same  as  described  in  your  article.  "We  generally  grew 
the  Dracjenas  to  one  metre  (3:^  feet)  high,  under  glass,  in  frames, 
with  bottom. heat  from  dung.  We  potted  them  in  August,  and 
afterwards  placed  them  again  on  bottom-heat,  and  in  this  way 
the  plants  were  established  in  the  pots  for  the  autumn,  at 
whicti  time  we  sold  all  of  them  to  the  smaller  nurserymen  and 
flower-dealers  generally — D.  congesta  at  two  francs;  D.  australis,  at 
two-and-a-half  francs;  D.  indivisa,  at  three  francs  apiece.  The  chief 
point  in  growing  them  was  to  give  them  always  sufficient  bottom- 
heat  from  the  time  they  were  put  in  as  cuttings  in  January  or 
February  until  the  autumn.  In  this  way  we  succeeded  in  raising 
plants  over  3  feet  high. — G.  W. 

Conservatory  Rhododendrons. — What  I  consider  the  true 
Rhododendron  Javanicuni  is  the  Orange  variety,  with  a  rich  waxy. 
looking  foliage,  inclined  to  pnrple  at  its  edges.  I  once  had  (and  some 
friends  also)  a  very  inferior  variety,  a  dull  yellow  flower  and  bad 
constitution.  I  beg  to  thank  '■  W.  E.  G."  for  telling  me  that  I  can  find 
Smith's  aureuni  at  Messrs.  Veiteh's,  and  will  avail  myself  of  the  infor- 
mation, as  it  i.s  (where  it  succeeds)  a  most  glorious  flower.  I  may  add 
to  my  list  of  greenhouse  or  conservatory  Rhododendrons,  R.  Sikkim, 
R.   niveum,   a  very  rich  plum  colour  with  beautiful  foliage.     As  it 


Oct.  11,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


295 


flowers  profasely  in  the  open  air  in  Cornwall,  it  is  probable  that 
the  loss  warmth  and  nioro  air  it  has  (in  fact,  mere  protection  from 
severe  frost  and  cold  rain)  the  better  it  will  succeed.  Rhododendron 
Nilgherricum  is  well  worth  growing  in  a  conservatory  where  it  does 
not  succeed  (as  it  does  with  nie)  in  the  open  ground  ;  also  Zelanicuni, 
li.arbatuni,  Edgeworthii,  Wrightii,  and  the  glorious  Nuttalii. — 
"  The  Old  Soltheu." 


PLATYOERIUM  BIFORME. 
Tnoufiir  this  free-gro\Yiiig.ind  somewliat  robust  species  of  Fern 
is  by  no  means  common  in  collections,  it  is  well  worth  growing. 
Our  illu.'itration  represents  a  fine  specimen  ol'  it  in  the  collec- 
tion of  jMr.  Flowers,  of  Furzedowu,  and  w.as  inadvertently 
omitted  in  onr  account  of  that  pl.ace  last  week  (sec  p.  278). 
The  plant  at   Fnrzedown  grows  on   a  flat  block  of  wood  in  a 


Platycerinm  bif ornie  at  Furzedown, 

•warm  moist  stove,  but,  in  the  Sheffield  Botanic  Garden,  we 
saw  a  plant  of  it  luxuriating  in  an  inverted  flower-pot,  to 
which  it  was  secured  by  copper  wires.  When  grown  in  a  pot, 
the  best  compost  for  it  is  a  mixture  of  peat  and  turfy  loam, 
with  the  addition  of  a  sufficient  c(uantity  of  sand  to  keep  the 
whole  in  a  porous  state.  Platyceriums  are  well  adapted  for 
general  cultivation ;  and  P.  alcicorne,  the  common  Stag's 
Horn  Fern,  is  much  used  at  Chatsworth  for  the  decoration  of 
hanging  baskets.  It  will  be  seen  by  our  sketch  that  P.  biforme 
is  distinct  in  habit  and  very  ornamental.  B. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GARDEN. 

Lapageria  alba. — T  observe  a  notice  in  your  columns  that  Lapageria  alba 
is  not  a  strong  grower.  I  find  it  to  be  just  the  reverse.  I  have  a  plant  in  my 
New  Holland  plant-house  which  has  spread  25  feet  in  length,  and  has  at  tlie 
present  time  173  blossoms  expanded.  On  the  other  side  of  the  house  there  is 
a  plant  of  Lapageria  rubra,  which  has  not  made  nearly  such  rapid  growth, 
but  it  is  covered  with  blossom. —  R.  H. 

Climbing  Carnations. — I  have  a  plant  of  the  white  climbing  Carnation  La 
Belle,  in  a  7-inch  pot,  having  three  tall  shoots  about  lA  feet  high.  It  has  not  yet 
bloomed.  I  want  to  know  what  I  am  to  do  with  it.  Is  it  to  be  planted  out  or  left 
in  the  pot,  as  it  is  crrowing  so  tall  ?  Will  it  bloofn  before  next  year? — Henuy 
LiTTLEWOOD,  Clent  Suitxe,  Ston/briJije.  [Your  plant  will  probably  bloom 
before  Christmns.  It  should  be  potted  in  a  compost  of  loam,  leaf-mould,  and 
sand,  in  a  pot  thoroughly  well  drained,  and  should  be  well  watered  with  rain 
water.  The  shoots  should  be  tied  to  separate  stakes  at  least  3  feet  in  length, 
and  the  plant  should  be  kept  in  a  cool  well  ventilated  greenhouse.] 


THE     A  RBORETU  M. 

DEUTZIAS. 
WiTn  the  exception  of  a  very  few  species,  all  the  plants  of  this  genus 
are  highly  ornamental  in  character.  The  object  of  the  jiresent 
article  (translated  from  the  Rerue  Uorticolo),  therefore,  will  be 
to  direct  .attention  to  and  describe  some  of  the  finest  species 
and  varieties.  It  is,  by  no  means,  easy  to  give  an  exact  idea 
of  each  kind  in  a  description,  as  they  resemble  each  other 
very  much  in  their  general  aspect,  and  have  many  characteristics  in 
common,  so  that  the  following  account  may  be  more  properly  con- 
sidered an  enumeration,  bearing  in  mind  that  all  the  plants  mentioned 
are  of  a  high  order  of  merit,  and  that  they  were  originally  introduced 
from  Japan,  or  were  raised  from  seed  of  imported  plants.  We  sliall 
commence  with  the  species  which  has  been  longest  in  cultivation,  and 
which,  if  not  the  most  vigorous,  is  the  largest  of  the  genus. 

D.  scabra. — This  is  a  shrub  growing  GV  feet  or  moro  in  height, 
with  very  numerous  erect  branches,  covered  with  a  greyish  bark, 
which,  on  the  old  wood,  comes  off  in  strips,  like  the  bark  of  the  Plane 
■and  other  tr-ecs.  The  leaves  are  of  a  greyish-green  colonr,  largo  in 
size,  and  rough  with  a  stiti  pubescence.  The  flowers  appear  in  June, 
■and  are  numerous,  single,  and  white.  In  consequence  of  the 
immense  number  of  new  shoots  which  this  species  produces  every 
yoai',  it  is  necessary  to  cut  away  large  quantities  of  dead  wood,  which 
rather  disfigures  the  appearance  of  the  plant.  Much  time  is  often 
lost  in  this  necessary  pruning. 

D.  crenata. — This,  which  very  much  resembles  the  preceding, 
is  very  probably  only  a  variety  of  it,  and  forms  a  shrub  of  a  some, 
what  more  spreading  habic,  the  branches  and  shoots  diverging  from 
each  other  more  widely.  The  flowers  are  almost  identical  with  those 
of  the  last-named  species.  There  is  a  very  fine  and  ornamental 
variety  with  double  flowers,  D.  crenata floro  pleno  (which  is  described 
and  figured  in  the  Rerue  Uorticole  for  18G7,  p.  70).  This  variety — 
which,  as  well  as  the  type,  was  sent  from  Japan — has  very  double 
flowers,  of  a  fine  rosy. flesh  colour  ;  they  are  also  extremely  numerous 
and  handsome.  In  habit  and  vigour  of  growth,  the  plant  exactly 
resembles  the  type,  except  that  the  bark  of  the  yonng  shoots  is  some- 
what darker  in  colour.  Another  variety,  equally  fine,  is  D,  candi- 
dissima  plena,  the  flowers  of  which  are  very  double,  and  of  the  purest 
white,  without  the  least  tinge  of  rose.  It  was  raised  iu  18G8  by 
MM.  Froebel  &  Co.,  nurserymen,  of  Zurich,  from  seed  of  D.  crenata 
fiore  pleno.  Although  quite  as  vigorous  and  free-fiowering  as  the 
parent,  it  differs  from  it  very  much  in  habit,  which  almost  exactly 
resembles  that  of  D.  Fortunei — so  much  so  that  it  might  be  easily 
mistaken  for  it.  Its  leaves,  which  are  very  slightly  undulated,  are  of 
a  much  more  lively  green  colour. 

D.  Fortunei. — The  native  conntry  of  this  species  is  not  well 
known.  The  name  first  appeared  in  trade  catalogues  about  1865,  and 
would  seem  to  point  to  a  Chinese  origin.  It  is  a  much  finer  species 
than  D.  crenata,  having  a  more  pleasing  habit,  while  it  is  quite 
as  vigorous.growing  and  hardy,  and  much  more  abundant  iu 
flowering. 

D.  canescens  and  D.  staminea,  which  are  very  closely, 
allied  species,  are  hardly  to  be  met  with  except  iu  a  few  botanic 
gardens.  As  ornamental  plants,  however,  they  are  much  inferior  to 
the  species  already  mentioned. 

D.  gracilis. — This  species  forms  a  tufted  bush  about  20 
inches  in  height,  and  is  an  excellent  subject  for  edgings  in  large  gar. 
dens  and  parks.  It  is  very  much  gromi  as  a  forcing.plant,  and  was 
originally  introduced  from  Japan.  A  vai-iety  has  been  raised  from  it, 
the  only  merit  of  which  is  that  its  leaves  are  variegated  with  white. 
It  is  not  as  hardy  as  the  parent  plant. 

Some  other  species  of  Deutzia  have  been  described  or  merely 
named,  such  as  D.  Brunoniana,  Wall.,  Cat.  Ind.  Orient.;  D.  corym. 
bosa,  R.  Br.,  ex  Wall.,  I.e. ;  D.  graudiflora,  Bunge  ;  and  D.  parviflora, 
Bunge.  These  are  said  to  bo  natives  of  Nortbern  China,  but, 
beyond  this,  hardly  anything  is  known  about  them. 

Culture. — The  culture  of  these  plants  is  exceedingly  easy,  aa 
they  do  well  in  almost  any  kind  of  soil,  provided  it  does  not  contain 
much  lime.  In  soils  of  a  very  calcareous  nature,  the  leaves  become 
yellow,  the  growth  is  feeble,  and  the  bloom  scanty.  " 

Propagation. — This  is  readily  effected  by  means  of  cuttings, 
either  lierbaceous  or  hard-wooded.  The  latter  are  made  from 
November  to  Jlarch,  in  the  following  manner  : — The  branches  are 
cut  into  lengths  of  10  or  12  inches,  which  are  stuck  into  free,  light, 
sandy  soil,  and  watered  when  necessary.  A  good  layer  of  straw  over 
the  surface  will  contribute  very  much  to  their  striking  successfully. 
Herbaceous  cuttings  are  made  all  through  the  summer,  beginning  in 
June  or  July.  Half-ripened  shoots  are  selected  for  this  purpose. 
The  cuttings  are  stuck  into  a  border  of  heath-soil,  witli  a  northern 
aspect,  or  under  cloches  iu  small  pots  or  iu  the  open  ground,  where 
they  soon  root.     Deutzias  may  also  be  multiplied  from  seed  sown  in 


296 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Oct.  11, 1873. 


spring  in  heath-soil,  which  must  be  kept  constantly  slightly  moist  by 
gentle  waterings.  The  seed,  being  very  small,  should  bo  very  slightly 
covered  with  soil,  which  explains  the  necessity  for  frequent  waterings. 
This  mode  of  propagation,  however  it  may  fail  to  exactly  reproduce 
varieties,  is  desirable  when  new  varieties  are  sought  for.  The  seed 
may  be  sown  in  pang  or  pots,  which  should  be  placed  under  a  frame, 
pr  in  a  sheltered  place  in  the  open  air. 


LARGE  TREES  AT  LONGLEAT. 

Oak. — 25  feet  6  inches  circumference  of  stem,  at  5  feet  from  the 
ground. 

Elji. — 24  feet  6  inches  circumference  of  stem,  at  5  feet  from  the 
ground. 

LniE  TiiEES. — From  15  to  22  feet  circumference  of  stem  at  5  feet 
from  the  ground,  and  of  heights  from  100  to  130  feet. 

BEEcn. — Common,  14  feet  6  inches  circumference  of  stem  at  5  feet 
from  the  giouud.  Purple.leaved,  7  feet  7  inches  circumference  of 
stem  at  5  feet  from  the  ground,  height  about  80  feet. 

^SH. — Several  16  feet  circumference  of  stem  at  5  feet  from  the 
ground. 

HoBsE  CnESTNUT. — 15  feet  7  inches  circumference  of  stem  at  5 
feet  from  the  ground. 

Abele  PoiT.AR. — 11  feet  5  inches  circumference  of  stem  at  5  feet 
from  the  ground,  and  from  80  to  120  feet  in  height ;  50  or  60  feet  of 
that  being  clear  of  branches. 

Oriental  Plane. — i)  feet  8  inches  circumference  of  stem  at  5  foot 
from  the  ground,  and  about  85  feet  high. 

SiMiucE  Fill. — 10  feet  5  inches  circumference  of  stem  at  5  feet 
from  the  ground,  and  over  100  feet  in  height. 

Silver  Fiii. — 15  feet  oircumferonco  of  stem  at  5  feet,  and  about 
110  feet  in  height. 

Tulip  Tree. — 11  feet  6  inches  circumference  of  stem  at  5  feet 
from  the  ground,  and   100  feet  in  height. 

American  Scarlet  Oak. — 11  feet  circumference  of  stem,  at  5  feet 
from  the  ground. 

Salisblria  ADiANTii'OLiA.— 63  feet  in  height,  and  about  6  feet 
circumference  of  stem  at  5  feet  from  the  ground. 

Araucaria  Ci!NNiNGn.A.Mii. — 35  in  height  and  3  feet  circumference 
of  stem  at  5  feet  from  the  ground. 

Dacrydium  Franklinii. — 24  feet  high. 

Sequou  sempervirexs. — 55  feet  in  height  and  G  feet  2  inches 
circumference  of  stem  at  5  feet  from  the  ground. 

Sequoia  gigaxtea. — 36  feet  in  height  and  4  feet  2  inches  circum. 
ference  of  stem  at  5  feet  from  the  ground. 

QuERCUS  CERRis. — 10  feet  6  inches  circumference  of  stem. 

Yew. — 50  feet  in  height,  circumference  of  branches  165  feet.  At 
one  foot  from  the  ground  the  stem  measures  32  feet  in  circumference, 
and  the  smallest  girth  is  24  feet.  This  tree  is  said  to  be  about  1,200 
years  old. 

NEW  JERSEY  TEA  PLANTS. 
Among  the  many  fine  shrubs  of  the  Pacific  coast,  those  belonging  to 
the  genus  Ceanothus  are  conspicuous  in  early  spring  for  their  lilac, 
light  blue,  and  white,  delicate,  small  flowers  in  large  clusters.  One 
of  the  commonest,  as  well  as  the  finest,  of  these  (C.  tlirysiflorus)  is 
there  often  called  by  the  incorrect  name  of  "Lilac."  As  is  the  case 
with  many  other  fine  things  of  California  and  Oregon,  they  are  not, 
as  a  general  rule,  hardy  upon  the  Atlantic  coast,  at  least  the 
northern  part  of  it.  We  have,  however,  two  species  that  are  native 
here,  and  are  popularly  known  as  Kew  Jersey  Tea,  although 
they  are  not  peculiar  to  New  Jersey.  These  eastern  species, 
Ceanothus  araericanus  and  C.  ovalis,  are  so  nearly  alike,  save  in  the 
shape  of  their  leaves,  that  the  ordinary  observer  would  take  them  both 
for  the  same  species.  They  bear  the  name,  New  Jersey  Tea,  because 
the  leaves  were  used  for  tea  during  the  revolution.  One  writer 
remarks  that  there  could  hardly  have  been  a  greater  test  of  the 
patriotism  of  our  grandmothers  than  the  drinking  of  this  native  tea. 
A  few  years  ago  there  was  much  talk  about  the  discovery  of  the  true 
Tea  plant  in  the  mountains  of  Pennsylvania,  and  a  company  was 
formed  to  work  this  wonderful  discovery.  It  fell  to  the  lot  of  the 
writer  to  show  that  this  tea,  "precisely  like  the  Assam,"  was 
nothing  but  the  old  Ceanothus  americanus.  He  was  threatened 
with  prosecution  for  damages,  but  has  not  since  heard  of  the  indig. 
nant  president  or  the  wonderful  tea  companj'.  Either  of  these 
species  makes  a  charming  low  shrub  in  the  garden,  as  both  are 
completely  covered  with  the  delicate  flowers. — J.Saul,  iras7iin;/(o)i. 
[The  two  eastern  species  above  named  would,  no  doubt,  suit  our  cold 
district  better  than  some  of  the  te.iderer  kinds.  One  prostrate  kind 
which  wo  saw  on  tlic  mountains  of  Cahfornia  would  also  prove 
liardy  everywhere  with  us.] 


Weeping  Trees. — With  a  fine  well  kept  velvety  green  lawn, 
tastefully  planted  with  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs,  the  grounds 
around  a  dwelling  may  be  rendered  very  charming,  but  the  effect 
may  nevertheless  be  increased  by  a  judicious  selection  of  weeping 
trees.  Of  these,  some  of  the  most  beautiful  are  Weeping  Ash, 
Weeping  Beech,  cut-leaved  Weeping  Qirch,  Camperdown  Weeping 
Elm,  Weeping  Sophora,  white-leaved  Weeping  Linden,  Weeping 
Mountain  Ash,  Weeping  Poplar,  American  \Voeping  Willow,  and 
Kilmarnock  Weeping  Willow. 

The  Tree  Mallow  in  California. — At  a  late  horticultural 
meeting  at  Sacramento,  the  following  report  was  given  in  regard  to 
this  tree  ; — "  The  tree  Mallow  seems  originally  to  have  come  from 
Japan;  its  botanical  name  is  Lavatera  assurgenti flora  (Kellogg),  and 
it  is  valuable  for  ornament,  shade,  and  for  feeding  animals.  It  attains 
a  maximum  height  of  30  feet  in  about  eight  years  ;  is  evergreen, 
and  blooms  nearly  the  whole  year  round.  The  trees  grow  from 
seeds,  which  drop  from  the  tree,  and  require  no  cultivation  whatever. 
They  grow  rapidly,  and  in  two  years  cattle  could  be  allowed  to 
browse  on  them,  as  they  do  not  eat  the  branches,  only  the  large, 
mucilaginous  leaves.  The  trunk  or  body  of  the  tree  is  the  part 
which  contains  the  fibre,  the  branches  being  always  tender  and 
green,  not  woody.  Its  leaves  and  seeds  possess  much  medicinal  virtue 
as  a  demulcent,  having  the  properties  of  both  Field  Mallows  and 
Slippery  Elm." 

Clethras. — It  has  been  said  that  our  wild  flowers  lack  odour 
This  is  true  of  many  of  the  showiest  of  them,  but  the  Clethras  have 
fragrance  enough  for  a  dozen  plants.  Those  familiar  with  the 
vegetation  of  our  Northern  swamps  and  wet  lands  must  know  the 
Alder-leaved  Clethra,  with  its  pure  white,  oppressively  fragrant 
flowers  and  Alder-like  leaves.  In  the  AUeghanies,  Virginia,  and 
southward  we  have  the  pointed-leaved  Clethra  (C.  acuminata),  and 
very  much  like  the  other  except  in  the  shape  of  the  leaves. 
Both  are  inhabitants  of  swamps,  and  both,  like  many  other  swamp 
plants,  do  well  in  ordinary  garden  soil.  Both  the  Alder-leaved 
and  the  pointed -leaved  Clethras  are  eminently  worthy  of  cultivation. 
They  have  the  merit  of  blooming  late — July  and  August— are  showy 
with  their  abundant  spikes  of  white  flowers,  and  are  excessively 
fragrant.  The  last-named,  though  a  native  of  the  Southern  States,  has 
endured  the  past  disastrous  winter  near  New  York,  with  only  the  loss 
of  the  very  tips  of  its  twigs.  Our  best  nurseries  keep  both  species,  and 
they  may  be  obtained  from  the  swamps.  We  may  here  state  that,  to 
succeed  with  these  oj-  any  other  shrubs  taken  from  their  native 
localities,  they  must  be  cut  back  freely.  When  growing  wild,  shrubs 
have  very  spare  roots.  In  transplanting,  take  them  as  they  are  and 
with  what  roots  you  can  get,  failure  is  very  certain.  On  taking 
them  up,  cut  them  back  to  a  single  stick,  and  success  is  quite  sure. 
— Health  and  Home.  [These  interesting  shrubs  well  deserve  a  place 
in  our  oolloctions.     They  are  quite  hardy  in  England.] 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

Golden  Cedar  of  Lebanon.— In  the  nurseries  of  Mr.  Wm.  Cutbush,  at 
Barnet,  1  noticed  a  few  days  since  two  very  pretty  plants  of  this  Cedar,  the 
points  of  all  the  shoots  of  which  are  of  a  yellowish  colour  quite  permanent  and, 
not  in  the  least  liable  to  be  injured  by  frost. — W.  F. 

Sophora  japonica  var.  crispa.— This  is  one  of  the  prettiest  and  most  singu- 
lar of  hardy  trees ;  like  the  common  Sophora  it  is  quite  hardy,  a  free  grower, 
and  is  densely  furnished  with  dark  green  leaves  that  adhere  to  the  wood  till 
late  in  the  season.  Its  singularity  consists  in  the  curious  and  uniform  manner 
in  which  the  leaves  are  curled,  the  points  of  all  the  shoots  resembling,  as  it  were, 
clusters  of  ringlets.  I  observed  some  good  young  specimens  of  it  in  Messrs, 
Osboru's  nurseries,  and  it  may  also  be  occasionally  met  with  in  private  gardens, 
— W.  F. 

The  Tamarisk.— The  article  on  the  Tamarisk  (p.  183)  by  Mr.  McNab,  has 
reminded  me  of  my  beautiful  tree;  yes,  a  Tamarisk  tree  which  is  growing  on  my 
lawn.  It  is  li  feet  high,  with  a  clear  stem  2^  feet  round  at  2  feet  from  the  ground. 
I  received  this  many  years  ago  from  the  continent  as  Tamarix  indica.  It  has 
been  most  brilHant  with  its  bright  pink  tlowers  for  nearly  six  weeks,  so  graceful, 
so  charming.  I  read  in  "  Mignan's  Travels  in  Koordistan"  that  in  ihe  valley  of 
the  Euphrates  and  near  Bagdad  the  Tamarix  orientalis  rivals  the  Palm  trees 
in  height.    This  must  be  my  Tamarix  indica. — Thos.  Rivebs,  Saichridjeicorth. 

Ulmus  Berardi.— This  is  a  very  remarkable  and  distinct  variety  of  the 
common  Elm  (Ulmus  campestris),  raised  in  1865  by  MM.  Simon-Louis  of  Metz. 
It  forms  a  very  bushy  shrub  with  very  slender  branchlets,  and  in  its  foliage 
exactly  resembles  Comjitonia  asplenifolia.  The  leaves  are  of  a  very  dark  green, 
almost  black,  very  small,  and  irregularly  crenated,  like  those  of  Flanera 
crenata,  and  usually  stand  erect  on  the  branches,  which  they  almost  entirely 
hide  from  view.  This  variety  is  at  present  not  much  knowm,  but  it  camiot  be 
too  highly  recommended  as  a  singular,  effective,  and  ornamental  shrub. 

How  to  Propagate  the  Sugar  Maule.— A  neighbour  of  mine  has  a  Sugar 
Maple  tree,  aud  wishes  lo  increase  it  so  as  to  have  young  trees  to  plant  about  a 
park.  Can  you  tell  me  how  this  can  best  be  done  ?— J.  H.  W.  T.  [Tne  Maple 
(except  it  be  one  of  the  seminal  varieties)  is  best  increased  by  means  of  seeds, 
which  should  be  sown  as  soon  as  they  are  ripe,  in  a  bed  of  light  soil  in  the  open 
ground.  Layering,  when  it  can  bo  practised,  is  a  more  expeditious  and  certain 
way  of  increasing  any  particular  variety,  but  as  that  cannot  be  done  in  the  case 
of  a  large  tree,  you  had  better  try  cuttings  made  of  the  current  year's  growth, 
put  in  now,  or  even  later,  in  any  light  soil.  Cuttings  made  of  the  half-ripened 
wood  in  summer,  also  strike  freeb',  if  placed  in  a  close  fi*ame,  and  kept  rather 
moist.— Geoeoe  Goedon."] 


Oct.  ll,  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


297 


GARDEN     DESTROYERS. 

THE  CHERRY  PLY. 

(OIITALIS    CERASI.) 

Some  little  two-wiugecl  flies,  liaviug  their  transparent  -wings 
elegantly  blotched  or  marked  like  those  o£  the  fly  figured  in 
the  acconipauying  wood-cut,  may  often  be  seen  in  orchards  and 
gardens.  These,  for  the  most  part,  belong  to  the  genera  Ortalis, 
or  Tephritis.  The  insect  here  figured  is  one  of  them.  It 
is  a  species  of  Ortalis,  and  feeds  on  the  fruit  of  the 
Cherry ;  not,  indeed,  of  every  kind  of  Cherry,  for  it  eschews 
all  those  which  are  acid  or  acidulous,  but  on  the  fruit  of  the 
sweet  soft  kinds,  such  as  the  different  varieties  of  Gean  and 
sweet  Cherry.  It  is  in  some  seasons  so  abundant  that  an 
unobservant  lover  of  Cherries  may  consume  almost  as 
many  maggots  as  fruit  without  knowing  it.  The  fly  is  common 
in  the  month  of  May  in  those  districts  where  Cherries  and 
Geans  are  much  grown.  It  is  black,  with  a  j-ellow  head,  and 
its  transparent  wings  are  obscured  by  four  tranverse  bands. 
The  female  fly  lays  one  egg  on  each  fruit.  As  soon  as  the 
maggot  comes  out  of  ihc  egg  it  makes  haste  to  bury  itself  in 
the  Cherry  in  order  to  consume  the  pulp.  It  is  elongate, 
horn-shaped,  or  conical,  and  white,  but  when  writhing  in  the 
jiurplish  or  rosy  pulp,  and  full  of  its  juice,  it  partakes  also 
of    its    colour.      Generally   speaking,   its    presence   does   not 


The  ChoiTj  Fly. 

prevent  the  fruit  increasing  in  size  and  arriving  at  maturity, 
although  sometimes  the  Cherry  drops  a  little  before  its  perfect 
development.  When  the  maggot  is  full  grown  it  comes  out  of 
the  Cherry  and  buries  itself  in  the  earth,  where  it  passes  into 
the  pupa,  iu  which  state  it  remains  tmtil  the  month  of  May  of 
the  following  year,  when  it  comes  out  as  the  perfect  insect. 
As  already  said,  the  Ortalis  does  not  attack  every  kind  of 
Cherry.  Even  of  the  Geans  there  is  a  kind  in  Normandy 
called  the  "  Guigne  a  Collier  "  (a  variety  in  which  the  corolla 
forms  a  persistent  collar  round  the  fruit),  which  Boisduval 
says  is  free  from  its  attacks.  He  adds  that  it  has  not  been 
observed  in  the  wild  Cherry  (Prnnus  avium).  A,  M. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  GARDEN  DESTROYERS. 


Rapidity  of  production  of  Phylloxera.— M.  Lichtenstein  considers 
nine  rjencrations  often  appear  iu  the  summer  months.   A  letter  from  M.  Du 


that 

appear  m  toe  summer  months.   A  letter  trom  m.  Dumas 

describes  the  good  effects  of  sulphide  of  carbon  as  a  remedy  against  the  insect. 

American  Blight.— In  France,  Apple  trees  suffering  from  American  blight 
are  treated  in  the  following  manner  ;  the  earth  is  removed  from  aljout  the  roots, 
on  which  a  quantity  of  slaked  lime  is  deposited ;  after  this  the  earth  is  replaced. 
The  remedy  is  said  to  be  quite  successful. 

To  Destroy  Wasps. — Dissolve  two  ounces  of  cyanide  of  potash  iu  a  pint  of 
water  and  pour  the  liquid  into  their  nests  at  night.  The  solution  is,  of  course,  very 
poisonous  and  ought  only  to  be  entrusted  to  a  responsible  person.— AmnuB 

Deck,   CtimbrUfije. 

Alcohol  and  Mealy  Bug.— Mr.  Jordon,  of  St.  Louis,  says,  in  the  Gardenert' 
Monthly,  that  he  has  removed  these  pests  from  thousands  of  the  most  delicate 
stove  plants  without  injury  to  the  latter,  simply  by  applying  frequently,  for  a 
few  weeks,  "alcohol  diluted  with  five  per  cent,  of  water."  The  most  con- 
venient equipment,  he  thinks,  is  a  fine  brush  put  through  the  cork  of  a  wide- 
mouthed  bottle. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

BRANCH  PROPAGATION  OP  APPLE  TREES. 
When  I  was  appointed  to  the  care  of  these  gi-ounds,  two  years  ago, 
there  were  some  half  dozen  old  and  barren  Apple  trees,  occupying  a 
position  for  which  they  were  not  suitable  subjects;  they  were,  there, 
fore,  sentenced  to  bo  "cut  down."  Wishing  to  experiment  on  them, 
however,  their  sentence  was  commuted  to  letting  them  "run  a  year's 
chance,"  and  have  their  roots  well  subjected  to  the  torture  of  spade 
and  axe,  aud,  as  a  matter  of  course,  have  their  branches  reduced 
proportionately.  I  therefore  set  to  work,  sawed  off  many  of  the 
superfluous  branches,  pruned  the  trees  into  some  shape,  and  removed 
hosts  of  suckers  which  had  sprung  up  at  their  base  ;  then,  at  5  or  G 
feet  from  the  stems  all  round,  I  had  a  trench  excavated  some  3  or  ■]• 
foot  wide,  and  not  less  than  2  feet  deep.  Of  course  there  was  many 
a  gross  root  met  with  during  the  operation,  and  these  were  scrupu- 
lously cut  away  with  a  sharp  axo.  I  then  had  several  wheel- 
barrowfuls — sufficient  to  fill  the  trench  to  within  one  foot  of  the 
surface — of  thoroughly  rotten  manure  put  into  each  trench ;  then  I 
had  the  soil  nicely  forked  from  among  the  roots,  out  over  the  manure, 
taking  particular  care  that  the  roots  were  fractured  as  little  as 
possible.  There  was  substituted  for  the  old  soil  taken  from  among 
the  roots  a  compost  of  fresh  loam,  which  was  well  incorporated  with 
decayed  manure,  and  which  had  been  mixed  up  for  some  time  pre- 
viously. All  was  then  firmly  trodden,  the  surface  levelled,  and  the 
work  was  complete.  There  is  nothing  remarkable  so  far,  but  the 
result  will  come  out  by-and-by.  The  spring  time  came  round,  fruit 
trees  blossomed,  aud  all  nature  had  roused  herself  into  perfect 
activit}'.  I  eagerly  beheld  those  trees  on  which  so  much  labour  had 
been  bestowed,  hoping  my  experiment  with  them  might  result  in 
some  change,  such  as  the  development  of  blossom  buds,  which  might 
in  some  measure  satisfy  our  curiosity  as  to  whether  wo  might  reason- 
ably expect  a  fair  crop  of  fruit  from  them.  As  the  season  advanced, 
however,  I  could  notice  no  very  apparent  change  for  the  better 
amongst  those  Apple  trees,  except  one  very  rusty -looking  old  warrior 
which  blossomed  abundantly  and  perfected  an  enormous  crop  of  fruit ; 
but,  the  equality  being  very  inferior,  it  was  not  thought  worth  keep, 
ingjsoit  was  cut  down  with  the  others  in  the  autumn.  All  the  branches 
ofthe  Apple  trees  were  thrown  into  a  heap  with  other  brushwood, 
and  there  continued  until  last  May,  when,  as  1  required  a  large 
quantity  of  Pea  stakes,  I  had  them  utilised  for  that  pm-pose.  When 
having  the  ground  cleared  off  on  the  1st  of  September,  to  be  planted 
with  a  late  crop  of  Celery,  how  great  was  ray  surprise  on  finding  that 
many  of  the  old  Pea  stakes  had  actually  become  perfect  Apple  trees  ! 
Yes,  they  have  become  nice  thrifty  specimens,  and  promise  to  do  well, 
as  they  are  well  furnished  with  shoots  of  the  current  year's  growth, 
some  4  or  5  inches  long.  Now,  may  I  not  ask,  is  not  this  something 
remarkable  ?  To  say  we  can  saw  off  from  old  Apple  trees  branches 
some  ten  or  twelve  years  old,  thrust  them  into  the  ground,  there  leave 
them  to  take  care  of  themselves,  and  reasonably  expect  them  to 
become  trees,  which  very  probably  will  bear  fruit  the  second  year^ 
how  simple  and  expeditious  amode  of  getting  up  an  orchard  this  would 
be,  rather  than  have  to  wait  years  together  for  "  worked  trees !"  But, 
before  we  proceed  to  work,  we  should  know  what  to  do.  The  branches 
of  all  Apple  trees  will  not  answer  our  purpose  ;  we  must  have  recourse 
to  the  "  rusty.looking  "  old  fellows,  so  frequently  to  be  met  with 
in  old  orchards.  As  I  fear  this  term  "rusty-looking"  may  be 
ambiguous  to  some,  or  perhaps  misunderstood  for  diseased,  let  me 
explain  that  I  have  only  applied  the  remark  to  the  tree  which  I  have 
experimented  with  on  account  of  its  having  had  its  branches  sur. 
rounded  (and  at  almost  regular  intervals)  with  protuberances,  which 
gave  it  a  very  rustical  appearance.  The  branches  of  the  whole 
half-dozen  Apple  trees  above  mentioned  were  used  as  the  Pea  stakes  ' 
referred  to  ;  but  in  no  one  instance  have  I  found  any  branch  estab- 
lish itself  except  those  rusty -looking  or  having  protuberances ;  and 
in  no  one  instance  has  even  any  of  those  with  protuberances 
established  itself,  except  when  that  protuberance  was  placed  below 
the  surface.  From  what  I  have  seen,  I  can  assert  that  these  protube. 
ranees  on  some  Apple  tree  branches  are  nothing  less  than  masses  of 
undeveloped  roots,  which,  when  subjected  to  the  invigorating 
influence  of  the  soil,  soon  push  themselves  into  activity.  Since 
branches  of  Apple  trees,  rudely  thrust  into  the  ground  so  late  as 
May,  after  having  lain  exposed  to  all  inclemencies  of  the  winter, 
have  made  Such  healthy  masses  of  roots  as  I  have  recently  observed 
them  to  do,  might  we  not  expect  very  satisfactory  results  indeed 
were  such  branches  put  in  at  the  right  season,  and  with  a  little 
care  ?  Yes,  I  feel  confident  the  result  would  be  most  satisfactory. 
Perhaps  curiosity,  it  not  a  motive  of  economy,  will  induce  some  of 
your  readers  to  try  this  easy  mode  of  raising  Apple  trees.  It  is  to  be 
hoped  they  will  let  us  know  of  their  success. 

Another  way  in  which  those  protuberated  branches  may  be  con. 
verted  into  perfect  Apple  trees  is  to  attach  to  them  flower  pots,  or 


208 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  11,  1873. 


wooden  boxes  made  for  the  parpo30,  so  fixed  that  the  protuberated 
part — viz.,  the  part  likely  to  omit  roots — ^would  be  iaclosed  ;  and 
then  filled  up  with,  wo  will  say,  sandy  soil,  though  I  feel  satisfied 
any  soil  would  do.  There  can  be  no  doubt  but  in  this  way  Apple  trees 
would  bo  raised  from  branches  while  actually  producing  their  fruit. 
Mt.  Callan,  Eiinis.  Michael  Baihjv. 


CULTUKE  OF  THE  PINE-APPLE. 

Br  PETER  WALLACE. 
NoTWlTHSTAXDlNG  the  progress  -vrhich  has  been  made  m  most 
dcpartmeuts  of  hortieulturo  during  the  last  thirty  years,  I  have 
never  seen  Pine-apples  better  grown  than  they  wei'c  at  Chats- 
worth,  by  Mr.  Stewart,  about  twenty-seven  years  ago.  Sir  Joseph 
Paxton,  who  was  never  satisfied  with  things  half  done,  sent 
Mr.  Stewart  to  Meudon  and  elsewhere  in  France  to  study  Pine 
culture  in  that  country,  and  the  result  was  an  entire  alteration 
of  the  system  pursued  at  Chatsworth.  Tan  and  pots  were 
exchanged  for  hot  vrater  and  planting  out  in  beds  ;  and,  instead 
of  having  to  wait  three  years,  as  previously,  before  the  plants 
could  be  got  into  fruit,  they  were  forced  into  that  condition  in 
eighteen  months,  a  period  in  which  it  was  found  that  Provi- 
dences could  be  induced  to  ripen  fruit  12  lbs.  and  Queens  6  lbs. 
in  weight.  Up  to  the  time  mentioned  loam  only  was  used,  and 
many  will  still  contend  that  it  is  as  good  as  anything  else  yet 
emploj'ed  in  Pine  culture  ;  but  a  new  compost  was  introduced, 
viz.,  charcoal,  loam,  and  peat,  to  which  was  added  some  wood 
ashes,  and  with  excellent  results.  To  such  a  mixture  manure, 
in  a  liquid  state,  could  be  freely  given,  without  fear  of  its 
becoming  stagnant  or  sour,  and  to  this,  to  the  charcoal, 
and  to  the  brisk  manner  in  which  the  plants  were  grown, 
do  I  attribute  Mr.  Stewart's  success.  The  best  results  were 
obtained  from  pits  about  0  feet  in  width,  and  having  an  air 
chamber  two  feet  deep,  heated  by  hot-water  pipes,  and  in  front 
by  means  of  pigeon  holes,  leading  from  Ihiings  made  of  stable 
litter.  The  bottom  heat  was  always  in  proportioii  to  the  top 
heat,  both  in  winter  and  summer.  Early  closing  was  always 
practised,  at  which  time  the  plants  were  liberally  syringed 
during  bright  weather.  Our  plan  was  to  give  air  early,  and 
to  close  early  in  the  afternoon.  I  have  often  had  the  Pine 
pits  up  to  lolP  of  heat  after  closing.  Shading  was  resorted  to 
only  when  the  suckers  had  been  newly  planted,  and  then  only 
to  such  time  as  they  were  well  rooted.  The  plan  was  to  allow 
the  suckers  to  remain  on  the  old  stools,  to  encourage  them 
to  make  vigorous  growth,  and,  when  well  developed,  to  take 
them  off  with  a  portion  of  the  old  stem  attached,  to  pot  them, 
and  to  grow  them  rapidly  ready  for  planting  into  the  open  beds 
as  the  pits  became  vacant.  Planting  was  done  at  any  time 
from  March  to  September.  In  some  cases  the  suckers,  when 
taken  ofi  the  stool,  were  planted  in  the  permanent  beds  at 
once,  Init  the  finest  fruit  was  obtained  from  plants  that  had 
been  rooted  in  pots  previous  to  planting  them  out  in  the  beds. 
From  one  of  the  pits  I  have  mentioned  we  cut,  in  1847, 
thirty-one  Providence  Pines,  several  of  which  weighed  12  lbs., 
and  none  were  under  9  Ib.s.  From  the  same  pit  were  cut 
some  smooth-leaved  Cayennes,  weighing  7  lbs. ;  nor  was  it  an 
unusual  thing  to  cut  half-a-dozen  Queens  at  a  time,  each 
weighing  6  lbs.  About  the  time  I  have  mentioned,  Pine-apple 
cultivation  seemed  to  have  sprung  into  new  life,  not  only  at 
Chatsworth,  but  at  Bicton,  Trentham,  Bowood,  Gunuersbury, 
and  other  places  where  good  cultivators  were  producing  first- 
class  fruit,  and  more  was  said  and  written  on  the  subject  then 
than  at  any  other  period.  About  this  time,  too,  several  good 
new  Pine-apples  made  their  appearance,  among  which  were 
the  smooth  and  prickly  Cayennes  and  Charlotte  Rothschild, 
all  of  which  possess  the  property  of  growing  nearly  as  large 
as  the  Providence,  and  of  being  better  flavoured. 


THE  MANGO  AND  ITS  VARIETIES. 
All  authorities  admit  Mangifera  indica  to  be  truly  indigenous 
to  the  East  Indies,  and  believe  its  cultivation  to  have  extended 
thence  to  Mu.scat,  Burinah,  the  Straits  Settlements,  and  the 
AVest  Indies,  resulting  ultimately  in  such  diversity  as  to 
render  it  difficult  to  draw  a  detiuito  line  between  species  and 
varieties.  The  word  Mango  is  a  European  corruption  of  the 
Sunda  name  "  mangga,"  and  by  European  agency  has  spread 
far  and  wide  and  secured  general  adoption,  to  the  exclusion  of 


the  name  "  am,"  or  "  aum,"  by  which  name  both  fruit  and 
tree  are  most  widely  known  in  India,  although  possessing 
many  other  names  in  peculiar  and  distinct  languages,  sjjoken 
within  a  limited  area.  The  Mangoes  are  round-headed,  much 
branched  trees  of  timber  size,  with  bright  glossy  coriaceous 
leaves,  which  are  persistent  until  displaced  by  new  growth — 
complete  denudation  and  rehabilitation  taking  place  rapidly 
(.say  in  one  or  two  weeks,  according  to  the  season  and  locality). 
It  grows  wild  in  the  Concan,  Deccan,  and  other  parts  of  India, 
and  yields  in  quantity  a  gum  or  gum  resin,  which  more  or  less 
gives  its  fruit  a  flavour  of  turpentine.  Processes  of  culti- 
vation have  modified  this  objectionable  flavour  in  various 
degrees,  and  resulted  in  an  excellent  garden  varietj',  now 
cultivated  about  Bombay  and  Salsette,  and  popularly  known 
as  the  Mazagon  ilango  (Mazagon  is  the  gardening  suburb  of 
Bombay).  In  this  variety  the  objectionable  resinous  taste 
has  entirely  disappeared ;  and,  if  there  was  anything  like 
horticultural  knowledge  or  activity  in  India,  it  would  be 
diffused  over  the  whole  country,  and  possibly  improved  iipon. 
The  jungle  or  wild  Mango  is  to  its  cultivated  varieties  pretty 
much  as  our  indigenous  Crab  is  to  the  best  orchard  Apples, 
and  yet  the  wild  fruit  is  largely  consumed  by  the  natives,  and 
the  excellent  varieties  sparingly  cultivated  even  about  centres 
of  industry  and  civilisation.  The  possibilities  of  develop- 
ment of  many  other  wild  Indian  fruits  offer  a  hopeful  field 
for  residents  in  the  country  who  may  have  facilities  for  experi- 
ment and  patience  allied  to  perseverance.  I  am  not  aware  that 
the  cultivation  of  the  Mango  has  been  attempted  in  England. 
No  mere  seedling  is  ever  likely  to  attain  a  fruiting  size,  even 
in  our  large  Palm  houses  ;  but  I  see  no  reason  why,  by  judicious 
grafting  with  a  view  to  precocit}',  small  fruiting  plants  should 
not  be  obtained  and  grown  as  Oranges  are,  but  in  a  somewhat 
higher  temperature.  As  to  species  and  varieties  full  informa- 
tion is  unattainable.  M.  sylvatica  is  only  noticed  as  growing 
near  Kennery  Caves  (Salsette),  yet  the  specific  name  indicates 
frequency.  M.  oppositifolia  is  said  to  have  been  introduced 
from  Burraah  to  Bombay  in  1833.  At  Sevanoor,  in  the 
southern  Mahratta  country,  is  cultivated  a  Mango  bearing 
fruit  of  enormous  size  ;  it  is  possibly  a  distinct  species,  although 
considered  only  a  variety  of  M.  indica.  Another  Mango  to  be 
found  in  gardens  at  Hyderabad  (Sciude)  has  the  singularity  of 
producing  double  and  triple  fruit.  It  is  much  to  be  regretted 
that  educated  natives  of  India  devote  themselves  almost  exclu- 
sively to  politics  and  metaphysics.  All  they  know  of  the 
natural  history  of  their  country  is  due  to  the  science  and 
indomitable  energy  of  Europeans,  who  pm-sue  their  researches 
with  great  disadvantages  in  respect  of  climate,  languages,  time, 
extent  of  country,  deficiency  of  means  of  communication,  and 
utter  apathy  on  the  part  of  those  able  to  supply  local  informa- 
tion. The  flora  of  India  is  as  yet  barely  sketched  out  and 
outlined.  We  have  a  right  to  expect  from  the  natives  we 
educate  substantial  help  in  extending  research,  observation, 
and  record ;  but  this  they  do  not  give,  partially  liecause  the 
education  given  them  is  rather  of  a  literary  than  of  a  scientific 
character,  except  as  regards  technical  education  for  professions, 
the  practice  of  which  allows  no  leisure.  In  this  country  we 
have  intelligent  amateurs  in  every  branch  of  science,  who 
rejoice  to  be  able  to  add  to  the  general  stock  of  knowledge, 
but  in  India  amateur  science  seems  to  have  no  existence  what- 
ever. The  fruits  of  India  have  a  general  character  of  insipidity, 
and  are  said  to  be  in  this  respect  inferior  in  flavour  to  similar 
ones  grown  in  the  "West  Indies  ;  and  that  this  is  due  to  want 
of  intelligent  cultivation  may  at  least  be  suspected  by  those  who 
know  anything  about  the  state  of  horticulture  in  the  East  Indies 
A  common  Swede  Turnip  is  hardly  a  presentable  delicacy  for  the 
dessert  table,  yet  there  is  positively  more  of  a  fruit  flavour  in 
it  than  in  any  Pomegranate,  Custard  Apple,  Pomelo,  Sweet 
Orange,  or  Melon  I  ever  tasted  in  India ;  ornamental  they 
certainly  are,  and  for  want  of  something  better  people  cat 
them,  squashy,  faint,  and  sickly  though  they  be.  The  cultivated 
Mango  is  unique  and  exceptional  as  a  real  dessert  fruit,  with  a 
luscious  flavour,  unlike  any  other,  and  not  to  be  described.  In 
the  wild  Mango  the  stringy  fibres  usurp  most  of  the  pericarp, 
tainting  it  with  resin,  and  rendering  separation  difficult.  In 
the  Mazagon  variety  the  fibres  are  a  mere  soft  fringe  around 
the  stone,  and  the  fruit  may  be  oaten  tidily  if  not  "elegantly  " 
by  slicing  oif  each  side  close  to  the  stone,  and  using  a  spoon  to 


Oct.  11,  1873.] 


TUB   GARDEN. 


299 


extract  the  pulp  from  each  half.     What  little  remains  disposed 
in  a  ring  round  the  flattened  stone  may  be  obtained,  it  desired, 
by  simply  holding  the  stone   between  the  finger  and  tlmmb 
and  biting  it  off;    the  fastidious  might  accomplish  this  also 
with  a  spoon,  but   less  easily  and   jjcrfectly.     In  any  case  a 
finger-glass   is   indispensable.     The   tub    of   water  is   an   old 
standing  joke  of  which  the  real  "Bombay  Duck,"  living  fjj 
(/iiiu'on,   never   tires,   or  loses   an   opportunity  of   displaying 
before  the  "  Grilfiu"  or  Jungly-wallah,  who,  dropping  in  at  the 
fruit  season,  must  be  taught  the  "correct"  way  of  eating  a 
Mango — which  seems  to  be  to  make  as  much  mess  and  fuss, 
and  far  more  difficult}'  than  a  batch  of  children  would  over  a 
scramble  for  treacled  muffins.     As  to  the  flavour  of  a  Mazagon 
]\[ango,  there  is,  as  I  said  before,  a  difficulty  in  describing  it 
for  want  of  a  reference  of  comparison.     A  cj-nical  friend  from 
the  AVest  Indies  said,  disparagingly  and  with  prejudice,  that 
it  was  like  "  sweet  pomatum ;  "    and,  taking  colour  and  con- 
sistency into  account,  there  was  just  a  sutficieucy  of  truth  in 
the  remark  to  make  it  an  atrocious  libel,  but  only  appreciable 
by  those  who  have   eaten   this  delicious   but   peculiar  fruit. 
This  so-called  Mazagon   Mango  is  an  old  cultivated  variety 
named  Alphouso  (in  native  jjarlance  now  Afus  or  Ahphoose), 
and  its   origin   is   referable   to  a  time  when  the   Portuguese 
possessed  that  good  harbour  (hom  hahia),  now  Bombay.     Its 
highest  development  of  late  years  has  been  in  the  orchard  of 
a  JParsce,  Framji  Cowasji,  at  Powai  in   Salsette,  from  which 
specimens  for  transmission  to  European  royalty  are  invariably 
selected.     The  Alphonso  is  also  still  cultivated  at  Goa,  where, 
however,  the  conditions  of  soil,  &c.,  are  not  so  favourable.     In 
conclusion,  it  may  be  of  general  interest  to  mention  that  many 
Persian  gardeners,  driven  from  Persia  by  the  famine,  fled  to 
Bombay,  and  real  or  reputed  skill  has  favoured  their  employ- 
ment  along   the  west  coast.     It  remains  to  be  seen  how  far 
they  may  be   able   to   compete  with  the  Chinese,  who  are  at 
present  the  best  gardeners  in  the  Presidency.    Applied  science 
would    rapidly   effect    a  marvellous   improvement    in    many 
indigenous  fruits  of  India  ;  but  its  application  cannot  be  hoped 
for  while,  even  in  England,  horticulture  remains  recognised 
merely  as  an  art,  and  only  botany  is  admitted  as  a  science. 
Meanwhile  some  slight  advance  may  result  from  comparison 
of    the   rulc-of-thumbisms   of    Persians,    Chinese,   and   other 
aliens,  modified  by  experience ;    but  if  time  be  an  object,  aid 
must  be  sought  from  the  scientific  European,  whose  inductive 
reasoning  is  indispensable  to  consolidate  results  and  secure 
advantage  from  the  lengthened  experience  of  practical  men,  as 
■well  as  to  direct  future  operations  to  successful  results. 

Wasui>'gton  Teasdale,  in.  Field. 
[Another  correspondent  of  the  Field  says  : — "  According  to 
my  personal  experience,  there  is  a  much  greater  variety  (in 
Lower  Bengal,  at  least)  of  excellent  talkie  Mangoes  than  Mr. 
Teasdale  would  give  us  to  understand.  For  many  years  I 
rented  a  house  and  large  garden  in  the  subui'b  of  Sealdah,  near 
Calcutta,  on  the  very  ground  now  occupied  by  the  Eastern 
Railway  establishment.  I  there  had  a  double  row  of  fine  old 
Maugo  trees,  some  twenty  or  more  in  uumljer,  each  of  wliioh 
was  of  a  different  variety  from  all  the  rest,  and  without  excep- 
tion the  fruit  of  all  was  excellent.  These  Mangoes  had  a  wide 
reputation  among  the  native  community,  and  people  used  to 
send  from  great  distances  to  obtain  grafts  of  them.  Moreover, 
I  had  the  trunks  and  larger  boughs  well  stocked  with  epiphytic 
Orchids,  for  the  flourishing  growth  of  which  the  rough  Mango 
bark  is  especially  suitable,  while  the  dense  foliage  above  (com- 
]iarable  with  that  of  a  Portugal  Laurel)  screens  them  from  the 
sun's  rays  in  mid-day.  The  Vanda3,  Dendrobia,  AiJrides, 
Saccolabia,  and  sundry  other  forms  of  tree  Orchids,  luxuriated 
under  such  conditions.  I  should  say  that  the  varieties  of 
cultivated  Mangoes  are  about  as  numerous  as  are  those  of 
Apples,  and  that  the  quality  of  them  is  much  more  difficult  to 
judge  of  from  external  appearance.  There  are  large  and  small, 
elongited  and  abbreviated,  bright  orange-coloured  and  green, 
with  red  in  either  case  on  the  sunward  side.  A  good  Mango 
should  be  as  little  stringy  as  possible,  and  should  not  have  too 
much  of  the  uirpentine  flavour  towards  where  it  had  been 
attached  to  the  foot-stalf  ;  a  moderately  aromatic  savour  there 
is  by  no  means  objectionable.  They  vary  much  in  taste,  some 
being  of  the  flavour  of  houey,  some  of  Pine-apple,  some  of 
Orange,  while  others  have  distinct  flavours  of  their  own.    A 


bad  Mango  is  sometimes  not   very  unlike   a  bad  Carrot,   but 
more  commonly  it  has   been   aptly   compared  to    'tow  and 
turpentine  ;'    and,  as  before  remarked,  they  are  by  no  means 
easy  to  judge  of  from  their  external   appearance.     A  variety 
known  as  the  Dacca  Mango  bears  a  good  reputation  in  Calcutta. 
Mr.  Teasdale  remarks  that  a  Mango  to  be  found  in  gardens  at 
Hyderabad,  Sindh,  '  has  the  singularity  of  producing  double 
and  triple  fruit.'     This  I  have  never  seen  ;  but  it  is  not  very 
rai-e  lor  a  Mango  stone  to  contain  two  distinct  corcnles,  which 
appear   as  separate   plants,   growing    from   each   end  of   the 
'  stone,'  when  the  latter   opens   out   in  the  regular  course  of 
germination.     Again,  Mr.  Teasdale  remarks   that  he  was  '  not 
aware    that    the    cultivation    of    the   Mango  has    ever   been 
attempted  in  England.'     He  may  sec  them  any  year  fruiting 
ill  the  Botanical  Society's  garden  in  the  Regent's  Park  ;  also 
(if  I  mistake  not)   at  Kew,  and  at  various  private  establish- 
ments.    But  it  is  not  sufficiently  understood  in  this  country 
that  the  Mango  blossom   will   not  set  in  a  moist  atmosphere, 
and  that  to  syringe  it  (as  is  commonly  done  in  hothouses)  is  to 
destroy  all  chance  of  growing  the  fruit.     In  Bengal  the  air  is 
usually  very  dry  when  the   Maugo  Ijlooms,  and  if  a   shower 
happens  to  fall  at  that  time  people  are  apt  to  remark,  '  There 
goes  our  Mango  crop  for  the  season ! '     The  Mango  is  a  slow- 
growing  tree,  which  in  time  attains  to  the  size  of  our  Oaks,  so 
that  it  takes  many  years  to  establish  a  Mango  orchard.     But 
young  trees  grafted  with  the  best  sorts  of  Mangoes  might  be 
sent   in    any  number   to    Jamaica  or    Porto  Rico,  or   to  St. 
Domingo,  and  again  to  certain  sunny  nooks  in  the  Azores,  and 
in  time  the  fruit  may  come  to  be  imported  into  this  country 
as  Oranges  are  imported  now.     The  young  unripe  fruit,  I  may 
add,  is  largely  consumed    in    India  in  tarts,  &c.,  as   unripe 
Gooseberries  are  here,  and  '  Mango  fool '  there  takes  the  place 
of    '  Gooseberry  fool.'       As  a    rule,  the  trees   require   to  be 
thinned  of  their  fruit  to  some  extent,  but  I  am  unaware  that 
the  eventual  quality  of  the  ripe  Mango  has  much  to  do  with 
the  quality  of  the  acid  unripe  fruit.     Mr.  Teasdale  asserts  that 
'  a  common   Swede  Turnip  is  hardy  a  presentable  delicacy  for 
the  dessei't   table  ;  yet  there  is,'  he  says,  '  positively  more  of 
a  fruit  flavour  in  it  tliau  in  any  Pomegranate,  Custard  Apple, 
Pomelo,  sweet  Orange,  or  Melon  I  ever  tasted  in  India  ;  orna- 
mental they  certainljf  are,  and,  for  want  of  something  bettei-, 
people  eat  them,  squashy,  faint,  and  sickly  though  they  be.' 
Now  a  Pomegranate  is  a  fruit  that  I  never  cared  about,  and 
only  grew  the  splendid  double-flowering  variety  as  a  garden 
ornament  of  no  slight  merit.     The  Custard  Apple,  as  we  get 
it  in  Bengal  daring  the  height  of  the  rainy  season,  I  regard 
as  a  most  excellent  and  agreeably-flavoured  fruit,  and  it  is  one 
of  those  which  show  no  tendency  to  split  up  into  varieties. 
Do  not  let  the  I'eader  suppose    that   it   is  anything  like  an 
Apple,  or  anything  like  a  custard ;  but  we  have  to  eat  it  with 
a   spoon,  each  flake  containing   a  seed,   which    we  must  be 
careful  not  to  crush  with  the  grinders.     Next,  the  Pomelo  or 
Shaddock,  of  which  there  are  many  varieties,  good,  bad,  and 
indifferent  —  coarse  -  graiued    or    delicately  -  gi-ained  ;      with 
immensely  thick  rind  or   with   thin  rind ;  with  pulp  white, 
amber-white,  deep  amber,  orange-coloured,  bright  rose-red,  or 
deep  red  ;  but  all  alike  having  the  exquisitely-scented  blossoms 
which  diffuse  their  perfume  far  and  wide.     Well,  I  have  often 
partaken  of  a  really  good  Shaddock,  and  would  relish  one  at 
this  moment.     Some  of  the  finest  which  I  ever  tasted  were 
brought    from    the   Chusau   Archipelago,   at   the    time   that 
Chusan  was  occupied  by  the  British  forces,  when  (according 
to  a  wretched  wag)  it  was  all  '  Peking  and  Chusan '  with  us. 
The  sweet  Orange  is,  I  admit,  a  poor  insipid  fruit,  tasting  like 
sugared  water,  and  there  is  no  such  thing  as  peeling  off  the 
rind;  but  I  hardly  remember  ever  seeing  it  in  Bengal,  whel'e 
we  have  Oranges  of  very  fair  quality  (brought  in  al^undance 
from  Sylhet)  to  take  its  place.     To  the  eastward,  in  Burmah,  I 
found    the    '  sweet    Orange,'  or   '  sweet  Lime,'  as  it  is  more 
commonly  termed,  growing  plentifully.    Next,  of  the  Melon 
tribe  there  are  some  excellent  species  and  varieties  in  India,  to 
those  who    know  how  to  select   them.      Mr.   Teasdale   says 
nought  about  Bananas,  or  Plantains  as  they  are  always  called 
in  India,  of   which  the   choicer  varieties  are  excellent — not 
exactly  such  as  are  sold  in  Covent  Garden  Market ;  nor  of  the 
Lichi,  which  Chinese  fruit  I  used  to  grow  to  perfection  in  my 
garden  at  Sealdah." — Z.] 


300 


THE   GARDEIT. 


[Oct.  11, 1873. 


mUITS   OP  THE   SEASON. 
Perjiit  me  to  add  a  few  more  Pears  to  those  of  which  some  account 
was  given  last  week  (see  p.  287). 

Hazel. — The  origin  of  this  useful  free-bearing  Fear  is  involved 
n  obscurity.  It  has  been  claimed  by  the  French,  Germans,  and 
Dutch  ;  but  the  predominant  opinion  is  that  it  originated  near  the 
"fair  city"  of  Oloeth,  either  at  Mecklour  or  Kinnaul.  As  an  orna- 
mental tree  for  an  avenue,  or  for  grouping  with  other  trees  in  a  park 
or  in  woodland  seenerj',  it  is  highly  deserving  of  attention.  It  is  so 
well  known  as  a  profitable  market  Pear,  that  I  need  say  nothing  of 
its  merits  in  that  respect. 

Jacques  Chamarest. — This  is  a  nicely-perfumed  fruit,  which 
succeeds  on  the  Quince.  It  is  also  like  Amelie  Le  Clerc,  a 
posthumous  production  of  the  same  celebrated  Pomologist.  It 
fruited  first  in  1862,  but  was  not  sent  out  until  1861.  I  imported  it 
in  1865. 

Jersey  Gratioli. — This  is  one  of  the  most  prolific  of  Pears, 
either  on  Pear  or  Quince  stocks,  and  a  fine  market  sort.  The  tree 
grows  dwarf  and  coni]>act. 

Jalousie  de  Fontenay. — This  is  a  pretty  Pear,  that  does  well 
upon  the  Quince,  and  bears  abundantly. 

Ijouis.e  Bonne  of  Jersey. — Splendid  fruit  of  this  may  often  be 
got  from  trees  on  the  Quince ;  indeed,  I  am  of  opinion  that  this  fine 
Pear  is  most  profitable  and  prolific  when  grown  in  that  way.  The 
ground  on  which  it  grows  should  be  rich  and  moist,  and  the  trees 
should  bo  planted  below  the  junction  of  the  graft  and  stock,  and 
they  should  be  re-planted  at  least  every  four  years. 

Marie  Louise  d'Uccle. — This  fine  melting  Pear  has  a  consider- 
able resemblance  to  Marie  Louise,  but  is  more  regular  in  form  and 
always  has  the  stalk  set  obliquely  against  the  swollen  end  of  the 
fruit.  The  Marie  Louise  is  very  irregular  in  form,  and  the  two 
trees  are  very  different.  The  present  sort  is  an  enormous  bearer, 
■which  the  old  Marie  is  not,  at  least  at  an  early  age  ;  besides  it  will 
not  grow  at  all  upon  the  Quince.  I  am  jiarticular  about  this,  as  some 
will  have  it  that  there  is  no  difference  between  the  two.  The  old  Marie 
Louise  will  not  be  fit  to  gather  for  at  least  a  fortnight  yet,  whilst 
this  has  had  to  be  gathered  on  account  of  its  having  commenced  to 
fall  from  the  trees. 

Madame  Treyve. — This  is  a  large  and  excellent  Pear,  of  a 
short  pyriform  shape  and  with  a  thin  olive-yellow  skin,  dotted  and 
spotted  with  fawn,  and  tinged  with  red  on  the  sunny  side.  The 
flesh  is  white,  fine,  and  very  melting,  and  the  juice  very  abundant, 
sugary,  acidulated,  and  deliciously  perfumed.  It  bears  freely  on  the 
Quince,  and  owing  to  the  weight  of  the  fruit  should  be  grown  as  an 
espalier  in  preference  to  a  standard.  It  was  first  raised  by  M. 
Treyve,  of  Trevoux,  France,  with  whom  it  first  fruited  in  1S58. 

Peach.. — This  is  a  very  free-bearing  and  good  Pear,  although 
not  first-rate.  It  grows  freely  and  bears  well  ujion  the  Quince.  It 
was  raised  by  one  of  the  most  successful  pomologists  in  Belgium — 
Major  Esperen. 

iloux  Carcas. — This  may  be  described  as  a  mouthful  of  sugar. 
The  tree  is  an  enormous  bearer,  but  it  does  not  succeed  well  upon 
the  Quince,  and  if  grown  upon  the  Pear  stock  the  fruit  loses  much 
of  its  goodness.  ^Vhcn  double  grafted,  it  does  very  well.  It  is 
very  suitable  for  small  gardens,  as  the  tree  is  dwarf. 

Metriott,  Crewkerne,  Somerset.  John  ,Scott. 


USING  STONES  IN  POTTING. 

H.WE  any  of  your  readers  ever  used  stones  purposely  in  potting  such 
things  as  Vines  and  Pines  ?  It  is  the  custom  to  pick  these  carefully 
out  of  the  compost  before  using  it ;  and  1  confess,  myself,  to  a  preju- 
dice against  them  hitherto,  though  I  am  not  prepared,  I  must  admit, 
to  give  a  good  reason  for  the  same.  I  am  led  to  ask  the  above  ques- 
tion from  an  idea  which  occurred  to  me  the  other  day  when  examining 
the  roots  of  a  Pine-apple  plant  which  had  been  turned  out  of  the  pot. 
As  has  often  been  observed  iu  the  case  of  potted  plants,  the  roots 
were  all  at  the  side  of  the  pot.  Just  to  see  how  far  they  had  availed 
themselves  of  the  body  of  soil  between  the  stem  and  the  pot,  I  poked 
the  soil  out  at  the  bottom  of  the  ball  from  the  top.  So  few  were  the 
roots,  comparatively,  that  this  could  be  done  easily,  leaving  just  the 
skeleton  of  the  ball — a  thick  mat,  which  had  formed  at  the  sides  of 
the  pot,  and  inside  nothing  but  a  few  strong  roots  radiating  from 
the  stem  of  the  plant  to  the  outside  of  the  ball,  where  they  had  con. 
gregated  and  thickened,  without  the  least  disposition  to  turn  back 
and  take  advantage  of  the  bulk  of  rich  soil  they  had  left  behind.  I 
estimated  that  the  roots  had  availed  themselves  of  about  one-third 
or  one-half  of  the  soil  in  the  12-iuch  pot,  living  principally — after 
they  had  eaten  the  strength  out  of  this — upon  the  nourishment  sup- 
plied in  the  waterings.  No  doubt  it  was  observations  of  this  kind 
which  led  to  the  practice  of  shifting  plants  forward  by  inches,  in 
order  that  the  roots  might  be  compelled  to  eat  their  way  through  in 


a  regular  manner ;  and  there  is  reason  in  the  practice,  though  in  the 
case  of  the  Pineapple  the  many. shift  system  is  not  a  good  one. 
Still,  if  by  any  other  practice  we  could  produce  the  same  results  it 
would  certainly  be  advantageous.  If  a  good  plant  can  be  grown  in 
a  12-inch  pot  upon  only  one-half  the  diet  supplied,  it  would  doubt, 
less  be  a  much  better  specimen  if  it  could  be  induced  to  take  it  all ; 
and  a  10  or  12-iuch  pot  contains  no  more  soil  than  a  strong  Pine 
plant  requires,  but  it  is  unable  to  avail  itself  of  the  store  under  the 
circumstances,  and  it  is  therefore  lost.  It  is  the  same  with  pot  Vines 
and  other  plants,  but  to  a  less  extent,  perhaps ;  for  the  Pine  has  a 
very  bad  habit  of  warping  its  roots  round  the  sides  of  the  pot, 
especially  when  it  is  potted  loosely.  It  would  appear,  therefore, 
that  to  make  the  roots  occupy  the  soil  in  the  pot  regularly  as  they 
progress,  they  must  be  obstructed  in  their  passage.  Hard  potting 
will  do  this  to  a  great  extent,  but  it  is  not  entirely  effectual  in  pre. 
venting  the  majority  of  the  roots  from  establishing  themselves  at 
the  side  of  the  pot.  It  seems  to  me,  therefore,  that  a  fair  proportion 
of  stones  among  the  soil  would  effectually  bar  their  direct  progress. 
Round  boulders  would  be  too  bulky,  but  flat  slaty  stones,  introduced 
vertically  here  and  there  between  the  stem  and  the  pot  at  potting 
time,  would  necessarily  cause  the  roots  to  break  up  into  branchlets 
and  seek  a  more  roundabout  way  to  their  ultimate  destination — 
utilising,  at  the  same  time,  the  body  of  soil  at  their  disposal,  which 
they  would  otherwise  have  disregarded.  Supposing  we  could  accom- 
plish the  end  in  view,  it  seems  certain  that  less-sized  pots  would  do, 
and  two  pots  of  a  given  size  would  give  better  results.  I  have  fre- 
quently noticed,  as  others  must  have  done,  that  the  ball  of  an  old 
Pine  plant,  when  squeezed  with  the  foot,  would  burst  its  skin,  and 
the  contents,  soil  and  bones,  scarcely  touched  with  a  root,  would  fall 
out  in  much  the  same  condition  as  when  the  plant  was  first  potted, 
except  that  the  bones  in  the  soil  were  just  in  that  state  in  which 
the  roots  like  to  find  them  for  immediate  use. — J.  S.,  in  "  Tke 
Gardener." 


THE  EKUIT  CROP  ON  THE  CONTINENT. 
The  German  Pomological  Society,  which  embraces  also  the  German 
parts  of  Switzerland,  Austria,  and  Hungary,  have  just  published  the 
result  of  au  inquiry  into  the  condition  of  the  fruit  crop  this  season. 
In  doing  this  the  society  have  divided  all  the  country  into  fifty-six 
districts,  the  reports  from  which  are  as  follows: — 

Districts.  I 

Apples,       iu      1    very  good  crop.     Plums,       in     2    very  good  crop. 

good  crop. 

middling  crop. 

scarce. 

none. 
Pe.\hs,         iu     2    good  crop.  Walnuts,  in      1    good  crop. 

middling  crop. 

scarce. 

none. 

North  Switzerland  has  hardly  any  fruit  crop  at  all ;  and,  on  the 
whole,  it  is  evident  that  our  continental  brethren  have  even  a  worse 
crop  than  we.  Indeed,  so  ver}^  scanty  is  it,  that  the  cause  of  such  a 
general  bad  crop  will  form  the  subject  of  a  discussion  in  the  Pomolo- 
gical Congress  which  will  be  held  at  Vienna  next  October.     G.  W. 


stri 

1 

5 

21 

27 

,ts. 
very  good  crop 
good  crop, 
middling  crop, 
scarce. 

none. 

.7 

22 
31 

good  crop. 
middUng  crop, 
scarce. 

1 

none. 

Plums, 

iu 

istn 
'2 

t7 

o 
13 
22 
14 

Walnuts 

in 

1 

»j 

4 

J) 

IS 
33 

Figs. — Many  persons  who  have  room  for  a  Fig  tree,  and  wish  to 
plant  one,  are  anxious  to  know  the  best  variety  to  cultivate.  Having 
fruited  a  large  collection — in  fact,  every  kind  I  could  get — I  havo 
no  hesitation  in  saying  the  best  sort  for  culture,  under  glass,  is 
Bourjassotte  grise.  The  White  Marseilles,  or,  as  it  is  often  called, 
llaby  Castle,  is  often  recommended  for  no  other  reason,  I  think,  than 
because  it  is  a  well-known  old  kind.  Almost  any  Pig,  when  in  fine 
condition — i.e.,  when  thoroughly  ripe,  and  with  a  drop  of  honey 
hanging  from  its  eye — is  good ;  but  I  think  a  poor  Fig  a  very  poor 
fruit  indeed,  and  I  often  see  White  Marseilles  in  this  condition. 
Now,  the  great  advantage  of  the  Bourjassotte  griso  is,  that  not  only 
is  it  the  best  of  all  Figs,  but  it  is  nearly  always  good ;  in  fact,  I  do  not 
remember  to  have  tasted  a  bad  one  yet.  There  are  many  good  Figs  in 
cultivation  ;  but  some  of  your  readers,  who  have,  perhaps,  room  for 
only  one,  will  do  well  to  plant  this  variet_v.— J.  R.  Peap.so.n',  Chihcell. 

Fruits  of  La  Palma,  South  Spain. — This  place  is  not  without 
its  charms.  Thanks  to  the  admirable  system  of  irrigation  introduced 
by  the  Moors,  the  sun,  which  is  strong  enough  to  have  parched  the 
soil  into  a  desert,  quickens  it  into  the  most  luxuriant  fertility.  It 
almost  improves  on  Douglas  Jerrold's  witty  exaggeration,  and  scarcely 
requires  "  to  be  tickled  mth  a  hoe  to  laugh  with  a  harvest."  Grapes, 
Figs,  Olives,  I'omegranates  abound  everywhere  in  profusion,  to  say 
nothing  of  such  fruits  as  Peaches,  Melons,  Apples,  Pears,  Tomatoes, 
and  the  red  Pimiento,  in  appearance  something  like  a  Capsicum,  and 
here  a  favourite  and  staple  article  of  food. 


Oct.  11, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


301 


THE  GAEDENS  OP  ANCIENT  GEEECE. 
The  first  European  garden  of  which  we  have  any  account  is  the  celebrated 
"  Garden  of  Aloinous,"  described  by  Homer  in  the  seventh  book  of  the 
Odyssey.  It  is  beside  the  question  to  object  that  the  great  epic  is  merely  a 
poetic  fiction,  that  it  is  very  doubtful  whether  the  Isle  of  Scheria  is  truly 
represented  by  the  more  modem  Corcyra  or  Corfu,  and  that  the  luxurious 
PhEeacians  and  their  king  are  most  probably  entirely  fabulous  personages. 
The  description  of  this  famous  garden  unquestionably  reproduces  some 
scene  or  combination  of  scenes  familiar  to  the  writer,  and,  although  brief, 
it  is  valuable  to  us  as  exhibiting  somewhat  of  the  condition  of  gardening  at 
so  early  a  period  as  the  time  of  Homer — nearly  1,000  years  b.c.  After 
descriljing  the  palace  and  some  of  the  employments  of  its  inmates,  the  poet 
proceeds  as  follows  : — "  And  outside  the  palace,  near  the  gates,  was  a  great 
garden  (upxoroe)  of  four  acres,  surrounded  jjy  a  hedge.  There  grew 
many  old  and  flourishing  trees — gloriously-fruited  Pears,  Pomegranates, 
and  Apples,  sweet  Figs,  and  evergreen  Olives.  The  fruit  of  these  never 
fails  in  winter  or  in  summer ;  but  ever,  as  the  zephyr  breathes,  some  are 
growing,  while  others  ripening  fall.  Pear  ripens  after  Pear,  and  Apple 
after  Apple;  Grape  after  Grape,  and  Fig  after  Fig.  In  one  part,  the 
fruitful  soil  is  being  planted ;  in  another,  where  a  well-exposed  spot  throws 
its  level  to  the  sun,  the  vintagers  are  at  work;  while  elsewhere  the  Grapes 
are  being  trodden  in  the  wine-press.  Some  of  the  Vines  have  just  gone 
out  of  flower,  and  on  others  the  berries  are  beginning  to  turn.  Close  to 
the  hedges  trim  beds  of  every  kind  (Koir^iijji-ai  Trpaaiat  TrarroToi)  may  be  seen, 
making  all  bright  around.  There  are  two  fountains,  one  of  which  serves  to 
irrigate  the  entire  garden ;  the  waters  of  the  other  flow  towards  the  lofty 
palace,  and  from  this  the  citizens  are  not  debarred  to  supply  themselves. 
Such  were  the  splendidly-exuberant  gifts  of  Nature  bestowed  by  the  gods 
on  King  Alcinoiis."  It  will  be  seen  from  the  foregoing  description  that  the 
"  Garden  of  Alcinoiis  "  was,  properly  speaking,  a  fruit-garden  or  orchard, 
no  flowers  being  mentioned,  although  it  is  highly  probable  that  the  "trim 
l)eds  of  every  kind,  making  all  bright  around,"  were  not  wholly  occupied 
with  vegetables  only.  "VVe  must  not,  however,  expect  to  hear  of  much  in 
the  way  of  ornamental  gardening  amid  the  simplicity  of  the  heroic  ages,  for, 
as  Bacon  well  remarks,  "  When  ages  grow  to  elegancy  and  civility,  men 
come  to  build  stately  sooner  than  to  garden  finely,  as  if  gardening  were  the 
greatest  perfection."  But  even  when  the  Greeks  had  attained  their  meridian 
of "  elegancy  aud  civility,"  they  were  far  more  distinguished  for  architec- 
tural than  for  horticultural  skill.  In  fact,  we  have  no  grounds  for  supposing 
that  their  gardening  ever  advanced  much  beyond  the  production  of  Figs, 
Olives,  vegetables,  and  pot-herbs,  which  formed  their  chief  articles  of 
food.      The  Athenians,  however,  afford  us  the  first  instance  of  public  parks 


302 


THE  GAEDEN. 


[Oct.  11,  1873. 


maintained  by  the  State  for  tbo  recreation  of  the  citizens.  The 
first  of  these  was  originally  an  extensive  tract  of  waste  and 
marshy  ground,  which  its  owner,  Academos,  bequeathed  to  the 
city,  on  condition  that  a  gj-muasium  should  be  established 
upon  it,  where  the  young  men  might  practise  all  kinds  of 
athletic  exercises.  This  was  done,  and  the  gymnasium  was 
called  Acadeniia,  or  the  Academy,  in  honour  of  the  founder. 
At  a  later  period  (about  460  E.c.)  Cimou,  son  of  the  great 
Miltiades,  being  archon  or  chief  magistrate,  caused  the  whole 
of  the  ground  to  be  drained,  and  planted  it  with  avenues  of 
Plane  trees  and  groves  of  Olives,  and  adorned  it  with  statues 
and  other  works  of  art,  when  it  became  the  favourite  promenade 
of  the  Athenians.  Plato  used  to  meet  and  converse  with  his 
disciples  here,  and,  after  his  death,  his  followers,  continuing  to 
assemble  in  the  same  place,  established  the  school  of  philosophy 
known  as  the  Academy.  Another  celebrated  public  park  at 
Athens  was  the  Lyceum,  which  also  contained  gymnasia,  and 
was  the  retreat  of  the  Peripatetic  School  of  .Philosophy  founded 
by  Aristotle.  It  was  also  the  resort  of  the  most  distinguished 
warriors,  statesmen,  poets,  orators,  and  artists,  who  met  to 
witness  the  athletic  sports  of  the  youths,  and  to  converse  on 
such  subjects  as  possessed  a  common  interest  for  them.  Here 
political  questions  were  discussed,  and  literary  productions 
were  criticised ;  the  poet  recited  his  latest  composition,  and  the 
]3hilosopher  expounded  the  distinguishing  points  of  his  system. 
We  do  not  know  to  what  extent  the  culture  of  flowers  was 
carried  in  these  Athenian  parks ;  probably  they  were  not 
entirely  neglected,  but  the  principal  feature  or  chief  attraction 
in  both  seems  to  have  been  their  quiet  shady  walks  and  groves, 
from  which  an  occasional  glimpse  might  be  had  of  the  not 
distant  Parthenon  towering  above  tVie  city  on  the  summit  of 
the  Acropolis.  It  was  to  these  '"  groves  of  Academus  "  that 
the  youthful  Horace  (47  B.C.)  was  sent  by  his  wise  and  affec- 
tionate father  to  finish  his  education,  and  in  them,  as  he  tells 
us  in  his  touching  little  sketch  of  autobiography,  he  first 
learned  to  distinguish  the  mathematical  difference  between  a 
straight  line  and  a  curved  one,  and  began  his  search  after 
truth  amid  their  leafy  shades. 

That  the  science  of  horticulture  owes  so  little  to  the  ancient 
Greeks  may  perhaps  be  accounted  for  by  the  poorness  of  their 
soil,  and  the  small  amount  of  territory  and  natural  resources 
enjoyed  by  their  somewhat  numerous  cities'.  Something  may 
also  be  laid  to  the  account  of  their  democratic  institutions, 
which,  for  the  most  part,  forbade  the  existence  of  a  class  of 
wealthy  patrons,  whose  taste  would  seek  a  gratification  in  the 
creation  of  splendidly  laid-out  gardens  and  pleasure-grounds. 
The  genius  of  the  people  seems  to  have  delighted  more  in  those 
works  of  sculpture  and  architecture  for  which  they  stand 
unrivalled,  and  the  military  education  of  the  gymnasium  may, 
moreover,  have  inspired  somewhat  of  contempt  for  the  mere 
gardener's  art.  AVe  may  regret  this,  perhaps  ;  but,  considering 
how  much  we  owe  to  ancient  Greece  in  other  respects,  we  can 
well  afford  any  loss  which  we  may  have  sustained  in  not  being 
able  to  include  her  in  the  list  of  our  instructors  in  horti- 
culture. "W.  M. 


BIEDS  AND  INSECTS.* 


That  we  may  the  better  understand  the  importance  of  birds  to  man- 
kind, let  us  examine  the  lives  and  habits  of  these  little  creatures, 
and  the  position  assigned  to  them  in  tlie  marvellous  economy  of 
Nature.  A  simple  view  of  their  orgauisatiou  aud  mode  of  life  will  at 
once  show  us  that  the  orders  of  birds,  whose  daily  and  principal  food  is 
drawn  chiefly,  if  not  entirely,  from  the  animal  world,  are  those  which 
exist  both  in  the  greatest  numbers  and  the  greatest  variety.  In 
Germany  and  Switzerland  150  different  species  are  known,  some  non- 
migratory,  others  more  or  less  nomadic.  The  most  numerous  order 
of  all  is  that  of  the  Insectivora,  which  includes  the  warbler  (Sylvia 
orpha^a),  tho  yellow  wren  (Sylvia  trochilus),  the  stone-chat  (Saxicola 
rubicola),  the  lark  (Alanda),  the  Alpine  warbler  (Accentor  alpinus), 
the  white  wagtail  (Motacilla),  the  fieldlark  (Authus  arboreus), 
the  great  titmouse  (Parus  major),  the  spotted  flycatcher  (Muscicapa 
grisola),  the  throstle  (Turdus  rausicus),  the  great  cinereous  shrike 
(Lanius  excnbitor) — the  order  numbering  altogether  more  than 
eighty  species.  Few  of  these  eat  vegetable  food,  by  far  the  larger 
number   living   exclusively  on   insects.      The    next  most  numerous 

•Extracts  from  a  pamphlet  by  Freilcric  de  Tschudi,  Presiilent  of  the  Agri- 
cultural Society  of  Canton  St.  Gall,  Switzerland.  Translated  from  the  second 
French  edition,  by  Henry  L.  B.  Ibbetson, 


order — that  of  tho  Palmipedes — of  which  there  are  about  forty 
species  (some  of  which  are  rarely  seen  in  these  countries),  also  lives 
for  the  most  part  on  animal  food.  Swans  do  not  disdain  it ;  geeao 
are  the  only  members  of  the  order  which  steadily  refuse  it.  Tho 
Grallsc,  which  form  a  group  of  about  thirty  species,  are  almost 
entirely  dependent  on  animal  food.  Birds  of  prey — Rapaces  — 
numbering  as  many  species  as  the  preceding  order,  of  course  feed 
exclusively  on  animals  ;  whilst  of  the  family  of  the  Gallinie,  iu 
which  there  are  about  twenty  known  species,  the  following  members 
prefer  animal  food  : — tho  water  rail  (Rallus  aquaticus),  the  common 
coot  (Fulica  atra),  tho  partridge  (Perdrix),  wood-grouse  (Tetrao), 
bastard  (Otis  tarda),  do  so  at  certain  periods.  The  Zygodactyli, 
consisting  of  twelve  species,  are  very  eager  after  animalcuhc  ;  the 
European  nuthatch  (Sitta  europa;a),  the  wryneck  (Yunx  torquilla), 
and  possibly  tho  woodpecker  (Picus)  and  cuckoo  (Cucullns  canorus), 
being  the  onlj-  ones  ^Yhich  in  autumn  eat  berries  and  seeds.  The 
order  of  Grauivora,  which  includes  the  families  of  tho  chaffinch 
(Fringilla  ca)lebs),  the  house-sparrow  (Fringilladomestica),  theserin- 
iinch  (Fringilla  serinns),  the  linnet  (Fringilla  linota),  the  bunting 
(Emberiza),  .  the  hawfinch  (Cocothraustes) — in  all  about  thirty 
species — have  not  a  full  right  to  the  name  which  their  order  bears, 
since  all  the  buntings,  all  the  chaffinches,  and  all  the  sparrows 
consume  during  the  summer  as  much  animal  as  vegetable  matter,  if 
not  more.  The  only  birds  of  this  order  which  feed  exclusively  on 
vegetables  are  the  pigeon  tribe,  including  about  five  species. 

Thus  one  order  only,  comprising  but  one  single  family,  together 
with  a  few  scanty  families  taken  from  other  orders,  forming  when 
put  together,  but  one-twelfth  or  one-thirteen  part  of  onr  birds, 
constitutes  the  total  of  those  which  exclusively  consume  vegetable 
food.  There  is  also  another  fact  not  devoid  of  interest  to  the  agri. 
culturist,  viz.,  that  the  Granivora  principally  choose  and  prefer  the 
seeds  of  obnoxious  plants,  of  which  they  destroy  vast  quantities. 

This  rapid  survey  is  suggestive  of  highly  important  considerations. 
It  brings  under  our  notice  the  great  and  invariable  harmony  existing 
in  Nature  in  the  distribution  of  the  earth's  produce  ;  for  when  we 
come  to  consider  the  sort  of  animal  food  that  birds  make  use  of,  we 
cannot  deny  that  they  tend  to  the  preservation  of  the  vegetable 
kingdom.  In  effect,  all  the  Insectivora,  the  Zygodactyli,  the 
GralliB,  nearly  all  the  Palmipedes,  the  species  of  Gallina)  and  of 
Corvi,  a  part  of  the  Grauivora,  and  even  the  greater  number  of  tho 
llapaces,  either  feed  exclusively  or  partially  on  those  classes  of 
animals,  such  as  beetles,  catei'pillais,  larva;,  flies,  Nenroptera, 
Hynienoptera,  spiders,  Crustacea,  worms,  and  MoUusca,  which,  by 
their  extraordinary  powers  of  reproduction,  threaten,  and  sometimes 
more  than  threaten,  to  destroy  the  vegetation  existing  on  the  earth's 
surface.  Many  of  the  larger  birds  feed  also  on  mice  and  reptiles, 
which,  though  insectivorous  themselves,  would  end  in  being  trouble- 
some through  their  numbers.  Truly  Providence  does  not,  to  our  mind, 
always  make  use  of  the  simplest  and  shortest  way  of  realising  its 
object ;  but  its  views  are  themselves  so  varied,  that  innumerable 
agents  are  constantly  at  work  to  secure  the  end.  It  unfolds  itself 
iu  a  thousand  different  shapes,  and  displays  its  wealth  in  apparently 
contradictory  contrasts.  Thus  in  the  insect  world  we  meet  an 
assigned  limit,  combined  with  infinite  variety  of  form  and  immense 
profusion  of  species.  Like  birds  and  mammalia,  it  possesses  its 
herbivora  and  carnivora  most  widely  distributed.  Where  vegetation 
is  most  luxuriant,  we  find  more  Coleopfpra  than  Phaneroptera ;  and 
amongst  these  beetles  the  Herbivora  predominate.  In  mountainous 
districts  Phaneroptera  surpass  the  Coleoptera  in  numbers ;  whilst  in 
the  higher  regions  of  the  Alps,  these  last  disappear  long  before  the 
former ;  and  amongst  the  insects  and  spiders  which  exist  beyond  the 
limits  of  eternal  snow,  the  Carnivora  are  more  numerous  than  the 
Herbivora,  this  arrangement  being  evidently  for  the  express  purpose 
of  protecting  these  last  and  scanty  rcnmants  of  vegetation. 

The  vegetable  world  is  the  base  on  which  the  higher  orders  of 
creation  are  built  up.  Without  plants,  animals  cannot  exist ;  for 
even  the  Carnivora  are  indirectly  dependant  on  vegetation.  If 
Pix>vidence  is  pleased  to  produce  innumerable  hosts  aud  varieties  of 
the  smaller  animals,  it  imposes,  as  it  were,  a  certain  limit  on  itself, 
by  proportionately  aud  gradually  placing,  where  necessary,  immbersof 
Carnivora  ;  aud  if  the  widespread  tribe  of  birds  bo  destined  to  feed 
on  animals  of  an  inferior  order,  it  thus  provides  a  means  for  tho  main- 
tainance  of  a  perfect  balance  between  the  protectors  and  destroyers 
of  vegetation.  Birds  are  Nature's  soldiers,  and  keep  iu  subjection  the 
inferior  animals.  If  some  amongst  them  constitute  an  excellent  part 
of  the  food  of  man,  furnish  him  with  eggs,  with  useful  feathers,  or 
with  a  good  manure,  all  these  services  are  scarceh'  worthy  of  notice 
when  compared  with  their  labours  in  the  destruction  of  insects.  For 
this  especial  duty  the  most  essential  of  their  organs  have  been 
adapted — their  sight  is  piercing,  aud  even  the  very  smallest  among 
them  possess  the  most  extraordinary  powers  of  digestion — whilst 
their  great  activity  and  lightness  enable  them  to  exercise  their  calling 


Oct.  11, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


303 


incossautly  and  where  most  required.  The  reproduotivo  powers 
of  birds  and  their  iustiuct  of  migratiou  arc  also  due  to  the  otHce 
imposed  upou  them.  When  iu  the  north  the  iusecl  world  drops  into 
its  wintry  repose  and  sleeps  uudor  layers  of  deep  suoiv,  then  most  of 
the  bird  tribe  iJy  to  the  south,  there  to  perform  the  same  duties; 
whilst  those  which  remain  all  the  year  round  in  one  place  gather  up  the 
larva),  the  eggs,  the  nests  of  insects,  the  few  flies  or  spiders  which 
may  bo  tempted  ont  of  their  holes  by  a  sun. ray,  and  the  Coleoptera 
which  gnaw  the  barks  of  trees. 

Iu  these  days  it  would  almost  appear  as  if  the  great  and  important 
services  rendered  by  birds  ^vere  insufiicieut  for  the  purpose ;  for 
complaints  arc  hoard  from  Germany  and  Switzerland  that  they  are 
invaded  by  swarms  of  those  varieties  of  destructive  insects  which  are 
habitually  seen  in  small  numbers  only.  They  lay  waste  green 
meadows,  vegetable-gardens,  crops  of  wheat  or  Flax,  fruit  trees,  and 
forests  ;  they  torment  alike  animals  and  men,  take  us  by  surprise,  and 
destroy  our  prospects.  Amongst  the  beetles,  the  cockchafer  is  our  most 
declared  enemy.  When  in  its  last  stage  of  development  it  destroys 
the  blossoms  and  leaves  of  trees ;  but,  still  more  dangerous  in  its  larva 
state,  it  gnaws  the  roots  of  plants,  and,  appearing  in  alai'miug 
masses,  often  devastates  whole  countries.  This  beetle  might  be 
made  of  use,  in  more  ways  than  one.  In  the  first  place,  its  carcass 
is  an  active  manure,  a  good  food  for  fowls,  or,  if  well  dried,  even  for 
cows,  whose  milk  it  will  then  increase.  Some  cliemists  have 
succeeded  in  e.xtracting  from  them  a  good  brown  colour  and  a  good 
Prussian  blue ;  much  oil,  too,  can  be  got  out  of  them,  si.xteen 
measures  of  cockchafers  giving  six  measures  of  oil.  A  clear  gas  and 
a  fair  sort  of  cart-grease  may  also  be  manufaeted  from  them  ; 
whilst  cooks  even  turn  them  into  a  nourishing  and  savoury  soup,  or 
a  sweetmeat  for  dessert. 

All  this  is  doubtless  very  well  iu  its  way,  but  if  we  do  not  steadily 
persevere  in  our  labour  of  limiting,  to  the  utmost  of  our  power,  the 
number  of  cockchafers,  they  would,  in  the  long  run,  ravage  so  many 
lands,   that  neither  hens,   cows,  cooks,  nor  chemists  could  by  any 
possible  means  exist.     Other  destructive  beetles  are  the  Acantho. 
poda,    the    Astynomus    asdilis,    the    Anthonomus,    the    Bostrichus 
typographns,  which  in  1780  and  the  following  years,  destroyed  more 
than  a  million  of  Fir-trees  in  the  Hartz  Mountains  and  in  Switzerland, 
and  more  recently  committed  other  awful  depredations ;  and  lasty 
the  Hydrophilus  atei,   a  very  dangerous  insect  fur  jireserved  fish- 
ponds.    Several  species  of  butterflies,  otherwise  so  innocent,  belong, 
when  in  the  caterpillar  state,  to  the  class  of  pernicious  articulated 
animals ;  the  principal  of  these  are  the  Bomby.x  processionea,  the 
Phalena   bombyx,   the   Pieris,   the   Lasiocampa,   the    Phalena,    the 
Neustria,  and  the  Tinea.     As  for  the  other  sorts  of  inferior  insects, 
such    as    the    Gryllotalpa,   the   Aphis,   the    grasshopper,    the   ant, 
different  species  of  the  gadfly,  wasps,  flies,  worms,   and  snails,  it  is 
almost  needless  to  speak  of  them ;  they  are  but  too  well  known  as 
plagues.     The   Acridium   migratorium  has   already   penetrated  into 
Southern  Smtzerland,  and  we  are  forced  to  come  to  the  conclusion, 
from  observations  carefully  made  on  different  spots,  that  the  number 
of    destructive    insects   in  general  is  gradually  augmenting.     This 
arises  evidently  from  the  diminution  of  insectivorous  birds,  which  is 
in  exact  proportion  to  the  increase  of  insects ;  and  if  we  look  into 
the  causes  of  this  diminution,  we  shall  find  more  than  one,  both  in 
this  and  other  lands.     Generally  speaking,  the  progi'essive  cultivation 
of  the  earth  is  not  very  favourable  to  animals  living  in  freedom. 
It  has  driven  the  fallow  deer  from  our  woods  ;  the  elk,  the  lynx,  the 
wolf,  the  bear,  the  ibex,  from  our  mountains ;  the  beaver  from  our 
rivers.     But  it  has  been  especially  hostile  to  birds ;  the  hospitable 
thickets  ,  diminish   yearly ;    man   forces   onward   the   limits    of    his 
domain ;  he  masters  the  as  yet  uncultivated  soil,  and  di-aws  from  it 
rich  harvests.     Large  tracts  of  woodland  are  cleared  to  supply  the 
wants   of    an   increasing   population   and    the    heavy    demands   of 
industry.     The  large  trees  formerly  left  standing  in  the   midst  of  a 
field,  iu  which  numberless  small  animals  found  a  refuge,  are  made 
away  with,  or  replaced  sometimes  by  the  small  fruic  tree.     Long 
rows  of  hedges,  the  hiding  place  of  a  whole  host  of  birds,  meet  with 
the  like  fate ;  and  these,  too,  were  of  other  use,  for  they  attracted 
quantities  of  caterpillars,  which  fed  an  their  green  leaves,  and  thus 
spared  the  orchards.     All  the  little  nooks  so  useful  to  birds,  both  as 
hatchini^-places   and   hunting-grounds,   disappear  one  by   one.      In 
woods,  the  mistake  of  cutting  down  right  and  left  old  trees  full  of 
small   holes,   has   been,    unfortunately,   understood    too    late,     and 
thereby   numbers   of    the  best   Insectivora   have  been  deprived  of 
commodious  nesting-places  ;  unavailing  regrets  from  those  incessantly 
exposed  to  the  havocs  of  wood-insects  will  follow  on  the  disappear- 
ance, for  years  to  come,  of  their  best  and  most  active  allies  of  the 
forest.     United,  the  causes  we  have  just  referred  to  would  alone  be 
suflBoient  to  explain  the  heavy  and  sensible  diminution  of  small  birds  ; 
but  there  are  others  of  considerable  consequence,  for  instance,  the 
frequent  netting  and  shooting  by  man,  and  the  destruction  of  nests 


by  children  and  cats.  In  some  countries  no  nest  is  ont  of  reach,  and 
none  are  left  nnpluudered;  and  it  is  especially  the  most  useful 
destroyers  of  insects  which  arc  plundered  iu  quantities,  such  as  the 
titmouse,  the  chaffinch,  the  warbler,  and  the  redbreast.  Nightingales 
in  some  places  have  become  so  very  scarce,  that  iu  spots  formerly 
enlivened  by  their  song  every  spring,  they  have  not  been  heard  for 
more  than  ten  years.  Here  and  there  the  absurd  ordinances,  enjoining 
every  government  keeper  to  destroy  woodpeckers  and  cuckoos,  aud 
even  offering  a  premium  for  every  head  brought  in,  are  still  the  law 
of  the  land. 

But  the  cause  which  exercises  a  stiU  more  fatal  influence  on 
the  diminution  of  our  most  useful  birds  of  passage,  ia  the 
exterminatory  hunt  they  are  subjected  to  on  the  part  of  the 
Italians.  It  is  a  well-known  fact  that  at  the  period  of  their 
spring  migration,  aud  still  more  in  autumn,  Italians  are  seized  with 
a  mania  for  killing  small  birds.  Men  of  all  ages  and  conditions, 
nobili,  merchants,  priests,  artisans,  and  peasants,  all  abandon  their 
daily  tasks,  to  attack,  like  banditti,  the  troops  of  passing  visitors. 
By  the  river.side,  in  the  fields,  all  around  is  heard  the  report  of 
fire-arms ;  nets  are  laid,  traps  set,  twigs  covered  with  bird-limo 
hang  on  every  bush.  On  every  hill  adapted  to  the  purpose,  is  placed 
a  sort  of  trap  (roccolo),  full  of  owls  aud  sparrow-hawks,  to  attract 
and  slaughter  the  little  strangers.  The  objects  of  their  pursuit  are 
not  those  birds  which  in  other  countries  are  usually  chosen  for 
purposes  of  sport;  on  the  contrary,  they  select  the  little  Insectivora, 
the  singing-birds,  and  particularly  the  nightingales.  Swallows  even 
■ — birds  generally  protected  by  man — are  taken  in  quantities,  and 
often  in  a  most  cruel  manner.  A  small  insect  or  feather  is  attached 
to  a  hook,  held  by  a  long  thread,  and  allowed  to  float  in  the  air,  to 
attract  the  swallow  as  it  skims  past.  To  form  some  idea  of  the 
slaughter  which,  for  weeks  together,  is  the  chief  delight  of  the 
population  of  Italy,  it  is  sufficient  to  mention  that  in  one  district  on 
the  shores  of  the  Lago  Maggiore,  the  number  of  small  birds  annually 
destroyed  amounts  to  between  60,000  and  70,000;  and  that  in 
Lombardy,  in  one  single  roccolo,  15,000  birds  are  often  captured 
daily.  In  the  neighbourhood  of  Bergamo,  Verona,  and  Brescia, 
several  millions  of  birds  are  slaughtered  every  autumn,  and  the 
exterminatory  fever  rages  quite  as  violently  in  the  more  southern 
districts.  In  Sicilj',  for  instance,  during  ten  days  iu  autumn,  nearly 
1,000,000  larks  arrive  daily  on  the  coast,  and  immediately  on 
their  aijpearance  are  met  by  a  continuous  file-firing  from  hundreds 
of  sportsmen,  who  bring  them  down  in  thousands. 

This  purely  Italian  mania  has  penetrated  into  Switzerland,  in  the 
Canton  Ticino,  where  no  prohibitory  laws  exist  to  prevent  the 
increasing  fondness  for  the  sport ;  the  inhabitants  entrap  on  the 
frontiers  of  their  canton,  on  the  St.  Gothard  and  the  Grison 
mountains,  as  many  of  the  songsters,  when  they  attempt  to  migrate, 
as  they  possibly  can.  But  we  on  this  side  the  Alps  especially  suffer 
from  such  wanton  proceedings,  and  wo  witness  the  consequences  in 
our  fields  and  woods.  We  cannot  prevent  the  Italians  from  indulging 
in  their  absurd  and  barbarous  amusements,  but  we  can  lessen  the 
evil  in  some  degree ;  and  it  would  be  but  consistent  with  the 
proverbial  good  sense  of  us  Germans  if  we  were  to  protect  all  the 
bird  tribe  with  a  solicitude  proportionate  to  the  mad  attacks  made 
upon  them  southwards,  and  thus  in  some  degree  reinstate  the  order 
of  Nature,  and  aid  in  re-establishing  the  necessary  balance  between 
the  insect  world  and  its  enemies.  We  have  two  ways  of  accomplish, 
ing  our  object — by  favouring  in  divers  manners  the  propagation  and 
increase  of  onr  most  useful  non-migratory  birds,  and  by  affording 
good  asylums  and  hearty  protection  to  birds  of  passage  during  their 
summer  sojom'n. 

It  is,  however,  preposterous  to  depend  entirely  on  artificial  means 
for  a  complete  restoration  of  Nature's  laws  ;  the  force  of  reproduc- 
tion is  so  prodigious  amongst  inferior  animals,  that  man  will  never 
be  enabled  to  combat  alone  successfully  their  periodic  invasions.  On 
the  borders  of  the  Rhine,  the  Attelabus  bacchus  damages  the  Vine- 
yards, aud  the  Anthonomus  and  Phalena  the  frnit-trces,  to  an  extent 
which  may  be  valued  at  several  hundred  thousand  thalers  (3s.  each) 
annually,  without  a  remedy  against  such  havoc  having  as  yet  been 
found.  Near  Torgau,  several  thousand  thalers  have  been  annually 
expended  on  the  forest  of  Annaburg,  for  the  destruction  of  cater- 
pillars and  chafers,  in  the  attempt  to  save  the  trees  from  utter  ruiu. 
During  the  year  18.37,  an  area  of  860  acres  of  Fir-forest  was  entirely 
stripped  of  its  leaves  by  the  caterpillars  of  the  Noctua),  and  Govern, 
ment  paid  more  than  1,000  thalers  for  the  destruction  of  94,000,000  of 
the  above  dangerous  insects.  The  havoc  these  insects  cause  is  almost 
incredible.  Some  time  ago  caterpillars  devoured  all  the  Grass  over 
immensedistrictsin  America,  aud  it  was  found  necessary  to  import  hay 
from  England.  The  Herbivora  caterpillars  laid  bare  the  plains  of  Lesch, 
near  Augsburg,  gnawing  the  roots  of  every  plant,  and  destroying  tho 
herbage  growing  for  miles  around  several  villages.  The  caterpillars 
of  the  Noctua  plenipoda  will  in  a  few  weeks'  time  destroy  300  acres 


S04 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Oct.  li,  1873, 


of  woodland  ;  and  in  the  Marches  of  Brandenburg,  in  two  years,  they 
devastated  a  seventh  part  of  all  the  Government  forests.  In  Franconia, 
the  caterpillars  of  the  Bombyx  and  Lasiocampa,  during  the  year 
1830,  completely  devoured  the  produce  of  2,200  acres  of  Government 
forest,  in  spite  of  the  strenuous  efforts  made  to  combat  the  evil.  4- 
success  was  obtained  in  the  woods  of  Stralsund,  where  in  1840  Gover. 
ment,  at  an  expense  of  about  3,200  thalers,  collected  1,000  pounds' 
weight,  that  is,  more  than  633,000,000  of  the  eggs  of  the  Bombyx. 
The  vegetable-consuming  caterpillar  occasionally  appears  in  such 
numbers,  that  a  tubful  of  them  may  soon  be  collected.  They  arrive 
iu  a  field,  quickly  destroj'  the  chief  part  of  the  crop,  and  then  journey 
on,  it  being  impossible  to  aiTest  their  progress.  It  has  been  noticed 
in  the  Duchy  of  Hesse,  that  these  insects  principally  laid  waste  those 
spots  where,  from  the  want  of  trees,  the  aggregation  of  singing-birds 
is  prevented ;  and  here  all  human  effects  at  prevention  have  been 
found  totally  unavailing. 

For  about  half  a  century- the  culture  of  fruit  trees  has  been  steadily 
increasing  in  Wnrtembnrgh,  so  that  now  it  brings  in  a  revenue  of 
1,700,000  florins  (:tMl,750)  annually,  though  a  great  part  of  the 
crop  is  yearly  devoured  by  caterpillars.  Formerly  but  little  notice 
was  taken  of  these  invaders,  but  latterly  they  have  so  much  increased 
that  many  cultivators  have  been  discouraged  from  continuing  their 
occupation.  Government  has  ordered  all  the  trees  to  be  cleansed, 
both  in  spring  and  autumn,  imposing  penalties  for  disobedience,  but 
the  desired  result  has  not  yet  been  obtained.  If  Nature  did  not 
interpose,  man  would  of  necessity  succumb  ;  but  these  insects  are 
pursued  byother  enemies  who  become  the  allies  of  man.  The  Ichneumon 
pricks  the  caterpillar  to  death,  the  Limax  sucks  out  its  vital  organs, 
beetles  eat  them,  principally  the  pernicious  Processionea  caterpillar ; 
and  the  shrewmouse,  the  hedgehog,  the  mole,  the  lizard,  the  frog, 
the  toad,  and  the  bat  are  all  excellent  insect-hunters.  Nature, 
however,  has  shown  most  solicitude  for  us  by  appointing  as  the 
food  most  sought  for  by  birds,  eggs  of  moths,  larvec,  caterpillars, 
butterflies,  flies,  gnats,  aphis,  auts,  snails,  worms,  &c.,  and  by  giving 
to  each  species  its  assigned  duty  and  place  iu  the  work  of  destruc- 
tion. Each  has  its  appointed  spot,  either  iu  the  wood,  field,  bush, 
meadow,  garden,  or  vineyard,  on  the  rocks,  or  by  the  I'iver-side  ; 
some  attack  one  particular  class  of  insects,  others  another  ;  some 
are  clever  at  pecking  them  off  leaves  or  branchlet,  others  snatch 
them  up  as  they  fly  through  the  air  ;  some  nuearth  them,  others 
extract  them  from  betwixt  bark  slits,  or  pierce  the  wood  that  shelters 
them.  Each  sort  of  bird  is  expressly  formed  for  the  task  it  is 
intended  it  should  perform,  in  the  varied  shape  of  the  beak,  feet,  and 
wings ;  and  each  little  workman  finds  it  necessary  for  its  sustenance 
to  swallow  daily  an  amount  of  matter  equal  to  the  weight  of  its 
own  body. 

In  order  duly  to  appreciate  the  immensity  of  the  work  under, 
taken  by  birds,  we  will  just  notice  a  few  facts  brought  under  our 
observation.  In  a  greenhouse,  three  full-grown  Rose  bushes  were 
covered  by  about  2,000  of  the  aphis  ;  a  titmouse  (Paras  palastris) 
was  introduced,  and  allowed  to  roam  about  in  freedom,  and  in  the 
space  of  a  few  hours  the  whole  multitude  of  insects  were  consumed, 
and  the  plants  thoroughly  cleansed.  The  titmouse  fortunately 
multiplies  considerably  ;  they  render  great  service,  chiefly  to  shrubs 
and  fruit-trees,  eating  up  millions  of  caterpillar-eggs.  Everyone 
is  aware  of  the  enormous  quantities  of  eggs  moths  lay  at  one 
time,  some  species  150,  and  others  500,  600,  and  even  800.  The 
Noctua,  for  example,  lays  about  600  eggs  twice  each  summer.  The 
titmouse,  like  most  other  birds,  does  not  attack  the  hairy  caterpillar, 
but  it  daily  swallows  thousands  of  its  eggs.  Constantly  in  full 
activity,  both  in  summer  and  winter,  they  are  ever  rummaging 
about  trees,  sometimes  in  small  groups,  and  sometimes  accompanied 
by  the  European  nuthatch  (Sitta  europaja),  the  common  creeper 
(Certhia  familiaris),  and  the  gold-crested  wren  (Motacilla  regulus). 
They  creep  into  rolled-up  leaves,  under  branches  and  trunks  of 
decayed  trees,  and  diligently  make  away  with  every  insect-egg  they 
may  chance  to  stumble  upon.  Count  Casimir  Woszicke  mentions  a 
conclusive  example  of  the  signal  services  these  birds  render  to  onr 
gardens: — "During  the  year  1818  an  enormous  quantity  of  the 
Bombyx  dispar  (the  well-known  enemy  of  gardens,  and  which  also 
commits  serious  depredations  in  woods)  had  devoured  the  foUage  of 
my  trees,  so  that  they  were  quite  bare.  I  discovered  in  autumn 
millions  of  eggs  enveloped  iu  a  silky  sort  of  covering,  and  attached 
to  the  trunks  and  branches.  I  had  them  removed  at  a  considerable 
expense,  but  soon  became  aware  that  the  hand  of  man  was  powerless 
to  ward  off  the  infliction,  and  resigned  myself  to  the  loss  of  my  best 
trees.  But  on  the  approach  of  winter  several  bands  of  the  titmouse 
and  the  wren  (Troglodytes)  paid  daily  visits  to  my  trees,  and  soon 
the  caterpillar  eggs  were  in  a  fair  way  of  diminution.  At  spring- 
time about  twenty  couple  of  the  titmouse  built  their  nests  in  my 
garden ;  the  ensuing  summer  the  depredations  of  the  caterpillars 
were  greatly  lessened,  and  in  1850  my  little  winged  gardeners  had 


so  weU  cleansed  all  my  trees,  that,  thanks  to  their  labour,  I  had  the 
satisfaction  of  seeing  them  in  fall  leaf  the  whole  of  the  summer." 

The  indefatigable  wren,  which  remains  with  us  during  the  winter, 
is  of  very  great  use,  for  its  appetite  equals  its  activity.  They  must 
perpetually  be  swallowing  something,  and  accustom  their  young  to 
follow  their  example  in  gluttony,  by  feeding  them  on  an  average, 
thirty-six  times  every  hour  with  insects'  eggs,  larvae,  i'C.  A  hungry 
redstart  (Pha;nicura  tithys)  captured  in  a  room,  during  the  space  of 
an  hour,  600  flies  ;  and  if  this  little  bird  hunts  but  for  two  or  three 
hours  a. day,  we  may  guess  the  number  of  its  prey.  The  swalloiv  and 
the  martin  (Cypselns)  in  the  daytime,  and  the  European  goat-sucker 
(Caprimnlgus  europa^us)  during  the  night,  capture  swarms  of  gnats  ; 
the  chaftinch,  the  jay,  the  jackdaw,  (Corvus  monedula),  devour  the 
Lasiocampa  and  Noctua.  Even  sparrows  may  be  included  in  the  list 
of  useful  birds,  notwithstanding  the  damage  they  cause  at  times  to  the 
orchard  or  corn. field,  because  they  feed  their  young  (which  have  very 
good  appetites)  exclusively  upon  larva?,  grasshoppers,  caterpillars, 
beetles,  worms,  or  ants  ;  and  both  old  and  young  at  the  end  of  summer 
are  constantly  filling  their  crops  with  the  seeds  of  weeds.  A  couple 
of  sparrows  will  consume  in  food  for  their  young  about  3,000  insects 
weekly,  e.ich  parent  bringing  a  billful  thirty  times  an  hour.  These 
services  are  worth  a  few  Chen-ies.  The  hedge-sparrow  does  not,  more- 
over, eat  Cherries,  and  a  small  number  of  these  birds  will  soon  cleanse 
many  shrubs  and  Rose  trees  from  the  aphis. 
CTo  be  continued.) 


Cultivated  Plants,  and  tlie  Time  of  their  Introduction. 

— The  following  list  contains  the  date  of  introduction  of   some  of  the 
foreign  plants  which  are  now  familiar  in  our  gardens  and  conservatories. 
The  common  Acacia  tree,  a  native  of  North  America,  was  first  culti- 
vated by  John  Tradescant,  sen.,  in  1610.     The  French  and  African 
Marygolds  were  introduced  by  John  Gerard,  anther  of  the  "  Herbal," 
in  1596.     The  Almond   tree,  from   Barbary,  is   first   mentioned   by 
Lobelius  in  1570.     A  few  years  later,  in  1596,  Gerard  cultivated  the 
common  Pomegranate.     The  dwarf  Pomegranate  of  the  West  Indies 
did  not  appear  in  our  gardens  before  1730.     To  Gerard  we  also  owe 
the  first  introduction  of   the  Yucca   gloriosa,  and  the  African  Aloe. 
The  Agave  americana  was  not  cultivated  for  a  century  later.     The 
Apple  and  Pear,  Plum,  and  Cherry,  are  native  plants,  but  the  Quince 
came  from  Austria  at   the  close  of   the  seventeenth  century.     The 
Cucumber   is   a   native,  but  was   first   cultivated   in  the  sixteenth 
century,    as    was    the    common    Melon.     Asparagus,    Cabbage,    or 
Brassica  oleracea,  in  all  its  varities  of  White,  Red,  Savoy,  Cauliflower, 
Broccoli ;    Turnips,    or   Brassica   rapa.    Beet,    Hops,    Horse-radish, 
Celery,  Onions,  Leeks,   Radishes,  Mustard,   Cress,  Lettuce,  are  all 
indigenous  plants.  The  Potato,  as  is  well  known,  came  from  America ; 
the  Marrowfat  or  common  garden  Pea  from  the  south  of  Europe,  as 
did  the   globe  Artichoke,  the   Bean  from   Egypt,  the  China  Orange 
from   India   in  1629,  the  Lemon  from  Asia  in  1618,  the  Jerusalem 
Artichoke  from  Brazil   iu  1617,  the  Coffee  plant   in  1696,  the  Tea 
plant   about   1768,  Parsley  from   Sardinia  in  1551 ;    and  to  foreign 
countries  we  are  also  indebted  for  almost  all  spices  and  coudiments 
except  mustai'd.     Garden  Balsam,  a  native  of  the  East  Indies,  was 
introduced   by  Cierard  in   1596.     The  Plantain  tree  was  first   culti- 
vated  at   Hampton  Court   in  1690,  and  the  Banana  in  1731.     The 
Cedar  of  Lebanon,  now  so  common,  was  not  grown  in  England  before 
1683,  and  is  first  mentioned  in  a  letter  of  Ray  of   that   year.     The 
common  white  Larch  had  been  introduced  in  1629,  and  the  Norway 
Spruce   Fir  in  1739,  first   in   Chelsea   Gardens.     The   Canadian   or 
white  Spruce  Fir  was  cultivated  in  1700  by  Bishop  Compton.     Tho 
Cypress  tree  of  southern  Europe  was  cultivated   in  the  garden  of 
Sion  House  in  1551 ;  the  white  Cedar,  or  arborvita^-leaved  Cypress, 
in  1736.     The  common  Hollyhock  came  from  China  at  the  end  of  the 
sixteenth  century.     Maize  or  Indian  corn  had  been  grown  about  the 
middle  of   that   century.     To   Gerard  we  owe  the  common  Syringa 
from  the   south  of  Europe.      The    Sensitive  plant.  Mimosa  pudica, 
from  Brazil,  is  first   mentioned   in   1733  by  Ur.  Houston,  who  also 
introduced  more  than  one  species  of  Passion  Flower  from  the  West 
Indies.     The  Laurel  or  common  sweet  Bay  came  in  1562  from  Italy, 
the   Laurestine   in    1596  from   the  south  of   Europe.     The  Aucuba 
japonica,  now  universal  in  our  shrubberies,  was  first  introduced  from 
Japan   in    17S3  by  Mr.  John  Grajfer.     The   female   plant,  with  its 
splendid  berries,  has  only  been  introduced  during  the  last  few  years, 
the  Aucuba   being   till  then  regarded  as  a  monoecious   plant.     We 
might  extend  this  list  largely,  but  enough  has  been  noted  to  show 
how  recent   have   been   many  of  tho  additions  to  our  gardens  and 
forests,  and  how  small  the  variety  of  species  known  bef  jre  the  days 
of  Gerard's  "  Herbal,"  or  even  of  Evelyn's  "  Sylva."     A  more  com- 
plete list  of   the  now  common  trees   and  flowers,  with  the  time  and 
circumstances  of  their  introduction  to   England,  would  be  an  inter, 
esting  compilation. — Leisure  Hour. 


Oct.  11,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


305 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 

MICHAELMAS  DAISIES. 
Among  the  chief  oruamontsof  our  flower  borders  and  slirubberies 
in  the  late  summer  or  autumu  mouths,  the  best  species  and 
varieties  of  the  genus  Aster,  or  Michaehnas  Daisy,  hold  a 
pi'ominent  place.  Of  this  genus  there  are  a  great  many  species 
in  cultivation  in  botanic  gardens ;  but  as  many  of  these  are 
worthless,  and  as  many  of  the  finest  may  now  be  seen  in  flower 
iu  our  best  collections,  we  are  induced  to  give  a  description  of 
some  of  the  most  ornamental  kinds  recently  observed  by  us 
flowering  in  the  collections  round  London.  The  plants  ai'e  of  the 
most  easy  culture,  thriving  either  on  cold  clayey  soils  or  in  those 
of  sandy  loam,  and  all  of  them  are  readily  increased  by  division. 
1'he  various  kinds  are  adapted  for  nearly  any  position  in  the 
mixed  border.  The  taller  and  more  vigorous  kinds  do  capitally 
among  shrubberies  or  associated  witb  other  strong-growing 
plants  in  semi-wild  spots;  while  some  of  them, ire  fitting  subjects 
for  a  choice  rockery.  We  will  commence  with  Aster  Amellus, 
a  distinct  species,  which  grows  from  18  iuohes  to  2  feet  in 
height,  and  produces  flowers  of  a  fine  deep  blue  colour,  about 
an  inch  and  a  half  in  diameter.     A.  cordifolius  is  also  a  good 


Aster  grandiflovus. 

kind,  from  3  to  4  feet  high,  with  large  heart-shaped  radical 
leaves,  and  is  now  flowering  at  Kew.  The  flowers  are  small, 
whitish,  and  are  borne  in  crowded  racemes.  Aster  dumosus 
is  a  dwarf  bushy  kind,  forming  a  compact  tuft  from  9  to  15 
inches  high,  the  flowers  of  which  are  of  a  pale  lilac-blue,  and 
are  borne  in  dense  clusters. 

Aster  olegans  is  a  tall  and  graceful  species  from  3  to  .5  feet 
liigh,  producing  corymbs  of  small  whitish  flowers.  A.  grandi- 
florus,  of  which  we  give  an  illustration,  is  a  distinct  and  hand- 
some species,  with  stifl!  wiry  stems  about  3  feet  high.  It  has 
large  violet-blue  flowers  borne  singly  on  the  ends  of  the 
branches,  but  as  it  blooms  only  during  the  later  months  of  the 
year,  from  October  to  Christmas,  it  is  only  seen  to  perfection 
on  warm  soils,  or  when  trained  against  a  low  wall.  One  of 
the  best  of  the  whole  genus,  in  our  opinion,  is  the  Smooth 
Aster  (A.  lievis),  a  medium-sized  kind,  which  makes  a  nice 
bush  about  2  feet  high,  and  of  which  a  good  specimen  may 
now  be  seen  at  Kew,  thickly  covered  with  nicely  formed  bright 
blue  flowers.  A.  longifolius  is  another  handsome  kind ;  there 
ai-e  several  forms  of  it,  and  the  most  worthy  of  culture  is  that 
called  by  Mr.  Niven  longifolius  formosus.  This  kind  grows 
from  1  to  2^  feet  high,  and  produces  a  dense  mass  of  bright 


rose-purple  coloured  flowers.  It  is  now  very  attractive  in 
most  collections  of  these  plants.  A.  multiflorus  grows  from 
3  to  4  feet  high,  and  produces  an  abundance  of  pretty  small 
Daisy-like  blooms.  The  kind  more  frequently  met  with  in 
gardens  than  any  other  is  the  Now  England  Aster  (A.  Nova) 
Angluu),  which  is  a  vigorous-growing  species,  often  attaining 
a  height  of  from  5  to  6  feet.  The  flowers  of  this  species  are 
violet-purple,  but  there  is  a  good  rose-coloured  variety.  It 
makes  a  capital  shrubbery  plant. 

The  Pyrenoan  Aster  (A.  pyrenasus),  which  has  just  done 
flowering,  is  a  kind  that  is  well  worthy  of  culture.  It  forms 
a  neat-growing  plant  from  2  to  3  feet  high,  and  has  large  lilac- 
blue  flowers.  A.  Reevesii  is  a  dwarf-growing  kind,  about 
9  inches  high,  with  slender  branching  stems  that  are  thickly 
studded  with  small  Daisy-like  white  flowei-s.  The  silky-leaved 
Aster  sericeus  is  another  very  pretty  kind,  that  grows  about 
2  feet  high,  and  produces  deep  blue  flowers.  Probably  the  most 
attractive  kind  to  be  seen  iu  the  collection  at  Kew  at  the  pre- 
sent time  is  A.  Shortii.  This  plant  is  about  3  feet  high,  and  has 
an  abundance  of  pale  purplish-blue  flowers,  borne  iu  long 
racemose  panicles.  A.  turbinellus  is  another  very  attractive 
plant,  good  specimens  of  which  may  also  now  be  seen  at  Kew. 
It  grows  about  3  feet  high,  and  produces  numerous  smooth 
thread-like  branchlets,  on  which  are  borne  quantities  of  pretty 
mauve-coloured  flowers  from  August  until  the  middle  of 
October.  The  last  on  our  list  is  A.  versicolor,  a  neat  dwarf 
species,  with  showy  flowers,  that  are  at  first  white,  changing  to 
pink  or  purple,  or  a  combination  of  both.  There  are  several 
other  kinds,  valuable  as  border-plants,  that  are  often  included 
in  the  genus  Galatella.  Of  these  cana  and  dracunculoides  are 
now  attractively  in  bloom.  Before  closing  our  remarks  on  the 
Asters,  we  would  recommend  others  that  do  not,  like  those 
mentioned  above,  bloom  in  the  autumn,  but  are  attractive  in 
the  earlier  summer  months.  AVe  allude  to  such  asalpinus  and 
altaicus,  both  of  which  are  dwarf-growing  kinds,  valuable 
either  for  rockwork  or  the  front  of  a  mixed  border.        T.  S. 


THE  FRINGED  GENTIAN. 
This  beautiful  flower,  whicli  adorns  the  moist  rocks  near  Niagara 
Falls  and  many  other  parts  of  North  Amei'ica,  is  thus  spoken  of  by 
a  correspondent  of  that  excellent  journal.  The  Albany  Cultivator  : — 
Almost  all  autumnal  flowers  are  clad  in  gaily  coloured  robes,  and 
delight  us  with  the  brilliancy  of  their  hues.  But  the  Fringed 
Gentian  ia  unlike  moat  of  its  companions,  and  does  not  command 
our  attention  by  its  brightness.  It  attracts  by  the  exquisite  beauty 
of  its  form,  and  the  perfect  blue  of  its  flowers,  which  are  of  a  shade 
to  be  compared  with  nothing  else.  I  never  weary  with  looking  at 
the  delicate  fringing  of  its  petals,  and  its  rare  colouring,  so  com- 
bined that  they  charm  the  most  fastidious  lover  of  floral  beauty.  It  is 
not  a  rare  plant,  as  it  is  found  in  low  marshy  ground  in  many  of  the 
northern  and  western  states  ;  but  it  has  a  peculiar  way  of  closing 
up  its  petals,  except  at  full  noontide,  and  thus  it  escapes  the  notice 
of  many  flower  hunters.  A  large  plant  of  it,  with  all  its  numerous 
branches  adorned  by  lovely  flowers,  is  worth  even  a  tiresome  walk  to 
behold.  There  are  various  wild  flowers,  like  the  Epigea  repens  and 
the  Fringed  Gentian,  which  are  rarely  seen  under  cultivation ;  and 
although  some  skilful  florists  have  been  able  to  introduce  them  into 
their  gardens,  I  have  always  failed.  The  Fringed  Gentian  is  supposed 
to  scatter  its  seeds  upon  the  snow  ;  they  make  an  early  start  iu  the 
spring,  and  the  plants,  which  are  so  located  that  they  can  survive  the 
heat  of  the  summer,  come  into  blossom  in  September.  In  the 
northern  and  western  states,  there  are  some  eight  or  nine  species  of 
Gentians,  but  none  of  them  can  approach  the  Fringed  Gentian  in 
colouring  or  beauty  of  form. 


Good  Border  Flowers.— I  have  just  laid  out  the  shrubbery 
round  my  house  in  the  country.  I  have  a  good  mixture  of  flowerino- 
shrubs,  evergreens,  and  trees,  but  no  flowers.  I  do  not  like  annuals'. 
I  want  to  plant  the  borders  of  the  shrubberies  with  good  (old- 
fashioned  or  othervrise)  perennial  hardy  border  flowers.  Will  you 
do  the  favour  to  give  me  some  names  of  such  plants  in  your  next 
paper  ?  I  have  waded  through  the  seed  lists  I  have,  but  I  am  not 
suflioiently  well  acquainted  with  flowers  to  select  good  useful  plants 
for  my  purpose.  The  height  I  should  prefer  would  be  between  1 
and  3  feet.— W.  T.  [The  following  will  suit  you  well :— Achillea 
Eupatorium,  A.  Ptarmica  (fl.  pi.),  A.  apennina,  A.  coronaria,  A. 
fulgens,  A.  japonica,  A.  sylvestris,  Aster  AmcUus,  A.  pyrenajus,  A. 
turbinellus,  A.  versicolor,  Campanula  in  variety,  Coreopsis  lanceolata. 


306 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  11, 1873. 


Coronilla  montana,  Delphiniam  in  variety,  Diolytra  spectabilis, 
Eohinopa  ruthenicus,  Erigeron  speciosuni,  Erodinm  Manescavi, 
Eryngium  alpinura,  E.  amethystiunm,  Punkia  Sieboldi,  Geranium 
Lambertiannm,  G.  sanguinenm,  G.  striatum,  Helleborug  niger  and 
its  varieties,  Hemerocallis  flava,  H.  graminea,  Iris  in  variety, 
Lathyrus  grandiflorus,  L.  latit'olius,  Lupinus  polyphyllus,  Lythruin 
Salicaria  roseuni,  Monarda  didyma,  G^.nothera  macrocarpa,  Q-]. 
marginata,  CR.  speciosa,  Orobus  vernus,  Pa!Onia  in  variety,  Papaver 
bracteatum,  Phlomis  Herba.venti,  Phlox  in  varieties,  Pliysostogia 
virginiaua,  Pyrethrum  carneum,  lludbeckia  hirta,  Saponaria 
ocymoides,  Sjiirroa  palmata,  S.  venusta,  Statice  latifolia,  Symphytum 
boliomicum,  S.  caucasicuni,  Tritomas,  and  Veronicas  in  variety.] 

Gowan  versit.-i  Daisy. — Mr.  Gillbanks  has  taken  much  trouble 
to  prove  (p.  215)  that  the  Gowan  is  not  the  Scotch  for  Daisy.  Now 
I  am  a  native  of  Dumfriesshire,  and  I  am  also  well  acquainted  with 
the  Ayrshire  dialect,  which  scarcely  differs  from  that  of  Dumfries- 
shire, and  I  assei't  without  hesitation  that  Gowan  is  the  common 
n.ame  for  Daisy  in  these  counties,  as  it  is  in  all  the  southern  Scottish 
counties,  as  far  as  my  experience  goes.  Let  Mr.  Gillbanks,  if  he 
happens  to  be  in  Dumfriesshire  or  Ayrshire,  ask  the  iirst  rustic  ho 
meets  to  "  gather  him  a  handful  o'  Gowans,"  and  a  thousand  to  one 
he  will  bring  him  D.aisies,  unless  he  asks  for  yellow  Gowans,  when, 
probablj'  he  will  be  supplied  with  Buttercups,  or  it  may  be,  but  not 
so  likely,  with  Dandelions;  but  the  Daisy  is  tlie  Gowan.  As  a 
schoolboy  I  never  knew  it  by  any  other  name.  It  is  new  to  me  also, 
as  it  must  be  to  hundreds  of  the  readers  of  Burns,  to  know  that  the 
poet  meant  a  plant  comparatively  rare,  and  not  the  Daisy  when  ho 
sang  of  pulling  "the  Gowans  fme,"  alias  "gaudy,"  as  Mr.  Gill- 
banks translates  it,  but  wrongly.  "  Pine  laddie "  is  a  common 
Scotch  expression  for  a  good,  nice,  or  qniet  well-behaved  boy  ;  it 
would  certainly  not  be  applied  to  a  "gaudy  "  boy.  In  fact,  "  fine" 
is  applied  in  the  south  of  Scotland  to  anything  that  is  of  good 
quality,  as  fine  crops,  fine  Turnips,  fine  Potatoes,  and  even  to  tools, 
as  fine  spade,  fine  knife,  &c.,  and  fine  Gowans  I  have  heard  applied 
to  the  Daisy  often  enough.  "  Braw  "  is  perhaps  the  best  Scotch 
equivalent  for  "  gaudy,"  as  braw  man,  braw  dress,  or  braw  flower. 
Daisy,  properly  speaking,  is  the  English  for  Gowan,  and  in  rustic 
localities  in  Scotland,  it  is  seldom  or  never  used,  and  some  children 
who  know  what  a  Gowan  is  well  enough  would  not  understand  what 
Daisy  meant. — "  Meet  me  in  the  Gowany  lea." 

I    cannot     corroborate    Mr.    Gillbanks's    statements    with 

reference  to  his  definition  of  the  word  Gowan,  as  used  in  Scotland. 
I  am  a  native  of  Inverness,  and  was  brought  up  in  Morayshire;  but 
in  neither  county  have  I  heard  the  word  Gowan  applied  to  any  plant 
except  the  Daisy.  In  Inverness. shire,  Gaelic  and  English  are  both 
spoken,  and  what  is  known  as  "  braid  Scotch  "  has  not  yet  found  a 
footing  there — a  circumstance  which  accounts  for  the  omission  in 
that  district  of  the  word  Gowan.  In  Moray,  on  the  other  hand — and, 
in  fact,  in  Banff,  Aberdeen,  and  the  neighbouring  counties,  where  the 
word  Gowan  is  in  every  one's  mouth — I  can  positively  assert  that  it  is 
the  recognised  name  for  the  Daisy  only  ;  and,  if  ever  used  with  refer- 
ence to  any  otherplantjthat  plant  is  merely  said  to  be  "  like  a  Gowan." 
Ranunculus,  and  similar  yellow  flowers,  are  always  regarded  as 
Buttercups.  The  expression  "  pu'd  the  Gowans  fine,"  as  used  by 
Burns,  is  regarded  by  all  Scotchmen  as  referring  to  the  Daisy  only; 
and  I  do  not  think  that  any  Scotchman,  either  at  home  or  .abroad, 
would  for  a  moment  apply  to  it  any  other  moaning. — W.  Palcoxek. 

Your  correspondent,   Mr.  Jackson  Gillbanks  (p.  245),  has 

got  into  a  Scotch  mist  as  regards  the  Gowan,  which  is  the  Scotch 
name  for  Daisy,  and  a  name  by  which  that  "  wee  crimson-tipped 
flower  "  is  known  throughout  Scotland  and  the  north  of  England.  If 
Mr.  Gillbanks  will  procure  the  Kilmarnock  edition  of  Burns,  he  will 
there  find  his  address  not  to  the  Daisy,  but  to  the  Gowan  ;  or,  if  he 
wishes  to  be  more  enlightened  on  Scotch  terms,  get  Burns  by 
Marr&  Son,  Glasgow,  which  contains  explanatory  notes  by  Chambers, 
Hogg,  Motherwell,  Wilson,  Gilbert  Burns,  &c.  The  same  edition 
contains  a  complete  marginal  glossary.  I  may  add  that  Mr.  Grindon 
(p.  223)  is  perfectly  correct  as  regards  the  Or-eye  Daisy  (Cbrysan. 
themum  leucanthemum)  being  called  the  Horse  Gowan.  It  is  so  named 
by  all  the  common  people  in  rural  districts  throughout  the  noithern 
counties  of  Scotland,  viz.,  Banff,  Aberdeen,  Elgin,  Kincardine,  Forfar, 
Fife,  and  Perth.— W.  Collie. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Pyrethrnm  uliginosum.— This  is  now  everywhere  in  flower;  it  is  8  feet  in 
heif^liL  ami  h  feet,  in  width.  Tlio  blossoms  a'-e  pure  white,  except  the  disc, 
wliich  is  imle  yellow,  nnd  they  measure  4  inclios  in  diameter. 

Colchicuni  Byzantinum.— This  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  also  one  of 
tho  most  floriforous  plants  now  in  bloom.  Old  masses  of  lovely  soft  lilac-manvo 
flowers,  feathered,  with  white,  are  a  sight  which  it  is  never  too  lonpc  to  admire. 
On  a  small  patch  of  two  or  three  bulbs  in  my  garden  I  counted  this  morning 
f  ortj'-three  blooms. — H.  Habpvh  Ciiewe,  Vruyton-lieauchanip  Ecctori/,  2'rinj, 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

MUSHKOOMS. 
These  are  grown  in  large  quantities  iu  ridges  out  of  doors  in 
our  London  market-gardens  ;  nevertheless,  they  form  one  of 
the  most  uncertain  of  crop.s.  Sometimes  the  beds  produce 
abundantly,  and  the  grower  realises  a  handsome  profit ; 
at  other  times  there  are  scarcely  enough  to  pay  for  llie 
gathering  and  marketing,  independent  of  the  great  expense, 
time,  and  labour  expended  in  preparing  tlie  ridges.  A 
moderately  dry  and  frosty  season  is  favourable  to  their 
development,  but  a  foggy  and  wet  one  is  sure  destruction  to 
out-of-door  Mushroom  crops.  The  first  set  of  ridge.s  is 
formed  in  August,  the  main  lot  in  September,  and  some  in 
October,  and  they  begin  to  yield  Mushrooms  nine  or  ten  weeks 
after  being  formed,  and  continue,  under  favourable  circum- 
stances, in  good  bearing  condition  until  April,  and  some  of 
them  even  until  May.  In  nngenial  seasons,  however,  they 
seldom  do  much  good  after  March.  Iu  forming  the  ridges, 
the  ground  is  marked  off  into  8  feet  spaces,  and  along  the 
centre  of  each  space  a  convex  ridge  of  half-rotten  manure 
is  firmly  built.  In  this  state  tho  ridges  are  allowed  to  remain 
until  fermentation  takes  place,  and  until  the  heat  subsides 
sufficiently  for  the  beds  to  be  safely  spawned.  When  these 
conditions  have  been  induced,  and  the  spawn  has  been  inserted, 
the  ridges  are  covered  over  with  2  inches,  or  thereabouts,  deep 
of  soil,  and  are  allowed  to  remain  in  that  state  for  a  time, 
when  the  whole  is  covered  over  with  dry  litter,  for  the 
purpose  of  retaining  the  heat.  It  is  dangerous  to  cover  the 
beds  too  soon,  as  over-heating  would  desti'oy  the  spawn,  and 
consequently  ruin  the  crop.  In  severe  weather  it  is  some- 
times necessary  to  increase  the  amount  of  covering  of  litter, 
and  also  to  cover  the  ridges  with  mats,  so  as  to  throw  off  the 
rain.  The  mats  are  held  in  position  by  means  of  pegs,  stones, 
boards,  &o.  This  mode  of  cultivating  Mushrooms  is  now 
practised  to  a  large  extent  in  the  westei'n  suburban  market- 
gardens.  Sometimes,  but  rarely,  beds  may  be  observed  in 
full  bearing  in  midsummer,  but  Mushrooms  are  produced 
with  much  greater  difficulty  at  that  season.  W.  F. 


Cutting  and  Drying  Herbs. — Mostly  all  herbs  should  be  cut 
and  dried  before  the  middle  or  end  of  September,  not  so  much  for 
the  sake  of  the  herbs  to  be  dried  as  for  the  roots  left  in  the  ground. 
There  are  many  kinds  of  herbs,  such  as  Mint,  Sage.  Thyme,  &c., 
which  perish  during  winter  if  they  are  not  cut  in  time  to  allow  the 
plants  to  make  a  short  growth  before  the  growing  season  comes  to 
an  end.  In  this  locality  Sage  and  Thyme  invariably  perish  if  cut 
indiscriminately,  so  as  to  have  the  wood  bare  after  September. 
Hei'bs  must  not  be  dried,  as  some  do,  before  a  kitchen  fire  !  Those 
who  bny  bottled  Parsley  and  such  like  should  smell  it  first.  The 
best  way  to  dry  herbs  is  to  spread  them  out  in  a  dry  airy  room,  or 
loft,  turning  them  over  frequently  to  prevent  the  leaves  getting 
mould)'.  In  damp,  dull  weather,  a  dry  Vinery  or  Peach  house  is 
a  good  place,  hanging  the  bundles  over  the  wires.  The  object  in  all 
cases  should  be  to  dry  them  gradu.ally,  and  the  leaves  should  retain 
their  colour  to  a  considerable  extent,  and  adhere  firmly  to  the  branch. 
When  they  crumple  up  in  the  hand,  they  have  been  subjected  too 
much  to  the  kitchen-fire  process,  which  destroys  their  virtue.  After 
being  thoroughly  dried,  hang  them  up  in  a  dry  shed. — S. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

A  Curious  Fact  in  Melon  Culture.— This  summer  I  grew  half  a  dozen 
plants  in  pots,  at  the  top  of  our  Pine  stove,  of  my  new  seedling  Melon,  named 
Gilbert's  Green  Flesh;  when,  strange  to  say,  thej"-  were  beautifully  netted, 
while  out  of  the  same  packet  of  seei,  grown  in  the  Melon  house,  they  were 
only  slightly  netted.  Ilave  Melons  in  pots  a  tendency  to  become  more  netted 
than  when  grown  in  a  border? — R.  Gilueht. 

Large  Mushrooms.— A  Mushroom  that  monopolised  much  room  in  the  dish 
when  brought  to  table,  was  gathered  about  a  fortnight  since  h\  tho  Lichfield 
iicighboui'hood  by  a  relation  of  mine.  The  Mushroom  measured  11 J  inches  iu 
diameter,  and  37  inclies  in  circumference,  and  weighed  11  lbs.  11  oz.  The  stalk 
was  7  inches  long,  and  5J  inches  round.  In  my  own  neighbourhood  Mushrooms 
have  been  very  scarce  this  season. — F.  H.  Giieenstreet,  in  X^clJ. 

Manures  and  Weeds. — Suitable  food  for  crops  enaliles  them  to  conquer  the 
weeds.  In  regard  to  Clover,  it  was  found  that  when  the  land  was  wholly 
unnninured  the  weeds  formed  57  per  cent,  of  the  entire  yield;  but  that  the 
application  of  gypsum  reduced  the  proportion  of  weeds  to  2  per  cent.  Nitro- 
genous manures  had  very  slight  effect,  and  phosphatic  manures  but  little 
more.  We  must  not  from  this,  however,  consider  gypsum  as  an  antidote  to' 
weeds  in  general,  since  it  is  a  specific  manure  for  Clover,  and  gives  it  a 
power  to  struggle  successfully  with  the  weeds,  and  crowd  them  out. 


Oct.  11,1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


307 


T  H  E    H  OUSE  HOLD. 

AN  IMPROVED  MODE  OP  PACKINa  APPLES. 
D.  B.  WiEU  describes,  iu  the  Prairie  Farmer,  an  Apple  box  which 
he  has  found  well  adapted  to  shipping  early  Apples,  fully  ripe,  and 
vastly  bettor  than  barrels,  which  require  the  Apples  to  bo  hard  aud 
green  to  carry  well.  To  those  who  have  trees  of  early  sorts,  from 
which  they  expect  to  market  fruit  next  summer,  we  would  recora. 
mend  this  box.  The  following  is  Mr.  Wier's  description  : — I  experi. 
niented  considerably  with  different  packages  last  summer,  and 
watched  the  market  carefully,  trying  to  find  out  what  would  best  fill 
the  want,  and  am  perfectly  convinced  that  I  have  found  as  good  a 
package  as  I  want  for  this  purpose,  and  believed  to  be  the  cheapest, 
best,  aud  most  fair  package  for  all  kinds  of  Apples,  both  for  seller 
and  consumer,  and  hope  my  brother  fruit  growers  will  help  me  in 
bringing  it  into  general  use.  I  would  make  them  to  hold  a  very 
large  bashel  instead  of  a  peck  ;  2,150  cubic  inches  is  the  standard 
bushel  ;  the  Apple  box  should  have  a  capacity  of  2,560  cubic  inches, 
inside  measure,  and  never  be  reduced  one  millionth  of  an  inch,  aud 
this  standard  size  should  be  kept  up.  The  box  that  I  shall  nse  in 
the  future  will  be  22  inches  long,  10  wide,  8  inches  deep,  outside 
measure,  or  when  made  of  the  material  1  think  best,  have  an  inside 
measurement,  of  20  inches  by  16  inches,  by  8  inches.  The  box  is 
formed  of  three  pieces  S  by  16  inches  of  Tulip,  Poplar,  or  other 
lumber  three-fourths  of  an  inch  thick — I  am  inclined  to  think  that 
five-eighths  of  an  inch  would  be  heavy  enough — for  the  two-ends 
and  middle  division,  two  pieces  22  inches  long  by  8  inches  wide  for 
the  sides  of  the  box,  and  four  pieces  10  inches  long  and  7^  inches 
wide  for  the  cover  aud  bottom  of  the  box ;  these  last  pieces  to  be 
three-sixteenths  of  an  inch  thick  of  Cottonwood,  Basswood,  or 
white  Elm.  I  think  Cottonwood  the  best.  This  box  will 
give  the  buyer  a  full  bushel  of  Apples ;  ic  is  of  a  size  easily 
handled,  good  to  pack  in,  so  that  the  fruit  will  show  well ;  anyone 
can  make  it,  and  what  is  best  of  all,  the  packages  cost  less  than 
half  what  barrels  for  the  same  amount  of  fruit  would,  and  with  it 
we  need  have  no  fear  of  coopers'  strikes,  coopers'  unions,  or  coopers' 
extortion.  In  it  the  cheapest  kinds  of  timber  can  be  used,  and 
timber  that  will  always  remain  cheap.  These  boxes  in  "flat" — all 
ready  to  put  together,  can  be  bought  in  quantity  for  lOs.  per  100  at 
present;  add  freight,  nails  and  putting  together,  the  cost  should 
certainly  not  exceed  fourpence  per  box,  at  which  price  no  one  can 
gramble  at  it  as  a  "  gift  box,"  yet  I  have  found  it  profitable  to  have 
them  returned,  and  have  used  them  as  many  as  five  times  over  for 
near  shipments  ;  and  even  these  are  not  all  the  advantages  of  this 
package;  we  can  ship  fruit  much  nearer  ripe  (mellow)  in  them. 
BaiTels  are  vei-y  unhandy  and  expensive  things  to  haul,  without  a 
wagon  expressly  adapted  for  them,  and  they  are  unwieldy  to  handle ; 
with  the  boxes  we  can  get  a  load  of  Apples  on  almost  any  kind  of  a 
vehicle,  and  it  is  a  most  excellent  package  iu  which  to  store  winter 
fruit.  It  is  exceedingly  handy  with  slight  modification  (and  holds 
out)  for  handling  fruit  both  in  aud  out  of  the  orchard. 


"Canned"  Tomatoes. — Select  fair  ripe  Tomatoes,  and  pour 
boiling  water  over  them  to  remove  the  skins.  Peel  them  carefully, 
cutting  out  all  hard  spots,  aud  slice  thin.  Put  into  a  large  porcelain 
kettle — iron  or  tin  are  not  desirable  on  account  of  the  acid  contained 
in  the  Tomato.  Let  them  boil  hard,  and  then  skim  off  the  crust  that 
rises.  After  boiling  for  half  an  hour  or  so,  season  slightly  with  salt 
and  pepper.  The  glass  cans  should  be  placed  upon  several  thick- 
nesses of  cotton  cloth,  thoroughly  wet  iu  cold  water;  and,  for  con- 
venience, they  can  be  placed  in  a  large  tin  pan,  and  brought  to  the 
stove  or  range,  and  filled  from  the  kettle  while  still  boiling  hard  over 
the  fire.  Place  a  silver  tablespoon  in  each  jar  before  filling  it  ujj,  and 
it  will  orevent  the  glass  from  cracking  upon  receiving  the  boiling 
Tomato.  It  requires  two  persons  to  can  Tomatoes  or  frait,  for  success 
depends  upon  the  rapidity  with  which  the  operation  is  performed. 
While  one  fills  the  jars,  the  other  can  put  on  the  covers  instantly,  and 
screw  them  tightly  in  place.  Now  take  a  thick  towel  and  stand  each 
jar  upon  its  head.  This  operation  will  determine  whether  they  are 
air-tight.  Let  them  stand  until  entirely  cool ;  then  put  in  a  dark,  dry 
closet.  Prom  these  cans  Tomatoes,  as  good  as  those  gathered  in  the 
autumn  in  the  garden,  may  be  taken  any  day  in  the  year. 

Chowchow. — Take  half  a  bushel  of  green  Tomatoes,  one  dozen 
Onions,  one  dozen  gi'een  peppers,  all  chopped  fine,  and  one  pint  of 
salt.  Let  them  stand  together  over  night.  Drain  off  the  brine  and 
cover  with  good  vinegar.  Let  it  cook  slowly  an  hour,  then  place  it 
in  a  jar.  Take  two  pounds  of  sugar,  two  table-spoonfuls  of  Cinna- 
mon and  allspice,  one  table-spoonful  each  of  Cloves  and  pepper,  half 
a  cup  of  ground  Mustard,  one  pint  of  grated  Horseradish,  and  vinegar 
enough  to  mix  them.  Boil  well  and  mix  with  the  ingredients  in  the 
jar.     It  is  ready  for  use  in  two  days. 


SOILS,    MANURES,    &c. 

CHAECOAL  AS  A  FERTILISER. 
I  WANT  somo  treatise  on  the  virtue,  chemical   properties,  aud  proper 
application  of  charcoal   as  applied  to  land.     My  soil  is   light  sandy 
loam,  aud  I  cau  proqure  100  loads  of  charcoal  dust  at    little  or  no 
expense,  except  drawing  one  and  a  half  miles. — Tn0-\[AS  Rogers. 

Answer  by  Professor  S.  W.  Johnson  in  New  York  Tribune  : — There 
is  good  proof  that  charcoal  has  an  excellent  effect  on  light  land 
deficient  iu  attractiveness  for  moistiu'e,  especially  in  dry  seasons. 
This  is  duo  to  its  great  porosity  and  absorbent  power  for  vapour  of 
water.  As  is  well  known,  charcoal  takes  up  a  large  amount  of 
water  when  kept  iu  a  cool  damp  celler — becomes,  in  fact,  so  wet 
that  it  is  difficult  to  set  it  on  fire.  On  a  soil  already  hygroscopic 
from  presence  of  clay  or  humus,  or  in  wet  seasons,  it  has,  of  course, 
no  good  effect  from  this  quality.  On  a  heavy  clay,  which  is 
unfavourable  to  vegetation  because  of  its  compactness  and  slow 
penetrability  by  water,  charcoal  powder,  like  any  non. adhesive  dust, 
separates  the  clay  particles,  prevents  their  cohesion  where  it  inter, 
venes,  and  thus  tends  to  make  the  soil  more  open,  more  friable,  and 
more  early,  promotes  drainage,  and  sets  in  train  a  long  series  of 
changes  for  the  bettoi-.  Charcoal  strewn  on  the  surface  of  light- 
coloured  soil,  so  as  to  blacken  it,  enables  the  soil  to  become 
warmed  under  the  sun's  rays  more  rapidly  and  more  highly 
than  would  bo  the  case  otherwise.  This  fact  may  partly 
account  for  the  good  effect  reported  of  it  iu  cold  climates. 
Charcoal  has  been  reputed  to  act  as  a  fertiliser  because  of  its 
absorbent  power  for  ammonia.  It  does,  in  fact,  condense  in  its  pores 
fifty  to  one  hundred  times  its  bulk  of  ammonia  gas  when  its  pores 
are  perfectly  free  from  air  moisture  aud  all  other  gases,  and  when 
the  ammonia  gas  is  also  unmixed  with  other  gases.  But  these 
conditions  never  exist  in  nature,  and  the  fact  is  that  charcoal  exposed 
to  the  air  never  contains  or  absorbs  any  important  amount  of 
ammonia,  aud  does  not  fertilise  by  acting  as  a  means  of  collecting 
and  storing  this  gas.  Charcoal  is  a  powerful  oxidising  agent,  and 
this  quality  may  not  unlikely  come  into  play  usefully  when  it  is 
mixed  with  the  soil.  Dr.  Stenhouse  was  the  first  to  show  that  the 
offensive  gases  which  escape  from  putrefying  animal  matters  are 
deodorised  and  destroyed  when  made  to  pass  a  layer  of  charcoal 
dust,  and  that  the  result  is  brought  about  by  the  oxygen  gas 
condensed  in  the  pores  of  the  charcoal.  A  dead  rat,  nicely  buried 
in  a  cigar  box  so  as  to  be  surrounded  at  all  points  by  an  inch  of 
charcoal  powder,  decays  to  bone  and  fur  without  manifesting  any 
odour  of  putrefaction,  so  that  it  might  stand  on  a  parlour  table  and 
not  reveal  its  contents  to  the  most  sensitive  nostrils.  The  gaseous 
products  of  decay  under  such  conditions  are  carbonic  acid,  ammonia, 
and  water,  or  the  same  that  would  result  were  the  ordinary 
effluvium  of  putrefying  flesh  burned  in  a  furnace.  The  soil 
often,  if  not  always,  contains  nitrogen  in  combination  with 
some  form  of  humus,  which  is  inert,  or  at  least  not  imme. 
diately  available  as  food  to  crops.  Charcoal,  we  should  antici- 
pate, would  hasten  or  set  up  oxidation  of  these  mattei's, 
and  might  liberate  a  portion  of  this  inactive  nitrogen,  in  the  form 
of  ammonia  or  of  nitrates,  and  thus  enhance  the  fertility  of  the  soil. 
This  is,  however,  but  a  speculation,  a  bit  of  theory,  and  while 
probable  enough  to  warrant  investigation,  must  not  be  accepted 
as  a  fact  until  it  has  been  proved  to  be  such.  As  a  direct  ferti- 
liser, i.e.,  by  virtue  of  anything  it  can  yield  of  its  own  substance 
to  crops,  charcoal  cannot  be  regarded  as  of  ranch  value.  It 
contains,  of  course,  if  it  has  not  been  washed  by  water,  the  ash 
elements  of  the  wood  from  which  it  has  been  made,  and  when 
applied  in  large  quantity  the  potash,  lime,  &c.,  which  it  carries 
upon  the  laud  may  easily  produce  a  striking  effect  upon  poor 
soil.  This  kind  of  effect  cannot  last  more  than  a  single  season,  and 
on  a  soil  in  fairly  good  condition  would  commonly  make  no  show. 
From  these  considerations  we  conclude  that,  while  charcoal  (unless, 
as  may  often  happen,  it  is  mixed  with  a  good  deal  of  wood-ashes)  is 
not  of  much  value  as  a  fertilizar  directly,  it  is  a  valuable  amendment 
to  soils  which  are  dry  from  their  coarse,  sandy  texture,  or  are  wet 
from  consisting  of  too  tenacious  clay. 


Production  of  Olive  Oil  at  Nice. — At  Nice  the  Olive  tree  is 
planted  over  an  extent  of  15,000  acres,  and  the  produce,  in  a  fairly 
good  year,  is  180,000  to  200,000  gallons.  This  is,  perhaps,  the 
richest  product  of  the  district,  certainly  that  which  obtains  the  most 
consideration  from  the  inhabitants.  There  are  many  varieties  culti- 
vated, each  having  somo  peculiar  quality ;  the  growth,  however,  of 
this  tree  is  very  slow,  and  no  crop  of  any  valuo  can  bo  expected  until 
the  tree  has  attained  the  age  of  twenty  years.  Some  of  the  trees 
are  very  old,  and  the  greater  part  were  planted  during  the  latter  half 
of  last  century. 


308 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  11,  1873. 


TUCK'S  PATENT  HORTICULTURAL  BUILDINGS. 
Tins  newly  patented  fonn  of  construction  for  all  kinds  of 
horticultural  Iniildiui^s  combines  many  advantages  with  great 
simplicity.  The  sash  bars  are  made  of  rolled  wrought  iron, 
similar  to  the  section  shown  in  the  accoinpanying  sketch,  a 
form  which,  by  the  union  of  the  tie  iron  with  the  circular 
Hange,  makes  a  bar  of  great  strength  and  lightness,  .and  gives 
at  the  same  time  a  channel  which  carries  off  all  water  that  may 
happen  to  get  between  the  panes  of  glass,  and  a  great  portion, 
if  not  all,  of  the  internal  drip  down  into  the  gutter.  The 
panes  of  glass,  which  may  be  of  any  desired  size,  are  laid  on 
these  bars,  and  held  in  position  by  means  of  a  lead  clip, 
fastened  to  the  sash  bar  liy  a  brass  screw-pin  and  nut.  Lead 
is  used  here  as  it  gives  the  expansion  required  without  having 
recourse  to  India-rubber,  felt,  or  springs,  all  of  which  get 
sooner  or  later  out  of  order  and  require  replenishing. 
Between  each  pane  of  glass  are  fixed  strips  of  lead  of  the 
H  form,  especially  rolled  for  the  purpose,  thus  making  a 
perfectly  tight  joint,  and  at  the  same  lime  leaving  the  glass 
free  in  every  way  for  expansion  or  contraction.  The  sash 
bars  may  be  bent  to  any  angle,  and  houses  may  be  made 
without  having  the  glass  lapped,  the  panes  fitting  one  edge  to 
one  flat  surface,  giving  a  circular  form  of   house  with  flat 


The  Channelled  Sash  Bar. 


Lead  Connection  between  the  Panes  of  Glass. 


AA.  The  Lead  Clip.— B.  The  Lead  Connection.— C.  The  Metal  Nut  and 
Screw. — The  dotted  lines  show  the  wroaght-iron  channelled  sash  bar. 

panes  of  glass,  and  doing  away  with  what  becomes  in  time 
ill  all  houses  an  unsightly  receptacle  of  dirt.  This  mode  of 
construction  is  carried  out  by  Messrs.  Tuck  and  Pike,  of  Bath. 


Sewage  Gardening. — An  enterprising  cnltivator  has  lately 
undertaken  to  introduce  the  sewage  system  into  Noith  Germany,  and 
has  leased  for  thirty  years,  at  £1,200  a  year,  2,000  acres  of  the 
sandy  waste  which  lies  between  the  Baltic  and  the  port  of  Dantzic.  On 
this  hitherto  barren  spot — which  has  never  been  used  since  Napoleon 
surveyed  it  with  the  visionary  design  of  erecting  a  Polish  Liverpool  at 
the  inouth  of  the  Vistula — he  is  now  carrying  on  operations 
vigorously.  Two  hundred  acres  have  been  already  levelled  oS, 
supplied  with  sewage  in  the  liquid  form,  and  put  into  root  and  garden 
crops.  The  success  of  the  experiment  will  no  doubt  cause  its  exten. 
sion  to  the  other  towns  along  this  dreary  cop.st,  whose  bad  sanitary 
condition  has  been  enhanced  by  the  level  character  of  the  country 
round  them,  the  unproductive  character  of  which  makes  the  experi- 
ment i)eculiarly  suitable. 

Autumn  Leaves. — There  is  a  beauty  about  autumn  leaves  that 
is  often  overlooked,  though  it  is  well  worth  preserving.  To  have 
them  in  their  best  condition  they  should  be  dr.ed  as  rajiidlj'  as 
possible  after  being  gathered,  or  they  will  soon  lose  their  brilliant 
colours.  They  may  be  placed  between  the  leaves  of  some  book  that 
is  of  little  value,  or  between  folds  of  paper,  that  which  is  porous 
aud  uuglazed  being  the  best.  The  drying  is  sometimes  hastened  by 
passing  a  warm  flat-iron  over  the  paper.  Change  the  paper  every 
day  until  the  leaves  are  quite  dry,  and  then  keep  them  between  the 
leaves  of  a  book,  or  in  folds  of  paper,  under  a  moderate  weight,  until 
wanted  for  use.  They  may  bo  tastefully  arranged  upon  white  card, 
board,  in  the  form  of  wreaths,  bouquets,  &c.,  or  they  may  be  used  to 
decorate  lamp-shades,  to  surround  pictures,  &c.  The  leaves  are  first 
carefully  oiled  with  boiled  linseed  oil,  upon  the  upper  side  only.  A 
little  oil  is  applied  with  a  bit  of  cloth  or  a  brush,  and  the  surplus 
wiped  off  with  a  soft  cloth.  This  increases  the  brilliancy  of  the 
colours,  as  well  as  tlieir  pei'mancncy.  They  arc  afterw.ards  fixed  in 
their  places  by  means  of  strong  mucilage. 


"WORK   FOR    THE    WEEK. 
PRIVATE  GARDENS. 

The  Flower  Garden. — Every  effort  to  preserve  order  and 
neatness  must  now  be  used  in  this  department ;  fallen  leaves  must 
be  daily  swept  up,  and  lawns  and  walks  must  be  kept  in  good  repair ; 
flower  beds  must  of  necessity  be  broken  up ;  but,  where  the  plants 
are  not  required  to  be  kept  for  another  year,  decayed  leaves  and 
flowers  may  be  stripped  off  them,  in  order  to  give  them  a  good 
appeaiance  for  as  long  a  time  as  possible.  Heibaceous  plants,  such 
as  .'Vsters,  Rudbeckias,  and  Heliauthemums  are  still  yielding  good 
crops  of  flowers,  and  Chrysanthemums  are  on  the  eve  of  opening 
their  flower.buds.  Sweet  Peas,  Nasturtiums,  Tropaaolum  cana. 
riense,  aud  China  Roses  too  are  luxuriant  and  flowering  well,  but,  with 
exception  of  the  Roses,  one  night's  frost  would  prove  fatal  to  all 
that  are  not  sheltered.  As  soon  as  the  flower-beds  and  borders  are 
emptied,  manure  them  if  necessary,  and  trench  and  lay  up  roughlj" 
those  that  are  to  remain  unfilled  till  next  summer ;  snch,  however, 
as  are  intended  to  be  planted  with  spring.flowering  plants  should 
receive  immediate  attention. 

Bedding  Plants. — Of  such  as  are  to  be  preserved  through  the 
winter,  lift  all  that  can  be  spared  as  early  as  possible,  at  the  same 
time  carefully  preserving  their  roots.  The  latter,  as  well  as  any 
straggling  shoots,  will  require  shortening ;  and,  if  Pelargoniums, 
they  should  be  divested  of  a  goodly  portion  of  their  leaves.  Pot 
them  immediately  in  rather  light  soil,  and  place  them  in  frames  or 
greenhouses.  It  is  advisable  to  lift  all  variegated  and  delicate  kinds 
of  Pelargoniums  early,  in  order  that  they  may  make  a  few  fresh  roots 
before  severe  weather  sets  in.  The  very  finest  kinds  should  be  potted 
singly,  in  comparatively  small  pots  ;  the  others  may  be  placed  two  or 
three  in  a  pot,  or  in  boxes,  to  be  separated  and  potted  singly  early 
in  spring.  Old  plants  may  bo  lifted,  dressed,  and  planted  very 
thickly  under  stages  in  cool  houses,  where  they  can  be  kept  quite 
dry  during  the  winter.  In  spring,  if  transferred  to  a  more  favour, 
able  situation,  such  as  to  frames,  boxes,  or  pots,  or  even  if  planted 
along  the  base  of  a  wall,  well  sheltered,  aud  facing  the  south,  with 
some  sprays  of  dried  Broom  or  Spruce  branches  in  front  of  them, 
they  will  form  good  subjects  for  the  adornment  of  shrubbery  or 
herbaceous  borders,  and  the  best  of  them  will  bo  available 
for  bedding  purposes.  The  winter  stock  of  Heliotropes,  Coleuses, 
Ireaines,  Ageratums,  and  Verbenas,  should  consist  of  well. rooted 
cuttings,  for  the  most  past  propagated  during  the  past  three  months. 
In  case  of  any  deficiency,  however,  lift  the  stubbiest  of  the  old 
plants,  pot  them,  and  keep  them  in  a  genial,  rather  close,  tempera- 
ture for  a  short  time.  Calceolarias  may  be  the  last  to  be  taken  in, 
but  they  should  be  moved  before  they  are  likely  to  be  destroj-ed  by 
frost.  Have  a  cold  frame  with  turf  sides  prepared  for  them,  and  in 
it  place  some  light  mould  on  a  dry  and  well-drained  bottom  ;  then 
lift  the  plants  with  good  balls  of  soil  attached  to  them,  and  plant 
them  firmly  in  the  frame,  far  enough  apart  to  keep  them  from 
touching  one  another.  They  should  be  covered  with  sashes  for  a 
few  days,  but  afterwards  freely  exposed  on  every  favourable  day, 
and  tilted  up  on  all  others,  except  when  wet  or  frosty.  Pelar- 
goniums, Salvias,  Verbenas,  Tropasolums,  Gazanias,  Centaureas,  and 
Ageratums,  maj'  be  wiuteretl  in  houses  or  pits  that  are  light  and 
airy,  free  from  drip,  naturally  drj-,  and  that  are  kept  above  36'  in 
winter.  Coleuses,  Iresines,  and  Alternautheras,  enjoy  a  temperature 
not  under  43° ;  Heliotropes  prefer  a  minimum  of  -10'.  The  varie. 
gated  Mesembryanthemum  cordifolium  thrives  well  in  a  cool  pit,  an 
intermediate  house,  or  a  stove,  and  the  generality  of  succulents 
prefer  a  temperature  not  under  35'.  Vineries  and  Peach. houses 
make  good  wintering  houses.  In  damp  localities  lift  the  variegated 
Polemonium  cEeruleum  ;  pot  it,  and  keep  it  indoors  till  spring,  when 
it  may  be  divided  and  transferred  to  the  open  ground.  Sow 
a  few  seeds  of  the  Golden  Feverfew  in  pots  or  pans,  and 
keep  them  in  cold  frames  for  next  summer's  use.  Cut  over  the 
stems  of  Dahlias  as  soon  as  they  are  injured  by  frost,  and  lift 
the  roots  on  a  dry  day.  Before  storing  them  away,  clear  the 
soil  from  amongst  the  tubers  with  a  wooden  peg,  and  lay  them  on  a 
walk  or  hard  surface  exposed  to  the  sun  to  dry ;  then  store  them  in  a 
dry  airy  shed  or  cellar.  As  soon  as  Cannas  are  cut  down,  spread 
some  litter  or  leaves  over  the  bed,  and  over  that  lay  the  Canna  tops. 
For  convenience  sake,  and  also  for  purposes  of  propagation,  it  may 
bo  advisable  to  lift  them,  when  they  may  be  stored  like  Dahlias,  or 
placed  amongst  dry  mould  or  sand  in  a  cellar,  greenhouse,  or  shed. 
Salvia  roots,  and  also  those  of  Erythrinas,  may  be  treated  in  the  same 
way.  Gladioli  may  be  cut  over  about  8  or  10  inches  above  the 
ground,  lifted,  and  hung  up  in  bundles  like  Onions  till  spring. 

Spring  Bedding. — As  soon  as  the  present  temporary  occupants 
of  the  flower-garden  can  be  got  cleared  off,  add  a  dressing  of  loam 
or  decayed  leaf-soil  to  the  beds,  which  double  dig  or  trench,  and 
mark  off  the  pattern  for  the  spring.flowering  plants.  Some  of  the 
beds    may   be   entirely    filled   with    bulbs,   aud   others   with  early 


Oct.  11,  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


309 


blooming  liorbaccoua  plants,  whilst  some  of  thorn  may  consist  ot  a 
mixture  of  both.  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  Narcissi,  Crocuses,  Snowdrops, 
Dog's-Tooth  Violets,  Fritillarias,  and  tlio  Scillas,  particularly  S. 
amocna,  bifolia,  and  sibirica,  may  bo  effectively  employed  in  spring 
gardens,  and  with  a  little  discrimination  as  to  their  character, 
height,  time  of  flowering,  and  colour,  a  continuous  display  may  be 
maintained  for  many  weeks  together.  Daisies  and  hardy  Seduma 
make  good  edgings,  and  Pansies  and  bedding  Violas,  Alyssum, 
perennial  and  annual  Iberises,  Aubrictias,  Ilepaticas,  Saponaria 
ocymoidcs.  Anemones,  and  many  kinds  of  annuals,  make  a  fine  display 
in  masses  or  lines.  Some  of  the  variegated  C4rasse3  and  old  plants 
of  Golden  Feverfew  may  also  be  advantageously  employed  in  this 
way.  In  planting  bulbs,  sprinkle  a  little  sharp  sand  under  and  over 
them,  and  in  the  case  of  Hyacinths  and  Tulips  the  lioles  may  be 
made  tolerably  large,  aud  a  handful  of  rich  compost  placed  under 
each  bulb.  If  this  were  applied  all  over  the  bed,  the  soil  would  be 
too  rich  for  next  year's  bedding  plants. 

Soil. — Have  in  readiness,  under  cover,  a  heap  of  soil  moderately 
dry,  and  in  good  useable  condition  for  potting  such  plants  from  the 
liower  garden  as  are  intended  to  be  preserved  through  the  winter. 
The  soils  for  the  different  kinds  of  plants  might  differ  a  little,  there- 
fore each  sort  should  be  kept  separately,  and  mixed  as  required. 
Loam,  which  is  of  most  importance,  may  consist  of  decaj'ed  turf  and 
loam  edgings,  thoroughly  decayed  weeds,  or  good  but  not  inert 
garden  soil.  Leaf-mould,  peat,  road-grit,  thoroughly  decayed 
manure,  and  white  and  river  sand,  will  all  be  found  useful  where  the 
variety  of  plants  is  great. 

The  Shrubbery. — Continue  the  transplanting  of  evergreens, 
but  do  not  prune  them  till  spring.  Prune  deciduous  trees  if  neces- 
sary, however,  as  soon  as  the  leaves  have  fallen,  when  they  may  also 
be  safely  transplanted.  If  increase  of  the  stock  be  an  object,  select 
the  best  of  the  prunings  for  cuttings,  which  may  either  bo  inserted 
in  rows  at  once,  or  tied  in  bundles  and  their  bases  inserted  in  the 
ground,  where  they  may  remain  till  time  can  be  spared  to  plant 
them.  Some  of  them  tsiay  be  used  as  scions  for  grafting  in  spring. 
Conifers  may  now  be  transplanted,  if  carefully  done,  with  compara- 
tive safety.  Hollies  may  be  left  till  April.  Such  very  hardy 
coniferous  plants,  however,  as  Scotch  Fir,  Larch,  &c.,  may  be  planted 
any  time  from  the  end  of  October  till  April ;  indeed,  in  large  forests, 
these  are  commonly  being  planted  throughout  the  winter  season. 
Cuttings  and  grafted  plants  in  pots,  whether  deciduous  or  evergreen, 
should  be  placed  in  frames  until  spring,  when  they  may  be  planted 
in  the  open  ground.  Use  the  best  part  of  the  prunings  of  evergreens 
as  cuttings,  either  for  forming  independent  plants  or  for  stocks  for 
grafting.  Have  a  good  supply  of  stocks  for  spring  and  next  year's 
work. 

Roses. — China  Roses  are  still  flowering  freely,  as  are  also  some 
Tea-scented  and  other  kinds.  Cuttings  of  all  sorts  may  still  be 
inserted  under  hand-lights  in  sheltered  borders,  there  to  remain  till 
spring,  with  free  ventilation  during  the  winter  season.  After  the 
middle  of  the  month  Rose  planting  may  begin,  but  pruning  should  be 
delayed  till  spriug.  Introduce  into  a  very  gentle  heat  Roses  in 
pots  that  have  made  good  roots,  and  that  were  pruned  back  in 
August;  these  will  begin  flowering  in  December.  Keep  the 
remainder  of  the  pot  Roses  in  cool  frames  or  pits,  and  prune 
them  and  force  them  as  may  be  required  to  keep  up  a  succession 
of  flowers. 

Pines. — Place  the  fruiticg  plants  in  the  warmest  end  of  the 
pit  or  in  a  compartment  by  themselves  where  they  may  enjoy  a 
higher  temperature  than  those  that  arc  at  rest,  or  the  succession 
plants,  which  should  have  a  night  heat  of  from  G0°  to  65°  with  10° 
or  15°  more  for  bottom-heat.  Fruiting  plants  however,  ought  to 
have  a  bottom-heat  of  85°,  and  a  night  atmospheric  temperature  of 
from  70'^  to  75",  allowing  a  rise  of  10'  or  15°  with  snn-heat.  Do  not 
permit  plants  swelling  their  fruits  to  lack  water  at  the  roots,  but 
keep  the  succession  plants  rather  dry  ;  in  fact  if  they  are  deeply  and 
flrmly  plunged  in  cocoa-nut  fibre,  tan,  or  leaves  they  will  require 
hardly  any  water.  ,See  to  the  bottom-heat  and  plunging  material 
and  have  all  in  good  working  order  before  winter  sets  in.  If  the 
plunging  material  be  old  and  cold,  remove  it  entirely  or  partly,  and 
fill  up  with  new,  healthy,  and  well  worked  stuff,  filling  the  pits 
therewith  so  that  the  plants  may  be  as  near  the  glass  as  possible. 
Pot  and  start  suckers  as  they  are  obtained,  and  if  the  stock  ot  them 
be  short,  preserve  the  stocks  from  which  the  ripe  fruit  is  cut ;  shorten 
their  leaves  a  little  and  they  will  throw  up  a  supply. 

Vines. — The  vines  in  the  earliest  Vineries  should  by  this  time  be 
pruned,  stri]iped  of  loose  bark,  and  painted  with  some  compouud  for 
the  destruction  and  prevention  of  insects.  A  quarter  of  a  pound  of 
soft-soap  mixed  with  a  gallon  of  water,  to  which  a  little  tobacco, 
water  has  been  added,  and  also  flowers  of  sulphur,  quicklime  clay  in 
sufficient  quantity  to  give  it  the  consistency  of  paint,  will  be  found 
to  be  a  good  application.     If  red  spider  was  on  the  Vines  last  summer 


scrub  them  with  a  brush  and  soap  and  water  before  applying  the 
mixture,  and  remove  the  surface  soil  about  the  necks  of  the  plants. 
Thoroughly  wash  the  woodwork  and  walls  of  these  early  A^ineriea 
with  water,  in  which  .soft-soap  has  been  dissolved,  and  also  the  glass, 
bat  it  must  be  cleansed  with  pure  water  afterwards  ;  and  see  that  all 
joints  of  ventilators  are  in  good  workable  order,  the  glass  mended 
and  drip-proof,  and  the  hot-water  apparatus  ready  for  use.  The 
outside  borders  should  have  been  covered  with  shutters,  tarpaulin, 
roofing  tiles,  spare  lights,  or  any  material  capable  of  throwing  off 
cold  autumn  rains,  and  thus  retaining  for  a  longer  period  than  usual 
the  natural  heat  of  the  soil.  Pot  Vines  are  perhaps  the  most  con- 
venient for  early  forcing  ;  but  some  prefer  permanently  planted  ones. 
If  pot  Vines  be  used,  see  that  the  wood  is  thoroughly  ripened,  and 
that  they  have  been  timely  pruned,  and  place  some  styptic  over  the 
wounds  to  prevent  bleeding.  If  manure  or  leaves  be  employed  to 
produce  heat,  and  to  plunge  the  pots  in,  the  result  will  be  better  than 
that  obtained  from  hot-water  pipes  only.  A  night  temperature  ot 
about  55'  will  be  required  to  start  the  plants  into  growth  at  this 
season.  By  means  of  fire  heat  and  ventilation  at  the  same  time  get 
late  Grapes  and  Vines  well  ripened,  and  prune  them  as  soon  as  the 
wood  is  ripe. 


BOILER  INCRUSTATIONS. 

By  W.  H.  WATSON,  Braystones. 
All  natural  waters  contain  more  or  less  solid  matter.  The  purest 
form  of  natural  water  is  rain,  but  some  rains  contain  much  more 
solid  or  mineral  matter  than  others;  this,  according  to  the  purity  ot 
the  atmosphere  through  which  the  rain  has  fallen  ;  for  instance,  I 
analysed  a  sample  of  rain  which  had  fallen  probably  about  a  mile 
from  the  sea,  and  I  found  therein  3'2  grains  solid  matter  per  gallon, 
while  rain  which  had  fallen  about  50  yards  from  the  sea  gave  11971 
grains  solid  matter  per  gallon,  a  difference  of  8771  grains,  it  being  due 
undoubtedly  to  spray  from  the  sea;  for,  while  the  former  contained 
chlorine  equal  to  103  grains  chloride,  calculated  as  chloride  of 
sodium,  the  latter  contained  chlorine  equal  to  10'92  chloride — a 
difference  of  about  9  89,  or  nearly  10  grains  ot  chloride  per  gallon. 
The  chief  part  ot  the  solid  matter  contained  in  water,  other  than 
rain  water,  is  acquired  by  contact  with  the  surface  ot  the  earth,  and 
by  percolation  through  its  rocks  and  soils.  The  solid  matter  found 
in  water  is,  then,  such  as  is  in  the  earth  capable  of  being  dissolved 
out,  as  chloride  of  sodium  and  magnesium,  sulphate  of  lime,  carbonato 
of  lime  and  magnesium,  and  occasionally  a  little  sulphate  of  soda. 
In  addition  to  the  above,  we  find  in  river  water  insoluble  matter  in 
suspension.  This  often  consists  of  clay,  sihcious  matter,  organic 
matter,  and  sometimes  oxide  of  iron.  River  water  is  generally  freer 
from  solid  matter  than  spring  water  ;  but  it,  like  all  other  water,  is 
liable  to  change  from  natural  causes.  The  water  of  the  Ehen,  a  fishing 
river  running  from  Enerdale  Lake,  in  Cumberland,  contains  71 
grains  solid  matter  per  gallon,  while  many  rivers  contain  only  from 
2  to  4  grains  per  gallon.  The  7'1  grains  of  solid  matter  present  in 
the  river  Ehen  water  consists  of  carbonate  ot  lime,  sulphate  of  lime, 
chlorideot  sodium,  with  a  slight  trace  ot  chloride  ot  magnesium,  and 
a  little  sulphate  of  soda.  In  addition  to  the  above,  the  water  coutaina 
1'6  grains  ot  insoluble  matter  in  suspension,  consisting  of  sand, 
organic  matter,  and  oxide  of  iron.  Spring  water  often  contains 
from  10  to  15  grains  solid  matter  per  gallon  ;  50  grains  are  some- 
times present,  but  such  a  case  is  exceptional.  Carbonate  of  lime 
and  magnesia  are  barely  soluble  in  water,  but  in  water  holding  in 
solution  free  carbonic  acid  they  are  considerably  so ;  consequently, 
then,  the  water  ot  springs  and  wells  contains  more  of  the  carbonates 
than  the  water  of  rivers,  lakes,  Ac,  owing  to  the  spontaneous  evolu- 
tion of  their  solvent  (carbonic  acid)  on  exposure  to  air,  light,  and 
heat.  When  water  containing  carbonate  ot  lime  and  magnesia  is 
boiled  or  heated,  the  free  carbonic  acid  is  evolved,  and  the  earthy 
carbonates  are  precipitated.  Sulphate  of  lime  is  only  sparingly 
soluble  in  water  (about  1  in  500  parts).  It,  as  well  as  the  carbonates, 
is  objectionable  in  water  tor  steam-boiler  purposes,  owing  to  the 
evaporation  while  boilingproducingsuper-saturation.  The  precipitated 
carbonates  cling  to  the  edges  and  bottoms  of  the  boilers  with  great 
firmness,  and  the  sulphate  of  lime,  produced  by  super-saturation, 
adheres  with  no  less  tenacity.  I  have  found  the  incrustation  in 
an  ordinary  teakettle — which,  of  course,  is  a  miniature  boiler — to 
consist  ot— 

Carbonate  of  lime SO'o 

Sulphate  of  lime 0'8 

Carbonate  of  magnesia 4'0 

Earth,  oxide  of  iron,  and  other  salts  ....  8'1 

lOOU 
Of  course  the  incrustations  differ  in  accordance  with  the   com. 
position  of  the  water  used,  but  from  the  above  it   may  be  seen  that 
the  carbonate  of  lime  goes  the  farthest  in   the  production  of  scale. 


310 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  11, 1873. 


If  the  boilers  are  not  often  cleansed,  the  incrustation  becomes 
thicker  and  thicker,  harder  and  harder,  till  it  is  as  hard  as  porcelain, 
but  much  tougher.  The  incrustations  are  comparatively  non. 
conductors  of  heat,  and  to  this  is  the  evil  effect  in  boilers  due,  for 
the  thicker  the  incrustation  is  between  the  boiler  and  the  water,  the 
greater  the  heat  will  be  required  to  raise  the  water  to  a  certain 
temperature.  In  comparison  with  iron,  the  conducting  power  of  the 
crust  is  as  1  to  37.5. 

Supposing  wo  have  in  a  boiler  a  crust  i  of  an  inch  in  thickness 
between  it  and  the  water,  60  per  cent,  more  fuel  will  be  required  to 
heat  the  water  to  a  certain  temperature — hence,  to  raise  water  to  a 
given  heat,  the  fuel  re<iuired  will  be  according  to  the  thickness  of 
the  incrustation.  If  a  crust  i  an  inch  in  thickness  intervenes 
between  the  boiler  and  the  water,  the  outside  of  the  boiler  would 
have  to  be  heated  to  near  redness,  before  sufficient  heat  would  be 
afforded  to  raise  steam  to  90  lbs.  pressure.  The  higher  iron  is 
heated,  the  more  rapidly  does  it  rust  or  oxidise;  here  then  is  a  matter 
of  some  importance.  Like  every  important  subject,  it  has  claimed 
a  good  deal  of  attention,  and  many  means  have  been  suggested,  in 
the  first  place  to  prevent  the  formation  of  the  incrustations,  and 
secondly  for  the  cleaning  of  the  boilers  therefrom.  Picking  and 
scraping  is  often  tried,  but  without  success  ;  in  fact,  all  mechanical 
means  are  ineffective.  To  chemistr}',  then,  we  must  look.  I  shall 
merely  mention  those  processes  which  have  been  suggested,  and  make 
a  few  remarks  thereon  as  to  their  practicability,  for  some  methods 
may  work  well,  but  be  too  expensive  to  become  practicable.  The 
bark  of  trees.  Oaks  for  example,  has  been  suggested  for  cleaning 
the  boilers,  and  in  some  degree  for  the  prevention  of  the  crnst, 
simply  because  of  the  tannic  acid  it  contains.  Other  materials 
containing  acetic  acid  have  been  used  on  the  same  principle.  Tannic 
acid  decomposes  the  carbonates,  forming  tannates,  which  are 
insoluble,  but  their  specific  gravity  being  low,  they  float  in  the 
currents  of  ebullition,  where  they  are  not  objectionable,  as  they 
have  no  tendency  to  adhere  to  the  boilers.  The  sulphate,  however, 
is  not  acted  upon  by  tannic  acid,  and  is  therefore  not  prevented  from 
forming  a  cake.  This  process  may  then  be  looked  upon  as  partially 
effective.  Soda  ash,  caustic  soda,  and  the  other  fixed  alkalies  are 
much  used.  Their  use  is  discarded  by  some,  who  say  it  is  a  method 
which  simply  modifies  the  form  of  the  precipitate  and  the  quality  of 
the  scale,  without  affording  any  means  for  its  prevention.  I,  how- 
ever, am  an  advocate  for  it  as  a  cheap  and  effective  process.  The 
soda  ash,  or  other  fixed  alkali,  acts  by  decomposing  the  sulphates  in 
the  scale,  the  result  being  the  formation  of  carbonates.  The 
carbonate  of  lime  is  precipitated  in  large  crystals,  and  therefore  does 
not  bear  the  same  property  of  fixing  to  the  interior  of  the  boilers  as 
it  would  otherwise  have  by  the  escape  of  its  solvent  (free  carbonic 
acid)  from  water  containing  it.  The  alkali  has  a  beneficial  rather 
than  injurious  effect  on  the  boilers,  inasmuch  as  it  prevents  the  free 
carbonic  acid  from  combining  with  the  oxide  of  iron,  forming  a 
soluble  carbonate.  Starchy  matter  prevents  scale  by  enveloping  the 
precipitates  in  gelatinous  matter,  which,  being  specifically  lighter 
than  water,  floats  on  the  top.  This  method  is  objectionable,  on 
account  of  the  gelatinous  matter  frothing,  rendering  it  impossible  to 
see  the  quantity  of  water  in  the  boiler.  Chloride  of  ammonium  is 
sometimes  used.  Its  action  is  chiefly  on  the  carbonates  of  lime  and 
magnesia.  Carbonate  of  ammonia  is  produced,  which,  being  volatile, 
passes  off  with  the  steam.  Apart  from  the  odour,  the  process  is  not 
objectionable.  Salts  of  barium  have  been  suggested,  but  they  are 
not  worth  notice,  since  the  expense  is  so  great  and  the  poisonous 
character  dangerous. — Iron. 


THE  LATE  FUNGUS  SHOW  AT  SOUTH  KENSINGTON. 

A  VERY  few  hours  in  the  woods  are  suflicient  at  the  present  season  to 
make  a  collection  of  most  of  the  common  Fungi.  It  is  very  pleasant 
work  hunting  for  them  on  a  bright  October  day,  when  the  leaves  and 
the  bracken  are  turning  such  wonderful  colours.  I  arranged  in  Moss, 
on  a  large  tray,  several  groups  of  Fungi,  which  looked  very  pretty 
standing  upright  in  the  Moss.  The  prominent  feature  was  the 
magnificent  Fly  Agaric,  and  next  a  small  Agaric  of  a  bright  metallic 
green.  The  Fly  Agaric,  which  is  not  very  common,  grows  here  by 
the  road-side  at  the  foot  of  a  Birch  tree.  On  October  1st  we  went  up 
to  South  Kensington  to  see  the  Fungus  show.  I  thought  that  it  did 
not  come  up  to  one  which  I  saw  there  in  former  years  as  regards 
arrangement ;  but  there  were  many  interesting  subjects.  The 
beautiful  coral-like  Fungi  called  Clavaria  were  variously  represented, 
growing  in  little  pieces  of  turf.  The  edible  Fungi  were  very  nume. 
reus,  and  we  found  that  the  lookers-on  who  had  tried  them  were  very 
willing  to  impart  their  experiences  to  those  who  desired  information. 
The  large  Fungus,  Polyporus  annotus,  found  beneath  the  Bank  of 
England  floor,  was  a  large  grey  woody  mass  j  Polyporns  sulfureus, 
of  a  deep  orange  colour,  was  a  flue   specimen.      The   great  white 


Rassula  of  our  woods  was  to  be  seen  of  enormous  size,  also  the  deli. 
Gate  pink  Russula  rosacea  and  the  purple  Russula  rubra.  There  was 
a  very  large  edible  Puff-ball,  like  a  nice  inviting  white  pudding.  lu 
contrast  to  its  innocent  look  were  some  dreadful-looking  Fungi,  such 
as  Lactarius  tnrpis.  There  is,  altogether,  something  so  weird,  at 
times  repulsive,  in  the  general  appearance  of  Fungi,  it  is  difiicnlt  to 
bring  one's  self  to  recognise  the  necessity  of  using  any  except  the 
old-fashioned  Mushroom.  The  "  Maned  Mushroom  "  was  much  advo- 
cated  by  some  of  the  learned  in  Fungi  at  the  show  ;  it  has  rather  a 
sooty  look,  but  the  young  ones  seem  much  in  request.  The  show  was 
well  attended,  and  a  fair  amount  of  interest  seemed  to  be  taken  in 
the  specimens.  The  vegetable  beef-steak  \^is,  as  usual,  admired  and 
wondered  at.  M.  A.  D. 


•       ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

FiRST-Ct.iSs  Certificates  were  awarded  by  the  Fruit  and  Vegetable  Com- 
mittee to  the  following  vegetables  proved  in  the  society's  garden  at 
Chiswick  this  year,  viz. : — 

Pea,  Laxton's  Gem  (Laxton),  dwarf,  early  wrinkled  jrreen  Marrow. 

Pea,  Dagmar  (Laxton),  early  dwarf,  wrinkled  white  Marrow. 

Pea,  The  Shah  (Laxtoo),  early  wrinkled  white  Marrow. 

Pea,  Marvel  (Laxton),  large  podded,  jfecond  early  white  wrinkled  Marrow. 

Pea,  The  Baron  (Laxton),  very  large  podded  early  green  Marrow. 

Bean,  Kidney,  Carter's  White  Advancer  (Carter),  dwarf,  prolific  early  white. 

Bean,  Kidney,  Ciitbush's  Giant  Dwarf,  verj-  large  pods,  strong  growing, 
second  early. 

Beau,  Kidney,  Osborn's  New  Early  Forcing,  fine  dwarf,  early  prolific. 

Bean,  Kidney,  Dwarf  Butter  Bean  (Carter),  large  fleshy  pods  of  a  pale 
yellow. 

Bean,  Kidney,  Mont  d'Or  Butter  Bean  (Carter),  tall  runner,  large  fleshy  pale 
yellow  pods. 

Tomato,  Hathaway's  Excelsior  (Veitch  &  Sons),  large  smooth  round  early  ; 
prolific. 

Potato,  Alice  Fenu  (Femi),  early  white  Kidney. 

Potato,  Early  White  Kidney  (Fenu),  lar^e  early  white  Kidney. 

PoUito,  Little  Gem  (Fenu),  early  white  Kidney. 

Potato,  Bresee's  Climax  (8resee),  large  round  second-early  white. 

Potato,  Fenn's  Early  Market  (Fenn),  large  white  early  round  ;  prolific. 

Potato,  Extra  Early  Vermont  (Bliss  Jc  Sons),  early  rose-coloured  Kidnej'; 
great  cropper. 

Potato,  Vermont  Beauty  (Bliss  &  Sons),  large,  smooth,  fiat,  red,  second  early ; 
very  beautiful. 

Potato,  American  Pale  Rose,  large  fiat  rose-coloiu'cd  Kidney ;  second  early ; 
enormous  cropper. 

The  late  Potatoes  have  not  yet  been  judged  by  the  committee. 


OBITUARY. 
We  have  to  record,  with  much  regret,  the  death  of  Mr.  Robert  Mackenzie 
Stark,  which  took  place  in  London  on  the  29th  ult.,  in  the  oSth  year  of  his 
ago.  Few  men  paid  more  attention  to  hardy  plants,  especially  Alpines, 
than  Mr.  Stark,  whose  collection  of  them  was  exiiensive  and  rich  in 
varieties.  His  httle  book  on  Mosses, published someyearsago.alsoshowed 
him  to  be  a  good  Muscologist.  He  was  the  son  of  a  Scotch  clergyman 
and  was  well  educated,  a  good  botanist,  and  a  kind  benevolent  man. 


COVENT  QAKDEN  MARKET. 

October  10th. 

jPlowers. — Vallota  purpurea  is  at  present  the  most  brilliant  flower  in  the 
market :  associated  with  it  are  Fuchsias,  dwarf  Chrysanthemums,  Begonia 
Weltonlensis,  Pelargoniums,  Heaths,  Cyclamens,  some  Chinese  Primulas,  &c. 
Of  cut  flowers  there  is  a  goodl.v  supply  of  Gladioli,  white  Dahlias  and  Asters. 
Violets,  single  and  double  Pelarironiums,  Rose-Viuds,  Epiphyllums,  white 
Camellias,  Tuberoses,  Gardenias,  Bouvardias,  blue  Centaureas,  Orchids,  and 
many  others.  There  is  also  the  usual  quantity  of  Ferns,  Mosses,  Palms,  and 
other  evergreens. 

Fruit  and  Vegetables. — There  is  a  ^eat  supply  of  fruits,  mostly  home 
grown,  at  present  in  the  market.  Pears  and  Apples  are  excellent;  English 
Grapes  and  Pines  arc  good  and  plentiful,  and  there  are  large  importations  of 
white  Grapes  from  Spain  and  Portugal.  Of  English  Melons  there  are  a  few  and 
they  will  continue  coming  in  till  the  end  of  the  month.  Water  Melons  are 
plentiful,  as  are  also  Bananas  ;  and  of  Capsicums  there  is  a  very  large  supply. 
Some  Messina  and  other  Lemons  of  this  season's  growth  have  arrived. 

Prices  of  Fruits. — Apples,  per  half-sieve,  9d.  to  Is. :  Chilies,  per  100, 
2s.;  Cobbs,  perlb.,  Is.to  is.  6d;  Figs,  per  doz.,  6d.  to  2s. ;  Filberts,  per  lb..  Is. 
to  Is.  6d. ;  Grapes,  hothouse,  black,  per  lb..  Is.  to  6s.;  Muscats,  2s.  to  63.; 
Lemons,  per  100,  10s.  to  lis.;  Melons,  each,  2s.  to  -is.;  Oranges,  per  100, 
12s.  to  24s. ;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  §s.  to  12s. ;  PeA^,  per  doz..  Is.  to  4s. ;  Pine- 
Aoplcs,  per  lb.,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  28.;  Walnuts,  per  i>nshel, 
Ss".  to  123,  ;  ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  ls.6d.  to  3s. ;  Beans,  Kidney ,p6r 
half  sieve.  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Bnissel  Sprouts,  per 
half-sieve,  2s.  6d. ;  Cabbage,  per  doz.,  2s.;  Carrots,  per  bunch,  4d.  to  6d.; 
Cauliflower,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Celery,  per  bimdle.  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Cole- 
worts,  per  doz.  bunches,  33. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Endive,  per  doz., 
2s.  ;  Fennel,  per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Garhc,  per  lb.,  6d.  ;  Herbs,  per  bunch.  3d. ; 
Horseradish,  per  bundle,  3s.  to  4s. ;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  Lettuces,  per 
doz.  Is.  to  2s.;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s.;  Mustard  and  Cress, 
per  punnet,  2d. ;  Onions,  per  btishel,  2s.  6d.  to  4s. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ; 
Parsley,  per  doz.  bimches,  43. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Potatoes, 
per  bushel,  2s.  6d.  to  4s. ;  Itadishes,  per  doz.  bunches,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Salsafy, 
per  bundle.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Scorzonera,  per  bundle,  is.;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ; 
Spinach,  per  boshel,  35.;  Turnips,  per  bunch,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Vegetable  Marrows, 
per  doz..  Is.  to  2b. 


Oct.  18,  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


311 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  : 
The  Art  itselp  is  Natube." — Shakespeare, 


but 


GOLDEN  CHAMPION  GKAPE. 

I  ALWAYS  road  with  pleasure  auy  remarks  •  from  the  pen  of 
your  correspondent,  Mr.  D.  T.  Fish,  whose  habits  of  observation, 
extensive  practical  knowledge,  and  descriptive  powers,  render 
his  wi'itings  particularly  valuable  both  to  the  amateur  and  the 
professional  gardener,  but  I  cannot  endorse  the  opinion  so 
strongly  expressed  by  him  in  a  recent  number  of  The  Garden, 
on  the  subiect  of  the  Golden  Champion.  "  It  is  (as  he  says) 
a  new  sparkling  Grape  of  noble  appearance,  and  a  decided 
acquisition  at  dessert."  That  it  "  has  proved  an  Apple  (or 
rather  a  Grape)  of  discord  in  many  establishments,  and  has 
tried  the  skill  of  many  gardeners,"  is  incontestible,  but  Mr, 
Fish  allows,  on  the  other  hand,  that  he  himself  has  grown 
three  fine  bunches,  and  that  excellent  examples  have  been 
exhibited  at  Manchester  and  other  places  :  why,  then,  condemn 
this  noble  Grape  on  account  of  the  failures  which  have  attended 
its  production  in  some  cases  ?  Does  not  the  success  which 
Mr.  Fish  himself,  and  others,  have  had  in  growing  it  rather 
incline  us  to  believe  that,  with  increased  care  in  cultivation, 
and  a  more  thorough  knowledge  of  its  requirements,  failure 
might  be  quite  exceptional.  A  new  Grape  is  so  valuable  an 
addition  to  the  Vine  growers'  stock,  that  it  is  a  great  pity  to 
discard  a  variety  until  it  has  had  every  opportunity  of  being 
fully  tried.  Tlie  only  complaint  really  brought  against  the 
Golden  Champion  is,  that  it  is  subject  to  black  spots.  Now, 
as  this  occurs  only  in  some  instances,  is  it  not  the  business  of 
the  cultivator  to  discover  the  cause  of  this  defect  rather  than 
to  condemn  the  Grape  altogether?  I  have  observed  that  this 
liability  to  spot  attacks  it  at  the  time  of  its  stoning,  just  as 
other  Grapes  are  liable  to  "  scald"  at  that  period.  We  know  the 
cause  of  the  latter  disease,  and  how  it  may  be  prevented,  and  I 
do  not  doubt  in  like  manner,  by  a  little  increased  observa- 
tion some  reason  for  the  Golden  Champion's  spots  and 
some  cure  for  the  malady  may  suggest  itself  to  our  minds. 
Each  variety  of  the  Vine  requires  a  diflerent  mode  of  cultiva- 
tion, and  it  is  impossible  to  groiv  a  number  of  different  sorts 
in  the  same  house,  treating  them  all  in  the  same  manner. 
Every  kind  has  its  peculiarity,  and  must  have  distinct  manage- 
ment. One  would  have  thought,  by  this  time,  that  this  fact 
was  universally  admitted.  "When  Gil  Bias  went  to  learn  medi- 
cine from  the  renowned  Dr.  Sangrado,  we  find  that  that  great 
practitioner  had  only  two  remedies  for  all  maladies — bleeding, 
and  copious  draughts  of  warm  water ;  no  other  treatment  was 
followed  in  any  case.  The  patient  suffering  from  pleurisy,  the 
gouty  pastrycook,  the  dropsical  grocer,  were  bled  and  drenched 
alike.  This  happened  a  long  time  ago ;  but  the  practice  of  the 
sage  of  Valladolid  is  but  too  common  among  us  now.  Black 
Hamburgh,  Gros  Guillaume,  Lady  Downes,  Bowood  Muscat, 
Golden  Champion,  Sweetwaters,  Mrs.  Pince,  and  others,  are 
sometimes  (as  Mr.  Thomson  directs  in  his  "  Fruit  culture  ") 
planted  in  the  same  house,  and  the  gardener  gives  them  "  Black 
Hamburgh  treatment."  How  often,  on  entering  a  Vinery,  do 
we  see  Muscadines  and  Muscats  side  by  side,  thoug'n  we  know 
they  require  to  be  cultivated  in  an  opposite  manner !  The 
Golden  Champion  is  essentially  an  early  Grape,  and  wo  must 
expect  failure  if  we  grow  it  as  a  late  one — with  Mrs.  Pince  oi- 
Alicante,  for  example.  What  is  required  is  a  more  thoi'ough 
knowledge  of  the  nature  of  the  Vine  ;  the  several  varieties 
should  be  classified  in  the  same  manner  as  Pears.  We  have 
early,  mid-season,  and  late  Grapes.  Each  kind  should  be 
placed  in  its  own  particular  class,  and  the  time  when 
it  ought  to  arrive  at  perfection  defined.  Sweetwaters, 
Golden  Champion,  and  the  Duke  of  Buccleuch  do  not 
improve  after  they  are  thoronghlj'  ripe.  Next  in  order  come 
the  Hamburghs  and  the  Muscats,  which  improve  for  a  lioiited 
time  after  being  ripe.  Lastly  we  have  the  late  Grapes— Mrs. 
Pince,  Alicante,  and  West's  St.  Peter's,  which  retain  their 
flavour  as  long  as  they  can  be  kept  in  condition.     The  classi- 


fication of  these  Grapes  should  be  the  duty  of  the  Fruit 
Committee  of  the  Royal  Hortitultural  Society,  and  any  new 
Grape  (before  it  receives  their  certificate)  should  be  examined 
on  all  its  details — growth,  fruit,  ripening  season,  treatment, 
and  other  peculiarities.  If  this  were  done,  we  should  not  hear 
so  much  of  the  failures  experienced  by  Mr.  Fish.  I  remember 
when  I  visited  Mr.  Pearson's  Vineyard  and  tasted  the  seedling 
Grapes  so  successfully  raised  by  him,  he  gave  me  one  which 
two  months  previously  had  received  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society's  certificate,  remarking  that  I  should  perceive  a 
distinct  Muscat  flavour.  I  did  not  discover  the  slightest 
Muscat  taste,  the  fact  was  the  fruit  had  hung  too  long,  and 
by  so  doing  had  lost  the  peculiar  characteristic  which  had 
gained  for  it  the  certificate.  One  parting  lance  I  break  in 
defence  of  the  traduced  "  Champion."  Is  not  the  plant  a 
vigorous  grower,  a  free  fruiter,  and  a  good  setter  ?  Arc  not 
the  bimches  and  berries  of  noble  size,  and  is  not  the  fruit 
Iji'isk  and  refreshing  p  A  friend  who  lives  not  far  from  me 
showed  me  this  Vine  the  other  day  in  his  house.  I  can  truly 
say  there  was  not  a  spot  to  bo  seen  on  the  fruit,  each  bunch 
and  berry  were  as  large  and  perfect  and  as  well  finished  as  those 
of  a  Canon  Hall  Muscat.  I  have  grown  the  Golden  Chamjiion 
satisfactorily  in  one  of  my  houses,  and  failed  in  another,  and  I 
shall  not  be  contented  until  I  know  the  cause  of  the  failure. 

W.  N. 


FOLIAGE  EFFECTS  IN  AUTUMN. 
At  the  present  time  some  valuable  suggestions  as  to  planting  for 
foliage  effect  may  bo  obtained  in  passing  through  any  well-wooded 
part  of  the  country.  Tall  Elms  are  changing  from  green  to  yellow, 
whilst  giant  Oaks  are  softening  into  tints  of  crimson  and  brown.  Chest, 
nuts,  so  beautiful  in  spring  wheu  studded  with  dowers  and  young  foliage, 
are  now  getting  rusty,  and  Limes  will  soon  be  denuded  of  foliage  by 
chilly  frosts.  Forest  scenery  is  never  seen  to  better  advantage  than 
in  the  autumn,  when  the  fresh  greens  blend  softly  into  browns, 
crimsons,  and  yellows,  and  when  the  whole  face  of  nature  seems 
ripening  into  a  ruddier  glow  under  au  autumnal  sky.  The  bright 
sunny  weather  we  have,  until  lately,  experienced  will  do  wonders  iu 
colouring  the  foliage  of  our  trees  and  shrubs,  besides  ripening  up 
the  wood  and  blossom  buds  for  next  year's  fruit  crops.  Our  foliage 
effects  are  not  limited  to  ornamental  trees  alone,  for  just  now  many 
of  our  Pear  trees  are  richly  coloured  with  crimson  and  gold.  The 
Virginian  Creeper — one  of  the  finest  of  all  our  hardy  climbers 
is  hanging  in  wreaths  of  bright  crimson,  in  some  cases 
backed  by  masses  of  fresh  green  Ivy.  Very  pleasing  effects 
may  be  obtained  at  this  time  of  the  year  by  associating  gold 
and  silver-coloured  varieties  of  Ivy  along  with  Virginian  Creepers, 
either  over  ruins,  rockwork,  or  in  front  of  dwellings.  There 
are  now  some  fine  examples  of  the  beautiful  effects,  to  which  we  have 
just  alluded,  in  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Garden,  at  South 
Kensington.  In  one  or  two  places  luxuriant  masses  of  Virginian 
Creepers,  of  the  most  vivid  crimson,  repose  on,  or  droop  from,  cool 
gi'een  masses  of  Irish  Ivy,  and  the  effect  of  this  combination  is  most 
striking.  In  the  fine  old  grounds  at  Hatfield  and  other  places  the 
Purple  Beech  is  just  now  very  effective,  backed  by  the  sere  and 
yellow  foliage  of  the  Vines.  What  effects  may  we  not  produce 
when  we  get  our  Negnndos  up  to  20  or  30  feet  high,  and  contrast 
their  snowy  foliage  with  the  crimsous  and  purples  of  the  waning 
year  ?  At  Sawbridgeworth,  some  few  weeks  ago,  we  noticed  a 
Purple  Beech  and  a  silvery  American  Willow  side  by  side,  a  com. 
bination,  the  effect  of  which  was  very  imposing.  Even  now,  after 
one  or  two  frosty  mornings,  and  when  Limes,  Elms,  and 
Chestnuts  are  fast  shedding  their  foliage,  we  have  two  or  three 
of  our  best  ornamental  trees  still  fresh  and  greeu.  This  is 
the  case  with  the  Planes,  the  best  of  all  deciduous  trees  for  planting 
iu  towns.  Poplars  are  still  green  and  are  valuable  for  relieving  the 
stiffness  and  formality  of  round-headed  trees.  Some  of  them,  too,  are 
in  leaf  very  early  in  spring.  Among  om'  hardy  climbers,  the  Wisteria 
is  so  strikingly  effective  as  a  foliage  plant,  in  addition  to  its  spring, 
flowering  properties,  that  we  allude  to  it  here.  It  grows  well  in  town 
gardens,  and  is  invaluable  for  wreathing  porticos,  balconies,  or  even 
forest  trees  with  its  elegant  and  fresh  green  leafage.  Trained  among 
common  Ivy,  it  is  a  striking  object,  especially  at  this  season,  when 
the  leaves  are  acquiring  a  rich  golden  hue.  The  chapel  at  Hatfield 
House  is  now  draped  with  heavy  wreaths  of  Wisteria,  its  foliage 
standing  out  clear  and  bright  from  the  sombre  bush  Ivy  which  forms 
a  back.ground  to  it.  Now  is  the  time  to  see  and  admire  broadland 
scenery  like  that  on  the  banks  of  the  Thames  at  Clevedon,  the  well, 
wooded  slopes  of  Belvoir,  or  the  famous  old  Oaks  that  still  linger  in 
"merrie"  Sherwood. 


312 


TaS  G-A^DEN. 


[Oct.  18,  1873. 


NOTES   OF   THE   WEEK. 


A  NEW  Sarracenia,   exactly  iutermecliate  both  in    form  and 

colour  between  S.  flava  and  the  "  Huntsman's  Cup"  (S.  purpurea), 
may  now  be  seen  in  Mr.  Williams's  Nursery,  at  Holloway. 

An  American   paper  speaks  of  "  a   hollow    Sycamore   near 

Rising  Sun,  Indiana,  more  than  26  feet  in  diameter  at  the  base,  and 
correspondingly  tall.'' 

The  most  conspicuous  plant  at  present  in  bloom  in  Battersea 

Park  is  Cassia  floribunda,  which  is  flowering  as  freely  now  as  Broom 
or  Furze  does  in  spring. 

LisiANTHUS   Russcllianus  is   now  in  flower  in  Mr.  "Williams's 

Nursery,  Holloway.  This  plant  was  well  grown  twenty  or  thirty 
years  ago,  but  is  now  rarely  seen  in  cultivation. 

The   gayest   things   in  Parisian  flower-gardens   during   the 

autumn,  and  even  during  the  present  month,  are  Begonias  bedded- 
ont.  Some  of  the  species  and  varieties  are  very  striking  when 
examined  closely,  and  all  are  gayer  than  most  bedding.plants  seen 
from  a  distance. 

The  following  hybrid  Orchids,  for  the  most  part  originated 

by  Mr.  Dominy,  may  now  bo  seen  in  flower  in  the  Royal  Exotic 
Nursery,  Chelsea,  viz.  : — Cyprlpedium  ve^illarium,  C.  Harrisianum, 
C.  Sedeni,  C.  Ashburtoniaj,  Cattleya  exoniensis,  C.  Brahantise,  and 
C.  Fauata. 

■  Colletia  hourida,  one  of  the  most  formidable  of  all  hardy 

shrubs,  having  spinose  branchlets  set  at  all  angles  on  its  stems,  is 
now  bearing  ripe  fruit  in  Messrs.  Osborn's  Nursery,  at  Fulham, 
a  circumstance  of  but  rare  occurrence.  Its  leaves  are  very  small, 
inconapicnous,  and  fugitive. 

At  a  meeting  held  at  Aberdeen,  a  proposal   to  invite   the 

Royal  Horticultural  Society  to  hold  its  next  provincial  show  there 
■was  taken  into  consideration,  the  conclusion  of  which  was  that  a 
Committee  was  appointed  to  make  inquiries  on  the  subject,  and  to 
report  the  result  to  another  meeting. 

The  last  number  of  the  "  Journal  of  the  Linnrean  Society" 

contains  a  re-examination  of  the  Snowberries  (Symphoricarpus)  b_7 
Dr.  Asa  Gray,  who  enumerates,  in  addition  to  the  common  Snow- 
berry  bush  of  our  gardens,  seven  species  as  properly  belonging  to  that 
genus,  all  widely  distributed  over  North  America. 

A  SUCCESSFUL  ladies'  horticultural  society  exists  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, entitled  the  Ladies'  Floricultural  and  Horticultural  Society  of 
Montgomery  County.  During  the  month  of  June  it  held  its  show  at 
Ambler  Park,  made  an  attractive  display  of  flowers  and  plants,  and 
awarded  premiums  to  the  amount  of  £80.  The  rivalry  was  spirited, 
and  the  plants  and  fruits  of  good  quality. 

We  have  recently  visited  Mr.  Hope's  sewage  farm  at  Romford, 

and  without  entering  into  descriptive  details,  must  say  that  the  state 
of  such  garden  vegetables  as  we  saw  there  grown  on  the  sewage  of  the 
town  was  not  such  as  to  warrant  any  of  Mr.  Smee's  recent  ideas  on 
the  subject.  Wo  would,  however,  suggest,  that  in  all  cases  of  using 
sewage  over  a  large  surface  it  should  be  first  rendered  odourless, 
and  that  this  process  should  always  be  performed  by  the  town  before 
the  liquid  is  distributed  to  the  cultivator. 

At  Versailles  they  are  now  engaged  in  clipping  those  hideous 

lines  of  Limes,  Elms,  and  other  trees,  of  which  there  are  so  many 
tortured  examples  in  that  town.  A  huge  ladder,  reminding  one  of  the 
shrouds  of  a  shi].i,  is  moved  along  on  wheels,  and  from  the  top  of  this 
a  man,  armed  with  a  very  long-liandled  bill.hook,  slashes  away  at  the 
trees,  while  another  attends  to  tlio  lower  part  of  the  machine.  One 
cannot  help  regretting  that  so  much  human  labour  should  be  thrown 
away  in  distorting  trees  which,  when  allowed  to  grow  naturally,  are 
very  beautiful. 

Not  long  since  (says  the  Neio  York  Tribune),  we  were  shown 

a  collection  of  Japan  Flags  (Iris  Kojmpfcri),  which  impressed  us  as 
being  unusually  fine.  They  have  proved  entirely  hardy  in  the 
latitude  of  New  York,  aud  the  flowers  are  large  and  of  a  great 
variety  of  colours,  from  pure  white  to  deep  blue,  beautifully  veined 
and  mottled,  many  of  them  tipped  with  yellow.  Their  easy  culti. 
vation  and  propagation  must  certainly  make  them  popular  with  the 
horticultural  public,  as  they  belong  to  a  class  of  plants  that  know 
how  to  take  care  of  themselves.  They  bloom  after  the  old  German 
Flags,  and  thus  aid  in  prolonging  the  season. 

The  destruction  of  forests  by  fire  continues  (says  a  cor- 
respondent of  the  Levant  Herald)  to  be  reported  from  all  parts  of 
Aaia  Minor.  It  is  an  ancient  but  fatal  practice  with  the  native 
peasantry  to  burn  down  the  woods  for  the  purpose  of  turning  the  land 
into  pasture  for  their  cattle.  In  tliis  way  a  large  forest  of  Pines  on  the 
mountain  of  Nymph-Dagh  was  consumed  the  other  day,  while  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Bel  Kaive,  near  Smyrna,  a  plantation  of  3,000  Olive 
trees  has  been  destroyed,  owing  to  the  cai-elcssness  of  the  country 
people.  In  Candia,  also,  lately  ,a  largo  fire  has  been  raging  for  eleven 
daya  among  the  mountains  of  the  Snhakia,  and  nearly  decimated  one 


of  the  most  magnificent  forests  in  the  island.  It  is  melancholy  to 
observe  that,  as  civilisation  advances,  coal-mines  are  becoming 
exhausted  and  forests  are  disappearing. 

Messes.    Blackwood    will   shortly   publish    an    "  Advanced 

Text-Book  of  Botany,"  for  the  use  of  students,  by  Dr.  Robert  Brown, 
F.R.G.S.,  with  numerous  illustrations. 

CiELiOPSis   hyacinthin'a,  a  most  dclicioualy-fragrant  Orchid, 

bearing  clusters  of  pearly-white  wax-like  blossoms,  is  now  in  flower 
at  the  Royal  Exotic  Nurseries,  Chelsea. 

Masdevalllv    coccixea,    a   very    beautiful   Orchid,    is  now 

flowering  in  Mr.  Peacock's  collection  at  Sndbury  House,  Hammer. 
smith.  It  has  bright  orange  flowers  with  purplish  veins,  and  is 
rather  rare  in  collections. 

Mr.    Blackley's  Potatoes  planted  this   year  in  the  Royal 

Horticultural  Society's  Garden  at  Chiswick,  on  a  plan  by  which  he 
guaranteed  they  would  escape  disease,  were  examined  the  other  day 
by  the  Fruit  Committee,  and  were  found  to  be  quite  as  badly  diseased 
as  others  treated  iu  the  ordinary  way. 

CoLCHicuM  SPECIOSUM,   the  flnest  of  all  the    Colchicnms,  is 

just  now  bearing  its  large  wax.like  flowers  plentifnlly,  in  Messrs. 
IBarr  and  Sugden's  trial  grounds,  at  Tooting.  Its  blossoms  are  of 
great  substance,  and  of  a  delicate  pure  rosy-lilac  colour,  quite 
distinct  from  those  of  any  other  species. 

At  the  last  meeting  of  the  Court  of  Common  Council  of  the 

City  of  London,  the  Markets'  Committee  brought  u])  a  report  recom. 
mending  that  the  committee  should  be  authorised  to  advertise  for 
plans  and  estimates  for  the  construction  of  a  new  fruit  and  vegetable 
market,  pursuant  to  the  order  of  the  court  of  the  18th  of  September 
last. 

IiV  Paris,  during  the  past  few  weeks,  a  curious  aspect  of 

vegetation  has  been  noticed,  viz.,  numbers  of  Horse  Chestnuts  in 
fresh  green  leaf  and  in  blossom.  These  had  been  leafless  a  few  weeks 
previously,  and  contrasted  singularly  with  other  trees  beside  them, 
some  of  which  were  leafless,  and  some  bearing  persistent  dead  rusty 
leaves. 

The   beauty   of  the  bedding  plants  in  H\'de  Park  is   now 

nearly  over  for  this  season,  with  the  exception  of  two  or  three  beds 
of  Fuchsias,  which  are  as  fresh  as  ever,  and  blooming  very  freely. 
The  better  kinds  of  Fuchsias  are  among  the  most  beautiful  of  all 
hardy  and  half-hardy  shrubs,  and  deserve  more  extended  cultivation 
in  gardens  than  they  at  present  receive. 

A  Swedish  Paper  Company  is  about  to  purchase  some  freehold 

estates  and  forests  in  the  province  of  Smaland,  in  Sweden,  for  the 
purpose  of  manufacturing  wood  pulp  and  paper  suitable  for  printing 
and  other  purposes,  for  which  it  is  stated  the  wood  pulp  of  the  Pine 
of  Sweden  has  proved  to  be  a  specially  cheap  and  well  adapted  raw 
material. 

Lowestoft  has  determined  to  have  a  public  park,   which, 

though  small,  occupies  a  charming  bit  of  table-land  overlooking  the 
sea.  As  yet  little  has  been  done  in  the  way  of  laying  it  out,  beyond 
the  formation  of  a  small  fountain  and  basin,  and  running  walks  in 
different  directions  through  the  Furze,  with  which  the  ground  is 
everywhere  covered. 

•  Messrs.  Churchlll  (says  Nature)  have  in  the  press  and  will 

publish  during  the  ensuing  season,  a  new  illustrated  work  on 
"Medicinal  Plants,"  by  Robert  Bentley,  F.L.S.,  and  Henry  Trimen, 
M.B.,  P.L.S.  This  work  will  include  full  botanical  descriptions  and 
an  account  of  the  properties  and  uses  of  the  principal  plants 
employed  in  medicine,  especial  attention  being  paid  to  those  which 
are  officinal  in  the  British  and  United  States  Pharmacopaoias.  The 
plants  which  supply  food  and  substances  required  by  the  sick  and 
convalescent  will  also  be  included.  Each  species  will  be  illustrated 
by  a  coloured  plate  drawn  from  nature.  This  work  will  be  published 
in  monthly  parts,  of  which  we  may  expect  the  first  very  shortly. 

The  editor  of  the  Pacific  Rural  Press,  being  uncommonly  fond 

of  Water  Melons,  lately  offered  that  journal  free  for  six  months  to 
any  person  who  would  send  him  the  finest  specimen  of  the  fruit  in 
which  his  heart  delights.  From  the  following  announcement  it  seems 
that  Melons  have  flowed  freely  into  the  office  of  the  Pacific  Rural 
Press,  but  that  even  yet  the  editor  is  not  quite  satisfied,  and  invites 
further  competition.  "  We  have,"  he  says,  "received  quite  a  number, 
all  of  them  excellent  iu  quality,  and  of  a  very  respectable  size.  One 
received  this  week,  however,  carries  off  the  palm  so  far.  It  came  from 
Santa  Barbara,  and  measured  47  inches  around  one  way  and  iS  another, 
weighing  40^  lb.  The  Melon  was  very  sweet  and  juicy,  and  although 
of  a  large  size,  was  close-grained,  and  not  at  all  stringy.  The  rind 
was  very  thin,  aud  the  heart  of  a  very  fine  red  colour  all  the  way 
through.  It  took  all  hands  to  get  outside  of  it,  and  we  even  had  to 
call  on  the  '  devil '  to  assist,  which  he  did  with  a  willingness  sur. 
prising  to  those  not  familiar  with  his  characteristics.  Who  can 
beat  iO;?" 


Oct.  18, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


313 


THE     A  RBOR E  T  U  M . 

HAEDY  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

Br  GEORGE  GORDON,  A.L.S. 

TnE  riN  OR  SWAMP  OAK  (quercus  palu.stkis). 

This  forms  a  dense-headed  tree,  80  feet  in  height,  with  a  stem 
3  or  4  feet  in  diameter,  and,  when  young,  assumes  a  pyramidal 
shape,  but,  when  old,  has  far  extending  and  drooping  branches. 
It  is  -very  hardy,  of  rapid  growth,  and,  when  old,  its  secondary 
branches  ai-e  numerous,  smooth,  slender,  and  so  intermingled 
as  to  give  them,  when  leafless,  the  appearance  of  being  so 
many  pins,  a  circumstance 
owing  to  which  it  is  called 
the  Pin  Oak  in  the  United 
States.  The  bark  on  the 
stems  of  old  trees  of  this 
species  is  scarcely  corked, 
and  on  young  trees  it  is 
perfectly  smooth.  It  is 
found  in  marshy  places, 
over  a  large  extent  of  North 
America,  particularly  in  the 
States  of  Massachusetts, 
Ohio,  Missouri,  Georgia, 
Virginia,  and  Illmois,  and 
was  first  introduced  in  1800. 
The  leaves  are  elliptic-  ■ 
oblong,  rather  thin  in  tex-  '^O^'- 
ture,  deeply  and  widely 
sinuated,  more  or  less 
wedge-shaped  at  the  base, 
set  on  long  slender  foot- 
stalks, deep-glowing  gi-een 
above,  pale  shining  green 
beneath,  and  with  the  ex- 
ception, when  fully  matured, 
of  small  tufts  of  tomentum 
in  the  axils  of  the  prin- 
cipal veins  on  the  under 
side,  cjuite  smooth  on  both 
surfaces,  and,  just  before 
they  fall  ofi  in  the  autumn, 
turn  to  a  bright  yellowish- 
red;  the  lobes  are  ovate- 
aciite,  somewhat  alternate, 
with  very  deep  open  and 
rounded  recesses,  and  a 
few  very  sharp-pointed  ser- 
ratures  near  the  apex  of 
each  lobe  terminated  by 
bristly  points ;  the  veins  are 
alternate,  and  not  very 
prominent  on  the  under- 
side of  the  leaf.  The  Acorns 
are  round,  solitary,  or  in 
pairs,  and  10  lines  long, 
and  are  contained  in  sub- 
sessile,  flat,  shallow,  saucer- 
shaped  cups,  covered  with 
closely-placed  scales,  and 
from  6  to  8  lines  broad,  and 
2  or  3  lines  deep.  The 
length  of  a  full-sized  leaf 
is  7  inches,  including  the 
foot-stalk,  which  is  about  1 
the  widest  part  is  i  inches. 


Leaf  of  the  Pin  or  Swamp  Oak 
inch  long,  and  the  breadth  across 


WEEPING  TREES  IN  THE  FULHAM  NURSERIES. 
Few  places  afford  more  scope  for  observation,  as  regards  nsefnl  trees 
and  shrubs,  than  these  nurseries,  from  the  weeping  trees  in  which  the 
following  notes  have  been  prepared : — 

Amygdalus  commums  dulois  pendula — This  is  a  weeping 
form  of  the  common  Sweet  Almond,  and  is  budded  about  5  feet  high 
on  the  Bitter  Almond  and  Muscle  and  Mignonno  stock.  It  is  of  a 
decided  pendulous  character,  and  an  exceedingly  free-fiowering  tree. 


Betula  alba  pendula. — This  weeping  Birch  is  one  of  the  most 
graceful  of  trees.  Its  dimensions  are  those  of  a  medium-sized  tree, 
and  it  has  long,  slender,  perpendicularly  drooping  branches.  It  is 
raised  from  seed. 

Betula  laciniata  pendula.— This  is  commonly  known  as  the 
Fern-leaved  Birch  ;  it  has  deeply  cut  leaves,  and  is  one  of  the  finest 
objects  that  can  be  introduced  into  English  gardens.  The  young 
branches  droop  in  cord-like  festoons  laden  with  pretty  leaves,  which 
in  summer  are  remarkably  attractive.  The  Fern.Ieaved  Birches, 
indeed,  are  regarded  by  many  as  the  finest  foliage-trees  in  Battersea 
Park  in  June  and  July.    Propagated  by  inarching  or  budding. 

Cerasus  Chamsecerasus.— This  is  the  weeping  Cherry;  it 
flowers  freely,  and  also  produces  fruit,  which,   however,   is  of    no 

value.  If  grafted  near  the 
ground,  it  forms  a  thick  and 
semi. trailing  bush ;  but,  if 
grafted  standard  high,  it 
makes  a  fine  close  umbrella- 
headed  tree,  the  branches 
being  slender,  very  drooping, 
short,  and  thickly  clothed  with 
small  leaves.  It  makes  a  fine 
pictorial  object  in  shrubbery 
borders,  and  in  other  posi- 
tions in  which  its  head  is  seen 
above  the  surrounding  shrubs. 
There  is  also  a  golden. varie. 
gated  variety  of  this  Cherry, 
which  makes  a  beautiful  and 
distinct  object  when  treated 
like  the  green  sort. 

Crataegus  Oxyacantha 
pendula. — This  is  a  weeping 
variety  of  the  common  Haw. 
thorn  budded  on  C.  Leeana 
about  6  feet  high.  It  grows 
vigorously,  and  produces  a 
profusion  of  flowers  precisely 
similar  to  those  of  common 
May.  On  lawns  or  in  the 
front  of  shrubberies  such  trees 
as  this  are  very  effective. 

Calophaca  Wolgarica. 
— This  is  a  pretty  little  shrub 
with  pea-shaped  yellow  flowers, 
which  are  very  attractive,  as 
are  also  the  red  coloured  seed- 
pods.  In  its  ordinary  state  it 
cannot  be  regarded  as  a  weeper, 
but  when  grafted  about  four 
or  five  feet  high  on  Caragana 
arborescens  it  forms  a  pleasing 
object.  Its  branches  do  not 
quite  reach  the  ground,  there- 
fore "  worked  "  plants  are  well 
adapted  for  fronts  of  shrub, 
beries,  or  for  the  decoration 
of  rockwork. 

Fagus  sylvatica  pen- 
dula.— This  is  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  of  weeping  trees 
when  grafted  close  to  the 
ground.  Thus  treated  the 
leader  assumes  an  erect  bear- 
ing like  that  of  a  Deodar,  and 
grows  rapidly,  whilst  the 
branches  are  thickly  pro- 
duced  from  the  base  up- 
wards, and  hang  down  in 
a  most  graceful  and  natural  manner.  Even  when  only  three 
years  old  from  the  graft,  trees  of  this  variety  have  a  fine  appear- 
ance, and  those  grafted  low  are  much  better  than  others  worked 
standard  high. 

Fraxinus  excelsior  pendula. — This  is  a  weeping  variety  of 
the  common  Ash.  It  is  grafted  on  the  erect  variety,  either  imme- 
diately above  the  ground  or  G  or  8  feet  high,  more  or  less,  as  may  be 
required.  The  branches  hang  down  thickly  and  with  a  little  atten. 
tion  will  form  almost  an  impenetrable  veil,  enclosing  often  a  pleasant 
summer  retreat.  The  ends  of  the  branches,  on  reaching  the  ground, 
spread  out  or  tnm  up,  and  may  be  shortened  or  encouraged  as  desired, 
Fraxinus  excelsior  aurea  pendula. — This  is  a  variety  of 
the   preceding,   but    scarcely    quite   so  strong-growing,  and  it  is 


314 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  18,  1873. 


characterised  by  the  yellowish  bark  of  the  young  branches  which 
gives  the  tree  a  peculiar  appearance. 

Fraxinus  lentiscifolia  pendula.— This  pendulous  variety  of 
the  Leutiscus-leaved  Ash  forms  a  tine  ornament  in  a  sheltered 
situation.  It  requires  to  be  grafted  some  6  feet  in  height,  in  order  to 
show  oS  its  true  character  to  advantage,  as  its  branches  are  very 
slender  and  Willow-like  compared  with  those  of  P.  excelsior.  They 
are,  however,  produced  in  great  abundance,  this  variety  of  Ash 
making  an  excellent  pendulous  umbrella-headed  tree. 

Ilex  Aquifolium  pendula,  and  its  variegated-leaved  variety. — 
Most  of  us  are  acquainted  with  the  Weeping  Holly,  although  it  is 
only  a  modem  discovery.  It  has  a  truly  pendulous  character,  is  a 
robust  grower,  and  makes  a  fine  tree  for  an  arbour  when  grafted  about 
6  feet  high.  There  is  also  a  beautiful  variegated-leaved  form  of  it, 
and  both\'row  freely  when  grafted  on  seedlings  of  the  common  Holly. 
Planera  Richardi  pendula— This  is  the  weeping  variety  of 
the  Zelkona  tree  ;  it  produces  long  pendent  slender  branches,  which 
are  pretty  well  clothed  with  leaves.  It  is  grafted,  several  feet  above 
the  ground,  on  the  erect-growing  variety.  It  forms  a  handsome 
ornament  either  for  lawns,  pleasure-grounds,  or  parks. 

Populus  canescens  pendula. — This  variety  of  the  White 
Poplar  forms  a  beautiful  and  giaceful  object,  which,  at  a  distance, 
rciiembles  a  Weeping  Birch.  It  is  grafted  pretty  high  on  the 
Lombardy  Poplar,  and  prefer.?  a  rich  and  moderately  moist  soil  to 
one  dry  and  poor. 

Populus  tremula  pendula. — This  is  a  weeping  variety  of  the 
Aspen,  and  a  fine  specimen  of  it  may  be  seen  in  the  Brompton 
Cemetery.  It  is  a  desirable  and  graceful  tree  for  planting  near 
water,  but  its  roots  must  only  be  iu  a  moderately  moist  medium,  as 
continuous  saturation  would  soon  kill  them. 

ftuercus  Robur  pendula.— This  is  a  truly  pendulous  variety  of 
our  common  British  Oak  ;  it  grows  rapidly  and  forms  a  conspicuous 
object  in  the  landscape  ;  grafted  on  the  common  Oak  (Q.  pedun. 
culata),  on  which  it  does  well.     It  is  by  no  means  a  common  tree. 

Salix  americana  pendula.— This  is  a  strong-growing  Willow, 
and  one  often  met  with  in  gardens  on  account  of  its  adaptability  for 
many  ornamental  pm-poses,  and  its  easy  growth.  It  thrives  best 
budded  or  grafted,  and  makes  a  fine  object  when  worked  low,  as  it 
annually  sends  up  good  growths,  and  in  a  few  years  forms  a  beautiful 
and  graceful  tree. 

Salix  babylonica. — It  need  hardly  be  stated  that  this  is  the 
common  Weeping  Willow,  with  which  evei-yone  is  familiar,  and  which 
is  so  well  adapted  for  choice  positions  in  gardens,  cemeteries,  or 
water  margins.  It  is  invariably  grown  from  cuttings.  There  is 
an  idea  am°ongst  horticulturists  that  the  male  variety  of  S.  baby, 
lonica  is  not  in  England,  but  in  the  Fulham  Nurseries  both  male 
and  female  plants  are  growing  side  bj-  side. 

Salix  babylonica  annularis  or  crispa. — This  is  generally 
known  as  the  Ringlet-leaved  Willow,  and  is  one  of  the  most  pictur. 
esque  objects  to  be  found  in  our  gardens.  It  thrives  best  near 
water,  where  it  attains  the  dimensions  of  a  small  tree  with  drooping 
branches,  not,  however,  like  those  of  ordinary  Weeping  Willows,  but 
more  after  the  style  of  those  of  a  little  Lime  tree.  There  are  some 
fine  speoimens  of  the  Kinglet-leaved  Willow  in  the  arboretum  at  Syon 
House. 

Salix  caprea  pendula. — This  is  commonly  known  as  the  Kil- 
marnoek  Weeping  Willow,  and  is  also  called  the  Weeping  Goat 
Willow,  and  the  Great  Round.leaved  Willow.  It  thrives  well  in 
moderately  dry  garden  soil,  and  has  broad  downy  leaves  and  long 
branches.  When  grafted  about  6  feet  high,  it  makes  a  beautiful 
weeping  tree  and  as  the  branches  are  thickly  produced,  and  the 
leaves  large,  they  make  a  suitable  canopy  for  an  arbom-.  The  shoots 
reach  quite  to  the  ground  and  sometimes  spread  out  and  run  along 
it.  The  Kilmarnock  Willow  is  generally  laden  with  catkins  in  spring. 
Salix  fuscata. — This  is  an  American  Willow  which  has  more  of 
a  creeping  than  erect-growing  character ;  it  has  been  lately  tried, 
worked  as  a  Weeper,  being  grafted  from  1  to  6  feet  high.  The  effect 
has  been  excellent ;  thus  circumstanced  it  thrives  admirably,  grows 
strongly,  weeps  gracefully,  and  in  spring  is  one  of  the  most  showy 
and  free-flowering  of  Willows. 

Sopliora  japonica  pendula. — This  is  one  of  the  prettiest 
deciduous  weeping  trees  which  wo  possess;  it  is  quite  hardy  and 
grows  freely  in  any  ordinary  garden  soil.  It  is  usually  budded  on 
seedlings  of  the  common  Sophora  about  6  or  8  feet  high,  an  elevation 
from  which  the  branches  hang  down  like  those  of  an  Ash,  and  on 
reaching  the  ground  their  points  spread  out  or  turn  up.  If  grafted 
or  budded  close  to  the  ground  they  send  forth  shoots  like  trailers, 
but,  unless  for  banks  and  rockeries,  this  habit  of  growth  is  un- 
desirable. There  is  a  fine  ))air  of  old  specimens  of  this  tree  in  the 
Fulham  Nurseries. 

Taxus  baccata  Dovastoni. — This  is  a  peculiar  broad  or  flat, 
headed  variety  of  the  English  Yew,  usually  called  the  Dovaston  Tew. 


It  can  hardly  be  called  a  weeping  tree,  as  its  branches  spread  out 
horizontally  rather  than  droop.  It  is  very  ornamental  and  well 
adapted  for  planting  on  banks. 

Tilia  alba  pendula. — This,  which  is  the  white-leaved  European 
Weeping  Lime  or  Linden,  forms  a  beautiful  object  in  the  landscape, 
being  au  extremely  strong  grower,  and  producing  an  abundance  of 
large  and  handsome  leaves.  It  requires  to  be  grafted  pretty  high,  so 
as  to  give  its  branches  space  in  which  to  develop  themselves. 

TJlmus  montana  pendula. — This  is  a  pendulous  form  of  the 
Scotch  or  Wych  Elm,  aud  it  makes  a  beautiful  spreading  tree  with 
fan-shaped  and  somewhat  horizontally-drooping  branches.  In  the 
ordinary  form,  i.e.,  when  grafted  at  or  below  the  ground  level,  this 
variety  of  Elm  makes  a  fine  object,  being  well  famished  with 
branches  from  the  base.  When  grafted  standard  high,  too,  it 
certainly  looks  handsome,  and  is  well  adapted  for  an  arbour  or 
gateway,  but  it  cannot  bear  comparison,  as  regards  beauty,  with 
isolated  specimens  of  the  same  tree  grown  in  a  more  natural  way. 

Catnperdo'wn  Weeping  Elm. — This  is  a  variety  of  Ulmus 
montana,  and  thrives  well  on  that  stock.  It  has  broader  leaves  than 
the  common  weeping  kind,  and  is  of  a  robust  growth,  whilst  the 
young  branches  present  at  every  joint  a  peculiar  zig-zag  form. 

Ulmus  montana  glabra  pendula. — This  is  known  as  the 
Smooth-leaved  Wych  Elm  ;  it  forms  a  handsome  object,  and  is  quite 
distinct  from  all  other  Elms.  The  branches  are  long  and  droop 
almost  perpendicularly. 

TJlmus  montana  microphylla  pendula. — This  is  a  small- 
leaved  sort,  the  growth  of  which  is  rather  short  and  weak  ;  never. 
theless  it  forms  a  good  pendent  umbrella. shaped  tree.  The  stronger, 
growing  sorts,  however,  ai'O  the  most  ornamental  and  useful. 

Ulmus  montana  rugosa  pendula. —  This  makes  a  pretty 
ornamental  tree  used  like  the  others.  It  is  a  moderate  grower  with 
somewhat  wrinkled  leaves,  and  light-grey  coloured  wood.        W.  F. 


IXDIA-RDBBER  TREES  IZlsT  UPPER  BURilAH. 

The  estimated  number  of  trees  (says  Captain  Stover,  in  the  Chemical 
Keirs),  which  are  chiefly  situated  in  the  Bhamo  and  ilogoung 
districts,  is  -1-00,000.  They  thrive  best  in  damp  moist  soil,  and  in 
thick  forests,  shady  and  cool.  The  trees  attain  to  a  height  of  from 
50  to  100  cubits,  being  from  13  to  23  cubits  in  girth  at  the  base 
(full-grown  trees),  and  with  roots  creeping  over  the  ground  for  some 
distance.  They  are  fit  for  tapping  when  from  six  to  ten  years  of 
age,  at  which  time  they  are  from  15  to  20  cubits  in  height  and  3 
cubits  in  girth.  When  the  time  for  tapping  arrives,  incisions  are 
made  in  the  trunks  of  the  trees  and  in  the  roots  above  ground. 
Hollow  Bamboo  cups,  about  IJ-  feet  in  length,  sloped  and  pointed 
similar  to  a  prepared  pen,  are  then  inserted  in  the  incisions,  and 
receive  the  oozing  juice  or  milk.  Three  or  four  hundred  of  these 
Bamboo  receptacles  are  inserted  in  each  tree.  The  tapping  is  con- 
tinued for  about  a  month,  after  which  time  it  is  discontinued,  and 
the  wounds  allowed  to  heal.  At  the  expiration  of  another -month 
the  trees  have  regained  strength,  and  tapping  is  recommenced. 
In  preparing  the  india-rubber,  the  following  rude  method  is  observed  : 
• — Water  is  boiled  in  large  iron  pans,  and  the  juice  of  the  tree  ia 
thrown  in,  when  it  gradually  thickens,  and  subsequently  is  dried. 
The  india-rubber  so  obtained  is  being  brought  into  local  use  for 
covering  water-buckets,  baskets,  and  boxes  as  a  substitute  for 
dammer.  The  existence  of  the  India-rubber  tree  in  Upper  Burmah 
does  not  appear  to  have  been  known,  or,  at  any  rate,  it  did  not  attract 
attention,  until  somewhat  recently,  when  three  Europeans,  Messrs. 
Miller,  Marshall,  and  Henri,  who  were  employed  at  the  jade  stone 
mines,  were  forced  to  look  and  search  about  in  the  forests  for  a  sub- 
stance that  would  effectually  repair  a  diving  apparatus  that  they 
used  in  working  for  jade  stone.  They  found  india-rubber,  and 
repaired  the  apparatus.  The  existence  and  value  of  the  juice  was 
then  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  king,  and  Mr.  Henri  is  now  employed 
in  tapping  the  trees  and  preparing  the  juice.  Upper  Burmah  could 
produce  200  or  300  tons  of  this  useful  substance  per  annum. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


A  Historical  Mulberry  Tree.— ^e  leam  from  the  dVy  Pren'i  that  in  the 
'_'ardeu  of  the  Treasurer  of  Christ's  Hospital  there  is  a  Mulberry  tree  which  is  saiil 
10  have  grown  from  a  sHp  taken  from  one  which  prew  over  the  grave  of  the 
two  princes  who  were  munlered  in  the  Tower.  It  is  now  in  full  bearing,  and 
3'ielding  excellent  fruit. 

Cotoneaster  microphylla.— Few  wall  plants  are  more  beautiful  than  this 
Cotoneaster,  I  have  a  plant  of  it  on  the  front  of  my  house,  which,  in  early 
ummer,  is  covered  with  gay  Hawthorn-like  blossoms,  and  iu  autumn  and 
arly  winter  it  is  studded  with  rich  rosy  beiTies.  It  stands  the  sea-breezo 
well,  and  is  as  hardy  as  the  French  Tamai-isk,  with  which  it  is  associated. — 
OscAa  RiCHE,  Dciiimirk  £oatl,  Lowestoft^ 


Oct.  is,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


315 


BIRDS  AND  INSECTS. 

(^Concluded  from  p.  304.) 
Frederick  the  Great,  king  of  Prnssia,  being  very  fond  of  Cherries,  one 
ilay  ordered  a  general  crnsade  against  the  sparrow  tribe,  some  of  them 
having  ventured  to  peck  at  his  favourite  fruit.  A  price  of  six 
jifeuniugs  a  brace  was  set  on  them ;  consequently  throughout  Prussia 
the  war  was  briskly  carried  on,  and  so  successfully  that  at  the  end  of 
two  years  not  only  were  Cherries  wanting  but  most  other  fruits. 
The  trees  were  covered  with  caterpillars,  aud  completely  stripped  of 
loaves  ;  insects  had  increased  to  a  most  alarming  extent,  for  other 
birds  had  been  frightened  away  by  the  extraordinary  measures  taken 
mainly  against  the  sparrows.  The  great  king  was  obliged  to  confess 
to  himself  that  he  had  not  the  power  to  alter  that  which  had  been 
ordained  by  a  still  greater  King  than  he,  and  that  all  attempts  at 
violence  and  wrong  were  sooner  or  later  avenged.  He  retracted  his 
dectee,  and  was  even  obliged,  at  a  considerable  expense,  to  import 
sparrows  from  afar;  tor  these  being  birds  of  obstinately  non-migratory 
habits,  would  never  have  returned  of  their  own  accord.  When  field- 
sparrows  feed  in  a  corn-field  they  ought  merely  to  be  warned  off,  not 
killed,  unless  indeed,  there  be  many  insectivorous  birds,  near  at  hand. 
Sensible  gardeners  every  year  more  and  more  discourage  the  slaughter 
of  sparrows. 

All  the  species  of  warblers  (Sylvia  orphasa),  the  Eeed  wren 
(Ai'uudinacea),  the  yellow  wren  (Sylvia  trochilu.s),  the  white  wagtail 
(Motacilla  alba),  the  stoneehat  (Saxicola  rabicola),  as  well  as  the 
diSerent  sort  of  shrikes  (Lanius),  are  excellent  insect-hunters,  and 
particularly  the  spotted  fly-catcher  (Muscicapa  grisola),  which  bird 
it  is  better  to  keep  at  a  distance  from  bee-hives,  whose  vicinity  it 
frequents.  In  Vineyards  the  blackbird  does  not  compensate  by  its 
services  for  the  damage  it  causes  to  the  crop  ;  but  in  other  places 
they  ought  to  be  protected,  for  they  devour  numbers  of  the  destruc- 
tive earth-caterpillar — a  task  also  performed  by  the  agile  common 
stare  (Sturnns  vulgaris),  which  likewise  dfilivers  cattle  at  pastm'e 
from  worms,  flies,  gadflies,  &c. 

Swallows  are  most  active  insectivora — we  should  therefore  protest 
against  the  custom  of  capturing  them  for  food,  which  prevails  in 
some  parts  of  Germany ;  we  should  intercede  also  for  the  lark,  who, 
though  of  use  to  the  agriculturist,  finds  here  an  implacable  enemy  in 
mau.  We  will  now  just  take  notice  of  a  few  of  tlae  larger  class  of 
birds,  which  are  of  very  important  use  to  our  different  sorts  of 
culture.  The  cuckoo  is  the  first  on  the  list.  Nature  has  formed 
this  very  remarkable  bird  for  the  express  destruction  of  hairy 
caterpillars,  which  other  birds  cannot  eat,  and  has  organised  its 
stomach  for  the  easy  digestion  of  such  food.  In  1847  an  immense 
forest  in  Pomerania  was  on  the  brink  of  utter  ruin,  caused  by  the 
havoc  of  caterpillars.  It  was  suddenly  and  very  unexpectedly  saved 
by  a  band  of  cuckoos,  which,  though  on  the  point  of  migrating, 
established  themselves  in  the  place  for  a  few  weeks,  and  so  thoroughly 
cleansed  each  tree  that  the  following  year  neither  depredators  nor 
depredations  were  to  be  seen.  The  cuckoo,  like  the  small  insect, 
eaters,  eats  all  the  day  long,  for  the  caterpillar  is  full  of  watery 
matter,  and  contains  but  little  solid  nutriment.  By  careful 
observation  it  was  ascertained  that  the  cuckoo  devours  one  cater- 
pillar every  five  minutes,  or  170  in  a  long  day.  The  hairy  stuff 
sticks  to  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  bird's  stomach,  so  as  often 
totally  to  cover  it.  If  we  assume  that  one-half  of  the  destroyed 
insects  are  females,  and  that  each  contains  about  500  eggs,  one 
single  cuckoo  daily  prevents  the  reproduction  of  42,500  destructive 
caterpillars.     How  many  men  could  do  the  like  in  one  day  ? 

The  race  of  woodpeckers  almost  rival  the  cuckoo  in  utility,  and, 
though  unappreciated,  are  the  good  genius  of  our  woods.  They  are 
full  of  vigour  aud  courage.  When  we  pass  under  a  tree,  how  eagerly 
they  look  down  upon  us,  seriously  and  attentively,  with  their  clear 
brilliant  eye  !  almost  saying,  "  Friend,  dost  thou  well  comprehend  the 
full  utility  of  the  work  we  have  on  hand  ?  if  not,  pray  be  attentive  and 
bear  witness  to  it  hereafter  ! "  Their  chief  victims  are  very  mischievous 
insects,  such  as  the  Noctua,  Lasiocampa,  Sphinx  pinastii,  Tisiodes 
pini,  Hylnrgus  piniperda,  &c.  The  green  woodpecker  (Picas  viridis), 
and  the  grey-headed  woodpecker  (Picus  canus),  are  especially  distin. 
guished  for  their  skill  in  putting  to  death  wasps,  whose  sting  avails 
nought  against  them.  The  greater  spotted  woodpecker  (Picus  major) , 
is  ever  on  the  look  out  for  insects  and  larvas ;  the  three-toed  wood- 
pecker (Picus  tridactylis),  as  well  as  the  great  black  woodpecker 
(Picus  martins),  much  prefer  the  Coleoptera  libriola.  Another 
important  item  in  the  history  of  those  birds  lies  in  the  fact  of  their 
being  the  forest-bird  carpenters  in  ordinary.  Every  woodpecker,  in 
the  course  of  the  year,  drills  at  least  a  dozen  holes  in  the  trunks  of 
trees,  not  only  constructing  as  commodious  and  pretty  a  nest  for 
))atohing  as  possible,  but  also  resting-places  in  which  he  lodges  for  a 
few  nights  at  the  period  of  migration;  when  at  his  work  shavings 
several  inches  in  length  are  observed  to  drop  to  the  ground  ;  and  in 
such  like  cavities  hosts  of  small  insectivorous  birds  find  convenient 


retreats  for  laying  and  hatching  fully  prepared  ready  to  hand.  It  ia 
acknowledged  that  this  operation  of  the  woodpecker  causes  no  injury 
to  woods,  as  they  on  no  account  work  upon  healthy  trees,  but  prefer 
decayed  ones  which  are  beset  by  insects. 

Even  amongst  birds  of  prey  (Rapaces),  many  insectivora  are  to  bo 
found,  and  such  of  them  are  worthy  of  protection.  All  the 
smaller  birds  of  prey,  and  some  of  the  larger  ones  also,  feed  their 
young  on  insects,  .and  they  themselves,  when  hatching,  hardly  touch 
anything  else.  The  most  useful  members  of  the  order  incontestably 
are  owls,  which  being  extraordinarily  gifted  for  the  work,  devour  in 
their  twilight  haunts  considerable  quantities  of  forest  insects,  princi. 
pally  night  moths  and  their  caterpillars.  Some  species  of  the 
ovpI  are  noted,  together  with  the  rook-crow  (Corvus  frugilegus),  the 
jackdaw,  the  jay,  and  the  great  cinereous  shrike,  for  their  destruction 
of  cockchafers.  A  tawny  owl  (Strix  stridula)  was  once  dissected  at 
Berlin,  and  its  stomach  discovered  to  be  full  of  insects,  and  amon»at 
these  were  at  least  seventy-five  caterpillars  of  the  Sphinx  pinastri ;  in 
the  destruction,  as  well,  of  field  mice  and  rats,  they  render  services 
whose  importance  is  but  seldom  recognised.  The  English  naturalist. 
White,  once  watched  for  a  length  of  time  a  pair  of  white  owls  (Strix 
flammea),  and  noticed  that  they  brought  a  mouse  to  their  nest  on 
an  average  every  five  minutes  ;  a  couple  of  the  little  owls  carried  to 
their  young  eleven  mice  in  the  course  of  an  evening  in  the  month  of 
June.  Nothing  is  more  absurd  than  the  way  in  which  these  birds 
are  hunted  down  by  ignorant  ploughmen,  whose  chief  delight  ia  to 
have  a  few  of  them  nailed  up  against  the  barn-door ;  they  might  as 
profitably  nail  up  their  cats  (who  frequently  snatch  up  a  fowl  or 
two),  for  the  owl  nightly  makes  away  with  more  mice  than  the  very 
best  of  cats.  In  the  stomachs  of  twenty  dissected  owls,  nothing 
was  found  but  mice  and  moles  ;  the  great-eared  owl  (Strix  bubo),  is, 
however,  much  less  deserving  of  our  sympathy,  for  besides  frogs, 
serpents,  lizards,  mice,  Ac,  this  bird  often  falls  upon  barn-door, 
fowls,  and  useful  quadrupeds.  A  great  number  of  diurnal  birds  of 
prey,  such  as  the  sparrowhawk  (Accipiter  nisus),  the  kite  (Falco 
milvus),  and  the  harpy  (Falco  rufus),  are  mischievous,  for  they 
slaughter  indiscriminately  the  more  diminutive  useful  birds,  aud 
even  the  smallest  of  their  class  devours  as  many  birds  as  insects. 
Still  the  kestrel  falcon  (Falco  tinunculus),  not  at  all  a  scarce  bird 
with  us,  eats  so  many  beetles,  grasshoppers,  and  field-mice,  that  its 
utility  in  this  respect  amply  repays  the  harm  it  may  cause.  The 
same  description  is  applicable  to  the  hobby  falcon  (Falco  subbuteo). 
A  flight  of  these  last  birds  lately  passed  over  the  Canton  du  Vaud, 
aud  alighted  on  the  trees  standing  round  the  village  of  Nonvion. 
The  inhabitants,  fancying  them  to  be  pigeons,  killed  a  few ;  but 
when  they  saw  the  eagerness  with  which  the  bird  sought  after  and 
devoured  cockchafers,  they  soon  desisted  from  their  ignorant 
amusement.  The  most  useful,  and  at  the  same  time  most  common  bird 
of  prey,  is  the  common  buzzard  (Falco  buteo) ,  so  often  mistaken  for 
the  injurious  goshawk  (Falco  palumbarius)  ;  it  destroys  immense 
quantities  of  rats,  mice,  snakes,  &c.  More  than  twenty  mice  have 
been  found  at  one  time  inside  one  of  them,  aud  Steinmuller  once 
dissected  a  bird  of  this  class,  and  found  no  less  than  seven  Anguis 
fragilis,  and  thirteen  Gryllotalpaa  in  its  stomach.  The  annual 
consumption  of  one  single  bird  has  been  computed  at  about  4,000 
mice.  Perched  upon  a  bush  or  high  stone,  the  bird  watches  for 
hours  the  precise  instant  when  the  mole  or  rat  approaches  the 
surface  of  the  earth ;  it  then  eagerly  drops  down,  inserts  its  claws 
deeply. in  the  soil,  and  snatches  up  the  animal.  The  brown  mark 
around  the  belly,  and  the  heavier  flight,  are  signs  suflicient  to 
distinguish  it  from  the  terrible  goshawk ;  these  marks  ought  to  be 
attentively  studied.  The  honey-buzzard  (Falco  apivorns)  is  also  a 
great  mouse-eater,  besides  which,  it  also  swallows  caterpillars, 
wasps,  and  horseflies,  hooking  them  out  of  their  nests,  and  devouring 
them  together  with  their  eggs.  These  two  last-mentioned  buzzards 
are  certainly  hurtful  to  other  birds,  but  their  utility  compensates 
for  all  mischief;  besides  they  ai'e  heavier,  slower,  and  less  alert 
than  the  goshawk,  and  therefore  do  not  destroy  nearly  so  many 
victims. 

It  is  not  my  intention  here  to  call  attention  to  all  the  useful 
birds  in  detail,  but  merely  to  some  of  the  most  remarkable  of  them, 
with  a  view  to  showing  how  great  is  their  importance  to  all  branches 
of  agriculture.  Without  these  creatures,  agriculture  and  vegetation 
would  be  impossibilities ;  they  perform  a  work  which  millions  of 
human  hands  could  not  do  half  so  completely. 

We  have  yet  to  treat  of  an  order  of  birds,  numberiu"-  several 
families,  which  appear  in  great  numbers  and  play  an  important  part 
in  the  economy  of  nature,  we  mean  the  crows  (Corvus).  It  is  difficult 
to  judge  them  all  in  one  body,  for  the  different  species  vary  in  their 
mode  of  life.  The  jay,  which  belongs  to  this  class,  destroys  quantities 
of  insects,  but  damages  the  seeds  of  forest  trees,  and  attacks  nests  of 
small  birds,  devouring  their  eggs  and  young ;  it  is  remarkable  also 
for  its  destruction  of  venomous  vipers.     The  jay  is  hurtful  to  many 


316 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Oct.  18,1873. 


crops;  it  lias  been  soon  to  tear  o£E  a  Wheat-ear  whilst  in  full 
flight  and  swallow  it  whole.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  carrion 
crow  (Corvng  coronc),  which  at  the  laying  period,  behaves  like  a  real 
bird  of  prey,  and  carries  off  quails,  young  ducks,  partridges,  and 
even  leverets.  The  groat  raven  (Corvua  corax),  still  more  closely 
imitates  the  birds  of  prey,  and  equally  carries  off  young  hares  and 
rabbits,  but  it  has  one  great  redeeming  point  in  its  character,  that  of 
making  aw.ay  with  dead  and  putrid  carcases.  Magpies  decidedly  do 
more  harm  than  good ;  voracious  and  cunning,  they  do  uot  rest  satisfied 
with  young  birds  merely,  but  hunt  perpetually  those  of  all  ages;  the 
magpie  therefore  may  bo  shot  without  compunction.  Tho  most  innocent 
and  useful  members  of  the  above  order  are  the  Jackdaw  (Corvus 
monedula)  .and  the  rook  crow  (Corvus  frugilegus),  which  feed  a  good 
deal  on  cockchafers,  snails,  earthworms,  mole-crickets,  and  mice ; 
thereforere  the  two  last  species  may  be  encouraged,  whilst  the  rest 
ought  to  bo  kept  in  check  if  inclined  to  multiply  rather  too  rapidly. 
Those  few  birds  which  live  exclusively  on  vegetable  products  appear  at 
first  sight  to  be  hostile  to  mankind,  and  to  harm  the  cultivator.  This 
apprehension  is  more  imaginary  than  real ;  man  is  too  much  inclined 
to  forget  the  great  indirect  profit  he  derives  from  tho  Granivora, 
and  only  to  look  upon  the  damage  they  cause  at  certain 
periods.  Do  they  not  destroy  quantities  of  the  seed  of  all  sorts  of 
weeds?  And  how  can  the  agriculturist  (as  happens  in  most 
countries)  look  upon  the  wood-pigeon  as  a  plague  ?  Let  him  but 
take  time  to  observe  how  those  birds  consume  the  seeds  of  the 
Nigella,  the  wild  Poppy,  and  several  no-^ious  varieties  of  tho 
Euphorbia,  which  no  domestic  anim,al  can  cat,  as  noticed  by 
Glauser.  For  the  above  reason  pigeons  are  now  strictly  preserved 
in  Belgium.  The  crossbill  (Loxia  curvirostra)  and  tho  siskin 
(Fringilla  spinus)  eat,  it  is  true,  many  seeds  of  trees,  but  they  also 
consume  great  quautities  of  Burdock  seeds ;  others  again  of  the 
Granivora,  the  twite  (Fringilla  linaria),  the  brambling  (Fringilla 
montitringilla),  &c.,  eat  abundantly  of  the  seeds  of  Plantain,  wild 
Poppy,  Burdock,  Chickweed,  Groundsel,  Sowthistle,  and  other  noxious 
weeds.  The  bullfinch  (Pyrrhula),  on  the  contrary,  commits 
depredations  amongst  blossoms,  whilst  the  haw-finch  (Loxia  cocco- 
thraustes) .  despoils  cherry-trees  to  get  at  the  kernel  of  the  fruit ; 
the  last  species,  however,  does  not  often  come  in  our  way. 

This  rapid  survey  of  the  economy  of  Nature  is  sufficient  to 
convince  us  that  we  have  numerous  and  vigorous  auxiliaries  always 
at  hand  to  arrest  the  ever-threatening  invasions  of  insects ;  it  is  our 
duty  to  aid  their  increase  and  employ  their  energies  for  the  advance- 
ment of  agriculture.  We  must  begin  then  by  abstaining  from 
shooting  useful  birds,  by  favouring  their  reproduction,  and  by 
familiarising  them  with  our  persons ;  bird-netting  is  an  abuse 
nnfortunately  too  frequently  indulged  in,  but  it  ought  to  be  banished 
from  the  vicinity  of  all  cultivated  lands,  as  being  extremely  detri- 
mental to  agriculture.  If  one  only  reflects  how  much  the  little 
creatures  help  to  enliven  our  fields  and  gardens  with  their  gay 
chirruping,  their  fine  plumage,  their  active  and  lively  ways — and 
how  many  victims  are  sacrificed  ere  one  is  secured  to  bear  for  a  few 
short  years  the  imprisonment  of  the  cage — it  is  utterly  impossible 
to  feel  any  sympathy  for  bird-catchers.  If  sport  is  to  extend 
beyond  the  birds  required  for  our  use — if  children  find  an  amuse- 
ment in  entrapping  tho  titmouse,  the  warbler,  the  nightingale,  the 
chaffinch,  the  lark,  the  redbreast — is  it  not  both  a  sin  and  a  great 
folly  ?  and  will  not  the  inevitable  result  bo  the  total  loss  of  our 
harvests  and  fruits  ?  Why  should  we  criminally  interfere  in  the 
Divine  organisations  of  Nature  ?  why  slaughter  our  firmest  allies  ? 
why  lift  our  hands  against  our  benefactors  and  protectors  ?  If 
woodmen  and  peasants  could  be  made  to  understand  the  immense 
services  the  cuckoo,  the  owl,  and  the  woodpecker  render  to  mankind, 
they  certainly  would  protect  those  valuable  servants  from  the  sense- 
less destruction  they  are  subjected  to. 

The  Government  of  many  German  States  have  issued  ordinances 
to  prevent  the  indiscriminate  slaughter  of  singing  birds  ;  this  very 
good  example  has  been  set  by  Hesse,  Baden,  Wurtemburg,  and 
Prussia.  In  Saxony  a  heavy  flue  is  imposed  on  any  person  found 
capturing  a  nightingale,  and  for  every  bird  kept  in  a  cage  a  tax  of  five 
thalers  (153.)  is  levied.  The  law  does  uot  extend  to  Saxon  duchies, 
nor  the  forests  of  Thuringia,  where  in  every  village  no  inhabitant  is 
without  his  caged  songster,  and  some  have  as  many  as  thirty  or  forty 
different  sorts ;  free  nightingales  are  therefore  getting  scarce  there,  and 
insects  numerous.  Many  men  of  sense,  such  as  Lenz  of  Sehrepfenthal, 
Gloger  of  Berliu,  Schott  do  Schottenstoin  of  Dim  have  zealously  em- 
ployed their  talents  for  tho  protection  of  small  birds,  and  have  further 
advocated  attention  to  their  increase.  This  is  an  important  object 
which  everyone  may  in  some  degree  promote.  Every  owner  of  a  wood, 
field,  or  garden,  ought  to  spare  old  trees,  in  the  cavities  of  which 
those  birds  who  prefer  hatching  in  obscurity  (such  as  the  titmouse, 
the  common  creeper,  the  wren,  the  owl,  the  common  stare,  the  grey 
redstart,  the  woodpecker,  &c.),  would  find  a  proper  asylum.     If  the 


dry  leaves  and  detritus  bo  taken  out  of  such  holes,  and  if  when  they 
run  iierpendicularly  down  the  trunk,  a  small  board  with  an  opening 
of  about  2  inches  in  diameter  bo  nailed  over,  they  will  soon  be 
peopled,  and  in  a  few  hours  the  lodgers  will  amply  repay  the  pains 
taken  on  their  behalf.  Let  the  little  square  boxes  (which  in  some 
countries  the  law  obliges  ]ieople  to  hang  out  of  doors  for  starlings)  bo 
imitated,  and  care  taken  that  the  young  are  out  of  all  danger  of 
being  cai'ried  off.  And  when  the  thrush,  the  chaffinch,  and  others 
make  nests  on  a  tree,  let  them  be  protected  from  children  and  cats  by 
surrounding  the  trunk  with  a  crown  of  thorns.  To  compensate  the 
want  of  hollow  trees  for  those  birds  which  choose  holes  to  hatch  in, 
it  is  easy  to  make  small  boxes  of  common  wood,  closed  on  three  sides, 
but  having  on  the  fourth  a  small  opening  left,  and  place  beside  them 
a  round  piece  of  wood  to  serve  as  a  perch ;  such  a  little  house  should 
be  placed  facing  eastward,  under  the  cornice  of  a  roof,  or  iu  the 
branches  of  some  tree  at  a  height  of  from  10  to  12  feet  from  the 
grouud,  not  too  much  under  the  shade  of  the  leaves,  aud  in  a  retired 
spot.  These  hatching-boxes  can  be  made  of  different  sizes;  the  tit- 
mouse is  very  fond  of  a  box  of  about  8  to  10  inches  iu  length  inside, 
and  of  3  or  4  inches  in  height ;  of  course  larger  birds  prefer  roomier 
berths.  These  boxes  should  be  painted  of  a  dark  grey  colour,  and 
well  garnished  with  Moss.  Much  good  has  been  done  iu  this  way, 
now  that  the  importance  of  encouraging  bird-hatching  is  more 
generally  appreciated  in  zoological  gardens,  agricultural  schools,  and 
horticultural  establishments.  Under  the  advice  of  men  of  science 
and  of  judicious  landholders,  many  thousands  of  hatching.boxes 
are  being  set  up,  and  no  outlay  is  more  quickly  remunerative. 
Whoever  possesses  a  suitable  piece  of  ground  may  give  himself  a  real 
treat,  and  at  the  same  time  much  gratify  the  winged  gentry,  by 
pLanting  a  small  space  thickly  with  Thorn  bushes.  Cherry  trees.  Oaks, 
Firs,  &c.,  and  covering  the  ground  with  branches  of  the  prickly 
Thorn  so  as  to  prevent  the  intrusion  of  cats.  Once  established,  tho 
plantation  will  soon  be  the  assembly-ground  of  multitudes  of  small 
birds  ;  they  are  very  fond  of  auch  thickets,  because  of  the  sense  of 
security  they  impart,  and  the  infiuence  of  their  vicinity  will  soon  be 
noticeable.  Many  of  these  asylums  have  been  such  protection  to 
large  properties  that  fruit  has  ripened  even  in  unfavourable  seasons. 
During  both  winter  and  summer  the  grateful  birds  had  been  hard  at 
work,  and  cleansed  every  tree  from  insects.  Those  who  cannot  form 
such  thickets  can  at  all  events  place  just  off  the  roofs  of  their  houses 
or  barns,  a  rather  broad  lath,  on  which  swallows  will  love  to  perch. 
More  may  be  done  for  our  own  gratification  as  well  as  that  of  birds,  by 
placing  a  board,  with  a  covering  and  side  pieces  attached  to  it  to  keep 
off  snow  or  rain,  out  of  tho  window  of  an  uninhabited  room,  or  in 
some  out-of-the-way  corner  ;  let  it  be  kept  plentifully  supplied  with 
crumbs  of  bread,  little  bits  of  Potato,  barley  seeds,  and  Elderberries, 
aud  the  hostelry  will  be  in  very  great  request,  especially  during  the 
winter  season,  and  it  will  be  gladdening  to  witness  the  mirth  and 
good  humour  existing  amongst  the  little  visitors.  Such  a  thing  is 
easily  arranged,  and  it  is  of  real  benefit  to  the  half-starved  bird, 
which  soon  gets  accustomed  to  the  hospitable  house,  and  pays  its 
debt  of  gratitude  during  summer-time  by  loud  songs  aud  a  zealous 
hunt  for  insects. 

To  fix  the  useful  titmouse  in  one  particular  spot,  these  simple 
means  are  employed.  A  caged  titmouso  is  placed  on  the  branches 
of  a  tree,  and  the  captive  will  soon  attract  its  companions.  If  a  few 
green  Fir  branches  be  hung  during  the  autumn  on  the  bare 
boughs  of  fruit  trees,  they  will  during  tho  winter  be 
actively  visited  and  regularly  cleansed  by  the  titmouse.  It  is  well 
to  come  to  the  rescue  of  small  birds,  especially  during  the  hatching 
season,  and  deliver  them  from  their  winged  enemies,  magpies 
(Pica  caudata),  ravens  (Corvus  corax),  &c.;  whilst  for  the  protec- 
tion of  fish-ponds,  we  must  wage  war  against  the  common  heron 
(Ardea  cinerea)  and  the  water. ouzel  (Cinclus  aquaticus) ;  but  the 
capture  and  sale  of  the  titmouse,  the  chaffinch,  the  redbreast,  ought 
to  be  strictly  prohibited,  and  the  indiscriminate  slaughter  of  insecti- 
vorous birds  heartily  condemned. 

Header,  take  the  work  of  preservation  to  heart !  You  have  looked 
into  the  admirable  economy  of  Nature  which  God  has  so  wisely 
ordained  and  organised,  manifesting  His  power  even  amidst  the 
most  minute  objects.  Contribute  to  the  utmost  of  your  power  to 
maintain  that  order :  it  is  both  pious  and  wise  to  do  so  ! 

Feed  aud  protect  these  birds  :  they  will  enliven  your  courtyards 
and  gardens ;  they  will  come  to  you  in  full  confidence,  and  await 
the  crumbs  given  by  your  hands ;  they  will  build  nests  iu  your 
bushes  and  amuse  you  by  their  activity  and  solicitude  for  their 
young;  they  will  charm  your  ears  with  their  songs  of  joy  and 
gratitude ;  and  if  throughout  the  laud  they  find  both  protection  and 
comfort,  they  will  largely  and  in  a  most  striking  manner  requite  the 
benefits  received  by  proving  themselves  to  be  tho  most  faithful  ■ 
protectors  of  your  fields  aud  forests,  orchards  and  gardens,  and  of 
cultivation  in  general. 


Oct.  is,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


317 


THE     INDOOR    GARDEN. 


CATTLEYA  TEIANIiE. 
This  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  all  our  Trintcr-flowering 
Cattlcj'as,  autl,  when  -ivcll  growu,  it  makes  a  line  plant  cither 
for  home  decoration,  or  for  exhibition  purposes.  Like  its  con- 
geners, it  varies  considerably  both  in  the  size  and  colour  of  its 
broad-petaled  Howers.  One  variety  has  sepals  and  petals  of 
the  most  pearly  whiteness,  the  lip  being  white  with  a  faint 
lemon-j-cllow  blotch  in  the  throat.  Another  form  has  deep 
rosy  flowers,  the  lip  being  blotched  with  dark  velvety  crimson, 
and  between  these  two  extremes  we  find  a  whole  series  of 
varieties  distinguishable  only  by  slight  differences  in  the 
length  or  breadth  of  the  floral  segments,  or  by  their  slightly 
varying  shades  of  soft  colouring.  This  species  grows  well  iu 
an  ordinary  plant  stove, 
or  intermediate  house,  and 
docs  best  in  a  fresh,  open, 
well-drained  compost,  con- 
sisting of  fibrous  peat, 
Sphagnum,  aud  coarse  well- 
washed  river-sand  or  grit. 
If  the  Moss  is  encouraged 
to  grow  over  the  surface  of 
the  compost  all  the  better, 
and  an  abundant  supply  of 
moisture  is  necessary  during 
the  summer  and  autumn 
months.  This  variety  of 
Cattleya  genei'ally  flowers 
very  freely  iu  January  or 
February,  and  the  flowers 
last  in  perfection  a  fort- 
night or  three  weeks  if  kept 
free  from  cold,  damp,  aud 
drip.  If  grown  in  quantity 
it  will  keep  up  a  succes- 
siou  of  delicately  tinted 
flowers  for  two  or  three 
months  at  a  time.  In  some 
collections  it  is  known 
under  the  name  of  0.  War- 
sccwiezii,  C.  Warsccwiczii 
delicata  being  the  palest 
variety.  The  accompany- 
ing illustration  gives  an 
'excellent  idea  of  the  general 
aj^pearanco  of  this  useful 
species.  F.  W.  B. 


FILMY    TERNS. 

(Continued  from  -p.  272.) 
Cool  House  Kinds. 
The  following  species  are 
all  worthy  the  attention  and 
care  of  lovers  of  Perns ; 
each  possesses  some  charm 
peculiarly  its  own,  although 
it  is  not  lil^ely,  except  in 
rare   cases,  that  all  can  be 

found  in  one  collection.  The  first  section  of  my  enume- 
ration will  contain  those  species  which  thrive  under  green- 
house temperature : — 

Hymenopiiylltjm  dilatatum. — This  species  is,  perhaps,  at 
once  the  largest  and  most  beautiful  of  the  genus  ;  the  fronds 
are  broad,  three  times  divided,  with  the  stems  winged,  of  a 
delicate  pale  green  colour,  and  from  12  to  18  inches  long;  they 
arc  produced  from  a  creeping  rhizome,  which  should  not  be 
buried^  but  allowed  to  climb.  It  seems  to  be  abundant  in  New 
Zealand  and  Java  ;  but,  as  far  as  I  am  aware,  the  Java  form  of 
the  plant  is  not  in  cultivation. 

H.  PULCHERRniuji. — This  is  nearly  allied  to  the  preceding, 
yet  very  different  in  its  style  of  beauty.  The  fronds  are  from 
8  to  l.'j  inches  long,  aud  some  4  or  -5  inches  broad,  deeply 
divided  into  fine  segments,  soft  in  texture,  and  pale  green  in 


colour,  produced  from  a  creeping  rhizome.    Native  of  New 
Zealand,  aljout  the  district  of  Lake  Waikare. 

H.  roLYANTiios. — A  species  having  a  wide  geographical 
range,  being  common  throughout  the  West  Indies,  South 
America,  Brazil,  the  East  Indies,  New  Zealand,  and  various 
other  places,  aud  varying,  consequently,  much  iu  appearance. 
The  West  Indian  form  is  most  frequently  found  in  our  col- 
lections;  but,  judging  from  specimens  in  my  herbarium,  that 
from  New  Zealand  is  the  most  beautiful.  The  rhizome  is 
wiry  and  creeping ;  the  fronds  tripiunatifid,  dark  green,  aud 
fi'om  6  to  1"2  inches  long. 

H.  CRUENTUM. — Fronds  entire,  broadly  lanceolate,  and  pro- 
duced from  a  creeping  rhizome  ;  when  young,  they  are  green, 
but  change  with  age  to  dull  blood-colour.  An  extremely  rare 
plant,  native  of  Chiloe  and  Valdivia. 

H.  -ERUGINOSUM. — On  account  of  the  long  tawny  hairs  with 

which  the  fronds  are  clothed, 
this  species  ipust  not  be 
watered  over-head.  Rhi- 
zome creeping ;  fronds 
oblong,  tripiunatifid ;  seg- 
ments close  and  dense, 
clothed  with  long  tawny 
hairs.  A  handsome  kind 
from  various  parts  of  New 
Zealand. 

H.  TECTINATUM. — A  truly 
beautiful  species,  at  present 
very  rare  in  cultivation. 
Rhizome  creeping ;  fronds 
upwards  of  six  inches  long, 
linear  -  lanceolate ;  pinnfo 
curving  upwards,  and 
toothed  on  the  upper  side 
only,  thus  resembling  a 
comb.  It  appears  only  to 
exist  in  Southern  Chili. 

H.  scABRUM. — This  is  a 
fine  erect-growing  plant, 
producing  fronds  from  12 
to  20  inches  in  length, 
ovate-acuminate  in  shape, 
and  pinnate,  the  divisions 
being  several  times  divided. 
Stems  clothed  with  rough 
hairs.  It  seems  peculiar  to 
New  Zealand. 

H.  ELEXUOSTIJI.— Fronds 
broadly  ovate,  beautifully 
crisped,  with  margins  undu- 
lated, much  divided,  deep 
green  in  colour,  and  nearly 
a  foot  long;  it  is  nearly 
related  to  H.  crispatum, 
and  seems  to  have  Ijeen 
hitherto  found  only  in  the 
Northern  Island,  New- 
Zealand. 

H.  FUCiroRME. — A  magni- 
ficent species,  but  ex- 
tremely rare.  It  is  related 
to  H.  dilatatum.  The 
fronds  are  from  1  to  2  feet  long,  and  very  broad,  erect, 
smooth,  and  shining,  broadly  winged,  tripiunatifid,  and  sirft'used 
with  a  beautiful  glaucous  hue.  It  delights  in  a  very  moist 
atmosphere.  Native  of  Chiloe  and  the  Island  of  Juan 
Fernandez. 

H.  ATIENUATUM. — Ehizouio  Creeping;  fronds  about  a  foot 
long  (half  of  which  is  naked),  thrice  divided,  margins  toothed 
and  furnished  with  hairs,  very  membranous  in  texture,  and 
pale  green  in  colour.  Native  of  Chiloe,  and  top  of  the  Organ 
Mountains  in  Brazil. 

H.  DEMissu3[. — This  fine  species  is  a  general  favourite ;  it 
produces  deep  green  ovate-acuminate  fronds,  which  are 
tripiunatifid,  with  very  finely  divided  segments.  Native  of 
New  Zealand  and  various  islands  in  the  Pacific. 

H.  FLABELLATUJi, — A  spccics  whicli  sccms  to  vary  consider- 


Cattleya  Trianiae. 


3i8 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  18,  1873. 


ably,  some  small  forms  of  the  plant  having  short  dense  fronds, 
•whilst  more  frequently  they  attain  a  length  of  about  10  or  12 
inches ;  they  are  flaccid,  ovate,  twice  divided,  and  shining 
green  in  colour,  produced  from  a  creeping  rhizome.  Native  of 
Tasmania  and  New  Zealand. 

H.  DIC1I0T03IUM. — A  somewhat  dwarf  but  beautiful  and  rare 
species ;  the  fronds  are  about  6  inches  long,  ovate-lanceolate 
in  shape,  and  twice  divided  ;  the  segments  are  much  divided, 
very  delicate  and  crisped,  somewhat  tootbed  or  spiny  at  the 
edges,  and  deep  green  in  colour ;  rhizome  creeping.  Native 
of  Cbiloe  and  Juan  Fernandez. 

H.  ciiiLOENSE. — This  is  a  most  elegant  little  tufted  species  ; 
fronds  lanceolate,  once  or  twice  divided,  furnished  with 
simple  rigid  hairs,  and  pale  green  in  colour.     Native  of  Chiloe. 

H.  CAUDICULATUM. — A  fine  bold-growing  species,  -with  a 
creeping  rhizome,  and  having  some  affinity  with  H.  fuciforme, 
but  quite  distinct  from  that  plant.  The  fronds  ai-e  from  10  to 
1-t  inches  long,  the  stem  broadly  winged,  the  leafy  portion 
broad,  three  times  divided,  the  ends  of  the  segments  being 
lengthened  out  into  long  tail-like  points ;  colour,  bright 
shining  green.  It  seems  to  be  tolerably  abundant  on  the 
Organ  Mountains,  and  is  likewise  found  in  Chiloe. 

H.  cRisPATUM. — This  appears  to  be  a  somewhat  variable 
plant,  some  specimens  of  it  received  from  Northern  India 
differing  considerably  from  the  form  in  cultivation  from  New 
Zealand  ;  the  rhizome  is  creeping  ;  fronds  usually  from  -1  to  6 
inches  long,  and  much  waved  or  crisj]  in  appearance,  they  are 
tripinnate,  broad,  and  deep  green  in  colour;  it  covers  a  piece  of 
sandstone  or  a  tree  Tern  stem  with  an  elegant  and  dense 
drapery. 

H.  BIVALVE. — In  cultivation  this  is  extremely  rare,  and  I  am 
informed  that  it  is  by  no  means  a  plentiful  species  even  in  its 
wild  habitats ;  the  fronds  are  erect  and  broadly  ovate,  three 
times  divided,  the  much  divided  segments  being  somewhat 
spiny ;  colour  deep  green.    Native  of  New  Zealand. 

H.  TuNBRiDGExsE. — Although  this  is  a  native  plant,  it  must 
by  no  means  be  omitted  in  this  enumeration,  neither  should 
any  Fernery  or  Fern  case  be  without  it.  I  have  gathered  it  in 
various  parts  of  Ireland  in  great  s.bundanoe,  on  Arthur's  Seat 
Edinburgh,  and  about  Weymss  Bay,  in  the  latter  locality  some- 
what sparingly.  The  fronds  are  produced  in  great  abundance 
and  soon  cover  the  ground  with  a  beautiful  carpet ;  they  are 
some  3  or  4  inches  long,  erect,  twice  divided,  and  olive-green 
in  colour,  if  watered  overhead,  instead  of  deep  green,  the 
fronds  soon  turn  black.  Though  usually  called  a  British 
plant,  it  has  a  wide  geographical  range,  being  found  thi'ough- 
out  Europe,  in  various  parts  of  South  America,  South  Africa, 
New  Zealand,  and  Tasmania. 

H.  WiLSON'i. — This  also,  though  generally  called  a  British 
plant,  is  widely  distributed ;  it  resembles  the  preceding,  but 
is  distinguishable  for  its  longer  and  narrower  fronds  and  the 
curved  segments,  and  by  the  edges  of  the  involucre  being 
smooth.  It  is  an  elegant  plant,  and  in  some  localities  in 
Scotland  I  have  found  it  very  abundant. 

H.  VALVATUM. — This  is  a  very  elegant  plant,  producing  from 
a  creeping  rhizome  fronds  which  are  from  6  to  12  inches  in 
length,  broadly  oblong  in  shape,  and  tripinnatifid ;  the 
segments  are  somewhat  narrow-,  undulated,  and  slightly  hair}', 
smooth  and  rich  green  in  colour.  It  is  a  native  of  Columbia, 
at  elevations  of  3,000,  -1,000,  or  0,000  feet. 

Tkiciiomaxes  KENifoiniE. — This  is  a  very  di,stinct  New 
Zealand  species,  the  rhizomes  of  which  are  creeping ;  the 
fronds  are  nearly  round,  coriaceous,  and  of  rich  deep  green ; 
when  fertile,  the  exserted  involucres  form  a  beautiful  fringe 
round  the  edge  ;  the  fronds  on  well-developed  specimens  are 
some  4  or  6  inches  broad. 

T.  PYXiDiFERUM. — This  enjoys  a  wide  geographical  range, 
being  common  throughout  the  West  Indian  Islands,  Peru,  and 
Brazil,  and  I  have  also  received  it  from  considerable  elevations 
on  the  Cameroon  Jlountains,  West  Africa;  it,  therefore, 
varies  considerably.  The  fronds  are  produced  from  a  slender 
wiry  creeping  rhizome;  they  vary  from  3  to  6  inches  in  length, 
and  are  twice  and  three  times  divided.  The  segments  arc 
plain,  smooth,  and  deep  green  in  colour,  and  rapidly  form  a 
rich  drapery  for  a  Fern  case. 

T.  VEXOSUM. — This  is  another  free-growing  plant,  which 
soon  covers  an  old  stump  or  block  of   sandstone  with  elegant 


drapery ;  indeed,  as  far  as  I  am  aware,  it  has  never  been  found 
naturally  in  any  other  situation  except  on  the  trunks  of  trees. 
The  rhizome  is  almost  thread-like  ;  the  fronds  are  from  2  to  1 
or  5  inches  in  length,  pinnate,  very  dehcate,  and  in  colour 
shining  light  green.  .  It  is  very  abundant  in  New  Zealand, 
New  Holland,  and  Tasmania. 

T.  PARvuLCJi. — This  is  a  very  dwarf-growing  species, 
peculiarly  suited  to  those  having  a  small  Fern-case,  because 
it  may  be  established  on  a  small  piece  of  Cork  and  suspended 
from  the  roof  ;  it  is,  however,  rare  in  cultivation ;  it  is  said  to 
be  a  native  of  Java,  Boui-bon,  and  the  Philippines,  but  I  have 
received  it,  at  different  times,  and  from  different  friends, 
resident  in  Japan,  and  therefore  we  may  hope  to  see  this  little 
gem  thoroughly  established  as  a  Wardian-case  Fern.  I  have 
never  seen  the  fronds  more  than  an  inch  in  height;  they  are 
densely  matted,  and  resemble  a  miniature  fan  Palm;  the  colour 
is  deep  shining  green. 

T.  EL0XGATU3I. — This  elegant  species  has  a  tufted  habit,  and 
produces  fronds  from  its  erect  caudex  from  6  to  10  or  12  inches 
in  height ;  they  are  ovate  m  outline,  twice  divided,  dense,  and 
deep  green  in  colour  ;  its  affinity  seems  to  be  with  T.  rigidum, 
but  it  is  very  distinct  from  that  pbnt.  It  is  a  native  of  New 
Zealand. 

T.  nuMiLE. — This  is  an  elegant  dwarf-growing  little  Fern, 
which  soon  forms  a  dense  covering  to  whatever  it  becomes 
attached.  The  fronds  proceed  from  a  slender  creeping  rhizome, 
and  seldom  exceed  3  inches  in  height ;  they  are  lanceolate  in 
shape,  twice  divided ;  segments  narrow  and  bright  green.  It 
is  a  native  of  New  Zealand  and  various  islands  in  the  Pacific. 

T.  EXSECTUM. — This  has  a  creeping  rhizome ;  its  fronds  arc 
slender,  pendulous,  and  tripinnatifid,  somewhat  resembling 
those  of  T.  angustatum,  but  always  longer  and  broader.  In 
exsectum  they  are  oftentimes  10  or  12  inches  in  length,  and 
nearly  6  inches  in  width;  the  segments  are  finely  divided,  and 
vivid  green.  It  is  a  native  of  Southern  Chili  and  Juan 
Fernandez. 

T.  TRiciioiDEUM. — This  most  exquisite  plant  is  plentiful  in 
Jamaica  and  various  other  places  in  the  West  Indies,  and  is 
usually  looked  upon  and  treated  as  a  stove  species.  I  have, 
however,  received  it  from  considerable  elevations  in  New 
Grenada,  where  it  grows  tall  and  stately,  and  this  form 
succeeds  admirably  in  the  temperatm'e  here  recommended. 
Its  fronds,  which  are  produced  from  a  creeping  rhizome,  are 
lanceolate  in  shape,  tripinnate,  the  segments  being  very 
naiTow  and  delicate,  scarcely  thicker  than  hairs,  whilst  the 
colour  is  vivid  green. 

T.  RADicAxs. — This  is  familiar  to  most  of  us  by  the  name  of 
the  Killarney  Fern,  but  I  fear  very  little  has  been  left  of  it 
in  that  beautiful  locality.  I  have,  however,  seen  it  growing  in 
great  abundance  iu  an  adjoining  county.  It  is  undoubtedly 
the  most  beautiful  of  all  our  mdigenous  Ferns ;  it  has  a 
creeping  rhizome,  and  produces  fronds  from  6  to  18  inches 
long,  broadly  ovate  in  shape,  verj-  dense,  much  divided,  and 
deep  sea-green  in  colour.  Of  this  species  there  are  various 
permanent  forms,  such  as  T.  radicans  var.  Andrewsii,  T.  radi- 
cans  var.  concinnum,  and  T.  radicans  var.  dilatatum,  all  of 
which  differ  in  habit,  breadth  of  frond,  or  divisions  of  the 
fronds,  and  all  possess  a  peculiar  beauty  of  their  own.  This 
species  delights  in  heavy  shade.  It  seems  to  be  widely 
distributed  over  both  hemispheres. 

Leptopteris  superba. — It  is  impossible  to  describe  the 
elegant  beauty  of  this  plant,  which  must  be  seen  to  be  under- 
stood and  appreciated.  Its  caudex  grows  erect  with  age,  becom- 
ing quite  a  stout  stem,  supporting  a  crown  of  dense  ovate- 
lanceolate  fronds,  from  10  to  20  inches  in  length.  The 
segments  are  finely  divided,  beautifully  undulated  and  crisp, 
and  of  a  brilliant  sea-green.  The  poiuts  of  the  segments  curl 
upwards  over  the  surface  of  the  fronds,  which  thus  acquire  the 
appeai-ance  of  a  beautiful  Ostrich  feather.  It  enjoys  deep 
shade,  and  succeeds  admirably  in  a  Wardian  case.  It  is  a 
native  of  New  Zealand. 

L.  nYJiENOPHYLLOiDES. — This  is  equally  beautiful  as  the 
preceding,  although  in  a  different  way.  Its  caudex  is  erect, 
and  the  fronds  from  1  to  2  feet  or  more  in  length,  triangular, 
in  outline,  twice  divided,  pellucid,  and  deep  green.  It  is  a 
most  elegant  plant  for  a  Wardian  case. 

L.  KiERMEDiA. — This,  which  at  present  is  a  rare  plant,  is  of 


Oct.  18, 1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


319 


quite  as  robust  f^rowth  as  the  last-named  kind ;  and  to  the 
somewhat  triangular-shaped  frond  of  L.  hymenophylloides, 
and  its  pellucid  character,  it  unites  the  peculiar  curled  and 
crisp  appearance  of  L.  superba,  thus  being  exactly  mter- 
mediate,  and  is  probably  the  connecting  link  between  the  two, 
which  are,  no  doubt,  but  the  extreme  forms  of  one  species.  It 
is  a  native  of  New  Zealand.  G. 

(To  he  continued.) 


SPIR^A  JAPONICA. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  all  forcing  plants  for 
spring  flowering,  but  it  is  something  more  than  that ;  it  blooms 
freely  when  planted  out  in  a  warm  sandy  border,  and  is 
extremely  prottj'.  It  is  largely  grown  both  in  Holland  and 
Belgium  for  forcing,  and  its  roots  are  imported  into  this 
country  about  this  time  of  the  year  in  large  quantities.  It  is  only 
within  these  last  few  years  that  it  has  attracted  attention,  but 
even  in  that  short  period  it  is  grown  by  the  thousand  by  many 
of  our  London  market  growers"  and  florists.  In  habit  it  is 
very  compact,  and  in  fresh  greenness  of  colour  it  is  unrivalled. 
Its  flowers,  which  are  multitudinous,  are  individually  small, 
white,  and  borne  on  erect  branched  spikes.  Out  of  doors  it 
succeeds  in  any  sandj'  border  in  the  south  of  England,  and 
will  be  found  a  nice  addition  to  ordinary  herbaceous  plants. 
When  required  for  forcing,  pot  the  roots,  which  are  in  clumps, 
directly  they  are  received,  in  sandy  loam  and  leaf-mould ; 
separately,  if   for  small  pots,  but    large    specimens  may  be 


Spirsea  japonica. 

formed  by  placing  two  or  three  clumps  together  in  a  large 
pot.  After  they  are  potted  give  them  a  thoroughly  good 
watering,  and  then  bury  them  beneath  a  bed  of  sand  or  coal 
ashes,  where  they  may  remain  until  they  are  placed  in  heat 
for  forcing.  By  bringing  them  gradually  into  heat,  a  suc- 
cession of  this  pretty  plant  may  be  enjoyed  for  two  or  three 
months  early  in  the  year.  Its  flower-spikes,  being  light  and 
elegant  in  appearance,  are  useful  for  bouquets  or  for  dinner- 
table  decorations.  It  is  also  known  as  Hoteia  and  as  Astilbe 
japonica.  B.  F.  W. 

NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GARDEN. 

Monstera  deliciosa.— From  a  note  in  the  Jlmie  Bortkole,  it  appears  that 
the  proper  name  of  this  plant  (which  has  also  been  called  Scmdapsus  pertusus 
and  Philodendron  pertusum)  is  TomeUa  fragraus,  as  it  was  originally  named 
in  honour  of  Tornclia,  a  Mexican  Minister  of  War. 

Dampier's  Glory  Pea.— Having  at  times  seen  notices  in  The  GAEuiif  of 
this  fine  species  of  ulianthus,  I  beg  to  say  that  I  have  raised  nine  or  ton  plants  of 
it  yearly,  and  have  flowered  them  satisfactorily,  some  of  the  plants  bearing 
as  many  as  ninety  blossoms,  prettily  ornamented  with  their  characteristic  jet 
black  spot  or  boss.  Can  anyone  inform  me  whether  or  not  it  is  nn  annual  ?  for, 
after  flowering  with  me,  it  dies  down.  It  can  be  raised  and  flowered,  I  find, 
without  any  difficulty.  In  AustraUa  it  is  called  Start's  Pea.  The  New  Zealand 
Glory  Pea  (Clianthus  puniceus  or  Parrot's-Bill)  is  without  the  black  spot,  is 
hard-wooded,  flowers  the  second  year,  and  stands  the  winters  against  a  south 
wall.    It  flowered  well  with  me  this  year.— TaoKrE  LEji. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

BRANCH  PROPAGATION  OP  APPLE  TREES. 
There  is  a  kind  of  Apple  called  Burr  Knot.  I  believe  it  originated 
in  Yorkshire  ;  at  least,  when  I  was  living  in  Worcestershire,  some- 
thing more  than  twenty  years  ago,  a  gardening  friend  brought  somo 
branches  of  this  kind  from  there,  which  were  planted  as  cuttings,  and 
the  whole  of  them  grew.  It  is  a  very  dwarf-growing,  free-bearing 
kind,  and  the  frnit  is  of  good  quality  and  keeps  well.  I  was  looking 
through  the  beautiful  gardens  of  Baron  Windsor,  Hewell  Grange, 
Worcestershire,  last  February,  and  I  noticed  a  long  border  planted 
with  dwarf  bearing  trees  of  this  kind,  that  I  was  told  had  been  raised 
from  branch  cuttings.  I  brought  homo  two  or  three  small  branches, 
and  they  are  alive,  and  I  believe  are  rooted.  Manks  Codling  is 
another  kind  of  Apple  that  may  be  propagated  in  this  way  with  the 
greatest  certainty.  But  the  general  conclusion  I  have  arrived  at  is, 
that  no  branch  that  has  smooth  bark  (and  where  those  root-liko 
excrescences  are  absent)  will  root.  There  is,  however,  nothing  new 
in  this  mode  of  propagating  certain  kinds  of  Apples,  as  I  have  no 
doubt  many  of  your  readers  can  testify.  I  saw  it  successfully  prac. 
tised  at  least  twenty-five  years  ago,  and  for  raising  miniature  Apple 
trees  it  has  the  advantage  of  producing  bearing  trees  at  once,  that 
always  remain  dwarf  and  fruitful  without  root-pruning.  Whilst  I  am 
writing  upon  this  subject  I  should  like  to  call  attention  to  an  Apple 
called  Woodshill,  that  used  to  be  largely  grown  (and  I  believe  still  is) 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Bromsgrove,  Worcestershire.  I  cannot  just 
now  refer  to  the  book  ;  but  I  believe  it  was  figured  in  Manud's 
"  Botanic  Garden  and  Fruitist,"  in  the  year  1818,  when  it  was  stated 
to  be  a  seedling  raised  in  the  parish  of  Bromsgrove.  It  is  really  a 
first-rate  kind,  valuable  alike  for  cnlinavy  purposes  and  dessert,  and 
keeps  well.  I  have  never  met  with  it  elsewhere,  neither  can  I 
find  it  in  any  catalogue  at  hand  this  moment — not  even  in  Scott's 
"Orchardist."  I  should  think  Mr.  Smith,  of  Worcester,  would  know 
something  about  it.  Knowing  its  good  qualities,  I  secured  some 
grafts,  and  shall  shortly  be  able  to  test  its  merits  here.  Gourt-pendu- 
plat  is  another  Apple  that  is  not  half  so  much  grown  as  it  deserves 
to  be.  It  very  rarely  fails  to  bear  well,  as,  in  consequence  of  its  late- 
blooming  habit,  it  generally  escapes  the  spring  frosts.  It  is  a  fair- 
sized,  crisp.fiavoured,  high-coloured  fruit,  and  one  of  our  best  late 
keeping  Apples.       ^-  H. 

AUTUMNAL  PEARS. 
As  the  summer  Pears  are  now  past,  I  think  it  may  be  useful  to  many 
of  your  readers  to  give  them  a  list  of  a  few  of  the  very  best  autumn 
sorts.  I  however,  will  only  give  comparatively  new  kinds,  as  most  of 
the  old  sorts  are  pretty  well  known,  and  parties  may  wish  to  add 
something  new  to  their  collections.  The  following  kinds  have  been 
all  proved  here  and  found  to  be  of  the  very  best  description,  they 
may  not,  however,  prove  so  good  on  other  soils  and  in  other  localities, 
as  with  me.  My  soil  is  a  fine  sandy  loam,  upon  a  deep  sandy  sub-soil, 
and  we  are  situated  about  sixteen  miles  from,  and  about  500  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  sea,  with  a  fine  open  exposure  to  all  the  winds 
that  blow,  consequently,  although  geographically  in  a  favourable 
position,  our  trees  are  rendered  hardy  by  their  open  exposure.  I  may 
also  say  that  all  the  sorts  described  below  were  produced  upon  trees 
worked  upon  Quince  stocks,  hence  the  flavour,  &c.,  may  be  found 
different  from  that  of  sorts  worked  upon  Pear  stocks.  Of  this  I  will 
give  one  instance,  out  of  an  hundred— the  Pear  Rokeby,  grown  this 
season  upon  a  Pear  stock,  was  -uneatable,  whilst  grown  upon  a 
Quince  it  was  really  very  good,  and  would  have  been  pronounced  by 
most  people  to  be  a  different  kiud.  The  following  might  be  found 
in  some  instances  to  follow  the  same  rule. 

Dr.  Meniere. — This,  which  is  just  now  ripe,  is  a  fine  large  hand- 
some sort  with  delicious  melting,  sugary,  flesh,  and  a  delicately 
perfumed  flavour.  It  is  quite  new  and  was  raised  by  M.  Leroy,  of 
Angers,  in  1861.  I  had  trees  of  it  from  him  in  1870.  It  is  a  good 
bea°er  and  the  tree  grows  freely  upon  the  Quince. 

Doyenne  du  Cornice  {alias  Beurre  Robert). — Although  not 
'properly  speaking  an  early  autumn  sort,  as  it  generally  comes  in  in 
November  I  have  given  it  here  on  account  of  its  intHnsic  value  as  one 
of  our  very  finest  sorts.  It  is  noYi  so  well  known  as  not  to  require 
further  description  than  to  say  that  it  is  thoroughly  melting,  very  juicy, 
sugary,  and  exquisite.  It  grows  strong  upon  the  Quince  and  bears, 
well. 

Doyenne  Robin. — A  large  and  noble  fruit,  which,  it  will  be  well 
to  say,  is  not  like  Doyenne  Robert,  which  is  a  synonym  of  D.  du 
Cornice.  I  introduced  it  in  1860,  but  it  had  been  in  cultivation  on 
the  continent  since  1850.  It  is  melting,  very  juicy,  sugary,  vinous, 
with  a  refreshing  and  agreeable  aroma.  It  grows  and  bears  well 
upon  the  Quince  and  is  a  very  desirable  sort. 

Duvergnies. — This  beautiful  and  fine  Pear  was  raised  by  Van 


320 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  18, 1873. 


Mou3  about  1S22,  bat  it  is  not  mnch  known  in  this  coantry.  It  is 
melting,  with  an  abundant  rich,  sugary,  and  vinous  juice  and  an 
exquisite  flavour  and  aroma.  The  ti-ee  grows  middling  upon  the 
Quince  and  bears  abundantly.  It  has  many  synonyms,  as  almost  all 
the  best  Pears  have. 

Eug'ene  des  Nouhes. — A  nice  new  Pear  introduced  by  me  in 
1865.  It  is  only  second  size,  but  with  a  delicious  and  delicate,  per- 
fumed, melting,  and  sugary  flesh,  and  an  abundant  juice.  The  tree 
grows  freely  upon  the  Quince,  and  bears  heavy  crops. 

Ferdinand  de  Lesseps. — A  second-sized  delicious  new  Pean 
with  a  fine-grained,  very  melting  flesh,  and  an  abundant,  rich* 
sugary,  acidulated,  and  exquisitely  fiavonred  juice.  It  was  raised 
by  M.  Leroy  in  18G1,  and  imported  it  in  1868.  It  is  well  worthy  of 
cultivation.  It  ripens  about  the  end  of  October  or  the  beginning  of 
November. 

Fondante  de  Charneu. — This  large  and  fine  autumn  Pear  is 
supposed  to  be  of  Belgian  origin,  but  by  whom  raised  it  is  not, 
I  believe,  known.  It  is  very  melting  and  sweet-scented,  with  a  most 
abundant  juice,  very  sugary,  and  acidulated,  with  a  fine  savoury 
perfume.  It  grows  middling  on  the  Quince,  on  which  it  bears  heavy 
crops. 

Fondante  du  Cornice. — ^One  of  the  finest  and  best  of  Pears, 
it  deserves  to  be  in  every  garden  where  fine  fruit  is  a  desideratum. 
It  has  a  very  melting  flesh,  very  abundant,  very  sugary,  vinous, 
deliciously  perfumed,  and  rich  aromatic  juice,  and  being  of  large 
size,  and  the  tree  a  good  bearer,  it  recommends  itself  to  every  one's 
notice. 

Fondante  de  la  Roche. — A  rich,  delicious,  melting  sort, 
with  very  abundant  sugary,  acidulated,  aromatic  juice,  and  an  agree- 
able seckel  flavour.  I  introduced  it  in  1865.  Although  here  it  is 
delicious  and  rich  from  a  Quince  stock,  I  would  nevertheless  not  assert 
that,  under  other  circumstances,  it  would  prove  equally  fine. 

Frederic  de  "Wurtemberg. — This  noble  Pear  was  raised  by 
Van  Mens,  and  named  by  him  in  honour  of  the  then  King  of  Wurtem. 
berg.  It  is,  without  doubt,  one  of  the  finest  Pears  we  have ;  but 
there  is  great  confusion  regarding  it.  I  have  received  three  different 
sorts  under  the  name,  but  soon  found  that  two  of  them  belonged  to 
other  sorts.  The  true  fruit  is  very  large,  regular,  pyriform,  very 
handsome,  and  delicious.  I  need  not  here  go  more  into  its  history  ; 
suffice  it  to  say,  that  any  one  procuring  the  sort  true  will  have  added 
a  gem  to  his  collection.  It  ripens  from  the  middle  of  September  to  the 
middle  of  November. 

General  Todtleben. — Like  the  preceding,  this  is  a  noble  and 
delicious  fruit,  about  the  same  size  and  shape.  The  fruit,  when 
peeled,  is  tinged  with  rose,  and  the  flavour,  &c.,  is  all  one  can  wish. 
It,  however,  produces  two  sizes  of  fruit ;  the  small  size  is  not  equal 
to  the  larger,  generally  speaking.  It  keeps  well  after  beginning  to 
ripen  ;  some  of  the  fruits  coming  to  maturity  a  month  or  six  weeks 
later  than  those  that  become  ripe  first ;  and  some  of  the  fruits  remain 
quite  green  in  colour  whilst  others  are  finely  tinted  with  light 
crimson.  It  has  been  confounded  with  the  Triomphe  de  Jodoigne,  a 
very  different  sort — not  nearly  so  good. 

Gregoire  Bordillon. — This  is,  as  far  as  I  know,  the  very  largest 
and  very  finest  very  early  Pear.  It  ripened  here  in  1870  in  the 
beginning  of  August ;  this  year,  in  September  (1870  was  a  very 
warm  season).  It  usually  ripens  in  the  end  of  August  or  beginning 
of  September,  before  the  Williams's  comes  in.  To  this  last  it  is  a  great 
rival  in  size,  earliness,  and  quality.  Under  good  circumstances  it 
will  reach  over  1  lb.  in  weight,  and  its  exquisite  flavour  and  perfume 
cannot  be  surpassed.  It  was  raised  by  tbat  king  of  pomologists — 
M.  Andre  Leroy,  and  should  have  borne  his  name,  as  I  think  it  would 
perpetuate  it  for  centuries  to  come.  It  fruited  first  in  1866, 
and  I  received  trees  of  it  from  M.  Leroy  in  1869,  which  bore  here 
in  1870  and  1871.     It  does  well  upon  the  Quince. 

Jules  Bivort. — This  is,  I  think,  the  finest  of  all  M.  Gregoire's 
Pears  raised  by  him  at  Jodoigne,  Belgium,  large,  handsome,  and 
excellent,  with  a  fine-grained,  very  melting  flesh,  and  an  abundant, 
rich,  sugary,  and  vinous  juice,  and  exquisite  aroma.  The  sort  has 
several  synonyms,  which  only  attest  its  excellent  qualities. 

Madame  £lise. — This  large  and  handsome  sort  was  a  posthu- 
mous seedling  of  Van  Mons,  and  did  not  fruit  till  several  years  after 
his  death ;  it  is,  without  doubt,  one  of  his  best  productions  for 
beauty,  fertility,  and  quality.  The  flesh  is  of  a  yellowish  tint,  fine, 
and  melting;  juice  excessively  abundant,  sparkling,  and  sugary,  with 
a  delicious  and  savoury  aroma.  The  tree  grows  well  upon  the 
Quince,  and  the  fruit  ripened  here  in  1870,  October  15  ;  this  season 
it  will  be  a  few  days  later.  I  had  it  in  fruit  in  1870,  1871,  and  1873 
and  it  has  always  been  good. 

Napoleon  III.— A  Pear  deserving  the  name  of  the  great  man  it 
hoars  ;  it  is  quite  new,  and  I  obtained  it  in  1870.  The  flesh  is  very 
melting,  and  the  juice  excessive,  following  the  knife  as  it  is  peeled, 
and  the   flavour  is  rich  and  savoury,  with  a  fine  vinous  and  sugary 


taste.  It  first  fruited  with  its  raiser,  M.  Leroy,  in  1864,  and 
deserves  to  be  generally  cultivated  as  a  fine  and  desirable  early  sort ; 
her?  it  ripened  the  last  week  in  August. 

Nouveau  Poiteau. — Another  of  the  seedlings  of  the  indefatigable 
Van  Mons,  which  fruited  for  the  first  time  a  few  months  after  his 
death.  It  is  large  and  handsome,  the  flesh  excessively  tine  and 
melting,  with  a  rich  and  delicious  juice  and  fine  savoury  flavour.  In 
Oct  iber,  1870, 1  had  it  in  fine  condition,  and  considered  it  then,  and  do 
so  now,  Al  in  every  way.  It  bears  freely  and  abundantly  upon 
the   (Quince. 

Pierre  Pepin. — A  handsome,  good,  and  qiiite  new  Pear,  intro- 
ducid  by  me  in  1870  from  M.  Leroy,  who  raised  and  named  it  in 
hon  lur  of  his  friend,  M.  P.  Denis  Pepin,  once  the  superintendent  of 
the  hardy  collections  in  the  Garden  of  Plants,  and  by  whose  kindness 
I  was  able  to  enter  that  establishment  as  a  student  of  botany,  &c. 
The  variety  is  worthy  of  the  name  it  bears,  being  fine-grained  and 
melting,  with  an  abundant  sugary,  perfumed,  and  agreeable  juice. 


ARE  DWARF  APPLES  DiJSIRABLE  ? 
Tnis  question  is  now  frequently  asked,  and  by  many  experienced 
horticulturists.  They  will  not  pay  for  market  purposes,  says  the 
Tribune — that  is  conceded  on  all  hands  ;  but,  in  the  private  garden, 
nothing  in  the  way  of  fruit  trees  is  more  ornamental  than  a  finely- 
formed  specimen  of  dwarf  Apple  tree  in  full  bearing.  The  fruit  is 
always  of  larger  size  and  more  beautifully  coloured  than  when  grown 
on  the  usual  free  root  ;  and,  therefore,  for  exhibition  purjioses  thoy 
must  excel.  Some  growers  prefer  their  trees  worked  on  the  Paradise 
Apple,  thus  making  a  smaller  tree,  and  one  that  is  more  readily  kept 
within  proper  bounds  ;  but,  says  the  nm'seryman,  the  plants  are  so 
small  and  trifling  that  our  customers  want  something  more  showy  for 
their  money,  and  we  are  in  consequence  obliged  to  use  the  Doncin 
stock,  which  enables  us  to  grow  a  larger  tree  within  the  same  space 
of  time.  But  this  larger  size  is  at  the  expense  of  quality,  for  nothing 
but  severe  root-pruning  will  keep  them  within  proper  bounds. 
Thinning  out  the  fruit  is  an  absolute  necessity;  bearing  in  mind  that 
we  want  only  extra  fine  specimens,  therefore  the  inferior-sized  fruit 
must  be  taken  off  before  we  commence  removing  those  that  are  well- 
shaped.  Now,  what  kinds  shall  we  plant  ?  The  most  satisfaction 
is  derived  from  summer  and  autumn  varieties,  as  we  grow  them 
for  pleasure  more  than  profit,  and  only  those  should  be  selected 
which  are  handsome  in  appearance. 


The  Cracking  of  Fruit  by  Rain. — Almost  everyone  has 
noticed  that  juicy  fruits  such  as  Plums,  Peaches,  Gooseberries, 
Tomatoes,  etc.,  will  become  cracked  by  rain.  This  phenomenon 
has  been  of  frequent  occurrence  daring  the  past  season.  The  cause  is 
thus  explained  by  the  Anierican  Agricidtuyist,  who  thinks  that  it  is 
properly  attributed  by  Boussingault  to  osmose.  If  a  bladder  filled 
with  syrup  be  immersed  in  a  vessel  of  water,  the  water  will,  after  a 
while,  become  sweet  ;  the  syrup  passes  through  the  membrane  of  the 
bladder  into  the  water,  and  correspondingly  the  water  passes  into  the 
interior  of  the  bladder.  But  this  interchange  is  not  an  equal  one  ; 
the  lighter  liquid — the  water — passes  in  many  times  more  rapidly  than 
the  heavier  liquid — the  syrup — passes  out.  The  consequence  will  be 
that  the  bladder  will  be  distended  to  its  utmost,  and  at  length  burst. 
This  is  a  general  law,  that  where  two  liquids  of  unequal  densities  are 
separated  by  a  membrane,  whether  animal  or  vegetable,  they  will 
interchange,  the  weaker  liquid  passing  mora  rapidly  than  the  denser 
one,  and  this  will  be  kept  up  until  the  liquid  upon  both  sides  of  the 
membrane  is  of  the  same  density.  A  ripe  Tomato  or  Plum  may  be 
considered  in  the  condition  of  the  bladder  of  syrup.  The  rich  juices  of 
the  fruit  correspond  to  the  syrup  and  the  thin  membrane  which 
forms  the  skin  of  the  fruit  represents  the  bladder.  When 
the  ripe  fruit  is  kept  constantly  wet  with  water  by  rain,  osmose 
takes  place,  and  the  water  passing  through  into  the  fruit  distends 
the  skin,  which,  not  being  very  strong,  is  soon  ruptured.  If  the 
fruit  were  to  be  surrounded  by  a  liquid  denser  than  it  juices,  it 
would,  instead  of  expanding  and  breaking,  shrink,  and  the  skin 
become  shrivelled.  When  Strawberries  or  Currants  are  sprinkled  with 
sugar,  a  syrup  is  soon  formed  by  some  of  the  juice  of  the  fruit,  and 
this  Ijeing  considerably  denser  than  the  juices  of  the  berries  they  are 
soon  flabby  and  shrivelled. 


Plan  for  an  Ornamental  Orchard. — I  have  five  acres  of  meadow  land, 

rich  loam  on  a  clay  sub-soil  adjoining  the  kitchen-garden  and  lawn,  and  1  shall 
be  obliged  by  any  hints  as  to  planting  it  as  an  ornamental  orchard,  one  giving 
US  a  supply  (jf  choice  fruits,  and  affording  us  a  pleasing  object  from  the  house. 
I  shouUl  also  like  it  to  serve  as  a  screen  to  shut  out  some  adjoining  houses.  Any 
hints  from  any  of  your  readers  who  have  devoted  their  attention  to  the  subject 
will  be  very  welcome  to  inc. — W.  F.,  Humpitcad. 


Oct.  18,1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


321 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 


DINNEK-TABLB  DBCORA.TIONS. 

For  the  (Icconitiou  of  the  diuuor  tabic  I  have  just  been  using 
berries  o£  the  larger  forms  of  Cratasgus,  Cydonia  japonica, 
and  Mountain  Ash, and  find  them  very  effective  arranged  loosely, 
with  a  few  strips  of  fresh  green  Ivy  and  bright  crimson-tinted 
autumn  foliage.  I  have  also  obtained  bunches  of  bearded  Wheat, 
Barley,  and  Oats,  which  look  very  well  in  company  with  a 
few  green  leaves,  berries,  and  Fern  fronds,  A  slender  spray  of 
common  Wood  Ivy  grown  in  wet  sand  has  served  for  the  stem 
of  my  little  March  stand  for  the  last  six  months,  and  is  now  as 
fresh  and  vigorous  as  when  gathered.  The  slender  branches  of  the 
Virginian  Creeper  are  now  of  a  brilliant-crimson  colour,and  con- 
trast well  with  yellow  Crattegu.s  berries  and  the  fresh  green 


soup-plate  filled  with  sand,  into  which  a  few  Chrysanthemum 
flowers  or  late  Rose  blooms  may  be  inserted,  the  whole  being 
finished  off  neatly  with  a  few  sprays  of  any  light  Grass  and 
Ferns  fronds  or  Glycine  leaves.  A  small  spike  of  Pampas 
Grass  makes  a  noble  plume  for  the  centre,  the  rosy  variety 
being  specially  beautiful.  I  find  the  common  Male  Fern 
(Lastrea  Filix'-mas),  which  grows  in  our  woods  and  hedges, 
very  useful  where  exotic  kinds  cannot  be  had,  and  the  Lady 
Fern  (Athyrium  Filix-fajmina)  and  fronds  of  the  common 
Blechnum  are  even  more  effective  and  acceptable  where  tender 
species  are  not  at  hand.  The  Trumpet  Lily  (Richardia 
asthiopica),  than  which  few  other  plants  associate  better 
with  statuary,  is  a  great  favourite  of  mine,  its  graceful  and 
classic  outlines  being  unrivalled,  and  it  grows  and  flower.s 
very  freely  all  through  the  winter  if  kept  moist.  I  have 
only  half    a    dozen   plants    of    it,    but    they    never    fail    to 


Group  of  Dinner-table  Decorations. 


j«^ 


foliage  of  Glycine  sinensis.  The  leaves  of  the  last-named  plant 
areas  fresh  and  as  green  just  now  as  the  choicest  Ferns,  and  I  find 
them  very  useful  in  autumn.  I  liked  the  prize  an-angemeut  of 
Grasses  and  Ferns  mingled  with  a  few  flowers  which  appeared 
in  your  columns  a  week  or  two  ago ;  Init  I  have  just  been 
improving  on  it — at  least,  I  imagine  I  have — and  the 
result  is^  shown  in  the  accompanying  sketch.  I  have 
only  one  March  stand,  so  I  have  arranged  the  side  groups 
of  Ferns  and  Grasses  in  old  soup-plates  filled  with  wet 
sand.  Of  course  I  took  care  to  conceal  them  with  Fern 
fronds,  and  to  do  this  I  had  to  place  the  Ferns  closer  together 
than  I  should  have  done  had  I  possessed  glass  dishes.  I  have 
bought  as  many  ornamental  Grasses  for  a  few  shillings  as  will 
last  me  for  the  winter.  Immortelles  or  Everlastings  I  grow 
from  seed  sown  every  spring,  and  these  come  in  usefully 
during  the  winter,  when  other  flowers  are  scarce.  A.  very- 
pretty'  little  arrangement  for  a  small  tabic  is  a  flat  dish  or 


pi-oduce  two  or  three  crops  of  flowers  during  the  winter  and 
spring  months.  Left  on  the  plant,  these  last  for  weeks,  and  I 
have  kept  cut  blooms  of  this  Lily  for  at  least  a  fortnight  in 
charcoal  and  wet  sand.  Of  course,  I  do  not  mean  to  mamtaui 
that  the  decorations  which  I  now  recommend  are  superior  to 
those  formed  of  choice  Ferns,  Orchids,  and  the  flowers  of 
many  other  exotics,  but  I  venture  to  think  that  some  of  your 
readers,  who  are  fond  of  flowers,  would  not  object  to  use  some 
of  the  simple  and  pretty  combinations  I  have  here  suggested. 
In  spring  I  get  plenty  of  Snowdrops,  Narcissus,  Hepaticas, 
Crocuses  (both  yellow  and  purple  kinds),  and  occasionally  a 
few  buds  and  flowers  of  the  common  China  Rose,  which  flowers 
all  the  year  round,  trained  up  against  a  sunny  wall,  on  a  warm 
border.  Blue  Hyacinths  from  the  woods  are  also  very  pretty 
by  daylight,  but  arc  not  effective  at  night.  Arrangements  of 
spring  flowers  and  dried  Grasses,  with  a  few  Fern  fronds,  are 
not  to  be  despised.  " 


322 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Oct.  18, 1873. 


MR.  E.  H.  VERTEGAN'S  NURSERY,  EDGBBASTON. 
That  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  Stephenson  Place,  Birmingham, 
Mr.  Vertegans,  of  the  Chad  Valley  Nnrseries,  should  have  been  able 
to  make  a  most  effective  floral  display  during  the  past  few  weeks, 
notwithstanding  certain  atmospheric  conditions  that  can  scarcely  be 
anything  else  bnt  inimical  to  the  well-being  of  bright  flowers,  speaks 
much  for  the  progress  of  horticultural  enterprise.  The  little  semi- 
circular garden  in  front  of  his  dwelling-house  and  shop  has  been 
a-glow  with  many  brilliant  hues,  tempered  by  the  association  of  soft 
and  delicate  tints,  and  the  pleasant  effect  they  produced  has  been 
worked  out  with  common  material  arranged  with  much  taste  and 
skill.  The  best  part  of  the  semi-circnlar  garden  at  the  Chad  Valley 
Nurseries  is  formed  of  four  broad  bands  or  beds,  two  on  the  right 
hand  and  two  on  the  left  of  the  walk  leading  from  the  main  thorough- 
fare to  the  front  door  of  ilr.  Vertegan's  residence  and  parallel  with 
it.  These  beds  are  edged  with  Box,  and  there  are  narrow  gravel 
paths  on  either  side  of  them.  At  the  main  thoroughfare  end  of 
these  bods,  they  terminate  on  each  side  of  the  walk  in  a  bold  mass 
of  Silene  pendula,  that  has  a  telling  hue  of  glowing  pink  when  at 
its  best.  These  beds  were  carpeted  with  red  and  pink  double  Daisies, 
or  with  the  pretty  vaiiegated  form  known  as  Ancuba3folia,  as  thickly 
studded  with  flowers  as  it  was  possible  for  Daisies  to  be.  Along 
each  bed  were  four  circles,  the  outline  formed  of  Golden  Feather 
Pyrethrum,  and  carpeted  with  either  Myosotis  dissitiflora  or  M. 
sylvatica,  each  furnishing  a  disc  of  radiant  blue  ;  and  above  the  blue, 
a  canopy  of  some  bright-hned  Tulip.  The  Tulips  used  in  the  sixteen 
circles  were  single  varieties,  as  Canary  Bird,  pure  yellow ;  Scarlet  Van 
Thol,  Picx  Van  Thol,  Yellow  Pottebakker,  Prince  Achigne,  and 
Silver  Standard — all  very  fine  indeed,  and  most  effective  ;  and  such 
double  varieties  as  Couronne  Pourpre,  Gloria  Solis,  Tournesol,  and 
Eex  Rubrorum.  Each  bright-hued  Tulip  liarmonised  well  with  the 
surroundings,  and  out  of  these  simple  elenients  there  had  been  con- 
structed a  flower  garden  fit  for  a  royal  palace.  On  either  side  were 
spaces  where  white  double  Daisies  had  been  planted  in  diamonds, 
formed  with  a  line  of  pink  double  Daisies,  and  planted  with  mixed 
Tulips.  The  whole  is  edged  in  by  Laurels  and  other  evergreen  and 
flowering  trees  and  shrubs,  and,  at  its  very  best,  no  one  could  say  this 
pleasant  little  garden  was  offensive  by  the  presence  of  startling  colours. 
In  order  that  the  Tulips  should  be  effective,  Mr.  Vertegans  plants 
"  a  disc  wholly  of  one  variety,  and  plants  them  thickly.  The  Tulips 
used  by  Mr.  Vertegans  each  spring  are  increased  by  means  of  offsets 
each  year.  He  has  quite  a  plantation  of  these,  and  those  that  flower 
this  season  are  selected  for  planting  next  autumn,  to  bloom  the 
following  spring,  which  they  do  as  well  as  the  best  imported  Dutch 
bulbs.  Any  one  using  Tulips  for  spring  display  can  obtain  a  stock  in 
this  way,  if  the  soil  be  fitting  and  the  offsets  carefally  looked  after. 
In  a  sheltered  spot  close  by  this  garden  could  be  seen  beds  of  Sjiiraea 
japonica  coming  into  flower,  and  looking  as  well  as  ctmld  be  desired. 
Mr.  Vertegans  never  imports,  as  he  finds  he  can  grow  enough  of  this 
useful  plant  for  forcing  purposes  if  the  roots  be  looked  after  at  the 
right  time.  The  clumps  are  divided  immediately  after  blooming,  and 
are  then  allowed  to  remain  in  the  beds  for  two  seasons,  by  which  time 
they  are  fit  for  any  purpose.  The  beautiful  Lithospermum  pros- 
tratum,  growing  in  masses  on  rockwork  and  in  borders,  was  quite 
grand,  its  peculiar  hue  of  indigo  blue  being  very  effective.  I  never 
before  saw  TroUius  europiens  flower  so  well  as  it  does  with  Mr. 
Vertegans  at  Chad  Valley.  The  cool  moist  climate  of  Birmingham 
appears  to  suit  it  exactly,  and  it  is  a  grand  spring-flowering  plant. 
Rhododendrons  do  well  at  Chad  Valley,  and  so  extensive  has  Mr. 
Vertegans'  collection  of  them  become,  that  he  has  an  annual  show 
of  them  at  theEdgebaston  Botanic  Garden.  Following  in  the  footsteps 
of  his  friend,  the  late  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry,  Mr.  Vertegans  grows  his  dwarf 
Hoses  on  the  pegged-do^Tn  system,  and  nothing  can  look  and  promise 
better  than  they  do  this  season.  Mr.  Vertegans  stated  that  for  some 
years  past  he  has  grown  seedlings  of  the  Dog  Rose,  and  worked 
varieties  on  them  as  dwarfs.  A  general  nurseiy  stock  is  cultivated 
at  Chad  Valley,  and  the  glass  structures  are  frequently  being  added 
to.  A  choice  collection  of  Palms  occupies  one  of  them,  and  others 
contain  choice  kind-,  of  soft-wooded  plants.  R.  D. 


THE    FLOWER     GARDEN. 


An,  how  poor  and  formal  are  statues,  and  terraces,  and  rases,  and 
ribbon-patterns,  and  geometrical  designs,  and  bedding  out,  when 
compared  with  nature's  handiwork  !  and  though,  perhaps,  never  since 
the  days  of  the  grand  old  gardener  has  ornate  horticulture  attained 
Bo  great  a  splendour,  what  true  lover  of  flowers  is  really  satisfied 
with  our  gorgeous  modern  gardens  ?  We  treat  them,  for  the  most 
part,  as  a  child  with  a  new  box  of  paints :  his  pictures,  all  the  most 
glaring  colours,  are  crowded  together;  and  the  eye,  dazzled  and 
bewildered,  yearns  for  that  repose  and  harmony  which  in  nature, 
whether  in  the  few  flowerets  of  some  hidden  nook,  or  in  the  fiery 
autumnal  grandeur  of  some  mighty  forest,  diffuse  perpetual  peace. — 
A  Little  Tour  in  Ireland. 


SELECT  PENTSTEMONS. 
To  Pent-stemons,  as  border  flowers,  more  attention  is  being 
paid  every  da}-,  and  deservedly  so,  for  few  flowers  have  under- 
gone greater  improvement  than  these  have  during  the  last 
few  years.  The  flowers  in  the  best  kinds,  instead  of  drooping, 
are  tolerably  erect,  and  vei-y  different  from  those  of  the  old 
or  Gentianoidcs  style.  I  certainly  prefer  those  with  pure 
white  throats  to  any  others,  as  they  are  the  most  attractive  and 
beautiful,  although  some  of  the  others  are  also  very  pretty  and 
well  worth  growing.  By  having  two  ci-ops  of  cuttings,  one  in 
autumn  and  one  in  spring,  a  fine  display  of  bloom  can  be  had 
from  June  to  October.  Cuttings,  struck  in  autumn,  should 
be  planted  out  at  the  end  of  March  of  the  following  year,  and 
those  struck  in  spring  should  be  planted  out  in  June;  the 
autumn-struck  cuttings  will  flower  from  the  middle  or  end  of 
June  until  the  end  of  August,  when  the  spring  crop  will  be 
just  coming  into  flower,  and  will  last  until  the  middle  of 
October.  I  have  this  year  selected  the  following  as  being 
some  of  the  very  finest  in  cultivation,  viz. : — 

Rival. — Scarlet,   throat 


Cul;i.-ec. — Bright     purple,      throat 

white,  veined  with  brown. 
Wilt.      M.     Aleianiler.  —  Bluish- 
purple,  throat  white. 
Albert      TarOien.  —  Bright     rosy- 
purple,  throat  white. 
IF.  E.  Gumhleton. — Purple,  throat 

white. 
Vicfoi-  Ilwjo. — Bright  rose,  throat 

white. 
Aijnes  Laing. — Purple  tube, lighter 

lobes,  pure  white  throat. 
Bonne  Villoiieoise. — Scarlet,  throat 

white. 
^Vl^ite  Beauty.— White. 
Blach    Knight.  —  Blackish-purple, 

throat  white. 
Bessie  Andersoii. —  Rosy-carmine, 

pure  white  throat. 
CoiKyiteroc. ^Maroon -purple    tube, 

lilac  lobes,  throat  white. 
Apollo.  —  Bright  crimson,   throat 

white,  streaked  ivith  carmine. 
Calli'nje.  —  Carmine-scarlet,     rosy 

lobes,  throat  white,  veined  with 

crimson. 
Cafo.  —  Crimson-carmine,     scarlet 

lobes,  throat  white,  veined  with 

purple. 
Eclijyse.  —  Crimson-cLaret,       pure 

white  throat. 


cnmson,     pure 


Stanstead 

white. 
Picciola.  —  Deep 

white  throat. 
Wiii.Chas.  8a  undei:-. — Red-scarlet, 

throat  white,  veined  with  red. 
George      Sand.  —  Lavender-blue, 

throat  white. 
Henriette  de  Montesquion. — Deep 

pink,  throat  wiiite. 
M.   Chaheri. — Bright  rose,  throat 

white. 
3/a  rie  Held.. — Lavender  blue,  throat 

white, pencilled. 
Thos.   Moon. — Bright    rosy-purple, 

pure  white  thi-oat. 
Henri    Dema  ij. — Purphsh-crimson, 

throat  white. 
ilasterpiece.    —    Carmine,    throat 

white,  veined  with  red. 
La  Fontaine. — Scarlet,  pure  white 

throat. 
Jution. — Rosy-scarlet,    piu-c   white 

throat. 
Jules       Simon.  —  Lavender-blue, 

throat  white. 
Bridesmaid.— White. 
Ladij    Co'itts    Lindsag.  —  White, 

tinged  with  pink. 

E.  H.  B. 


THE  NEAPOLITAN  VIOLET. 
This  is  one  of  those  old-established  favourites  which  no 
amount  of  rivalship  can  displace,  and  which  still  maintains  its 
supremacy  as  the  Queen  of  "\'iolets.  It  is  grown  in  nearly 
every  garden,  but  with  very  yariable  success,  as,  in  the  majo- 
rity of  places,  it  is  only  seen  blooming  in  perfection  in  the 
spring,  while  in  others  it  is  full  of  bloom  during  the  six 
dullest  months  of  the  year.  Last  winter  we  began  gathering 
its  blossoms  in  the  first  week  in  October,  and  continued  to  do 
so  regularly  every  morning  until  May.  During  November, 
December,  and  January  we  used  them  in  large  quantities  for 
breakfast-table  decoration — a  small  glassful  to  each  guest — 
and,  used  in  that  way,  they  certainly  have  a  most  refreshing 
appearance.  The  cultivation  of  this  Violet  is  very  simple ; 
but,  like  most  other  things  the  amount  of  success  will  be  in 
proportion  to  the  care  and  attention  bestowed  on  it.  Our 
system  is  to  select  single  crown  runners  in  April,  and  to  plant 
them  about  a  foot  apart  on  a  shady  border.  AVe  keep  them 
well  watered  m  dry  weather,  frecjuently  hoed  amongst,  and 
every  runner  is  kept  cut  close  off  until  they  are  transplanted 
into  their  winter  quarters.  By  the  end  of  September  they  will 
be  covered  with  bloom-buds,  and  should  be  very  carefully  lifted 
ai'd  rc-plantcd  in  frames  with  a  due  south  aspect,  and  raised 
well  up  at  the  back,  as  every  ra}-  of  sunlight  must  be  utilised 
in  the  winter  to  improve  the  colour  of  the  opening  blooms  and 
to  help  on  the  buds.  We  fill  the  frames  nearly  full  of  stable 
manure,   which  gives  a  Ijottom-heat   sufficient  to  make  the 


Oct.  18,  1873.] 


TUB   GARDEN. 


323 


plants  get  thoroughly  estabKshed  before  winter,  and  we  plant 
sufficiently  high,  so  that,  wheu  settled  down,  the  blooms  almost 
touch  the  glass.  The  lights  are  kept  quite  off,  except  during 
raiufall,  when  they  arc  tilted  up  at  the  back,  or  during  sharp 
frost,  when  they  must  be  well  covered.  To  keep  the  blooms 
clean,  wc  cover  the  soil  with  coooa-fibre,  which  gives  the  whole 
bed  a  neat  clean  appeai'auce,  and  helps  to  retain  the  moisture, 
as  the  less  water  given  during  winter  the  better.  Any  amateur 
having  a  Cucumber  frame  to  winter  them  in,  and  a  nice  shady 
border  to  grow  the  plants  in  in  summer,  will  find  this  an  excel- 
lent plant  to  grow;  and,  if  treated  as  just  described,  success 
is  sure  to  be  the  result.  J.  Groom. 

Henliam. 


THE   SCARBOEOUGH  LILY. 

(VALLOTA   rUEPUREA.) 

Although  this  is  a  well-known  and  showy  bulb,  it  is  not  so 
generally  cultivated  as  it  deserves  to  be.  It  blooms  freely 
during  the  summer  and  autumn  months,  and  is  then  very 
ornamental  in  the  greenhouse  or  conservatory.  Beiug  an 
cvei'grcen  bulb,  it  should  not  be  dried  off  during  the  winter, 


Scarborough  Lily  (Vallota  purpurea.) 

or  the  plant  suffers  injury.  It  requires  very  little  heat,  and 
will  grow  and  bloom  in  a  cottage  window  for  years.  While 
growing  it  requires  abundance  of  water,  and  it  should  be 
potted  in  a  compost  of  loam,  leaf -mould,  and  sand.  It  is  readily 
propagated  by  means  of  offsets,  and  deserves  to  be  grown  in 
quantity  for  autumn  flowering  and  for  general  decorative 
pm-poses.  B.  W. 


MICHAELMAS  DAISIES. 
In  addition  to  the  species  of  Aster  recommended  at  p.  305  as  being 
most  worthy  of  a  place  in  gardens,  I  noticed  two  or  three  kinds  at 
Kow  this  week  which  struck  mo  as  being  very  ornamental  and 
distinct,  viz.,  A.  Drummondi,  a  graceful  plant,  in  aspect  somewhat 
like  A.  turbinellus,  bnt  not  so  dense,  and  only  about  2]  feet  high. 
Its  flowers  also  resemble  those  of  A.  turbinellus,  but  are  smallei-.  A 
kind  named  A.  oblongifolius  is  also  a  distinct  flowering  plant, 
producing  an  abundance  of  small  blue  flowers  in  clusters.  It  grows 
about  3^  feet  high,  and  makes  a  capital  border  plant.  A.  Chapmanni 
is  likewise  a  handsome  free-flowering  kind,  which  I  have  not  noticed 
at  Kew  before,  or  seen  in  any  other  collection.  It  attains  a  height 
of  about  4  feet,  is  thickly  studded  with  pale  blue  flowers  an  inch  or 
more  in  diameter,  and  much  resembles  A.  Shortii  in  habit  and  bloom, 
thongh  quite  distinct  from  that  kind  in  its  leaves,  which  are  vei-y 
long,  lance-shaped,  and  of  a  light  green  colour.     This  I  consider  to 


be  one  of  our  very  best  late  blooming  Asters.  Diplopappus  linariaj- 
folius,  a  plant  closely  allied  to  the  Asters,  is  also  blooming  freely  at 
Kew.  Its  stems,  which  are  woody  at  the  base,  are  very  leafy,  from 
10  to  20  inches  high,  and  the  flowers  are  of  a  p>alo  violet  colour,  and 
produced  freely  at  the  point  of  each  stem.  It  is  a  capital  plant  for 
rock-work  or  for  the  front  margin  of  mixed  borders,  associated  with 
such  Asters  as  versicolor,  lleevesi,  &o.  T.  S. 


Broken  Spikes  of  Pampas  Grass. — Can  any  of  your  readers 
account  for  the  following,  or  suggest  a  remedy  ?  I  have  a  fine  plant 
of  Pampas  Grass  of  a  good  white  colour,  and  opening  early.  It  has 
some  twenty  or  more  spikes  of  bloom  on  it  this  year,  and  almost 
daily  one  of  these  is  broken  off  and  there  seems  to  be  an  inclination 
to  curve  where  each  is  broken,  instead  of  growing  up  quite  straight, 
and  there  are  one  or  two  cuts  across  the  stem,  apparently  not  done 
by  an  insect.  There  has  been  no  wind  to  occasion  this,  and  no  other 
plant  of  Pampas  has  lost  a  single  spike.  It  is  particularly  noticeable 
as  this  plant  is  the  whitest,  and  has  the  largest  blooms  of  any  in  my 
garden.— J.  H.  W.  T. 

The  Seed  of  Gilia  coronopifolia. — It  is  well  known  to 
botanists  that  the  seeds  of  certain  Polemoniaceous  plants,  when 
moistened  with  water,  become  mucilaginous,  and  throw  out  from 
the  testa  an  immense  number  of  minute  spiral  filaments.  This 
phenomenon  is  well  seen  with  the  seeds  of  Collomia  coccinea;  it 
occurs  also  in  many  species  of  Gilia,  and  among  others  in  G.  aggre- 
gata,  better  known  as  Ipomopsis  aggregata.  Bnt  it  is  not  a  little 
singular  that,  in  the  closely-related  G.  coronopifolia  (Ipomopsis 
elegans  of  Miohaux),  the  seeds  are  neither  mucilaginous  nor  spirilli. 
forous — a  fact  which  was,  I  believe,  first  noticed  by  Professor  Asa 
Gray  in  his  "  Monograph  on  the  American  Polemoniacea;."  These 
two  species  may,  therefore,  be  readily  distinguished  from  each  other 
by  the  aid  of  a  few  drops  of  water  and  a  microscope  of  low  power. 
All  the  varieties  of  Ipomopsis  at  present  in  cultivation  are,  I  believe, 
referable  to  the  last-named  plant,  I.  elegans ;  but  I.  aggregata 
will  probably  not  be  long  absent  from  our  gardens. — T. 

Rare'Border  Plants  now  in  Bloom. — I  send  you  specimens  of 
several  interesting  flowers  now  out  in  my  garden.  Enceliacalifornica, 
light  yellow  with  a  dark  centre,  and  Haplopappus  laricifolius  are,  I 
believe,  new  to  cultivation.  I  raised  them  both  from  seeds  procured 
from  California  several  years  since  through  Mr.  Thompson,  of 
Ipswich.  The  Haplopappus  has  never  flowered  before,  and  the 
Bucelia but  poorly.  They  tell  me  at  Kew  that  both  are  rare.  The 
Haplopappus  forms  a  low  shrubby  little  bush,  and  is  now  covered 
with  little  yellow  flowers,  which  are  just  beginning  to  expand.  The 
Eacelia  forms  a  shrubby  bush  some  5  feet  high,  and  will  be  handsome 
if  the  weather  allows  it  to  expand  all  its  blossoms.  Neither  of  them 
is  quite  hardy  with  me,  and  I  take  them  into  the  greenhouse  in 
winter.  Actinomeris  virginiana  and  Aster  amygdalinus,  which  are 
both  now  very  handsome,  are  quite  hardy.  Arctotis  aureola,  which 
has  large  bright  orange  flowers,  is  one  of  the  plants  which  the  late 
Mr.  Augustus  Smith  grew  so  well  at  Tresco  Abbey.  It  is  not  quite 
bardy  here,  but  forms  a  handsome  summer  and  autumn  bedding 
plant.  The  purple  Bergamot,  Monarda  pm-purea,  has  been  one  of  my 
gayest  plants  for  weeks.  Eurybia  ramulosa  is  quite  hardy  in  the 
south  of  England,  but  must  be  protected  in  winter  here.  Helianthus 
gigauteus,  which  I  also  raised  from  Mr.  Thompson's  Calif orniau  seeds, 
is  now  overtopping  a  wall  10  feet  high  with  its  handsome  flowers. 
Aster  longifolius  formosns  (alias  A.  triuervis,  and  Madame  Soynnce)  ,of 
which  I  also  send  a  specimen,  is  quite  a  gem,  its  handsome  mauve- 
colourcd  flowers  being  produced  in  the  greatest  possible  profusion.  It 
is  a  plant  which  should  be  in  every  garden.— H.  HAiiruR  Ceewe, 
Dmijton-IleauclMmp  Bedonj,  Triiirj. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWEE  GAEDEN. 

Vernonia  noveboracensis.— This  -sagorous  Rrowin?  perennial  is  now  pro- 
ducing rosy-purple  flowers  in  abundance  at  Kew.  Although  the  stems  are 
somewhat  iiakoil,  it  might  be  used  with  good  effect  in  shrubberies  along  with 
such  Asters  as  Novffi  AngUse,  or  among  vigorous  perennials  in  semi-wild  situa- 
tions.—T. 

Eudheckia  Newmannii.— This  name  having  occurred  in  some  recent 
numbers  of  The  Gaedek,  I  shall  bo  glad  to  be  informed  of  the  authority  for  it, 
as  I  find  no  such  species  recorded  in  any  work  at  hand,  and  it  is  not  recognised 
at  Kew.  I  have  twice  received  specimens  so  named,  both  differing  from  each 
other,  one  being  the  well-known  R.  speciosa  (Wender),  the  other  R.  laciniata,  or 
one  of  its  forms. — W.  T. 

A  New  Hardy  Bamboo.— Under  the  name  of  Bambnsa  sulphurea,  M. 
Carriere  describes  a  perfectly  hardy  species  of  Bamboo  now  growing  in  the 
Jardin  I'Acclimatation,  in  Paris.  In  general  appearance,  it  resembles  B.  viridi- 
glaucescens,  but  is  not  so  vigorous  ;  the  stems  arc  somewhat  spreading,  and  of 
a  fine  sulphur-yellow  colour ;  the  leaves  are  of  a  light-green  on  the  upper 
surface,  and  giaucescent  underneath.  M.  Carriere  states  that  ho  h.as  never 
known  this  species  to  vary.  Unlike  the  other  yellow -stemmed  kinds,  which 
are  very  tender,  it  requires 'no  shelter  in  wmter.  It  was  first  introduced  about 
1865. 


324 


THE  GAEDEN. 


[Oct.  18,  18';3. 


COLOURS,  ODOURS,  AND  HABITS  OF  FUNGI. 
Every  one   (saya  Mr.   Worthington    Smith  in   CasselVs   Maija^ine) 
wlio  has  rambled  in  the  woodlands  in  October  must  have   noticed 
the   large    number    of    crimson.topped    Toadstools,    snch    as    are 
generally    selected     by     painters    to     accompany     little     delicate 
groups    of     autumn     flowers    and    fruits ;    and    there    is     seldom 
an   exhibition   of   pictures   Tvherein   a   painting   of   these    crimson- 
topped  Agarics  does  not  appear.      These  plants  mostly  belong  to  a 
distinct   tribe   called   Russula    (on  account  of  the  red  tints  of  its 
members),  and  nearh-  all  of  the  species  are  virulently  poisonous. 
The  most  striking  in  colour  is  certainly  Russula  emetica,  in  vrhich 
jilant  the  top  is  of  the  most  intense  and  vivid  carmine;  it  is  some- 
what uncommon,  and   highly  poisonous,  and  it  may  be  known  from 
all  other  species  by  its  Qesh  being  always  red  under  the  skin,  which 
readily  peels  off.     By  a  most  unfortunate  mistranslation  by  Berkeley, 
in  his  '•  Outlines,"  of  the  original  Latin  description  of  this  plant, 
the  flesh  is  by  him  said  to  be  white  under  the  skin,  which  is  contrary 
to  the  fact,  and  in  the  more  recent  "  Handbook  "  by  Cooke  this  error 
is  copied.     Far  more  common  is  a  smaller  crimson  Agaric,  known  as 
Kussula  fragilis.     It  breaks  with  a  touch,  and  its   crimson   colour 
often  passes  into  rose  and  purple,  and  it  is  equally  poisonous  with 
the  last.     Amongst  other  red  species,  we  get  E.  sanguinea,  blood-red 
and  very  acrid  ;  R.   rosacea,  rosy-red  and  poisonous  ;   and  R.  rubra, 
highly  poisonous — all  these  plants  have  the  gills  (or  lower  surface) 
white  in  colour.      Now  there  is  one,  and  one  only,  crimson-topped 
Agaric   with    the   lower    surface    buff.yellow,   and   this   one   is   R. 
alutacca,  a   delicious    esculent.      A   common  crimson   Toadstool   in 
Birch  districts  is  Agaricus  muscarius.     It  is  soft  to  the  touch  like 
crumb  of  bread  (not  harsh  and  rigid,  like  all  the  Russute),  and  its 
top  is  covered  with  white  or  yellow  warts.     Its  properties  are  highly 
narcotic,  intoxicating,  and  poisonous.     The  green  colour  so  common 
amongst  flowering  plants  is  almost  unknown  in  Fungi,  and  when  it 
does  occur  it  is  of  a  peculiar  verdigris  hue,  and  uninviting  to  the 
taste,  but  almost   invaluable  to  the   artist   from  its  peculiarity  of 
shade.     Such  a   green-tinted   plant   is   Russula  vireseens,  which  is, 
strangely  enough,  a  valued  esculent.     It  is,  however,  closely  allied 
to   a   highly  dangerous  green   species   in   E.  f  areata.     A  close  ally 
(dark  green  in  colour)  of  the  meadow  JIushroom  itself  is  found  in 
Agaricus  ajruginosus.      This  deleterious   Fungus   is  found   on   and 
about   stumps   in   woody  places,   and   is  not   uncommon.     Another 
green-tinted,  fragrant,  and,  moreover,  delicious  Toadstool   for   the 
table  is  met  with  in  A.  odorus.     So  diverse  and  beautiful  are  the 
hues  to  be  found  amongst   Fungi,  that  perhaps  there   is   no  tint 
known,  however  splendid,  but  it  may  be  seen  adorning  some  Fungus. 
The  Hygrophorus  group  amongst  Agarics  is  so  named  on  account  of 
the  watery  consistence  of  many  of  the  species,  and  it  is  particularly 
to   this   gi-oup  that   surpassing   brilliance   of    colour  belongs ;    the 
species  are  all  more  or  less  common,  and  their  place  of  growth  is  in 
pastures  and   grassy  places.     Among  crimsons   there   is   the   noble 
llygrophorus  puniceus,   H.  coccineus,  H.  conicus,  and   others  ;    but 
the   golden-yellow  plants   among  this   group  are   truly  refulgent  in 
tint ;  snch  are  H.  obrusaeus,   H.  chlorophanus,  H.  ceraceus,  and  H. 
turundus.     These  curious  plants,  when  seen  in  abundance  amongst 
the  short  Grass  of  downs,  look  like  veritable  flakes  of  fire.     Not  less 
worthy  of  remark   in   this   group  are  the  species  notable  for  their 
dazzling  and  perfect  whiteness,  as   H.  virgineus  and  H.  ebumens  ; 
whilst  in  H.  psittacinus  we  find  the  exact  blending  of  rich  green  and 
yellow  so  striking  in  some  parrots,  hence  its  specific  name.     There 
are  several  of  the  rigid  Russulos  before  mentioned  having  their  upper 
surface  tinted  with  the  purest  shades  of  yellow,  the  most  noteworthy 
being  Russula   anrata   and   R.   ochroleuca.      Few  Fungi   are  more 
frequent  than  Peziza  aurantia  ;    it  is  not  uncommon  in  the  paths  of 
subm-ban   gardens,  and  it  has   even   been   seen   in   the   Kingsland 
Road.     It  forma  cups  1  or  2  inches  in  diameter,  of  a  brilliant  orange- 
yellow,  and  shines  like  burnished  gold. 

Magnificent  shades  of  purple  and  blue  are  found  in  the  grotip 
known  as  Cortinarius,  so  called  from  the  interwoven  mass  of  fine 
web-work  (like  thai  of  the  spider)  with  which,  in  this  genus,  the 
stem  is  furnished.  Cortinarius  dibaphus  has  the  upper  surface 
tinted  with  an  intensely  brilliant  and  pure  purple,  whilst  the  stem  is 
an  equally  brilliant  yellow,  suffused  with  amber.  C.  Bulliardi  has  the 
upper  surface  bright  maroon-crimson,  the  stem  amethyst,  and  the 
bulb  and  threads  of  spawn,  in  and  tipon  the  ground,  blood-red.  C. 
sanguineus  is  in  every  part  of  t)ie  plant  intense  blood-red.  C. 
porphyropus  is  suffused  with  a  lovely  purple-liKe  porphyry.  C.  cin- 
nabarinua  ia  tinted  with  such  a  vivid  vermilion  that  no  artificial 
colour  can  imitate  it,  and  C.  ca;rulescens,  C.  pnrpurascens,  C.  violaceus 
are  (as  is  indicated  by  their  respective  names)  tinted  with  various 
shades  of  blue,  puqile,  and  violet.  An  allied  plant,  C.  armillatus, 
otherwise  entirely  cinnamon  in  colour,  is  remarkable  for  having  a 
narrow  blood-red  line  carried  like  a  zone  round  the  stem.  Of  pure 
white  Fungi  there  is  a  large  number,  and  one  of  these — Agaricus 


resplendens — cannot  be  passed  without  a  remark.  When  met  with  in 
any  abundance  it  gives  a  striking  character  to  the  scene.  The  top  is 
lustrous,  white,  and  silky,  and  shines  like  polished  silver. 

Omitting  all  the  duller  shades  of  brown  and  grey  amongst  Fungi, 
we  will  now  pass  on  to  the  black.  Every  stroller  who  has  walked 
through  a  woody  place  in  autumn  must  have  observed  rigid  Agarics 
(often  overturned  and  wet)  as  black  as  jet ;  these  are  specimens  of 
Russula  nigricans,  a  common  apeciea,  and  remarkable  from  the  fact 
that  in  decay  it  is  the  nidus  for  another  Agaric,  which  grows  upon  ita 
top.  The  parasite  is  Nyctalis  asterophora,  so  named  because  in  ita 
turn  it  is  preyed  upon  by  another  parasite,  this  time  starry  in  form. 
Hygrophorus  metapodius  is  jet-black,  and  many  other  plants,  as 
Lactarius  blennius,  are  very  black  in  colour.  Not  the  least  remark, 
able  point  in  connection  with  the  colouring  assumed  by  Fungi,  is  the 
instantaneous  change  of  colour  of  some  species  when  touched  or 
broken.  Gather  a  specimen  of  the  common  Boletus  luridus;  the 
under  surface  is  dark  crimson-red  ;  pass  the  finger  gently  over  it,  and 
it  leaves  a  trail  of  Prussian  blue ;  break  it,  and  its  white  fiesh  instantly 
changes  at  first  to  bright  blue,  then  ashy-brown.  In  Fir  districts 
Lactarius  deliciosus  is  a  common  Fungus.  Break  it,  and  it  pours  out 
milk  of  a  brilliant  orange  colour,  which  rapidly  changes  to  an  equally 
brilliant  green ;  this  plant,  moreover,  as  its  name  imports,  is  a 
delicious  addition  to  the  table.  Lactarius  fuliginosus  is  also  very 
common  :  break  it,  and  it  turns  red.  L.  chrysorrha3us,  if  broken, 
turns  sulphur-yellow.  Both  the  latter  are,  however  (unlike  the  first), 
acrid  and  dangerous  poisons.  A  snowy-white  Agaric  is  sometimes 
found  in  greenhouses,  which,  when  touched,  instantly  changes  colour 
to  carmine.  We  have  confined  ourselves  here  to  the  mere  tints  put 
on  by  some  of  the  commonest  of  our  more  than  three  thousand  species 
of  British  Ftmgi,  and  we  now  leave  the  subject  with  the  knowledge 
that  in  this  paper  we  have  not  even  neared  the  threshold  of  the 
study.  Of  the  truly  wonderful  Fungoid  forms  we  have  said 
nothing.  Many  are  umbrella-shaped,  but  some  closely  mimic  the 
brains  and  mesenteries  of  animals,  some  open  like  stars  of  the 
most  perfect  geometric  pattern,  and  others  take  the  shape  of  bowls 
or  fonts. 

The  odours  of  Fungi  are  innumerable,  and  often  most  singular  and 
potent.  Hygrophorus  cossns  and  Cortinarius  tragranus  (as  ia 
indicated  by  their  names)  smell  powerfully  of  the  larva  of  the  goat- 
moth,  or  of  the  goat  itself.  Agaricus  incanua  is  potent  of  mice,  A. 
cucumis  of  decaying  fish,  Marasmius  fa?tidus  of  the  most  offensive 
carrion,  A.  gloiocephalus  of  rotten  Beana.  Some  are  fragrant,  as  A. 
fragrans  ;  others  are  equally  disagreeable,  as  Russula  foetens.  Again, 
what  an  immense  field  is  open  to  research  in  the  microscopic  structure 
of  Fungi — their  fruit,  and  its  germination  and  inconceivable  minute- 
ness, upwards  of  a  million  reproductive  bodies,  called  spores  (which 
are  analogous  to  seeds),  from  some  species  being  small  enough  to 
be  placed  side  by  side  on  the  head  of  a  pin.  Tet  these  atoms  can  be 
made  to  artificially  germinate,  and  the  process  can  be  watched  tmder 
the  higher  powers  of  the  microscope. 

The  habits  and  habitats  of  Fungi  form  another  vast  field  of  interest. 
Some  Fungi  only  fix  themselves  on  the  top  of  others,  like  the  Old 
Man  of  the  Sea  on  the  back  of  Sindbad  ;  some  confine  themselves 
to  dead  caterpillars,  horses'  hoofs,  damp  walls  and  ceilings,  bones, 
tan,  flies,  and  other  diverse  things,  whilst  a  whole  army  of  micros- 
copic maraadera  attack  our  vegetablea,  fruits,  preserves,  and  meats, 
our  clothes  and  books,  and  even  the  roof-tree  itself,  as  the  dry-rot 
proves.  Many  Fungi  are  terrestrial ;  a  few  grow  in  water,  on 
submerged  bodies ;  others  are  subterranean,  as  all  the  Trufiies ;  and  a 
vast  number  grow  upon  trees.  Some  are  soUtary,  others  gregarious ; 
some  grow  in  scattered  irregular  patches,  whilst  a  considerable 
proportion  grow  in  circles,  in  beautifully  formed  fairy  rings,  regarding 
which  country  folks  have  to  this  day  such  weird  beliefs.  In  short,  in 
spite  of  its  despised  name — the  Toadstool — the  Fungus  is  a  most 
interesting  object  in  natui-al  history,  and  well  worthy  of  attention  in 
an  autnmn  ramble. 


There  ia  one  city  of  the  East  of  biblical  and  historical  renown, 

which  is  surrounded,  says  Good  Words,  on  all  sides  by  deserts ;  but 
which,  to  the  astonishment  of  the  traveller,  who  heis  been  toiling  for 
days  over  burning  sands  to  reach  its  gates,  presents  to  the  ej-e,  as  he 
,  enters,  a  wonderful  succession  of  gardens  gay  with  the  richest  verdure 
and  the  most  gorgeous  blooms.  Above  that  city — the  most  ancient, 
perhaps,  in  the  world — above  that  desert-girdled  city,  Damascus — 
towers  the  lofty  Lebanon,  with  ita  snow-clad  head  piercing  the 
fleecy  clowds  of  a  summer  sky.  It  is  in  its  lofty  summits  that  the 
secret  of  the  wonderful  verdure  lies.  There,  in  those  snows  that 
mingle  with  the  clouds,  are  the  inexhaustible  fountains  of  the 
innumerable  rills  of  water  by  which,  in  Damascus,  the  desert  has 
been  turned  into  a  garden,  and  the  wilderness  made  to  blossom 
as  the  Rose. 


Oct.  18, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


325 


GODFREY'S  POT  PLUNGER. 

This  is  a  useful  addition  to  our  garden  tools.  Its  handle,  as 
will  bo  seen,  is  like  that  of  an  ordinary  spade,  and  the  base 
consists  of  a  heavy  oast-iron  dibber,  shaped  to  make  a  hole  to 
hold  a  pot,  leaving  a  vacuum  below  for  drainage  purposes, 
and  to  prevent  worms  from  entering  the  pots.  This  implement 
is  only  made  to  suit  -iS  and  00-sized  pots;  but  it  could  be  made 
to  suit  any  sized  pot,  and  the  handle  might  be  of  any  required 
length.  In  nsiug  it,  it  should  be  plunged  into  the  ground  up 
to  the  rim,  giving  it  a  slight  turn  round  so  as  to  throw  olf 
any  earth  adhering  to  it,  then  withdraw  it,  and  insert  the  pot 
as  shown  in  our  illustration.  The  weight  of  the  implement 
soon  niakes  the  desired  hole  with  but  little  exertion  on  the 
part  of  the  operator,  if  the  ground  is  at  all  pliable,  and  the 
expedition  with  which  the  work  is  performed  soon  repays  the 
cost  of  the  instrument.  For  plunging  Tomatoes,  Vegetable 
Marrows,  and  Cucumbers  in  frames  in  market-gardens,  before 
theyai-e  fiually  planted  out,  this  tool  would  be  very  serviceable; 
and   in  nurseries,  where  young   Gape  Heaths,   hard-wooded 


greenhouse  plants  in  general,  herbaceous  and  Alpine  plants, 
&c.,  are  so  extensively  plunged  out  of  doors  in  summer,  it 
will  be  found  to  be  indispensable. 


TENNYSON'S  KNOWLEDGE  OF  TREES. 
Wordsworth,  in  the  supplementary  preface  coutained  in  the  second 
volume  of  his  works,  asserts  in  the  most  emphatic  way  the  deplor- 
able ignorance  of  "  the  most  obvious  and  important  phenomena  "  of 
nature  which  characterises  the  poetical  literature  of  the  period 
intervening  between  the  publication  of  the  "Paradise  Lost  "and 
the  "  Seasons."  It  is  to  be  feared  that  his  opinion  is,  to  a  large 
extent,  justified  by  the  facts  of  the  case.  A  very  cursory  e.-iamiua. 
tion  of  the  productions  of  the  poets  who  flourished  during  the  seventy 
years  referred  to  will  suffice  to  show  how  little  they  were  affected  by 
the  manifold  beauty  and  grandeur  of  the  visible  universe  everywhei'e 
around  them.  In  this  respect  they  centrast  unfavourably,  not  only 
with  their  successors  of  the  present  century,  which  might  have  been 
expected,  but  mth  those  of  the  two  preceding  centuries  as  well.  The 
latter,  whose  works  embrace  a  period  dating  back  a  hundred  years 
from  Milton,  display,  generally,  a  much  more  accurate  acquaintance 
with  the  appearance  and  phenomena  of  the  natural  world,  and  spon. 
taneousness  in  the  expression  of  it,  than  the  school  of  Dryden  and 
Pope,  who  may  be  regarded  as  the  most  conspicuous  examples  of 
Wordsworth's  strictures.  Of  Pope,  particularly,  it  might  almost  be 
said  that  from  his  writings  it  could  scarcely  be  inferred  that  there 
was  much  else  in  existence  than  courts,  and  fashions,  and  scandal — 
not  much,  at  all  events,  that  was  worth  cariug  for.  He  excelled  in 
the  representation  of  the  modish  life  of  the  day — its  line  ladies  with 
their  patches,  its  fine  gentlemen  with  their  periwigs,  and  its  general 
artificiality.     Of  nature  in  its  endless  continuity,  and  variety,  and 


mysteriousness,  which  has  stirred  the  hearts  of  men  in  every  age, 
and  kindled  many  smaller  poets  into  enthusiasm,  ho  knew  and  cared 
little,  and  the  trim  alleys  and  botanical  distortions  of  Versailles  which 
he  has  characteristically  described,  may  be  taken  as  typical  of  his  own 
inspiration  on  the  matter.  It  may  be  worth  while  mentioning,  as  a 
pertinent  illustration  of  these  conmients,that  in  his  pocmof  "  Windsor 
Forest,"  with  the  exception  of  a  semi-patriotio  allusion  to  the  Oak,  in 
connection  with  ship. building,  there  is  not  a  reference  to  a  single  forest 
tree,  not  even  to  any  of  those  famous  historical  Oaks  which  abound 
in  the  locality.  Nature,  and  simplicity,  in  truth,  had  gone  out  of 
fashion,  and  were  not  much  in  vogue  again  till  far  on  in  the  century. 
Darwin,  a  mere  poetaster  compared  with  the  genius  of  Twicken- 
ham, is  a  well-known  instance  of  the  opposite  defect — of  the  absence 
of  poetic  fire  rather  than  of  a  taste  for  the  delights  of  the  country. 
His  "  Botanic  Garden"  is  a  dreary  mechanical  affair,  several  degrees 
worse  and  more  unreadable  than  Cowley's  "Plants,"  a  century 
earlier.  Both  are  constructed  on  an  altogether  erroneous  principle. 
Science  is  science,  and  poetry  is  poetry,  and  while,  as  is  well  illus- 
trated  in  "  The  Princess  "  and  "  In  Memoriam,"  the  scientific  spirit 
may  be  distinctly  present,  yet  anything  like  a  formal,  didactic 
attempt  at  amalgamation  is  certain  to  prove  a  failure.  Although 
belonging  to  an  earlier  date  than  the  sterile  period  referred  to, 
George  Herbert  might  also  be  quoted  here  as  a  case  of  poetic 
talent  of  a  very  genuine  kind,  yet  miaccompanied  by  much  per- 
ception of  natural  beauty  or  picturesqueness.  He  has  sometimes 
been  likened  to  Keble,  a  brother  churchman  and  clergyman,  but 
between  the  two,  in  their  feeling  and  apprehension  of  the  wonders  of 
creation,  the  difference  is  singular  and  complete.  Herbert's  strong 
point  was  spiritual  anatomy.  His  probing  and  exposure  of  the  deceits 
and  vanities  of  the  human  heart,  and  his  setting  forth  of  the  dangers 
of  the  world  to  spirituality  of  mind,  is  at  once  quaint  and  incisive. 
But  of  any  love  or  special  knowledge  of  the  physical  world  there  is 
scai'cely  a  trace.*  Keble's  poetry,  on  the  other  hand,  quite  as 
'unworldly  as  that  of  the  author  of  "The  Temple,"  is  redolent  every- 
where of  the  sights  and  sounds  of  nature.  'The  seasons  with  their 
endless  changes,  the  motions  of  the  heavenly  bodies,  the  fragrance  of 
the  field,  trees,  rivers,  mountains,  and  all  material  things,  are  assi- 
milated, so  to  speak,  into  the  very  essence  of  his  verse.  That  very 
world  which  to  Herbert  was  only  base  and  utterly  indifferent,  seemed 
to  Keble,  to  use  his  own  words,  "  ennobled  and  glorified,"  and 
awakened  in  his  soul  poetical  emotions  of  the  highest  and  purest  kind. 
It  is  unnecessary  to  enter  into  much  detail  in  order  to  show,  how 
much  more  truly  than  himself,  Pope's  predecessors,  and  especially 
those  of  the  Elizabethan  era,  were  entitled  to  the  designation  of  poets 
of  nature.  Shakespeare,  Spenser,  the  two  Fletchers,  Milton,  and 
many  others,  might  be  adduced  in  confirmation.  With  reference  to 
botany,  it  is  evident  that  the  greatest  of  the  tribe,  in  his  universality 
of  knowledge,  flowing  over  into  every  region  of  human  research,  was 
well  acquainted  with  the  subject  in  its  two-fold  aspect — trees  and 
flowers.  Many  beautiful  floral  descriptions  occur  in  the  plays,  and 
although  the  arboricultural  allusions  are  less  frequent,  they  are  suffi- 
ciently numerous  to  justify  the  belief  that  his  knowledge  was  both 
extensive  and  accurate.  Perhaps  the  most  important  passage  of  the 
kind  is  where  Cranmer,  "  dilating  on  a  wind  of  prophecy,"  portrays, 
under  the  figure  of  a  "Mountain  Cedar,"  the  future  gloi-ies  of  the 
reigns  of  Elizabeth  and  her  successor.f  Milton  has  many  striking 
and  appropriate  images  borrowed  from  trees.  His  artistic  use  of  the 
Pine  as  a  simile  for  Satan's  spear, 

to  equal  which  the  tallest  Pine, 
Hewn  on  Norwegian  hills  to  be  the  mast 
Of  some  great  admiral,  were  but  a  wand ; 
and   the   comparison  of  the   rebel  host   to   blasted  Pines,  are   fine 
examples  of  the  poetical  transmutation  of  botanical  knowledge.     Still 
finer  is  the  exquisite  description  in   "  Lycidas  "  of  the  vernal  flowers 
strewn  on  the  hearse  of   his  lamented  friend.     And,  not  to  multiply 
quotations  further,   the  vale  of  Vallombrosa  has  been  immortalized 
for  ever  by  three  lines  in  "  Paradise  Lost."t     In  later  poetry,  not  of 
the  present  century,  Sheustone  and  Cowper  were  both  genuine  lovers 
of  nature,  and  their  works  abound  with  passages  relating  to  rural 
pleasures  and  scenery.    Cowper,  indeed,  might  be  styled i>ai'  ercellence 
the  poet  of  the  country.     No  one  ever  believed  more  thoroughly  than 
himself  in  his  own  epigrammatic  line. 

God  made  the  country,  and  man  made  the  town. 
The  revolution  in  the  poetical  taste  of  the  time,  afterwards  consum. 

*  One  of  his  bio^aphera  has  discovered  a  solitary  vei'se,  on  tlie  faith  of 
wMcli  he  complacently  assumes  that   Herbert  "was  thoroughly  alive  to  the 
sweet  influences  of  nature." 
t  Commentators  affirm  Ben  Johnson  to  be  the  author  of  the  hnes  referred  to. 
t  Till  on  the  beach 
Of  that  inflamed  sea  he  stood,  and  call'd 
His  legions,  angel  forms,  who  lay  iutranc'd 
Thick  as  autumnal  leaves  that  strew  the  l:irook3 
In  Vallombrosa. 


326 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  18,  1873. 


mated  by  Wordsworth,  was  mainly  initiated  by  the  recluse  o£ 
Olney.  In  Shenstone's  poems,  now,  it  is  to  be  feared,  little  read, 
there  are  some  verses  bearing  on  the  subject  of  this  essay  which  have 
a  curious  resemblance  to  Mr.  Tennyson's  famous  sontr,  "  Come  into 
the  garden,  Maud."  We  quote  eight  lines  to  be  found  in  the  piece 
designated  a  "  Pastoral  Ballad,  in  Four  Parts  ;  " — 

From  the  plains,  from  the  woodlands  and  groves, 

^^^lat  strains  of  wild  melody  How  ! 
How  the  nightingales  warble  their  loves 

From  thickets  of  Roses  that  blow  ! 

*  *  *  s  »  « 

Then  the  Lily  no  longer  is  white  ; 

Then  the  Rose  is  deprived  of  its  bloom  ; 
Then  the  Violets  die  with  despite, 

And  the  ^Voodbiues  give  up  their  perfume. 
Tiie  ring  and  manner  of  this  is  very  similar  to  Mr.  Tennyson's  com- 
position, and  although  the  measure  is  a  little  different,  these  verses 
might  be  interpolated  in  the  modern  song  without  in  the  least  im. 
pairing  its  harmony,  or  affecting  its  verisimilitude. 

The  most  distinguished  names  in  the  list  of  the  natural  poets  of 
the  present  century  are  undoubtedly  Sir  Walter  Scott,  Wordsworth, 
and  Mr.  Tennyson.  Of  the  two  former  it  may  be  said,  in  passing, 
that  they  have  probably  done  more  than  anybody  else  to  foster  the 
modern  idea  of  nature,  and  the  love  of  wild  and  picturesque  scenery. 
Our  business,  however,  is  more  particularly  with  Mr.  Tennyson,  and 
with  the  evidences  of  botanical  knowledge  to  be  found  in  his  works — 
that  part  of  botany,  at  least,  relating  to  trees.  These  allusions,  we 
apprehend,  are  more  numerous,  and  show  more  insight  and  acquaint- 
ance with  the  forms,  and  processes,  and  changes  characteristic  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  forest  than  those  of  any  other  modern  author. 
His  verse  in  this  respect  differs  from  other  descriptive  poetry  chiefly 
in  this,  that  his  notices  are  not  general  appellations  or  similitudes 
applicable  equally  to  any  or  all  trees,  but  are  specific,  cjcact,  and  true 
only  in  the  particular  case.  Thomson,  for  example,  in  the  "Seasons," 
is,  in  general,  curiously  vague  in  his  descriptions.  He  generalises 
constantly,  and  presents  his  readers  with  broad  effects  sketched  c/i 
masse,  instead  of  individual  details.  Such  phrases  as  "  sylvan 
glades,"  "  vocal  groves,"  "  umbrageous  shades,"  and  the  like, 
frequently  occur,  doiug  duty  in  place  of  more  minute  representations. 
Sir.  Tennyson,  on  the  other  hand,  and  Sir  Walter  Scott  and  Words- 
worth may  also  be  included,  pursues  exactly  the  contrary  method.  His 
descriptions  are,  nearly  always,  pictures  of  particular  places  instead 
of  fancy  sketches,  and  the  distinguishing  features  are  given  inci- 
dentally in  the  course  of  the  narrative.  Where,  again,  particular 
trees  are  referred  to,  it  is  almost  invariably  with  a  phrase  or  an 
epithet  clenching  the  description  as  precisely  as  a  paragraph  from 
Evelyn  or  Loudon.  And,  as  poetr'y,  these  casual,  accidental  bits  of 
descriptive  writing  are  infinitely  more  effective  than  any  amount  of 
versified  disquisition,  of  the  Darwin  sort,  on  the  processes  of  vegeta. 
tion.  Slight,  too,  though  in  many  cases  they  are,  they  indicate  a 
deep  appreciation  of  the  results  and  tendencies  of  modern  science. 
In  what  remains  of  this  paper  it  is  proposed,  a  little  in  detail,  to 
adduce  evidence  from  Mr.  Tennyson's  poems  in  support  of  the  views 
we  have  expressed.  It  will  not  be  necessai-y  to  go  over  the  whole 
field,  and  we  shall  therefore  select  a  few  of  the  more  important  trees, 
and  see  to  what  extent  his  notices  of  them  are  corroborative  of  these 
preliminary  remarks.  The  Ash  will  be  the  first  example,  and  the 
reference  in  the  lines  quoted  below  is  to  the  proverbial  lateness  of  this 
tree  in  developing  its  foliage.  It  forms  part  of  the  prince's  song  in 
the  "  Princess  :  "■ — ■ 

Why  lingereth  she  to  clothe  her  heart  with  love. 

Delaying  as  the  tender  Ash  delays 

To  clothe  herself,  when  all  the  woods  are  green  ? 

This  is  a  very  striking  comparison,  happily  expressed,  and,  beside 
serving  its  immediate  purpose,  corrects  an  erroneous   notion  some- 
what popular,  that  sometimes  the  Ash  and  sometimes  the  Oak  is  in 
leaf  first.     Then,  again,  in  the  "  Gardener's  Daughter,"  Juliet's  eyes 
and  hair  are  thus  described  : — 

Love,  unperceived, 
Came,  drew  your  pencil  from  you,  .made  those  eyes 
Darker  than  darkest  Pansies,  and  that  hair 
More  black  than  Ash-buds  in  the  front  of  March  ; 

a  fact  which  all  observers  of  the  phenomena  of  the  spring  months 
will  recognise  as  accurate. 

The  Lime  seems  a  special  favourite  of  Mr.  Tennyson,  so  lovingly 
and  frequently  does  he  use  it  for  illustration.  There  is  nmch  imita- 
tive beauty  in  the  well-known  lines,  (also  from  the  "  Gai-dcner's 
Daughter")  which  form  the  conclusion  of  the  description  of  a 
cathedral  city — possibly  Peterborough  : — 

And  all  about  the  large  Lime  feathers  low. 
The  Lime  a  eunmier  home  of  mm-murous  wings. 

The  giving  out  of  branches  close  to  the  ground  is  a  noticeable  habit 


of  the  Lime,  as  ic  is  also,  to  some  extent,  of  the  Elm,  particularly  in 
Devonshire.  The  mode,  growth,  and  the  development  of  the  branches 
are  still  further  illustrated  : — 

Xot  thi-ice  your  branching  Limes  have  blown 
Since  I  beheld  young  Laurence  dead. 
The  epithet  "  branching "  refers  to  another  peculiarity — the 
number  and  intricacy  of  the  branches  in  the  centre  of  the  tree.  On 
this  point  Mr.  Leo  Grindon,  a  good  authority,  says : — "  So  dense  is 
the  mass,  that  to  climb  a  full-grown  tree  is  nearly  impossible."  The 
frequent  use  of  the  Lime  for  avenues  and  walks,  a  practice  still  more 
prevalent  on  the  continent,  is  very  pictorially  stated :  — 

and  overhead. 
The  broad  ambrosial  aisles  of  lofty  Lime 
Made  noise  with  bees  and  breeze  from  end  to  end. 
Its  spring-time  is  photographed  in  "  Maud  "  in  a  single  Bentence> 
thus : — 

A  million  emeralds  break  from  the  ruby-budded  Lime. 
E?ery  student  of  botany  will  be  able  to  verify  the  correctness  of 
this  line.  Tbe  buds  are  peculiarly  red,  and  the  appear.ince  of 
thousands  of  them  bursting  at  once  is  precisely  as  the  poet  describes 
it.  Elsewhere,  the  period  immediately  preceding  the  foliation  of  the 
trees  is  sketched  with  remarkable  truthfulness. 

On  such  a  time  as  goes  before  the  leaf, 
AVhen  all  the  wood  stands  in  a  mist  of  green, 
And  nothing  perfect. 
The   Spanish  Chestnut,  Castanea,  is  not  one  of  Mr.  Tennyson's 
trees ;    but  there   are  frequent   references   to  the   Horse-Chestnut, 
iEsculns.     The  three  Chestnuts  in  the  "  Miller's  Daughter  "  will  be 
in  the  recollection  of  most  readers  of  his  poetry.     The  appearance  of 
the  buds  just  before  emerging  from  their  green  covering,  and  the 
time  of  their  development,  are  registered  with   minute  accuracy  : — 
But.  Alice,  what  an  hour  was  that, 
"When  after  roving  in  the  woods 
{'Twas  AprU  then),  I  came  and  sat 

Below  the  Chestnuts,  when  their  buds 
Were  glistening  in  the  breezy  blue. 
"Glistening"  is  the  exact  epithet  here.     The  early  foliation  of  tho 
Chestnut  and  Elm  we  find  in  the  exquisite  fragment  "  Sir  Launcelot 
and    Queen    Guinevere."      The    lines    on    the    Chestnut    are    very 
characteristic : — 

In  curves  the  yellowing  river  ran. 
And  drooping  Chestnut-buds  began 
To  spread  into  the  perfect  fan. 

Above  the  teeming  ground. 
This,  and  the  similar  remark  on  the  Elm,  corresponds  to  the  order 
of  nature,  and  is  nowhere  better  or  more  beautifnllj'-  exemplified  than 
in  Kensington  Gardens  every  April.  So  far  as  we  have  been  able  to 
discover,  there  is  only  a  single  line  devoted  to  the  Birch.  It  is  to  be 
found  in  "  Amphion,"  that  singular  reproduction,  in  sylvan  form,  of 
the  mythological  legend.  It  is  interesting  to  notice,  by  the  way, 
that,  in  the  later  editions,  the  verse  in  which  the  Birch  is  mentioned 
is  omitted,  and  another  substituted.  As  a  whole  the  latter  is  doubt- 
less the  more  musical  of  the  two,  but  we  are  sorry  to  lose  the  apt  and 
charming  characterization  of  "  the  lady  of  the  wood."  For  the 
curious  Teunysoniana  we  print  both  :— 

The  Birch  tree  swang  her  fragi-aut  hair. 

The  Bi-amble  cast  her  berry. 
The  gin  within  the  Juniper 
Began  to  make  him  merry. 
*  *  *  * 

The  Linden  broke  her  ranks  and  rent 

The  Woodbine  wreaths  that  bind  her. 
And  down  the  middle,  buzz  !  she  went 
With  all  her  bees  behind  her. 
Of  all  the  poets  who  have  sung  the  praises  of  the  Birch,  Coleridge, 
Keats,   and,   pre-eminently.    Sir  Walter   Scott,   none  of    them    has 
surpassed  the  initial  line  of  the  first  stanza  in  condensed  and  subtile 
expressiveness.     Scott's  is  somewhat  similar,  although  not  quite  so 
good  ; — 

Where  weeps  the  Birch  with  silver  bark, 
And  long  dishevelled  hail*. 
"  Dishevelled,"  implying  disorder  and  entanglement,  docs  not 
convey  a  correct  idea  of  the  foliage  of  the  Birch.  "  Swang 
her  fragrant  hair,"  is  decidedly  better.  The  fulness  and  ripeness  of 
the  poet's  knowledge  of  trees  is  amply  illustrated  in  those  passages 
of  his  poems  relating  to  the  Poplar.  This  is  a  tree  with  which  he 
has  been  familiar  from  early  childhood,  as  we  gather  from  tho  "  Odo 
to  Memory,"  where  he  fondly  recalls — 

The  seven  Elms,  the  Poplars  four, 
That  stand  beside  my  father's  door. 
The  famous  Poplar  in  "  Mariiina,"  which  Mr.   Read  has  reproduced 
in  his  fine  picture  of  the  "  Moated  Grange,"  now  at  South  Kensing- 


Oct.  18,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


327 


ton,  is  a  prominent  object  in  a  very  striking  poem.  The  locality,  it 
is  scarcely  necessary  to  say,  is  in  the  fen  country  :— 

About  a,  stone-east  from  the  wall 

A  sluice  with  blacken'd  waters  slept, 
And  o'er  it  many,  round  and  small, 

The  cluster'd  niarish-Mosses  crept. 
Hard  by  a  Poplar  shook  alway. 

All  silver-green  with  gnarled  bark  ; 

For  leagues  no  other  tree  did  mark 
The  level  waste,  the  rounding  gray. 

As  an  example  of  landscape  painting  in  words  there  is  nothing  more 
perfect  tlian  this  in  modern  literature.  We  are  not  aware  if  the 
donbt  was  ever  suggested  before,  but  we  think  it  is  at  least  question- 
able if  Mr.  Itead  is  right  in  assuming  the  particular  tree  iu  the  poem 
to  bo  a  Lombardy  Poplar.  "  Silver-green,"  a  remarkable  epithet,  is 
more  applicable  to  to  the  Abele  or  white  Poplar  than  to  the  fastigiate 
Lombardy  species,  and  the  sound  of  the  trembling  of  the  leaves  is 
less  noticeable  in  the  latter  than  in  most  of  the  other  Poplars.  In 
other  poems  this  rustling  noise  is  described  as  "  lisping,"  "  hissing," 
and  like  the  sound  of  "  falling  showers,"  phrases  all  tolerably 
approximating  to  exactness.  In  "  Iu  Memoriam"  there  is  a  special 
reference  to  this  white  Poplar,  whoso  silver-green  foliage  shows 
much  m.ore  white  than  green  in  a  gale  of  wind  : — ■ 

With  blasts  that  blow  the  Poplar  white, 
And  lash  with  storm  the  streaming  pane. 

The  "  quivering,"  "  tremulous  "  Aspen  is  also  mentloued,  but  Mr. 
Tennyson  is  too  good  a  botanist  to  fall  into  the  popular  error  of 
supposing  that  it  is  the  only  treewhich  has  flattering  leaves.  Except 
the  Ontario  species  and  one  or  two  others,  nearly  ali  the  Poplars 
have  the  same  peculiarity,  caused,  it  may  not  be  superfluous  to  say, 
by  the  compression  of  the  leaf-stalk.  Very  curious  it  is  to  notice  in 
the  upper  branches,  while  a  light  wind  is  overhead,  each  particular 
leaf  shaking  on  its  own  acconnt,  while  the  branch,  of  which  it  is  a 
part,  and  the  tree  itself,  are  perfectly  motionless.  Of  the  Beech, 
the  notices  are  scantier  and  less  specific.  Its  peculiarly  twisted 
roots,  rich  autumn  tints,  smooth  bark,  and  unusual  leafiness,  are  all 
described,  however,  more  or  less  poetically.  The  following  verse 
from  "  In  Memoriam  "  has  a  certain  pensive  sweetness  of  its  own  : — 

Unwatch'd,  th(3  garden  bough  shall  sway, 
The  tender  blossom  flutter  down, 
Unloved  that  Beech  will  gather  brown, 

This  Maple  burn  itself  away. 

The  neb  autumn  tints  of  the  foliage  of  the  Maple  here  alluded  to. 
Cedars,  Cypresses,  and  Tews,  all  members  of  the  great  Coniferous 
family,  are  prominent  objects  in  Mr.  Tennyson's  landscapes.  In  the 
eighteenth  section  of  "  Maud,"  beginning, 

I  have  led  her  home,  my  love,  my  only  friend, 

and  which  contains  some  passages  full  of  solemn  tenderness  and 
beauty,  and  a  splendour  of  language  worthy  of  Shakespeare  himself, 
occurs  the  oft-quoted  apostrophe  addressed  to  the  Cedar  of  Lebanon 
by  Maud's  somewhat  distempered,  though  now  happy,  lover  ;  — 

0,  art  thou  sighing  for  Lebanon 
In  the  long  breeze  that  streams  to  thy  delicious  East, 
Sighing  for  Lebanon,  ^ 

Dark  Cedar.  *  »  * 

*  *  *  *  « 

And  over  whom  thy  darkness  must  have  spread 
With  such  delight  as  theirs  of  old,  thy  great 
Forefathers  of  the  thornless  garden,  there 
Shado^ving  the  snow-limbed  Eve  from  whom  she  came. 
Here  will  I  lie,  while  these  long  branches  sway. 

The  Tew,  though  usually  regarded  as  the  emblem  of  death  : — 

Cheerless,  unsocial  plant,  that  loves  to  dwell 
Midst  skulls  and  coflins,  epitaphs  and  tombs, 

might,  in  its  extreme  tenacity  and  length  of  days,  be  a  fitter 
representative  of  life  and  endurance.  In  the  second  chapter  of  "  In 
Memoriam  "  the  Tew  is  described  in  the  most  masterly  manner. 
These  are  two  of  the  verses : — 

Old  Yew,  which  graspest  at  the  stones 

That  name  the  underlying  dead, 

Thy  fibres  net  the  dreamless  head, 
Thy  roots  are  wrapt  about  the  bones. 

0  not  for  thee  the  glow,  the  bloom. 

Who  changest  not  in  any  gale, 

Nor  branding  summer  suns  avail 
To  touch  thy  thousand  years  of  gloom. 

The  locality,  the  hue,  the  prolonged  life,  and  the  general  nnchange. 
ableness  of  appearance,  are  all  here  summarily  noticed.  The  Laureate 


seema,  however,  to  sbare  the  popular  dislike  to  this  tree,  a  feeling 
which  Gilpin,  in  his  "  Forest  Scenery,"  ridicules  as  weakness.  In 
"  Amphion,"  Yews  are  called  "a  dismal  coterie;"  in  "  Maud  "  a 
"  black  Yew  gloomed  the  stagnant  air  ;  "  and  in  "  Love  and  Death," 
w'o  have  the  portentous  image  of  the  Angel  of  Death  walking 
all  alone  beneath  a  Yew.  Our  limits  forbid  more  than  a  mero 
enumerative  mention  of  other  well-known  trees,  whose  memory  Mr. 
Tennyson  has  rendered  sweeter  to  all  future  generations  of  treo 
lovers.  "Immemorial  Elms,"  "perky  Larches  and  Pines,"  "  Labur. 
nums,  dropping-wcUs  of  fire,"  Elders,  Hollies,  "  the  pillared  dusk  of 
sounding  Sycainores,"  "dry-tongued  Laurels,"  "  slender  Acacias  " — 
all  these  and  many  others  are  to  be  found  within  the  four  corners  of 
his  poems.  One  only  remains,  the  Oak — "sole  king  of  foi'csts  all," 
and  as  Mr.  Tennyson  has  celebrated  the  praises  of  tho  monarch  of 
the  woods  at  great  length  in  the  "  Talking  Oak,"  we  shall  add  a  few 
words  on  that  charming  composition  by  way  of  conclusiou.  As  is 
well  known,  tho  poem  takes  the  form  of  a  colloquy  between  an 
ancient  Oak,  which  formed  a  meeting-place  for  two  lovers,  and  the 
young  gentleman  iu  tho  case.  He  comes  to  question  the  tree  about 
his  lady-love,  who  had  visited  the  hallowed  spot  in  his  absence.  And 
Landor  himself,  in  his  happiest  vein,  never  conceived  a  more 
exquisite  imaginary  couversation.  Here,  in  sportive  phrase  and 
bantering  talk,  is  the  whole  philosophy  of  forest  life  set  forth  with 
a  poetic  felicity,  saucy  humour,  and  scientific  precision  of  language, 
each  admirable  of  its  kind.  The  poem  is  literally  a  love  idyll  and 
botanic  treatise  combined,  and  never,  surely,  were  love  and  science — 
January  and  May,  might  one  say,  so  delightfully  harmouized,  con- 
veying, too,  to  those  who  have  eyes  to  see  and  hearts  to  understand, 
glimpses  of  a  spiritual  interpretation  of  nature,  undreamt  of  by  Pope 
and  his  school.  Thus  pleasantly  docs  the  old  Oak  of  "  Sumner. 
Chace  "  discourse  to  Walter  of  Olivia's  charms  ;  and  the  reader  will 
not  fail  to  notice  the  skilful  way  in  which  the  poet's  practical 
acquaintance  with  trees  is  turned  to  acconnt : — 

I  swear  (and  else  may  insects  prick 

Each  leaf  into  a  gall) 
This  girl,  for  whom  your  heart  is  sick. 

Is  three  times  worth  them  all ; 

and  then,  with  a  warmth  of  praise  unusual  and  almost  improper  iu 
such  a  venerable  inhabitant  of  the  forest,  he  continues  : — 

Her  kisses  were  so  close  and  kind, 

That,  trust  me  on  my  word. 
Hard  wood  I  am,  and  wrinkled  rind. 

But  yet  my  sap  was  stirred  : 

And  even  into  my  inmost  ring 

A  pleasure  I  discern'd. 
Like  those  blind  motions  of  the  Spring, 

That  show  the  year  is  turu'd. 

Farther  on,  the  not  ungrateful  lover  invokes  all  atmospheric  and 
other  good  influences  on  his  partner  in  the  dialogue,  who  has  proved 
so  communicative  a  companion  : 

O  rock  upon  thy  towery  top 

All  throats  that  gurgle  sweet ! 
All  starry  culmination  drop 

Balm-dews  to  bathe  thy  feet ! 
*  *  *  *  # 

Nor  ever  lightning  char  thy  grain. 

But,  rolling  as  in  sleep, 
Low  thunders  bring  the  mellow  rain, 

That  makes  thee  broad  and  deep  ! 

These,  it  will  be  admitted,  are  very  melodious  strains.  Seldom  has 
the  imagery  of  the  woods  been  used  with  more  appropriateness  and 
effect  than  in  this  poem,  and  its  poetic  excellence  is  rivalled  by  its 
accuracy.  No  one  but  an  accomplished  practical  botanist  could  have 
written  it.  And  throughout  the  poem,  light  and  airy  in  tone  as  it  is, 
there  is  distinctly  perceptible  the  scientific  element, — the  sense  of 
the  forces  of  nature  acting  according  to  law,  which,  as  we  have 
already  said,  pervades  like  a  subtle  essence  much  of  Mr.  Tennyson's 
poetry. — St.  Pmils'. 


Another  Ventilator. — An  apparatus  has  just  been  invented,  says 
the  ^ )•(■  7i if pi-f,  by  Captain  Wintour,  of  Bristol,  consisting  of  a  metal 
frame  with  glass,  at  each  end  of  a  cylinder  of  ganze  wire.  Tho 
cylinder  slides  backwards  and  forwards  in  a  metal  shield,  by  means 
of  which  it  can  be  easily  fixed  in  any  window,  door,  or,  indeed,  any. 
where.  The  inventor  claims  for  it  that  it  is  specially  adapted  for  tho 
windows  of  private  houses,  churches,  hospitals,  and  all  large  buildings; 
it  can  also  be  fixed  in  carriages,  cabins  of  ships,  tents,  conservatories 
and  greenhouses.  Its  action  is  to  admit  air  at  the  sides  of  the  cylin. 
der  only,  and  remove  foul  air  simultaneously  and  imperceptibly 
without  draught  or  admission  of  dust  or  insects. 


328 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  18,1873. 


T  H  E    H  OU  SE  HOLD. 

CIDER  MAKING. 
Would  you  or  any  of  corresponclents  favour  your  readers  with  a  receipt 
for  making  cider  ? — J.  A.  B.  [The  following,  according  to  Mr. 
Knight,  is  the  practice  of  tlie  best  cider  makers  in  Herefordshire  : — As 
the  fruit  falls,  it  is  collected  in  heaps  of  about  8  or  10  inches  deep,  or 
is  conveyed  to  an  open  airy  shed  or  Apple-loft.  In  collecting  the 
Apples  for  making  the  best  cider,  the  green  fruit  is  thrown  aside.  In 
these  heaps  the  Apples  should  remain  some  weeks,  until  they  become 
quite  mellow.  AVhon  conveyed  to  the  mill  all  the  decayed  fruit  are 
picked  out.  The  pulp  is  thoroughly  broken  down  by  the  action  of  the 
mill,  not  only  for  the  more  perfect  extraction  of  the  juice  afterwards 
by  the  press,  but  also  for  the  free  admission  of  the  air  to  every  part 
of  it.  With  this  view  the  grinding  should  not  be  hurried,  but  rather 
a  slow  operation  ;  for  the  more  the  pulp  is  exposed  to  the  action  of 
the  air,  the  more  saccharine  it  becomes,  and  the  cider  will  be  the  less 
liable  to  violent  fermentation  in  the  cask.  The  pulp  is  allowed  to 
remain  exposed  to  the  air  four-and-twenty  hours  before  it  is  conveyed 
to  the  pi'Bss,  in  order  to  obtain  as  large  an  absorption  of  air,  as  pos- 
sible. In  some  instances  the  pulp  is  slightly  pressed,  again  spread 
to  the  air  for  some  time,  and  afterwards  returned  to  the  expressed 
juice  and  pressed  again.  With  such  or  similar  preparations  as  the 
above,  the  increased  richness  of  the  juice,  the  diminished  energy  of 
the  ferment,  and  the  low  temperature  of  the  season,  are  all  favourable 
to  that  moderate  degree  of  fermentation  which  is  requisite  for  making 
sweet  cider.  When  the  liquor  is  put  into  the  casks  a  considerable 
hnllage  or  space  between  the  bung  and  the  surface  of  the  liquor 
should  be  left,  to  allow  a  freer  access  of  air,  and  the  casks  should  be 
placed  in  an  open  and  airy  place,  as  in  confined  places  or  cellars  the 
cider  ferments  too  rapidly.  If,  notwithstanding  this  precaution,  the 
fermentation  becomes  very  active,  the  liquor  should  be  immediately 
racked  off,  and  the  operation  repeated  if  it  again  occurs.  The  too 
great  activity  is  indicated  by  a  lend  hissing  noise,  which  is  heard  upon 
applying  the  ear  to  the  bung-hole.  The  fermentation  sometimes 
commences  in  a  day  or  two,  and  at  others  not  for  many  days,  or 
even  a  fornight  or  three  weeks,  according  to  the  strength  of  the 
juice  and  the  temperature  of  the  season.  When  the  fermentation 
has  ceased,  which  may  be  known  by  the  liquor  becoming  clear, 
it  should  be  immediately  racked  into  well-scalded  and  dried  casks  ; 
these  casks,  as  before,  should  not  be  quite  filled,  and  their  bung-holes 
merely  covei'ed.  Great  attention  should  be  given  to  prevent  any 
recurrence  of  active  fermentation  ;  upon  the  least  appearance  of 
which  racking  must  instantly  be  resorted  to,  until  the  cider  becomes 
permanently  tranquil.  The  dregs  of  the  fermenting  casks  should  be 
filtered  through  a  conical  flannel-bag,  spread  at  the  mouth  and  sus- 
pended by  a  hoop.  In  the  operation  of  racking,  the  finer  the  stream 
the  more  effectual  will  it  be  in  checking  fermentation  ;  aud  this  effect 
will  be  increased  by  pouring  the  liquor  through  a  vessel  perforated 
with  numerous  holes,  or  affixing  the  rose  of  a  watering-pot  to  the 
vent  or  tap,  thus  producing  a  more  complete  separation  and  exposure 
to  the  air,  and  consequent  precipitation  of  the  ferment.  Some  cider, 
makers  cause  the  cider  to  run  down  a  board  into  the  receiving  vessel 
so  as  to  expose  it  as  much  as  possible  to  the  action  of  the  air.  The 
object  of  all  this  particular  management  of  the  cellar  is  after  obtain, 
ing  a  certain  degree  of  fermentation  necessary  to  produce  a  sufficient 
quantity  of  spirit,  to  subdue  the  action  of  the  exciter,  the  ferment, 
and  thereby  to  induce  that  low  and  tranquil  change  which  gradually 
converts  the  remaining  sugar  into  spirit,  but  which,  in  a  well-closed 
cask  and  a  cool  cellar,  it  takes  years  to  accomplish.  In  the  following 
April  the  cider  is  again  racked,  to  get  rid  of  the  lees,  and  the  casks 
are  then  closely  bunged  down,  and  the  cider  is  in  a  fit  state  to  stow 
away  in  the  proper  keeping  iilace,  or  to  send  out.  When  perfecly 
fine  the  cider  is  fit  for  bottling  ;  but  Mr.  Knight  recommends  keep- 
ing it  two  years  before  it  is  bottled.  Cider,  carefully  managed,  will 
retain  its  sweetness  three  or  four  years  in  the  cask,  and  many  years 
when  bottled.  The  bottles  should  bo  laid  upon  their  sides,  in  order 
that  the  corks  may  swell  and  prevent  the  escape  of  the  gas.  In 
bottle,  the  gas,  which  at  first  is  yet  slowly  formed,  soon  occasions 
such  a  pressure  as  to  put  a  stop  to  any  further  change,  which  can 
proceed  only  so  long  as  the  carbonic  acid  gas — one  of  the  products  of 
that  change — is  allowed  to  escape.  In  tolerably  matured  cider,  the 
needful  pressure  for  this  effect  is  too  feeble  to  endanger  the  bursting 
of  the  bottles,  but  is  at  the  same  time  sufficient  to  give  great  brisk, 
ness  to  the  cider  when  the  cork  is  drawn.] 


CAROLIN.^  ALLSPICE. 

(CALYC.^.NTnUS.) 

Tho  or  three  species  of  Calyoanthus  are  commonly  met  witli 
ill  Ijotaiiic  gardens,  and  one  of  these — C.  occidentalis — has 
flowered  very  profusely  at  Kew  during  the  present  summer. 
They  have  bright  green  foliage,  aud  dull  purplish-yellow  or 
chocolate-coloured  flowers,  borne  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves. 
C.  floridus,  of  which  the  accompanying  is  an  illustration,  is 
found  in  many  parts  of  the  United  States,  and  is  known  by 
its  wood  and  roots  smelling  strongly  of  camphor  when  cut  or 
bruised.  The  flowers  and  foliage  smell  something  like  a 
perfectly  ripe  Quince,  and  it  has  several  local  names  indicative 
of  its  odorous  properties,  that  of  sweet-scented  shrub  or 
Carolina  Allspice  being  the  most  popular.  These  fragrant 
plants  are  represented  in  .Tapan  by  the  Chimonanthus  fragrans, 
with  the  odoriferous  flowers  of  which  most  of  us  are 
acquainted.  The  whole  order  to  which  the  Calycanthus 
belongs  includes  but  six  or  seven  species,  nearly  all  of  which 
lire  ornamental  shrubs  well  adapted  for  planting  against 
sunny  walls,  or  in  sheltered  positions  as  shrubs  on  the  lawn. 
The  Chimonanthus,  which,  as  has  been  said,  belongs  to  this 
order,  is  peculiarly  difficult  to  propagate  by  means  of  cuttings, 
no  cultivator  having  as  yet  succeeded  in  rearing  plants  of  it 
Ijy   that  method.      Cuttings  root  under    favourable   circum- 


The  Carolina  Allspice. 

stances,  but  from  some  unaccountable  reason  afterwards 
refuse  to  start  into  growth,  aud  colLapse,  after  lingering  for 
some  little  time,  in  the  cutting-pots.  The  late  Prof.  Lindley 
offered  a  guinea  to  any.  one  who  would  bring  him  a  plant  with 
proof  that  it  had  been  raised  from  a  cutting,  and  we  here 
allude  to  the  circumstance  m  order  to  induce  propagators  to 
try  the  experiment.  Grafting  on  portions  of  the  root,  or 
cuttings  takcir  from  a  pot  plant  grown  in  a  moderate  heat 
indoors  might  produce  better  results.  B. 


Horseradish. — Horseradish  grated  and  mixed  with  pickle  will 

prevent  mould  forming  on  the  tops  of  jars.     Leaves  of  Horseradish 

>aid  over  the  top  will  answer  the  same  purpose.     It  is  said  that  this 

UJigent  root,  if  grated  and  mixed  with  cider  aud  eaten  with  the 

bod,  will  both  prevent  and  cure  paralysis. 


A  Paris  Fruit-shop. — The  following  description  of  a  fruit- 
shop  in  the  Halles  Centrales  is  given  in  M.  Zola's  recent  work,  "  Le 
Ventre  de  Paris  :  " — "  In  the  narrow  shop  the  fruits  wore  jiiled  high. 
At  the  back,  on  shelves,  there  were  rows  of  Melons,  Cantaloups 
rough  with  many  warts,  Maraichers  with  patterns  on  their  rhinds 
like  grey  guipure.  In  the  windows  the  finer  fruits,  delicately  dressed, 
nestled  in  baskets  :  above  all,  the  Montreuil  Peaches  with  fine  clear 
reddening  skins,  aud  the  southern  kinds  yellow  and  sunburnt.  The 
Apricots  seemed  the  colour  of  amber  against  the  Moss.  The  Cherries, 
ranged  one  by  one,  were  like  so  many  laughing  mouths — those  from 
[Montmorency  fat,  jovial  lips ;  those  from  England  larger  aud  graver. 
The  common  Black-hearts,  nearly  alwaj's  crushed,  the  Red  and  White- 
hearts  smiled  together,  halt  joyously,  half  dismally.  The  Apples  and 
Pears  rose  with  architectural  regularity  from  beds  of  Fem.     There 


Oct.  18,  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


329 


were  the  pretty  Lady  Apples,  the  red  and  white  Calvilles,  the  large 
Eambours,  the  blond  and  freckled  Pippins,  Reinettes,  and  green 
Apples  ;  and  near  them  the  Pears — Batter  Pears,  Blanquets,  Pears  of 
Messire  Jean,  and  the  famous  Duchesses,  magnificent  without,  rather 
like  balls  of  cotton  within.  Near  at  hand  transparent  Plums  were 
exhibited — the  Queen  Claude  Greengages,  Prunes  do  Monsieur ; 
Mirabelles  like  large  golden  beads  contrasted  with  sweet-smelling 
Strawberries — wild,  not  gai'den-grown,  for  the  latter  always  retain 
the  odour  of  the  watering-pot.  Raspberries  added  their  scent  to  this 
medley  of  perfumes.  Tricolour  ranges  of  Currants  and  tufts  of 
Filberts  lay  in  heaps;  and  above  them  were  baskets  of  luscious 
heavy  Grapes,  burnt  to  a  colour  of  rust  by  southern  suns." 


PROTECTING  MATERIALS. 
IIow  to  counteract  the  effect  of  frost  on  tender  plants  is  a  matter 
which  now  requires  consideration.  Frames,  pits,  and  glass  houses  of  all 
kinds  should  at  once  be  put  in  good  repair.  A  store  of  dried  Fern  should 
be  at  baud,  and  placed  under  cover  or  built  into  a  stack  for  use  when 
wanted,  covered  with  tarpaulin  or  thatch  to  keep  it  dry.  Such  pro- 
tections are  suitable  for  frames,  or  as  an  extra  covering  over  mats  or 
other  thin  protecting  material  in  the  case  of  severe  weather.  The  strawy 
part  of  litter,  dried  in  the  sun,  and  stored  loosely  may  also  be  used  for 
the  same  purpose.  The  haulm  of  Beans  and  Peas,  too,  makes  excellent 
protecting  material,  and  can  be  advantageously  strewed  over  some, 
what  tender  dwarf  plants,  shrubs,  young  Conifers,  &c.,  in  case  of 
hard  frost,  and  removed  when  it  abates.  The  stalks  of  Asparagus 
also  make  a  good  covering  for  seed-beds,  dwarf  plants,  frames,  &c., 
and,  like  all  other  materials  of  a  similar  kind,  to  be  very  effectual, 
they  must  be  used  as  dry  as  possible ;  when  cut  they  should  be 
placed  erect,  but  thinly,  against  a  fence  or  support  of  some  sort,  and 
turned  a  few  times  until  they  have  become  thoroughly  dry  ;  they  will 
then  be  found  to  be  very  light,  and  should  be  stored  in  an  erect 
position  in  some  airy  shed  or  under  covering.  Heather  affords  good 
protection,  and  in  some  places  it  is  both  plentiful  and  easily  obtained. 
It  forms  an  excellent  thatch  for  permanent  covers,  which  are  very 
useful  for  placing  over  cold  frames;  Calceolarias  in  frames,  indeed, 
having  sliding  covers  and  thatched  with  Heather  or  straw,  seldom 
need  any  other  protection  in  Vinter.  Broom,  too,  is  one  of  the  best 
and  most  effectual  protecting  materials  we  have,  especially  in  the 
case  of  trees  on  walls,  Roses,  &c. ;  it  can  be  used  thinly  and  just  as  it 
is  cut,  it  does  not  harbour  mice,  it  permits  a  freer  circulation  of 
air  to  take  place  about  the  plants  than  most  other  protecting 
materials,  and  it  has  always  a  neat  and  tidy  appearance.  After  being 
used  during  winter  it  is  useful  stuck  in  as  a  shelter  amongst  seedlings 
in  spring,  and  also  amongst  newly  transplanted  plants.  The  best  of 
the  stalks  will  last  two  years,  and  what  are  not  availiable  at  the  end 
of  that  time  make  excellent  material  with  which  to  light  fires.  Furze 
or  Gorse  is  sometimes  used  for  protecting  outdoor  plants,  but  owing 
to  its  unkindly  character  as  regards  handling,  it  cannot  be  employed 
with  advantage  for  ordinary  purposes,  although  it  is  useful  occasionally 
in  the  case  of  Alpines  and  outdoor  herbaceous  plants.  A  piece 
or  two  of  it  stuck  into  the  ground,  so  as  to  cover  them 
over,  forms  a  good  protection  for  them,  and  in  this  way 
they  may  sometimes  be  wintered  with  comparative  safetj-. 
Rashes  and  rank  Grass  cut  from  the  sides  of  water-com'ses  in 
summer  or  autumn,  and  dried  and  stored,  also  answer  for  cover, 
ings.  There  is  one  great  objection,  however,  to  the  use  of  Grass  or 
hay  in  this  way,  and  that  is  the  quantity  of  seeds  which  they  con. 
tain,  and  which  are  sure  to  be  distributed  wherever  they  are 
employed.  Tree  leaves  are  much  used  for  protecting  roots  of  plants 
from  frost;  but,  unless  they  are  strewn  over  with  some  soil  or  rough 
litter,  they  get  blown  about  in  all  directions,  and  thus  give  the  ground 
a  littery  appearance.  In  protecting  Parsley,  Onions,  seedling  Rhodo- 
dendrons, and  other  little  plants  required  to  grow  and  to  be  exposed, 
but  not  frozen,  during  winter,  the  protecting  material  employed 
should  not  rest  upon  them ;  such  plants  should,  therefore,  be  planted 
closely  together.  Erect  a  light  frame-work  or  screen  over  them,  so 
that  some  Pea. stakes  can  be  laid  thinly  over  the  framework,  and  this 
may  remain  untouched  throughout  the  winter  without  proving  in  any 
way  injurious  to  the  plants.  In  severe  weather,  some  of  the  above- 
mentioned  substances  should  be  strewed  over  the  stakes  at  night  and 
removed  in  the  morning,  and  their  use  should  be  discontinued  when 
fine  weather  again  sets  in.  With  mats  as  protectors  every  one  is 
acquainted,  and  of  them  there  should  always  be  a  good  stock.  Ever, 
green  boughs.  Spruce  branches,  and  the  like,  are  also  too  well  known 
to  require  remark,  further  than  to  say  that,  when  placed  over  or  in 
front  of  outdoor  plants  in  winter  ;  the  plants,  if  covered  up  in  dry 
weather,  generally  escape  uninjured,  and  that,  when  laid  over  litter, 
leaves,  &c.,  they  prevent  them  from  being  scattered  about  by  wind. 
Cheese-cloths  and  canvas  keep  out  spring  frosts  ;  but  they  soon  get 
rotten  and  useless   if  employed   for  winter  work,    and  oilcloth  and 


tarpaulin  are  bettor  adapted  for  excluding  heavy  rains  than  frost. 
Wooden  shutters  are  good  appliances  for  keeping  out  either  frost  or 
rain,  especially  in  the  case  of  frames  where  no  fire-heat  or  other 
artificial  warmth  can  be  had.  Frost  seizes  on  damp  materials  more 
than  on  dry  ones  ;  therefore,  whatever  is  used  for  protecting  plants 
ought  to  be  as  dry  as  possible.  If  mats  are  used  at  night,  when 
removed  in  the  morning  they  should  be  laid  across  a  rail,  or  a  fence, 
or  a  wall  to  dry,  or  they  should  be  spread  out  in  some  way  so  as  to 
effect  that  end.  When  quite  dry,  they  should  be  rolled  up  and  placed 
under  cover  until  they  are  again  required  for  use.  If  haulm,  straw, 
or  any  similar  substance  bo  employed,  shake  it  out  before  the  sun  in 
the  morning  if  the  day  be  fine,  and  then  place  it  under  a  shed  or 
wooden  shutter  to  keep  it  dry  till  it  is  used  again.  Never  permit 
strawy  stuffs  to  remain  long  in  a  heap,  especially  if  they  aro  damp, 
as  fermentation  will  certainly  ensue,  and  their  efticiency  will  be 
thereby  greatly  impaired.  Never  permit  such  coverings  to  remain 
too  long  over  either  plants  or  frames ;  on  the  contrary,  remove  them 
early  every  fine  day,  and  in  this  way  try  to  get  the  subjects  that 
have  been  covered  up  well  aired  and  dried.  Unremitting  attention 
to  this  secures  hardy  plants,  which  do  not  start  prematurely  in 
spring  and  thus  have  their  young  growths  injured  by  late  spring 
frosts.  If  snow  falls  thickly  and  settles  upon  the  covering,  permit 
it  to  stay  there  as  long  as  the  weather  remains  decidedly  frosty  ; 
but  immediately  a  thaw  comes,  have  the  snow  carefully  removed, 
for,  if  allowed  to  remain,  it  melts,  the  cold  water  finds  its  way 
through  the  covering  to  the  plants,  and  injures  them.  If  the  snow  con- 
tinues for  more  than  a  few  days,  however,  remove  it,  and,  if  necessary, 
increase  the  covering.  Snow  is  a  good  protector  of  such  herbaceous 
plants  as  are  in  the  ground  ;  but  fluctuations  of  frost,  snow,  thaw, 
and  sunshine,  succeeded  by  frost  again,  sometimes  kill  them. 
In  placing  litter  or  leaves  around  the  roots  of  Roses  and  Clematises, 
some  of  the  more  tender  evergreens,  be  careful  that  no  part  of  the 
stem  is  covered ;  covering  the  soil  about  an  inch  or  two  away  from 
the  neck  of  the  plant  is  all  that  is  necessary.  Over  Cannas, 
Dahlias,  and  a  few  other  tender  plants,  the  roots  of  which  will 
remain  in  the  ground  all  winter,  spread  a  layer  of  leaves  (not  too 
dry),  and  cover  them  with  the  stalks  of  the  plants.  Amateurs  having 
plants  in  frames,  and  no  means  of  giving  them  artificial  heat,  should 
place  a  wall  of  about  six  or  eight  inches  thick  of  soil  around  the 
frames,  and  cover  the  sashes  in  frosty  weather  with  straw  mats  or 
some  such  protecting  material.  Pits,  with  turf  walls,  which  support 
a  framework  of  wood  and  sashes,  form  excellent  wintering  places  for 
common  plants,  which  should  be  kept  dry,  unless  it  be  Cinerarias, 
Calceolarias,  Cyclamens,  or  Primulas,  because,  when  dry,  the  tem- 
perature may  fall  to  the  freezing  point  without  injury  to  them. 
Pelargoniums,  under  ordinary  circumstances,  may  be  kept  dry  for 
two  months  in  winter,  and  yet  live  and  be  healthy;  and  a  plant 
thus  wintered  would  remain  unhurt  even  when  the  thermometer 
might  stand  at  the  freezing  point,  while  plants  that  are  well  watered 
would  be  killed  in  a  temperature  even  a  degree  or  two  higher. 

W.    F.iLCONEE. 


"WORK    FOR    THE    WEEK. 
PRIVATE  GARDENS. 

Melons. — Unless  these  are  ripened  during  the  present  month  or 
the  first  halt  of  the  next  one,  they  cannot  be  expected  with  much 
certainty.  Therefore  maintain  a  night  temperature  of  at  least 
70^,  and  allow  an  advance  of  15'  by  day  with  sun-heat.  When  they 
begin  to  ripen,  keep  the  house  rather  dry  ;  but  still  retain  a  brisk 
heat.  Ripe  Melons  at  this  season  may  be  cut,  and  kept  on  a  shelf  in 
the  fruit-room  for  some  time  without  deteriorating. 

Cucumbers. — The  earliest  winter  plants  should  now  be  bearing, 
and  the  others  should  be  well  established.  Good  turfy  loam,  mixed 
with  leaf-soil,  or  some  thoroughly  decayed  manure,  but  withal,  not 
too  rich,  suits  them  well,  and  around  the  necks  of  the  plants  the 
soil  should  rise  in  little  mounds.  Keep  the  soil  moderately  moist, 
but  avoid  over-watering,  and  only  syringe  the  plants  in  fine 
weather.  Maintain  a  high  temperature,  70'  or  75°,  with  an 
additional  10''  at  mid-day,  and  permit  the  plants  to  make  good 
growth.  Do  not  allow  them  to  set  more  fruits  than  they  can 
well  carrj',  and,  until  they  are  strong  enough  for  fruiting,  pinch  all 
off.  With  dustings  of  flowers  of  sulphur  on  the  affected  parts, 
counteract  mildew,  and,  if  the  stock  of  plants  be  deficient,  increase 
it  from  cuttings,  not  from  seed. 

Strawberries. — By  this  time  these  should  be  thoroughly 
established  plants,  with  plump  and  hard  crowns,  and  well  seasoned 
leaves.  The  pots  also  should  be  quite  full  of  roots,  as  cold  and 
heavy  rains  are  injurious  to  them ;  the  first  to  be  started,  and 
also  the  weakest  plants,  ought  to  be  placed  in  cold  frames  on  sifted 
coal  ashes,  and  near  the  glass.     The  main  supply  may  be  arranged 


330 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  18,1873. 


in  the  side  of  a  ridge,  formed  of  ashes,  so  that  they  will  be  freed 
from  heavy  rains,  and  kept  in  better  condition  for  forcing. 

The  Flower  Garden. — Fiost  has  come,  and  it  has  nipped  the 
most  tender  plants,  therefore  all  expedition  must  be  used  in  taking 
in  those  that  are  to  be  housed,  and  to  cut  down  and  clear  away ,  or 
otherwise  render  tidy  those  that  are  not  required.      The  stock  of 
Coleuses,  Heliotropes,  Altemantheras,  and  other  tender  plants  should 
consist  chiefly  of  cuttings  propagated  in  August,  and  are,  therefore, 
safe.     The  finer  kinds  of  Pelargoniums  should  be  lifted  first,  and  the 
commoner  kinds  afterwards,  trimming  them  and  placing  them  under 
cover  at  once.     Such  Pelargoniums,   Calceolarias,   Verbenas,  &c.,  as 
are  in  sheltered  places,  and  are  not  required  for   taking  in,  may  be 
cleaned  a  little  and  left  where  they  are.      Leave  Cannas  till  the  last, 
when  their  stalks  may  be  cut  over,  the  roots  lifted  and  stored  in  a 
shed,  or  left  in  the  ground,  according  to  conveniences ;  but  if  the 
latter  measure  be  adopted  they  must  receive  a  mulching  of  leaves  or 
litter.     Sift  and  take  into  the  fruit-room,  cellar,  or  elsewhere.  Dahlia 
roots  and  Gladioli.     Place  the  roots  of  Caladium  escnlentnm  under, 
neath  a  stage  in  a  greenhouse,  and  cover  them  over  with  dry  cocoa- 
nut  fibre,  there  to  remain  till   spring,  when  they  will  be  started  in 
heat.  Lift  and  pot  plants  of  Abutilon  Thomsonii,  Plumbago  capensis. 
Cassias,  Fuchsias,  Ficuses,  Acacias,  and  other  plants  that  were  used 
in  bedding,  and  also  bring  indoors,  at  once,  all  plants  in  pots  which 
have  been  plunged  or  placed  out  of  doors  during  the  summer.     Root 
out  Wigandias,  Ferdiuandas,   Solannms,  and  other  large-leaved  sub- 
tropical plants,  aa  when  smitten  by  frost  they  only  present  a  wretched 
appearance.     Any  succulents,  about  tlie  hardiness  of  which  there  is 
a  doubt,  should  be  lifted  and  planted  in  a  cold  frame,  but  such  kinds 
as    Sempervivum    montanum,    elegaus,    and    Californicum,    being 
quite  hardy,  may  be  left  out  all  the  winter.     The  common  Echeverias 
will  stand  with  impunity  a  few  degrees  of  frost,  and  the  pretty  yellow 
Taricated-leaved  Mesembryanthemum   cordifolium  is  almost  hardy  ; 
indeed,    the   green-leaved    sort   survives  an  ordinary  winter   unin- 
jured.       Geranium    anemonaifolium   and  most  of   the  white-leaved 
Centaureas   vpill   also  bear   uninjured  some  degrees  of  frost.       Get 
everything  in  the  flower-garden  in  good  trim  as  speedily  as  possible  ; 
and,  if  the  beds  be  empty,  they  will  look  better  than  if  partially 
occupied  by  decaying  plants.     Should  the  beds  have  to  be  filled  with 
spring-flowering  plants,  the  sooner  it  is  done  the  better,  the  stronger 
will  the  plants  become,  and  the  earlier  will  they  flower.     Plant  at 
once  such  bulbous-rooted  plants  as  Snowdrops,   Crocuses,  Grape  and 
other   Hyacinths,    Narcissi,    Dog's-tooth  Violets,  Crown   Imperials, 
Scillas,  Bulbocodiuma,  and  other  spring-flowering  species  and  varie- 
ties.    Cut  over  the  stalks  of  Hollyhocks   and   herbaceous  plants  in 
general,  and  lift  and  divide  a  few  of  the  very  early. flowering  kinds  ; 
but  leave  the  late-blooming  ones  untouched  until  they  begin  to  grow 
in  spring,  which  is  the  best  time  for  moving  them.     Lift  Carnation 
and  Picotee  layers,  if  desirable,  and  pot  them,  or  plant  them  thickly 
in  frames  having  a  hard  bottom  covered  with  half  a  foot  of  light  soil 
mixed  with  leaf-mould.     In  damp  localities,  pot  a  few  of  the  various 
sorts  of  Pansies,  and  keep  them  in  frames,  as  they  are  sometimes  apt 
to  damp  off  in  such  situations. 

The  Kitchen.   Garden. — Winter  is  approaching,  and  for  it  wo 
must  be  prepared  with  plenty  of  dry  and  rank  litter — Pea  and  Bean 
haulm,   Asparagus    stakes,    evergreen   bonghs,    mats    and    hurdles, 
\        frames,  &c.     In  fact,  we  must  keep  the  frost  from  Rhubarb  and 
Seakale  that  we  intend  to  force  or  start  early,  and  that  we  can  do  by 
placing  some  litter  over  their  j-oots.     Celery,   Leeks,  and  the  root, 
crop,  such  as  Can-ots,  Beet,  and  more  especially  Parsnips  and  Jeru- 
salem Artichokes,  must  not  become  frost-bound  for  want  of  timely 
attention  in  applying  some  litter,  which,  also,  not  only  keejis  the  soil 
open,  but  saves  a  great  deal  of  trouble  and  time  in  lifting.     It  is 
worse  than  useless,  however,  to  apply  it  when  there  is  no  necessity 
1         for  it.     Choose  a  dry  day  to  lift  some  CaiTots,  Beet,  Salsafy,  and 
'         Scorzonera,  and  store  them  in  a  dry  shed  in  sand.     Earth  np  Celery 
I         and  Cardoons  as  they  require  it,  and  remove  the  old  fruiting  stems 
of  Globe  Artichokes,  as  well  as  some  of  the  weakest  of  the  shoots. 
Continue  to  plant  out  Cabbages  for  use  in  May  and  June,  and,  if 
planted  thickly,  the  thinnings  may  be  pulled  early  for  Coleworts.    As 
Boon  as  severe   weather   comes,  transfer   young  Cauliflower  plants 
from     the    open    air   to    frames ;    but,   so    long    as     the    weather 
continues   mild,     they    are    better    outside.       The    almost    certain 
result   of    nursing    Cauliflower   plants    in   winter   is    "buttoning" 
in     spring.       Damp,     however,     is     their     greatest     enemy,     and 
must     be    counteracted   by    means    of    dustings     of    wood    ashes, 
and  dry  sand  and  earth.     Break  a  leaf  or  two  over  the   crowns  of 
such  Cauliflowers  as  are  turning  in,  to  protect  the  "  curd  "  from  rain 
and  frost.     Sow  Lettuces  in  frames  ;  transplant  some  of  the  hardy 
varieties,   and    lift   a   few   half-grown    ones,    and    plant    them    in 
frames.     Continue   to  transplant  Endive  in  dry   banks   and   sunny 
ridges,    and    tie    np     those    snfliioiently    advanced    for    blanching 
purposes.      Lift    also    a   few   of    the   half-grown   ones,    and   plant 


them    in   frames,    to    come    into    use    in     winter,    and   be   more      . 
conveniently  blanched.     Stir  the  soil  amongst  young  Spinach  ;  weed      f 
Onions,  and  have  some  hurdles  placed  over  late  French  Beans  ;  the      r 
hurdles  will  come  in  useful  afterwards  for  protecting  Parsley.     Clear 
away  Tomatoes,  Vegetable  Marrows,  French  Beans,  Scarlet  Runners      , 
(if  killed),    Peas,   &c.,   and   do   not   let   any   exhausted   vegetables 
encumber   the   ground   a   day   longer  than  they  should.     Have  all 
empty  ground  manured,  trenched,  and  ridged,  to  bo  ameliorated  by 
the  influence  of  the  winter,  and  in  readiness  for  spring  crops.     Do 
not  forget,  however,  that  if  the  ground  has  been  well  manured  for 
the  previous  crop,  it  should  only  be  deeply  worked  without  receiving 
any   manure  now,  if  intended  for   Carrots,  Beet,  or  Parsnips  next 
year.     If  the  ground  be  poor,  it  must,  however,  be  manured,  hut,  in 
that  case,  keep  the  dung  at   the  bottom  of  the  trenches,  otherwise 
the  rojts  will  become  forked. 


MR.  COWAN'S  LIMB-HEATING. 

That  Mr.  Cowan  committed  a  grave  mistake  in  inviting  an  inspection 
of  the  Hatfield  arrangement  before  it  was  fully  developed,  all  must 
admit ;  for,  with  some  thousands  of  feet  of  piping  fully  exposed  to 
the  free  air  of  heaven,  the  fixings  in  some  respects  temporar},  and 
with  the  kiln  and  its  surroundings  still  absorbing  heat,  how  is  it 
possible  that  the  trial  could  be  a  complete  success  ?  Everyone,  who 
has  had  any  experience  in  the  matter,  knows  that  a  hot-water  appa- 
ratus, large  or  small,  rarely  acts  perfectly  on  the  first  application  of 
the  fire.  Portions  of  air  lurk  here  and  there  iu  the  pipes  for  days, 
and  sometimes  weeks  ;  and,  until  every  particle  is  discharged,  there 
cannot  be  perfect  circulation  of  the  water.  Hence,  I  consider  there 
is  every  excuse  for  what  may  be  called  want  of  rapid  circulation. 
The  surface  of  piping  is  large  j  the  boiler,  I  think,  not  up  to  its  work 
— that  is,  not  suthcieistly  large  ;  aud  the  chalk  fresh  from  the  pit, 
wet,  aud  !iot  in  good  burning  condition.  Under  such  circumstances, 
I  think  Mr.  Cowan  is  fairly  entitled  to  ask  that  Judgment  should  be 
suspended  pendiogthe  completion  of  the  work  and  a  fair  trial. 

I  could  not  get  to  Hatfield  for  the  general  inspection,  but  an 
examination  on  Saturday  last — October  11th — under  the  guidance  of 
Mr.  Bennett,  combined  with  my  experience  of  the  system  at  the 
Manchester  meeting,  satisfies  me  that  there  is  profit  in  the  scheme 
so  soon  as  the  proper  working  of  it  is  understood.  At  HatfielJ,  Mr. 
Bennett  assured  me  the  yield  of  lime,  viz.,  thirty-five  bushels,  up  to 
the  time  of  my  visit,  which  sold  at  6d.  per  bushel,  was  more  than 
equal  to  the  cost  of  coal-fuel  consumed,  so  that  the  system  was 
really  a  compensating  one.  But,  it  will  be  said,  where  was  the  heat  ? 
Well,  just  where  I  have  indicated,  absorbed  by  the  earth  aud  masonry 
of  the  fixings,  and  what  got  into  the  piping  was  immediately  cast  to 
the  winds.  That  I  am  satisfied  with  the  system  cannot  be  better 
indicated  than  by  the  fact  that  I  am  preparing  to  adopt  it  for  three 
of  the  clients  of  the  firm  to  which  I  belong  in  the  Midlands,  as  well 
as  in  Bucks  and  Devonshire  ;  but  in  each  case  I  shall  so  arrange  the 
boilers  that  fire-bars  for  coal  can  be  introduced  should  coal  heating 
at  any  time  become  necessary.  In  this  way  I  hope  to  allay  some 
doubts — doubts  which  must  necessarily  surround  the  system  until 
it  is  thoroughly  established  in  the  hands  of  neutral  parties. 

William  P.  Aikes. 

Iiiijinrishable  Hothouse  Works,  Brockley,  New  Cross. 


COVENT  GAKDEN  MARKET. 

OCTOBKB  17th. 

Of  fruit  there  is  a  large  supply,  for  which  there  is  an  increasing  demand. 
English-grown  Pears  consist  chiefly  of  Marie  Louise,  Gansel's  Bergamot,  Louise 
Bonne,  Crassane,  and  a  fen-  others.  From  Jersey  come  very  fine  examples  of 
Dachcsscd'AngoulOme  and  Beurre  Clairgeau.  Grapes  are  plentiful  and  good. 
Pines  are  furnished  in  moderate  quantities.  Melons,  Figs,  and  Peaches  are 
almost  over  ;  and  Walnuts,  thoui^h  abundant,  are  dear.  There  is  also  a  good 
supply  of  Bananas,  Water  Melons,  and  Si)anish  Onions,  the  last  being  large  and 
fine.    Vegetables  of  excellent  quality  are  abundant. 

Prices  of  Fruits.— Annies,  per  half-sieve,  9d.  to  Is.  j  Chilies,  per  100, 
2s.;  Cobs,  per  lb.,  Is.  to  is.  6d;  Filberts,  per  lb.,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Grapes,  hot- 
house, black,  per  lb..  Is.  to  6s.;  Muscats,  2s.  to  6d. ;  Lemons,  per  100,  8s. 
to  lis.;  Melons,  each,  2s.  to  te.;  Oranges,  per  100,  12s.  to  21s.;  Peaches, 
per  doz.,  6s.  to  12s.;  Pears,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  is.;  Pine-Apples,  per  lb.,  3s.  to 
6s. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Walnuts,  per  bushel,  ss.  to  12s. ;  ditto,  per 
100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  ls.ed.to3s. ;  Beans,  Kidney,per 
half  sieve.  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Brussels  Sprouts,  per 
half-sieve,  2s.  6d. ;  Cabbage,  per  doz.,  2s.;  Carrots,  per  bunch,  -kl.  to  6d.; 
Cauliflower,  per  doz.,  33.  to  6s. ;  Celery,  per  bundle.  Is.  6d.  to  2b.  ;  Cole- 
worts,  per  doz.  bunches,  3s.;  Cucumbers,  each,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Endive,  per  doz., 
2s.  ;  Fennel,  per  bunch,  3d.  ;  GarUc,  per  lb.,  6d.  ;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d.  ; 
Horseradish,  per  bundle,  3s.  to  4s.;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  3d.;  Lettuces,  per 
doz.  Is.  to  2s. ;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s. ;  Mustard  and  Cress, 
per  punnet,  2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  2s.  6d.  to  4s. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ; 
Parsley,  per  doz.  bunches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Potatoes, 
per  bushel,  2s.  6d.  to  4s. ;  Itadishes,  per  doz.  bunches,  is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Salsafy, 
per  bundle.  Is.  to  Is.  6d.  ;  Scorzonera,  per  bundle.  Is. ;  Spinach,  per  bushel, 
3s. ;  Turnips,  per  bunch,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Vegetable  Marrows,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. 


Oct.  25,  1873.] 


THE  GAEDBN. 


33l 


THE    GARDEN. 

"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  :    but 
The  Akt  itself  is  Natuke." — Slmkespewre, 


WHERE  TO  PLANT  FRUIT  TREES. 
A  PLENTIFUL  supply  of  good  fi'uit  is  one  of  our  greatest  national 
wants.  Hitherto  tlie  finer  kinds  have  been  almost  exclusively 
reserved  for  the  higher  classes.  Our  object  is  to  bring  goM 
fruit  within  reach  of  all — to  make  that  which  has  hitherto 
been  a  luxury  to  the  rich  a  common  every-day  necessity  of  the 
poor.  But  how  is  this  to  be  done  ?  Chiefly  .ir.d  simply  by 
filling  up  our  vacant  spaces  with  fruit  trees.  Eveiy  unoccu- 
pied space  is  a  sheer  wilful  waste  of  food,  and  of  all  the 
strength  and  gladness  that  come  of  the  consumption  of  the 
lighter  and  more  pleasing  forms  of  it.  Then  how  cheap  such 
pleasures  might  become  !  Maiden  trees  of  most  of  the  choicest 
varieties  of  fruit  can  be  purchased  at  from  9d.  to  Is.  6da  piece, 
and  they  need  little  from  us  save  a  yard  of  earth  and  a  little 
skill  and  care.  Beyond  this,  almost  all  the  processes  of  pro- 
duction are  done  for  us  free  of  cost.  The  sun  quickens  and 
transforms,  the  dews  refresh,  the  air  nourishes,  the  rains  feed 
the  luscious  fi-uits,  and  we  gather  them.  They  come  to  us 
almost  as  cheaply  as  the  fish  out  of  the  sea.  We  trust  our 
readers  will  instantly  look  about  for  vacant  spaces,  and  set 
about  filling  them  with  choice  fruit  trees;  and  first"  let  them 
look  to  their  walls,  and  especially  to  the  tops  and  bottoms  of 
them.  Wherever  there  are  two  feet  of  bare  brick  at  their  base 
that  will  hold  a  cordon  Plum,  Peach,  Apricot,  or  Apple,  plant 
there  at  once,  and  then  look  up  to  the  top  of  the  wall.  It  is 
but  seldom  that  vacancies  cannot  be  found  there.  The  best 
mode  of  furnishing  such  vacancies  is  with  choice  rider-cordon 
Pears — that  is  Pear  trees  with  simple  stems,  reaching  to 
within  a  foot  or  so  of  the  coping  of  the  wall,  and  then  trained 
right  and  left,  either  as  single,  double,  or  multiple  cordons — 
that  is,  several  branches  one  above  the  other — according  to  the 
available  area.  It  is  astonishing  what  heavy  crops  of  Pears 
may  be  harvested  from  such  trees,  crowning  the  heads  of 
Peaches,  Nectarines,  or  Apricots.  The  next  vacant  spaces  in 
gardens  are  often  found  in  front  of  walls,  or  by  the  sides  of  the 
primary  or  secondary  walks  (alleys,  as  they  are  called).  In  all 
such  positions  ground  cordons  can  be  run  along  as  secondary 
edgings,  on  a  single  wire,  within  9  inches  or  a  foot  of  the 
ground.  These  are  highly  ornamental,  and  yield  fruit  of  the 
highest  quality.  Of  course  it  is  presumed  that  the  walls  proper 
are  all  well  furnished  with  trees,  the  espaliers  well  covered, 
and  the  conical  trees  within  6,  8,  or  10  feet  of  each  other, 
according  to  their  size,  lining  and  embellishing  the  main  walks, 
and  that  there  are  no  vacant  spaces  or  unhealthy  trees  among 
them.  If  there  are,  now  is  the  time  to  uproot  worthless  trees 
or  to  fill  up  such  blanks.  Again,  if  pyramids  are  grown  in 
5-feet  or  6-feet  borders,  a  row  of  ground  cordons  may  be  run 
down,  on  each  side  of  the  conical  trees,  thus  forming  lines 
of  beauty  throughout  the  summer,  and  very  welcome  con- 
tributors to  our  fruit-basket  at  gathering  time.  Outside  the 
garden  proper  there  is  almost  sure  to  be  a  slip,  as  it  is  called  ; 
no  matter  how  large  the  garden,  an  outer  piece  of  ground  is 
always  wanted  to  grow  Potatoes.  Here  we  often  have  a  suc- 
cession of  fences  of  wood,  iron,  brick,  concrete,  earth,  or  deep 
ditches.  Very  often  these  are  left  wholly  unfurnished,  or  but 
very  partially  covered.  The  whole  of  these  should  be 
thoroughly  furnished  with  fruit  trees  at  once.  There  can  be 
no  difficulty  in  covering  any  kind  of  fence,  high  or  low,  close  or 
open.  Rabbit-proof  wire  fences  form  admirable  supports  for 
low  espalier  Apple,  Pear,  or  Plum  trees.  The  outside,  again, 
may  be  furnished  with  Currants  and  Gooseberries.  The  wood 
and  buds  of  these  can  be  made  nauseous  to  ground  game  and 
proof  against  birds  by  an  annual  sprinkling,  through  a  coarse 
rosed  watering-pot,  of  a  thin  mixture  composed  of  the  roughly- 
made  paint  usual  in  such  cases,  with  tobacco-water  as  a 
diluent  in  lieu  of  oU.  As  for  Apples,  Pears,  and  Plums,  if 
planted  on  the  garden  side  of  such  fences,  the  ground  game 
unless  extremely  plentiful,  will  seldom  molest  them.  If  they 
do,  a  dressing  with  the  same  mixture  will  make  them  turn 
up  then-  noses  and  seek  sweeter  food  elsewhere  than  the 
dressed  bark  yields.     Should  the  hares  try  an  Apple  or  two  in 


the  season,  they  will  hardly  be  missed  from  the  full  crops 
gathered  from  such  boundary  lines.  Ditches  are  less 
manageable  spaces  to  grow  fruit  in,  or  over,  rather  ;  but  it 
can  be  done  thus :— Plant  on  the  brow  of  the  ditch  on  the 
garden  side,  place  a  few  iron  fence  uprights  at  an  angle  of 
45°  or  so  over  the  ditch ;  then  run  along  three,  four,  or  six  wires, 
according  to  the  width  of  the  ditch,  and  the  number  of  branches 
required  to  cover  it,  and  gather  your  finest  fruit  oil  the  ditch 
space.  The  vapour  arising  from  water  seems  to  favour  the  swell- 
ing of  the  fruit;  while,if  the  outer  bank  is  higher  than  the  inner 
or  garden  side,  as  it  generally  is,  and  it  is  kept  clear  of  weeds, 
the  heat  is  reflected  back,  to  the  great  benefit  of  the  fruit.  Some 
of  the  finest  Apples  we  have  ever  seen  were  gathered  off  a  ditch 
space  thus  furnished  with  fruit  trees.  Having  thus  furnished 
every  available  space  within  and  without  the  garden,  we  pro- 
ceed to  walk  around  the  estate  in  search  of  other  suitable 
places  for  fi'uit  tree  culture.  Let  us  look  round  the  ofiices  and 
stables  first.  In  suburban  residences  the  dwelling-house  itself 
may  have  its  walls  covered  with  fruit-bearing  trees.  In  the 
country  this  rage  for  utility,  looking  in  upon  us  at  our  drawing 
room  windows,  would  be  called  excessive  ;  but  almost  every 
country  residence  has  a  sort  of  little  village  of  secondary 
buildings  around,  behind,  or  tacked  on  to  it.  Architectural 
blunders  most  of  these  ontaokings  are,  suggesting  the  idea  of 
a  want  of  forethought  in  the  architect.  But  whatever  may  be 
said  of  the  ofiices  artistically,  the  cultivator  with  a  keen  eye  to 
utility  would  beautify  and  extract  a  full  revenue  of  profit  from 
them,by  making  them  carry  and  ripen  large  harvests  of  Cherries, 
Plums,  Peaches,  Apricots,  Pears,  and  Apples.  From  the  ofiices 
we  look  round  the  stables — architectui-al  front,  clock  tower, 
lofty  archway,  all  built  of  large  blocks  of  polished  granite  or 
smooth  freestone.  It  would  be  a  shame  to  hide  this  beauty 
with  fruit-trees.  Quite  so ;  but  what  about  the  inside  of 
the  yard,  the  sides  and  the  back  of  the  stables,  all  plain  bare 
walls,  pleading  in  their  bleak  baldness  for  a  covering  of  trees  ? 
Some  of  the  finest  Pears  I  ever  gathered  were  grown  on  the 
walls  of  stables.  The  heat  of  the  horses  is  mostly  an  antidote 
to  frosts,  and  there  is  no  site  I  would  choose  so  readily  for  a 
choice  Peach,  Nectarine,  or  Apricot  tree  as  the  southern  or 
western  side  or  gable  end  of  a  stable.  From  the  stables  let  us 
walk  to  the  farm.  Hitherto  we  have  seen  space  lost  in  patches ; 
in  most  farmyards  we  see  the  best  possible  spaces  for  the 
cultm-e  of  fruit  trees  squandered  by  the  acre.  Bare  walls  almost 
by  the  mile  are  met  with,  while  the  farmers  or  bailiffs  are  growing 
a  few  pecks  of  scrubby,  sour  worthless  fruit  in  an  unkempt 
garden  or  some  poor  dreary  Moss-shrouded  orchard.  With  a 
little  management  every  outside  and  almost  every  yard  wall 
might  be  covered  with  the  choicest  fruit,  while  roofs  of  all 
kinds  but  thatch  might  also  be  impressed  into  the  service  of 
fruit  production.  In  the  latter  case,  however,  the  trees  must 
not  lie  upon  the  roof ;  tiles  and  slates,  and  even  wood,  become 
so  hot  if  fully  exposed  to  the  sun  as  to  parboil  the  branches 
and  scorch  the  leaves  that  rest  upon  them.  But  all  this  heat 
may  be  diverted  into  fruitful  channels  by  simply  raising  the 
trees  on  a  slight  framework  of  wood  or  iron  from  6  to  9  inches 
or  a  foot  above  the  roof.  Thus  these  long  roofs,  so  offensive 
to  the  eye  and  suggestive  of  ugliness,  would  be  fringed  with 
beauty  and  covered  with  the  most  luscious  fruit.  We  thus  see 
that  space  for  planting  fruit  trees  everywhere  abounds  on  the 
walls  of  cottages,  on  every  part  of  estates,  and  in  every  village 
on  the  backs,  fronts,  and  ends  of  back-house,  pig-stye,  wood- 
lodge,  coal-house,  and  ash-pit.  No  wall  is  too  low  to  grow  a 
cordon,  none  too  high  for  Apricots,  Pears,  Peaches,  or  Vines  to 
climb  to  the  top  of  it.  And  when  all  architectural  vacant 
spaces  are  filled,  there  are  ground  spaces  innumerable  on  most 
estates  that  might  be  profitably  and  ornamentally  furnished 
with  fruit  trees,'  as  in  pleasure  grounds,  near  the  front  of  belts 
of  plantation,  in  warm  sheltered  places,  in  woods,  and  singly  or 
as  clumps  in  parks.  What  more  beautiful  in  leaf,  flower,  and 
fruit  than  many  of  our  Apples,  Pears,  Cherries,  and  Plums  ? 
Rivalling  the  Thorns  in  the  profusion  and  glory  of  their 
flowers,  and  the  Maples  in  the  gold  or  fiery  scarlet  of  their 
dying  leaves,  and  exceeding  all  other  trees  in  the  beauty  of 
their  fruits,  they  deserve  the  first  rank  among  ornamental 
trees  for  then-  artistic  effect  in  landscape  scenery.  Thus  art 
and  utility  imite  to  urge  the  filling  of  every  vacant  space  with 
fruit-bearing  trees,  F- 


332 


THE  GARDEM. 


[Oct.  25,  1873. 


NOTES   OF   THE   WEEK. 


Yucca  Eliacombeana,  a  somewhat  scarce  variety,  is  now 

flowering  freely  in  Messrs.  Osborn  &  Son's  Nursery  at  Fulham.  It 
is  quite  distinct  from  any  other  variety,  its  petals  being  shaded  with 
bright  copper  colour,  approaching  ci'imson.  In  habit  it  resembles 
T.  recurvata,  but  its  leaves  are  slightly  undulated  or  wavy,  and  more 
rigid  than  those  of  that  species. 

At  the  Grange,  in  Hampshire,  both  the  red  and  yellow  October 

fruiting  Raspberries  are  now  producing  quite  as  heavy  a  crop  as  we 
have  eversecn  Raspberries  produce  in  summer.  The  sub-soil  is  chalk 
and  the  surface. soil  a  light  yellow  pebbly  loam.  Where  a  variety  of 
fruits  is  wanted  for  dessert  in  autumn  and  early  winter,  these  Rasp- 
berries will  be  found  most  useful ;  they  last  as  long  as  the  frost  can 
be  kept  off  them  by  means  of  canvas  supported  on  sticks. 

Amongst   the   many  fine  Orchids   lately   introduced  to   our 

collections  few  exceed  in  chaste  beauty  that  of  Cattleya  exoniensis,  a 
hybrid  raised  in  this  country  by  Mr.  Dominy  ;  of  this  we  saw  a 
magnificent  specimen  in  the  Meadow  Bank  collection  a  short  time 
back,  bearing  sixty-three  fully  expanded  flowers,  large  and  richly 
coloured. 

A  XEW  grove  of  "  Big  Trees,"  for  which  California  is  famous, 

has  been  found  on  the  Coulterville  route  to  the  Tosemite  Valley.  The 
new  grove  has  been  named  the  Merced  Grove  of  Big  Trees.  It  is 
said  to  be  fully  equal  to  either  the  Calaveras  or  Mariposa  Groves,  and 
is  easy  of  access,  being  on  a  direct  line  to  the  Valley.  One  of  the 
trees  is  said  to  be  75  feet  in  circumference. 

We  received  the  other  day,  from  Mr.  Hill,  some  specimens  of 

Keele  Hall  Beurre  or  Styi'ian  Pear,  which,  for  size  and  fine  colour, 
were  matchless,  and  when  eaten  they  proved  to  be  as  good  as  they 
looked,  a  result  not  always  realised.  The  skin  of  this  variety,  when 
in  perfection,  is  pale  yellow,  the  exposed  side  being  bright  red  as  if 
painted  with  vermilion,  and  the  flesh  melting  and  rich.  It  is,  as  Mr. 
Hill  in  another  column  says,  one  of  our  very  best  October  Pears. 

All  about  to  commence  the  cnltnre  of  cool  Orchids  should  by 

no  means  overlook  the  claims  which  Odontoglossnm  grande  has  upon 
their  attention.  One  of  the  grandest  displays  of  this  superb  autumn 
flower  we  ever  saw  was  to  be  seen  a  few  days  ago  at  Meadow  Bank, 
where  the  plants  are  in  vigorous  health,  and  are  bearing  a  profusion 
of  splendid  blooms,  several  hundred  being  in  full  beauty  at  one  time. 
We  should  advise  all  who  require  indoor  autumn  flowers  to  grow  this 
largely. 

The  beautiful  new  Odontoglossnm  Roezli  is  in  flower  in  Mr. 

Bull's  Nursery  in  the  King's  Road.  It  has  two  flowers  on  a  spike, 
and  it  is  probable,  as  has  already  been  suggested,  that  when 
thoroughly  established  it  will  yet  bear  several  flowers  on  a  spike.  A 
second  plant  of  the  same  species  has  a  flower  on  it  fully  half  as  large 
again  as  that  which  was  on  the  plant  which  received  a  first-class 
certificate  at  South  Kensington. 

Mb.  Barnes,  late  of  Bicton,  writes  to  us  as  follows  : — "  I  am  not 

now  able  to  show  you  large  Pine  Apples,  big  Gooseberries,  and  Man. 
golds,  but  if  you  come  this  way  I  can  show  you  my  friend  Mr.  Bur- 
rage's  garden,  close  to  the  sea  here  at  Exmouth,  in  which  you  will  find 
Lilacs  now  in  full  bloom,  both  the  common  Lilac  (white  and  purple) 
and  also  the  Persian  kind,  in  proof  of  which  I  enclose  j-ou  a  handful 
just  gathered,  the  perfume  of  which  will  remind  you  of  spring."  The 
sprigs  sent  were  certainly  deliciously  fragrant,  the  white  ones  remind- 
ing us  of  those  forced  so  abundantly  about  Paris  early  in  the  year. 

Mk.  Taylok,  Covent  Garden  Market,  has  just  received  from 

Mr.  Leighton,  of  Norfolk,  Virginia,  some  of  the  finest  Duchesse 
d'Angouleme  Pears  we  have  ever  seen.  They  are  similar  to  those 
exhibited  by  Mr.  Leighton  at  the  American  Pomological  Society's 
meeting  at  Boston  on  the  10th  ult,  and  for  which  the  Wilder  medal 
was  awarded.  Owing  to  loose  packing,  most  of  them  had  got  sadly 
bruised  ;  but  such  as  were  in  perfection  were  quite  equal,  both  as  to 
size  and  flavour,  to  the  same  kind  of  Pears  imported  from  France. 
They  weighed  from  16  oz.  to  21  oz.  each,  and  measiu'ed  Hi  inches  in 
circumference.  A  similar  consignment  has,  we  understand,  been 
sent  to  the  Queen.  The  flavour  of  the  unbruised  parts  was  very 
good.  It  is  probable  that  many  parts  of  Virginia  are  as  favourable 
for  the  culture  of  hardy  fruits  as  California  is. 

We    have  received    from    Mr.  Simpson,    of   Wortley,    near 

Shefiield,  the  following  note  in  reference  to  the  growth  of  Muscat 
Grapes  in  a  low  night  temerature  : — Herewith  (he  says)  I  send  you 
a  sample  of  ripe  Muscats  from  Vines  which  were  treated  to  a  mini- 
mum night  temperature,  nearly  20^  lower  than  that  deemed  essential 
for  Muscats  and  other  Vines  np  till  the  stoning  period.  I  think  you 
will  admit  that,  for  regularity  and  finish,  they  leave  little  to  be 
desired.  The  Vines  were  started  fairly  at  the  beginning  of  March, 
and  the  Grapes  are  now,  October  20th,  dead  ripe,  Tour  readers  can, 
therefore,  judge  whether  a  high  nicht  temperature  has  any  forward, 
ing  influence,  or  is  indeed  of  any  advantage  to  Gr.npes  at  all. — To 


this  we  have  only  to  add,  in  corroboration  of  Mr.  Simpson's  state- 
ment, that  the  Grapes  sent  to  us  were  of  the  finest  flavour,  very  firm 
in  flesh,  thickly  set,  and  well-coloured. 

A  plant  of  Nepenthes  Chelsoni,  a  new  hybrid  kind,  is  pro- 

ducing  very  fine  pitchers  at  Messrs.  Veitch's  Nursery  at  Chelsea.  It 
is  intermediate  between  N.  Rafflesiana  and  N.  Hookeri,  and  is  worth 
general  culture  as  one  of  the  finest  in  the  group  to  which  it  belongs. 

The  Paris  School  of  Mines  receives  and  analyses,  without 

charge,  mineral  specimens  of  all  kinds,  from  soils  to  metal  works  of 
art.  In  five  years,  from  1868  to  1872,  the  number  of  such  analyses 
was  2,916,  or  an  average  of  583  each  year. 

An  article  in  this  month's  number  of   the  Edinhiirgli  Rccievi 

contains  an  interesting  historical  and  descriptive  account  of  the 
Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  founded,  for  the  most  part,  on  Mr.  Oliver's 
Quide  Bool^,  now  in  its  twenty-seventh  edition. 

A  remarkably  fine  plant  of  the  beautiful  Cattleya  Dominiana 

is  now  flowering  in  the  Royal  Exotic  Nursery  at  Chelsea.  It  has  been 
grown  by  Mr.  Eason,  gardener  to  General  Studd,  of  Oxton,  near 
Exeter,  and  is  a  perfect  example  of  good  cultivation.  Altogether  it 
bears  twenty-seven  of  its  large  soft  rosy-colom'ed  flowers. 

Unusually   fine   blooms    of    Neapolitan    Violets,   grown  as 

described  la^t  week  (see  p.  322)  have  been  sent  to  us  by  Mr. 
Groom,  the  gardener,  Henham  Hall,  near  Wangford.  They  were 
large,  well  coloured,  and  deliciously  fragrant;  finer  Violets  than  they 
were,  in  short,  could  not  possibly  be  desired. 

Messks.  Backhouse  &  So.v,  we  understand,  have  just  received 

at  the  York  Nurseries  some  fine  plants  of  rare  Alpines  from 
Labrador.  Among  them  are  Parnassia  Kotzbuei,  Dryas  tenella,  Cas- 
siope  hypnoides.  Rhododendron  lapponicum,  Diapensia  lapponica, 
and  many  others,  all  of  which  we  hope  they  may  be  able  to  establish 
with  the  same  success  which  has  attended  their  culture  of  some  of 
the  more  diflicnlt  Alpine  plants. 

A  CIRCULAR  informs  us  that,  in  reference  to  the  retirement 

of  Mr.  James  Richards  from  the  post  of  Assistant- Secretary  to  the 
Royal  Horticultnral  Society,  his  friends  desire  "  to  express  the  high 
esteem  in  which  he  has  ever  been  held  by  them  while  in  that 
capacity,  by  presenting  him  with  a  testimonial,  which  it  is  proposed 
to  hand  over  principally  in  money."  The  Committee  appointed  to 
carry  out  the  matter,  which  consists  of  the  names  of  many  of  our 
leading  nm'serymen,  gardeners,  and  amateurs,  headed  by  that  of  his 
Grace  the  Duke  of  Buccleuch  as  Chairman,  seems  already  to  have 
received  considerable  support  in  the  way  of  subscriptions. 

Mr.  W-M.  Smythe  writes  to  us,  from  the  Gardens,  Elmham 

Hall,  East  Dereham,  to  the  effect  that  a  Scotchman  has  been  lately 
calling  upon  the  gardeners  of  Norfolk  and  Suffolk,  offering  for  salo 
a  very  inferior  kind  of  cloth  which,  as  our  correspondent  says,  the 
trade  call  "  shoddy."  He  introduces  himself  as  Mr.  Carmichael's 
nephew,  and,  as  an  inducement  to  buy  his  cloth,  states  that  he  has 
a  quantity  of  garden  netting  at  a  low  price  "coming  on  in  his  cart." 
This  bait,  together  with  well  known  names  which  he  uses,  often 
throws  people  off  their  guard  and  induces  them  to  buy  his  cloth, 
but  the  cart  never  "comes  on"  with  the  netting. 

•  From  the  report  of  a  Sanitary  Committee,  read  at  a  meeting 

held  in  the  City  on  Tuesday,  it  seems  that  the  quanity  of  tea  imported 
into  this  country  in  1872  amounted  to  183,000,000  lbs.,  of  which  about 
38,000,000  lbs.  was  for  exportation,  and  that  in  July  last  there  was 
in  bonded  warehouses  about  10,000,000  lbs.  so  grossly  adulterated  as 
to  be  unfit  for  human  food.  The  adulteration  of  tea, it  was  stated,  is 
effected  in  China,  and  as  much  as  70  per  cent,  of  a  material  not  tea 
at  all  has  been  known  to  be  mixed  with  certain  descriptions  of  tea 
and  subsequently  used  for  admixture  with  other  teas  of  a  better 
kind.  The  committee  were  of  opinion  that  there  can  be  no  effectual 
means  adopted  to  put  a  stop  to  these  dishonest  proceedings  without 
the  assistance  of  the  Legislature. 

A  DELIGHTFUL  little  bit  of  economy  has  lately  been  achieved 

in  Greenwich  Park.  Some  yeai's  ago  a  certain  amount  of  trouble  and 
outlay  was  incurred  in  jilacing  at  the  foot  of  the  most  interesting 
trees  and  shrubs  in  the  park  iron  tablets,  on  which  were  inscribed 
the  name,  age,  iSrc,  of  each.  Whether  the  public  derived  much 
instruction  therefrom  or  not,  it  was  evident  to  every  frequenter  of 
the  park  that  this  simple  arrangement  imparted  much  additional 
interest  to  the  trees  in  the  eyes  of  thousands  of  visitors,  man3'  of 
whom  find  their  sole  recreation  ground  in  the  park.  Having  been 
permitted  to  remain  more  or  less  completely  illegible  for  several 
years,  the  tablets  were  taken  np  abont  twelve  months  ago  on  the  plea 
of  being  re-painted.  It  was  then  discovered  that  the  cost  of  re-paint- 
ing could  not  be  allowed;  accordingly  they  have  not  been,  and,  it  is 
understood,  will  not  be  replaced.  Rumour  even  states  that 
pecuniai'y  results  have  been  still  further  consulted  by  selling  them 
for  "  old  iron."  If,  therefore,  we  are  "  pound  foolish,"  who  can 
say  we  are  not  "  penny  wise  ?  " 


Oct.  25, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


333 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 


POT  VINES  FOR  TABLE  DECORATION. 
Miniature  fruit  trees  in  small  pots  are  very  useful  for 
diuner-lablo  decoration,  as  well  as  for  supplying  the  dessert, 
and  their  culture  is  not  much  more  difficult  than  that  of 
ordinary  decorative  flowering  plants  so  often  used  for  ornament 
only.  The  fruits  most  suitable  for  this  purpose  are  Vines, 
Peaches,  and  Oranges,  all  of  which  are  specially  ornamental 
and  interesting  when  laden  with  their  delicately-tinted  luscious 
fruit  and  fresh  green  foliage.  The  two  last-named  fruits  may 
be  kept  dwarf  and  symmetrical  by  means  of  judicious 
pinching  during  summer,  but  the  Vine  requires  a  course  of 
treatment  peculiar  to  itself  in  order  to  cultivate  it  for  table 
uses  with  success.  The  treatment  until  the  fruiting  canes 
are  ready  for  forcing  is  the  same  as  that  for  ordinary  pot- 
Vines,  but,  when  the  canes  are  removed  indoors  ready  for 
starting — say  in  October — earlier  or  later  according  to  the 
time  at  which  the  crop  is  required,  the  cane  is  drawn  through 
the  bottom  of  a  32  or  24-sized  pot,  the  former  being  in  general 
quite  large  enough,  while  one  even  smaller  may  be  used  for 
weak  canes.  This  top  pot  is  made  to  rest  on  the  surface  of 
the  larger  one,  and  is  itself  filled  with  good  loam  and  rotten 


How  table  Vines  are  grown  at  Burghley. 

manure,  into  which  the  Vine  emits  roots.  The  Vine  itself  is 
ti-ained  close  under  the  glass  in  the  ordinary  way  until  after 
the  fruit  is  set,  when  it  is  neatly  twisted  round  an  iron  ring 
or  other  slight  support,  as  shown  in  the  accompanying 
illustration.  When  the  fruit  is  ripe,  and  the  plants  are 
required  for  the  table,  the  stem  is  severed  below  the  small 
pot,  and  the  roots  by  this  time  made  in  the  small  one  are 
sufficient  to  prevent  the  foliage  from  flagging  on  its  removal 
to  the  dining-room.  Before  being  placed  on  the  table,  it 
should  receive  a  good  soaking  of  water,  and  should  then  be 
placed  in  an  ornamental  vase,  and  the  surface  of  the  compost 
should  be  covered  with  Ferns,  Mosses,  or  Selaginellas,  so  as 
to  conceal  the  pot  and  add  to  the  attractive  appearance  of  the 
plant.  When  at  Burghley  a  year  ago,  we  saw  some  fine 
specimens  which  had  been  treated  in  this  way,  the  kinds  used 
being  Black  Hamburgh  and  Royal  Muscadine.  Mr.  Gilbert 
is  very  fond  of  Trebbiano  for  this  purpose,  owing  to  its 
being  large  and  effective,  and  of  good  flavour  when  forced 
early  and  thoroughly  ripened  under  a  hot  sun.  Strong  canes 
of  Black  Hamburgh  may  be  allowed  to  carry  six  or  seven 
bunches  of  fruit ;  Royal  Muscadine  from  six  to  nine  bunches, 
according  to  strength  ;  and  Trebbiano  three  or  four, according 
to  size.  In  order  to  obtain  fine  fruit,  the  Vines,  while  swelling 
off   their  berries,   should    receive    repeated   doses  of   liquid- 


manure,  and  should  bo  mulched  and  top-dressed  occasionally 
with  half-rotten  stable-manure  and  good  fibrous  loam.  When 
the  fruit  begins  to  colour,  plenty  of  air  should  be  given,  and 
the  temperature  should  bo  kept  up ;  under  such  conditions 
Grapes  will  neither  be  deficient  in  colour  nor  bloom. 

F.  W.  B. 


A  SELECT  LIST  OF  DESSERT  AND  KITCHEN 
APPLES  FROM  AUGUST  TO  MARCH. 
As  the  season  for  planting  lias  now  arrived,  I  have  given  a  small  list  of 
Apples,  all  of  which  are  well  known  to  bo  good  bearers,  and  of  first, 
class  quality.  Those  who  intend  planting,  or  filling  up  vacancies, 
will  find  it  more  profitable  to  do  so  during  this  or  next  month,  as  it 
would  give  the  trees  a  chance  of  making  fresh  roots  before  the  frost 
sets  in  ;  and  not  only  that,  but  afford  a  probability  of  getting  a  few 
fruits  in  1871.  I  have  arranged  them  in  accordance  with  their  periods 
of  ripening. — Alfked  Stacey,  Mert-iott  Nurseries,  Crewkerne. 

Dessert. 

Borovitsky  (second  size). — August.  Roundish  oval  and  angular ; 
skin,  smooth  to  the  touch,  greenish  yellow,  marked  with  beautiful 
scarlet  stripes,  and  covered  with  a  fine  rosy -violet  bloom  ;  flesh,  white, 
firm,  rich,  and  sugary,  very  juicy. 

Annat  Scarlet  (second  size). — September  and  October. 
Roundish  oblate  ;  skin,  yellowish  green,  striped  and  mottled  with  red 
in  the  shade,  but  almost  covered  with  bright  scarlet,  especially  on 
the  sunny  side ;  flesh,  whitish  yellow,  with  a  very  delicious  rich 
juice. 

Kerry  Pippin,  (third  size). — September  to  November.  Roundish 
oval ;  skin,  smooth,  shining  greenish  yellow,  but  changes  to  clear 
yellow ;  covered  and  streaked  with  bright  red  or  crimson  in  the  sun  ; 
fiesh,  yellowish,  firm  and  crisp,  juice  very  abundant,  rich  and 
sugary. 

Gravenstein  (first  size). — October  to  February.  Roundish, 
irregular,  and  ribbed  or  angular ;  skin,  smooth,  yellowish  green,  palest 
in  the  shade,  the  sunny  side  being  streaked  with  pale  red  and 
crimson;  flesh,  yellowish,  crisp,  tender,  and  rich;  juice  abundant, 
sugary,  and  rich. 

Golden  Winter  Pearmain  (second  size). — October  to  January. 
Conical ;  skin,  smooth,  deep  rich  golden  yellow,  much  streaked  and 
mottled  with  crimson;  flesh, yellowish,  firm,  tender,  juicy,  rich,  with 
a  fine  aromatic  flavour.  This  is  one  of  the  greatest  bearers  that  I 
know,  scarcely  ever  missing  a  crop. 

Ribston  Pippin  (November  to  April).  This  is  so  well  known 
that  a  descrption  is  useless.     It  is  one  of  the  best. 

Egremont  Russet  (second  size).  —  November  to  April. 
Ovate  ;  thick  skin,  rough,  and  covered  with  russet  in  the  shade,  and 
with  dull  yellow  russet  in  the  sun,  beautifully  tinged  with  bright 
red;  flesh,  yellowish,  firm,  and  crisp.     A  very  handsome  Apple. 

Blenheim  Orange  Pippin  (first  size). — November  to  February. 
Roundish;  skin,  yellow,  becoming  deep  orange  in  the  sun,  and  finely 
shaded  and  streaked  with  dull  red ;  flesh,  yellow,  crisp,  sweet,  and 
jnicy. 

liOrd  Lennox  (third  to  second  size). — November  to  March. 
Roundish  oblate,  rather  compressed  at  both  ends  ;  skin,  smooth  and 
shining,  greenish  yellow  in  the  shade,  but  covered  with  dark  crimson 
in  the  sun  ;  flesh,  whitish  yellow,  firm,  crisp,  and  juicy.  It  has  more 
crimson,  and  is  much  earlier  than  Fearn's  Pippin. 

Fearn's  Pippin  (second  size). — November  to  March.  Roundish, 
and  flattened  at  the  ends;  skin,  pale  greenish-yellow,  shaded  and 
striped  with  red  on  the  shaded  side,  covered  with  crimson,  with  a 
few  patches  of  russet  in  the  sun  ;  fiesh,  yellowish,  firm,  crisp,  with 
a  fine  sugary,  and  pleasant  flavour. 

Borsdorffer  (third  size). — November  to  January.  Roundish, 
oblate  ;  colour,  bright  yellow,  with  a  few  streaks  of  red  ;  flesh,  crisp, 
delicate,  with  a  sugary  and  vinous  flavour.  A  most  beautiful  and 
prolific  bearer  on  the  Paradise  stock. 

Cox's  Orange  Pippin  (second  size). — November  to  April. 
Roundish,  even  and  regular  in  outline  ;  skin,  greenish,  changing  to 
yellow ;  streaked  with  red  in  the  shade,  but  entirely  covered  with 
bright  red  on  the  sunny  side  ;  flesh,  yellow,  very  tender,  crisp,  and 
juicy. 

Kitchen  Kinds. 

Keswick  Codlin  (first  size)  .—August  and  September.  Conical ; 
skin,  fine  pale  yellow  ;  flesh,  rich,  with  a  fine  sparkling  juice.  Tree, 
a  most  abundant  bearer,  hardly  ever  missing  a  crop. 

Pott's  Seedling  (first  size). — October  to  December.  Roundish, 
conical  ;  skin,  smooth  ;  light  yellow  in  the  shade,  but  covered  with 
beautiful  cerise ;  flesh,  white,  crisp,  and  tender,  with  a  plentiful 
sub-acid  juice.     A  fine  new  sort. 

Magnum    Bonum,    Boundway   (first    size).— November    to 


334 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  26, 1873, 


April.  Roundish,  ovate ;  skin,  lemon.yellow,  witli  a  few  broad 
broken  streaks  of  pale  orimsou  on  quo  side  ;  flesh,  yellowish-whito, 
tender,  crisp,  very  juicy.  A  first-rate  culinary  Apple,  and  may  be 
used  in  the  dessert. 

Lady  Derby  (Srst  size).— August  and  September.  Roundish, 
ribbed  ;  skin,  beautiful  smooth  shining  yellow,  with  pale  dots  on  the 
shaded  side,  the  sunny  side  being  covered  with  a  beautiful  delicate 
blush  of  vermilion,  and  dotted  with  dark  grey  points  ;  flesh,  beauti. 
fully  tinged  with  pink,  tender  and  rich,  very  juicy.  One  of  the 
most  beautiful  Apples  known. 

Cellini  (first  size). — October  to  December.  Roundish.conical ; 
skin  deep  yellow,  covered  with  deep  crimson ;  flesh,  white  and 
tender  ;  juice,  abundant,  brisk,  and  pleasant.  The  tree,  when  in  fruit, 
is  a  most  conspicuous  object ;  the  fruit  is  of  such  a  high  colour  that 
it  can  be  seen  from  a  great  distance  ;  a  great  bearer.  The  flesh 
when  cooked  is  of  a  most  beautiful  amber. 

Lord  Derby  (first  size).— October  to  January.  Conical  and  very 
irregular  in  outline  ;  skin,  at  first,  greenish  yellow,  which  changes  to 
fine  lemon  yellow  as  it  ripens  ;  flesh,  white,  melting,  juicy,  and 
sweet.  This  is  a  most  desirable  Apple  for  kitchen  purposes.  A 
great  cropper. 

Cox's  Pomona  (fii'st  size). —  October.  Ovate,  flattened,  and 
angular;  skin,  yellow,  very  much  streaked  with  crimson;  flesh, 
white,  tender,  juicy;  a  great  bearer,  and  very  handsome  fruit. 

Hawthornden,  New  (first  size).- — December  and  January. 
Round  ;  of  a  fine  light  golden  colour,  tinged  with  red  next  the  sun; 
flesh,  solid,  juicy,  and  briskly  flavoured.  Tree  hardy  and  a  great 
bearr-r. 

Golden  Noble  (first  size). — October  to  March.  Roundish ;  skin, 
smooth,  clear  bright  yellow,  with  a  few  dark  red  spots ;  flesh, 
yellowish  and  tender;  juice,  abundant,  with  a  fine  sub. acid  flavour. 
This  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  kitchen  Apples  known.  A  great 
bearer. 

Royal  Somerset  (first  size) . — November  to  March.  Round  ;  skin, 
whitish  yellow,  with  bright  red  on  the  sunny  side  ;  flesh,  crisp  ; 
juicy.  This,  like  the  last,  is  one  of  the  best,  either  for  the  kitchen 
or  dessert. 

Alfriston  (first  size)  .^November  to  April.  Roundish,  and  iiTegn. 
larly  ribbed  ;  skin,  light  orange  in  the  sun,  greenish.yellow  in  the 
shade;  flesh,  white,  crisp,  and  juicy.  I  have  seen  fruit  of  this  kind 
weigh  over  1  lb.  each.     An  immense  bearer. 

Duke  of  Wellington  (first  size) . — November  to  March.  Roundish. 
One  of  the  most  valuable  of  all  culinary  Apples,  it  can  be  used  from 
October  to  June.    Tree,  vigorous  and  great  bearer.     Keeps  well. 


BEANCH  PROPAGATION  OP  APPLE  TREB.S. 
I  CAN'  fully  corroborate  Mr.  Michael  Barry's  statement  (see  p.  297) 
"  that  branches  of  Apple  trees  cut  off  and  planted  will  grow  readily." 
I  have  for  several  years  planted  them  in  this  way  in  the  Isle  of 
Wight.  I  learned  the  plan  from  a  gardener  in  my  employ  at  Fresh- 
water, and  I  was  so  astonished  at  the  result  that  I  was  at  first 
incredulous.  I  could  hardly  believe  that  Apple  trees  of  from  4  to  6 
feet  in  height,  some  of  them  bearing  fruit",  were  cuttings  less  than 
twelvemonths  old.  Such,  however,  was  the  result.  Branches  of 
about  G  feet  long,  having  what  your  correspondent  calls  "  a  rusty- 
looking"  appearance  near  the  fork,  should  be  sawn  oiS  just  at  the 
"nobbly"  part,  and  may  not  only  be  planted  with  more  certainty 
that  they  will  take  root  than  is  the  case  with  cuttings  in  general, 
but  will  make  quite  respectable  trees  the  next  season.  The  fault  I 
notice  is,  that  they  do  not  appear  to  make  such  a  vigorous  growth  at 
the  top  as  some  do,  but  others  send  out  the  strong  shoots  near  the 
ground,  and  only  tura  out  a  few  new  leaves  at  the  top.  On  the 
whole,  however,  I  have  found  the  plan  answer  admirably,  and 
have  this  autumn  eaten  fruit  from  last  winter's  cuttings. 

Some  time  ago  you  published  a  letter,  in  which  I  stated  that  I  had 
a  Pear  tree  bearing  a  second  crop.  I  may  mention  that  I  have 
several  doing  the  same,  and  one  with  three  distinct  crops,  easily 
distinguishable  by  their  different  sizes.  This,  I  think,  is  not  uucommou 
■when  the  fruit  crop  is  scanty,  and  is  followed  by  a  moist  summer. 

B..'W.U.,  Forest  Hill. 


Mouldy  Grapes. — I  had  a  large  Vinery  of  very  fine  Grapes,  a 
quantity  of  which  I  had  intended  keeping  on  the  Vines  for  three 
months  at  least,  although  quite  ripe  two  months  ago.  Judge  my 
surprise  when,  on  going  into  the  Vinery  one  morning  last  week,  I 
found  every  bunch  totally  covered  with  a  heavy  coating  of  green 
mould.  I  had  no  fire  in  the  house  for  two  or  three  months  up  to 
the  day  previous  to  the  damage  being  done.  The  weather  had  been 
bright  and  fine  for  the  space  of  three  weeks,  and  then  came  on  wet 
accompanied    by    an    intensely  warm  fog,  the    damp    penetrating 


through  everything.  My  employer  is  of  opinion  that  some  disease 
has  attacked  the  Vinos,  but  I  maintain  that  damp  is  the  cause  of  the 
mischief,  as  the  Vines  are,  and  have  always  been,  particularly 
healthy.  Am  I  right  ? — A  Subscriiiek.  [There  can  be  little  doubt 
that  your  Grapes  have  been  attacked  by  mould  through  want  of 
artificial  heat  and  proper  ventilation  during  the  dull  wet  weather 
which  we  have  lately  had.  During  the  wet  autumn  of  last  year,  one 
of  my  late  Vineries  showed  bunches  attacked  in  a  similar  wa)' ;  but 
by  giving  a  little  fire-heat  day  and  night,  and  ventilating  on  all 
favourable  occasions,  I  saved  the  crop  from  being  injured  very  much. 
Of  course  in  the  case  in  question,  now  that  the  mischief  is  past 
remedy,  nothing  can  be  done ;  but,  when  the  Vines  are  pruned  for 
another  year's  crop,  they  should  be  dressed  well  with  a  mixture  of 
soft-soap  or  Gishurst,  dissolved  in  warm  water,  and  as  much  sulphur, 
lime,  and  clay  as  will  bring  the  composition  into  the  consistency  of 
thick  paint.  This  dressing,  with  attention  to  heating  and  ventil- 
ation in  another  vear,  will  get  rid  of  the  mould. — Willi.15I  Tillekv, 
WelbeH:'] 

Influence  of  Stock  on  Scion. — Some  years  ago  we  grafted 
the  Styrian  or  Keelo  Hall  Benrre  Pear  on  the  Citron  des  Carmes, 
which  is  one  of  our  earliest  summer  Pears,  and  the  result  is  that  the 
Styrian  thus  treated  is  about  three  weeks  earlier  than  the  same  kind 
on  the  ordinary  Pear  stock,  and  better  flavoured.  \Ve  fiud  it  to  be 
one  of  our  best  Pears  for  October  in  this  climate,  either  from  a 
standard  or  wall,  and  as  regards  fine  appearance  it  has  few  equals. 
I  regret  that  it  is  not  more  known  than  it  is,  as  many  gardeners 
would  find  it  very  useful  in  cold  northern  districts. — William  IIill, 
Kecle  Hall  Gardens,  Staffordshire. 

Variation  Among  Seedling  Fruits. — Why  do  seeds  of 
fruit  gathered  from  grafted  branches  produce  wild  Apples,  in  most 
cases ;  and,  this  being  the  rule,  how  are  the  exceptions  to  be 
accounted  for — I  mean  the  cases  in  which  a  good  new  variety  is  raised 
from  seed  ? — Praxklin  T.  Richards.  [Seeds  saved  from  fruits 
gathered  from  grafted  branches,  do  not,  so  far  as  we  know,  produce 
wild  Apples  "in  most  cases";  but  the  majority  of  the  seedlings  are,  as 
a  rule,  inferior  in  quality  to  the  parent.  A  good  new  variety  of 
Apple  or  Pear,  raised  from  seed,  is  a,  rare  result  in  comparison 
with  the  number  of  seeds  sown.  Few  seedlings  resemble  the  parent 
in  all  respects  ;  if  that  is  wanted,  recourse  must  be  had  to  propaga- 
tion by  grafts  or  cuttings.] 

The  Rostiezer  Pear. — The  varieties  of  Pears  which  ripen  early 
have  not  been  regarded  as  possessing  very  desirable  qualities.  The 
Doyenne  d'Ete  affords  us  the  first  taste  of  the  frnit,  ripening  as  it 
does  in  the  latter  part  of  July,  but  it  is  a  very  small  pear,  decays 
rapidly,  and  the  flavour  and  quality  are  no  more  than  second  or  third 
rate.  The  Rostiezer,  however,  is  one  which  forms  an  exception  to  early 
Pears  as  a  class.  It  is  a  spicy,  juicy  fruit,  with  a  sweet,  delicious 
flavour.  The  Rostiezer  hardly  falls  behind  the  Seckel  in  quality,  and 
the  tree,  although  long-limbed  .and  unsightly,  is  thrifty  and  a  good 
bearer.  The  fruit  ripens  early  in  August,  and  the  process  of  ripening 
is  not  sudden,  but  continuous,  which  is  a  great  advantage.  Among 
the  numerous  varieties  of  Pears  in  our  orchards,  we  have  no  greater 
favourites  than  the  Rostiezer,  and  we  recommend  its  cultivation 
more  generally.  It  is  very  handsome,  not  large,  pyriform,  with  a 
colour  in  which  golden  and  carmine  hues  are  blended.  The  tree  does 
well  on  the  Quince  stock,  but  does  best  on  the  Pear  stock,  as  it  grows 
weak,  and  requires  a  rich  and  rather  moist  soil.  It  is  decidedly  the 
best  and  most  desirable  early  Pear  we  have  ;  and  its  bearing  qualities, 
as  Mr.  Scott,  of  the  Merriott  Nurseries,  well  observes,  are  "  remark- 
able."—W.  M. 

Blackberries. — The  present  Blackberry  season  (says  the  Grocer) 
is  a  very  thriving  one,  and  in  many  parts  of  the  country  the  hedges 
and  bushes  abound  with  this  useful  fruit.  Considering  its  abund- 
ance, and  the  many  useful  purposes  to  which  the  Blackberry  may  be 
put,  it  has  occurred  to  us  that  a  great  deal  more  might  be  made  of 
it  than  is  done  at  present.  In  too  many  districts  the  trouble  is  not 
even  taken  of  picking  the  fruit,  and  immense  quantities  are  thus 
entirely  wasted.  In  these  days  of  dear  food  this  is  to  be  regretted. 
In  many  neighbourhoods,  on  the  other  hand,  the  cottagers  pick  all 
the  fruit  they  can,  and  usually  convert  it  into  jam,  when,  if  properly 
made,  its  taste  is  pleasant.  If  made  into  puddings  or  pies  also  the 
Blackberry  again  comes  into  great  use.  But,  as  we  before  men. 
tioned,  in  many  districts  the  fruit  is  almost,  if  not  quite,  neglected  ; 
and,  considering  how  serviceably  it  may  be  made  into  jam,  we  are 
somewhat  astonished  that  more  attention  is  not  given  to  the  subject 
by  our  large  jam  manufacturers,  who,  we  are  sure,  by  utilising 
Blackberries,  might  turn  out  a  most  agreeable  preserve.  Its 
cheapness,  too,  would  be  a  great  recommendation.  Blackberries 
can  frequently  be  obtained  for  an  exceedingly  small  cost ;  in  fact, 
the  labour  of  picking  seems  to  be  the  gi'eatest  expense  connected 
with  the  matter. 


Oct.  25, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


335 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 


HYACINTH  CULTURE. 

The  Hj'aciutli  is  one  of  tho  oldest  and  most  valued  inmates  of 
British  gardens,  and  was  cultivated  in  the  time  of  Gerrard  at  the 
end  of  the  sixteenth  century.  Gerrard  mentions  tho  single  and 
double  blue,  the  purple  and  the  white  varieties  existing  at  that  time; 
and  there  is  everj'  reason  to  conclude  that  the  Dutch  possessed 
many  improved  kiuds.  Parkinson,  some  thirty  years  after, 
enumerates  eight  varieties,  and  we  still  find  Hyacinths  improving  in 
quality  and  increasing  in  numbers  and  value. 

Culture  in  Beds, — As  soon  as  the  summer  flowers  have  been 
removed  from  the  beds,  have  them  deeply  dug  and  well  manured  for 
the  reception  of  the  Hyacinths.  This  should  take  place  in  October, 
and,  besides  digging  the  beds,  they  ought  to  be  neatly  edged  it  on 
grass.  Proceed  next  to  plant  after  this  plan  : — First  line  the  bed 
regularly  into  divisions  of  9  inches  between  rows,  and  dibble  holes 
on  the  lines  8  inches  apart,  then  plant  the  roots  into  the  holes  so  that 
they  are  3  inches  below  the  surface.  When  the  bed  has  become 
completed  it  is  advisable  to  plant  close  to  the  margin  a  line  of  Crocus, 
inserting  them  3  inches  apart.  The  Crocus  will  be  the  first  to  make 
a  feature  in  the  spring,  and  will  continue  to  impart  a  lively  effect  to 
the  bed  up  to  the  period  when  the  Hyacinths  bloom.  When  the 
flower-stems  reach  a  height  which  endangers  their  being  broken  by 
rain  or  wind,  they  should  be  supported  by  means  of  short  stakes. 
These  should  reach  no  further  than  the  base  of  the  flower-spike. 
And,  when  the  flowers  have  withered,  lose  no  time  in  removing  the 
flower-stems,  but  preserve  the  foliage  to  the  last  moment  you  can 
allow  them  to  occupy  the  bed,  which  will  in  a  great  measure  favoui' 
the  ripening  of  the  roots. 

Culture  in  Pots. — Those  intended  for  early  forcing  should  be 
planted  as  soon  as  they  can  be  obtained  from  the  nurseryman,  and, 
instead  of  plunging  them  in  the  usual  manner  out  of  doors,  have 
them  packed  beneath  a  stage  in  a  rather  close  greenhouse  or  frame, 
sifting  some  ooal-ashes  over  them  to  protect  the  bulbs  from  drying. 
Give  no  water  for  the  next  succeeding  ten  days,  then  enough  to  wet 
the  entire  ball.  Observe  that  all  the  bulbs  are  planted  firmly  into 
the  soil,  and  sufficiently  deep  to  prevent  them  being  started  out  of 
tho  soil  when  the  roots  protrude  from  the  bulb  in  a  body,  as  they 
naturally  do.  This  is  prevented  by  examining  them  daily  and 
pressing  firmly  down  those  that  show  a  disposition  to  start  from  their 
bed.  The  soil  to  be  preferred  for  early  forcing  ought  to  be  light, 
rich,  and  porous,  while  the  pots  ought  to  be  not  larger  than  5  inches 
in  diameter,  well  drained,  and  the  soil  made  rather  firm.  Allow 
tho  plants  to  advance  in  growth,  enough  to  fill  the  balls  with  roots 
before  putting  them  into  the  forcing.house  ;  and  should  the  young 
crowns  be  in  any  degree  blanched,  by  being  covered  or  shaded, 
shade  them  .partially  the  succeeding  week  after  being  put  in 
to  force.  When  forcing  is  commenced,  the  temperature  ought 
not  to  be  above  50°  at  night,  with  a  slight  rise  of  heat  in  the 
day-time,  allowing  a  few  degrees  more  weekly  as  the  plant  advances 
in  growth,  making  60"  the  maximum,  with  moderate  ventilation. 
Water  abundantly  both  by  means  of  the  syringe  overhead  and 
supplies  at  the  root,  never  once  permitting  the  soil  to  indi. 
cato  dryness  in  the  least.  Place  the  plants  as  close  to  the  glass 
as  available,  and  turn  them  round  now  and  then,  to  prevent  the 
stems  getting  twisted,  which  will  also  materially  assist  the  uniform 
expansion  and  colouring  of  the  pips.  When  their  flower-stems  are 
somewhat  advanced,  secure  them  by  means  of  inserting  stout  wires, 
that  have  been  previously  sharpened  at  the  points,  into  the  centre 
of  the  bulbs.  This  ensures  handsomer  plants  than  when  clumsy 
stakes  are  stuck  in  outside  the  bulbs,  and  is  harmless  to  the  plants 
also.  Plants  that  are  intended  for  successional  blooming  need  not 
be  put  under  glass,  but  plunged  in  the  usual  way  out  of  doors,  only 
putting  them  under  glass  some  time  prior  to  their  being  wanted  to 
take  the  place  of  the  first  lot.  The  following  varieties  are  to  be 
preferred  for  early  forcing  to  numerous  others  that  force  indifferently : 
Homerus,  single,  pink  ;  La  Preciosa,  single,  white  ;  Grand  Vainqueur, 
single,  rose-pink ;  Regulus,  lavender,  single ;  Charles  Dickens, 
porcelain-blue,  single ;  Queen  of  the  Netherlands,  white,  single ; 
Amie  de  Coeur,  single, brisk  rose-pink;  Lord  Wellington,  soft  pink, 
tinged  rose,  single  ;  Argus,  single,  purple,  with  a  large  porcelain 
white  centre ;  Diebitsch  Sabalskansky,  lively  pink ;  Grandeur  a 
Merveille,  single,  French  white;  Baron  Van  Tuyll,  single,  blue; 
Madame  Hodson,  light  pink  ;  and  the  Roman,  single,  white,  which 
ought  to  be  planted  by  the  dozen  to  afi^ord  early  effect.  Pot  the 
white  Roman  in  threes  in  a  pot. 

Culture  for  Late  Blooming  and  Exhibition. — It  is 
generally  necessary  to  retard  the  growth  of  these  bulbs  instead 
of  accelerating  it ;  so,  to  accomplish  this  better,  let  October 
be  well  advanced  before  taking  the   roots  out  of   the    packing; 


store  them  away  in  a  dry,  airy,  cool  place,  until  then,  looking  them 
over  occasionally  to  see  that  they  are  keeping  sound ;  but  do  not 
delay  to  plant  any  that  show  signs  of  starting  into  growth.  The 
compost  to  be  preferred  for  late  flowers  ought  to  bo  heavier  and 
richer — two  parts  firm  fresh  loam  ;  one  part  sheep  or  cow  manure, 
thoroughly  decomposed  and  moderately  dry ;  one  part  equal  portions 
loaf.mould  and  clean  sharp  river-sand.  Mix  these  ingredients 
thoroughly  ;  use  clean  pots  7  inches  wide  ;  if  new,  steep  in  water 
twenty-four  hours  before  using.  New  pots,  without  the  precaution 
of  steeping,  discharge  a  poisonous  element  into  the  soil  that  is 
certain  death  to  tho  roots  as  soon  as  they  reach  it.  Cover  the 
drainage  with  Moss  or  rotten  turf- fibre  ;  allow  the  bulb  to  be  well  sunk 
into  the  compost  and  pot  rather  firmly  than  otherwise.  When  all 
are  potted,  have  them  arranged  compactly  on  a  hard  bottom,  and 
cover  6  inches  deep  with  coal-ashes,  leaf-mould,  or  other  light 
material.  Allow  them  to  remain  thus  for  some  weeks,  until  the  pots 
are  filled  with  roots,  and  the  crowns  are  started,  when  they  ought  to 
be  lifted  and  put  into  a  cold  frame  without  plunging  deeper  than 
the  rims  of  the  pots,  but  shading  at  first,  then  gradually  exposing 
them  to  the  full  light  and  sun ;  ventilate  freely  in  open  sunny 
weather,  but  protect  in  sharp  frost  by  means  of  mats.  In  short, 
they  should  be  secured  from  the  action  of  extreme  frost ;  but,  at 
the  same  time,  have  the  light  intercepted  by  any  covering  as  seldom  as 
possible.  Throughout  the  winter  and  spring  afford  as  much  water  as  ia 
consistent  with  maintaining  vigorous  growth,  neither  keeping  them 
continuously  saturated,  nor  permitting  the  soil  to  get  extremely  dry. 
Should  the  appearance  of  the  plants,  as  the  show-time  approaches, 
indicate  their  being  too  far  advanced  in  flower,  remove  the  sashes 
in  the  daytime,  weather  permitting,  and  only  protect  the  flowers  by 
a  canopy  of  hexagon  net  or  screen.  Should  the  reverse  be  the  case 
— namely,  the  flowers  too  late — the  frames  must  be  kept  closer  ;  or 
else,  which  is  preferable,  the  plants  put  into  a  greenhouse  near  to 
the  glass,  where  all  the  necessary  requirements,  such  as  tying, 
staking,  and  dressing  can  be  performed  without  exposing  them  to 
the  wind.  As  the  flowers  approach  ojjening,  it  is  well  to  supply  the 
roots  with  weak  liquid  manure  as  a  stimulant  to  growth,  which  acts 
at  once  with  good  effect  upon  the  pips,  expanding  them  to  greater 
dimensions,  as  well  as  displaying  in  them  higher  colours  than  if  only 
fed  with  water. 

Dressing  th.e  Flower-spikes.  —  Whether  for  exhibition 
pui'poses  or  not,  the  appearance  of  some  Hyacinths  may  be  very 
much  improved  by  having  their  pips  thinned  and  arranged  neatlj'. 
The  doubles  are  mostly  improved  by  this,  as  in  many  instances  their 
pips  are  so  heavy  that  they  hang  slovenly,  showing  their  outline  to 
disadvantage.  In  proceeding  to  arrange  a  spike,  the  wire  support  or 
stake  ought  to  be  brought  neatly  up  amongst  the  pips  without 
disarranging  any  of  them.  The  top  of  the  wire  should  only  reach 
the  upper  extremity  of  the  foot-stalk  of  the  topmost  pip.  When  it 
is  placed  erect  the  pip  is  tied  in  this  position,  and  the  main  stem  is 
also  tied  securely  to  t  he  wire  support ;  then  the  set  of  pips  imme- 
diately below  the  crowning  one  is  raised  up  and  secured  in  position 
by  means  of  the  crowning  pip  overlapping  their  margins ;  the  next 
series  of  pips  are  in  their  turn  raised,  so  that  the  one  above  them 
overlaps  them  and  supports  them  in  position,  and  so  on  ;  one  series 
of  pips  is  made  to  support  that  below  it,  until  all  are  secured, 
making  a  symmetrical  whole  when  completed.  Another  mode  of 
securing  the  uppermost  series  of  pips  in  position  is  to  insert  pieces 
of  fine  steel  wire  into  the  centre  of  each  flower,  securing  the  wire 
in  the  main  stem,  then  hanging  all  the  lower  flowers  to  one  another. 

LIST  OF  EXHIBITION  SORTS. 

Double  Blues.— Lam-ens  Koster,  Indigo,  Lord  WeUingtou,  porce. 
lain  shades;  Van  Speyk,  pale  blue. 

Doubles  of  Reddish  Shades.— Koh-y-Noor,  rich  pink ;  Lord 
Wellington,  delicate  blush  ;    Susanna  Maria,  salmon-rose. 

Double  Pure  White. — La  Tour  d'Auvergnc. 

Single  Blues  of  various  Shades. — Argus,  bright  blue,  white 
eye  ;  Auriculus  Cog,  purple  violet,  white  eye  ;  Baron  Van  Tuyll,  dark  ; 
Charles  Dickens,  delicate  pale  blue;  General  Havelock,  dark  purple  ;  Grand 
Lilas,  azure  blue  ;  Haydu,  mauve  ;  King  of  the  Blues,  deep  blue  ;  Lord 
Melville,  deep  blue ;  Marie,  deep  purplish-blue,  striped  indigo ;  Prince 
Albert,  black,  with  a  glow  of  purple. 

Single  Red,  Rose,  and  Crimson. — Cosmos,  rose-pink  ;  Emme- 
line,  delicate  pink ;  Garibaldi,  rich  red,  immense  spike ;  Liua,  rich 
crimson  ;  Macaulay,  deep  rose,  striped  crimson ;  Mrs.  Beecher  Stowe, 
dark  rose-pink  ;  Norma,  waxy-pink,  immense  pips  ;  Prima  Donna,  shining 
rose ;  Princess  Clotilde,  pink,  striped  carmine  ;  Eouge  Pyraniide,  rich 
red ;  Solfaterre,  beautiful  orange-scarlet ,  Von  Schiller,  salmon-pink. 

Single  White  and  Blush. — Alba  Maxima,  pure  white ;  Baron 
Van  Tuyll,  pure  white ;  Grandeur  a  Merveille,  delicate  blush ;  Mont 
Blanc,  pure  white ;  Seraphine,  blush  snow-ball,  pure  white,  without 
dispute  the  most  perfect  pip,  and  massive  above  all  others. 

Single  Yellow. — Due  de  MalakofF,  straw  striped ;  Rose  and  Ida, 
crimrose-yellow,  the  finest  of  this  section. — Gardener. 


336 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  25, 1873. 


THE  CULTURE  OP  DEUTZIAS  IN  BELGIUM. 
Having  read  in  a  recent  number  of  The  Garden  an  article  on 
Deutzias  (see  p.  295),  I  beg  to  add  a  few  remarks  which  may 
be  interesting  to  some  of  your  readers.  Last  year,  when 
working  at  Ghent  in  the  extensive  nursery  of  Mr.  Baumann, 
I  noticed,  in  the  grounds  of  the  horticultural  school  at  Trochie- 
mones-lez-Gaud,  numbers  of  specimens  of  Dcutzia  crenata 
fl.  pi.,  nicely  trained  as  standards,  about  4  feet  high,  with  round 
crowns  from  1|  to  2  feet  in  diameter.  These  little  trees  had  a 
cliarming  effect  when  in  bloom,  the  pretty  white  pendent 
flowers  giving  them  the  appearance  of  weeping  trees,  and,  as 
there  were  many  planted  on  both  sides  of  the  main  walk,  the 
■whole  caught  the  eye,  even  from  a  distance.  Low  standards, 
such  as  these,  grown  in  pots,  would  be  capital  subjects  for 
forcing.  As  to  the  propagation  of  Deutzias,  I  would  add 
another  way  of  making  cuttings  to  the  two  given  in  your 
article,  viz.,  from  young  soft  shoots  of  plants  that  have  been 
forced.  These,  covered  with  bell-glasses,  strike  freely  in  a 
gentle  bottom-heat ;  or,  better,  in  an  earth  bed  in  the  propaga- 
ting house,  covered  with  sheet-glass.  After  they  are  rooted, 
they  should  be  potted  singly,  and  gradually  hardened  off,  and 
in  spring,  when  no  severe  frosts  are  to  be  feared,  they  should 
be  planted  out  in  the  open  ground,  where  they  will  form  good- 
sized  plants  by  autumn.  The  best  soil  for  them  is  what  joa 
have  recommended  in  your  article.  This  method  of  propaga- 
tion is  especially  well  adapted  for  D.  gi-acilis,  as  this  sort 
seldom  makes  so  strong  a  growth  as  to  form  branches  10  to 
12  inches  long,  fit  for  cutting;  however,  herbaceous  cuttings, 
i.e.,  those  made  of  half-ripened  wood,  will  also  succeed. 
Ealhuj.  G.  UiiiNK. 

FILMT  FERNS. 
{ConcludedL  from  p.  319.) 
"We  now  come  to  those  which  require  more  heat  than  the 
greenhouse  kinds,  but  which,  nevertheless,  do  not  grow 
naturally  in  a  very  warm  temperature.  Many  fail  in  their 
attempts  to  grow  Filmy  Ferns,  because  they  imagine  that  they 
require  a  close  atmosphere.  This  is  a  mistake,  however,  and 
although  air  must  be  admitted  moi-e  carefully  than  is  usually 
done  in  the  case  of  ordinary  stove  and  greenhouse  jilants,  yet 
fresh  air  they  must  have ;  therefore,  in  houses  devoted  to  their 
culture,  air  should  be  conducted  underground  into  the  house, 
and  made  to  pass  over  the  hot-water  pipes,  before  it  is  dis- 
charged amongst  the  plants.  This  system  will  be  found  of 
immense  advantage  during  winter,  but  in  summer  little  heat 
will  be  required  ;  still  the  fact  of  the  external  air  Ijeing  thus 
admitted  will  prevent  cutting  draughts,  the  drying  influence 
of  which  is  so  detrimental  to  the  delicate  membranous  fronds 
of  the  plants  now  under  consideration.  Those  species  which 
we  call  stove  kinds  thrive  well  in  a  temperature  of  from  about 
50°  to  75°,  the  minimum,  of  course,  being  the  winter  heat. 

Htmenophyllum  iiiuTELLTJii. — This  is  a  free-growing  hand- 
some species,  having  a  creeping  stem  and  erect  fronds  ovate- 
oblong  in  shape,  tripinnatifid,  G  to  8  inches  long,  and  3  inches 
broad,  light  green  in  colour,  and  clothed  with  branched  reddish 
hairs.  This  kind  seems  to  be  peculiar  to  Jamaica,  but,  as  I 
have  received  it  from  sevei-al  correspondents  in  that  island, 
it  does  not  appear  to  be  rare  there. 

H.  SERiCEUjr. — This  is  a  plant  which  should,  ou  no  account, 
be  watered  overhead,  because  of  the  dense  covering  of  ferru- 
ginous silky  hairs  with  which  the  fronds  are  clothed.  It  has 
a  creeping  rhizome,  and  pendulous  fronds,  oblong,  pinnate, 
from  1  to  2  feet  in  length,  and  from  2  to  3  inches  broad. 
It  should  be  allowed  to  grow  down  over  some  pi'ojecting  rock, 
where  it  will  be  seen  to  the  greatest  advantage.  It  is  a  native 
of  the  West  Indian  Islands,  Peru,  Guatemala,  and  Brazil. 

H.  ASPLENioiDES. — The  rhizome  of  this  is  slender  and 
creeping,  the  fronds  from  6  to  8  inches  long,  pendulous, 
pinnatifid,  oblong-lanceolate  in  shape,  and  shining  apple  green, 
presenting,  when  growing  upon  an  old  stump  of  a  Tree  Fern, 
a  beautiful  appearance.     Native  of  Jamaica. 

H.  ABUUPTUM. — This  is  a  truly  beautiful  little  plant,  the 
fronds  of  which  seldom  exceed  2  inches  in  length,  and  1  inch 
broad  ;  rhizome  creeping,  fronds  broadly  oblong,  and  blunt  at 
the  top,  pinnatifid,  and  shining  deep  green.  Native  of  Jamaica. 

H.  ciLiATUsi. — The  rhizomes  of  this  arc  creeping,  the  fronds 


broadly  ovate,  erect,  bi-tripinnatifid,  3  to  6  inches  long,  dark 
green,  clothed  with  tawny  hairs.  I  have  found  this  to  be  one 
of  the  freest  growing  of  species.     Native  of  the  West  Indies. 

H.  FUCOIDES. — The  fronds  of  this  are  oblong,  tapering  to  a 
point,  bi-tripinnatifid,  dentate  on  the  edges,  and  from  3  to  6 
inches  long.  It  is  a  native  of  the  West  Indies  and  various 
parts  of  South  America. 

H.  ELASTicuii. — This  is  a  very  beautiful  kind,  but  at  present 
rare  in  cultivation.  Its  fronds  are  ovate-acuminate,  thin  and 
membranous,  three  times  divided,  produced  from  a  creeping 
rhizome  and  of  a  deep  green  colour.  Native  of  Bourbon 
and  the  Mauritius. 

H.  ruLCHELLtTi[. — This  is  an  elegant  and  distinct  species, 
the  fronds  of  which  are  pendulous,  from  6  to  12  inches  long, 
and  bi-pinnatifid.  They  are  produced  from  a  creeping  rhizome, 
and  are  bright  green,  densely  clothed  with  reddish-brown 
stellate  hairs.     Native  of  Jamaica. 

H.  INIERRUPTUM. — This  rare  species  somewhat  resembles  H. 
sericeum,  but  it  is  at  the  same  time  abundantly  distinct  from 
that  species ;  its  fronds  are  from  1  to  2  feet  long  or  more,  and 
between  2  and  3  inches  broad.  They  are  pinnate  below,  the 
upper  part  twice  divided,  and  are  profusely  furnished  with 
soft  hairs.  It  is  a  native  of  the  Mountain  Forest  of 
Pampayaco,  Peru. 

H.  ULRSUTUii. — This  is  an  elegant  dwarf  free-growing  kind, 
which  creeps  over  blocks  of  sandstone  or  the  trunks  of  trees, 
and  covers  them  densely  with  fronds.  It  dislikes  to  be  w.atered 
over-head.  The  fronds  are  about  6  inches  long,  pendulous, 
pinnatifid,  and  very  membranous  in  texture ;  they  are  also 
clothed  with  soft  tawny  stellate  hairs.  It  is  a  native  of  the 
West  Indies  and  Brazil. 

H.  LINE  ARE. — This  is  a  handsome  and  delicate  species,  and  rare 
with  us  at  present.  Its  rhizomes  are  creeping,  its  fronds 
penduloiis,  about  6  inches  long,  segments  narrow,  pinnate,  the 
pinnas  sparingly  clothed  with  soft  stellate  hairs.  It  is  a  native 
of  Brazil,  Columbia,  and  the  West  Indies. 

H.  AxiLLARE. — The  rhizomes  of  this  are  branching,  and  very 
slender;  the  fronds  linear-oblong,  twice  divided,  and  pendent. 
This  extremely  elegant  species  has  the  peculiarity  of  forming 
side  branches,  or  the  pinna3  have  the  power  of  elongating ; 
indeed,  from  close  observation  of  this  and  several  species  of 
Trichomanes,  I  am  of  opinion  that  barren  fronds  of  these  two 
genera  frequently  continue  growing  the  second  year.  It  is  a 
native  of  Jamaica. 

TRICH05IANES  AURicuLATUM. — This  is  a  splendid  and  rare 
species,  the  rhizomes  of  which  are  creeping;  the  fronds  are 
pinnate,  from  6  to  12  inches  long,  very  membranous,  pinnae 
broad  and  obtuse  when  barren,  when  fertile  inclining  to  be 
pinnatifid,  colour  deep  sea-green.  It  is  one  of  the  finest 
Filmy  Ferns  in  cultivation.  Native  of  Mountain  Forests  in 
Java. 

T.  RiGiDUii. — The  caudex  of  this  is  erect ;  the  fronds  a  foot 
high,  erect,  ovate-acuminate,  bipinnate,  the  segments  again 
finely  divided  and  intensely  deep  green.  It  is  a  very  beautiful 
species,  somewhat  difficult  to  establish,  and  appears  to  be 
common  throughout  the  tropics.  I  have  received  examples  of 
it  from  various  parts  of  South  America  and  the  West  Indies, 
as  well  as  from  the  Pacific  Islands. 

T.  ME5IBRANACEUM. — This  IS  an  exceedingly  distinct  and 
interesting  plant,  the  stems  of  which  are  creeping  and 
tomentose  ;  the  fronds  are  from  2  to  3  inches  long,  and  from 
1  to  2  inches  wide ;  obovate,  with  a  cuneate  base,  and  mostly 
incised  at  the  edges ;  colour  intense  deep  green.  Native  of 
the  West  Indies. 

T.  MAXiMUJi. — This  is  a  superb  species,  which  produces  fronds 
from  1  to  3  feet  long,  and  from  4  to  6  inches  wide ;  its  dis- 
tinctive character  of  being  nearly  the  same  width  throughout 
rendering  it  very  effective.  The  fronds  are  tripinnate  and 
ovate-oblong  in  shape,  and  pale  green.     It  is  a  native  of  Java. 

T.  sca:s'dens. — The  rhizomes  of  this  are  creeping  and  tomen- 
tose, the  fronds  from  12  to  18  inches  high,  ovate-acuminate, 
and  twice  divided,  the  segments  becoming  again  pinnatifid. 
The  fronds  are  thin,  pellucid,  and  pale  green.  A  charming 
plant,  and  a  native  of  Jamaica. 

T.  AXCEPs. — I  have  always  found  this  grand  species  difficult 
to  establish;  indeed,  I  have  to  regret  the  loss  of  many  dozens 
of   it.     Its   caudex   is   erect,   the    fronds    are    broady   ovate. 


Oct.  25,  18/3.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


33? 


bi-tripinuatifid,  from  1  to  2  feet  high,  segmeuts  very  finely 
divided  as  a  rule,  although  I  have  received  it  from  Dominica 
very  broad ;  the  colour  is  au  intense  blackish-greon.  It 
appears  to  be  abundant  in  Trinidad,  and  is  also  to  be  met  with 
in  Guiana  and  Brazil. 

T.  ciilsruM. — The  fronds  of  this  are  tufted,  lanceolate  in 
shape,  and  pinnate ;  pinnw  oblong  obtuse,  and  beautifully  crisp, 
from  6  to  18  inches  long,  and  of  a  rich  deep  green.  The 
receptacle  is  much  exscrted,  which  gives  the  whole  plant  a 
very  beautiful  appearance.  It  seems  generally  distributed 
throughout  the  West  Indian  Islands  and  various  parts  of 
South  America. 

T.  BRACUvrus. — Three  times  I  received  this  species  from 
Trinidad  before  I  was  rewarded  with  a  live  plant.  Its  fronds 
are  scandent  and  support  themselves  upon  whatever  is  near  at 


pinnatifid  and  slightly  arched,  and  the  receptacles  are  much 
exserted.     It  is  a  native  of  the  West  Indies. 

T.  Ankersii. — This  resembles  the  preceding  as  regards  its 
scandent  habit ;  in  other  respects  it  is  abuudantly  distinct 
from  it ;  the  fronds  arc  nearly  sessile,  broadly  lanceolate,  and 
deeply  pinnatifid  at  the  base ;  the  segments  oblong  and 
pinnatifid,  firm  in  texture,  and  deep  green  in  colour.  It  is  a 
native  of  British  Guiana. 

T.  BojERii. — This  is  a  small  species  whose  fronds  are  simple 
and  flabelliform,  crenate  at  the  edges,  seldom  more  than  an. 
inch  long,  and  deep  green.  It  makes  a  beautiful  little  plant 
for  clothing  a  small  piece  of  Tree-Fern  stem,  and  it  is  capable 
of  being  suspended  in  a  Wardian  case.  It  is  a  native  of  the 
Mauritius. 

T.  Kauleussii. — This  is  a  fine  robust  and  erect-growing  kind, 


GROUP  OF  FILMY  FERNS.    (From  Mr.  W.  Hugh  Gower's  Collection.    Brawn  by  Mr.  F.  W.  Bnrbidge.) 


1.  Hymenostachys  elegans. 

2.  Trichomaucs  trichoideum. 


3.  Trichomanes  parvulum. 

4.  T.  membranaceum. 


5.  Hymenophyllum  asplenioides. 

6.  Trichomanes  spicatum  (Feea  spicata). 


band ;  they  are  ovate-oblong  and  bipiunatifid.  In  texture 
they  are  very  thin,  and  in  colour  bright  light  green.  It  is  a 
native  of  the  West  Indies,  Brazil,  and  Peru. 

T.  cRixiTUJi. — This  is  a  tufted  species  of  great  beauty.  Its 
fronds  are  pinnate,  the  segments  incised,  broadly  oblong,  from 
6  to  8  inches  high,  glaucous  green,  and  clothed  with  soft  hairs. 
It  is  a  native  of  Jamaica. 

T.  Bancroftii. — This  is  a  beautiful  compact  species,  the 
fronds  of  which  are  ovate,  deeply  pinnatifid,  crisp  at  the 
margins,  from  3  to  6  inches  high,  and  pale  green.  It  is  a 
native  of  the  West  Indies  and  Peru. 

T.  AlAiUil. — In  this  species  we  have  one  of  the  very  hand- 
somest of  the  West  Indian  kinds.  Its  caudex  is  very  short, 
scarcely  creeping,  and  the  fronds,  which  attain  nearly  a  foot, 
are  remarkable  for  their  transparency  and  pale  green  colour. 
They  are  broadly  lanceolate,  tapering  to    a    point,    deeply 


producing  fronds  from  10  to  18  inches  in  height  and  very 
broad.  They  are  ovate-lanceolate  in  shape  and  pinnatifid, 
furnished  with  numerous  stellate  hairs,  and  are  dull  green  in 
colour.  This  species  is  somewhat  rare  in  cultivation,  although 
many  attempts  have  been  made  to  introduce  it  in  quantity. 
It  is  a  native  of  the  West  Indies  and  British  Guiana. 

T.  javanicum. — The  caiidex  of  this  is  erect,  the  fronds  lanceo- 
late, from  6  to  10  inches  high,  pinnate ;  the  pinnas  somewhat 
cuneate  at  the  base,  and  obtuse  at  the  apex,  upwards  of  an 
inch  long,  and  deep  green.  The  whole  plant  is  somewhat 
harsh  in  texture,  but  this  in  no  way  detracts  from  its  beauty. 
It  is  a  native  of  the  Indian  Archipelago. 

T.  Luschxatianum. — This,  when  properly  grown,  is  very 
beautiful,  but  if  neglected,  it  turns  black  and  becomes  an 
eyesore.  It  should  never  be  watered  overhead,  and  it  requires 
a  warm  corner  iu  winter  ;  this,  at  least,  has  been  my  experi- 


33S 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Oct.  25, 1873. 


ence  of  it.  It  is  a  fine  climbing  species,  the  fronds  of  wliich 
are  sessile,  oblong-lanceolate,  deeply  pinnatifid,  from  10  to  18 
inches  long,  and  rich  bright  green  in  colour.  It  is  a  native  of 
Brazil. 

T.  MUscoiDES. — This  is  a  dwarf  ci'eepiug  plant  of  free  growth, 
producing  simple,  erect,  oblong,  bright  green  fronds  from  2 
to  3  inches  long ;  they  are  very  pellucid  and  undulated  on  the 
margins.  This  species  soon  covers  a  block  of  Tvood  or  sand- 
stone Tvith  a  dense  green  carpet.  It  is  a  native  of  the  West 
Indies. 

T.  sixuosuM. — This  is  a  beautiful  species  when  placed  upon 
the  stem  of  a  Tree  Fern,  or  in  some  similar  position,  in  vrhich 
its  delicate  pendent  and  pellucid  fronds  can  be  seen  to  advan- 
tage. The  rhizomes  are  creeping,  producing  great  numbers 
of  lanceolate  pinnatifid  fronds,  which  vary  from  4  to  9  inches 
in  length  ;  they  arc  pendent  and  shining  pale  green  in  colour. 
Native  of  the  West  Indies  and  Peru. 

T.  Sellowiaxum. — This  is  a  species  which  cannot  fail  to 
charm  even  the  most  indifferent  observer ;  it  belongs  to  the 
T.  crispum  section.  Its  fronds,  which  vary  in  height  from  6 
to  12  inches,  are  linear-lanceolate,  and  deeply  pinnatifid,  the 
segments  being  oblong  obtuse,  very  transparent,  and  bright 
green  in  colour.     It  is  a  native  of  Brazil. 

T.  AXGUSTATi'21. — This  delicate  little  species  may  be  kept  in 
the  cool  corner  of  a  stove.  Its  rhizomes  are  slender,  and  grow 
freely.  Its  fronds  arc  lanceolate  and  pinnate,  the  segments 
becoming  again  twice  divided,  and  very  narrow.  They  are 
bright  gi'een  in  colour,  and  are  from  3  to  6  inches  long.  It  is 
a  native  of  the  West  Indies  and  various  parts  of  South 
America. 

T.  FLORlBTJSDUM. — This  is  a  singular  name  for  a  Fern,  but 
it,  doubtless,  refers  to  the  numerous  exserted  cup-shaped 
involucres,  which  form  such  a  conspicuous  feature  in  this 
species.  Its  caudex  is  tufted,  the  fronds  pinnate,  the  piunaj 
being  from  2  to  5  inches  long,  the  terminal  one  being  much 
longer,  whilst  the  fronds  vary  from  6  inches  to  a  foot  and  a 
half  in  height,  are  very  transparent,  and  bright  green;  when 
fertile,  beautifully  fringed  all  round  the  edges  with  the  exserted 
involucres.  AVhen  barren,  the  mid-rib  of  the  frond  is  prolonged, 
and,  bending  down  to  the  ground,  takes  root,  and  forms  a 
yoimg  plant.  It  is  a  native  of  the  West  Indies,  and  various 
parts  of  South  America. 

T.  iiEiroLiuM. — This  is  a  superb  plant,  very  rare,  and,  I 
imagine,  difficiilt  to  manage  ;  it  is  erect  in  growth,  producing 
fronds  from  6  to  20  inches  long,  ovate-lanceolate,  bipinnate, 
the  segments  again  being  very  finely  divided,  and  the  whole 
curled,  so  as  to  have  a  beautiful  crisp  appearance.  I  know  of 
nothing  so  finely  divided  as  this  species  except  the  wonderful 
T.  pluma,  which,  unfortunately,  is  not  alive  in  our  collections. 
It  is  a  native  of  Java. 

T.  riLicuLA. — The  stem  of  this  is  creeping,  and  densely 
'  clothed  with  black  woolly  hairs  ;  the  fronds,  which  are  ovate- 
lanceolate,  and  twice  divided,  are  from  3  to  6  inches  long, 
opaque,  and  dark  green.  This  species  appears  to  be  widely 
distributed,  and  consequently  varies  considerably  in  size  and 
appearance.     It  is  a  native  of  the  East  Indies. 

T.  Kraussii. — This  is  an  elegant  little  creeping  plant,  the 
fronds  of  which  are  narrow,  from  2  to  4.  inches  long,  oblong, 
deeply  pinnatifid,  and  very  deep  green.  It  forms  a  charming 
object  upon  a  slender  Tree-Fern  stem.  Native  of  the  West 
Indies. 

T.  LONGiSETUJi.— This  is  closely  allied  to  T.  moifolium,  and 
equally  beautiful ;  the  fronds,  which  are  erect  and  very  finely 
divided,  are  from  6  to  12  inches  high,  the  stem  is  winged, 
and  the  colour  dark  green.  It  is  a  native  of  Bourbon, 
Borneo,  &c. 

T.REPTAXS. — This  is  a  very  small  creeping  species,  well  suited 
for  "Wardian  cases,  on  account  of  a  good  specimen  occupving  but 
a  small  space ;  its  fronds  are  wedge-shaped,  from  1  inch  to  H 
inches  high,  and  bright  green.  It  is  a  native  of  the  West 
Indies. 

Feea  spicata.— This  beautiful  plant  has  been  separated  from 
the  genus  Trichomanes,  because  it  produces  a  separate  and 
distinct  fertile  frond  ;  in  other  respects  the  general  appearance 
is  the  same  as  that  of  the  Trichomanes,  and  it  thrives  under 
exactly  the  same  treatment.  The  fronds  are  tufted,  the  sterile 
ones  from  3  to  6  inches  long,  broadly  lanceolate,  pinnatifid. 


spreading,  and  very  dark  green ;  the  fertile  ones  spikc-liko, 
erect,  and  bearing  two  rows  of  pendulous  bell-shaped  involucres. 
It  is  a  very  beautiful  and  interesting  plant,  and  apparently 
abundant  in  the  West  Indian  Islands.  It  is,  nevertheless,  a 
somewhat  difficult  subject  to  establish. 

Hymexostachys  elegaxs. — This  is  a  plant  separated  from 
the  other  Filmy  Ferns  for  two  reasons — first,  the  fruiting 
fronds  are  dissimilar  to  the  barren  ones  ;  and,  secondly,  because 
the  sterile  ones  have  netted  veins,  whilst  in  the  genus  Tricho- 
manes they  are  forked  and  free.  The  plant  in  question  is  a 
verj-  beautiful  one ;  the  fronds  are  tufted,  the  sterile  ones 
from  ti  to  12  inches  long,  broadly  lanceolate,  pinnatifid,  and 
deep  green.  The  rachis  is  frequently  prolonged,  and,  rooting 
at  the  apex,  produces  young  plants  ;  fertile  fronds  erect,  fiat, 
scarcely  half  an  inch  wide,  having  the  involucres  seated  in  the 
margins.  Native  of  the  West  Indies  and  various  parts  of 
South  America. 

ToDEA  WiLKESiAXA. — This  is  a  free-growing  plant,  and 
differs  from  the  species  of  this  genus  already  named  on 
account  of  its  forming  a  slender  stem,  which,  with  age,  attains 
a  height  of  3,  4,  and  even  6  feet,  and  the  diameter  of  an 
ordinary  walking  stick.  The  fronds  are  twice  divided,  from  1 
to  2  feet  long,  thin  and  membranous,  and  deep  green  in 
colour.     Native  of  the  Fijis.  G. 


The  Double-flowered  Myrtle  as  an  Indoor  Decorative 
Plant. —  Everybody  acqaaiDted  with  flowers  knows  the  lovely 
double-flowered  Jlyrtle,  which  is  a  very  desirable  plant  both  for 
bouquet  work  and  for  decorative  purposes  generally.  If  a  neat 
bushy  plant  looks  very  nice  when  in  bloom,  the  beauty  of  it  is  much 
enhanced  if  trained  as  a  standard  with  a  stem  about  2  feet  high. 
However,  as  the  double-flowered  ilyrtle  grows  rather  slowly,  it  is  a 
good  plan  to  graft  it  on  the  common  broad-leaved  kind  (Myrtus 
communis),  of  which  rooted  cuttings,  when  planted  out  in  suitable 
soil,  make  in  one  season  plants  fit  to  be  grafted  on  at  the  above- 
mentioned  height.  The  best  time  to  perform  this  operation  is  in 
the  cud  of  August  or  beginning  of  September,  when  the  branches 
of  the  Myrtles  are  sufficiently  ripened,  and  the  plants  must  be  kept 
in  close  air  until  the  scion  bas  taken,  after  which  period  they  may  be 
treated  as  is  commonly  the  rnle  to  deal  with  plants  in  such  circum- 
stances, that  is  to  gradually  harden  them  off,  to  untie  the  ligatures, 
and  to  cut  away  the  branches  of  the  stock.  It  must  be  underetood 
that  all  the  branches  must  not  be  cut  clean  off  at  once,  as  that  would 
very  likely  cause  the  death  of  the  plant  from  overflowing  of  sap, 
while,  on  the  other  hand,  these  branches  assist  to  strengthen  the 
trunk  until  the  scion  has  grown  sufficiently  to  consume  all  the 
nourishment  the  roots  furnish.  Care  must  be  taken  to  get  a  well- 
shaped  crown,  therefore  a  judicious  stopping  of  the  branches  mast 
be  made  in  time,  and,  of  course,  they  must  be  pruned  annually  iu 
spring.  Plants  grown  in  this  manner  are  to  be  seen  at  Jlr.  Baumann's, 
in  Ghent,  where  their  very  ornamental  appearance  commands  the 
admiration  of  every  visitor. — G.  Uhink,  Ealing, 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GARDEN. 


EudbeckiaNetunannii.— Permit  me  to  infonn  "W.  T.  "  (see  p.  323)  that 
this  plant  is  a  garden  variety  of  R.  laciniata,  i-aised  by  M.  Neumann,  of  the 
Jardin  des  Plantes,  at  Paris,  "it  is  also  known  as  R.  laciniata  angustifolia, 
R.  digitata,  and  R.  l^evis. — W.  M. 

Tecoma  jasminoides.— I  have  a  plant  of  this  in  a  12-inch  pot  in  peat  and 
silver  sand  in  a  cool  airy  conservatory.  It  grows  freely,  but  does  not  blossom. 
How  can  I  induce  it  to  do  so  ?  Should  it  be  kept  in  heat?— W.  H.  M.  [Your 
Tecoma  ought  to  bloom  in  the  situation  named,  if  not  so  much  shaded  as  to 
prevent  it  from  ripening  its  wood.  Many  plants  grow  freely  but  do  not  flower, 
simply  because  their  wood  does  not  get  properly  ripened  by  full  exposure  to 
sunlight.] 

Vanda  csernlea.— This  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  all  winter-flowering 
Orchids,  easily  grown  in  a  moderately  cool  house,  and  deserving  of  general 
cultivation.  I  saw  a  fine  specimen  of  it  in  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Son's  Nursery  at 
Chelsea  the  other  day,  bearing  two  fine  spikes,  and  one  had  been  cut  off  a  day 
or  two  before.  Altogether  the  plant  bore  between  fifty  and  sixtv  flowers,  and 
was  a  perfect  example  of  good  cultivation.  This  Vanda  should  have  as  equable  a 
temperature  as  possible  or  it  is  apt  to  spot.  It  is  remarkable  as  being  the  best 
of  the  very  few  blue-tlowered  Orchids  we  have  in  cultivation.^B. 

Adiantmn  ciuieatam  var.  elegantulmn.— This  is  a  fine  foUaged  variety  of 
the  common  wedge-leaved  Maiden-hair  Fern,  and,  owing  to  its  extreme  grace 
and  elegance,  it  promises  to  become  a  favourite  with  aU  bouquetists  and  floral 
decorators.  If  used  for  a  bouquet  or  for  grouping  along  with  flowers  in  a  vase, 
it  can  be  spread  entirely  over  the  flowers  without  hiding^them,  as  it  then  presents 
the  appearance  of  a  thin  film  of  soft  green  colourmg,  through  which  each 
blossom  is  ]ilainly  visible.  The  fronds  are  as  large  as  those  of  A.  cuneatum, 
the  only  difference  being  the  much  smaller  divisions.  I  lately  saw  it  in  Mr. 
Wilhams's  Nursery  at  Holloway,  where  it  grows  ver.v  freely  and  is  much 
admired. — H. 


Oct.  25, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


339 


THE    FLOWER     GARDEN. 

A  TEIA.L  OP  ASTERS. 
Messrs.  Bakr  &  Sugden  did  good  seryioe  to  growera  of  flowers  in 
general  in  giving  a  large  and  comprehensive  trial  of  Asters  in  their 
bulb  garden,  at  Tooting,  during  the  past  snmmer.  It  was  not  a  test 
merely  of  the  varieties  of  any  one  firm,  but  of  many  firms,  and  par. 
ticularly  of  novelties  in  Asters  (of  which  many  are  offered  annually), 
whoncesoever  obtained.  These  Asters  were  all  sown  in  the  open 
ground  about  the  middle  of  May,  and  all  did  well,  the  moist  summer 
having  suited  them  exactly,  and  a  good  development  resulted.  The 
sandy  dark  loam  of  the  bulb  garden  afforded  the  Asters  a  rare  soil 
for  rooting  freely  and  firmly,  and  they  were  nearly  all  in  full  bloom  at 
the  end  of  September.  If  any  one  lesson  was  taught  by  this  trial,  it 
was  this — Beware  of  assumed  new  types,  as  well  as  novelties,  in 
Asters.  There  were  plenty  of  these.  Catalogues  of  German  and 
other  houses  had  been  ransacked  for  them,  and  the  result  was  any. 
thing  but  cheering;  rubbish  pi'edominated,  and  sometimes  rubbish 
utterly  unredeemable  iu  character.  Perhaps  the  hungering  after 
novelties  that  prevails  iu  this  country  has  something  to  do  with  it  ; 
Continental  .IS  well  as  home  novelties  are  annually  looked  for,  and  as 
surely  annually  provided,  and  it  is  impossible,  perhaps,  that  all  can 
be  "  valuable  acquisitions."  The  trial  began  with  the  original 
China  Aster,  as  introduced  some  some  years  ago  by  Messrs.  Vilmorin 
and  Co.,  of  Paris,  a  talUgrowiug  type,  something  in  the  way  of 
TrufEaut's  Aster,  but  much  inferior.  Then  came  the  quilled  Asters, 
the  old  quilled  German  Aster  being  as  good  in  quality  as  any  of  its 
professed  improvements.  Reid's  Aster  is  a  good  quilled  type,  and 
has  a  nice  branching  habit.  On  the  other  hand,  the  globe-quilled 
Aster  is  a  bad  type,  and  not  worth  growing ;  it  has  an  open  centre, 
and  a  circumference  of  flat  petals.  In  the  flat-petalled  section  the 
tall  Chrysanthemum-flowered  represents  a  very  fine  type,  bearing 
large,  full,  symmetrical  flowers  like  those  of  the  Victoria.  The 
improved  Rose  Asters,  which  are  represented  as  being  intermediate 
between  the  large-flowered  Imbrique  and  the  Ptcony  Perfection  of 
Truffaut,  had  poor  flowers,  both  of  the  recurved  form  like  the  tall 
Chrysanthemum-flowered,  and  the  incurved  form  like  Traffaut's. 
The  Cocordeau,  or  Crown  Aster,  was  represented  both  by  a  tall  flat, 
petalled  and  a  dwarf  quilled  form ;  it  is  a  charming  Aster,  because 
invariably  composed  of  a  coloiu'ed  centre,  edged  with  a  broad  belt  of 
another  hue,  but  in  point  of  substance  generally  deficient.  The 
Hedgehog  Aster,  of  whatever  type,  may  be  set  down  as  unworthy 
of  cultivation ;  the  florets  ai'e  all  tubular-shaped.  The  small- 
flowered  Pompone  is  worth  growing,  because,  being  profuse  of 
bloom,  it  is  likely  to  prove  very  useful  to  cut  from.  The  flowers 
have  quilled  centres,  with  a  circumference  of  flat  petals.  The 
Victoria  Aster  is  a  truly  regal  one,  and  bears  enormous  flowers 
of  great  fulness,  and  it  is,  par  excellence,  the  Aster  for  exhi. 
bition.  It  grows  from  15  inches  to  18  inches  in  height,  and 
the  flowers  represent  half  a  ball,  the  flat  petals  being  densely  laid 
one  on  the  other  in  a  most  symmetrical  form.  The  colours,  originally 
limited,  have  of  late  years  been  extended,  and  now  quite  a  dozen 
distinct  hues  can  be  had.  The  novelties  known  as  the  Quilled  Victoria 
and  the  Honeycombed  Victoria  may  honestly  be  set  down  as  rubbish, 
while  the  dwarf  Victoria  appears  to  be  simply  a  reproduction  of  the 
dwarf  Chrysanthemum-flowered  under  a  new  name.  The  new  Schiller 
Aster  is  an  inferior  type  of  dwarf  growth,  and,  in  common  with  other 
dwarf  forms,  not  worth  the  trouble  of  cultivation.  The  Giant  Em- 
peror Aster  is  of  a  large  coarse  type,  the  flowers  disfigm-ed  by  having 
great  open  yellow  centres.  It  should  be  at  once  expunged  from 
catalogues.  The  German  Emperor  is  a  dwarf,  large-flowered,  in- 
curved type,  of  no  great  quality.  The  dwarf  Pyramidal  is  a  good 
Aster  for  pots,  having  a  stiff  erect  growth,  and  is  very  free.  Better 
still  is  Boetze's  dwarf  Bouquet,  which  has  a  very  dwarf  gi-owth,  and 
nice  flat-petalled  flowers  ;  there  is  nothing  better  than  this  type  for 
cultivation  in  pots.  The  Imbrique  Pompone  Aster  is  a  taller  form  of 
Boetze's,  and  less  valuable,  because  of  loftier  growth.  TrufEaut's 
PEOony -flowered  Perfection,  with  its  noble  incurved  flowers,  so  fine  for 
exhibition  purposes,  is  a  magnificent  Aster,  of  great  size  and  sym. 
metry ;  some  of  its  striped  varieties  are  very  beautiful.  It  is  of  tall 
growth,  and  somewhat  erect  in  habit.  It  requires  to  be  grown  well 
to  produce  its  flowers  to  a  fine  stage  of  development.  The  dwarf 
Chi-ysanthemnm-flowered  is  of  low  growth,  and  of  a  stiff  habit ;  the 
flowers  are  very  large  and  full ;  it  does  well  as  an  edging  to  taller 
varieties,  and  also  for  pot  culture.  A  selection  of  the  very  best 
made  from  the  foregoing  would  give  common  German  quilled,  Reid's 
quilled,  tall  Chrysanthemum-flowered,  dwarf  ditto,  Victoria,  and  Trnf- 
faut's  Pasony.flowered,  with  the  small-flowered  Pompone  and  Boetze's 
dwarf  Bouquet  for  pot  work.  There  is  lying  by  my  side,  as  I  write,  a 
German  catalogue  of  Asters  that  contains  the  astounding  number  of 
fifty-eight  assumed  types,  most  of  which  have  a  number  of  varieties. 
Many  of  these  were  included  in  the  trial  at  Tooting,  and  passed  over 


because  unworthy  of  notice.  If  the  German  seedsmen  would  confine 
themselves  to  ten  or  twelve  distinct  types,  there  would  be  included  all 
that  are  worthy  of  cultivation,  and  quite  enough  to  satisfy  even  a 
gluttonons  grower  of  this  useful  flower.  Henceforth  I  shall  confine 
myself  to  those  enumerated  above,  for  they  give  me  all  I  want,  and 
really  all  I  can  desire.  S.  A. 


Heather  Edging's.— Few  have  any  conception  of  what  au 
effective  edging  fur  large  beds  or  borders  can  be  formed  of  tho 
common  Heather,  or  Ling,  as  it  is  often  called.  The  more  choice 
kinds  are  much  used  in  clumps  in  shrubberies,  but,  until  the  other 
day,  I  had  no  idea  that  the  wild  Ling  could  be  effectively  employed 
as  au  edging  plant.  A  friend  of  mine  has  a  short  drive  up  to  the 
house,  and  on  tho  right  hand  side  is  a  wide  border  filled  with 
standard  Roses  and  backed  by  a  hedge  of  the  same  trained  against 
wires ;  under  the  standards  are  bedding  plants,  the  whole  being 
finished  off  with  a  wide  border  of  Heather  next  the  narrow  band  of 
Grass  which  separates  tho  drive  from  the  border.  On  the  left  side 
is  the  lawn,  along  the  edge  of  which  is  a  nai-row  ribbon  border  about 
3  feet  wide,  along  tho  centre  of  which  is  a  row  of  standards.  Each 
side  of  the  band  is  edged  with  Heather,  next  the  Heather  are 
Calceolarias,  and  in  tho  centre  a  row  of  single  purple  Petunias. 
Though  the  latter  are  a  little  injured  with  the  frost,  the  effect  as  a 
whole  is  very  good,  and  a  few  weeks  earlier  it  must  have  been 
charming.  The  Heather  used  in  this  case  was  got  from  a  common 
near  at  hand,  care  having  been  taken  to  see  that  it  was  all  of  one 
variety,  and  that  it  was  cleared  of  all  weeds  and  Grass. — A.  H. 

The  Flowers  of  Biarritz  in  Spring. — Many  of  the  Biarritz 
wild  flowers  are  noticeable  for  the  sweetness  of  their  scent.  The 
Immortelles,  growing  down  on  the  rocks  close  to  the  sea,  have  a 
strong  sweet  honeyed  perfume  ;  also  the  single  white  Stock,  whose 
scent  is  very  sweet ;  these  two  are  found  always  on  the  shore,  and 
do  not  seem  to  grow  inland  at  all.  The  pink  Daphne  (Daphne 
Cneorum)  has  an  almost  overpowering  scent ;  its  blossom  is  a  bright 
pink.  The  wild  Genista  here  is  a  sweet. smelling  kind.  A  little  way 
inland,  the  bushes  and  hedges  are  covered  with  a  bright  blue 
Lithospermum  ;  it  is  called  here  "  Pleur  des  frontieres."  On  the 
banks  is  abundance  of  a  low  white  Cistns,  about  as  large  as  a  white 
Dog-rose.  On  the  loose  sand,  on  the  way  to  the  lighthouse,  we  find 
the  strongest-scented  flower  of  all,  a  single  pink  Dianthus,  that  is 
like  a  whole  perfumer's  shop.  A  large  white  Cephalanthera  grows 
here,  and  on  the  newly-laid  turf  of  the  Empress's  late  garden  has 
grown  the  Bee  Orchis  and  a  dark  red  Serapias.  Near  Biarritz  is  the 
creeping  Smilax,  with  prickly  leaves  and  a  white  blossom,  also  the 
Hoop-pettiooat  Narcissus,  which  has  only  a  centre  compared  to  our 
native  one,  and  therefore  its  name.  There  are  flelds  full  of  Cotton 
Grass  and  Royal  Pern  (Osmunda  regalis). — M.  A.  D. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 


Lilium  candidum  anreo-marginatum.— This,  the  best  o£  all  the  varie- 
gated Lilies,  is  now  a  striking  object  in  Messrs.  E.  Gr.  Henderson's  Nursery  at 
St.  John's  Wood.  Its  leaves  arc  from  6  to  7  inches  in  length,  and  are  broadly 
margined  with  rich  golden-yellow. 

Fuchsias  and  Yuccas  intermixed,— You  commeud  the  more  frequent  use 
of  Fuchsias.  When  lately  in  Belgium  I  saw  a  Large  bed  which  was  very  striking. 
Itwas  composed  entirely  oE  Yuccas  tilamentosa  and  flaccida,  with  potfuls  of 
the  tall-growing  Fuchsias  sunk  between  the  Yuccas. — H.  N.  Ellacombe. 

Gowan  and  Daisy. — A  correspondent,  who  has  sent  us  some  further 
remarks  on  this  subject,  supports  Mr.  Jackson  GilbEmks'  opinion,  that  Gowan 
is  not  the  Scotch  for  Daisy.  The  expression  "as  yellow  as  a  Gowan"  our 
correspondent  regards  as  conclusive  that  the  Gowan  cannot  be  the  Daisy.  Here, 
we  think  this  controversy  must  cease. 

The  Twin-flower. — A  contemporary  remarks  that  "  we  lately  saw  Linnaia 
boreaUs  growing  with  the  utmost  freedom  and  vigour  under  chcumstancea 
which  were  somewhat  peculiar.  It  was  planted  in  pots  and  placed  in  a  cold, 
moist,  and  rather  shady  greenhouse."  It  certainly  will  thrive  in  such  a  position, 
but  it  should  be  generally  known  that  there  is  no  foundation  for  the  opinion 
that  the  plant  is  difhcult  to  grow  in  the  open  air  in  gardens.  It  thrives  in  any 
moist  peat  bordcr;Or  Fernery  in  the  open  air. 

The  Lilac.fiowered  Fuchsia.— Referring  to  Fuchsia  syringfeflora  (see  p. 
177),  Mr.  Porcher,  President  of  the  Orleans  Horticultural  Society,  writes  as 
follows  to  the  Eevuc  HorticaU : —  "  When  grown  in  small  pots,  the  eiTect  of 
Fuchsia  sj-ringicflora  is  indifferent,  but,  when  grown  in  large  pots,  or  in  the 
open  ground,  it  forms  splendid  bushes  3  or  -t  feet  high,  of  fine  shape,  and 
bearing  au  .abundance  of  llowers  all  the  summer,  and,  for  some  time  on  into  the 
winter.  This  plant  was  introduced  in  1319,  by  M.  Van  Houtte,  of  Gand,  who 
considers  it  to  be  a  variety  of  F.  arborescens. 

Cocoa-nut  Refuse.— Many  complain  that  not  only  do  they  see  no  good  inthe 
use  of  Cocoa-nut  refuse,  but  much  evil — even  to  rotting  their  plants.  I,  on  the 
contrary,  consider  it  a  mo^t  valuable  help  in  the  garden.  But,  occasionally,  it 
produces  a  white  dry  Fungus,  which  would  certainly  be  most  hiu-tful.  1  behove 
that  this  always  arises  when  the  fresh  refuse  is  bm'ied  in  ordinary  garden  soil. 
If  it  is  wished  to  mix  it  with  the  soil,  it  should  be  quite  rotten.  But  it  may  be 
used  very  fresh  if  mixed  with  nothing  but  coarse  sand.  Its  best  use,  however, 
is  as  a  mulching,  for  which  purpose,  also,  it  may  bo  used  quite  fresh,— H.  N, 
Ellacombb,  Bition  Secforff,  Brutal, 


S40 


THE   GAKDBN. 


[Oct.  25,  18?3. 


THE    ARBORETUM. 

AUTUMNAL  CHANGES   IN  FOLIAGE. 
Tkees  have  again  assumed  the  "  sere  and  yellow  leaf,"  though  varia- 
tions  in   foliage  in  this  cloudy,  foggy,  weeping  climate,  are   never 
very  striking.     True,   the  Virginian  Creeper,  Vacciniums,  Sumach, 
and  a  few  other  shrubs  and  trees,  are  not  devoid  of  bright  colouring 
in  most  seasons,  but  the   years  are  few  and  far  between  in  which 
really  grand  autuumal  colouring  takes  place  in  a  general  way  in  the 
woods,  plantations,   shrubberies,  hedgerows,  orchards,  and  gardens 
of  this  country.     During  a  long  life-time  I  have  only  observed  two 
really  grand  sights  in  the  way  of  autumnal  foliage  colouring.     The 
first  happened  in  the  autumn  of  1818,  after  the   driest  and  hottest 
summer  of  the  present  century,  followed  by  a   hot,  clear  autumn, 
when  frosts  set  in,  after  hot,  clear  sunny  days,  with  drying  easterly 
winds,  and  the  glass  or  thermometer  indicating  from  40'to  50°  lower 
at  sunrise  than  at  the  middle  of  the  day ;    in  short,  hot,  clear  days 
follovring  frosty  mornings.     These  are  what  produce  those  brilliant 
colours  on  our  autumnal  foliage  in  the  forest,  field,  and  garden,  with 
which  all  are  delighted,  and  which  was  the  case  on  this  occasion.    The 
long  drought  and  heat  matured  the  foliage  and  young  wood,  and  better 
lilted  it  to  stand  the  morning  frosts  that  produced  the  tinges  in  ques- 
tion.    Again,  in  the  year  1868,  after  a  dry  summer  and  a  good  deal 
of  sunny  hot  autumn,  clear  days  and  nights,  and  frosty  mornings  in 
September  and  October,  the  autumnal  tints  throughout  the  country 
were    truly   brilliant,   rich,   and    varied.     In   America,   where    the 
autumnal  tinges  and  colouring  are  annually  so  striking,  the  seasons 
are  warm   and   bright,   and   are  characterised   by  sudden  changes. 
In  a  letter  before  me,  dated   New  Jersey,  13Lh   September,   it  is 
stated  that  the  thermometer  stood  in  the   shade  at  mid-day  at  81°, 
there  being  clear  sunshine  and  clear  nights  ;  while  in  the  mornings, 
at  sunrise,  it  stood  at  from  30°  to  32°.     Thus  a  range  of  above  50° 
in  a  few  hours    acting  on  well-ripened  foliage  in   a  clear,    bright, 
vigorous  atmosphere  readily  produces  those  brilliant  autumnal  tinges 
of  colour  of  which  all  travellers  in  that  country  speak  so  enthusias- 
tically.    Here  with  us  such  seasons  are,  as  I  have  said,  few  and  far 
between.     We  generally  get  nine  out  of  ten  seasons  dark,  gloomy, 
cloudy,  and  muggy,  producing,  in  the  first  place,  unripened,  soft,  thin 
foliage,  subject  to  early  mildewed  eflects,  blotches  of  various  colour 
and  extent,  resulting  in  dirty  rusty  forms,  as  affected  by  various 
atmospheric  influences.     Thus,  sometimes,  in  the  morning  in  autumn 
and  spring  we  get  a  few  hours  of  hot  cheering  sunshine,  and  early 
in  the  afternoon  a  thunderstorm — hail  and  sleet,  and,  while  all  is  wet, 
at  sunset  frost  sets  in,  and  the  short  Grass  becomes  white  and  crisp 
under  one's  feet ;  by  nine  or  ten   p.m.,  again,  we  get  mild  rainy 
weather,  changing  early  next  morning  or  by  midnight  of  the  same  day 
to  frost  ;  the  next  morning,  again,  another  severe  white  frost  locks 
up  vegetation,  while  soaked  with  excessive  moisture.     Two  frosts,  in 
short,  are  quite  common  in  this  country  with  rain  between   them, 
between  sunset  to  sunrise.     Often   I  have  seen  it  freeze  three  times 
in    one    night    at     intervals    between    cold    rains.       Under     such 
conditions,  can  it  be  wondered  at  that  we  get  the  seared,   rusty, 
mildewed,  early   aatnmnal   change   of    foliage   which   we   have,  in 
place    of    the   grand    forest    colouring,    after   a   hot   dry   ripening 
season,    which    takes    place    in    better    climates    than    our    own  ? 
Besides,  how  often  do  we  see  the  Ash,  Walnut,  and  many  of  our  other 
trees  and  shrubs,  denuded  of  foliage  in  one  night,  owing  to  a  sudden 
morning  frost  following  a  wet  night.     The  equinoctial  gales  followed 
by  heavy  storms  and  some  white  frosty  mornings  which  occurred 
this  year  between  the  18th  of  August  to  the  15th  September,  had  a 
terrible  searing,  or  rather  burning  effect,  on  all  kinds  of  foliage,  fruits, 
and  flowers,  as  well  as  on  vegetation  in  general.     Nevertheless,  some 
of  my  neighbours  in  this  part  of  the  country,  attribute  such  effects  to 
the  use  of  sulphuric  acid,  which  they  say  is  also  at  the  root  of  the 
Potato  disease.     A  wonderful  discovery,  certainly,  yet  not  so  very 
wonderful  after  all,  in  a  place  in  which   witchcraft  and  sorcery  are 
still  persistingly  believed  in  by  many.     With  equal  good  sense  might 
it  be  asserted  that  the  contents  of  Macbeth's  caldron  exercised  a  bane- 
ful influence  on  the  vegetation  of  the  present  day. 

Exmouth,  Devon.  James  Bakxes. 


MOVEMENT  OP  THE  SAP. 

Ox  reading  over  the  many  interesting  articles  on  this  subject,  con- 
tained in  the  last  volume  of  The  Garden,  one  cannot  but  be  struck 
with  the  very  little  importance  accorded  in  most  of  them  to  the 
part  played  by  endosmose  in  the  circulation  of  sap  in  plants.  And 
not  only  in  these  writings,  bnt  also  in  those  scientific  works  pro- 
fessing to  sum  up  the  researches  and  opinions  of  acknowledged 
authorities.  In  "  Dcschancllc  &  Focillon's  Dictionary  of  Sciences  " 
we  find  a  most  able  and  detailed  compilation  of  all  that  science  has 
acquired  on  the  subject  up  to  the  present  day,  forming  a  theory  on 


vegetable  circulation  far  more  complicated  than  people  generally 
would  care  to  have  it.  Bnt  even  here,  where  all  the  numerous  and 
complicated  organs  are  carefully  detailed,  and  the  movement  of  the 
fluids  searched  out,  there  appears  to  exist  a  certain  disregard  of  endos- 
mose and  certain  lacnnse,  which  it  alone  (in  the  present  state  of  science) 
would  be  likely  to  fill  up.  True,  it  is  there  said,  that  the  crude  sap 
penetrates  into  the  roots  by  endosmose,  and  further  on,  that  the  move- 
ment of  the  ascending  sap  is  explained  by  endosmose,  which  causes 
it  to  creep  upwards  through  the  tissues  of  the  plant,  and  that  to 
this  force  may  be  added  capillarity  in  the  numerous  minute  vessels  of 
the  fibrous  and  vascular  tissues,  and  also  the  partial  evaporation  of 
the  liquid  in  the  upper  parts  of  the  plant  by  means  of  the  leaves,  Ac. 
Now  to  creep  upwards  through  tissue  vascular  or  fibrous,  there  must 
exist  on  the  other  side  of  the  cell's-wall,  to  take  the  place  of  the  first 
fluid,  a  second  one,  of  a  different  nature  (though  having  affinity  for 
it,  or  at  least  capable  of  mixing  with  it)  ;  this  is  the  law  peculiar  to 
this  force,  and  without  which  it  cannot  act.  When  it  does  act,  the 
two  liquids  pass  each  other  by  the  same  road,  as  telegrams  do  now-a- 
days  going  both  ways  at  the  same  time  on  a  single  wire.  Here  no 
mention  is  made  of  the  second  fluid,  a  most  important  omission. 
With  regard  to  the  road  followed  by  descending  sap,  it  is  said  that  it 
descends  between  the  bark  and  the  wood  in  the  network  of  the  lati- 
ferous  vessels  (interstices  between  the  cells  of  the  tissue) ,  where  it  puts 
on  another  and  special  form,  which  has  caused  it  to  be  called  latex, 
or  true  sap,  Ac;  it,  the  descending  sap,  is  also  found  coming  down  in 
a  continuous  stream  in,  not  between,  the  cortical  fibres.  Now 
fibres,  or  fibrous  tissue,  is  composed  of  elongated  cells  stuck  against 
one  another  and  having  no  communication  with  one  another.  If, 
therefore,  the  descending  sap  passes  in  them  i.e.  through  them,  there 
must  be  a  second  liquid  to  ascend  in  its  place ;  then,  in  another 
place,  speaking  of  the  ascending  spring  sap — it  is  diffused  everywhere ; 
the  medullary  cells,  the  fibres,  the  vessels,  the  ducts  (in  French,  iiieais), 
are  alike  all  gorged  ^vith  it.  How  could  the  sap  enter  some,  if  not 
any  of  these,  but  by  endosmose  and  by  the  help  of  another  liquid 
leaving  them  simultaneously  ?  It  would  certainly  require  very  great 
experimental  knowledge  in  micrography  to  be  able  to  prove  anything 
definite  in  the  case,  but  these  instances,  and  hundreds  of  others  which 
might  be  picked  up  in  all  such  scientific  works  on  the  subject,  would 
tend  to  make  one  suppose  that,  in  some  instances  at  least,  the  two 
saps  merely  exchange  places  and  that  they  do  not  take  two  separate 
roads.  Feed.  Palmer,  YersaUlcs. 


The  Old  Tree  in  Wood  Street,  Clieapside. — Leigh  Hunt 
A  child  was  shown  to  us  who  was  said  never  to  have  beheld  a 
tree  but  one  in  St.  Paul's  Churchyard  (now  gone).  Whenever  a  tree 
was  mentioned,  it  was  this  one  ;  she  had  no  conception  of  any  other, 
not  even  of  the  remote  tree  in  Cheapside."  The  tree  here  referred 
to  still  stands  in  Wood  Street,  which  runs  between  Cheapside  and 
London  Wall,  and  the  care  with  which  it  is  preserved  indicates  the 
strong  love  of  nature  that  has  a  lodgment  even  in  the  hearts  of  men 
who  seem  to  take  an  interest  in  nothing  but  daj'books  and  ledgers,  the 
prices  of  shares  and  stock,  and  the  Bank  rate  and  interest.  In  "  Old 
and  New  London,"  Mr.  Walter  Thornbuiy  says  :  "  That  pleasant  tree 
at  the  left-hand  corner  of  Wood  Street,  which  has  cheered  many  a 
weary  business  man  with  memories  of  the  fresh  green  fields  far  away, 
was  for  long  the  residence  of  rooks,  who  built  there.  In  1815  two 
fresh  nests  were  built,  and  one  is  still  visible  ;  but  the  sable  birds 
deserted  their  noisy  town  residence  several  years  ago.  Probably,  as 
the  north  of  London  was  more  built  over,  and  such  feeding. grounds 
as  Belsize  Park  turned  to  brick  and  mortar,  the  birds  found  the 
fatigue  of  going  miles  in  search  of  food  for  their  young  unbearable, 
and  so  migrated."  The  same  writer  adds  :  "  The  terms  of  the  lease 
of  the  low  houses  at  the  west-end  corner  ai'e  said  to  forbid  the  erection 
of  another  storey  or  the  removal  of  the  tree."  It  is  pleasant  to  think 
with  Mr.  Thombury  that  this  restriction  arose  from  a  love  of  the 
solitary  tree. 

NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


Trees  and  Shrubs  for  Churchyards.— Can  any  of  your  readers  tell  me 
what  are  the  best  trees  or  shrubs  to  plant  in  a  small  churchyard  ? — Baculdm. 

The  Sugar  Maple  as  a  Street  Tree.— The  Sui^ar  Maple  is  said  to  be  the 
best  of  all  the  Aniericnn  trees  for  the  purposes  of  shade  and  ornament.  The 
foliafie  is  dense,  and  the  tree  forms  a  rounded  well  proportioned  head.  It  also 
hns  the  advantage  of  being  free  from  insect  enemies.  So  say  the  Americans, 
Tvho  ought  to  know. 

A  Pine  Tree  Pest. — The  reports  of  the  Department  of  Agriculture  at  Wash- 
insrton  state  that  the  Black  Spruce  and  Balsam  Ii'irs  of  northern  New  York  are 
infested  by  a  parasitic  plant  belonging  to  the  genus  Arceuthobiuni,  related  to 
the  Mistletoe.  In  the  vicinity  of  Warrensburgh,  on  the  Hudson,  about  75  per 
cent,  of  all  the  Abies  were  found  to  be  infested,  groups  of  forest  trees,  40  feet  in 
height,  being  dead  and  bearing  the  peculiar  marks  of  the  infection. 


Oct.  25,  187i] 


T^HB  (GARDEN. 


S4i 


TREE-CLIPPING  IN  OLDEN  TIMES. 
When  "  captive  Greece  captivated  her  fierce  conqueror,  and 
introduced  the  fine  arts  into  Latium  "  (to  use  the  words  of 
Horace),  we  may  not  uni-easouably  conclude  that  whatever  she 
possessed  ol:  novelty  or  excellence  in  horticultural  matters 
was  also  speedily  adopted  by  the  .all-appropriating  Romans. 
The  sumptuous  gardens  of  the  wealthy  Italian  nobles  already 
displayed  a  tendency  towards  that  highly  artiflcial  mode  of 
embellishment  by  means  of  grottoes,  fountains,  statuary, 
&c.,  which  ultimately  became  the  distiuguishing  feature  of  the 
national  style  of  gardening,  and  no  expense  appears  to  have 
been  spared  in  introducing  any  fresh  design  which  might  add 
to  the  variety  of  effect  so  much  sought  for.  We  can  well 
imagine,  then,  how  the  first  conception  of  clipping  the  dense 
foliage  of  the  Box,  the  Yew,  the  Cypress,  and  other  evergreen 
trees  and  shrubs  into  shapes  of  various  kinds  must  have  been 
welcomed  as  an  emanation  of   true  genius,  and  reflected  a 


embellishments  as  consisted  of  these  cunningly-clipped  designs, 
together  with  the  skilful  arrangement  of  arbours  and  bowers, 
and  any  other  use  into  which  trees  and  shrubs  could  be  trained, 
trimmed,  or  tortured.  The  wide-spread,  and  by  no  means 
ephemeral,  rage  for  these  clipped  monstrosities,  which  led 
the  Italians  into  many  absurd  violations  of  pure  taste  in 
the  embellishment  of  their  gardens,  was  not  confined  to  that 
nation  alone.  Not  many  years  have  passed  away  since  our 
owa  British  gardens  contained  numerous  examples  of 
"  topiarian  "  art,  mostly  of  such  rude  execution  as  to  reflect 
but  little  credit  oji  the  artists'  abilities ;  and  even  at  the 
present  day  there  still  linger,  as  at  Blvastou  and  some  other 
old  country  seats,  a  few  representative  specimens,  upon  whose 
old-world  forms  the  attentions  of  an  annual  clipping  are 
affectionately  bestowed.  In  such  instances,  however,  we  are 
fain  to  believe  that  these  survivors  of  an  almost  completely 
exploded  phase  of  horticulture  are  cherished  chiefly  for  the 


Curiosities  of  Tree  Clipping 


due  amount  of  honour  upon  its  happy  originator.  There 
was  a  certain  quaintness  in  the  idea  of  thus  parodying 
the  works  of  the  sculptor  by  a  dexterous  use  of  the 
gardener's  shears,  which  seems  to  have  at  once  caught  the 
popular  fancy,  and  secured  for  itself  an  immediate  and  wide- 
spread adoption.  The  varied  natural  forms  and  sizes  of  the 
trees  and  shrubs  thus  operated  upon  also  afforded  wide  scope 
for  the  ingenuity  of  the  topiarius  (or  landscape  gardener)  in 
producing  a  diversity  of  figures,  either  amusing  from  their 
grotesqueness,  or  admirable  from  the  skill  displayed  in  their 
close  imitation  of  some  particular  subject,  living  or  inanimate. 
From  the  universal  and  long-continued  exercise  of  this  fantastic 
art  in  Italian  gardens,  it  appears  to  have  been  one  of  the  chief 
functions  of  the  landscape  gardeners  of  the  time,  and  to  have 
arrived  at  the  dignity  of  a  recognised  and  permanent  branch 
of  the  profession;  so  that,  at  length,  the  term  "  topiarian " 
came  to  be  more  particularly  associated  with  such  garden 


sake  of  family  associations  and  traditions,  and  not  from  any 
recognition  of  their  value  as  ornamental  adjuncts.  We  may 
rejoice  that  the  system  and  its  practice  have  well-nigh  died 
out.  Apart  from  the  passing  smile  provoked  by  the  grotesque 
transformation  of  a  living  shrub  or  tree  into  some  shape  not 
its  own,  it  serves  no  purpose  whatever,  and  the  most  ingenious 
results  of  its  puerile  aspirations  in  no  wise  compensate  for 
the  destruction  of  the  natural  grace  and  beauty  of  the  trees 
and  shrubs  which  are  sacrificed  to  its  requirements.  In 
the  present  age,  however,  there  is  a  disposition  to  make  a 
more  rational  use  of  our  wonderfully  varied  resources  of 
horticultural  material,  by  so  mingling  the  utile  with  the  dtilce 
in  our  garden  arrangements,  that,  in  studying  and  obeying 
Nature  more,  we  shall  at  length  win  from  her  the  secrets  of  hev 
own  untaught  loveliness;  and  it  is  as  well  the  duty  as  the 
privilege  of  every  faithful  horticulturist  to  aid  in  hastening 
the  advent  of  such  a  desirable  consummation.  W.  M. 


342 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Oct.  25,  1S73. 


WEATHER  NOTES  AND  PROVERBS- 

The  following  interesting  paper  on  this  subject  was  recently  read  by 
the  Rer.  C.  JH.  Smith,  before  the  Wiltshire  Archscological  Society  : — 
Now  that  the  advance  of  education  is  driving  away  our  folk-lore,  aud 
the  vast  accumulation  of  modern  literature  is  thrusting  out  of  sight 
the  quaint  old  sayings,  generally  replete  with  wisdom  and  truth, 
though  clad  in  ever  so  homely  a  garb,  which  still  linger  in  our  country 
parishes,  it  is  time  for  the  archaeologist  to  rescue  them  from  oblivion, 
aud  to  collect  and  store  up  these  pithy  maxims,  the  result  of  patient 
observation  of  Nature's  prognostics ;  and  which  (I  will  venture  to 
say),  being  founded  on  such  true  principles,  are  often  more  to  be 
relied  upon  than  the  dicta  of  the  Meteorological  Society,  with  all  its 
delicate  aud  sensitive  instruments,  its  barometers,  its  wet  and  dry 
bulb  thermometers,  its  aneroids  and  ozonometers  to  boot ;  for  these 
may  be  faulty  and  deceive  us,  but  Nature  never  errs,  and,  if  we  can 
but  read  her  aright,  spreads  out  the  page  with  nndeviating  accuracy. 
Now,  the  labourer,  and,  above  all,  the  shepherd,  employed  all  his  life 
long  on  our  open  Wiltshire  downs  and  fields,  has  remarkable  oppor. 
tunities  for  studying  the  sk}',  and  noting  the  signs  of  the  seasons ; 
and  I  have  very  often  been  amazed  at  the  accuracy  with  which  he 
can  forecast  a  change  in  the  weather,  when  to  ordinary  eyes  not  the 
slightest  symptoms  of  alteration  were  apparent ;  but  this  is  an  instinct 
derived  from  constant  observation,  and  to  a  mind  not  overburdened 
with  many  thoughts,  has  become  a  habit  monopolizing  no  small  part 
of  his  attention.  It  is  an  instinct,  too,  which  depends  more  upon  pro- 
longed experience  than  abstract  reasoning  ;  and  it  is  an  instinct 
shared,  though  in  still  larger  measure,  by  many  branches  of  the 
animal  and  even  the  vegetable  world,  beasts  aud  birds,  and  insects 
and  plants.  Still,  let  us  bo  just  to  the  humble  countryman,  who  is 
not  guided  as  these  latter  are,  by  a  natural  born  instinct,  in  regai-d 
to  the  weather  any  more  than  his  fellows  are  in  other  conditions  of 
life;  but  let  us  allow  him  the  credit  he  deserves  for  his  careful  and 
accurate  observation  on  a  subject  which  requires  many  years'  experi- 
ence, and  no  little  balancing  of  evidence,  before  an  accurate  verdict 
can  be  arrived  at. 

Weather  Proverljs. 
I  proceed  now  to  mention   such  of  the  proverbs  as  ai'e  in  most 
general  use  among  us  j  but  I  would  premiae  that  some  of  them  are 
common  to  every  other  county  in  England.     How  true  is  the  well- 
known  saying — 

Evening  grey,  and  morning  red. 
Sends  the  shepherd  wet  to  bed : 
Evening  red,  and  morning  grey. 
Is  the  sure  sign  of  a  very  fine  day. 
And  this^ 

Mackerel  sky,  mackerel  sky, 
Never  long  wet,  and  never  long  diy. 
And  this — 

Eain  before  seven, 
Fine  before  eleven. 
And  this,  again — 

A  rainbow  in  the  morning 
Is  the  shepherd's  warning  j 
A  rainbow  at  night 
Is  the  shepherd's  dehght:* 
which  is  only  our  homely  way  of  expressing  the  famous  lines  of 
Byron — 

Be  thou  the  rainbow  to  the  stoi'nis  of  life. 
The  evening  beam  that  smiles  the  clouds  away, 
And  tints  to-morrow  with  prophetic  ray 
Then,  again,  how  true  is  the  old  Wiltshire  saying — 
WTien  the  wind  is  north-west. 
The  weather  is  at  the  best ; 
But  if  the  rain  comes  out  of  the  east, 
'Tn"ill  rain  tmce  twenty -four  hours  at  the  least. 
These  are  general  proverbs,  applicable  to  all  times  ;  but  we  have  an 
unusual  number  of  proverbs  in  Wiltshire  which  describe  the  evils  of 
too  advanced  vegetation  in  a  precocious  spring  ;  indeed,  on  a  careful 
comparison  of  all  the  Wiltshire  weather  proverbs  with  which  I  am 
acquainted,  by  far  the  larger  portion  refers  to  this  fact,  which  is 
perhaps  brought  home  to  us  in  our  confessedly  cold  county  more  than 
elsewhere.     Thus,  for  January,  we  have — 

If  the  Grass  grow  in  Janiveei", 
It  grows  the  worst  for't  all  the  year. 
And  again, 


For  Februarr, 


A  January  spring 
Is  worth  nothing. 

Of  all  the  mouths  in  a  yeai*. 
Curse  a  fair  Februeer. 


♦  In  considering  this  prognostic,  it  should  he  borne  in  mind    that  in  the 
former  case  the  rainbow  will  appear  in  the  west,  and  in  the  latter  in  the  cast. 


So  again  for  March,  in  true  Wiltshire  language. 
As  many  mistises  in  March 
So  many  frostises  in  May; 
aud  the  well-known  adage. 

If  JIarch  comes  in  like  a  lion,  it  goes  out  hke  a  lamb. 
If  it  comes  in  like  a  lamb,  it  goes  out  like  a  lion. 
For  April  again, 

A  cold  AprU 
The  barn  wiUfiU; 
and  again, 

April  showers 
Bring  summer  flowers. 
And  another,  lauding  the  prolongation  of  the  fierce  winds  of  March 
When  April  blows  his  horn, 
'Tis  good  for  both  hay  and  corn 
while  even  for  May  we  have 

Mist  in  May,  and  heat  in  June, 
Makes  the  harvest  come  right  soon ; 
aud  again. 

Who  doffs  his  coat  on  a  mnter's  day. 
Will  gladly  put  it  on  in  May. 
Aud  for  June, 

A  dripping  June, 
Brings  all  things  in  tune. 
Every   one  of  these  Wiltshire  proverbs,  relating  to  the  first  six 
months   of    the   year,   proclaims   the    acknowledged    fact    that    a 
prolonged  winter  and  a  tardy  spring  bespeak  more  abundant  crops 
and  more  assured  plenty  than  the  pleasanter,  however  nnseasonabl 
warmth  which  sometimes  gladdens  our  hearts  in  winter  p.nd  early 
spring.     Nor   is   this   belief    peculiar   to    our    county    or   even    to 
England  ;  it  is  held  quite  as  much  in  the   South  of  Europe,  for  the 
Italians   have   a   proverb,  "  January  commits  the  faults,  and  May 
bears  the  blame ;  "  and  it  is  a  common  saying  in  Spain,  "A  year  of 
snow,  a  year  of  plenty."     Moreover,   that  such  premature  mildness 
of  the  seasons  does  not,  in  reality,  advance  vegetation,   everybody 
who  possesses  a  garden  knows  to  his  cost ;  and  here,  again,  we  have 
several    famous    Wiltshire    proverbs    relating    to    this    fact,    and 
containing  very  weighty  truths.     The  one  runs  thus  : — 
Be  it  weal,  or  be  it  woe. 
Beans  blow  before  Jtay  doth  go. 
Another  says — 

Come  it  early  or  come  it  late. 
In  May  comes  the  corn-quake. 
Aud  a  third — 

Plant  your  Tatars  when  you  will. 
They  won't  come  up  before  April. 
But,  again,  we  have  W^iltshire  sayings  which  afiirm  what  1  believe 
to  be  an  equally  undeniable  truth,  that,  together  with  a  prolonged 
winter,  and  a  dripping  spring,  a  dry  summer  is  more  to  be  desired 
by  the  husbandman.  That,  however,  is  a  season  we  scarcely  seem 
to  have  experienced  this  year,  when  the  old  Devonshire  proverb, 
aiiplicable  enough  in  that  rainy  county,  might  have  been  quoted  with 
much  truth  even  here — ■ 

The  west  wind  always  brings  wet  weather ; 
The  east  wind  wet  and  cold  together ; 
The  south  wind  surely  brings  us  rain : 
The  north  wind  blows  it  back  again. 

Shewing  that,  from  whatever  point  of  the  compass  the  wind  blows 
rain  is  sure  to  fall.  That,  however,  I  am  glad  to  think  is  quite  an 
exceptional  state  of  things  here ;  and  it  is  very  rarely  indeed  that  we 
in  this  country  experience  so  wet  .a  summer.  To  return  to  the  point 
we  were  considering,  we  have  an  old  saying  in  North  Wiltshire,  when 
snow  lies  about  in  the  ditches,  and  does  not  disappear,  that  "  'tis 
waiting  for  more  ;  "  and  it  truth  in  does  betoken  a  cold  atmosphere, 
and  more  snow  very  often  supervenes.  Then  Febuary  is  known  all 
over  Wiltshire  as  "  Febuary  fill  ditch,"  alluding  to  the  seasonable 
supplies  of  water  which  should  fill  the  ponds  during  that  month, 
otherwise  a  scarify  of  drink  for  the  cattle  during  summer  would  bo 
dreaded ;  and  so  our  people  have  the  proverb — 
February  fill  the  dyke. 
Either  with  the  black  or  white, 
(meaning,  cither  with  rain  or  snow}.  In  March  we  have,  in  addition 
to  the  saying  of  world-wide  renown  that  "  a  peck  of  dust  is  worth  a 
King's  ransom,"  the  less  known  proverb, 

A  dry  March  never  begs  its  bread. 
Of  the  following  month — 

An  April  flood 

Carries  away  the  frog  and  his  brood. 
And  for  the  excellence  of  drought,  there  is  a  saying  reported  by 
Aubrey  as  common  all  over  the  West  of  England,  "  that  a  dry  ycare 
never  does  cause  a  dearth ;  "  a  maxim  which,   I  believe,  would  be 
endorsed  by  most  practical  and  experienced  farmers ;  though  another 


Oct.  25,  1873.] 


THE  GAUDBN. 


343 


Baying  that  "abundauco  dopeuds  upon  having  plenty  of  sour  milk" 
(meaning  caused  by  thuudei'-storms),  would  not,  I  apprehend,  be 
so  readily  allowed.  Amongst  other  traditional  sayings  about  the 
seasons  which  I  have  heard  commonly  quoted  is  ono  which  I  haro 
now  for  many  yeai's  verified,  and  scarcely  ever  known  incorrect,  and 
that  is  that  "  There's  always  one  fine  week  in  Februarj',"  a  Wiltshire 
saying  which  I  commend  to  the  attention  of  all  observers.  There 
is  also  another  about  the  precedence  in  puttiug  forth  their  respective 
leaves  on  the  part  of  the  Oak  and  Ash  trees,  as  a  prognostic  of  the 
heat  or  wetness  of  the  ensuing  suumier,  whose  accuracy  I  cannot  say 
I  have  so  successfully  tested,  though  it  may  possibly  prove  to  bo 
generally  correct — 

Ash  before  Oak,  there'll  be  a  smoke : 
Oak  before  Ash,  there'll  be  a  splash. 

And  there  is  another,  commending  the  advantages  of  a  high  wind  in  the 
autumn,  which  runs  thus — 

A  good  October,  ond  a  good  blast. 

To  blow  the  hog  Acorn  and  mast. 

Then  we  have  a  very  common  tradition  in  this  country,  that  when 
the  bushes  are  loaded  with  berries,  a  hard  winter  m.ay  bo  expected. 
This  is  a  very  beautiful  opinion,  for  it  betokens  a  lively  faith  iu  the 
Providence  which  prepares  food  for  the  birds  in  their  time  of  need. 
It  is  well-known  too,  in  Scotland,  where  they  have  the  proverb, 
which  might  well  be  taken  for  genuine  'Wiltshire — 

A  Haw  year 

Is  a  snaw  year. 
Bat  having  said  this  much,  and  called  attention  to  tho  very  beautiful 
theory  it  implies,  I  am  bound  to  add  that  no  augury  must  be  drawn 
from  it,  as  it  rather  betokens  a  fruitful  summer  just  passed  than  any 
severity  of  weather  to  be  expected. 

■Weatlier  Fallacies. 
I  now  come  to  speak  of  certain  popular  weather  fallacies,  which, 
notwithstanding  their  general  weather  wisdom,  beset  our  Wiltshire 
rustics,  as  well  as  others  of  more  advanced  education.     And  the  first 
point  in  this  respect  I  would  mention,  is  the  common,  though  wholly 
groundless,  belief  that  the  moon  has  any  influence  on  the  weather.    It 
is,  in  spite  of  all  demonstation  to  the  contrary,  and  without  the  slighest 
ground  for  such  assertion,    continually  declared  that  a  change   of 
weather  may  be  looked  for  whqp  the  next  change  of  the  moon  occurs. 
This  may,  perhaps,  be  pardonable  in  "  Moourakers ;  "   but  iu  the 
cause  of  truth,  I   must  boldly  and  unhesitatingly  declare  that  the 
moon  has  not,  and  cannot  have,  tho  smallest  effect  ou  the  weather. 
But,  as  this  popular  delusion  has  become  so  engraved  in  the  hearts  of 
many  that,  notwithstanding  the  absence  of  all  argument  or  reason  in 
favour  of  it,  numbers  of  people  of  all  ranks  and  classes  still  cling  to 
it,  it  may  be  worth  while  to  meution  that,  with  a  view   to  allay  such 
popular  delusions,  though  without,  of  course,  for  a  moment  them- 
selves sharing  in   them,  some  of  the  savanU  of  France  and  others 
of  Germany  instituted  a  long  series  of  careful  investigations  ;  the 
former  continued  twenty  years  at  the  Paris  Observatory,  the  latter 
during  twenty-five  years  at  Vienna.     Both  of  these  diligently  carried 
on  the  most  rigorous  examination  of  changes  of  weather  in  connection 
with  the  lunar  phases  ;  but  the  declared  result  of  their  accurately, 
kept  tables  showed  that  there  was  no  connection  between  them  ;  and, 
in  short,  when  theory  was  set  aside,  and  the  matter  accurately  tested 
by  many  thousand  facts  during  a  considerable  period  of  time,  it  was 
definitely  pronounced  that    "  no    correspondence  whatever   existed 
between  the  changes  of  the  moon  and  those  of  the  weather,  such  as 
■were  popularly  supposed."     The  stock  argument  (if  argument  it  can 
be  called)    of    those    who    uphold    the    moon's    influence    on   the 
weather,   is  that  the  moon    does    undoubtedly  attract   the   waters 
"of   the  sea;   but    because   she   causes  the   tides,  which   is   demon- 
strable,  therefore   that    she    must   needs   influence    the    weather, 
which  is  by  no  means  a  parallel  case,  and  for  which  there  is  no  show 
of  reason,    I  cannot  conceive  to   be   a   fair   inference.     Perhaps  it 
may  be  generally  felt  (as  a  leading  gentleman  in  this  county  once 
said  to  me  in  speaking  of  this  subject) ,  "  I  don't  pretend  to  argue  the 
point  or  give  any  reasons  for  it ;  I  simply  say  I  must  continue  to 
hold  it,  because  if  you  take  away  the  moon  as  my  guide  to  a  change 
of  weather,  I  have  nothing  else  to  fall  back  upon  ;  "  or  .as  another 
eager  advocate  for  the  lunar  influence  (though  himself  by  no  means 
a  lunatic)  remarked  to  me,  "  I  don't  say  that  the    weather  alters 
exactly  on  the  day  of  the  moon's  changes,  but  you  will  find  it  does 
so  within  three  days  before  or  after  the  change  of  moon  ;  a  proposition 
with  which  I  most  cordially  agi'eed,   seeing  that  the  moon  changes 
once  in  seven  days,  and  the  three  days  before  and  three  days  after 
completely  occupied  the  whole  week  ;  so  after  this  fashion  it  would 
be  strange,  indeed,  if  the  weather  did  not  change  within  that  pro. 
longed  period.  There  is  a  very  ciu-ious  old  Wiltshire  prejudice  against 
a  new  moon  occurring  on  a  Saturday,  which,  if  not  common  in  the 
county  now,  prevailed  not  many  years  since,  but  the  origin  of  which, 


and  tho  meaning  of  which,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  conjecture.    It  is  handed 
down  iu  tho  following  proverb  : — • 

A  Saturday's  nioou, 

If  it  comes  once  in  seven  years, 

Comes  once  too  soon. 
Equally  uufonuded,  though  more  easily  accounted  for,  is  the  notion 
which  prevails  among  our  people  that  tho  weather  ou  Friday  differs 
from  that  of  all  others  days.     The  saying  is— 

To  every  other  day  in  the  week 

Friday  is  not  alilvC. 
A  somewhat  obscurely-worded  sentiment,  but  doubtless  it  origiuates 
in  the  same  principle  which  causes  sailors  to  dread  putting  out  to 
sea  on  a  Friday,  viz.,  the  custom  once  religiously  observed  of  keeping 
Friday  as  a  weekly  fast.  Leaving  now  the  moon  for  a  while,  I  may 
class  amongst  common  weather  fallacies  the  very  popular  notion  that 
wet  or  fine  weather  on  certain  days  portend  continuance  of  such,  or 
indeed,  any  special  weather,  as,  indeed,  the  famous  naturalist, 
John  Kay,  200  years  ago,  wrote  to  good  old  credulous  John 
Aubrey  —  "I  reject,  as  superstitious,  old  prognostics  from 
the  weather  on  particular  days."  This  remark  was  called  forth  by 
Aubrey  having  written,  "  In  South  Wiltshire  the  constant  observa- 
tion is,  that  if  droppes  doe  hang  upon  the  hedge  on  Candlemas  Day, 
that  it  will  be  a  good  pease  yeare  ;  "  and  then  ho  added  bis  own 
opinion — "  this  is  generally  agreed  to  be  a  matter  of  fact.  The 
reason  perhaps  may  be  that  there  rise  certain  unctuous  vapours  which 
may  cause  that  fertility."  I  fancy,  however,  that  we  shall  be  more 
inclined  to  agree  with  honest  John  Eay.  Few,  however,  are  so 
matter-of-fact  as  to  pay  no  heed  to  the  weather  on  St.  Swithin's  day 
(July  15),  for  all  know  the  proverb  couched  iu  a  variety  of  words — 


Saint  Sn'ithun's  day  if  thou  dost  rain, 
Forty  days  it  will  remain ; 
Saint  Swithun's  day,  if  thou  he  fair. 
Forty  days  'twill  rain  nae  mair. 
— a  proverb  which  has  its  counterpart   across   tho  Channel,  in   the 
feast  of  St.  Medard  (June  S)  — 

S'il  pleut  lejour  de  Saint  Medard, 
II  pleut  (xuaraute  jours  plus  tard. 
If  St.  Swithin,  however,  is  the  patron  of  rain,   St.   Bartholomew  is 
that  of  line  weather,  and  iu  some  places  is  thought  to  counteract  and 
displace  him,  for  the  proverb  runs  : — 

All  the  tears  Saint  Swithun  can  cry 
Saint  Bartlemy's  mantle  wipes  dry. 
Let  it,  however,  in  common  j  ustice,  be  observed,  that  St.  Bartholomew's 
Day  (August  2 1)  does  not  occur  until  the  expiration  of  the  forty  days 
following  St.  Swithin  (July  15).      St.  Michael's  Day  was  also  in  old 
time,  if  not  now,  in  Wiltshire,  as  it  certainly  is  to  this  day  in  Sweden, 
a  festival  from  which  many  prognostics  of  the  ensuing  season  might 
be  drawn ;  thus,  if  a  north  or  east  wind  should  chance  to  blow  on 
that  day,  the  following  winter  will  be  very  severe  ;  if  the  day  should 
chance  to  be  fine,  the  next  year  would  be  dry  ;  but  if  the  day  should 
be  wet,  the  year  ensuing  would  be  mild  but  damp.     And,  again,  on 
New  Year's  Eve  very  anxious  were  the  inquiries  as  to  the  direction 
of  the  wind,  as  from  that  token  the  weather  of  the  entire  comiuo- 
year  might  be  foreknown.     The  Festival  of  the   Conversion  of  St. 
Paul  (Jan.  25)  was  another  day  from  which  accurate  prognostics  of 
coming  seasons  might  be  framed,  and  not  only  of  the  seasons,  but 
even  of  the  welfare  of  the  nation.     The  rhymes  run  thus  — 
If  St.  Paules  dale  be  faire  and  clear, 
It  doth  betide  a  happy  yeare  ; 
But  if  perchance  it  then  should  raiue, 
It  will  make  deare  all  kinds  of  graine  ; 
And  if  the  clouds  make  dark  the  skie. 
Then  neate  and  fowls  this  yeare  shall  die  ; 
If  blustering  winds  doe  blowe  aloft. 
Then  war  shall  vex  the  realm  full  oft. 
But  the  Feast  of  Purification  (Feb.  2)   was  perhaps  the  most  noted, 
as  a  day  by  which  to  foretell  tho  coming  weather.      This  is  embodied 
in  the  following  well-known  monkish  legend,   to   the   effect  that  a 
bright  sun  on  the  Feast  of  Purification  betokens  more  frost  after  than 
before  that  festival ; — 

Si  Sol  splendeseat  Maria  Purifioante, 

Major  erit  glacios  post  festum  quam  fuit  ante. 
— a  proverb  which  has  found  its  way  into  English  : — 

If  Candlemas  day  be  fair  and  bright, 

Winter  will  have  another  flight ; 

But  if  Candlemas  day  be  clouds  and  rain, 

Wiuter  is  gone,  and  will  not  come  again. 
I  need  scarcely  say  that  these  are  all  popular  delusions,  founded  on 
no  reliable  basis,  though  doubtless  they  do  occasionally,  however 
unfrequently,  by  accident  come  true ;  and  then  they  attract 
unmerited  attention,  and  are  held  up  to  admiring  disciples  as 
infallible  weather  guides.     One  thing,  however,  seems  quite  certain, 


344 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Oct.  25,  ISfS. 


aud  tbat  is,  that  if  our  observations  aro  recorded  through  a  long 
l)eriod  of  time,  there  will  be  found  to  be  a  balance  of  averages,  both 
as  regards  heat  and  cold,  and  wet  and  dry  weather ;  and  in  short, 
the  general  average  through  the  whole  period  will  be  found  to  be 
maintained.  So  true  is  another  Wiltshire  proverb, 
No  one  so  surely  pays  his  debt, 
As  wet  to  dry,  and  dry  to  wet ; 

or,  as  they  have  it  in  Scotland^ 

Laug  foul,  lang  fair. 
Not  so  accurate,  I  think,  is  another,   though  it  is  the  exclusive  pro- 
perty of  this  county,  and  was  certainly  implicitly  believed  in  by  our 
ancestors  : — 

When  the  hen  doth  moult  before  the  cock, 

The  winter  will  be  as  hard  as  a  rook  ; 

But  if  the  cock  moult  before  the  hen, 

The  winter  will  not  wett  your  shoe  seame. 

—a  proverb  as  poor  in  rhyme  as  in  reason,  though  doubtless  to  bo 
honoured  for  its  antiquity,  as  also  because  it  belongs  to  Wiltshire. 
There  is  also  another  saying,  cun'ent  in  this  county  as  elsewhere,  to 
the  effect  "  that  a  green  Christmas  makes  a  fat  churchyard."     This 
1  believe   to  be  wholly  a  mistake,  and  that,  on  the  contrary,  the 
milder  the  Christmas  the  more  healthy  for  the  human  race,  as  was 
indeed  triumphantly  proved  by  the  return  of  the  Registrar-general 
last    winter.      But   to   show   the   pertinacity,    and  I  may  say   the 
unreasoning  tenacity,  with  which   the  Wiltshire  labourer  will  cling 
to  any  old  saying  handed   down  to  him   from   his   fathers,  I   was 
opposing    the    above    proverb,    which    an   old   man  quoted  to  me, 
at    the     beginning    of    18.54,    and  expressing    my    disbelief    in  it 
though  not  at  all  to  his  conviction  ;    and  in  the  summer  I  recalled 
to    his    recollection    the  same    proverb,    remarking   that    we    had 
had  unusually  few  deaths  in  the  parish  that  year,  to  which  he  replied, 
"  Wait  a  bit,  sir ;  the  year  hasn't  come  to  an  end  yet."     But  before 
the  end  of  the  year,  after  the  battles  of  Alma  and  Inkermau  had  taken 
place,  he  came  to  me  with  triumph  in  his  face,  and  said,  "  I  told  yon, 
sir,  the  proverb  would  come  true  ;  the  green  Ghi-istmas  last  year  has 
made  a  fat  churchyard,  for  you  see  how  many  poor  fellows  have  been 
killed  in  the  Crimea  !  "     After  this  nothingmore  was  to  be  said ;  with 
the  rationale  of  the  proverb  he  had  nothing  to  do ;  it  had  come  true, 
and  that  was  all  that  concerned  him,  and  he  is  now  a  firmer  believer 
than  ever  in  that  ancient  tradition.    And  now  let  me  say  a  word  about 
almanacs  which  pretend  to  foretell   the  weather.      It  is  perfectly 
marvellous  how  gullible  is  John  Bull,  eager  to  swallow  any  prognos- 
tics, be  they  never  so  unreliable,  if  only  their  authors  are  bold  enough 
to  be  decisive  in  their  predictions  ;  and  when,  in  the  year  1S38,  by  a 
fortuitous  coincidence,  an  adroit  Hibernian  (as  he  has  been  happily 
styled),  named  Patrick  Murphy,  accurately  foretold  the  coldest  day  of 
the  season  (which,  from  the  law  of  chances,  mnst  occur  occasionally 
within  a   great    number   of    conjectures),    the    rage    for    weather 
almanacs  rose  to  its  height;   the  wildest  predictions  were  hazarded, 
and  though  their  failures  were  generally  manifested,  nothing  could 
convince  the  determined  believer  ;  and  I  myself  knew  of  a  case  where 
an  agriculturist  on  a  small  scale,  with  more  credulity  than  wisdom, 
wrote  to  the  editor  of  the  almanac  to  which  he  pinned  his  faith,  and 
entreated  hiui  to  name  the  most  fortunate  day  for  wheat-sowing.     In 
justice  to  Wiltshire,  let  me  hasten  to  add  that  this  man  was  a  native 
and  inhabitant  of  Somersetshire.     I  suppose,  too,  it  is  allowed  to 
presume  there  is  a  large  amount  of  BtEotian  dulness  to  be  found  in 
more  western  counties,  as  the  famous  Lord  Thurlow  once  remarked, 
after  holding  an  assize  at  Bodwin,  in  Cornwall,  "  that  the  farther  west 
he  went,  he  was  more  and  more  convinced  that  the  wise  men  came 
from  the  east."     Now  let  mc,  in  conclusion,  assure  the  inhabitants 
of    Wiltshire  that  the  almanac-makers  know  nothing  about  it,  and 
that  the  time  is  not  yet  come  when — 

Careful  observers  might  foretell  the  hour 
By  sure  prognostics  when  to  dread  a  shower. 

If  they  rely  on  the  almanac-makers,  or  the  moon,  and  leave  their 
umbrellas  at  home  in  consequence,  they  will  infallibly  be  drenched, 
as  they  deserve  to  be  ;  whereas,  if  they  listen  to  the  experience  of 
the  labourer  or  the  shepherd — still  better,  if  they  use  their  own 
ej'es  and  judgment,  and  observe  the  sky,  and  the  clouds,  and  the 
wind,  not  forgetting  the  plain  lessons  read  to  them  by  many  branches 
of  the  animal  world  in  this  particular — they  will  rarely  be  led  astray. 
The  signs  to  be  derived  from  the  animal  world  are  very  numerous 
and  very  reliable,  and  are  much  observed  amongst  our  people  in  con- 
sequence. As  examples  of  the  most  common  in  this  county,  they 
will  tell  you  that  seldom  indeed  will  a  wet  day  be  found  to  follow, 
when  in  the  morning  cows  are  seen  lying  down  in  their  pastures  ; 
still  more  seldom  when  rooks  ai'e  noticed  high  in  the  air,  or  swallows 
are  seen  at  a  great  height  hawking  after  flies  ;  but  rarest  of  all  when 
three  white  butterflies  are  seen  together  in  the  garden  or  field  ;  the 
latter  is  a  sure  sign  of  a  fine  day,  which  I  have  hardly  ever  kno'\'rn  to 


fail.  They  will  toll  you,  on  the  other  hand,  that  when  the  distant 
downs  look  near  ;  or  the  common  plover  or  peewit,  which  frequents 
our  downs  in  such  numbers,  becomes  restless  ;  or  the  bees  hurry 
home,  and  none  leave  the  hive ;  or  partridges  grow  wild ;  or  sea- 
gulls make  their  appearance  so  far  inland ;  or  pigs  carry  straw  in 
their  mouths  ;  or  insects  fly  low ;  rain  is  at  hand.  These  are  but 
samples  of  many  similar  instances  of  unfailing  instinct  in  regard  to 
weather,  which  every  student  of  Nature  admires  in  the  various 
branches  of  the  animal  kingdom.  Perhaps  I  may  return  to  this  part 
of  the  question  another  day.  1  will  conclude  now  with  the  clever 
Hues  of  Dr.  Jenner,  which  sum  up  the  matter  very  accurately: — ■ 

The  hollow  winds  begin  to  blow. 
The  clouds  look  black,  the  glass  is  low. 
The  soot  falls  down,  the  spaniels  sleep, 
And  spiders  from  their  cobwebs  creep  ; 
Last  night  the  sun  went  pale  to  bed. 
The  moon  in  halos  hid  her  head 
The  boding  shepherd  heaves  a  sigh. 
For  see  !  a  rainbow  spans  the  sky ; 
The  walls  are  damp,  the  ditches  smell. 
Closed  is  the  pink-eyed  Pimpernel ; 
The  squaUd  toads  at  dusk  are  seen 
Slowly  crawling  o'er  the  green  ; 
Loud  quack  the  ducks,  the  peacocks  cry, 
The  distant  hills  are  looking  nigh  ; 
Hark,  how  the  chairs  and  tables  crack. 
Old  Betty's  joints  are  on  the  rack  ; 
And  see  yon  rooks,  how  odd  their  flight, 
They  imitate  the  gliding  kite. 
Or  seem  precipitate  to  fall. 
As  if  they  felt  the  piercing  ball ; 
How  restless  are  the  snorting  swine, 
The  busy  flies  disturb  the  kine ; 
Low  o'er  the  grass  the  swallow  wings. 
The  cricket,  too,  how  shaqD  she  sings; 
Puss  on  the  hearth  with  velvet  paws 
Sits  wiping  o'er  her  whiskered  jaws  ; 
The  wind,  unsteady,  veers  around. 
Or,  settling,  in  the  south  is  found; 
The  whirling  wind  the  dust  obeys. 
And  o'er  the  rapid  eddy  plays ; 
The  leech  disturbed  is  newly  risen 
t^uite  to  the  summit  of  his  prison; — 
"  'TwUl  surely  rain  I  see,  with  sorrow, 
Our  jaunt  must  be  put  off  to  morrow." 


Changes  in  the  Vegetation  of  South  Africa. — Professor 
Dyer  read  a  paper  by  Dr.  Shaw,  of  the  Cape,  "  On  some  of  the  Changes 
going  on  in  the  South  African  Vegetation  through  the  Introduction 
of  the  Merino  Sheep."  The  author  commenced  by  referring  to  the 
fact  that  civilisation  and  merino  sheep  had  introduced  one  obnoxious 
plant,  the  Xanthium  spinosum,  into  the  sheep-walks  of  South  Africa. 
Its  fruit  getting  into  the  wool  and  seriously  injm'ing  its  value,  the 
Government  had  legislated  for  its  compulsory  destructiou.  In  the 
Orange  River  Free  State,  where  there  was  no  legislation  on  the  weed 
until  lately,  wool  had  become  so  filled  that  its  value  was  depreciated 
nearly  50  per  cent.  But  sheep  in  connection  with  overstocking  of 
farms  in  tlie  inland  districts  of  the  Cape  were  doing  very  serious 
injury  directly  by  eating  down  the  better  and  more  agreeable  plants, 
giving  range  to  poisonous  and  bitter  ones,  and  even  so  changing  the 
climate  as  to  make  the  country  suited  to  the  plants  of  the  neighbour- 
ing regions,  which  march  into  the  sheep-walks  to  aid  the  sheep  in 
thrusting  out  and  extirpating  the  indigenous  flora.  After  a  sketch  of 
the  distribution  of  plants  in  South  Africa,  the  author  went  on  to 
particularise  the  character  of  the  prau'ie-Uke  midlands  of  the  Cape, 
with  their  luxuriant  Grass  and  vegetation.  Since  sheep  had  been 
introduced,  the  Grass  had  fast  disappeared,  the  ground,  by  the 
hurried  march  of  the  sheep  for  food  amongst  the  scattered  bush,  had 
become  beaten  and  hardened,  and  the  seasonable  rains  which  did 
come  were  accordingly  allowed  to  run  oS  the  surface  without  soaking 
into  the  ground  to  the  extent  that  was  formerly  the  case.  The  country 
was  thus  drying  up,  the  fountains  becoming  smaller  and  smaller,  and 
the  prospect  was  clear  that  the  midland  regions  would  turn  into  a  semi, 
desert.  The  author  firrther  referred  to  the  increase  of  poisonous 
and  bitter  herbage.  It  was  dangerous  to  have  stock  in  many  farms 
which  formerly  were  free  from  any  injurious  herbs.  Long  stretches 
of  the  colony  were  abundantly  occupied  by  Melicaj,  which  were 
eaten  by  the  oxen,  and  caused  intoxication,  to  the  serious  hindrance 
of  transport. 

Manufacture  of  Jute. — Jute  is  principally  manufactured  at 
Dundee,  where  there  are  fifty-nine  mills,  ranging  from  four  to  eight 
stories  high.  The  largest  mill  employs  5,000  hands,  and  works  up 
into  fabrics  999,000  pounds  of  raw  jute  per  week. 


Oct.  25,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


345 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 


DRYING  FLOWERS  IN  THEIR  NATURAL  COLOURS. 

(smoking  tvitii  brimstone.) 
In  a  recent  number  (see  p.  2-12)  I  communicated  some  of  my 
experience  in  drying  flowers  in  their  natural  colours,  but 
omitted  to  mention,  as  very  good  flower.s  for  drying  iu  sand, 
Verbenas  (red  and  blue).  Zinnia,  Gaillardia,  Senecio,  Sanvitalia, 
Phlox,  Tagetes,  &c.  I  now  proceed  to  describe  the  process  of 
smoking  flowers  with  brimstone,  which  is  a  very  good,  simple, 
and  cheap  way  of  drying  flowers,  especially  Asters,  Roses, 
Fuchsias  (single  ones),  Spirajas  (red-flowered  kinds,  such  as 
callosa,  Douglasii,  &c.).  Ranunculus,  Delphiniums,  Cytisus, 
&c.  The  Roses  ought  to  be  quite  open,  but  of  course  not  too 
fully  blown.  The  first  thing  necessary  is  to  procure  a  chest 
suitable  in  size  to  the  quantity  of  flowers  intended  to  be 
dried.  I  find  the  best  size  for  general  use  is  one  about 
3  or  4  feet  square.  The  size,  however,  makes  no  difference,  as 
one  will  do  if  only  2  feet  square.  In  the  under  part  of  one 
side  of  the  chest  there  should  be  a  small  opening  (1),  to  be 
closed  by  a  bar  (2),  through  which  the  basin  containing  brim- 
stone (6)  must  be  put  into  the  chest.  This  opening  must  be 
covered  inside  with  perforated  tin,  in  order  to  prevent  those 
flowers  from  spoiling  which  hang  immediately  over  the  basin. 
The  chest  should  be  air-tight,  and,  iu  order  to  render  it  so, 
paper  the  inside  thoroughly.  When  the  chest  is  ready  for  use, 
nail  small  laths  (A  3)  on  two  opposite  sides  of  the  interior,  at 
a  distance  of  about  6  inches  apart,  upon  which  lay  thin  round 
sticks,  upon  which  you  can  arrange  the   flowers  (C).     Care 


A  Bos  for  Drying  Flowers. 

should  be  taken,  however,  that  the  flowers  on  the  sticks,  as 
also  the  sticks  themselves,  are  not  too  close  together,  or  the 
vapour  will  not  circulate  freely  through  the  vacant  space 
around  the  flowers.  The  best  way  to  hang  the  flowers  is  to  tie 
two  of  them  together  by  the  ends  of  their  stalks  with  a 
piece  of  mat  or  thread,  and  afterwards  place  them  upon  the 
sticks  so  as  to  prevent  them  from  touching  each  other  (6). 
When  the  chest  is  sufiiciently  full  of  flowers,  close  it  carefully, 
place  a  damp  cloth  on  the  sides  of  the  lid,  and  some  heavy 
stones  upon  the  top  of  it,  after  which,  take  some  brimstone 
broken  into  small  pieces,  put  it  in  a  small  flat  basin  (6)  and 
with  a  match  kindle  and  put  it  through  the  opening  (1)  in 
the  bottom  of  the  chest  and  shut  the  bar  (2).  It  is  a  good  plan 
to  make  an  air-hole  (4)  on  opposite  sides  of  the  chest,  which 
will  assist  the  ignition  of  the  brimstone,  and  which  should  be 
closed  when  the  latter  burns  freely.  Leave  the  chest  undis- 
turbed for  twenty-four  hours,  after  which  time  it  must  be 
opened,  and  if  the  flowers  are  sufficiently  smoked  they  will 
appear  white,  if  not  they  must  be  smoked  again,  when  a  little 
more  brimstone  may  become  necessary.  When  suflaciently 
smoked,  take  the  flowers  out  carefully  a,nd  hang  them  iu  a 
dry  airy  place  in  the  shade  for  the  purpose  of  drying,  and  iu  a 
few  days  or  even  hours  they  will  recover  their  natural  colours, 
except  being  only  a  shade  paler.  To  give  them  a  very  bright 
shining  colour,  plunge  them  into  a  mixture  of  ten  parts  of  cold 
■water  and  one  of  good  nitric  acid,  drain  off  the  liquid,  and  hang 
them  up  again  in  the  same  way  as  before.  Thus  preserved 
they  will  keep  for  years.  In  a  future  number  I  shall  speak 
about  colouring  and  basting  Everlasting  flowers.  Grasses,  and 
Mosses.  G.  Wekmig. 


THE  FLOWER  TRADE  IN  NEW  YORK. 
Thikty  years  ago  the  two  florists  of  New  York  were  at  Astoria  and 
Torkville,  that  is,  their  glass-houses  for  the  growth  of  flowers  were 
located  there,  but  the  bouquet  depots  were  in  New  York.  The 
writer  of  this  was  for  a  time  bouquet  maker  for  ono  of  these  esta. 
blishmeuts,  and  feels  almost  ashamed  now  when  he  thinks  of  the 
great  want  of  taste  displayed  in  the  arrangement,  particularly  oE 
bridal  bouquets.  The  mode  then  was  the  one-sided  style  of  bouquets, 
the  superstructure  of  which  was  usually  formed  of  Arbor-vitas  made 
into  the  shape  of  and  nearly  the  size  of  a  modern  fan.  The  flowera 
were  stemmed  and  drawn  through  this  foundation,  the  one  side  only 
being  flowers,  the  other  tho  coarse  ill-smelling  Arbor.vitaa.  How 
they  were  "  carried  "  I  never  knew,  0ut  it  must  have  been  some, 
what  according  to  the  disposition  of  the  owner;  if  selfish,  she  would 
probably  hold  the  flowery  side  towards  her ;  if  generous,  she  must 
have  reversed  it  for  the  benefit  of  her  friends.  Then  we  tried  tho 
pyramidal  style,  but  usually  made  a  sorry  job  of  it.  It  was  years 
before  any  of  us  knew  enough  to  place  a  stick  in  the  centre 
to  keep  the  bouquet  straight,  and  hence  the  tendency  was  for 
it  to  get  lop-sided  if  of  any  great  size.  Then,  again,  when 
a  wreath  or  a  cross  was  wanted,  an  extemporised  one  was 
made  from  such  wooden  materials  as  were  at  hand  for  the 
cross,  and  a  hoop  made  of  Willow  served  for  the  wreath.  Nothing 
was  then  known  of  the  artistic  wire  designs  now  used  for  such 
purposes — nor  in  fact  for  nearly  twenty  years  later — for  these  wire 
designs  have  been  used  only  for  the  last  ten  or  twelve  years.  Thirty 
years  ago  the  annual  sales  in  New  York  of  natural  flowers  made  into 
bouquets  or  other  designs  probably  did  not  reach  £4,000.  Now  I 
doubt  much  if  it  is  less  than  £100,000  annually.  And  this  advance 
is  probably  in  the  same  ratio  in  every  large  city  iu  the  Union. 
What  is  true  of  "  cut  flowers "  is  equally  true  of  green, 
house,  hothouse,  or  bedding  plants.  Our  improved  modes  of  packing 
to  send  by  mail  and  by  e.vpress  enable  us  to  place  plants  jnst  as 
safely  in  the  hands  of  purchasers  a  thousand  miles  away  as  if  they 
got  them  next  door.  A  gradual  knowledge  of  this  fact  has  so 
increased  the  shipping  trade  of  plants  that  now  some  of  our  largest 
growers  ship  over  150  tons  annually,  or  nearly  one  and  a  half  millions 
of  plants  !  The  amount  received  for  plants  sold  is  larger  than  that 
for  cut  flowers,  and  will  probably  reach  £600,000  annually,  so  that 
the  combined  flower  trade  of  New  York  will,  in  all  probability,  be 
little  short  of  £1,000,000.— ffeai-<?i,  ayid  Home.  [In  all  the  other 
cities  of  the  Union,  flower-growing  establishments  are  rapidly 
springing  up,  and,  often  where  there  is  no  nursery,  properly  so-called, 
they  are  to  be  found.] 


PLANTS  IN  SLEEPING  ROOMS. 
JIany  who  do  not  object  to  occupying  rooms  day  and  night  without 
any  regular  ventilation,  or  who  do  not  object  to  sleeping  down  stairs, 
are  persuaded  that  they  run  a  risk  of  being  asphyxiated  if  there  is  a 
square  foot  of  green  foliage  iu  tho  room  !  It  is  important  to  know 
well  the  simple  truth  about  this  air. poison,  but  it  cannot  be  told  iu 
one  paper.  The  plants,  however,  can  be  exonerated,  the  truth  about 
them  being  that  they  inhale  carbonic  acid,  and  that  in  the  sunlight 
they  are  enabled  to  imbibe  it  rapidly,  because  in  sunlight  the  leaves 
have  the  power  to  decompose  that  gas  into  its  two  elements,  carbon 
and  oxygen.  The  carbon  is  used  to  build  the  plant,  being  the  chief 
material  of  its  structure,  as  bricks  are  in  the  building  of  a  brick 
wall ;  and  the  oxygen  is  given  off  into  the  air  for  countless  uses,  one 
of  them  being  the  sustenance  of  all  animated  beings,  who  must  drink 
it  (so  to  speak)  every  moment  after  their  birth,  perishing  in  a  few 
minutes  if  deprived  of  it.  The  idea  that  a  few  plants  iu  an  upper 
chamber,  with  floor  and  doors  ever  so  tight,  can  fill  the  i-oom  with 
this  heavy  choke-damp,  up  to  the  nostrils  of  the  sleeper,  is  ridiculous. 
The  lessons  of  the  aquarium  ought  to  be  enough  to  dissipate  it.  Yet 
there  are  plants  which  give  out  odours  that  are  oppressive  to  the 
senses,  and  a  few  that  give  off  some  subtle  emanations  that  affect 
many  persons  injuriously.  But  nobody  culls  poisonous  or  ill. smelling 
plants  for  a  bouquet,  and  among  the  great  numbers  of  brightly, 
blooming,  gaily-foliaged,  and  refreshingly-odorous  plants,  there  is 
most  ample  choice  to  suit  all  tastes. — Cultivator. 


A  Simple  Ornament- — A  pretty  mantelpiece  ornament  may  be  obtained 
by  suspending  au  Acorn,  by  a  piece  of  thread  tied  around  it,  -mthin  half  an  inch 
of  the  surface  of  some  water  contained  in  a  vase,  tumbler,  or  saucer,  and 
allo-wing  it  to  remain  undisturbed  for  several  weeks.  It  will  soon  burst  open, 
and  small  roots  will  seek  the  water ;  a  straight  and  tapering  stem,  with 
beautiful  glossy  green  leaves  will  shoot  upward,  and  presents  a  very  pleasing 
appearance.  Chestnut  trees  may  be  grown  in  the  same  manner,  but  their 
leaves  are  not  as  beautiful  as  those  of  the  Oak.  The  water  should  be  changed 
once  a  month,  taking  care  to  supply  water  of  the  same  warmth  ;  bits  of  char- 
coal added  to  it  will  prevent  tho  water  from  souring.  If  the  little  leaves  turn 
yellow,  add  one  drop  of  ammonia  into  the  utensil  which  holds  tlie  water,  and 
they  will  renew  their  luxuriance. 


346 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  25,  1873. 


HEAT  WITHOUT  COST. 
Tnis  news  seems  too  good  to  bo  trno ;    but,  if  true,  what  a  boon  ! 
It  is  all  very  well  to  talk  of  cool  houses ;  they  are  useful  in  their 
way ;    but  their   use    is    limited    by    the   severity  of    our   climate, 
and    more   by  the    shortness    and    capriciousness  of    our    summer. 
How  difficult,  for  instance,  it  is  to  finish  Grapes  or  other  semi-tropical 
fruits   in  nnheated  houses    this    year,  and  how  impossible  to  keep 
them  after  they  are  ripe  in  such   autumns  as  that  of  last  season. 
The  power  of  applying  heat  should  bo  present  in  every  glass  struc- 
ture.    Of  course  no  one  need  apply  the  power  unless  it  is  wanted. 
But  the  fact  is,  our  clumsy  contrivances  to  render  unhealed  houses 
efficient  for  the  culture  or  preservation  of  plauts   have  been  much 
more  expensive  in  the  end  than  a  moderate  amount  of  direct  heat. 
Coverings  against  coal  at  moderate  prices,  and  coals  would  have  had 
it.     But  now,  with  the  prospect  of  free  heat  against  coverings,  the 
latter  -will  be  nowhere.     True,  we  must  provide  a  conductor  for  our 
heat,  a  hot-water  pipe,  stove,  or  flue.     But  these  have  to  be  pur- 
chased but    once,  coverings  annually  ;     and  then  we  must    reckon 
against  the  latter  the  broken  glass  or  injured  paint,  and  the  constant 
labour.     Totting   these   up,   the    sum    total    for   two,   or    at    most 
three  years,  would  purchase  a  2  or  a  -1-inch  pipe,  that  would  resist 
the    cold    to  far  better    purpose  than  the   covering.     Even   1-inch 
pipes  have  been   found  sufficient   to    exclude    frost  from  full-sized 
frames.     And    now    that    these  pipes    can  be    warmed    for    little 
or   nothing,  and    in    some  oases    at    a   profit,  doubtless    they  will 
be    generally    used.      Thus   free    heat     will    simply    abolish    our 
coal   bills,  but   set   much  labour   free  for  other   purposes.     Besides, 
I  would  lay  claim  in  advance  to  a  fair  coal   bill  to  be  e.'ipended  on 
more  plants  and  hothouses  for  horticultural  purposes.     This  saving 
we  may  reasonably  hopo  to  go  to  the  advancement  of  horticulture 
and  the  bettering   of  the  condition  of  horticulturists.     But  is  not 
all  this  eating  our  chickens  before  they  are  hatched  ?     By  no  means ; 
fire-heat  for  horticultural  purposes  is  every  day  becoming  less  an 
affair  of   theory,  and  more  a   matter  of    fact.      From  Dromore  in 
Ireland,  the  system  of   lime-kiln  heating  is   spreading  throughout 
England  and    Scotland,   and  fresh  kilns   are   being   projected   and 
built  daily.     A  thousand  feet  of  piping  was  recently  heated  under 
difficulties  at  Manchester.     Since  that  great  show  other  kilns  have 
been  set  to  work  in  various  parts  of  England  and  Scotland.     I  have 
just  heard  of  one  near  Edinburgh  that  heats  a  series  of  houses  at 
different  levels   with  the  utmost  ease,  and  to  the  entire   satisfac- 
tion and   great   surprise  of    all   concerned.      Last  Saturday   many 
distinguished  horticulturists  met  at  Hatfield  House  to  see  a  kiln  heat 
7,000  feet  of  4-inch  pipes,  extending  through  a  series  of  "Vineries 
and  other  houses,  and  running  in  various  directions  out  of  doors. 
The  kiln  was  8  feet  deep  and  6  feet  in  diameter,  and  it  is  proposed 
to  give  it  3,000  more  feet  of  4-inch  pipes  to  warm.     There  could  bo 
no  question  as  to  the  power  and  sufficiency  of  the  heat  provided  by 
the  kiln.     Mr.  Cowan  also  purposes  adding  still  more  to  the  potency 
of  his  boiler  by  sinking  it  lower  into  the  glowing  heat  of  the  lime-kiln. 
Your  remarks  last  week  in  regard  to  the  superior  power  of  vertical 
to  horizontal  heat,  however  true  of  ordinary  furnaces,  are  hardly 
applicable  to  lime-kiln  heating.     For  here  the  sides  of  the  kiln  are 
so  intensely  hot  that  if  a  series  of  boiler  rings  can  be  introduced  into 
the  kiln  itself,  without  interfering  with  the  burning  of    the  lime, 
there  can  be  no  question  as  to  the  heat  penetrating  through  the  iron, 
nor  of  its  power  to  warm  the  water.      And  all  this  will  be  additional, 
for  it  may  bo  assumed  that  the  boiler  in  the  kiln  will  in  no  degree 
check  the  energy  of  the  heat  sent  up  vertically  to  heat  that  portion 
that  will  in  any  case  be  placed  right  over  it.      Nor  will  an  increasing 
heat  be  the  only  advantage.     If  it  be  found  practicable  to  sink  any 
or  a  large  portion  of  this  boiler  into  the  kiln,  then  less  vertical  depth 
will  be  required  for  the  effective  working  of  this  new  and  cheap 
method  of  heating.     To  appreciate  the  importance  of  this,  it  may  be 
stated  that  the  horticultm-al  furnaces  of  the  United  Kingdom  are 
within  a  few  feet  of  the  water  line.     In  a  majority  of  cases  it  is  quite 
impossible  to  go  down  without  being   flooded  out.    By  carrying  more 
of  the  boiler  into  the  kiln  Mr.  Cowan  hopes  to  be  able  to  work  his 
system  in  a  minimum  depth  of  four  feet.     This  would  bi-ing  it  within 
range  of  most  of  the  hot  water  apparatus  throughout  the  country. 
This  reduction  of  depth  would  also  lessen  expense,  and  make  the  lime- 
kiln heating  applicable  to  small  or  ordinary  sized  places  as  well  as 
large  ones.     I  found  a  general  impression  among  those  assembled  at 
Hatfield,  that  the  plan  was  only  applicable  to  large  establishments. 
Nor  was  this  to  bo  wondered  at ;   the  example  before  them  was  largo 
and  powerful ;  7,000  feet  of  pipe,  actually  heated,  with  reserve  force 
capable,  possibly,  of  heating  3,000  more  ;   and  a  cart-way  down  to 
the  mouth  of  the  kiln,  an  arrangement  made  to  facilitate  the  making 
or    removal    of    lime    on     a     largo     scale       The    kiln    itself    had 
probably   an   excess    of   power.       This  was  also,   as   yoii   observe, 
the   first  experiment    with   chalk,   and  it   was   important   in    such 
a    large  undertaking    that    the    kiln,    at    least,     should    not    fail 


for  lack  of  area ;  and,  after  all,  I  have  seen  stoke-holes  as  large, 
and  far  more  costly,  doing  a  mere  tithe  of  the  work.  Bat  it  would 
be  illogical  to  reason  that  because  of  the  magnitude  of  the  works 
at  Hatfield  the  system  is  not  adapted  for  small  places.  Why  should 
not  the  small  place  have  its  heat  free  as  well  as  the  large  one  ? 
The  expense  of  the  kiln  need  not  be  much  more  than  the  expense 
of  a  well-built  furnace,  and  all  beyond  the  kiln  costs  neither  less 
nor  more  on  Mr.  Cowan's  system  than  any  other.  Ah,  I  forgot  the 
royalty  ;  but  this,  if  report  speaks  truth,  is  so  low  as  not  to  deter 
any  one  from  adopting  the  system.  I  only  hope  that  it  will  reward 
Mr.  Cowan  sufficiently  for  his  energy  and  zeal  in  the  matter  of 
providing  cheap  or  free  heat  for  horticultural  uses.  Less  coal  was 
used  at  Hatfield  than  at  Manchester.  At  the  latter  the  rate  was  two 
of  lirae.sitone  to  one  of  coal ;  at  Hatfield  it  was  seven  of  chalk  to 
three  of  coal.  The  experiment  may  be  pronounced  a  splendid  success. 
There  was  no  special  effort  made  to  get  up  a  telling  exhibition;  on 
the  contrary,  Mr.  Cowan  even,  I  believe,  in  opposition  to  the  wishes 
of  Mr.  Bennett,  charged  the  kiln  the  day  before  with  twenty-four 
hours'  material  and  work.  The  result  was  that,  at  four  o'clock — the 
time  for  which  the  company  was  invitcd^the  heat  had  by  no  means 
attained  to  its  maximum.  But  no  one  could  look  into  that  glowing 
mass  of  fire  and  combustible  gases,  gaining  in  fierceness  every 
moment,  and  have  the  slightest  misgiving  as  to  the  potency  of  the 
heating  power  at  command ;  and,  for  horticultural  uses,  such  heavy 
charges  are  by  no  means  necessary.  Every  eight  or  twelve  hours 
will  prove  a  rare  relief  to  stokers,  some  of  whom  have  to  be  on  duty 
almost  incessantly  night  and  day  attending  to  our  present  boilers. 
Again,  the  charges  can  be  regulated  to  afford  the  most  heat  when  it 
is  most  needed.  What,  for  instance,  could  be  easier  than  to  charge 
at  mid. day  for  a  maximum  amount  of  heat  at  midnight  ?  Should 
the  weather  change,  tm'n  part  of  the  heat  into  the  waste 
tank  above  the  boiler,  just  as  an  engineer  turns  off  steam 
when  he  slackens  speed.  And,  even  should  the  lime-kiln  fail  on 
a  sudden  emergency,  or  not  have  been  lighted  in  time,  slip  in 
some  bars  under  the  boiler  and  make  a  fire  to  tell  at  once,  as  in  a 
common  furnace.  I  do  not  anticipate  that  this  last  will  be  needed, 
and  the  possibility  of  doing  it  is  merely  pointed  ont  to  nervous 
stokers  who  often  suffer  from  frost-fever,  and  are  believers  only  in 
immediate  results.  Horticulturists  owe  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  the 
Marquis  of  Salisbury  and  to  his  gardener,  Mr.  Bennett,  for  the 
opportunity  of  testing  the  system  on  so  extensive  a  scale,  while 
Mr.  Cowan,  the  inventor,  and  Mr.  Boyd,  who  carried  ont  the  heatin" 
arrangements,  are  to  be  congratulated  on  the  complete  success  of  this 
illustration  on  a  large  scale  of  heating  without  cost.  The  system 
seems  equally  well  adapted  for  the  heating  of  manufactories  and 
public  buildings,  as  for  horticultural  purposes,  and  is  likely  to  be 
extensively  adopted  wherever  sufficient  depth  is  available,  and  lime- 
stone or  chalk  within  easy  distance.  I  do  not  anticipate  much 
difficulty  in  commanding  a  market  for  the  lime  made.  The  next 
experiment  needed  is  to  test  the  cost  of  conveying  limestone  or  chalk 
to  the  kiln,  and  this  is  about  being  worked  out  in  Glasgow,  where 
a  kiln  is  being  erected  to  be  fed  with  limestone  from  Ireland. 

D.  T.  Fisn. 


WILD  BIRDS'  PROTECTION  ACT. 
(summary  of  select  committee's  kepokt.) 
It  has  long  been  considered,  and  will  probably  continue  to  be 
so,  despite  all  pains  and  penalties  to  the  contrary,  so  long  as 
early  Peas  and  fruit  are  to  be  found  in  Covent  Garden,  that 
small  birds  are  as  deadly  a  foe  to  the  market  gardener  as  are  hawks 
and  owls,  in  the  head-keeper's  opinion,  to  my  lord's  preserves. 
Blackbirds,  and  thrushes,  and  tomtits  have  been  fair  game  at 
every  season  of  the  year  throughout  the  orchards  and  gardens 
of  Great  Britain,  and  even  the  song  of  our  Laureate  himself 
has  been  powerless  to  stay  the  hand  of  the  so-called  avenger. 
But  at  length  a  champion  has  arisen  for  them  in  the  person  of  the 
Rev.  H.  B.  Tristram,  F.E.S.,  and  chairman  of  that  association,  to 
whom  is  due  the  Act  of  1872.  The  harm  which  these  birds  do  to 
the  market  gardener  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year  is  more  than 
counterbalanced,  he  asserted  before  the  Select  Committee,  by  the 
good  that  they  have  done  in  the  early  year.  This  is  especially  the 
case  with  soft-billed  birds,  the  thrush  and  blackbird  tribe,  the 
wagtails  and  the  warblers.  The  titmouse,  indeed,  "  a  sagacious 
bird,"  never  breaks  off  a  bud  where  there  is  not  "  an  insect  at  the 
bottom  which  would  have  destroyed  the  fructification  of  the  bud ;  " 
but  the  blackbird,  though  one  grub  is  more  to  him  than  many  buds, 
being  more  careless  and  eager,  does  occasionally  make  mistakes 
which  cannot  be  rectified  at  least  within  that  year.  And  it  is  tho 
same  with  many  birds  now  held  by  gamekeepers  as  mere  vermin  to 
be  removed  from  off  the  face  of  their  own  particulafspot  of  earth  at 
every  opportunity.    As  an  instance,  the  kestrel  is  taken — an  instance 


Oct.  25, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


347 


whicli  camo  before  the  witness's  own  personal  observation.  Tiiis 
bird  is  supposed  to  be  especially  fatal  to  partridges,  but  iu  the  crop 
of  one  which  had  been  recently  shot  tor  that  supposed  offence  was 
found  not  a  single  pai'tridge  feather,  but  17S  wire-worms  !  Gardeners 
and  gamekeepers  (says  Mr.  Tristram)  are  ignorant  people  iu  snch 
matters,  and,  seeing  the  harm  that  is  being  oecasionally  doue  to 
their  ripeuiug  Strawberries,  or  their  growing  partridges,  must  not  be 
expected  to  think,  before  they  fetch  the  gun,  of  the  good  that 
is  done  them  by  these  visitors  at  other  times.  Opinions  differ 
greatly  as  to  the  birds  that  should  by  right  be  excepted 
from  the  protection  of  the  law,  and  whereas  some,  such  as  eagles, 
owls,  hawks,  rooks,  and  even  wood-pigeons,  are  deuouuced  by  one 
witness  as  the  most  fatal  and  most  useless  of  vermin,  the  next  will 
have  nothing  to  say  about  them  that  is  not  good.  Only  one  voice, 
however,  is  to  be  heard  in  favour  of  the  sparrow,  but  that  is  a  strong 
and  an  eloquent  one,  and  comes  from  Mr.  F.  0.  Morris,  rector  of 
Nuuburnholme,  in  Yorkshire.  With  the  others,  this  little  brown  bird 
is  "  a  parasite  on  man."  Not  only  is  he  harmful  in  himself,  but  he  is 
the  cause  of  much  innocent  bloodshed  in  others.  For  the  vexed  soul 
of  the  farmer  or  the  gardener  will  not  wait  to  discriminate  between 
those  that  really  do  the  mischief  that  is  done,  and  those  that  merely 
perch  on  the  branches  hai'd  by  and  warble,  it  must  be  confessed 
sometimes  in  an  aggravating  manner,  as  it  were  a  pa)au  of  rejoicing 
over  the  falling  fruit — but  lumping  all  small  birds  together  into  one 
worthless  class,  destroys  them  right  and  left.  But  Mr.  Morris  has  a 
kind  word  even  for  the  sparrows.  They  do  not  destroy  martins,  and 
they  do  destroy  flies.  It  is  calculated  by  Linnffius,  says  Mr.  Morris, 
that  the  progeny  of  three  flies  would  devour  a  dead  horse  almost  as 
quickly  as  a  lion,  aud  the  common  house-fly  is  computed  to  produce 
iu  one  season  not  less  than  20,000,000  offspring.  Now  a  sparrovv'  has 
been  seen,  in  feeding  its  young,  to  catch,  within  halt-an-hour,  no 
fewer  than  fourteen  of  these  prolific  insects  on  the  wing,  and  thus 
reduce  the  number  of  these  common  pests  by  at  least  280,000,000. 
After  this  who  can  say  that  even  the  sparrow  has  not  a  purpose  iu 
the  world  ?  The  bullfinch,  the  tomtit,  the  whitethroat,  and  the 
starling  all  fouud  before  the  Committee  a  staunch  advocate  iu  this 
witness,  who  laj's  the  blame  of  more  than  half  the  mischief  attributed 
to  these  little  fellows  on  the  wasps  and  mice,  and  "  other  real  vermin," 
which  have  of  late  j'ears  increased  in  an  alarming  degree,  owing,  on 
the  same  authority,  to  the  prevalence  of  the  "wretched  system  "  of  the 
battue.  It  is,  indeed,  not  contended  that  uo  harm  is  done  by  our  small 
birds,  but  that,  to  obviate  this  harm,  it  is  not  necessary  that  indis- 
criminate slaughter  should  be  waged  against  them  all  the  year  round. 
Lot  them,  at  least,  breed  in  peace.  When  the  Cherries  and  Straw, 
berries  are  out,  or  when  speculation  grows  rife  as  to  the  growing 
crops,  then  the  gardener  or  the  farmer  must  look  after  his  own  as 
best  he  can.  Every  man  has  an  undoubted  right  to  guard  his  own 
property,  and  if  he  finds  that  the  visits  of  blackbirds,  aud  thrushes, 
tomtits,  starlings,  et  id  (jeiins  omne  are  prejudicial  to  his  interest,  he 
should  be  at  liberty  to  put  a  summary  stop  to  those  visits  iu  the 
most  effectual  manner  he  is  acquainted  with.  They  would  not, 
however,  from  the  short  yearly  armistice  allowed  them,  increase  in 
such  numbers  as  to  render  this  impossible,  and,  in  any  case  of 
peculiar  aggravation,  it  is  proposed  that  the  aggrieved  party  should 
be  entitled,  on  application,  to  recommence  hostilities  at  once.  It  is 
not  advised,  in  the  interest  of  .the  birds  themselves,  that  the  law 
should  be  a  very  arbitrary  one,  lest  the  sufferers  should  be  inclined 
rather  to  take  it  into  their  own  hands.  What  is  wanted  is  such  an 
act  as  would  secure  the  friendly  operation  of  all  classes — notably  of 
market  gardeners  and  farmers.  To  quote  the  words  of  Mr.  Tristram, 
the  law  should  be  "  stringent  with  regard  to  birds  that  are  useful 
for  human  food — namely,  the  waders  and  web-footed  birds ; 
cautionary  and  restrictive  with  regard  to  bird-catchers,  and 
absolutely  prohibitory  with  regard  to  swallow  shooting."  Even 
more  harm  is  done  now-a-days  with  the  nets  and  traps  of  the  bird, 
catchers  than  with  the  gun,  whether  it  be  the  gun  of  the  tyro,  who 
is  burning  powder  in  practice  for  the  forthcoming  "  season,"  or  of 
the  hardened  practitioner  who  has  years  of  wasted  acres  to  avenge. 
It  is  stated  in  evidence  that  in  one  shop  iu  London,  in  the  spring  of 
1872,  there  were  no  less  than  200  robins  that  had  been  killed  for 
their  skins,  and  an  instance  is  adduced  of  a  lady  who  once  "  had  the 
audacity  to  appear  at  a  party  in  a  dress,  whereof  the  trimmings 
must  have  cost  the  lives  of  at  least  500  of  these  little  birds.  Mr. 
George  Bryant,  bird-catcher,  of  Marylebone,  would  like  to  see  the 
month  of  March  closed  even  to  his  own  trade,  though  he  admits  the 
improbability  of  many  of  his  brother  professionals  being  found  to 
agree  with  him.  Linnets  and  goldfinches,  he  says,  grow  scarcer 
every  year,  and  he  further  imparts  this  bit  of  information,  to  which 
we  would  beg  to  call  the  attention  of  all  epicures — he  has  frequently 
had  23.  6d.  apiece  offered  him  by  poulterers  for  bramble-finches,  to 
be  sold  in  their  shops  as  ortolans,  in  seasons  when  the  latter  have 
been  scarce.     Mr.  Bryant's  ideas  of  the  restrictions  to  be  imposed  on 


the  bird-catchers  are,  as  is  but  natural,  more  moderate  than  are 
those  of  others.  Mr.  Tristram,  for  instance,  would  have  a  law 
prohibiting  bird-ti-apping  between  the  1st  of  April  and  the  1st  of 
August,  on  or  within  50  yards  of  any  highway,  while  swallows 
and  martins,  "of  great  value  in  the  destruction  of  gnats  and 
mosquitoes,"  should  be  sacred  throughout  the  entire  year.  In 
conclusion,  the  following  are  the  resolutions  to  which  tho 
committee,  "having  considered  the  matters  to  them  referred,"  have 
arrived: — "1.  That  the  protection  of  cei-tain  wild  birds  named  in 
the  schedule  of  the  Wild  Birds'  Protection  Act  of  1872  be  continueil. 
2.  That  all  other  wild  birds  be  protected  from  the  loth  of  March 
to  the  1st  of  August,  provided  that  owners  or  occupiers  of  lands, 
and  persons  deputed  by  them,  have  permission  to  destroy  such  birds 
on  lands  owned  or  occupied  by  them.  3.  That  one  of  Her  Majesty's 
principal  Secretaries  of  State  should  be  empowered  to  except,  iu 
auy  particular  district,  any  bird  from  the  pi-otection  afforded,  either 
by  the  Act  of  1872  or  by  the  proposed  Act,  if  he  think  necessary 
to  do  so.  4.  That  for  the  sake  of  giving  better  protection  to  the 
swimmers  and  waders,  no  dead  bird,  if  such  bird  is  mentioned  iu  the 
Sea-fowl  Preservation  Act  or  the  Wild  Birds'  Protection  Act  of 
1872,  be  allowed,  from  the  15th  of  Mai'ch  to  the  1st  of  August,  to 
be  bought  and  sold,  or  exposed  for  sale,  whether  taken  iu  this 
country  or  said  to  be  imported  from  any  other  country.  5.  That  any 
violation  of  this  proposed  Act  or  of  the  Wild  Birds'  Protection  Act 
of  1872,  be  punished  by  the  payment  of  costs  alone  for  the  first 
offence,  and  the  payment  of  costs,  aud  a  fine  not  exceeding  53. 
for  every  offence  after  the  first." 


NEW  PAEK  AT  DEPTFOED. 
The  now  park  near  Deptford  is  nearly  completed,  and  it  will  be  a 
great  boon  to  the  residents.  Many  others  are  also  likely  to  visit  it, 
from  its  associations  with  the  memory  of  the  learned  and  accom- 
plished John  Evelyn,  whose  manor  of  Sayes  Court  is  comprised  in  the 
park.  In  spite  of  the  troubled  times  in  which  he  lived — those  of  the 
Stuarts,  the  Commonwealth,  and  the  restored  Monarchy — and  the 
heart-stirring  events  which  he  has  recorded  iu  his  diary,  we  find 
constant  notices  of  his  home  at  Sayes  Court.  He  remarks  in  the 
beginning  of  the  ye.ar  1G52-3  that  he  then  "  began  to  set  out  the 
oval  garden,  which  was  before  a  rude  orchard,  and  all  the  rest  one 
entire  field  of  100  acres,  without  an  hedge,  except  that  hither  Holly 
hedge,  joining  to  the  back  of  tho  mount-walk."  A  few  days  after, 
wards  we  find  this  entry  :  "  I  planted  the  orchard  at  Sayes  Court ; 
new  moon,  wind  west."  In  this  quiet  abode  he  lived  honoured 
and  respected,  although  in  the  King's  time  allowing  "  orthodox 
sequestered  ministers  "  to  conduct  divine  service  in  his  library,  and 
dm-ing  the  Protectorate  known  to  be  a  devoted  Royalist.  He 
improved  his  estate  by  cultivation,  and  "planted  all  the  out-Umits  of 
the  garden  and  long  walks  with  Holly."  He  wrote  with  enthusiasm 
of  this  Holly,  in  his  "  Sylva."  "  Is  there,"  he  asks,  "  under  heaven  a 
more  glorious  aud  refreshing  object  of  the  kind  than  an  impregnable 
hedge  of  160  feet  in  length,  7  feet  high,  and  5  feet  iu  diameter,  which  I 
show  in  my  poor  garden,  at  any  time  of  the  year,  glittering  with  its 
arm'd  and  vernish'd  leaves  ?  the  taller  standards  at  orderly  distances 
blushing  with  their  natural  corall.  It  mocks  at  the  rudest  assaults 
of  the  weather,  beasts,  or  hedge  breaker."  Mr.  Evelyn  loved  his 
trees  and  shrubs  ;  and  we  read  of  his  leaving  London,  where  he  was 
wintering,  to  see  how  a  hard  frost  had  dealt  with  them.  He  found 
"  the  Oranges  aud  Myrtles  very  sick,  the  Rosemary  and  Laurels  dead 
to  all  appearance,  but  the  Cypress  likely  to  endure  it."  Under  his 
tender  care  his  garden  throve  space.  "  A  lovely  noble  ground  he  hath 
indeed,"  was  the  testimony  of  Pepys  ;  but  all  its  beauty  could  not 
save  it  from  the  most  barbarous  usage  at  the  hands  of  that  semi, 
savage,  Peter  the  Great.  In  an  evil  hour  Evelyn  let  Sayes  Court  for 
his  residence,  while  he,  "  having  a  mind  to  see  the  building  of  ships," 
was  following  the  trade  at  Deptford.  His  assaults  proved  ruder 
than  those  of  any  "weather,  beast,  or  hedge-breaker,"  and  he  found 
great  amusement  in  demolishing  the  stately  hedges  by  driving  a 
wheelbarrow  through  them.  Such  being  his  idea  of  fun  and  pleasure, 
we  cannot  wonder  that  the  habits  of  himself  and  of  his  suite  were 
anything  but  suitable  for  tenants  of  the  gentle  and  elegant 
Evelyn,  whose  feelings  we  may  imagine  when  he  received  from  a 
servant  left  at  the  Court  the  information  that  "  there  is  a  house  full 
of  people,  and  right  nasty."  So  much  injury  was  done  during  the 
three  months  the  place  was  occupied  by  the  Royal  resident,  that 
Mr.  Evelyn  succeeded  in  obtaining  damages  to  the  amount  of  £150. 
The  Deptford  shipwrights  of  the  present  day  are  more  civilised  than 
Czar  Peter  was  ;  and  trees,  shrubs,  and  Holly  fences  can  be  trusted 
within  their  reach.  It  is  often  difficult  to  select  a  name  for  a  new 
undertaking;  but,  bearing  in  mind  the  associations  of  the  place, 
could  a  more  fitting  one  be  found  for  this  valuable  gift  to  Deptford 
than  that  of  "Evelyn  Park  "?— Globe. 


548 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Oct.  25, 1873. 


GARDEN    STRUCTURES. 

A  SUCCESSFUL  INSTANCE  OF  HOT-AIR  HEATING. 
Nothing  has  a  tendency  to  check  the  gardening  operations 
and  aspirations  of  the  amateur  so  much  as  the  cost  of  heating 
the  structures  in  which  he  has  to  winter  his  plants.  And  no 
wonder,  for  what  with  patent  boilers,  patent  joints,  patent 
bars,  and  patent  pipes,  and  the  present  price  of  iron  and  labour, 
to  say  nothing  of  that  of  coals,  the  £  s.  d.  question  meets  him 
at  every  turn.  If,  as  is  not  rarely  the  case,  in  large  places  the 
fee  simple  of  the  garden  is  permanently  submerged  by  the 
hot-water  apparatus  inflicted  on  it,  the  boiler  and  pipes  of  the 
amateur's  two  or  three-light  pits  or  small  greenhouse  swallow 
up  funds  which  he  would,  doubtless,  more  gladly  see  expended 
in  increasing  his  collection,  and  if,  in  this  note,  I  can  put  my 
fellow  amateurs  into  the  way  of  avoiding  this  sinking  fund, 
I  shall  not  have  penned  it  in  vain.  Now,  I  am  an  amateur  of 
a  good  deal  more  than  half-a-century's  standing,  when  the 
brick  flue  was  the  only  heating  apparatus,  and  well  remember 
the  sensation  produced  by  Tredgold"s  paper  on  heating  by  hot- 
water,  and  by  the  steam  heating  of  those  kind-hearted  men, 
Messrs.  Loddiges,  whose  nursery  was  then  the  wonder  of  the 
gardening  world.  I  soon  made  myself  thoroughly  master  of 
the  theory  of  heating  by  hot  water,  and  have  tried  it  in  most  of 


Section  of  oven  and  air  chamber. 

A.  Oven.    B.  Ashpit.    C.  Cliimney  pipe.    D.  Exit  for  heated  air.    E.  Entrance 
for  cold  air.    Shaded,  bricliwork  ;  unshaded,  air  chamber. 

its  shapes  from  the  level  system  of  Tredgold,  through 
the  syphon  of  Kewley,  and  the  open  troughs  of  Rendle,  up  to 
what  might  be  called  the  "  red-hot  water  "  of  Perkins,  aud  could 
tell  you  many  a  tale  of  the  crass  ignorance  of  the  hot-water 
doctors  I  have  met  with.  That,  however,  is  not  my  object. 
The  repeal  of  the  duties  on  glass  in  184.'j  gave  a  wonderful 
stimulus  to  the  erection  of  plant  houses,  both  large  and  small, 
and  the  old  wooden  frame  had  especially  to  make  way  for  the 
more  substantial  brick  pit.  In  1847  the  "  Polmaise"  mode  of 
heating  made  a  good  deal  of  noise,  and,  on  visiting  a  few  places 
where  friends  had  adopted  it,  I  at  once  saw  that  it  was  the 
very  thing  for  heating  small  isolated  pits  and  such  like,  which 
were  not  easily  attached  to  an  existing  hot-water  apparatus.  I 
was  then  about  to  put  up  a  couple  of  pits  for  wintering  scarlet 
Geraniums  in,  to  be  each  12  feet  6  inches  long,  (3  feet  wide,  with 
walls  3  feet  high,  and  thinking  over  what  I  had  seen  of 
"  Polmaise,"  I  planned  and  had  made  under  my  directions, 
by  some  tenants  of  my  own,  who  were  accustomed  to  turn  out 
neat  iron  castings.*  the  oven  which  I  had  hit  upon,  and 
which  has  served  me  for  twenty-six  years  without  any 
repair,  until  last  year,  when  the  rough  carelessness  of 
a  gardener  snapped  off  a  portion  of  the  door,  that  had  to  be 
replaced.     My  cogitations  took  this  shape — Air,  like  water,  is 

•  Heppell  Brothers,  Gateshead. 


a  fluid,  and  the  coldest  portion  being  the  heaviest  must  be 
the  lowest  stratum,  and  if  drawn  to  the  heating  body  it  will 
absorb  heat  and  rise  to  the  highest  level,  to  be  again  cooled, 
and  so  establish  a  constant  circulation  or  heat  as  in  hot.  water, 
and  accomplish  the  object  I  had  in  view.  I  assumed  that  a 
round  shape  was  best  calculated  to  treat  the  circulating  air 
most  uniformly,  and   so  directed  the  founders  to  cast  me  a 


Oven  in  front. 

round  oven — (I  mean  the  ordinary  baking  oven  of  our 
kitchens) — 18  inches  diameter,  and  of  the  same  length,  but, 
instead  of  the  usual  ledges  for  carrying  the  shelves  inside  it, 
to  cast  a  pair  6  inches  from  the  bottom  to  caiTy  a  grate  of  fire 
bars  ;  to  make  the  door  open  to  one  side  instead  of  downwards, 
and  at  the  further  end  of  the  oven  to  leave  an  opening  of  4 
inches  diameter,  casting  on  it  a  short  socket  to  receive  the 
chimney  pipe.  In  the  door,  which  is  fastened  in  the  usual 
way,  a  hole  2  inches  in  diameter  is  cast,  so  that  it  is  1  inch 
below  the  grate  inside,  and  forms  the  opening  for  the  supply 
of  air  to  the  fire :  a  moving  valve  covers  the  opening,  having 
a  screw  at  the  lower  side  by  which  the  supply  of  air  is  regu- 
lated. This  can  be  done  to  a  hair's  breadth.  The  chimney  in 
such  a  case  consists  of  a  piece  of  cast-iron  pipe  of  the  requisite 
diameter,  3  feet  long,  and  is  merely  set  in  the  socket-pipe  on 
the  oven.  This  completes  the  apparatus,  and  cost  me  some- 
thing like  30s.  Next,  as  to  the  setting — the  object  being  to 
compel  the  heated  air  to  circulate  uniformly  in  the  pit  or 
greenhouse,  it  is  necessary  to  enclose  the  oven  in  a  chamber 
by  buildhig  walls  of  45-inch  brickwork,  so  as  to  leave  an  open 
space  of  3  or  4  inches  in  width  on  all  sides  of  the  oven  except 
at  the  door  end,  where  the  wall,  with  a  brick  or  two  on  edge 
underneath,  supports  the  oven  itself,  the  whole  chamber  being 
covered  with  a  flagstone.  At  the  top,  and  also  at  the  bottom 
of  the  chamber,  a  hole  about  5  inches  square  is  left  in  the 
brickwork,  both  opening  into  the  pit,  &c.,  to  be  heated  to  allow 
the  he.ated  air  to  escape  and  the  cold  air  to  enter.  To  ensure 
the  return  of  the  coldest  air  to  be  re-heated,  the  supply  is 
drawn  from  the  floor  of  the  end  of  the  pit  or  greenhouse  most 
distant  from  the  oven,  and  is  very  eilectually  conveyed 
through  a  line  of  5-inch  ordinary  draining  tiles,  cither  placed 
on  or  underneath  the  floor,  terminating  in  the  hole  left  in  the 
brickwork  at  the  bottom  of  the  heated  chamber,  and  there 
made  close  with  a  little  mortar.*  The  entrance  of  the  heated 
air  needs  no  attention,  but  may  be  modified  to  meet  any  special 
purpose. 

Of  course,  the  position  of  the  chamber  must  be  determined 
by  the  pit  or  pits,  &c.,  to  be  heated,  and  it  may  be  built  either 
within  or  outside  to  suit  each  individual  case.  Whore  economy 
of  heat  is  an  object,  it  is  best  inside,  aud,  being  only  a  cube  of 
some  2  feet  9  inches,  is  readily  concealed  by  a  plant  stage,  if  so 
wished,  though  in  such  cases  an  elbow  pipe  is  requisite  to 
convey  the  smoke  to  the  chimney-pipe  outside.  Where  two 
pits  are  to  be  heated  by  one  oven,  the  chamber  is  best  built  at 
one  end,  and  between  them  and  the  air  space  must  be  divided 
by  a  brick  on  edge  wall  at  the  further  end  and  a  pipe  of  iron 
along  the  top  with  a  damper  in  it  to  divert  the  whole  current 
of  heated  air,  if  so  wished,  into  either  pit.  In  the  case  of  a 
greenhouse,  the  chamber  is  best  placed  at  the  back  or  end  wall 
with  the  oven  door  opening  into  the  back  shed,  or  a  small 
wooden  one  to  keep  the  fuel  dry  can  be  readily  put  up.  In  the 
case  of  a  propagating  pit,  bottom-heat  is  very  readily  and  very 
steadily  secured,  .and  the  atmosphere  also  warmed  by  placing 
the  oven  in  a  chamber  runnmg  the  whole  length  of  the  bed 

•  This  plan  has  since  been  adopted  in  the  "  Patent  Gill  Stoves." 


Oct.  25,  187^] 


T^HE   GARDEN. 


m 


mine  is  15  feot  by  3  feet,  covered  by  thiu  flags  and  having 
3  inches  of  clean  sand  to  receive  the  cuttings.  The  opening  to 
admit  the  warm  air  to  the  house  is  at  the  fartliest  end,  and 
6  inches  below  the  covering  flags,  and  that  for  return  of  the 
cooled  air  at  the  floor  level  next  the  oven,  thus  reversing  the 
ordinary  plan.  By  this  means  a  stratum  of  warm  aii-  6  inches 
in  depth  is  constantly  secured  to  the  bed  above,  and  is  most 
effective.     A  15-inch  oven  I  find  fully  snflicieut  in  my  case. 

Fuel. — The  waste  cinders  from  an  ordinary  house  fire  are 
by  far  the  best  fuel ;  but  broken  gas  coke  and  small  coals  do 
very  well,  and,  if  the  supply  of  air  is  carefully  regulated,  the  fire 
will  last  12  or  24  or  even  4-S  hours,  though  few  amateurs  will 
willingly  subject  their  plants  to  the  risks  of  so  long  an  absence. 

An  oven  of  the  above  dimensions  will  be  found  ample  heating 
power  for  1,000  cubic  feet  of  air  in  the  most  severe  weather, 
and  in  usual  winters  1,800  cubic  feet  are  safely  warmed  by  it. 

Bai-(/liJield  Orange,  Gateshead.  Geokge  Wailes. 


WORK    FOR    THE    "WEEK. 
PRIVATE  GARDENS. 

Conservatories. — These  should  be  put  iu  readiness  for  winter' 
the  glass  should  be  washed  clean  and  mended,  and  the  ventilators  puc 
in  good  working  condition  and  made  to  fit  closely — a  precaution 
which  tends  to  exclude  north  and  east  winds  and  to  economise  fire- 
heat.  Ventilate  freely  and  long  every  fine  day,  and  permit  the 
temperature  to  fall  to  37''  before  using  any  fire-heat,  unless  some  of 
the  occupants  are  somewhat  tender,  when  it  would  not  be  advisable 
that  the  thermometer  should  sink  lower  than  40".  Have  all  staging 
cleanly  washed,  also  the  pots  containing  the  plants,  and  make  a 
thorough  re-arrangement,  for  all  plants  to  be  wintered  in  the  conserva- 
tory should  now  be  placed  therein,  and  the  introduction  of  blooming 
plants  should  be  a  matter  of  consideration,  every  few  days  taking  in 
such  as  have  come  into  bloom  in  the  pits  and  greenhouses,  and 
removing  those  that  have  done  flowering.  In  order  to  admit  as  much 
light  as  possible,  prune  in  most  of  the  climbers  ;  hut  such  as  Lapa- 
gerias,  Hoya  carnosa,  and  a  few  others,  should  not  be  interfered 
with.  The  following  are  a  tew  of  the  flowering  and  ornamental  plants 
which  should  now  be  in  full  beauty  in  the  conservatory — viz.,  Chry- 
santhemums of  different  sorts,  Chinese  Primulas,  Persian  Cyclamens, 
Mignonette,  Violets,  Begonia  Weltoniensis  and  a  few  late  hybrids, 
Bouvardias,  Nerines,  late  Gladioli  that  were  lifted  and  potted  as  they 
were  coming  into  bloom,  tree  Carnations,  Erica  gracilis,  Plumbago 
capensis.  Fuchsias,  Cassia  floribunda,  Vallota  purpurea,  forced 
Camelhas,  zonal  Pelargoniums,  Ti-opa3olum  Lohbiauum,  ffiacodonia 
nagelhoides.  Oleanders,  Hedaroma  fuchsioides,  Lasiandra  maorantha, 
Cypripedium  insigne,  Odontoglossum  grande,  and  a  few  other  cool 
Orchids,  Solanum  Capsicastram,  Skimmias,  Ardisias,  and  others. 

Soft-wooded  Greenhouse  Plants. — The  earliest  Cinerarias 
will  now  be  coming  into  flower,  therefore  keep  them  on  a  cool  airy 
shelf  in  a  well-lighted  house.  Any  of  the  succession  plants 
requiring  it,  should  be  potted  at  once,  and  kept  in  frames  or  pits 
near  the  glass,  where  the}'  will  be  quite  cool  and  freely  ventilated. 
As  regards  herbaceous  Calceolarias,  pick  off  every  leaf  that  is 
damping  off,  or  portion  of  a  leaf  in  that  condition,  as  soon  as  detected. 
Chinese  Primulas  should  now  be  fully  established,  and  kept  in  open 
airy  frames  shut  up  against  frost,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  of 
the  most  advanced,  which  may  be  placed  on  a  shelf  in  a  warm  part 
of  the  greenhouse  or  conservatory,  and  watered  with  weak  manure 
water  when  the  flowers  begin  to  open.  Chrysanthemums  must  now 
be  brought  indoors,  and  they  may  at  once  be  arranged  in  the  con- 
servatory, the  tall  ones  amongst  the  Camellias  and  similar  evergreens, 
and  the  dwarf  ones  should  be  set  on  stages.  Give  them  weak 
manure-water  until  they  open  their  flowers,  when  pure  water  only 
should  be  used.  Remove  suckers  from  their  base ;  but  permit  a 
few  to  remain  on  the  strong-growing  kinds,  for  purposes  of  propa- 
gation next  month.  February  is  early  enough  for  propagating 
Pompones,  but  the  sooner  cuttings  are  obtained  and  planted  the 
stronger  will  be  the  plants  and  the  more  heavily  laden  will  they  be 
with  flowers.  Cyclamens  to  bloom  early  should  have  been  potted 
early  and  kept  in  a  genial  temperature  close  to  the  glass,  but  the 
main  batch  should  have  been  kept  in  cool  frames  facing  the  north 
after  having  been  potted,  and,  as  they  commenced  to  grow,  placed  in 
light  frames  or  houses  free  from  cold  draughts  but  well  ventilated, 
and  the  plants  should  be  sprinkled  overhead  with  the  syringe  every 
morning,  and  twice  on  fine  sunny  days.  The  finest  Cyclamens  are 
grown  in  houses  exclusively  devoted  to  them,  light  and  airy,  and 
ventilated  a  little  day  and  night,  a  little  fire-heat  being  maintained 
at  the  same  time  to  counteract  damp  and  to  keep  the  temperature 
from  falling  under  43°.     Sow  Cyclamen  seeds,  if  not  already  done, 


at  once,  in  light  soil  in  pots  or  pans,  covering  them  wivh  a  pane  of 
glass,  and  placing  ihem  on  a  shelf  near  the  glass  in  an  intermediate 
temperature  until  they  vegetate,  when,  as  soon  as  they  can  be 
conveniently  laid  hold  of,  prick  them  off  thicklj'  into  other  pots,  and, 
as  soon  as  their  leaves  begin  to  meet,  pot  them  singly  in  thumb  pots. 
Cyclamens  sown  in  September  and  grown  on  moderately,  may  be 
induced  to  hear  in  fifteen  months  afterwards  from  three  to  six  dozen 
fine  flowers  all  expanded  at  once,  and  in  twelve  months  more  some 
of  them  will  hear  as  many  as  200  flowers.  Introduce  some  of  the 
most  advanced  Mignonette  in  pots  into  warm  quarters  for  a  time,  in 
order  to  cause  it  to  flower  more  speedily  ;  but  keep  the  rest  in  cool 
frames,  protected  from  frost.  Attend  regularly  to  the  training  of 
Tropasolum  tricolor  and  Jarratii,  which  should  now  be  comfortably 
situated  in  a  warm  greenhouse,  but  use  no  stimulant  until  the  plants 
have  made  good  progress.  After  lifting  Solanums  from  the  open 
ground,  keep  them  quite  cool  in  shady  frames  for  a  time.  Intro- 
duce some  of  the  established  ones,  also  some  Aucubas,  into  heat,  to 
hasten  the  ripening  of  their  berries.  Early. potted  Roman  and  Dutch 
Hyacinths,  and  other  bulbous  plants  that  have  made  a  little  growth, 
should  bo  removed  from  the  plunging  material  with  which  they  have 
been  covered,  and  placed  in  a  moderately  shady  corner  for  a  few 
days,  so  that  the  growth  made  iu  tho  dark  may  become  green  and 
hardy ;  afterwards  place  them  in  a  brisk  temperature  to  hasten  their 
flowering  period.  Pot  any  bulbs  that  are  I'equired,  and  plunge 
the  pots  out  of  doors,  in  a  shed,  or  anywhere  where  the  roots 
will  be  cool  and  sheltered  from  rain — in  ashes,  sand,  or  cocoa-nut 
fibre — at  the  same  time  covering  the  whole  with  a  layer  2  inches  in 
depth.  Keep  Bouvardias  in  a  growing  temperature,  and  pot  such 
Carnations  and  Picotees  from  last  summer's  layers  as  are  required  for 
indoor  decoration.  Lift  Violets,  and  plant  them  in  light  rich  soil  in 
frames,  where  they  will  bloom  freely,  and  pot  a  few  for  conservatory 
use.  Procure  some  good  crowns  of  Lily  of  the  Valley  and  Spiraea 
japonica  that  were  not  forced  last  year;  pot  them  in  comparatively 
small  pots,  and  treat  them  in  the  same  way  as  Hyacinths  and 
Narcissi.  Auriculas  and  Polyanthuses  should  now  be  looked  over 
and  placed  in  an  airy  dry  position  under  cover.  All  soft-wooded 
greenhouse  planes  are  now  liable  to  damp ;  the  atmosphere  of  the 
house,  therefore,  which  they  occupy  must  be  kept  as  dry  as  possible, 
and  well  ventilated.  In  wet  weather  a  little  fire-heat,  with  ventila- 
tion at  the  same  time,  may  also  he  used.  Pick  off  every  damping  leaf 
or  portion  of  leaf  ;  and  should  a  shoot  be  damped  through,  cut  it  off 
under  the  diseased  spot,  and  rub  the  incision  with  powdered  charcoal. 
Allow  no  fallen  leaves  to  remain  lying  about  the  house,  as  they  are 
sure  to  generate  damp,  and  will  certainly  communicate  it  to  any 
plant  coming  in  contact  with  them. 

Hard-wooded  Greenhouse  Plants. — All  hard-wooded  plants 
that  were  placed  out-of-doors  during  the  last  few  months,  should  now 
be  brought  inside  and  arranged  for  the  winter.  The  pots  should 
have  been  washed,  and  such  plants  as  were  so  pot-bound  as  to  be 
likely  to  start  weakly  in  spring,  should  have  been  shifted,  giving 
them  a  small  shift  and  potting  them  very  firmly.  Tie  in  all  straggling 
shoots,  and  dust  over,  with  flowers  of  sulphur,  all  plants  affected 
with  mildew,  as  Heaths  often  are.  Keep  the  latter  far  enough 
apart  to  prevent  them  from  touching  one  another,  in  light  and 
airy  houses  that  ought  to  be  ventilated  on  the  opposite  side  to  that 
on  which  the  wind  is  blowing.  Maintain  a  dry  atmosphere  and  use 
all  possible  means  for  the  suppression  of  insects. 

Stoves.  —  Entirely  dispense  with  shading,  maintain  a  dry 
atmosphere,  and  give  evergreen  plants  a  rather  scanty  supply  of 
water ;  growing  plants,  however,  must  be  moderately  supplied  with 
moisture  ;  cut  back,  and  tie  up  all  climbing  and  rambling  subjects 
likely  to  become  interwoven  with  their  associates.  The  following 
plants  may  be  placed  on  their  sides  to  rest  under  stages,  or  on  back 
shelves  at  the  coolest  end  of  the  stove,  viz. : — -Caladiums,  Gloxinias, 
Achimenes,  Ka3mpferia,  Roscoea,  Amorphophallus  Rivieri,  nivosus, 
and  others,  Godwinia  gigas,  Alocasia  Jenningsii  and  Marshallii, 
Curcumas,  Sauromatum  asperum,  Gloriosas,  and  (in  the  greenhouse) 
Lilies  and  hybrid  Begonias,  Cannas,  Daturas,  Erythrinas,  and 
Fuchsias.  Start  lately  rested  plants  of  Eucharis  amazonica,  in  a 
brisk  bottom  heat,  to  flower  in  winter,  and  keep  Poiusettias  and 
Euphorbia  jacquiniajflora  near  the  glass,  and  in  a  good  growing 
heat. 

Figs. — Get  the  latest  crop  well  ripened  with  additional  fire-heat 
as  soon  as  possible,  and  let  the  warmth  decline  gradually  after  the 
fruit  has  been  gathered.  Keep  plants  that  have  yielded  their  crops 
cool  and  partially  dormant,  and  prune  away  what  wood  is  not  required 
for  next  year's  cropping.  Make  preparation  for  protecting  trees  out- 
of-doors,  for  although  a  slight  frost  does  not  injure  them  10'  proves 
prejudicial  to  the  young  wood.  Broom  makes  the  best  protecting 
material  for  Figs,  as  it  does  not  harbour  mice,  and  it  can  be  used  so 
thinly  as  neither  to  exclude  light  nor  air,  and  at  the  same  time  to 
prove  an  effectual  protection  against  frost. 


350 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Oct.  25, 1873. 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 


BLACKLBY'S  CURE  FOR  THE  POTATO  DISEASE. 

As  you  are  aware,  my  experiment  with  Potatoes  in  the  Royal  Horti- 
cultural Society's  gardens  at  Chisvrick  was  to  prove  that  Potatoes, 
cultivated  on  the  principle  which  I  have  successfully  adopted  now 
for  four  years  at  home,  can  be  grown  entirely  free  from  disease. 
I  therefore  beg  to  furnish  you,  so  far  as  I  can,  with  the  result  of  the 
trial  on  the  society's  ground.  In  the  first  place,  I  must  remind  you, 
however,  that  the  sets  which  I  planted  were  to  be  treated  by  the 
society's  workmen  in  the  usual  way,  that  nothing  was  to  be  planted 
between  the  drills,  and  that  I  was  to  be  present  when  the  Potatoes 
were  lifted.  I  managed  to  get  to  Chiswick  on  Wednesday,  the  15th 
inst.,  and  was  sui-prised  to  find  that  my  Potatoes  had  all  been  lifted 
unknown  to  mo — and  farther,  that  a  drill  of  Brussell's  Sprouts  had 
some  considex-able  time  ago  been  planted  on  each  side  of  my  Potatoes, 
the  leaves  of  which  completely  met  over  the  Potato  drills.  I  know 
nothing  about  what  the  Potatoes  were  like  when  lifted  after  such 
treatment,  but  I  was  informed  that  there  were  a  vast  number  at  each 
root.  This  is  the  way  in  which  the  Eoyal  Horticultural  Society  sets 
about  ascertaining  the  value  of  a  course  of  treatment  which  has  for 
four  years  been  found  to  be  quite  reliable  as  regards  prevention  of 
disease.  I  have  never  had  a  single  diseased  tuber  daring  my  four 
years'  experiments  at  home,  and  this  season  I  planted  thirty-two 
drills  of  various  sorts  at  the  same  time,  at  which  those  at  Chiswick 
were  planted,  and  a  larger  crop  had  never  been  dug  up,  and  without 
the  least  symptom  of  disease.  I  think  it  a  pity  that  another  year, 
possibly  quite  as  disastrous  as  this  for  the  Potato  crop,  should  be 
wasted  before  the  people  in  general  have  had  a  chance  of  trying  my 
plan  themselves.  Jas.  Blackley,  Leyton. 


ROLLING  A  CURE  FOR  POTATO  DISEASE. 
Many  and  various  are  the  reports  that  have  been  circulated  as 
to  the  cause,  cure,  and  entire  extermination  of  this  disease,  since  its 
first  appearance,  now  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  ago,  but 
notwithstanding  all  that  has  been  done,  but  little  advance  has  as  yet 
been  made,  beyond  what  was  recorded  by  me  at  the  time  of  its 
outbreak.  I  recommended  people  then  to  choose  the  best  early  and 
second  early  varieties,  of  known  and  approved  quality,  to  plant  early 
on  well  pulverised,  sweet,  healthy  soil,  and,  if  possible,  on  land  on 
which  the  Potato  had  not  often,  or  had  not  at  all  previously  been 
grown,  as  the  surest  and  best  safeguard  against  disease.  One  common, 
sense  remedy  was  long  ago  recommended  to  those  who  had  breadths 
of  Potatoes  ripening  off,  and  who  could  not  at  a  busy  season  take  them 
up  at  once  ;  and  that  was  to  roll  the  ground  firmly — a  practice  which 
was  considered  to  be  an  advantage,  inasmuch  as  it  tended  to  exclude 
the  too  free  circulation  of  the  atmosphere  and  to  carry  off  excessive 
rainfall.  But  with  rolling  down  Potatoes,  as  Mr.  Begbie,  of  Bicton, 
states  he  did,  I  have  no  sympathy.  He  says  :  "  Having  read  about 
the  advantages  of  rolling  Potato  fields  on  the  recurrence  of  disease, 
it  may  be  worth  notice  that  the  experiment  has  been  tried  at  Bicton 
with  the  most  satisfactory  results.  Potato  disease  made  its  appear, 
ance  with  us  on  the  14th  of  July,  when  a  most  promising  field  of  over 
three  acres,  then  in  full  flower,  was  thoroughly  rolled  up,  down,  and 
across  with  a  heavy  one-horse  roller,  firming  the  ground  and  bruising 
Potato-stalks  as  much  as  possible.  From  careful  examination  it  soon 
became  evident  that  the  plague  was  greatly  checked,  it  not  stamped 
out,  no  extension  of  it  having  been  observed  since  the  operation. 
Potatoes  go  on  ripening  with  healthy  foliage,  a  few  lateral  shoots 
only  having  grown  out  from  their  stems.  The  field  under  notice  was 
planted  about  the  middle  of  March  in  rows  2  feet  6  inches  apart,  and 
with  medium. sized  tubers  1  foot  from  each  other.  Early  varieties 
are  now  stored,  and  have  turned  out  an  excellent  crop,  with  scarcely 
any  disease  amongst  them  ;  the  quality  is  also  all  that  could  be  desired. 
Late  sorts  also  promise  to  be  an  abundant  crop,  of  good  size,  and  with 
no  trace  of  disease  iu  them  at  present.  The  exposure  is  open,  and 
the  manure  used  consisted  of  well.rotted  leaves  from  Pine-pit  linings, 
to  which  were  added  a  little  bone.dust,  coal  and  turf-ashes,  wood- 
ashes,  and  soot,  well  mixed  and  sown  in  the  drills.  In  a  Potato  plot 
a  few  yards  off  the  field,  where  rolling  the  ground  was  not  resorted 
to.  Potato  stalks  have  nearly  disappeared  by  disease.  From  this 
statement  the  inference  may  be  fairly  drawn  that  if  rolling  Potatoes 
at  the  proper  time — which  is  on  the  very  first  appearance  of  spot  on 
the  leaves,  not  days  after,  as  that  would  be  labour  lost — if  not  pre- 
ventive, is  palliative,  and  I  strongly  recommend  Potato-growers  to 
give  the  practice  a  fair  trial  and  publish  the  result."  In  this  case  the 
Potatoes  would  be  iu  full  flower,  erect,  and  with  foliage  and  stalks 
crisp  and  fall  of  sap.  Therefore,  such  a  smashing  and  bruising  of 
foliage  and  stalks,  would  certainly  be  more  likely  to  introduce  the 
disease  than  to  retard  its  progress.    Mr.  Begbie,  however,  states  that 


after  brnisiug  the  stalks  as  much  as  possible,  on  examination  it  soon 
became  evident  that  the  plague  had  been  greatly  checked,  if  not 
stamjied  out — query,  how  could  that  fact  be  so  soon  ascertained, 
when  the  remarks  just  quoted  were  published  on  the  23rd  of  July ; 
in  so  short  a  time  no  practical  proof  could  be  obtained  that  the 
disease  had  been  checked,  much  less  stamped  out.  The  fact  is,  the 
bruised  stalks  made  abundance  of  lateral  second  growth,  and  the 
tubers  so  checked  are  putting  forth  a  new  growth  in  the  shape  of 
shoots,  foliage,  and  new  tubers ;  the  value  of  which  is  pretty  well 
known  to  growers  and  consumers  of  Potatoes.  Jajies  Baknes. 

Evtnoiith. 


THE  CASE  OF  ALFRED  CHAPMAN  GLENDINNING, 
O.N'  a  former  occasion  you  kindly  inserted  in  your  journal  a  para- 
graph respecting  the  case  of  Alfred  Chapman  Glcndinning,  son 
of  the  late  Mr.  Gleudinning,  of  the  Chiswick  Nurseries,  a  candi. 
date  for  free  admission  to  the  Earlswood  Asylum,  where  ho  has 
been  upon  payment.  Would  it  be  asking  too  much  again  to  remind 
your  readers  of  the  case  ?  We  are  very  anxious  to  gain  his  admission 
at  the  next  election,  which  takes  place  on  the  30th  inst.;  but  the 
sum  demanded  by  the  Asylum  for  his  maintenance  is  most  diSicult 
to  meet,  and  his  fau-.ily,  consisting  of  an  invalid  mother  and  two 
sisters,  are  quite  unable  to  contribute  anything  towai'ds  it. 

Little  Sutton,  Chisii^ick.  F.  Dancek. 


Suffocation  Caused  by  a  Stokehole. — From  the  Malvern 
News  we  learn  that  an  under  gardener  in  the  employ  of  the 
Earl  of  Coventry,  at  Croome  Court,  was  lately  suffocated  in  his 
bed.  From  the  evidence  given  at  the  inquest,  it  appears  that  the 
room  in  which  the  deceased  slept  was  at  the  back  of  the  conser. 
vatory,  and  adjoined  the  stoke-hole,  and  that  during  the  night  the 
sulphureous  fumes  from  the  fitre  found  their  way  into  the  room  and 
suffocated  him. 

The  Veg'etarian  Society. — Among  the  various  associations 
having  for  their  object  the  benefit  of  humanity,  none  deserves  greater 
credit  for  perseverance  under  adverse  circumstances  than  this 
society,  which  held  its  annual  soiree  the  other  day  at  Manchester. 
The  account  given  of  the  progress  of  the  movement  was  not 
altogether  satisfactory.  The  chairman  observed  that  he  was  to  some 
extent  discontented  with  the  state  of  the  society.  The  work  to  be 
done  was  so  great  and  important,  that  a  number  of  agents  ought  to 
be  set  to  work  ;  but  it  was  painful  to  say  that  they  could  not  accom- 
plish this  because  of  insufficient  material  resources,  for  the  society 
had  neither  sufiicient  funds  nor  coadjutors.  He  should  like  them  to 
be  rich  enough  to  engage  chemists  to  analyse  various  articles  which 
ought  to  be  food,  and  to  tell  what  was  bad  in  them  and  what  ought 
to  be  cast  out,  and  what  was  good  in  them  and  ought  to  be  retained. 
If  such  a  plan  could  be  accomplished,  it  would,  the  chairman  thought, 
do  the  cause  of  vegetarianism  a  great  deal  of  good.  He  also  sug- 
gested the  establishment  of  vegetarian  cook-shops  and  public  vegeta- 
rian  dinners. 


COVEH"T  &AKT)Elf  MARKET. 

OCXOBEB  2-iTH. 

HosTE  supplies  of  both  fruits  and  vegetables  ai'e  well  kept  up ;  forei^  importa- 
tions,  too,  continue  heavy,  and  comprise  all  the  best  varieties  of  Fears  in 
season.  English  fruit  of  this  kind  does  not  keep  well  this  season.  Hothouse 
Grapes,  both  Black  Hamburghs  and  Muscats,  are  quite  sufficient  for  the  demand. 

Prices  of  Fruits.— Apples,  per  half-sieve,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Chilies,  per  100, 
2s.;  Cobs,  per  lb.,  Is.  to  Is.  9d;  Chestnuts,  per  bushel,  15s.  to  20s.;  Rlberts, 
per  lb..  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Grapes,  hothouse,  black,  per  lb..  Is.  to  6s.;  Muscats, 
2s.  to  6s.:  Lemons,  per  100,  8s.  to  1-ls. ;  Melons,  each,  2s.  to  43.;  Oranges, 
per  lOO,  12s.  to  24s. ;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  6s.  to  123. ;  Pears,  per  doz.,  Is.  to 
4s. ;  Pine-Apples,  per  lb.,  33.  to  6s. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Walnuts, 
per  bushel, "ss.  to  12s. ;  ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  l3.6d.  to  3s. ;  Beans,  Kidney.per 
half  sieve,  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Brussels  Sprouts,  per 
half-sieve,  2s.  6d.;  Cabbage,  per  doz.,  2s.;  Carrots,  per  bunch,  4d.  to  6d.; 
Cauliflower,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  63. ;  Celery,  per  bundle.  Is.  6d.  to  23. ;  Cole- 
worts,  per  doz.  bunches,  3s. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  6d.  to  Is. ;  Endive,  per  doz., 
2s.  ;  Fennel,  per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Garhc,  per  lb.,  6d.  ;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d. ; 
Horseradish,  per  bundle,  3s.  to  4s. ;  Leeks,  per  bxmch,  3d. ;  Lettuces,  per 
doz.  Is.  to  2s.;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s.;  Mustard  and  Cress, 
per  punnet,  2d.;  Onions,  per  bushel,  2s.  6d.  to  43.;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ; 
Parsley,  per  doz.  bunches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Potatoes, 
per  bushel,  23.  6d.  to  4s. ;  liadishes,  per  doz.  bunches.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Salsafy, 
per  bundle.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  ^corzonera,  per  bundle.  Is.;  Spinach,  per  bushel, 
3s. ;  Turnips,  per  bunch,  3d.  to  6d. ;  Vegetable  Marrows,  per  doz..  Is.  to  23. 


From  the  Coal  Districts. — My  Lady  :  "  I'm  afraid  I  must  give 
up  the  Pine-apple,  Mr.  Green.  Eight  shUlings  is  really  too  much  !  " 
— Successful  Collier :  "  Just  put  'em  up  for  me,  then,  master." — 
Punch. 


Nov.  1,  1873.5 


THE  aARDBN. 


351 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :    change  it  rather  : 
The  Art  itself  is  Nature." — Sliakespeare. 


but 


THE  FUTURE  OF  THE  ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL 
SOCIETY. 
In  Tue  Garden  of  the  4th  instant  you  speak  of  the  present 
uncomfortable  position  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society, 
and  end  with  "  something  must  be  done."  It  is  a  melan- 
choly fact  that,  even  under  the  late  council,  strong  as  it 
was  horticulturally,  and  hard-workiug  and  persevering  in 
its  attempts  to  forward  the  interests  of  horticulture,  a 
large  part  of  the  great  body  of  horticulturists  throughout 
the  countr}',  including  many  of  its  best  members,  held 
aloof  from  the  society,  and  neither  thought,  felt,  or  spoke, 
kindly  of  it.  Under  the  new  council,  which  came  in  after  the 
Keusingtonian  coup  d'vtaf,  the  horticultural  division  of 
the  council  was  weak,  and  the  loss  of  the  valuable  secre- 
tary, Mr.  Richards,  has  alienated  not  a  few  of  what  horticul- 
tural frieuds  the  society  had.  There  is  no  doubt  that  the  society 
has  done,  and  is  doing,  much  good  work  at  Chiswick,  at  the 
committee  meetings,  and  at  the  country  shows,  biit  even  the 
late  council  had  almost  overwhelming  difficulties  with  which 
to  contend.  If  for  a  moment  we  consider  the  constitution  of 
the  society  this  will  at  once  be  apparent.  A  very  large  pro- 
portion of  the  Fellows  have  joined  the  society  in  order  that 
they  and  their  children  may  enjoy  the  large  open  space  and 
conservatory  at  South  Kensington,  and  for  these  objects  they 
pay  an  admission  fee  and  an  annual  subscription  of  two  or 
four  guineas  ;  this  may  seem  a  fair  consideration,  but  unfortu- 
nately the  South  Kensington  garden  stands  under  rather 
peculiar  circumstances.  The  money  which  bought  the  land 
came  from  the  surplus  of  the  18.51  Exhibition,  principally 
consisting  of  the  people's  shillings.  This  land,  some  twenty- 
two  acres,  has  become  jmmensely  valuable;  it  has  been 
estimated  at  £300,000.  Property  bought  from  such  a  source, 
and  of  such  value,  ought  to  yield,  in  some  way  or  other,  a 
much  larger  sum  than  it  does,  to  be  spent  on  public  objects ; 
as  it  is,  with  the  debenture  debt  (£2,000  a  year),  which  must  be 
paid,  with  rent  (£2,400  a  yeai'),  which  ought  to  be  paid  ;  and 
■with  that  part  of  the  cost  of  Chiswick  garden  which  goes  to 
nursery  work  to  beautify  the  South  .  Kensington  conser- 
vatory and  garden,  and  with  South  Kensington  rates  and 
taxes,  there  is  no  great  amount  left  for  the  great  public 
object  of  spreadiug  and  helping  horticulture.  The  late 
council  almost  concluded  an  arrangement  with  the  1851  Com- 
missioners, by  which,  in  consideration  of  the  Exhibition 
visitors  being  admitted  free  to  the  gardens,  the  Commis- 
sioners would  clear  the  society  of  the  debenture  charge 
of  £2,000  a  year,  of  the  rent  £2,400  a  year,  and  give 
what  was  estimated  to  amount  to  £1,000  a  year  more  for  horti- 
culture (a  settlement  with  life  fellows  was  understood).  This 
would  have  enabled  the  society  to  carry  on  vigorously,  and 
would  have  fairly  utilised  the  land.  Then  the  Keusingtonian 
compact  vote  tui'ned  out  the  council,  who,  as  you  correctly 
say,  made  "  a  very  poor  fight."  You  might  have  put  it  still 
stronger,  and  said,  made  no  fight  at  all.  This  last  was  not  to 
be  wondered  at.  When  people  know  that  they  have  laboured 
earnestly  with  the  single  object  of  doing  their  best  for  a 
society,  and  devoted  much  time,  spared  with  difficulty,  it  is  not 
they  who  are  likely  to  lift  up  a  finger  to  keep  themselves  in  a 
troublesome  post.  If  there  was  to  be  any  fight,  the  horticul- 
tural fellows,  who  did  not  take  the  trouble  to  come  up  and 
outvote  the  Kensingtonians  and  the  few  horticulturists  who 
sided  with  them,  ought  to  have  made  it,  and  by  their  vote 
have  kept  in  the  council,  and  have  given  the  country  fellows 
the  power  of  voting  by  proxy. 

Now,  for  the  future,  it  is  my  firm  conviction  that  a  state  of 
the  society  is  possible,  free  from  the  dead  weight  and  inert 
matter  which  clogs  the  present  one.  Consider  what  a  vast 
number  of  well-to-do  people,  fond  of  their  gardens,  there  are 
now  in  the  country  ;  very  many  of  them  would  be  willing  to 
help  horticulture  if  it  did  not  cost  them  much  money  or 
trouble.     I  woiild  make  the  annual  subscription  a  guinea,  and 


have  no  admission  fee.  I  can  speak  from  my  experience  of  a 
society  where,  simply  because  they  think  it  useful  and  active, 
many  members  have  joined,  and  go  on  subscribing  to  it, 
without  ever  going  near  any  of  its  meetings ;  and  I  believe  a 
very  great  number  of  fellows  would  join  at  this  small  subscrip- 
tion. The  society  ought  to  have  the  old  Chiswick  Gardens  as 
a  home,  and  to  make  arrangements  with  the  commissioners, 
and  undertake,  for  a  fixed  consideration,  to  furnish  the  con- 
servatory, and  to  hold  committee  meetings  and  a  certain 
number  of  shows  at  South  Kensington.  I  believe  the  money 
from  this  source,  with  that  from  the  numerous  guinea  fellows, 
would  give  more  free  funds  for  horticulture  than  the  society 
has  ever  yet  possessed,  and  the  society  would  be  a  real  horti- 
cultural society,  I  very  much  wish  that  some  of  your  readers 
may  be  incited  to  consider  this  matter.  It  would  involve  some 
hard,  but  by  no  moans  unpleasant,  and  certainly  most  useful, 
work  to  organise  some  such  scheme  as  the  above. 

Heatlierhaalc,  Wcyhi-idi/o  Heath.  Geokge  F.  Wilson. 


HARDY  FLOWERS  OF  THE  SEASON. 
At  this  time  of  year,  when  the  nights  are  lengthening  and 
the  days  are  darkening,  and  when  the  summer  flowers  and 
bedding  plants  are  more  or  less  unsightly,  or  ai'e  out  of  sight 
altogether,  it  is  pleasant  to  note  some  of  the  few  hardy  plants 
which  are  still  bright  and  pleasant  to  look  upon.  Few  as  they 
are,  most  people  would  be  surprised  to  know  how  many  and 
how  fair  they  are.  We  will  pass  over  the  Asters  and  Chrysan- 
themums (I  cannot  bring  myself  to  write  of  Chrysanthema), 
valuable  as  they  are,  for  they  have  been  fully  treated  of,  as, 
indeed,  they  deserve,  in  recent  numbers  of  The  Gauden. 
First  of  all,  strange  to  say  almost  rarest  of  all,  and 
perhaps  fairest  of  all,  comes  the  Sparaxis,  well  named 
pulcherrima.  It  is  hardly  ever  seen  in  the  open  air,  yet 
here,  in  the  south  of  Scotland,  it  is  as  hardy  as  any  of  the 
Iris  tribe,  and,  since  the  beginning  of  August,  a  thick 
row  of  it  planted  against  a  south  wall  has  been  sending 
up  a  succession  of  airy  bell-clusters  of  all  shades  of 
rose.  A  sheltered  sunny  corner  is  worthily  occupied  by  a 
group  of  this  delightful  plant.  Among  the  Sodums  there  are 
many  second  and  third  rate  varieties  grown  ;  most  beautiful  of 
all  (not  excepting  the  much  over-rated  spectabile)  is  Sieboldii. 
It  is  rarely  seen  exce]3t  in  conservatories,  but  its  proper  place 
is  the  rock  garden,  where,  at  this  season,  it  will  be  a  mass  of 
bi-ight  rose,  contrasting  well  with  its  glaucous  fleshy  leaves. 
S.  spurium  varies  much  in  colour;  some  of  the  shades  are 
common-place,  but  the  deeper-coloured  varieties  are  well  worth 
growing,  though  not  so  choice  as  the  last  species,  and  it 
continues  to  flower  very  late.  Among  the  CEnotheras  or 
Evening  Primroses,  the  best  late  flowerer  is  probably  the  now 
CE.  Frazeri.  It  flowers  well  in  summer  also  ;  the  foliage  is  a 
beautiful  glossy  green,  changing  in  autumn  to  bright  red  in 
parts,  and  the  flowers  are  a  lively  golden  hue ;  it  is  quite 
dwarf.  A  valuable  second  blow  of  flowers  may  be  had 
from  Campanula  carpatica  (and  probably  from  its  near 
relative  turbinata),  by  cutting  it  over  directly  the  first 
bloom  is  over — not  too  close,  but  just  enough  to  cut  off  all  the 
seed  vessels.  It  is  now  (Oct.  2oj  in  great  beauty.  If  Sweet 
Peas  are  regularly  deprived  of  their  pods  as  they  form,  they 
will  continue  in  bloom  till  the  frost  destroys  them,  which  at 
this  date  has  not  occurred.  Scabiosa  nana,  the  dwarf  double 
Scabious,  gives  a  great  many  difi'erent  tints  in  abundance  just 
now ;  and  so  with  the  single  Pyrethrum  roseum  (a  far  prettier 
flower  than  the  double),  if  cut  over  in  the  end  of  June.  If  to 
these  really  late  flowers  be  added  the  late  Roses,of  which  there 
is  this  year  an  abundant  crop,  of  which  Gloire  de  Dijon  is  the 
most  profuse — but  Souvenir  de  Malmaison,  Jules  Margottin, 
Anna  Alexieff,  and  Duchess  of  Sutherland  are  by  no  means 
niggardly — it  is  easy  to  form,  by  adding  late-planted  Gladiolus 
and  Schizostylis  coccinea  in  a  sheltered  part  of  the  garden,  an 
attractive  late  autumn  bed,  which,  if  it  cannot  rival  the 
spring  garden  in  colour,  or  the  summer  garden  in  profusion, 
will,  at  all  events,  be  as  certain  in  its  results  aud  as  valuable 
in  its  produce.  On  revising  the  above,  I  find  an  important 
colour  wanting — purple.  Let  it  be  given  in  the  presence  of 
the  hardy  Vei^bena  venosa,  which  is  an  excellent  late-flowering 
variety.  Salmoniceps, 


352 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Xov.  1,  1873. 


NOTES    OP   THE   WEEK. 


The  true  Jalap  plant  (Exogoniam  Purga)  has  been  flowering, 

trained  along  the  south  wall  of  the  new  range  at  Kew.  Grown  in  a 
cool  house,  and  fully  exposed  to  the  sun,  this  makes  a  very  ornate 
climber. 

The  chief  attraction  of  the  Utah   Territorial   Show,  held  in 

Salt  Lake  City  the  first  week  in  October,  was  the  fruit.  There 
were  Apples,  Peaches,  Pears,  Plums,  and  Grapes  in  profusion,  and 
of  excellent  quality. 

^ We  have  received  from  Messrs.  Treloar  &  Sons,  of  Ludgate 

Hill,  a  garden  mat  made  of  cocoa-nut  fibre,  which  looks  as  if  it 
would  prove  a  far  better  protection  against  frost  than  the  ordinary 
Russian  mat.  It  is  strongly  put  together,  and  is  said  to  be  water, 
proof,  a  point  greatly  in  its  favour,  while,  as  regards  its  durability, 
the  lasting  properties  of  cocoa-nut  fibre  are  a  sufficient  guarantee. 

—-  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  So.xs  have  the  rare  and  beautiful 
Oncidium  Rogersii  now  in  flower.  This  is  one  of  the  finest  species 
in  cultivation,  and  bears  over  a  hundred  great  golden-lipped  flowers 
on  a  branching  spike.  The  same  firm  have  also  a  nice  little  plant  of 
Barkeria  clegans  now  iu  flower.  It  was  figured  and  described  some 
years  ago,  but  has  always  been  a  great  rarity  in  collections. 

A  NEW  manure  called  "Dissolved  Peruvian  Guano,"  concora- 

ing  which  an  advertisement  will  be  found  in  another  column,  has  just 
made  its  appearance  in  the  market.  It  is  prepared  from  genuine 
Peruvian  Government  guano,  the  result  of  its  special  treatment  being 
that  the  ammonia  is  fixed,  the  phosphates  in  the  raw  guano  rendered 
soluble,  and  the  manure  brought  into  the  condition  of  a  free  dry 
powder.  It  is  said  to  lose  nothing  from  exposure,  and  is  reported  to 
be  the  richest,  and,  considering  the  quality,  the  cheapest  guaranteed 
manure  at  present  in  the  market. 

November  17thand  the  three  following  days  have  been  fixed  as 

the  dates  on  which  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.'s  root-show  will  take  place 
at  the  Crystal  Palace.  Two  prizes  of  ten  guineas  each  are  to  be 
awarded  on  the  occasion,  and  two  of  five  guineas,  while  of  other 
prizes  of  less  value  a  great  number  are  offered.  Schedules  containing 
"  conditions  of  competition  "  are  now  ready,  and  may  be  had  of  the 
firm,  237,  High  Holborn. 

AYe    learn  that  an-angements  ai'e  being  made  for  holding 

next  year,  in  the  Lower  Grounds,  Aston,  Birmingham,  a  grand 
Midland  Counties'  Horticultural  Exhibition,  to  commence  on  Tuesday 
July  7th,  and  to  continue  over  the  three  following  days.  A  schedule 
of  prizes,  amounting  to  .£1,000,  is  in  course  of  publication.  The 
liberal  spirit  in  which  Mr.  Quilter,  the  proprietor  of  the  grounds, 
purposes  to  make  the  arrangements  incidental  to  the  exhibition, 
promises  to  add  very  much  to  the  attractions  of  the  occasion. 

Mr.    Tuttle,  of   Baraboo,   Winconsin,  who,  we   believe,  is 

regarded  as  an  authority  on  fruit  matters  in  his  part  of  the  country, 
recently  said  to  a  writer  in  the  Milwaukee  Sentinel  that  having  this 
season  examined  more  than  fifty  of  the  best  orchards,  he  finds  that 
all  the  Russian  Apples,  the  Fameuse,  St.  Lawrence,  Red  Astrachan, 
Plum  Cider,  and  Early  Joe,  went  through  the  deadly  cold  of  the  last 
hard  winter  without  injury.  The  Ben  Davis,  Winter  Wine  Sap, 
Northei-n  Spy,  Greenings,  Belle  fleurs,  and  Pippins  have  nearly  all 
been  killed. 

For  some  time  past  it  has  been  feared  that  the  Lords  of  the 

Manor  were  about  to  make  encroachments  on  Clapham  Common,  and 
that  buildings  were  likely  to  be  erected  in  the  neighbourhood,  which 
would  interfere  with  the  Common  as  a  public  recreation  ground. 
This  has  led  the  Metropolitan  Board  of  Works  to  take  the  initiative 
in  securing  the  Common  for  the  use  of  the  public  in  perpetuity,  and 
negotiations  are  at  present  in  progress  for  effecting  that  object.  The 
probability,  therefore,  is  that  in  a  short  time  the  Common  will 
become  absolutely  vested  in  the  Board,  and  secured  to  the  public  for 
ever  as  a  recreation  ground. 

There  is  now  a  probability  that  the  beautiful   ornamental 

shrub,  Xanthoceras  sorbifolia  (to  which  allusion  was  made  at  p.  470, 
Vol.  III.  of  The  G.vkden),  will  soon  become  better  known  in  our 
gardens  and  pleasure-grounds.  All  attempts  hitherto  made  to  pro- 
pagate it  by  means  of  cuttings,  layers,  and  grafting  it  upon  roots  of 
Koelreuteria  (the  only  other  hardy  Sapindaceous  plant  that  we  possess) 
have  failed,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  cuttings  which  are  reported 
to  have  succeeded  in  the  nurseries  of  MM.  Thibaut  &  Keteleer. 
Thisyear,  however,  the  original  specimen  in  the  gardens  of  the 
Museum  at  Paris  has  fruited  for  the  first  time,  and  we  may,  there- 
fore, expect  to  hear  of  seedlings  by  next  season.  The  fruit  is 
described  as  being  of  the  size  of  a  large  Apricot,  of  an  irregular 
obovoid  shape,  ending  in  a  sharp  projecting  point  at  the  apex,  and 
supported  by  a  swollen  footstalk.  If  the  seeds  of  these  fruit 
germmate,  the  authorities  at  the  Musi'um  intend  to  distribute  the 
eariiest  seedlings  amongst  the  rrincipal  Botanic  Gardens  of  Europe, 


and  any  that  may  be  raised  afterwards  among  the  horticultural 
world  iu  general.  We  cannot  too  soon  enjoy  the  privilege  of 
admiring  this  exquisite  shrub  in  our  own  gardens  and  parks. 

Mr.  John  Stuart  Mill,  we  learn  from  Nature,  has  left  his 

herbarium  of  European  plants  to  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew. 

According  to  an  Alabama  newspaper,  the  shooting  of  insccti. 

vorous  birds  has  cost  that  State  £2,000,000  this  year  alone,  in  tho 
ravages  made  by  the  "  cotton-caterpillar." 

Six   hundred    acres  of  ground  near  Muscatine,   Iowa,   were 

devoted  during  tho  past  summer  to  the  culture  of  Watermelons. 
Muscatine  Island  has  long  been  noted  for  the  e.xcellence  of  its  Melons. 

•  The  winter  has  already  set  in  in  the  north.     At  Drumlanrig, 

on  the  Clyde,  12°  of  frost  have  already  been  registered,  and  the 
hills  are  white  with  snow.  An  equal  amount  of  frost  ha^  also  been 
experienced  in  Yorkshire,  and  other  counties  in  the  North  of 
England. 

Lycaste   LASior.LOSSA  is  now  in  flower  in  the  Royal  Exotic 

Nursery,  Chelsea.  It  has  brown  sepals,  golden-yellow  petals,  and  a 
very  hairy  lip.  In  habit  it  is  identical  with  the  better  known 
L.  Skinneri,  and,  like  that  species,  it  comes  from  Guatemala. 

Miss  Kate  Hefter,  of  Pewaukec,  was  the  champion  iu  the 

floral  department  not  only  at  the  Wisconsin  State  Exhibition  but 
nlso  at  Oshkosh,  her  combined  premiums  amounting  to  nearly  £20. 
We  are  informed  by  an  American  paper  that  the  young  and  lovely 
lady  (for  such  we  are  bound  to  believe  her)  is  not  a  little  proud  of 
her  success.  She  had  set  her  heart  on  having  an  organ,  and  this 
prize  money  comes  just  in  time. 

The   bright   scarlet  berries   of   the  Cotoneaster  Simmondsii 

produce  a  fine  effect  at  this  season  of  the  year.  We  saw  a  good 
example  of  it  the  other  day  in  some  small  shrubberies  at  Castledon 
Hall,  near  Farnborough,  where  the  Cotoneaster  has  been  freely 
planted.  We  recommend  this  kind  to  those  who  wish  to  plant  with 
a  view  to  having  their  grounds  as  interesting  as  possible  throughout 
the  duller  months  of  the  year. 

Mr.  G.  F.  Wilson   informs   us   that   at  Mr.  Hamborough's, 

Steep  Hill  Castle,  near  Ventnor,  Isle  of  Wight,  the  beautiful 
Cyclamen  hederasfolium,  both  the  white  and  pink  varieties,  may  bo 
seen  growing  in  quantity,  as  if  wild,  among  the  Grass.  If  planted 
rather  deep,  this  is  quite  hardy  in  less  favoured  parts  of  the  country, 
and  the  beauty  of  its  leaves  alone  makes  it  well  worthy  of  moro 
general  cultivation. 

Mr.  Gassett  is  having  remarkably  interesting  wild  and  bog 

gardens  formed  in  his  grounds  near  Ryde,  in  the  Isle  of  Wight. 
They  consist  of  rockeries,  planted  with  the  choicest  Alpines,  basins, 
and  waterfalls,  and  boggy  or  sattirated  slopes  planted  with  marsh 
and  water  plants.  The  backs  of  the  mounds  connected  with  the 
rockwork  are  clothed  with  Heather,  and  in  front  of  hedge-rows 
Roses  are  planted,  so  that  they  may  grow  up  and  form  a  part  of  the 
hedge,  adding  much  beauty  thereto. 

An  effectual  remedy  for  the   devastations  committed  on  tho 

Vines  by  the  Phylloxera  vastatrix  is  said  to  have  been  discovered  by 
MM.  Monestier,  Lantand,  and  D'Ortoman,  of  Montpellier.  It  consists 
in  placing  in  the  ground,  close  to  the  root  of  tho  infected  plant,  an 
uncorked  tube  containing  about  2  oz.  of  bi-snlphide  of  carbon.  The 
vapour  from  the  bi-sulphide  in  a  short  time  permeates  the  whole  of 
the  ground  about  the  root ;  the  vapour  is  not,  like  the  liquid  itself, 
injurious  to  the  plant,  but  is  immediately  fatal  to  the  insect.  Care 
must  be  taken  not  to  spill  any  of  the  liquid  on  the  roots  of  the 
Vine.     We  only  hope  tho  news  is  true. 

It  is  interesting  to  observe  the  rapid  growth  of  garden  and 

farm  literature  in  America.  Not  only  are  there  journals  of  the  highest 
character  speciallj-  devoted  to  it,  as  the  Albany  Cultivator,  tho 
American  Agricult u rist,  and  the  Gardener' s  Monthly ,  but  of  late  some  of 
the  great  New  York  public  journals  have  a  special  department  devoted 
to  horticulture  and  agriculture.  This  is  notably  the  case  with  the 
weekly  issue  of  the  New  York  Tribune,  which  is  now  usually  well 
filled  with  original  and  valuable  matter  interesting  to  the  fruit 
grower,  farmer,  and  gardener ;  so  good  of  its  kind,  indeed,  are  the 
contents  of  such  journals  as  we  name,  that  they  are  indispensable  to 
all  who  wish  to  keep  themselves  up  to  the  time  in  all  that  concerns 
progress  in  the  rural  arts. 

The  Royal  Horticultural  Society  of  Tuscany  has  announced 

an  International  Horticultural  Exhibition  to  be  held  at  Florence  from 
May  17  to  2.5,  1874',  and  has  also  issued  the  programme  of  an  Inter, 
national  Botanical  Congress  to  be  held  on  three  days  during  the 
exhibition.  A  very  large  number  of  prizes,  including  100  gold 
medals,  are  offered  for  collections  of  plants  or  single  plants,  which 
are  included  in  248  different  classes;  and  among  other  objects  for 
which  prizes  may  be  obtained  are  bouquets,  botanical  drawings, 
models,  garden  tools  and  ornaments,  garden  structures,  manures, 
herbaria,  specimens  of  timber,  &c. 


Nov.  1,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


353 


THE     INDOOR    GARDEN. 


STAPELIA   HIRSUTA  MINOR. 

Although  the  flowers  of  the  Stapelias  are  not  merely  devoid  of 
fragrance,  but  exhale  a  repulsively  fetid  carrion-like  odour, 
many  of  them  are,  nevertheless,  so  beautiful  in  colour  and 
singular  in  form,  that  the  genus  should  be  more  largely 
cultivated  than  it  is.  There  are  about  ninety  species  of 
these  plants,  all  of  which  are  natives  of  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  with  the  exception  of  S.  europa^a,  which  is  found 
in  Spain  and  Algeria,  as  well  as  in  South  Africa.  S.  hirsuta 
minor,  of  which  we  give  an  illustration  below,  and  the  allied 
species,  emit  such  a  powerful  scent  of  decomposing  flesh,  that 
the  common  blow-fly  is 
deceived  into  depositing  its 
eggs  among  the  hairs  of  the 
corolla.  Thisplantwas  firstin- 
troduced  into  our  gardens  in 
1727.  Its  numerous  succulent 
stems  are  thickly  set  with 
quadrangular,  conical,  ascend- 
ing branches,  forming  tufts 
from  12  to  16  inches  in  height. 
As  in  the  genus  Cactus,  the 
leaves  are  very  rudimentarj', 
being  reduced  to  insignificant 
scale-like  processes.  The 
flowers  are  solitary,  from  2 
inches  to  2i-  inches  in  diameter, 
and  are  produced  near  the 
bases  of  the  branches.  The 
petals  are  thick  and  fleshy, 
smooth  and  greenish  on  the 
underside,  very  much  wrinkled 
on  the  upper  surface,  marked 
near  the  base  with  transverse 
sinuous  lines  of  purplish- 
brown,  and  marbled  and 
spottedallover  withblotches  of 
sulphur-yellow.  The  bottom  of 
the  corolla  is  concave,  circular, 
and  of  a  purplish-brown  colour 
in  the  centre,  while  the  edges 
are  mai'ked  with  yellowish 
spots.  The  structure  of  the 
stamens  is  very  singular. 
From  the  bottom  of  the  corolla 
rises  a  sort  of  cup,  nearly 
pentagonal  in  shape,  the  upper 
part  of  which  is  divided  into 
ten  narrow  strips,  five  of 
which  are  turned  inwards,  and 
five  outwards.  The  five  inner 
divisions  are  straight,  cylin- 
drical, slender,  and  covered 
with  purplish  tubercles.  Each 
of  them  is  again  sub-divided 
into  two  parts,  of  which  the 
outer  one  has  a  thickened 
apes,  and  is  bent  over  the 
pistil ;  the  other,  or  inner 
division,  is  quite  straight. 
The     five     external    primary 

divisions  are  of  a  green  colour,  spotted  with  purple,  are  flat 
and  oblong  in  shape,  and  forked  at  the  apex.  The  anthers  are 
of  an  orange  colour.  For  the  cultui'c  of  these  plants,  Mr.  Croucher 
recommends  a  compost  of  "  three  parts  loam,  and  one  of  broken 
brick,  excluding  sand  or  manure ;  in  this  soil,  with  small  pots, 
theygrowfreely."  They  maybe  propagated  either  from  cuttings 
or  from  seed.  In  the  former  case,  the  branches  should  bo 
taken  off  at  a  joint  to  prevent  danger  of  decay  and  escape  of 
sap.  This  mode  of  propagation  is  much  more  certain  than 
the  other,  as,  unless  the  seeds  are  sown  immediately  after 
being  gathered,  their  germination  is  very  doubtful.  Mr. 
Croucher,  who  has  had  a  very  wide  experience  with  plants  of 
this  genus,  advises  that  the  seed  should  be  sown  in  "  shallow 


pans  in  light  soil,  and  put  on  gentle  bottom  heat.  As  soon  as 
they  are  well  up,  put  them  on  a  shelf  close  to  the  glass,  not 
potting  off  until  they  are  well  grown,  as  they  often  stand  still 
for  some  time  or  die." 


Stapelia  hirsuta  minor. 


SELAGINELLAS. 
Wu  recommend  these  beautiful,  fresh-growing,  and  highly 
ornamental  little  plants  to  all  who  have  convenience  at  hand 
for  their  culture.  It  is  almost  needless  to  say  that  they  never 
flower,  but  are  scandent  or  sub-erect  plants,  for  the  most  part 
intermediate  in  size  between  Ferns  and  Mosses.  Some  of  the 
species  are  beginning  to  be  much  appreciated  by  our  decorative 
florists,  and  this  is  notably  the  case  with  S.  liortensis,  a  fresh 

vigorous-growiag  species, 
often  known  as  S.  denticulata 
in  gardens.  It  is  one  of  the 
most  widely-distributed  mem- 
bers of  the  group,  and  will 
grow  anywhere — even  out  in 
the  flower-beds  during  sum- 
mer— forming  a  dense  carpet 
of  the  freshest  green  colour 
imaginable.  For  cool  con- 
servatories it  is  just  the  thing, 
and  may  be  used  either  for 
carpeting  beds  or  for  edgings 
and  margins.  Many  of  the 
flower-beds  in  the  Pare  Mon- 
ceaux,  Paris,  were  densely 
carpeted  with  this  plant 
during  the  past  summer,  and 
it  greatly  enhanced  their  neat 
and  efiiective  appearance.  It 
keeps  fresh  and  green  through 
the  winter,  and  is  very  useful 
in  Ferneries  or  conservatories 
planted  out  in  the  natural 
style,  where  in  winter  it  re- 
minds one  of  the  fresh  turf 
as  we  catch  glimpses  of  it  here 
and  there  between  the  stems 
of  Palms  and  Tree-Ferus. 
During  winter  and  spring, 
pots  of  Crocus,  Hyacinths, 
and  forced  shrubs  can  be 
plunged  in  the  borders  or 
beds,  and  the  effect  of  these 
is  considerably  heightened  by 
being  contrasted  with  the 
fresh  green  carpet  beneath. 
For  purposes  such  as  we 
have  indicated,  or  for  growing 
in  small  pots  for  the  decor- 
ation of  windows  and  apart- 
ments, one  London  florist 
alone  pays  from  £300  to  £400 
annually  for  his  supply  of  this 
elegant  little  trailing  plant  ! 
We  have  very  many  species 
in  cultivation,  all  of  which 
may  be  grown  in  the  moist 
and  genial  temperature  of 
a  drawing-room  plant-case  or 
beneath  a  glass  shade.  Selaginellas  grow  best  in  a  light 
well-drained  compost  of  fibroits  peat,  to  which  is  added 
one-fourth  well  decomposed  leaf-mould,  and  sufiicient  well- 
Washed  sand  to  keep  the  whole  fresh  and  open,  with  a 
little  turfy  loam  for  strong-growing  kinds.  Some  are 
spreading  in  their  habit  of  growth,  and  should  be  grown  in 
flat  pans,  unless  planted  out.  The  scandent  or  creeping  species 
may  be  grown  either  flat  on  the  surface  or  pegged  on  cones 
formed  of  peat  and  Sphagnum.  They  are  highly  ornamental 
as  decorative  stove  plants,  or  for  exhibition.  Some  of  the  tall 
growers  also  do  well  in  pans,  but  these  must  be  allowed  to  grow 
naturally.  There  are  one  or  two  curious  species  that  change 
to  white  in  the  evening,  or  in  the  dark,  and  resume  their  green 


354 


THE   GAEDBN. 


[Nov.  1,  1873. 


tint  with  the  returning  daylight.  S.  imciuata  and  S.  caesia 
are  of  a  lovely  metallic  blue  colour  when  grown  in  shade  and 
moisture,  as  is  also  the  vigorous-growing  variety  of  the  last- 
named,  S.  cassia  arborca.  This  last-named  species  is  very 
useful  as  a  climljer  in  a  moist  shady  stove  or  Fernery,  and  may 
be  trained  up  the  stems  of  Tree  Ferns,  or  allowed  to  droop 
naturally  from  projecting  masses  of  rockwork.  We  now  pro- 
pose to  describe  a  few  of  the  best  species,  and  to  give  such 
hints  as  we  think  necessary  in  their  culture,  observing  that 
most  of  the  Selaginellas  are  very  easily  propagated  by  dividing 
old-established  specimens. 

S.  AFRICANA. — A  deep,  glossy,  erect-growing  species  from 
the  West  of  Africa,  and  one  of  the  most  effective  in  cultivation 
when  well  grown.  Its  fronds  are  from  12  to  15  inches  high, 
and  triangular  in  outline.  It  is  very  useful  for  stove  decora- 
tion, and  should  be  in  every  collection,  however  select. 

S.  APDS. — A  dwarf  dense-growing  little  Brazilian  species, 
seldom  growing  above  1  inch  in  height.  It  is  of  the  freshest 
green  colour  imaginable,  and  forms  a  beautiful  ornament  in 
tbe  plant-stove.  This  species  is  easily  propagated,  and,  as  it 
grows  quickly,  a  pan  may  easily  be  furnished  by  pricking  in 
little  tufts  an  inch  apart  over  the  entire  surface.  It  likes  a 
little  heat,  but  grows  freely  iu  a  AVardian  case.  It  is  also 
called  S.  densa  and  S.  apoda. 

S.  ATROviRiDis. — This  is  a  very  strong-growing  species,  and 
one  of  the  most  distinct  in  the  whole  group.  It  produces 
strong  fiat  growths  a  foot  high,  throwing  out  numerous  strong 
roots  from  their under-surfaces,  while  the  large,  obtuse  leaflets 
are  of  a  deep  glossy  green  colour,  as  implied  by  its  specific 
name.  It  does  best  in  the  plant-stove,  but  will  also  grow 
well  in  a  close  humid  plant-case.  Its  fine  branches  come  in 
very  acceptable  for  dinner-table  and  other  floral  decorations. 

S.  c.ESlA. — This  plant  is  very  distinct,  its  shoots  in  a  warm 
humid  case  being  of  a  lovely  blue  tint,  shining  with  metallic 
lustre.  It  is  more  properly  named  S.  unciuata,  but  is  gene- 
rally found  in  gardens  under  the  above  name.  Its  habit  is 
raraliling,  and  it  is  a  very  fi'ee  grower,  well  worth  more 
extended  cultivation  both  iu  stoves  and  Wardian  cases. 

S.  C.ESIA  AUBOREA. — This  is  a  very  strong-growing  species,  of 
rambling  habit,  its  foliage  being  of  the  same  iridescent  hue 
as  tbe  last-named  plant.  I  have  seen  this  plant  with  growths 
from  8  to  10  feet  in  length,  hanging  gracefully  from  Tree 
Ferns  in  the  fine  Ferneries  of  S.  Mendel,  Esq.,  Manley  Hall, 
Manchester;  it  gx-ows  in  a  moderate  heat,  but  must  be  well 
supplied  with  moisture. 

S.  CAULESCENS.— A  Very  graceful  erect-growing  species, 
producing  close  branches  of  a  light  and  pleasing  green  colour. 
'There  are  two  or  three  varieties  of  this  plant,  the  shoots  of 
which  vary  from  6  inches  to  nearly  2  feet  in  length.  It  fruits 
freely,  and  should  be  in  every  collection  of  these  beautiful 
little  plants.  Like  the  last-named,  it  is  a  native  of  the  East 
Indies,  and  will  grow  in  a  Wardian  case. 

S.  DENTicuLATA. — One  of  the  prettiest  of  the  creeping  kinds, 
and  sufficiently  hardy  to  grow  out  of  doors  during  summer  in 
a  moist  and  sheltered  position.  It  should  be  added  to  every 
collection,  however  small,  and  will  be  found  to  luxuriate  in  a 
close  case  or  beneath  a  bell-glass.  It  must  not  be  confounded 
with  S.  (Kraussiana)  hortensis,  another  European  half-hardy 
species,  very  generally  cultivated  under  this  name. 

S.  ERYTiiRorus.— One  of  the  most  effective  and  free-growing 
ot  the  upright  section,  producing  a  dense  mass  of  triangular 
flattened  fronds  of  a  light  green  colour.  These  growths  vary 
from  10  to  15  inches  in  height,  and  are  admirable  substitutes 
for  Ferns  in  furnishing  floral  decorations.  One  drawback  to 
the  use  of  Selaginellas  is  their  tendency  to  curl  when  placed 
for  an  hour  or  two  in  a  dry  and  hot  atmosphere.  Always 
choose  the  best  developed  fronds  and  bed  them  in  sand  and 
water,  or,  where  practicatle,  lay  them  down  flat  on  damp  sand, 
in  which  position  they  will  last  for  a  considerable  time. 

S.  HELVETICA. — A  dwarf-growing  species,  hardy  out  of  doors 
during  the  summer  months,  and  admirably  adapted  either  for  a 
Wardian  case  or  for  edgings  in  the  greenhouse  or  cool  conserva- 
tory. It  is  a  native  of  the  Alps,  and  is  well  worth  cultivation. 
S.  (Kuaussi.vxa)  hortensis.—This  is  the  most  generally  useful 
of  all  the  species,  and  as  a  fresh  green  carpet-plant  is  unsur- 
jiassed.  It  will  grow  in  a  hot  position,  but  must  receive  careful 
attention  in  such    places,  and  a  liberal  allowance   of  water, 


or  it  turns  yellow  and  looks  sickly.  It  likes  a  cool  moist  posi- 
tion where  it  grows  very  rapidly  and  looks  fresh  and  green  all 
the  year  round.  Carpets  of  this  plant  should  be  regularly  dug 
up  and  re-planted  every  spring,  by  which  simple  process  they 
may  be  kept  fresh  and  clean.  For  Fern-cases  or  hanging- 
baskets  this  is  one  of  the  best  species  in  cultivation,  and  should 
be  grown  wherever  there  is  room  to  spare  in  the  window,  or 
balcony,  or  on  the  bare  surface  of  large  pots  and  tubs. 

S.  Krau.ssiana  VARiEG.i.TA. — A  variety  of  the  last  pl.ant, 
exactly  similar  in  habit,  but  having  its  branches  tipped  with 
blotches  of  creamy-white,  which  give  it  a  bright  and  distinct 
appearance. 

S.  SAR5IEXT0SA. — This  is  a  free-growing  plant,  creeping  over 
the  pan  and  rooting  from  its  entire  under  surface.  Its  fronds 
are  of  a  pale  green  colour,  and  some  of  its  longest  stems  often 
attain  15  to  20  inches  in  length.  It  is  a  West  Indian  species 
and  does  well  in  an  ordinary  plant-stove  when  supplied  with 
plenty  of  moisture  at  the  root  and  overhead. 

S.  MDTABiLis. — Of  all  the  species  of  Selaginella  this  ranks  as 
one  of  the  most  curious.  Its  leaves  change  to  white  during 
the  night,  or  on  its  being  removed  to  a  dark  apartment.  This 
is  owing  to  a  remarkable  change  of  position  which  takes 
place  in  the  chlorophyl,  or  green  colouring  matter  of  the 
leaves.  It  is  well  worth  growing  in  a  Wardian  case  on  this 
account,  apart  from  its  elegant  freshness  as  a  decorative  plant. 

F.  W.  B. 


THE  ACTION  OF  LIGHT  ON  SEEDS. 
The  following  remarks  are  intended  to  show  which  light, 
whether  red,  yellow,  or  blue,  or  a  mixture  of  those  colours,  is 
best  suited  for  the  rapid  and  successful  germination  of  seeds. 
Previously,  however,  let  me  consider  briefly  the  process  of 
germination  itself,  and,  iu  doing  so,  a  vei-y  suitable  starting 
point  may  be  found  in  the  seed.  A  seed  consists  of  three 
parts,  namely,  the  cotyledons  (one  or  more),  the  radicle,  and 
the  plumule,  which  are  usually  enclosed  in  one  outer  skin, 
envelope,  or  cover.  During  germination,  the  radicle  is  con- 
verted into  a  root,  which  sinks  down  into  the  earth  for  the 
purpose  of  acquiring  nutriment  from  the  soil,  while,  on  the 
other  hand,  the  plumule  shoots  upwards,  and  forms  or  becomes 
the  stem  of  the  plant.  The  fact  that  seeds  do  not  germinate 
alike  in  all  situations  and  under  different  ch-cumstances,  leads 
me  to  say  that  seeds  cannot  germinate  when  deprived  of 
moisture  ;  but,  by  keeping  them  dry  for  any  length  of  time  we  do 
not  destroy  or,  as  far  as  we  know,  in  any  way  injure  their 
future  vegetating  properties.  Too  much  water,  however,  is 
as  bad  as  too  little.  There  also  is  a  certain  heat  required. 
No  seed  ever  yet  experimented  on  can  be  made  to  germinate 
at  or  below  the  freezing  point,  yet  this  temperature,  when 
continiied  even,  does  not  injure  the  power  of  the  seed  to 
germinate.  Here,  I  think,  we  may  safely  conclude  that  a 
certain  temperature  above  32''  is  necessary  for  the  successful 
germination  of  seeds,  and  that  each  family  of  plants  seems  to 
require  a  degree  peculiar  to  itself.  The  various  gases,  as  chlorine, 
hydrogen,  carbonic  acid,  niti-ogen,  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  etc., 
have  been  tried,  for  experiment,  with  the  view  of  seeing  if 
seeds  would  germinate  under  such  atmospheres,  and  the 
decided  result  has  been  that  they  would  not ;  from  f  urthcrexperi- 
ments,  which  it  would  be  needless  to  mention  here  in  detail, 
it  has  been  found  that  seeds  will  not  germinate  in  any  other 
atmosphere  than  one  containing  a  large  proportion  of  oxygen,  as 
the  atmosphere  we  breathe,  which  I  may  here  say  I  have  found 
to  contain,  according  to  the 

Mean  of  ten  experiments         ....        20'91 
Do.  do.  ....        20-901 

Do.     three    do.  ....        20-91 

Mean  of  the  whole         .        .        .        20-907 
oxygen  per  cent.;   possibly,  in  some  cases,   it   may  average 
20-9(5,  but  such  a  result  I  have  been  unable  to  come  to. 

Now,  having  tried  to  explain  that  seeds  do  not  germinate 
unless  supplied  with  moisture,  oxygen,  and  a  certain  degree 
of  heat,  let  us  see  what  can  be  done  at  examining  they  effect 
they  have  upon  the  seed  and  its  growth.  The  cotyledons 
contain  a  (piantity  of  farinaceous  matter,  provided  solely  for 
the  purpose  of  supplying  the  embryo  with  food  when  required. 


Nov.  1,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


355 


It  is  evident,  however,  that  this  must  have  tindergone  some 
preparation  before  it  coixld  be  applied  by  the  plant  to  the 
nourishment  or  formation  and  completion  of  the  organs. 
We  are  thus  led  to  believe  that  the  phenomena  of  germination 
are  owing  to  the  chemical  changes  effected  in  the  food,  and 
the  consequent  development  of  the  organs  of  the  plant. 

Under  favourable  conditions  seeds  imbibe  moisture,  and 
emit  carbonic  acid  gas,  even  when  oxygeii  is  not  present. 
"When  such  are  the  circumstances,  the  germination  here  stops, 
but,  on  the  other  hand,  if  oxygen  be  present,  a  portion  of  it  is 
also  converted  into  carbonic  acid,  and  the  process  of  germina- 
tion continues.  Seeds,  therefore,  should  not  be  placed  so  deep 
in  the  soil  as  to  be  deprived  of  it.  From  experiments  first 
made  by  Saussure,  and  afterwards  repeated  by  various  other 
chemists  with  the  same  result,  it  was  proved  that  none  of  the 
oxygen  is  absorbed,  or,  at  least,  if  absorljed  is  not  retained,  being 
emitted  in  combination  with  carbon,  ia  the  form  of  carbonic  acid. 
Since  we  have  no  reliable  evidence  to  show  that  any  water 
is  decomposed  during  germination,  there  being  neither  oxygen 
nor  hydrogen  liberated,  we  must  conclude  that  such  is  not 
the  case.  The  mucilage  of  some  seeds  is  supposed  during 
germination  to  be  turned  into  sugar,  from  the  fact  that  several 
seeds  by  germinating  acquire  a  sweet  taste.  But  now,  as  to 
the  effects  of  light  on  germination,  various  are  the  opinions 
held  by  different  experimenters  on  this  particular  point.  The 
experiments  of  Ingenhousz  have  gone  to  show  that  seeds 
always  germinate  more  rapidly  in  darkness,  than  when  exposed 
to  light ;  and  again,  among  the  old  workers,  we  have  Abbe 
Bertholin,  who  contradicts  the  former,  and  assigns  the  differ- 
ence between  the  germination  of  seeds  in  darkness  and  those 
in  light,  to  the  moisture  evaporating  from  the  seeds  much 
more  quickly  in  the  light  than  in  the  hade.  We  are  then 
unable  to  decide  very  well  upon  this  point  unless  by  experi- 
ment. At  11.30,  on  March  19th  last,  I  placed,  each  in  the 
same  situation,  a  number  of  mustard  seeds  in  water.  No.  1, 
under  the  influence  of  daylight ;  2,  yellow  light ;  3,  blue  light ; 
4,  red  light ;  and  5,  darkness.  The  results  are  as  follow  : — • 
Number  of  Seeds  Geeshnated  in- 
1873.  Time.  No.  1.       No.  3.       No.  3.       No.  4..      No.  5. 

March  2-ith    8  a.m none    ...  none    ...  none    ...  none    ...  none 

Do.    do 3  p.m 2       ...     2       ...    do.     ...    do.     ..,    do. 

Do.    25th    6  p.m 5       ...     5       ...    do.     ...    do.     ...     1 

Do.    26th    3  p.m 5        ...      6        ...     do.      ...       1         ...      3 

Do.    27th    8  a.m 6       ...      7        ...    do.      ...      2        ...      i 

Do.    28th    8  p.m 7       ...    all       ...    do.      ...      3        ...      4 

Do.    29th    8  a.m all      ...    do.      ...    do.     ...      i       ...     6 

lam,  therefore,  led  to  believe  that  the  chemically  active  rays 
are  decidedly  injurious  to  germination,  but  when  diluted,  as 
in  the  ordinary  daylight,  their  influence  is  very  little.  We  also 
notice  that  seeds  germinate  more  rapidly  in  daylight  than 
in  darkness,  and  that  seeds  in  yellow  light  germinate  the 
soonest.  William  H.  Watson. 

Braijstones,  Beckermet. 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 


Shading  for  a  Fernery. — What  is  the  best  mode  of  shading 
a  Fernery  ?  I  have  had  one  built  and  fitted  with  Tufa  rock-work  by 
Mr.  Pulhani.  The  roof  only  is  ribbed  glass,  and  yet  the  plants  have 
been  scorched  by  the  sun  to  a  great  extent. — J.  J.,  Kemio)i  Hall, 
Manchester.  [On  submitting  this  question  to  Mr.  Baines,  he  has 
kindly  furnished  na  with  the  following  answer: — "The  best,  most 
durable,  and,  in  the  end,  most  economical  shading  for  a  Fernery,  or 
any  other  garden  structure  that  requires  shading,  is  screen  canvas, 
which  should  in  all  cases  be  moveable.  Ribbed  glass  for  any  horticul- 
tural erection  I  consider  to  be  a  mistake.  Plants  that  require  shade 
at  all  will  not  do  without  shading  under  it,  and  the  foliage  of  plants 
grown  under  it  is  not  so  strong  as  that  under  transparent  glass ; 
which,  even  in  the  case  of  Ferns,  is  an  essential  consideration,  as  they 
are  so  liable  to  the  attacks  of  thrips,  which  require  stronger  applica. 
tlons  of  tobacco-smoke  to  kill  them  than  the  Ferns  will  stand  without 
injury,  unless  they  are  grown  with  sufficient  light  to  give  them  the 
requisite  strength."] 

White  Indian  Daphne  — I  have  a  white  scented  Daphne,  which  appears 
to  be  too  large  for  its  pot ;  it  grows  in  a  ramblin:?  way,  making  few  additional 
shoots,  and  merely  lengthenins  the  old  ones.  Would  cutting  it  back  improve 
it  ?  It  flowers  early  in  the  spring. — K.  A.  S.  [All  Daplmes  are  somewhnt 
rambling,  or  what  gardeners  call  "  leggy  "  in  habit,  therefore,  the  shoots  should 
be  bent  round  or  tied  upon  some  kind  of  support  as  closely  as  possible,  and 
thus  circumstanced  they  break  more  freely  than  when  allowed  to  grow 
unchecked.  Your  plant  will  flower  all  the  better  for  being  somewhat  pot- 
bound.  Gutting  it  back  might  improve  it,  but  you  will  lose  a  season's  flowers. 
Spring  is  the  best  time  for  re-potting  it,  when  a  compost  of  sandy  loam  and 
leaf-mould  should  be  used  for  it.] 


SPIRiGA  JAPONICA  AND  ITS  VARIEaATED 
VARIETY. 
I  CAN  endorse  all  that  is  said  (see  p.  319)  in  favour  of  Spirasa 
japouica,  which  is  exceedingly  beautiful,  and,  for  forcing 
purposes,  very  useful.  Its  graceful  flower-spikes  are  produced 
in  abundance,  and  are,  as  your  correspondent  states,  very 
useful  for  the  purpose  of  bouquet-making  and  for  table  decora- 
tion. It  also  succeeds  well  in  the  open  air  in  any  ordinary 
rich  soil;  but,  should  the  weather  set  in  dry  during  the 
summer  months,  it  should  be  well  supplied  with  water,  or  it 
will  become  unhealthy,  and,  when  that  takes  place,  it  requires 
a  season,  at  least,  of  liberal  treatment  to  enable  it  to  recover  its 
health.  Its  flower-spikes  are  also  liable  to  be  injured,  or  even 
destroyed  by  late  spring  frosts — at  least,  such  was  the  case 
with  a  fine  bed  of  this  plant  in  the  open  air  here  during  the 
spring  of  the  present  year.  A  second  crop  of  bloom-spikes 
was,  however,  produced  at  a  later  period,  but  greatly  inferior 
to  what  the  first  crojD  gave  promise  of  being.  I  commenced 
this  paper,  however,  with  the  intention  of  recommending  the 
variegated  form  of  this  plant  (Spirasa  japonica  aurea  variegata), 
which  is  well  entitled  to  all  that  has  been  said  in  favour  of  the 
normal  or  green-leaved  variety;  it  has,  too,  the  additional 
advantage  of  possessing  beautifully  golden-veined  leaves. 
Indeed,  few  variegated  plants  can  compete  with  this  in  all 
respects  beautiful  Spirasa,  which  has  the  property  (unusual 
among  variegated  plants)  of  flowering  as  profusely  and 
vigorously  as  the  green-leaved  form.  Most  growers,  howevei', 
will  be  inclined  to  prevent  it  from  flowering  in  order  to  givo 
increased  vigour  and  effect  to  its  beautiful  foliage.  This  is 
undoubtedly  one  of  the  plants  which  only  require  to  Ijecome 
better  known  to  be  universally  appreciated.  P.  Grieve. 

Gulfonl. 


HYACINTHS  FOR  BEDDING. 

I  Kxow  of  nothing  that  produces  a  richer  or  more  varied 
effect  than  the  Hyacinth.  When  planted  in  masses  in  the 
open  air,  the  colours  appear  deeper  than  when  grown  under 
glass,  and,  being  perfectly  hardy,  no  care,  or  at  least,  very 
little  care,  is  I'equired  in  its  cultivation,  beyond  being  staked 
with  a  neat  stick  to  prevent  the  wind  or  heavy  rains  from 
breaking  off  the  spike  of  bloom.  I  am  just  about  preparing 
the  beds  to  receive  the  bulbs  for  next  season,  and  have  only 
been  waiting  for  frost  to  cut  off  their  summer  occupants.  I 
take  up  the  soil,  and  if  I  find  it  too  heavy  or  close  in  texture, 
some  is  removed,  and  suflicient  light  sandy  soil  is  wheeled  in 
to  raise  the  surface  a  few  inches  above  the  general  level  of 
the  lawn.  I  then  take  the  bulbs  and  plant  them  3  inches 
deep  and  6  inches  apart,  and  drop  a  little  sand  on  to  them 
before  filling  up  with  the  soil,  as  it  is  necessary  to  bear  in 
mind  that  in  Holland,  where  they  are  so  extensively  cultivated 
for  commerce,  the  soil  is  nearly  all  sand;  and  therefore  it  is 
quite  impossible  to  err  in  making  use  of  too  much  of 
that  material.  I  purchase  fresh  bulbs  every  year  for  the 
most  prominent  positions,  and  get  them  in  separate  and 
distinct  colours  for  something  like  25s.  or  30s.  per  100,  or,  if 
it  is  not  necessary  to  plant  them  in  separate  colours,  the 
mixtures  can  be  piu'chased,  some  5s.  or  6s.  per  100  less  ;  but 
in  addition  to  those  purchased,  I  am  not  so  extravagant  as  to 
throw  away  those  forced  in  the  previous  spring,  which  are 
carefully  planted  out  when  done  blooming  into  a  sheltered 
place,  and  regularly  tended  with  water  until  the  foliage  dies 
off;  they  are  then  taken  up,  dried,  and  put  away  in  boxes.  With 
these  I  plant  the  beds  and  borders,  not  immediately  under  the 
eye  of  the  occupants  of  the  drawing-room,  as  they  do  not  pro- 
duce such  fine  spikes  of  bloom  as  those  freshly  imported. 
In  some  cases  I  use  them  in  beds  that  have,  if  I  may  so 
describe  it,  an  undergrowth  of  some  other  spring-flowering 
plants,  such  as  Myosotis,  Silenependula,  Limnanthes  Douglasii, 
&c.,  which,  if  not  in  bloom  at  the  same  time  acts  as  a  sui^port, 
and  sets  off  the  somewhat  stiff  and  formal  appearance  of  the 
Hyacinth  to  better  advantage ;  but,  if  the  colours  of  the 
undergrowth  are  well  arranged  with  the  Hyacinths,  and  they 
are  in  bloom  together,  tho  effect  is  superb.    I  saw  once  a  bod 


356 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Xov.  1, 1873. 


of  Myosotis  (blue)  Tvith  white  Hyacinths  dotted  iu  amongst 
it,  producing  a  charming  efiect,  of  course  not  gaudy,  but  a 
nice,  soft-coloured  setting  to  a  beautiful  gera,  and  for  this 
purpose  last  season's  bulbs  do  very  well.  If  the  Hyacinths 
are  the  sole  occupants  of  the  beds,  it  will  be  necessary  just 
to  cover  over  the  surface  with  a  thin  coating  of  cocoa-nut 
fibre,  as  it  assists  in  protecting  the  points  of  the  foliage  from 
injury  in  severe  frost,  although  they  are  not  very  tender,  for 
I  have  more  than  once  noticed  them  almost  frozen  through ; 
but  I  do  not  like  to  see  the  tips  of  the  foliage  browned,  which 
i.s  sometimes  caused  from  cold  cutting  frosts,  and  this  slight 
protection  becomes  necessary.  As  soon  as  they  have  done 
flowering,  the  bulbs  can  be  taken  up,  and,  if  desired,  may  be 
replanted  for  another  year  in  any  out-of-the-way  spot,  but  my 
own  practice  is  to  wheel  them  to  the  rubbish-heap,  for  they 
rarely  do  much  good  the  following  season,  unless  as  patches 
for  decorating  shrubbery  borders,  where  they  may  be  planted 
and  remain  for  years,  sending  up  a  few  flowers  early  in  the 
spring. 

The  Roman  Hyacinth  blooms  very  freely  and  without  much 
forcing  early  in  November,  and  may  be  had  naturally  in  flower 
from  December  until  February.  It  throws  up  several  spikes 
of  small  pure  white  flowers,  which  are  very  fragrant,  and 
make  capital  subjects  for  a  bouquet  or  button-hole.  The  bulbs 
are  very  small,  and  should  be  potted  four  to  six  in  a  48-size 
pot,  using  the  same  soil  as  that  recommended  for  their  larger 
congeners.  It  is  very  extraordinary,  however,  that  this  precocity 
of  blooming  is  not  so  much  due  to  the  variety  as  to  the  climate 
of  Italy,  where  it  is  cultivated,  aud  which  appears  to  induce  an 
early  growth,  and,  consequently,  early  maturing  of  the  bulbs,  so 
that  when  imported  here  it  blooms  naturally  some  two  months 
before  the  Dutch  varieties,  for  when  grown  in  Holland  it 
flowers  exactly  at  the  same  period  as  the  other  varieties,  and 
therefore  much  care  should  be  exercised  in  procuring  those 
imported  from  Italy,  for,  comparing  this  spike  of  bloom  with 
the  well-known  Hyacinth  is  something  like  gold  to  tin.       C. 


Hardy  Clematises  as  Bedding  Plants. — Notwithstanding 
the  success  which  has  attended  the  hybridisation  of  this  magnificent 
group  of  flowering  plants,  I  have  failed  to  obtain  a  variety  possessing 
that  remarkable  floriferoiis  continuity  of  bloom  which  we  get  in  C. 
Jackmanii  when  used  for  bedding  purposes.  Its  richness  of  colour, 
when  grown  in  masses  imparts  to  the  parterre  a  hue  of  purple,  which 
is  altogether  captivating  and  lovely.  My  object,  however,  is  not  to 
eulogize  the  well  known  merits  of  C.  Jackmanii,  bnt  to  endeavour  to 
ascertain  if  there  really  exists  amongst  the  mauve  or  light  coloured 
varieties  a  suitable  companion  to  it  for  "  bedding  out  purposes."  I 
was  at  one  time  inclined  to  believe  that  iu  Lady  Bovill  we  had  found 
this  desirable  desideratum,  bnt  lovely  as  the  individual  blooms  of  that 
kind  are,  I  do  not  find  it  to  possess  continuity  in  the  way  of  bloom 
to  warrant  its  being  succesfully  admitted  into  parterre  arrangements, 
where  it  is  important  that  uniformity  in  the  flowering  period  of  the 
various  subjects  should  be  maintained  to  the  longest  possible  period, 
as  a  single  failure  produces  an  unsightly  blemish.  While  fully  admit- 
ting the  marked  advance  that  has  taken  place  amongst  Clematises 
owing  to  hybridisation,  I  think  it  important  that  perfect  hardiness 
and  freedom  of  growth  should  not  be  lost  sight  of  in  any  attempt  at 
cross  breeding,  for  without  this  the  flowering  period  cannot  be 
sufficiently  prolonged,  so  as  to  warrant  their  use  iu  flower-garden 
arrangements,  where  most  assuredly  owing  to  the  brilliance  and  rich, 
ness  of  their  colouring  and  grand  proportions,  as  regards  size,  they 
are  destined  to  play  a  most  desirable  part.  I  shall,  therefore,  be  glad 
for  any  information  from  any  of  your  correspondents  who  may  have 
practically  tested  the  merits  of  the  various  sorts  as  to  their  continuity 
of  blooming  and  adaptability  for  flower-garden  embellishment. — Geo. 
Westland,  Witley  Court,  Stoiwpnrf. 

Clematis  Jackmanii  as  a  Bedding  Plant.  —  Having 
received  a  good  account  of  this  Clematis  as  a  bedding  plant  I  resolved 
to  give  it  a  trial  in  that  way.  In  the  spring,  therefore,  of  1871  I  got 
two  plants  of  it  to  start  with  ;  I  have  four  oval  beds  with  arches 
across  the  centre  of  them,  4  feet  from  the  ground  at  the  highest 
point,  and  the  width  of  the  arch  is  2V  feet ;  the  beds  are  15  feet  one 
way,  and  9  feet  the  other.  On  each  arch  I  put  one  plant,  and  buried 
round  its  roots  plenty  of  rotten  manure  from  an  old  Melon  bed.  The 
plants  started  well,  covered  the  arches,  and  flowered  beautifully 
the  first  year.  As  soon  as  they  commenced  to  grow  in  the  spring  of 
1872  1  gave  them  plenty  of  liquid-manure  until  they  showed  flower- 
buds.    This  spring  I  attended  to  them  as  usual  until  the  middle  of 


June,  at  which  time  I  took  and  pegged  them  all  over  the  two  beds  ; 
by  the  20th  of  July  every  inch  of  the  beds  and  the  arches  was  covered 
as  thickly  as  possible,  and  they  were  a  mass  of  flower  on  the  21th  of 
July,  and  have  been  beautiful  up  to  October  the  6th,  and  up  to  this 
day  I  have  plenty  of  flowers  on  the  arches.  Every  person  who  has 
seen  them  has  been  delighted  with  them. — Willi.vm  Eyax  (gardener 
to  the  Earl  of  Dononghmore) ,  Knocklofty,  Clonmel. 


Ampelopsis  "Veitchii. — This  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  hardy 

plants  which  have  been  introduced  for  a  long  time,  either  for  covering 
walls  or  for  screens  ;  for  it  will  cling  to  wood  as  closely  as  to  stone 
or  brick.  I  put  out  a  plant  of  it  about  a  foot  high  three  years  ago, 
and  it  now  covers  a  space  of  nearly  200  square  feet  of  wall  with  a 
dense  mass  of  foliage,  and  it  would  have  grown  much  higher  if  space 
had  permitted  it  to  do  so.  It  reaches  20  feet  in  length  on  each  side 
of  the  root,  and  has  covered  every  part  perfectly  without  any 
training  or  fastening,  except  simply  tying  it  to  the  wall  when  first 
planted.  It  is  now  (October  14th)  just  commencing  to  change  to  a 
brilliant  autumn  colour.  It  is  as  hardy  as  the  common  Virginian 
Creeper ;  my  specimen  of  it  is  planted  where  it  is  fully  exposed  to 
a  piercing  north-west  wind,  and  last  winter  it  endnred  a  frost  of  30° 
below  zero.  It  flowers  and  seeds  abundantly ;  but,  being  so  easily 
propagated  by  means  of  cuttings,  I  have  not  troubled  to  save  the 
seed.  In  making  cuttings  it  is  well  to  notice  that  only  every  third 
joint  has  a  bud,  so  that,  although  every  joint  would  root,  it  cannot 
grow  without  an  eye.  My  attention  was  first  called  to  this  fact  by 
Mr.  Meehan,  of  Germanstown. — J.  Taplix,  South  Amiotj,  New 
Jersey,  U.S. 


TREES  AND  FLOWERS  IN  AUTUMN. 

Now  what  hath  entered  my  loved  woods. 

And  touched  their  green  with  sudden  change  ? 

What  is  this  last  of  Nature's  moods 

That  makes  the  roadside  look  so  strange  ? 

Who  blanched  my  Thistle's  blushing  face, 

And  gave  the  winds  her  silver  hair  ? 
Set  golden-rod  within  her  place, 

And  scattered  Asters  everywhere  ? 

W'ho  splashed  with  red  the  Sumach  hedge — 

The  Sassafras  with  purple  stain  ; 
Gave  Ivy  leaves  a  ruby  edge 

And  painted  all  their  stems  again  ? 

■Lo !  the  change  reaches  high  and  wide. 

Hath  toned  the  sky  to  softer  blue  ; 
Hath  crept  along  the  river-side. 

And  trod  the  valleys  through  and  through. 

Discoloured  every  Hazel  copse. 

And  stricken  all  the  pasture  lands  ; 
Flung  veils  across  the  mountain-tops, 

And  bound  their  feet  with  yellow  hands. 

Is,  then.  September  come  so  soon .' 

Full  time  doth  summer  ne'er  abide  ? 
While  yet  it  seems  but  summer's  noon, 

We're  floating  down  the  autumn  tide. 

—The  Atlantic  Monthly. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Ellacoinlbe's  Yucca. — The  proper  name  of  Tucca  Ellacombii  is  Y.  tortulata. 
It  is  very  distinct  and  very  handsome. — H.  N.  Ellacombe,  Bitfon. 

The  Best  Bedding"  Heartsease. — After  having  tried  many  kinds,  I  find  the 
best  to  be  Imperial  Blue.  As  to  Violas,  none  are  so  good  as  Golden  Perpetual. 
These  may  be  truly  called  perpetual  bloomers.— J.  P.,  Coretorpkine,  near 
Edhihuri/h. 

White  Corolla  Fuchsias  as  Bedding  Plants.— These  beautiful  varieties 
of  the  Fuchsia  family,  of  which  the  sort  knovm  as  Madame  Comelissen 
may  be  taken  as  the  type,  are  remarkably  well  suited  for  bedding  out  in  the 
open  air.  A  line  of  these  plants,  some  120  yards  in  length,  was  planted  in  front 
of  a  low  terrace  wall,  about  the  midiUe  of  last  May,  and  they  are  now,  during^ 
the  latter  part  of  October,  still  in  full  flower,  and  as  beautiful  and  effective  as 
ever.  They  were  struck  as  cuttings  during  the  autumn  of  1372,  and  were 
shaken  from  the  store-pots  and  planted  as  stated,  so  they  have  been  but  Httle 
trouble.  When  the  stems  shall  have  been  cut  down  by  frost,  the  roots  should 
be  covered  with  an  inch  or  two  of  dry  ashes,  which  it  is  expected  will  be  found 
to  be  sufficient  protection  for  them  during  the  ensuing  winter.— P.  Geievb, 
CufforJ. 

The  Gowan  again. — Just  a  word  more.  Your  correspondent,  who  supports 
Mr.  Jackson  Gillbauks  in  this  matter,  is  simply  helping  to  propagate  en'or.  Of 
all  men  Sir  Walter  Scott  was  the  least  likely  to  misapply  Scotch  names,  aud  he 
makes  Dandic  Dinmont's  wife  say  to  Harry  Bertram  in  "  Guy  Mannering,"  when 
she  showed  bim  to  his  bedroom,  the  sheets  were  "  bleached  on  the  bonny  white 
Go  wans  ;  "  and  in  that  inimitable  ballad  by  Wilbam  Laidlaw,  the  friend  of  Scott, 
called  "  Lucy's  Flittin  "  there  is  the  following  passage  :— "  The  lamb  likes  the 
Gowan  wi'  dew  when  its  drookit,"  by  which  is  meant  the  Daisy,  and  nothing  else. 
I  can  inform  your  correspondents  that  where  William  Laidlaw  lived,  the  Daisy 
is  called  by  no  other  name. — "  Meet  ub  nf  the  Gowasy  Lea." 


Nov.  1, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


357 


GARDEN     DESTROYERS. 

THE   COB-WEB  APPLE  MOTH. 

(vrONOMEUTA   COGNATELLA.) 

The  little  moth  represented  iu  the  accompanying  woodcut  is 
very  injurious  to  oar  Apple  trees.  As  is  often  the  case,  its 
size  bears  no  proportion  to  its  destructive  powers.  The 
Liparis  chrysorrhea,  for  example,  which  is  a  moderately  large 
Bombyx,  is  generally  thought  a  very  bad  inmate  in  an  orchard, 
and  on  the  continent  its  hurtful  propensities  are  so  well 
known,  and  the  means  of  counteracting  them  so  simple,  that 
municipalities  and  powers  have  given  it  renown,  by  enacting 
decrees  for  its  extermination  and  putting  a  price  upon  the 
heads  of  its  members ;  and  yet,  destructive  as  it  is,  it  is 
nothing  to  this  tiny  Yponomeuta.  The  Liparis  strips  the 
branch  on  which  the  brood  has  been  established — nay,  many 
branches  may  be  wholly  defoliated,  but  the  whole  tree  is  rarely 


The  Co)j-web  Apple  Moth. 

entirely  stripped;  whereas  the  Yponomeuta  spares  nothing; 
it  invades  the  whole  ti'ee,  and  leaves  it  as  bare  as  if  fire  or  the 
locust  had  passed  over  it.  One  thiug  only  it  leaves  behind  it, 
as  it  were  in  charity  or  contempt,  viz.,  a  white  veil  wrapped 
round  the  tree,  as  if  to  conceal  its  nakedness.  It  looks  like  a 
forgotten  skeleton,  enveloped  in  spiders'  webs. 

This  is  the  work  of  the  caterpillars.  Hatched  in  the 
previous  winter,  they  revive  in  the  months  of  May  and  June, 
and  the  eggs  from  which  they  spring  having  been  laid  in  the 
previous  autumn  in  numbers  near  each  other,  large  families 
or  societies  speedily  spin  a  commodious  tent,  represented  in 
tlie  woodcut,  in  which  they  are  sheltered  from  sun  and  rain. 
At  first  a  number  of  leaves  are  enclosed  iu  the  web,  and  on 
these  the  young  larvaB  feed.  These  are  soon  consumed.  The 
tent  is  then  enlarged,  and  more  leaves  covered  in.  When  all 
these  are  consumed,  they  flit  to  a  new  region,  where  they  spin  a 
new  web.  This  repeated  by  miiltitudes  of  families  all  over  the 
tree,  leaves  it  utterly  consumed,  and  annihilates  all  chance  of 
the  smallest   crop.     In  the  month  of  July  the  larva  passes 


into  the  chrysalis  state  in  its  web,  the  head  being  downwards. 
The  perfect  insect  comes  out  in  August.  After  coupling,  the 
female  lays  her  eggs  in  numbers  in  the  bifurcation  of 
the  branches.  The  young  larvas  are  hatched  in  the  month  of 
September.  They  then  shelter  under  a  slight  envelope  of 
silk,  when  they  pass  the  winter  in  a  state  of  torpidity,  out  of 
which  they  awake  in  the  montli  of  May,  to  follow  the  course 
of  life  above  indicated.  This  species  feeds  on  the  Apple,  the 
Thorn,  and  sometimes  on  the  Service  tree ;  rarely,  if  ever,  on 
anything  else.  The  larva,  when  young,  at  the  beginning  of 
May,  is  yellowish-white,  covered  with  small  blackish  points  ; 
the  head  and  plate  of  the  first  segment  blackish  brown.  When 
it  is  adult,  at  the  end  of  June,  it  is  velvety  grey,  with  two 
dorsal  rows  of  deep  black  quadrangular  spots.  The  head,  the 
plate  of  the  first  segment,  and  the  true  legs,  are  dull  black. 
The  perfect  insect  has  the  upper  wings  entirely  pure  white, 
without  any  tinge  of  leaden  hue,  and  with  about  twenty-four 
small  black  spots.  The  lower  wings  are  blackish.  The  figures 
are  slightly  enlarged.  No  satisfactory  remedy  has  been  found 
for  this  scourge.  Scorching  the  nests  with  blazing  torches 
and  sweeping  them  away  with  stiff  brooms  have  been 
suggested ;  but  the  suggestions  are  neither  very  practical  nor 


efficient. 


A.M. 


THE  HEAKT  AND  DART  MOTH. 


(agrotis  exclamationis.) 
Upon  meeting  with  a  caterpillar,  people  are  apt  to  consider  it 
an  objectionable  creature,  ugly,  and  loathsome,  and  quite  unfit 
to  live,  and  the  poor  insect  is  generally  sacrificed  to  the  feeling 
of  the  moment,  and  hurriedly  trodden  under  foot.  But  cater- 
pillars are  neither  always  ugly,  nor  destructive,  as  many  of 
them  confine  themselves  to  the  weeds  and  other  worthless 
plants  which  we  are  glad  to  have  destroyed,  and  to  keep  down. 
Many  of  the  caterpillars  of  some  of  the  most  beautiful  butter- 
flies feed  exclusively  upon  Nettles  and  Thistles,  and  some  of  the 
larva?  of  the  rarest  moths  confine  themselves  entirely  to  Brambles 
and  Docks.  A  general  idea  also  appears  to  prevail  that  all 
caterpillars  become  in  time  butterflies,  whereas  the  greater 
number  and,  in  some  instances,  the  most  hurtful,  are  the  larvas 
of  moths.  At  the  present  time  one  of  these,  the  caterpillar  of 
the  Heart  and  Dart  moth  (Agrotis  exclamationis)  is  busy  making 
its  autumnal  attack  upon  such  of  the  vegetables  as  are  still 
left  in  the  ground ;  it  feeds  only  by  night  on  Turnips  and 
Cabbages  and  other  vegetables,  and  may  be  found  with  the 
assistance  of  a  lantern.  This  is  one  of  the  ugly  grubs  which 
the  ladies  and  the  gardeners  loathe,  of  a  dirty  brownish  putty 
colour,  with  darker  markings ;  it  is  now  full  fed,  and 
though  only  found  above  ground  at  night,  it  may  be  dug  up 
either  in  the  caterpillar  or  the  chrysalis  state  in  the  day  time, 
and  only  deserves  a  violent  death.  Owen  Wilson. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  GARDEN  DESTEOYERS. 


Guano  versus  Ants.— Will  any  of  your  readers  kindly  luform  me  whetliei* 
they  have  had  any  experience  of  the  reputed  efficacy  of  guano  in  banishing  these 
troublesome  and  hard-to-be-routed  pests  ? — G.  A.,  Wentporf. 

Woodlice  iu  Frames.— After  trying  various  remedies,  I  have  found  pouring 
boiling  water  romid  the  inside  of  my  frames  the  most  effectual.  Of  course  I 
pour  the  water  close  to  the  sides  of  the  frame,  taking  care  not  to  let  it  reach  any 
part  of  the  plants.  I  have  also  trapped  them  in  great  numbers  in  flower-pots 
containing  a  piece  of  Apple  or  Potato  as  a  bait,  with  some  dry  Moss  loosely 
placed  over  it.  This,  however,  is  a  more  tedious  way  of  getting  rid  of  them 
than  by  means  of  the  boiling  water  as  just  described. — H.  W.,  Bath. 

Lawn  Sand.— I  have  lately  heard  that  there  is  some  kind  of  sand  which 
kills  weeds  in  lawns.  I  shall  be  obUged  if  you  will  tell  me  what  this  is  and 
where  I  can  get  it.— 'E.S.  C,  CardiJ'.  [We  presume  you  allude  to  Watson's 
Lawn  Sand,  a  chemical  preparation  which  is  said  to  possess  the  remarkable 
property  of  destroying  Dandelions,  Daisies,  Clover,  Plantains,  and  other  weeds, 
without  injuring  the  Grass.  We  have  had  no  experience  of  it  ourselves,  but 
the  preparation  is  well  recommended  by  testimonials.  You  will  most  likely  be 
able  to  procure  it  from  or  through  any  of  the  leading  nursery  firms.] 

A  New  Rat-trap.-— A  new  manner  of  catching  rats  is,  according  to  the 
JVfiv  Yurie  Tribune,  exciting  great  interest  among  householders.  A  barrel  is 
tilled  half  full  of  water.  A  layer  of  powdered  cork  is  laid  on  its  surface,  and 
over  this  a  layer  of  corn  meal  is  sifted.  A  chair  and  a  box  or  two  are  placed 
unobtrusively  in  the  neighbourhood,  whereby  the  rat  gains  the  edge  of  the 
barrel.  He  sees  nothing  but  the  meal.  He  has  no  innate  ideas  which  teach 
him  to  beware  of  the  treacherous  foundation  on  which  that  tempting  surface 
rests.  He  sniffs,  he  leaps,  and  goes  gently  down  through  meal  and  cork  to  his 
watery  grave.  If  any  of  his  friends  see  him  disappear  from  the  edge  of  the 
barrel,  they  hasten  after  him  to  get  their  share  of  the  probable  plunder,  and 
are  in  turn  taken  in  by  hospitable  death. 


3S8 


'THE  GARDEN. 


[Nov.  1, 1873. 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 

THE    GUBKNSEY    LILT. 

(nERINE    SjUINIENSIS.) 

Passing  through   Covent   Garden,   or  looking  into  our  seedsmen's 
shops,  we  arc  struck  by  the  unsightly  bulbs  just  shooting  out  the 
curious  snake-like  brown  stems  of  the  Guernsey  Lily.     Unsightly  as 
they  are,  they  will  produce  in  a  few  weeks  one  of  the  most  lovely 
blossoms   of  the  beautiful  tribe  to  which   they  belong— a  blossom 
■which  is  already  a  great  favourite  with  many,  but  which  deserves  to 
be  more  generally  known  and  cultivated.     There  is  a  special  charm 
about  these  bulbous  plants,  which  may  be  grown  so  easily  in  a  room, 
and  the  development  of  which  may  so  readily  be  watched — and  there 
is  no  more  welcome  present  to  an  invalid  at  the  present  time  than  a 
few   bulbs  of  the    Guernsey   Lily,   which  may  be  followed   up  by 
hyacinth  or  tulip  bulbs  as  the  year  advances.     Although  called  the 
Guernsey  Lily,  this  beautiful  Neriue  is  not  a  native  of  that  island. 
According  to  Dr.  Morison's  account  of  the  plant,  written  in  1680,  a 
Dutch  or  English  ship   (it  is  uncertain  which),  coming  from  Japan, 
with  some   bulbs  of  this  Lily  on  board,  was  wrecked  on  the  coast  of 
Guernsey  ;  the  roots  were  cast  upon  the  shore  and  soon  buried  in  the 
sand,  by  the  force  of  the  winds  and  waves.     Some  years  afterwards, 
to   the   great    surprise   of    the   inhabitants,    the    flowers    appeared 
in  all    their  beauty,   and  the  plant  was  soon  afterwards  introduced 
to   England,    having    been    cultivated    at    Wimbledon    by    General 
Lambert      in      1659.       It      had      previously      flowered      at     Paris 
on   tlie   7th  of   October,   1634,   roots    having    been    brought   there 
from  Nagasaki.     The  above  is  the  generally  received  account  of  its 
introduction  to  Guernsey,  but  other  statements  of  the  fact  are  on 
record.     Thus,  it   is  said  that  the  natives  of  the  island,  finding  the 
roots  cast  upon  their  shores,  thought  they  were  Onions,  and  planted 
tliem  as  such,  being  greatly  surprised  when,  a  year  or  two  after,  the 
flowers  were  produced.     Another  version  of  the  story  states  that  the 
roots  were   among  the   ballast  of   a  merchant  ship  from  the  West 
Indies,  which  unloaded  at  Guernsey,  and  that  the  plants  sprang  up 
among  the  ballait.     Dr.  James  Douglas,  who  wrote  a  long  illustrated 
account  of  the  plant  in  1725,  and  a  second  one  in  1737,  gives  the 
following  traditions,  which  show  that  the  evidence  upon  the  point 
is    somewhat     conflicting.     He    says : — "  A    gentleman     told    Mr. 
Knowlton  that  a  ship  from  Japan  being  cast  away  on  that  island,  or 
obliged  to  put  in  there  by  stress  of  weather,  a  passenger  who  had  a 
good   number  of   these  roots  on   board,  made  a  present  of   some  of 
them  to  a  gentleman  by  whom  he  had  been  very  kindly  received  ; 
telling  him  withal  what  beautiful  flowers  they  would  yield  him  in  a 
few  years.     The  gentleman  took  care  to  have  them  planted,  but  no 
ilower    appearing  in    three  or    four    years  afterwards,  he   ordered 
them   to   be  dug  up,  and  thrown  awa}'  with  other   rubbish   into  a 
corner  of  his  garden  ;  and  there  he  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  them 
flower,  at  a  time  when  he  least  expected  it.  From  [another]  person  ho 
learned  that  his  own  mother,  who  had  been  a  great  lover  and  curious 
observer  of  this  flower  in  her  younger  days,  could  remember  perfectly 
well  that  sixty  years  ago  they  were  as  common  in  the  island  as  they 
are  at  this  day ;  and  that  even  then  it  was  a  custom  to  send  presents  of 
roots   to   England.     This   gentleman  added  further,  that  had    this 
plant  come  into  their  island  so  lately  as  Dr.   Morison  pi-eteuds,  he 
does  not  see  how  it  is  possible  the  roots  should  have  multiplied  so 
prodigiously,  that   they  could   afford   to  send  such  vast  quantities 
of   them   every   year   to   England,    besides    the    immense    number 
always  to  be  found  in  the  island.     Since  Mr.  Knowlton's  return  from 
Guernsey,  Mr.  Henry  de  Saumarez  acquainted  him  that  the  person 
who  entertained,  and  received  a  present  of  these  roots  from,  the  fore, 
mentioned   passenger  from    Japan  was  his  own  grandfather ;  that 
these  roots  were  but  sis  in   number,  though    the  whole  stock  in 
the   island   had  been  raised  from   them  ;  and  that  this  must  have 
happened   about   four   or   more   years   ago."      It    appears    on    the 
same    authority    that    the     "  universal    tradition "    in     Jersey    is 
that   the  plant  was   brought    from  the  East  Indies,    and  that  for 
this   reason   it   is  known  as  the  Indian    flower  ;  they  also  call  it, 
but  inappropriately,   la   helle   de  nuit.     Krompfor,   who  met  with  it 
in  Japan,  says  that  the  root  is  there  considered  poisonous.     Like 
other  members  of  the  genus,  it  is  also  a  native  of  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  being  abundant  about  Table  Mountain.     The  singularly  lovely 
colour  of  the   flowers  is  much  dilated   upon  by  Dr.   Douglas.     He 
says,  "  In  this  flower  there  is  a  beautiful  complication  of  different 
shades  of  red  that  all  follow  one  another  ;  for  when  it  is  in  its  prime 
there   may   be   plainly   discerned  in  it :  1,  a  Carnation;  2,  a  pale 
scarlet ;  3,  a  fuller  scarlet ;  4,  a  Modena  ;  and,  5,  a  crimson.     When 
we  look  upon  the  flower  in  full  sunshine,  each  leaf  appears  to  be 
studded  with  thousands  of  little  diamonds,  sparkling  and  glittering 
with  a  most  surprising  and  agreeable  lustre  ;  but  if  we  view  the 
same  by  caudle  light,  these  numerous  specks  or  spangles  look  more 


like  fine  gold  dust."  The  length  of  time  during  which  the  blossoms 
endure  is  not  among  the  least  recommendations  of  this  beautiful 
plant.  There  is  no  difiieulty  in  cultivating  the  Guernsey  Lily ;  all 
that  is  necessary  is  to  plant  it  in  light  peaty  sandy  soil,  in  a 
moderately  deep  pot,  taking  care  that  the  bulb  is  covered. — Comitrtj. 


GARLAJSTDS. 

The  use  of  garlands  (says  the  Argnsij),  both  at  weddings  and  funerals, 
is  of  great  antiquity.  According  to  Pliny,  however,  flowers  were  not 
used  in  garlands  till  about  the  year  380  B.C.  Before  this  date  they 
were  composed  exclusively  of  branches  of  trees,  or  green  herbs.  He 
relates  that  the  painter  Pausias  being  in  love  with  the  garland- 
maker  Glycera,  first  caused  flowers  to  be  combined  with  the  green. 
These  two,  the  one  working  in  the  materials  nature  gave  to  her 
hand,  the  other  imitating  them  on  his  canvas,  vied  with  each  other 
in  the  novelty  and  taste  of  their  designs,  and  thus  introduced  the 
fashion.  Amongst  the  Greeks,  Roses,  Violets,  and  Myrtle,  appear  to 
have  been  the  favourite  flowers  for  garlands.  The  first,  sacred  to 
the  Graces,  as  well  as  to  the  god  of  silence,  the  second  believed  to 
have  health.restoring  powers,  and  the  third  dedicated  to  Yenus, 
whose  alter  was  dedicated  with  wreaths  of  myrtle.  By  the  laws  of 
the  twelve  tables,  those  were  crowned  with  garlands  when  dead,  who 
in  life  had  merited  the  honour.  The  pubUc  games  had  each  a 
distinctive  crown,  and  not  only  had  the  victors  their  temples 
wreathed  with  Parsley,  Fennel,  or  other  herbs,  but,  according  to 
Pliny,  a  like  token  of  respect  was  granted  to  their  parents.  Amongst 
the  Komans,  the  same  custom  prevailed  ;  and  a  civic  crown  of  Oak 
leaves  was  the  reward  of  him  who  had  saved  the  life  of  a  Roman 
citizen.  A  Roman  bride  wore  a  chaplet  of  flowers  and  herbs  upon 
her  head,  and  a  girdle  of  wool  about  her  waist,  and  at  funeral 
feasts  the  mourners  wore  garlands  while  celebrating  the  virtues  and 
achievements  of  the  dead.  When  paganism  retired  before  the 
advance  of  Christianity,  all  ancient  customs  were  not  abolished  ; 
and  the  beautiful  and  significant  use  of  herbs  and  flowers  at  wed- 
dings and  funerals  was  still  retained.  In  Cole's  "Art  of  Simpling  " 
he  thus  speaks  of  garlands  formed  of  the  Cypress,  Rosemary,  and 
Bay.  "  They  are  all  plants  which  fade  not  a  good  while  after  they 
are  gathered  and  used — as  I  conceive — to  intimate  nnto  us,  that  the 
remembrance  of  the  present  solemnity  might  not  die  presently,  but 
be  kept  in  mind  for  many  years."  Flowers,  on  the  contrary',  were 
used  as  emblematic  of  the  shortness  of  life.  Amongst  the  Anglo- 
Saxons,  flowers  appeared  both  at  their  bridal  and  burial  feasts. 
After  the  "  benedictial  ceremony,"  as  Strutt  calls  it,  the  bride  and 
bridegroom  were  crowned.  But  as  these  garlands  were  kept  in  the 
church  on  purpose,  they  must  of  course  have  been  composed  of 
artificial  flowers.  That  bridal  chaplets  continued  to  be  worn,  con- 
temporary writers  bear  witness.  Chaucer  takes  care  not  to  omit  the 
garland  in  describing  Griselde  adorned  for  her  marriage.  In  the 
fifteenth  century  brides  wore  garlands  either  of  flowers  or  corn- 
ears." 

The  poets  and  authors  of  the  sixteenth  and  seventeenth  centuries 
abound  with  references  to  plants  and  flowers  as  used  both  in  bridal 
and  funeral  ceremonies.  At  this  period,  trees,  herbs,  and  flowers 
had  a  clearly  defined  significance.  Cypress  and  Tew  were  emble- 
matic of  death  and  immortality ;  Rue  was  the  "  herb  o'  grace ; " 
Rosemary  was  for  remembrance,  and  is  mentioned  by  several  old 
herbalists  as  good  for  strengthening  the  memory.  Viplets  symbolised 
fidelity,  the  Columbine  desertion,  and  the  Willow  has  been  from  time 
immemorial  the  tree  of  mourning,  especially  devoted  to  forsaken 
lovers.  These  sweet  old  superstitions  have  disai^peared  before  the 
light  of  reason.  Wo  no  longer  believe  in  the  signatures  of  plants 
and  their  consequent  efiicacy,  but  the  familiar  flowers  of  our  poets 
still  speak  to  us  in  a  language  we  feel,  while  the  grander  exotics  are 
dumb.  Strutt  gives  a  detailed  description  of  a  wedding  procession 
in  the  time  of  Queen  Elizabeth.  The  author  is  speaking  of  the 
marriage  of  his  hero.  "  The  bride  being  attired  in  a  gown  of 
sheep's  russet,  and  a  kirtle  of  fine  worsted,  her  head  attired  with  a 
billiment  of  gold,  and  her  hair  as  yellow  as  gold  hanging  down 
behind  her,  which  was  curiously  combed  and  pleated,  according  to 
the  manner  of  these  days  ;  she  was  led  to  church  between  two  sweet 
boys,  with  bride  laces,  and  Rosemary  tied  about  their  silken  sleeves. 
Then  was  there  a  fair  bride  cup,  of  silver  gilt,  carried  befoi'c  her, 
wherein  was  a  goodly  branch  of  Rosemary  gilded  very  fair,  and 
hung  about  with  silken  ribbons  of  all  colours ;  next  there  was  a 
noise  of  musicians,  that  played  all  the  way  before  her. — After  her, 
came  the  chiefest  maidens  of  the  country,  some  bearing  bride  cakes, 
and  some  garlands  made  of  Wheat  finely  gilded,  and  so  passed  to 
the  church ;  and  the  bridegroom  finely  apparelled,  with  the  young 
men  followed  close  behind."  By  this  it  would  seem  that  the 
emblematic  garlands  were  carried  by  the  bridesmaids,  and  that  the 
bride  wore  instead  an  ornament  of  gold.     At  the  end  of  the  seven 


Nov.  1,  1873.] 


THE  GAEDEN. 


359 


tecnth  or  beginning  of  tho  eighteenth  century,  garlands  were  still 
borne  at  funerals,  though  they  were  then  mostly  composed  of 
artificial  flowers,  with  a  mi.xture  of  gold  and  silver  tinsel,  silk,  dyed 
horn,  and  other  tawdry  additions.  In  the  centre  of  these  crowns 
or  garlands  hung  a  piece  of  white  paper  shaped  in  the  form  of  a 
glove,  on  which  the  name  and  age  of  the  deceased  was  inscribed. 
In  Yorkshire,  and  other  parts  of  England,  tho  custom  of  hanging  up 
garlands  of  cut  white  paper  over  the  seat  that  a  "  virgin  dead  "  had 
once  occupied  in  church,  prevailed  to  a  late  date.  At  the  present 
time  in  various  parts  of  Germany  and  northern  Europe,  a  maiden 
when  laid  in  her  coffin,  is  crowned  with  a  Jlyrtle  wreath.  In  the 
south  also  the  bodies  of  young  girls  and  children  are  crowned,  but 
generally  with  artificial  flowers,  too  oflon  of  a  tawdry  kind.  The 
wreaths  of  Immortelles  on  the  tombs  abroad,  particularly  in  France, 
are  familiar  to  everyone.  It  is  a  touching  spectacle  to  see  whole 
families  loaded  with  flowers  and  garlands,  trooping  to  the  cemeteries 
on  All  Souls'  Day,  to  deposit  their  tribute  of  love  at  the  graves  of 
the  departed.  In  Pere-la. Chaise,  the  tomb  of  Abelard  and  Heloise 
used  to  be  pointed  out,  tho  effigies  almost  concealed  by  wreaths  of 
Immortelles  placed  there  by  "  Ics  amoureiix  inJoHunCs,"  it  was  said. 
To  revert  to  the  brighter  side  of  the  subject,  garlands  have  continued 
to  constitute  an  essential  part  of  bridal  array,  in  all  countries, 
though  the  flowers  selected  for  this  purpose  vary.  In  Normandy 
Eoses  find  favour.  When  a  man  has  little  or  no  dowry  to  give  his 
daughter,  it  is  a  saying  there,  that  he  will  give  her  a  chaplet  of 
Roses.  In  Italy  the  Jasmine  is  the  flower  selected.  In  Germany  the 
Myrtle  wreath  prevails,  as  in  the  classic  days  of  Greece  and  Rome. 
It  is  a  frequent  practice  for  a  young  girl  to  plant  a  Myrtle,  and  to 
■watch  and  tend  it,  till  the  time  arrives  when  she  requires  its  delicate 
blossoms  for  a  bridal  wreath.  Should  she  die  unmarried,  the  same 
Myrtle  furnishes  her  "  Todtenkranz."  It  is  considered  extremely 
unlucky  to  present  another  with  Myrtle  from  a  plant  dedicated  to  one 
alone,  either  for  life  or  death.  The  Myrtle  crown  of  the  bride  is 
frequently  allnded  to  by  German  poets.  In  the  northern  provinces 
of  Germany,  and  in  Scandinavia,  the  bridal  crowns  are  composed  of 
artificial  Myrtle,  ornamented  in  a  manner  more  showy  than  tasteful, 
with  additional  flowers  in  gold  and  silver.  These  crowns  are  often  a 
foot  or  more  in  height.  In  the  evening  the  garlands  are  "  ahjetan-zt," 
danced  off ;  a  lively  tune  strikes  up,  and  the  bridesmaids  and  other 
girls  dance  round  the  bride,  wio  is  blindfolded.  Suddenly  the  music 
stops,  when  the  bride  places  the  crown  on  the  head  of  the  girl  who 
happens  to  stand  before  her  at  tho  moment.  Of  course  tho  maiden 
thus  crowned  will  be  the  next  to  be  married.  These  bridal  wreaths 
are  kept  as  cherished  mementoes — often  under  glass.  Should  a  silver 
wedding-day  arrive,  after  twenty -five  years  of  married  life,  a  silver 
wreath  is  worn.  Should  the  venerable  couple  survive  to  celebrate 
the  fiftieth  anniversary,  the  matron  is  crowned  with  a  golden 
garland.  German  ladies  of  high  rank  have  now,  however,  like  the 
English,  almost  universally  adopted  the  wreath  of  Orange  blossoms. 
The  first  idea  of  wearing  this  flower  in  bridal  garlands  seems  to  have 
been  derived  from  the  Saracens,  amongst  whom  the  Orange  branch, 
from  the  circumstance  of  its  bearing  fruit  and  flowers  at  the  same 
time,  was  considered  an  emblem  of  prosperity.  By  the  Saracens  not 
only  the  Orange  itself,  but  its  symbolic  meaning  was  introduced  into 
Spain,  and  thence  into  Prance ;  thus,  the  fashion  of  wearing  the 
blossom  travelled  northwards  to  England.  None  of  our  older  poets 
allude  to  the  Orange  blossom ;  it  is  probable,  therefore,  that  it  is  of 
comparatively  modern  use  as  a  bridal  adornment.  It  has  been  sug- 
gested that  the  fashion  was  introduced  into  England  by  Henrietta 
Maria,  Queen  of  Charles  I. ;  but  this  seems  to  be  mere  conjecture. 
Thus,  in  all  times  and  places,  have  flower  garlands  been  associated 
with  the  happiest  and  most  mournful  epochs.  Lovely  emblems 
whispering  to  us  of  faith  and  remembrance,  of  mortal  joys  and 
immortal  hopes. 


Japanese  Plant  Shops. — The  shops  of  horticulturists  are  full 
of  elegant  aquariums,  combining  the  elements  of  a  landscape — 
a  pond  with  tiny  islands,  a  pile  of  rocks,  a  little  cottage  on  the 
slope  of  a  miniature  mountain,  on  the  top  of  which  are  growing 
Lilliputian  Cedar  trees  and  Bamboos;  handsome  basins  of  blue 
porcelain  with  marine  plants  growing  out  of  beds  of  shells  and 
fine  sand,  and  strange  fishes  of  tho  tropics  sporting  in  the  clear 
water;  bird  cages,  surmounted  with  a  vase  of  flowers  and  long 
Grasses  and  Vines,  which  give  tho  birds  the  appearance  of  nestling 
under  a  dome  of  verdure.  Dwarf  trees  and  gigantic  flowers, 
in  striking  contrast,  abound  on  every  side,  and  so  great  is  their 
variety  and  beauty,  that  it  would  really  be  embarrassing  to  make  a 
selection.  It  is  a  noticeable  fact  that  the  Chinese  taste  for  distorting 
plants  and  trees  into  the  shape  of  animals  does  not  prevail  in  Japan, 
and,  with  the  exception  of  dwarfing  them,  they  are  allowed  to  grow 
according  to  the  laws  of  Nature,  and  also  that  the  collections  of  ever- 
green and  variegated  plants  are  most  extensive  and  beautiful. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 


TRIALS   OP  PEARS. 

FiiOM  the  always  interesting  Alhany  Cultivator  we  glean  some  hints 
as  to  the  opinions  on  Pears  given  at  the  recent  great  fruit-growers' 
meeting  at  Boston  : — 

Washington.— In  some  places  this  has  the  drawback  of 
dropping  its  leaves,  rendering  it  occasionally  worthless. 

Belle  LiUCrative. — This  was  generally  regarded  as  a  variety  for 
the  amateur  only,  of  excellent  quality  under  the  most  favourable 
influences  ;  but  of  no  value  for  market. 

Goodale. — This  was  mentioned  as  a  promising  new  sort ;  but, 
although  a  fine  grower  and  a  handsome  fruit,  it  was  not  generally 
considered  as  better  than  "third-rate"  in  quality. 

Souvenir  du  Congres. — This  was  regarded  by  several  pome, 
legists  present  as  one  of  the  most  promising — perhaps  the  most  so — 
of  all  the  new  sorts.  Mr.  P.  Barry  alluded  to  its  lai-ge  size,  handsome 
appearance,  great  productiveness,  and  handsome  growth,  and  also 
to  the  fine  quality  of  the  fruit.  President  Wilder  and  some  others 
confirmed  this  opinion.  Mr.  Thomas  agreed  on  all  points  except  its 
quality,  which  he  feared  would  not  prove  good  enough. 

Beurre  d'Anjou. — When  the  name  of  this  Pear  was  announced, 
the  president  called  for  objections  to  it — not  for  commendations, 
which  might  be  had  in  abundance,  but  for  positive  faults,  if  there  were 
any — as  the  shortest  way  to  arrive  at  the  characteristics  belonging 
to  this  renowned  Pear.  Immediately  a  large  number  of  voices  were 
heard  in  its  praise — which,  it  seemed,  could  not  be  kept  down — when 
the  president  repeated  his  request  for  faults  or  defects,  and  not  for 
excellent  points.  Mr.  Foote,  of  Massachusetts,  and  one  other 
member  responded  by  saying  that  the  only  fault  was  the  occasional 
occurrence  of  small  hard  lumps  in  the  flesh. 


FRUIT  GATHERERS, 
a  Belgian  fruit-gatherer    (see 


TouE  notice  of 

reminded  me  of  one  which  I 

South  Germany. 


p.   218),  has 

used  with  the  best  results  in 

The  construction  of  this  simple  implement 


nmM 


may  bo  easily  understood  from  the  accompanying  illustration. 
Tho  fruit,  when  taken  between  the  teeth  and  broken  ofE,  falls 
into  the  linen  bag.  G.  W. 


An  Orchard  Ladder. — For  large  trees  (says  J.  B.  Smith  in 
the  New  Yorlc  Tribune)  you  want  a  long  light  ladder.  I  made  ono 
from  Poplar  boards  1  inch  thick  and  12  feet  long.  It  was  spliced  in 
the  middle,  making  a  ladder  23  feet  long.  The  sides  were  4 
inches  wide  at  the  bottom,  6  inches  in  the  middle,  and  3  inches  at 
the  top.  The  ladder  is  2j  feet  wide  at  the  bottom  and  1  foot  at 
the  top.  The  rounds  ai'o  Ij  inch  square,  and  the  holes  in  the  side 
pieces  J  of  an  inch.  One  man  can  raise  it  from  the  ground,  and  it 
will  bear  ISO  lbs.  and  a  bushel  of  Apples.  It  has  been  in  use  threo 
years  and  is  a  stiff  and  good  ladder,  and  for  its  length  much  tho 
lightest  I  ever  saw. 

Clapp's  Favourite  Pear. —  My  experience  of  this  Pear  has 
been  so  successful  that  I  am  anxious  to  record  the  result.  I  have 
now  fruited  this  variet}-  three  years,  and  no  other  Pear  grown  this 
season  has  given  me  so  much  satisfaction.  It  grows  freely,  and 
nothing  can  equal  its  dark,  vigorous,  luxuriant  branches,  and  massive 
glossy  foliage.  My  trees  of  it  are  all  standards,  now  six  years  from 
tho  scion,  and  some  of  them  have  attained  lai'ge  growth.  Although 
I  possess  an  extensive  variety  of  most  of  the  new  and  choice  Pears, 
I  prefer  Clapp's  Favourite  to  anything  which  I  have  up  to  this  date. 
No  fruit  can  be  more  beautiful  than  Clapp's  Favourite  when 
properly  ripened.  It  should  be  picked  as  soon  as  the  stem  will  part 
readily  on  lifting  gently,  and  in  no  case  should  it  be  left  to  colour. 
I  have  as  yet  had  none  of  this  Pear  for  market,  but  think  it  must 
prove  ,a  valuable  variety  for  profit,  owing  to  its  large  and  uniformly 
handsome  appearance.  It  is  generally  supposed  to  be  a  cross 
between  the  Flemish  Beauty  and  Williams. — -C. 


360 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Nov.  1,  1873. 


THE    GARDENS   OF   ENGLAND. 

GRANGE   PARK. 

Tms,  the  seat  of  Lord  Ashburton,  is  situated  about  four  miles 
from  Alresford,  and  is  cue  of  the  finest  places  in  Hampshire. 
On  the  south  side  of  the  river  Itchin,  which  runs  through  the 
jjark,  are  the  mansion,  a  noble  building  in  the  Grecian  style, 
and  the  principal  flower  gardens  ;  and  on  its  north  side  lie  the 
kitchen  gardens  and  forcing  grounds,  together  with  a  belt  of 
ornamental  ground  and  shrubberies.  On  the  east  side  of  the 
mansion,  at  some  distance  oS,  is  a  wood  containing  some  fine 
trees,  particularly  three  Cedars  of  Lebanon,  the  trunk  of  one 
of  which  measures  13  feet  7  inches  in  girth  at  3  feet  from  the 
ground,  and  that  of  a  second  specimen  only  a  trifle  less,  while 
the  latter  has  a  clean  unbranched  bole  of  some  30  feet  from  the 
ground.  These  grow  close  to  the  little  noisy  Itchin,  which 
emerges  from  this  wood  under  a  bridge,  built  in  a  rustic 
manner  with  flints,  and  clothed  with  Ivy.  After  passing 
through  the  bridge,  it  widens  out  until  it  acquires  the  dimen- 
sions of  a  lake,  the  water  in  which,  resting  as  it  does  on  the 
chalk,  is  as  clear  as  crystal,  and  a  favourite  resort  of  wild  fowl. 
A  pathway  winds  along  near  its  margin  on  the  north  side,  and 
between  that  and  the  kitchen  garden  is  a  strip  of  grass  lawn, 
on  which  are  flower-beds  and  isolated  shrubs  and  small  trees. 
The  further  side  of  this  lawn  is  furnished  with  an  arcade  made 
of  wire  160  yards  in  length,  with  a  series  of  archways  in  front 
covered  with  Roses,  Clematises,  Jessamines,  Ivy,  Aristolocbia 
Sipho,  Everlasting  Peas,  and  similar  plants.  This  cuts 
off  the  ornamental  ground  from  the  kitchen  garden,  and 
confines  the  view  to  the  river  and  the  park  beyond  it. 
Opposite  the  mansion  the  Itchin  becomes  a  lake  of  consider- 
able size  ornamented  with  islands,  thickly  planted  with  trees 
and  shrubs.  Here,  too,  the  banks  become  irregular, 
occasionally  pushing  out  into  the  water  bold  promontories, 
on  one  of  which  nestles  a  little  Rosery.  The  lake  is  again 
gathered  up  into  a  rivulet  spanned  by  a  bridge  made  of  large 
boulders,  half  hid  among  Ivy;  and  here  a  little  waterfall  has 
been  constructed,  the  constant  murmur  of  which  gives  life 
to  the  scene.  Everywhere  occurs  fine  timber,  and  the  park  is 
studded  with  lofty  Beeches,  Limes,  and  other  trees.  Near 
the  water's  edge  is  a  grand  specimen  of  Pampas  Grass,  con- 
sisting of  both  male  and  female  plants  in  one  clump.  The 
former  has  developed  over  a  hundred  flower-spikes,  and  the 
latter  about  three  dozen.  Of  flower  gardens  there  are  two, 
formed  on  terraces  near  the  mansion  ;  one  is  on  Grass,  the 
other  Box  on  gravel ;  both  are  in  the  geometrical  style,  and 
each  has  a  basin  and  fountam  in  its  centre.  Umbrella-headed 
trees  and  Laurels  bound  these  terraces,  and  a  very  large 
Rosery  is  about  to  be  formed  between  the  mansion  and  the 
water. 

The  plant-houses,  properly  so-called,  consist  of  two  span- 
roofed  structures  placed  in  the  fruit  forcing  department. 
One  of  these  structures  is  50  feet  long  and  22  feet  wide,  and 
is  a  light  and  elegant  building,  erected  by  Messrs.  Messenger, 
of  Loughborough,  two  years  ago.  It  is  devoted  to  the  growth 
of  stove  plants,  and  the  other  is  an  old-fashioned  house,  used 
for  odds  and  ends.  Poinsettias  are  cultivated  here  largely, 
and  are  now  in  the  Pine  stoves,  and  Begonias,  Pelargoniums, 
and  a  few  other  plants  for  the  decoration  of  the  conservatory 
are  kept  for  a  time  in  the  fruit  houses.  We  observed  in  a 
Pine  pit  a  fine  example  of  Stephanotis  floribunda  (eighteen 
months'  old  fi'om  the  cutting)  growing  in  a  tub  plunged  in 
leaves  over  a  hot-water  tank,  a  situation  in  which  it  has  thriven 
so  well  as  to  cover  the  whole  roof,  and  is  now  blooming  pro- 
fusely. Violets,  in  addition  to  being  grown  in  frames,  are 
protected  after  October,  out  of  doors,  with  hoops  and  mats, 
so  as  to  keep  off  heavy  rains,  which  are  liable  to  impair  their 
fragrance.  The  conservatory,  which  is  a  large,  wide,  double 
span-roofed  structure,  with  an  arched  jjassage  in  the  centre, 
is  attached  to  the  mansion,  with  which  it  agi-ees  in  style. 
Inside  paths  surround  and  intersect  it,  the  intersections 
being  beds  containing  ornamental  plants  in  great  luxuriance. 
The  back  wall  is  covered  with  a  trellis,  on  which  climbers  of 
many  kinds  are  trained ;  and  on  the  pillars  which  support  the  roof, 
and  also  in  front,  and  on  the  roof,  this  kind  of  drapery  prevails. 
Here  Tacsonia  Van  Volxemi  has  attained  wonderful  proportions 
and  is  not  only  fiowering  profusely,  but  fruiting  freely,  the 


fruit  being  considered  a  valuable  addition  to  the  dessert. 
Variegated  Abutilons  are  now  laden  with  flowers,  as  are  also 
Passion-flowers,  Plumbago  capensis,  and  Cassia  floribunda. 
No  conservatory,  indeed,  should  be  without  these  fine  and  easily- 
grown  autumn-blooming  plants.  Mandevillas,  Coba^as,  and 
other  soft-wooded  climbers,  are  also  much  prized  on  account 
of  their  covering  bare  spaces  quickly.  Lapagerias  are  planted 
against  the  central  pillars,  and  around  their  base  are  collars  of 
zinc  to  prevent  woodlice  from  injuring  the  young  shoots, 
which  otherwise  they  would  be  apt  to  do.  The  beds  were 
entirely  renovated  about  two  years  ago,  fresh  compost  being 
introduced;  therefore  the  plants  are  now  growing  freely  and 
even  robustly.  Here  a  grand  specimen  of  Musa  Ensete  pro- 
mises to  be  a  rival  to  the  fine  plant  that  was  in  the  Palm 
house  at  Kew,  two  years  ago,  and  of  Latania  barbonica, 
Seaforthia  elegans,  and  Tree-Fcrns  there  are  noble  speci- 
mens, all  planted  out.  Two  of  these — Dicksonia  antarctica — 
have  stems  about  10  feet  high  and  a  foot  in  diameter,  and  are 
surmounted  with  fine  crowns  of  fronds.  Dwarfer  plants, 
too,  do  equally  well ;  clearly  showing  that  when  plants  are 
put  out  into  beds  they  succeed  much  better  than  when  kejot 
in  pots. 

In  the  indoor  fruit  department.  Pines  are  grown  in  half- 
span  houses,  lately  erected  by  Messrs.  Weeks  &  Co.,  of 
Chelsea.  In  these  the  atmospheric  heat  is  supplied  by  two 
rows  of  4-inch  pipes  that  surround  the  house  within  the  walls, 
and  for  bottom  heat  a  tank  is  placed  under  the  bed,  which  is 
supported  on  slates.  In  this  tank  are  two  or  four  rows  of 
•1-inch  hot-water  pipes,  according  to  the  size  of  the  pit  or 
house  to  be  heated.  Queens,  Smooth-leaved  Cayennes,  and 
Black  Jamaicas  are  the  varieties  grown,  the  majority  consisting 
of  the  first  two,  in  every  stage,  from  suckers  lo  fruiting  plants ; 
all  are  grown  in  ijots,  12-inch  ones  being  the  size  used  for 
fruiting  them  in,  and  good  turfy  loam  from  the  Downs  is  the 
soil  employed.  The  pots  are  plunged  in  a  bed  of  leaves  sup- 
ported over  the  hot-water  tank  by  means  of  slate  flags,  and  they 
generally  receive  but  one  shift  from  the  sucker  state  to  the  fruit- 
ing stage.  A  span -roofed  pit  12  feet  in  width,  35  feet  in  length, 
and  separated  into  two  compartments  by  a  glass  partition,  is 
devoted  to  the  growth  of  Cucumbers  and  Melons.  It  is  heated 
like  the  Pine-pits,  and  in  one  division  are  Melons  and  in  the 
other  Cucumbers.  Victory  of  Bath  and  Royal  Ascot  Melons 
are  both  grown  here ;  the  first  of  which  has  the  reputation  of 
being  the  finest  green-fleshed  sort  in  cultivation  and  of  being 
an  early-fruiting  kind.  Several  sorts  of  compost  were  tried  for 
them,  such  as  selected  turf  from  the  Downs,  and  artificial 
soils,  but  none  has  been  found  so  good  as  some  common 
soil  from  a  quarter  in  the  kitchen  garden.  The  true  Telegraph 
is  the  favourite  Cucumber  for  winter  and  summer  fruiting,  as 
it  is  a  certain  and  prolific  cropper,  yielding  abundance  of  good 
medium-sized  fruits  that  are  much  more  useful  for  household 
purposes  than  some  of  the  very  large  fruits  of  some  of  our  new 
and  much  lauded  kinds. 

Against  the  kitchen  garden  wall,  facing  southward,  is  a 
range  of  lean-to  fruit-houses,  in  all  300  feet  long,  divided  into 
six  compartments,  each  50  feet  in  length.  Three  of  these 
divisions  are  used  as  Vineries,  which  are  16  feet  wide ;  two  as 
Peach-houses,  14  feet  wide  ;  and  the  other,  which  is  as  wide  as 
the  Vineries,  is  employed  as  a  Fig-house.  This  range  is 
constructed  of  iron,  with  copper  sash-bars,  and  is  ventilated  on 
the  old  principle  of  opening  each  sash  separately.  It  was 
formerly  heated  by  flues  ;  but  these  have  now  given  place  to 
4-inch  hot-water  pipes,  nearly  3,000  feet  of  which  are  heated 
most  satisfactorily  by  one  of  Messrs.  Weeks's  compensating 
boilers.  The  first  Vinery  has  only  been  lately  planted  with 
Black  Hamburghs,  Foster's  Seedling,  Buckland  Sweetwater, 
and  Duke  of  Buccleuch,  all  of  which  are  planted  inside  ;  but 
the  roots  have  communication  with  the  outside  border.  The 
inside  as  well  as  the  outside  borders  belonging  to  this 
Viucry  are  being  re-made  piecemeal,  so  as  to  prevent 
over-luxuriance,  and  to  promote  fertility.  The  second 
Vinery  also  contains  young  Vines  ;  but  here  they  are 
planted  between  the  old  ones,  so  that  the  latter  may  be 
entirely  removed  as  the  former  come  into  fruiting  condition. 
This  division  is  entirely  devoted  to  Muscats,  among  which 
are  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  the  Bowood  and  Canon  Hall 
Muscats.     In  the  third  \'inery,  which  is  a  late  one,  is  now 


Nov.  1,  1873.] 


THE   GAUDEN. 


351 


hanging  a  splendid  crop  of  Lady  Downe's  Grapes,  the  bimohes 
being  large  and  well  fiQished,  and  the  berries  as  black  as  jet, 
and  densely  covered  with  bloom.  Mr.  Grey  iut'ormed  us  that 
these  Grapes  keep  well  in  bottles  of  water  during  the  winter 
months,  but  he  recommends  that  they  should  be  thoroughly 
ripe  before  being  cut  from  the  Vines.  Tliis  Vine  border 
was  entirely  renewed  last  year,  and  from  the  promising 
condition  of  the  young  wood  satisfactory  results  may  be 
anticipated. 

In  the  Peach  houses,  the  trees  are  planted  against  the  back 
wall  and  also  in  front — not,  as  is  generally  the  case,  to  be 
trained  on  a  trellis  immediately  under  the  glass,  but  a  little 
pathway's  breadth  inward  from  the  hot-water  pipes  and  front 
shelf.  They  are  then  trained  on  an  iron  trellis,  the  upper  part 
of  which  is  bent  towards  the  back  wall.  Thus  the  trees 
on  the  latter  receive  sufficient  light,  as  do  also  the  front 
ones,  and  on  the  shelf  above  the  pipes   ornamental  plants, 


remain  therein,  for  some  of  them  have  been  found  300  yards 
distant,  rambliag  through  the  kitchen  garden.  One  of  these 
trees  is  considerably  larger  than  the  other,  and  covers  a  space 
of  630  square  feet,  and  every  year  both  plants,  which  are  Brown 
Turkeys,  produce  great  crops  of  Figs.  They  are  generally 
started  about  the  end  of  December  or  first  of  January  for  ripe 
fruit  in  April,  and  are  consequently  now  a  good  deal  exposed 
in  order  to  rest  them  a  little  before  they  are  forced.  About 
3000  plants  of  Strawberries  in  pots  are  annually  forced,  shelves 
for  their  accommodation  being  erected  in  the  Vineries,  Peach 
and  Fig  houses,  and  Pine  stoves,  and  the  succession  ones  are 
kept  in  cool  frames,  of  which  there  are  several  ranges  devoted 
to  plant-growing  in  summer  and  Strawberries  in  winter. 
French  Beans,  too,  are  fruited  indoors  in  the  warmer  houses, 
and  Osboru's  is  regai'ded  as  the  favourite  sort. 

The  kitchen  gardens   comprise  a  walled-in  square,  with  an 
intersecting  wall  in  the  middle.     The  soil  of  which  it  consists 


'  ''^^^^^iJ'b^S"  vj:^ 


Lake  View  in  the  Grounds  at  the  Grange,  Hampshire. 


French  Beans,  Strawberries,  &c.,  may  be  grown.  Some  Peach 
trees  in  pots  are  also  grown  here,  but  they  are  now  plunged 
out-of-doors.  Most  of  the  best  standard  sorts  are  grown, 
such  as  Grosse  Mignoune,  Late  Admirable,  Barrington,  and 
Violette  Hative,  in  one  house,  and  Royal  George  and  some  of 
the  newer  sorts  in  the  other.  Mr.  Grey  is  of  opinion  that 
Early  Louise  and  Early  Beatrice,  new  sorts  of  Peaches,  sent 
out  by  Mr.  Elvers,  Sawbridgeworth,  are  decidedly  the  best 
kinds,  and  of  Rivers's  Early  Newiugton  Nectarines,  too,  he 
speaks  very  highly.  In  one  of  the  Peach  houses  the  Guava  is 
ripening  a  heavy  crop  of  fruit,  and  it  does  so  annually,  with 
scarcely  any  trouble ;  bedding  plants,  too,  arc  generally 
wintered  in  these  houses,  as  when  the  trees  are  bare  of  leaves 
they  do  not  obstruct  light  much.  The  Fig  house  is  the  most 
remarkable  in  this  range.  In  it  are  two  immense  trees  planted 
in  an  outside  border,  introduced  within  like  Vines,  and  trained 
on  a  wire  trellis  up  the  front  of  the  glass  like  Peaches.  Although 
a  wide  border  is  allotted  to  their  roots  they  do  not  entirely 


is  a  light  loam,  with  a  good  admixture  of  small  flints,  resting 
on  a  bottom  of  chalk.  Fruit  trees  do  well  in  it,  especially 
Pears  ;  but  as  most  of  the  trees  are  old  and  worn  out,  they  are 
being  gradually  replaced  by  younger  ones.  The  finest  crop  of 
October  red  and  white  Rispberries  we  ever  saw  we  observed 
here.  Vegetables,  too,  are  largely  and  well  grown,  and  Mr. 
Grey  finds  that  he  gets  much  better  Broccoli  when  he  plants 
it  between  Potato  rows  than  when  it  occupies  a  space  set  apart 
for  itself.  As  to  Turnips,  he  prefer's  Veitch's  Red  Globe  to 
all  others,  on  account  of  its  good  qualities  and  quick  growth ; 
he,  however,  also  grows  the  White  Stone  largely.  His  finest 
Brussels  Sprouts  he  has  saved  from  his  own  seed  for  the  last 
fifteen  years,  the  seed  being  originally  given  to  him  by  a  friend 
who  had  saved  the  sort  for  nearly  twenty  years  previously. 
The  plants  are  neither  so  large  nor  so  luxuriant  as  the  produce 
of  bought  seed  planted  alongside  of  them  ;  but  the  stems  are 
covered  with  hard  and  compact  goodly-sized  sprouts  much 
superior  to  the  others. 


362 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Nov.  1, 1873. 


T  H  E    H  OUSE  HOLD. 

MUSTAED. 
A  SHARP  controversy  lias  lately  been  carried  on  in  the  columns  of  tho 
daily  press  on  this  subject.  Mr.  Alfred  Newton,  of  New  London 
Street,  excuses  the  mustard-makers  on  the  ground  that  "  the  condi- 
ment wo  call  mustard  contains  an  acrid  and  pungent  volatile  oil, 
noxious  to  the  taste,  and,  unless  neutralised  in  some  way,  injurious  to 
health.  In  consequence  of  the  same  presence  of  this  oil,  mustard 
composed  only  of  pure  mustard  flour,  after  being  mixed  for  use, 
turns  in  a  short  time  to  a  dark  brown  colour  and  becomes  decomposed 
and  unfit  for  use.  It  requires,  in  fact,  to  be  mixed  afresh  every  day,  and 
this  alone  forms  an  objection  in  the  eyes  of  most  consumers,  both  on 
account  of  the  inconvenience  and  the  extra  expense.  To  minimise 
this  ill  effect,  nearly  all  mustard  manufacturers  mix  a  certain  propor- 
tion of  the  finest  Wheat  flour,  which  helps  to  absorb  the  essential  oil 
and  has  also  the  effect  of  enabling  the  mixed  condiment  to  retain  its 
sweetness  and  colour,  and  consequently  its  useableness,  twice  as  long 
as  the  genuine  mustard."  This  statement  has  elicited  a  reply  from 
Mr.  H.  C.  Bartlett,  tho  analyst,  who  says  : — "  There  are  two  species 
of  mustard — Sinapis  alba  and  Sinapis  nigra.  The  former  contains 
neither  volatile  oil  nor  any  substance  capable  of  producing  it.  White 
mustard  flour,  therefore,  will  dilute  any  excess  of  pungency  arising 
from  volatile  oil  without  necessitating  the  addition  of  any  foreign 
substance."  This  statement  is  corroborated  by  "  a  mustard-maker  " 
of  forty  years'  standing,  who  says — "  I  ask  to  be  heard  in  favour 
of  the  Act  which  does  not  allow  nin3ta.rd  to  be  adulterated,  knowing 
that  whatever  is  put  into  it  besides  mustard  flour  injures  the  quality, 
and  that  the  use  of  the  "  finest  Wheat  flour  "  is  pure  and  siuiple 
adulteration,  and  is  used  entirely  by  mustard  manufacturers  for  that 
purpose,  and,  further,  flour  cannot  be  used  unless  it  is  coloured  by 
turmeric  or  some  other  drug."  Dr.  Hassall  states  that  the  volatile 
oil  is  the  very  essence  of  mustard  ;  without  it  the  article  would  be 
worthless  as  a  condiment,  and  the  addition  of  Wheat  flour  does  not  in 
a  proper  sense  neutralise  it.  Furthermore,  it  is  a  great  exaggeration 
to  say  that  genuine  mustard  possesses  a  noxious  taste,  it  is  simply 
slightly  bitter."  In  reply  to  this,  Mr  Newton  says — "Although  I 
am  not  a  chemist,  I  can  assure  Dr.  Hassall  that  mustard  is  improved 
by  the  addition  of  a  small  proportion  of  Wheaten  flour.  I  was  myself 
sceptical  upon  the  point  until  I  made  a  careful  trial  of  the  fact,  and 
I  have  since  been  strengthened  in  my  opinion  by  the  public  statement 
of  an  eminent  analytical  chemist."  This  is  how  the  matter  stands  at 
present. 


Dried  Currants. — The  fruit  known  as  the  dried  Currant  of 
commerce  is  (as  most  people  know)  not  a  Cm-rant,  but  a  Grape,  and 
can  be  grafted  successfully  upon  roots  of  any  of  the  common  varieties 
of  Grapes  in  the  usual  mode  of  root-grafting.  It  should  be  known, 
however,  that  this  variety  of  Grape — generally  seedless — requires  for 
its  full  and  perfect  development  an  abundant  supply  of  moisture  in 
the  soil ;  hence,  irrigation  is  generally  resorted  to  in  the  growing  of 
this  Grape  in  dry  countries.  The  largest  export  of  these  Currants  is 
from  the  Levant  and  Grecian  Islands,  and  they  are  generally  considered 
the  best ;  but  Spain,  Italy,  and  southern  France  export  considerable 
quantities.  There  are  two  varieties  that  are  absolutely  seedless,  and 
therefore  can  only  be  propagated  from  cuttings,  or  grafted  upon  other 
Vines  ;  these  are  the  Chevelue  and  the  Black  Corinth.  It  is  asserted, 
however,  that  in  France  these  varieties,  from  some  effect  of  climate  or 
cultm'e,  sometimes  produce  seeds;  but  the  best  always  are  seedless. 


A  Tea  Plantation. — This  is  a  very  pretty  sight ;  when  seen  at 
a  distance  it  looks  like  a  shrubbery  of  evergreens,  the  leaves  of  the 
plant  being  of  a  rich  dark  green.  Green  Tea  is  multiplied  by  seeds 
which  are  ripe  in  October  ;  when  gathered  they  are  put  into  a  basket 
and  mixed  with  sand  and  earth  in  a  damp  state,  and  kept  in  this 
condition  till  spring.  In  March  the  seeds  are  taken  from  the  basket 
and  placed  in  the  ground.  They  are  sown  thickly  iu  rows  in  some 
spare  corner  of  the  Tea  farm.  After  picking,  green  leaves  are  spread 
out  thickly  on  flat  Bamboo  twigs  to  get  rid  of  their  moisture  ;  they 
are  then  placed  in  roasting-pans,  and  rapidly  moved  about  and 
shaken  up  with  both  hands.  When  affected  by  the  heat  and 
flaccid  they  are  placed  on  a  rolling  table.  Several  men  then  roll  the 
balls  to  get  rid  of  the  moisture  and  twist  the  leaves.  They  are  then 
shaken  out  on  flat  trays,  after  which  they  are  taken  to  the  roasting-pan 
and  thrown  in  again.  The  second  part  of  the  process  consists  in 
winnowing  tho  Tea  through  sieves  in  order  to  get  rid  of  dust,  and  to 
divide  the  Tea  into  "  Gunpowder,"  "  Hyson,"  "  Twankay,"  &o.  The 
process  of  curing  Black  Tea  is  about  the  same,  only  the  leaves  are 
permitted  to  lie  longer  after  picking,  and  are  tossed  in  the  air  and 
beaten  by  the  hands.  The  Chinese  never  colour  Teas  for  themselves. 
It  is  entirely  done  for  the  foreign  market. 


ORDINARY  AND  IMPROVED  LIME-KILNS. 
As  the  application  of  the  process  of  lime-burning  to  the 
economical  heating  of  plant-houses  has  recently  attracted 
much  attention,  and  as  some  residents  in  limestone  districts, 
who  may  be  induced  to  adopt  it,  may  feel  disposed  to  further 
utilise  the  material  withiu  their  reach,  by  the  production  of 
lime  on  a  larger  scale  for  cultural  and  other  purposes,  we 
have  thought  that  it  may  be  not  inopportune  to  I'c-produce 
some  instructive  remarks  on  the  subject  contained  iu  a  Prize 
Essay  by  Mr.  Charles  Turner,  C.E.,  originally  published  in  the 
Journal  of  the  Royal  Ar/ricultund  Sofietij. 

The  Common  Perpetual  Kiln. 
"  A  kiln  for  burning  lime,  for  agricultural  purposes,  is  generally 
placed  in  the  side  of  a  chalk  or  limestone  hill,  to  avoid  expense  iu 
brickwork  or  masonry.  The  kiln  itself,  in  its  cheapest  fonn,  is  an 
inverted  truncated  cone  from  12  to  1.5  feet  in  diameter  at  the  top, 
excavated  out  of  the  chalk  or  limestone  rock,  and  lined  on  the  inside 
with  good  hard  bricks,  capable  of  withstanding  a  considerable 
amount  of  fire.  The  lining  should  be  from  11  to  2  bricks  thick, 
according  to  the  size  of  the  kiln,  and  filled  in  solidly  at  the  back 
with  hard  chalk  or  limestone,  set  in  mortal'.  Iu  the  best  kilns  of 
this  construction,  the  side  walls  are  built  upright  for  about  4  feet  iu 
depth,  and  then  the  cone  is  gradually  tapered  off  to  a  diameter  of 
3  feet  at  the  draught  or  draw-hole.  The  height  of  the  cone  is 
generally  equal  to  the  diameter  at  the  top.  An  arched  opening  is 
constructed  in  the  exterior  wall  in  front  of  the  ash-pit,  which  should 


Sectioa  of  Common  Periieiual  Kiln  witli  central  furnace. 

be  sufficiently  high  to  allow  of  a  man  standing  upright,  in  order  that 
he  may  get  conveniently  at  the  ends  of  the  fire-bars  when  the  lime 
is  required  to  be  drawn.  Two  strong  cast-iron  bars,  called  bearing- 
bars,  3  inches  by  2i  inches,  are  fixed  into  the  brickwork  in  such  a 
manner  that  they  can  readily  be  withdrawn  when  required ;  upon 
them  lie  the  wrought-iron  lire-bars  (which  should  be  circular  in 
section,  for  a  reason  which  I  will  afterwards  explain)  11  inch 
diameter,  with  a  space  of  about  1  inch  between  them.  They  should 
be  formed  with  blunt  poiuts  at  one  end,  and  the  middle  bars  should 
have  an  eye  at  the  other  end,  so  as  to  enable  a  crowbar  to  be  passed 
through  them.  It  is  better  to  make  the  middle  bars  about  1  foot  6 
inches  longer  than  the  opening  they  have  to  cover,  in  order  to  attain 
a  firmer  hold  of  them  when  they  require  to  be  withdrawn.  An 
opening  should  be  left  in  the  front  wall  of  the  kiln  immediately 
above  the  fire-bars,  which  should  be  supported  by  a  strong  wrought, 
iron  frame,  3  inches  wide,  securely  built  into  the  brickwork. 
This  opening  is  for  the  purpose  of  gaining  access  to  the  interior 
of  the  kiln,  in  order  to  light  the  fire  or  to  assist  in  removing 
the  lime  when  it  wedges  itself  together  in  a  mass,  and  will 
not  pass  down  through  the  fire-bars  in  the  usual  way.  To  start 
the  kiln,  a  fire  is  lighted  on  the  fire-bars,  and,  as  soon  as 
it  burns  briskly  enough,  the  hole  already  described  is  securely 
bricked  up,  and  the  fire  fed  with  lumps  of  coal  from  the  circular 
platform  round  the  top  of  the  kiln.  When  the  fire  is  sufficiently 
ignited,  lumps  of  chalk  or  limestone  are,  in  like  manner,  thrown  upon 
the  fire,  to  a  thickness  of  about  12  inches ;  and,  as  soon  as  the  fire 
appears  to  burn  well  through  this  layer,  a  layer  of  coal,  and,  shortly 


itov.  1, 1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


363 


afterwards,  another  layer  of  obalk  or  limestone,  arc  atldod ;  and,  if 
the  fire  continues  to  burn  well,  the  whole  kiln  may  be  filled  with 
alternate  layers  of  chalk  or  limestone  and  coal.  The  proportion  of 
coal  to  be  used  must  bo  determined  by  trial,  as  it  differs  according 
to  the  nature  of  the  material,  the  size  of  the  lumps,  and  the  sort  of 
coal  used.  On  the  average,  chalk  will  burn  if  the  proportions  are  1 
of  coal  to  7  of  chalk  ;  but,  for  limestone,  they  vary  from  1  to  li  of 
coal  to  6  of  limestone.  When  once  the  kiln  is  set  properly  going, 
it  ought  not  to  require  any  re-kindling,  but  to  continue  in  operation 
for  months  together,  by  supplying  fresh  materials  at  the  top  of  the 
kiln  as  the  lime  is  drawn  away  at  the  bottom.  The  kiln  is  usually 
drawn  once  every  twenty-four  hours,  by  drawing  out  the  middle  fire- 
bars ;  and,  as  it  is  sometimes  a  difficult  matter  to  start  them,  owing  to 
the  pressure,  it  is  better  to  make  them  circular  in  section,  so  that, 
by  introducing  a  crowbar  through  the  eyes  at  the  ends,  they  can 
readily  be  turned  round,  and  partly  freed  from  the  pressure.  If 
the  lime  does  not  fall  out  easily,  it  can  be  loosened  by  a  bar,  with 
the  end  turned  up,  which  is  introduced  between  the  iirc-bars  and 
drawn  backwards  and  forwards ;  or  a  few  of  the  bricks  can  bo  with, 
drawn  from  the  opening  above  mentioned  for  lighting  the  fire,  and 
the  limo  forced  down  with  a  heavy  bar.  Tho  lime  is  then  drawn  to 
the  front  of  the  archway  with  an  iron  hoe,  and  left  till  it  is  cool 
enough  to  be  measured  and  run  into  the  storo-shed  or  carted  away. 
The  drawing  being  completed,  the  fii-e-bars  are   driven  back  again 


n  ~  ^ 


Q 


Section  of  Common  Perpetual  Kiln,  with      Section  of  Common  Perpetual  Kiln, 
Shaft  of  inverted  truncated  cone.  with  inner  crown. 

into  their  places  and  left  for  another  twenty-four  hours,  during 
which  time  the  filling  is  continued  on  the  top,  as  above  mentioned. 
For  this  purpose  it  is  desirable  for  the  kiln  to  bo  so  placed  that  a 
tramway  may  be  laid  over  the  top,  or  along  one  side  of  it — pre. 
ferably  the  latter,  as  it  gives  more  opportunity  for  properly  spread- 
ing the  alternate  layers  of  coal  and  calcareous  material.  It  is  better 
also  to  have  a  broad  platform  round  the  top  of  the  kiln,  to  give 
room  for  depositing  a  quantity  of  coal,  as  it  can  seldom  be  unloaded 
direct  from  the  truck. 

Some  kilns  have  been  constructed  with  an  inverted  truncated 
cone  placed,  by  way  of  a  shaft,  upon  the  under  cone,  in  order 
to  retain  the  heat,  and  an  arched  opening  in  the  outer  wall  for 
the  purpose  of  feeding  the  kiln.  From  experience  obtained  in 
carrying  out  the  same  principle  with  brick-kilns,  I  am  of  opinion 
that  very  little  advantage  is  gained  by  such  an  arrangement, 
nnless  an  inner  flat  crown,  pierced  with  holes,  is  also  constructed 
upon  tho  under  cone  before  the  upper  cone  is  carried  up. 
It  would,  however,  be  extremely  expensive,  and,  in  fact, 
almost  impossible,  to  carry  out  the  proper  system  of  loading 
a  kiln  of  this  description  with  such  an  arrangement.  Kilns 
have  also  been  constructed  of  an  elliptical  instead  of  a  conical 
section,  or,  to  speak  more  correctly,  of  an  egg  section  with  the  two 
ends  cut  off.  This  section  has  no  doubt  some  advantages,  as  it 
conducts  the  heat  better  to  the  top  of  the  kiln,  and  also,  to  some 
extent,  assists  the  descent  of  the  lime ;  but  it  necessitates  the  con- 
struction of  two  draught-holes,  one  at  each  end  of  the  ellipse,  which 
are  not  always  easy  to  arrange  when  the  kiln  is  built  in  the  side  of 
a  hill.  The  same  object  may  be  obtained  by  constructing  tho  upper 
part  of  tho  internal  walls  perpendicular,  as  above  mentioned,  and 


slightly  diminishing  the  inclination  of  the  cone  just  above  tho 
fire-bars.  The  advantages  of  the  common  perpetual  kiln  may  bo 
stated  to  be  : — 1.  The  simplicity  and  economy  of  its  construction. 
2.  The  small  amount  of  skilled  labour  required  in  managing  it,  as, 
after  the  proportion  of  fuel  to  material  has  been  once  ascertained, 
the  subsequent  working  is  merely  a  matter  of  rule.  3.  The  saving 
of  fuel,  by  the  kiln  being  kept  constantly  hot.  4.  Tho  man  who 
attends  to  the  kiln  is  only  required  to  spend  a  portion  of  his 
time,  and  can  in  the  interim  attend  to  other  business.  The  disad. 
vantages  are: — 1.  The  difficulty  of  calcining  the  limo  sufficiently 
without  a  great  additional  expenditure  of  fuel.  2.  The  impossibility 
of  using  wood  fuel  for  the  purpose.  3.  From  the  nature  and  con- 
struction of  the  kiln,  it  is  only  applicable  when  a  large  quantity  of 
lime  is  constantly  required.  4.  That  in  agricultural  districts  some 
portion  of  the  lime  is  generally  required  for  building  purposes,  and 
that  lime  burnt  in  this  manner  is  generally  not  well  suited  for  such 
purposes,  as  it  usually  contains  cinders  and  other  refuse  from  the 
coal.  I  have  found  in  practice  that  it  is  better,  instead  of  merely 
trusting  to  a  brick  lining  to  tho  conical  hole  cut  in  the  chalk  or 
limestone,  to  build  five  counterforts  round  the  kilns  and  to  fill  in  the 
spaces  between  them  with  lumps  of  chalk  or  limestone  built  in 
mortar,  as,  unless  tho  hill  is  of  an  unusually  solid  character  and 
impervious  to  water,  the  conical  brick  lining  is  very  apt  to  expand 
and  crack  with  the  heat. 

The  Intermittent  Kiln. 
In  this  description  of  kiln  the  fuel  is  not  mixed  with  the  material 
used,  but  is  placed  in  a  furnace  either  at  the  side  or  bottom  of  the 
kiln,  and  always  laid  upon  a  grating  of  fixed  fire-bars,  being 
replenished  from  time  to  time,  until  the  whole  of  the  material  in 
the  kiln  has  been  properly  calcined.  As  soon  as  the  kiln  arrives  at 
this  state,  it  is  allowed  to  cool  down  gradually,  and  the  whole  of  the 
charge  is  withdrawn  when  it  is  cool  enough  to  handle.  These  kilns 
are  built  of  various  forms,  and  are  generally,  like  the  "Perpetual 
Kilns,"  constructed,  if  possible,  on  the  side  of  a  hill.  They  are 
most  commonly  rectangular,  similar  to  the  "  Brick  Kiln,"  about  14 
feet  wide,  12  feet  deep,  and  from  9  to  10  feet  high,  internally,  from 
the  floor  to  the  top.  The  walls  should  be  3  feet  thick,  lined  on  the 
inside  with  fire-brick.  Tho  outer  wall  need  not  be  solid,  but  may  be 
constructed  with  3-feet  buttresses  in  brickwork,  an  18-inch  lining  on 
the  inside,  and  the  space  in  the  outside  between  tho  buttresses  filled 
in  solidly  with  lumps  of  chalk  or  limestone  set  in  mortar.  Three 
fire-holes  are  constructed  from  front  to  back  of  the  kiln,  1  foot  6 
inches  wide,  1  foot  G  inches  high  from  the  bottom  of  the  ashpit  to 
the  under  side  of  the  bearing  bars,  and  1  foot  9  inches  high  from 
the  top  of  the  bearing-bar  to  the  under  side  of  the  arch.  Tho 
bearing-bars  should  be  of  cast-iron,  3  inches  square,  and  1  foot  6 
inches  apart  from  centre  to  centre.  The  fire-bars  should  be  3  feet 
long,  2i-  X  1^^,  and  J  inch  apart.  There  should  be  a  cast-iron  door 
fltted  into  a  wrought-iron  frame  3  inches  wide,  to  close  the  month 
of  the  fire-holes.  The  arch  over  the  fire-holes  should  be  9  inches 
thick,  with  holes  left  at  the  top  and  sides  at  intervals  of  11  inches, 
3  inches  wide,  41  inches  long  on  the  inside  of  the  arch,  spreading 
as  they  approach  the  floor  of  the  kiln.  Other  courses  of  open  work 
are  bnilt  on  the  top  of  these  holes,  so  as  to  convert  the  floor  of  the 
kiln  into  a  chequer  of  holes  with  4;-inch  work  between  them.  The 
kiln  is  filled  by  packing  lumps  of  chalk  or  limestone  over  the  floor, 
taking  care  to  leave  as  wide  spaces  as  possible  over  the  holes,  so 
that  the  fire  may  draw   well   through   the    mass.      These  courses 


Section  of  Intermittent  Kiln, 

should  be  about  G  inches  thick  at  the  bottom,  diminishing  to  4  inches 
after  five  or  six  courses  have  been  laid ;  when  the  kiln  is  about 
two-thirds  full,  the  remainder  of  the  charge  may  be  tipped  in  from 
the  top,  and  spread  over  the  surface.  A  kiln  of  this  size  requires 
about  thirty-six  hours  to  get  to  the  full  heat,  twelve  or  fourteen 
hours  full  heat,  and  thirty. six  hours  to  cool  down  before  the  lime 
can  be  drawn.  It  is  better  to  cover  over  the  top  of  the  kiln  with 
two  courses  of  burned  bricks,  leaving  sufficient  draught-holes  for  the 
heat  to  escape  ;  but  with  every  precaution  it  is  scarcely  possible  to 
burn  the  uppermost  12  inches  of  the  charge  to  the  proper  pitch,  and 


364 


THE  GAUDEN. 


[Nov.  1, 1873. 


it  is  usually  burnt  over  again  in  the  next  kiln.  A  better  form  for 
this  description  of  kiln  is,  in  my  opinion,  one  similar  in  section  and 
size  to  the  "  Perpetual  Kiln,"  making  use  of  a  circular  open  grating, 
cast  in  segments  as  a  fire-grate,  for  one  central  furnace  domed  oyer 
to  form  the  floor  of  the  kiln,  with  brickwork  9  inches  thick  springing 
15  inches  above  the  fire-grate  and  rising  1  foot  9  inches.  The 
furnace  should  be  3  feet  diameter  at  the  top  of  the  fire-grate  ;  and 
the  dome  or  the  floor  should  be  pierced  with  radiating  holes,  4i 
inches  by  3  inches,  to  allow  the  fire  to  pass  through.  The  bricks 
would  be  required  to  be  made  on  purpose,  aud  should  all  be  laid 
heading.  The  kiln  should  be  filled  and  packed  in  the  same  manner 
as  that  last  mentioned,  and  covered  over  on  the  top  with  two  courses 
of  burnt  bricks  in  a  similar  manner.  I  have  never  tried  a  kiln 
constructed  in  this  manner ;  but  I  feel  sure  that  it  would  answer 
well,  and  I  think  it  would  save  one-third  of  the  fuel,  as  compared 
with  the  last-mentioned  kiln,  besides  burning  the  lime  much  more 
evenly.  Both  of  the  last  described  kilns  may  be  rooted  or  domed 
over,  but  in  both  cases  the  expenditure  would  be  very  much  greater, 
without,  as  far  as  I  can  see,  any  corresponding  advantage ;  and  the 
labour  of  filling  the  kiln  would  be  very  much  increased.  If  the  kiln 
is  built  entirely  into  the  side  of  a  hill,  it  is  necessary  to  construct  a 
floor  over  the  kiln-pit  to  form  an  approach  to  the  hatchway  ;  and,  if 
this  floor  is  rooted  over,  it  will  form  a  dry  and  commodious  lime 
store.  Wood  fuel  may  be  used  instead  of  coal  in  these  kilns,  and 
when  used  it  is  not  necessary  to  have  any  fire-grate,  as  the  wood 
fuel  requires  but  very  little  draught.  The  advantages  of  this 
description  of  kiln  may  be  stated  to  be  : — 1.  That  the  whole  of  the 
lime,  with  a  very  small  exception,  is  thoroughly  calcined.  2.  That 
no  stones,  cinders,  or  other  impurities  are  found  mixed  up  with  the 
lime.  3.  That,  if  the  kiln  desoi'ibed,  with  the  central  fire,  is  used, 
the  saving  of  fuel  will  be  fully  one. fourth  over  the  best  "  Perpetual 
Kiln."  The  disadvantages  are  : — 1.  That  the  upper  1  foot  6  inches 
of  the  lime  can  never  be  properly  calcined.  2.  That  the  labour  of 
setting,  burning,  and  drawing  these  kilns  is  considerably  greater, 
and,  therefore,  more  expensive  than  that  required  for  the  perpetual 
kilns.  3.  That  when  a  large  and  constant  supply  of  lime  is  required, 
the  quantity  produced  is  very  much  less  than  by  the  perpetual  kilns. 
4.  That  the  cost  of  building  these  kilns  properly  is  considerably 
greater  than  that  of  the  perpetual  kilns. 

The  Intermittent  or  Perpetual  Kiln. 

The  third  description  of  kiln  used  in  lime-burning  is   one  much 
less   generally   known   than  the  two  already  described.      Properly 
speaking  it  is  a  perpetual  kiln,  but  it  is  heated  by  furnaces  from 
beneath.     It  can  be  most  advantageously  used  as   a  perpetual  kiln, 
by  supplying  the  material  to  be  calcined  at  the  top,  and  withdrawing 
it  at  the  bottom  ;  but,  in  a  form  I  will  describe,  it  may  also  be  used 
as  an  "Intermittent  Kiln"  by   filling  the  kiln,  and  withdrawing 
the  charge,  when  the  burning  is  completed,  altogether  through  the 
hatchway.     These  kilns  cannot  be  built  in  the  side  of  a  hill,  but 
they  must  be  so  constructed  as  to  be  accessible  on  all  sides.     They 
usually  have  a  circular  or  hexagonal  shaft  in  the  centre,  from  40  to 
60  feet  in  height,  varying  from  7  feet  to  10  feet  in  diameter,  and 
tapering  from  the  top  to  the  middle,  and  again  from  the  middle  to 
the  fire-grate.     From  three  to  five  furnaces  are  constructed  round 
the    outside    of  the    shaft,    the    fire-grates,    which    are   generally 
constructed  of  perforated  fire-tiles,  being  made  sulBciently  large  to 
span  from  wall  to  wall,  or  being  supported  on  iron  bearers.     The 
fire  passes  out  of  the  furnace  through   a  hole  in  the  end  wall  into 
the  centre  shaft.     The  withdrawing  holes,  or  hatchways,  are  situated 
between  and  below  the  ash-pits  of  the  fire-holes,  and  are  closed  by 
cast-iron  doors  to  prevent   tmnecessary    cooling  of    the  kiln.     The 
floor  to  the  fire-chamber  forms  the  roof  to  the  withdrawing  floors. 
The  hatchways  are  widened  from  the    centre  towards  the  outside, 
and  are  also  inclined  outwards  to  facilitate  the  withdrawal  of  the 
lime.     Iron  doors  are  made  in  the  ash-pits,  through  which   the  ashes 
are  allowed  to  fall  on  the  floor  on  which  the  lime  is  withdrawn. 
Ventilating   pipes  should  be  carried  from  this   floor,  through    the 
firing-chamber,  to  relieve  the  workmen  from  the  great  heat  while 
the  lime  is  being  withdrawn.     The  fuel  used   in  these  kilns  is  wood, 
1  lb.  being  required  to  burn  3  lbs.  of  lime ;  but  coal  is  also  used  in 
the  variety  of  kiln  possessing  a  combustion  chamber.     The  kiln  is 
charged  by  filling  it  with  lime  up  to  the  height  of  the  draught-holes, 
in  which  the  fire  is  lighted  and  kept  burning,  aud  when  this  charge 
is  thoroughly  burnt  through,  the  kiln  is  completely  filled,  the  lime- 
stone being  first  packed  in  courses  and  then  thrown  in  from  the  top. 
The  fire   is  then    drawn   back   from   the    draught-holes  on  to   the 
fire-grates,  and  the  work  of  the  kiln  proceeds,  the  limestone  being 
thrown  in  from  the  top,  and  withdrawn  from  the  bottom  when  burnt. 
These  kilns  are  usually  drawm  every  twelve  hours,  a  similar  lapse  of 
time  being  required  to  enable  the  lime  to  cool  down  sufficiently  to 
allow  it  to  be  removed.     They  are   sometimes  constructed  with  one 
fire-grate  and  a  combustion  chamber,  where  a  considerable  amount 


of  air  is  supplied  by  draught-holes  behind  the  bridge,  and  the  fire  is 
brought  to  a  very  great  intensity  before  it  enters  the  shaft  of  ths 
kiln.  In  some  kilns  the  withdrawing  floor  for  the  lime  is  constrncted 
at  such  a  level  that  a  railway  truck  can  pass  underneath  it  to  be 
loaded  with  lime.  In  all  cases  it  is  necessary  to  construct  a  bridge, 
with  a  tramway  laid  upon  it  from  the  chalk  or  limestone  hill  to  the 
top  of  the  shaft,  to  supply  the  materials  to  the  kilns ;  and  a  good 
road  should  be  formed,  at  the  level  of    the  withdrawing   floor,  to 


Section  of  Circular  Intermittent  Kiln  with  central  furnace. 

convey  away  the  lime  and  ashes,  and  to  bring  in  the  fuel,  which  can 
be  raised  by  a  simple  lift  to  the  floor  above. 

Improved  Perpetual  Kiln. 
I  will  now  describe  a  kiln  of  my  own  invention,  not  specially 
designed  for  the  purpose  of  burning  lime,  but  for  the  purpose  of 
drying  clay  previously  to  grinding  for  fire  brickmaking.  A  few  slight 
modifications,  however,  will  adapt  it  to  the  purpose  of  lime-burning, 
and  I  will  describe  it  with  such  alterations.  It  will  bo  seen  that  it 
answers  to  the  sort  of  kiln  I  referred  to  in  commencing  the  descrip- 
tion of  the  perpetual  kilns  heated  by  fires  from  beneath ;  and  that 
it  can  either  be  used  as  a  perpetual  kiln,  from  which  a  large  and 
continuous  supply  of  lime  can  be  drawn,  or  as  a  perpetual  kiln  with 
a  moderate  supply,  or,  in  like  manner,  as  an  intermittent  kiln,  from 
which  either  a  large  or  moderate  charge  can  be  drawn.     The  form 


Plan  of  Circular  Intermittent  Kiln  with  central  furnace. 

and  dimensions  are  particularly  shown  in  Figs.  pp.  365  and  366.  The 
kiln  is  of  arectangularform.withangular buttresses  at  the  quoinsand 
centre  buttresses  at  the  ends  ;  the  chimney -fines  form  the  buttresses 
at  the  sides,  and  the  end  buttresses  support  the  roof  of  the  kiln, 
pit,  with  archways  through  them  on  one  side  leading  to  the  lime- 
store  ;  this  extends  along  the  one  side  of  the  kiln,  with  sliding- 
doors  in  the  centre  to  allow  a  cart  to  back  inside  it  to  load  in  the 
dry.  The  other  side  of  the  kiln  is  occupied  by  the  approach  road,  or 
tramway,  from  the  chalk  or  limestone  kiln,  and  the  kiln-pits  extend 
across  both  ends.     The  width  of  the  kiln  depends  upon  the  number 


Nov.  1,1873.] 


THE   aARDBN. 


365 


of  fire-holea,  e.g.,  a  three-hole  kiln  requires  to  be  17  feet  6  inches 
wide.     It  should  never  be  more  than  13  feet  6  inches  deep,  as  it  is 
inconvenient  to  draw  the  fire-bars  if  they  are  more  than  4  feet  long. 
The  height  of  the  kiln  should  be  from  7  feet  6  inches  to  9  feet  above 
the  fire-grate.  The  walls  should  be  2  feet  3  inches  thick,  and  should  be 
held  together  by  two  ^\'ronght-iron  bands  with  adjustable  couplings. 
It  will  be  seen,  from  the  figure  below,    that   for  a  three-hole  kiln 
there  are  four  withdrawing-holes,  situated   between   the  fire-holes. 
The    fire-grates    for   the  fire-holes   are  constructed  with   cast-iron, 
rectangular,  fish-bellied  fire-bars,  resting  on  bearing-bars  as  in  the 
fire-grates  for  the  intermittent  kilns  before  described.     The  with- 
drawing holes    are   constructed   of   wrought-iron    circular  fire-bars, 
1:^  inch  diameter,   1  foot  apart,   resting  on  cast-iron  bearing-bars, 
which,  except  the  centre  ones,  are  parallel,  and  on  which  are  cast  a 
series  of  lugs  perforated  with  circular  holes  through  which  the  fire- 
bars pass,  and  are  guided  in  withdrawing  them  and  driving  them 
back.     In  front  of  the  outer  bar  is  also  a  cast-iron  plate,  supported 
on  brackets,  on  which  the  fire-bars  rest  when  drawn  forward.     The 
openings  to  the   fire-holes  and   the  withdrawing  holes  are  closed  by 
double   cast-iron   doors,    hung   in    wrought-iron    frames.     Cast-iron 
skew-back  plates  are  laid  upon  the  walls   separating   the  fire-holes 
and  withdrawing  holes,  to  prevent  the  spreading  of  the  fire-lumps 
which  cover  the  fire-holes.     These  lumps  are  formed  in  one  piece, 
30  X  18  X  4  inches,  with  half-circular  holes  2  inches  diameter  on  their 
edges,  so  as  to  form  draught-holes  2  inches  diameter  when  jointed 
together.     Each  lump  is  either  formed  with  a  tenon  or  a  mortice  at 
the  end,  so  that  they  may  joint  securely  together  when  fixed  in  place. 
The  centre  flue  is  covered  with  fire-lumps  in  a  similar  manner,  except 
that  the  lumps  are  of 
larger  size.     The  ends 
open  intothechimney- 
flnes,  which  are  2  feet 
square  at  the  bottom 
and  2    feet    3  inches 
square    at     the    top. 
The    skiveplates    are 
2  feet  6  inches  square, 
and  the  chain  attached 
to  the  skiveplate  lever 
is  carried  over  a  roller 
in  the  kiln-pit,  and  is 
so  arranged  that  the 
skiveplate     can     be 
opened   or    closed   at 
either  end  of  the  kiln. 
The  kiln  is  lined  with 
fire-brick,     9     inches 
thick,  for  4  feet  above 
the  fire-bars,  and  the 
whole    of     the    work 
about  the  fire-holes  is 
built  with   fire-brick. 
The    kiln-pits    should 

be  constructed  with  lean-to  roofs,  with  louvre  openings  at  the 
highest  part  to  let  out  the  heat  while  the  lime  is  being  drawn.  A 
X  iron  bar  should  be  carried  across  the  pits,  supported  at  both  ends ; 
on  this  a  double  roller  runs  backwards  and  forwards,  carrying  a 
link  at  the  end  of  the  spindle  and  terminating  in  a  hook,  from  which 
is  suspended  an  iron-wire  basket,  into  which  the  lime  is  loaded  to 
remove  it  to  the  store.  The  basket  is  drawn  backwards  by  an 
endless  line,  and  would  be  arranged  to  tip  itself  in  passing  over  the 
partition  between  the  kiln-pit  and  the  store-shed.  A  similar  bar  and 
travelling  carriage  would  also  be  used  for  loading  the  carts  from  the 
store-shed.  The  kiln  is  set  in  a  similar  manner  to  a  perpetual  kiln, 
more  Umestone  or  chalk  being  added  at  the  top  to  replace  the  burnt 
lime,  which  is  continually  withdrawn  at  the  bottom.  It  may  also 
be  set  and  burnt  as  an  intermittent  kiln,  the  whole  charge  being 
■withdrawn  by  the  hatchway  at  one  time.  Either  a  large  or  small 
constant  supply  may  be  withdrawn  from  the  kiln,  when  acting  as 
a  perpetual  kiln,  by  regulating  the  fires.  The  kiln  can  be  kept 
going  very  steadily  for  many  hours,  or  even  days,  by  light  stoking, 
opening  the  skives  only  a  small  distance  and  closing  them  as  soon 
as  the  smoke  has  burned  off ;  or  by  frequent  heavy  stokings, 
opening  the  skives  wide,  and  keeping  them  open  for  a  short  time 
after  the  smoke  has  burned  off.  The  fires  may  be  raised  from  a  low 
red  heat  to  a  heat  sufficient  to  calcine  lime  in  a  very  few  hours. 
The  kiln  may  be  drawn  every  six,  twelve,  twenty.four,  or  thirty-six 
hours,  and  the  lime  will  take  twelve  hours  to  cool  before  it  can  be 
removed  or  stored.  The  proportion  of  fuel  consumed  to  lime  pro- 
duced would  be,  as  nearly  as  I  can  calculate,  as  one  to  ten  for  chalk 
lime,  and  one  to  seven  for  stone  lime.  The  advantages  of  this  form 
of    kiln    would   be : — 1.  That   all    the   lime  would    be  thoroughly 


Section  of  Improved  Perpetual  Kiln. 


calcined.  2.  That  no  dirt  or  cinders  would  be  found  amongst  it. 
3.  The  easy  way  of  regulating  the  fires,  and  the  quantity  of  lime  to 
be  produced  in  a  given  time.  4.  The  probable  large  economy  of 
fuel.  The  disadvantages,  as  compared  with  a  common  perpetual 
kiln,  would  be: — 1.  The  increased  cost  of  the  first  erection,  though 
this  would  be  very  small  as  compared  with  other  perpetual  kilns 
heated  from  the  bottom.  2.  The  extra  trouble  and  time  reqaired  in 
attending  upon  the  fires. 

I  have  completed  my  description  of  the  various  sorts  of  kilns 
applicable  for  burning  lime  for  agricultural  purposes,  and  have  only 
to  draw  attention  to  one  or  two  of  the  chief  points  in  connection 
with  the  application  of  the  lime  to  the  land,  so  as  to  give  agricul- 
turists the  means  of  calculating  the  cost,  and  thus  enable  them  to 
decide  whether  it  would  be  better  for  them  to  purchase  the  lime, 
or  to  construct  kilns  for  burning  lime  for  themselves.  These  points 
are,  Ist.,  and  by  far  of  the  greatest  importance,  the  description  of 
material  yielded  by  the  various  lime  districts,  the  weight  per  bushel, 
the  number  of  cubic  feet  per  ton,  the  proportion  of  lime  produced 
to  fuel  consumed,  the  price  per  bushel  at  the  nearest  station,  and 
other  useful  items.  2nd.  The  best  way  of  slaking  lime  for  agricul. 
tural  purposes,  which  would  be  best  ascertained  by  instituting  a 
course  of  experiments  in  different  districts.  I  think  it  is  perfectly 
clear  that  there  should  be  an  arrangement  for  slaking  lime  in  con- 
nection with  every  agricultural  lime-kiln.  As  far  as  my  experience 
goes,  the  water  should  not  be  thrown  in  quantities  over  the  lime, 
but  the  lime  should  be  placed  in  baskets,  and  dipped  into  a  reser- 
voir of  water,  allowing  sufliicient  time  for  it  to  take  up  as  much 
water  as  it  can  absorb,  which  experience  will  soon  decide.     It  should 

then  be  removed, 
emptied  out  upon  a 
dry  bed,  and  carefully 
covered  over,  so  as  to 
exclude  the  air.  3rd. 
It  would  be  very  de. 
sirable  also  to  decide, 
by  a  course  of  experi. 
ments,  the  best  way  of 
applying  the  slaked 
lime  to  the  land.  I 
think  that  the  lime 
should  be  in  a  state 
of  powder,  but  not 
sufliciently  dry  to  fly 
about ;  that  it  should 
be  placed  in  a  hopper 
carried  upon  suitable 
wheels,  the  hopper 
having  a  communica- 
tion with  a  cylinder 
pierced  with  holes  in 
the  upper  part.  These 
holes  should  be  made 
adjustable  in  size,  and 
suitable  wings  or  guides  should  be  fixed  on  the  outside  of  the  cylinder 
to  distribute  the  lime.  A  fan,  fixed  to  revolve  in  this  cylinder,  turned 
by  the  revolution  of  the  carrying  wheels,  would,  in  revolving,  blow 
the  lime-dust  through  the  holes  in  the  circumference  of  the  cylinder. 


The  Pottery  Tree. — Among  the  many  vegetable  products  of 
Brazil,  the  Pottery  tree  of  Para  is  not  the  least  vporthy  of  note.  This 
tree,  the  Moqnilea  utilis  of  botanists,  attains  a  height  of  100  feet  up 
to  the  lowest  branches.  The  stem  is  very  slender,  seldom  much 
exceeding  1  foot  in  diameter  at  the  base.  The  wood  is  very  hard  and 
contains  a  very  large  amount  of  silica — not  so  much,  however,  as  the 
bark,  which  is  largely  employed  as  a  source  of  silica  in  the  maun, 
facture  of  pottery.  In  preparing  the  bark  for  the  potter's  use,  it  is 
first  burned,  and  the  residue  is  then  pulverised  and  mixed  with  clay 
in  varying  proportions.  With  an  equal  quantity  of  the  two  ingre. 
dieuts  a  superior  quality  of  ware  is  produced.  It  is  very  durable, 
and  will  bear  almost  any  amount  of  heat.  The  natives  employ  it  for 
all  manner  of  culinary  purposes.  When  fresh  the  bark  cuts  like  soft 
sandstone,  and  the  presence  of  the  silex  may  be  readily  ascertained 
by  grinding  a  piece  of  the  bark  between  the  teeth.  When  dry  it  is 
generally  brittle,  though  sometimes  hard  to  break.  After  being- 
burned,  if  of  good  quality  it  cannot  be  broken  up  between  the  fingers^ 
a  pestle  and  mortar  being  required  to  crush  it. 

A  Californian  journal  states  that  "wherever  the  Eucalyptus,  or 
Blue  Gum,  has  been  planted  out  in  forest  form,  not  only  the  gopher 
but  the  squirrel  find  it  to  their  interest,  comfort,  or  health  to  entirely 
vacate  the  grounds,  abandoning  their  old  and  favourite  haunts  and 
burrowing  grounds,  for  hillsides  and  pastures  new." 


366 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Nov.  1,  1873. 


THE    ARBORETUM. 


OLD  CORK  TREE  AT  LINTON  PARK. 
The  following  are  some  particulars  respecting  tlie  large  Cork 
tree  at  this  place,  to  which  allusion  was  made  in  The  Garden 
some  time  since  (see  p.  357,  Vol.  III.).  It  is  understood  to  have 
been  planted  between  1770  and  1780,  and  is  therefore  from  90  to 
100  years  old.  Its  site  is  about  half  way  down  a  ridge  of  con- 
siderable elevation,  aud  its  position  is  nearly  300  feet  above  sea 
level,  aud  about  half  that  height  above  the  valley  below.  The 
soil  iu  which  it  grows  would  not  be  regarded  as  remai'kably 
good  for  tillage  purposes,  but  the  subsoil  seems  well  adapted 
for  the  growth  of  most  kinds  of  trees,  as  their  roots  descend  into 
it  to  a  great  depth.  The  stone  shatter  of  which  it  consists  is 
calcareous;  iu  fact,  it  may  be  said  to  be  decomposed  Kentish 
rag,  or  iu  other  words,  limestone,  although  but  little 
hard  stone  is  found  near  the  surface,  and  most  Pines  and 
many  deciduous  trees  thrive  remarkably  well  in  it.  The  bole 
of  the  tree  in  question  rises  perfectly  straight  for  upwards  of 

9  feet,  where  it  breaks  up  into  five  main  limbs ;   one  of  them, 
rising  iu  the  centre,  may  be  said  to  continue  the  bole   some 

10  or  12  feet  higher,  only  it  is  not  larger  than  the  other  limbs. 
The  girth  of  the  bole,  taken  at  5  feet  from  the  ground,  is 
9  feet,  and  this,  be  it  understood,  is  at  its  smallest  part,  which 
may  be  called  the  waist  of  the  tree.  The  total  height  is  .51 
feet  ;  the  top  is  spreading,  which  gives  the  tree  a  sort  of  irre- 
gular balloon  outline,  the  lower  branches  hanging  within 
5  feet  of  the  ground ;  the  extreme  diameter  of  the  head 
is  59  feet  one  way,  and  51  feet  the  other.  The  tree 
is  much  alike  on  all  sides,  upright  and  uniform,  and  well 
clothed  with  foliage,  through  which  the  deeply  fm-rowed  bark 
of  the  limbs  shows  to  great  advantage  ;  its  colour  is  a  bright 
ashy  grey,  some  of  the  inner  recesses  of  the  wrinkles  being 
stained  with  black.  I  believe  the  bark  would  be  regarded  as 
very  good  in  the  market,  but  of  course  it  is  not  meddled  with. 
It  has,  however,  all  the  elasticity  of  good  cork,  with  not  more 
than  the  usual  number  of  rusty  places,  a  fault  to  which  I  am 
told  all  cork  is  subject ;  certainly  its  deeply-furrowed  appear- 
ance would  entitle  it  to  attention,  even  if  it  were  not  cork,  for 
its  appearance  differs  from  that  of  all  other  trees  with  which  I 
am  acquainted,  the  wrinkles  being  more  acutely  pointed  than 
those  of  the  Elm  or  Maple,  while  its  paler  colour  also  enhances 
its  beauty.  The  foliage  is  perhaps  not  so  hardy  as  that  of 
the  ordinary  evergreen  Oak,  and  during  June  and  July  its 
appearance  is  less  inviting,  but  later  iu  the  year  it  quite  rivals 
that  of  evergreen  Oaks  iu  point  of  colour.  The  Acorns  which 
it  bears  are  about  the  usual  size  of  those  of  ,the  ever- 
green Oak,  aud  several  plants  raised  from  them  here  look 
healthy  and  promising.  I  am  not,  however,  sure  but  that  its 
proximity  to  a  male  tree  of  the  latter  kind  may  render  its 
progeny  hybrids,  but  they  are  not  yet  far  enough  advanced  to 
speak  on  this  point  with  certainty.  The  tree  itself  cannot  well 
be  improved  in  appearance,  and  it  is  one  I  would  strongly 
recommend  to  be  planted  where  a  suitable  site  for  it  is  avail- 
able. I  may  add,  moreover,  that  the  one  here  is  sheltered 
from  the  north  wind  by  some  higher  trees,  and  that  it  is  also 
protected  in  like  manner  by  other  trees  in  other  directions, 
but  it  stands  clear  of  them  all.  By  way  of  showing  how  well 
the  character  of  the  ground  suits  the  growth  of  trees,  I  may 
mention  that  near  it  is  a  Cedar  of  Lebanon,  60  feet  high,  with 
a  spread  of  branches  touching  the  ground  of  upwards  of  50 
feet,  though  only  planted  forty  years  ago  ;  a  Copper  Beech, 
too,  somewhat  older,  has  a  bole  llg  feet  in  circumference,  and 
a  spread  of  liranches  of  66  feet  one  way  and  72  the  other,  its 
height  being  upwards  of  60  feet.  J.  Robson. 


THE  TREES  IN  KENSINGTON  GARDENS. 

The  sad  condition  of  the  trees  in  this  invahiable  extra-nrbau  forest  has 
been  alluded  to  in  The  Gakden,  but  is  becoming  worse  every  recurring 
season ;  so  that  we  are  induced  to  ask,  is  there  no  arborist  or  wcodreeve 
to  stop  the  wasto  and  decay  which  are  now  a  disgrace  to  the  authorities 
in  control  of  this  royal  domain  ?  Originally  planted  too  close,  the  noblo 
forest  trees  now  interlace  their  branches,  and,  having  expended  their 
force  in  shooting  upwards,  have  become  stalky  and  dead  at  the  top. 
In  some  of  the  outer  boundai'ies  there  are  certainly  many  beautiful 


trees  standing  in  the  open  sward,  fully  grown  and  expanded ;  and 
along  the  admirable  and  much. frequented  flower-walk  many  stately 
trees  have  attained  a  graceful  expansion,  but  the  great  central 
masses  of  wood  exhibit  only  bare  poles,  with  a  few  straggling 
branches  and  withering  top-shoots,  several  being  broken  down  and 
decaying  from  having  been  planted  too  closely.  Surely  many  of 
these  deformed  poles  ought  to  be  cleared  away,  to  leave  room  for  the 
more  healthy  standards  to  vegetate  freely,  and  feather  out  in  more 
graceful  foliage.  Forest  trees  cannot  assume  graceful  proportions 
when  their  branches  are  intermixed,  standing  at,  say,  10  feet  apart, 
some  of  them  being  only  6  feet,  5  feet,  and  even  4  feet !  The  clearance 
of  some  hundreds  of  these  stems  would  yield  a  considerable  profit, 
whilst  it  would  open  a  way  to  the  healthy  growth  and  expansion  of 
the  survivors.  In  this  vastly  extended  and  still  growing  metropolis 
the  value  of  such  public  parks,  gardens,  and  liberties  cannot  be  over- 
estimated ;  and  if  a  small  share  of  the  outlay  upon  rangers,  keepers, 
and  servitors  were  dedicated  to  the  improvement  and  embellishment 
of  these  long. neglected  woodlands,  it  would  confer  a  great  boon  upon 
the  public,  and  conduce  to  the  healthy  enjoyment  of  extensive  wood- 
lands, which  cannot  be  traversed  in  winter,  and,  iu  their  preseut  state, 
are  neither  healthy  nor  attractive. — The  Builder. 


Forests  in  Germany. — Few  people  have  any  idea  of  the  extent 
of  forest  land  in  Germany,  and  most  imagine  that  of  the  Black  Forest 
little  is  loft  except  a  tradition  and  a  conventional  blister  of  woodland, 
so  named.  On  the  contrary,  in  Hanover  alone  there  are  900,000 
acres  of  wood  under  State  management,  while  nearly  a  fourth  part  of 
the  area  of  Prussia  is  in  forest,  although  half  of  that  is  in  private 
hands.  As  is  well  known,  the  forest  administration  in  particular 
districts  has  long  been  famous,  especially  in  Thuringia  and  the  Hartz 
mountains.  In  North  Germany  generally  the  responsibilities  are 
allotted  in  districts  among  a  carefully  organized  body  of  officers, 
presided  over  by  a  forest  director.  The  appointments  are  fairly 
remunerated,  and  they  are  so  eagerly  sought  after  that  candidates 
will  remain  on  probation  for  years  at  their  own  cost,  or  with  moderate 
aud  precarious  pay,  in  the  hopo  of  securing  a  place  in  the  corps  at 
last. 

Tree-Growing  in  Kansas. — Tree  culture  has  no  necessary 
connection  with  church-building,  but  an  enterprising  Eniscopal 
minister  in  Kansas  proposes  to  make  the  growing  of  trees  pay  for 
the  erection  of  a  church  edifice.  The  general  government  grants  a 
quarter  of  a  section  of  land  to  any  one  who  will  plant  forty  acres  of 
it  in  trees,  and  keep  them  successfully  growing  for  ten  years ;  after 
fruit  trees  have  been  planted  three  years,  and  are  growing  healthily, 
the  State  of  Kansas  pays  an  annual  bounty  of  two  dollars  an  acre  for 
twenty-five  years.  By  the  combination  of  these  two  bounties,  land 
could  be  taken  up,  and  an  annual  revenue  produced  sufficient  in  time, 
so  the  projector  argues,  to  pay  for  a  church,  aud  leave  a  fine  surplus 
of  real  estate  besides.  The  plan  is  novel,  certainly,  but  the  tree- 
growing  and  the  chm-oh-building  would  be  alike  pubKe  benefits. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


Jamesia  ainericana. — This  shrub,  which  is  closely  allied  to  theHydrang-ons, 
is  now  iu  flower  here,  and,  when  it  gets  large,  I  think  it  will  make  a  pretty 
bush. — H.  N.  Ellacombe,  Bifton  Rectorj/,  Brivfol. 

Lime  as  a  Preservative  of  Wood. — A  writer  in  Chambers's  journal  says  that 
certain  facts  have  been  made  known  which  show  that  lime  is  a  good 
]5reserver  of  timber.  Ships  and  barges  used  for  the  transport  of  lime  last  longer 
than  others.  A  small  coasting  schooner,  laden  with  lime,  was  cast  ashore  and 
sunk.  She  was  raised  and  set  afloat  once  more,  and  remained  sound  for  thirty 
years.  Again,  a  platform  of  nine  planks  was  used  to  mix  water  on  during 
three  generations  ;  then,  being  no  longer  required,  was  neglected,  and  at 
length  hidden  by  Grass  that  grew  over  it.  Sixty  years  afterwards,  on  clearing 
the  ground,  it  was  tliscovered  sound  and  well-preserved. 

The  Scotcli  Fir  on  Mont  Blanc. — A  Scotch  gentleman  having  ascended 
Mont  Blanc,  in  writing  an  accouni  of  his  adventure  to  a  frienil  tn  Banff, 
says  : — "  Did  I  tell  you  that  up  on  the  side  of  Mont  Blanc,  at  the  topmost  limit 
of  all  vegetation,  where  the  constant  snow  and  ice  reign  supreme  above.  I  was 
pleased  and  proud  to  see,  highest  of  all,  and  nest  to  the  very  ice,  a  stubborn 
Scotch  Fir,  *  moored  in  the  riftod  rock,  proof  to  the  tempest's  shock,'  but 
with  no  Clan  Alpine  to  rejoice  in  its  shade,  and  not  much  shade  did  it  give,  for, 
brave  as  it  was,  it  had  a  hard  struggle  for  existence,  and  its  foliage  was  of  the 
scantiest.  Not  many  yards  further  down  gi'ew  the  bonny  Bluebell  and  the 
Blaeberry." 

Large  Maiden-liair  Tree  (Salisburia  adiantlfolia).— In  a  recent  run 
tlirougli  Dorsetshire,  I  visited  the  beautiful  park  attached  to  the  castle  at 
Sherborne,  the  seat  of  G.  Q.  \V.  Digby,  Esq.  The  magnificent  timber  trees  which 
it  contained  proved  a  rich  treat  to  me,  but,  to  single  out  one  before  the  others,  I 
must  say  that  the  Salisburia  adiantifolia  alone  was  worth  a  trip  into  Doi-setshire 
to  see.  The  following  are  its  dimensions,  as  obtained  from  the  gardener,  Mr. 
Pragncll :— Height,  6S  feet ;  width  (about  half  way  up  through  the  branches),  50 
feet  ;  trunk,  4  feet  from  the  ground,  7  feet  7  inches  in  circumference.  When 
visiting  Shei'borno  I  would  advise  all  lovers  of  hardy  plants  and  shrubs  to  run 
on  to  Lewcaton,  where  the  more  recently  introduced  and  best  Conifers  have 
been  largely  planted,  and  are  to  be  seen  in  full  beauty.— A.  V. 


Nov.  1, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


367 


PEAT  FUEL. 
Without  discussing  either  -svith  Sir  William  Armstrong  or 
otliers  tlio  probabilities  of  any  approaching  exhanstion  of  our 
coal-fields,  I  contend,  and  am  profoundly  convinced,  that  both 
for  that  event  and  for  excessive  dearnoss  we  have  an  efficient 
remedy  in  our  literally  inexhaustible  supplies  of  peat.  You 
may  smile  at  the  suggestion  as  a  trite  one,  and  I  admit  that 
in  some  respects  it  possesses  no  novelty.  I  further  admit 
that  the  result  of  several  of  the  experiments  for  the  prepara- 
tion and  mercantile  utilization  of  peat  as  a  substitute  for  coal 
Las  not  been  encouraging  to  those  who  have  not  followed  the 
matter  up  closely.  But  it  has  been  shown  that  the  cause  of 
the  comparative — and  only  comparative — non-success  has  been 
the  defectiveness  of  appliances  and  unskilfulucss  of  manipula- 
tion. Peat  can  be  so  prepared  as,  both  for  economy  and 
convenience,  to  form — for  various  domestic  and  manufacturing 
uses — a  superior  substitute  for  coal.  Our  peat  bogs  contain 
sources  of  profit  so  readily 
available  that  to  ignorance 
alone  must  be  attributed 
the  fact  that  in  this  country 
they  are  permitted  to 
remain  undeveloped.  "  The 
importance  of  this  dormant 
source  of  wealth  may  easily 
bo  made  apparent,  now 
that  coals  are  selling  at 
between  -iOs.  and  60s.  per 
ton.  The  peat  bogs  of  the 
United  Kingdom  are  esti- 
mated at  six  millions  of 
acres.  Up  to  the  present 
time  they  have  been  re- 
garded as  almost  waste 
land,  yet  nearly  every  acre 
is  capable  of  3-ielding  large 
cjuantities  of  good  peat 
coal.  This  coal,  the  Peat 
Coal,  and  Charcoal  Com- 
pany, by  Monsieur  Chal- 
leton  de  Brugah's*  patent, 
is  reported  to  be  making 
at  8s.  a  ton.  The  Somer- 
setshire Peat  Coal  Com- 
pany, by  Mr:  Alloway's 
patent,  state  that  it  can  be 
made  at  5s.  a  ton.  The 
Peat  Engineering  and 
Sewage  Filtration  Com- 
pany, of  Horwich,  in  Lan- 
cashire, undertake  to  esta- 
blish works  m  any  part 
of  the  kingdom,  on  con- 
tract, and  guai-antee  that 
the  cost  of  producing  ex- 
cellent peat  coal  shall  not 
exceed  4s.  6d.  per  ton ; 
while  Mr.  Box,  the  engineer,  says  it  can  be  made  by  his  patent  at 
2s.  8d.  per  ton.  Such  being  the  facts  of  the  case  as  regards 
manufacture  it  only  remains  for  the  railway  companies  to  aid  this 
movement  for  cheapening  fuel,  and  the  days  of  dear  coal  are 
numbered.  Sir  Edward  Watkin,  whom  you  may  remember  as 
chairman  of  the  Manchester,  Sheffield,  and  Lincolnshire,  the 
South  Eastern ,  and  Metropolitan  Railways,  has  already  set  a  good 
example  by  stating  that  he  will  so  far  encourage  the  manu- 
facture of  peat  coal  by  conveying  it  for  ten  years  at  a  farthing 
a  ton  per  mile.  If  this  plan  be  adopted  by  other  railways, 
there  is  no  reason  why  our  coal  bills  should  not  bo  reduced 
fifty  per  cent,  at  least  during  the  coming  and  future  years. 
Specimens  of  sotte  of  this  peat  coal  are  before  you,  and  those 
who  I'equii'e  further  information  may  obtain  it  in  the  Exhi- 
bition Department,  where  some  of  the  manufacturers  of  peat 
coal  are  exhibiting.     I  have  made  a  very  careful  survey  of 

*  WTiile  attending  tliis  Congress,  I  received  a  telegram  from  that  gentle- 
man, wishing  me  to  meet  him  at  Lakenheath  Station,  in  this  county,  where 
he  selected  upwards  of  a  thousand  acres  of  peat,  for  the  purpose  of  manufac- 
turing coal  and  charcoal, 


Ground-plan  of  Improved  Perpetual  Kiln  (See  page  365), 


the  principal  peat  fields  of  the  kingdom,  and  am  of  opinion 
that  it  only  requires  labour  to  produce  a  money  value  of  eight 
hundred  millions  sterling  from  this  mighty  source  of  wealth. 
Add  to  this  the  value  to  the  State  of  thousands  of  workmen 
finding  reproductive  employment  iu  a  new  industry,  and 
the  further  consideration,  that  when  a  very  large  portion  of 
the  land  has  been  divested  of  its  peat,  it  is  so  much  reclaimed 
land  in  a  rich  virgin  condition,  ready  for  agricultural  and 
pasturing  purposes,  and  how  much  is  its  importance  magnified. 
If  this  view  of  the  real,  though  at  present  latent,  value  of  the 
peat  bogs  of  the  United  Kingdom  be  only  approximately  true, 
the  practical  means  of  realising  and  rendering  active  such 
enormous  wealth  deserves  elucidation.  Nor  will  the  import- 
ance of  the  subject  be  diminished  by  the  consideration  that  the 
rapid  consumption  of  our  staple  fuel  coal,  has  already  Ijcgan 
to  create  anxiety  for  the  future  of  manufacturing  England. 
It  is  unnecessary  to  describo  the   diiferent  qualities  of  peat 

further  than  to  say  that 
the  produce  of  the  moun- 
tain peat  is  usually  the 
purest ;  that  of  the  valley 
bogs  the  most  mixed  and 
varied,  while  the  sea-side 
bogs  are  sometimes  the 
most  impure,  from  the  in- 
termixture of  shells,  sand, 
and  other  foreign  ingredi- 
ents. One  of  the  most 
important  uses  of  peat  is 
for  conversion  into  char- 
coal, which  is,  on  the 
whole,  probably,  superior 
to  coal  as  a  domestic  fuel, 
though  its  consumption  in 
this  capacity  has  been  re- 
stricted to  it.s  dearness. 
There  is  no  need  for  its 
being  so  dear.  But  here 
the  subject  possesses  a 
further  commercial  inter- 
est. It  is  a  well-known 
fact  that  our  production  of 
iron  exceeds  that  of  any 
other  country,  and  its 
quality  is  interior.  "On 
iron  production,"  it  has 
been  observed,  and  I 
believe  with  truth,  England 
stands  first  in  point  of 
quantity,  but  last  in  point 
of  quality.  This  inferiority 
has  arisen  mainly  from 
coal  being  employed  here, 
whilst  in  other  countries 
charcoal  is  used ;  and 
accounts  for  the  fact 
that  whenever  the  finest 
descriptions  of  iron  are  recjuired  we  mostly  import  them 
from  abroad.  The  necessity  for  this  will  now  disappear, 
for,  whilst  the  best  examples  of  peat  charcoal  possess  the 
essential  qualities  of  that  made  from  wood,  and  heating 
power  can  be  obtained  from  it  at  lower  cost  than  from  coal,  its 
cheapness  and  efficiency  would  necessarily  tend  to  bring  it  into 
immense  requisition.  All  these  points  receive  additional 
significance  when  we  consider  the  exorbitant  price  of  coal,  the 
apprehension  of  its  exhaustion,  and  the  enormous  quantity  of 
it  at  present  used  in  the  production  of  iron,  much  inferior  to 
that  manufactured  with  charcoal.  The  peat  question  is  becom- 
ing one  of  a  national  importance,  only  second  to  that  of  the 
development  of  our  agricultural  capabilities,  by  the  reclamation 
of  waste,  and  improved  treatment  of  cultivated  land. 

The  above,  part  of  an  interesting  paper  read  by  Mr.  F.  Fuller, 
before  the  Social  Science  Congress,  at  Norwich,  on  "  The  Pro- 
blem of  High  Prices  and  Wages  solved  by  developing  all  the 
capabilities  of  the  Soil,  and  removing  impediments  to  the  Social 
and  Physical  Elevation  of  the  People,"  should  possess  interest 
for  gardeners,  who,  in  a  cold  country  like  ours  have  exceptional 


368 


THE  GAEDEN. 


ps'ov.  1,  1873. 


reasons  for  desiring  cheap  fuel.  It  is  likely  enough  that 
properly  prepared  compressed  peat  may  be  made  a  useful 
substitute  for  coal  in  many  districts. 

The  value  of  peat  as  an  industrial  material  is  much  greater 
than  is  generally  supposed.  It  contains  ammonia  and  various 
hydro-carbons,  as  naptha,  heavy  lubricating  oil,  and  solid 
paraffin  or  wax.  Seven  hundred  and  seventy-five  tons,  which 
were  distilled  by  the  Irish  Peat  Company  some  years  since, 
produced  2,716  pounds  of  ammonia,  77i  gallons  of  naptha, 
1,162  gallons  of  lubricating  oil,  and  2,32-5  pounds  refined 
paraffin,  which  last  substance  was  used  as  a  substitute  for 
wax  in  making  candles.  The  value  of  peat  as  fuel  alone  is 
estimated  at  one  dollar  per  ton. 


MARKET    GAR  D  E  N  I  N  G. 

THE  LITTLE  HEATH  MEL02T. 
Havixg  seen  good  and  bad  varieties  of  this  ilelon,  and  heard 
many  accounts  of  its  merits  and  demerits,  I  resolved  to  see  it  in 
its  birthplace,  where  no  spurious  sort  would  be  allowed  to  exist. 
With  this  intention  I  visited  the  great  forcing  establishment  at 
Potters'  Bar.  Amongst  the  houses  I  found  a  span-roofed  house, 
solely  devoted  to  ilelon-growing,  and  the  Little  Heath  was  the 
only  sort  grown  in  the  place ;  it  filled  both  sides  of  the  house. 
It  had  been  planted  in  a  good  fibrous  loam  mixed  with  a  little 
decayed  manure,  underneath  wbich  is  a  3-inch  return-pipe. 
In  the  centre  of  the  house,  on  a  raised  bed,  without  the  least 
bottom-heat,  are  planted  other  two  rows  of  this  Melon,  which 
are  trained  to  a  wire  trellis,  the  two  outside  rows  being  trained 
up  the  glass,  and  the  two  middle  rows  trained  down  the  glass, 
thus  forming  a  succession  in  the  same  house.  Last  year  the 
plants  were  planted  out,  about  li  feet  high,  on  the  1st  of 
March,  and  the  first  fruit,  which  was  ripe  on  the  30th  of  April, 
weighed  4  lb.  10  oz.,  and  was  shown  to  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural fruit  committee  on  the  1st  of  ^lay.  The  first  cut  fruit 
in  1872  made  in  market  21s.  each.  This  year  the  house  was 
planted  on  the  .5th  of  March,  and  ripe  fruit  was  cut  on  the  7th 
of  May,  so  that  only  two  months  elapsed  from  the  planting  of 
the  plants  tiU  the  fruit  was  ripe.  The  same  fruit  this  year 
realised  in  market  30s.  each  ;  since  then,  two  other  crops  have 
been  obtained  from  the  same  plants,  and  a  fourth  was  set  as 
large  as  hen's  eggs,  but  Mr.  Monro  thought  that  renewing  the 
border  and  planting  again,  would  be  better,  and,  having  plenty 
of  strong  plants,  did  so.  Many  of  the  fruits  on  October'  1st 
weighed  upwards  of  21b.  each,  and  that  without  receiving  the 
least  fire-heat.  Thus  three  crops  of  the  Little  Heath  Melon 
have  been  obtained  from  the  same  house  in  six  months,  and 
the  fourth  will  in  a  few  weeks  be  ready  to  cut.  This  sort  justly 
claims  the  palm  for  early  and  quick  ripening,  certain  fruiting, 
and  prolificness,  not  only  as  a  house  Melon,  but  much  more 
so  as  a  fi-ame  variety.  In  order  that  I  might  see  the  Little 
Heath  in  full  perfection,  Mr.  Monro  accompanied  me  to 
Eabley,  several  miles  distant,  which  is  another  extensive 
forcing  establishment.  There  everything  is  grown  for  market, 
and  the  Little  Heath  is  the  only  Melon  grown.  In  one  house 
there  were  hanging  upwards  of  100  beautiful  fruit  of  it,  each 
weighing  from  3  lbs.  to  7  lbs ;  and  three  days  before  my  visit 
there  had  been  cut  from  this  house  sixteen  ripe  fruits  for 
market,  several  others  being  ripe.  We  tasted  one  of  them,  and 
found  the  flavour  to  be  excellent.  This  being  a  plant-growing 
place,  all  the  Melons  had  to  grow  in  was  about  half  a  bushel  of 
soil  put  upon  a  bed  of  ashes,  which,  when  the  fruit  is  cut,  will 
all  be  removed  and  filled  with  plants.  If  this  Melon  is  wanted 
about  4  lbs.  weight,  and  of  first-rate  flavour,  the  less  heat  and 
the  less  soil  sriven  it  to  grow  in  the  better.  W.  F. 


Potato  Statistics. — In  regard  to  the  Potato  crop,  this  season 
occapying  514,693  acres  in  Great  Britain,  or  49,395  acres  less  than 
last  year,  and  112,998  acres  less  than  in  1871,  I  have  lately  seen 
very  large  areas  severely  blighted  in  the  haulm  and  tainted  in  the 
tnbers,  and  nnmerons  correspondents  inform  me  that  the  disease 
now  prevails  everywhere.  In  one  case  reported  to  me  from  Esses,  a 
grower  who  was  offered  £25  an  acre  for  his  Regents  a  fortnight  ago, 
sold  them  a  few  days  afterwards  at  £21,  on  account  of  an  attack 
ot  blight.    The  season,  fortunately,  is  so  far  advanced  that  a  great 


balk  of  the  extra  crop  we  have  grown  will  for  certain  be  saved  ; 
whereas  in  August  last  year  three-fourths  of  the  crop  throughout 
the  United  Kingdom  was  lost,  and  the  value  of  the  produce  of  many 
thousands  of  acres  in  the  great  Wisbeach  and  other  districts,  reduced 
from  an  average  value  of  £20  an  acre  to  a  nominal  sum.  The  pre- 
sent saturated  state  of  the  earth,  with  evaporation  decreasing  at  the 
rate  of  1°  per  month,  is,  unfortunately,  against  realising  the  hopeful 
prospect  we  had  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks  ago ;  but  as  there  ia  a 
large  proportion  of  the  produce  at  or  near  maturity,  a  large  per- 
centage of  it  is  certain  to  be  saved,  even  under  the  most  adverse 
circamstances.  The  area  under  Potatoes  in  Ireland  is  now  returned 
at  903,213  acres,  being  88,589  less  than  in  1872,  and  adding  to  it 
that  now  returned  for  Great  Britain,  we  have  1,417,906  acres. 
Estimating  the  produce  likely  to  be  safely  got  up  and  stored  at  five 
tons  an  acre,  we  will  have  7,089,530  tons  ot  Potatoes  in  the  United 
Kingdom. — Thos.  C.  Scott. 


THE    SWEET-SCENTED   WATER    LILY. 

(XYMPHiA    ODORATA.) 

From  the  tiny  specimens  of  this  plant,  we  have  seen  in  thi.^ 
country,  particularly  in  the  Oxford  Botanic  Garden,  one  could 


The  SwecL-sceuted  Water  Lily. 

get  no  idea  of  its  great  value  as  a  hardy  ornamental  plant. 
We  believe,  that  if  it  was  generally  known  that  it  is  quite  as 
vigorous,  quite  as  hardy,  and  certainly  not  less  beautiful,  than 
our  common  Water  Lily,  lovers  of  hardy  plants  would  make 
some  efforts  to  establish  it  in  our  ornamental  waters.  It  is 
seen  in  the  coldest  part  s  of  ISTew  England  and  Canada  embel- 
lishing the  lakelets,  just  as  the  Water  Lily  does  the  rivers  of 
England.  It  possesses  another  important  claim  in  having  a 
rose-coloured  or  reddish  variety,  which  is  also  well  worthy  of 
introduction,  but  difficult  to  obtain.  As  there  is  no  well-grown 
specimen  of  it  in  England,  that  we  know  of,  capable  of  affording 
a  suitable  illustration,  we  reproduce  the  accompanying  one  from 
the  American  A'jrlculliirisf,  which,  however,  gives  a  very  feeble 
idea  of  the  beauty  of  the  plant.  The  leaves  are  larger  than  those 
of  our  native  white  Water  Lily.  The  flowers  are  also  larger, 
measuring  as  much  as  oj  inches  in  diameter,  when  fully 
expanded.  They  are  very  sweet-scented,  and  open  early  in  the 
morning,  closing  in  the  afternoon. 


Nov.  1,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


369 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 
THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 
Remove  staoips  of  Cabbage,  Cauliflowers,  and  Brussels  Sprouts,  as 
soon  as  the  produce  from  them  has  become  e.^hansted.  Wheel 
manure  on  to  empty  quarters,  and  trench  and  ridge  all  unoccapied 
spaces.  See  to  tho  clearing  of  drains,  repairing  of  walks,  and  re- 
forming or  repairing  edgings.  Collect  leaves  and  vegetable  refuse 
into  a  heap,  which  should  be  turned  on  frosty  mornings,  and  some 
air-slackcd  lime  and  salt  mixed  with  it  to  hasten  decomposition  and 
to  destroy  insect  larva). 

Artichokes  (Globe). — Gather  the  leaves  of  these  together, 
and  encircle  them  loosely  with  hay  or  straw  bands,  so  as  to  allow  the 
ground  about  their  base  to  be  mulched  with  leaves,  litter,  or  dry 
Peru  ;  then  untie  their  tops.  If  the  ground  is  very  damp  in  wiuter, 
a  few  "  stools  "  should  be  lifted,  planted  in  light  soil  on  a  dry 
bottom,  aud  protected  with  litter — a  plan  by  which  a  good  supply  of 
young  suckers  may  be  obtained  for  spring  use. 

Asparagus. — Cut  over  the  stalks  of  Asparagus  a  few  inches 
above  the  ground,  and  keep  them  dry  for  protecting  frames  and 
plants  iu  severe  weather.  Such  stalks  as  bear  berries  may  be  laid 
aside,  in  order  to  have  the  finest  fruit  picked  off ;  the  seeds  should 
then  be  freed  from  the  pulp,  but  not  sown  till  spring.  Fork  over  the 
snrface-soil  into  the  alleys,  and  replace  it  with  a  layer  of  rotten 
manure,  over  which  strew  some  of  the  soil  from  the  allcj's,  leaving 
all  as  rough  as  possible.  Make  up  a  slight  hot-bed  of  leaves  and 
litter  on  which  to  force  some  Asparagus,  or  pits  heated  by  hot  water 
may  be  advantageously  employed  for  the  same  purpose. 

Beans. — A  sowing  of  the  Eirly  Mazagan,  and  other  early  Beans, 
may  now  be  made  in  rows  about  2  feet  apart  on  a  warm  aud  dry 
border.  Some  excellent  gardeners  contend  that  they  find  no  advan- 
tage in  sowing  beans  so  early  as  November,  as  those  which  they  sow 
in  December  quite  overtake  those  sown  earlier. 

Beet. — This  crop  may  now  be  taken  up  at  once,  or  it  may  be  left 
in  the  ground  till  frosty  weather  necessitates  its  being  lifted.  In 
raising  the  roots,  be  careful  not  to  injure  the  fibres,  and  shorten  the 
leaves  to  within  an  inch  or  two  of  tho  crown.  Separate  such  roots 
as  are  clean  and  unforked  from  the  small  and  inferior  ones.  They 
may  be  wintered  in  sheds  in  piles,  in  which  the  crown  ends  lie 
outwards,  and  some  sand  or  dry  soil  should  be  strewed  amongst 
them.  In  shady  places  out  of  floors,  too,  they  may  be  wintered  in 
pits,  covering  them  with  some  straw  and  a  thin  layer  of  soil.  It 
left  in  the  ground,  however,  and  that  is  covered  with  litter  during 
frosty  weather,  the  roots  will  be  better  flavoured  than  if  lifted,  but 
it  is  always  necessarj'  to  have  a  few  under  cover. 

Broccoli,  Cabbage,  <S:c. — If  precautions  have  been  taken  to 
protect  Broccoli  in  winter  by  planting  them  closely  in  double  rows, 
hoops  and  mats  should  be  at  hand  with  which  to  cover  them.  If 
Brussels  Sprouts  have  turned  in  faster  than  required,  lift  them  with 
good  balls,  and  plant  them  thickly  iu  some  cool  shady  place.  Here 
they  will  keep  for  a  long  time,  without  the  sprouts  either  spoiling  or 
bursting.  Early  planted  Rosette  Coleworts,  unless  treated  in  this 
way  after  they  have  hearted,  will  also  burst  and  spoil,  and  Savoys 
may  likewise  be  treated  in  a  similar  way.  Freely  expose  Cauli- 
flowers in  and  out  of  frames  in  favourable  weather,  and  insert  rows 
of  pegs  in  the  beds  to  support  mats  in  frosty  weather.  As  soon  as 
the  weather  is  likely  to  be  keen,  lift  the  plants  aud  transfer  them 
to  frames.  Thin  out  a  little  those  sown  in  frames,  and  bo  careful 
that  wet  does  not  reach  them.  Break  a  leaf  or  two  over  the  curd  of 
Cauliflowers,  turning  it  in,  or  lift  the  plants  with  good  balls,  and  place 
them  in  Peach  houses  at  rest  or  in  sheds.  Transplant  Cabbages 
fiom  those  pricked  out  in  the  store-beds,  as  space  can  be  spared  for 
them.  Remove  decaying  leaves  from  amongst  them,  aud  loosen  tho 
soil  between  the  rows. 

Carrots. — When  Carrots  have  completed  their  growth,  lift  them 
on  a  dry  day,  cut  off  their  tops  close  in  to  the  crowns,  and  store  them 
in  thiu  ridges  on  a  dry  bottom  out  of  doors,  covering  them  sparingly 
with  coarse  scraw,  dried  Fern,  Heather,  Asparagus  stalks,  &c.,  aud 
over  these  put  thatched  hurdles  or  covers,  to  throw  off  rain.  If 
thatched  covers  are  not  convenient,  use  a  thin  coating  of  soil  instead. 
They  may  also  be  stored  in  cool  sheds  in  small  heaps,  keeping  the 
crowns  to  the  outside  and  strewing  some  sand  or  moderately  dry  soil 
amongst  them.  In  severe  weather  protect  young  Carrots,  such  as 
those  sown  since  midsummer,  with  evergreen  boughs,  or  other 
material  of  that  kind.  Sow  a  few  seeds  of  Early  Horn  in  frames  ;  if 
sown  amongst  Lettuces,  the  latter  will  be  removed  before  they 
injure  the  Carrots. 

Celery. — Earth  up  late  crops  of  Celery  as  they  require  it,  and  at 
the  final  earthing  press  the  soil  firmly  and  closely  around  the  plants 
at  the  top  of  the  ridges,  leaving  no  hollow  or  retaining  place  for  rain, 
for  after  the  plants  have  completed  their  growth,  the  drier  they  are 
kept  the  less  likely  will  they  be  to  rot.    Place  some  litter  over  the 


ridges  so  as  to  have  them  always  in  workable  condition   in  frosty 
weather. 

Cardoons. — Earth  up  tho  strongest  of  theso  in  fine  weather. 
Endive. —  Protect  plants  of  this  from  frost  with  evergreen 
boughs,  and  tie  them  up  with  matting  to  blanch.  Lift  some  of  tho 
strongest  with  good  balls,  and  plant  them  thickly  on  dry  banks, 
borders,  or  ridges,  and  accommodate  as  many  of  them  as  possible  in 
pits,  frames,  or  fruit  houses,  so  as  to  maintain  an  unfailing  supply 
during  the  winter.  Transplant  a  few  from  the  seed-beds  on  light 
=oil. 

Garlic. — Plant  a  few  cloves  of  this  in  rows,  a  foot  asunder  and 
6  inches  apart  in  the  row,  in  a  dry  and  warm  soil ;  they  will  come 
into  use  before  the  spring-planted  ones. 

Horse  Kadish. — A  plantation  of  this  may  be  made  at  once, 
but  it  is  bettor  to  delay  such  work  till  spring,  when  ground  that  has 
been  trenched,  ridged,  and  exposed  to  the  winter's  frost  may  be 
selected  for  it.  Clear  away  the  old  leaves  from  a  portion  of  the  old 
plantation,  and  cover  that  with  a  layer  of  tan,  cocoa-nut  fibre, 
ashes,  litter,  leaves,  &c.,  so  as  to  facilitate  the  lifting  of  it  in  frosty 
weather. 

Jerusalem  Artichokes. — If  necessary,  these  may  be  entirely 
lifted  and  uitted  like  Potatoes,  or  part  may  be  lifted  and  part  left  in 
the  ground,  or  they  may  all  be  left  in  the  ground.  Tho  haulm  or 
stalks,  however,  should  be  cut  over,  a  mulching  placed  over  the 
roots,  aud  the  cut  haulm  placed  over  that.  Sometimes  it  is  advisable 
to  lift  the  entire  crop,  an  operation  which  enables  us  to  proceed 
with  the  manuring  and  digging  of  the  soil  thus  occupied  ;  but,  oa 
the  other  hand,  the  tubers  are  better  flavoured  when  lifted  as 
required  for  use.  In  lifting,  take  up  every  tuber,  for  all  that  are 
left  will  eventually  grow  and  be  troublesome,  and  save  the  smallest 
ones  for  poultry,  which  are  very  fond  of  them. 

French.  Beans. — The  supply  of  these  must  now  be  had  from 
indoors,  and  for  this  purpose  they  may  either  be  grown  in  pots  or  in 
frames.  If  in  pots,  they  can  be  accommodated  in  Pine-stoves,  or 
forcing-houses  of  any  kind  where  they  will  be  near  the  light,  and 
where  they  can  be  syringed  now  and  then,  and  have  a  little  heat. 
Osborn's  and  Syon  House  are  two  excellent  sorts  for  forcing ;  only 
fill  the  pots  half  full  of  soil,  leaving  the  other  half  to  be  made  up  before 
tho  plants  come  into  flower,  and  place  a  few  sprigs  of  Birch  in  the 
pot  to  support  them.  Clear  away  old  crops  of  French  Beans  and 
Scarlet  Runners,  and  save  the  stakes  from  the  latter. 

Lettuces. — Lift  some  of  the  large  hardy  Cabbage  and  Cos 
Lettuces,  and  transplant  them  in  light  and  somewhat  dry  soil  in 
frames  or  orchard-houses.  Transplant  the  medinm-sized  ones  on  dry 
banks,  and  pay  strict  attention  to  those  sown  in  frames  last  month. 
Tilt  up  the  sashes  at  front  and  back,  and  entirely  uncover  the  frames 
in  fine  weather  ;  but  give  them  the  assistance  of  a  covering  of  litter 
if  severe  frost  sets  in.  Thin  the  p!ants  if  too  thick,  stir  the  soil 
amongst  them  with  a  small  stick,  and  dredge  dry  dust  or  wood-ashes 
amongst  them. 

Leeks. — These  are  now  in  good  useable  condition,  and  Lettuces 
and  Endive  that  may  have  been  planted  amongst  them  should  bo 
removed.     Stir  tho  soil  between  rows  of  late  Leeks. 

Onions. — Examine  onion  stores  in  wet  weather,  and  separate  tho 
decaying,  soft,  bruised,  or  growing  ones,  from  those  which  are 
sounder.  Keep  the  autumn.sown  ones  free  frooi  weeds,  and  stir  the 
soil  amongst  them  with  a  pointed  stick  or  very  narrow  hoe.  Dredge 
them  with  dry  soil,  sand,  or  wood-ashes  to  prevent  damp. 

Parsley. — This  is  now  excellent,  and  means  should  be  taken  to 
have  it  in  that  condition  throughout  tho  winter.  For  this  purpose 
insert  some  stakes  thickly  and  firmly  around  a  small  piece  of 
ground  occupied  with  it,  and  interweave  between  the  stakes  some 
Fern,  Furze,  Heather,  evergreen  branches,  &c.,  covering  the  top  over 
with  mats,  or  other  material  in  the  event  of  hard  frost  setting  in. 

Salsafy  and  Scorzonera. — Lift  the  roots  of  these  and  lay  them 
in  thickly  in  some  sheltered  and  shady  place,  where  they  can  easily 
be  mulched  if  necessary. 

Peas. — Sow  some  early  sort  on  a  dry  well.drained  border,  and 
use  some  precaution  against  the  ravages  of  mice.  Pheasants  are 
also  sometimes  troublesome  ;  but  garden  netting  bent  over  the  rows 
keeps  the  latter  from  injuring  them.  It  is  a  disputed  point  whether 
Peas  sown  now  have  any  advantage  in  point  of  earliness  over  those 
sown  in  December. 

Potatoes. — If  these  are  stored  in  sheds,  they  should  be  examined 
to  see  whether  the  disease  is  making  progress  amongst  them  or  not, 
for  often  at  storing  time  affected  tubers  pass  unnoticed,  and  soon 
afterwards  rot  and  infect  their  neighbours.  A  few  may  be  planted 
along  the  base  of  the  sunny  side  of  walls,  and  in  warm  dry  borders, 
for  an  early  crop  ;  bat  there  is  not  much  gained  by  planting  them  so 
early.  Start  a  few  in  warm  houses  on  light  soil  for  transplanting  into 
frames  when  they  have  made  shoots  an  inch  or  two  in  length.  Pre. 
pare  frames  for  Potatoes  by  forming  in  them  slight  hot-beds  of  litter 


370 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Nov.  1,1873. 


and  leaves,  and  placing  over  them  light  soil  in  which  to  gi'ow  the 
plants. 

Rhubarb  and  Seakale. — Clear  away  decaying  leaves  from 
these,  and  mulch  the  ground  over  their  crowns  with  litter,  leaves,  tan, 
or  other  material,  to  protect  them  from  frost,  and  to  cause  them  to 
be  easily  lifted  when  other  portions  of  the  ground  are  frozen  hard. 
Lift  a  tew  roots  of  each  every  fortnight  or  three  weeks,  and  place 
them  amongst  some  light  soil  in  the  Mushroom  house,  or  in  any  other 
place  where  they  can  have  a  temperature  of  about  60',  and  can  be 
kept  rather  dark. 

Spinacli. — llemove  all  decaying  leaves  from  this,  and  do  not 
allow  the  leaves  of  trees  to  accumulate  amongst  the  plants.  Loosen 
the  soil  betvt-een  the  latter,  and  scatter  some  fresh  air-slaked  lime 
over  the  ground  to  prevent  canker  and  slugs. 

Turnips. — Lift  some  medium-sized  useable  roots  and  transj^lant 
them  thickly  in  some  shady  corner,  entirely  covering  their  roots,  so 
that  they  may  be  easily  got  at  in  frosty  weather. 

Parsnips. — Leave  these  in  the  ground,  which  may  be  mulched  a 
little  to  exclude  frost.  When  left  in  the  ground  their  flavour  is  better 
then  when  lifted  and  stored  in  pits  or  in  sheds. 


GARDENERS  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES. 
For  the  benefit  of  any  young  gardeners  who  are  discontented  with 
their  prospects  iu  this  country,  and  who  are  desirous  of  emigrating,  we 
think  it  advisable  to  reprint  the  following  letter  and  reply  from  the 
American  Oardeners'  Montlihj.  We  may  observe  that  the  editor,  Mr. 
Weehan,  is  sufficiently  conversant  with  every  branch  of  horticultural 
detail,  both  in  this  country  and  in  America,  to  be  considered  an 
idtimate  authority  on  this  subject : — "  I  am  a'young  unmarried  man, 
with  a  thorough  practical  knowledge  of  gardening  in  all  its  depart- 
ments. I  am  also  '  thoroughly  up  '  in  stock  and  tillage  farming — 
having  left  a  situation  in  Ireland  which  I  held  as  land  steward  and 
gardener  for  six  years,  to  come  to  Canada,  where  I  have  been  for  the 
past  two  years.  My  '  Old  Country '  testimonials  and  Canadian  refe- 
rences aro  first-class  in  regard  to  character  and  ability,  as  well  as 
splendid  success  on  the  exhibition  table.  I  hold  a  good  situation  as 
gardener  at  present ;  bat  I  am  led  to  believe  that  there  are  higher 
wages  as  well  as  a  better  and  wider  field  for  first-class  men  in  the 
States.  I  have  a  strong  desire  to  try  my  fortune  there ;  and,  having 
no-  person  to  ask  advice  of,  I  would  take  it  as  a  great  favour  if  you 
■would  be  kind  enough  to  reply  to  the  following  queries,  through  your 
pages  ; — 1.  Should  I  stick  to  gardening  alone  ?  2.  Should  I  stick 
to  farming  alone  ?  3.  Should  I  combine  the  two  ?  4.  The  best 
time  to  change  ?  5.  AVhat  place  would  you  advise  me  to  try  under  the 
circumstances  ?  "  [This  is  one  of  those  peculiar  questions  which 
ought  to  be  answerable,  and  yet  puzzles  us  to  do  it.  It  is  not  true 
that  the  wages  of  gardeners  are  higher  in  the  States  than  they  are 
in  England  or  Canada.  Nominally  they  are ;  but  when  the  pur. 
chasing  power  of  the  currency  is  taken  into  account — and  this  is 
really  what  "  wages  "  amount  to — English  wages  are  better.  Wo 
suppose  a  situation  would  be  considered  below  the  average  in 
England  which  did  not  pay  thirty  shillings  a  week  with  house,  coals, 
and  vegetables.  A  gardener  here,  with  the  purchasing  power  of  our 
money,  ought  to  have  £10  a  month,  house,  fuel,  &c.  And  few  places 
— such  as  they  go — give  more  than  this.  There  are  places  which 
give  from  £15  to  £20  per  month  ;  but  very  few.  There  are  probably 
not  a  hundred  gentlemen's  gardeners  iu  the  United  States  who 
receive  over  £16  per  month.  As  a  rule,  men  are  better  paid  in 
commercial  establishments  than  in  private  gardens.  Wo  are 
inclined  to  thick  that  on  the  whole,  gardeners  are  not  paid  as  well 
here  as  in  Europe  ;  and  certainly  not  near  as  well  paid  as  they  ought 
to  be.  Every  year  large  numbers  of  excellent  gardeners  leave  the 
profession  for  others  which  pay  better.  The  places  where  gardening 
and  farming  are  combined  are  still  scarcer.  We  think  that  either 
alone  will  be  the  best  course.  Changes,  when  made,  are  usually  in 
February  or  March.  In  regard  to  the  fifth  question,  the  thickly 
settled  portions  of  the  country  usually  exhibit  more  horticultural 
taste  and  pay  more  than  others.] 


The  Muscat  Champion  Grape.— This  fine  Grape,  which  is 
much  condemned  for  its  bad  colouring  propensity,  attains  the  full 
measure  of  blackness  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Beddard,  the  skilful 
gardener  of  R.  Thornton  Best,  Esq.,  at  Streatham  Hall,  near  Exeter. 
This  is  good  news  for  those  who  have  abandoned  the  enltivation  of 
this  nobl6_  Grape,  owing  to  its  want  of  colour,  as  it  is  a  prolific  bearer 
aud  certainly  one  of  the  largest  Grapes  in  cultivation,  as  well  as  one 
which  possesses  fine  flavour.  Mr.  Beddard's  specific  is  full  exposure 
to  light  and  abundant  ventilation,  even  though  he  uses  more  fire  heat 
to  secure  it.     Ho  is  also  very  successful  with  Mrs.  Pinoe's  Muscat, 


which  ho  considers  the  finest  late  Grape  in  enltivation.  It  also 
attains  complete  blackness  under  his  management.  The  Calabrian 
Raisin,  as  grown  there,  though  novel  in  colour  and  quite  transparent, 
is  not  a  good  Grape,  the  earthiness  of  its  flavour  rendering  it  rather 
disagreeable  than  otherwise. — William  P.  Ayues. 

Boiler  Incrustations. — I  have  read  with  interest  Mr.  Watson's 
article  on  this  subject  (see  p.  309),  and  the  matter  is  one  of  much 
importance  to  all  who  have  boilers  working,  with  the  present  high 
price  of  coal.  Perhaps,  I  may,  on  these  grounds,  ask  for  a  further 
communication  showing  what  mixture  is  the  best  for  the  prevention 
of  incrustation  in  boilers,  and  how  much  is  necessary  to  be  used. 
I  have  two  or  three  boilers  now  in  use,  and,  as  yet,  have  found 
no  really  beneficial  mixture  to  prevent  the  great  iucrustation 
weekly  going  on.  Perhaps  some  of  your  correspondents  may  have 
found  the  successful  autidote,  and  would,  for  public  good,  inform 
your  readers  what  it  is. — John  B.  Bell,  St,  Peter's  Hill,  Grantham. 


OBITUARY. 

We  have  to  record  with  much  regret  the  death  of  Mr.  Robert  Fish,  of 
Putteridgebury,  Herts,  which  took  place  on  the  25th  inst.,  an  event  by 
which  Horticulture  has  lost  one  of  its  most  gifted  and  distinguished 
practitioners.  Like  most  men  who  have  risen  in  the  world,  Mr.  Fish  began 
to  make  his  mark  on  horticultural  literature  and  practice  young.  He 
was  born  at  New  Scone  in  1808,  aud  received  his  education  in  the 
village  parochial  school,  where  he  laid  the  foundation  of  a  sound 
education,  including  Greek  and  Latin.  His  schooling  ended,  self 
culture  began,  and  the  latter  only  ended  with  his  life,  which  has  been 
all  along  devoted  to  acquiring  knowledge  and  impnrting  it  to  oth?rs. 
He  possessed,  in  an  extraordiuaa-y  degree,  the  power  of  condensing 
his  intellectual  resources  into  practice  when  and  where  they  were 
needed.  He  obtained  an  introduction  to  the  late  Mr.  Loudon,  who  at  once 
welcomed  his  contributions  to  the  Gard^nerf  Majriziiie,  and  extended  to 
him  his  personal  esteem  and  friendship.  He  struggled  against  partial 
paralysis  for  years,  and  held  the  pen  for  horticulture  till  it  may  litei-ally 
be  said  to  have  been  seized  from  his  hand  by  approaching  death.  When 
he  began,  it  was,  of  course,  rare  for  practical  gardeners  to  write  for  the 
press ;  in  fact,  there  waci  hardly  any  horticultural  press  to  write  for. 
The  high  character  of  Mr.  Fish's  practice  only  gave  emphasis  to  his  teach- 
ing, liis  mnbition  was  always  to  prove  that  the  clearest  thinker  ought  to 
be  the  best  practitiouer,  aud  in  this  he  succeeded ;  for,  if  our  horticul- 
tural literature  has  teemed  with  his  thoughts,  the  gardens  of  Putteridge- 
bury  Park  have,  for  the  last  tive-and-thirty  years,  afforded  a  striking 
example  of  his  practice.  Beginning  in  a  common  field,  he  has  left  behind 
him  a  paradise  of  beauty.  His  love  for  horticulture  was  only  exceeded 
by  his  stronger  love  for  horticulturists.  Almost  his  first  efforts  were 
put  forth  to  advocate  the  amelioration  of  the  condition  and  to  elevate  the 
status  of  gardeners  ;  and  throughout  a  long  life  his  powers,  his  pen,  and 
his  purse,  have  been  at  their  service.  He  is  gone  ;  but,  though  dead,  he 
yet  speaketh  through  his  writings  and  his  life.  For  the  future  of  horti- 
culture, it  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  seeds  of  both  I'nay  bring  forth  a  good 
crop  of  the  same  '"strain" — men  who  will  not  simply  advance  and  improve, 
hut  lil;owise  elevate  and  adorn  the  profession  to  which  they  belong. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. 

OCTOBEB  31sr. 

Flowers.— Of  bouquet  flowers  there  is  a  large  variety,  including  Roman 
Hyaciiithe,  blue  Cinerarias,  Cyclamens,  Violets,  Indian  Crocuses  (Pleiones), 
OncidiuiQS,  and  a  few  other  Orchids,  also  double-flowerefl  zonal  Pelargoniums, 
Mi,?nonette,  Rose-buds,  Eucharis,  Camellias,  Gardenias,  Tuberoses,  Bouvardias, 
Kpiphyllums,  &.C.  ;  likewise  autuDin-bloomiug  Heaths,  Chrysanthemums, 
Begonia  WeltoniensiB,  and  various  evergreens. 

Fruits  and  Vegetables.— Grapes  are  plentiful  and  good,  and  Pine-apples 
unusually  abundant ;  they  chiefly  consist  of  Queens,  Smooth  Cayennes,  Provi- 
dence, and  Black  .Tamaicas.  Orchard  fruits  are  abundant ;  Pears  comprise 
Duchesse  d'Angoulemc,  Marie  Louise,  Beurre  Bosc,  Beurre  d'Anjou,  Beurre 
Clairgeau,  Beurre  Diel,  Glou-Morceau,  and  other  sorts.  Peaches,  with  the  escep- 
tiou  of  a  few  of  the  Salway  kind,  are  over,  as  are  also  Fi^s  and  Melons.  Seakale 
has  made  its  appearance  in  the  market,  and  we  hear  fewer  complaints  there 
about  Potato  disease  than  we  did  a  fortnight  ago. 

Prices  of  Fruits.— Apples,  per  half-sieve,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Chillies,  per  100, 
2s.  to  3s. ;  Cobs,  per  lb.,  Is.  to  Is.  9d:  Chestnuts,  per  bushel,  15s.  to  20s.  j  Filberts, 
per  lb.,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Grapes,  hothouse,  black,  per  lb..  Is.  to  6s.;  Muscats, 
2s.  to  63.;  Lemons,  per  100,  8s.  to  14s.;  Melons,  each,  2s.  to  4s.;  Oranges, 
per  100,  12s.  to  24s. ;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  6s.  to  12s. ;  Pears,  per  doz..  Is.  to 
45.;  Pine-Apples,  per  lb.,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  2s. ;  Walnuts, 
per  bushel,  Ss.  to  12s. ;  ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.- Artichokes,  per  doz.,  Is.ed.  lo3s. ;  Beans,  Kidney,per 
half  sieve,  Is.  6d.  to  28. ;  Beet,  Red,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  2s. ;  Brussels  Sprouts,  per 
half-sieve,  2s.  6d. ;  Cabbage,  per  doz.,  2s.;  Carrots,  per  bunch,  4d.  to  6d.; 
Cauliflower,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  63. ;  Celery,  per  bundle.  Is.  6d.  to  23. ;  Cole- 
worts,  per  doz.  bunches,  33.  to  4s. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  6d.  to  Is. ;  Endive,  per  doz., 
2s.  ;  Fennel,  per  bimch,  3d.  ;  Garlic,  per  lb.,  6d.  ;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d.  ; 
Horseradish,  per  btmdle,  3s.  to  4s. ;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  Lettuces,  per 
doz.  Is.  to  2s. ;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s.;  Mustard  and  Cress, 
per  punnet,  2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  2s.  6d.  to  43. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ; 
Parsley,  per  doz.  bunches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Potatoes, 
per  bushel,  23.  6d.  to  43. ;  Radishes,  per  doz.  bunches.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Salsafy, 
per  bundle.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Savoys,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  2s.  ;  Scorzouera,  per  bundle. 
Is.;  Seakale,  per  punnet,  3s.  to  4s.;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d.;  Spinach,  per 
bushel,  3s. ;  Turnips,  per  bunch,  3d.  to  6d, 


Nov.  8,  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


371 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :  chauge  it  rather  :  but 
The  Akt  itself  is  Nature." — SlMkespeare. 


THE  FLOWER  OF  THE  SEASON. 
Once  more  the  Chrysauthemum  is  enliveniug  with  its  blossoms 
some  of  our  private  gardens,  and  the  show  at  the  Temple,  taken 
on  the  whole,  is  about  as  fine  as  in  former  years.     The  Chrysan- 
themum is,  iiar  cj-ccUciicc,  the  iiower  of  autumn,  and  ought  to  be 
seen  in  every  window  and  balcony  garden  in  London  and  other 
large  towns  during  November  and  December.     Its  culture  is 
so  simple,  and  the  best  varieties  are  so  easily  obtained  that  we 
wonder  the  plant  is  not  more  generally  grown  than  it  is,  not  only 
in  smoke-pent  cities,  but  also  in  suburban  gardens.  Its  blossoms 
of  crimson,  snowy -white,  purple,  orgold,  would  do  much  to  dispel 
the  gloom  which  invariably  ensues  after  the  bedding-plants  are 
cut  oil  by  the  first  frost  in  October.     Cannot  we  have  a  bright 
show  of  Chrysanthemums  in  the  parks  after  the  bedding  plants 
are  rooted  up  in  autumn  ?     If  this  can  be  done  by  the  humble 
appliances  possessed  by  the  gardeners  of  the  Inner  and  Middle 
Temple,  surely  those  who  have,  speaking  practically,  unlimited 
facilities   at    their    command,   and    a    much    brighter  atmo- 
sphere in  which  to  work,  should  not  suffer  themselves  to  be 
outdone  in  this  respect.     This  is  not  written  in  a  carping  spirit, 
but  because   we   know  from  experience  that  the  suggestion 
is  practicable  without  entailing  any  great  additional  labour 
in  its  adoption.     Costly  erections  are  not  required  in  Chrysan- 
themum culture.     Cuttings  taken  off  the  old  stools  in  March 
or  April,  strike  freely  in  a  cool  frame.     After  rooting  pot  them 
either  singly,  ov  two,  or  even  three,  may  be  grouped  in  larger 
pots  so  as  to  form  good  specimens  for  conservatory  decoration. 
The  plants  can  be  kept  in  a  frame  or  cold  pit  until  established, 
when  they  should  be  set  outside  in   a  position  sheltered  from 
rough  winds,  but  fully  exposed  to  the  sun,  a  gentle  slope  to 
the  south  or  south-east  beijig  the  best  aspect.    Avoid  plunging 
the  pots.     This  mode  may  save  a  little  trouble  in  watering ; 
but  the  plants  either  root  through  the  bottoms  of  the  pots,  or 
else  become  water-logged,  and  in  either  case  the  loss  of  their 
lower  leaves  is  the  result.     The  finest  plants  we  ever  saw  were 
grown  in  a  Yine  border,  each  pot  being  set  on  two  bricks,  so  as 
to  allow  all   superfluous  moisture   to   escape  readily.    These 
,  plants  were  in  the  cutting-pots  until   the  beginning  of  May, 
and  in  November  bore  from   eighteen   to  forty-eight  flowers 
each,  and  were  feathered  down  to  the  pot  tops  with  dark  green 
foliage  of  the   freshest  description.     Some   of   the  individual 
flowers  on  the  larger  kinds  were  from  5  to  6  inches  in  diameter, 
and  as  perfectly  symmetrical  as  it  is  possible  for  such  flowers 
to  be.     These   plants  were  grown   by  Mr.  Phillip   Watts,   of 
Withcote  Hall  Gardens,  near  Oakham,  and  are   sure   to   be 
remembered  by  others  of  our  readers  who  saw  them  in  flower 
at  the  time.    There  is  no  real  necessity  to  grow  tall  lanky 
plants  for  show  flowers,  although  that  system   is  too   often 
adopted.    We  have  seen  as  fine  flowers  on  plants  from  18  inches 
to  2  feet  high  as  ever  were  grown  on  leggy  single-stemmed 
specimens  three  or  four  times  that  height  with  a  solitary  bloom 
and  the  top.     As  we  have  before  observed,  the  show  in  the 
Temple  Gardens  is  now  at  its  best ;  but  beautiful  as  are  many 
of  the  individual  flowers,  we  would  much  rather  see  really 
well-furnished  plants   well    grown,   well  flowered,  and  with 
foliage  reaching  to  the  pot  tops.      It  is  no  test  of  skill  or 
ability  to  grow  a  large  number  of  straggling  plants,  and  then 
pack  them  together,  so  that  their  tops  only  are  seen,  in  order 
to   produce   a   general  effect.     This  is  a  step  in   the  wrong 
direction,  since  we  know  by  our  own  experience  that  a  much 
better    general    effect    can    be    produced    by    growing    and 
judiciously  grouping  plants,  each  of  which  will  bear  inspec- 
tion from  all  points  as  a  single   specimen.      To  form   good 
specimens  of  the  large-flowered  varieties  is  easy,  if  due  regard 
is  paid  to  the  pinching  process  after  the  cuttings  are  potted 
off  in  the  spring.     The  Pompone  class,  as  a  rule,  make  neat 
bushy  little  plants  without  much  attention,  but  if  they  are  also 
properly  pinched,  so  much  the  better.     The  rationale  of  Chry- 
santhemum culture  just  resolves  itself  into  the  simple  operations 
of  judicious   pinching,  and  a  liberal  allowance  of  water  and 


diluted  liquid  manure  at  the  root.  The  plant  is  a  gross  feeder, 
and  must  never  be  allowed  to  get  dry,  or  the  bottom  leaves 
turn  yellow  and  fall  at  once.  Care,  however,  must  be  taken 
not  to  overdo  the  plants  with  stimulants,  as  it  often  causes 
them  to  produce  green  or  hard  centred  flowers.  The  time 
when  liquid  manure  does  most  good  is  after  the  buds  are 
formed,  as  the  pots  are  then  generally  full  of  hungry 
roots.  Every  one  who  has  a  sunny  wall  or  border,  may  have 
it  gay  during  mild  winters  by  the  use  of  this  plant,  which 
seems  pretty  well  as  much  at  home  in  the  fogs  and  smoke  of 
the  Metropolis,  as  in  the  bright  and  sparkling  country 
atmosphere.  Cuttings,  struck  in  March,  shouldbe  kept  near 
the  glass,  and  should  have  their  points  pinched  out  soon  after 
they  are  rooted.  In  about  a  month  or  sis  weeks  afterwards 
pinch  all  the  shoots  again,  and  just  as  they  break  for  the  third 
time  shift  them  out  of  the  small  pots  into  larger  ones,  say  11-inch 
pots,  using  a  good  fresh  hearty  compost  of  fibrous  loam  and 
well  decayed  hot-bed  manure,  to  which  is  added  sufficient, 
coarse  well-washed  sand  or  grit  to  keep  the  whole  open  and 
porous.  Never  pinch  after  the  beginning  of  July,  as  that  is 
the  month  in  which  the  buds  are  formed.  After  this  time  set 
them  outside,  and  train  out  the  shoots  so  as  to  give  them  the 
advantage  of  all  the  light  and  air  possible.  We  have  now  a 
race  of  early-flowering  varieties  introduced  from  continental 
gardens  a  year  or  two  ago,  and  by  means  of  these  the  Chrysan- 
themum season  may  be  said  now  to  be  from  July  until 
February.  These  dwarf  early  kinds  are  largely  grown  for 
Covent  Garden  Market  during  the  late  summer  months,  and 
form  an  agreeable  prelude  to  the  general  show  of  large  and 
Pompone  varieties. 


MR.  PEACH  ON  MIXED  BORDERS. 
The  Rev.  C.  P.  Peach,  of  Appletou  Le  Street,  in  giving  his 
ideas   of  Paris  gardenuig,   in  a  contemporary,   says : — "  But 
because  many  persons  have  ridden  the  bedding-out  mania  too 
far,  it  is  no  reason  why  we  should  go  to  the  opposite  extreme 
and  have  perpetual  monotony  with  the  repetition  of  the  same 
sort  offloioers,  mixed  ivithout  any  reference  to  harmony  of  colour 
or  contrast  of  form."     The  words  italicised  furnish  us  with  Mr. 
Peach's  notion  as  to  the  ideal  of  taste  in  flower-gardening, 
possessed    by    those    who    advocate   something  better    than 
bedding-out.      Mr.  Peach,  who  is  the  great  apostle  of  bedding- 
out,  should  not  be  so  unjust  to  his  opponents.     We,  who  seek 
to  supplement  the  beddiiig-out  system  with  the  infinite  variety 
of  charm  that  may  be  gleaned  from  the  rich  stores  of  plants 
now  at  our  disposal,  desire,  forsooth,  "  perpetual  monotony," 
&c.,  as  above  !     And  not  content  with  this,  he  takes  the  poor 
stiff'  borders  of  some  of  the  older  Paris  gardens,  and  says  :— 
"  What  I  here  noticed  of  the  Luxembourg  Gardens  is  equally 
true  of  the  Versailles  and  Tuileries  Gardens.     Those  who  like 
mixed  borders  might  have  a  surfeit  of  it  here,  and  I  think 
would  have  then-   propensities    cured."      Now   these   mixed 
borders  are  not  mixed  borders  at  ail,  in  the  proper  sense  of  the 
word,  the  plants  being,  for  the  most  part,  geometrically  arranged; 
in  fact,  it  is  bedding-out,  with  a  shght  difference.      So  those 
who  like  mixed  borders  are  to  h.ave  their  "  propensities  cured  " 
by  following  Mr.  Peach's  example,  and  having  a  look  at  the 
stiff  borders  of  Versailles,  &c.      The  fact  is  these  borders  have 
little  in  common  with  a  good  mixed  border,  or  any  kind  of 
artistic  gardening.     Beddhig   out   in  a  simple  state  is  of  far 
older  date  here  than  in  English   gardens,  and  spring  bedding 
too  ;  for  the  practice  of   filling  the  borders  in  the  older  Paris 
gardens  every  vear  with  spring  flowers,  and  replacing  these 
with  plants  that  bloom  in   summer   and  autumn,  both  kinds 
beuig  geometrically  arranged,  was  carried  out  here  for  many 
years  before  it  was   improved    upon    by   ourselves.      These 
borders   are  among   the   most   objectionable   features   of   the 
bedding  system,  and  have  nothing  in  common  with  the  various 
artistic°improvemeuts  which  are  now  beginning  to  find  a  place 
in  our  gardens,  and  o£  which  we  could  mention  notable  exam- 
ples in  Mr.  Peach's  own  county  and  in  many  other  parts  of 
England.     We,  of  course,  have   no  right  to  cavil  with  Mr. 
Peach's  profound  love  of   bedding  out ;    but  we  hope  he  will 
refrain  from  misrepresenting  the  views  of  those  who  happen  to 
differ  greatly  from  him  on  this  question,  and  even  the  facts  that 
bear  upon  it. 


3?2 


THE   GAEDBN. 


[Nov.  8, 1873. 


NOTES    OF    THE    WEEK. 


The   rage  for  testimonials   is  by  no  means  so   prevalent  in 

France  as  it  is  in  England,  bnt  we  learn  with  pleasure  that  the 
horticulturists  of  that  country  are  about  to  erect  a  monument  to  the 
memory  of  the  late  Mr.  Barillet,  for  many  years  the  able,  courteous, 
and  popular  superintendent  of  the  Paris  Gardens.  Subscriptions  for 
this  purpose  are  solicited,  and  should  be  addressed  to  the  Secretary 
of  the  Central  Society  of  Horticulture,  at  Paris. 

•  The  Isle  of  Wight  is  remarkable  for   its  gigantic  Fuchsias, 

Myrtles,  and  Hydrangeas ;  but  more  remarkable  than  all  these  are 
its  gigantic  Yuccas.  Of  these  last  one  maj-  be  found  in  the  gardens 
at  St.  Clare,  11  feet  high,  with  a  stem,  at  2  feet  from  the  ground, 
11  inches  in  diameter.  It  is  much  branched,  and,  in  order  to  prevent 
the  wind  from  injuring  it,  the  branches  ai'e  clasped  and  otherwise 
supported.  There  are  also  other  fine  specimens  in  this  garden,  as 
well  as  in  the  gardens  at  East  Cowes  Castle,  where  the  largest  is  over 
10  feet  in  height,  and  has  a  stem  some  9  inches  through.  This,  like 
the  others,  has  to  be  kept  in  position  by  means  of  artificial  supports. 

We  hare  received  an  excellent  photographic  representation 

of  the  interior  of  Mr.  Gilbert's  Melon  House,  at  Burghley,  as  it 
appeared  this  season  when  full  of  Melons,  which  hang  in  all  direc- 
tions, al'j-.ost  as  "  thickly  as  Blackberries."  Among  them  we  recog- 
nise the  Burghley  green-fleshed  kind,  a  fine  variety,  raised  by  Mr. 
Gilbert,  the  fruit  of  which  is  thin-skinned,  bright  golden-yellow  in 
colour,  and  excellent  in  flavour.  Fruits  of  it  have  been  shown 
weighing  upwards  of  5  lbs.  each,  and,  when  exhibited  at  South  Ken. 
sington,  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  awarded  it  a  first-class 
certificate.     It  is  a  strong  grower,  and  remarkably  prolific. 

• The  extensive  redwood  forests   which  abound  in  California 

cover  an  immense  area  of  laud,  the  trees  growing  in  many  instances 
to  the  height  of  250  feet,  and  from  6  to  10  feet  in  diameter.  But 
the  necessity  of  preserving  the  timber  is  felt  in  many  parts  of  the 
State,  owing  to  the  reckless  manner  in  which  forests  have  been  des- 
troyed, and  a  bonus  for  planting  trees  is  now  given  in  those  parts 
which  are  utterly  devoid  of  timbered  land.  We  may  thus  hope  to 
see  the  redwood  preserved  on  the  Pacific  coast. 

We  have  received  some  of  the  most  superb  Apples  ever  seen 

in  London  from  Mr.  Shepherd,  gardener  at  Pax  Hill  Park,  Hayward's 
Heath,  all  of  which  have  been  grown  on  the  French  Paradise  stock, 
and  the  trees  which  have  borne  them  are  described  as  far  surpassing 
what  the  most  flattering  engravings  of  the  French  trees  might  have 
led  ns  to  expect.  These  fruits  have  been  pronounced  by  the  best 
judges  in  Corent  Garden  to  be  the  finest  Apples  ever  known  to  have 
been  grown  in  England.  Among  them  are  white  Calvilles,  each 
weighing  1  lb.  1  oz.,  and  measuring  151  inches  in  circumference ; 
Belle  Josephines,  brilliant  golden  yellow,  12j  inches  in  circum- 
ference ;  Reinette  du  Canada  equally  large ;  and  Belle  de  Bois, 
weighing  each  1  lb.  7  oz.,  and  measuring  15  inches  in  circum- 
ference. These  have  been  obtained  from  cordons,  and,  as  may 
be  seen,  are  magnificent  results  of  that  system  of  culture.  We  shall, 
on  another  occasion,  enter  more  particularly  into  the  details  of  this 
matter. 

In'  the  last  number  of  the  Revue  Hcrlicole  M.  Carriere  notes 

the  unusual  occurrence  of  the  fructification  of  Yucca  quadricolor 
variegata  this  year  in  the  gardens  of  La  Muette.  This  plant  is  a 
variety  of  Y.  aloifolia,  of  which  it  presents  the  general  appearance 
and  habit.  The  leaves,  however,  have  a  broad  whitish-yellow  band 
running  through  the  centre.  The  fruit  is  also  curiously  marked 
like  the  leaves  with  a  broad  whitish-yellow  band.  M.  Carriere 
considers  that  a  large  proportion  of  the  seeds  will  reproduce  the 
variegation. 

In  this  month's  number  of  thei3o?aii!caZ  ilfajaimcis  a  figure 

and  desciiption  of  a  Saxifrage  (S.  Kotschyi)  which  few  of  our  readers 
probably  have  ever  even  heard  of,  and  which  has  this  year  flowered 
for  the  first  time  in  the  Royal  Gardens  at  Kew.  Dr.  Hooker's  account 
of  it  is  as  follows  : — "  This  is  one  of  the  group  of  Saxifrages  that 
form  dense,  hard,  cushion-shaped  masses  on  the  mountains  of  the 
South  of  Europe  and  Western  Asia,  where  they  are  exposed  to  great 
summer  heat  and  winter  cold,  without  the  humidity  of  a  more 
northern  or  western  climate.  They  are  consequently  very  dilficult  to 
cultivate  in  England ;  aud,  when  they  have  succeeded,  they  never 
form  the  luxuriant  masses  that  they  do  in  the  Mediterranean  region. 
S.  Kotschyi  is  a  native  of  precipitous  rocks  in  the  Cilician  Taurus,  at 
an  elevation  of  from  6,000  to  9,000  feet,  as  also  of  the  mountains  of 
Armenia  and  Cataonia,  all  in  Asia  Minor,  where  it  was  discovered  by 
Anchor  Eloi,  the  French  explorer  of  the  Thessalian  Olympus.  The 
specimen  here  figured  flowered  in  the  Roj'al  Gardens  (where  it  has 
been  in  cultivation  for  a  good  many  years)  in  May,  1873,  and  bears 
evidently  imperfect  flowers,  the  petals  being  smaller  than  in  the 
native  specimens,  and  the  stamens  and  the  styles  quite  arrested  in 
growth." 


jIk  Meehan,  the  editor  of  the  Gardeners'  Monthly,  is  writing 

ably  to  prove  that  forests  are  the  result,  not  the  cause,  of  climate, 
and  we  think  he  is  right. 

Me.  D.  Thomson  has  a  short  article  in  the  Qwrdener  strongly 

advising  the  use  of  Alpine  plants  as  bedding  plants  in  the  winter 
garden,  a  purpose  for  which  they  are  well  fitted. 

We   have  received  from  Mr.   Wells,   of  Bouverie   Street,    a 

sample  of  Grapes  grown  without  heat,  in  his  ground  Vineries.  As 
usual,  they  are  of  fine  quality ;  indeed,  superior  to  many  Grapes 
grown  in  ordinary  Vineries. 

The  town  trustees  of   Sheffield,  a  body  having  considersble 

revenues  in  that  town,  decided  the  other  day  to  purchase  20  acres  of 
land  in  the  outskirts  of  the  town  for  the  purpose  of  a  park  and 
recreation  ground,  the  cost  of  which  is  £14,000.  A  few  months  since 
the  Corporation  of  Sheffield  purchased  a  park,  and  the  land  to  bo 
purchased  by  the  town  trustees  is  in  close  proximity  to  it. 

lu  the  Bulletin  mensuel  de  la  Sociite  d' AccHm%tation  de  Paris 

M.  p.  Mares  states  that  in  Algeria  "  the  results  of  the  experiments 
to  produce  different  coloured  silks  go  to  show  that  silkworms  fed  on 
Cherry  leaves  produce  a  bright  chromo-yellow-coloured  silk,  those  on 
Pear  leaves  a  darker  shade  of  the  same  colour,  those  on  Apple  leaves 
a  nearly  white  silk,  but  coarser  than  that  of  the  silkworms  fed  on 
Mulberry  leaves." 

The    last    number    of    the    Belgique    Horticole   contains   a 

coloured  figure  of  Canistrum  aurantiacum,  the  sole  representative  of 
a  new  genus  of  Bromeliads,  founded  by  M.  E.  Morren.  The  pecu- 
liarities of  this  genus  are  the  unusual  form  of  its  irregular  sepals  and 
the  basket-like  appearance  of  its  inflorescence,  to  which  its  distinctive 
name,  Canistrum,  is  due.  The  flowers  are  very  numerous,  of  an 
orange  colour,  and  arranged  in  a  closely-set  capitulum  or  head, 
surrounded  by  broad  red  bracts. 

In  a  recent  number  of  the   Contptes  Eendvs,  M.  A.  Brong- 

niart  describes  the  Palms  of  New  Caledonia,  from  the  material 
collected  by  Balausa,  Veillard,  and  Pancher.  Eighteen  species  are 
found  in  the  island  besides  the  Cocoa-nut,  which  is  considered  to  be 
introduced.  All  belong  to  the  tribe  ArecineaB,  three  being  referred 
to  Kentia,  of  Blume,  three  to  Kentiopsis,  Brongn.,  which  differs 
from  Kentia  in  having  twenty  to  fifty  stamens  united  in  the  centre 
of  the  flower;  the  other  twelve  are  included  in  a  new  genus,  which 
is  called  Cyphokentia,  characterised  by  its  unsymmetrical  frnit,  with 
a  gibbosity  on  one  side.  It  is  remarkable  that  none  of  the  other 
tribes  of  Palms  distributed  through  the  Pacific  should  be  represented, 
so  far  as  known,  in  New  Caledonia. 

A  couiiESPONDENT  who  visited  the  Y'osemite  Valley  some  two 

or  three  years  ago,  thus  writes  to  us  concerning  it : — "  I  shall  look 
back  to  a  mouth's  ramble  over  the  forest-clad  slopes  of  the  Sierra 
Nevada  of  California  as  one  of  the  most  enjoyable  of  my  life.  As  a 
lover  of  Nature's  works,  I  think  that  grand  Yosemite  Valley  one  of 
the  finest  bits  of  scenery  the  world  can  produce,  with  its  giant  cliffs 
from  3,000  to  6,000  feet  high,  and  waterfalls  from  900  (Bridal  Veil 
fall)  to  the  Great  Yosemite  fall  2,610  feet.  I  hear  first-class  roads, 
and  other  modern  improvements  are  rapidly  being  made  to  get  to  the 
valley.  I  am  glad  to  say  I  had  to  ride  on  an  Indian  trail  for  more 
than  sixty  miles,  with  an  Indian  guide,  aud  I  hope  that  grand  bit  of  the 
Creator's  work  will  never  hear  the  sound  of  a  locomotive." 

ALTHOUfiH  the  weather  during  the  past  few  weeks  has  been 

anything  but  favourable  for  building  operations,  very  extensive 
progress  has  been  made  in  the  construction  of  the  new  Alexandra 
Park  Palace.  Messrs.  Lucas  Brothers  have  between  500  and  600  men 
at  work  in  laying  the  foundations,  and  levelUng  the  old  gable  ends  to 
the  height  required  for  the  new  building.  It  is  expected  that  this 
portion  of  the  work  will  be  finished  in  the  course  of  a  week  or  two. 
During  the  short  time  the  old  palace  was  open  to  the  public  it  was  found 
that  there  was  barely  space  enough  in  it  to  accommodate  the  number 
of  visitors.  The  directors  have  therefore  enlarged  the  area  of  the 
new  building,  by  bringing  the  outer  walls  to  a  line  with  the  centre 
arch.  At  either  end  it  is  proposed  to  construct  a  conservatory,  and 
the  theatre,  which  was  before  in  the  interior,  will  be  built  adjacent 
to  the  sonth-west  corner  of  the  building. 

— . —  The  JournaA  of  the  Franklin  Institute,  Sept.  1873,  contains 
Government  reports  on  the  decay  and  preservation  of  timber. 
Generals  Cram  and  Gilmore  recommend  the  Seely  process  as  the 
best.  It  consists  in  subjecting  the  wood  to  a  temperature  above  the 
boiling  point  of  water,  and  below  300°  Fahrenheit,  while  immersed 
in  a  bath  of  creosote  a  sufficient  length  of  time  to  expel  the  moisture. 
When  the  water  is  thus  expelled  the  pores  contain  only  steam  ;  the 
hot  oil  is  then  quickly  replaced  by  a  bath  of  cold  oil,  by  means  of 
which  change  the  steam  in  the  pores  of  the  wood  is  condensed,  and 
a  vacuum  formed  into  which  the  oil  is  forced  by  atmospheric  pressure 
and  capillary  attraction.  General  Gillmore  thinks  a  wooden  plat- 
form, thoroughly  creosoted,  would  last  twenty  to  thirty  years,  and 
be  bettter  than  a  stone  platform  during  that  entire  period. 


Nov.  R,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


373 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 

LAGERSTRCEMIA  INDIOA.- 
TilouGn  not  so  often  found  in  collections  as  it  ought  to  be, 
this  is  oue  of  the  finest  and  most  profuse  flowering  of  grecu- 
liouse  or  half-hardy  shrubs.  It  blooms  freely  in  the  Palm- 
house  at  Kew,  where  the  ends  of  even  its  smallest  branches 
terminate  in  a  mass  of  rosy-purple  flowers,  ludividuall}-,  the 
blossoms  are  about  the  size  of  a  shilling,  and  have  six  long 
clawed,  curled,  or  crumpled  petals,  not  unlike  those  of  the 
scandent  yellow-flowered  Stigmaphyllum  ciliatum.  When  well 
grown  this  plant  is  one  of  the  greatest  ornaments  one  could 
desire,  either  for  a  plant  stove  or  cool  conservatory.  It  will 
grow  and  flower  freely,  even  when  planted  under  a  sunny  wall 
in  the  south  of  England,  and  during  the  past  summer  we  have 


#1^)&S>. 


Lagersfcrcemia  indica. 

seen  it  flowering  very  freely  out  of  doors  in  several  of  the 
gardens  around  Paris.  When  grown  in  a  pot  or  tub  indoors  it 
makes  a  shrub  eight  or  ten  feet  high,  and  flowers  freely  every 
summer  or  autumn  if  cut  back  after  blooming.  It  should  have 
a  moderately  rich  sandy  soil,  and  should  be  thoroughly  well 
drained.  It  requires  a  liberal  supply  of  water  when  growing. 
In  America  it  does  well  oat  of  doors,  and  a  plant  of  it  stood 
fifteen  degrees  of  frost  in  the  Botanic  Garden  at  Brest.  It  is 
a  native  of  China.  One  species,  L.  reginas,  grows  to  a  large 
size,  and  is  much  used  in  India  for  boat-building  and  similar 
purposes,  as  it  lasts  well  when  submerged.  B. 


TASSELLED  AND  CRESTED  FERNS. 
I  AM  somewhat  at  a  loss  how  to  account  for  the   abnormal 
forms  among  our  native  Ferns — forms  which  we  do  not  find 
among  exotic  species.     What,  therefore,  causes  Ferns  that 


grow  in  British  soil  and  in  a  British  atmosphere  to  sport  in  the 
remai'kable  manner  in  which  they  have  done  with  us  during 
the  last  fifty  or  sixty  years  ?  These  are  questions  difficult  to 
answer  in  a  satisfactory  manner.  I  have  heard  it  asserted  that 
we  at  home  are  not  in  a  position  to  say,  with  any  degree  of 
accuracy,  that  foreign  Perns  do  not  sport  into  the  crested  and 
tasselled  forms,  to  as  large  an  extent  as  our  indigenous  species 
do,  because  their  habitats  have  not  hitherto  been  so  thoroughly 
explored  by  collectors,  as  those  of  our  native  Ferns,  a  statement 
in  which  there  is  certainly  some  truth ;  but  it  is  not  sufficiently 
convincingto  satisfy  me  ;  for,  having  had  frequent  opportunities 
of  examining  large  herl^aria,  I  cannot  Ijring  myself  to  believe 
that  exotic  Ferns  (although  subject  to  great  variations)  are 
liable  to  become  altered  in  form  to  the  same  extent  as  our 
native  kinds  are,  or  we  certainly  should  have  received  some  of 
them  from  our  numerous  plant  collectors  long  ere  this.  This 
fact  was  deeply  impressed  upon  my  mind  a  few  years  back, 
during  a  walk  over  hill  and  dale  between  Halifax  and  Todmor- 
den,  especially  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Luddenden  Foot;  there 
I  saw  Perns  growing  everywhere,  particularly  Athyrium  Pilix- 
Foemina,  but  although  any  amount  of  varieties  were  to  be 
found,  it  was  quite  an  exception  to  see  the  recognised  normal 
state  of  the  plant ;  there  were  forked  fronds,  tasselled  fronds, 
depanpei'ated  fronds,  miniature  fronds,  and  gigantic  fronds  ;  it, 
therefore,  occured  to  me  that  if  exotic  Ferns  varied,  to  this 
extent,  we  must  have  received  abnormal  forms  from  our 
collectors,  who  are  ever  on  the  out-look  for  new  plants  of 
commercial  value.  Some  assert  that  we  are  indebted  to  the 
Fern  cultivator  for  the  numerous  varieties  of  British  Ferns 
which  we  possess,  and  to  some  extent  this  is  true;  but  yet 
some  of  the  most  beautiful  and  distinct  of  our  crested  and 
tasselled  Ferns  have  been  originally  found  in  a  wild  state,  the 
same  form,  in  some  instances,  occurring  in  widely  separated 
localities.  I  have  previously  stated  that  I  am  inclined  to 
believe  that  the  majority  of  these  forms  have  sprung  up  during 
the  present  century ;  and  one  of  my  reasons  for  this  belief 
rests  on  the  fact  that  old  British  botanists  are  silent  upon  the 
subject.  Had  such  varieties  been  known  to  them,  some 
records  of  them  would  have  been  left  behind.  True,  some  few 
varieties  of  British  Perns  are  noticed ;  but  that  only  serves  to 
strengthen  my  supposition  in  regard  to  the  non-existence  of 
the  great  number  of  varieties  which  now  serve  to  beautify  and 
adorn  our  rocks  and  glens,  and  which,  when  tastefully 
arranged,  produce  such  a  charming  effect  in  our  rock  gardens 
during  the  summer  months.  Another  remarkable  fact,  and  one 
which  goes  far  to  support  a  notion  which  I  entertain  that 
changes  in  form  such  as  have  been  recorded  are  brought  about 
through  some  peculiarities  existing  in  the  atmosphere  or  soil,  is 
that,  in  other  parts  of  Europe,  these  self-same  species  do  not 
acquire  such  protean  forms  as  are  to  be  found  in  our  own 
country.  Again,  the  majority  of  the  exotic  kinds  which  are 
crested  and  tasselled  are  the  results  of  home  cultivation,  and 
have  not  been  introduced,  but  have  originated  in  our  plant- 
houses.  The  number  of  crested  and  tasselled  Perns  is  now 
very  numerous,  and  most  of  them  are  handsome ;  but  I  am 
bound  to  confess  that  the  only  merit  which  many  of  them 
possess  lies  simply  in  their  being  abnormal ;  otherwise  they 
have  no  claim  to  be  classed  with  such  as  are  elegant  or 
beautiful.  Subjoined  are  the  principal  crested  exotic  Ferns 
now  in  cultivation,  viz. : — 


GARDEN    OKIGIX. 

Adiantum  excisum  multifidum. 

A.  e.  Leyii. 

Asplenitimpalmatumcristatum. 

Blechmuu  occidentale  multifi- 
dum. 

Doodia  aspera  corymbifera. 

Gymnogramma  chrysophylla  Par- 
sonii. 

G.  pulchella  Wettenhalliana. 

Lomaria  nuda  pulcheriima. 

Microlepia  irioides  cnstata. 

Neplirolepis    davallioides    furcans. 


Pteris  seiTulata  cristata. 
P.  s.  corymbifera. 
P.  s.  Applebyana. 
P.  s.  Dixonii. 
P.  s.  polydactyla. 
Drynaria  vulgaris  cristata. 

And  many  other  forms. 

INTRODUCED. 

Lomaria  gibba  Bellii. 
Niphobolus  lingua  corymbifeiu. 
Nepbrodium  moUe  corymbiferum. 
Of  this  last  there  are  now 
numerous  forms. 


It  will  thus  be  seen  that  these  crested  exotic  kinds  are  few 
in  number,  and  I  may  add  that  most  of  them  have  originated  in 
our  gardens,  whilst  crested  varieties  of  British  Ferns  are  far 
too  numerous  to  mention  here,  but  they  belong  chiefly  to  the 
following  genera,  viz. :  Athyrium,  Scolopendrium,  Polystichum, 
Lastrea,  Polypodium,  Blechnum,  and  Osmunda.  G. 


374 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  8, 1873. 


THE  GREENHOUSE  IN  WINTEE. 
Nothing  is  more  common  in  arranging  plant  houses  at  this  season 
than  for  the  best  specimens  to  be  staged  first,  giving  each  fair 
breathing  space,  and  leaving  the  inferior  specimens  until  the  last. 
Then  it  is  that  courage  is  required  to  throw  thorn  away, 
instead  of  crowding  them  into  the  house  to  the  certain  injury 
of  better  things.  This  is  the  secret  of  the  failures  that 
sometimes  attend  the  efforts  even  of  some  of  our  most 
painstaking  cultivators.  They  convert  their  plant  houses 
comparatively  into  mere  Black  Holes  of  Calcutta,  where 
plants  are  crowded  together  until  the  weaker  ones  become 
fairly  suffocated.  Of  this  we  require  no  stronger  evidence 
than  the  sight  of  the  long,  lean,  lanky  plants  which  crowd 
many  plant  houses.  The  rule  should,  be,  directly  a  plant 
becomes  unsightly  in  itself,  to  commit  it  to  the  rubbish-heap ; 
flowers  at  the  cost  of  an  unsightly  plant  have  no  chai-m.  The 
first  considerationbefore  removing  plants  into  their  winter  quar- 
ters is  to  take  care  that  those  cjuarters  are  thoroughly  cleansed, 
the  glass  and  woodwork  washed  with  soap  and  water — the  wood- 
work painted  if  necessary — and  the  stone  or  brickwork  washed 
•with  hot  lime,  to  which  a  handful  or  two,  according  to  the  size 
of  the  house.of  sulphur  may  bo  added.  The  object  of  this  wash- 
ing is,  first,  the  routing  out  or  destruction  of  insects  and  their 
eggs  ;  secondly,  more  light;  and  thirdly,  as  the  consequence  of 
cleanliness,  a  sweet  and  wholesome  atmosphere.  This  cleanli- 
ness must  extend  to  the  plants  and  the  pots  in  which  they  are 
growing.  The  latter  must  be  divested  of  every  particle  of  dirt 
by  means  of  the  scrubbing-brush,  and,  if  necessary,  sand. 
Sometimes  pots,  if  not  properly  baked  have  a  soddened,  heavy 
appearance,  quickly  become  green,  and  in  these  the  soil  dries 
but  slowly.  A  plant  so  situated  may  be  compared  to  one 
growing  in  ill-drained  land ;  the  water  does  not  pass  away  with 
sufficient  rapidity,  and  consequently  there  is  not  that  free 
circulation  of  air  through  the  soil  which  is  indispensable  to 
perfect  growth.  Such  pots  should  always  be  removed,  and  be 
replaced  by  clean  pots  of  the  proper  size.  At  the  same  time 
clear  any  wet  soil  from  the  surface  of  the  pots,  not  necessarily 
digging  down  so  as  to  disturb  the  roots,  but  just  taking  away 
that  surface  skin  upon  which  confervas  or  other  water  weeds 
may  have  collected.  Always  replace  the  soil  with  compost  of 
the  same  quality,  and  do  not,  because  you  have  peat  at  hand, 
use  it  when  you  ought  to  apply  loam.  At  the  time  of  surface- 
dressing,  it  will  be  wise,  should  the  earth  in  any  of  the  pots 
appear  soddened,  to  turn  the  plant  out  and  wash  the  inside 
of  the  pot,  or,  what  will  be  better,  put  the  plant  into  a 
clean,  dry  pot  of  the  same  size.  At  the  same  time,  make 
two  or  three  holes  vertically  through  the  soil  with  a  thin 
pointed  stick,  and,  with  cautious  watering  for  a  short 
time  after  the  top  dressing  is  applied,  the  soil  will  soon  regain 
its  wonted  porosity.  Before  large  plants  are  taken  into  their 
winter  quarters,  it  would  be  well  that  each  should  be  laid 
upon  its  side  and  thoroughly  washed  by  means  of  the  syringe 
or  garden-engine ;  and,  when  we  say  washed,  we  do  not  mean 
mei-ely  sprinkled,  but  the  water  shouldbeappliedwith  such  force 
as  to  wash  the  foliage  thoroughly  clean.  ITor  this  purpose  it 
will  be  best  to  lay  the  plants  upon  a  clean  pavement,  or,  if  that 
cannot  be  had,  then  lay  down  a  clean  mat  for  them  to  rest 
upon.  Apply  the  water  with  full  force  to  the  stem  of  each 
plant,  and  in  that  manner  the  pores  will  be  opened  and  health 
be  materially  improved.  The  plants  being  cleaned,  there  is 
a  point  or  two  to  be  considered  in  their  arrangement.  Some 
in  the  greenhouse,  for  example,  such  as  Heaths,  Bpacrises,  and 
Acacias,  will  bear  any  amount  of  exposure  :  while  to  Erioste- 
mons,  Boronias,  Leschenaultias,  and  Gompholobiums,  a  cold 
draught  is  almost  certain  death.  Hence,  in  arranging  the 
house,  it  will  always  be  best  to  place  the  last-named  section  in 
the  warmest  part,  where  they  will  get  a  free  circulation  of  air 
without  a  cutting  draught.  Then,  again,  in  the  ordinary 
greenhouse  you  have  hard-wooded  as  well  as  soft-wooded 
plants  to  accommodate.  The  latter  will  generally  be  found  the 
most  susceptible  to  cold,  and  must  be  provided  for  accordingly. 
The  fact  is,  the  more  hardily  plants  are  treated  from  this  time 
the  less  likely  will  they  be  to  sustain  injury  through  the 
winter;  and  hence,  observing  the  rules  we  have  laid  down, 
it  will  be  manifest  that,  secured  from  frost  and  the  cold 
draughts  we  have  spoken  of,  the  more  air  a  greenhouse  receives 
the  better  will  it  be  for  the  plants.     Never  apply  a  fire  until  it 


is  necessary  to  exclude  frost,  and  then  use  no  more  than  may  be 
requisite  to  maintaiuthe  desired  temperature.  Those  may  appear 
trifling  details,  but  it  is  upon  such  that  perfect  success  in  plant 
cultiviition  depends  ;  iu  fact,  they  form  the  main  portion  of 
that  cleanliness  without  which  perfect  success  is  impossible. 
If  wo  visit  the  establishments  of  any  of  our  great  plant 
growers,  we  find  their  plants  and  plant  houses  clean,  with 
persons  washing  the  leaves  of  the  plants,  and  removing  every 
speck  of  dirt  with  perfecting  care.  This  may  be  called  the 
over-refinement  of  cultivation,  but  it  never  yet  has  been 
carried  too  far.  Plants  live  by  a  respiratory  process,  just  as 
animals  do ;  they  are  influenced  by  good  or  by  bad  air, 
precisely  in  the  same  manner.  Dust  chokes  the  breathing 
pores  ;  and,  if  plants  are  not  washed,  they  are  affected  just  as 
we  should  be  under  the  same  circumstances ;  their  natui-al 
economy  is  disturbed,  and  they  suffer  accordingly.  Thus  we 
find  that  smooth  and  rather  large-leaved  plants — Aucubas, 
Camellias,  Myrtles,  Indiarubber,  and  the  like — always  succeed 
better  in  the  smoke  of  towns  than  small-leaved  plants,  as  the 
Conifera3,  Heaths,  and  woolly-leaved  Pelargoniums,  Cinerarias, 
&c.,  as  these  collect  the  dust  and  hold  it,  rain  only  tending  to 
increase  its  tenacity  ;  while  upon  the  smooth  large-leaved  plant 
every  shower  washes  it  away.  Last  year,  from  November  until 
the  following  spring,  we  had  in  our  sitting-room  a  plant  of  the 
beautiful  Dracasnaferrea,  which,  washed  twice  or  thrice  a  week, 
resisted  the  evil  effects  of  a  gas-poisoued  atmosphere,  and  looked 
well  to  the  last.  A. 


BOUGAINVILLEA  GLABRA. 
I  HAVE  a  plant  of  this  under  my  care,  which  is  arJmired  by  all  who 
see  it,  and,  in  my  opinion,  is  unsurpassed  for  elegance.  It  is  growing 
in  a  large  pot  in  a  small  intermediate  lean-to  house,  the  roof  of  which  is 
entirely  covered  by  its  foliage  and  ornamented  by  its  beautiful  manvc- 
coloured  bracts.  It  is  trained  with  a  single  stem  until  it  reaches  the 
roof,  and  then  horizontally  on  wires  underneath  the  glass,  at  a  dis- 
tance from  it  of  about  15  inches.  This  enables  the  flowers  to  receive 
a  proper  amount  of  light  and  sunshine,  which  is  essential  to  their 
free  and  abundant  production.  This  jjlant  will  live  in  a  greenhouse 
and  grow  in  almost  any  kind  of  soil,  but  I  have  found  that  it  does 
best  in  an  intermediate  house  or  a  cool  stove,  potted  or  planted  in  a 
compost  of  equal  parts  of  loam  and  peat.  It  is  very  easilj'  propa- 
gated by  means  of  cuttings.  My  method  is  to  cut  and  strike,  in  May, 
shoots  of  the  previous  year's  gro\rth,  or  young  wood  of  the  same  year 
in  October.  I  have  struck  shoots  about  9  inches  long,  full  of  young 
buds,  in  60-sized  pots  for  decorative  purposes,  and  very  nice  they 
look  when  grown  in  this  way.  The  light  in  the  roof  of  the  house 
here  has  been  kept  continually  open,  and  many  of  the  shoots  of 
the  plant  have  passed  out  through  it  into  the  open  air;  some  of  these 
shoots  are  now  as  thick  as  a  man's  thumb,  and  bear  a  jjrofusion  of 
flowers,  which  are  of  a  much  darker  colour  than  those  produced  inside 
the  house.  I  may  mention  that  I  never  quite  rest  the  plant,  and  that 
I  prune  it  severely  in  December  or  January,  leaving  a  few  of  the 
strong  shoots  of  the  previous  summer's  growth.  The  summer 
pruning  consists  mei'ely  in  cutting  blooms  tor  the  decoration  of  my 
employer's  table.  This  plant  is  very  effective  when  trained  iu  the 
balloon  style,  but  to  obtain  a  good  supply  of  cut  flowers,  I  should 
advise  those  who  have  not  succeeded  in  flowering  it  to  their 
satisfaction,  to  adopt  my  system,  by  which  they  may  have  flowers 
in  abundance  from  May  until  the  end  of  November.  D.  S.  Gillett. 
Court  Garden,  Great  Marlow. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INPOOR  GARDEN. 

Double-flowered  Ciuerarias. — These,  I  see  by  tbo  Florisf^  are  beginning:  to 
attract  attention.  I  well  remember  the  one  alluded  to  iu  that  pcriodicut  as  having- 
been  raised  by  the  late  Mr.  Kendall,  a  well-known  raiser  and  grower  of  Cine- 
rarias, some  twelve  or  fifteen  years  ago.  It  was  pefectly  double,  and  vci'y  pretty, 
though  not  SO  handsome,  if  we  may  judge  from  the  description,  as  the  new  double- 
flowered  kinds  just  raised  by  Messrs.  Haage  &  Schmidt,  of  Erfurt.  The  latter 
will  not  only  bo  useful  as  indoor  decorative  plants,  but  also  for  "  cut  bloom." 
— H.  D. 

Tdasdevallia  Veitchii. — We  have  in  bloom  here  a  beautiful  specimen  of 
this  **  cool-house "  Orchid,  which,  during  last  summer,  produced  several 
flowers  that  remained  long  in  perfection.  Under  ordinary  treatment  this 
species  will  grow  and  hlooni  freely.  It  requires  plenty  of  water  while  growing, 
and  ought  never  to  be  allowed  to  get  dry.  Nothing  can  be  more  pleasing  than 
its  rich  colour  at  this  season  of  the  year.— James  Dtke,  The  Qardcns,  Dace7ikatn 
Hank,  Great  Malvern. 

Tacsouia  insignis. — This  new  Tacsonia,  of  whicli  a  coloured  plate  is  given 
in  the  current  number  of  the  J'/flri>/,  was  raised  from  Bolivian  seeds  at  liull, 
by  Mr.  Anderson,  gardener  at  Sowerby  House.  It  is  a  beautiful  crirason- 
flowcred  climber,  which  supports  itself  by  tendrils  till  it  begins  to  tlower,  and 
then  hangs  loose,  each  In-auch  often  having  from  a  dozen  to  fourteen  llowere, 
all  open  at  one  time.  It  cannot  fail  to  be  a  valuable  addition  to  our  ornamental 
indoor  climbing  plants. — M. 


Nov.  8, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


375 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 

PANSIBS  SUITABLE  FOE  BEDDING. 
Yellow  Varieties. 

Cliveden  Yellow. — Blooms  large,  rounded;  in  coloui-,  orange, 
yellow,  having  a  dark  blotch  in  the  centre  ;  liable  to  show  dark 
blotches  of  colour  in  the  upper  petals  early  in  the  season  ;  begins  to 
flower  from  the  end  of  April,  and  is  very  continuous  all  through  the 
summer.  Habit,  dwarf  and  free  j  foliage,  slightly  woolly ;  a  capital 
botldcr. 

Pride  of  RujOfbrd. — Evidently  a  seedling  from  Cliveden  Yellow, 
which  it  much  resembles,  but  the  blooms  have  rather  more  substance, 
and  are  richer  in  colour.  It  also  rarely  exhibits  any  dark  colour  in  the 
petals.  It  is  a  robust  and  continuous  gi'ower,  blooming  very  freely, 
and  late  into  the  autumn.  One  of  the  finest  yellow  bedding  Pansies 
in  culivation. 

Sandbeck  Gem. — Another  form  of  Cliveden  Yellow,  but  not 
superior  in  any  way  to  that  kind. 

Golden  Perfection. — A  fine  variety,  having  blooms  of  large 
size,  well  rounded,  and  of  good  substance  ;  in  colour  it  is  rich  orange- 
yellow,  and  has  a  large  dark  blotch  in  the  centre.  It  may  be  ranked 
among  first-rate  varieties. 

Bedfont  Yellow. — A  very  distinct  kind ;  flowers,  medium 
sized  ;  clear  yellow,  having  no  blotch,  but  a  few  fine  dark  lines 
round  the  eye  ;  blooms  stout,  aud  borne  well  above  the  foliage, 
which  is  pointed  in  form  and  glossy.  This  variety  blooms  very  early, 
and  is  therefore  specially  useful  for  spring  gardening. 

Prince  of  Orange. — A  dwarf,  dense-growing  kind  ;  free,  and 
of  continuous  growth.  Flowers,  extra  large,  well  rounded,  and  of 
good  substance.  This  is  a  rich  orange-yellow  self,  without  blotch, 
but  the  top  petals  are  apt  to  be  rather  discoloured  early  in  the  year. 
It  is  one  of  the  earliest  to  flower,  and  keeps  in  bloom  all  through  the 
summer,  and  late  into  the  autumn. 

Perpetual  Yellow. — A  very  dwarf  compact  kind  and  a  very 
free  bloomer  early  in  the  spring.  The  flowers  are,  however,  not  a 
good  shape ;  they  are  thin  and  much  marked  with  dark  lines.  Never, 
theless,  it  is  very  effective  in  t^e  spring  garden,  either  in  the  form 
of  lines  or  edgings.     Foliage,  glossy  green  and  rounded. 

Primrose  ftueen. — A  new  and  distinct  shade  of  colour  among 
Pansies,  the  flowers  being  of  a  delicate  Primrose  with  slight  dark 
Hues  round  the  eye,  large  in  size,  and  very  efiiective ;  growth,  free 
and  continuous.  This  variety  makes  a  most  effective  summer-bedding 
plant. 

Yellow  Boy. — This  belongs  to  the  Tom  Thumb  section,  the 
habit  being  very  dwarf  and  compact,  and  of  a  most  distinctive 
character  ;  foliage,  small,  rather  woolly  and  pointed  ;  flowers  resem- 
bling those  of  a  large  Viola  ;  in  colour,  clear  yellow ;  and  they  are 
borne  in  great  profusion  all  through  the  season.  It  is  one  of  the 
very  earliest  to  bloom,  and  is,  therefore,  most  valuable  in  the  spring 
garden  for  small  beds  or  for  edgings.    A  first-rate  bedder. 

White  Varieties. 

"White  Bedder. — A  popular  kind,  remarkable  for  its  dense, 
free,  and  continuous  habit  of  growth.  The  flowers  are  of  good  size, 
without  blotch  in  the  eye,  but  are  apt  to  have  discoloured  petals  early 
in  the  spring.  It  blooms  early,  and  is  equally  valuable  as  a  white 
summer  bedding  sort. 

Miss  Maitland. — A  new  kind  sent  out  last  year  by  a  Scotch 
firm.  It  has  a  free  habit  of  growth,  and  is  evidently  a  free  grower. 
Flowers  of  moderate  size  of  clear  colour,  with  a  small  bluish  blotch 
in  the  eye.     A  very  promising  kind. 

Snowflake.- — A  very  fine  new  self-coloured  flower,  good  in 
form  and  in  substance,  clear  in  colour,  and  without  blotch.  It 
blooms  very  early,  and  is  most  useful  both  for  spring  and  summer 
bedding.  Habit,  free  and  vigorous ;  foliage,  glossy  and  well  rounded  ; 
altogether  a  first-rate  kind. 

Cliveden  White. — An  old  kind,  now  surpassed  by  others ;  habit, 
moderate ;  flowers,  small,  considerably  lined  with  black  mai'ks. 

Great  Eastern. — A  very  flne  show  variety,  probably  the  best 
and  purest  of  all  the  white  bedding  kinds,  with  a  dark  centre 
blotch  ;  its  habit  is  dwarf  and  vigorous,  and  it  constantly  throws  up 
new  growths  from  the  base.  Flowers,  extra  large  and  well  rounded, 
and  very  pure  in  character,  never  "  blueing,"  as  happens  in  the  case 
of  many  white  selfs  ;  it  blooms  very  early,  and  in  good  rich  soil  it 
makes  a  first-rate  summer  bedder. 

Foam. — A  dwarf  compact-growing  kind,  having  medium-sized 
flowers  of  good  shape  and  substance,  pure  in  colour,  with  a  deep  dark 
blotch  in  the  centre ;  blooms  rather  incurved,  and,  therefore,  not  so 
effective  as  good  flat  flowers. 

Lily  White. — One  of  the  Tom  Thumb  section,  having  a  very 


dwarf  dense  but  vigorous  habit ;  foliage  small  and  pointed  ;  flowers, 
medium  sized,  rounded,  and  of  good  substance  ;  in  colour,  pure  white 
marked  with  a  few  (lark  lines,  radiating  from  the  eye.  Makes  a 
first-rate  summer  bodder,  and  is  specially  useful  for  small  beds  or 
edgings. 

Blue  Varieties. 

Cliveden  Blue. — When  true,  this  is  one  of  the  earliest  blooming 
of  all  bedding  Pausies,  and  the  flowers,  which  are  large  and  well 
rounded  early  in  the  year,  are  of  a  bright  blue,  becoming  lighter 
towards  the  eye.  In  habit  it  is  strong  and  good,  the  growth  being 
upright  and  distinct ;  foliage  pointed.  This  variety  is  most  valuable 
for  spriug  bedding,  but  cannot  be  depended  on  for  summer  work. 

Trentham  Blue,  ahas  Beau  de  Ciel,  also  sometimes  wrongly 
called  Cliveden  Blue. — This  has  a  vigorous  habit,  but  blooms  some, 
what  sparingly.  The  flowers  are  of  good  size  and  substance  and 
well  rounded,  coloured  bright  blue  early  in  the  season,  but  very  pale 
in  summer.  This  is  not  so  desirable  as  the  previous  kind  for  spring 
bedding.  " 

Cliveden  Blue  Improved. — This  is,  as  far  as  the  name  is  con. 
cerned,  a  misnomer,  as  it  displays  no  improvement  on  the  old  kind. 
It  is  neither  so  early  nor  of  so  good  a  colour.  Its  blooms  are  of 
medium  size,  somewhat  thinly  produced,  and  of  a  purplish-blue. 
Habit,  rather  straggling ;  foliage,  glossy  and  rounded. 

Imperial  Blue  Perfection. — This  is  usually  called  a  Viola,  but 
it  is  properly  a  beddiug  Pansy,  which  should  not  be  confounded  with 
Viola  Blue  Perfection.  It  has  a  robust  habit  of  growth,  flowers 
very  early,  and  continues  to  bloom  without  intermission  all  through 
the  summer.  Flowers  purplish-blue,  of  irregular  shape,  borne  well 
above  the  foliage.  It  is,  taken  altogether,  one  of  the  most  effective 
of  bedding  plants. 

Rufford  Blue. — This  is  a  bedding  kind  of  fairly  good  colour, 
and  much  used  for  market  purposes ;  its  flowers  are  of  good  size  and 
have  a  dark  blotch  in  the  centre ;  habit,  vigorous.     A  useful  variety. 

Blue  King. — This  is  one  of  the  best  and  most  constant  of  all 
blue  Pausies  ;  habit,  compact  and  vigorous  ;  flowers,  rounded,  flat,  and 
of  good  substance,  thrown  well  above  the  foliage  ;  colour,  bright  blue 
with  dark  blotch  in  the  centre.  Might  well  be  classed  as  a  blue  self 
show  variety.  It  was  raised  by  Mr.  Nichol,  Edinburgh,  and  is 
altogether  a  kind  on  which  full  dependence  may  be  placed. 

Imperial  Blue. — A  large  showy  flower  of  good  substance  and 
deep  blue  colour,  has  a  lai'ge  blotch  in  the  centre,  and  might  well  be 
ranked  as  a  blue  self  fancy  Pansy.  It  has,  however,  somewhat 
uncertain  habit,  and  is  chary  of  drought ;  growth,  rather  stragglino- 
and  unsuitable  for  bedding  purposes  ;  blooms  early  and  is  very 
effective,  for  a  short  time,  whilst  young. 

In  Memoriam. — Quite  a  new  kind ;  vigorous  habit,  and  one 
which  promises  to  make  a  capital  bedder ;  foliage,  glossy  and  rounded ; 
flowers,  large,  of  good  shape  and  substance ;  the  colour  being  a  deep 
cobalt  blue  with  a  solid  black  blotch.  This  is  a  distinct  and  beautiful 
kind,  its  colour  being  both  rich  and  constant. 

Blue  Gem. — One  of  the  Tom  Thumb  section.  Flowers  pale 
violet-blue  on  the  lower  petals,  upper  petals  shaded  violet.  Habit, 
dwarf  compact ;  foliage,  small  and  rounded.  Blooms  early  and 
constantly,  and  is  most  useful  either  in  the  spring  or  summer  garden 
in  the  form  of  small  beds  or  edgings. 

Little  Gem. — A  unique  little  Pansy,  also  belonging  to  the  Tom 
Thumb  section;  rather  a  moderate  grower.  Dwarf  and  compact; 
flowers  borne  freely  above  the  foliage,  which  is  small  and  rounded. 
Colom",  lower  petals  violet-blue,  top  petals  blotched  with  violet-purple. 

Purple  Varieties. 

Cliveden  Purple. — Flowers  large  and  uneven,  rather  flaccid. 
Colour,  deep  plum-purple,  with  dark  central  blotch.  Makes  an 
effective  mass  early  in  summer. 

Prince  Bismarck. — Habit,  good;  growth  close  and  moderate. 
Flowers,  large,  rounded,  and  stout,  of  good  quality ;  rich  plum- 
purple  in  colour.     A  capital  summer-bedding  kind. 

Tyrian  Purple. — A  dwarf,  robust,  compact  kind  in  habit. 
Foliage,  glossy  and  rounded  ;  flowers,  very  stout,  of  fine  form,  and  of 
an  intense  rich  velvety  purple.  An  early-bloouiing  kind,  and  one 
v/hioh  is  very  constant  all  through  the  summer.  One  of  the  best  of 
the  purples. 

Violet  King. — Colour,  deep  violet-purple  ;  flowers,  large  and  of 
good  form;  habit,  dwarf,  and  free ;  foliage,  glossy  and  pointed;  a 
variety  which  blooms  early  and  freely  all  through  the  summer,  and 
one  which  is  most  useful  in  the  spring  garden. 

ftueen  of  Scots. — Somewhat  resembles  Cliveden  Blue  Improved 
in  habit,  but  the  flowers  are  of  a  deeper  purple  ;  blooms  sparingly, 
and  is  not  a  desirable  kind- 

Plumripe. — One  which  belongs  to  the  Tom  Thumb  section ; 
habit,  dwarf,  and  robust ;    flowers,  small  and  rounded,  thrown  well 


376 


THE  GARDEN. 


[57ov.  8, 1873. 


tip  above  the  foliage  ;    colour,  deep  mulberry ;   blooms  freely,  and  is 
very  effective. 

Blaek  Varieties. 

Pluto. — Habit,  vigorons  and  good ;  flowerg,  of  good  substance, 
and  rounded  ;  might  well  be  classed  as  a  show  variety ;  colour,  deep 
slate  black,  but  scarcely  effective  as  a  bedder. 

Black  Knight. — This  name  is  commonly  applied  to  those  black 
Belt  Pansies  that  are  obtained  from  seed  by  this  dark  "  strain."  They 
come  very  true  to  colour  as  seedlings,  but  usually  have  a  straggling 
habit  of  growth.  Old  plants  saved  from  the  previous  autumn  are 
useful  iu  the  spring  garden,  but  the  colour  is  of  too  leaden  a  hue  to 
be  attractive. 

Miscellaneous  Kinds. 

Magpie. — An  old  and  charming  variety  which  flowers  very  early, 
and  is  singularly  attractive  in  the  spring  garden.  Blooms,  medium 
sized,  in  colour  plum-purple,  blotched  with  white.  It  is  a  vigorous 
grower,  but  is  not  desirable  as  a  summer  bedder. 

Sunsh.ine. — Habit,  compact  and  vigorous  ;  foliage,  glossy  and 
pointed.  Flowers,  yellow,  belted  with  orange-brown,  which  renders 
them  most  peculiar  and  attractive  in  appearance.  Blooms  early, 
and  is  very  acceptable  in  the  spring  garden,  but  useless  in  summer. 

Profusion. — Habit,  dwarf,  dense,  and  compact.  Blooms  most 
profusely  and  very  early.  Has  one  of  the  best  habits  of  any  bedding 
Pansy.  Flowers,  yellow  ground,  belted  with  red'iish-bronze.  Makes 
most  effective  lines  or  edgings  in  the  spring  garden. 

Delicata. —  Habit,  compact  and  vigorous;  flowers,  large  and 
round,  lower  petals  pure  white,  upper  petals  slightly  blotched  with 
blue,     ifakes  a  most  effective  summer  bedder. 

Painted  Lady. — A  Tom  Thumb  variety  of  dwarf,  vigorous 
habit.  The  flowers  have  the  lower  petals  pure  white,  top  petals 
violet-purple.     Very  free,  and  makes  a  charming  bedder.         A.  D. 


ROSES  ON  THEIR  OWN  ROOTS. 
DwAET  Hoses  on  their  own  roots  are  by  no  means  so  unattainable  as 
some  imagine.  One  of  the  most  extensive  as  well  as  the  most 
successful  of  the  many  Rose  cultivators  in  the  midland  districts 
gathers  all  his  best  show  flowers  from  plants  on  their  own  roots, 
raised  by  himself ;  and  those  who  have  seen  his  Roses  must  admit 
that  they  are  marvellously  flue.  Now,  it  may  be  stated  at  the  outset 
that  there  is  one  great  advantage  in  having  Roses  on  their  own  roots 
that  will  at  once  commend  itself  to  cultivators,  and  that  is  the  fact 
that  they  will  stand  exposure  to  hard  weather  better  than  worked 
Roses ;  and  this  has  been  repeatedly  proved  during  the  hard  winters 
of  the  past  ten  years.  In  each  instance  of  the  occurrence  of  severe 
weather,  the  budded  Roses  were  to  a  great  extent  cut  down  to  the 
junction  of  the  scion  with  the  stock,  and  utterly  killed;  on  the  other 
hand,  Roses  on  their  own  roots,  though  all  the  wood  above  ground 
was  cut  back,  broke  up  from  the  roots  in  the  following  spring,  and 
soon  made  good  bushy  plants.  To  secure  Roses  on  their  own  roots, 
cuttings  of  the  hard  ripened  wood  of  the  summex-'s  growth  should 
be  taken  at  the  end  of  October  or  beginning  of  J^ovember,  and 
inserted  in  lines  in  a  spare  piece  of  ground  that  is  somewhat  light  and 
open,  and  if  of  a  sandy  nature  so  much  the  better.  Each  sort  should 
be  kept  by  itself,  and  planted  about  3  inches  apart  in  the  lines, 
the  lines  being  about  a  foot  apart.  A  large  proportion  of  these  can 
scarcely  fail  to  root ;  and  the  following  summer,  it  transplanted  in 
the  spring,  they  make  fine  young  plants  and  bloom  well.  In  cold, 
moist  localities,  it  would  be  well  to  give  the  cuttings  some  shelter 
during  the  winter.  I  once  knew  a  Rose  cultivator,  living  in  a  cold 
and  bleak  district  of  the  West  Riding  of  Yorkshire,  who,  finding  some 
protection  for  his  cuttings  necessary,  hit  upon  the  following  plan, 
and  was  highly  successful  with  it.  An  open  piece  of  well-drained 
ground  was  selected,  and  a  narrow  strip  prepared  by  mixing  with  the 
soil  sand  and  leaf-mould.  In  this,  cuttings  taken  at  the  end  of 
October  were  inserted  in  circular  patches,  in  lengths  of  about  3  inches, 
cut  off  close  under  a  joint,  and  having  one  or  two  eyes  out  of  the 
ground  when  planted.  A  good  watering  was  given  in  the  morning  of 
a  dry  day,  just  at  the  time  of  planting  the  cuttings,  and  then  each 
circular  group  had  placed  over  it  damaged  vitriol  bottles,  or  carboys 
as  they  are  sometimes  termed.  The  bottoms  of  these,  being  broken, 
were  cut  away  so  that  they  could  stand  level,  and  when  placed  over 
the  cuttings  the  bungholes  were  left  open,  during  severe  frost,  or 
when  raining,  the  bunghole  was  stopped  up  ;  but  it  was  found  to  act 
injuriously,  as  the  exclusion  of  air  bred  damp.  Beyond  keeping  the 
cuttings  clean  from  decaying  leaves,  no  other  attention  was  required; 
and  in  the  month  of  May  many  of  the  plants  were  found  to  be  well 
rooted,  when  they  were  transplanted  into  beds  made  of  good  soil, 
and  soon  grew  into  capital  plants.  Such,  then,  are  two  simple  modes 
by  which  any  one  almost  can  obtain  a  supply  of  Roses  on  their  own 
roots,  without  much  expense  or  trouble.  Quo. 


RAISING  CENTAUREAS  FROM  SEED. 
Now  that  Centaureas  are  about  to  be  stored  for  the  winter,  it  is  a 
good  plan  to  select  such  as  are  most  straggling  for  seeding  purposes, 
and  when  employed  in  this  way  they  should  be  divested  of  all  rough 
base  leaves,  and  also  of  aU  lateral  shoots,  retaining  only  the 
principal  growths  and  such  as  are  likely  to  bloom  next  year.  To 
bloom  Centaureas,  however,  and  to  induce  them  to  ripen  seeds,  are 
two  very  different  things ;  therefore,  to  accomplish  the  latter  object, 
every  endeavour  should  be  made  to  cause  them  to  bloom  early.  In 
spring,  plant  them  out  as  soon  as  they  can  be  safely  trusted  ont  of 
doors,  and  carefully  prevent  the  growth  of  fresh  side  shoots.  Thus 
treated,  they  soon  get  into  bloom,  and  also  produce  seeds,  which 
should  be  gathered  when  ripe,  kept  dry  for  a  week  or  two,  and  then 
rubbed  out  of  the  heads  and  held  in  readiness  for  sowing.  If  sown 
in  September  in  pots  or  pans  filled  with  light  sandy  soil,  placed  in  a 
moderately  warm  house  or  pit,  and  covered  over  with  a  pane  of  glass 
or  a  bell-glass,  they  will  soon  vegetate,  and  may  then  be  pricked  oft 
into  other  pots  or  pans  of  light  soil,  and  be  left  without  the  use  of 
special  glass  coverings.  After  being  pricked  off,  they  should  be 
kept  throughout  the  winter  quite  close  to  the  glass  on  a  shelf  in  an 
intermediate  house  or  warm  greenhouse,  where  by  spring  time  they 
will  have  formed  fine  plants,  which  should  be  potted  off  separately 
into  60-sized  pots.  In  this  way,  and  by  placing  them  for  a  month 
or  six  weeks  in  an  open  frame  before  planting  out,  excellent  plants 
may  be  obtained  for  bedding  purposes.  It  is  not  absolutely  necessary 
that  the  seed  should  be  sown  in  autumn  ;  it  may  be  sown  any  time 
before  the  end  of  March,  but  spring-sown  plants,  owing  to  being 
forced  so  much  in  heat,  are  not  so  hardy  as  those  raised  in  autumn. 
The  lateral  shoots  now  taken  off  Centaureas,  to  be  kept  for  seed, 
should  be  struck  as  cuttings,  selecting  the  hardest  and  most  slender 
ones,  and  discarding  such  as  are  soft  and  succulent,  which  would  be 
almost  stu'e  to  damp  off.  W.  F. 


The  Hollyliock  Disease. — This  is  noticed  in  the  September 
number  of  Grevillea,  and  has  caused  considerable  damage  to  the 
plants  on  which  it  has  appeared.  It  is  said  to  be  produced  by  a 
Fungus,  the  Puccinia  malvacearum,  which  has  not  previously  been 
observed  in  this  country.  It  was  originally  described  by  Montague 
as  growing  on  the  under  surface  of  the  leaves  of  Altha;a  oflicinalis, 
and  this  year  has  been  found  on  Malva  sylvestris  at  Salisbury, 
Chichester,  and  Exeter.  My  attention  was  called  to  it  by  Dr.  E. 
Capron,  who  showed  me  living  specimens  of  the  Fungus  on  Mallows 
at  Shere,  in  Surrey.  Since  my  return  to  Eastbourne  I  have  found 
it  abundantly  on  the  same  species  at  Eastbourne  and  Pevensey.  It 
is  a  curious  fact  that  an  undescribed  Fungus  should  suddenly  appear 
in  so  many  localities  at  so  great  a  distance  apart.  It  appears  as 
small  yellow  protuberances  covering  the  under  surface  of  the  leaves 
of  the  Mallow,  and  these  are  so  abundant  and  conspicuous  that  no 
one  who  examines  an  infected  plant  can  escape  observing  them. — 
F.  C.  S.  Roper,  in  Journal  of  Botany. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  aARDEN. 

Another  Good  Aster.— Tou  must  add  to  your  list  of  good  Asters  A. 
undulatus.    It  is  most  elegant. — H.  N.  Ellacojtbe. 

Brugmansia  sauguinea. — This  is  now  in  flower  out  of  doors  here,  and  will 
be  a  fiiie  buali  if  the  frosts  keep  off.— H.  N.  Ellacojibe,  Bitton  Bectory,  Bristol. 

Jasmintun  officinale  as  an  Edging.— At  St.  Clare,  Ryde,  Isle  of  Wight, 
the  common  white  Jess.imine  is  used  as  an  edgring  to  some  beds  in  the  flonrer 
garden.  Thustreated.it  gro.vs  freely  and  thickly,  and  blooms  satisfactorily. 
It  also  looks  well  in  winter,  as  well  as  iu  summer. — F.  W. 

Hydrangea  paniculata  grandifiora. — I  observe  that  this  plant  is  beginning 
to  claim  attention  in  England,  and  most  deservedly  so,  for  it  is  certainly  the 
finest  of  all  the  Hydrangeas,  and  also  thoroughly  hardy.  I  pat  out  a  plant  of  it 
from  a  o-inch  pot  three  rears  ago  last  April,  and  this  year  it  had  about  100  fine 
heads  of  bloom  on  it.  Last  winter,  which  killed  the  native  Vines  and  Peaches, 
left  this  Hydrangea  uninjtired. — J.  Taplin,  South  Amhoy,  New  Jersey,  U.S. 

Late  Gloire  de  Dijon  Roses- — The  gardens  at  East  Dene,  Ventnor,  Isle  of 
Wight,  are  situated  on  a  hill-side  facing  the  sea.  At  the  top  are  the  plant 
growing  and  forcing  houses,  and  on  the  dwarf  walls  of  these  are  Gloire  de 
Dijon  Roses  in  profusion.  Several  dozens  of  them  are  gathered  here  every 
week,  even  up  to  Christmas;  and  by  laying  a  few  spare  sashes  along  in  front 
of  the  plants,  they  continued  bearing  much  longer;  indeed,  in  some  mild 
winters  they  never  entirely  cease  to  flower. — W.  F. 

Veronica  Andersonii. — A  plant  of  this  Veronica,  at  Upton  House, 
Alresford,  planted  three  years  ago  outside  at  the  eastern  end  of  a  greenhouse 
wall,  has  remained  there  ever  since  without  protection,  not  only  uninjured,  but 
has  flourished  and  flowered  profusely.  It  is  now  some  3  feet  liigh,  and  -4  feet 
through,  and  has  all  through  the  autumn  months  yielded  an  unfailing  supply 
of  bloom,  with  which  it  is  just  now  laden.  If  only  for  famishing  cut-flowers 
this  Veronica  is  well  worth  growing. — W. 

Seed  from  Double  Flowers. — Do  double  flowers,  especially  sueh  full  ones 
as  Dahlias,  Astei-s,  and  Chrysanthemums,  produce  seed  in  the  usual  way  ? — 
Fbasklin  T.  Richaeds.  [Entirely  double  flowers,  i.e.,  those  in  which  all  the 
sexual  organs  are  transformed  into  petals,  cannot  produce  seed.  When  so- 
called  double  flowers  yield  seed,  it  is  becaose,  although  many,  perhaps,  of  the 
stamens  have  been  changed  into  petals,  a  sufficient  number  of  anthers  remains 
to  fertilise  the  ovary.  Such  being  the  case,  the  seed  is,  of  course,  produced 
'*  in  the  usual  way."] 


Nov.  8, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


3?7 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 


PLANTS  IN  EOOMS. 

"We  bavo  many  plants  that  are  well  adapted  for  use  as  per- 
manent ornaments  for  apartments,  althongb  there  are  but  few 
in  general  employed  for  that  purpose  at  present.  Among  the 
plants  best  adapted  for  the  permanent  decoration  of  apart- 
ments wo  may  mention  Ivy,  Palms,  Hard-leaved  Ferns,  such 
as  Cyrtomium  or  Niphobolus,  and  many  of  the  more  vigorous- 
growing  American  Aloes  or  Agaves.  The  common  India- 
rubber,  Fious  elastiea,  is  also  invaluable  for  indoor  decoration, 
as  are  also  many  of  the  Yuccas.  For  the  temporary  decoration 
of  saloons,  drawing-rooms,  or  reception-rooms,  we  have  a  much 
larger  variety  of  plants  at  our  disposal.  Many  of  the  Palms 
and  Ferns  generally  cultivated  in  stoves  may  be  gradually 
inured  to  a  cooler  temperature  before  removal,  and  can  then 
bo  used  during  mild  weather  without  much  injury.  Our  illus- 
tration shows  the  general  arrangement  of  Palms,  Ferns,  and 
other  choice  plants  used  iu  the  reception-room  at  Bridgewater 
House  during  the  past   summer.     Besides  these,  however,  the 


Xft' 


Plants  in  Room  at  Bridgewater  House. 

grand  staircase,  corridors,  and  galleries  above  were  profusely 
furnished  with  sparkling  ice  rockeries,  groups  of  choice 
exotics,  and  cut  flowers.  The  floor  of  the  reception-room  and 
the  staircase  were  covered  with  crimson  carpets,  from  which 
the  fresh  green-tinted  Palms,  Ferns,  Grasses,  and  Selaginellas 
stood  out  crisp  and  bright,  and  interspersed  here  and  there 
were  delicately-tinted  and  fragrant  flowers.  Decorations  on 
such  a  large  scale  are  but  rarely  attempted  ;  still  flowering 
or  foliage  plants,  judiciously  arranged,  are  always  attractive  as 
indoor  decorations.  Hard-leaved  Plants,  as  Palms,  Fious, 
Cycads,  and  Aralias  are  specially  adapted  for  indoor  culture, 
or  for  temporaiy  groups,  and  can  easily  be  cleaned  and 
refreshed  by  occasional  spongings  with  clean  tepid  water. 
Du.st  and  gas,  and  excessive  aridity  in  the  atmosphere  are 
always,  more  or  less,  injm-ious  to  all  plants,  but  those  we  have 
named  will  stand  better  than  most  others  under  these 
unfavourable  conditions.  We  have  still  much  to  learn  with 
regard  to  the  indoor  uses  of  plants,  and,  in  this  respect,  might 
do  worse  than  imitate  the  Parisians,  or  inhabitants  of  Northern 
Germany,  many  of  whom  make  room  and  window  gardening 
contribute  much  towards  the  comforts  and  attractions  of 
home.  F.  W.  B. 


WINDOW  AND  BALCONY  GARDENS. 

Beautiful  wiudow-boxes  covered  with  expcusivc  tiles,  attached  out- 
side  of  tho  windows  or  window  balconies,  servo  as  a  support  for 
boxes  and  pots,  which  aro  filled  by  the  neighbonring  florist  and 
renewed  whenever  tho  condition  of  the  plants  demands  it.  All  this  is 
well,  as  it  furnishes  employment  to  tho  florist,  and  tho  plants  are  a 
source  of  pleasure  to  the  passer-by,  if  not  to  their  owner.  However 
fine  a  show  may  be  made  by  these  boxes  and  balconies  when  the 
owner  has  only  to  order  them  to  be  kept  iu  good  condition 
and  to  pay  the  bills,  they  do  not  afford  us  tho  pleasure  that  do  the 
attempts  at  floriculture  to  bo  seen  iu  the  humbler  parts  of  the  city 
where  all  that  is  done  is  through  the  personal  efforts  of  tho  owners,  to 
whom  the  most  nupromising  of  tenement  houses  presents  no  obstacle 
to  the  cultivation  of  flowers,  and  where  wdiatever  show  is  made 
results  from  the  personal  care  andattention  of  some  loving  hand.  There 
is  much  to  be  said  respecting  window  gardening  among  the  poor,  and 
even  prizes  are  offered  for  the  best  specimens  cultivated  by  them. 
In  some  of  tho  unfashionable  streets  we  find  the  most  pleasant 
attempts  at  window  and  balcony  gardening.  Plank  walks  aro  laid 
in  a  manner  not  to  injure  the  roof,  and  neatly-jjainted  boxes  are 
placed  to  form  borders,  which  are  filled  with  flowers  often  presenting 
evidences  of  skill  and  care.  Nothing  is  more  touching  than  this 
flower  culture  under  difiiculties.  The  love  for  a  growing  plant  can 
not  be  repressed  ;  and,  if  a  window-box  or  pot  cannot  be  commanded, 
table  and  kitehen  utensils  that  have  outlived  usefulness  iu  their 
proper  service  are  made  to  serve  as  receptacles  for  plants.  Many 
a  time  have  we  stopped  and  given  more  attention  to  these  humble 
efforts  than  to  those  displayed  at  the  houses  of  the  wealthy.  In 
America  the  recent  laws  obliging  owners  of  tenement  houses  to 
furnish  fire  escapes,  have  furnished  the  inmates  of  such  dwellings 
with  opportunities  for  balcony  gardening  that  they  have  been 
prompt  to  make  use  of.  In  some  streets  these  balconies  of  the 
fire-escapes  are  perfect  bowers  of  verdure,  and  climbers  run  from  one 
to  another  in  the  most  picturesque  manner.  We  wish  there  was 
some  way  by  which  these  flower  growers  could  be  reached,  and  that 
they  could  be  taught  to  expend  whatever  money  they  devote  to 
flowers  to  the  best  advantage.  They  buy  what  is  offered  in  the 
markets,  or  what  is  brought  along  by  hawkers,  aud,  as  these  plants 
are  often  forced  into  flower,  they  are  not  the  best  for  the  purpose. 
Notwithstanding  all  the  difiiculties,  the  success  of  these  humble 
flower  growers  is  one  of  the  pleasing  features  of  city  life. — Hearth 
and  Home. 


Sedum  carneum  variegatum.— This  pretty  Sedum  makes  a 
very  desirable  little  drooping  plant,  with  which  to  face  the  edges  of 
flower  stauds  in  drawing-i-oom,  ball-room,  or  corridor,  and  it  retains 
its  freshness  a  long  time  without  requiring  to  be  changed,  unless  a 
change  should  otherwise  be  desirable.  It  is  also  very  useful  forgiving 
a  dressy  appearance  to,  and  for  hiding  the  wirework  of,  hanging 
baskets  filled  with  plants,  whose  growth  may  not  have  so  decided  a 
drooping  tendency.  Its  long  elegant  growths  have  a  light  and  pretty 
effect  when  used  sparingly  round  the  upper  tiers  of  tall  glasses  either 
for  dinner-table  or  drawing-room  decoration.  I  have  always  found 
the  more  frequeut  the  changes  of  materials  and  style  in  this  class  of 
decoration,  the  more  satisfactory  it  is.  Too  much  repetition  of 
anything,  even  when  tastefully  done,  palls  and  satiates.  This  Sednm, 
like  many  others  of  the  same  family,  also  makes  a  very  desirable 
hardy  bedding  plant,  either  for  edging  on  the  flat  or  covering  the 
edges  of  raised  beds,  or  for  furnishing  undergrowth  for  tall  succulents 
or  Palms,  Draca)nas,  &c. ;  and  it  is  also  a  useful  plant  in  the  rock 
garden.  It  is  easily  propagated  in  heat  in  spring,  when  every  little 
bit  will  strike  root  freely. — E.  H. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  GARDEN  IN  THE  HOUSE. 


Yuccas  and  Ivy  for  Balcony  Culture.— One  of  the  balconies  in  Portman 
Square  is  now  a  picture  ot  freshness  and  leaf  beauty,  even  amid  cold  togs  and 
smoke ;  the  balcony  railings  are  covered  with  gracefully  drooping  Ivies,  throe 
or  four  plants  of  Yucca  recurvata,  too,  in  ornamental  vases,  break  the  formal 
line  of  the  trellis  below  and  give  a  finising  touch  to  the  whole  arrangement. 
One  of  the  best  of  the  kind,  by-the-byc,  that  I  have  seen  for  some  time. — H.  B. 

Statice  Bonduelli. — In  an  article  in  your  paper,  the  other  day,  ou  "  Ever- 
lastings and  Dried  Flowers  for  Winter  Decoration,"  no  mention  was  made  of 
Statice  Bonduelli.  I  have  grown  it  two  3-ears,  and  find  it  a  great  ac^iuisition 
for  mixing  with  dried  Grasses.  Raised  from  seed  early  in  the  spring,  and 
pricked  out,  it  produced  two  crops  of  flowers,  and  is  perennial  if  covered  from 
the  frost. — John  Mabten,  Cunterbari/. 

Scent  Powder. — A  good  recipe  for  scent  powder,  to  be  used  for  wardi-obes, 
boxes,  &c.,  far  iiuer  than  any  mixture  sold  at  the  shops,  is  the  following  : — 
Coriander,  Orris  root.  Rose  leaves,  and  aromatic  Calamus,  each  one  ounce  ; 
Lavender  flowers,  two  ounces ;  Rhodium  wood,  one  fomth  of  a  drachm  ;  Musk, 
Ave  grains.  These  are  to  be  mixed  and  reduced  to  a  coarse  powder.  This 
scent  on  clothes  is  as  if  all  the  fragrant  flowers  had  been  pressed  in  their  folds. 


s'^s 


THE  GAEDEN. 


[Nov.  8,  1873. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

ARE  DWAEF  APPLE  TEEBS  DESIRABLE? 
My  attention  lias  been  directed  to  this  question  by  a  paragrapli 
in  Thk  Garden  (see  p.  320).  Dwarf  Apple  trees  are  now  so 
generally  cultivated  throughout  the  country  that  most 
gardeners  have  formed  some  opinion  regarding  them  from 
actual  experience,  and  the  greater  number  will,  I  think,  admit 
that  they  possess  many  advantages  over  tall  standai'ds ;  they 
are  superior  as  regards  size  and  quality  of  fruit,  besides  being 
easy  to  prune  both  in  winter  and  summer.  But  there  are 
other  questions  respecting  their  treatment,  about  which 
"  doctors  differ,"  namely,  root  pruning,  summer  pinching, 
and  lifting  the  trees  at  certain  intervals.  An  exjierieuced 
gardener  in  my  immediate  neighbourhood,  who  has  grown 
dwarf  Apple  trees  for  a  number  of  years,  began  his  cultivation 
and  treatment  of  them  by  lifting  and  root-pruning  more 
or  less  every  year ;  this  practice  he  abandoned,  and  adopted 
the  system  of  lifting  at  intervals  of  several  years  apart. 
I  believe  he  practises  neither  of  those  systems  at  the  present 
time,  but  does  all  his  pruning  above  ground ;  he  is  greatly  in 
favour  of  summer  pinching.  Many,  like  myself,  would  doubt- 
less like  to  be  furnished  with  the  practical  expeiiencc  of  those 
who  have  grown  dwarf  trees  extensively.  I  planted  a  number 
of  them  abont  four  years  ago,  and  they  are  now  beginning  to 
bear  fruit,  of  which  I  send  you  a  specimen  of  what  they  have 
borne  this  season,  and  I  should  gladly  adopt  any  method  of 
culture  that  would  be  likely  to  secure  me  a  continuance  of 
such  fi'uit  for  a  succession  of  years.  I  have  not  yet  lifted  nor 
root-pruned  any  of  my  trees,  but  that  some  varieties  would  be 
benefited  by  so  doing  is  evident ;  other  varieties,  again,  owing 
to  their  natural  habit  of  growth,  and  then-  fruit-bearing 
tendency,  would,  I  think,  receive  injury  by  being  subjected  to 
any  such  operation.  If,  however,  due  care  is  taken  to  plant  the 
trees  near  the  surface  root-pruning  will  not  be  necessary  for 
several  years  at  least.  Before  planting  my  trees,  I  trod  the 
ground  down  firmly  until  the  surface  was  quite  smooth,  and 
upon  it  I  spread  out  the  roots  to  their  full  extent.  While  the 
top  was  being  held  between  the  finger  and  thumb  I  spread 
about  2  inches  of  fine  soil  over  the  roots,  and  after  watering 
they  were  mulched  over  with  some  well-rotted  dung.  Trees 
planted  in  autumn  in  this  way  require  to  be  supported  for  the 
first  season  by  a  stick,  but  it  ought  to  be  taken  away  as  soon 
as  it  can  be  dispensed  with.  It  should  never  be  allowed  to 
remain  as  a  permanent  support  to  the  tree. — J.  T.  [The  fruit 
(as  is  not  unusual  with  dwarf  trees)  was  very  fine.] 


THE  QUALITY  OF  AMERICAN  PEACHES. 
The  New  Yorh  Tribune  returns  to  this  subject,  and  brings  Mr. 
Hoopes's  teatimony  to  bear  this  time: — "What  you  said  about 
the  comparative  merits  of  English  and  American  Peaches  is  by  no 
means  empty  boasting,  but  sober  truth.  I  have  personally  examined 
and  tested  the  quality  of  European  Peaches  in  some  of  the  best 
orchard  houses  abroad,  but  have  never  yet  seen  any  that  would 
exceed  our  finest  fruits  grown  in  the  open  air  on  young  healthy 
trees.  There  is  a  peculiar  rich  glowing  colour  and  a  luscious  llavour 
in  those  grown  hero  in  a  natural  state,  on  our  light  sandy  soils,  and 
in  our  warm  dry  climate,  that  the  most  advanced  systems  of  our 
transatlantic  brethren  can  never  hojiie  to  compete  with.  '  The 
shops '  are  no  place  to  see  the  finest  specimens  ;  go  to  the  best 
orchards  and  gather  the  ripe  fruits  fresh  from  the  tree,  and  then,  I 
venture  to  say,  an  '  English  gardener  would  dare  send  to  the  table, 
under  the  name  of  Peaches,'  these  with  impunity."  We  said  nothing 
whatever  against  the  capacities  of  the  climate,  the  orchards,  or  the 
skill  of  the  gardeners  of  America.  We  simply  spoke  of  the  fruit 
to  be  seen  for  sale  in  all  the  American  cities,  and  we  now  say  that 
this  fruit  is  little  better  than  the  thinnings  which  are  picked  from  the 
trees  soon  after  the  "  stoning  "  in  a  good  forcing-garden.  And  it 
did  seem  to  us  a  pity  that  a  noble  fruit  like  the  Peach  (which,  by 
the  way,  wo  think  the  most  delicious  of  all  fruits,  when  in  its  best 
condition)  should  be  so  miserably  represented  in  the  shops  of  New 
York  in  the  very  prime  of  the  Peach  season.  As  to  the 
"artificial state,"  we  do  not  see  that  a  Peach  gathered  from  a  wall 
in  England  or  France  is  grown  in  a  much  more  artificial  mauner 
than  one  in  an  American  orchard.  But  the  finest  Peaches  ever 
grown  in  Europe  are  those  gathered  from  beneath  the  glass  in  our 
lean-to  Peach  and  forcing  houses. 


Mouldy  Grapes. — Your  correspondent  (p.  334)  is  only  one 
amongst  many  who  have  reason  to  complain  of  Grapes  becoming 
mouldy,  a  disease  very  prevalent  this  season.  Last  week  I  made  a 
tour  through  most  of  the  best  gardens  in  Hampshire  and  the  Isle  of 
Wight  and  in  every  Vinery  not  artificially  heated  and  well  ventilated, 
the  Grapes  were  affected  with  mould.  At  Alresford  the  produce  of 
two  Vineries  was  completely  ruined  from  this  cause,  but  the  worst 
case  I  met  with  was  at  West  Cowes,  where  an  entire  crop  was 
rendered  useless  from  mould.  This  Vinery  was  in  a  rather  shady 
situation,  and  there  was  no  means  for  heating  it.  Another  Vinery, 
containing  one  Black  Hamburgh  Vine,  with  clusters  large  and  black 
as  jet,  was  also  rumed  through  mould  ;  a  little  fire-heat  had  been 
given  at  setting  time,  but  none  afterwards  to  dry  up  the  damp. 
Fire-heat  and  ventilation,  as  recommended  by  Mr.  Tillery,  are  the 
only  means  of  saving  such  crops,  and  every  gardener  troubled  with 
mould  in  Grapes  should  endeavour  to  explain  this  to  his  employer. — • 
Vrris. 

Lady  Derby  Apple. — In  the  list  of  Apples  given  by  Mr.  Stacey 
(see  p.  333  of  The  Gauuen)  is  the  description  of  an  Apple  called  Lady 
Derby,  as  a  kitchen  fruit.  There  certainly  must  be  two  Apples  with 
this  name,  or,  if  Mr.  Stacey  is  right,  I  could  name  at  least  upwards  of 
a  hundred  nurserymen,  gardeners,  and  amateurs  who  are  wrong ;  the 
error  prevailing  over  an  extent  of  some  counties.  What  we  have 
all  been  taught  here  to  look  on  as  Lady  Derby  is  a  very  small, 
perfectly  round,  very  early  dessert  Apple  of  a  golden-yellow  colour, 
streaked  j^rof  usely  with  red  on  the  sunny  side ;  flesh,  white  and  woolly ; 
valuable  as  a  very  early  dessert  Apple ;  unequalled  in  its  season  (end  of 
August  and  September).  It  is  an  Apple  of  so  much  chai'acter  that 
it  seems  strange  tor  it  to  be  confounded  with  any  other.  Perhaps  Mr. 
Stacey's  Lady  Derby  is  a  synonym  for  some  other  kind,  as  his  Duke  of 
Wellington  is  (with  us)  Normanton  Wonder  and  Dumelow's  Seedling. 
Perhaps  Mr.  Stacey  will  kindly  set  us  right  in  the  matter. — T. 
Williams,  Bath  Lodge,  Ormshirk. 

Grapes  in  a  Washhouse. — There  is  in  the  village  of 
Eusholme,  near  Manchester,  a  crop  of  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes 
produced  in  a  washhouse,  apparently  a  most  unlikely  place,  and 
cultivated  by  an  amateur  who  follows  a  very  different  business  from 
horticulture.  The  washhouse,  says  the  Staffordshire  Advertiser,  is 
placed  with  its  end  against  the  dwelling,  covering  the  kitchen  window, 
and  is  about  12  feet  square,  the  walls  6  feet  high  all  round,  on  which 
is  placed  a  span.roof  of  glass,  with  three  brick  compartments  for 
three  vines.  Four  washerwomen  scrubbing  away,  and  over  their 
heads  373  bunches  of  useful  Grapes  enveloped  in  steam,  and  no 
decay  amongst  them  !  The  place  is  partially  heated  from  a  small 
boiler  at  the  back  of  the  kitchen  fireplace  with  a  flow  and  return  of 
2-inch  gas  piping.  There  is  also  a  miscellaneous  collection  of  plants 
in  the  washhouse. 

Double-flowering  Peaches  Fruiting'. — I  have  a  curious 
phenomenon  in  my  garden  here,  which  I  think  worthy  of  mention. 
A  double-blossomed  Peach  tree,  planted  as  a  merely  ornamental 
flowering  shrub  nine  years  ago,  and  which  has  all  along  blossomed 
abundantly,  last  3'ear  set  and  brought  to  maturity  a  Peach  of  good 
size,  but  poor  flavour.  This  year  it  has  set  and  brought  to  maturity 
upwards  of  seven  dozen,  all  of  which  are  of  fair  flavour,  and  many 
very  good  for  dessert.  Is  not  this  a  rare  occurrence  ?  To-morrow 
I  will  send  you  two  as  a  specimen.  1  may  observe  that  the  tree  is 
now  about  10  feet  high,  having  never  been  pruned,  and  is  partly 
damaged  by  the  overhanging  and  overshadowing  of  a  purple  Beech 
tree.  Off  my  wall  trees  I  had  scarcely  any  fruit,  the  blossom  being 
destroyed  by  wet  and  frost. — Richard  Capakn,  Holheach.  [Double- 
flowering  Peaches  sometimes  set  their  fruit ;  but  we  are  snrpi-ised 
to  find  yours  of  fairly  good  flavotu' — a  fact  which  proves  that  hardy 
varieties  of  the  Peach  are  worthy  of  being  grown  as  standard  trees 
in  various  parts  of  tlie  country. — Ed.  Field.'] 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FRUIT  GARDEN. 


"Winter  Strawberries  in  California.— The  climate  of  San  Francisco  and 
some  parts  of  the  Pacific  coast,  is  such  that  Strawberries  and  fresh  Asparagus 
arc  common  there  in  the  winter  and  autumn  m.onths,  grown  in  the  open  air,  of 
course. — R. 

The  Durandeau  Pear.— I  saw  this  Pear  at  Sutton  the  other  day,  and  was 
told  it  was  good.  Can  you  give  mo  any  information  respecting  it  ?— K.  [It 
is  an  October  Pear,  and  well  worth  cultivaLion.  It  may  be  grown  cither  as  a 
pyramid  on  the  Quince,  or  as  a  standard.  Its  flesh  is  melting,  juicy,  and 
pleasant.] 

The  Eve  Apple.— We  have  about  Coventry  an  Apple  under  this  name,  of 
which  I  can  find  no  mention  in  Scott's  "  Orchardist."  Is  it  a  synonym  of 
some  other  kind  ?— A.  [Yes ;  it  is  the  Early  Red  Margaret,  well  known  in 
Ireland  under  the  name  of  Eve  Apple,  and  in  some  parts  of  England  as 
the  Red  Jmicating.  It  is  a  good  early  dessert  Apple  when  eaten  as  soon 
as  it  is  gathered.] 


Nov.  8,  1873.] 


THE  GABDEN. 


379 


THE    PROPAGATOR. 

THE  ACTION  OF  LIGHT  ON  SEEDS. 
Since  the  19tli  of  March,  the  date  on  which  the  experiments 
alluded  to  last  week  (see   p.  354)  were  commenced,  I  have 
conducted  a  number  of  experiments  on  the  same  subject  with 
opposite   results.      These   latter    experiments    having     been 
I'ejjcated  with  the  same  results  each  time,  claim  my  recognition, 
and  lead  me  to  decide  that  light  is  injurious  to  germination. 
On  the  17th  June  last,  five  pots  were  prepared  by  inserting  a 
number  of  Mustard  seeds  in  cotton  wool,  kept  constantly  wet 
with  water.     No.  1   was  allowed  to   remain   in  daylight ;  2, 
yellow  light;  o,  blue  light;  4,  red  light;  5,  darkness.     The 
order  in  which  the  seeds  germinated  is  as  follows  ; — 
NuMBHK  OF  Seeds  Gebminated  in 
Date.  Tune.  No.  1.         No.  2.  No.  3.       No.  i.         No.  5. 

Juno  21st      ...    Sa.m 0    0    0    0    1 

„     22ntl      ...     Sa.m 1     2     0     0     3 

„    23rd      ...    Sa.m 2    3    0    1     1 

„    21th      ...     9a.m .1     5     0     2     G 

„     25tll      ...     Sa.m 5     7     0     i     8 

„       „  ...     9p.m 6     8     0     1     9 

Again  on  the  7th  July,  pots  wore  prepared  as  before,  the 

results  being  as  follows  : — 

Ntjmbek  of  Seeds  Germinated  in 
Date.  Time.  No.  1.         No.  2. 

July  nth       ...    9  a.m 0    1     ... 

„    12th       ...    Sa.m 2    2    ... 

13th       ...    Sa.m 2    3    ... 

Mth         8.30  a.m 3    5    ... 


15th       ...    8  a.m. 
16th       ...    8  a.m. 


ro.  3. 

No.  1. 

No.  5 

0    ... 

...     0     ... 

2 

0     ... 

...   1   ... 

...     3 

0     ... 

2 

...     5 

0     ... 

2 

...     7 

0     ... 

...     3     ... 

...     8 

0     ... 

...     4     ... 

...    9 

These  ex[3Eriments  were  repeated  again  on  the  iOth,  and.  like 

the   previous   experiments,   go   to    prove    that   the    daylight 

impedes  the  process  of  germination,  or,  rather,  that  seeds  in 

darkness  germinate  the  soonest.     The  results  were  as  under : — 

NU3IBEE  ov  Seeds  Geeminated  in 

Date.  Time.  No.  1.         No.  2.         No.  3.         No.  4.         No.  5. 

July 23rd  ...       Sa.m 0    0    0    0    1 

„    24th   ...        Sa.m 1    1     0    0    3 

„    25th   ...   9.30  a.m 2     2     0     1     5 

„    20th  ...         9  a.m 3     i     0     2     6 

„    27th  ...        Sa.m 4    5    0    3    7 

„    2Sth   ...         Sa.m 8     7     1     3     8 

„    29th   ...    8.30  a.m 6     8     1     4     9 

From  the  fact  that  the  leaves  of  plants  absorb  carbonic 
anhj-di'ide,  or  carbonic  acid,  which  by  sunlight  is  deoxidized, 
the  carbon  thereof — combining  with  the  substances  acqun-ed 
by  the  roots  from  the  earth — forms  the  carbonaceous  part  of 
the  plant,  and  as  this  only  takes  place  under  sunlight,  we  may 
reasonably  conclude  that  sunlight  exercises  a  deoxidising 
influence.  So  then  its  influence  must  be  injurious  to  chemical 
actions,  in  which  oxygen  is  required,  especially  when  the 
substances  are  carl3onaceous  compounds.  As  chemical  action 
requiring  oxygen  must  take  place  during  the  germination  of 
seeds,  we  have  every  reason  to  believe  in  the  accuracy  of  the 
experiments  of  June  17th,  July  7th,  and  July  20th,  which 
show  that  light  is  injurious  to  germination.  I  find  that 
oleagmous  seeds  lose  a  portion  of  their  fatty  matter  by 
germination,  especially  when  the  germination  was  effected 
ill  darkness,  a  portion  of  the  fatty  matter  being  possibly 
changed  into  an  acid.  The  seeds  chosen  for  experi- 
ment were  the  Kadish  and  Poppy.  50  grains  of  Eadish  seeds 
contain,  before  germination,  17'9  grains  of  fatty  matter,  while 
after  germination,  in  light,  for  six  days,  only  8  grains  ;  after 
germination,  in  darkness,  7'6  grains.  60  grains  of  Poppy 
seeds  contain,  before  germination,  19'55  fatty  matter ;  after 
germination,  in  light,  for  six  days,  only  9'75;  after  germina- 
tion, in  darkness,  9'05.  W.  H.  Watso>\ 

Braystones,  BecJiermet,  near  Wldtehaven. 


PE0PAC4ATING  WIGANDIAS. 
These  may  be  readily  propagated  from  seeds  sown  now  or  in 
spring,  in  a  stove  temperature,  and  pricked  off  as  they  are  fit 
to  handle.  Use  sifted  peat,  loam,  and  white  sand,  in 
equal  proportions,  for  sowing  in,  and  barely  cover  the  seeds  ; 
then  place  a  ]5ane  of  glass  over  the  pots  or  pans  containing 
the  seeds  until  they  begin  to  vegetate.  Prick  the  plants  off  into 
a  similar  mixture,  and  when  they  grow  so  much  as  to  rub 
against  one  another,  pot  them  singly  in  thumb-pots  in  two 
parts  loam,  one  of  peat,  one  of  leaf-mould,  and  some  sand, 


and  afterwards  shift  them  as  they  require  it.  Prom  pieces  of 
the  roots,  too,  the  stock  may  be  increased  by  the  following 
means  : — In  lifting  and  discarding  spent  plants,  save  the  thick 
fleshy  roots,  cut  them  up  into  pieces  about  an  inch  long,  and 
lay  them  thickly  on  the  surface  of  a  pot  filled  with  compost 
as  for  seed,  covering  them  just  sufficiently  to  bury  them. 
After  a  time,  they  will  push  forth  eyes  like  an  Achimenes,  and 
they  may  then  be  taken  and  potted  separately  in  thumb-pots, 
and  afterwards  undergo  the  routine  of  cuttings,  being  careful 
not  to  permit  more  than  one  shoot  to  remain  on  each  plant. 
Another  good  method  is  to  keep  back  a  plant  or  two  from 
amongst  those  planted  out  in  summer,  and  retain  them  starving 
in  their  pots  all  summer.  In  October,  or  as  soon  before  the  end 
of  February  as  is  convenient,  plunge  the  pots  in  gentle  heat  in  the 
stove,  and  take  off  thetops  and  strike  them  as  cuttings.  With 
plenty  of  water,  and  stimulus  from  increased  temperature,  every 
joint  sends  forth  a  shoot  or  lateral,  beginning  at  the  top  and 
moving  downwards,  and  all  these  may  in  their  turn  be  appro- 
priated for  the  same  purpose.  The  cuttings  strike  freely  in  an 
enclosed  case,  in  pots  filled  to  within  an  inch  of  the  top  with  peat 
and  sand  in  equal  proportions,  and  surfaced  with  pure  sand. 
A  bell-glass  placed  over  the  pots  serves  the  purpose  almost  as 
well  as  enclosed  cases.  In  propagating  these  from  eyes,  out 
the  shoot  half  an  inch,  or  thereabouts,  below  the  joint,  in  order 
to  leave  enough  to  keep  it  firm  in  the  ground,  remove  the  leaf 
stalk  to  within  an  inch  and  a  half  of  the  soil,  and  also  leave 
about  an  inch  of  the  bare  stalk  of  the  shoot  above  the  eye. 
A  curious  fact  connected  with  this  surmounting  portion  of  the 
stalk  is,  that  it  will  callus  just  like  the  base,  and  instead  of 
roots  will  form  a  quantity  of  young  shoots,  all  of  which  may  be 
taken  off  as  they  gain  a  little  strength,  and  be  potted  and 
otherwise  treated  as  cuttings  or  individual  plants.  After  the 
decapitation  of  the  stock  plants,  more  particularly  in  the  case 
of  W.  latifolia,  the  incision  becomes  callused,  as  it  were,  and 
a  quantity  of  little  shoots  are  alsoproducediu  this  case.  Instead 
of  keeping  a  few  stock  plants  all  summer,  a  few  may  be  lifted  in 
good  time  from  the  open  ground  and  potted  for  propagating 
purposes.  W.  Falcoseb. 


PEOPAGATION  OP  THE   NEWER  CONIPERJi;. 

By  J.  ALEXANDER,  in  Transactions  of  the  Scottish  Arboricuitm-al  Society. 

EvEKY  plant  call  be  reared  from  its  seed,  and  theoretically,  this 
ought  to  be  the  best  and  surest  mode  of  propagation.  But  as  this 
cannot  always  be  done,  other  modes  of  propagatioa  have  been  re- 
sorted to,  such  as  by  cuttings  and  grafts.  We  at  present  treat 
only  of  the  Coniferfo  or  cone-bearing  trees  and  shrubs,  and  shall 
refer  to  them — First,  of  those  reared  from  seeds ;  secondly,  from 
grafts ;  and  thhxily,  from  cuttings. 

Conifers  from  Seeds. 
The  cones  should  be  gathered  in  the  winter  season,  and  after, 
wards  e-xposed  to  tlie  snn,  or  to  a  gentle  heat  on  a  kiln,  to  facilitate 
the  separation  of  the  seed  from  the  cones.  In  the  Scotch  Fir,  and 
others  of  like  nature,  the  cones  open  in  a  very  short  time  after  they 
are  treated  as  above.  Those  of  the  Weymouth  Pine,  Silver  Fir,  and 
Balm  of  Gilead  Fir,  give  out  their  seeds  with  still  less  trouble ;  while, 
on  the  other  hand,  the  cones  of  the  Pinus  Pinaster  (Cluster  Pine), 
Pinus  Pinea  (Stone  Pine),  and  allied  species,  do  not  open  their  scales 
for  several  months,  although  treated  in  the  same  manner.  The  cones 
generally  opened  by  kiln  heat  are  those  of  the  Scotch  Pine,  Spruce, 
and  Larch.  But  there  are  others,  as  those  of  the  Cedar  of  Lebanon, 
which  should  be  left  for  a  year  at  least  before  the  seeds  are  taken  ont ; 
this  being  necessary  on  account  of  the  soft  nature  of  the  seeds  and 
the  great  quantitj'  of  resin  which  the  cones  contain  while  growing, 
and  which  they  discharge  on  being  kept  for  some  time  after  they  are 
gathered.  A  fact  which  the  writer  has  verified  during  the  last  two 
years  may  be  mentioned  as  a  guide  to  cone  gatherers.  In  the  year 
1870,  twenty  cones  were  gathered  from  each  of  ten  different  trees, 
whose  ages  were  appro.\imately  ascertained  by  counting  the  concen. 
trie  circles  in  other  trees  felled  beside  them.  The  cones  were  care- 
fully opened,  and  all  the  seeds  of  the  ten  diflereat  sets  sown  in 
separate  beds,  when  the  following  was  the  result : — The  seeds  of 
twenty  cones  from  a  tree 


3lK)  years  old  produced    10  plants 
25U  „  „  13     „ 

200  „  „  50     „ 

150  „  „  74     „ 

123  „  „         106    „         1 

The  same  experiment  was  tried  in  1871  with  other  trees,  when 


100  years  old  produced  19G  plants 
50  „  „         104    „ 

15  „  „  4G    „ 

10  „  „  40    „ 


380 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  8,  18?3. 


the  result  was  much  as  in  1870.  It  would  thus  appear  that  the 
best  trees  to  take  cones  off  for  seed  are  those  averaging  about  100 
years.  Above  100  or  120  years  the  seed  becomes  less  fruitful ;  at 
any  rate,  the  fact  remains  that  the  cones  of  trees,  when  they  reach 
their  prime,  arc  more  fruitful  than  those  of  old  ones.  April  is  the 
best  season  for  sowing  all  kinds  of  Conifers,  should  the  -weather 
jirove  favourable,  in  order  that  the  seeds  may  sprout  the  earlier.  It 
is  a  good  plan  to  place  them  in  a  bag,  and  then  have  the  bag  steeped 
in  water  for  two  or  three  days.  After  this  let  the  seeds  be  taken 
out  and  dried  gently  in  the  sun  before  being  sown.  The  soil  should 
bo  soft  and  rich,  mellowed  by  the  preceding  winter's  frost  and 
carefully  dried  and  raked  as  fine  as  possible.  The  rarer  sorts  ai*e 
generally  grown  in  pots,  but  the  more  common  in  beds  3V  feet  wide. 
The  seeds  of  the  Scotch  Pine  require  a  covering  J  inch  in  depth  ; 
those  of  the  Weymoiith  Pine  J  inch  ;  and  those  of  the  Stone  Pine, 
li  inch.  The  Cedars  are  generally  sown  in  broad  pots  or  boxes  filled 
with  light  sandy  loam  and  covered  i  inch.  In  the  case  of  the  Larch 
the  seeds  require  t  inch,  while,  again,  those  of  the  Spruce  Fir  require 
about  an  inch.  Those  of  the  Silver  Fir,  and  Balm  of  Gilead  from  i 
to  }  inch.  The  seeds  of  the  black  and  White  American  Spruces  are 
smaller  than  those  of  any  of  the  preceding  species,  and  therefore 
require  a  light  covering.  It  is  sufficient  to  cover  these  seeds  and 
no  more.  Strict  attention  is  required,  both  as  the  quality  of  the  soil 
and  the  thickness  of  the  covering  ;  for  although  the  plants  from  these 
seeds  prove  extremely  hardy  when  grown  up,  yet  they  are  very 
tender  in  infancy.  It  is  a  common  practice  to  leave  the  plants  in 
these  beds  for  two  years,  but  this  is  not  to  be  recommended.  They 
should,  if  possible,  be  lifted  in  the  end  of  the  first  year  in  March  or 
April,  according  to  the  weather,  and  then  bedded  out  in  lines  6  inches 
apart  with  thirty  or  forty  plants  to  the  lineal  foot.  At  the  end  of 
the  second  year,  they  should  be  again  lifted,  and  this  time  lined  in 
rows  9  inches  apart,  and  about  eighteen  or  twenty  plants  to  the  lineal 
yard.  In  the  course  of  the  third  year  these  plants  are  fit  for  being 
transplanted  into  a  forest  or  pleasure  ground,  as  the  case  may 
be;  they  will  then  be  from  G  to  9  inches  high,  and  if  larger  plants 
are  wanted  they  may  cither  be  left  in  the  lines  or  transplanted  to 
others. 

ConiferEe  from  Grafts. 

Trees  not  too  full  of  resin  can  be  propagated  by  cuttings  and  grafts, 
and  often  make  good  plants.  The  process  of  grafting  is  well  known 
to  every  nurseryman,  and  need  not  be  hero  explained.  But  it  may 
be  remarked  tbat  the  graft  commonly  known  as  "  tongue  upon  tongue" 
is  superior  to  the  other  modes,  such  as  "side"  and  "  cleft  "  grafting, 
and  "  crown  "  grafting.  The  great  art  consists  in  fitting  exactly  the 
inner  bark  of  the  scion  to  the  inner  bark  of  the  stock,  and  keeping 
them  in  close  contact  till  union  takes  place  ;  and  the  "tongue"  or 
"whip"  grafting,  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  answers  this  purpose 
best  in  case  of  Coniferce,  for,  among  other  reasons,  it  admits  of  being 
performed  even  on  the  smallest  twigs.  The  grafts  will  not  succeed 
unless  the  scion  and  stock  be  of  the  same  speeies,  or,  at  least,  of  the 
same  genus.  The  scions  are  generally  young  twigs  of  last  summer's 
growth  or  young  branches,  and  are  grafted  on  to  the  stocks  in  the 
case  of  Coniferas,  immediately  after  they  are  cut  from  the  parent 
stem.  This  should  be  done  when  the  sap  begins  to  ascend  freely 
through  the  inner  bark  of  that  which  is  to  form  the  stock.  The 
proper  season  is  easily  known  from  a  tree  putting  forth  its  buds. 
Of  the  Coniferce  from  grafts  or  cuttings  all  the  Picea  and  Pinus 
are  best  from  grafts  when  seeds  cannot  be  got.  The  Pioeas  will 
graft  and  grow  well  on  the  Silver  Fir  (Picea  pectinata).  The  Pinus 
genus  takes  on  diiierent  varieties  of  stocks.  For  example,  those  that 
bear  a  resemblance  to  the  Scotch  Fir  (Pinus  sylvestris)  grow  very 
well  on  that  species  as  a  stock.  Varieties  such  as  Pinus  monticola, 
P.  Lambertiana,  &c.,  make  the  finest  trees  on  P.  excelsa  or  P. 
Strobus  (Weymouth  Pine).  All  the  varieties  of  Abies  are  grafted 
on  the  common  Spruce,  and  all  the  Biotas  and  Thuja  orientalis 
varieties  on  the  Chinese  Arborvitas,  and  Cephalotaxus  on  the 
common  Yew.  The  Cupressus  Lawsoniana,  which  is  easily  reared 
from  seed,  can  be  used  as  a  stock  for  all  its  varieties  and  those  of 
allied  species. 

Propagation  by  Cuttings. 

These  should  be  taken  from  the  side  shoots  of  plants  when  the 
sap  is  in  full  motion,  as  in  the  case  of  grafts.  They  should  consist 
of  last  year's  growth  with  a  small  part  of  the  previous  year's 
wood.  The  old  wood  causes  them  to  stike  better.  The  cuttings  from 
Conifera)  will  grow  in  almost  any  soil,  but  a  loamy  and  cool  sub-soil 
is  best  for  bringing  the  trees  to  perfetion.  The  varieties  of  Retinos. 
pora  make  fine  p'  nts  from  cuttings,  as  also,  those  of  Yews  and 
Thujopsis.  Wellingtonias  are  reared  better  from  cuttings  than 
grafts,  but  the  variegated  forms  are  commonly  grafted  on  the 
original  species.  Cedrus,  Cephalotaxus,  Cryptomeria,  Dacrydinm, 
Podocarpus,  Prumnopitys  elegans,  and  Pscudo  Larix,  with  many  of 
the  Crypresscs,  can  be  propagated  by  cuttings.     Of  Conifers,  not 


already  mentioned,  the  following  may  be  propagated,  either  by 
cuttings  or  grafts — most  kinds  of  Junipers,  the  Libocedrus  chilensis, 
L.  decurrens,  Torreya  grandls,  T.  taxifolia,  and  the  white  Cedar. 
We  have  now  seen  how  the  different  varieties  of  Conifers  are  propa- 
gated from  seeds,  grafts,  and  cuttings  ;  and  it  may  be  repeated  that 
the  first  is  the  best  mode  of  propagation  were  practicable,  and  of 
the  other  two,  rearing  from  cuttings  is  generally  to  bo  preferred  to 
that  from  grafts,  for  the  latter  often  send  out  lateral  instead  of 
upright  leaders. 


THE    ARBORETUM. 

THE  NEW  GKOVE  OF  BIG  TREES. 
In  the  Garden  (see  p.  332)  mention  is  made  of  a  new  discovery 
of  Sequoia  gigantea  on  the  Coulterville  route,  from  the  Yosenii te  Valley. 
I  passed  on  the  Hardins  route  (which  is  identical  with  the  Coulterville 
for  a  large  portion  of  the  distance),  from  the  Yosemite  Valley  to  Stock, 
ton,  in  October  1870,  and  about  thirty  miles  S.W.  of  the  Valley, 
passed  through  a  grove  on,  or  near,  the  banks  of  the  Tuolnmne  river 
in  Tuolumne  county.  I  measm'ed  one  tree  whose  trunk  was  70  feet  in 
circumference  4  feet  from  the  ground.  There  are  also  thirty  trees 
in  this  grove,  one  of  which  is  decidedly  the  best  grown  and  h.and- 
souiest  tree  of  any  I  saw^iu  either  the  Calaveras  or  the  Mariposa  Grove. 
I  measured  the  Grizzly  Giant  in  the  Mariposa  Grove  and  found  it  70 
feet  6  inches  at  8  feet  from  the  ground.  It  is  stated  to  be  30  feet  in 
diameter  ;  the  fact  is,  this  specimen,  like  many  others,  swells  out 
towards  the  root,  and  I  consider  the  dimensions  mislead  one  in 
forming  an  estimate  of  the  size.  I  took  my  measurement  where  the 
trunk  is  straight.  I  must  confess  these  gigantic  trees  did  not  at  first 
strike  me  with  the  wonder  I  had  laid  in  store  for  myself  on  seeing 
them.  The  fact  of  my  having  ridden  for  days  through  forests  of 
giantPines,  P.  ponderosa,  P.  Lambertiana,  and  Abies  Douglasii,  whose 
trunks  I  measured  and  found  to  be  from  18  to  26  feet  in  circumference, 
had  so  prepared  or  accustomed  the  eye  to  such  (to  an  Englishman) 
large  trees,  that  the  Sequoias  did  not  at  first  strike  me  with  that 
amount  of  surprise  I  expected  them  to  do.  I  collected  some  seed, 
and  find  I  had  no  difficulty  in  raising  seedlings  in  this  variable 
climate  (N.W.  Yorkshire).  One  fact  struck  me  forcibly  while  I  was 
in  the  Mariposa  Grove  as  well  as  that  of  Tuolumne,  namely,  the 
total  absence  of  seedling  plants  or  young  trees,  which  led  me  to 
put  the  inquiry,  are  these  mammoth  trees  the  last  of  their  race, 
and,  like  many  of  the  tribes  of  red  men,  to  be  wiped  out  in  the  next 
generation  ?  Yosemite. 


A  Pine  Forest  in  Switzerland. — There  is  a  wondrous  charm 
about  these  illimitabh;  forests  of  Pine  which  for  miles  and  miles  clothe 
the  huge  buttresses  of  the  Alps.  The  charm  is  intensified  at  early 
morning,  when  a  delicious  fragrance  steals  up  from  innumerable  wild 
flowers  in  the  various  openings  among  the  trees,  and  from  the  green 
Moss  which  clothes  with  such  velvet  softness  the  rocks  lying  halt 
hidden  in  the  rich  verdure.  Variegated  Lichens  enrich  with  the 
colours  of  the  kaleidoscope  these  rocks  and  river-stumps ; 
wild  Strawberries  peep  out  with  their  pretty  pink  eyes  from 
the  shady  Grass,  and  if  we  chance  to  look  ujnvard  from  the  wealth  of 
beauty  below  through  the  rifts  in  the  dark  foliage  overhead,  some 
pinnacle  of  snow  is  seen  soaring  into  the  deep  blue  sky,  as  soft,  and 
white,  and  still  as  the  wing  of  a  sleeping  swan. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TEEES  AND  SHRUBS. 


Paulownia  Wood. — This  is  said  to  be  capable  of  taking  a  good  polibh. 
May  I,  therefore,  ask  some  of  your  readers  to  kindly  inform  me  where  it  can 
be  obtained  in  large  pieces. — il.  B. 

Beech  Timher.— A  Wilts  paper  states  that  at  the  annual  sale  of  Beech  trees 
on  the  estate  of  Earl  Bathurst,  conducted  by  Mr.  George  Jones,  at  Sapperton, 
■is3  trees,  containing  by  estimation  less  than  23,000  feet  of  timber,  realized 
£1,691.  Five  lots  situate  in  the  Beech  Coppice,  containing  153  trees,  very  clean 
and  long,  made  £(>17. 

Cotoneaster  Simmondsii.— I  have  used  this  charming  plant,  with  great 
success,  for  t^o  years  for  decorating  dessert  dishes.  I  merely  get  a  ■wire  hoop 
of  the  same  size  a?;  that  of  the  dishes.  Round  this  I  ti^,  neatly,  sprays  of  the 
Cotoneaster  with  berries  on  it.  and  put  the  same  round  the  dishes,  on  which 
they  have  a  very  chaste  and  fine  appearance. — R.  G. 

Protecting  Trees  from  Kahbits. — 'W'ould  it  injure  young  trees  to  put  tar 
round  them  to  prevent  rabbits  from  destroying  them  ?  Last  year  I  had  several 
thousand  more  or  less  injured  by  these  vermin.  I  have  now  more  than  7  acres 
to  plant ;  therefore  any  kind  of  wire  protection  is  out  of  the  question. — 
Charlestown.  [Tar  is  objectionable,  as  it  is  injurious  to  young  trees.  A 
simple  mixture  of  soot  and  cow  dimg,  made  thin  enough  to  be  put  on 
with  a  brush,  will  help  to  ward  off  the  attacks  of  rabbits  during  ordinary 
seasons.  Blood  sprinkled  on  newly  planted  trees  has  also  been  found  to  be 
efTective  for  a  time.  Wire  netting  or  tying  Birch  or  Heath  round  the  necks  of 
the  plants,  are  the  only  really  effectual  remedies  in  severe  seasons  where 
rabbits  are  numerous,— G.  B.] 


Nov.  8,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


381 


LONDON    GARDEN    LANDSCAPES. 

YIBW  IN  ST.  JAMES'S  PARK. 
It  is  a  mistake  to  suppose  that  there  are  no  landscapes  in 
towns.  Wherever  there  are  trees  and  water,  landscape  effects 
necessarily  produce  tliemsclves  with  more  or  less  beauty, 
according  to  the  extent  and  character  of  the  water  and  foliage. 
In  the  case  of  artificial  water,  with  trees  planted  about  it,  it  is 
very  easy  so  to  manage  matters  that  no  beauty  whatever  is 
obtained,  and  perhaps  the  contrary,  examples  of  which  might 
be  cited  by  the  score  in  and  around  London.  The  plantations 
in  St.  James's  Park  are  not,  however,  of  that  unfortunate 
character.  They  were  commenced  many  years  ago  to  vary  the 
monotony  of  the  flat  turf  on  either  side  of  the  water,  and 
were  made  with  a  certain  amount  of  taste  and  judgment ; 
so  that,  when  their  matured  growth  allowed  of  plentiful 
thinning,   and   so  obtained  open    spaces  Ijctween   and  about 


gardener  lays  out  his  plan,  he  Tvould  bo  artistically  wrong  to 
endeavour,  by  his  work,  to  conceal  noble  architectural  objects 
from  the  view.  In  extensive  parks  combined  with  decorative 
gardens,  architectural  features  have  to  be  specially  furnished 
by  the  architect,  at  great  cost,  as  such  ol)jects  in  park  and 
garden  scenery  on  a  palatial  scale  are  often  deemed  as  necessary 
to  a  complete  place  as  the  green  slopes  and  the  noble  trees 
themselves.  Indeed,  the  landscape  gardener  of  the  last  century 
was  no  other  than  the  architect  himself,  the  decorative  horticul- 
turist only  coming  in  to  play  a  secondary  part ;  so  essential,  and 
indeed  all  important  were  the  "  temples,"  grottoes,  terraces, 
and  alcoves  considered,  in  the  formation  of  parks  and  gardens, 
even  so  late  as  the  days  of  Sir  William  Chambers.  Although 
the  introduction  of  over  elaborate  garden  structures  is  no 
longer  a  necessarily  conspicuous  feature  in  ])ark  aud  garden 
scenery  in  the  country;  yet,  in  town  gardens, glimpses  of  archi- 
tecture, from  different  points,  should  always  be  carefully  studied 


-.*>ii,U\\\~i^J 


>i......Jmm&''''»'*»t 


View  across  the  Ornamental  Water  in  St.  James's  Park. 


the  best-grown  trees,  landscape  effects  were  produced  of  very 
pleasing  character  from  several  points  of  view.  London 
landscapes  would  scarcely  be  complete  unless  they  presented 
glimpses  of  architecture  ;  aud  from  the  point  selected  by  the 
artist  for  the  present  sketch,  peeps  are  obtained  of  several 
salient  features  of  the  Houses  of  Parliament  and  other 
buildings.  In  a  London  landscape,  the  enriched  Hues  of  palatial 
architecture,  in  contrast  with  the  gracefully-irregular  forms 
of  the  trees,  produce  combinations  of  form  which  arc  highly 
agreeable  to  the  eye,  and  at  the  same  time  undeniably  appro- 
priate. It  would,  in  such  situations  and  under  such  conditions, 
be  a  great  mistake  to  attempt  to  "plant  out"  such  suitable 
features.  "  Planting  out  "  a  neighbour's  villa,  in  the  country, 
■where  comparative  isolation  and  uninteri'upted  views  of  wood 
and  field  and  stream  are  the  pleasures  of  the  eye  most  chiefly 
sought,  is  a  legitimate  object,  and  the  repose  of  your  Iiome 
landscape  is  thus  restored  ;  but  in  towns,  when  the  landscape 


whenever  such  favourable  ojiportunities  occur,  as  in  the  case 
of  St.  James's  Park.  As  a  rule,  the  horizontal  lines  of  Roman 
or  Palladian  architecture,  form  a  better  contrast  to  the  spherical 
outlines  of  the  tops  of  many  of  our  trees,  and  especially  to 
the  spiral  growth  of  Poplars,  or  most  of  the  Conifers  ;  yet  the 
Gothic  pinnacles  of  the  Houses  of  Parliament  certainly  pro- 
duce a  fine  effect,  as  they  are  seen  above  the  trees  of  St.. James's 
Park  in  several  places,  where  the  outlines  of  the  full-grown 
foliage  dips  below  its  ordinary  level,  as  shown  in  the  annexed 
engraving.  The  most  beautiful  example  I  have  ever  met  with 
of  glimpses  of  noble  groups  of  architecture  seen  from  the 
midst  of  exquisite  garden  scenery  formed  of  multitudes  of 
beautiful  trees,  for  which  the  fairest  regions  of  the  earth 
have  been  ransacked,  is  that  furnished  by  the  Botanic 
Gardens  in  Edinburgh,  from  the  rocks  and  slopes  and  recesses 
of  which  such  glimpses  of  the  monuments  of  the  Calton  Hill, 
and  other  points  of  the  picturesque  city,  are  obtained  as  could 


382 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  8,  18?3. 


not  be  matched  in  any  other  city  iu  Europe.  These  interest- 
ing peeps  have  been  carefully  studied  and  watchfully  tended 
from  year  to  year  by  the  curator,  who  is  justly  proud  of  the 
results  of  these  truly  artistic  an-rangements.  The  foreground 
of  trees  and  slopes  and  rocks  from  which  these  exquisite  vistas 
are  obtained  are  so  picturesquely  beautiful  that  they  form 
models  such  as  a  landscape  painter  would  grow  enthusiastic 
over.  I  longed  to  sit  down  myself,  pallet  and  paper  iu  hand, 
and  essay  a  sketch  or  two  with  my  own  clumsy  pencil ;  but  felt 
that  such  models  belonged  to  art-students  of  a  far  higher  class. 

H.  N.  H. 


SOILS,    FERTI  USERS,    &c. 

ON  THE   CAUSES    OP   FERTILITY   OB, 
BARRENNESS  OF  SOILS.* 
The  causes  which  operate  in  producing  the  fertility  or  barrenness  of 
soils  have  hitherto  to  a  gi-eat  extent  been  shrouded  in  mystery,  not 
from  want  of  study,  but  owing  to  the   difficulties  which  meet  the 
inquirer  at  every  step,  and  the  fact  that  most  important  results 
frequently  depend  upon  causes  which  have  eluded  the  search  of  the 
experimenter.     The  science  of  chemistry  it  was  hoped  would  afEord 
the  key  wherewith  to  xinlock  the  mysteries  of  nature ;    but,  though 
its  discoveries  have  conferred  much  practical  benefit  on  the  agricnl. 
t\irist,    it   has,  up   to   a  very  recent   period,  effected  comparatively 
little    towards   settling   the   causes   of    fertility    or   sterility.     The 
theories  of  scientific  men  led  us  to  expect  that  fertility  depended 
upon  the  presence  of  certain  mineral  substances,  which  were  found 
invariably  present  in  tho  ashes  of  plants  ;  and  the  analysis  of  a  soil 
it  was  believed  would  confirm  the  practical  experience  of  the  farmer; 
these  hopes  have  been  falsified  except  in  the  few  cases  of  almost 
simple  soils,  such  as  pure  claj-s  and  sands.     In  all  other  instances, 
the  analysis  presented  tho  existence,  in  varying  proportions,  of  those 
substances  supposed  to  induce  fertility  equally  in  the  barren  as  tho 
fertile  soil.      The  proportion  of    the   various  ingredients  was  next 
proposed  as  the  sign  of  quality  ;  but  researches  into  the  amount  of 
inorganic  matter   abstracted  by  each   crop  has  demonstrated  that 
soils  of  a  mixed  character  contain  abundant  supplies  of  mineral  food 
for  numerous  crops.     It  is  probable  that  fertility  depends  more  upon 
the   peculiar   condition   of   the   saline   matters,    than   their    actual 
presence  or  absence  in  a  soil ;  thus,  for  example,  we  can  imagine  a 
clay  soil,  so  full  of  water  that  the  air  conld  not  penetrate  and  act 
upon  the  various  salts,  which,  though  of  the  right  kind,  might  be  in 
an   insoluble   and  therefore  useless  condition  ;    but  the  same   soil, 
subjected  to  thorough  drainage  and  pulverisation   (physical  change 
of  its  particles)  might  become  very  fertile,  owing  to  the  reviving 
influence    of    atmospheric  action,  and   the    increased   temperature 
which  would  follow  removal  of  the  water,  &o.     It  is  for  these  reasons 
that  fertility  often  appears    to    depend    more  npou  physical   than 
chemical  causes,  whereas    the  two  are  intimately   combined ;    for 
instance,  a  pure  sand  may  be  physically  in  the  best  possible  state, 
porous,  warm,  capable  of  retaining  moisture,  and  yet  totally  bai'ren 
from  the  absence  of  those  chemical  compounds  upon  which  the  plant 
feeds  ;    and,    vice    versd,   the    storehouse    may    be    full,    nature's 
laboratory  may  contain  abundance,  and  yet  the  physical  condition 
may  be  such  as  to  prevent  those  farther  changes  requisite  before 
the  food  can  be  fit  for  use.     Before  entering  more  particularly  into 
an  examination  of  the  physical  properties  of  soils,  it  may  be  as  well 
to  glance  very  briefly  at  their  origin.     Soils  are  derived   from  three 
sources  : — First  from  the  decomposition  of  the  rock  on  which  they 
rest.     Secondly,  from  the  decomposition  of  a  drift    formation,   to 
which,  in  earlier  days  of  geological  knowledge,  the   term  Diluvium 
was  applied,  on  account  of  their  supposed  formation  by  the  Noachian 
Deluge ;  a  view  long  since  found  untenable,  and  the  name  has  given 
place  to  that  of  erratic  tertiaries,  because  most  of  these  beds  seem 
referable  to  a  period    posterior   to  the  tertiary  deposit.      Various 
theories  have  been  broached  to  explain  their  formation  ;  the  most 
plausible  refer  them  to  a  period  immediately  preceding  the  present, 
when  the  earth  was  about  to  emerge  from  its  watery  covering,  and 
when    the  natural    elevations  of    its  surface  would   cause   mighty 
currents,  carrying  away  in  their  course  vast  quantities  of  matter 
from  the  higher  points,   depositing  them  according  to  gravity  at 
nearer  or  greater  distances  from  tho  parent  bed  :  tho  heavy  matters 
would  bo  deposited  first,  afterwards  the  finer  and  lighter  ones.     The 
direction  of  these  currents  seem  to  have  been  generally  uniform, 
extending  in  this  country  from  the   north  and  west ;  consequently 
we  find  the  post-tertiary  erratics  ranging  from  the  west  and   north 
towards  the  east  and  south,  fringing  the  western  coast  up  the  valleys, 

*  From  a  Priao  Essay  hy  John  Coleman,  in  tlio  Joitrml  of  the  Jtoyal  Agri- 
cultural  Society, 


extending  into  Scotland,  on  either  side  of  the  Pennine  chain  or 
central  ridge  of  England,  which  appears  in  most  cases  to  have  formed 
a  barrier  to  further  progress,  though  this  is  occasionally  surmounted 
in  the  lowest  spots.  The  character  of  these  deposits,  and  con- 
sequently the  soils  found  upon  them,  present  every  variety  of  form 
and  nature,  from  the  blowing  sands  to  the  huge  boulder  stones,  from 
the  fine  arenaceous  to  the  coarse  gravelly  soil.  Thirdly  and  lastly, 
soils  are  derived  from  alluvial  deposits  found  occupying  the  line  of 
most  of  the  great  rivers  in  this  country.  Accumulated  by  water  in 
its  passage  through  various  strata,  they  are  of  a  very  mixed  and 
fertile  character,  especially  near  the  mouths,  where  the  currents  of 
salt  and  fresh  water  mingling  caused  the  death  of  multitudes  of 
Infusoria,  which  sinking  down  were  deposited  along  with  fine  mud, 
and  affect  the  value  of  these  soils  to  a  considerable  extent ;  similar 
processes  may  be  seen  going  on  at  the  mouths  of  many  rivers  at  the 
present  day.  The  sedimentary  deposit  has,  in  more  than  one  instance, 
been  turned  to  advantage  in  damming  up  the  stream  and  retarding 
its  onward  progress,  until  all  the  materials  gathered  together  during 
its  long  journey  through  various  strata  were  deposited  as  mud,  when 
it  was  allowed  slowly  to  pass  off  into  the  sea. 

From  whichever  of  the  above  sources  soils  are  immediately 
derived,  they  are  all  primarily  produced  by  the  decomposition  of  the 
older  rocks.  Thus  the  granite,  upreared  into  mountain  chains  and 
lofty  hills,  bare,  rugged,  and  incultivable,  is  the  parent  of  the  rich 
soils  found  in  the  surrounding  valleys ;  indeed  all  clay  soils  have 
resulted  from  the  decomposition  of  granites  containing  felsjjar. 
Most  soils  are  formed  by  the  decomposition  of  the  beds  beneath, 
assisted  by  the  deposit  of  animals  and  the  growth  and  decay  of 
vegetable  matter.  The  principal  agent  is  moisture,  which  swells 
out  the  particles,  diminishing  the  cohesive  attraction,  and  i^reparing 
the  way  for  the  chemical  and  mechanical  action  of  the  atmosphere, 
which  gradually  separates  the  various  substances  from  previous 
affinities,  and  prepares,  by  new  combinations,  food  for  the  vegetables 
which  speedily  appear.  IIow  the  plant  first  originates  is  often 
mysterious  ;  whether  a  seed  may  be  transported  by  birds,  or  whether 
nature  has  the  power  of  spontaneous  production,  is  a  question  which 
might  form  subject  for  curious  and  interesting  investigation,  but 
which  is  quite  foreign  to  the  present  paper.  Tet  I  cannot  forbear 
mentioning  a  fact  which  I  have  from  good  authority,  as  it  goes  some 
way  to  prove  the  latter  hypothesis  : — The  shepherds  of  the  moors  iu 
Scotland  are  sometimes  in  the  habit  of  firing  the  Heather  ;  the  ashes 
remain  on  the  surface ;  and,  without  any  seed  being  sown,  a  rich 
herbage  of  Dutch  Clover  springs  up. 

The  lower  forms  of  vegetable  lite  first  appear  in  new  land,  or  more 
properly,  in  disintegrated  rock,  and,  by  their  roots  clinging  to  and 
intersecting  the  mass,  as  well  as  by  the  protection  afforded  to  the 
surface  against  the  destructive  effect  of  heavy  rain,  &c.,  materially 
assist  iu  the  process  of  forming  a  soil.  The  action  of  frost  is  also 
very  important,  the  expansion  of  the  moisture  in  the  soil  or  rock 
breaking  up  the  particles,  and  preparing  the  way  for  the  chemical 
forces  to  act ;  these  are  chiefly  the  oxygen  of  the  air  and  carbonic 
acid  gas,  dissolved  in  rain  water ;  both  possess  powerful  affinities 
for  many  mineral  substances — oxygen  forming  oxides,  generally  more 
soluble  and  looser  in  nature  than  the  original  minerals ;  carbonic 
acid  acting  upon  lime,  magnesia,  and  the  alkalies,  destroying  previous 
combinations,  and  forming  soluble  carbonates.  The  character  of  a 
soil  will  depend  upon  the  nature  of  the  parent  bed ;  thus  soils  from 
granite  consist  principally  of  silicate  of  alumina,  with  soluble 
alkalies  and  iron,  all  more  or  less  clayey  in  nature  and  destitute  of 
lime.  The  soils  from  the  chalk  (especially  the  upper  beds)  contain 
large  quantities  of  carbonate  of  lime  with  alkalies  and  iron,  but  very 
little  clay,  and  form  light  free-working  soils.  In  the  former  case, 
the  felspar  of  the  granite  is  the  substance  from  which  the  clay  soil 
is  derived.     Felspar  consists  of : — 


Silica 
Almnina 
Potass 

Lime  (traces) 
Oxide  of  iron 
■\Vater 


61 
20 
11 

175 
275 

99-60 


It  is  found  impossible  to  classify  soils  geologically,  because  the 
beds  vary  so  extremely,  and  the  soil  has  so  frequently  been  derived 
from  various  sources  ;  therefore  we  have  recourse  either  to  physical 
or  chemical  distinctions  :  the  former,  being  most  easily  recognised, 
are  usually  adopted. 

Meehanioal   Distinctions   of   Soils,   as    Cohesiveness  or 
Porousness,  Coarseness  or  Fineness  of  Granulation. 

Wo  are  in  the  habit  of  speaking  of  soils  as  light  or  stiff,  loamy  or 
marly,  yet  from  such  descriptions  little  correct  knowledge  of  their 
real  nature  can  be  gained.  It  is  true  that  the  primary  forms  of  soil, 
such  as  stiff  clay,  pure  sand,  chalky  or  peaty  soils,  may  be  well 


Nov.  8,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


383 


expressed  by  such  terms ;  but  iu  nature  we  have  most  frequently  to 
deal  with  combinations  of  the  above  in  the  most  varied  proportions  ; 
very  frequently  tho  distinctive  characters  are  completely  masked 
from  observation,  so  that  the  appearance  alone  would  often  lead  to 
very  erroneous  judgments  on  the  qualities  of  soils.  A  good  classifi- 
cation, based  upon  the  physical  condition  and  chemical  combinations 
of  the  various  ingredients,  is  much  wanted.  In  the  absence  of  such 
I  shall  adopt  the  faulty  method  of  dividing  all  soils  into  four  groups, 
bearing  the  names  of  their  chief  constituents : — Argillaceous 
or  clay  soils,  so  called  because  clay  (argilla),  or  alumina,  forms 
the  principal  ingredient.  Sir  Humphry  Davy  considers  the  term 
should  only  be  applied  to  such  as  contain  above  1.6th  of  impalpable 
matter  which  does  not  effervesce  in  the  presence  of  an  acid.  This 
division  is  again  divided  many  times  according  to  the  presence  of 
other  substances,  such  as  sand,  lime,  or  peat,  causing  variations 
from  the  original  type.  Silicious  soils  are  those  which  contain  a 
large  amount  of  silica  or  sand  in  an  uncombiued  state.  Davy  con- 
eiders  the  term  applicable  only  to  soils  containiug  7-8ths  of  their 
bulk  of  sand.  Perhaps  this  is  going  too  far ;  Ave  may  with  more 
propriety  allow  upwards  of  seventy  per  cent,  as  the  minimum 
quantity.  Calcareous  soils  contain  a  large  proportion  of  carbonate 
of  lime,  above  twenty  per  cent. ;  and  lastly,  humous  or  peaty  soils, 
which  include  all  that  contain  above  tive  per  cent,  of  vegetable 
matter.  Such  soils  generally  result  from  the  decomposition  of  peat 
bogs  ;  they  are  easily  recognised  by  their  dark  colour  and  small 
specific  gravity.  We  shall  proceed  to  consider  these  divisions  in 
detail. 

Clays. 
These   soils   are   very   tenacious,  which   is  due   to   the   alumina. 
Plastic  when  moist,  they  are   readily  moulded  iuto  any  form,  hence 
their  value  for  the  manufacture  of  earthenware,  and  the  purer  and 
least  productive  soils  are  best  adapted  for  this  purpose.    \Vhen  dry, 
clay  falls  down  into  an  impalpable  dust,  but  in  nature  clays  gene- 
rally bake,  that  is,  dry  on  the  surface,  but  remain  moist  underneath, 
forming  masses  as  hard  as  iron,  and  very  difficult  to  cultivate.     The 
contracting  influence  of  heat  causes  these  soils  to  crack  during  dry 
weather;  the  fissures  thus  formed. are  often  of  considerable  size,  due 
to  the  closing  of  the  particles  kept  apart  by  the  moisture,  which 
clay  so  readily  absorbs.     The  presence  of  moisture,  by  excluding  the 
atmosphere  and   the   sun's  rays,  and   by  constant  evaporation  from 
the  surface,  causes  clay  soils  to  possess  a  lower  temperature  than  any 
other ;  they  are  eminently  cold  in  a  natural  state.     This  property  of 
absorbing  and  retaining  moisture  and  gaseous  matter,  which  may  be 
turned   to   the  first  advantage  under   judicious  management,  often 
renders  clay  soils  unfit  for  cultivation  in  a  natural  state.     The  term 
heavy  as   applied  to  clay  soils   is   not  in  reference  to  their  specific 
gravity,  which  is  less  than  that  of  sands  or  calcareous  soils,  but  in 
consequence  of  their  consistency  making  them  difficult  to  work.    Their 
agricultural  value  varies  extremely,  depending  principally  upon   the 
proportions  of  the  various   ingredients  as  affecting  the  physical  and 
chemical  character,  and  we  have  examples  of  the  poorest  as  well  as 
most  fertile  soils.     Pure  clay  does  not  enter  into  the  composition  of 
plants,  nor  as  far  as  we  know  (except  in  very  minute  quantities)  is  it 
decomposed  into  its  elements ;  consequently  a  soil    consisting  of  it 
only  would  be  perfectly  barren,  although  possessing  great  powers  of 
absorption.     Poor  clays  are  the  least  desirable  of  all  soils,  on  account 
of   the   heavy   expense   of   cultivation,  three,  and   more   often  four, 
horses   being   rccjuired   for   even  the  shallowest  ploughing.     Great 
judgment  is  required  to  know  the  proper  time  to  work  such  laud;  as 
in  wet  weather  the  pressure  of  the  hoof  will  puddle  the  sub-soil  into 
pans  of  the   most  impervious  character.     Fortunately  very  few  are 
so   simple   in  their   nature    as   to   be   unfit   for   cultivation.     More 
frequently  the  poverty  is  due  to  the  saturated  condition  of  the  mass 
preventing  the  atmosphere  penetrating  and  effecting  those  changes 
in   the   ingredients  (thus  rendered   inert)  which   are   indispensable 
before  food  can  be  provided  for  the  plant.     Before  expending  capital 
in  reclaiming,  it  is  highly  important  to  ascertain  whether  the  ingre- 
dients are  of  a  nature  to  warrant  it,  and  here  we  perceive  an  instance 
of  the   important   assistance  afforded   by  the  science  of   chemistry, 
informing  us,  as  it  does  with  full  certainty,  what  the  soil  contains, 
and  whether  it  is  likely  to  yield  a  fair  return  for  our  capital.    Having 
satisfactorily  settled  this  point,  we  may  fearlessly  proceed  to  invest 
our  money,  first  by  thorough  drainage,  and  afterwards  iu  pulverising, 
so  as  to  admit  the  atmosphere,  which  readily  takes  the  place  of  the 
moisture  removed  by  our  drains.     Any  advice  as  to  tho  best  methods 
of  draining  would   be   out   of   place   here,   and   it   is  to  be   hoped, 
unnecessary ;  since  landowners  and  intelligent  occupiers  are  by  this 
time  firmly  persuaded  of  the  vital  importance  of  deep  drainage,  and 
the  utter  absurdity  of  placing  the  drains   just   beneath  the  plough, 
bed,  as  was   the  practice   twenty  years  ago.     The   advantages  are 
incalculable  ;    cultivation   is   lightened  very  often  one-horse  power  ; 
the  temperature   is  raised ;   germination  more  rapid  and  certain ; 


harvests  accelerated  ten  days  to  a  fortnight ;  Buppliea  of  food  often 
apparently  inexhaustible  are  eliminated,  which  would  otherwise  have 
laiu  dead  aud  useless ;  and  the  number  and  variety  of  crops  increased. 
The  surface  ceases  to  bake  or  puddle,  hasty  downfalls  find  ready 
access,  and  instead  of  standing  on  the  surface,  stagnating  in  the 
snb.sod,  or  running  off  with  the  best  parts  of  the  soil,  the  rain-water 
quietly  passes  away  into  the  drains,  fertilising  iu  its  passage.  It 
may  be  stated  as  a  rule  that  all  real  clay  soils  resting  on  an  imper. 
vious  sub-soil,  require  drainage ;  without  it  they  must  be  looked 
upon  as  tho  least  remunerative ;  by  its  aid  and  judicious  cultivation 
they  may  bo  rendered  among  the  most  productive. 

The   practice  of  paring   and  burning  the   surface  of   stiff  clays, 
much  followed  in  some  districts,  may  be  noticed  as  bearing  on  tho 
physical  condition  of  such  soils.     The  operation  is  usually  performed 
at  that  period  in  the  rotation  when  the  land  contains  the  most  rubbish, 
as   all   surface  weeds,  insects,   &c.,  are  destroyed   by  tho  lu'e.     The 
process  is  very  simple.     A  paring-plough,  either  drawn  by  horses  or 
pushed  by  men,  slices  off   about  3  inches  of  tho  surface,  turning  it 
over,  in  which  state  it  remains  till  thoroughly  dry.     It  is  then  got 
together  into  small  heaps  and  burnt ;  afterwards  the  ashes  are  spread 
and  ploughed  in.     If  lime  is  present  in  any  quantity,  the  first  shower 
causes  the  ashes  to  fall   in  a  coarse  powder,  which  gets  thoroughly 
incorporated  with  the   soilj  the  lime  furnishing  valuable  food  both 
dii-eotly  and  indirectly  to  the   succeeding  crop.     The  effect  of  burnt 
clay  is  principally  mechanical,   opening  the  soil   and   rendering  it 
more  porous.     It  was  formerly  believed  to  absorb  ammonia  from  the 
air,  but  recent  experiments  throw  doubt  upon  this.     Tho  practice  is 
found   to   answer  exceedingly  well,  and,  even  if  we  do  not  burn  the 
soil  all  over  the  fie'd,  we  should  never  neglect  any  opportunity  of 
obtainiug  burnt  earth.    Borders  of  hedgerows,  cleanings  out  of  ditches 
and   corners    of   iields   present  excellent   material  for  the   purpose. 
The   principal   clay  districts   in  this  country  are  those  of  the  London 
and    Plastic   beds,    occurring    in    the   south-eastern   counties ;  the 
vVealden,  formed  in  parts  of  Surrey,   Sussex,  and   Kent ;  the  Lias, 
forming  a  narrow  baud,  which  runs  from  S.W.  to  N.E.,  right  through 
the  country  from  the  Vale  of  Gloucester  to  Yorkshire  ;  the  clays  of 
the  Old  Red  Sandstone,  occurring  in  Devonshire  ;  and  the   clays  of 
the  older  rocks,   developed  principally  in  Wales.     Besides  the  above 
a  number  of  smaller  beds  occur,  as  clay  is  found  in  almost  every 
formation ;  indeed,  very  few  soils  are  devoid  of  some  portion.     We 
have  hitherto  spoken  of  those  soils  which  contain  a  large  proportion 
of  clay;  the  most  fertile  districts  contain  clay  mixed  with  certain 
jiroportions  of  sand,  knoAvn  as  clay  or  sandy  loams.     The  value  of 
such  soils   consists    in    their    containing   sufficient    absorbing    and 
retentive  power  for  vegetation,  at  the  same  time  being  open  and  to 
some  extent  porous ;  in  fact,  Natui'e  has  in  these  cases  prepared  the 
soil  and  saved  mneh  of  the  labour  necessary  to  the  stiller  clays. 
When  resting  on  a  porous  sub-soil,  clay  loams  do  not  require  draining. 
In  other  cases  it  is  only  necessary  to  remove  the   superabundant 
moisture  in  order  to  have  a  soil  in  every  way  fitted  for  the  wants  of 
plants.     Such  soils  turn  up  as  a  fine  mould,  into  which  the  atmo- 
sphere has    ready  access,    and   the    roots    can   throw   out   without 
impediment.     Clay  loams  should   bo  looked   upon  as  the  standard  to 
which,  by  energy  and  capital,  we  are  to  bring  tho  stiffer  beds ;  and 
though  in  the  absence  or  sand  it  is  vain  to  hope  for  the  permeable 
and  mouldy  character,  yet  it  is    astonishing  what  alterations   the 
strongest  soils  are  capable  of  under  judicious  management.      The 
addition  of  sand  to  clay  would  be  very  beneficial,   but   the    great 
quantity  required  to  make  any  alteration  unfortunately  prevents  this 
being  carried  out. 

Silicious  or  Sandy  Soils. 
This  term  is  applied  by  the  generality  of  people  to  all  soils 
principally  composed  of  silicious  matter,  either  iu  the  form  of  fine 
sand  or  of  coarser  sand  and  gravel.  They  possess  qualities  the  very 
opposite  of  the  last  class,  being  light  in  colour,  varying  from  a  white 
silver  sand  to  a  rich  red,  aud  exceedingly  porous.  In  reality  heavier 
than  olays,  they  appear  light  from  the  absence  of  all  cohesiveness.  They 
neither  attract  gaseous  matters  from  the  atmosphere  nor  retain  the 
manures  put  into  them  ;  hence  the  poorer  and  purer  descriptions  are 
known  as  hungry  soils,  aud  are  barren  and  unprofitable  to  cultivate. 
Not  retaining  moisture  and  being  so  permeable,  these  soils  are  warm  ; 
the  heat,  too  often  rendered  latent  by  evaporation  iu  a  wet  soil,  is 
enabled  to  penetrate  and  warm  every  portion,  rendering  them 
peculiarly  suitable  for  rapid  germination  ;  the  seed  never  lies  long 
in  the  ground,  provided  there  is  sufficient  moisture.  I  have  known 
Swedes,  drilled  with  a  solution  of  super-phosphate,  appear  above 
ground  in  three  days,  and  commonly  in  a  week ;  whereas  on  cold 
soils  it  is  usually  a  fortnight  before  they  can  be  se^en.  Harvests  are 
much  forwarder  for  the  same  reason  ;  thei'o  is  often  the  difference  of 
from  ten  days  to  a  fortnight  between  sandy  and  clayey  soils — a  very 
important  fact  in  our  variable  climate.  As  these  soils  do  not  retain 
moisture,  aud  possess  only  slight  capillary  powers,  they  are  subject 


364 


^HB   GAEDllN. 


[Nov.  8,187^. 


to  bnm  up  with  long-continued  drought,  and  hence  are  very  uncertain 
in  their  produce.  In  dry  seasons  the  spring  Com  is  often  a 
miserable  failure,  the  straw  about  a  foot  long,  and  the  yield  little 
more  than  the  seed  sown.  The  root  crop  for  the  same  reason  can 
Beldom  be  depended  upon.  In  a  moist  climate,  by  the  aid  of  stimu- 
lating manures,  a  crop  is  pretty  certain,  but  in  other  cases  vegetation 
is  often  prematurely  arrested  and  mildew  attacks  the  leaves, 
preventing  farther  growth.  Very  nice  management  is  required, 
exactly  the  reverse  of  that  necessary  for  the  clays;  in  cultivating 
the  latter,  our  object  is  to  loosen  and  render  it  as  friable  as  possible^ 
for  which  purpose  we  plough  repeatedly,  dress  with  long  half-rotted 
manure,  and  burn  the  surface  into  ashes.  On  sands  we  plough  but 
little,  and  sow  the  seed  immediately  after  the  plough,  so  "as  to 
receive  the  benefit  of  the  moisture  which  is  brought  to  the  surface, 
repeatedly  roll  and  consolidate  by  every  means  in  our  power,  until 
we  so  force  the  particles  together  as  to  enable  the  soil  to  reta'in  the 
moisture  better.  The  poorer  kinds  of  sands,  those  that  contain  from 
80  to  90  per  cent,  of  silica,  are  nearly  as  undesirable  as  the  very 
poor  clays.  In  cases,  however,  where  it  is  practicable,  great 
advantages  have  followed  the  application  of  marl,  clay,  or  chalk ; 
this  has  been  largely  carried  out  in  parts  of  Norfolk,  the  clay  and 
marl  being  even  brought  from  considerable  distances ;  small  quan- 
tities,^ comparatively  speaking,  are  found  when  acted  upon  by  frost 
and  air  to  affect  an  alteration  in  the  soil ;  the  dose,  however,  should 
not  be  niggardly,  at  least  70  to  100  yards  per  acre,  laid  on  the 
surface  as  early  in  the  wiuter  as  possible,  and  not  ploughed  in  until 
all  chances  of  frost  are  over.  By  snch  means  we  may  in  time 
produce  a  sandy  loam  of  considerable  value.  Natural  sandy  loams 
are  often  found  occupying  the  valleys  in  sandy  districts  ;  they  consist 
of  a  large  amount  of  sand  with  a  small,  but  sufficient,  quantity  of 
clay,  and  often  lime,  to  remedy  all  those  defects  so  apparent  in  the 
purer  sands ;  and  hence  such  soils  are  amongst  the  most  valuable 
known,  being  adapted  to  the  growth  of  almost  every  crop.  Never 
wet,  unless  resting  on  a  retentive  sub-soil,  they  yet  retain  sufficient 
moisture^  to  keep  the  roots  moist ;  not  porous  like  sand,  they  are 
still  sufficiently  open  to  allow  of  the  air  circulating  through  and 
warming  them  ;  easy  of  cultivation,  they  are  ploughed  with  two 
horses.  The  clay  protects  from  drought ;  the  sand  causes  a  high 
temperature.  In  some  cases  the  sand  is  replaced  by  coarse  gravel, 
a  large  quantity  of  iron  being  present ;  such  soils,  where  the  pro. 
portion  of  clay  is  large,  are  stubborn,  and,  if  cultivated  when  moist, 
bmd  together  and  form  masses  very  difficult  to  bring  to  pieces.  Boot 
crops  grow  well,  though  not  equal  to  those  on  the  sandy  loams,  and, 
if  fed  off  on  the  ground,  the  latter  is  apt  to  become  poached  during 
wet  weather,  and  the  crop  of  Barley  often  suffers.  On  the  whole  we 
should  give  the  preference  to  the  sandy  loams. 

The  principal  sandy  soils  in  this  country  exist  in  the  following 
districts  : — In  the  south-east,  forming  portions  of  the  plastic  clay, 
commonly  very  poor  and  often  resting  on  clay,  wet;  seen  in  parts  of 
Surrey,  j\Iiddlesex,  and  Berkshire.— Soils  of  the  Iron  and  Hastings 
sand  beds,  belonging  to  the  Wealden  formation ;  very  various  in 
quality ;  where  sand  and  iron  occur  without  clay  they  are  poor ; 
■where  the  latter  earth  is  present,  of  very  fair  quality.— The  soils  of 
the  upper  and  lower  greensand,  occuring  in  Surrey,  Hampshire, 
and  the  southern  portions  of  the  Isle  of  Wight.  This  series  includes 
some  of  the  richest,  as  well  as  poorest,  soils  in  England.  The  former 
are  found  resting  on  the  upper  beds,  and  occur  at  Farnham, 
Selbourn,  and  the  Isle  of  Wight.  The  powers  of  such  soils  are  most 
extraordinary,  due  probably  to  a  proper  admixture  of  sand,  clay,  and 
lime,  and  the  presence  of  soluble  silicates— that  is,  silica  united  with 
certain  alkalies  in  such  proportions  as  are  slowly  rendered  soluble 
by  the  action  of  rain-water.  These  soils  are  pecuUarly  adapted  to 
the  growth  of  Wheat  and  Hops,  and  produce  bulky  root  crops.  The 
soils  of  the  lower  greensand  are  the  very  reverse,  generally  consisting 
of  fine  sand,  iron,  traces  of  the  alkalies,  and  scarcely  any  clay ;  they 
are  light  and  very  poor,  in  many  districts  unfit  for  cultivation.  Large 
tracts  are  seen  covered  with  Gorse  and  Heather ;  when  a  little  better 
they  are  frequently  planted  with  Larch  and  Scotch  Tir  for  Hop-poles. 
Occasionally  in  the  valleys  a  better  soil  is  found,  but  even  there  it  is 
weak,  producing  wretched  pasture  and  very  uncertain  crops. — The 
lower  greensand  is  seen  in  some  parts  of  Surrey,  especially  the 
northern  division,  where  it  joins  the  Weald  clay,  forming  a  consider- 
able range  of  hills,  of  which  Leith  is  the  highest  point.— We  pass 
on  to  the  soils  of  the  old  and  new  red  sandstone  developed  in  the 
southern  and  western  counties.  Taken  as  a  class  they  form  deep 
rich  soils,  and,  when  clay  is  present  in  considerable  quantities,  the 
finest  Oak  timber  land  we  have.  The  above,  with  a  few  smaller 
districts  situated  on  the  Silurian  and  primary  rocks,  form  the  prin- 
cipal sandy  soils  found  in  this  country,  exclusive  of  those  formed 
by  alluvial  and  di-ift  deposit.  As  before  stated,  they  present 
great  variety  of  colour,  texture,  and  physical  properties,  and  con- 
sequently every  grade  of  fertility  from  pure  sand,  which  is  perfectly 


barren,  to  the  richest  sandy  loams.  As  a  class,  they  may  be  tei-med 
free-working,  porous,  warm,  dry,  and  quick  soils  ;  but  too  frequently 
destitute  or  deficient  in  those  important  substances  which  are  neces- 
sary to  ensure  the  maturity  of  a  crop.  The  very  poorest  are  capable 
of  great  improvement  by  the  addition  of  clay  and  lime  ;  though, 
when  the  sand  is  coarse-grained,  it  is  to  be  feared  that  these  sub- 
stances would  in  time  pass  away,  and  be  lost  in  the  sub-soil. 
Calcareous  Soils. 
This  term  is  applied  to  those  soils  in  which  carbonate  of  lime 
predominates,  either  in  a  fine  state  of  division,  as  in  chalk  soils,  or  as 
calcareous  gravel,  or  even  large  irregular  fragments.  With  few 
exceptions,  all  true  calcareous  soils  are  free  from  excess  of  moistui'e 
light  in  colour,  porous,  and  resting  upon  an  open  sub-soil,  derived 
from  disintegration  of  a  hard  rock  or  compact  chalk;  often  ouly  a 
few  inches  in  depth,  they  are  liable  to  burn  up  in  hot  dry  weather. 
Sub-soil  ploughing,  bj-  gradually  deepening  the  surface,  is  very 
beneficial,  and  should  not  be  neglected.  Where  a  certain  quantity  of 
clay  is  present  the  soil  is  termed  a  marl,  and  becomes  of  improved 
quality,  capable  of  carrying  heavy  crops  of  Wheat  and  Beans.  On  the 
thinner  lands,  Barley  and  loot  crops  answer  well,  provided  the 
surface  is  kej^t  sufficiently  firm  by  sheep  treading  and  rolling. 
Limestone  soils  possess  very  little  cohesive  attraction,  and  though 
good  absorbents,  are  bad  retainers  of  water.  As  in  the  case  of 
certain  sandy  soils,  too  frequent  ploughing,  especially  for  the  root 
crop,  is  very  injurious ;  and  I  have  seen  an  instance  where  the 
produce  was  reduced  at  least  one-half  from  an  extra  ploughing. 
Calcareous  soils,  taken  as  a  whole,  are  of  a  useful  nature,  adapted  to 
a  mixed  husbandry,  producing  a  sweet  short  Grass  suitable  for  sheep, 
and  growing  most  crops,  especially  all  those  of  a  leguminous 
character.  The  root  crop  requires  nice  management,  and  is  rather 
uncertain;  still  with  judicious  treatment  and  the  application  of 
artificial  manures  it  need  seldom  fail.  The  soils  of  the  chalk  forma- 
tion, found  principally  in  the  south  and  eastern  counties  of  England, 
form  perhaps  the  most  considerable  and  collected  examples  of 
calcareous  nature.  They  are  divided  into  two  sorts,  according  as 
they  are  derived  from  the  upper  or  lower  beds  ;  the  former  are 
usually  poor,  light,  and  full  of  flints  ;  the  latter  possess  more  tenacity, 
are  even  mai'ly  towards  the  lower  parts,  contain  no  flints,  and  form 
very  fertile  soils.  Various  theories  have  been  started  to  explain  this 
difference  ;  doubtless,  to  a  considerable  extent,  it  may  be  traced  to 
the  proportion  of  clay  present,  but  also  to  the  existence  of  alkalies 
and  silica  in  a  comminuted  form,  either  combined  as  soluble  silicates 
or  existing  separately  in  such  a  state  as  to  become  slowly  soluble 
under  the  action  of  rain  water.  It  has  been  calculated  from  analysis 
that  about  the  same  per-centage  of  silica  is  diffused  through  the 
lower  chalk  as  is  found  collected  together  as  flints  in  the  upper.  To 
whatever  due,  the  fertility  of  the  lower  chalk  is  so  marked  that  in 
many  instances  it  has  been  even  brought  from  long  distances  at 
considerable  expense  and  applied  as  a  dressing  to  the  soils  of  the 
upper  beds.  The  soils  upon  the  oolite  formation  form  the  other 
principal  example  of  calcareous  origin;  they  occur  in  narrow  patches, 
from  Somersetshire  through  the  central  i^art  of  England,  up  to 
Yorkshire,  generally  forming  elevated  land.  Resting  on  a  porous 
Rub-soil,  they  seldom  require  drainage.  The  depth  varies  according 
to  the  situation,  whether  on  the  hills  or  in  the  valleys,  and  the 
particular  bed  from  whence  derived;  generally  speaking  shallow, 
but  often  resting  on  a  brashy  sub-soil,  capable  of  improvement  by 
sub-soiling.  In  the  valleys  occur  useful  soils,  producing  good  cereal 
and  leguminous  crops  ;  but  on  the  hills  the  soil  is  thin,  porous,  and 
poor,  requiring  different  managemeut.  Seed  crops  must  be 
occasional  only,  and  the  land  is  usually  rested  with  Sainfoin,  which 
remains  down  several  years,  and,  being  a  leguminous  fodder-crop, 
seems  specially  adapted  for  calcareous  soils.  Owing,  however,  to 
the  variety  of  beds  which  occur  in  close  proximity,  and  often  come 
to  the  surface  on  the  same  farm,  the  nature  of  the  land  varies  on 
the  most  limited  areas, — a  circumstance  of  great  value  to  the  culti- 
vator,  who  can  adopt  his  cropping  to  the  peculiarities  of  each  field, 
and  thus  increase  the  productiveness  of  his  land.  Occasional 
draining  may  become  necessary  from  the  presence  of  a  vein  of  clay 
between  two  porous  beds ;  but  this  is  generally  a  simple  operation, 
as  we  can  often  empty  the  drain  into  the  porous  rock,  without  any 
fear  of  the  waters  reappearing.  There  are  other  considerable 
limestone  soils,  such  as  the  mountain  limestone,  and  many  smaller 
tracts  scattered  over  all  parts  of  the  country.  The  presence  of  a 
small  proportion  of  lime  is  indispensable  to  every  fertile  soil,  and  as 
the  ciuautity  required  is  small,  it  forms  a  most  important  application 
to  all  soils  that  are  deficient  in  this  respect ;  it  is  used  either  as  a, 
carbonate  in  the  form  of  chalk,  limestone,  &c.,  or  in  the  caustic 
state,  as  quick  lime.  The  operation  of  lime  under  the  latter  form 
will  be  best  discussed  when  describing  the  chemical  peculiarities 
of  soils. 

{To  be  continued.) 


Nov.  8, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


385 


A  GOOD  FUMIGATOE. 
.Most  of  the  patent  and  other  fumigators  purchased  by  horti- 
culturists seem  to  share  one  common  fate.  After  the  first 
few  trials  they  are  generally  consigned  to  a  dusty  shelf  in 
the  tool-house  or  pottuig-shod.and  we  gladly  use  an  old  ciuder- 
riddle  or  even  a  perforated  flower-pot  instead.  I  look  on  a  com- 
plicated fumigator  as  perfectly  useless,  where  largo  houses  have 
to  bo  smoked  in  as  short  a  time  as  possible.  They  may  amuse 
an  amateur,  but  professional  gardeners,  in  general,  despise 
tbem  ;  an  old  riddle  answers  much  better,  but  the  accompany- 
ing figure  will  give  an  excellent  idea  of  a  fumigator  not  often 
met  with,  although  one  of  the  very  best  contrivances  extant. 
It  is  made  of  wrought  iron,  and  of  any  size,  from  1  to  3  feet  in 
diameter.  When  the  tobacco,  or,  better  still,  tobacco-rag,  is 
once  lighted  it  burns  quite  freely  without  any  blowing,  .ind 
gives  oil'  a  dense  volume  of  smoke  in  a  remarkably  short  time. 
It  is  easily  set  at  work  by  placing  a  few  glowing  embers  from 
the  stoke-hole  fire  on  the  bottom  aud  sprinkling  damp  tobacco 
or  "rag"  over  them;  when  fairly  alight  the  fumes  maybe 
cooled  by  spreading  a  damp  sheet  of  either  coarse  tiffany  or 
hexagon  netting  over  the  handle,  letting  it  fall  loosely  aroand 
the  SRles.  This  last  precaution  is  worth  adopting  in  the  case 
of  Ferns,  when  throwing  up  their  young  fronds,  or  for  Odonto- 
glossums  and  Masdevallias,  both  being  injured  by  hot  smoke. 
A  word  on  "'  tobacco-rag  "  may  not  be  out  of  place.  This 
material  is  produced  in  considerable  quantities  by  the  tobacco- 
manufacturers  of  Manchester,  Liverpool,  and  other  laige 
towns,  and  is  both  cheaper  and  better  than  any  other 
material  used  for  fumigating,  if  we  except  the  pure  bonded 


A  good  and  simple  Fumigator. 

tobacco  used  at  Kew  and  other  government  places.  Tobacco 
papers  are,  as  a  rule,  l^ad,  as  they  burn  too  quickly  and, 
scorch  everything  near  them.  The  tenderest  exotics 
will  bear  the  densest  cloud  of  tobacco-smoke  imaginable, 
providing  it  is  cool.  It  is  the  heat  from  combustion,  not  the 
narcotic,  that  injures  them,  causing  the  leaves  to  curl  like 
paper,  owing  to  excessive  evaporation.  Tobacco-water  is  well 
known  to  be  a  fertiliser,  and  plants  look  fresher  and  greener 
after  fumigation,  if  the  smoke  has  not  l^een  too  hot.  We  have 
had  practical  experience  of  the  above,  as  a  simple  and  effective 
fumigator,  and  can  thoroughly  recommend  it.  B. 


A  Gardener's  Barometer. — The  common  camphor-bottle 
makes  a  very  cloudy  index  of  atmospheric  weight  aud  weather 
changes,  ou  which  the  following  isabeautiful  improvcmcut.  Dissolve 
2J-  drachma  of  camphor  in  11  fluid  drachms  of  alcohol.  Put  38  grains 
of  nitrate  of  potash  (saltpetre),  and  38  grains  of  muriate  of  ammonia 
(sal  ammoniac)  into  9  fluid  drachms  of  water ;  when  all  are  perfectly 
dissolved,  mix  the  two  solutions.  Shake  them  well  in  a  2-ounce  or  4- 
ounce  white  glass  vial,  cork  very  loosely,  or  better,  tie  over  the  orifice 
a  piece  of  linen  or  cotton  cloth,  and  place  the  instrument  in  a  good 
light  out  of  the  sunshine,  where  it  can  be  observed  without  handling. 
When  the  weather  is  fine  and  clear,  the  fluid  is  also  ;  but  on  the 
least  change,  the  chemicals  which  lie  as  a  sediment,  rise  in  beautiful 
frond-like  crystals  proportionately,  and  again  duly  subside.  By 
watching  these  changes  one  soon  becomes  able  to  predict  tho  changes 
of  weather  probable  for  a  few  hours  to  come,  in  any  locality,  but  not 
for  all  alike.  This  instrument  may  be  recommended  also  as  a  pretty 
philosophical  toy  with  a  problem  annexed. — Cultivator. 


THE    HOUSEHOLD. 


VEGETABLE  COOKERY.* 
Before  these  really  ex-cellont  works  came  into  our  hands,  we  vpero 
quite  unaware  of  the  great  number  and  variety  of  wholosomo  and 
palatable  dishes,  which,  with  very  little  trouble,  can  be  prepared 
from  fruit  and  vegetables  alone,  excluding  animal  ingredients  in 
every  sbape,  except  milk,  cream,  butter,  eggs,  and  cheese.  We  fitul 
in  each  volume  several  hundred  receipts  which  appear  to  us  capable 
of  gratifying  the  tastes,  not  only  of  Vegetarians  proper,  but  also  of 
those  who  adhere  to  the  principles  and  practice  of  a  mixed  dietary. 
The  merits  of  the  two  manuals  appear  to  us  so  evenly  balanced  that 
any  comparison  between  them  would  be  almost  invidious.  From  the 
cheaper,  but  not  inferior,  volume  ("Vegetable  Cookery"),  however, 
we  are  tempted  to  extract  the  following  chapter. 
Vegetable    Soups. 

412.  The  principal  intention  in  tho  formation  of  soups  is  to  extract, 
suspend,  and  combine  in  a  liquid  medium,  the  nutritive  principles 
aud  flavours  of  the  various  articles  employed  ;  and  thus  produce  in  a 
fluid  or  semi-fluid  state,  a  stimulating,  nutritious,  and  palatable 
compound.  Soup,  however,  is  insufficient  to  maintain  health  aud 
strength  without  bread  or  other  solid  aliment,  aud  being  less 
digestible  than,  the  latter,  it  should  always  be  taken  in  moderation. 

443.  Utensils  :  The  cover  of  the  soup-pan,  or  pot-au-feu,  should  fit 
closely;  stew-pans  and  saucepans  should  be  filled  with  water  after 
the  soup,  sauce,  &c.,  have  been  removed,  and  these,  as  well  as  other 
vessels  employed,  should  be  kept  very  clean  and  dry.  As  soups  will 
ferment  without  the  greatest  attention,  they  should  be  warmed  up 
every  day,  or  every  other  day  in  cool  weather,  put  into  fresh  scalded 
tureens,  and  kept  in  a  cool  place. 

441.  Ingredients  :  The  first  requisite  is  pure,  soft,  or  distilled  water; 
hard  water,  however,  is  said  to  be  preferable  for  green-Pea  soups,  as 
the  colour  of  the  Peas  is  better  preserved  in  it.    • 

Nearly  all  sorts  of  grain,  roots,  and  vegetables  may  be  used  in 
making  soups  ;  some  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  nutritive  matter, 
others  for  imparting  flavour,  &c.  :  and  tha  art  of  comjiosing  a  good, 
rich,  palatable  soup  consists  in  judiciously  proportioning  the  several 
ingredients,  taking  care  that  the  flavour  of  no  ono  article  overpowers 
that  of  the  rest.  The  principal  articles  employed  are  : — (1.)  Grain, 
uS'c. :  Scotch  Barley,  pearl  Barley,  Groats,  Rice,  Peas,  Beans,  Lentils, 
whole  or  ground;  also  Arrowroot,  tous-les-mois,  Potato  flour.  Sago, 
Macaroni,  Vermicelli,  Semolina,  Cagliari  paste. — (2.)  Roots,  ijc.  ; 
Potatoes,  Carrots,  Parsnips,  Turnips,  Beet,  Jerusalem  Artichokes, 
Horseradish,  and  one  or  two  fruits,  as  Cucumbers,  Vegetable  Marrows, 
Tomatoes,  &c. — (3.)  Bads  and  Young  Shoots  :  Onions,  Shallots,  Garlic, 
Leeks,  Asparagus,  &c. — (4.)  Leaves,  Leaf-stalks,  and  Bracts  :  Cab. 
bages.  Cauliflowers,  Lettuces,  Celery  and  its  seeds.  Bay  Leaves. — 
(5.)  Herls  :  Parsley,  common  Thyme,  Lemon  Thyme,  Orange  Thyme, 
Knotted  Marjoram,  Sage,  Mint,  Winter  Savory,  Sweet  Basil, Tarragon, 
Chervil,  Burnet,  &c.  The  latter  has  the  flavour  of  Cucumber.— 
(6.)  Flowerless  Plants  :  Mushrooms,  Morels,  &c. —  (7.)  Seasonings, 
■S'c.  ;  Salt,  sugar,  pepper,  mustard,  cayenne.  Pimento  (allspice), 
Cinnamon,  Ginger,  Nutmeg,  Cloves,  Mace,  Lemou.peel  and  juice, 
ketchup,  &o. — (8.)  ^ju'mal  Products:  Milk,  cream,  butter,  eggs,  and 
cheese. 

To  Prepare  Ingredients  for  Vegetable  Soups. 

445.  Everything  intended  for  soup  should  be  fresh  and  good,  and 
should  be  prepared  with  the  greatest  nicety,  and  with  the  utmost 
attention  to  cleanliness.  Barley,  Rice,  Sago,  Tapioca,  Macaroni,  and 
Vermicelli  should  be  well  washed  and  soaked  in  cold  water,  and  then 
boiled  in  the  soup.  Sago  and  Tapioca  should  be  boiled  about  half  an 
hour,  aud  str.ained  previously  to  being  added  to  the  soup.  About  1 
ounce  to  each  pint  oE  water.  These  form  a  good  stock  to  be  added 
to  each  quart  of  soup.  Grain  previously  boiled  or  creed  should  not 
be  added  till  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes  before  the  soup  is  ready.  Peas, 
Lentils,  and  Haricot  Beans  should  be  soaked  for  twelve  hours,  or  more, 
in  cold  water  before  they  are  used,  and  as  the  former  differ  much  in 
quality,  such  only  should  be  employed  as  will  become  soft  by  boiling. 
Count  Rumford  says,  that  Peas  should  never  be  suffered  to  remain  iu 
the  water  over.night,  as  he  found  by  repeated  trials  that  they  never 
boil  soft  if  the  water  in  which  they  are  boiled  is  not  boiling  hot  when 
they  are  pui,  into  it.  Potatoes,  Turnips,  and  Jerusalem  Artichokes 
should  be  washed,  pared,  and  cut  into  small  portions;  Parsnips, 
Carrots,  &c.,  washed,  scraped,  and  cut ;  white  roots  should  be  put 
into  cold  water  as  they  are  cut,  to  prevent  them  being  discoloured  by 
the  air;  Onions,  Shallots,  and  Garlic  should  be  cut  small,  and  nsed 
with  great  moderation.     Sliced  Onions,  fried  in  butter,  with  a  little 

*  "Vegetable  Cooker.v."  By  John  Smith,  author  of  "Fruits  and  Farinacea." 
London  :  Frederick  Pitman,  JPaternosfcer  Row. 

"Vegetarian  Cookery,"  By  a  Lady.  Sixth  Edition.  London :  F.  Pitman 
Paternoster  Row. 


386 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  8, 1873. 


flour,  sugai',  salt,  and  pepper,  till  they  are  browned,  and  then  rubbed 
through  a  sieve,  are  useful  to  heighten  the  colour  and  flavour  of 
brown  soups  and  sauces.  Ouions  freed  from  their  outer  skin,  dried 
gr.idually  to  a  deep  brown  in  a  very  moderately  heated  oven,  and 
flattened  like  Norfolk  biflins,  will  keep  for  almost  any  length  of  time, 
and  are  very  useful  for  the  same  purpose.  Onions,  Shallots,  or  even 
a  little  Garlic  may  be  introduced  in  the  most  delicate  dishes,  if  only 
so  well  blended  with  other  flavours  as  not  to  be  objectionable.  A 
small  piece  of  Garlic  crushed  with  a  knife  and  stirred  in  is  suflicient. 
It  is  useless  to  put  several  ingredients  of  the  same  character  into 
either  soups  or  sauces,  as  Cloves  and  Allspice,  Mace  and  Nutmegs, 
Marjoram,  Thyme,  and  savoury,  &c. ;  soups  are  also  more  wholesome 
when  not  complicated  by  too  great  a  variety  of  grain,  roots,  &c. 

416.  As  butter  loses  its  sweetness  by  boiling,  it  should  be  added 
after  the  soup  has  been  suflBciently  cooked,  except  when  the  vegetables 
are  stewed  in  the  butter.  Neither  eggs  nor  cream  should  be  added 
to  soups  or  sauces  till  all  the  other  ingredients  have  been  well  boiled, 
and  the  whole  of  a  pi'oper  thickness  ;  and,  after  they  have  been  added, 
the  soup  should  be  removed  from  the  fire,  carefully  shaken  or  stirred 
in  one  direction  till  ready,  but  not  allowed  to  boil  again. 

'117.  Thickening. — Fine  fresh  Rice  flour,  which  has  been  passed 
through  a  lawn  sieve,  is  best  for  thickening  soups  generally,  but 
Arrowroot  is  preferable  for  white  soups.  Toiis-les-viois,  Potato  flour, 
or  roux,  may  also  be  employed  for  the  same  purpose ;  fi-om  one  to  two 
ounces  for  a  quart  of  souj].  The  flour,  &c.,  used  for  thickening, 
should  bo  thoroughly  blended  with  sugar,  salt,  pounded  spices, 
ketchup,  &c.  Add  to  it,  very  gradually,  suiScient  cold  liquid  to 
render  it  of  the  consistence  of  batter ;  when  quite  smooth,  stir  it 
iuto  the  boiling  soup,  which  should  be  simmered  and  stirred  for  ten 
minutes  afterwards.  Good  bran  tea,  boiled  with  the  vegetables,  is 
useful  for  thickening. 

418.  Seasoning. — Sauces,  being  intended  to  give  a  relish  to  things 
otherwise  insipid,  admit  of  being  more  highly  seasoned  than  soups, 
which  should  always  be  mild,  and  not  too  strongly  flavoured.  About 
an  ounce  or  an  ounce  and  a  half  of  sugar  to  each  gallon  of  soup  is  an 
improvement ;  the  same  proportion  of  salt  may  be  used  when  few 
vegetables  are  employed,  and  two  ounces  when  a  large  quantity  of 
them  is  used.  It  is  always  safer  to  use  too  little  than  too  much  salt, 
pepper,  and  other  seasonings,  as  a  deficiency  can  be  easily  remedied, 
but  an  excess  cannot  be  removed  ;  yet,  as  heat  developes  the  flavour  of 
pepper  and  most  spices,  it  is  advisable  to  put  in  the  proper  quautity 
at  first ;  frequently  tasting  is,  however,  the  only  sure  guide.  Half  a 
di'achm  of  Celery  or  Cress  seed  finely  powdered,  or  double  the  quantity 
if  used  whole,  will  impart  almost  as  much  flavour  to  two  quarts  of 
soup  as  two  or  three  heads  of  the  fresh  vegetable.  Herb  powder,  or 
vegetable  relish,  browning,  ketchup,  flavoured  vinegar's,  sweet  herbs, 
and  savoury  spice,  are  very  convenient  auxiliai'ies  with  which  to  finish 
soups.  Spices  and  flavouring  should  not  be  added  to  soup  till  ten  or 
fifteen  minutes  before  it  is  removed  from  the  fire,  as  heat  dissipates 
the  aroma.  Tomatoes  are  a  great  improvement  to  many  kinds  of 
soups.  A  bunch  of  herbs,  when  spoken  of  for  soups,  consists  of 
Parsley,  Thyme,  and  green  Onions  ;  when  called  seasoning,  it  is  these 
with  about  three  Bay  leaves,  six  Cloves,  a  blade  or  two  of  Mace, 
common  pepper  and  salt.  Thickened  soups  require  nearly  twice  as 
much  seasoning  as  clear  soups,  the  piquancy  of  spice  being  blunted 
by  the  flour  and  butter. 

449.  Colouring. — A  piece  of  bread  well-toasted,  but  not  burnt,  put 
into  the  soup  a  sliort  time  before  it  is  ready,  will  generally  be  sufficient. 
An  ounce  or  two  of  moist  sugar,  the  coarser  the  better,  may  be  put  into 
a  small  saucepan  with  a  piece  of  butter  the  size  of  a  walnut,  and 
dissolved  together ;  add  a  glass  of  ketchup,  and  stir  it  well.  Fried  or 
baked  Onions  may  be  used  for  the  same  purpose,  without  either  butter 
or  ketchup.  Also  either  brown  or  white  roux,  according  to  the  colour 
of  the  soup. 

General  Directions   for   Making'   Broths  for  Clear   Soups 
or  Foundations  for  Thickened  Soups. 

450.  These  should  be  prepared  the  evening  before  they  are  wanted. 
Method  1. — Put  the  prepared  vegetables  and  the  cold  soft  water  iuto 
a  stewing  jar  or  pot-ati-feu ;  cover  it  closely,  and  place  it  in  a  very 
moderately  heated  oven ;  or,put  the  whole  in  a  stew-pan,  and  raise  the 
temperature  gradually  to  the  boiling  point  (say  in  thirty  minutes)  j  * 
skim  the  soup  well,  especially  when  it  first  begins  to  boil,  or  it  cannot 
be  rendered  clear  afterwards ;  a  little  salt  thrown  in  will  assist  to 
bring  the  scum  to  the  surface.  As  soon  as  the  scum  has  been  removed, 
put  on  the  cover ;  keep  the  soup  simmering  gently  but  unceasingly, 
till  all  the  ingredients  which  are  soluble  are  quite  tender  or  pulpy, 
which  may  require  from  one  to  six  hours.  When  the  vegetables  are 
tough  or  fibrous,  add  a  little  soda  to  the  water,  especially  if  it  be 

*  By  this  means  the  albumen,  flbrino,  casoino,  &c.,  of  the  vegetables  will  be 
obtained  in  solution  ;  but  if  the  temperature  be  raised  too  rapidly,  the  fii)res  of 
the  vegetables  will  he  hardened,  and  the  albumen  coagulated.  Rapid  boiling 
carries  off  the  volatile  parts  by  evaporation. 


hard.  If  intended  as  a  foundation  for  thickened  soup,  pass  the  wholeof 
the  pulp,  while  hot,  first  through  a  colander,  then  through  a  fine  sieve, 
add  the  thickening,  seasoning,  &c.,  and  let  the  whole  simmer  ten 
minutes  ;  but,  if  intended  to  be  used  as  a  broth  for  clear  soup,  let  it 
stand  ten  minutes  after  it  has  been  removed  from  the  fire ;  then, 
without  disturbing  the  sediment,  pour  the  clear  fluid  into  a  basin, 
and  after  it  has  stood  two  hours,  or  when  it  is  as  transparent  as  it  is 
likely  to  become,  pour  the  clear  fluid  into  a  stew-pan.  Unless 
skimmed  and  carefully  managed,  it  may  require  the  addition  of  two 
or  threo  whites  of  eggs  beaten  up  and  boiled  in  the  soup,  to  make  it 
clear.  If  two  kinds  of  soups  are  required,  a  portion  may  be  poured 
off  for  clear  soup,  and  the  remainder  boiled  a  little  longer  for  thickened 
soup. 

4.51.  Method  2. — Dissolve  the  butter  in  a  stew-pan,  add  a  teaspoon, 
ful  of  brown  sugar,  then  the  sliced  vegetables ;  cover  them  closely, 
and  stew  them  very  slowly  till  soft  and  slightly  browned,  which  may 
require  from  twenty-five  to  sixty  minutes.  Addtheboilingwatei',  bread, 
boiled  Peas,  &c. ;  let  the  whole  simmer,  and  skim  it  well ;  then  add  the 
seasoning,  cover  the  pan  closely,  and  continue  the  simmering  gently 
for  an  hour  and  a  half.  Strain  or  decant,  as  in  No.  1.  When  dried 
Peas,  Lentils,  Barley,  Rice,  or  other  grain  are  to  be  added,  they 
should  be  previously  well  washed,  soaked,  and  boiled,  and  put  to  tho 
stewed  vegetables  with  the  boiling  water.  Barley  requires  long 
boiling.  Sago  and  Tapioca  should  bo  washed  and  soaked  for  two  or 
three  hours;  dissolve  them  in  a  little  water,  and  add  them  with  the 
water  to  the  fried  vegetables ;  stir  the  whole  well  till  ready. 

452.  Method  3. — Fry  the  sliced  vegetables  in  the  butter  fifteen 
minutes,  or  till  lightly  browned  on  all  sides.  Put  them  into  a  soup-pan 
with  the  boiling  water  and  seasoning,  and  allow  them  to  simmer  till 
tender,  taking  care  to  skim  well.     Strain  or  decant,  as  in  No.  1. 

Ingredients  for  Vegetable  Broths. 

453.  To  be  prepared  by  any  one  of  the  above  methods,  (a.)  Tur- 
nips, Carrots,  Onions,  and  other  vegetables  and  seasoning  herbs. 
(h.)  Carrots  four.  Turnips  two.  Celery  two  heads.  Onions  four,  toasted 
bread  one  slice,  water  four  quarts.  Stew  or  strain,  or  fry  as  above 
directed,  (c.)  Turnip  one.  Carrot  one,  Celery  one  head,  Otuons  four 
ounces,  butter  three  ounces,  Peas  one  pint,  a  crust  of  bread,  twenty, 
four  berries  of  allsijice,  the  same  of  black  pepper,  and  two  blades  of 
Mace.  Herbs  tied  in  a  bag  may  be  boiled  in  the  broth  when  preferred. 
(d.)  Carrot  one.  Celery  one  head.  Onions  four,  butter  eight  ounces. 
{e.)  Potatoes  sis.  Onions  sis.  Carrots  six,  Turnips  four.  Celery  three 
heads,  butter  four  ounces,  water  four  quarts,  a  brown  toast,  pepper 
and  salt.  (/.)  Barley  Broth. —  Scotch  Barley  four  ounces,  sliced 
Onions  four  ounces,  salt  two  ounces,  water  five  quarts.  Wash  and 
steep  the  Barley,  boil  the  whole  an  hour  and  a  quarter,  (jr.)  Scotch 
Broth. — Scotch  or  pearl  Barley  four  ounces,  groats  two  ounces,  Tur. 
nips  two.  Carrots  two,  butter  two  ounces,  bread  crust  eight  ounces, 
water  four  quarts.  Wash  and  steep  the  Barley,  boil  it  two  hours, 
add  the  Turnips  and  Carrots,  cut  small,  and  when  these  are  tender, 
add  pot-herbs,  seasoning,  &c. 

Vegetable  Stock. 

454.  Stock  is  a  term  emploj-ed  to  denote  that  part  of  soup  which 
becomes  gelatinous  when  cold.  For  vegetable  soups  it  is  prepared  from 
Sago,  Tapioca,  Arrowroot,  Salop,  and  Irish  Moss.  These  substances 
should  bo  well  washed,  and  soaked  two  or  three  hours  separately, 
and  then  dissolved  by  boiling  them  in  water.  One  ounce  of  any 
one  of  these,  or  of  a  combination  of  them,  may  be  dissolved  in  a 
pint  of  water,  except  in  the  case  of  Salop,  one  ounce  of  which  will 
require  nearly  four  pints  of  water.  Soups  may  be  divided  into — 1. 
Clear  soups.     2.  Opaque  or  thickened  soups. 

(1.)  Clear  Vegetable  Soups. 

455.  Make  a  good  clear  bi-oth  by  any  one  of  the  methods  450,  45] , 
452,  then  add  a  clear  stock,  or  cut  vegetables.  Macaroni,  &c.,  which 
have  been  partially  cooked.  A  little  fried  Parsley  is  frequently  put 
into  clear  soups  before  serving  them.  1.  Cut  the  vegetables  into 
shreds  or  into  small  dice.  Then  put  them  into  cold  water,  boil  them 
five  minutes,  and  drain  them  on  a  sieve.  Add  to  them  two  quarts  of  clear 
soup  (453  6) ;  simmer  the  whole  gently  till  the  vegetables  are  tender, 
which  may  be  the  case  in  thirty  or  forty  minutes.  Season  with  salt 
and  cayenne  ;  four  table-spoonfuls  of  Mushroom  ketchup  may  likewise 
be  added.  2.  Having  cut  the  vegetables,  wash  them  in  cold  water, 
then  drain  them  in  a  sieve ;  when  dry,  put  them  in  a  stew-pan,  with 
two  ounces  of  butter  and  a  tea-spoonful  of  powdered  sugar ;  set  tho 
pan  on  a  very  sharp  fire  for  ten  minutes,  shaking  the  contents  over 
occasionally  till  they  are  covered  with  a  thin  bright  glaze,  but  take 
care  that  they  are  neither  browned  nor  siu'rounded  with  a  whitish 
liquid.  Pour  two  quarts  of  clear  broth  over  them,  raise  the  soup  to 
a  boiling  heat,  and  let  it  simmer  till  the  vegetables  are  quite  tender, 
especially  the  Onions,  which  may  require  half  an  hoim.  Skim  the 
soup  well,  and  try  whether  it  has  been  properly  seasoned.  There 
should  bo  about  half  a  pound  of  vegetables  to  two  quarts  of  broth. 

456.  Additions  to  broths  in  order  to  form  clear  soups  :— (a-)  One 


Nov.  8,  1873.] 


TEE   GARDEN. 


387 


largo  Tnrnip,  tlao  rod  part  of  a  large  Carrot,  Onions,  threo  ounces. 
Celery  ono  stick.  (b.)  Carrots,  Turnips,  or  Turnip  Radishes; 
Onions  three,  Celery  one  head,  (c.)  Carrots  and  Turnips,  six  ounces  ; 
Onions,  Leeks,  and  Celery,  throe  ounces.  Proceed  according  to  -loS 
2,  using  butter  two  ounces,  sugar  one  tea-spoonful,  broth  three 
pints.  A  few  green  Peas,  small  pieces  of  Broccoli,  Cauliflower,  or 
Brussels  Sprouts,  previously  boiled,  m.ay  be  added.  A  little  Tarragon 
and  Chervil,  or  the  vinegars  flavoured  with  these  herbs,  are  a  pleasant 
addition  to  this  and  other  soups.  ((!.)  One  Carrot,  ono  Tnrnip, 
eighteen  button  Onions,  (c.)  Tunaips,  or  Carrots,  or  Jerusalem 
Artichokes  eight  ounces.  Artichokes  will  require  only  half  as  much 
boiling  as  either  of  the  other  vegetables.  (/.)  Maccaroni  washed, 
steeped,  cut  in  thin  pieces,  and  partially  cooked  or  broken  into  the 
broth,  four  ounces  to  thi-ee  pints.  Boil  till  tender.  Vermicelli 
requires  only  half  the  time  of  boiling  which  is  necessary  for  Maccaroni. 
(g.)  Sago  half  an  ounce.  Tapioca  one  ounce,  boiled  half  an  hour  in 
two  pints  of  water.  Add  this  stock  to  broth,  simmer  and  skim  well ; 
strain  the  soup  two  or  three  times  through  book  muslin,  or  a  fine 
sieve  ;  after  the  second  straining,  add  two  oiinces  of  butter,  two 
table-spooufuls  of  ketchup,  and  one  of  Lemon  pickle  or  Lemon  juice, 
or  pickled  Mushrooms,  a  little  cayenno  and  salt,  and  one  table- 
spoonful  of  browning  ;  skim  and  simmer  till  clear.  The  addition  of 
forcemeat  balls,  or  egg  balls,  &o.,  will  render  it  an  excellent  substi. 
tuto  for  mock-turtle  soup.  Herbs  tied  in  a  muslin  bag  may  be 
boiled  in  the  soup  when  preferred,  (h.)  Green  Peas  boiled  till  rather 
tender,  and  added  to  clear  broth.  ((.)  Mash  well  two  ounces  of  Rice, 
and  boil  it  in  three  pints  of  broth  till  tender,  (j.)  Drop  very  lightly 
and  by  degrees  six  ounces  of  Semolina  or  Vermicelli  into  three 
qnarts  of  boiling  soup,  which  should  be  stirred  all  the  time.  Skim, 
and  simmer  ten  or  fifteen  minutes.  The  same  quantity  of  Vermicelli 
should  be  simmered  for  half  an  hour,  or  put  four  ounces  of  it  in  cold 
water,  wash,  steep,  drain  it  quite  dry,  then  stew  it  in  the  soup  from 
ten  to  fifteen  minutes.  (?.'.)  To  five  pints  of  clear  stock  (455  or  450 
rj)  add,  when  it  boils,  a  pound  and  a  half  of  good  baking  Apples, 
and  stew  them  to  a  smooth  pulp  ;  press  the  whole  through  a  strainer, 
add  a  small  tea-spoonful  of  powdered  ginger  and  a  little  pepper,  and  let 
the  soup  simmer  two  or  three  minutes  :  skim,  and  serve  it  hot  with  a 
dish  of  boiled  Rice,  the  grains  separate  and  dry. 

Thickening  Vegetable  Soups. 
457.  These  may  be  either  'pm\'e  or  smooth  soups,  or  entire  unstrained 
Eoups  ;  and  as  to  colour  they  may  be  either  brown,  green,  or  white, 
according  to  the  ingredients  used. 

(a.)  Brown  Vegetable  Soups. 
Proceed  to  make  them  by  the  general  directions,  450,  &o.  (a.) 
Potatoes  four  to  six.  Onions  four  to  six,  Carrots  four  to  six.  Turnips 
four  to  six.  Celery  three  heads,  butter  eight  ounces,  a  brown  toast, 
boiling  water  four  quarts.  Fry  the  vegetables  as  in  452  ;  then  the 
toast  and  a  head  of  Celery  cut  small ;  add  salt  and  pepper,  stew  the 
whole  four  hours,  and  strain.  (I'.)  Dried  Peas  one  pint  and  a  half. 
Turnips  one  pound.  Carrots  one  pound,  Celery  eight  ounces,  Onions 
six  ounces,  butter  four  oimces,  salt  quarter  of  an  ounce,  toasted  bread 
eight  ounces,  pepper  half  a  tea. spoonful,  and  two  table-spoonfuls  of 
ketchup.  Stew  as  in  451 ;  add  boiling  water  to  make  three  quarts 
altogether,  strain,  and  then  simmer  for  a  few  minutes,  (c.)  Split 
Peas  a  pint  and  a  half,  pearl  Barley  half  a  pint,  Carrots  two.  Onion 
one,  Turnips  two.  Celery  one  head,  toasted  bread  eight  ounces,  water 
four  quarts.  Wash  aud  steep  the  Peas  and  Barley,  boil  them  with  a 
little  salt  and  soda,  add  the  vegetables  aud  bread,  and  when  quite 
soft  pulp  the  whole  through  a  colander.  Add  gradually  a  quart  of 
boiling  water,  return  the  soup  to  the  pan,  season  with  salt  aud  pepper, 
and  boil  ten  minutes.  {d.)  Large  green  Peas  one  quart,  butter  two 
or  three  ounces,  one  middle-sized  Onion,  a  little  Mint,  salt  two  tea- 
spoonfuls,  sugar  one  teaspoontul,  pepper  half  a  tea-spoonful,  water 
lialf  a  pint.  Put  the  whole  in  a  pan,  and  set  it  on  a  slow  fire,  stir  it 
occasionally  until  no  more  moisture  remains  at  the  bottom  of  the 
pan ;  add  three  table-spoonfuls  of  flour ;  stir  the  mixture  rapidly, 
and  break  the  Peas  against  the  side  of  the  pan  with  a  wooden  spoon ; 
moisten  with  a  quart  of  milk  and  a  quart  of  water ;  simmer  twenty 
minutes,  or  longer  if  the  Peas  are  old,  then  serve.  Fried  bread  in 
small  dice  is  a  good  accompaniment.  The  bread  should  not  bo  boiled, 
but  the  soup  poured  upon  it.  Vegetable  broth  may  be  used  instead  of 
the  milk  and  water.  The  Peas  may  be  passed  through  a  hair-sieve, 
by  breaking  and  pressing  them  with  the  back  of  a  spoon,  by  which 
means  a  pui-ee  soup  is  produced.  Heat  it,  aud  serve,  (e.)  Cabbage 
Lettuces  four,  Cos  Lettuce  one.  Sorrel  one  handful.  Tarragon  and 
Chervil  a  little  of  each.  Cucumbers  two  or  three  small  ones.  Wash, 
dry,  and  cut  the  Lettuces,  pare  aud  slice  the  Cucumbers  ;  butter  four 
ounces.  Stir  the  whole  over  a  slow  fire  till  no  liquid  remains ;  add 
two  table-spoonfuls  of  flour,  mix  well,  and  then  add  gradually  two 
quarts  of  broth  (453  a),  or  water  only,  and  boil ;  when  boiling  add  a 
pint  of  green  Peas,  two  tea-spoonfuls  of  sugar,  and  a  little  salt  and 
pepper ;  when  the  Peas  are  tender,  serve.     (/.)  Tnmipa  three,  cut  in 


quarters  ;  Carrots  three,  cut  small ;  Jerusalem  Artichokes  four.  Celery 
ono  head.  Onions  three.  Sago  one  tea-cupful.  Barley  half  a  tea-cupful, 
Rice  half  a  tea-cupful.  Peas  two  tea-cupfuls.  Arrowroot  or  Potato 
starch  one  tea-cupful,  water  five  quarts.  Boil  the  vegetables,  Peas, 
and  Barley  to  a  pulp  ;  strain,  then  add  the  Rice,  Sago,  Potato  flour,  a 
bunch  of  herbs,  pepper,  and  salt ;  boil  half  an  hour,  tako  out  tho 
herbs,  then  thicken  with  three  table-spoonfuls  of  flour,  and  four 
ounces  of  butter  worked  well  together  Add  two  table-spoonfuls  of 
ketchup,  two  table-spoonfuls  of  Lemon  pickle,  then  boil  the  whole  ten 
minutes.  (;/.)  Crecij  Soup. — Red  part  of  twelve  Carrots,  one  half  of 
them  rasped,  the  other  half  cut  small  ;  Turnips  two,  Celerj'  two 
heads,  Onions  two,  one  Leek,  butter  four  ounces,  sugar  one  table, 
spoonful.  Stew  the  cut  vegetables  with  the  butter  and  sugai',  as  in 
451.  To  these  add  two  quarts  of  boiling  water  or  of  broth  (45.3  a), 
and  before  the  soup  is  removed  from  the  fire,  add  two  table-spoonfuls 
of  Lemon  pickle,  or  the  juice  of  a  Lemon,  {h.)  Carrots  or  Parsnips 
two  pounds.  Celery  two  heads,  butter  three  ounces,  red  part  of 
Carrots  six  ounces,  water  four  pints  and  a  half,  or  substitute  throe 
ounces  of  Rico  or  Barley  for  oue-half  of  the  Carrots.  Proceed  as  in 
451.  (i.)  Jerusalem  Artichokes  or  Vegetable  Marrow  two  pounds, 
Turnips  ono  pound.  Onions  two  or  three.  Celery  one  head,  water  two 
quarts,  flour  two  table-spoonfuls,  butter  one  ounce,  pepper  and  salt. 
Boil  or  stew  the  vegetables  till  tender ;  add  the  flour  and  seasoning; 
let  the  soup  simmer  half  an  hour,  and  stir  it  frequently.  ( j.)  Carrots 
in  very  thin  slices  two  pounds.  Onions  sliced  two.  Cloves  two,  a  little 
Thyme,  sugar  and  salt  two  tea-spoonfuls  of  each,  and  a  quarter  of 
a  tea-spoonful  of  popper,  water  half  a  pint.  Let  the  whole  simmer 
gently  for  forty  minutes;  add  three  table-spoonfuls  of  flour,  pre. 
viously  mixed  with  a  little  butter;  then  add  two  quarts  of  broth 
(453  a)  ;  pass  the  whole  through  a  sieve,  and,  when  the  soup  has 
been  again  heated,  serve  it.  (k.)  Cucumbers  five  or  six  of  a  mode, 
rate  size,  Cos  Lettuces  six,  bread  crumbs  six  ounces.  Onions  four 
ounces.  Parsley  one  ounce,  butter  four  ounces.  Pare  and  slice  tho 
Cucumbers  and  Onions  ;  dress  and  cut  the  Lettuces ;  add  the  Parsley 
with  a  little  seasoning ;  put  the  vegetables  in  a  pan  with  the  butter, 
and  stew  them  gently  for  three. quarters  of  an  hour  ;  then  pour  in 
two  quarts  of  boiling  water,  add  the  bread  crumbs,  and  let  the  soup 
simmer  gently  for  two  hours.  If  too  thin,  mix  a  tea-spoonful  of 
flour  with  an  ounce  of  butter,  stir  it  well  in,  boil  ten  minutes 
longer,  aud  add  a  table-spoonful  of  Tarragon  vinegar.  (J.)  Cabbafo 
Lettuces  two.  Spinach  a  handful,  Carrots  six,  Turnips  six,  Onions 
three  or  four.  Parsley  one  ounce,  water  two  qnarts.  Wash  and 
chop  the  vegetables  small ;  cut  the  Carrots,  Turnips,  and  Onions  in 
small  pieces ;  stew  them  in  four  ounces  of  butter ;  add  the  boiling 
water,  aud  boil  the  soup  gently,  with  a  little  seasoning,  for  two 
hours.  A  pint  of  young  Peas  may  bo  added,  or  grey  Peas  which 
have  been  soaked  and  boiled ;  then  stew  another  hour.  (ih.)  Count 
Rumford's  proportions  are,  Pearl  Barley  four  ounces.  Peas  four 
ounces.  Potatoes  twelve  ounces,  bread  four  ounces,  salt  one  ounce, 
vinegar  three  ounces,  water  two  qnarts.  Boil  the  Pearl  Barley, 
then  add  the  Peas,  aud  continue  the  boiling  for  two  hours  ;  add  the 
Potatoes  peeled,  or  first  boiled  to  remove  the  peel,  boil  one  hour,  and 
stir  well.  Add  the  vinegar  and  salt,  and,  just  before  serving,  pour 
the  soup  over  the  bread.  The  bread  should  bo  cut  as  fine  or  thin 
as  possible,  and  if  dry  and  hard  so  much  the  better.  The  soup 
may  be  improved  by  using  various  kinds  of  roots,  vegetables,  aud 
fine  herbs.  (?i.)  Carrots,  Turnips,  and  Onions  two  of  each,  ono 
Leek  and  one  head  of  Celery.  Cutting  them  thin  and  slanting; 
fry  the  Onions  till  rather  brown  in  four  ounces  of  butter,  add  the 
other  vegetables,  and  fry  them  ten  minutes  longer ;  then  add  seven 
qnarts  of  water,  boil  up,  and  add  split  Peas  one  pound  and  a  half; 
simmer  two  or  three  hours,  or  until  the  whole  has  been  reduced  to 
a  pulp  ;  add  two  table-spoonsfuls  of  salt,  two  of  sugar,  and  one  of 
dried  Mint ;  mix  eight  ounces  of  flour  quite  smooth  with  a  pint  of 
water,  stir  it  well,  pour  in  tho  soup,  and  boil  half  an  hour,  (o.) 
One  Turnip,  ono  Carrot,  three  or  four  Jerusalem  Artichokes,  six 
middle-sized  Onions,  two  heads  of  Celery,  ono  Leek.  All  the  vege- 
tables together  should  weigh  about  two  pounds  ;  butter  four  ounces, 
water  one  quart.  Fry  about  one-half  of  the  vegetables  with  a 
portion  of  the  butter;  cut  the  remaining  half  of  the  vegetables  into 
small  portions,  and  put  them  along  with  the  fried  vegetables  into  the 
water :  raise  the  temperature  to  the  boiling  point,  then  let  the 
whole  simmer  two  hours,  adding  fresh  boiling  water  as  evaporation 
proceeds,  so  as  to  have  about  a  quart  of  soup  when  the  jirocess  is 
finished.  Strain  the  soup,  using  a  little  pressure ;  if  not  thick 
enough,  add  a  little  flour  and  a  little  cream,  if  at  hand  ;  also  a  little 
pepper  and  salt,  a  tea-spoonful  of  sweet  Marjoi'am,  three  table, 
spoonfuls  of  ketchup,  and  the  remaining  butter ;  let  the  whole 
simmer  a  few  minutes.  The  soup  is  generally  much  esteemed.  Tho 
introductory  remarks  on  thickening,  fiavouring,  and  colouring, 
should  be  well  attended  to,  in  order  to  succeed  satisfactorily  in 
making  the  foregoing  soups,  aud  in  order  to  vary  them  as  may  be 


388 


THE   GAUDEN. 


[Nov.  8,  1873. 


thought  desirable.    Water  should  be  at  a  boiling  heat  when  added 

to  SOUD. 

(b.)  Green  Vegetable  Soups. 
458.  (a.)  Boil  tbre*  pints  of  fully  grown  but  sound  green  Peas,  with 
half  a  tea-spoonful  of  soda,  for  thirty  minutes  or  more.  When  they 
are  tender,  drain  them,  and  add  them  to  two  quarts  of  boiling  stock 
(151),  pale  but  good  ;  stew  them  in  it  for  halt  an  hour,  then  pass  the 
whole  through  a  fine  sieve ;  put  the  soup  into  a  clean  pan,  and  bring 
it  to  the  boiling  point,  adding  salt,  if  necessary,  and  a  small  tea- 
spoonful  of  powdered  sugar.  Clear  off  the  scum,  and  serve,  (b.)  To 
the  broth  and  stock  (1156  ;?)  without  the  browning,  add  a  pint  of  green 
Peas,  previously  boiled  with  a  little  soda  and  a  sprig  of  Mint,  and 
pulped  through  a  sieve.  Eeserve  a  few  to  be  put  in  whole,  and  if 
the  soup  be  not  of  a  sufficient  consistency,  thicken  it  with  a  little 
flour,  butter,  and  cream.  Spinach  greening  (373)  is  sometimes  added, 
(c.)  Green  Peas  one  quart,  Lettuces  two.  Onions  three,  bread  eight 
ounces.  Pea-shells  without  the  stalks  two  quarts.  Turnips  three. 
Spinach  or  Parsley  one  handful,  salt  one  table-spoonful,  water  five 
quarts.  Proceed  as  at  -150,  pass  the  stewed  vegetables  through  a 
colander  or  sieve,  return  the  soup  to  the  pan  with  a  quart  of  boiling 
water ;  season  with  pepper  and  salt,  and  boil  the  soup  about  ten 
minutes,  (ci.)  Cucumbers  three  or  four  pared  and  sliced,  the  hearts 
of  three  or  four  Lettuces  shred 
small,  two  Onions  cut  thin,  a 
few  sprigs  of  Parsley,  and,  if  not 
objectionable,  twelve  or  more 
leaves  of  Hint  roughly  chopped. 
Stew  these  for  nearly  an  hour 
over  a  gentle  fire,  with  three  or 
four  ounces  of  butter  ;  add  half 
a  tea-spoonful  of  salt,  and  a 
little  white  pepper  or  cayenne. 
When  partially  cooked,  drain 
them  from  the  butter,  put  them 
to  a  stock  made  of  a  quart  of 
fully  grown  green  Peas  boiled, 
drained,  pounded,  and  then 
stewed  in  five  pints  of  the 
liquor  in  which  they  were 
boiled.  Simmer  the  soup  till 
all  the  butter  has  been  cleared 
off,  then  add  half  or  three, 
quarters  of  a  pint  of  young  Peas 
boiled  as  for  eating,  (e.)  Green 
Beans  one  quart.  Spinach  one 
handful.  Parsley  one  ounce, 
butter  two  ounces,  vegetable 
broth  two  quarts,  a  little  flour, 
pepper,  and  salt.  Boil  the 
IBeans,  skin  and  bruise  them ; 
add  the  water  or  broth,  butter, 
flour,  and  seasoning,  and  the 
vegetables  boiled  till  soft.  Stir 
the  soup  till  it  boils,  and  pass  it 
through  a  sieve.  (/.)  Green 
Beans  one  quart,  one  leaf  of 
garden  Sorrel.  Boil  them  in 
plenty  of  water,  and  pulp  them 

through  a  sieve  ;  put  them  in  a  stew-pan  with  sufficient  of  the  water 
in  which  they  have  been  boiled,  add  one  ounce  of  batter,  half  a 
spoonful  of  salt,  a  quarter  of  a  spoonful  of  sugar,  a  quarter  of  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  pepper,  a  little  Tarragon,  and  a  quarter  of  the  flower  of  a 
French  Marigold.  Boil  the  soup  twenty  minutes,  and  serve, 
(c.)  "White  and  other  "Vegetable  Soups. 
459.  (o.)  Pumpkins  or  Vegetable  Marrow  two  pounds,  cut  in  large 
dice,  butter  three  or  four  ounces,  salt  and  sugar  two  tea-spoonfuls  of 
each,  pepper  a  quarter  of  a  tea-spoonful,  water  half  a  pint.  Stew 
gently  for  twenty  minutes  ;  when  in  pulp,  add  two  table. spoonfuls  of 
flour,  and  three  pints  of  milk  gradually,  stiring  the  whole  well  during 
the  mixing.  An  Onion  sliced  may  be  stewed  with  the  Marrow.  (6.) 
Almonds  two  ounces,  new  milk  one  pint  and  a  half,  cream  half  a  pint, 
flour  one  table-spoonful,  one  Onion,  one  head  of  Celery,  butter  one 
ounce.  Blanch  and  chop  the  Almonds  small,  boil  them  gently  one 
hour,  along  with  the  Onion  and  the  white  part  of  the  Celery,  in  one 
pint  of  milk ;  remove  the  Onion  and  Celeiy,  mix  the  flour  and  butter 
together,  add  half  pint  of  milk,  a  little  cayenne.  Mace,  and  salt ;  stir 
the  soup  over  the  fire  till  it  has  boiled  a  few  minutes,  add  the  cream, 
and  as  soon  as  the  soup  boils  again,  remove  and  seiTe  it.  {c.)  Into 
any  clear  boiling  soup  (as  456  17),  without  browning,  bread,  or 
seasoning,  drop  Vermicelli,  Maccaroni,  or  Eicepreviouslysteepedin  cold 
water  for  two  hours.  Milk  or  cream  may  be  added,  if  required  as  a 
white  soup,     (ci.)  Or,  after  soaking  and  boiling  the  Maccaroni  till 


tender,  drain  it,  wash  it  in  fresh  water,  lay  it  on  a  cloth,  and  cut  it 
into  short  lengths,  then  add  it  to  the  strained  soup ;  add  also  thicken- 
ing and  seasoning  as  may  be  required,  and  boil  the  whole  ten  minutes 
then  add  the  cream.  Vermicelli  may  be  treated  in  the  same  way 
without  cutting  it  into  lengths,  (e.)  Wash  and  pare  quickly  some 
fresh  Artichokes,  and  to  preserve  their  colour,  throw  each  into  sprin<» 
water  as  soon  as  the  skin  is  removed.  Boil  three  pounds  of  them  in 
water  for  ten  minutes  ;  remove  them  and  slice  them  into  three  pints 
of  boiling  stock  (454  or  456;/)  ;  stew  them  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes, 
press  them  with  the  soup  through  a  fine  sieve,  and  put  the  whole 
into  a  clean  saucepan  with  a  pint  and  a  half  more  of  stock  ;  add  salt 
and  cayenne  ;  skim  the  soup  well,  and  after  it  has  simmered  two  or 
three  minutes,  stir  to  it  a  pint  of  rich  boiling  cream  or  milk.  Serve 
immediately. 


The  Water  Soldier. 


THE  WATER  SOLDIER. 
This   is  one  of  those  curious  water-plants  which  are  seldcm 
seen  except  in  the  gardens  of  those  who  have  collections  of 
aquatics.     It,  however,  frequently    becomes    naturalised    in 
ponds  and  waters,  into  which  it  has  been  introduced  from  the 

garden,  and  it  is  believed  to 
be  really  wild  in  the  fens  of 
Eastern  England,  in  Ireland, 
and  in  some  parts  of  Lanca- 
shire and  Cheshire.  A  pond 
in  Messrs.  EoUisson's  Nur- 
sery, at -Tooting,  is  full  of  it, 
the  plants  reminding  one 
of  small  submerged  Pine- 
apples. Our  illustration 
shows  both  the  plant  and 
the  flowers  well,  though  it 
can  scarcely  be  called  an 
ornamental  plant  in  the 
common  sense  of  the  word. 
Nevertheless,  it  possesses 
some  interest  for  lovers  of 
hardy  water  plants,  and  it 
is  easily  established  in  any 
piece  of  water,  small  or 
large.  Its  botanical  name 
is  Stratiotes  aloides,  the 
specific  name  being  given 
from  the  resemblance  of  the 
plant  to  some  Aloes.  In  the 
autumn  the  plants  sink  to 
the  bottom  of  the  water. 
In  the  spring,  from  among 
the  leaves  of  the  old  plants, 
arise  numerous  thick 
suckers,  which  produce 
young  plants.  The  flowers 
are  like  those  of  the  Frog- 
bit,  pure  white  with  yellow 
stamens,  and  they  appear  late  in  summer.  The  leaves  are 
sharply  serrated,  and  from  6  to  18  inches  long.  W. 


The  first  Dahlia. — This  was  introdnced  into  England  by  Lady 
Holland,  and  is  thus  alluded  to  in  "  Holland  House  " — the  recent  work 
of  the  Princess  Marie  Lichtenstein  : — "  Having  been  much  gratified 
somewhere  in  the  South  of  Europe  by  her  first  acquaintance  with 
Palestine  soup,  and,  ascertaining  that  the  main  ingredient  was  the 
Jerusalem  Artichoke,  Lady  Holland  procured  what  she  supposed  to 
be  a  root  of  it,  and  forwarded  it  (probably  by  a  King's  Messenger) 
to  her  gardener  at  Holland  House.  MTien  a  beautiful  flower  came 
up  instead  of  a  succulent  vegetable,  she  gazed  on  it  with  a  feeling 
near  akin  to  that  of  the  fox-hunter,  who  complained  that  the  smell 
of  the  Violets  spoilt  the  scent.  But  the  value  of  her  acquisition 
began  to  break  upon  her  when  the  London  seedsmen,  who  came  to 
look  at  it,  offered  thirty  guineas  tor  a  root.  Another  version  is,  that 
a  root  was  given  to  her  at  Valentia  in  1S04  by  a  celebrated  botanist, 
who  had  just  received  it,  an  unknown  rarity,  from  South  America. 
At  all  events,  there  was  ample  justification  for  the  graceful  verses  of 
her  lord : — 

The  Dahlia  you  brought  to  our  isle. 
Your  praises  for  ever  shall  speak. 

In  gardens  as  sweet  as  your  smile. 
And  colours  as  bright  as  your  cheek." 


l^ov.  8,  1873.] 


THE  G-AEDEN. 


389 


WORK    FOR    THE    WEEK. 
PRIVATE  GARDENS. 

The  Flower  Garden. — All  flower-beds  should  now  be  cleared 
of  their  summer  occupants,  such  as  Pelargoniums,  Calceolarias,  and 
similar  plants.  Ceutaareas,  especially  C.  Clemoutii,  Geranium 
anemonKfolium,  and  some  Calceolarias,  in  very  mild  districts,  and  on 
sandy  well-drained  soils,  might  bo  wintered  at  tho  base  of  a  wall  ; 
but,  as  a  severe  season  would  probably  dcstoy  them,  a  stock  of  them 
should  also  bo  stored  in  frames.  The  variegated  Chrysanthemum 
Sensation  will  stand  a  hard  winter  with  impunity  in  such  a  situation, 
and  tho  roots  may  be  lifted  in  spring  and  forced  in  heat  for  cuttings. 
It  is  a  line  substitute  incur  summer  and  autumn  flower  gardens  for 
yellow  variegated-leaved  Pelai-goniums  ;  and,  as  it  is  so  hardy,  it  is 
a  suitable  plant  for  such  as  have  little  accommodation  for  tender 
plants,  and  fills  at  once  such  beds  as  are  expected  to  be  gay  in 
spring.  Sedum  californicnm,  tectoruni,  and  montanum,  and  Daisies 
make  nice  edgings;  and  Pansies,  Violas,  Alyssums,  Candytufts,  and 
tho  perennial  Iberises,  Nemophilas,  Hepaticas,  Stonecrop,  Myosotis, 
Polyanthuses,  Wallflowers,  Ac,  make  good  material  for  massing  or 
nii.xing.  Bulbous  plants,  too,  such  as  Snowdrops,  Crocuses,  Hya- 
cinths, Tulips,  Narcissi,  and  Scillas  may  be  advantageously  mixed 
with  these  flowers,  or  used  in  masses  by  themselves.  Cut  over 
decayed  stalks  of  herbaceous  plants  ;  and,  in  order  to  compensate 
for  the  loss  of  the  protection  that  would  be  afforded  by  their  stalks, 
place  some  ashes,  leaf-soil,  or  Cocoa-nut  fibre  around  their  crowrs. 
Scarce  Alpines  and  herbaceous  plants,  if  in  pots,  had  better  be 
wintered  in  frames  than  left  out  of  doors.  Whatever  alterations  are 
to  be  made  in  the  pattern  of  the  flower-beds,  size  or  course  of  the 
walks,  lawns,  rockeries,  &c.,  should  be  done  now  it  possible.  Roll  and 
sweep  lawns,  and  keep  all  free  from  leaves  and  weeds. 

Shrubberies. — Any  alterations  that  may  be  needed  in  these 
should  be  done  as  speedily  as  possible,  and  the  planting  of  both 
deciduous  and  evergreen  trees  and  shrubs  should  be  proceeded  with. 
Pruning  of  the  hardiest  deciduous  plants  may  be  performed  at  con- 
venience ;  but  the  more  tender  sorts,  together  with  evergreens, 
should  be  left  untouched  till  spring.  Prepare  for  protecting  from 
hard  frosts  Magnolias,  Pomegranates,  Myrtles,  Edwardsias,  Bays, 
Moutan,  Pajonies,  and  similar  tender  plants.  Straw  or  bast  mats. 
Fern,  evergreen  boughs,  &c.,  may  be  effectively  used  for  this  purpose. 
If  the  plants  are  on  walls,  they  are  easily  managed  ;  but  around 
isolated  specimens  on  lawns,  some  strong  stakes  should  be  inserted 
to  support  the  covering.  A  little  protection,  too,  is  sometimes 
required  for  tender  Roses,  such  as  a  few  twigs  of  Broom  to  cover 
the  branches,  which  may  be  tied  loosely  together,  and  a  mulching  of 
litter  around  the  base.  In  the  nursery,  young  plants,  if  three  or 
four  years  old,  may  be  lifted  and  transplanted  permanently,  and 
younger  ones  should  be  shifted  farther  apart  in  the  rows.  The 
finer  Conifers  are  jjerhaps  best  moved  in  early  spring,  but  well- 
rooted  layers  of  deciduous  trees  may  now  be  separated  and  planted 
in  rows.  Cover  over  with  hoops  and  mats  Magnolias  and  Japanese 
Maples,  layered  out  of  doors  if  the  weather  is  severe.  Beds  of  seed- 
ling  Rhododendrons,  Kalmias,  hardy  Azaleas,  &c.,  are  generally 
covered  over  with  some  Birch  or  other  brushwood,  which  is  laid 
horizontally  over  them,  supported  about  a  foot  high,  by  means  of  a 
framework  of  wood,  to  protect  the  young  plants  from  the  sun  in 
summer  and  the  frost  in  winter.  Should  this  covering  now  be  too 
thin,  a  little  addition  ought  to  be  made  to  it.  Cuttings  of  deciduous 
trees  and  shrubs  maj'  be  inserted  in  lines  in  a  border  ;  the  best  of  the 
prunings  should  be  adopted  for  this  purpose.  Conifers  which  were 
gi'afted  in  August  and  September,  and  which  have  now  taken  well, 
should  have  their  ligatures  unfastened,  and  the  plants  should  receive 
more  light  and  air  than  they  did  for  the  first  weeks  after  being 
grafted  ;  indeed,  they  maybe  removed  from  close  frames  to  an  open 
shelf  or  bed  in  the  propagating  house  to  make  room  for  cuttings  that 
have  callused  outside,  and  which  now  require  to  be  put  into  heat  to 
make  them  root  well ;  care,  however,  should  be  taken  not  to  intro. 
ducc  such  plants  too  soon  into  warmth,  as  they  should  have  a  period 
of  nearly  three  months  in  a  cold  frame  before  being  put  into  heat, 
and  then  they  will  make  roots  well ;  but,  if  started  in  heat  too  soon, 
they  are  more  apt  to  rot  at  the  base  than  to  root. 

The  Forcing'  House. — To  this  we  must  now  chiefly  look  for 
floral  displays  for  some  time  to  come.  Forced  Camellias  are  now  in 
flower,  and  may  be  removed  to  the  conservatory,  and  Azalea 
amccna  is  fast  advancing  to  that  condition.  Early  potted  Roman  and 
Dutch  Hyacinths  that  have  begun  to  grow  may  now  be  introduced 
to  the  forcing  house  to  hasten  their  flowering  period.  Good  crowns 
of  Lily  of  the  Valley,  and  of  SpirEca  japonica,  after  remaining  some 
time  in  a  cold  frame,  should  also  be  introduced  into  heat,  likewise 
pots  of  Solomon's  Seal  and  Salvias,  Deutzias,  Kalmias,  Weigelas, 
Rhododendrons,  Lilacs,  Luculia  gratissima,  Forsythia  viridissima, 
Dicentras,  and  many  other  plants  from  the  open  air  or  cool  conser. 
vatory,  may  likewise  be  potted   and   started   in  the  forcing  house. 


Such  plants  as  Lilacs,  and  Forsythias,  that  have  leafless  branches 
when  at  rest,  should  be  sprinkled  over  head  with  tepid  water  two  or 
three  times  a-day  to  assist  them  to  break  their  buds.  If  there  is 
convenience  for  storing  a  few  plants  of  these  in  a  corner,  so  that 
their  roots  may  be  covered  with  soil,  there  is  no  necessity  for  potting 
them,  but  in  that  case  the  plants  not  being  in  pots  are  only  used  for 
furnishing  cut  flowers.  Rested  plants  of  Eucharis  amazonica  may  be 
started  into  flower  by  plunging  them  in  a  brisk  bottom  heat,  and 
watering  them  liberally.  Sericographis  Ghiesbreghtii  is  a  useful 
winter  plant  if  forced  a  little.  Young  plants  of  Euphorbia 
jacquinia^fiora  and  I'oinsettias  should  be  kept  close  to  tho  glass, 
and  plunged  in  a  gentle  bottom-heat.  Hebeclinium  ianthinuni 
should  be  kept  in  a  brisk  moist  temperature  and  abundantly  watered 
for  flowers  after  Christmas  ;  young  Salvias,  if  potted  into  6-inch  pots, 
pinched  and  forced,  make  fine  flowering  plants  for  the  conservatory, 
and  young  Fuchsias  may  be  treated  like  Salvias.  Justicia  speciosa 
is  a  fine  winter-blooming  plant,  and  also  one  that  is  easily  grown ; 
plunge  it  outside  in  summer,  and  preserve  a  stocky  habit  by  means 
of  pinching,  and  take  theplants  into  a  greenhouse  in  winter,  introducing 
them,  as  required  to  flower,  into  the  forcing  house. 

MARKET  GARDENS. 
Cut  over  Asparagus,  save  the  stalks  bearing  the  finest  berries  for 
seed,  and  transfer  the  others  to  the  rubbish  heap.  If  Cauliflowers 
have  not  been  pricked  into  frames  for  the  winter,  do  so  at  once  ;  but 
do  not  keep  them  too  close  or  warm.  If  the  plants  be  strong,  they 
may  be  left  out  longer  than  weaker  ones  ;  but,  in  that  case,  four  or 
five  rows  of  short  stakes  should  be  inserted  among  them  to 
support  a  covering  of  mats  in  case  of  hard  frost.  Tenderly -nursed 
plants,  as  a  rule,  perish  when  planted  out  in  spring,  strong  plants 
stand  a  hard  winter  best  and  a  mild  one  worst,  and  medium. sized 
or  small  plants  do  best  for  mild  winters  ;  therefore  they  require 
much  care  and  attention  to  keep  them  safe.  Lettuces  sown  in 
frames  will  now  be  up,  and  must  be  exposed  throughout  the  day  if 
the  weather  be  fresh  and  fair ;  but,  if  wet  and  frosty,  the  sashes 
must  be  kept  on  the  frames  and  tilted  up,  unless  the  frost  be 
severe,  when  they  must  be  shut  up  altogether.  To  keep  the  plants 
clean  and  dry  is  the  sole  secret  of  success  in  winter  with 
young  Lettuces,  which  must  be  kept  sheltered  from  birds,  and  a  little 
lime  should  be  strewed  over  them  to  prevent  the  ravages  of  slugs. 
Earth  up  late  crops  of  Celery,  and  in  giving  the  final  earthing  close 
up  the  soil  around  the  necks  of  the  plants  at  the  top  of  the  ridges. 
Prick  out  some  autumn-sown  plants  thickly  in  rows,  from  0  inches 
to  1  foot  apart,  again  to  be  transplanted  into  rows  2  feet  apart,  to 
yield  leaf-stalks  for  soup  in  spring.  Lift  Beet  and  store  it  in  ridges, 
and  lift  Salsafy  and  Scorzonera  roots  and  lay  them  in  thickly  in  a 
shady  corner,  from  which  they  may  be  removed  as  required  for 
market.  Lift  Rhubarb  and  Seakale  roots  for  forcing,  and  prepare 
beds  for  receiving  them.  The  beds,  if  for  forcing  at  once,  should 
have  18  inches  or  2  feet  of  fermenting  manure  in  the  bottom,  over 
which  should  be  placed  some  soil,  then  plant  the  roots  thickly 
together,  cover  them  over  with  a  layer  of  litter,  and  over  the  whole 
place  some  hoops  and  mats,  again  covering  with  litter.  The  Seakalo 
may  also  be  planted  in  beds  made  4  or  6  feet  wide,  with  2-feet 
sunk  alleys  between  them,  and  in  these  beds  the  roots  may  be 
planted  as  thickly  as  possible,  in  lines  across  them.  Here  they 
may  remain  until  they  are  required  for  forcing,  when  the  alleys 
should  be  packed  with  fermenting  manure,  and  some  placed  over 
the  surface,  and  hoops  and  mats  over  that.  Cover  Mushroom 
beds  with  mats,  to  throw  off  rains,  and  see  to  the  spawning, 
earthing  np,  and  covering  with  litter  of  lately-built  ridges. 
Great  care  should  be  taken  to  guard  against  rains,  as  last  year,  from 
so  much  wet,  the  produce  was  small,  and  in  many  instances  the 
spawn  was  entirely  killed.  Clear  off  refuse  vegetables  such  as 
Tomatoes,  Vegetable  Marrows,  French  Beans,  and  stumps  of  the 
Cabbages,  &c.  Manure,  trench,  and  ridge  every  spare  piece  of 
ground,  but  portions  on  which  it  is  intended  to  grow  root  crops  next 
year  should  not  be  manured  just  now,  as  that  would  cause  the  roots 
to  ramify ;  deep  working  of  the  soil,  however,  is  very  beneficial  to 
these  crops. 


THE  FUTURE  OF  THE  ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL 
SOCIETY. 
I  DAVE  read  Mr.  G.  F.  Wilson's  letter  (see  p.  351)  on  this  subject 
with  much  interest.  If  the  proposal  of  guinea  membership  is  not 
too  late,  it  would,  if  adopted,  doubtless  prove  useful  in  infusing  into 
the  Society  a  larger  amount  of  the  horticultural  element  than  it  at 
present  possesses.  As  to  the  financial  embarrassments,  I  can  see  but 
onewayoutof  them, and  that  istheplan  shadowed  forth  by  Mr.  Wilson, 
viz.,  to  hand  over  the  Kensington  Garden  and  its  liabilities  to  Her 
Majesty's  Commissioners  of  the  Exhibition  of  1851.  This  seems  the 
right  course  to  pursue.      The  Commissioners  are  not  enemies  but 


390 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  8,  1873. 


friends  to  horticulture.  There  ia,  I  believe,  every  disposition  to 
treat  on  liberal  terms  with  the  Society,  and,  while  making  the 
gardens,  as  they  ought  to  be,  a  school  ot  horticulture  tor  all  comers, 
they  would  still  be  a  home  for  the  Society,  and  a  place  of  special 
resort,  and  it  may  also  be  ot  special  privilege  to  the  present  fellows. 
Let  the  Society's  debt  be  removed  and  the  two  bodies,  the  Council  of 
the  Society  and  the  Commissioners,  will,  doubtless,  arrange  matters 
on  equal  terms,  and  possibly  under  one  governing  head.  The  Society 
might  gain  immensely  by  the  latter  arrangement ;  freed  from  debt, 
its°  kill  and  energy  would  be  left  free  to  develop  and  illustrate  the 
horticultural  resources  at  its  command.  AVith  Chiswick  for  its  home 
and  its  workshop,  and  Kensington,  free  of  cost,  for  its  exhibition 
ground,  it  would  be  infinitely  stronger  for  its  proper  work  than  now. 
The  time  seems  opportune  for  consninmating  some  such  arrangement ; 
the  difficulty  will  probably  be  to  find  a  medium  for  negotiation.  It  is 
doubtful  if  the  Commissionerswouldbe  willing  to  treat  with  the  Council 
that  merged  out  of  the  confusion  of  the  coup  d'etat,  or,  whether  if  they 
did,  the  result  would  be  legal,  and  possibly  the  old  Council  would 
refuse  to  act.  I  hardly  know  what  would  be  said  to  a  deputation  of 
fellows  to  the  Commissioners,  or  how  far  the  results,  if  endorsed  by 
the  fellows,  would  be  legal.  Of  this,  however,  I  am  confident,  that 
the  case  is  so  desperate  that  nothing  but  what  may  seem  to  many  a 
desperate  remedy  will  suffice  to  mend  or  cure  it.  That  is  cut  the 
Society's  nominal  ownership  with  South  Keusington  asunder  and 
leave  all  its  liabilities  behind  it.  D.  T.  PisH. 


CURIOUS  DESTRUCTION  OF  EVERGREENS. 
Mr.  J.  B.  Pauso.ns,  the  eminent  nurseryman   of   Long   Island,   told 
some  curious  facts  to  the  American  Rural  Club  the  other  day  respect, 
ing  the  action   of  frost  in  his   nurseries    at   Flushing.      A  severer 
battle,  he  said,  than  we  have  ever  known  has  been  waged   with  sun 
and  frost ;  and,  although  we   are   not  conquered,  we  gather  up   our 
dead  as  men  gather  their  friends  from   a  human   battle-field.     The 
worst  of  it  is  that  we  can  learn  no  lesson  from  our  losses.   The  plants 
native  to  northern  regions,  like   the   Hemlock  and   the  Arbor  vitto, 
have   suiiered   most  sevei-ely,   while   those   which    have  been   con- 
sidered  most  tender  have  entirely  escaped.     Of  groups  of  them  one 
is  unhurt,  and  two  are  killed  root  and  branch.     One  English  Yew  in 
my  grounds  is  entirely  dead,  while  another  in  the  same  grounds  is 
very  little  injured.     One  Picea   cephalonica  and  one  Pioea  Parsonsii 
dead,  and  one  of  each  in  the  same  grounds  unhurt.    One-half  in  length 
of  a  hedge  of  Siberian  Arbor  vita;  killed,  the  other  half  fresh,  green, 
and  unhurt.     A  hedge  of  evergreen  Thorn,  four  years  old,  with  the 
tops  killed,  and   at  a  short   distance  another  one  year  old  unhurt, 
while     the    young    plants   in    the    nursery  are   coming    out   fresh 
and    green     as    ever.       Rhododendrons    in    the    open   ground  are 
uninjured.     They  are  simply  made  deciduous.     The  old  leaves  fall  off 
and  young  shoots  come  out  in  greatabundance.   Thus  we  learn  nothing 
from  our  losses,  and  must  consider  them  simply  accidents,  which 
will  probably  not  occur   again,   and  which  need  not  discourage  us 
from  planting  as  before.     My  theory  oE  the  cause  of  this  injury  will, 
I  think,  be  verified  by  the  facts.     It  must  be  recollected  that  we 
often  have   a  warm   season   in   January,  and  sometimes  in  March, 
succeeded  by  intense  cold,   but  without  any  injury  to  plants.     The 
last  winter  was  one  of  very  steady  cold,  and  there  was  no  warm 
weather  either  in  January,  February,  or  March.     We  must  not  then 
attribute  to  frost  alone  the  disastrous  effects.     The  ground  has  never 
been  filled  with  moisture  since  the  di-y  year  of  1870.     The  rains  ot 
last  summer  did  not  penetrate  deeply,  and  the  whole  of  last  winter 
was  so  free  from  rain  that  nearly  all  cisterns  were  exhausted.     The 
soil,  therefore,  became  as  dry  as  dust.      Now,  it  is  well-known  that 
it  the  root  ot  a  plant  is  exposed  to  the  open  air  when  the  cold  is 
extreme,  it  will  perish,  but  it  it  is  covered  in  the  earth  it  is  sate. 
The  moisture  in  the  groimd,  freezing  with  the  earth,  forms  a  casing 
around  the  roots  through  which  the  cold  cannot  penetrate.     But  if 
the  soil  is  perfectly  dry,  there  is  no  solid  encasement  for  the  roots, 
and  the  frost  passes  freely  in  killing  the  delicate  fibers.     Such  was 
the  state  of  the  soil  last  winter. 


in  depth  ot  burnt  ballast  (which  might  be  burned  on  the  spot,  as 
the  ground  is  said  to  be  a  strong  clay  soil),  household  or  furnace 
ashes,  brick-rubbish  broken  very  fine,  or  any  other  similar  mixture  of 
a  porous  character.  Then  cover  the  whole  over  with  3  inches  in 
depth  of  the  top  soil,  relay  and  beat  well  the  turf  in  the  usual  manner. 
The  Finsbury  Park  cricket  ground,  9  acres  in  extent,  has  been  formed 
in  the  manner  just  described  ;  the  sub-soil  there  is  strong  hard  clay, 
but  nevertheless  the  ground  is  always  dry  and  elastic."] 

Boiler  Incrustations. — In  reply  to  Mr.  Bell's  inquiry  (see 
p.  370),  I  have  to  say  that  1  consider  the  nse  ot  either  soda  ash  or 
caustic  soda  the  most  effective  in  preventing  ordinary  incrustations 
in  boilers.  1  am  unable  to  answer  the  latter  part  of  his  inquiry— 
namely,  "  How  nmch  is  necessary  ?  " — not  knowing  the  character  of 
the  water  which  he  naes — a  point  on  which  the  amount  to  be  nsed 
solely  depends.  The  harder  the  water  (that  is,  the  more  carbonate 
and  sulphate  ot  lime  it  contains),  the  more  soda  ash  will  be  required 
to  be  used.  Soda  ash  in  excess,  however,  does  not  injure  the  boilers. 
Probably  he  might  find  the  addition  ot  two  or  three  ounces  of  soda 
ash  to  100  gallons  of  water  to  effect  the  desired  result. — William  H. 
Watson,  Braystones,  Beckermet. 


Forming  a  Cricket  Ground. — I  am  about  to  make  a  cricket 
ground  in  the  park,  which  is  well  drained,  but  which  consists  of  a 
strong  clay  soil.  Will  you  kindly  give  me  some  information  as  to 
the  best  way  to  proceed  in  the  matter  after  removing  the  turf,  which 
ot  course  will  be  replaced. — J.  B.,  Darlington.  [A  gentleman,  practi- 
cally acquainted  with  the  treatment  ot  ground  work  of  all  kinds,  to 
whom  your  question  has  been  submitted  says  : — "  After  taking  oft 
the  turf,  dig  out,  and  remove  to  one  side,  7  inches  of  the  top  soil  and 
turn  over  the  sub-soil  one  spit  deep,  to  allow  surface  water  to  freely 
percolate  into  the  drains  below.  After  well  treading  and  consolidating 
the  sub-soil  to  prevent  unequal  settlements,  overlay  it  with  4  inches 


LAW     NOTE. 


Thk  Court  of  Exchequer  was  called  upon  the  other  day  to  apply  the  law 
which  Lord  Campbell  introduced,  to  what,  curiously  enough,  lately  happened 
at  the  house  in  which  his  Lordship  lived.  A  person  passing  by  Strathe- 
den,  near  Honnslow,  formerly  Lord  Campbell's  house,  hut  now  occupied 
by  Mr.  Mitchell  Henry,  was  killed  by  the  tall  of  a  tree.  Before  Lord 
Campbell's  Act  was  passed  such  an  accident  could  not  have  come  before 
a  court  ot  law,  because  the  grievance  was  said  to  die  with  the  person. 
This  was  hard  enough  upon  the  widow  and  children  ot  the  sufferer,  it  he 
left  any,  and  seemed  almost  like  an  inducement  to  railway  companies 
and  others  to  kill  their  passengers  outright  instead  of  only  maiming 
them.  Lord  Campbell,  therefore,  introduced  an  alteration  in  the  law, 
by  means  of  which  the  relations  ot  the  man  killed  at  Stratheden  were 
enabled  to  bring  an  action.  The  neghgence  of  the  gardener  who 
felled  the  tree  was  unquestionable,  hut  damages  could  scarcely  be 
obtained  from  a  gardener,  and  it  was  hoped  to  make  out  that 
he  acted  as  servant  for  some  more  responsible  person.  Who  was  tlie 
man's  master?  however,  was  not  a  very  easy  question  to  determine. 
He  was  hired  by  another  person  (Mr.  Eyles),  who  was  paid  by  Mr. 
Waterer,  who  was  paid  by  Mr.  Mitchell  Henry.  When  the  new  Judicature 
Act  has  come  into  operation,  a  plaintiff  under  such  circumstances  will 
be  allowed  to  sue  all  three,  and  leave  the  Court  to  determine  who  has  to 
pay  the  damages.  At  present,  however,  the  plaintiff  is  only  allowed  one 
string  to  his  how,  and  he  first  brought  his  action  against  Mr.  Waterer. 
Mr.  Baron  Martin,  who  tried  the  case,  thought  that  the  gardener  in 
default  was  not  sufhciently  under  Mr.  Waterer's  control  to  be  legally  his 
servant,  and  the  full  Court  has  now  consented  to  consider  whether  Mr. 
Baron  Martin  was  right.  So  that  eventually  one  ot  Lord  Campbell's 
trees  will  settle  the  law  under  Lord  Campbell's  Act. 


COVENT  O-ARDEN  MARKET. 

NOVEJIBEH  7th. 

Flowers. — Chrysanthemums  now  form  the  bulb  of  pot-plants  as  well  aa 
cut  flow'ers,  but  Fuchsias,  Heaths,  Solanums,  Begonia  Weltoniensis,  Cliiiiose 
Primulas,  Cyclamens,  and  many  others  are  also  good  and  plentiful.  Amongst 
cut  flowers  white  Camellia  blooms  predominate  ;  but  of  Gardenias,  Tuberoses, 
Bouvardia  jasminiHora  and  others,  Epiphyllums,  Roman  Hyacinths,  Cyclamens, 
Cinerarias,  Violets,  Rose-buds,  Pelargoniums,  and  Carnations  there  is  also 
abundance. 

Fruit  and  Vegetables. — English  Grapes  are  more  than  sufficient  for  the 
demand.  Of  Pines  there  is  an  unusually  large  supply.  Peaches,  with  the 
exception  of  a  few  of  the  Salway  variety ,  are  over,  as  are  also  Figs  and  Melons. 
Capsicums  are  still  furnished  in  large  quantities,  and  of  Pears  and  Apples  there 
has  just  been  a  large  importation  from  France  ;  but,  with  the  exception  of  soma 
of  the  Pears,  they  are  of  inferior  sorts.  There  is  a  goodly  quantity  of  Truffles 
and  garden  Mushrooms  in  the  market. 

Prices  of  Fruits. — Apples,  per  half-sieve,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Chillies,  per  100, 
2s.  to  33.;  Cobs,  per  lb..  Is,  to  Is,  9d;  Chestnuts,  per  bushel,  15s,  to  203, ;  Filberts, 
per  lb..  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Grapes,  hothouse,  black,  per  lb,,  Is.  to  6s.;  Muscats, 
2s,  to  68.;  Lemons,  per  100,  8s.  to  1-ls. ;  Melons,  each,  2s,  to  43.;  Oranges, 
per  100,  123,  to  213, ;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  63.  to  12s, ;  Pears,  per  doz,,  Is,  to 
-Is,;  Pine-Apples,  per  lb.,  3s.  to  63, ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz..  Is.  to2s, ;  Walnuts, 
per  bushel, "ss.  to  I23, ;  ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz,.  Is,  ed.  to  3s. ;  Beet,  Red, 
per  doz.,  Is.  to  2s, ;  Brussels  Sprouts,  per  half-sieve,  2s,  6d, ;  Cabbage, 
per  doz.,  2s,;  Carrots,  per  bunch.  Id.  to  6d.  Cauliflower,  per  doz,,  3s. 
to  63, ;  Cefery,  per  bundfe.  Is,  6d,  to  2s, ;  Cofeworts,  per  doz.  bunches, 
3s,  to  4s, ;  Cucumbers,  each,  6d.  to  Is, ;  Endive,  per  doz.,  23.  ;  Fennef, 
per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Garlic,  per  lb.,  6d.  ;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d,  ;  Horse- 
radish, per  bundle,  3s.  to  43.;  Leeks,  per  ijunch,  3d.;  Lettuces,  per 
doz.  Is.  to  2s.;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle,  2s.  to  3s.;  Mustard  and  Cress, 
per  punnet,  2d, ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  2s,  6d,  to  4s. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d, ; 
Parsley,  per  doz,  bunches,  43. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d,  to  Is.  ;  Potatoes, 
per  bushel,  2s,  6d,  to  4s, ;  Itadishes,  per  doz,  bunches.  Is,  to  Is.  6d. ;  Salsafy, 
per  bundle,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Savoys,  per  doz,.  Is,  to  2s, ;  Scorzonera,  per  bundle, 
Is.;  Seakale,  per  punnet,  3s.  to  43.;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d, ;  Spinach,  per 
bushel,  3s. ;  Turnips,  per  bunch,  3d.  to  6d. 


Nov.  i5,  1873.] 


THE  GAEDEN. 


391 


THE    GARDEN. 

"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :  chause  it  rather  :  but 
The  Art  itself  is  Natuke." — Shakespeare, 


SEA-COAST  GARDENINa. 
Down  bj'  the  sea  iu  South  Devonsliire  is  uot  a  bad  place  in 
which  to  live  at  this  season  of  the  year — or,  indeed,  at  any 
other  season.  Mr.  Barnes  tells  us  of  Lilacs  blooming  iu  Mr. 
Burridge's  garden  at  Exmouth.  I  met  Tvith  a  similar  pheno- 
menon iu  the  garden  of  the  Imperial  Hotel,  ab  Exmouth,  iu  the 
early  part  of  October — viz.,  Berbcris  Darwinii — iu  full  bloom  ; 
uot  a  sprig  here  and  there,  but  regularly  sheeted  with  bloom 
from  bottom  to  top,  and  not  one  plant  only,  but  every  plant  in 
the  garden.  In  other  gai-dens  in  Devonshire  I  found  this 
Berbcris  loaded  with  fruit ;  but,  iu  the  garden  of  the  Imperial, 
there  was  not  a  fruit  to  be  seen,  and  the  golden  glow  of  flowers 
was  quite  enchanting.  In  another  garden  close  by,  I  had,  in 
driving  past,  almost  cheated  myself  into  the  belief  that  a  large 
Lilac  bush  was  iu  full  bloom ;  but  a  closer  inspection  revealed 
the  fact  that  it  was  the  Chinese  Privet,  literally  a  mass  of 
blossom.  All  the  Privets  are  capital  seaside  plants,  especially 
the  newer  evei-green  ones ;  and,  as  a  covert  plant,  Leycesteria 
f  ormosa  does  capitally,  the  fruit  being  much  liked  by  pheasants 
— indeed,  Leycesteria,  Jerusalem  Artichokes,  and  Buckwheat 
may  be  pronounced  the  best  decoy  for  pheasants  that  cau  be 
used.  It  is  singular  that  the  Cork  tree  and  evergreen  Oaks  are 
not  more  used  than  they  are  as  seaside  plants,  as  they  flourish 
most  successfullj'.  Of  this  fact  I  saw  some  noble  examples 
many  years  ago  at  Lord  Leicester' ,s  noble  estate  at  Holkham, 
in  Norfolk.  There  the  evergreen  Oaks  form  splendid  timber 
trees,  some,  I  should  think,  10  to  12  feet  iu  girth  of  stem. 
The  finest  group  of  Cork  trees  I  have  ever  met  with  was  at 
Hayues  Park,  near  Bedford.  I  need  scarcely  remai'k  that 
the  Arbutuses  form  most  interesting  objects  at  the  present 
time,  as  they  are  clothed  with  flowers  and  laden  with  their 
many-tinted  Strawberry  fruit  at  the  same  time.  These  are 
perfectly  at  home  by  the  sea-side  iu  North  Wales  as  well  as 
South  Devon.  Lambert's  Cupressus,  sometimes  called  0. 
macrooarpa,  may  be  seen  in  wild  luxuriance  by  the  sea-side, 
and  a  graceful  and  noble  tree  it  forms  ;  indeed,  a  visit  to 
Devonshire,  especially  to  the  more  favoured  nooks,  makes  us 
northerners  quite  jealous  of  the  great  luxuriance  of  trees  and 
shrubs  which,  in  the  midlands,  we  consider  it  almost  a  feat 
to  keep  alive.  I  need  scarcely  say  that  the  French  Tamarisk, 
with  its  elegant  Asparagus-like  foliage,  looks  well  at  this 
season,  while  the  Sea  Ragwort,  a  plant  resembling  one  of 
frosted  silver  covered  with  gold,  is  most  telliug  everywhere. 
Another  class  of  plants  which  appear  quite  at  home  near  the 
sea  are  the  Cotoneasters,  C.  macrophylla  and  Simmondsii  being 
masses  of  rosy-tinged  crimson  bei'ries.  Mr.  M'Nab  has 
recently  given  us  some  examples  of  the  former,  as  suitable  for 
wall  decoration,  and,  fine  as  the  examples  are,  I  would  advise 
all  who  wish  to  see  this  tribe  of  plants  iu  full  glory  to  intermix 
them  with  the  naked-flowered  Jasmine,  when  the  play  of 
crimson  and  gold  will  be  most  interesting.  The  flnest  trained 
example  of  0.  macrophylla  I  have  ever  seen  was,  many  years 
ago,  at  West  Wiokham,  in  Kent,  then  the  residence  of  Mr.  S. 
Jones  Boyd.  It  covered  a  wall,  the  termination  of  a  terrace 
walk,  and  was  as  perfect  a  specimen  of  geometric  training  as 
could  be  desired.  Fine  examples,  ait  natiirel,  may  be  seen  at 
Newstead  Abbey,  and  I  saw  once,  I  think,  at  Claverton,  near 
Bath,  some  examples  planted  on  the  top  of  a  retaining  wall, 
with  the  branches  drooping  some  10  or  12  feet,  and  clothing 
the  wall  very  picturesquely.  It  may  be  worth  while  to  mention 
that  Mr.  George  Wheeler,  Nurseryman,  of  Warminster,  made, 
twenty  years  ago,  Cotoneasters  a  speciality.  He  had  a 
complete  collection,  many  of  them  worked  as  standards  at 
various  heights,  and  very  interesting  little  drooping  trees 
they  formed.  The  Coluteas  and  SpiraBas  appear  ciuite  at  home 
by  the  sea-side,  several  Spirfeas  laeiug  now  in  fine  bloom  at 
Exmouth.  Fuchsias,  especially  the  old  nearly  hardy  Ricartoni, 
are  iu  their  glory,  and  so  is  "  Bailie  Nichol  Jarvie's  "  Poker 
(Tritoma  Uvaria),  the  glowing  spikes  of  fiery  red  being  most 
effective.  Hydrangeas  make  splendid  biishes  near  the  sea, 
the  flowers  having  almost  every  shade  of   colour  from  pale 


blue  to  deep  pink.  The  cause  of  these  changes  is  uot  easy  to 
explain,  especially  as  the  two  colours  frequently  occur  on  the 
same  truss  of  bloom  ;  possibly,  however,  the  real  cause  is  iron 
iu  the  soil.  In  Blackheath  Park,  in  a  strong  top  spit  loam, 
half  the  flowers  would  come  pink,  the  other  half  blue.  We  have 
had  them  blue  on  the  heavy  Wimbledon  peat,  ajid  also  by  the  use 
of  iron  filings  in  the  soil,  or  water  from  the  blacksmith's  forge. 
This  will  uever  fail  to  produce  blue  flowers,  but  it  should  not 
be  used  until  the  flowers  begin  to  develop  themselves,  and 
then  only  once  or  twice  a  week.  The  most  effective,  how- 
ever, of  all  plants,  at  this  season  either  for  seaside  planting,  or 
as  a  shelter  for  wildfowl,  is  the  Pampas  Grass.  Years  ago  I 
planted  a  large  island  near  Conway,  and  at  the  present  time 
I  have  no  doubt  the  nodding  plumes  may  be  counted  by  the 
thousand.  But  this  is  not  all ;  the  foliage  of  the  Pampas,  either 
in  winter  or  summer,  forms  a  grand  shelter  for  game.  It  is  a 
plant  that  will  grow  almost  anywhere,  and  in  any  soil ;  but 
still  will  pay  well  for  good  treatment.  If  a  grand  specimen  is 
wanted,  a  cubic  yard  of  soil  should  be  removed  and  replaced 
with  a  compost  of  loam,  leaf -mould,  and  rich  manure,  rounding 
it  up  so  that  when  it  subsides,  as  it  necessarily  must  do,  the 
top  will  be  above  the  level  of  the  surrounding  soil.  At  Lord 
Carrington's  may  be  seen  some  remarkably  fine  plants,  but 
those  which  are  planted  near  the  drain  which  carries  the 
sewage  of  Wycombe  through  the  garden,  especially  where  the 
sewageis  occasionally  usedfor  flooding  the  Strawberry  (or  other) 
beds,  are  wonderfully  fine.  Such  plants  are  a  great  ornament, 
and  serve  a  good  purpose  in  the  way  of  shelter  at  the  same 
time.  °        '     '  W.  P.  A. 


THE  TRUE  ORIGIN  OF  THE  DAHLIA. 
As  you  have  found  room  for  the  poetical  but  fabulous  history  of 
the  introduction  of  the  Dahlia  tuber  as  an  edible  root  in  the  quota- 
tion from  "  Holland  House,"  its  true  origin  may  be  worth  recording 
in  your  columns.  The  first  mention  of  the  plants  occurs  in  Hernandez, 
who  published  a  history  of  Mexico  in  1651,  and  who  figured  two 
separate  species.  Menonville  who  was  employed  by  the  French 
minister  to  steal  the  cochineal  insect  from  the  Spaniards,  was  tho 
second  to  notice  its  existence.  The  first  scientific  description  was 
given  by  the  Abbe  Cavanilles  from  a  specimen  which  flowered  at 
Madrid  in  1790,  who  named  the  plant  after  his  friend  Andrew  Dahl, 
the  Swedish  botanist.  The  Dahlia  was  sent  to  Europe  from  the 
Botanic  Gardens  of  Mexico,  to  the  Royal  Gardens,  Madrid,  where  it 
first  flowered  in  1789,  from  whence  it  was  introduced  to  England  by 
the  Marchioness  of  Bute  in  the  same  year,  but  this  single  plant 
speedily  perished,  and  it  did  not  again  appear  in  this  country  till  the 
old  single  variety  coccinea  was  flowered  by  Eraser,  at  Chelsea,  in 
1803,  and  figured  iu  Curtis's  Botanical  Magazine,  plate  762.  This 
plant  also  perished.  Meantime  Cavanilles  sent  specimens  of  the 
three  varieties  then  known  to  the  Jardin  des  Plantes,  in  1802,  where 
they  were  successfully  cultivated,  and  numerous  varieties  were  pro- 
duced in  France  between  that  date  and  1814,  when,  on  the  return  of 
peace,  the  improved  flower  created  a  great  sensation  among  English 
visitors  to  Paris,  which  led  to  large  importations  of  the  root  during 
the  ensuing  winter.  Lady  Holland  sent  seeds,  not  roots,  from 
Madrid  in  May,  1804.  The  first  plant  flowered  at  Holland  House  in 
the  September  following,  and  was  figured  iu  Andrews's  "Botany." 
The  seeds  ripened  in  1805,  and  were  generally  distributed  iu 
1806.  The  original  plants  at  Madrid  do  not  appear  to  have  yielded 
many  varieties — not  more  than  three  are  mentioned.  Humboldt, 
however,  who  found  the  plant  growing  in  sandy  meadows,  5,000  feet 
above  the  sea,  sent  home  fresh  seed  from  Mexico  in  1801,  to  Paris 
and  BerUn,  from  which  the  numerous  varieties  subsequently  obtained 
were  derived.  The  first  double  flower  was  produced  at  Berlin  in 
1809,  and  oven  so  late  as  1818  Sabine  was  told  of  a  double  white,  but 
"  doubted  its  existence."  It  is  interesting  to  remark  that  De 
Candolle  expressed  his  opinion  that  we  should  never  see  a  blue 
DahUa,  on  the  ground  that  blue  and  yellow,  being  the  fundamental 
types  of  colour  in  flowers,  mutually  exclude  each  other.  The  root 
was  included  in  the  Bon  Janlinier  for  1817  among  the  "  Plantes 
Potageres,"  but  no  mention  is  made  of  its  use  for  Palestine  soup. 

John  W.  Fokd. 


Among  Chrysanthemum  shows  in  the  neighbourhood  ^  of 
London,  that  of  Messrs.  Dixon  &  Co.,  of  the  Amhurst  Nurseries, 
Hackney,  deserves  notice,  as  being  now  in  the  height  of  perfection. 
The  flowers  are  exhibited  in  a  span.roofed  house,  50  feet  by  20  feet, 
in  endless  variety,  and  are  well  worthy  of  a  visit  by  all  admirers  of 
this  interesting  family  of  plants. 


392 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Nov.  15, 1873. 


NOTES    OP    THE    WEEK. 


The  Tery  remarkable  collection  of  Apples  and  Pears  shomi 

at  South  Kensington,  on  Wednesday  last,  by  Mr.  Scott,  of  the 
Merriott  Nurseries,  Crewkerne,  will  bo  on  view  at  Tbe  Garden 
office  daring  tbe  coming  week,  wbere  any  of  oar  readers  interested 
in  the  matter  may  see  them.  There  are  GOO  kinds  of  Apples  alone, 
and  350  kinds  of  Pears. 

We  have  received   photographs  of  the   fine  wall  of  Cordon 

Pears  at  Holme  Lacey,  Herefordshire — a  remarkable  plantation,  as  we 
can  testify  from  a  recent  visit.  Mr.  Soudamore  Stanhope  informs 
US  that  the  fruit  was  finer  on  the  trees,  both  as  regards  size  and 
flavour,  than  those  grown  on  any  other  form  of  tree.  We  hope  to 
publish  an  engraving  of  the  trees,  and  say  something  of  their  culture, 
at  a  future  time. 

The  Planes  on   the  Thames  Embankment   show  now,  after 

losing  their  leaves,  a  strong  well-ripened  growth,  and  are  becoming 
fine  sturdy  trees.  They  are  quite  as  good  as  trees  of  the  same  age  on 
the  Parisian  Boulevards,  and  in  some  cases  they  already  bear  the 
round  little  seed-vessels,  which  look  so  pretty  on  the  trees  in  winter. 
Thus  the  predictions  of  those  who  foretold  the  failure  of  the  trees  on 
the  embankment  have  come  to  nought. 

SEVER.iL  communications  on  the  Phylloxera  and  its  ravages 

were  made  at  the  Paris  Horticultural  Seances  of  October  the  2bth 
and  27th.  Amongst  others,  M.  Planchon  communicated  the  result 
of  his  examinations  in  America  and  in  Europe.  He  states  that  the 
American  and  the  European  insect  are  identical,  and  adds  that  there 
exists  in  America  an  Acarian,  which  is  a  furious  enemy  of  the  Phyl. 
loxera,  and  that  he  had  received  a  number  of  individuals  which  he 
should  endeavour  to  acclimatise  in  France. 

To  prevent  the  germination  of  Potatoes  in  winter  stores,  it 

is  recommended  to  expose  them  to  the  vapour  of  sulphurous  acid. 
If  not  entirely  effectual  in  accomplishing  the  object,  it  will  at  least 
retard  or  modify  the  sprouting  to  such  an  extent  as  to  render  the 
injury  caused  thereby  very  shght.  The  flavour  of  the  Potato  is  not 
affected  in  the  least  by  this  treatment,  nor  is  its  vitality  diminished, 
the  action  being  simply  to  retard  or  prevent  the  formation  and 
growth  of  tbe  e3'es. 

Dk.  E.  Regel,  the  distinguished  botanist  and  director  of  the 

Botanic  Garden  at  St.  Petersburgh,  has  recently  published  a  mono- 
graph of  the  Vines  of  North  America,  Northern  China,  and  Japan, 
nnder  the  title  of  "Conspectus  specierum  generis  Vitis,  &c."  The 
species  are  reduced  by  Dr.  Regel  to  the  following : — Vitis  arborea, 
Linn;  V.  heterophylla,  Thbg.  ;  V.  incisa,  Nutt. ;  V.  inconstans,  Miq.  ; 
V.  vulpina,  Linn. ;  and  V.  Labrusca,  Linn.  The  treatise  concludes 
with  a  disquisition  on  the  origin  of  the  cultivated  Vine,  in  which  the 
author  states  his  reasons  for  believing  it  to  be  a  hybrid  between 
V.  vulpina  and  V.  Labrusca. 

We  are  informed  that  Mr.  George  Morrison,  for  many  years 

head  gardener  to  Lord  Wolverton,  has  left  Stanmore  Park,  in 
consequence  of  changes  in  the  establishment.  Previous  to  his  leaving 
the  neighbourhood,  Mr.  Morrison  was  entertained  at  a  dinner  given 
by  the  leading  gardeners  of  the  district,  and  presided  over  by  the 
Eev.  J.  L.  Bernays,  rector  of  the  parish.  After  dinner,  speeches 
were  made  expressive  of  the  high  estimation  in  which  Mr.  Morrison 
was  held,  and  it  was  resolved  to  present  him  with  a  handsome 
testimonial  prior  to  his  taking  his  final  departure. 

The  following  results  of  the  introduction  of  the  Eucalyptus 

globulus  into  Africa  and  the  West  Indies  are  described  by  M. 
Gimbert  in  a  recent  lectnre  before  the  Academic  in  Paris. 
Speaking  of  the  plantations  which  were  made  of  these  trees 
at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  he  says:— "  Within  two  or  three 
jears  they  completely  changed  the  climacteric  condition  of  the 
nnhealthy  parts  of  the  colony.  A  few  years  later  its  plantation  was 
undertaken  on  a  large  scale  in  various  parts  of  Algeria.  At  Pondook, 
twenty  miles  from  .4.1giers,  a  farm,  situated  on  the  banks  of  the 
Hamyze,  was  noted  for  its  extremely  pestilential  air.  In  the  spring 
of  1867  about  13,000  Eucalyptus  were  planted  there;  in  July  of  the 
same  year,  the  time  when  the  fever  season  used  to  set  in,  nota  single 
ease  occurred ;  yet  the  trees  were  not  more  than  9  feet  high.  Since 
then  complete  immunity  from  fever  has  been  maintained.  In  the 
neighbourhood  of  Constautina  the  farm  of  Ben  Machydliu  was 
equally  in  bad  repute;  it  was  covered  with  marshes  both  in  winter 
and  summer.  In  five  years  the  whole  ground  was  dried  up  by 
1 1,000  of  these  trees,  and  farmers  and  children  enjoy  excellent  health. 
At  the  factory  of  the  Gno  de  Constantino,  in  three  years  a  plantation 
of  Eucalyptus  has  transformed  12  acres  of  marshy  "soil  into  a  magni- 
ficent park,  whence  fever  has  completely  disappeared.  In  the  island 
of  Cuba,  this  and  all  other  paludean  diseases  are  fast  disappearing 
from  all  the  unhealthy  districts  where  this  tree  has  been  introducecf. 
A  station-house  at  one  of  the  ends  of  a  railway  viaduct  in  the 
department  of  the  Var  was  so  pestilential  that  the  officials  could  not 


be  kept  there  longer  than  a  year  ;  forty  of  these  trees  were  planted, 
and  it  is  now  as  healthy  as  any  other  place  on  the  line." 

The    new  schedules    for  1874   of    the  Royal  Horticultural 

Society  are  now  ready,  and  can  be  had  on  application  to  the 
Secretary. 

The  gardens  at  Apply   Towers,  in   the  Isle  of  Wight,    are 

undergoing  complete  renovation.  The  old  Vineries  and  other  fruit- 
forcing  and  plant-houses  are  being  removed,  and  new  ones  erected 
in  their  place  by  Messrs.  Bolton,  of  Norwich.  They  are  to  include 
a  splendid  range  of  lean-to  Peach  houses,  and  the  Orangery,  which 
is  already  erected,  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  country.  Both  !)hc 
fiower  garden  and  pleasure  grounds,  too,  are  undergoing  considerable 
alteration. 

I-V  the  Bulletin  d'Arhoricultm-e  the  employment  of  flowers  at 

funerals  is  thus  described  by  M.  Van  Hulle,  as  witnessed  by  him  a 
few  months  since  at  Munich: — "Very  few  wax  candles  were 
employed,  but  instead  of  them  there  were  other  oi-naments,  and 
especially  garlands  of  leaves  and  flowers.  All  around  the  bier  a 
broad  sloping  border  of  turf  had  been  improvised,  in  which  were 
pretty  flower-beds,  filled  with  a  variety  of  fragrant  and  beautiful 
flowers."  M.  Vau  Hulle  concludes  by  observing  that  this  arrange- 
ment appeared  to  him  far  more  pleasing  than  the  pall  of  crape, 
besprinkled  with  silver  tears,  used  on  such  occasions  in  France  and 
Belgium. 

O-V  the  question  of  "  Venomous  Caterpillars,"  as  to  the  exist- 
ence of  which  much  diversity  of  opinion  appears  to  prevail,  we 
observe  that  Mr.  Riley,  the  State  entomologist  for  Missouri,  has,  in 
his  fifth  annual  report,  devoted  a  chapter  to  this  subject,  and  states 
that  he  is  acquainted  with  fifteen  indigenous  larva3  having  so-called 
urticating  powers,  and  in  every  instance  the  action  is  mechanical. 
Those  observers  who  place  so  much  stress  upon  the  fact  of  contact 
with  a  hairy  larva  causing  pain,  should  not  let  surprise  get  the 
better  of  their  judgment,  nor,  in  the  case  of  those  residing  abroad, 
should  they  allow  themselves  to  be  influenced  by  native  superstitions. 
The  position  is  simply  this :  any  hairy  larva  is  likely  to  cause  irrita- 
tion mechanically,  from  particles  of  the  numerous  hairs  piercing  the 
skin ;  no  case  has  }-et  been  proved  in  which  such  irritation  is  the 
result  of  venom,  such  as  that  of  Urtica  among  plants. 

■■  A  correspondexi  of  the  Times,  who  signs  himself  "  F.R.S.," 

opposes  the  nomination  of  Dr.  Hooker  to  the  Presidency  of  the  Royal 
Society,  vacant  by  the  resignation  of  the  Astronomer  Royal,  on  the 
grounds  that  "the  director  of  Kew  Gardens  would  be  in  a  very 
anomalous  position  as  President  of  the  Royal  Society,  because  in  this 
latter  capacity  he  would  bean  ex  nffdo  Trustee  of  the  British  Museum. 
There  has  been  of  recent  years  somewhat  of  a  rivalry  between  the 
botanical  department  of  the  British  Museum  and  the  more  recently 
formed  herbarium  at  Kew  ;  consequently,  by  this  selection,  the 
action  of  the  president  of  the  Royal  Society  as  trustee  of  the  museum 
would  be  fettered,  and  the  Government  would  be  precluded  from 
obtaining  the  valuable  advice  of  the  president  and  council  of  the 
Royal  Society  on  those  questions  which  must  necessarily  arise  on  the 
reconstruction  of  the  natural  history  departments  of  the  British 
Museum  when  they  are  removed,  as  they  soon  will  be,  to  South 
Kensington." 

Among  the   papers  presented  to  Parliament  relating  to  the 

South  Sea  islanders  is  a  report  by  Captain  Simpson,  of  her  Majesty's 
ship  Blanche,  giving  an  account  of  his  visit  last  year  to  the  Solomon 
and  other  groups  of  islands  in  the  Pacific  Ocean.  While  at  Isabel 
Island,  from  which  seven  women  and  three  men  were  kidnapped  in 
1871,  Captain  Simpson,  with  a  party  of  officers,  went  a  short  distance 
inland  to  visit  one  of  the  remarkable  tree  villages  peculiar,  he 
believes,  to  this  island.  He  found  the  village  built  on  the  summit  of 
a  rocky  mountain,  rising  almost  perpendicular  to  a  height  of  800 
feet.  The  party  ascended  by  a  native  path  from  the  interior,  and 
found  the  extreme  summit  a  mass  of  enormous  rocks  standing  up 
like  a  castle,  among  which  grow  the  gigantic  trees,  in  the  branches 
of  which  the  houses  of  the  natives  are  built.  The  stems  of  these 
trees  rise  perfectly  straight  and  smooth,  without  a  branch,  to  a  height 
varying  from  50  to  150  feet.  In  the  one  Captain  Simpson  ascended 
the  house  was  just  80  feet  from  the  ground;  one  close  to  it  was 
about  120  feet.  The  only  means  of  approach  to  these  houses  is  by 
a  ladder  made  of  a  Creeper,  suspended  from  a  post  within  the  house, 
and  which,  of  course,  can  be  hauled  up  at  will.  The  houses  are  most 
ingeniously  built,  and  are  very  firm  and  strong.  Each  house  will 
contain  from  ten  to  twelve  natives,  and  an  ample  store  of  stones  is 
kept,  which  they  throw  both  with  slings  and  with  the  hand  with 
great  force  and  precision.  At  the  foot  of  each  of  these  trees  is 
another  hut,  in  which  the  family  usually  reside,  the  tree-house  being 
only  resorted  to  at  night  and  during  times  of  expected  danger.  In 
fact,  however,  they  are  never  safe  from  surprise,  notwithstanding  all 
their  precautions,  as  the  great  object  in  life  among  the  people  is  to 
take  each  other's  heads  off. 


Nov.  15,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


393 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 

HORSE-TAILS. 
(equisetum.) 
These  form  a  very  singular  family  of  leafless  plants,  distin- 
giiisbcd  from  all  others  by  their  jointed  stems,  regularly 
whorled  brancho.^i,  and  curious  fructiticitiou.  AVe  have  in 
Britain  nine  species,  which  are  mostly  regarded  as  "vceods," 
and  rank,  in  the  estimation  of  the  illiterate  or  unobservant, 
much  on  the  same  level  as  "  Thorns  and  Thistles"  and  other 
things  that  cannot  be  too  soon  extirpated.  The  whole  genus, 
however,  is   most    interestuig  in  the   remarkable    form   and 


Eqiiisetum  sylvaticum. 

structure  of  the  plants,  and  two  at  least  of  our  native  species 
are  ornamental  in  the  highest  degree.  These  are  E.  Telmateia 
(the  Giant  Horse-tail)  andE.  sylvaticum  (the  "  Horse-tail  of  the 
woods'").  The  former  is  a  plant  of  very  noble  port  and  much 
grace  when  well-developed,  and  grows  from  .3  to  6  feet  high  in 
favourable  soil  and  positions.  The  stem  is  furnished  from  top 
to  bottom  with  spreading  whorls  of  slender,  slightly  drooping 
quadrangular  branches,  the  whole  forming  a  pyramidal  outline 
of  very  distinct  and  pleasing  effect.  It  is  a  highly  ornamental 
subject  for  planting  iu  the  hardy  Fernery,  the  artificial  bog, 


shady  peat  borders,  near  cascades,  or  among  shrubs  which 
grow  best  in  moist  hollows  in  vegetable  soil.  In  the  Botanic 
Garden,  at  Oxford,  this  plant  is  finely  grown  in  a  long  line  at 
the  back  of  a  Fernery,  presenting  a  most  graceful  appear- 
ance, and  a  most  effective  contrast  to  the  plants  in  front. 
Nearer  London,  we  may  mention  that  we  have  seen  it  culti- 
vated in  great  perfection  in  the  gardens  oE  Mr.  Wilson  Saun- 
ders,, Hillfield,  Rcigate.     Having  had  very  convincing  proofs 


f> 


%^J^~ 


A'i 


J?s 


i 


V 


Specimen  ot  Eiiuisetum  in  a  pot. 

of  the  strikingly  effective  character  of  this  plant  when  well 
grown,  we  have  been  not  a  little  surprised  to  find  that  it  has 
not  as  yet  been  thought  worthy  of  association  with  sub-tropical 
subjects  at  Battersea  Park  and  elsewhere.  We  arc  convinced 
that,  if  introduced  amongst  fine  foliage  plants  in  our  parks, 
its  beauty  would  be  speedily  recognised  and  appreciated. 

OE  a  different  character,  but  not  less  attractive  in  its  own 
style,  is  the  second  species  which  we  have  mentioned—  E. 
sylvaticum.  This  is,  compared  with  the  other,  a  dwarf  plant] 
but  one  which  is  exquisitely  graceful  when  well  grown.  It 
differs  from  all  the  other  species  iu  forming  branchinij  stems 
after  some  time,  which  iu  their  minute  and  delicate'\T,mifi- 
cations  almost  rival  the  beauty  of  some  of  the  Ferulas.  Our 
illustrations  represent,  first,  the  plant  in  the  earlier  stage  of 
its  growth,  showing,  incidentally,  the  fruiting  stems  crowned 
with  the  curious  conical  or  ovoid  fructification,  which  consists 
of  several  whorls  of  shield-shaped,  shortly-stalked  scales 
(usually  brown  or  black),  under  each  of  which  are  about  six 
or  seven  capsules  filled  with  minute  spores.  When  examined 
under  the  microscope,  each  of  these  spores  is  seen  to  have  at 
its  base  four  thread-like  filaments,  rolled  spii-ally  round  the 
spore  as  long  as  it  remains  moist,  but  uncoiling  elastically 
when  dry,  and  projecting  the  spore  to  some  distance. 

Our  second  illustration  represents  this  plant  as  grown  in  a 
pot  by  Mr.  Ware  at  the  Hale  Farm  Nurseries,  Tottenham,  and 
sketched  by  one  of  our  artists  from  a  specimen  forwarded  to 
us  by  Mr.  Ware  for  inspection.  We  must  say,  however,  that 
justice  has  not  been  done  to  the  plant  in  this  figure,  which 
fails  to  represent  the  peculiar  aspect  of  the  sub-divided',  many- 
jomted,  and  many-shoathed  branchlets,  while  at  the  same 
time  it  conveys  no  bad  general  idea  of  its  elegantly-tufted  and 
feathery  appearance.  This  plant  is  also  very  suitable  for 
rook-work  or  the  margins  of  ornamental  water.  On  rock- 
work,  however,  it  requires  to  be  looked  after,  as  it  spreads 
very  much  at  the  root,  and  is  apt  to  become  a  weed  unless  kept 
within  due  bounds.  Some  time  since  we  were  verymuch  pleased 
to  see  several  plants  of  it  growing  amongst  the  rare  Alpines 
on  the  rockery  of  Messrs.  Backhouse  &  Son,  at  York.  These 
were  self-introduced,  the  spores  or  roots  having  most  probably 
been  conveyed  iu  the  soil  used  to  furnish  the  structure  ■  ancl 
though  growmg  side  by  side  with  gems  from  Mont  Ce'nis  or 
the  Carinthian  Dolomites,  they  not  only  did  not  suo-o-est  any 
idea  of  "  weediness,"  but  even  served  very  much  to°  enhanc^ 
the  wild  beauty  of  that  noble  rock-work,  in  some  parts  of  the 
country  all  species  of  the  Horse-tails  are  familiarly  known 
amongst  farm-servants  as  the  "  Scouring  Rush,"  as  they  are' 
much  used  in  scouring  churns,  pails,  and  other  wooden  vessels. 
The  brittle  stems  contain  a  large  proportion  of  silica,  and  a 
wisp  of  them  is,  for  scrubbing  purposes,  a  kind  of  natural 
sand-paper.     Our  non-botanical  readers  should  not  confound 


394 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Nov.  15, 1873. 


any  of  these  plants  with  the  Mare's-tail  (Hippuris),  which  is  an 
aquatic  plant  of  the  CEnothera  or  Evening  Pi-imrose  family  ; 
and,  although  it  bears  a  general  resemblance  in  its  whorled 
stems  to  some  of  the  more  slender  species  of  Equisetums,  it 
has  no  affinity  with  them  whatever.  W.  M. 


BEDDING  VIOLETS. 
In  all  places  in  which  spring-bedding  is  done  well,  Pansies 
and  Violas  play  an  important  part.  The  "  Cliveden"  bedding 
Pansies  have. become  familiar  to  all  of  us.  In  some  respects, 
they  still  occupy  an  almost  pre-eminent  position ;  in  others, 
they  have  been  much  improved  upon,  but  in  some  instances 
the  demand  for  them  has  been  so  great  that  spm'ious  kinds 
have  been  substituted  for  them.  One  cause  of  this  is  to  be 
found  in  the  fact  that  these  Pansies  re-produce  themselves 
but  indifferently  from  seed,  and,  therefore,  they  require  to  be 
propagated  either  by  means  of  cuttings  or  by  root-separation 
to  maintain  stock  ;  another  cause,  too,  is  evidenced  in  the 
somewhat  indiscriminate  manner  in  which  seed  of  Pansies, 
saved  in  colours  of  blue,  yellow,  white,  and  purple,  is  sold  as 
Cliveden  seed,  whereas  it  is  but  the  produce  of  German-gi-own 
plants,  scarcely  a  single  seed  having  been  saved  from  a 
Cliveden  variety.  It  is  worthy  of  note,  moreover,  that  the 
true  Cliveden  blue  Pansy  does  not  seed,  and  that  the 
other  kinds  do  so  but  sparingly,  so  that  it  is  too  often  but  a 
species  of  deception  to  offer  seeds  purporting  to  be  from  the 
Cliveden  kind.  Since  Mr.  Fleming  made  his  particular  forms 
BO  popular,  other  raisers  have  followed  in  the  same  path, and  now 
the  name  of  bedding  Pansies  is  almost  legion.  Amongst  other 
novelties,  a  race  of  Tom  Thumb  bedding  Pansies  have  sprung 
up,  presenting  features  of  unusual  dwarfness  combined  with 
a  compact  habit  and  wonderful  bloomiug  qualities.  These 
are  eminently  adapted  for  small  beds,  or  as  carpet  plants,  or 
for  the  front  lines  of  borders,  and  are  very  hardy  and  effective. 
Since  the  day  when  Viola  cornuta  became  so  popular,  Violas 
have  improved  in  quality  to  so  great  a  degree  that  they  now 
produce  blooms  as  large  and  as  stout  as  those  of  the  ordinary 
Pansy,  while,  as  a  result  of  frequent  crossing,  the  distinction 
between  the  Viola  and  the  Pansy  is  so  slight  that  ordinary 
observers  are  puzzled  to  find  the  difference.  The  first  break 
from  the  old  V.  coi-nnta  originated  in  Viola  "  Blue  Perfection," 
the  actual  origin  of  which  is  still  unknown.  Then  came  seedlings 
of  it,  showing  comparative  improvements.  A^'iola  lutea  is  still 
remembered  as  a  small-flowered  yellow  kind,  very  dwarf,  and  a 
wondrously  free  bloomer,  and  useful  in  its  day.  Following 
this  came  Viola  lutea  graudiflora,  and  bettor  than  this  came 
V.  lutea  major  and  Dean's  Yellow  Queen,  both  robust  large- 
flowered  kinds.  Co-existent  with  these  have  also  sprung  up  a  race 
of  primrose  or  sulphur-coloui-ed  Violas,  the  best  of  which  are 
Sulphur  Queen  and  Coritande,  and  both  of  these  have  blooms 
of  a  much  better  form  than  the  pure  yellows  tave ;  they 
present  very  pleasing  hues  of  colour  in  the  flower  garden. 
We  have  at  last  a  pure  white  Viola  of  the  Lutea  strain,  and 
Messrs.  Dickson  have  pure  whites  that  differ  materially  from 
all  others  in  habit.  There  are  also  purple  self  kind  seedlings 
from  the  Perfection  family ,  and  Princess  Teck  gives  a  pleasing 
tint  of  mauve.  So  that  in  the  family  of  bedding  Violas  now 
exist  pure  tints  of  blue,  yellow,  sulphur,  white,  purple,  and 
mauve.  Among  them  the  following  are  the  most  effective  : 
Yellow  Varieties. 

liUtea  Major  (Parker).— A  vastly  improved  form  of  Lutea; 
habit,  free  and  vigorous  ;  foliage,  round  and  glossy.  Blooms  ot  good 
size,  rather  oval  in  shape,  clear  yellow,  with  a  few  dark  lines  round 
the  eye.  Blooms  early  and  continuously,  and  most  useful  either  in 
spring  or  summer. 

Yellow    Clueen    (Dean). — A  strong-growing    robust   form    of 
Lutea;    habit,   dwarf    and  spreading;     flowers,  large,  clear   straw- 
yellow  in  colour ;  foliage,  glossy  and  round.     Blooms  very  early  in 
spring,  and  continues  in  flower  all  through  the  season. 
Sulphur-eoloured  Varieties. 

Sulphur  Gueen  (Dean). — A  very  robust  and  spreading  variety 
of  Lutea ;  quite  distinct  iu  character.  Flowers,  large  and  round, 
clear  sulphur  in  colour,  with  a  few  dark  lines  round  the  eye.  Blooms 
very  early  and  continuously,  and  is  most  useful  either  in  the  spring 
or  summer  gardeTi. 

Corisande  (Dean). — This  variety  owes  its  origin  to  Lutea  crossed 
with  a  bedding  Pansy.     In  habit  it  is  dwarf  and  compact,  but  a  free 


grower;  foliage,  round  and  very  glossy;  flowers,  delicate  primrose 
in  colour,  largo  and  full,  and  borne  well  up  above  the  foliage.    Blooms 
very  early  and  continuously ;  altogether  a  first-rate  kind. 
White  Varieties. 

White  Perfection  (Dickson  &  Co.). — Habit,  robust  and  upright, 
indicating  relationship  with  Viola  stricta.  Flowers,  clear  paper- 
white,  slightly  streaked  with  violet  round  the  eye;  stout  and  rounded, 
and  of  medium  size.  A  very  showy  variety,  but  most  useful  for 
summer  bedding. 

Snowfiake  (Dickson  &  Co.) . — Habit  of  same  type  as  preceding 
flowers,  clear  waxy-white,  slightly  pencilled  round  tbo  eye,  of  a 
thick  and  leathery  substance ;  blooms  very  profusely,  and  makes  a 
most  effective  summer  bedder. 

White  Swan  (Dean). — This  is  a  clear  and  distinct  white- 
flowered  form  of  Lutea  grandiflora,  but  with  a  more  compact  habit ; 
blooms  very  early  and  continuously;  flowers  of  medium  size,  having 
a  small  blue  blotch  under  the  eye.  A  valuable  acquisition  either  for 
the  spring  or  summer  garden. 

Mauve-eoloured  Varieties. 

Advancer  (Dickson  &  Co.). — A  very  robust  grower  ;  habit, 
upright  and  branching ;  flowers,  lilac,  slightly  shaded  with  violet, 
of  medium  size,  stout,  and  rounded ;  blooms  very  profusely,  and 
makes  an  effective  bedder. 

Princess  Teck  (Dean) — Habit,  robust  and  spreading  j  foliage, 
dull  green  and  pointed  ;  flowers,  delicate  mauve,  novel  and 
distinct,  furnishing  a  tint  unobtainable  from  any  other  bedding 
plant ;  blooms  very  early  and  continuously,  and  makes  a  most  useful 
spring  and  summer-bedding  plant ;  the  flower-stalks  being  long,  the 
blooms  are  also  useful  for  gathering  in  bunches. 
Blue  Varieties. 

Blue  Perfection. — This  variety  was  found  simultaneously  both 
at  llotherfield  Park,  Hants,  and  at  Wilton,  and  it  was  sent  out  both 
by  Williams  and  Smith;  habit,  robust,  dwarf,  and  spreading;  foliage, 
deep  green  and  pointed  ;  flowers,  bluish-purple,  small,  and  thrown  well 
up.     A  good  summer  bedding  variety. 

Enchantress  (Williams). — A  seedling  from  Blue  Perfection, 
closely  resembling  it  in  habit ;  flowers,  rather  large,  and  of  a  lilac- 
purple  shade.     A  very  pleasing  summer-bedding  Violet. 

Magnificent  (Williams). — A  robust  form  of  Perfection;  blooms 
well  thrown  up,  and  deep  bluish-purple.  A  most  effective  summer 
bedder,  and  one  of  the  best  of  the  seedlings  that  have  been  raised 
from  Perfection. 

Blue  Bell  (Dean). — A  cross  between  Blue  Perfection  and  Lutea 
grandiflora ;  habit,  robust,  dwarf,  and  very  spi'eading ;  flowers  of 
good  size ;  violet,  shaded  with  bias,  having  a  few  dark  lines  round 
the  eye,  and  thrown  well  up  above  the  foliage  ;  blooms  very  con- 
tinuously all  through  the  summer,  and  late  into  the  autumn.  Most 
valuable  both  for  spring  and  summer  gardening. 

liOthair  (Dean). — Habit,  dwarf,  spreading,  and  close  ;  flowers,  of 
good  round  form  and  substance,  well  thrown  up  above  the  foliage  ; 
clear  indigo  blue  iu  colour,  with  a  slight  dark  blotch  in  the  centre, 
and  shaded  upper  petals ;  blooms  continuously  all  through  the  sum- 
mer. One  of  the  richest  coloured  violas  in  cultivation.  Keceived  a 
first-class  certificate  from  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society. 

Blue,  Border  (Dean). — White  ground,  with  heavy  blue  edging; 
blooms,  lai'ge  and  rounded ;  habit,  dwarf,  and  spreading.  A  very 
pleasing  variety,  and  one  which  makes  a  capital  summer  bed. 

Blue  Bedder. — A  seedling  from  Perfection,  evideutly  crossed 
with  some  bedding  Pansy  ;  habit,  dwarf  and  compact,  yet  vigorous  ; 
flowers,  violet-purple,  early,  and  makes  a  most  effective  bedding 
variety. 

The  Tory  (Dickson  &  Co.). — Habit,  robust;  flowers,  large, 
round,  and  of  good  substance:  colour,  blaish-plum,  with  dark  blotch 
iu  the  centre  ;  blooms  thrown  well  above  the  foliage.  A  fine  showy 
variety,  and  one  which  makes  an  effective  summer  bedder. 

Dickson's  Xing'  (Dickson  &  Co.). — Resembles  the  Tory  in 
general  habit,  and  in  size  and  shape  of  flower,  which,  however,  is 
not  so  dark  in  colour  as  the  Torj^.     A  fine  showy  kind. 

Eyebright  (Dickson  &  Co.). — Habit,  dwarf  and  compact; 
flowers,  medium  sized  and  round ;  rich  blue  in  colour,  with  golden 
eye,  surrounded  by  a  dark  disc  ;  the  blooms  resemble  small  flowers 
of  Pansy  Imperial  Blue.     A  pleasing  and  showy  variety. 

The  Favourite  (Dickson  &  Co.) — This  variety  bears  a  close 
resemblance  to  the  King  in  all  points,  and  is  not  in  any  way  superior 
to  that  variety. 

ftueen  Victoria  (Cannell). — In  general  habit  of  growth,  and 
size,  and  shape  cf  fiower  this  bears  a  close  resemblance  to  The  Tory, 
except  that  the  flowers  have  more  blue  in  them  than  that  variety. 
An  effective  and  showy  summer  bedder,  and  one  of  the  best  of  this 
jiarticular  class. 

Cultural  hints  respecting  this  class  of  plants  ni.ay  not  be 
out  of  place.     Ju.st  now,  after  these  fine  autumn  ruins,  young 


Nov.  15, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


395 


shoots  are  tlirowu  up  from  the  base  of  the  plant,  in  some  sorts 
abundantly,  and  in  others  but  sparingly.  All  these  bottoms 
should  at  once  be  lifted,  and  carefully  pulled  to  pieces,  the 
rooted  shoots  being  dibbled  thickly  into  some  fine  sandy  soil, 
and  the  cuttings  put  into  boxes  or  pans  under  glass,  the 
former  will  make  good  flowering  plants  for  the  spring,  and 
the  latter  for  the  summer.  "Where  Violas  or  Pansies  are  to  be 
used  for  both  spring  and  summer  bedding  displays  it  is  most 
advisable  to  put  out  as  strong  plants  as  possible  for  the  first 
purpose  in  November,  and  a  succession  of  late-struck  cuttings 
should  be  kept  for  the  summer  iise.  The  stronger  the  plants 
put  out  in  autumn  the  earlier  and  better  will  be  the  spring 
bloom.  The  Pansy  delights  in  a  deep  cool  soil,  not  too  highly 
manured,  as  that  only  induces  rank  growth.  A  top-dressing 
of  sifted  pot  soil  once  in  the  summer,  just  after  a  good  soaking 
rain,  also  assists  greatly  to  prolong  the  blooming  period. 

A.  D. 


ALTERNANTHBEA  AMCENA  SPECTABILIS. 
This  plant  having  been  distributed  at  a  late  period  of  the  season,  by 
the  time  that  I  was  supplied  with  it  there  was  no  chance  of  getting 
plants  of  a  sufficient  size  to  enable  me  to  estimate  aright  its  real 
value  in  comparison  with  amceua,  which  it  so  much  resembles  in  the 
colour  of  the  leaf.  It  is,  however,  much  stronger  and  more  robust  in 
growth,  and  in  this  respect  I  find  it  a  decided  acquisition,  growing 
freely  and  producing  its  rose-coloured  leaves  in  great  perfection 
under  glass,  fully  verifying  the  description  given  of  it  by  Messrs. 
Heridei'son.  Should  the  same  freeness  and  brilliancy  of  leaf -colouring 
be  maintained  when  planted  out  in  the  flower-garden  it  will  not  lose 
its  effectiveness  by  being  placed  in  juxtaposition  with  amcena,  or 
any  of  the  varieties  in  this  popular  group  of  decorative  plants.  For, 
charmingly  effective  and  lovely  as  the  brilliant  leaf-tints  of  amcena 
are  where  grown  in  a  congenial  soil  and  climate,  it  is,  upon  the  whole, 
far  too  tender  in  constitution,  and  uncertain  in  its  behaviour,  to  bo 
generally  relied  upon;  and,  unless  when  grown  in  exceptionably 
snug  and  warm  positions,  it  does  but  little  good.  It  is  to  be  hoped 
that  in  A.  a.  spectabilis  we  have  foand  a  real  acquisition, 
as  there  is  a  growing  demand  for  this  class  of  plants.  And 
as  the  subject  of  these  remarks  has  been  so  extensively  circu- 
lated, it  will  be  desirable  to  know  something  of  its  behaviour  out 
of  doors  during  the  present  season.  Nothing  can  be  more  disap- 
pointing than  planting  out  large  quantities  of  plants,  relying  solely 
upon  vendors'  descriptions,  which  are  frequently  over-colonred. 
Although  I  have  every  hope  and  confidence,  from  the  behaviour  of 
this  plant  under  glass,  of  its  future  in  the  open  air,  I  cannot  vouch 
for  its  colour  being  maintained  ;  and  this  is  more  particularly  the 
point  desirable  to  be  ascertained.  I  did  not  observe  that  this  plant 
has  been  used  in  any  of  the  large  garden  arrangements  about 
Loudon.  It  would  save  much  vexatious  disappointment  were  all 
new  plants  of  this  class  subjected  to  an  independent  medium  of 
trial,  and  grown  out  of  doors  in  sufficient  quantities  to  thoroughly 
test  their  relative  merits  before  sending  them  out.  There  is  no 
doubt  that  some  are  submitted  to  the  proper  authorities  for  decision, 
but  then  it  very  often  happens  that  such  plants  are  fostered  under 
glass,  and  vary  so  much  in  point  of  character,  when  planted  out,  as 
to  be  scarcely  recognisable.  Any  one  who  has  proved  the  bedding 
merits  of  Alternanthera  a.  spectabilis,  will  confer  a  benefit  on  others 
and  on  myself  by  describing  its  behaviour  when  planted  out. 

Geo.  Westland. 


GARDEN    DESTROYERS. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 


Terra-cotta  Vases. — May  these  be  safely  left  out  of  doors  all  winter,  or 
must  I  move  them  under  cover?— Q.  [Terra-cotta  will  resist  any  amount  of 
frost.  Your  vases  may,  therefore,  stand  out  all  winter,  even  with  the  earth  in 
them,  and  will  not  be  injured.] 

Salvia  scal)iosaBfolia-— This  is  a  little-known,  but  very  handsome  hardy 
plant  from  Asia  Minor,  which  endures  om-  winters  uninjured,  aud  produces  an 
abundance  of  delicately-coloured  pink  and  white  flowers.  It  grows  freely  in 
almost  any  kind  of  soil,  and  forms  dense  tufts  about  2  feet  high,  the  foliage  of 
which,  in  summer,  is  completely  hidden  beneath  the  numerous  blooms. — S. 

Sagittaria  japonica  florepleno-— As  an  ornamental  aquatic  plant,  this  is 
superior  to  our  own  native  &pecies  (S.  sagitt^foUa),  not  only  for  the  sake  of 
its  double  flowers,  but  because  its  characteristic  arrow-shaped  leaves  last  much 
longer,  forming  a  more  permanent  ornament  of  the  piece  of  water  in  which 
they  are  planted.  A  few  roots  stuck  in  the  mud  soon  multiply  the  plants  to 
anj'  desired  amount. — H,  P. 

Lawn  Sand.— This  certainly  has  the  effect  of  clearing  lawns  of  weeds.  Mr. 
Pierpoint,  seedsman,  Warrington,  who  wished  to  try  its  effects  before  sending 
it  to  his  customers,  selected,  as  a  trial  ground,  a  space  of  Grass  on  which  was 
a  large  quantity  of  Daisies.  The  effect  on  the  portions  tried  was  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  Daisies  and  the  improvement  of  the  Grass.  It  may,  therefore,  be 
safely  said  that  it  not  only  kills  weeds,  but  that  it  also  acts'as  a  manure. — 
Edwakd  Gbeen,  Sank  Furk^  W(irrin</fon, 


ON  BEETLES  WHICH  INJURE  CONIPERiE. 

By  WILLIAM  TIVBNDALE,  Houston. 

I.\  the  spring  of  1865,  I  was  requested  by  a  landed  proprietor  to  look 
at  three  young  plantations  which  were  very  much  damaged  by  the 
ravages  of  insects,  and  to  suggest  if  anything  could  be  done  to  get 
rid  of  them.  On  inspecting  these  plantations,  I  found  that  the  trees 
had  been  three  years  planted,  on  ground  previously  occupied  by  a 
crop  of  trees,  principally  Scotch  Pine,  and  that  the  insect  which  had 
done  so  much  damage  to  the  trees  were  the  wood  beetles — Hylobius 
abietis  of  Germar,  and  Hylurgus  piniperda  of  Fabricius,  two  of  the 
most  destructive  peats  that  aboriculturists  have  to  contend  with. 
The  number  of  trees  destroyed  by  these  beetles  exceeded  140,000 
In  tract  No.  1,  extent  16  acres,  planted  with  Scotch  and  Austraiu 
Pines,  Larch,  and  a  few  Spruce  and  Silver  Firs,  at  3  feet  apart,  more 
than  half  of  the  trees  were  completely  destroyed ;  in  tract  No.  2, 
extent  13  acres,  planted  at  3  feet  apart,  with  Scotch  Pine,  Larch,  and 
a  few  Spruce,  more  than  two-thirds  were  rendered  useless  ;  and  in 
tract  No.  3,  extent  14V  acres,  not  a  living  plant  was  seen,  save  about 
a  dozen  of  Larches  in  a  corner  of  the  plantation  which  was  a  little 
damp,  and  even  these  were  injured  to  such  an  extent  that  they  did 
not  look  likely  to  live  over  the  summer.  On  reporting  this  state  of 
matters  to  the  proprietor,  he  expressed  his  determination  to  get  rid 
of  the  pests,  if  possible,  in  No.  1  and  No.  2  plantations  ;  bnt  as  there 
were  no  plants  in  No.  3  worth  saving,  he  put  cattle  in  to  graze  for  a 
year  or  two,  to  see  if  that  would  tend  to  diminish  the  evil. 

Hylobius  abietis  is  4  inch  long,  -j  inch  in  circumference,  of  a 
bright  grey  colour,  and  beautifully  spotted  over  the  cases  of  the 
wings.  Its  makes  its  depredations  upon  all  sorts  of  Coniferaa,  but  the 
Scotch  Pine  is,  doubtless,  its  favourite.  In  its  attack  upon  the  tree, 
it  generally  begins  immediately  above  the  surface  of  the  ground,  and 
eats  greedily  the  bark  all  round,  and  gradually  upwards,  leaving  the 
trees  peeled  into  the  alburnum,  when  they  soon  die.  In  the  case  of 
older  trees,  it  makes  no  attempt  to  eat  the  rough  bark  on  the  bole, 
but  seeks  its  way  to  the  branches,  and  preys  upon  their  tender  bark. 
Here  it  does  not  eat  the  bark  all  round  as  it  does  on  the  stems  of 
the  3'ouug  tree,  but  makes  an  attack  here  and  there  on  the  upper 
side  of  the  branch,  and  seldom,  if"  ever,  makes  a  second  attack  at 
precisely  the  same  place  which  is  the  cause  of  their  being  far  less 
injurious  to  large  than  to  small  trees.  I  find  that  the  wounds  they 
make  in  the  bark  of  the  branch  soon  heals,  leaving  the  tree  little  tlie 
worse.  Hylurgus  piniperda  is  a  small  dark-coloured  beetle,  3.16ths  of 
an  inch  long,  and  about  l-16th  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  It  attacks  the 
young  trees  in  the  same  way  as  I  have  described,  but  upon  older  trees 
it  has  a  different  mode  of  working.  It  bores  into  the  centre  of  the 
last  formed  terminal  shoot,  eats  through  the  pith,  seldom  making  its 
exit  till  it  has  arrived  at  the  base  of  the  bud,  when  it  desends  in 
search  of  another  shoot  to  destroy  in  the  same  way ;  the  shoots  thus 
robbed  of  their  pith  soon  wither,  and  hang  on  the  trees  for  months 
before  they  drop  off.  Five  years  ago,  a  number  of  Weymouth  Pines 
under  my  charge  were  fearfully  infested  with  this  insect,  fully  half  of 
the  terminal  shoots  of  the  branches  were  hanging — brown,  yellow,  and 
sickly  by  its  ravages.  I  had  all  the  affected  shoots  cut  off  with  the 
15ole  shears,  gathered  carefully,  and  burned  in  a  brisk  fire.  A  cure 
was  the  result,  the  trees  being  now  in  a  vigorous  growing  state,  and 
apparently  none  the  worse  for  having  had  such  a  quantity  of  their 
young  shoots  cut  off. 

Having  shortly  described  the  two  beetles,  their  modes  of  operation, 
and  the  best  method  of  getting  rid  of  the  small  beetle  upon  large 
trees,  I  shall  now  detail  our  method  of  gettting  rid  of  both  kinds  of 
beetles  in  the  young  plantations  referred  to.  The  first  thiug 
I  did  was  to  pare  off  all  the  Grass  from  8  to  10  inches  round  the  trees 
that  were  not  affected,  aud  those  that  were  affected,  but  likely  to 
recover ;  this  had  a  considerable  tendency  to  keep  the  beetles  off 
the  trees,  and  made  them  easier  seen  when  they  were  upon  them. 
We  then  got  a  few  carts  of  Scotch  Fir  branches  from  a  recently 
thinned  plantation,  had  all  the  small  twigs  and  the  most  of  the  leaves 
cut  off  them,  then  we  laid  the  branches  here  and  there  between  the 
plants  all  over  the  plantations ;  the  beetles  congregated  upon  and  under 
the  branches,  and  preyed  upon  them  with  voracious  avidity  ;  a  number 
of  boys  were  set  to  gather  the  beetles  off  the  trees  and  the  branches. 
Each  boy  was  supplied  with  a  small  glass  phial,  suspended  by  a 
cord  from  a  button-hole  of  his  jacket  to  allow  the  bottle  to  hang 
straight  while  the  boy  stooped  in  search  of  the  beetles  ;  each  bottlo 
had  a  wooden  stopper.  The  boys,  with  a  careful  old  man  in  charge 
to  see  that  they  did  their  work  properly,  searched  the  branches  and 
trees  for  the  beetles,  which  preyed  in  great  numbers  on  and  under 
the  branches.  Not  one  beetle  of  either  kind  was  found  upon  the 
young  trees  for  fifty  that  were  upon  the  branches,  which  had  to  be 
lifted  with  great  care,  otherwise  the  beetles  would  drop  from  them 


396 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Nov.  15, 1873. 


amongst  the  Grass  and  be  lost  for  the  time ;  the  beetles  were  often 
found  lying  on  their  backs  when  the  branch  was  lifted,  so  that  it  was 
necessary  to  look  where  the  branch  had  marked  the  Grass,  for  even 
with  the  utmost  care  in  lifting  it  some  of  them  quit  their  hold.  I 
have  seen  a  boy  take  seven  beetles,  largo  and  small,  off  one  branch, 
or  rather  stick,  about  SJ-  feet  long  ;  branches  are  better  to  be  a  little 
heavy,  as  they  lie  more  firmly  on  the  Grass,  and  more  readily  arrest 
the  progress  of  the  beetles  in  search  of  food.  The  beetles  generally 
begin  their  devastations  about  the  middle  of  April,  and  carry  on  the 
work  of  destruction  till  the  middle  of  June ;  then  few  are  to  be 
found  till  the  beginning  of  August,  when  they  again  become  more 
numerous  till  about  the  middle  of  September,  after  which  there  is 
scarcely  one  to  be  found,  even  in  places  where  they  have  not  been 
destroyed.  I  have  heard  it  said  that  the  best  time  to  gather  beetles 
was  at  4  a.m.,  as  that  was  their  j^rincipal  feeding  time.  In  my 
experience  this  is  not  the  case.  I  have  looked  for  them  from 
between  3  and  4  A.ir.  to  between  9  and  10  p.5I.,  and  invariably  found 
them  most  numerous  npon  these  trees  and  branches  from  8  to  11  A.>r., 
and  from  4  to  7  p.m.,  and  on  wet  days  they  are  only  found  on  the 
under  side  of  the  branches.  They  keep  well  in  the  shade  both  on 
the  trees  and  the  branches  when  the  heat  of  the  sun  is  strong ;  they 
neither  like  much  heat  nor  much  cold. 

We  gathered  the  beetles  in  the  two  plantations  for  five  weeks  in  the 
spring,  and  three  weeks  in  the  autumn  of  1865,  and  the  number 
destroyed  was  15,100.  We  gathered  again  in  the  following  spring, 
when  we  captured  2,300,  and  in  the  autumn  we  only  got  100  ;  total, 
17,500  beetles.  I  do  not  think  we  collected  more  than  one  small  beetle 
for  twenty  of  the  large  ones.  The  lieetles  were  counted  by  the  man 
in  charge  at  dinner-time  and  at  night.  Each  boy's  gathering  was 
marked  in  a  book  ;  the  boys  knew  this  was  done  and  it  made  them 
strive  with  each  other  who  would  gather  most.  The  beetles  were 
counted  upon  a  large  flat  stone,  and  after  the  number  was  ascertained 
they  were  destroyed  with  a  small  flat  stone.  These  plantations  were 
beat  up  with  Weeping  Birch,  Plane,  Scotch  Fir,  and  Larch,  in  the 
spring  of  1S67,  and  are  growing  well  without  any  appearance  of 
beetles.  Plantation  No.  3,  after  cattle  being  in  it  for  three  years, 
had  to  be  cleared  of  tlie  beetles  in  the  same  way  as  Nos.  1  and  2. 
They  were  only  gathered  one  season,  however,  before  planting.  Pits 
were  made  for  all  the  principals,  which  should  be  done  in  old  Scotch 
Fir  ground  ;  this  plantation,  too,  is  doing  well.  When  it  is  desired  to 
plant  immediately  after  a  crop  of  Scotch  Fir  is  cut  down  and  cleared 
away,  it  should  be  proved  whether  the  ground  is  in  a  foul  state  or  not. 
This  can  be  done  by  keepinga  quantity  of  the  branches  when  burning 
no  all  the  brush,  and  have  them  spread  over  the  ground  in  spring, 
when  it  will  soon  be  seen  if  beetles  are  thei'e,  and  if  they  are,  gather 
them  during  spring  and  autumn.  Plant  during  the  winter  months, 
pit  all  the  principals,  i.e.,  the  Hardwood  and  Scotch  Firs,  and  slit  the 
Larches,  strew  a  quantity  of  fresh  branches  over  the  ground  in  the 
following  spring,  gather  the  beetles  this  year  again,  and  there  will 
bo  little  fear  of  the  plants  being  afterwards  injured.  I  have  planted 
Scotch  Fir  on  ground  which  had  been  under  a  crop  of  Scotch  Fir 
immediately  after  the  trees  were  cut  down  and  cleared  away,  and 
none  of  the  plants  were  injured  by  beetles  ;  but  this  plantation  was 
under  the  management  of  an  able  forester,  who  always  kept  his  woods 
in  first-class  order,  and  never  allowed  Scotch  Fir  branches  to  lie  and 
rot  on  the  ground.  As  a  proof  that  the  decaying  branches  of  Scotch 
Fir  trees  are  not  only  a  harbour  for,  but  the  origin  of  beetles,  I  will 
give  an  instance.  Six  years  ago  I  lifted  as  many  Scotch  Firs  and 
Spruces,  out  of  a  plantation  which  required  thinning  for  the  first  time, 
as  was  sufficient  to  plant  an  acre  of  ground  for  a  screen  ;  after  these 
were  lifted,  I  thinned  the  plantation,  and  in  consequence  of  other 
estate  improvemente  going  on,  there  was  not  time  to  bui-n  the-branches, 
and  they  were  left  to  rot  on  the  ground.  I  never  detected  the 
slightest  appeai'ance  of  beetles  in  this  plantation  previous  to  the 
thinning  nor  after  it  till  this  spring,  when  I  found  many  of  the  side 
branches  had  been  attacked  by  the  large  beetle — Hylobius  abietis 
It  the  beetles  had  been  on  the  trees  previous  to  this  thinning,  those 
that  were  lifted  would  likely  have  had  them  too,  but  upon  those 
there  was  not  a  beetle  nor  the  trace  of  a  beetle  to  be  found.  There- 
fore  I  advise  all  Scotch  Fir  rubbish  to  be  gathered  and  burned  up  as 
a  great  means  of  getting  rid  of  beetles. 


Peat  Fuel. — The  Royal  Dublin  Society  has  appointed  a  com. 
mittee  to  ascei-tain  whether  peat  could  be  advantageously  bui-nt  in  a 
Siemens's  regenerative  gas-furnace.  The  answer  is  favourable,  and 
there  is  every  reason  to  hope  that  the  millions  of  acres  of  Irish  bog 
will  ere  loug  be  turned  to  good  profit.  The  regenerative  furnace  can 
be  applied  to  so  many  purposes  in  metallurgy  and  pottery-work,  that 
there  can  be  no  question  of  failure  of  demand,  if  the  fuel  can  only  be 
produced  in  a  fit  state.  It  is  in  a  furnace  of  this  description  that  Mr. 
Siemens  makes  steel  direct  from  the  ore. 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 

TAPINOTES  CAROLINL-E. 
Tins  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  all  stove  flowering  and 
foliage  plants,  and  it  deserves  to  be  more  generally  cultivated 
than  it  is.  It  has  also  an  interesting  and  melancholy  history 
connected  with  it,  having  been  discovered  and  named  by  the 
late  Emperor  Maximilian,  an  accomplished  botanist,  who, 
being  struck  by  the  beauty  of  the  plant,  named  it  in  honour 
of  his  unfortunate  consort  the  Empress  Caroline.  Its  foliage 
is  olive-green  above,  slightly  hairy,  and  shining  as  if  varnished, 
while  below  the  leaves  are  vivid  purple.  It  flowers  nearly  all 
the  year  round,  and  bears  blossoms  of  snowy  whiteness,  not 
unlike  those  of  a  Gloxinia  in  shape,  but  with  the  mouth 
curved  upwards.  It  grows  very  freely  in  an  ordinary  plant 
stove,  and  delights  in  a  fresh  open  peaty  compost  and  in  a 
humid  atmosphere.  When  not  in  flower  it  is  highly  orna- 
mental on  account  of  its  foliage,  which  has  a  metallic  lustre 
not  found  in  any  other  Gesneraceous  plant  with  which  we 
are  acquainted.  B. 


PRBPAKIKG  POTTING  SOIL. 
The  first  requisite  for  good  cultivation  is  good  soil.  In  many  gardens 
manure,  loam,  &c.,  may  be  seen,  each  in  sej:)arate  heaps,  to  be  after- 
wards mixed  in  various  proportions.  I  think  this  is  a  mistake, 
manure  decayed  by  itself  is  subject  to  great  loss,  and  by  the  time  it 
is  reduced  to  a  soil  represents  but  a  very  small  part  of  its  original 
value.  But  this  is  not  the  only  mistake.  Soil  mixed  with  decayed 
manure  just  before  it  is  used  is  not  at  all  what  it  might  have  been  if 
properly  prepared.  Many  young  farmers  in  taking  worn-out  land 
liave  thought  that  by  heavy  dressings  of  manure  and  lime,  the}-  could 
immediately  restore  its  fertility.  What  has  been  the  result  ? 
Corn  crops  running  to  leaf  in  place  of  producing  good  samples 
of  corn;  Wheat  mildewed,  laid,  aud  rotten,  instead  of  stiff  straw 
and  heavy  ears  of  golden  grain.  Experience  has  taught  many 
of  us  that  it  takes  six  or  seven  years  of  good  farming  to  restore  worn- 
out  land.  Now,  why  is  this  ?  Because,  to  get  the  best  results,  we 
require  the  formation  of  chemical  compounds  between  soil  and  manure. 
In  the  same  way,  if  we  require  good  potting-soil,  it  should  be  prepared 
for  our  plants.  Say  you  require  some  rich  soil  preparing,  to  be  after- 
wards mixed  for  use  as  may  be  necessary.  Place  a  layer  of  good 
loam,  say  G  inches  thick,  cover  it  with  fresh  manure  out  of  the  stable- 
yard  to  the  same  thickness,  on  this  put  another  layer  of  soil,  cover 
again  with  manure,  and  so  on  till  your  heap  is  finished.  Ton  will 
then  have  a  heap  of  equal  bulk  of  manure  and  soil.  The  manure  will 
now  decay  without  loss,  it  will  combine  with  the  soil,  and  make  a  rich 
heap  of  compost,  which,  after  a  few  weeks,  will  be  tender  enough  to 
be  easily  chopped  down  and  mixed  together,  and  may  then  remain 
any  time  till  wanted.  Such  a  compost,  when  mixed  with  a  little 
fresh  turfy  loam,  will  be  found  very  valuable  for  potting  Vines, 
Geraniums,  Fuchsias,  &o.,  and  is  far  the  best  way  to  use  manure  in 
all  pot  culture.  J.  W.  Peauso.v. 

Chilwell. 


RAPID   POTTING. 

The  statement  made,  not  long  since  by  Mr.  Peter  Ilendei'sou, 
of  Jersey  City,  N.J.,  that  one  of  his  workmen  had  potted  10,000 
plants  in  ten  hours  having  been  disputed  by  Mr.  11.  E.  Chitty, 
of  the  Belle-vue  Nurseries,  Patterson,  Mr.  Henderson  replies,  as 
follows,  in  The  GarJeuer's  Monthhj  : — "  In  your  September  number, 
Mr.  Chitty,  says,  in  substance,  that  it  is  impossible  that  the  number  of 
Verbenas — 10,000  in  ten  hours — which  I  stated  as  having  been 
potted  by  one  of  my  workman,  James  Markey,  on  the  8th  of  May 
last,  could  have  been  done  well.  They  were  done  so  well  that  nearly 
all  were  sold  in  four  weeks  from  the  time  of  potting,  with  a  loss  of 
less  than  one  per  cent,  dead  in  the  whole  lot.  As  I  stated  before, 
Markey's  average  work  is  5,000  per  day — of  some  things  he  accom- 
plishes more,  of  some  things  less;  for  instance,  to-day,  I  find  on 
examination,  he  has  potted  nearly  7,000  Smilax  plants  in  2  j-inch 
pots  ;  tomorrow,  should  he  be  potting  Rose  cuttings,  he  probably  will 
not  run  over  3,000.  Markey's  work  is  nearly  exclusively  that  of 
potting  off  cuttings,  and  has  been  so  for  the  past  three  years.  Mr. 
Chitty  says  that  in  potting  off  cuttings,  it  is  necessary  to  make  proper 
"  disposition  of  the  roots,"  which  I  suppose  means  that  the  roots 
require  to  be  spread  out.  This  we  might  grant  if  the  propagator  did 
not  know  enough,  or  was  careless  enough  not  to  pot  off  his  cuttings 
until  the  roots  became  so  long  that  they  needed  spreading  ;  but  any 
propagator,  that  properly  knows  his  business,  will  pot  off  as  soon  as 
roots  are  emitted,  never  letting  them  be  longer  than  an  inch  when 


Nov.  15, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


397 


possible.  Aucl  in  many  soft-woodotl  plants,  snch  as  Geraniums,  there 
is  no  necessity  for  waiting  until  the  cutting  is  rooted  at  all,  when 
well  calloused  they  root  just  as  quickly  in  the  small  pots." 


THE  COEAL  ^CHMEA. 


(,ECHME.V   rULGENS.) 

MvNV  Bronioliads  are  extremely  elegant  in  habit,  require  but 
little  attention  to  grow  tlicm  in  perfeotiou,  and  form  very 
cft'ectivc  decorative  plants  for  the  greenhouse,  stove,  or 
drawing-room.  Some  species  arc  voi-y  hardy  in  constitution, 
and  remarkablj'  tenacious  of  life  ;  indeed,  they  may  be  grown 
with  less  trouble  than  any  other  class  of  plants,  if  wc  except 
.succulents.  The  plant,  of  which  wo  now  give  an  illustration, 
forms  a  striking  object  in  a  conservatory  or  drawing-room 
vase,  especially  when  bearing  clusters  of  coral-coloured  purple- 
tipped  flowers.  The  leaves  are  bright  green,  robust  in 
character,  and  gracefully  recurved.  Its  flower-spikes  con- 
tinue in  perfection  for  several  weeks  at  a  time,  and  form  con- 
spicuous objects.  Nearly  all  the  Bromeliads  grow  vigorously 
in  good  sandy  loam,  to  which  a  little  leaf-mould  may  be 
added,  and  they  should  be  liberally  supplied,  when  growing, 
with  water  at  the  roots.  A  little  clear  manuro-watei-,  too, 
strengthens  them  in  a  marked  degree,  and  assists  them  in 


J^climea  fulgens. 


producing  strong  flower-spikes.  Bromeliads  ars  easily  propa- 
gated by  taking  the  off-sets  produced  by  the  old  flowering 
plants,  and  potting  them  at  once  in  small  pots,  which  may  be 
plunged  in  a  geutle  bottom  heat  until  well  rooted,  after  which 
they  may  be  encouraged  to  make  good  growth,  and  will  gene- 
rally produce  flowers  the  second  year ;  but,  for  decorative  pur- 
poses, this  plant  is  always  handsome  either  in  or  out  of  bloom. 

B. 


I^OTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  GARDEN. 


Shading  for  a  Fernery.— In  my  note  in  TtiE  G-iRDEif  {see  page  355), 
"scriui  cauvas  "  has  been  misprinted  for  "  screen  canvas." — T.  Baines. 

Fuclisia  corymbiflora. — This  now  apparently  forgotten  plant  deserves  to 
be  again  Ijrought  into  notice  ;  for,  when  planted  in  the  bed  of  a  conservatory, 
and  well  fowered,  it  has  few  equals  in  point  of  beauty.  When  grown  as  a 
standard,  it  occupies  but  httle  room,  and  if  placed  where  its  wood  can  get  well 
ripened,  it  flowei-s  in  its  proper  season  most  profusely.  It  also  makes  a  good 
pillar  plant. — K. 

Packing  Camellia  Flowers.— I  have  packed  some  thousands  of  these  for 
market  and  otherwise,  and  adopted  many  different  ways, the  best  of  which  I 
■will  endeavour  to  describe.  Get  large  round  Potatoes,  cut  them  square,  and 
pack  them  tightly  at  the  bottom  o^  the  box  ;  place  over  them  two  thin  pieces 
of  wood  to  keep  them  from  moving.  Cut  the  flowers,  making  the  end  of  the 
branch  on  which  they  are  set  pointed,  and  stick  them  into  the  Potatoes  firmly 
and  thinly.'let  the  box  be,  of  course,  deeper  than  the  height  of  the  leaves,  so  that 
the  lid  will'not  touch  them  ;  if  cut  when  in  bud,  or  not  too  full  blown  they  will 
keep  a  week  as  fresh  as  when  first  cut.— R.  Gilbeet,  BurghUy  Gardens, 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

NEW  GRAPES. 
Mr.  Fowler,  of  Castle  Kennedy,  the  celebrated  Grape  grower,  speaks 
aa  follows  of  the  now  Grapes  in  the  Florist : — 

Ot  late  years  a  very  largo  number  of  new  Grapes  has  been  intro. 
duced,  and  brought  prominently  under  the  notice  of  horticnl- 
turists.  Some  of  these  varieties  possess  considerable  merit, 
and  consequently  have  found  their  way  into  general  cultiva- 
tion, but  none  of  them  to  the  extent  of  such  old  favourites 
as  the  Black  Hamburgh  or  Muscat  of  Alexandria ;  still  they  have 
displaced  and  are  displacing  many  of  the  old  varieties  which  were  iu 
cultivation  twenty  or  thirty  years  ago,  such  as  West's  St.  Peter's,  Sweet- 
water, and  the  Black,  Grizzly,  and  White  Frontignans,  &c.  Although 
we  have  not  been  able  to  introduce  any  new  sorts  likely  to  displace 
the  two  old  favourite  varieties  named  above,  it  must  be  admitted  we 
are  making  very  considerable  progress,  more,  however,  in  improved 
appearance,  including  compactness  and  symmetry  of  bunch  and  size 
of  berry  than  in  superiority  of  flavour,  for  doubtless  it  will  be 
diiHcult  to  smimss  the  old  Frontignans  in  that  respect.  Many  of 
the  newer  kinds  possess  some  really  valuable  qualities,  and  are  often, 
in  many  respects,  decided  improvements  on  older  sorts ;  but  it  is 
somewhat  unfortunate,  though  not  the  less  true,  that  most,  certainly 
not  all  of  them,  have  some  serious  defector  defects,  totally  disqualifying 
them  for  general  cultivation.  What  greatly  adds  to  the  difficulty  of 
deciding  which  kinds  are  worthy,  and  which  kinds  are  not  worthy  of 
general  cultivation,  is  the  want  of  uniformity  in  the  development  of 
the  defects— in  one  place  a  variety  being  all  that  could  be  desired  ; 
in  another  with  the  conditions  apparently  similar,  all  but  worthless. 
As  the  season  is  again  coming  round  for  selecting  and  planting  Vines, 
the  following  remarks  on  some  of  the  more  recently  introduced  sorts 
may  not  be  nniuteresting  : — 

Golden  Hamburgh.. — I  have  frequently  seen  this  variety  grown 
from  5  lb  to  61b  weight,  and  finished  in  the  best  style,  at  Lochryan 
House,  the  residence  of  Sir  Wm.Wallace,  Bart.,  and  grownon an  atjrated 
border.  When  thus  grovi'n,  it  is  certainly  one  of  our  showiest,  and 
one  of  our  finest-flavoured  Grapes ;  but  it  labours  under  the  serious 
disadvantage  of  having  a  weak  constitution,  and  unless  grown  under 
the  most  favourable  conditions,  is  seldom  seen  in  a  good  state.  It 
has  an  additional  defect,  in  that  it  does  not  hang  well  after  becoming 
ripe.  If  this  Grape  had  the  constitution  of  a  Trebbiano,  it  would  be 
invaluable. 

Foster's  White  Seedling. — A  white  Grape,  which  was  iutro- 
duced  with  a  considerable  llourish  of  trumpets  some  years  ago.  It 
possesses  nu  small  merit  as  an  early  forcer,  and  for  pot-culture. 
When  planted  out  iu  rich  borders,  however,  it  cracks  at  the  junction 
with  the  foot-stalks,  just  before  ripening.  I  have  ic  consequence 
ceased  to  grow  it. 

Duchess  of  Buccleuch. — Perhaps  the  finest-flavouied  of  all 
Grapes,  not  yielding  the  palm  to  the  old  Frontignans,  of  which  it  is 
apparently  a  seedling.  It  is  a  strong-growing  variety,  with  a  good 
constitution,  producing  large  bunches  with  small  berries.  It  should 
be  used  soon  after  being  cut,  as  the  fruit  soon  becomes  discoloured. 

White  Lady  Downe's. — It  very  much  resembles  in  all  respects 
the  Black  Lady  Downe's  (except  in  the  colour),  of  which  it  appears  to 
be  a  seedling,  and  should  be  grown  as  a  companion  to  that  invaluable 
late  Grape. 

Madresfield  Court  Black  Muscat.— This  is  one  of  the  newer 
Grapes  about  which  there  is  great  variety  of  opinion,  some  lauding 
it  highly,  and  others  condemning  it  as  worthless  on  account  of  its 
propensity  to  crack  in  the  ripening  process.  When  it  does  well,  it  is 
certainly  a  first-class  Grape.  The  bunches  are  compact  and  medium- 
sized,  the  berries  are  large,  and  the  flavour  is  very  good.  It  does 
not  hang  very  long  after  being  ripe. 

Gros  Colman. — A  fine-looking  late  Grape,  of  commanding 
appearance.  The  bunches  are  very  symmetrical,  of  medium  size,  and 
very  compact;  the  berries  of  the  largest  size,  the  colour  jet-black, 
the  bloom  perfect.  The  constitution  is  strong,  but  the  flavour  is  not 
fine  till  quite  ripe,  when  it  improves  very  much.  Its  principal  merits 
are  its  keeping  qualities  and  fine  appearance. 

Muscat  Hamburgh. — Where  it  succeeds,  this  is  one  of  the 
grandest  of  all  Grapes,  producing  large  bunches  and  large  berries  ;  I 
have  grown  and  shown  it  upwards  of  7  lbs.  weight.  Its  flavoar  is 
exquisite,  particularly  when  it  is  allowed  to  hang  till  it  begins  to 
shrivel.  It  appears  to  do  best  on  a  warm,  aerated,  or  newly-formed 
border  of  turf,  which  is  much  the  same  as  an  artificially  aerated 
border,  the  air  penetrating  freely  to  every  part  of  it,  and  consequently 
increasiug  its  temperatm'e.  When  the  border  gets  old  and  solid,  it 
necessarily  becomes  colder,  and  the  Muscat  Hamburgh  under  this 
condition  does  not  thrive  so  well  on  its  own  roots.  It  does  best 
grafted  on  the  Black  Hamburgh.  This  season  the  berries  were  one. 
third  larger  on  the  grafted  plants ;  but  for  a  few  years  after  the 


3^8 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Nov.  15,  isn. 


borders  were  first  formed,  the  buuclies  and    berries  were  largest 
where  gro^^'n  on  its  own  roots. 

Mrs.  Pince's  Black  Muscat. —  This  is  another  new  Grape 
which  ]ias  a  good  many  admirers.  When  well  grown,  the  bunches 
are  large,  and  berries  above  medium. size,  and  when  quite  ripe  a 
limited  amount  of  Muscat  flavour  is  observable.  It  has  a  robust  con- 
stitution, hangs  well,  and  will  be  useful  as  a  late  keeper.  It  has  the 
defect  of  seldom  colouring  well,  and  takes  a  long  time  to  ripen 
thoroughly,  requiring  fully  as  much  heat  as  a  Muscat- of  Alexandria 
to  mature  it — a  serious  drawback  in  these  days  of  high-priced  coal. 

Muscat  Champion. — A  really  useful  variety,  with  stumpy 
b\inches  aud  large  berries.  The  flavour  is  a  fine  strong  Muscat ;  but 
its  grizzly-brown  colour  is  against  it  as  regards  appearance,  aud  its 
coustitution  is  not  good. 

Golden  Champion. — A  Grape  which  has  an  extraordinary  com. 
bination  of  good  points,  but,  unfortunately,  it  has  one  serious  defect 
— its  liability  to  spot  wheu  ripening,  arising  from  its  thin  delicate 
skiu.  If  it  had  not  this  fault,  no  Grape  would  stand  higher  amongst 
cultivators,  or  be  more  extensively  grown.  It  has  a  fine  constitution, 
the  bunches  ai'e  above  medium  size,  the  berries  of  the  largest  size, 
the  flesh  melting,  the  flavour,  when  q>ute  ripe,  exquisite,  distinct 
from,  if  not  superior  to  that  of  every  other  Grape.  I  almost  escaped 
the  spot  this  season,  by  keeping  it  in  a  drier  atmosphere  than  usual 
duriug  the  period  of  ripening. 

Duke  of  Buccleuch.— Equal  in  every  respect  to  the  Goldeu 
Champion,  but  without  its  fault.  I  have  frequently  had  opportunities 
of  seeing  this  fine  Grape,  both  at  the  Tweedside  Vineyard  aud  else- 
where, and  have  no  hesitation  in  placing  it  a  long  way  in  advance  of 
any  of  the  new  Grapes  I  have  met  with. 

The  qualities  we  want  most,  and  which  we  must  look  out  for  care- 
fully in  our  new  seedling  Grapes,  are  : — Sound  constitution,  vigorous 
growth,  compact  moderate-sized  bunches,  with  large  berries,  melting 
flesh,  fine  flavour,  and  free  setters — avoiding  all  varieties  that  are 
liable  to  crack  when  ripening.  A  full  crop  of  good  fruit  is  what  is 
wanted.  Another  grand  desideratum  is  to  secure  kinds  that  will 
mature  their  fruit  in  as  short  a  time  as  possible,  enabling  us  to  dis- 
card such  varieties  as  Gros  Guillaumo,  Mrs.  Pince's  Black  Muscat,  &c., 
which  take  nearly  six  months  of  the  best  part  of  the  season  thoroughly 
to  ripen  them,  at  an  expense  of  nearly  one-third  more  fuel  and  labour 
than  sufiices  to  mature  some  other  varieties. 


Blanch  Propagation  of  Apple  Trees.— There  is  a  variety  of 
Apple  grown  in  the  north  of  Yorkshire,  called  the  Bui-r  Knot,  or 
the  Bnrnot.  In  fact  there  are  two  sorts — a  large  fruited  free  growing 
kind,  and  a  small  fruited  kind  with  a  stunted  growth.  The  latter  is 
not  worth  growing,  I  grow  about  eighteen  trees  of  the  large-fruited 
kind,  they  are  planted  a  yard  apart,  so  as  to  form  two  hedge-rows, 
they  are  bush  trees  with  shoots  issuing  from  the  lower  parts  of  the 
stem.  They  are  excellent  things  where  you  want  to  form  a  warm 
corner  in  the  garden,  or  as  a  breakwiud  in  exposed  situations.  Cuttings 
from  2  or  3  feet  in  length  take  root  at  once,  and  carry  a  crop  the 
following  summer.  The  cuttings  are  sawn  off  in  the  manner  des- 
cribed at  page  331.  Hedges  for  the  inner  garden  made  of  this  variety 
are  both  handsome,  useful,  and  profitable.  The  blossom  which  is 
abundant  every  year,  is  very  large,  the  fruit,  too,  is  large,  handsome, 
borne  in  abundance,  sweet  and  juicy;  the  sunny  side  of  the  fruit  is  of 
a  rich  dark  red  or  chestnut  colour  ;  the  stalk  is  exceedingly  short, 
seated  in  a  deep  depression.  They  are  excellent  for  k.itchen  use,  and 
I  have  kept  them  to  the  end  of  March.  The  foliage  is  likewise  large, 
making  a  good  cover.  The  new  wood  should  be  freely  cut  back  in 
autumn  in  order  to  keep  the  bushes  stiff  and  chubby.  In  short,  this 
beautiful  and  useful  variety  of  Apple  ought  to  be  better  known. — 
Henry  T.vtlor,  Fencoie,  near  BedaJe.  ■ 

"Wiring  Walls. — I  am  going  to  wire  a  wall  that  is  being  built 
along  one  side  of  my  kitchen  garden,  and  which  will  be  about  6  feet 
high.  How  far  from  the  ground  should  the  bottom  wire  be,  and  how 
far  apart  should  the  rest  of  the  wires  be  ?  The  wall  will  be  used  for 
Peaches  and  Nectarines. — Kajlvltio.  [Mr.  Stevenson,  of  Cobham 
Park,  who  has  had  some  twenty  years'  experience  of  wired  walls, 
recommends  the  studs,  through  which  the  wires  pass,  to  be  put  into 
the  wall,  as  it  is  built,  from  3  to  1  feet  apart.  The  first  wire  should 
be  a  foot  from  the  ground,  and  the  rest  should  run  along  alternate 
joints  up  to  within  G  inches  of  tho  top  of  wall  or  coping.  Tho 
wires  should  be  put  as  close  to  tho  wall  as  tho  workmen  can  put 
them  in  order  to  save  the  branches  from  cold  draughts.  Galvanised 
wire  (3-l(;ths)  is  the  kind  which  is  employed  at  Cobham.] 

Canadian  Apples. — Mr.  Clayden,  who  accompanies  Mr.  Arch 
in  his  visit  to  Canada,  writes  :— "  Wo  h.ave  heard  much  of  the  splendid 
fruits  of  tho  Niagara  region,  but  the  half  had  not  been  told  us.  In 
one  garden  of,  say  ono-quarter  of  an  acre,  we  found  Vine  after  Vine 
laden  with  what  we  should    call   in   England  tho  most   delicious 


hothouse  Grapes.  I  never  tasted  auch  fmit  in  my  life,  and  not  a 
piece  of  glass  in  the  garden !  A  few  miles  further  on  we  came  to  an 
orchard.  Entering  it,  we  found  tree  after  tree  laden  with  splendid 
Peaches.  Hundreds  of  bushels,  the  owner  told  us,  he  gathered  every 
year ;  and,  as  for  Apples,  I  thought  I  had  seen  some  good  Apples  in 
Somersetshire ;  but  these  beat  all  that  I  had  ever  seen  anywhere. 
One  fine  fellow  that  was  given  jne  I  had  the  curiosity  to  measure, 
and  found  it  just  a  foot  in  diameter."  [We  have  seen  a  good  deal  of 
Canada,  and  much  more  favourable  Apple  regions  in  America  than 
Canada,  and  can  avow  that  an  Apple  afoot  in  diameter  has  not  yet 
been  seen.  The  Canadian  Apples  did  not  seem  to  us  so  good  as  those 
of  Western  New  York  or  the  foothills  of  the  Sierras.] 


THE  PLANTING  OF  THE  APPLE-TREE. 

CojiE,  let  us  plant  the  Apple-tree. 
Cleave  the  tough  greensward  with  the  spode ; 
Wide  let  its  hoUow  bed  be  made ; 
There  gently  lay  the  roots,  and  there 
Sift  the  dark  mould  with  kindly  care 

And  press  it  o'er  them  tenderly. 
As,  round  the  sleeping  infant's  feet 
We  softly  fold  the  cradle-sheet; 

So  nlant  we  the  Apple-tree. 

What  plant  we  in  this  Apple-troo  ? 
Buds,  which  the  breath  of  summer  days 
Shall  lengthen  into  leafy  sprays  ; 
Boughs  where  the  thrush,  with  mottled  breast. 
Shall  haunt  and  sing  aud  hide  her  nest; 

We  plant,  upon  the  sunny  lea, 
A  shadow  for  the  noontide  hour, 
A  shelter  from  the  summer  shower, 

AYhen  we  plant  the  Apple-tree. 

What  plant  we  in  this  Apple-tree  ? 
S  weets  for  a  hundred  flowery  springs 
To  load  tho  May-wind's  restless  wings, 
Wheu,  from  the  orchard  row,  he  pours 
Its  fragrance  through  oui*  open  doors  ; 

A  world  of  blossoms  for  the  bee. 
Flowers  for  the  sick  girl's  silent  room. 
For  til  e  glad  infant  sprigs  of  bloom. 

We  plant  in  the  Apple-tree. 

What  plant  we  in  this  Apple-tree  ? 
Fruits  that  shall  swell  iu  sunny  June, 
And  redden  in  the  August  noon. 
And  drop  when  gentle  airs  come  by. 
That  fan  the  blue  September  sky, 

Whde  children  come,  with  cries  of  glee, 
And  seek  them  where  the  fragrant  grass 
Betrays  their  bed  to  those  who  pass. 

At  the  foot  of  the  Apple-tree. 

Each  year  shall  give  this  Apple-tree 
A  broader  flush  of  roseate  bloom, 
A  deeper  maze  of  verdurous  gloom. 
And  looseu,  when  the  frost-clouds  lower. 
The  crisp  brown  leaves  in  thicker  shower. 

The  years  shall  come  and  pass,  but  we 
Shall  hear  no  longer,  where  we  lie. 
The  summer's  songs,  the  autumn's  sigh. 

In  the  boughs  of  the  Apple-tree. 

— W.  C.  Biiwxr. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Banana  Crops.— As  a  crop  it  is  acknowleflged  that  no  other  plant  will  yield 
as  much  lor  man  on  an  acre  of  ground  as  the  Banana,  or  yield  it  with  so  'little 
outl.ay  of  labour.  Where  the  mean  temperature  is  about  82°  Fahr.,  the  yield  per 
acre  is  about  73  tons.  Even  when  the  mean  temperature  is  as  low  as  io"  or  76° 
its  cultivation  is  still  advantageous  ;  a  mean  at  tive  degrees  gives  a  middling 
return,  but  when  it  sinks  to  66°  the  product  fails  to  be  remunerative.  Under 
most  favourable  circumstances  a  single  tree  will  yield  three  crops  in  a  year  of 
73  lbs.  each. 

Vineyards  in  Italy.— The  vintage  in  Italv  offers  a  more  picturesque 
spectacle  th,an  in  coun'tries  which  lie  further  to  the  north,  where  the  Tines  are 
pruned  down  to  mere  bushes,  fastened  to  poles,  and  ranged  in  stiff  and  formal 
rows.  Such  vineyards  as  these  are  not  nearly  so  pretty  as  our  Kentish  Hop 
gardens.  In  Italy,  however,  the  Vine  is  allowed  to  display  its  full  luxm-iance, 
it  attaches  itself  to  trees  or  espaliers,  and  when,  as  the  time  of  vintage  draws 
near,  festoons  of  luxurious  green  and  purple  fruit  hang  from  these  leafy 
arcades,  a  most  tempting  sight  is  presented  to  those  who  walk  beneath. 

Dr.  Heuuicott's  Fig.— At  Oxford,  in  the  botanic  garden  of  the  Regius 
Professor  of  Hebrew,  is  a  Fig  tree  that  was  brousht  from  tho  cast  and  planted 
by  Dr.  Pocock  in  the  year  IGiS.  Of  this  tree  the  following  anecdote  is  related  : 
—Dr.  Honnicott,  the  celebrated  Hebrew  scholar,  and  compiler  of  the  Polyglot 
Bible,  was  passionately  fond  of  this  fruit ;  and  seeing  a  very  fine  Fig  on  this 
tree  which  he  wished  to  preserve,  wi-ote  on  a  Label,  "  Dr. 'Hennicott's  Fig," 
which  he  tied  over  tho  fruit.  An  Oxonian  wag,  who  had  observed  the  transaction, 
watched  the  fruit  daily  until  it  was  quite  ripe,  and  then  gathering  it,  exchanged 
the  label  for  one  thus  worded,  "  A  Fig  for  Dr.  Hennicott." 


Nov.  IS,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


399 


THE    ARBORETUM. 

A  CURIOUS  TREE. 
Some  time  siuce  I  was  carelessly  wandering  throngh  the 
extensive  and  fine  pai-k  surrounding  the  Vale  Royal  Abbey, 
Cheshire,  the  seat  of  Lord  Delamcre,  when  I  was  struck  with 
the  appearance  of  what  I  at  first  mistook  for  an  Alder  bush 
from  the  fact  that  it  was  growing  on  a  raised  mound  not  far 
distant  from  the  margin  of  what  is  locally  known  as  Petty- 
pool,  a  large  mere  on  the  outskirts  of  the  park.  (All  the  lakes 
iu  Cheshire  ai-e  called  "  meres,"  as  Oakmere,  Achmere,  &c.) 
Upon  closer  inspection,  however,  I  at  once  saw  my  mistake. 
It  was  a  very  old  Hawthorn  ti-ee,  which  had,  as  I  suspeet,  been 
many  years  ago  struck  with  lightning,  as  the  wrinkled  and 
aged  trunk  was  split  from  its  summit  to  the  base.  The  bark 
had  again  partially  clothed  the  trunk  on  its  inner  surface  ;  the 
tree  still  lives,  and  is  apparently  very  healthy.  It  is  well 
known  to  farmers  that  the  Hawthorn  is  exceedingly  tenacious 
of  life.  I  know  of  no  British  indigenous  tree  which  will 
thrive  and  do  so  well,  after  the  most  severe  clipping  and 
splitting  of  the  branches  and  trunk,  as  the  Hawthorn.  It  had 
the  appearance  as  of  two  distinct  trees,  until  the  lower  part  of 
the  trunk  was  examined,  about  a  foot  from  the  root,  when  it 
was  at  once  perceived  to  be  only  one  perfect  tree ;  but  the 


Tliorn  with  a  Birch  growing  tlirougli  its  base. 

strangest  thing  about  it  was  the  Birch  tree  which  had  found  a 
home  in  the  Hawthorn.  Perhaps,  soon  after  the  Hawthorn 
had  been  rifted  asunder,  a  little  soil  might  have  lodged 
at  the  base  of  the  fissm'e,  which  would  afford  a  sufficient 
nidus  for  the  Birch  seed  to  germinate.  It  is  remark- 
able that  the  Birch  could  flourish  under  such  unfavour- 
able circumstances.  Whether  the  Birch  roots  were  growing 
beneath  the  bark  of  the  Hawthorn,  and  thus  reached  the  soil, 
I  could  not  determine.  My  opinion  is,  they  penetrated  down 
the  centre  of  the  trunk  to  the  soil,  and,  by  this  means,  in  time 
the  Birch  became  an  independent  tree  apart  from,  the  Haw- 
thorn. James  F.  Robinson. 


ON  PLANTING  CHOICE  TREES. 
When  planting  is  done  on  a  large  scale,  and  the  young  trees 
take  theu-  places  by  thousands  at  a  time,  they  are  treated 
without  ceremony,  and  put  into  the  ground  as  rapidly  as 
possible.  But  when  only  a  few  valuable  trees  are  to  be 
planted,  it  is  worth  while  to  take  pains  to  give  them  every 
chance  of  recovering  rapidly  from  the  effects  of  removal.  The 
"  good  ball  of  earth,"  so  generally  recommended  in  horti- 
cultural books,  cannot  be  had  with  trees  packed  for  trans- 
mission, nor  is  that  of  any  use  further  than  to  preserve  in 
their  places  the  fibrous  roots  within  it.  What  is  of  real 
consequence  is  to  secure  as  large  a  proportion  of  roots  as  can 


be  got  up  uninjured,  and,  when  the  tree  is  planted,  to  spread 
them  out  carefully  and  as  nearly  as  possible  in  a  horizontal 
direction.  The  method  I  pursue  is  as  follows  : — The  ground 
is  opened  to  the  required  depth  and  width,  and  with  an  iron 
bar  a  hole  is  made  iu  the  middle  of  the  e.xcavation  for  a  stake, 
if  the  tree  to  bo  planted  is  a  standard  ;  but  in  any  case  a  stick 
or  support  of  some  kind  is  fixed,  and  the  tree  fastened  to  it. 
If  the  excavation  is  found  to  be  too  deep,  a  little  of  the  soil 
is  put  in  before  the  tree  is  secured,  and  trampled,  as  the  soil 
here  is  light.  When  the  tree  has  been  tied  to  its  support, 
some  earth,  which  has  been  kept  rather  dry  for  this  purpose, 
is  put  in  a  little  at  a  time,  and  the  roots  carefully  spread  out 
in  the  form  they  would  naturally  take,  layer  over  layer,  the 
highe.st  being  from  2  to  6  inches  below  the  general  level, 
according  to  the  size  of  the  tree.  I  never  trample  the  sur-face 
of  the  mould,  but  allow  it  to  subside  of  itself,  and  if  the 
weather  is  dry  and  mild  at  the  time  oE  planting,  water  is  given 
and  allowed  to  percolate  through  the  soil  to  the  roots  ;  and 
the  operation  is  completed  by  the  addition  of  a  top-dressing 
of  long  stable  manure.  For  trees  of  small  size,  for  which 
ordinary  stakes  would  be  too  heavy,  laths,  about  4  feet  long, 
called  "  doubles,"  split  down  the  middle,  make  very  useful 
and  inexpensive  supports ;  and  for  still  smaller  trees,  the 
common  ceiling  laths,  with  moderate  skill,  can  be  made  into 
three  pieces  in  the.  same  way,  and  turned  to  good  account. 
The  sub-soil  here  is  injurious  to  all  kinds  of  fruit  trees  except 
pei'haps  the  Vine,  and  in  order  to  keep  up  a  supply  of  fruit  it 
is  necessary  either  to  have  ready  a  succession  of  young  healthy 
trees  to  take  the  jjlace  of  those  that  are  worn  out,  or  else  to 
pave  the  ground  where  the  trees  are  to  be  planted,  at  a  depth 
of  from  18  inches  to  2  feet.  A  very  inexpensive  and  effectual 
mode  of  doing  this  is  to  get  a  quantity  of  cinder-ashes  and 
spread  them  over  the  surface  about  two  inches  deep ;  then 
quicklime  should  be  thrown  over  them  in  the  proportion  of 
about  one  of  lime  to  five  or  six  of  cinders.  The  whole  should 
then  be  well  intermixed  with  a  rake,  leveled,  and  watered 
with  a  fine  rose.  Earth  should  then  be  carefully  scattered 
over  the  concrete  to  about  5  inches  in  depth,  and  first  gently 
beaten  down  and  then  well  trampled.  Over  this  the  trees  can 
at  once  be  planted,  and  the  borders  finished  off.  For  wall 
trees,  a  pavement  so  constructed  should  extend  from  the  wall 
not  less  than  6  feet,  and  for  espaliers  there  should  be  a  square 
of  concrete  6  feet  every  way,  or  a  circle  with  a  radius  of  3  or  -1 
feet  from  the  stem  of  the  tree.  Roots  are  easily  got  at  when 
they  extend  horizontally  beyond  that  distance,  and  can  be 
pruned  or  lifted  without  injuring  the  tree.  The  supports 
for  the  trees  must  not  be  driven  through  the  concrete  ;  it  will 
usually  be  found  that,  for  any  support  the  tree  may  require, 
resting  on  the  top  of  the  concrete  will  suffice  ;  or,  if  not,  two 
stakes  driven  just  beyond  the  paving,  with  a  horizontal  bar 
between,  will  effectually  hold  the  tree  in  its  place  till  it  has  got 
firm  root-hold.  The  object  of  putting  above  the  concrete  a 
thick  layer  of  earth,  and  making  it  solid  by  beating  and 
treading,  is  to  prevent  the  concrete  from  adhering  to  the  feet 
when  the  trees  are  planted.  The  beating  and  trampling  must 
be  done  carefully,  in  order  to  keep  the  layer  of  concrete  level 
and  of  equal  thickness  throughout.  A  pavement,  constiiicted 
as  here  recommended,  was  taken  up  a  few  years  ago  and  found 
to  be  as  hard  as  solid  brickwork.  B.  S. 


AUTUMNAL  TINTS. 
A  GOOD  combination  and  arrangement  of  these  almost  makes  one 
willing  to  exchange  summer  for  autumn,  and  it  strikes  me  that  if 
some  of  3'our  correspondents,  with  material  and  leisure  at  hand, 
would  paint  with  their  pens  an  autumnal  picture  of  the  garden,  the 
shrubbery,  and  the  forest,  they  could  not  bestow  a  greater  boon  to 
intending  planters,  who  may  not  have  had  the  advantage  of  their 
experience  ;  for  a  good  ari'angement  of  autumnal  tints,  especially  iu 
sheltered  places,  is  quite  as  beautiful  to  the  eye,  if  not  so  pleasing  to 
think  of,  as  those  of  spring.  If  you  will  allow  me  to  date  these 
remarks  back  a  week  or  so,  I  will  try  to  paint  the  very  circumscribed 
view  from  where  I  am  now  sitting.  First  of  all,  as  it  grows  just 
before  my  window,  I  will  take  the  Desfontainea,  with  its  long  fiery- 
looking  tube  flowers,  after  the  loss  of  which  it  is  through  winter,  to 
all  intents  and  purposes,  a  little  bushy  green  Holly,  and  near  to  it 
I  may  name  the  pretty  little  Fuchsia  microphylla,  with  its 
numerous   flowers,  the  Skimmia  japonica,  and  the  Pernettyas,  with 


400 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  IS,  1873. 


their  pretty  coral  and  purple  berries,  the  dark  shining  leaved 
Eacallonia  macrantha,  still  full  ot  bloom,  the  lighter  green  of 
the  upright-growing  varieties  of  Lawson's  Cypress,  the  different 
varieties  of  the  green  and  variegated  Euonymus,  or  Spindle- 
tree,  and  the  exotic-looking  Aruudos  and  Pampas  Grass,  all  as 
striking  plants  at  this  season.  Beyond  is  the  singular.looking 
Aralia  japonica,  with  its  fine  large  leaves,  and  I  think  I  may  say 
still  larger  heads  of  creamy. white  feather-like  flowers ;  near  to  it 
grows  the  tall  and  graceful  Arundinaria  falcata,  still  fresh  and 
green,  and  the  Magnolia  tripetala,  with  its  large  foliage,  the  under 
leaves  of  dull  reel  and  brown,  while  the  upper  ones  still  bear  their 
summer  green  ;  at  a  distance  stands  a  noble  Tulip-tree,  veith  the 
silver-edged  Uolly  and  the  dark  green  Portugal  Laurel,  &c.,  nestling 
underneath  a  canopy  of  large  saddle-shaped  golden-coloured  foliage; 
near  to  them  stands  a  dark  green  Holly,  laden  with  yellow,  and  a 
gold-edged  oue,  laden  with  scarlet  berries.  In  the  centre  stands  a 
deciduous  Cypress,  of  a  handsome  conical  shape,  about  40  feet  high, 
full  of  its  pretty  Fern-like  foliage,  but  now  as  brown  as  the  Brake 
on  the  hill-side,  and  rivalling  the  purple  Beech  beyond  as  to  colour ; 
at  a  little  distance  stands  the  Aspen  Poplar,  with  its  rather  small 
but  very  rich  gold-coloured  tremulous  leaves.  These  iutermi-ted  with 
their  more  sombre  neighbours.  Box,  Yews,  Rhododendrons,  &c.,  &c., 
and  the  toweriug  Lombardy  Poplar  and  Leafless  Ash  beyond,  form  a 
most  pleasing  and  striking  contrast  from  where  I  now  sit ;  and,  by 
going  outside,  I  have  no  doubt  I  could  find  many  more  equally 
pleasing  objects.  Cumbrh.v. 

The  Kentucky  Coffee  Tree  (G-ymnocladus  canadensis). 

— This  has  many  beautiful  characteristics,  and  I  always  like  to  look 
upon  it.  Its  naked  unclothed  branches,  in  the  winter,  are  stifE  and 
s;urdy  and  strong — fitted  to  endure  the  strongest  winds.  It  is 
rather  late  in  the  spring,  and  its  foliage  then  lies  in  separate  masses, 
eiuh  seeming  a  horizontal  layer  by  itself.  Belonging  to  the  legu- 
minous familj',  it  has  a  leaf  which  resembles  that  of  the  Locust 
tree,  with  a  more  Ijlueish-green  tint.  Its  shade  is  not  dense,  like  that 
of  the  Maples,  and  its  whole  aspect  is  light  and  airy,  with  a  certain 
nobility  of  tone  which  makes  my  specimen,  50  feet  high,  a  tree  to  be 
noted.  Could  I  have  but  two  trees  on  my  lawn,  the  second  should 
be  the  Kentucky  Coffee  tree. — J.  B.  P. 

The  Chinese  Cypress. — My  eye  always  turns  with  pleasure 
to  the  Chinese  Cypress,  known  to  botanists  as  Glyptostrobus  sinensis. 
Of  all  pyramidal  trees  it  is  the  most  perfect  in  its  form — straight  as 
aa  arrow,  compact  in  its  habits,  perfectly  regular  in  its  cone,  and 
well  defined  iu  its  outline.  Its  colour  is  unequalled  by  that  of  any 
other  tree — a  light  pea-green  or  a  most  refreshing  tint.  Its  leaves 
are  like  small  twisted  cords,  delicate  as  the  edging  of  a  lady's  collar, 
aud  iu  mass  giving  the  appearance  of  green  feathers.  My  specimen 
is  25  feet  high,  and  I  do  not  doubt  it  will  reach  75  or  100  feet. 
Could  I  have  but  one  tree  near  my  house,  that  tree  should  be  the 
Chinese  Cypress.  Although  a  Conifer  it  is  deciduous,  and  were  it 
pjssible  to  obtain  large  trees  in  quantity,  it  would  be  the  very  finest 
street  tree  known.  There  is  no  doubt  that  this  tree  is  simply  a 
peculiar  form  of  the  deciduous  Cypress,  as  from  its  seed  we  raise 
that  well-known  ornamental  tree. — J.  B.  Pausons,  Fluslunij,  U.S. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


Hardiness  of  Llmonia  trifoliata.— Will  any  of  your  readers  kindly  inform 
mc  tlirougli  the  pages  of  The  Gakden  as  to  the  amount  of  cold  Limouia  trifoliata 
will  endure.    A  botanist  informs  me  that  it  is  hardy  in  Siberia. — J.  B.  Paesons, 

Flushhia.  V.S. 

Stakes. — 1  ^ish  to  render  some  garden  stakes  durable— should  I  use  petro- 
leum or  gas  tar  ? — W.  [Petroleum  for  the  part  above  ground,  nnd  gas  tar  for  all 
below.    The  former  withstands  the  weather,  the  latter  the  water  of  the  soil.l 

Peat  Injurious  to  Rhododendrons.— I  notice  that  cultivators  in  England 
are  inclining  to  do  without  jicat  in  growing  Rhododendrons.  We  have  given 
up  peat  here  for  the  past  twenty  years.  We  consider  it  injurious  in  oiTr  dry 
climate. — J.  B.  P.,  Loji^  X^^lund,  r..5. 

How  to  have  fruit  on  Aucuhas- — Aucubas  are  greatly  improved  in 
appearance  when  covered  with  scarlet  berries,  and  I  find  that  by  ])!anting  a 
few  of  the  male  variety  (A.  mascula)  amongst  the  female  variety,  which  we 
have  long  had  in  our  gardens,  they  set  freely  without  artificial  fertilisation. 
Last  year  I  planted  several  of  the  new  varieties  in  a  new  shrubljery  here,  and  I 
find  that  all  the  female  kinds  are  now  covered  with  berries,  although  some  of 
them  are  at  a  considerable  distance  from  the  male  plants. — J.GROoii.Hcnhtun 
Sail. 

A  Graceful  Mode  of  Growing  Weeping  Trees  —The  new  mode  described 
in  your  columns  (see  p.  313).  of  growing  weeping  trees  by  budding  near  the 
ground  and  training  up  a  leader  leaving  the  laterals  to  take  the  weeping  habit 
has  been  long  our  favourite  mode  of  treating  them  at  Flushing.  In  this  way 
Picea  pectinata  pendula,  and  Abies  inverta  are  very  fine,  and  the  Weeping 
Hemlock  Spruce  forms  an  evergreen  fountain  of  great  beauty.  It  is  by  far  the 
finest  of  all  weeping  trees  or  if  used  for  a  carpet,  it  will  never  rise  above  the 
gi-ound,  but  grow  on  it  as  closely  as  Junipcrus  prostrata.— J.  B.  Paesons, 
FluBhing,   U.S. 


THE  VEGETATION  OF  THE  Gl^OLD  COAST. 
The  road,  which  is  at  the  present  moment  being  cut  throiigh- 
the  bush  in  the  direction  of  Coomassie,  has,  for  the  first  time, 
thoroughly  revealed  the  true  character  of  the  trees  and  under- 
growth of  the  intertropical  forests  of  that  part  of  Western 
Africa.  Those  pestilential  jungles  have  hitherto  been  deemed 
impenetrable  by  Europeans,  no  practicable  road,  as  we  under- 
stand the  word,  ever  having  been  made  to  traverse  those 
primeval  wilds  which  are  at  the  present  day  precisely  what 
they  were  in  the  long  unrecorded  ages  of  pre-historic  times. 
But  their  supposed  impenetrability  by  Europeans  has  just 
been  satisfactorily  disproved  by  the  enterprise  and  energy 
of  the  English  engineers,  now  under  the  command  of 
Lieutenant  G-ordon,  who  have,  with  the  aid  of  negro  labourers, 
already  succeeded  iu  cutting  a  practicable  road  through  these 
fastnesses,  nearly  thirty  miles  iu  length,  in  the  direction 
of  the  Ashantee  capital.  In  doing  this  the  long  hidden 
character  of  the  interior  of  some  of  these  forests  and  their 
jungles  have  become  known  to  us.  It  has  been  found 
not  to  consist  entirely  of  huge  closely-grown  timber  trees, 
matted  together  by  a  dense  thicket  of  intertwined  under- 
growth, as  supposed,  but,  on  tlie  contrary,  the  big  trees 
are  generally  at  considerable  distances  apart,  while  those  of 
smaller  size,  and  the  jungle  or  bush,  are  foiind  to  consist 
chiefly  of  soft-wooded  growths,  through  which  a  pathway, 
wide  enough  for  four  men  to  march  abreast,  may  be  easily 
opened  by  the  axe,  with  much  less  expenditure  of  labour 
than  was  anticipated.  Tall,  but  soft-stalked  Canes  and  Gi'apes 
form  the  mass  of  the  undergrowth  ;  nevertheless,  these  appear 
to  be  interspersed  with  thin  tough  branches  of  an  Ever- 
green shrub,  resembling  in  character  our  garden  Laurustinus; 
and  now  and  again  a  large  hard-wooded  tree  is  encountered, 
which  requires  heavy  work  to  fell  and  remove.  There  arc 
frequently  groves  of  the  huge,  but  soft-hearted,  Cotton-tree 
to  be  dealt  with,  at  the  cost  of  much  time  and  exertion.  The 
gigantic  Grasses,after  the  rains,  are  often  thickly  intermixed 
with  gorgeously-coloured  flowers,  shooting  high  among  the 
great  trees.  Cotton  and  abundant  Fan  Palms,  giving  to  some  of 
the  more  open  parts  of  the  forest  a  novel  and  highly  picturesque 
aspect ;  and  were  not  our  engineers  and  their  assistants  most 
fully  engaged  with  the  all-important  duty  of  cutting  the 
indispensable  road  to  Coomassie  we  should,  doubtless,  ere  this 
had  several  of  them  trying  their  hands  at  a  few  artistic 
sketches,  or  even  elaborate  pictures,  of  these  regions,  which, 
while  they  are  so  comparatively  close  to  our  own  shores,  have 
hitherto  remained  unseen,  or  nearly  so,  by  European  eyes,  at  all 
events  in  the  densely  wooded  region  between  the  English 
settlement  at  Sierra  Leone  and  the  inner  land  of  the  Ashantees 
and  other  negro  tribes.  In  and  about  the  region  of  the  Gold 
Coast,  there  are  also  extensive  groups  of  lofty  Pahiis,  which 
impart  a  grace  and  beauty  to  forest  scenery  that  is  peculiarly 
attractive  to  the  eye  of  the  artist.  These  occur  abundantly 
along  the  banks  of  the  Assiui  and  Volta  rivers,  of  the  aspect 
of  which  the  accompanying  engraving  conve3'S  a  very  accurate 
idea.  The  numerous  islands  of  the  A''olta  are  covered  with 
extremely  dense  bush,  but  varied  occasionally  by  groups  of 
Palms  towering  above  the  jungle  ;  aud  near  the  sea,  where  the 
salt  and  fresh  waters  mingle,  their  banks  are  bordered  in  the 
shallow  water,  by  long  and  deep  stretches  of  Mangrove  trees. 
There  is  an  outcry  in  many  quarters,  here  at  home,  that  we 
have  no  business  in  those  pestilential  regions,  however  beau- 
tiful or  wealth-3-ielding  they  may  be.  But,  as  it  is  now 
becoming  known  how  healthful  this  hitherto  plague-stricken 
coast  might  be  made  by  European  skill,  enterprise,  and 
science,  is  not  such  advice  equivalent  to  saying,  "  Let  those 
grand  regions  of  Western  Africa  remain  a  fever-haunted 
swamp  aud  jungle,  and  let  barbarism  ever  remain  rampant 
there"?  Would  it  not,  on  the  other  hand,  be  a  far  nobler 
policy  to  reclaim  those  millions  of  acres  from  their  disease- 
breeding  condition,  and  to  plant  the  germs  of  future  civiliza- 
tion among  the  native  tribes  of  regions  which  European 
enterprise  and  perseverance  may  in  a  few  years  render 
as  healthful  as  they  are  fruitful  and  beautiful  ?  The  soil 
of  the  forests,  where  recently  cleared,  is  found  to  be  the 
richest  possible  loam,  and  with  the  aid  of  clearing,  draining, 
and  the  sowing  of  suitable  crops,  results  beneficial  to 
the  whole  human  race  would  necessarily  ensue.    When  the 


Nov.  15, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


401 


planting  of  suitable  crops  and  suitable  trees  is  alluded 
to,  one  in'csistibly  calls  to  mind  the  beneficial  effects 
produced  by  the  spontaneous  growth  of  the  Cinchona  in  many 
of  the  swampy  districts  of  the  western  coast  of  Soiith 
America ;  and  still  more  emphatically  to  the  recent  discoveries 
in  regard  to  results  to  be  obtained  by  the  planting  of  the 
Australian  Eucalyptus  globulus,  of  which  an  interesting 
account  will  be  found  in  another  column.  Of  this  great  Gum 
tree  a  tiuo  specimen  was  shown  in  the  great  exhibition  of 
1851. 

With  such  possibilities  in  view,  what  a  noble  opportunity 
presents  itself  to  an  enterprising  and  watchful  power,  like 
England,  to  render  the  pestilential  clim.ate  of  the  Gold  Coast 
permanently  healthy,  instead  of  beiug  allowed  to  remain  abso- 
lutely steeped  in  poisonous  miasma.  By  this  means  the 
door  to  commercial  enterprise  would  be  thrown  open,  and 


irrigation  established,  the  jjrescrvation  of  the  valuable  forests 
taken  in  hand  by  experienced  horticulturists,  the  glories  of 
the  unrivalled  vegetation  investigated  and  classified  by  our 
botanists,  while  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  noble  regions, 
hitherto  little  better  than  a  wilderness  without  highways, 
are  now  traversed  by  those  most  wonderful  promoters  of 
civilisation — our  iron  roads  and  their  steam  locomotives  ;  it  is 
a  proud  thing  to  consider  that  all  this  is  as  much  to  the 
advantage  of  the  200  millions  of  our  Indian  subjects  as  it  is 
to  our  own  wealth  and  the  development  of  our  comniei'ce. 
Suppose,  in  early  days  of  difficulty,  we  had  abandoned  this 
vast  region  to  its  fate,  would  not  such  a  course  be  now 
deemed  a  selfish  and  grovelling  policy,  and  little  short  of 
a  national  disgrace  ?  If,  too,  our  first  colonies  in  North 
America  had  been  abandoned  on  the  first  barbarous  onslaughts 
and  soalpings  of  the  savage  Red  Indians,  the  aguo-strickeu 


Kivcr-aide  Vegetation  on  the  Gold  Coast. 


civilization  established  where  barbarism  now  reigns  rampant ; 
a  far  nobler  policy  would  this  be,  than  that  of  aban- 
doning a  region  after  being  once  occupied  by  our  I'ace,  and 
leaving  it  to  its  barbarism  and  its  agues,  on  the  selfish  ground 
of  expense  and  inconvenience.  It  the  more  behoves  us  to 
endeavour  to  purify  the  climate  of  our  African  colony  and  the 
surrounding  regions,  seeing  that  we  may  thus  secure,  com- 
paratively speaking,  at  our  own  doors,  the  luxury  and  profit  of 
tropical  pi-oducts,suchas  we  have  hitherto  brought,  at  vast  outlay 
of  time  and  money,  from  the  analogous  climates  of  the  far  east. 
Let  us  consider  for  a  moment  the  present  condition  of  the 
vast  regions  under  our  dominion  in  India.  The  pestilential 
swamps  of  the  Hooghly  around  our  Anglo-Indian  capital 
rendered  all  but  perfectly  healthy,  while  many  other  extensive 
districts  have  been  similarly  reclaimed.  The  most  scientific 
methods  of  culture  introduced,  a  grand  system  of  periodical 


swamps  upon  whicli  healthy  and  magnificent  cities  are  now 
standing  might  have  remained  for  ages  as  they  were,  and  the 
beautiful  Peach  orchards  and  productive  American  Apple 
harvests  would  have  had  no  existence ;  nor  would  those 
gloriously  abundant  corn  crops,  which  now  supply  Europe  with 
a  teeming  supply  of  Maize  and  Wheat,  have  ever  been  created 
by  the  tillage  of  European  hands.  No,  wc  must  not  leave 
glorious  lands  to  their  fate  because  barbarism  is  difficult  to 
deal  with,  or  Ijecause  they  require  both  skill  and  vast  outlay, 
and  great  sacrifices  at  our  hands.  Our  horticixlturists  and 
agriculturists  require  every  year  new  fields  for  their  fast- 
extending  industry,  and  for  the  providing  the  rapidly- 
increasing  demand  for  human  food  and  human  luxury ;  and 
it  may  be  said  that  those  are  the  most  effective  and  valuable 
civilisers  who  make  two  blades  of  Grass  to  grow  where  only 
one  grew  before.  H,  N.  H. 


402 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Nov.  15,  1873. 


SOILS,    FERTI  LISERS,    &c. 

ON  THE    CAUSES    OF   FERTILITY   OR 
BARRENNESS  OF  SOILS. 

(_Conti>medfrom  p.  384.) 
Peaty  or  Veg'etable  Soils. 
Peaty  or  vegetable  soils  are  those  in  which  decayed  vegetable 
matter,  or  hnmug,  forma  the  principal  ingredient,  or  at  least  gives 
distinctive  character.  They  vary  very  much  (according  to  the 
quantity  of  hninus,  and  absence  or  presence  of  other  bodies),  from 
the  rich  vegetable  soils  of  the  garden  to  the  peat  bog,  vrhich  is  often 
valueless,  until  earthy  matters,  as  clay,  sand,  or  lime,  are  added. 
These  soils  are  dark  in  colour,  light  and  spongy  in  texture,  and, 
though  deficient  in  cohesive  properties,  powerful  absorbents,  and 
generally  resting  upon  clay,  require  drainage  before  they  can  be 
cultivated.  Peat  also  possesses  a  considerable  retentive  power  itself, 
due  to  the  undecayed  cells  of  the  vegetable  matter,  which  retain  and 
allow  of  the  moisture  rising  to  the  surface  by  capillary  attraction. 
Peat  beds  have  in  most  cases  resulted  from  the  gradual  decay  of 
Mosses,  &c.,  under  water  until  the  continued  growth  and  decay  has 
reached  the  surface,  when  the  whole  mass  assumed  a  semi-fluid 
state ;  the  peat  is  not,  therefore,  generally  very  deep.  When 
practicable,  it  is  important  to  lay  the  drain  in  the  sub-stratum,  as 
affording  a  sounder  bottom  and  a  better  material  for  the  pipes  to  lie 
in,  as  well  as  arresting  the  moisture  before  it  can  rise  in  the  peat. 
The  ph}-sical  character  of  peaty  soils  varies  considerably,  depending 
upon  the  amount  of  decay  they  have  undergone  :  when  first  brought 
under  cultivation  they  are  very  open  and  cellular  in  structure,  becom- 
ing finer  and  more  mould-like  by  exposure  to  the  atmosphere.  The 
deposit  of  peat  being  very  partial,  the  soils  are  limited  in  extent,  the 
principal  tracts  existing  in  parts  of  Ireland,  and  in  Lincolnshire  and 
Bedfordshire,  forming  the  Great  Bedford  Level. 

The  hasty  glance  we  have  thus  taken  of  the  principal  classes  into 
which  soils  may  be  divided  will  assist  us  in  determining  the  impor. 
tance  of  the  physical  properties  they  possess.  The  distinctive 
character  of  clay  soils  is  their  tenacity,  dependent  on  their  power  of 
absorbing  and  retaining  moisture.  The  relative  power  of  various 
soils  to  absorb  moisture  was  determined  by  Sir  H.  Davy,  who  found 
that  1,000  lbs.  of  the  following,  when  thoroughly  dried,  gained  by 
exposure  to  a  moist  atmosphere — • 

lbs. 

In  the  case  of  a  fertile  soil.  East  Lothian     ...        18 

,,  ,,  Somersetshu-c 16 

Soil  from  Mersea  in  Esses,  worth  25s.  an  acre       IS 

Sandy  soil  from  Esses,  worth  2Ss.  an  acre 11 

Coarse  sand,  worth  only  15s.  an  acre S 

Soil  from  Bagshot  Heath  (uncultivated)       3 

The  power  of  absorbing  gaseous  matters,  such  as  carbonic  acid, 
nitric  acid,  and  ammonia,  from  the  atmosphere,  generally  coincides 
with  the  quality  of  absoi-bing  moisture,  and  therefore,  though 
probably  depending  more  upon  chemical  than  mechanical  agency, 
may  be  noticed  here.  The  property  of  retaining  moisture,  which  is 
valuable  according  to  climatic  circumstances,  also  appears  to  bear  a 
close  relation  to  the  power  of  absorption.  The  following  table  has 
been  obtained  by  taking  equal  weights  of  various  soils,  thoroughly 
drying,  and  adding  water  till  each  commenced  dripping,  then 
re-weighing,  the  addition  of  course  showing  the  relative  retentive 
powers  of  each  ;  thus — 

100  lbs.  of  pure  clay  became  170  lbs.,  thus  gaining  70  lbs. 
100       „      clay  loam  150  „  '  60    „ 

100       „       chalk  14S  „  45    „ 

100       ,,       loamy  sand  1-10  ,,  -JO    ,, 

100       ,,       calcareous  sand       129  ,,  29    „ 

100       ,,      pure  sand  125  ,,  25    „ 

The  power  of  retaining  moisture  depends  in  a  great  measure  upon 
the  state  of  mechanical  division  of  the  atoms  of  the  soil ;  thus  a 
coarse  sand,  according  to  Schubler,  only  retains  20  per  cent,  of 
water,  while  a  fine  sand  can  hold  40  per  cent.  The  same  thing  is 
seen  in  the  case  of  fine  or  coarse  calcareous  soils.  Humus  is  one  of 
the  best  absorbents  and  retainers  of  moisture.  A  pure  vegetable 
soil,  formed  by  decay  of  wood,  is  capable  of  absorbing  200  and  even 
in  some  instances  300  per  cent,  of  moisture.  The  cohesive  jiroperty 
is  owing  to  the  extremely  fine  state  of  the  particles,  and  their 
attraction  for  each  other  increased  by  the  presence  of  moisture. 
The  amount  or  intensity  of  this  quality  in  a  soil  is  determined  by 
the  power  required  to  separate  a  given  mass.  Schubler  has  found 
that  taking  the  resistance  or  cohesiveness  of  pure  clay  as  100 — 


Sand    ... 
Fine  lime 
Humus 
Sandy  clay 
Loamy  clay 
Ai-able  soil 


0 

5 

8 
57  3 
68-8 
33-0 


The  difiacnlty  of  working  clay  soils  is  therefore  owing  to  the  resis- 


tance  oiiered  to  the  implement  by  the  cohesive  attraction  of  the 
particles,  and  also  to  the  adhesion  of  the  soil  to  the  implement,  which 
differs  in  different  soils — clays  of  com'se  most — 27  lbs.  of  pure  clay 
adhering  to  one  square  foot  of  iron  ;  29  lbs.  to  the  same  surface  of 
wood.  This  quality  of  cohesiveness  in  clay  soil  is  of  great  impor. 
tance,  for  although  chemical  forces  may  have  much  to  do  with 
fertility,  yet,  independently  of  such  sources,  it  is  owing  to  tho 
cohesive  powers  and  state  of  minnte  division  of  particles  that  we 
justly  consider  clay  as  by  far  the  most  important  substance  found 
in  soils.  As  has  been  shown,  these  proi^erties  may  be  in  excess, 
rendering  the  mass  so  compact  and  wet  that  neither  air  nor  warmth 
can  penetrate ;  healthy  vegetation  is  then  impossible,  for  if  the 
germinating  power  be  not  suspended,  growth  is  checked  by  starvation. 
But  even  these  disadvantages  are  preferable  to  the  opposite  qualities 
of  excessive  porousness  and  looseness,  inasmuch  as  we  can  remedy 
the  one  by  artificial  means,  such  as  drainage  and  cnltivation,  but 
cannot  improve  the  other  without  the  addition  of  foreign  matters, 
always  a  most  expensive  process.  As  all  plants  feed  by  roots  as  well 
as  leaves,  and  can  only  receive  food  in  solution,  the  presence  of  a 
certain  amount  of  moisture  is  indispensable.  When,  therefore,  we 
find  clay  united  with  such  substances  as  have  an  opposite  tendency, 
and  which  prevent  the  excessive  influence  of  those  qualities,  we 
should  naturally  expect  fertile  soils  ;  and  such  is  pre-eminently  the 
case  from  the  union  of  clay  and  sand,  or  clay  and  lime.  The 
distinctive  character  of  sand  being  its  porosity  and  inability  either  to 
absorb  or  retain  moisture,  when  mixed  with  the  clay  it  tends  to 
qualify  the  latter,  and,  without  injuring  its  useful  powers,  keeps 
the  soil  sufficiently  open,  allowing  the  water  gradually  to  pass  off, 
and  thus,  instead  of  the  root  being  constantly  surrounded  by  stagnant 
water  and  perishing  from  cold,  it  is  supplied  with  a  refresliing 
draught  constantly  renewed,  equalising  the  temperature,  &c. ;  tho 
soil  retains  its  natural  heat,  which  would  otherwise  be  absorbed  by 
evaporation,  and  tho  atmosphere  is  enabled  to  circulate  and  the  sun's 
rays  to  penetrate,  revivifying  the  soil,  and  causing  those  wonderful 
changes  which  are  as  necessary  to  the  health  of  the  plant  as  pure  air 
is  to  an  animal.  Lime  acts  much  in  the  same  way  as  sand,  being  of  a 
very  porous  character ;  but,  possessing  considerable  absorptive 
powers,  does  not  so  thoroughly  correct  the  retentive  character  of  tho 
clay.  The  cohesive  property  is  of  the  first  importance  in  estimating 
the  fertility  of  soils  by  physical  character.  The  porous  property  is 
also  highly  beneficial  when  acting  as  a  check  or  diluent  upon  the 
former  quality,  but  injurious  when  alone;  its  action  is  rather 
negative  than  positive.  Soils,  porous  without  being  retentive  or 
absorbent,  are  barren,  or  liable  to  become  so  from  drought.  They 
possess  warmth,  and  admit  the  air  very  freely — important  qualities ; 
but  we  might  as  reasonably  expect  an  animal  to  exist  without  food, 
if  placed  in  a  good  atmosphere,  as  a  plant  to  live  without  moisture. 
The  amount  of  cohesiveness  necessary  for  fertility  depends  upon 
climatic  influences — a  point  too  often  lost  sight  of  in  agricultural 
examinations,  since  the  rainfall  varies  in  this  country  from  18  to 
upwards  of  70  inches  per  annum.  In  a  climate  constantly  moist, 
much  less  retentive  power  would  be  necessary  than  in  a  dry  air,  where 
not  one-third  so  much  rain  falls,  and  where  consequently  the  soil 
must  act  as  a  reservoir.  Limestone  soils  are  often  remarkably  fertile 
in  the  former  situations  ;  whereas  in  the  latter  they  are  often  poor, 
and  readily  affected  by  drought. 

The  fineness  or  coarseness  of  granulation  of  soils  is  another 
mechanical  character  of  considerable  importance.  Fine  soils  retain 
moisture  longer  than  coarse  ones,  probably  because  they  offer  greater 
obstruction  to  its  passing  away,  and  possess  a  higher  capillary  power. 
By  this  term  we  refer  to  the  power  water  possesses  of  rising  in  the 
soil,  apparently  in  opposition  to  the  laws  of  gravitation.  If  we  take 
a  fine  tube  of  glass  and  place  the  bottom  end  in  water,  the  water 
will  rise  in  it  to  a  considerable  height,  standing  highest  at  those 
points  where  it  touches  the  glass,  as  though  the  water  possessed  a 
certain  attraction  for  the  glass,  and  scrambled  up  by  laying  hold  of 
the  sides.  The  finer  the  tube  the  greater  the  capillary  attraction. 
We  must,  therefore,  regard  the  soil  as  consisting  of  a  number  of 
tubes,  the  walls  formed  by  the  particles  of  soil,  and  the  hollow  repre- 
seuted  by  the  natui'al  space  between  them.  We  must  not  confound 
this  gradual  rising  of  water  with  the  risings  of  springs,  as  the  latter 
results  from  the  pressure  of  accumulated  volume,  which  tends  to  force 
the  water  upwards  till  it  reaches  its  former  level.  In  dry  seasons 
and  climates  the  capillary  power  of  a  soil  is  often  of  great  import, 
ance,  as  a  steady  supply  of  moisture  is  thus  afforded  to  the  roots  long 
after  the  surface  has  become  dried  up.  One  of  the  great  objects  of 
draining  is  to  prevent  excessive  capillarity  by  drawing  off  those 
waters,  which  would  otherwise  find  their  way  to  the  surface  in  too 
great  quantities,  and  lower  the  temperature  of  the  soil  by  evapora- 
tion. Peaty  soils  possess  considerable  capillary  powers ;  but  clay 
surpasses  all  other  soils  in  this  respect.  Limestone  soils  and  coarse 
I  sands,  being  composed  of  larger  materials,  have  little  capillarity. 


Nov.  15,1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


403 


Fine  soils,  being  much  firmer  than  coarse  ones,  pi-esent  a  better 
surface  for  the  roots  to  attach  themselves.  Tho  presence  of  consider, 
able  quantities  of  loose  stones  or  flints  in  tho  latter  often  has  a  bene, 
iicial  effect  in  rendering  them  more  solid,  preventing  the  roots  being 
thrown  out  by  frost,  sheltering  the  young-  plant,  and  shading  the 
ground  from  the  drying  effects  of  a  hot  sun.  The  custom  of  picking 
oft  all  stones  from  the  surface  is  often  a  great  error,  as  they  exercise 
a,  beneficial  influence,  and  in  many  cases  would  in  time  disintegrate 
and  deepen  the  soil.  Of  course  they  must  be  removed  where  so  large 
as  to  iuterfero  with  cultivation ;  but  tho  benefit  is  very  doubtful  in 
other  cases.  The  presence  of  stones  scours  tho  plough,  as  it  is  termed 
— that  is,  keeps  the  share  and  turnfurrow  clean. 

Colour  may  be  regarded  as  a  physical  character  of  soils,  and  may 
bo  noticed  as  appearing  to  exercise  a  marked  influence  npou  fertility, 
due  in  a  creat  measure  to  its  affecting  the  temperature.  Pedestrians 
are  well  aware  of  the  difference  felt  in  a  very  hot  sunshine  in  walking 
over  a  white  or  dark  soil.  In  the  first  case  the  rays  are  reflected, 
and  strike  upon  the  body  with  uncomfortable  force ;  in  the  second 
they  are  absorbed,  and  the  ground,  or  I'ather  air,  appears  cool  and 
refreshing.  The  darker  a  soil  the  greater  its  absorbing  power ;  but, 
to  compensate  in  some  measure  for  this,  the  light-coloured  soil  retains 
heat  longest. 

Chemical  Characters,  -with  General  Account  of  the 
Results  of  Analyses  hitherto  made. 

By  tho  term  chemical  character  of  a  soil,  we  refer  to  the  presence 
or  absence  of  those  ingredients  with  which  the  science  of  chemistry 
has  made  us  acquainted.  The  ashes  of  plants  are  made  up  of  a 
number  of  mineral  substances,  varying  in  different  kinds,  but 
always  identical  in  the  same  species ;  and  as  these  matters  must 
be  derived  from  the  soil,  we  should  expect  to  find  fertile  soils 
abounding  in,  and  barren  soils  destitute  of  them.  This,  however, 
is  not  always  the  case  :  of  course  fertile  soils  must  possess  them, 
but  infertile  also  often  exhibit  abundance  of  such  food,  and  therefore 
we  believe  their  value  may  depend  more  upon  the  particular  state  of 
combination  in  which  they  exist,  than  merely  their  presence  or 
absence  in  a  soil.  Chemical  analysis  often  fails  to  detect  substances, 
which  may  yet  exist  in  suflicient  quantity  for  vegetable  life  ;  or 
again,  for  some  slight  impurity  in  the  re-agents,  it  may  indicate 
bodies,  that  are  absent  from  the  soil.  Owing  to  these  difiiculties,  the 
science  of  chemistry  has  not  produced  those  results  which  were 
naturally  expected.  Little  reliance  can  therefore  be  placed  upon  the 
mere  tabular  results  of  an  analysis,  the  object  of  wliich  is  to  point 
out  the  relative  quantities  of  the  difi^erent  mineral  matters  in  a  soil 
without  reference  to  their  state  of  combination.  We  do  not  wish  to 
infer  that  no  value  is  to  be  attached  to  the  ordinary  analyses  of  soils, 
but  would  only  point  out  their  liability  to  error.  Fertile  soUs  contain 
the  following  substances  :  silica,  alumina,  peroxide  of  iron,  lime, 
magnesia,  potash,  soda,  sulphuric,  phosphoric,  and  carbonic  acids, 
and  chlorine.  With  the  exception  of  alumina,  all  these  exist  in  the 
ashes  of  plants,  being  built  up  in  the  vegetable  system,  in  union  with 
organic  matter ;  we  shall  therefore  consider  each  shortly. 

Silica. 

This  is  an  oxide  of  the  element  silicon,  posssesing  slightly  acid 
properties.  It  occurs  pure  in  quartz  crystals  and  many  sandstones, 
forming  the  principal  ingredient  of  all  sandy  soils,  and  being  insoluble 
and  destitute  of  all  valuable  physical  properties,  their  poverty  bears 
an  exact  ratio  to  purity.  It  is  in  combination  with  various  bases, 
such  as  alumina,  magnesia,  lime,  and  the  alkalies,  that  silica  becomes 
an  important  element  in  soils.  The  straw  of  cereal  crops  contains  a 
large  quantity,  giving  strength  and  hardness.  When  Wheat  is  too 
frequently  repeated  on  a  poor  soil,  the  straw  becomes  weak,  and  goes 
down  before  the  Corn  is  ripe,  because  suflicient  available  silica  is  not 
to  be  had.  The  silicates  are  generally  insoluble,  and  it  is  probably 
by  their  decomposition  in  the  soil,  that  the  silica,  soluble  in  its 
nascent  state,  is  taken  up  by  the  moisture  present  in  the  soil,  and 
presented  to  the  roots  of  plants.  We  say  this  is  probable,  because 
we  can  effect  similar  changes  in  the  laboratory ;  but  we  should  always 
remember  that  there  are  many  counteracting  influences  in  the  soil, 
which  may  interfere  with  the  result.  In  the  most  fertile  soils  we 
find  the  largest  amount  of  silicates  united  with  alkaline  bodies,  in 
which  form  it  is  most  readily  decomposed.  Lime  is  supposed  to 
possess  tho  property  of  setting  silica  free  ;  whether  this  action  is 
confined  to  quicklime  only  is  still  undecided.  Chemistry  here  teaches 
the  reason  for  rotation  of  crops,  which  practice  had  found  necessary ; 
the  Wheat  crop,  which  takes  most  siUca,  is  seldom  taken  above  once 
in  four  years  on  poor  land,  and  we  precede  and  follow  it  with  crops 
which  remove  very  small  quantities  of  this  important  substance. 
Silicates  exist  more  abundantly  in  clays  than  in  most  sandy  soils, 
consequently  we  find  the  Wheat  crop  more  frequently  repeated  : 
Wheat  after  the  Fallow,  is  followed  by  Beans,  succeeded  by  Wheat 
again ;   a  rotation  which  would  be  impossible  on  sandy  soils.     Of 


coui'se  this  difference  is  not  to  be  traced  to  the  silica  only  ;  nuiuy 

other  substances  are  equally  required,  but  none  are  more  important. 

Alumina. 

Alumina  is  an  oxide  of  the  metal  aluminium,  possessing  basic 
properties ;  it  occurs  abundantly  in  nature,  forming,  in  a  crystallised 
state,  many  of  the  precious  stones  ;  but  its  principal  form  is  common 
clay,  which  is  a  silicate  of  alumina.  It  is  not  known  to  enter  into 
the  composition  of  plants,  yet  it  must  be  regarded  as  the  most  im- 
portant constituent  of  soils ;  partly  due  to  its  physical  properties, 
and  partly  to  the  extraordinary  affinity  it  manifests  for  gaseous  sub- 
stances, especially  ammonia  and  carbonic  acid  gas.  Pure  clay  liko 
pure  sand  would  form  a  barren  soil ;  fortunately  such  do  not  exist  in 
nature — clay  being  accompanied  by  various  other  substances,  the 
relative  proportions  and  combinations  of  which  determine  the  fertility 
of  each  particular  soil.  Clay  forms  a  matrix  in  which  all  other 
substances  act ;  it  is  a  storehouse,  in  which  are  collected  and  brought 
into  contact  those  bodies  which  possess  an  affinity  for  each  other's 
society :  having  united  together,  they  are  taken  care  of  until 
required,  when  they  are  slowly  produced.  Silicate  of  alumina  unites 
with  silicates  of  other  earths  and  alkalies,  forming  what  are  called 
double  silicates — substances  which  appear  to  play  a  most  important 
part  in  the  nutrition  of  plants. 

Lime. 

Lime  is  also  very  abundant  in  nature,  being  found  in  all  fertile 
soils  :  indeed,  as  it  enters  into  the  composition  of  every  kind  of  plant, 
we  may  safely  conclude  that  it  is  necessary  to  vegetation.  It  is  an 
oxide  of  the  metal  calcium,  possessing  basic  properties ;  having  a 
great  aflinity  for  moisture  and  carbonic  acid,  on  exposure  to  the  atmo- 
sphere it  rapidily  becomes  a  hydrate,  and  finally  carbonate  of  lime, 
in  which  state  it  principally  exists  in  soils,  though  it  is  also  found  as 
sulphate  and  phosphate.  From  the  earliest  times  lime  either  as  car. 
bonate  or  oxide  has  formed  an  important  dressing  for  all  kinds  of  land : 
whenever  new  land  is  brought  into  cultivation,  or  old  pasture  broken 
up,  quicklime  should  be  applied,  whether  the  soil  be  stiff  clay  or  lighc 
sand.  We  are  better  acquainted  with  the  action  of  quicklime  than 
of  the  carbonate,  owing  to  its  having  engaged  more  attention  from 
the  chemist ;  but  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  the  action  is  similar 
in  both  cases,  only  much  more  rapid  and  effective  in  the  former,  and 
therefore  its  application  is  to  be  preferred.  As  much  less  is  required, 
the  expense  of  burning  is  compensated  by  the  saving  in  labour. 
Much  difference  of  opinion  still  exists  as  to  the  action  of  lime  ;  some 
chemists  would  limit  its  effects  to  vegetable  matter  only,  others  con. 
fine  its  action  to  the  decomposition  of  mineral  matters,  while  a  third 
class  look  upon  it  principally  as  a  manuring  substance.  We  believe 
its  value  is  due  to  all  three  causes.  That  lime  has  a  most  beneficial 
effect  on  inert  vegetable  matter  is  clear,  from  the  advantages  which 
follow  its  application  to  peaty  soils ;  that  inert  vegetable  matter 
exists  in  soils  that  have  been  long  in  cultivation  and  frequently 
manured  is  most  certain  ;  and  that  lime  would  in  such  cases  prove  as 
fertilising  as  a  dressing  of  manure  seems  reasonable  to  conclude  :  but 
of  course,  as  its  effect  is  destructive,  and  in  this  sense  dependent 
upon  the  presence  of  vegetable  matter,  it  can  never  be  substituted 
for  manure.  Its  action  consists  in  reducing  to  an  available  form  those 
substances  which  have  not  been  already  absorbed  by  plants  on 
account  of  their  insoluble  condition.  This,  it  is  now  generally 
believed,  is  effected  by  the  gradual  reduction  of  the  humus  into  its 
ultimate  products,  carbonic  acid  and  water,  and  possibly  ammonia  or 
nitric  acid  ;  the  nitrogen  of  the  atmosphere  uniting  with  the  hydrogen 
set  free  in  its  nascent  state.  During  this  process  it  is  probable  that 
various  organic  acids  are  formed ;  passing  rapidly  one  into  another, 
without  entering  into  plants  as  such.  Limo  removes  the  acidity 
often  found  in  vegetable  soils,  either  by  destroying  the  acid,  or  com. 
bining  with  it  to  form  an  organic  salt.  Were  the  action  of  lime 
restricted  to  vegetable  matter  only,  it  could  not  fail  to  prove  a  most 
valuable  appUcation  ;  but  its  relation  to  the  mineral  matters  in  the 
soil  is  perhaps  more  important  still.  In  most  stiff  soils  the  alkalies  are 
found  united  with  silica  and  alumina,  in  certain  proportions,  mostly 
insoluble  and,  therefore,  useless.  Rain-water,  containing  acid,  might 
gradually  dissolve  out  portions,  sufficient  for  a  natural  condition,  but 
inadequate  to  the  artificial  requirements  of  cultivation.  Lime  appears 
to  possess  the  power  of  setting  free  the  alkalies  and  magnesia  from 
their  insoluble  condition,  probably  replacing  them  ;  and,  what  seems 
rather  extraordinary  is,  that  when  these  substances  are  added  to  the 
soil  and  would  pass  away  too  rapidly  and  be  lost,  by  some  means  not 
yet  clearly  understood  lime  possesses  the  property  of  fixing  them  as 
insoluble  compounds,  causing  their  union  with  those  very  substances 
from  which  it  had  previously  displaced  them.  Any  attempt  at 
explanation  of  these  remarkable  changes  would  be  out  of  place  here ; 
but  should  the  present  discoveiies  be  confirmed  by  further  investiga. 
tion,  a  most  important  fact  must  follow,  viz.,  the  advantage  of  repeated 
applications  of  small  quantities  of  lime,  and  the  wastefulness  of  the 
old  system  of  heavy  dressings.    Lime  enters  into  the  composition  of 


404 


O^HE   GABDBN. 


[is^ov.  15, 1873. 


most  croi33,  but  the  quantity  required  for  this  purpose  is  so  small,  and 
tbenatural  snpplyin  most  soilssoabundant,  that  wccan hardly  attribute 
the  effects  of  its  application  to  this  cause.  From  all  these  facts,  we 
should  expect  to  find  limestone  soils  a  very  fertile  class,  and  when 
the  other  essential  elements  of  fertility  are  present,  such  is  the  case. 
We  are  not  certain  that  lime  as  cai'bonato  acts  in  the  same  manner 
as  in  the  caustic  state  ;  that  its  application  to  soils  light  and  heavy, 
mineral  and  peaty,  has  been  found  beneficial  is  undoubted.  Its 
iulluence  may  partly  be  ascribed  to  physical  causes,  making  stiff  clays 
more  workable,  sands  more  absorbent,  and  giving  firmness  to  peaty  soils. 

Iron. 
This  is  an  important  ingredient  of  soils,  and  is  found  in  most 
crops.  It  generally  exists  as  peroxide,  giving  a  red  appearance.  The 
])rotoxidc  appears  to  exert  an  injurious  infiuence  ou  vegetation  ;  it  is 
found  in  the  sub-soils  of  stiff  undrained  clays,  giving  the  yellow 
tiuge.  On  exposure  to  the  atmosphere  it  absorbs  oxygen,  becoming 
peroxide.  When  such  sub-soils  have  been  brought  to  the  surface  too 
suddenly,  great  injury  has  resulted,  which  is  generally  attributed  to 
the  iirotoxide  of  iron. 

Phosphoric  Acid. 
Phosphoric  acid  is  a  most  important  ingredient  of  soils,  and 
its  application  when  deficient  has  been  most  successful.  It  is  a  com- 
pound of  oxygen  with  the  metal  phosphorus ;  it  occurs  united  with 
various  bases,  as  lime,  magnesia,  potash,  soda,  &c. ;  such  combina- 
tions being  known  as  phosphates.  Phosphate  of  lime,  the  most  com. 
men  form,  causes  the  high  manuring  properties  of  bones.  In  this 
state  it  is  insoluble,  but  when  the  bones  are  digested  in  sulphuric 
acid,  a  chemical  change  takes  jilacc,  and  the  resulting  superphos- 
phate, as  it  is  called,  contains  a  considerable  quantity  of  soluble 
phosphate ;  hence  its  action  is  more  rapid  than  simple  bones ;  the 
latter  are  more  lasting,  and  were  formerly  applied  with  the  greatest 
advantage  to  worn  out  pastures.  In  this  way  the  extensive  dairy 
districts  of  Cheshire  have  been  improved.  For  ages  before,  the  milk 
(which  contains  a  large  percentage  of  bone  earth)  and  the  young 
stock  sold  off,  had  abstracted  all  the  phosphates  from  the  soil,  and  the 
jjustures  were  yearly  becoming  more  exhausted.  There  have 
recently  been  discovered  certain  soils  on  the  upper  greensand,  very 
rich  in  phosphates  derived  from  the  decomposition  of  coprolites 
or  fossil  manure,  and  their  fertility  is  very  remarkable.  The  bed 
from  which  they  arc  derived  is  quarried,  and  forms  a  valuable  manure. 
Sulphui-ic  Acid. 
Sulphuric  acid  is  also  found  in  the  ashes  of  plants,  and,  united 
with  various  bases,  exists  in  most  soils.  It  has  been  found  very 
beneficial  when  united  with  lime,  as  a  top  dressing  for  Clover, 
esiDecially  on  sandy  soils. 

Magnesia. 
Magnesia  is  the  oxide  of  magnesium,  possessing  basic  proper- 
ties, and  closely  resembling  lime  in  its  nature.  It  occurs  in  most 
soils;  all  limestone  rocks  contain  more  or  less  as  carbonate;  sandy 
Boils  are  most  deficient,  and  its  application  to  such  in  the  form  of 
Kulijhate  (Epsom  salts)  has  been  found  successful.  The  niagnesian 
limestone  consists  of  nearly  equal  parts  of  carbonate  of  magnesia  and 
lime ;  many  fertile  soils  are  found  resting  ou  it,  which  seems  to  refute 
the  prevalent  opinion  of  its  poisonous  tendency. 
Potash  and  Soda. 
These  alkalies  may  be  considered  together,  as  they  possess 
similar  properties,  and  it  is  even  believed  that  they  are  in  certain 
cases  capable  of  replacing  each  other  in  the  cells  of  a  plant.  They 
are  oxides  of  metallic  bodies,  potassium  and  sodium,  and  occur  in 
the  soil  as  salts,  united  with  carbonic,  silicic,  sulphuric,  phosphoric, 
or  hydrochloric  acids.  The  percentage  of  each  found  in  jilants  is  very 
small,  yet  their  presence  in  the  soil  is  most  important;  all  plants 
contain  them.  The  fertile  nature  of  wood-ashes  is  due  to  carbonate 
of  potassa ;  sea  weeds  owe  their  manuring  effects  principally  to  the 
alkalies ;  clay  soils  are  rich  in  alkalies,  often  occurring  as  silicates 
in  an  insolable  form,  but  in  such  a  condition  as  to  become  slowly 
available  for  vegetation  ;  limestone  soils,  at  least  the  poorer  varieties, 
are  deficient  in  these  substances,  consequently  their  frequent  appli- 
cation in  small  quantities  is  desirable ;  they  should  be  applied  as  a  top 
dressing  in  spring,  so  that  the  roots  may  take  them  up  before  they 
pass  away  iuto  the  sub-soil ;  guano  and  all  other  animal  manures 
owe  a  portion  of  their  effect  to  the  alkalies  present  in  them.  The 
power  of  substitution  supposed  to  exist  in  certain  plants,  has  not  been 
veryclearly  proved;  it  is  said  that  sea-side  plants  which  contain  a  large 
percentage  of  soda  when  grown  inland,  and  upon  soils  rich  in  potash, 
have  the  power  of  absorbing  the  latter,  and  rice  vers'i.,  but  further 
experiments  are  required  to  determine  this  interesting  question, 
which  is  of  great  practical  importance,  inasmuch  as  soda  in  tlie 
form  of  chloride  exits  much  more  abundantly  in  nature  than  any 
salt  of  potassa,  and  could,  therefore,  be  applied  much  more  economically. 
Chlorine. 
This  is   the    last  mineral   constituent   of    soils   we    shall   men- 


tion.  It  occurs  in  most  plants,  and,  where  deficient  in  the  soil,  should 
be  added  in  the  form  of  common  salt.  The  application  of  this  sub- 
stance has  much  increased  of  late  years,  and  the  successful  results 
obtained  would  warrant  our  believing,  that  besides  its  food  value, 
common  salt  may  possess  some  peculiar  chemical  power  in  assisting 
to  make  other  matters  available  as  food  for  plants. 

The  assimilation  of  the  above  mineral  matters  by  the  vegetable 
kingdom  appears  to  depend  upon  the  presence  in  suitable  proportions 
of  the  organic  elements,  carbon,  hydrogen,  oxygen,  and  nitrogen. 
The  three  first  are  very  abundant,  and  can  be  obtained  both  by  the 
routs  and  leaves  of  plants  ;  the  nitrogen  occurs  more  sparingly,  and 
fertility  appears  to  depend  mainly  upon  its  presence  in  the  soil. 
Small  quantities  existing  in  the  atmosphere  as  ammonia  and  nitric 
acid  are  carried  down  into  the  soil  with  every  shower,  or  absorbed 
by  the  surface  soil.  This  property  of  absorption  is  enjoyed  in  a 
different  degree  by  different  soils. 

(To  he  continued.) 


THE     LIBRARY. 


A  HANDBOOK  OF  WEATHER  FOLK  LORE.* 
Tins  is  a  most  interesting  collection  of  proverbial  sayings  in  various 
languages  relating  to  the  weather,  with  explanatory  and  illustrative 
notes.     The  proverbs  of  several  European  countries  on  this  subject 
have  been  carefully  gathered  and  arranged  with  some  care  under 
certain  headings,  as  for  instance  the  various  local  general  proverbial 
observations  on  the  chances  of  good  and  bad  seasons,  founded  ou  the 
experience  of  noting  atmospheric  and  other  phenomena.     Many  of 
these  are  exceedingly  pithy  and  expressed  with  a  pleasingly  simple 
briefness.     In  the  second  part   of  the  work  is  a  long  list  of  weather 
prognostics  derived  from  the  conduct  of  animals,  birds,  &c.,  prior  to 
changes  for  foul  or  fair.     One  of  the  most  remarkable  features  of 
this  subject  is  the  agreement  of  the  deductions  of  all  the  European 
authorities  cited  in  these  matters.    Many  of  the  canons  are  necessarily 
rudely  expressed,  but  the  marked  concordance  of  the  conclusions  of 
men  of  different  times  and  countries  on  the  subject  of  this  self-taught 
weather-wisdom  is  as  noticeable,  as  we  believe  it  to  be  valuable,  as  a 
testimony  to   its   truth.     As  an  example  of  the   agreement  of  those 
observations   in  different  countries  we  may  cite  the  following   (p. 
230)  : — "  Cats  are  observed  to  scratch  the  wall  or  a  post  before  wind, 
and  to  wash  their  faces  before  a  thaw  ;    they  sit  with  theii-  backs  to 
the  file  before  snow."     The  French  express  the   same  feline  percep- 
tion of  a  change  in  the  weather  by  the  proverb — • 
Quand  lo  chat  so  frotto  ToreiUc, 
C'est  le  temps  vif  qui  se  reveille. 
And  the  Italians,  in  almost  the  same  words, — 
Quand  el  gat  se  frega  i  orecc 
Spota  I'aqua  cho  vegn  a  secc. — Milan, 
i.e.,  when  the  cat  scratches  his  ear  it  will  soon  rain. 

''  ^Vhen  cats  wipe  their  jaws  with  their  feet,  it  is  a  sign  of  rain," 
is  paralleled  by  a  saying  common  in  the  Basses  Alpes — 

Quand  lou  oat  passe  la  patte  sur  la  teste, 
Penleon  (bientot)  fara  tempeste. 

In  "  Southey's  Travels  in  Spain,"  we  read,  "The  old  woman  pio- 
mised  him  a  fine  day  to-morrow,  because  the  cat's  skin  looked 
bright."  "  Sailors,"  I  am  informed,  on  the  authority  of  a  naval 
officer,  "  have  a  great  dislike  to  see  the  cat,  on  board  ship,  unusually 
playful  and  frolicsome  ;  such  an  event,  they  consider,  prognosticates 
a  storm ;  and  they  have  a  saying,  on  these  occasions,  that  '  the  cat 
has  a  gale  of  wind  in  her  tail.'  " — Brand,  iii.,  188. 

Coincidences  of  this  kind  are  multiplied  from  the  proverbial  lore 
of  almost  every  country  in  Europe,  and  render  the  work  perhaps  the 
most  interesting  that  has  yet  appeared  on  the  subject. 


THE  FOURTH  GEORGIC  OF  VIRGIL.f 

This  is  an  exquisite  little  volume,  finely  illustrated  with  wood  cuts 
from  Rich's  "  Antiquities."  The  translation  is,  for  the  most  part,  good, 
and  as  near  to  the  original  text  as  the  necessities  of  the  English 
heroic  couplet  permitted.  The  book  is  so  beautifully  printed  and 
bound  that  it  would  be  difiicult  for  us  to  think  of  or  suggest  a  more 
acceptable  gem  of  a  present  to  any  of  our  classical,  or  non-classical, 
friends. 

•"A  Handbook  of  Weather  Folk  Lore."  By  the  Kev.  C.  Swainson,  M.A., 
vicar  of  Hisli  Hurst  Wood.  William  Blackwood  &  Sons,  Edinburgh  and 
London.    1873. 

t  "The  Foirrth  Georgic  of  Virgil."  Translated  into  English  heroics  bj  R.  IT, 
MUlington,  M.A.    London :  Longman  &  Co.,  Paternoster  Row. 


Nov.  15,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


405 


MESSRS.  JACKMANS'  NURSERIES,  WOKING. 
These  consist  of  80  acres  of  ground  filled  with  fruit,  forest, 
and  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs,  Clematises,  Roses,  and  other 
hard}^  plants.  They  are,  for  the  most  pai't,  high-lying  and 
fully  exposed,  a  situation  in  which  plants  ripen  their  wood 
much  earlier  than  they  do  in  valleys,  and,  consequently,  they 
stand  the  winter  better  than  those  having  a  greater  amount 
of  shelter.  Conifers  thrive  remark.ably  well  in  these  nurseries, 
in  which  there  are  some  noble  specimens.  Of  Aitiucaria 
imbricata  there  is  a  flue  tree  some  2H  feet  high,  with  a  trunk 
a  foot  in  di.ameter,  and  it  is  densely  furnished  with  branches 
to  the  ground.  Of  Thuja  gigantea  there  is  also  a  magnificent 
•specimen  about  2i-  feet  high,  and  9  feet  in  diameter  of 
branches,  which  are  almost  as  wide  at  the  top  of  the  tree  as 
they  are  near  the  bottom,  and  as  closely  set  as  it  is  possible 
for  them  to  be.     Here,  too,  are   some  very  fine  symmetrical 


and  also  a  very  fine  example  of  Picea  cephalonica,  possessing 
the  true  character  of  a  tree,  and  not  that  of  a  Icaderless  bush, 
a  form  so  often  assumed  by  this  plant.  Among  other  fine 
trees  is  a  flourishing  plant  of  Thuja  Lobbii,  some  3.5  feet  in 
height ;  and  of  the  deciduous  Cypress,  there  are  some  good 
specimens  both  of  the  erect  and  weeping  kinds.  Inter- 
mixed with  the  branches  of  one  of  these  trees  is  a  Wistaria, 
which  flowers  remarkably  well  in  this  situation,  and  has  a  fine 
effect  in  spring,  backed  up,  as  it  is,  with  branches  having  a 
lovely  shade  of  green.  A  seedling  variety  of  this  Cypress 
has  been  raised  here,  apparently  an  improvement  on  the 
original;  it  has  larger  and  broader  leaflets,  which  are  more 
flatly  set  and  spread  out  than  those  of  the  original  form.  The 
grounds  here,  from  their  exposed  position,  are  so  subject  to 
heavy  gales  that  it  has  been  found  necessary  to  adopt  measures 
to  break   their  force ;  belts  of  Pinus  austriaca  have  therefore 


New  Hoube  foi  Clematises  in  Messrs.  Jackmaus'  Nursery. 


specimens  of  Wellingtonia,  especi.ally  one,  the  stem  of  which 
at  o  feet  from  the  ground  is  2  feet  in  diameter,  and  thickly 
fni'nished  with  branches  to  the  very  base.  This  and  other 
AVollingtonias  here  are  from  seeds  sown  in  the  Woking 
Nurseries  eighteen  years  ago.  This  tree  has  not  been  trans- 
planted. Occasional  transplantation  is  found  to  make  good 
]ilants  with  plenty  of  short  roots ;  but  it  also,  at  the  same 
lime,  retards  growth  as  compared  with  trees  that  have 
been  allowed  to  grow  on  undisturbed.  Welliugtonias  should 
evidently  be  planted,  while  young,  where  they  are  to  remain, 
and  should  not  afterwards  be  moved.  Picea  Nordmanniaua,  a 
fine  plant  of  which  stands  on  the  lawn,  is  about  16  feet  high, 
with  a  diameter  of  branches  at  the  base  of  about  8  feet.  There 
is  also  a  very  fine  specimen  of  Pinus  macrocarpa,  with  wide- 
spreading  branches.  This  has  ripened  cones  here  quite  as 
fine  as  some  in  Messrs  Jackmans'  possession  from  Cali- 
fornia.   Of  Pinus  Lambertiana  we  noticed  a  splendid  specimen. 


been  planted  through  the  nurseries,  and  these  have  now 
attained  large  proportions,  with  thickly-set  strong  branches 
that  answer  their  appointed  purpose  even  beyond  expectation. 
This  Pine  withstands  wind  force  with  impunity,  and  it  is  a 
rapid  grower  and  very  hardy.  Amongst  the  many  acres  of 
young  Conifers  that  occupy  patches  here  and  there  in  the 
localities  best  suited  for  them,  we  observed  the  beautiful 
little  Thuja  occidentalis  lutea,  that  received  a  first-class 
certificate  from  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  last 
February.  It  was  growing  in  rows  in  an  open  quarter 
associated  with  other  dwarf  Thujas,  which  it  completely 
eclipsed  in  richness  of  colour  and  variegation,  the  young  wood 
being  largely  blotched  with  a  deep  golden  colour  that  stands 
the  test  of  both  the  summer's  sun  and  the  winter's  storm. 
Near  it  was  also  growing  the  silvery-edged  variety  of  this 
Thuja,  a  useful  acquisition  to  our  stock  of  variegated  Conifers. 
Of  Thuja  orientalis  elegantissima  there  were  several  squares 


406 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  15, 1873. 


filled  witli  plants  -whicli  possess  a  bright  green  colour,  Tarie- 
gated  with  gold  in  summer,  and  as  vrinter  approaches  the 
greeu  becomes  converted  into  a  bronzy  hue,  and  the  rich 
variegation  is  still  retained.  By  gas-light  these  little  Conifers 
have  a  charming  effect,  and  in  spring  they  again  resume  their 
former  green  colour.  Betinospora  ericoides  is  grown  here  in 
large  quantities,  and,  while  young,  we  know  of  no  prettier 
object  for  window  embellishment ;  a  purpose  for  which 
all  Retinosporas  are  useful.  Amongst  many  other  treasures 
here,  we  also  observed  a  form  of  the  Deodar  that  had  partaken 
of  a  character  somewhat  after  the  style  of  Abies  clan- 
brassiliensis  or  pygmasa.  It  is  an  old  plant  2  feet  high 
and  3  feet  through,  in  the  form  of  an  extremely  dense 
weeping  bush.  It  has  no  leader,  nor  does  it  attempt 
to  make  one;  on  the  contrary,  it  annually  pushes 
forth  some  little  slender  branches  that,  instead  of  adopting  an 
upward  direction,  droop,  and  closely  overlap  the  older  ones. 
"£ews  are  conspicuous  objects  in  these  nurseries,  and  thrive 
well  in  them.  They  consist  of  the  English  and  Irish  sorts, 
surmounted  with  grafted  tops  of  the  golden  varieties,  as  well 
as  the  common  and  finer  kinds  on  their  own  roots.  In  addition 
to  some  fine  hedges  of  English  Tew,  was  a  dwarf  edging 
like  that  of  Box  made  of  this  plant,  about  8  inches  high,  and 
which  was  both  singular  in  appearance  and  pretty. 

These  nurseries  are  remarkable  for  their  fine  Hollies,  which 
are  worth  seeing,  a  large  space  being  devoted  to  their  growth. 
Standard  Hollies  are  also  grown  here  extensively,  and  with 
great  success.  They  have  round  and  very  thickly-set  heads, 
and  long  stems  as  straight  as  gun-barrels.  On  the  lawn  are 
two  standards  that  took  the  first  prize  at  the  great  Exhibition 
of  1866,  and  beautiful  plants  they  are,  with  compact 
densely-furnished  heads  of  golden-variegated  leaves.  The 
largest  is  12  feet  in  height,  with  a  stem  about  5i  feet  in  height, 
and  a  massive  head  some  9  feet  through.  The  variety  is  Ilex 
Watereriana,  which  is  the  best  of  all  the  Hollies  for  standards  ; 
it  forms  a  compact  dense  head,  and  is  finely  variegated,  but 
not  quite  so  much  so  as  Golden  Queen,  which  is  a  splendid 
sort  for  bushes.  Near  these  standards  is  a  bush  specimen  of 
I.  Watereriana,  12  feet  high  and  51  feet  in  circumference.  It 
was  planted  sixty  years  ago,  and  forms  a  blunt  pyramid  at 
the  top,  the  base  having  the  appearance  of  a  dense  mass  of 
young  plants,  an  aspect  caused  by  the  lower  branches  resting 
on  the  ground  and  turning  up  their  points.  A  very  fine  Holly 
hedge  borders  one  of  the  nui-series.  It  is  planted  on  the  top 
of  a  bank,  nicely  trimmed,  and  at  intervals  occur  variegated 
heads,  rising  up  in  the  form  of  standards.  In  the  front  of 
the  bank,  supporting  this  hedge.  Quick  has  been  planted, 
which,  when  timely  and  neatly  pruned,  forms  a  serviceable 
breastwork,  both  as  a  fence  and  as  a  protection  for  preserving 
the  embankment  intact. 

About  five  acres  of  ground  are  under  Eose-culture,  and  here 
the  finest  kinds  of  Roses  of  all  classes  are  grown.-  Amongst 
forest  trees,  are  large  quantities  of  Spanish  Chestnuts,  which 
make  good  Hop-poles,  a  purpose  for  which  they  are  more  in 
demand  than  any  other  kind  of  tree,  Larch  and  Ash  ranking  next 
in  point  of  value.  Amongst  miscellaneous  plants  we  observed  a 
row  of  Draccena  austraUs,  that  four  years  ago  were  turned  out 
of  60-sized  pots  to  take  their  chance  out  of  doors  ;  here  they 
have  remained  ever  since,  on  an  open  quarter  quite  unprotected, 
and  yet  there  is  not  a  blank  amongst  them.  They  are  fifty  in 
number,  strong,  healthy,  and  about  3  feet  in  height.  Surely 
when  these  graceful  plants  have  survived  four  successive  whiters 
in  such  an  exposed  situation  as  these  occupy,  they  might  be 
used  in  flower-gardens  to  a  greater  extent  than  they  are.  Here, 
too,  is  quite  a  small  field  of  Pampas  Grass,  bearing  many 
hundreds  of  flower-spikes. 

Our  illustration  represents  Messrs.  Jackmans'  specimen 
Clematis  house,  which  was  erected  during  the  current  year  by 
Mr.  fiendle.  It  is  50  feet  long  and  20  feet  wide,  set  on  a  dwarf 
wall  of  bricks,  in  which  are  wooden  ventilators,  and  the  top 
is  ventilated  on  Voice's  patent  system,  whichis  greatly  approved 
of,  as  the  whole  length  of  the  lantern  top  can  be  opened  at 
once.  If  the  wind  blows  from  one  direction,  the  ventilators 
on  the  opposite  side  can  be  opened,  and  vice  versa  ;  and  in 
bright  and  calm  weather,  the  lantern  can  be  lifted  up  ou  both 
sides,  if  desired.  This  house  is  glazed  on  Mr.  Eendle's 
principle,    and    is    waterproof.      At    the    time  of    our  visit. 


rain  fell  very  heavily  without  causing  the  least  di-ip 
in  the  house.  The  glass  {21-ounce)  consists  of  large 
panes  placed  in  horizontal  metal  grooves  fixed  on  wooden 
ratters,  across  which  wooden  battens,  about  2  inches  by  1 
inch  in  thickness,  run  from  end  to  end,  and  metallic  bars 
are  nailed  to  the  battens  to  hold  all  firmly  together.  The 
panes  are  so  inserted  as  to  be  conveniently  taken  out,  and  put 
in  without  the  least  trouble  ;  indeed,  this  is  the  way  in  which 
additional  ventilation  is  given,  and  should  any  shifting  of  the 
glass  by  wind  be  appai-ent  the  intervention  of  a  thin  piece  of 
cork  or  indiarubber  makes  all  perfectly  secure.  The  interior 
contains  a  central  bench,  surrounded  by  side  stages,  which 
are  filled  with  about  200  specimen  plants  of  Clematises  in 
pots.  These  are  now  kept  at  a  low  temperature,  and  mode- 
rately dry,  a  course  of  treatment  which  is  continued  until  they 
are  required  for  starting  in  spring,  when  they  receive  a  little 
extra  heat.  These  plants  chiefly  consist  of  the  early-blooming 
varieties,  and  include  many  fine  unnamed  seedlings  that  were 
flowered  for  the  first  time  out  of  doors  last  summer,  and  which 
were  selected  from  amongst  hundreds  of  others,  potted  and 
taken  indoors.  The  pots  they  are  grown  in  were  made 
purposely  for  them,  and  are  12  inches  wide  at  the 
top  (inside  measurement),  and  15  inches  deep,  tapering 
but  very  little  from  top  to  bottom.  These  pots  are  preferred 
to  those  of  ordinary  make  as  they  allow  of  a  good  depth  of  soil 
for  the  fleshy  roots  to  ramble  in.  A  good  calcareous  loam, 
mixed  with  well-decayed  manure,  is  the  favourite  soil  for 
Clematises  in  pots.  Stout  galvanised  wire,  4-inch  in  circum- 
ference, is  converted  into  a  pj'riform  trellis  of  eight  ribs,  the 
wires  crossing  each  other  at  the  top  where  they  are  fastened 
together,  and  the  ends  are  inserted  in  the  soil  in  the  pots. 
Clematises  constitute  the  main  feature  of  these  nurseries,  in 
which  there  are  at  present,  in  large  60-sized  pots,  at  least 
50,000  plunged  in  rows,  and  occupying  a  space  of  two  acres, 
out  of  doors.  Of  specimen  plants,  too,  there  are  many  in 
addition  to  those  now  in  the  house  represented  in  our  illustra- 
tion. The  large  specimens,  which  are  in  wooden  tubs, 
made  Isy  sawing  paraffin  casks  in  two,  cleaning  and  painting 
them  and  boring  them  for  drainage,  are  now  out  of  doors  in  a 
well-sheltered  situation.  There  are  also  large  patches  of 
ground  planted  with  Clematises  in  an  ornamental  style,  and 
they  are  particularly  useful  in  this  way  for  covering  piles  of 
tree-roots,  or  trailing  over  rock-work.  The  hybrids  of  C.  Jack- 
manii,  lanuginosa,  viticella,  &c.,  are  likewise  grown  here,  on 
poles  as  well  as  trained  in  festoons  along  galvanised  chains 
stretched  loosely  from  pole  to  pole.  Clematises  are  also  used 
for  bedding  purposes  on  the  massing  principle ;  they  produce 
dense  masses  of  bloom  in  summer,  and,  being  hardy,  they 
require  only  a  slight  mulching  in  winter ;  beds  of  C.  Flammula 
are  now  ripening  seed,  which  will  be  sown  in  spring  to  produce 
stocks  on  which  to  graft  the  hybrid  varieties.  Plants  from 
three  to  four  years  old  are  preferred  for  "  working  "  on,  and 
pieces  of  the  fleshy  roots  are  the  portions  chosen  on  which  to 
insert  the  scions.  Grafting  is  performed  indoors  in  close  pits 
in  spring,  and,  as  soon  as  the  scions  begin  to  grow,  the  plants 
are  shitted  into  60-sized  pots  in  which  they  remain  till 
they  are  sold.  Packing  for  exportation  is  done  as  follows  : 
Good  healthy  plants  are  selected  and  turned  out  of  their  pots  ; 
all  loose  soil  and  crocks  are  shaken  away,  and  the  balls  are 
wrapped  up  in  some  dry  Moss.  Thus  prepared,  they  are  then 
placed  in  layers  in  a  large  deal  box,  and  between  every  layer 
of  plants  is  a  layer  of  dry  Moss,  which  keeps  all  firm  and  dry, 
and  prevents  fermentation.  The  boxes,  when  filled,  are  nailed 
down  and  hooped  round  with  iron.  In  this  way,  sometimes 
600  plants  are  packed  in  one  box,  but  Messrs.  Jackman  have 
just  tried,  by  way  of  experiment,  packing  the  plants  with  the 
soil  entirely  shaken  from  theii'  roots,  and,  if  this  answers,  1,500 
plants  may  be  put  into  a  box  instead  of  one-third  of  that 
number. 


At  Kiederplauitz,  near  Zwickau,  in  Saxony,  a  vast  bed  of  coal  has 
been  burning  for  over  300  years.  The  ground  above  this  subter- 
ranean bed  of  fire  has  become  thoroughly  warmed  by  this  time,  and 
an  ingenious  gardener  has  utilised  it  by  planting  upon  it  a  large 
nursery  gai'den.  Here  he  raises  tropical  plants  of  all  kinds,  with 
exotic  fraits,  which  flourish  with  a  vigour  and  luxuriance  in  the  open 
air  that  the  best  forcing-houses  could  not  eusm-e. 


Nov.  15,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


407 


GARDEN     STRUCTURES. 

EOLLED  PLATE  GLASS. 
As  one  who,  for  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century,  has  used  this 
glass,  I  must  dissent  from  Mr.  Baines's  estimate  of  it,  at  least 
as  respects  Hartley's  patent  rolled  plate.  I  have  used  this  and 
no  other,  and  with  much  of  it  in  active  service  I  have  not  a 
single  complaint  of  scorching  ;  but  I  have  of  the  shade  afforded 
by  it  not  being  quite  sufflcieut.  Mr.  Wills  found  this  to  be  the 
case,  and  apphcd  a  little  extra  shade  ;  and  yet  I  will  ventnre  to 
assert  that  there  is  not  a  collection  of  plants  in  the  country 
in  bettor  health  and  colour  than  that  under  his  rolled  plate. 
Pacts  like  these  speak,  not  only  for  themselves,  but  for  the 
glass  under  which  they  have  been  grown.  The  idea  that 
patent  rolled  plate  of  good  quality  does  not  admit  the  same 
amount  of  light  as  clear  glass  has  uo  foundation  in  fact. 
Herschel  a.dmitted  that,  and  also  other  equally  able  observers. 
I  grant  there  is  not  the  glare  that  is  experienced  under  clear 
glass,  the  rays  being  broken  up  and  diffused,  but  if  it  could 
be  guaged,  I  feel  certain  that  more  light  is  admitted  through 
the  roof  of  a  house  glazed  with  rolled  plate  than  any  roof  Mr. 
Baines  has  or  ever  had.  I  do  not  speak  on  this  subject  as 
a  theorist.  Twenty  years  ago  I  adopted  it  on  an  extensive 
scale  near  Llandilo,  in  South  Wales,  and  though  both  rough 
and  sheet  glass  were  used  there,  I  have  the  authority  of 
several  experts  in  Grape  growing  for  asserting  that  the  finest 
foliage  and  best-coloured  Grapes  were  invariably  under  the 
rough  plate.  There  was  a  great  outcry  about  the  injurious 
properties  of  rolled  plate  at  Raby,  and  in  some  of  the  houses 
there  it  has  been  taken  out ;  but  meeting  Mr.  Westcott  at  the 
International  Show  at  Manchester  this  year,  he  assured  me 
that  his  best-coloured  Grapes  were  under  the  rolled  plate. 
In  the  Florist  for  November,  I  see  that  Mr.  Gilbert  moots 
the  question  under  the  head  of  "  Vinery  Glazing,"  and  after 
stating  the  sizes  of  glass  used  in  the  various  ranges  at 
Burghley,  says: — "I  draw  my  conclusions  from  five  years' 
experience  here,  that  small  squares  of  glass  are  the  best,  and 
if  I  had  any  quantity  of  glass  to  put  in,  8  inches  by  6  or  7 
inches  would  be  the  size  for  me."  Singularly  in  the  preceding 
paragraph,  after  speaking  of  the  scalding  qualities  of  27  inches 
by  21  inches,  and  16  inches  by  9  inches,  he  remarks — "  The 
next  and  last  range  is  certainly  the  best.  The  squares  are 
24  inches  by  10  inches.  One  of  them  has  a  light  ribbed  glass 
(Hartley's  small  fluted),  which  succeeds  perfectly.  In  the 
other  the  ribs  are  more  numerous,  !)ut  it  is  not  so  good  in 
many  ways."  These  are  rather  contradictory  conclusions. 
One  fact,  however,  I  may  give  Mr.  Gilbert  to  ponder  over,  and 
that  is  that  the  best  swelled  and  finished  Queen  and  Cayenne 
Pines  I  have  ever  seen  were  grown  in  a  Vinei-y,  fully  10  feet 
from  the  glass,  and  that  was  Hartley's  rolled  plate,  no  special 
attentiou  being  devoted  to  them.  Williaii  P.  Aykes. 

[As  much  diversity  of  opinion  exists  on  this  subject,  we 
should  be  glad  to  receive  communications  from  any  of  our 
correspondents  who  have  had  experience  in  the  matter.] 


ECONOMY  OP  HEAT  IN  HOBTICULTUKAL 
BUILDINGS. 
Caxnoi'  something  be  cheaply  applied  to  the  outsides  of  hothouses 
that  will  not  ouly  economise  the  fuel,  but  also  render  the  enclosed 
atmosphere  more  genial  ?  The  scorching  drying  inflnence  produced 
when  flues  or  hot-water  pipes  are  heated  beyond  a  certain  degree,  for 
the  purpose  of  keeping  up  the  requisite  temperature  on  a  cold  night, 
is  certainly  an  evil  requiring  a  remedy.  My  impression  is  that  in 
this  direction  a  very  considerable  advantage  may  be  gained.  I  am 
aware  there  is  nothing  new  in  this  suggestion.  Many  practical  men 
admitted  its  utility  years  ago  ;  but  so  long  as  fuel  remained  cheap 
there  was  no  inducement  for  incurring  expense  in  order  to  reduce  its 
consumption.  The  system  of  double-glazing  houses  for  the  cultivation 
of  plants  requiring  a  high  tempei-atnro  was  pretty  fully  discussed 
some  years  back  ;  and  I  think  all  those  who  tried  the  plan  spoke 
highly  of  it,  not  only  as  effecting  a  considerable  saving  of  fuel,  but 
also  rendering  the  atmosphere  of  the  houses  more  genial  and  pleasant, 
and  less  liable  to  fluctuations.  Double-glazing,  however,  would  only 
be  available  in  the  case  of  houses  still  to  be  built ;  but  cannot  some 
plan  be  adapted  to  existing  houses  to  effect  the  same  object  ?  I  have 
no  cherished  scheme  of  my  own  to  put  forward — I  am,  in  fact,  in  the 
position  of  a  person  seeking  information ;  still  I  have,  as  opportunities 


offered,  noted  various  experiments  leading  in  this  direction. 
A  good  many  years  ago  I  had  an  early  Vinery,  that  had  not 
originally  been  built  for  early  forcing,  where  the  hot-water  pipes 
wore  barely  sufficient  to  keep  up  the  required  temperature  on  cold 
nights,  without  heating  the  pipes  to  a  degree  that  dried  up  every, 
thing  to  a  dangerous  extent  in  their  immediate  neighbourhood.  To 
obviate  this  difficulty,  I  improvised  a  roller  the  length  of  the  house, 
similar  to  the  wooden  rollers  used  for  blinds  for  plant  houses,  and  by 
sewing  together  a  number  of  Russian  mats  a  covering  was  soon  made 
that  would  easily  roll  up  and  down  when  necessary  ;  and  I  had  after, 
wards  no  difiiculty  in  keeping  up  the  right  temperature  without 
unduly  pressing  the  heating  apparatus.  I  am  not,  as  a  rule,  in  favour 
of  a  high  night  tempcratm-e  in  forcing-houes  ;  but  there  is  a  minimum 
below  which  it  is  not  safe  to  descend,  and  it  is  certain  that,  if  early 
fruit  is  to  be  pushed  on,  a  low  night  temperature  will  not  answer. 
And  the  less  fluctuation  there  is,  the  greater  will  be  the  succees.  Every 
practical  gardener  knows'  how  to  take  advantage  of  bright  sunny 
weather  by  shutting  up  early  in  the  afternooon,  and  thus  securing  as 
much  of  tho  sun's  warmth  as  possible ;  and  in  such  weather  a  few 
degrees  higher  night  temperature  may  be  indulged  in  with  advantage. 
I  know  from  experiment  that  a  covering  of  mats  make  a  difference 
of  from  8"  to  10'  in  the  temperature  when  applied  outside  ;  and  this 
in  the  course  of  a  season's  forcing  represents  a  very  large  amount  of 
fuel.  There  is  an  advantage,  also,  if  the  covering  material  does  not 
quite  touch  the  glass  ;  there  is  then  a  body  of  air  more  or  less  confined 
between  the  glass  and  the  covering  of  a  much  higher  temperature 
than  the  outer  air,  and  this  stratum  of  warm  air  checks  radiation, 
and  to  a  great  extent  prevents  the  moisture  contained  in  tho  atmos. 
phere  inside  the  house  condensing  on  the  glass  and  dripping  about 
the  house  or  on  the  plants,  to  their  injury.  Mr.  H.  Hewlett,  when 
gardener  at  Haverland  Hall,  about  sixteen  years  ago,  invented  a 
system  of  protecting  hothouses,  combined  with  giving  the  necessary 
amount  of  shade  to  Orchid  houses,  &c.  I  believe  a  model  was  exhibi. 
ted  at  one  of  the  meetings  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society.  I  am 
writing  from  memory,  and  I  was  only  imperfectly  acquainted  with 
Mr.  Hewlett's  plan  ;  but  I  imagine  it  worked  with  a  lever  at  one  end 
of  the  house,  and  acted  on  a  similar  principle  to  the  old-fashioned 
Venetian  blind.  On  colds  nights  the  apertures  were  closed,  and  when 
not  required  for  shelter  or  shade  it  might  be  set  at  any  angle,  so  as  to 
give  the  maximum  amout  of  light.  I  know  nothing  about  the  expense, 
nor  yet  if  it  was  thoroughly  tested,  and  I  only  mention  this  to  show 
that  the  idea  of  applying  protection  to  the  roofs  of  hothouses  is  no 
new  idea,  but  has  occupied  the  attention  of  practical  men  for  years. 
Every  gardener  knows  what  a  difficulty  there  is  in  keeping  his  houses 
right  when  a  cold  east  wind  rushes  across  them.  E.  H. 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

EAKLY  POTATOES. 
Among  first  earlies  we  have  nothing  better  yet  than  the  old 
Ashleaf — if  the  stock  be  true,  and  the  seed  frequently  changed 
to  prevent  deterioration  from  what  is  termed  "running  out." 
I  attach  a  good  deal  of  importance  to  this,  as  I  am  convinced 
it  has  a  great  influence  upon  the  vigour  and  consequent 
fertility  of  the  plants.  Por  several  years  I  have  been  in  the 
habit  of  procuring  an  exchange  of  Ashtop  Potatoes  from  a 
friend  in  the  Pens,  where  I  know  the  stock  is  kept  true,  and, 
as  our  land  is  of  a  strong  loamy  character,  the  change  of  seed 
has  proved  remarkably  beneficial.  During  the  last  two  years 
I  have  noticed  amongst  our  Ashtops  a  considerable  number 
(more  this  year  than  last)  of  plants  with  foliage  more  or  less 
variegated.  This  variegation  is  somewhat  peculiar,  and  con- 
sists of  irregular  yellow  blotches  at  different  intervals  all  ovei" 
the  leaves.  When  I  first  noticed  it  I  was  disposed  to  believe 
it  was  some  new  form  of  disease,  especially  as  it  appeared 
early  in  the  season  (I  am  aware  that  some  believe  variegation 
in  every  form  to  be  a  disease) ;  but  the  crop  from  those  varie- 
gated plants  was  finer  in  quality,  and  at  least  ten  days  earlier 
than  that  from  the  green-leaved  plants  in  the  same  border. 
So  satisfied  was  I  of  this,  that  I  intended  to  mark  a  number  of 
the  variegated  plants,  keep  the  tubers  distinct,  and  watch  the 
result  next  year ;  but  a  pressure  of  other  matters  prevented 
this  being  attended  to  at  the  right  time.  Amongst  second 
earlies  I  am  this  year  much  pleased  with  the  Early  Kose.  The 
crop  planted  in  land  that  had  been  for  some  time  free  from 
Potatoes  was  something  marvellous,  and  the  quality  good,  the 
tubers,  when  cooked,  being  remarkably  white  and  mealy. 
As  a  successional  Potato  we  have  grown  for  some  j'ears 
Wheeler's    Milky    White,    and    I   consider   it  a  very  useful 


408 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  15,  1873. 


Potato  where  tubers    of    good    riuality   are   in   request.     In 
all   seasons  (even    including    1872)   it    has    produced  a   fair 
crop    of    medium-sized    Potatoes  free    from    disease.      Last 
year  the   Potato  crop  in   this   neighbourhood  was  the  worst 
I   ever    remember  ;    but   there   were  so   few  diseased  tubers 
in  the  three   kinds  I  have  named  above   as  induced  me  to 
make  a  note  of  that  fact  and  to  plant  more  of  them  for  the 
future.     Hundreds   of  acres   of  the   white   Scotch,   or  York 
Kegent,  are  grown  annually  in  the  Fen  district  for  the  London 
and  other  markets ;  and  speaking  generally,  I  don't  know  a 
more  profitable  Potato   to  grow  for  use   up   to  February  or 
March.      Many  large  growers  in  this  neighbourhood  obtain 
their  seed  direct  from  Scotland,  and  for  several  years  I  have 
tried  Scotch  seed  on  a  small  scale  with  very  good  results  ;  but 
the  best  crops  I  have  ever  had  has  been  from  what  is  termed 
second  year  Scotch — that  is,  from   Scotch  seed  that  has  been 
grown  one  year  in  the  Fens.     There  is  such  a  marked  supe- 
riority in  the  crop  where  the  seed  is  frequently  changed,  both 
in  quantity,  quality,  and  freedom  from  disease,  as  to  speedily 
convince  anyone  of  the  advantage  of  giving  the  plan  a  trial. 
The  kind  of  change  I  consider  beneficial  is  to  take  Potatoes 
from  a  sandy  or  peaty  soil  to  plant  on  strong,  loamy  soils,  and 
rii-e  vorsd.     Climate,   also,   may  have  some    influence,   but   I 
believe  the  nature  of  the  soil  should  have  greater  weight.     I 
should  advise  a  change  of  seed  every  two  years,  for  after  the 
second  year  the  effect  of  the  change  rapidly  diminishes.     I  am 
convinced  it  certainly  does   pay  in  increased  produce  for  any 
extra  expense  incurred  ;  and  this,  after  all,  is  the  main  ciuestion 
that  guides  most  people.     From  whatever  cause  the  disease 
may  spring  there  can  scarcely  be  any  doubt  that  the  character 
of  the  weather  from  the  middle  of  July  to  the  middle  of  August 
has  the  greatest  possible  influence  upon  its  development.     If 
the  weather  is  fairly  dry  during  that  critical  period  the  disease 
does  not  manifest  itself  to  any  alarming  extent ;  but  if  wet  days 
predominate,  as  occurred  in  1872,  the  state  of  the  atmosphere 
is  rendered  very  favourable  for  the  rapid  development  of  Fun- 
goid growth.     When  seed  Potatoes  are  frequently  changed  they 
seem  better  able  to  resist  the  attacks  of  the  disease  ;  there  is  a 
strength  and  vigour  about  them  very  different  from.the  debili- 
tated plants  that  are  grown  year  after  year  on  the  same  kind  of 
soil  without  any  change.    Patterson's  Victoria  is  one  of  the  very 
best  Potatoes,  both  for  productiveness  and  quality.        E.  H. 


Creosoted  Potatoes  v.  The  Disease. — The  Rev.  J.  Crawford 

has  communicated  to  the  Aijr  Observer  some  particulars  of  an  experi. 
meut  which  he  made  last  spring  in  the  cultivation  of  Potatoes,  with 
a  view  to  the  prevention  of  disease.  Mr.  Crawford  says  that  "  In 
the  beginning  of  this  year  I  noticed  in  a  newspaper  a  statement  that 
the  application  of  creosote  to  the  eyes  of  the  seed  Potato  would  pre- 
vent the  disease,  and  this  induced  me  to  make  some  experiments,  the 
results  of  which  I  will  now  proceed  to  give  to  the  public.  These  were 
made  with  the  different  varieties  of  earlies  ;  the  Potatoes  were  planted 
about  the  middle  of  April,  and  raised  in  the  third  and  fourth  weeks 
of  September,  the  crop  of  sound  ones  being  fully  three  times  the 
quantity  I  had  last  year  off  about  the  same  extent  of  ground.  1st. 
With  a  small  camel-hair  brush,  every  eye  in  the  seed  potato  was 
slightly  touched  (the  slighter  the  better)  with  the  creosote,  and  in 
the  produce  of  these  no  diseased  Potatoes  were  found.  2nd.  A  p.art 
of  the  seed  planted  had  one  or  two  of  the  eyes  not  touched  with  the 
creosote,  and  at  these  were  found  one  or  two,  seldom  three,  slightly 
diseased.  3rd.  Another  portion  of  the  seed  was  planted  without  any 
creosote,  and,  on  raising  these,  from  one-third  to  one-half  were  found 
to  be  diseased,  as  in  some  other  parts  of  the  country.  4th.  A  very 
few  of  the  seed  Potatoes  had  too  much  creosote  applied  to  them,  and 
this  was  found  to  have  destroyed  the  vegetation  altogether — hence 
the  caution  under  the  first  experiment.  I  am  thoroughly  satisfied 
from  the  practical  experience  obtained  this  year  that  there  will 
he  few,  it  any,  diseased  Potatoes  next  year  in  the  manse  gardens. 
Potato  Statistics. — Mr.  Scott's  estimate  (see  p.  368),  of  this 
year's  Potato  yield  is  rather  over  than  under  the  mark,  because  of  the 
great  prevalence  of  disease  in  late  crops  throughout  Middlesex,  where, 
in  proportion  to  the  area  occcupied  by  other  crops.  Potatoes  are 
perhaps  more  extensively  grown  than  in  any  other  county.  I  find 
that,  on  the  average,  at  least  one-half  of  the  crop  is  thoroughly 
had.  Immense  quantities  that  were  got  up  in  good  time  and 
stored  have  since  become  diseased  to  a  considerable  extent, 
and  severe  loss  has  been  the  result.  With  no  reliable 
statistics  to  the  actual  average  planted,  it  is  mere  guess  work  to  put 


it  at  any  particular  figure.  Assuming,  however,  Mr.  Scott's  figures 
to  be  correct  as  to  average,  I  maintain  that  2  bushels  to  the  rod  is  a 
fair  all  round  average  yield,  and  deducting  one-half  disease,  IGO 
bushels  or  4  tons  to  the  acre  remains,  a  difference  of  20  per  cent,  in 
the  total,  or  something  like  1,400,000  tons.  Mr.  Scott  mentions  the 
case  of  a  grower  who  was  offered  £25  per  acre  for  his  Potato  crop, 
when  it  appeared  to  be  healthy.  Now  taking  the  average  at  2 
bushels  to  the  rod,  not  a  high  estimate  for  Essex,  this  would  put  the 
crop  at  about  Is.  Gid.  per  bushel,  certainly  a  very  low  figure,  but 
probably  a  fair  one  under  the  circumstances  that  the  crop  had  to  be 
lifted  and  marketed  before  any  return  came  to  the  purchaser.  I  look 
upon  this  as  proof  that  my  estimate  of  two  bushels  to  the  rod  is  a  fair 
one,  and  if  one-half  of  all  our  winter  stock  is  diseased,  then  the 
matter  is  far  from  being  hopeful.  At  present  growers  are  getting 
their  stock  into  market  as  fast  as  they  can,  but  good  table  Potatoes  will 
be  dear  after  Christmas  ;  and  seed,  especially  garden  varieties,  will 
fetch  a  high  price  in  the  spring. — A.  D. 


WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 
PRIVATE  GARDENS. 
Fines. — Pot  suckers  whenever  they  are  sufficiently  large  to 
separate  from  the  parent  plants  without  regard  to  the  time  of  the 
year.  Good  established  suckers  taken  off  and  potted  early  in  autumn 
may  now  be  subjected  to  a  minimum  temperature  of  60"  at  night, 
with  a  bottom-heat  of  about  75',  and  although  both  roots  and  atmo- 
sphere ought  to  be  kept  moderately  dry,  excessive  aridity  must  not 
be  permitted.  Collect  into  one  compartment  all  the  plants  that  are 
swelling  their  fruits,  as  they  require  more  heat  and  moisture  than 
Pines  at  rest ;  be  careful,  however,  not  to  expose  them  much  in 
transmitting  them  from  place  to  place,  as  that  would  materially 
injure  the  swelling  of  the  pips.  Be  prepared  to  start  Queen  Pines 
for  fruiting  in  April  and  onwards  by  increasing  the  bottom  and  top 
heat  a  few  degrees. 

Vines. — Grapes  still  hanging  on  the  Tines  must  be  gone  over 
occasionally  and  all  mouldy  berries  picked  out ;  a  little  fire-heat,  too, 
is  necessary  in  dull  weather,  in  order  to  counteract  the  influence  of 
damp  ;  and  favourable  opportunities  should  not  be  lost  of  ventilating 
a  little  during  the  day,  especially  if  fire-heat  be  used  at  the  same 
time.  There  is  a  universal  complaint  about  Grapes  damping  this 
season.  When  Lady  Downes'  and  the  Black  Alicante  are  thoroughly 
ripe  they  may  be  cut  off  with  a  piece  of  the  wood  attached  to  them, 
and  inserted  in  bottles  of  -nater,  the  bottles  to  be  fixed  in  a  sloping 
direction  so  that  the  clusters  of  fruit  may  hang  down  clear  of  the 
bottles.  As  soon  the  Grapes  are  cut  and  the  leaves  have  fallen,  prune 
the  Tines,  thoroughly  wash  and  clean  the  inside  of  the  house  as  well 
as  the  Tine  rods,  and  if  practicable  use  tarpaulin,  or  other  covering, 
to  protect  the  outside  borders  from  cold  rains  and  snow-thaws. 
Vines  should  rest  two  months  between  pruning  time  and  starting 
time,  otherwise  they  are  hable  to  bleed,  but  this  can  he  overcome  to 
a  considerable  extent  by  singeing  the  incisions  with  a  red-hot  iron, 
and  coating  them  over  with  Thomson's  styptic.  Should  it  be  neces- 
sary to  start  one  of  the  Tineries  this  month  for  fruiting  in  April  and 
May,  fermenting  material  in  the  shape  of  litter  and  leaves  should  be 
thrown  into  a  ridge  on  the  floor  inside,  and,  when  it  begins  to  heat,  a 
portion  of  it  should  be  turned  daily.  The  moist  heat  arising  from 
this  is  much  better  for  the  plants  than  a  dry  atmosphere  caused  by 
strong  fire-heat ;  nevertheless,  a  little  fire-heat  will  also  be  necessary 
in  order  to  maintain  an  equal  temperature.  Unfasten  the  rods  from 
the  rafters,  let  them  hang  down,  and  syringe  them  twice  a  day  with 
tepid  water.  In  staiting  pot  A'ines  they  may  be  plunged  in  the 
fermenting  material,  hut  their  root  temperature  must  not  be  much 
higher  than  that  of  the  atmosphere. 

Peaches  and  Nectarines. — The  sashes  may  be  kept  off  the 
ordinary  houses  as  long  as  the  weather  continues  favourable  j  but, 
towards  the  end  of  the  month  it  will  bo  well  to  shut  them  up.  Take 
indoors  pot  plants  that  have  been  placed  outside  to  ripen  their  wood 
and  store  them  closely  together,  protecting  their  roots  from  vicissi- 
tudes of  weather  by  covering  over  and  around  the  pots  with  straw 
or  dry  Fern.  Old,  barren,  and  cankered  trees,  if  useless,  should  be 
rooted  out  at  once  and  replaced  with  healthy  ones,  and  if  a  fresh 
border  is  necessaiy  use  good  substantial  turf  loam  in  preference  to 
rich  mixtures,  for,  by  so  doing,  the  trees  will  be  likely  to  bear  well 
and  continue  healthy,  instead  of  producing  gross  shoots.  November 
is  exceptionally  early  for  the  forcing  of  Peach  trees,  nevertheless 
they  are  sometimes  started  at  this  season,  and  with  excellent  results, 
as  is  evinced  in  the  case  of  the  large  and  remunerative  tree  of  the 
Ro}'al  George,  at  Roehamptou  Park.  Where  such  early  forcing  is 
attempted,  however,  the  wood  should  be  thoroughly  ripe  and  rested 
Prune  and  tie  in  the  trees  to  be  forced  in  December  for  May  Peaches 

Figs. — Trees  on  waUs  and  trellises  may  now  be  pruned,  but  the 


ISTov.  15,  1873.] 


THE  GAEDEN. 


409 


less  the  knife  is  used,  under  any  conditions,  the  better,  and,  indeed, 
if  summer  pinching  has  been  properly  attended  to,  pruning  now  will 
scarcely  be  rci|nired.  Remove  all  unmatured  fruits  ;  it  is  useless  to 
keep  them  on  the  plants  till  spring,  for  thoy  only  fall  off  then  and 
prevent  the  crop,  properly  so  called,  from  making  that  progress 
which  it  otherwise  would  do.  Keep  the  houses  clean  aud  dry,  and  if 
necessary,  re-pot  and  top-dress  such  trees  as  are  in  pots,  then  store 
them  in  an  airy  shed  or  house,  where  the  minimum  temperature  will 
be  some  degrees  above  the  freezing  point.  They  will  require  little  or 
no  water  during  the  winter. 

Cucumbers. — These  should  bo  kept  as  healthy  as  possible,  even 
at  the  expense  of  a  few  fruits,  because  the  plants  should  make  the 
leaves  during  this  month,  on  which  they  have  to  depend  during  the 
winter,  when  there  is  but  little  growth.  Retain  plenty  of  good  foliage, 
but  prevent  crowding,  and  be  content  with  a  thin  crop  of  fruits  at 
any  one  time.  Maintain  a  temperature  of  65°  or  70",  allowing  a  rise 
of  a  few  degrees  more  by  snn  heat,  if  any,  and  water  moderately ; 
but  see  that  the  bottom  part  of  the  bed  is  not  too  dry,  an  evil  to 
which  it  is  sometimes  liable. 

Strawberries. — These  should  now  bo  plunged  in  ashes  in  cold 
frames,  or  placed  in  Peach  houses  at  rest,  or  they  may  be  built  into 
the  sides  of  ridges,  the  pots  being  laid  on  their  sides,  so  that  water 
cannot  lodge  in  them.  Towards  the  end  of  the  month  the  most 
advanced  may  be  taken  indoors  for  forcing. 

Asparagus. — Prepare  a  hot-bed  for  forcing  Asparagus  in  the 
ordinary  way  with  leaves  and  litter,  and  m.ike  it  in  such  a  way  tliat 
it  will  maintain  a  temperature  of  from  GO'  to  70'  for  some  time.  The 
roots  usually  employed  for  forcing  are  generally  three  years'  old, 
grown  pretty  thickly  for  the  purpose,  or  else  they  are  saved  from  old 
plantations  about  to  be  broken  up.  For  the  earliest  produce,  how- 
ever, some  roots  shonld  have  been  grown  purposely  in  sandy  soil,  and 
in  an  exposed  situation,  so  that  they  would  be  ripe  sooner  than  those 
grown  in  warm  sheltered  places,  and  consequently  they  will  start 
more  kindly  into  growth. 

Cauliflowers. — Protect  those  that  are  in  frames  from  hard  frost 
by  shutting  the  sashes  and  strewing  some  litter  over  them  at  night. 
Scatter  some  dry  wood-ashes  and  sand  occasionally  amongst  the 
plants  to  counteract  damp,  and  tilt  up  the  sashes  at  front  aud  back, 
regulating  the  amount  of  ventilation  given  by  the  state  of  the 
weather. 

CTlicory  Roots. — Lift  some  of  these,  pot  them  in  light  soil,  and 
place  them  in  a  temperature  of  about  60',  and  in  a  dark  place,  such 
as  the  Mushroom  house  or  under  a  large  box  in  any  warm  house. 

Endive. — Half-grown  plants  from  the  open  air  should  now  be 
iutoduced  into  frames,  aud  planted  amongst  moderately  dry  soil. 
Older  plants  aud  those  established  in  frames,  may  be  tied  up  with 
netting,  covered  with  boards,  old  mats,  or  pots  to  blanch  them. 

French.  Beans. — Sow  a  succession  of  these  in  pots  half-filled 
with  rich  soil,  aud  as  the  plants  come  into  flower  fill  up  the  pots  to 
three-fourths  of  their  brims  with  similar  material.  A  warm  pit.  Pine 
stove,  or  forcing  house,  and  a  position  close  to  the  glass  is  the  proper 
place  for  French  Beans  in  winter.  Syringe  the  foliage  daily  with 
tepid  water  to  keep  red  spider  in  check,  and  give  liberal  waterings  of 
the  same  to  their  roots.  Pods  are  formed  about  eight  weeks  after  the 
seeds  are  sown. 


SOCIETIES,    EXHIBITIONS.    &c. 

ROYAL  HOKTICULTUEAL   SOCIETY, 

NOVEMBEK    12th    AND    13TH. 

Chrysanthemums  formed  the  principal  feature  of  this  show;  hut  of 
fruit  and  Potatoes  there  were  likewise  extensive  and  most  interesting 
collections.  Of  real  novelty  there  was  little.  The  Chrysanthemums 
were  arranged  in  the  conservatory,  along  with  Cyclamens,  Primulas,  and 
miscellaupous  plants,  and  in  the  further  arcade  were  staged  the  cut 
blooms,  fruits,  vegetables,  and  Potatoes. 

ChrysantlieniurQS. — Prizes  were  ofTored  by  the  Duke  of  Bucclcuch 
for  a  collection  of  Chrysanthemums:  aud  in  this  class  Mr.  Rowc, 
gardener,  Dover  House,  Roehampton,  was  first,  with  a  large  exhibition  of 
erect-growing  plants,  including  large-flowered  sorts,  Japanese  aud 
Pompone  kinds,  the  blooms  of  which  were  extremely  fine.  The  large- 
flowered  varieties  consisted  of  Queen  of  England,  blush  whito;  Empress 
of  India,  pure  white  ;  Princess  of  Teek,  blush  ;  Lord  Derby,  Prince  of 
Wales,  and  Marcchal  Duroc,  purplish-lilac  ;  Lady  Hardingu  aud  Empress 
Eugenie,  lilac  ;  General  Hardinge  and  Rev.  J.  Dix,  crimson,  tipped  with 
orange;  and  Jardin  des  Plantes  and  Gloria  Mundi,  golden-yellow.  The 
small-flowered  sorts  consisted  of  Golden  Cedo  NuUi  and  Autonius,  ayellow- 
floweredkiud.  Mr.  A.  Forsyth,  Stoke  Newington,  was  second  with  excel- 
lent specimens  of  dwarfly-grown  plants  of  large  aud  Pompoue-flowered 
kinds.  Some  fine  standards  from  Messrs.  Dixon  &  Co.  were  third.  Messrs. 
Jackson  &  Sons,  Kingston,  also  exhibited  a  large  group  of  finely-flowered 
plants  in  this  class.  In  the  nurserymen's  class  of  twelve  large-flowered 
Chrysanthemums,  Messrs.  S.  Dixon  &  Co.  were  first,  with  a  dozen  fine 


specimens,  about  IS  inches  high  and  from  2  feet  to  2i  feet  through,  each 
hearing  from  two  dozen  and  a  half  to  seven  dozen  fully-expanded  flowers. 
They  consisted  of  Mrs.  George  Rundle  and  White  Venus,  whites  ;  Chris- 
tine,  flesh-coloured ;    Guernsey   Nugget,   Aurea   Multiflora,  and  Gloria 
Mundi,    yellows :      Golden    Christine    and    Antonelli,     orange ;     Lady 
Hardinge,    lilac  ;    Alma,    Prince   of    Wales,    and    Dr.  Sharpe,   purple- 
crimson.       Mr.    Forsyth    was    second,    with    fine   plants,    particularly 
Gloria    Mundi,   Hereward,    Mrs.   Forsyth    (white),    and    Annie   Salter. 
In   the   amateur's   class   of   six  large-floivered   sorts,    Mr.    A.  J.  Coote, 
gardener  to  W.  R.  Morris,  Esq.,  Deptford,  was  first,  with  erectly  grown 
plants  of  Lady  Talfourd,  Bronze  Jardin  des  Plantes,  Prince  Alfred,  Mrs. 
G.  Rundle,  Aurea  Multiflor.i,aud  Lady  Hardinge  ;  Mr.  J.  Whittaker,  The 
Laurels,  Putney,  was  second  with  good,  fresh,  and  well  flowered  plants  ; 
and  Mr.  Rowe,  third,  with  very  tall  plants  bearing  fine  flowers.      In  the 
nurserymen's  class  of  twelve   Porapone-flowcred  Chrysanthemums,  Mr. 
W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Higbgate,  were  first,  with  very  fine  specimens  about 
25  feet  through,  trained  on  the  flat  principle,  and  densely  furnished  with 
flowers.     The  varieties  consisted  of  Bob,  dark  crimson  ;  Mrs.  Hutt,  crim- 
son ;  Salamon,  Peri ;  Cedo  NuUi,  Crown,  golden ;   Golden  Cedo  NuUi  ; 
Antonius,  Cedo  NulU,  lilac  ;  Cedo  NuUi,  Madame  Rousellou,  lilac;  Aurore 
Boreale,  golden   orange;    and   Andromeda.     Mr.    Butcher,  The  Priory, 
Hadley,  Barnet,  was  first  in  the  amateur's  class  of  six  Pompones,  with  very 
fine  and  well  bloomed  plants,  about  3  feet  through, and  trained  on  the  dwarf 
spreading  principle.  They  consisted  of  Rose  Trevenna,  Golden  Cedo  Nulli ; 
Andromeda,  Brown  Cedo  Nulli,  Lilac  Cedo  Nulli,  and  White  Cedo  NuUi. 
In  the  nurserymen's  class  of  a  specimen  lai-ge-flowcred  sort  Messrs. Dixon  & 
Co.,  was  first  with  Prince  of  Wales,  about  2  feet  high,  nearly  4  feet  through, 
and  very  thickly  flowered.      The  best  specimen  large-flowered  Chrysan- 
themum in  the  amateur's  class  was  Mrs.   G.  Rundle,  from  Mr.  Coole. 
The    plant    was   gracefully   grown,    nearly  4  feet  through,  and  bore  a 
multitude   of  beautiful   pure    white    flowers.      The    second   prize  was 
won   by   Mr.  Whittaker  for   Prince   of   Wales,    and    the   third   by  Mr. 
Croucher  for  a  very  large  plant    of    James    Salter.      Mr.    A.    Forsyth, 
was    first    for    the    best    specimen    Pompone,    mth    a    fine    plant    of 
Cedo  Nulli,  2i  feet  through,    one   mass  of  blooms.      Messrs.  S.  Dixon 
&  Co.  were  second  with    the    same    sort,,  and   Messrs.    W.    Cutbush 
&   Son  third,  with  Bob.     In  the  amateur's   class,  for  the   best   speci- 
men Pompone,  Mr.  Whittaker  was  first  with  Cedo  Nulli,  and  Mr.  Butcher 
second  with   Madame  Martha.     The   cut   blooms  were  remarkably  fine, 
especially  those  from  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  to  whom  the  first 
prize  in  the  class  for  twenty-four  was  awarded.     They  consisted  of  the 
following   Chinese  sorts,  viz..    Empress  of   China,   pale   blush ;    Elaine 
petals  broad,  pure  white  ;  Fair  Maid  of  Guernsey,  pure  white  ;    Blanche 
of  Castile,  white  ;  Erectum  superbum,  lilac  ;    Red  Dragon  and  Rob  Roy, 
reddish-orange ;    Bismarck,    petals   broad,   orange  :    and    Ching,   much 
incurved,  broad  in  the  petal,  and  orange  coloured.     In  addition  to  these, 
amongst    the    large    flowered   varieties  the   finest  were  : — White,   Mrs. 
Halliburton,    White  Venus,    White   Globe,    Mrs.   George    Rundle,  Mrs, 
Heale,  a  sport  from  Princess  of  Wales,  Queen  of  England,  aud  Empress  of 
India  ;  blush.   Princess  of  Wales ;    yeUow,  Jardin  des  Plantes,   Golden 
Dr.  Brock,  Golden  Beverley,  Golden  Queen  of   England,  Golden   John 
Salter,  and  Guernsey  Nugget;    lilac,  Alfred    Salter;    Pink   Perfection, 
Venus,  Lady  Talford,  Prince  of  Wales,  Prince  Alfred  ;    golden-bronze, 
Nil  Desperandum,  Golden  Eagle,  &c.    In  the  amateur's  class  of  twelve, 
Mr.  J.  H.  Hinnell,  Anglesea  House,  Surbitou,  was  first ;    Mr.  J.  Clarke, 
Lower  Grove  House,  Roehampton,  second  ;  aud  Mr.  Butcher,  third. 

Berry-bearing  Plants. — A  class  was  djvoted  to  ornamental 
berry-bearing  plants  m  pots,  which  produced  some  pretty  subjects, 
particularly  hardy  ones.  Mr.  E.  Smith,  Bristol  House,  Putney  Heath, 
was  first ;  Mr.  George,  Putney  Heath,  secoud ;  and  Mr.  Aldous, 
Gloucester  Road,  third.  The  plants  shown  for  these  prizes  consisted  of 
Riviua  Issvis,  three  sorts  of  Aucuha,  Solanum  Capsicastrum  and 
Yellow  Gem,  Skimmia  oblata  and  japonica,  Citrus  japouica,  Cotoneaster 
Simmondsii,  Ardisia  crenata,  Pernettya  mucronata,  with  dai-k  purple 
berries;  P.  myriophylla,  lilac :  and  P.  speciosa,  smaU  crimson  berries; 
Crataegus  Pyracantha,  aud  a  Holly. 

Miscellaneous  Plants.— From  Mr.  J.  Wills  came  a  very  large 
collection  of  miscellaneous  plants,  suitable  for  furnishing  purposes  or 
conservatory  and  stove  decoration.  Amongst  them  were  three  dozen  of 
good  specimens  of  the  newer  Dracaenas,  including  D.  Knurkiana,  a  strong- 
growing,  broad  arched,  and  green  leaved  sort ;  magnifica,  excelsa,  porphy- 
rophylla,  Chelsonii,  Weismannii,  Braziliensis,  Mooreana,  concinna, 
nigrescens,  regina,  and  others.  I3esides  Dracajnas,  there  were  in  the 
same  group  a  large  plant  of  Todea  pellucida,  with  fronds  two  and  a  half 
feet  long,  several  very  nice  and  graceful  Palms,  a  large  leaved  Cocoloha 
from  Trinidad,  Zamia  horrida  and  Z.  Lehmanii,  Aralia  spathulata,  some 
very  pretty  specimens  of  Adiautum  Farleycnse,  and  others.  Messrs. 
Standish  &  Co.,  Ascot,  showed  a  group  consisting  of  about  1.50  plants  of 
Bouvardias,  including  Vreelandii,  JasminiHora,  and  Bridal  Wreath,  all 
in  small  pots  and  prettily  flowered.  Such  valuable  winter-blooming 
plants  as  these  shoiild  not  be  lost  .sight  of.  especially  where  bouquets  are 
a  desideratum.  From  Mr.  Clark,  market  gardener,  Twickenham,  came 
upwards  of  ten  dozen  of  plants  of  as  fine  a  strain  of  Cyclamens  as  is  in 
the  country  ;  the  plants  were  twelve  months  old,  and  just  beginning  to 
throw  up  numerous  finely-formed  flowers,  varying  from  the  purest  white 
to  the  richest  crimson.  Mr.  H.  B.  Smith,  Ealing,  sent  about  ten  dozen 
of  Cyclamens  of  the  same  character  and  fine  strain  as  those  from  Mr. 
Clark.  Mr.  Coote,  of  Deptford,  showed  a  dozen  good  double-flowered 
Primulas.  Mr.  Anthony  Waterer,  of  Kuaphill,  sent  a  basketful  of  Erica 
vulgaris  cuprea,  and  some  very  pretty  plants  of  Cupressus  Lawsoniana 
erecta  viridis,  which  is  an  extremely  handsome  erect  growing  or  fasti  - 
giated  variety  of  C,  Lawsoniana.    Mr.  Tomkins,  nurseryman,  Birmingham, 


410 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  15,  1873. 


exhibited  a  small  batch  of  his  double  Primula  sinensis,  named  magnifioa. 
Messrs.  RoUisson  &  Sons  had  a  basket  of  Stylidium  soboliferum.  a  neat 
gro-nins  deep  gveen  succulent  plant,  and  Mr.  A.  Murrell,  gardener  to 
W.  B.  Hume,  Esq.,  Winterton,  Great  Yarmouth,  showed  a  tine  plant  of 
the  quaint-looking  Batemannia  Burtii  with  four  flowers.  Mr.  Wood- 
bridge,  of  Sion  House,  exhibited  cut  flower-spOies  and  foUage  of 
Cunonia  capensis.  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons,  of  Chelsea,  had  a 
collection  of  new  and  rare  plants,  including  Dractena  Baptistii, 
a  variegated-leaved  HemerocaUis  from  the  Cape,  having  a  creamy  margin ; 
Cerosylon  niveum,  Phcenix  rupicola,  a  new  Cymbidium,  and  a  very  tine 
foi-m  of  Cattleya  marginata.  Mr.  B.  S.  Williams  exhibited  Agave 
Taylorii,  an  hybrid  between  A.  geminifloi-a  (Bonapartea  juncea)  and  A. 
densiflora.  In  habit  it  is  distinct  from  both  parents,  and  more  closely 
resembles  A.  Schidigera,  having  broad  white  filaments  along  the  margins 
of  its  darkgi-een  foliage.  A  new  Chrysanthemum  Tfas  shown  by  Mr.  C. 
Waters,  gardener  to  A.  Montgredien,  Esq.  It  is  a  sport  from  the  white- 
flowered  Mrs.  Geo.  Bundle,  and  like  that  except  in  colour,  the  latter  being 
of  a  soft  clear  golden-yellow.  Mr.  W.  Smith,  gardener  to  C.  Lowe,  Esq., 
Henley-on-Thames,  obtained  a  cultural  commendation  for  a  small  but 
well-flowered  plant  of  Vanda  caerulea,  which  bore  four  spikes,  on  which 
were  thirty-eight  flowers. 

Fruits. — These  consisted  chiefly  of  Apples  and  Pears,  of  both  of  which 
large  collections  came  from  Mr.  John  Scott,  the  Nurseries,  Merriott,  Crew- 
kcrnc,  Somerset.  He  showed  350  distinct  varieties  of  Pears  and  000  different 
sorts  of  Apples,  as  well  as  many  kinds  of  ornamental  and  useful  Crabs, 
aU  from  trees  in  his  extensive  and  valuable  collection  at  Merriott,  where 
Mr.  Scott  is  actively  testing  and  proving  new  varieties  of  all  kinds  of 
hardy  fruits  in  the  same  way  as  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  used  to 
do  in  years  gone  by  at  Chiswick.    These  fruits  will  be  on  view  at  our 
otfice  during  the  whole  of  next  week.    Messrs.  Ewing  &  Co.,  Norwich, 
showed  some  eightv  kinds  of  Apples,  and  over  two  dozen  sorts  of  Pears, 
and  Mr.  W.  Gurney,  Brocket  Hall,  Welwyn,  Herts,  exhibited  the  follow- 
ing seasonable  kitchen  Apples,  viz.,  WelUngton,  Lord  Derby,  Mere  de 
Menage,  Blenheim  Orange,  CeUini,  Cox's  Pomona,  Tower  of  Glamis,  and 
Norfolk  Beefing.     Some  three  dozen   dishes  of  Apples,  and  tine  orna- 
mental Gourds,  were  shown  by  Mr.Kinghorn,  Sheen  Nurseries,  Richmond ; 
and  Mr.  T.  Jack,  Battle  Abbey,  Sussex,  sent  nearly  four  dozen  dishes  of 
Apples.  From  Mr.  Jones,  gardener  to  her  Majesty  at  Frogmore,  came  four 
smooth-leaved  Cayenne  Pine-apples,  and  one  of  Charlotte  Rothschild,  each 
■weighing  about  8  lbs.    These  were  cut  from  plants  planted  out  in  frames. 
Mr.° Jones  also  showed  a  dish  of  British  Queen  Pears,  a  seedling  raised  at 
Frogmore,  and  one  of  the  handsomest  Pears  in  cultivation,  as  well  as  a 
•Teat  bearer.     It  is   somewhat   after  the  form    of  Marie   Louise,  and 
brownish-russet  in  colour,  shaded  with  yellow.     More  remarkable  than 
any  at  the  exhibition,  as  regards  size,  were  some  Apples  from  cordons  on 
the  French  Paradise  stock,  grown  at  Pax  HiU  Park,  Hayward's  Heath,  by 
Mr.  Shepherd,  gardener  to  NortbaU  Laurie,  Esq.  These,  which  were  pro- 
nounced by  some  as  being  the  finest  ever  grown  in  England,  consisted  of 
CalviUe  blanc,  one  fruit  of   which  weighted  lib.   4oz.,  and  measured 
ISj    inches   in    circumference ;    Belle   de     Bois,    1  lb.    7  oz.,    and    15 
inches    in    circumference ;    and    very    fine    specimens    of    Belle    du 
Caux,     Reinette     Grise,    and    Belle    Josephine,    the-   last    of    these 
being    very    large    in    size,    and    in    colour    bright    golden -yellow. 
From  Mr.  J.  Meredith,  The  Vineyard,  Garston,  came  some  very  fine 
Grapes,  including  the  Madresfield  Court,  with  fine  large  berries,  Barba- 
rossa,  Muscatof  Alexandria,  Trebbiano,  Meredith'sAlicaute,  Black  Prince, 
Gros  Gromier  du  Cantal  (reddish),  and  Child  of  Hale,  a  great  cropper, 
haring  very  large  bunches  somewhat  like  Trebbiano.      Mr.  Grainger, 
Ingham  Lodge,  Wood  Lane,  Shepherd's  Bush,  showed  some  very  tine 
examples  of  the  Sooly  Qua  Cucumber.    A  fine  basketful  of  Black  Ham- 
l3ur"h  Grapes,  grown  iu  one  of  his  ground  Vineries,  at  Southend,  was 
shown  by  Mr.  Weils,  Bouverie  Street ;   the  bunches  were  individually 
large  and  well  coloured,  and  seven  of  them  weighed  upwards  of  13  lbs. 
It  fs,  therefore,  evident  that  fruit,  as  good  as  that  iu  many  Vineries,  can 
be  grown  in  such  contrivances.      Mr.   Bell,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of 
Wellington,  Strathfieldsaye,  staged  three  magnificent  Black  Prince  Pines, 
in  good  condition ;  and  Messrs.  Lane  &  Son,  of  Berkharapstoad,  exhibited 
four  very  large  and  well  finished  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria. 

Vegetables. — Prizes  were  offered  by  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.,  High 
Holborn,  for  a  collection  of  vegetables,  and  in  this  class  Mr.  W.  C. 
Pragnel,  Sherborne  Castle,  Dorset,  was  first  with  one  of  the  finest  collec- 
tions that  we  ever  saw  staged  at  this  time  of  the  year.  It  consisted  of 
two  varieties  of  Curled  Kale  and  Cottagers'  and  Asparagus  Kales,  Fear- 
nought and  Wheeler's  Improved  Cabbages,  Scrymger's  Giant  and 
Improved  Brussels  Sprouts,  Dwarf  Green-curled  and  Early  Dwari'  Ulm 
Savoys,  Long  White  and  Moore's  Cream  Vegetable  Marrows,  four  varie- 
ties of  Tomatoes,  Globe  Artichokes,  Spanish  Cardoons,  Priclily  Spinach, 
Sandringham  White  and  Carter's  Dwarf  Crimson  Celery,  Salsafy,  Scor- 
zonei-a,  London  Flag  and  Ayton  Castle  Giant  Leeks,  Shallots;  Bedtoid- 
Bhire  Champion, " White  Spanish,  James's  Keeping,  and  Giant  Rocca 
Onions ;  Carter's  Matchless  and  Student  Parsnips  ;  Pine-apple,  Chelsea, 
Osboms'  Selected  Red,  and  Carter's  Perfection  of  Beets ;  White  Dutch, 
Veitch's  Red  Globe,  Red  American  Stone,  Chirk  Castle,  and  Black  Stone 
Turnips  ;  Long  Surrey,  Long  Orange,  and  Altringham  Carrots ;  and 
American  Peach  Brow,  Scilly  Red,  Lady  Paget,  and  Bressee's  Prolific 
Potatoes.  Ml-. C.Osman, District  Schools,  Sutton,  was  second,  also  witha 
fine  collection.  For  halt  a  dozen  sorts  of  Celery,  Mr.  C.  Lydiard,  Albion 
Eoad,  Hammersmith,  was  first  -with  Wall's  Invincible  W^iito,  Williams's 
Matchless  Red  and  'White,  Manchester  Solid  Red,  and  White's  new 
White  Grove  and  Giant  AYIiite. 

Potatoes. — From  the  Gardens  of  the  Society  at  Chiswick  came  120 
eorts  of  Pota,toes  that  were  grown  and  tested  in  their  trial  ground  during 


the  present  year.  Coucei-niug  these  we  can  on  this  occasion  only  refer  to 
the  synonymous  namesappliedto  some  of  them,  and  which  were  as  follows : 
— Patersou's  Blue,  syn.  Morayshire  Blue;  Red-skinned  Floui'baU,  syn. 
Improved  Red-skinned  Flourball,  Berkshire  Red-slnnned  Flourball, 
Red  Peach  Blossom,  Boston  Bed,  American  Red,  and  Kentish  Red  ; 
Red  Emperor,  syn.  Carter's  Main  Crop  ;  WUlard,  syn.  Belgian  Wax  Ball; 
Belvoir  Kidney,  syn.  Taylor's  Kidney  and  Eognon  Rose ;  American  Pale 
Rose,  syn.  American  late  Rose  ;  Gleason's  Late,  syn.  Hundredfold  Fluke; 
Regents,  syn.  York  Regents,  Mitchel's  Prohtio,  Early  Oxford,  Pink-eyed 
Regent,  Riuton's  White  Don,  Scarlet  Don,  Rusty  Coat,  and  Rough 
Jacket ;  Dalmahoy,  syn.  Goldfinder ;  Golden  Gem,  syn.  Jaune  Rondo 
Hative ;  Bressee's  Peerless,  syn.  Peerless ;  Bressee's  Prolific,  syn.  Brown's 
ProUfic  Kidney;  Bressee's  Climax,  syn.  Gravenstein,  Coppermine,  and 
Climax  ;  Early  Goodrich,  syn.  Bushel's  Seedhng ;  Oxfordshire  Kidney,syn. 
Minchin's  Eclipse;  Lapstone,  syn.  Haigh's  SeedUug.  Original,  Cobbler's 
Lapstone,  Almond's  Yorkshire  Hero,  Pebble  White,  Headley's  Nonpareil, 
Huntingdon  Kidney,  Yorkshire  Hero,  Perfection,  Pixton  Pippin,  Ashtop 
Fluke,  and  Laxton's  Hybrid;  King  of  Flulies,  syn.  Queen  of  Flukes, 
Birmingham  Prizetaker,  aud  Derbyshire  Prize  ;  Davie's  Matchless,  syn. 
Webb's  Imperial  and  Wormesley ;  Yorkshire  Hybrid,  syn.  Quarrantive  de 
la  Halle;  Myatt's Ashleaf  Kidney,  syn.  River's  Royal  Ashleaf,  Sandring- 
ham Kidney,  Myatt's  ProUfic,  Gloucester  Elidney,  Derbyshire  Prizetaker, 
and  Lee's  Hammersmith  Kidney;  Nettle-leaved,  syn.  A.  Feuille 
d'Ortie,  Hardy's  Improved  Albert,  Improved  Royal  Albert,  Carter's 
Champion  Forcing,  and  Early  Redfont  Kidney ;  and  Ashleaf  Kidney, 
syn.  Marjolin,  Oak  Leaf,  Walnut  Leaf,  Sandringham  Kidney,  Mona's 
Pride,  and  Dutchstone.  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.  exhibited  forty-seven 
varieties  of  Potatoes,  including  some  excellent  and  symmetrical  speci- 
mens of  their  Improved  Red-skinned  Flourball.  For  a  collection  of 
Potatoes,  Mr.  J.  Petteridge,  Chipping  Norton,  Oxon.  was  first  with 
124  varieties  ;  Mr.  McKinlay,  Woodbine  House,  Beckeuham,  Kent,  was 
second  with  eighty-six  sorts ;  and  Mr.  R.  Dean,  of  Ealing,  third,  with 
forty-eight  kinds.  Indeed,  such  fine  collections  of  Potatoes,  both  as 
regards  quantity  and  quahty,  have  seldom  been  brought  together.  In 
the  class  of  ten  dishes,  Mr.  McKinlay  was  first  with  President,  King  of 
Potatoes,  Pioneer,  Carter's  Main  Crop,  Red-sldnned  Flourball,  Red 
Fluke,  Salmon  Kidney,  King  of  the  Flukes,  Ashtop  Fluke,  and  Prince 
of  Wales  Kidney.    Mr.  J.  Miller,  Northdown,  Margate,  was  second. 

First-class  Certificates- — These  were  awarded  to  the  following,  viz. : — 

Primula  sinensis  fl.  pi.  magnilica  (Tomkins). — The  plants  exliibited  of  this 
variety  were  evidently  of  strong  vigorous  growth,  and  bore  tiue  spikes  of 
perfectly  double  flowers.  Those  shown  were  white  and  lilac  m  colour,  and  will 
be  invaluable  for  cutting. 

Batemannia  Burtii  (ilurrell). — A  strong-growing  Orchid,  in  habit  similar 
to  Pescatorea  cerina,  but  more  robust.  It  bears  large  waxy  flowers,  shining  as 
if  varnished,  and  of  a  warm  brown  colour,  the  bases  of  the  segments  being 
marked  with  deep  purple  streaks  on  a  lemon-yellow  ground. 

Chrysanthemum.  Golden  ili-s.  Rundle  (Waterer). — A  line  soft  golden-yellow 
incurved  flower  ;  in  form  like  the  white-fiowered  form,  of  which  it  is  a  sport. 

Apple,  Lady  Heuniker  (Perkins)  a  tine  new  variety,  crisp  and  juicy  and  well 
worth  general  cultivation. 

Grape,  Golden  Queen  (Pearson). — This  is  a  noble  addition  to  varieties  that 
have  already  been  raised  at  Chilwell,  and  will,  doubtless,  occupy  a  prominent 
position  among  new  Grapes.  It  is  a  cross  between  Black  Alicante  and  Ferdinand 
tie  Lesseps,  and  in  form  of  bunch  and  berry  reminds  one  of  Madresfield  Court. 
It  is  a  thick-skinned  late  Grape,  that  will  prove  a  good  companion  to  Lady 
Downes. 


Stoke  Newington  Chrysantliemtim  Show. — The  principal 
prize  takers  at  this  exhibition,  which  took  place  on  the  11th  and  12th 
inst.,  were — Messrs.  Monk,  Ponsford,  Rainbow,  Howe,  Dixon,  Sanderson, 
Godwin,  aud  Smith.  The  show,  on  the  whole,  was  somewhat  inferior 
to  those  of  former  years,  a  circumstance  doubtless  owing  to  its  proximity, 
as  regards  date,  to  that  at  South  Kensington. 


COVEIfT  &AEDEN  MAKKET. 

NOVEMBEB  I4TH. 

CnRTSANTHEMrMS,  both  cut  and  in  pots,  constitute  the  bulk  of  the  flowers  at 
present  in  the  market.  Of  continental  fruit  there  is  a  large  supply,  the.v 
chiefly  consist  of  Pears,  Apples,  Grapes,  Oranges,  Lemons,  and  iledlars  ;  and 
of  home  produce,  too,  there  are  excellent  samples,  particularly  of  Hamburgh 
Grapes,  smooth-leaved  Cayenne,  Charlotte  Rothchild,  and  Providence  Pines, 
and  of  Pears  and  Apples.  There  are  likewise  some  good  Cucumbers,  green  and 
ripe  Capsicums,  and  Tomatoes. 

Prices  of  Fruits.— Annies,  per  halt-sieve,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Chillies,  per  100 
2s.  to  33. ;  Cobs,  per  lb..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Chestnuts,  per  bushel,  15s.  to  20s. ;  Filberts, 
per  lb..  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Grapes,  hothouse,  black,  per  lb..  Is.  to  6s.;  Muscats, 
2s.  to  63.;  Lemons,  per  100,  8s.  to  12s.;  Melons,  each,  2s.  to -Is.;  Oranges, 
per  100,  83.  to  12s. ;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  6s,  to  12s. ;  Pears,  per  doz.,  Is.  to 
43.;  Pine-Anples,  per  lb.,  3s.  to  6s. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz..  Is,  to  2s.;  Walnuts, 
per  bushel,  8s.  to  12s. ;  ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  -Is.;  Beet,  Red, 
per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Brussels  Sprouts,  per  half-sieve,  2s.  6d. ;  Cabb.agc, 
per  doz.,  2s. ;  Carrots,  per  bunch,  4d.  to  6d.  Cauliflower,  per  doz.,  ^33. 
to  6s. ;  Celery,  per  bundle,  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Colcworts,  per  doz.  bunches, 
3s.  to  -Is. ;  Cucumbers,  each,  6d.  to  Is. ;  Endive,  per  doz.,  2s.  ;  Fennel, 
per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Garlic,  per  lb.,  6d.  ;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  Horse- 
radish, per  bundle,  3s.  to  4s. ;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  Lettuces,  per 
doz.  Is.  to  2s.;  Mushrooms,  per  pottle.  Is.  to  23.;  Mustard  and  Cress, 
per  punnet,  2d. ;  Onions,  per  bushel,  2s.  6d.  to  -is. ;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ; 
Parsley,  per  doz.  bunches,  43. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Potatoes, 
per  bushel,  2s.  6d.  to  4s. ;  Kadishes,  per  doz.  bunches.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Salsafy, 
per  bundle,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Savoys,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  2s. ;  Scorzonera,  per  bundle, 
iB. ;  Seakaie,  per  pimnet,  3s.  to  -Ss. ;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d.;  Spinach,  per 
bushel,  3s. ;  Turnips,  per  bunch,  3d.  to  6d. 


Nuv.  22,  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


411 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :  change  it  rather  :  but 
The  Art  rrsELF  is  Kature." — Shakespeare. 


OUR  GARDENS  IN  AUTUMN. 

Here  is  mid  November ;  the  London  trees  have,  weeks  since, 
shed  their  fragile  leaves,  and  even  in  country  gardens 
they  are  now  falling  fast ;  but  bright  and  beautiful,  in  almost 
flower-like  hues.  Who  does  not  remember  one  of  Millais'  early 
pictures,  which  he  called  autumn  leaves  ?  Two  young  girls 
were  seen  sweeping  them  together,  and  gathering  them  into 
a  rustic  basket,  and  their  rich  hues  shone  like  vegetable  gems, 
for  they  were  touched  with  the  gorgeous  pencil  of  the  young 
painter.  Yes,  the  depths  of  autumn  are  come,  and  seem  to 
sigh— 

IVhere  are  the  songs  of  spring  ?     Ay,  where  are  they  ? 
Think  not  of  them,  thou  hast  thy  music,  too  ; 

While  barred  clouds  bloom  the  soft,  dying  day, 
And  touch  the  stubble-fields  with  rosy  hue. 

John  Keats  keenly  relished  the  aspect  of  the  woods  and 
fields  in  autumn.  The  poet's  eye  saw  and  felt  all  the  charm 
of  the  beautiful  decay  tbat  crimsoned  and  gilded  the  falling 
leaves.  Oui  gai'dens,  and  woods,  and  fields  are  then,  indeed,  in 
some  respects  even  more  beautiful  than  in  dewy  spring,  or  in 
high  summer  ;  for  in  autumn  the  effects  of  colour  are  produced 
in  broader  masses  than  even  in  the  spring  and  summer  flower- 
time.  Whole  trees  become  crimson,  scarlet,  orange,  golden, 
and  revel  in  a  thousand  shades  of  rich  olives  and  browns. 
The  change  to  autumn  is  not  all  for  the  worst,  bvit,  like  that 
"  sea  change,"  imagined  by  Shakespeare,  the  vegetation  of 
summer  is  changed  into  something  "  rich  and  rare."  It  is 
true  that,  as  Shelley  sings, — 

The  bare  boughs  are  sighing, 
The  pale  flowers  are  dying. 

But  our  woods  and  gardens  and  hedgerow  banks  assume  a 
new  kind  of  beauty,  and  many  a  late-lingering  flower  is  still 
blooming,  here  and  there. 

Mailing  a  little  summer  where  it  grows. 

Then  there  are  Autumn's  own  special  flowers,  especially  the 
white  and  the  lilac  autumnal  Crocuses,  which,  as  though  to  be 
in  accordance  with  leafless  trees,  come  naked  from  the  earth, 
with  no  mantle  of  green  to  envelope  their  delicate  beauty. 
There  are  the  Chrysanthemums,  too,  still  in  all  their 
splendour.  We  would  have  a  Chrysanthemum  walk  in  every 
garden.  It  should  have  a  bank  on  each  side,  on  which  the 
dwarfer  kinds  should  be  in  front,  and  those  of  taller  habit 
rise  one  above  the  other  to  the  crest  of  the  bank.  What 
wonderful  masses  of  colour,  in  exquisite  contrast,  might  be 
arranged  !  for  the  horticultural  artist  would  have  a  hundred 
tones,  in  delicate  gradation,  to  play  with,  from  purest  white  to 
palest  golden,  and  growing  into  full  orange ;  and  from  faintly- 
blushing  pink  to  the  richest  crimsons  and  maroons.  Here  is 
a  floral  pallet  that  only  requires  a  good  artist  to  turn  it  to 
very  exquisite  account.  We  would  have  these  rich  flower-banks 
overtopped,  at  the  back,  with  evergreen  shrubs,  both  for 
shelter,  and,  to  add  those  tones  of  rich  and  massive  green  in 
which  the  Chrysanthemum  somewhat  fails;  and  we  would  have 
the  walk  a  good  length,  to  stroll  and  revel  in  in  the  sunny 
intervals  of  dark  November  ;  and  it  should  only  be  visited,  as 
a  delightful  surprise,  when  all  the  rest  of  the  garden  was 
gi'adually  becoming  both  flowerless  and  leafless.  That  time  is 
now  arrived ;  though  we  have  the  golden  stars  of  the  late 
yellow  Jasmine  gleaming  against  our  walls,  and  the  dark- 
leaved  Arbutus  is  now  rich  with  pearly  flowers  and  coral  fruit. 
The  fiery  spikes  of  Tritoma  are  still  in  glowing  splendour, 
seeming  to  throw  an  actual  warmth  around  them,  while  the 
jjale  plumes  of  the  Pampas  Grass  tremble  in  the  chilly  winds ; 
these,  together  with  the  various  hues  of  the  deciduous  trees, 
give  us  beauty  enough,  and  to  spare.  But  these  charms  of 
autumn  are  of  brief  duration.  The  hectic  flush  of  the  red 
leaves  of  the  summer  climber  is  too   beautiful  to  last,  and 


when  most  bright,  the  thread  of  their  fair  being  snaps,  and 
they  fall  lightly  from  the  branch  they  have  for  a  few  brief  weeks 
adorned ;  and  they  fall,  lightly,  tremblingly,  towards  earth, 
those 

Red  leaves,  leaves  trailing. 

Fall  unfailing. 

Dropping,  sailing, 

From  the  wood. 

The  great  Horse  Chestnuts,  one  day  majestic  in  their 
gorgeous  autumn  robes  of  flaming  orange,  on  the  next  are  bare, 
their  garment  of  gold  lying  about  their  feet  at  the  bidding  of  the 
flrst  s'harp  frost,  though  the  ruddy  foliage  of  the  Oak  still  clings 
persistingly  to  its  parent  boughs.  But  the  end  of  November 
will  see  most  of  our  deciduous  trees  quite  bare  of  their  summer 
clothing,  and  bright  berries  of  manyhues  willthen  take  the  place 
of  leaves  and  flowers,  coming  into  sight  as  a  pleasing  novelty 
on  the  fall  of  the  full-tufted  foliage,  among  which  they 
have  hitherto  been  comparatively  unseen.  It  is  not  till  the 
leaves  disappear  that  the  red  chistcrs  of  the  Mountain  Ash 
will  play  a  conspicuous  part  in  the  landscape,  or  the  dull, 
but  warm  crimson  of  the  haws  take  the  place  of  the  long 
departed  snowy  blooms  that  made  our  hedges  so  glorious  in 
May ;  and  then  will  the  wild  Rose  bloom  be  succeeded  by 
the  polished  orange-scarlet  of  the  hips.  The  brilliant  berry- 
cone  of  the  Arum  will  burst  its  husk  along  the  banks,  disclos- 
ing flashes  of  such  fiery  scarlet  as  will  make  the  lane-sides  all 
ablaze,  when  the  autumn  sun-glow  is  upon  them.  Wild  seeds 
and  fruits  of  every  hue  will  begin  to  show  themselves,  white 
berries  and  rod,  black  berries  and  grey.  The  partially 
deciduous  Privet  will  exhibit,  conspicuously,  its  sable  clusters, 
bi-ight  as  polished  jet,  and  the  bare  branchlets  of  the  Snow- 
berry  shrub,  will  seem  covered  with  dashes  of  dazzling 
white,  as  though  the  first  snow-flakes  of  coming  winter  had 
fallen  on  them.  The  later  Blackberries  and  Dewberries 
linger  long  on  the  thorny  Brambles,  whose  foliage  of_  deep 
green,  tinged  with  red  and  purple,  will  hold  on  tenaciously 
through  many  of  the  winter  months.  The  single  fruits  of 
the  Blackthorn— those  miniature  wild  Plums,  with  their 
velvety  purple  bloom— already  peep  here  and  there  among 
the  black  branches  of  their  thickets,  while  the  Ivy  berries, 
in  their  symmetrical  clusters,  exhibit  every  tone  from  green 
to  red,  deepening  from  purple  to  black.  But  there  would 
be  no  end  of  calling  attention  to  the  beauties  of  wild  fruits 
and  berries  which  become  so  conspicuous,  as  the  leaves 
disappear. 

In  planting  our  gardens,  suSicient  attention  is  rarely  paid  to 
that  kind  of  arrangement  which  would  ensure  the  production 
of  certain  broad  effects  of  form  and  colour  which  would  result 
in  a  great  amount  of  garden  beauty  in  each  successive  season  of 
the  year.  In  spring  and  summer,  however,  the  materials  are 
so  abundant  that  a  small  modicum  of  taste  goes  a  great  way, 
and  consequently  a  good  deal  has  been  done  ;  but  in  autumn 
and  winter  we  have,  as  a  rule,  been  too  ready  to  conclude  that 
the  glory  of  the  garden  was  over  for  the  year,  and  with  a 
vague  admiration  for  what  are  conventionally  termed  "  the 
autumn  tints,"  little  or  nothing  is  done  in  the  way  of  careful 
selection  in  the  planting  and  grouping  of  trees  and  shrubs  in 
our  gai-dens,  so  as  to  ensure  the  best  combinations  of  colour 
by  means  of  leaves  alone.  The  coloured  foliage  of  many 
herbaceous  plants  has  been  fully  appreciated  in  the  "  bedduig- 
out  "  business  of  spring  and  summer,  while  the  far  more 
artistic  effects  in  garden  landscape  that  may  be  produced  in 
autumn  and  winter  by  the  judicious  planting  of  trees  and 
shrubs  have  received  but  scant  attention.  With  deciduous 
trees  alone,  though  but  for  a  brief  season,  what  charming 
gradations  of  tone,  in  happy  juxtaposition,  might  be 
obtained.  These  effects  might  be  still  further  enriched  by 
the  assistance  of  herbaceous  plants,  which  would  be  but 
evanescent,  it  is  true,  but  during  a  certain  number  of  weeks,  in 
the  dullest  period  of  the  year,  they  would  form  charming 
innovations  on  the  ordinary  monotony  of  our  garden  at  that 
season.  Much  more  beautiful,  and,  of  course,  more  permanent 
effects  might  be  produced  by  a  judicious  combination  of  the 
endlessly  varied  colours  of  Evergreens,  which,  though  not 
presenting  such  strong  contrasts  of  hue,  would  afford  chaste 
and  exquisite  gradations  of  tone,  upon  a  subdued  but  not 
less  beautiful  scale  of  colour. 


412 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Nov.  22,  1873. 


NOTES    OF   THE   WEEK. 


We  ai'e  pleased  to  announce  that  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson 

Lave  jast  received  from  the  continent  a  batch  of  good  plants  of  that 
brilliant  and  rare  Alpine  plant  Silene  Elizabeths?. 

All  interested  in  the  growth  of  good  Pears   should  plant 

the  Doyenne  du  Cornice  extensively.  Specimens  sent  to  us  by  Mr. 
Dancer,  of  Little  Sutton,  Chiswick,  prove  it  to  be,  in  every  respect, 
a  Pear  of  the  most  delicious  flavour.  It  is  also  a  large  variety,  and 
each  of  the  fruits  sent  us  by  Mr.  Dancer  was,  in  our  opinion,  quite 
as  good  as  the  Easter  Beurre  one  gets  in  Paris  in  winter,  and  that  is 
saying  a  good  deal. 

Messrs.  Reeve  &  Co.  are  about  to  publish,  in  monthly  parts, 

a  new  work  on  entomology,  by  Mr.  Owen  Wilson,  called  "  Food 
Plants  of  the  Larvaj  of  the  British  Lepidoptera."  The  work  will 
contain  descriptions  of  the  caterpillars,  pupa>,  and  perfect  insects, 
with  coloured  illustrations,  and  a  calendar  of  the  times  at  which  each 
may  be  found.  The  plan  of  the  work,  as  advertised,  leads  us  to 
expect  that  it  will  be  found  a  useful  one  to  the  public  generally,  and 
to  gardeners  in  particular. 

■ ■  We  have  received  a  coloured  plate  of  the  new  Pelargonium, 

Queen  Victoria,  sent  out  by  Mr.  William  Bull.  Its  flowers,  which 
have  peculiarly  crispy  petals,  are  not  really  double ;  but  from 
their  fulness  of  form  they  have  the  appearance  of  being  so.  The  colour 
is  a  rich  vermilion,  all  the  petals  being  broadly  margined  with  pure 
white,  and  the  upper  ones  blotched  with  maroon.  The  contrast  of 
the  broad  white  margin  with  the  vermilion  ground-colonr  makes  the 
flower  extremely  pleasing  and  attractive. 

As  an    instance   of  the  confusion  produced  by  multiplying 

botanical  synonyms,  M.  Carriere  remarks  that  in  the  general 
herbarium  of  the  Museum  at  Paris,  the  same  plant  is  found  under 
the  names  of  Wittadenia  triloba  and  Aster  quercifolius,  while  in  the 
herbarium  of  the  botanical  school  there  it  is  named  Erigeron  querci- 
folius, and  Brachycoma  triloba.  M.  Carriere  also  observes  that  the 
saranfs  are  not  agreed  as  to  the  orthography  of  the  first  of  these 
names,  as  they  speU  it  variously  Wittadenia,  Witadinia,  Vittadenia, 
and  Tittadinia  1 

We    find   that  in  addition  to  money  prizes   amounting   to 

£1,000,  to  be  awarded  at  the  great  horticultural  exhibition  to  be 
held  next  July  in  the  Lower  Grounds,  Aston  Park,  Birmingham,  five 
silver  challenge  cups,  value  twenty-five  guineas  each,  will  be  given 
to  the  winners  of  the  principal  prizes  in  the  following  classes,  viz., 
one  for  plants,  one  for  fruit,  one  for  vegetables,  one  for  cut  Roses 
(nurserymen),  and  one  for  cut  Roses  (amateurs).  Such  liberal 
encouragement  will  doubtless  result  in  securing  what  the  promoters 
have  by  anticipation  promised — a  grand  exhibition. 

•  With  reference  to  the  introduction  of  the  Dahlia  into  England 

we  have  received  the  following  note — Those  who  knew  Kensington  fifty 
years  ago,  or  more,  may  perhaps  remember  Signor  Bnonajuti, librarian 
at  IloUand  House  and  teacher  of  Italian  in  that  neighbourhood  ;  he 
was  then  very  old,  but  was  still  proud  of  having,  many  years  before 
(I  think  about  1S02  or  1S03),  procured  a  root  of  the  Dahlia  from  tho 
Grand  Duke  of  Tuscauy's  garden  for  Lady  Holland,  for  the  Duke  was 
very  jealous  of  his  floral  possessions,  and  did  not  willingly  part  with 
anything  new  or  rare.  Signor  Buonajati  certainly  did  not  think  he 
was  bringing  a  Jerusalem  Artichoke !  a  plant  that  had  been  known  in 
England  for  nearly  two  hundred  years. — C.  B. 

The   Thurber   Peach    (named  after   Dr.   George   Thurber) , 

which  was  introduced  to  public  notice  some  months  ago  by  P.  J. 
Berckmans,  of  Augusta,  Georgia,  has  since  held  its  ground,  and  now, 
at  the  end  of  another  season,  it  is  much  praised.  It  is  a  freestone 
seedling  of  the  Chinese  Cling — that  prince  of  CUngstones,  particularly 
for  the  southern  gardens — and  instead  of  having  the  straggling  habit 
of  growth  of  its  parent,  the  original  tree  is  of  a  most  perfect 
pyramidal  shape.  The  fruit  is  described  as  very  large,  often  measuring 
10  inches  in  circumference,  round  or  slightly  oblong  ;  skin,  creamy 
white,  beautifully  mottled  or  marbled  with  carmine  or  faint  pink  ;  flesh 
white,  extremely  juicy,  dissolving,  sweet,  and  highly  perfumed, 
quality  exquisite. 

The  Gardeners'  Chronicle  and  Agricultural    Gazette,  which 

for  the  past  year  or  two  has  shown  great  energy  in  the  matter 
of  illustrations,  and  during  the  present  year  considerably  modified 
its  plan,  last  week  announced  its  intention  to  do  so  completely. 
Henceforward  we  learn  that  "after  this  year,  the  Gardeners' 
Chronicle  and  AgricnUural  Gazette  will  appear  as  separate  publica- 
tions. The  bond  between  gardening  and  agriculture,  how- 
ever, is  too  intimate  to  be  wholly  severed — such  a  course  would  be 
unnatural.  The  Ga"deners'  Chronicle  will  still  treat  of  agricultural 
subjects  in  general,  without  entering  into  the  details  required  by 
the  professional  farmer.  The  conductors  propose  to  avail  themselves 
of  the  increased  space  at  their  disposal  by  giving  an  increased 
number  of   original    illustrations,  by  diversifying  the  technical  con. 


tents  with  articles  of  interest  to  the  general  reader,  as  well  as  to 

those  whose  hobby  or  whose  business  leads  them  to  devote  time  and 
attention  to  fruit  farming,  bee  culture,  natural  history,  and  tho 
many  kindred  subjects  pertaining  to  country  life." 

A  DOUBLE  Canna  has  been  raised   by  a  Lyons  nurseryman ; 

we  do  not  hope  much  from  this,  as  the  Canna  is  not  a  flower  likely 
to  be  improved  by  becoming  double. 

To  the  home   comforts   afforded   by  the   institution   which 

Messrs.  A^eitch  have  provided  for  the  young  gardeners  employed  by 
them,  has  been  added  a  course  of  lectures  to  be  delivered  between 
this  and  Christmas. 

The  Lapagerias,  white  and  red,  are  probably  without  rivals 

among  '•  cool-house  plants  "  that  flower  at  this  season  ;  the  roof  of 
the  long  corridor  at  Messrs.  Veitch's  is  still  starred  with  their 
blossoms.  The  effect,  when  the  two  kinds  are  intermixed,  is  un. 
equalled  in  its  way. 

The   hardiness    of    the  Creeping  Fig   (Ficns  repens),  even 

round  London,  is  proved  by  a  plant  in  the  Pine-apple  Nursery.  Some 
years  ago,  probably  ten,  shoots  emerged  from  the  top  of  a  glasshouse 
there  ;  they  have  since  quite  covered  the  wall  above  the  house,  and, 
without  protection  of  any  kind,  have  withstood  all  cold. 

It   is  officially   stated   that  in  1871   Japan  produced  about 

30,000,000  lbs.  of  Tea,  half  of  which  she  consumed  at  home.  The 
province  of  Yamashiro  gives  the  best  quality,  and  at  Agura  there  are 
trees  from  100  to  500  years  old,  the  crops  from  which  are  said  to  be 
worth  20s.  per  lb.  The  hedges  in  the  lanes  and  round  the  kitchen, 
gardens  in  the  villages  are  generally  formed  of  Tea  shrubs. 

The    Horticultural    School,    which  was  formerly   connected 

with  the  establishment  of  M.  Yan  Houtte,  at  Ghent,  and  which,  in 
1871,  was  transferred  to  the  Botanic  Garden  of  the  University  in 
that  city,  appears  to  be  in  a  flourishing  condition,  the  resident  pupils, 
as  M.  Van  HuUe  informs  us,  having  increased  in  number  from  nine 
in  1871  to  thirty  in  the  present  year. 

We  are  informed,  by  M.  Van  Hulle,  that  in  1871  the  Agricul- 
tural Society  of  East  Flanders  instituted  a  prize  competition  for  the 
best  kept  orchards.  A  jury  was  appointed  to  visit,  on  several 
occasions  during  the  year,  the  orchards  of  those  who  had  sent  in 
their  names  as  competitors.  At  the  end  of  the  year  tho  reports  of 
the  jury  were  made,  and  the  prizes  were  distributed  in  the  presence 
of  the  Minister  of  the  Interior.  The  result  of  this  competition  has 
been  to  give  a  remarkable  stimulus  towards  improvement  in  fruit- 
culture.  During  the  present  year  the  same  society  are  holding  a 
similar  prize  competition  for  the  best  kept  farms.  In  this  case  the 
jury  will  not  confine  themselves  to  matters  of  agricultural  interest 
merely,  but  will  also  pronounce  upon  the  horticultural  arrangements 
of  each  farm,  and  especially  on  matters  connected  with  market- 
gardening  and  arboriculture. 

We  have  received  from  Mr.  Dancer  some  wonderfully  fine 

Apples,  the  produce,  for  the  most  part,  of  large  orchard  treci, 
growing  in  his  market  garden  at  Little  Sutton.  Among  them  are 
very  fine  fruit  of  Wellington,  Cox's  Orange  Pippin,  Ribston  Pippin, 
Bienheim  Orange,  Gloria  Mundi,  Golden  Xoble,  Barchard's  Seedling, 
Waraer's  King,  King  of  Pippins,  Hollandbury,  and  some  dozen  other 
kinds.  These  Apples  must  not  be  compared  with  those  grown  on 
cordons,  or  with  such  as  have  had  any  kind  of  special  treatment,  as  the 
only  labour  bestowed  on  the  trees  that  produced  them,  is  looking  them 
over  during  winter,  and  cutting  off  a  branch  or  two  here  and  there. 
The  fruit  had  never  been  thinned,  nor  the  trees  summer-pruned, 
and  they  received  no  water  except  from  the  c!onds.  It  may  be  added 
that  some  of  them  came  from  trees  on  the  French  Paradise  stock. 

The  Americans  are  preparing  for  the  horticultural  depart- 
ment of  their  great  exhibition.  During  the  late  exhibition  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  a  meeting  of  horticulturists  was 
held  for  the  purpose  of  organising  a  society  to  aid  in  the  horticul- 
tural department  of  the  Centennial  Exhibition  in  1876.  \  com- 
mittee, of  which  Colonel  Marshall  P.  AVilder  was  chairman,  reported 
a  constitution  and  nominated  officers.  The  society  is  called  the 
"Centennial  Horticultural  Society,"  and  its  chief  object  is  to  aid  tho 
United  States  Centennial  Commissioners  in  the  preparation  of  plans 
for  the  horticultural  department  of  the  Centennial  Exposition,  the 
planting  of  the  garden,  the  construction  and  management  of  horti- 
cultural houses,  and  to  provide  for  the  proper  representation  of  tho 
great  interests  of  horticulture  and  pomology  in  the  exhibition.  The 
American  Pomologieal  Society  is  to  hold  a  session  at  the  time  of  the 
centennial  celebration,  and  vriU  co-operate  in  the  matter  of  fruits. 
The  oflicers  of  the  new  society  are  : — President,  Patrick  Barry,  of 
Rochester,  N.Y. ;  secretary,  A.  W.  Harrison,  of  Philadelphia  ;  trea- 
surer,  Wm.  Hacker,  of  Philadelphia;  vice-presidents,  W.  L.  Shaffer, 
of  Philadelphia;  P.  J.  Berckmans,  of  Georgia;  J.  R.  Warder,  of 
Oiiio;  W.  C.  Flagg,  of  Illinois;  W.  C.  Strong,  of  Massachusetts; 
and  J.  Strenzel,  of  California.  An  executive  committee  was  appointed, 
including  many  of  the  principal  horticulturists  of  the  country. 


Nov.  2-2, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


413 


THE    FLOWER     GARDEN. 

POLYGONUM  SACHALINENSE. 
Tins  plant,  of  which  tlie  accompanying  is  an  illustration  of  the 
upper  portion  of  the  stem,  is  a  vigorous-growing  herbaceous 
perennial,  which  attains,  in  ordinary  soils,  a  height  of  (3  or  7 
feet,  and  somewhat  resembles  a  giant  Dock.  The  stem  is 
stout  and  leafy  from  the  base  to  the  summit,  the  lower  leaves 
being  about  10  inches  in  length,  somewhat  heart-shaped  in 
outline,  but  not  quite  so  sagittaDC  as  our  artist  has  made  them. 
The  flowers,  which  are  of  a  greenish  colour,  are  borne  in 
axillary  clusters,  late  in  the  summer.  It  forms  a  good  com- 
panion to  the  better  known  Polygonum  cuspidatum,  and,  like 
that  species,  forms  an  effective  plant  when  isolated  on  turf  in 
tha  pleasure-ground;  it  is  also  useful  for  planting  in  shrub- 
beries, or  for  naturalisation  in  semi-wild  places  along  with 
other  vigorous  tall-growing  perennials.  Of  this  plant  we 
noticed  a  good  specimen,  this  season,  in  the  herbaceous  ground 
at  Kew,  where  it  was  the  most  effective  plant  in  the  bed  in 
which    it    grew     and     which     contained      several    tuits    of 


Polygonam  saclialinense. 

P.  cuspidatum  and  various  other  Polygonaceous  plants.  It 
was  introduced  into  our  gardens  about  three  years  ago  or  so, 
we  believe,  by  Mr.  Wm.  Bull.  T.  S. 


SPRING-FLOWERING  HARDY  BULBS. 
With  the  exception  of  what  are  called  Dutch  bulbs,  probably 
less  is  known  of  hardy  bulbs  than  of  any  other  class  of  plants. 
This  is  a  matter  to  be  regretted ;  for,  besides  the  value  of 
many  of  the  spring-flowering  kinds  for  the  decoration  of 
mixed  borders  or  for  spring  gardening,  some  of  them  are 
capable,  in  other  ways,  of  adding  beauty  to  a  garden,  as,  for 
instance,  by  dotting  them  over  the  lawn  and  beneath  trees  or 
standard  Roses.  Among  the  prettiest  and  easiest  to  cultivate 
of  all  hardy  bulbs  are  the  Squills  (Scillas),  plants  which  thrive 
in  almost  any  soil,  and  which  are  suitable  for  beds,  patches  in 
the  mixed  border,  edgings  round  beds  of  American  plants,  or 
for  naturalisation.  Scilla  sibirica  is  probably  the  earliest- 
flowering  kind.  It  grows  from  3  to  6  inches  high,  and 
produces  lovely  light  blue  flowers  in  profusion  early  in  March. 
S.  bifolia  is  a  dwarf  early-flowering  kind,  (vith  dark  blue 
flowers,  that  appear  almost  simultaneously  with  those  of  S. 
sibirica.  There  are  several  varieties  of  S.  bifolia,  the  best 
and  most  distinct  being  those  with  white  and  rose-coloured 
blooms.  S.  amoena  is  a  somewhat  stronger-growing  plant 
than  either  of  the  preceding,  with  dark  indigo  blue  flowers 
borne  on  a  stem  about  a  foot  high  in  April  or  May.  Such 
sorts  as  campanulata  and  its  varieties,  patula,  and  nutans  and 
its  varieties,  bloom  about  the  beginning  of  May,  and  being 
more  vigorous  growers  than  either  of  the  above  species,  should 
be  planted  among  shrubbery  borders  or  naturalised.  Milla 
(Triteleia)  uniflora  is  a  free-blooming  hardy  bulb  that  grows 
from  4  to  6  inches  in  height,  and  produces,  in  the  month  of 


March,  beautiful  white  flowers,  the  divisions  of  which  have  a 
bluish  streak  down  the  centre.  It  is  useful  as  an  edging  to 
beds  of  dwarf  shrubs,  and  tufts  of  it  ai-e  very  attractive  in  a 
border.  It  also  blooms  abundantly  when  grown  in  a  pot,  and, 
if  grown  in  this  way,  is  worthy  of  a  position  in  the  greenhouse. 
The  spring  Meadow  Safl'ron  (Bulbocodinm  vcrnum)  is  a  hand- 
some bulbous  plant,  about  6  inches  high,  that  blooms  in  early 
sprmg,  and  has  large  flowers  that  are  whitish  at  first  and 
change  to  purplish-violet.  It  is  useful  for  borders  or  as  an 
edging,  and  thrivs  in  ordinary  soils.  The  Dog's-tooth  Violet 
(Erythronium  Dens-canis)  is  a  plant  that  used  to  be 
commonly  met  with  in  gardens,  but  owing  to  the  rage  for 
novelties  to  which  we  have  been  accustomed  of  late  years,  it 
has  been  banished  from  our  gardens,  to  make  room  for 
subjects  far  less  ornamental.  There  are  several  varieties  of 
this  plant,  all  of  which  look  nice  either  in  small  beds  or  tufts 
in  the  mixed  border  ;  and  as  it  is  a  plant  that  flowers,  early 
and  its  leaves  die  off  quickly,  it  might  with  advantage  be 
dotted  over  lawns.  Erythronium  americanum,  a  species  with 
yellow  flowers,  is  suitable  for  the  same  purposes  as  the 
commoner  kind.  The  genus  Iris  is  one  that  is  very  rich  in 
ornamental  species,  and  as  the  bulk  of  these  bloom  in  summer, 
we  will  defer  speaking  of  them  till  a  future  time ;  but  there 
are  one  or  two  kinds  that  are  among  the  most  useful  of  spring- 
flowermg  plants,  and,  therefore,  must  be  included  in  this  paper. 
The  dwarf  Flag  (Iris  jjumila)  is  a  kind  that  is  met  with  pretty 
frequently  in  gardens,  though  it  is  not  so  common  as  it 
deserves  to  be.  It  grows  from  2  to  8  inches  ia  height,  and 
has  deep  violet-coloured  flowers,  which  are  produced  about 
the  month  of  March.  There  are  varieties  of  this  plant 
with  light  blue,  yellowish,  and  white  flowers,  all  of  which  are 
useful  as  edgings,  tufts  in  the  mixed  border,  or  on  rock-work, 
and  they  thrive  best  in  deep  sandy  loam,  though  they 
succeed  in  ordinary  garden  soils.  Iris  reticulata  is  a  beautiful 
spring-flowering  kind  that  is  not  often  met  with  cultivated  as 
a  hardy  bulb,  though  sometimes  grown  for  greenhouse  deco- 
ration. This  species  is  grown  very  successfully  as  a  hardy 
bulb  at  the  Exotic  Nursery,  Tooting,  at  which  place  I  once  saw 
it  pushing  its  lovely  flowers  through  the  snow  in  the  month  of 
March.  It  grows  from  6  to  9  inches  high,  and  its  flowers  are 
about  three  inches  long,  of  a  brilliant  violet  colour,  deeply 
blotched  with  yellow,  and  deliciously  fragrant.  Being  a  very 
early-blooming  species,  it  should  have  a  warm  sheltered 
position  in  a  border,  or  a  sunny  spot,  or  rock-work,  in  good 
light  soil.  The  Snakes-head  (I.  tuberosa)  is  another  good 
spring-flowering  Iris,  but  it  is  not  so  valuable  as  either  of 
the  preceding  kinds.  Puschkinia  scilloides,  a  rare  and  very 
handsome  spring-blooming  plant  that  grows  about  6  inches 
high,  is  worthy  of  universal  culture.  The  flowers  of  this  plant 
are  whitish,  delicately  striped  with  pale  blue.  Useful  for  beds, 
tufts  in  the  mixed  border,  or  rock-work,  and  succeeds  in 
ordinary  soils,  but  thrives  best  in  deep  sandy  loam.  Pritil- 
laria  Meleagris  is  a  showy  hardy  bulb  that  succeeds  in  almost 
any  soil.  The  flowers  of  this  plant  are  large,  bell-shaped,  dull 
whitish  in  colour,  deeply  chequered  with  reddish-purple,  and 
are  produced  in  March  and  April.  There  is  good  white 
variety.  It  should  be  planted  in  borders  or  beds  of  spring- 
flowering  bulbs.  The  genus  Sisyrinchium  affords  us  a 
very  handsome  freely-flowering  spring  plant,  viz.,  S. 
grandiflorum.  This  is  a  plant  that  grows  from  6  to  10 
inches  high,  and  has  narrow  Grass-like  leaves,  the  bell- 
shaped  flowers  being  of  a  rich  deep  purple  colour, 
and  are  produced  in  February  or  March.  It  should  be 
planted  in  warm  positions,  on  rockwork  or  borders,  in 
good  peaty  loam.  There  is  a  white-flowered  variety  which, 
by-the-bye,  is  a  useful  subject  for  growing  in  pots  in  a  cold 
frame,  as  is  also  the  common  form.  The  Snowdrop  (Galanthus 
nivalis)  is  too  well  known  to  need  recommendation  ;  but  the 
Crimean  one,  known  as  plicatus,  which  has  flowers  nearly  double 
the  size  of  the  common  form,  is  worth  adding  to  any  collection. 
It  may  be  remarked  that  these  Snowdrops  succeed  perfectly  if 
dotted  over  lawns,  their  early  blooming  rendering  them  fitting 
subjects  for  such  a  position,  as  their  foliage  has  developed  and 
faded  off  by  the  time  that  the  lawns  require  mowing.  Closely 
allied  to  the  Snowdrops  are  the  Snowflakes  (Leucojums),  of 
which  the  spring  Snowflake  (vernum)  and  the  summer  one 
known     as     L.    asstivum    ai'e     valuable     flowering     plants. 


414 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  22, 1873. 


L.  vermirn  is  a  plant  that  grows  from  4  to  6  inches  in  height, 
and  produces,  throughout  the  month  of  March,  an  abundance  of 
pretty  white  fragrant  flowers,  with  a  green  spot  on  the  tips  of 
the  divisions.  It  is  worthy  of  a  position  in  the  choicest  collec- 
tion of  bulbs,  and  tufts  of  it  may  be  planted  in  the  mixed  border 
or  on  rock-work;  and,  when  plentiful  enough,  it  might  be  used 
as  an  edging.  The  summer  Snowflake  is  a  more  vigorous 
grower  than  its  spring  relative,  attaining  a  height  of  from  12 
to  18  inches,  and  producing,  in  April  and  May,  pretty  white 
nodding  blooms  in  abundance.  It  makes  a  handsome  border 
plant,  and  thrives  in  almost  any  soil  or  situation.  The  flowers 
of  this  species  are  useful  for  bouquets,  and,  as  the  plant 
flowers  abundantly,  it  is  worthy  of  culture  for  this  purpose 
alone.  The  Grape  Hyacinth  (Muscari  botryoides)  is  another 
handsome  spring-flowering  bulb  that  merits  more  extensive 
cultivation  than  it  has  yet  received.  It  grows  about  6  inches 
high,  and  has  dark  blue  flowers,  which  are  produced  in  neat 
compact  heads.  There  is  also  a  pure  white  variety,  valuable 
either  for  beds,  patches  in  borders,  rock-work,  or  for  edgings 
to  beds  of  dwarf  American  plants,  and  thriving  in  almost  any 
kind  of  soil.  The  Starch  Hyacinth  (M.  racemosum)  so  named 
from  the  odour  of  its  flowers  being  like  that  of  starch,  closely 
resembles  the  preceding  kind;  but  both  the  individual  blooms 
and  heads  are  larger  than  those  of  that  species.  It  is  useful 
for  the  same  purposes  as  botryoides,  or  for  association 
with  it.  There  are  several  other  species  of  this  genus ;  but 
the  above  named  are  the  most  useful  of  those  that  bloom  iu 
spring,  while  there  are  one  or  two  others  that  bloom  in  summer 
which  will  be  treated  of  in  a  future  number. 

The  above  will  be  found  a  good  selection  of  spring-flowering 
bulbs,  belonging  to  genera  not  usually  included  iu  the  category 
of  Dutch  bulbs.  I  will  now  say  a  few  woi'ds  on  some  members 
of  genera  that  are  included  in  that  class  and  that  have  not  as 
yet  been  improved  upon  by  the  skill  of  the  florist.  The 
genus  Narcissus  is  probably  the  richest  in  distinct  species, 
all  the  kinds  of  which  are  ornamental  when  in  flower, 
but  as  some  of  the  kinds  too  closely  resemble  each  other 
to  be  readily  identified,  I  will  only  enumerate  a  few  entirely 
distinct  and  desirable  species  that  are,  as  j-et,  rarely  met 
with.  One  of  the  prettiest,  as  well  as  one  of  the  earliest  in 
bloom,  is  Narcissus  minor,  a  diminutive  kind  that  grows  only 
a  few  inches  high,  the  blooms  of  which  are  gracefully  pendent. 
It  is  a  plant  worthy  of  a  position  in  the  choicest  border, 
and  I  may  remark  that  it  is  a  capital  subject  for  pot  culture  in 
cool  frames  ;  N.  triandrus  is  another  distinct  and  handsome 
kind  that  has  the  divisions  of  the  Primrose-coloured  flowers 
turned  back,  somewhat  in  tlie  same  manner  as  the  flowers  of  a 
Cyclamen,  and,  indeed,  at  first  sight  it  looks  like  a  yellow- 
flowered  Cyclamen.  It  is  a  scarce  species  at  present  and  should 
receive  liberal  treatment  and  a  favourable  situation  on  borders 
or  rock-work  till  plentiful  enough  to  be  tried  in  other  positions. 
The  Rush-leaved  Daffodil  (N.  juncifolius)  is  a  desirable  kind 
from  (3  to  8  inches  high,  with  narrow  rush-like  leaves  and  bright 
yellow  flowers.  It  is,  also,  at  present,  somewhat  scarce,  and 
should,  therefore,  be  planted  on  rock- work  or  in  a  good  position 
of  the  mixed  border  iu  light  sady  loam.  N.  Bulbocodium,  the 
Hoop-petticoat  Daffodil,  is  a  distinct  and  pretty  kind  that  blooms 
in  April,  the  flowers  being  of  a  rich  golden-yellow  with  the  cup 
standing  erect ;  useful  for  the  same  positions  as  the  two  pre- 
ceding kinds.  A  good  effect  may  be  produced  with  the  Jon- 
quils and  other  common  and  early -flowering  kinds  by  dotting 
them  over  the  turf,  in  tufts  of  three  or  four,  near  the  margin 
of  shrubberries.  Most  of  the  spring-flowering  Crocuses  are 
included  in  the  class  of  Dutch  bulbs,  but  C.  Imperati  is  a  very 
early  and  distinct-flowering  one,  by  no  means  common  as  yet. 
The  blooms  of  this  species  are  lilac-purple  on  the  outer-side  and 
cream-coloured  inside,  and  are  produced  in  the  earlier  months 
of  the  year.  Of  Tulips,  there  are  several  distinct  and  desir.able 
.species  that  are  well  suited  for  association  with  spring-flowering 
bulbs,  either  as  tufts  iu  borders  or  for  small  beds.  Tulipa 
Celsiana  is  a  dwarf-growing  species  about  6  inches  high,  with 
flowers,  which,  when  fully  expanded,  resemble  a  large  yellow 
Crocus.  T.  Clusiana  is  a  desirable  kind  with  white  flowers, 
striped  with  red  and  a  purple  centre.  It  grows  about  a  foot  in 
height.  To  lovers  of  curiosities  I  would  recommend  T.  cornuta 
the  flowers  of  which  arc  yellow  and  red,  the  narrow  petals  being 
curiously  twisted.  T.  Spaxswick. 


LEAF  BEAUTY  OF  AZALEA  PONTICA. 
I  DO  not  remember  ever  having  seen  this  old  favourite  of  our 
shrubberies  so  be.autifully  coloured  as  it  is  this  autumn. 
Even  the  most  unobservant  could  not  be  otherwise  than 
ai-rested  by  its  striking  appearance,  especially  when  associated 
with  surrounding  shrubs  of  a  deep  green  colour.  Even  the 
sombre-leaved  Rhododendron  seems  to  have  had  new  life 
infused  into  it  by  its  lively  companion — alas,  I  fear,  to  some 
extent,  at  the  expense  of  a  good  show  of  bloom  in  the 
coming  spring,  for  a  large  percentage  of  the  once  plump  buds 
have  started  into  growth.  The  Azalea  to  which  I  have  just 
alluded  has  not  the  sere  and  yellow  hue  in  which  it  is  most 
frequently  seen,  but  that  of  a  most  vivid  crimson,  as  intense 
as  that  of  the  Virginian  Creeper.  The  most  brilliantly- 
coloured  plants  of  it  are  growing  in  a  well-drained  bog, 
gradually  running  off  to  loamy  soil  of  a  clayey  nature.  If 
Azalea  pontica  had  no  other  charms  than  six  or  eight  weeks 
of  autumnal  brilliancy,  we  would  be  amply  repaid  for  planting 
it  in  thousands  in  large  masses,  in  company  with  its  near 
relation — the  Rhododendron.  I  know  that  it  is  planted  more 
extensively  than  it  used  to  be,  but  still  much  more  might  be  done 
than  has  hitherto  been  attempted  in  boggy  situations  that  are 
now  left  without  embellishment  of  any  kind.  It  should  also  be 
planted  more  largely  among  Rhododendrons,  to  break  their 
monotony ;  and  nothing  is  better  suited  than  it  is  for  the 
hundreds  of  acres  of  boggy  swamps  to  be  found  in  the  country, 
if  they  were  only  drained,  either  under  or  above  the  surface. 
Just  picture  one's  self  looking  down  or  up  a  valley  of  such  a 
character  of  soil,  with,  let  us  suppose,  a  meandering  stream, 
here  expanding  into  a  miniature  lake,  there  narrowing  to  a 
little  streamlet,  as  it  winds  its  way  along,  until  lost  between 
banks  amid  thousands  of  the  silvery  plumes  of  Pampas  Grass 
and  masses  of  Rhododendrons,  each  at  intei'vals  intermixed 
with  Azaleas  clothed  with  crimson  foliage.  Such  a  scene 
would  be  one  of  the  most  imposing  character.  Then,  what  an 
enchanting  place  would  such  a  valley  be  in  spring!  This 
Azalea  assumes  three  different  effects  in  one  year,  each  suffi- 
cient to  place  it  in  the  foremost  rank  among  ornamental 
shrubs ;  iu  short,  no  plant  of  such  easy  growth  with  which  I 
am  acquainted  can  equal  it,  and .  its  fine  appearance  in 
autumn  is  not  the  least  of  the  many  good  qualities  which  it 
possesses.  John  Taylok. 

Maesgwynne. 


BEDDING-OUT  VERSUS  MIXED  BORDERS. 
Ix  my  remarks  on  "  Paris  Gardening,"  alluded  to  in  The  Garde.v  of 
Nov.  8th,  I  never  for  a  minnte  pretended  that  "  perpetual  monotony 
with  the  repetition  of  the  same  sort  of  flowers,  mixed  ■n-ithout  any 
reference  to  harmony  of  colour  or  contrast  of  form,"  was  the  ideal 
that  the  advocates  of  herbaceous  borders  and  mixed  perennials  aimed 
at,  but  that  it  is  the  natural  outcome  of  the  system  if  it  were 
generally  adopted  by  gardeners.  No  doubt,  in  the  hands  of  some 
few  experienced  botanists,  who  would  not  carry  their  hobby  too  far, 
mixed  bordex's  of  herbaceous  or  perennial  plants,  judiciously  planted 
and  carefully  chosen,  might  be  made  both  interesting  and  oma- 
mental ;  but  I  deprecate  the  idea  of  returning  to  the  old  herbaceous 
borders  of  my  early  days,  and  I  feel  certain  that  if  the  present 
bedding-out  system  is  to  be  thrown  on  one  side  ,as  a  worn-ont  glove, 
that  gardens  will  deteriorate  again  to  the  shapeless  and  incongruous 
masses  of  mixed  flowers  that  were  the  staple  commodity  some  five, 
and-twenty  years  ago.  Shrubs  and  trees  and  Alpine  rockeries  do 
not,  and  cannot,  supply  the  place  of  bedded-out  gardens ;  it  is 
merely  a  question  whether  we  are  to  have  mixed  borders  of  per. 
ennial  and  herbaceous  plants  with  a  few  annuals  and  other  plants 
interspersed,  or  whether  we  are  to  continue  our  present  sj-stem  of 
bedding  out,  using  spring  plants  till  May,  and  summer  half-hardy 
perennials  for  summer  and  autumn  blooming.  The  greatest  advo- 
cates of  summer  bedding  can  make  use  of  shrubs  and  trees  and 
Alpine  rockeries  as  well  as  those  who  advocate  the  adoption  of  mixed 
borders.  It  is  perfectly  impossible  to  grow  every  kind  of  perennial 
or  herbaceous  plant ;  this  can  only  be  done  at  such  places  as  Kew 
and  other  large  botanical  gardens ;  but  my  experience  of  the 
herbaceous  quarters  at  Kew  this  year,  which  I  inspected  at  the 
end  of  June,  does  not  lead  me  to  think  that  herbaceous  gardens, 
carried  on  with  reference  to  botany,  can  ever  bo  made  orna. 
mental.  The  consequence  is  that  the  admirers  of  percnni.Tls,  &c., 
must  choose  the  most  distinct  and  ornamental  plants  of  the  different 
species,  just  as  much  as  we  select  the  most  ornamental  plants  in  the 


Nov.  2-2,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


415 


half-havdy  section,  as  Pelargoniums  Agoratumg,  Verbenas,  &c.  I  can 
fully  appreciate  Phloxes,  Pentstomons,  Antirrhinums,  Funkias, 
Yuccas,  Agaves,  &c.,  but  I  do  not  see  their  superiority  to  those  plants 
commonly  called  bedding  plants,  and  I  only  instanced  the  gardens 
at  the  Tuilleries,  Luxembourg,  Versailles,  &c.,  as  an  example  of 
the  monotony  produced  by  mixing  flowers,  though  I  cannot  agree 
with  the  dictum  that  they  were  geometrically  arranged.  By  all 
means  have  perennials  and  shrubs,  and  Alpine  rockeries,  in  fact, 
gardens  of  every  diversity  of  form  and  kind  wherever  there  is  space  ; 
bnt  don't  kick  away  the  props,  and  do  not  cry  down  one  system  at  the 
expense  of  others.  I  need  not  repeat  my  arguments  about  the  use  and 
the  abuse  of  bedding-out,  my  love  for  bedding.out  is  not  so  profound 
as  not  to  be  able  to  see  its  defects.  It  would  be  as  well  if  the  ardent 
admirers  of  perennials  were  to  let  their  system  gain  its  way  by  its 
own  merits,  not  by  the  abuse  of  ths  opposite  system.  I  have  no  wish 
whatever  to  misrepresent  their  views,  but  I  deprecate  the  idea  of 
returning  to  the  pristine  simplicity  of  the  mixed  borders  of  our  child- 
hood, which  seems  to  me  inevitably  to  follow  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten. 

C.  P.  Peach. 
[We  are  not  aware  that  anybody  has  advised  a  return  to  the  mixed 
border,  pure  and  simple.  We  think  Mr.  Peach  completely  in  error 
as  to  there  being  no  alternative  but  the  mixed  border  and  bedding, 
out.  Most  of  the  errors  in  flower  gardening  and  garden  design  arise 
from  ignoring  the  fact  that  these  two  modes  of  decoration  are  really 
minor  ones,  and  that  there  are  a  good  many  others  worthy  of  more 
attention.  This  is  no  theory.  The  truth  is  illustrated  already  in 
many  a  garden  we  could  name.] 


SINGULAR  FOXGLOVE. 
In  June  last  we  I'ecoived  from  Mr.  J.  Huntingford  Morgan,  of 
17,  Walhain  Grove,  St.  John's,  Fulham,a  remarkable  monstro- 
sity in  the  shape  of  a  stem  of  the  common  Foxglove  (Digitalis 
purpurea),  bearing  on  its  summit  a 
huge  flower  resembling  a  large-sized 
rose-coloured  Canterbury  Bell.  The 
accompanying  illustration  represents 
the  upper  part  of  the  stem,  showing 
the  general  appearance  of  the  ab- 
normal flower,  and  its  extraordinary 
diffei'ence  in  size,  shape,  and  du'ec- 
tion,  from  the  regular  flowers  beneath 
it.  Our  description  of  this  singular 
freak  of  nature,  given  at  the  time,  is 
as  follows  : — "  It  is  2  inches  in 
diameter,  and  IJ-inch  in  depth,  and 
stands  nearly  erect  on  the  extreme 
end  of  the  stem.  The  mouth  is  very- 
open,  and  is  margined  by  thirteen 
reflexed  rounded  lobes.  It  has  twelve 
stamens  and  a  stout  pistil  an  inch 
long,  and  ^-inch,  or  more,  in  diameter. 
Below  it  are  sixteen  flowers,  of  the 
normal  shape  and  size,  in  various 
stages  of  development.  These  it  re- 
sembles in  colour  both  inside  and 
out,  but  it  has  entirely  lost  the 
characteristic  form  of  the  Scrophulariueas,  and  is  in  shape 
perfectly  campanulate.  Mr.  Morgan  informs  us  that  the  same 
])lant  flowered  in  the  same  way  last  year,  and  that  the  large 
flower  on  the  top  of  the  stem  was  the  first  to  open,  both  this 
year  and  last." 


Singular  Foxglove. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Jasminum  revolntuin-— I  t.aw  this  in  the  form  of  a  bush  the  other  day  at 
Ventnor,  inthelsle  of  Wight;  it  occupied  a  sheltered  position  on  a  lawn,  wlaere  it 
grows  and  flowers  freely,  and  has  attained  a  large  size,  being  28  feet  in  diameter. 
— W.  P. 

Corydalis  lutea.— Some  clumps  of  this  in  the  Wellington  Rond  Nursery 
have  until  just  latelj'  been  very  fully  in  flower.  This  results  from  sowing  some 
seeds  of  it  last  spring,  and  planting  out  the  seedlings.  Thus,  by  gi-owin"- 
it  in  this  way,  we  get  late  blooms,  and  by  treating  it  as  a  perennial,  early 
blooms  are  obtained. — H.  B. 

Carpeting  Plants  for  Groups  of  Yuccas.— IVhat  plants  would  yon  recom- 
mend to  carpet  small  beds  containing  various  kinds  of  Yucca?  there  are  twenty- 
two  beds  in  all.  in  which  Treeuloana,  gloriosa,  recurva,  fllamentosa,  and  sten'o- 
phylla  are  the  kinds  planted,  and  I  want  the  beds  to  be  permanent,  so  that  when 
once  planted  they  will  remain  so  with  only  occasion.il  weeding.— F.  W.  [Fur 
groups  of  Yuccas  we  know  of  no  better  carpet  than  the  varieties  of  Ivy,  but  there 
arc  other  plants  very  suitable,  as,  for  example,  the  Partridge  beri-y,' Euonymus 
radicans,  Evergreen  Candytufts  (Iberis),  single  and  double  varieties  of  tlie 
smaller  Periwinkle,  and,  if  you  wished  a  still  lower  carpet,  the  mossy  Saxi- 
frages in  variety.] 


THE    PROPAGATOR. 

THE  CHINESE  AZALEA  IN  GHENT. 
The  cultivation  of  Azaleas  is  carried  on  so  extensively  in 
(jhent,  that  it  may  interest  some  of  your  readers  to  be 
informed  in  what  manner  they  are  grown  in  one  nursery,  in 
which  they  form  a  speciality.  Anyone  who  has  imported  these 
plants  from  Ghent  will  have  noticed  that  they  are  all  crown- 
grafted  at  about  one  foot  from  the  root.  This  is  a  much  better 
plan  than  side-grafting,  which  ahvays  leaves  an  unsightly 
thickening  at  the  point  of  junction.  Although  many°orts 
strike  freely  from  cuttings,  that  mode  of  propagation  is  not 
much  employed,  as  it  has  been  found  that  plants  raised  in  that 
way  are  apt  to  rot  off  at  the  collar — a  disease  to  which  Azaleas 
are  rather  liable,  and  for  which  there  is  no  remedy.  The 
stock  employed  is  A.  phoanicoa,  which  is  a  very  hardy  and 
free-growing  sort,  and  is  raised  from  cuttings  in  the  following 
manner  : — The  cuttings  are  taken  when  the  season's  wood  it 
haU-ripened  (say  about  the  middle  or  end  of  August),  and 
planted,  not  in  pots,  birt  in  a  bed  in  a  greenhouse,  filled  to  a 
depth  of  5  or  6  inches  with  the  excellent  Ghent  peat,  and 
covered  with  sheet  glass.  It  is  very  important  that  the  soil 
should  be  well  pressed  down,  in  order  to  have  the  cuttino-s 
firmly  set.  They  should  not  be  very  much  shaded,  and  shoutd 
be  lightly  syringed  several  times  a  day,  taking  care  not  to  wet 
the  soil  too  much.  Every  morning  the  sheet  of  glass  should 
be  turned  over  on  the  other  side,  and  after  a  few  days  the 
cuttings  may  have  a  little  air  at  night,  increasing  it  gradually 
for  about  a  fortnight,  when  the  glass  may  be  removed 
altogether  during  the  night.  If  carefully  attended  to  in  this 
way  the  greater  number  of  the  cuttings  will  be  found  to  have 
rooted  in  three  or  four  weeks.  Soon  after  this  the  glass  may 
be  removed  altogether,  but  the  house  must  be  kept  closed 
until  they  are  all  well  struck,  when  a  little  air  from  the  outside 
may  be  gradually  admitted.  During  winter  they  should  be 
kept  in  a  somewhat  higher  temperature  than  is  necessary  for 
the  older  plants,  so  that  they  continue  growing  all  through 
winter,  and  by  spring  are  large  enough  to  be  potted  singly  and 
kept  for  a  short  time  under  glass  until  they  are  quite 
established,  when  they  are  gradually  hardened  ofi^,  many  of 
them  by  that  time  having  attained  the  height  of  a  foot.  In 
the  month  of  May  they  are  kept  in  pits  or  frames,  in  order 
to  be  safe  from  the  frosts  that  often  occur  at  that  time,  but  as 
soon  as  the  summer  weather  has  fairly  set  in  they  are  pluno-ed 
out  of  doors  on  the  north  side  of  a  hedge  or  wall,  so  as°to 
be  sheltered  from  the  rays  of  the  sun.  Grafting  may  be  per- 
formed from  August  until  spring ;  the  late-cut  scions,  how- 
ever, do  not  take  so  freely  as  the  earlier  ones,  in  consequence 
of  the  wood  having  become  rather  hard.  The  tops  of  the 
stocks  which  are  cut  ofl:  may  be  used  as  cuttings.  The  scion 
is  inserted  in  the  crown  by  cleft-grafting,  but  the  stock  is  not 
split  across  entirely,  but  only  as  far  as  the  pith,  or  to  such  a 
distance  as  will  be  sufiicient  for  the  insertion  of  the  scion. 
An  important  matter  is  not  to  use  too  much  worsted,  or 
other  bandaging,  as  it  has  been  found  to  retard  or  prevent 'the 
iinion  of  the  graft.  The  grafted  plants  are  then  placed  in  an 
air-tight  frame  in  the  propagating  house  ;  and,  as  they  are 
worked  so  high,  it  will  be  found  convenient  to  lay  the  pots  on 
their  sides,  taking  care  that  none  of  the  leaves  touch  the  glass. 
After  a  few  days  a  little  air  may  be  given  in  the  evening,  which 
should  be  shut  off  in  the  morning,  the  evaporation"  on  the 
glass  being  wiped  ofi  at  the  same  time.  When  it  is  necessary 
to  water  the  plants,  the  pots  may  be  raised  upright.  In  about 
five  weeks  most  of  the  grafts  will  have  taken,  and  are  then  to 
be  removed  from  the  frame  into  the  propagating,  or  other 
warm  house,  where  they  are  kept  close  for  some  time,  receiving 
no  air.  They  are  then  gradually  hardened  oif  by  removing 
them  into  colder  houses  into  which  air  is  admitted  by  decrees. 
In  spring  they  are  put  into  pits,  in  order  to  prepare  them  for 
being  planted  out.  Care  must  be  taken  to  untie  the  bandages 
and  to  stop  the  scions  in  due  time.  Any  branches  which  the 
stock  may  produce  near  the  graft  should  be  cut  clean  away ; 
while  those  on  the  lower  part  of  the  stem  should  be  merely 
stopped,  and  should  not  be  entirely  removed  until  the  growth, 
is  strong  and  large  enough  to  consume  all  the  sap.  When  the 
fine  weather  has  set  iu,  the  plants,  having  been  judiciously 
hardened  off,  are  planted  out  in  the  open  air  in  beds  of  Ghent 


416 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Nov.  22, 1873. 


peat,  about  a  foot  deep.  During  summer  tlie  only  atten- 
tion they  require  is  to  be  Trell  watered  and  frequently 
pinched,  so  as  to  obtain  Tvoll-shaped  crowns.  It  is 
astonishing  what  growth  they  often  make  in  the  first 
year.  I  have  seen  plants  form  a  head  of  4  or  5 
inches  iu  diameter  in  one  season.  About  the  middle 
of  September,  the  plants  are  removed  from  the  beds  and  are 
brought  into  the  greenhouses,  the  stages  ol:  which  are  filled 
with  peat  in  which  the  plants  are  set  rather  thickly.  When 
there  is  any  want  of  room  in  the  greenhouses  the  plants  may 
be  wintered  iu  the  same  manner  in  pits.  When  they  are  first 
placed  in  their  winter  quarters  they  receive  a  thorough  soaking 
to  settle  the  soil  well  about  the  roots,  but  afterwards  water  is 
very  sparingly  supplied  until  the  return  of  warm  weather.  As 
soon  as  all  danger  of  injury  from  frost  is  over,  the  plants  are 
pruned  and  again  planted  out  in  the  open  air,  as  in  the  previous 
year,  but  this  time  at  greater  distance  from  each  other.  The 
general  treatment  is  similar  to  that  employed  the  season  before, 
but  as  the  main  object  now  is  to  obtain  dower-buds,  pinching 
should  be  discontinued  after  Juno,  unless  a  branch  happens  to 
grow  so  vigorously  as  to  spoil  the  shape  of  the  head,  or  to 
become  detrimental  to  the  other  branches.  By  autumn  the 
plants  are  mostly  large  enough  for  sale,  and  are  sent  away — 
the  greater  number  of  them  to  England.  I  need  not  enter 
upon  the  subject  of  the  cultivation  and  training  of  larger 
specimens,  as  iu  that  no  foreign  horticulturists  surpass  the 
English.  G.  UniNK. 

JUalin^, 

THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 


PLANTING  FRUIT  TREES. 
Before  planting  fruit  trees  of  any  kind,  the  character  of  the 
ground  on  which  they  are  to  be  placed  should  be  well  ascer- 
tained. As  to  the  depth  of  soil  most  suitable,  that  will  depend 
entirely  upon  the  purpose  for  which  the  ground  is  to  be  used. 
If  it  is  to  be  devoted  to  the  production  of  sweet  succulent 
vegetables  all  the  year  round,  a  good  sound  staple  of  5  feet  of 
good  soil  would  not  be  too  much.  For  fruit  cultui'e  a  maximum 
of  3  feet,  and  a  minimum  of  1^  feet  will  suffice.  On  poor 
sandy  loams,  a  heavy  dressing  of  well-rotted  dung  will  be  useful; 
on  clays  the  incorporation  of  a  good  layer  of  half -rotted  leaf- 
mould  or  ashes  will  best  serve  the  purpose ;  bat  on  sound  loams 
of  average  fertility  no  manure  should  be  added  forfruitgrowing. 
Its  addition  only  tends  to  grossness  of  habit  and  the  production 
of  wood,  and  thus  proves  antagonistic  to  that  compacting 
together  of  tissue  that  induces  fruitfulness.  Planting  is  one 
of  the  most  important  events  in  the  life  of  a  tree,  and  ought, 
therefore,  to  be  most  carefully  performed ;  but  until  quite 
recently  no  operation  was  more  recklessly  done.  The  trees 
were  torn  of  out  and  thrust  into  the  ground  in  the  most  barbarous 
manner.  Ancient  cultivators  sought  to  induce  fruitfulness  by 
barking,  ringing,  twisting,  and  cutting  the  branches  in  various 
ways.  Modern  horticulturists  achieve  the  same  result  much 
nfiore  speedily  and  successfully  through  the  medium  of  the 
roots.  Before  planting,  take  an  accurate  survey  of  them, 
measure  their  length,  and  then,  from  the  point  where  the  bole 
of  the  tree  is  to  be  placed,  sweep  a  radius  right  round  if  the 
tree  is  to  be  placed  in  the  open  ground,  or  half  round  if 
against  a  wall.  From  this  semi  or  whole  circle  remove  the 
soil  to  a  depth  of  6  inches,  or  less  for  very  small  trees ;  then 
tread  down  the  bottom  quite  firm,  and  make  it  even.  If  the 
soil  is  naturally  strong  or  wet,  no  earth  need  be  thrown  out  at 
all,  but  the  preliminary  operations  of  levelling  and  consolidat- 
ing may  be  made  on  the  surface  itself.  If  only  moderately 
strong,  the  hole  might  rise  slightly  from  the  centre  to  the 
sides.  Under  no  cii-cumstances  should  it  fall  from  the  centre 
to  the  circumference ;  and,  as  a  rule,  the  bottom  of  the  hole  for 
the  roots  should  be  perfectly  smooth  and  quite  level.  Over  this 
carefully  prepared  base  a  thin  layer  of  compost,  consisting  of 
equal  parts  of  sweet  leaf-mould  and  loam,  may  be  spread.  On 
this  the  tree  is  to  be  placed  ;  fix  it  at  once  to  the  wall  or  fence, 
or  to  a  stake,  to  be  now  driven  into  the  ground  for  this  purpose. 
With  a  sharp  knife  in  one  hand,  and  a  root  in  the  other,  begin 
the  process  of  laying  out  the  roots  to  the  best  advantage. 
Handle  them  as  tenderly  as  if  every  rootlet  was  endowed  with 


sensitive  feeling.  Cut  off  with  care  and  precision  every  broken 
and  bruised  part ;  let  the  whole  diverge  from  the  centre  to  the 
circumference  like  the  spokes  of  a  wheel,  or  the  branches  of  a 
well-formed,  fan-trained  Peach  tree.  Let  there  be  no  entangle- 
ments nor  interlacings  ;  give  each  root  its  own  line  of  sway. 
The  operation  is  a  nice  and  delicate  one,  and  must  not  be 
hurried  through.  It  constitutes  the  basis  of  success,  and  it  is 
as  notably  important  in  the  science  of  horticulture  as  in  that 
of  architecture,  that  the  foundation  should  be  "  well  and  truly 
laid."  The  next  proceeding  is  that  of  filling  in  or  up.  First 
should  come  a  covering,  about  2  inches  thick,  of  the  same 
compost  as  that  placed  beneath  the  roots.  Then  the  whole  of 
the  other  earth  should  be  broken  fine  with  the  back  of  the 
spade.  It  should  then  be  sprinkled  or  scattered  over,  not 
thrown  in  heavy  spadefuls  upon  the  roots.  The  soil  should  be 
so  placed  as  not  to  need  any  levelling  afterwards.  No  foot,  nor 
spade,  nor  rake  should  be  allowed  to  touch  the  charmed  circle 
devoted  to  the  roots.  If  the  trees  are  placed  on  the  natural 
surface,  of  course  when  the  operation  of  planting  is  completed 
an  ai-tificial  mound  will  be  raised  on  the  top  of  the  roots.  In 
such  cases  the  covering  should  be  a  few  inches  thicker  than 
when  the  roots  are  under  the  natural  level.  The  only  consolidat- 
ing agent  should  be  water.and  even  this  may  safely  be  dispensed 
with  when  the  soil  is  wet.  In  other  cases,  the  earth  may  be 
washed  in  with  from  six  to  a  dozen  gallons  of  water,  applied 
over  the  entire  surface  of  the  roots  through  a  coarse  rose.  The 
more  rapidly  it  is  applied  the  more  efficiently  it  will  act  as  a 
consolidator.  In  a  iew  hours  after  watering,  the  surface  should 
be  covered  over,  or  mulched,  as  it  is  called,  with  a  layer,  about 
3  inches  deep,  of  half-rotted  manure,  Cocoa-nut  fibre.  Moss,  or 
similar  material.  This  exerts  two  influences,  each  of  the 
greatest  importance.  It  prevents  the  earth  from  becoming 
dry,  and  protects  the  roots  from  frost.  The  latter  is  of  vital 
moment;  for,  although  an  excessive  activity  of  root  action  in 
the  winter  is  to  be  discouraged,  yet  it  is  most  essential  that 
any  rootlet  that  may  venture  forth  (at  this  season)  should  be 
preserved  from  injury  or  destruction. 

A  singular  piece  of  advice  requires  to  be  given  here.  It  is, 
beware  of  hanging  the  newly  planted  tree.  The  firm  bottom, 
however,  so  much  insisted  on,  is  a  good  antidote  against  this 
danger.  But  no  amount  of  artificial  consolidation  will  arrest 
the  further  subsidence  of  recently  moved  earth.  It  thus 
happens  that  when  trees  are  firmly  attached,  as  we  have 
advised  them  to  be,  to  either  walls,  fences,  or  stakes,  they  are 
often  suspended  as  it  were  between  the  earth  and  the  air,  as 
if  they  belonged  to  neither.  Under  such  conditions  the  roots 
have  to  support  the  whole  weight  of  their  covering  soil,  and 
are  often  ruptiu'ed  or  unduly  strained  by  the  heavy  load. 
From  this  hidden  cause  frequently  spring  the  germs  of  consti- 
tutional debility.  The  remedy  is  simple.  In  fixing  the  tree 
securely  against  any  violent  horizontal  movement,  see  that  one 
end  of  the  tie  is  so  arranged  as  to  admit  of  a  vertical 
depression.  With  this  freedom  of  movement  downwards  there 
must,  however,  be  combined  resistance  to  horizontal  motion. 
Otherwise,  just  as  the  roots  lay  hold  of  the  soil,  their  tender 
and  delicate  points  will  be  broken  ofl'  by  a  change  of  place.  A 
succession  of  such  deprivations  will  prove  as  injurious  to 
health  and  as  fatal  to  strength  as  hanging. 

As  to  the  time  we  should  plant,  there  is  no  period  during 
the  whole  year  so  good  as  the  last  week  in  October  and  during 
the  present  month.  In  stating  this,  I  am  aware  that  others 
recommend  an  earlier  period,  and  that  planting  can  be  success- 
fully performed  up  to  the  middle  of  April.  But,  in  reference 
to  either  very  early  or  very  late  planting,  one  is  tempted  to 
ask,  "  for  what  good  ?  "  We  have  never  heard  any  very  forcible 
arguments  in  favour  of  spring  planting.  The  chance  of  loss 
is  greater,  and  the  certainty  of  perfect  suscess  is  lessened 
every  day  that  the  planting  of  fruit  trees  is  deferred  beyond 
the  end  of  the  year.  The  advantages  claimed  for  very  early 
planting  are  also  rather  problematical.  November,  in  short, 
seems  the  very  time  for  planting  deciduous  trees.  The 
absence  of  sun  and  the  presence  of  fogs  check  or  stop  the  loss 
of  fiuids ;  and  this  husbanding  of  the  juices  of  the  newly 
moved  tree  is  of  more  value  to  it  than  any  help  it  may  or  may 
not  receive  from  the  languid  action  of  unfallen  leaves.  Having 
thus  properly  prepared  the  soil,  skilfully  planted,  securely 
fixed  the  tree,  and  guarded  its  roots  from  extreme  cold,  and 


Nov.  2^,  1873.] 


rri 


THE   GAEDBN. 


419 


performed  all  these  operations  at  the  ris^ht  time,  and  in  the 
best  possible  manner,  the  next  thing  demanding  attention  is, 
when  and  how  is  the  tree  to  be  pruned ;  in  answer  to  the  first 
question,  certainly  not  now.  To  mutilate  the  roots  and 
decapitate  the  head  together  is  neither  desiraljle  nor  wise. 
The  newly-planted  tree  should  be  left  vinpruned  until  its 
terminal  buds  begiu  to  grovr.  Then,  and  not  till  then,  should 
its  top  be  so  reduced,  as  its  existing  state  and  future  prospects 
may  seem  to  demand.  ]f . 


SIR  PHILIP  CRAMPTON'S  PEAR  TREE. 
I  READ  in  your  Journal  of  the  •2nd  of  August  (see  p.  101) 
some  observations  from  a  correspondent  on  the  Pear  tree  iu 
front  of  my  house, 
which  was  planted  by 
the  late  Sir  Phihp 
Cramptou,  in  1815. 
The  article,  with  some 
few  exceptions,  is  cor- 
rect, but  I  do  not 
think  it  assigns  the 
real  cause  of  the  fer- 
tility of  this  town  tree. 
In  spring  it  presents 
a  most  beautiful  dis- 
play, being  covered 
with  a  sheet  of  white 
blossoms,  arranged  iu 
many  parts  in  bun- 
ches, like  so  many 
wedding  bouquets.  The 
cud  of  the  stem  and 
root  are  imbedded  in 
earth,  kept  up  by  a  wall 
of  brick  about  a  foot 
and  a  half  high.  The 
large  roots  have  ample 
room  in  the  soil  (which 
is  fine  clay)  under  the 
area  flags.  It  is  care- 
fully manured  every 
second  year,  and  pro- 
perly pruned  by  a 
skilled  gardener  every 
year.  I  believe,  how- 
ever, its  great  fertility 
depends  on  its  having  a 
sewer  passing  about  3 
feet  in  front  of  it.  This 
sewer  runs  a  short 
distance  along  the  area 
to  join  the  main  sewer. 
It  receives  only  the 
slops  from  my  study 
basin,  containing  a  good 
admixture  of  soap-suds, 
with  an  occasional  dash 
of  blood.  Some  few 
j-ears  ago  I  had  this 
sewer    opened,    and    I 

found  that  all  the  small  roots  (with  a  few  trifliug  exceptions) 
went  through  the  joinings  into  the  sewer,  as  if  guided  by 
instinct  to  where  they  would  find  the  greatest  nourishment 
aud  the  greatest  moisture.  So  thick  were  they  that  they 
resembled  bundles  of  Birch-broom,  and  threatened  to  stop  up 
the  sewer.  You  will  better  judge  than  I  can  whether  this  is 
the  cause  of  the  tree  being  yearly  loaded  all  over  with  Pears, 
single  or  in  bunches,  one  buuch  (of  which  I  send  you  a  photo- 
graph) containing  twenty-two  Pears.  Whether,  also,  it 
accounts  for  its  luxuriant  growth  ;  for,  did  I  let  it,  no  doubt, 
it  would  cover  the  whole  house.  To  check  its  ascent  I  do  not 
allow  it  to  get  much  above  the  base  of  .  the  third  story 
windows,  as,  even  at  that  height,  it  is  troublesome  to  put 
up  and  fix  sufficiently  high  ladders,  and  it  tries  the  nerve 
of  the  gardener  to  nail  and  prune  a  tree  so  high  from 
the  ground.     It  faces  due  south,  and  thei'efore   has  a  warm 


sunny  aspect,  and  bears  fruit  every  year,  but  not  always  so 
abundantly  as  this  seasou.  The  prevalence  of  a  cold  easterly 
wind  during  the  period  of  blossoming  has  a  powerful  effect  in 
checking  the  quantity  of  fruit,  and  sometimes  an  open  street 
on  a  line  with  this  side  of  the  square  brings  that  wind  full  on 
it.  Sharp  frosts  also  materially  affect  it.  The  Pears  gathered 
this  year  numbered  1,700.  Jokn  Hamilton. 

U,  Merrion  Square  North,  Duhlin. 


Sir  Philip  Crampton's  Pear  Tree  in  Blossom 


AN  llJSTRIAN  SCHOOL  OP  FRUIT  CULTURE. 

Pleasantly  situated  on  the  slope  of  a  hill,  a  few  miles  from  Vienna, 
lies  the  little  town  of  Klosterneuburg,  well  known  on  account  of  it3 
"  Stift  "   (an  ecclesiastical  foundation),  its  wine,  aud  its  pomological 

and  viticultnral  school. 
The  latter,  with  which 
we  are  here  concerned, 
was  founded  in  1860  by 
the  Vienna  Agricultural 
Society,  and  during  the 
thirteen  years  of  its  exist- 
ence has  been  attended  by 
as  many  as  500  students, 
destined  to  become  prac- 
tical fruit  growers,  mana- 
gers of  Vineyards,  "sup- 
erintendents of  trees  " 
{i.e.,  of  parish  plantations 
and  orchards),  gardeners, 
aud  teachers.  Thanks  to 
the  liberality  of  several 
private  individuals,  the 
support  of  the  above, 
mentioned  and  other 
associations,  and  assist, 
ance  given  by  the 
province,  some  ,  twenty- 
four  young  men  are  en- 
abled to  follow  the  two 
years'  course  at  the  insti- 
tution on  payment  (for 
certain  school  necessaries) 
of  the  merely  nominal 
sum  of  £3.  Every  sub- 
scriber of  £10  per  annum 
to  the  school  funds  is 
entitled  to  propose  a  can- 
didate for  admission,  the 
qualification  for  accept- 
ance being  that  the  latter 
shall  pass  successfully  a 
preliminary  examination. 
In  addition  to  the  resident 
students — the  twenty-four 
just  alluded  to — there  are 
a  few  outdoor  pupils  and 
a  limited  number  of 
"  hospitanten,"  amateur 
fruit  growers,  and  others, 
who  only  attend  certain 
branches  of  instruction. 
D  uring  the  summer  course, 
which  lasts  from  April  1  to 
November  1,  the  students 
have  nine  hours  a  day  of  practical  work,  assisting  in  the 
operations  of  the  garden,  vineyards,  A'C,  and  three  of  theoretical 
instruction ;  whilst  during  the  winter  terra,  lasting  the  other 
six  months  of  the  year,  they  have  three  hours  of  oral  instriic. 
tion,  and  six  or  seven  hours  of  work.  The  programme  of  studies 
is  a  somewhat  comprehensive  one,  embracing  physics,  chemistry, 
botany,  geology,  mineralogy,  entomology,  and  the  rudiments 
of  zoology,  book-keeping,  geometry,  surveying  and  levelling, 
plan  and  machine  drawing  ;  the  more  special  subjects  being  fruit 
growing  (including  Vine  culture)  in  all  its  branches,  gathering, 
storing,  drying,  preserving,  packing,  and  transport  of  fruit ;  sale 
and  profits  derived  from  fruit  and  wine  growing  ;  diseases  of  fruit ; 
manufacture,  classification,  and  sale  of  wines ;  outlines  of  agri- 
culture, and  rearing  of  silkworms.  An  examination  takes  place  at 
the  close  of  each  term,  and  on  leaving  the  student  receives  a  certifi- 
cate  testifying  to  the  degree  of  proficiency  he  has  attained  in  the 
above  branches.      Should  the  certificate  be  a  favourable  one,  he 


418 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  22,  1873. 


oxperienccg  no  difficnlty  in  meeting  with  a  remunerative  appointment. 
With  all  the  aids  and  appliances  likely  to  be  of  use  in  facilitating 
study  or  rendering  the  instruction  given  more  intelligible,  the  institu- 
tion is  well  supplied,  possessing  besides  a  library,  museum,  and  well- 
appointed  laboratory,  a  large  collection  of  implements  for  Vino 
culture.  As  to  the  outdoor  opportunities  of  observation  and  practice, 
the  acreage  belonging  to  the  school  and  "  Stift,"  and  devoted  to  frnit 
(and  especially  Vine)  culture,  is  amply  sulEcieut  to  meet  all  require- 
ments. Fortunately,  for  purposes  of  experiment  and  comparison, 
almost  every  diversity  of  soil  and  aspect  is  met  with  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  Klosterneuburg;  and  that  full  advantage  has  been  taken 
of  the  circumstance  will  bo  admitted  when  we  mention  that  the  trial 
grounds  of  the  institution  contain  over  1,000  sorts  of  Vine,  everj-  wine- 
producing  division  of  the  Empire,  and  every  district  in  South  Austria 
having  representatives  there,  cultivated  in  the  spot  most  suited  to 
them.  Specially  remarkable  is  the  fine  collection  of  table  Grape 
Vines,  one  hundred  kinds  in  all,  planted  in  rows  of  twenty.  In 
illustration  of  the  various  modes  of  training,  pruning,  and  arrange- 
ment, a  certain  number  of  acres  is  divided  into  forty  plots,  each  plot 
containing  one  hundred  plants  (of  the  blue  Burgundy  kind),  grown 
in  a  different  way  fom  the  rest.  The  student  is  thus  enabled  to  com- 
pare the  results  of  one  method  of  treatment  with  those  of  another  ; 
and  whilst  in  the  trial  Vineyard  he  can  familiarise  himself  with  the 
situation  and  soil  each  sort  of  Vine  prefers,  in  the  experimental 
cellars  of  the  institution  he  can  become  acquainted  with  the 
respective  merits  and  peculiarities  of  the  produce,  and  with 
the  different  manipulations  requisite  for  bringing  it  to  maturity- 
Equally  well  arranged  with  the  Vineyai-ds,  from  an  educational  point 
of  view,  is  that  jjortion  of  tho  school  laud — twenty-nine  acres  in 
extent — allotted  to  the  raising  of  other  kinds  of  fruit,  and  known 
as  the  pomological  garden.  Situated  on  a  gentle  incline,  it  is  laid 
out  in  terraces,  and  contains  about  3,000  varieties  of  the  Pear,  Plum, 
Apple,  Cherry,  Currant,  Raspberry,  Gooseberry,  Strawberry,  Quiuco, 
Nut,  and  Almond — a  noticeable  feature  being  the  espalier  orchard, 
in  which  there  are  over  1,000  trees  cultivated  in  all  the  more 
approved  forms.  By  far  the  greater  part  of  the  pomological  gai'den 
is  occupied  by  a  nursery  of  Apples,  Cherries,  Pears,  and  Walnuts, 
these  being  raised  in  sufficient  quantities  to  allow  of  an  annual  sale 
of  50,000  young  trees.  As  to  the  number  of  Vines  despatched  every 
year  from  Klosterneuburg  to  different  parts  of  Germany  and  the 
Austrian  Empire,  it  would  be  under  the  mark  to  put  them  at  a 
million.  How  greatly  this  distribution  of  improved  varieties  must 
tend  to  encourage  the  production  of  better  wine  throughout  the 
country  will  be  self-apparent.  Without  it,  description  or  praise  of 
any  particular  sorts  the  authorities  of  the  school  desired  to  introduce 
would  be  of  little  avail.  Another  step  calculated  to  exercise  a 
powerful  influence  on  fruit  culture  and  wine  production,  by  affording 
facilities  for  scientific  research  and  experiment  on  subjects  connected 
with  them,  was  the  addition  to  the  Klosterneuburg  establishment  in 
1870  of  a  chemico-physiological  station ;  and  we  cannot  better 
indicate  its  sphere  of  usefulness  than  by  giving  a  brief  summary  of 
the  work  irndertaken  by  it  last  year.  The  attention  of  those  con- 
ducting it  was  occupied  with  microscopic  observations  on  the 
growth  and  nutrition  of  tho  Vine ;  experimental  culture  of  the 
Vine  to  test  the  efficacy  of  different  manures  on  the  plant ; 
investigations  relating  to  the  flow  of  sap  in  the  Vine  in  spring, 
and  to  the  ripening  of  different  sorts  of  Grapes ;  experiments 
undertaken  to  observe  the  effect  of  temperature  on  the  process 
of  fermentation  and  of  electricity  on  wine ;  studies  connected 
with  Grape  sugar  and  its  derivatives ;  chemical  and  microscopic 
examination  of  samples  of  Grapes  (sound  and  diseased),  and  of  Vines 
attacked  by  Phylloxera  vastatrix  ;  and  analyses  of  various  sorts  of 
wines,  A^'inej'ard  soils,  manures,  &o.  Some  of  tho  experiments  and 
analyses  were  undertaken  at  the  request  of  the  Government,  others 
at  that  of  wine  growers  and  wine  merchants,  the  results  obtained 
being  made  known  when  the  subjects  possessed  sufficient  general 
interest  in  Der  Weinlaiibe,  an  ably  conducted  periodical  founded  by 
Ereiherr  von  Babo,  director  of  the  school.  Respecting  the  "  outside  " 
work  of  the  station,  the  director  and  staff  have  acted  in  the  capacity 
of  judges  at  vinicultural  and  pomological  exhibitions,  attended  the 
meetings  of  cenological  societies,  and  visited  different  localities  in 
order  to  observe  and  report  to  the  Government  on  tho  spread  and 
ravages  of  Phylloxera  vastatrix.  In  addition  to  the  Klosterneuburg 
Institution,  of  which  we  have  above  given  a  short  account,  there  are 
thirteen  or  fourteen  other  schools  in  Austria  established  with  a  view 
to  diffuse  useful  information  on  fruit-growing  (including  Vine  culture) 
and  all  branches  of  gardening ;  some  supported  by  horticultural  and 
agricultural  societies,  some  by  the  province,  and  some  by  private 
individuals  (occasionally,  a3  in  the  case  of  Klosterneuburg,  by  all 
three  jointly),  the  State  bearing,  in  several  instances,  a  portion  of  the 
expense. — Field.  [As  the  State  does  not  now  take  up  such  matters 
in  this  country,  it  may  not  be  amiss 'to  suggest  that  tho  establish- 


ment of  a  good  school  of  fruit-culture,  or  one  devoted  to  any  other 
important  branch  of  gardening,  would  be  more  appropriate  work  for 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  than  the  endowment  of  botany.] 


EOOT-PRUJSING  FRUIT  TREES. 
If  the  seasons  were  always  so  favourable  for  fruit  growing  as  to 
enable  us  to  secure  a  fair  crop  of  frnit  annually,  and  if  the  soil  in  all 
gardens  were  thoroughly  drained  and  of  a  character  suitable  for  fruit 
culture,  there  would  bo  little  necessity  for  any  anxiety  about  the 
roots.  But,  unfortunately,  a  really  favourable  spring  for  fruit 
culture  is  the  exception,  not  the  rule,  and  trees  that  are  only  partially 
cropped  have  a  tendency,  in  spite  of  careful  summer  management, 
to  run  into  undue  luxuriance  of  growth,  inducing  a  corresponding 
root  action,  which  still  further  aggravates  the  evil.  I  repeat,  if 
rampant  growth  could  be  retarded  and  kept  within  due  limits  by  an 
annual  crop  of  fruit,  there  would  bo  little  necesity  for  root-pruning. 
But  as  that  much-desired  consummation  is  not  likely  to  be  achieved 
as  regards  our  outdoor  fruits  till  March,  April,  and  May,  we  must,  in 
most  soils,  in  the  case  of  all  restricted  trees,  keep  an  eye  upon  the 
underground  growth  as  well  as  upon  what  is  above  the  surface. 
In  other  words,  when  trees  occupy  positions  where  their  branch 
growth  must  necessarily  be  restricted  in  order  to  keep  them  within 
the  proscribed  limits,  some  restrictions  must  be  placed  upon  the 
roots  also,  to  maintain  the  balance  of  power  and  induce  con- 
tinual fertility.  Autumn  is  the  proper  time  to  operate  upon  the 
roots  of  all  trees  that  are  unfruitful  thi'ough  over-luxuriance ;  but 
no  man,  however  large  his  experience,  can  lay  down  rules  to  suit  all 
cases.  I  have,  however,  always  found  it  a  good  plan,  when  root- 
pruning  large  trees  of  fifteen,  twenty,  or  more  j'cars'  growth  to 
open  a  trench  from  3  feet  to  i  feet  from  the  trunk,  only  half  round 
the  tree  at  one  time,  leaving  the  remainder  to  be  done  in  a  year  or 
two  after  tho  result  of  the  operation  had  manifested  itself.  In  the 
case  of  old  trees,  it  is  a  decided  advantage  to  remove  all  the  exhausted 
soil  taken  out  of  the  trenches  and  from  amongst  the  roots,  and  to  fill 
in  with  fresh  soil,  either  from  a  heap  specially  prepared  for  the  pur- 
pose, or,  if  this  cannot  be  done,  then  exchange  it  with  soil  from  the 
vegetable  quarters  that  have  notbeen  exhausted  by  fruit  trees.  This, 
of  course,  involves  rather  more  labour,  but  it  will  have  a  far  more 
decided  and  lasting  effect ;  and  it  is  far  more  profitable  in  the  long 
run  to  do  a  thing  well,  even  if  it  should  be  necessary  to  incur  a  little 
more  expense  at  the  time,  than  to  half  do  anything.  In  the  case  of 
all  trees  of  a  manageable  size  (say  under  ten  yeai's  old),  I  prefer 
taking  them  up  carefully  and  re-planting  them,  at  the  same  time 
laying  the  roots  out  straight  without  any  severe  pruning,  merely  short- 
ening back  long  naked  roots,  and  carefully  smoothing  all  wounds, 
working  in  also  a  little  fresh  loam  to  encourage  the  production  of 
fibres  close  at  home.  This  is  the  best  plan  to  adopt  with  young  trees 
that  are  late  in  coining  into  bearing,  and  it  will  invariably  be  crowned 
with  success.  E.  H. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FRUIT  (JAEDEN. 

Arrangement  of  Fruit  for  Dessert.— Can  .any  of  your  readers  give  mo 
a  few  hints  on  the  arrangement  of  fruit  on  the  dinner-table?  If  so,  I  shall 
be  much  obliged. — ENQtriEER. 

Lady  Derby  Apple.— In  answer  to  Mr.  Williams  (sec  p.  378),  I  may  men- 
tion, that  when  at  youtli  Kensington  last  week,  I  spoke  to  Mr.  Barron  about 
tliis  Apjile,  and  he  kindly  informed  me,  that  the  Apple  shown  as  Lady  Derby, 
at  the  Manchester  International  Frnit  Show,  was  the  Whorle  Pippin.  And  Mr. 
Williams's  description  corresponds  with  that  variety  in  colour,  shape,  and  the 
period  of  ripening,  all  of  which  leads  me  to  believe  that  the  variety  cultivated 
here  by  Mr.  Scott,  is  the  true  Lady  Derby. — Alfbed  SlACEr,  Merriott  Nurseries, 
Crewkei'iie. 

Veitch's  Seedling  Pine-apple.— This  excellent  Pine  only  requires  to  lie 
better  known  to  be  very  generally  cultivated.  As  for  autumn  and  early  winter 
use  I  find  it  a  most  useful  variety ;  in  fact,  next  to  the  Smooth  Cayenne,!  prefer 
it  to  any  other  sort  for  this  season  of  the  year,  and  as  it  is  .a  sort  that  produces 
suckers  as  freely  as  the  Queen,  it  is  easy  to  increase  the  sEock  of  it,  much  more 
so  than  the  Smooth  Cayenne.  It  is  very  distinct  from  any  other  variety,  having 
long  slightly-arched  leaves,  tinged  at  the  edge  with  d.ark  red,  giving  it  some- 
what the  appearance  of  the  Black  Jamaica.  I  find  that  it  swells  its  fruit  much 
more  evenly  than  that  variety.  The  frnit  is  pyramidal  in  shape,  with  broiid 
flat  pips  of  a  dark  yellow  colour,  tinged  with  red,  and  of  excellent  quality ;  it  is 
solid  and  juicy,  and  will  keep  iu  good  condition  for  some  time  after  ripening. 
—J,  G. 

The  Variegated  Pine-apple.— This  beautiful  plant  is  seldom  seen  in  good 
condition,  owing  to  its  being  grown  like  other  foliaged  plants,  and  consequently 
getting  too  much  shade  and  pot  room.  We  have  grown  most  beantif  nl  specimens 
of  it  in  our  Pine  stoves  by  elevating  the  pots  on  a  single  stake,  on  the  top  of 
which  a  flat  piece  of  wood  was  nailed  on  which  to  set  them,  right  clear  above 
the  other  Pines,  almost  touching  the  glass,  and  fully  exposed  to  the  sunshine  : 
even  on  the  brightest  day  in  summer  we  never  shade  established  plants  of  it. 
We  use  as  compost  for  it  peat  and  turfy  loam  and  grow  it  in  sm.all  pots.  The 
leaves  droop  over  the  edge  of  the  pots  in  such  abundance  a^  to  quite  conceal 
them,  and  vary  in  their  beautiful  shades  of  variegation  from  clear  white  to  a 
fiery  red.  We  have  one  now  swelling  a  very  handsome  fruit,  tho  crown  of  which 
is  beautifully  variegated.  Two  or  three  good  specimens  of  this  handsome  Pine 
helps  to  give  both  variety  and  interest  to  a  Pine  stove.— J.  Gaooii,  Renkam 
Garden, 


Nov.  2-2, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


41 9 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 


DYEING  AND  COLOURING  FLOWERS, 
GRASSES,  AND  MOSSES. 
Dyeing  is  especially  used  for  the  red  Xerantliemiim  aimuum 
fl.  pi.,  red  Asters,  and  all   kinds  of  ornamental  Grasses.     Alix 
ten  parts  of  fresh  ■svatcr  ivith  one   part  of  good  uitric  acid, 
plunge  the  flowers  in,  shake  off  the  liquid  and  hang  them  up 
to  dry,  as  described  in   my  last  articles.     In  this  way  Xeran- 
themums,  which  should  be  cut  when  entirely  open,  will  acquire 
a  beautiful  bright  red  tint ;  while  Grasses  only  become  a  little 
pale  red  on  the  tops,  but  will  keep  afterwards  for  many  years, 
and  may,  if  needed,  be  coloured  otherwise  at  any  time.    Asters 
generally,  when    treated    in   this  way,  are  not  so  fine  as  if 
dried  in  sand,  or  smoked  with  brimstone.     To  colour  flowers 
aud  grasses   blue,  violet,  red,   scarlet,   and  orange,   use   the 
different   kinds  of    aniline ;    for  yellow  use  picric  acid,   and 
for   bright   scarlet    use   boras.     The  aniline  dye  should  Ijo 
dissolved  in  alcohol  before  it  is  fit  for  use,  in  which  condition 
it  should  be  kept   in  well-closed   bottles  until  it  is  required. 
It  may  also  be  purchased  in  a  dissolved  condition  of  any  respect- 
able chemist.   To  colour  by  means  of  aniline,  take  a  porcelain,  or 
any  other  well-glazed,  vessel,  pour  in  some  boiling  water,  and 
add  as  much  dissolved  aniline  as  will  nicely  coloui'  the  water. 
According  to  the  quantity  of  aniline  used,  the  colour  of  the 
flowers  will  become  more  or  less  bright.     After  the  water  has 
cooled  a  little,  plunge  in  the   flowers  or  Grasses,  and  keep 
them  in  it  till  they  arc  nicely  coloured ;  then  rinse  in  cold 
water,  shake  oS  the  liquid,  and  hang  them  up  in  .the  open  air 
to  dry.     To  obtain  a  fine  blue,  take  analine  bleu  de  lian,  boil 
the  colour  with  the  water  for  five  minutes,  and  then  add  a  few 
drops  of  sulphuric  acid  before  using.     For  violet,  use  one  part 
aniline  violet   and  one  part  of  aniline  bleu  de  lian  ;    for  red, 
aniline  fuchsin  ;    for  scarlet,  one  part  of  aniline  fuchsin,  and 
one  of  aniline  violet ;  for  orange,  aniline  d'orange  ;  for  lemon 
colour,  picric  acid,  which  should  be  dissolved  in  boiling  water 
and  then  thinned  with  a  little  warm  water.     Dip  in  the  flowers, 
but  do  not  drain  off    the  liquid.      All  kinds   of    ornamental 
Grasses  can  be  thus  coloured  (especially  Stipa  pennata  and 
Ammobium  alatum),  white  Xerauthemums,  and  most    other 
everlasting  flowers.     Immortelles,   however,  as  well  as   the 
other  kinds    of   Hclichrysums,   must  be  treated   differently ; 
their  natural  yellow  colour  must  first  be  extracted  by  dipping 
them  in  boiling  soap -water,  made  with  Italian  soap,  and  after- 
wards dried  in  an  airy,  shady  place.     The  flowers  generally 
become  closed  when  thus  treated,  aud  should  be  placed  near 
an  oven  and  subjected  to  the  influence  of  a  dry  heat,  when 
tliey   will  soon   re-open.     This  is    very   important,  if    they 
arc  intended  to  be  coloured ;    if   not,  they  will  remain  fine 
pure  white  Immortelles.      Most  Immortelles,  however,  are 
coloured   bright    scarlet  by  means  of   borax,  which  gives  a 
beautiful  colour,  but   it   does   not   keep  well,    and  becomes 
gradually  paler.     For  this  purpose   dissolve  as   much  borax 
in  boiling  water  as   will  colour    it  nicely ;   when    cool,  dip 
the    flowers,   but    do    not  allow  them    to    remain    in  after 
they  have  taken  the  colour ;  if  kept  in  too  long,  they  will  not 
again  open  their  flowers.     The  chief  point  in  every  mode  of 
colouring  Immortelles  is  to  place  them  first  in  a  "dry  warm 
atmosphere,  where  they   will  open  their  flowers  well ;   and, 
after   colouring,  they  should  again   be  exposed  to   heat,  by 
which  means  they  will  nearly  always   re-open  them.     Very 
nice-looking    Immortelles  are    also    produced    by    colouring 
only  the   centre   of  each   flower  scarlet,  which  is  done  very 
rapidly  with  borax,   by  means   of  a   small  pencil  or  a  thin 
wooden    splinter,     which    is    dipped    into    the    colour    and 
afterwards    applied    to  the  centre.      This  is  generally   done 
by  little  children    in  those  establishments  in  Germany   and 
France   which    supply  the   trade   with   everlasting    flowers. 
Finally,   I    shall   give  a   very  cheap   aud  very  good   recipe 
to    colour    ornamental    Grass    and   Moss  a  beautiful  green. 
If   a    dark    green  is  required,   take    two    parts    of    boiling 
water,   one  ounce  of   alum,  and  half   an   ounce   of  dissolved 
indigo  carmine ;  plunge  the  Moss  or  Grass  into  the  mixture, 
shake  off  the  liquid,  and  di'y  the  Grass  or  Moss  in  an  airy 
shady  place.     In  the  winter,  however,  they  should  be  dried  by 
means  of  fire-heat.    If  a  light  green  is  required,  add  to  the 


above  mixture  more  or  less  picric  acid,  according  as  a  more  or 
less  light  shade  is  required. 

I  have  now  communicated  all  I  know  about  the  art  and 
secret  of  preserving  flowers,  which  has  become  so  very 
important  to  our  flower  trade  during  the  last  teji  years,  and 
I  only  wish  that  others  may  also  be  induced  to  relate  their 
experiences  on  this  interesting  subject.  G.  Wermig. 


PERFUMES  FROM  THE   GARDEN. 
The  ordinary  method  of  obtaining  the  perfume  of  flowers,  aud  one 
that  has  been  employed  for  ages,  is  by  diatiUation.    Shakespeare  tells 
ns  that 

llowei'3  distilled,  though  they  with  winter  meet, 
Lose  but  their  show ;  their  substance  still  lives  sweet. 

or,  in  i:)lain  prose,  that  by  distilling  flowers,  wo  may  possess  their 
sweetness  in  winter,  when  then'  beauty  has  passed  away.  The  odour 
of  flowers  is  due  to  a  minute  portion  of  a  volatile  oil,  which  is  con. 
tinually  geuerated  and  given  oil  by  the  plant.  When  the  flower,?  aro 
distilled  with  water,  the  essential  oil  rises  with  the  steam  and  is 
condensed  with  it  in  the  receiver.  But  the  fragrant  principle  may 
be  obtained  iu  another  way,  which,  as  it  requires  no  apparatus,  may 
furnish  an  agreeable  recreation  to  some  of  our  readers  who  have 
flower  gardens  and  plenty  of  leisure.  The  sweetness  that  would 
otherwise  be  wasted  on  the  summer  air  may  thus  be  saved  to  delight 
the  sense  long  after  the  blossoms  that  exhaled  it  have  perished. 
Gather  the  flowers,  with  as  little  of  the  stalk  as  possible,  and  put 
them  in  a  jar  three-quarters  full  of  Olive  or  Almond  oil.  After  they 
have  soaked  in  the  oil  for  twenty-four  hours,  the  whole  must  bo  put 
into  a  coarse  cloth  bag,  and  the  oil  squeezed  out;  then  fresh  flowers 
are  to  be  added,  and  the  process  repeated  for  twenty  days  or  more, 
according  to  the  strength  of  the  perfume  desired.  When  the  odour 
of  only  one  species  is  wanted,  an  immense  number  of  the  flowers  aro 
necessary  to  produce  a  scented  oil,  and  special  cultivation  would  bo 
required  to  furnish  them ;  but  the  amateur  may  use  almost  any  sweet- 
scented  flowers  that  come  to  hand,  and  get  a  mixed  perfume,  or 
millefleurs  ("  thousand  flowers  "),  as  the  French  call  it.  The  smaller 
kinds  are  to  be  preferred  for  the  purpose,  such  as  Sweet  Pea,  Migno- 
nette, Stocks,  Clove  Pink,  &c.  The  larger  blossoms  are  not  adapted 
for  use  by  the  novice,  as  the  odour  they  impart  does  not  compensate 
for  the  space  they  take  up.  The  oil,  when  thoroughly  perfumed,  is 
to  be  mixed  with  an  equal  quantity  of  strong  "  deodorized  "  alcohol, 
and  shaken  every  day  for  a  fortnight ;  after  which  the  spirit  may  be 
poured  off  quite  clear  and  bright,  and  will  be  found  highly  charged 
with  the  odoriferous  principle  that  was  collected  in  the  oil.  Flowers 
that  are  going  out  of  bloom  are  as  good  for  this  purpose  as  those  in 
their  prime  :  so  that  the  garden  need  not  be  despoiled  of  its  beantv 
for  the  experiment.     To  quote  Shakespeare  again, — 

Of  their  sweet  deaths  our  sweetest  odours  made. 

We  presume  that  most  persons  would  prefer  to  buy  their  perfumes 
rather  than  to  manufacture  them  in  this  way  ;  but  some  may  enjoy 
the  work  for  its  own  sake,  and  consider  that  the  fragrant  product 
is  worth  all  the  time  and  trouble  it  has  cost. — Journal  of  Chemistry. 


USES  OF  THE  SUNFLOWER. 
Among  the  plants  of  which  we  in  Eugland  generally  fail  to  make  the 
most  is  the  well-known  ornament  of  our  gardens,  the  Helianthus 
annuus,  and  yet,  according  to  the  Food  Journal,  there  are  few  vege 
tables  which  could  be  turned  to  more  account.  We  have  no  excuse 
for  this  neglect,  for  the  plant  in  question  has  long  been  known  and 
cultivated  in  this  country.  Towards  the  end  of  the  sixteenth  century 
we  hear  it  spoken  of  as  a  common  garden  flower,  so  that  the  date  of 
its  first  introduction  into  England  from  Pern  must  have  been  con. 
siderably  earlier.  The  only  way,  generally  speaking,  in  which  the 
Sunflower  is  utilised  in  England  is  the  employment  of  the  seeds  as 
food  for  poultry  and  smaller  birds,  and  this  purpose  it  answers 
admiiably.  But  besides  this,  there  are  numberless  other  and  moro 
important  uses  to  which  it  could  be  put,  but  which  we  have  generally 
neglected.  Other  countries  have  not  been  so  backward  as  England 
in  recognising  the  useful  properties  of  the  Sunflower.  In  the  north. 
west  provinces  of  India  it  is  cultivated  to  a  considerable  extent,  and 
with  much  success,  in  swampy  districts  ;  and  it  is  asserted  that  the 
Sunflower  plantations  exercise  a  beneficial  influence  on  the  health  of 
the  neighbourhood,  by  tending  to  check  the  malarious  fevers  so  pre- 
valent in  those  parts.  The  Agri -horticultural  Society  of  the  Pnnjanb, 
in  a  recent  report,  advocates  the  more  general  cultivation  of  the  Sun. 
flower  for  utilitarian  purposes,  and  also  enumerates  some  of  the 
advantages  which  would  attend   it.     We  find  that  the  flower  leaves, 


420 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Nov.  22,  1873. 


romoved  without  deranging  the  seeds,  may  be  used  as  fodder  for 

cattle  and  with  great  success  ;  the  stalks  when  burnt  produce  lai-go 
quantities  of  potash  ;  and  the  seeds,  besides  their  nse  in  feeding 
poultry,  already  mentioned,  may  be  made  to  yield  a  large  percentage 
of  oil.  In  the  United  States  of  America,  where  Sunflower  cultivation 
is  carried  on  to  a  considerable  extent,  principally  on  account  of  the 
value  of  the  plant  as  an  oil  pi-oducer,  as  much  as  40  per  cent,  of  oil  is, 
on  an  average,  obtained  from  the  seed.  After  the  process  of  expressing 
the  oil,  the  refuse,  under  the  name  of  "  marc,"  is  largely  used  as  a 
fattening  food  for  oxen,  hogs,  &o.  More  than  this,  the  leaves  also  may  be 
utilised  ;  for,  by  parching  and  powdering  them,  and  then  mixing  with 
bran,itissaid  tliatafoodisproduced  towhichcowsare  especially  partial. 
Even  if  it  had  none  of  these  qualities  to  recommend  it,  the  excessive 
fondness  of  bees  for  the  blossoms  of  the  Sunflower  would  alone  repay 
all  owners  of  apiaries  for  the  trouble  of  cultivation.  Here  is  a  long 
list  of  uses,  but  we  have  not  done  yet.  There  is  another  still,  which, 
although  we  ignore  it,  the  ingenious  Chinese  have  not  suffered  to 
escape  them.  The  stalks  of  the  Sunflower,  when  subjected  to  the 
same  treatment  as  flax,  yield  large  quantities  of  fine  useful  fibres  ; 
and  it  has  been  supposed  that  the  shrewd  Celestials  make  an  exten. 
sive  use  of  these  in  their  silk  manufacture.  Any  one  of  all  these 
valuable  properties  would  seem  sufficient  to  induce  the  general  culti- 
vation of  the  Sunflower  ;  but,  when  we  hear,  in  addditiou,  that  the 
dried  leaves  make  a  good  substitute  for  tobacco,  and  the  roasted 
seeds  for  coffee,  the  neglect  of  this  really  useful  plant,  in  this  age  of 
adulteration  and  spurious  imitation,  becomes  more  surprising  than 
ever.  Moreover,  the  Sunflower  is  by  no  means  fastidious  as  to  soil, 
and  may  easily  be  cultivated  similarly  to  Indian  Corn,  either  sown 
broadcast  or  in  rows.  Another  Sunflower,  which  is  somewhat  more 
highly  regarded  in  England,  is  the  .Jerusalem  Artichoke  (Helianthns 
tuberosus),  which  derives  its  name,  not  from  any  connection  with  the 
Holy  City — although  the  soup  made  from  the  roots  is  called  Palestine 
— but  merely  from  the  fact  of  its  being  a  Sunflower,  the  Italian  name 
for  which  is  Girasole  Csun  turner),  and  of  this  "Jerusalem"  is  an 
obvious  corruption.  It  seems  possible  that  the  Jerusalem  Artichoke 
was  known  to  the  Romans,  and  used  by  them  as  a  table  vegetable ; 
but  it  was  afterwards  neglected  and  forgotten,  and  in  1610  was 
re-introduced,  somewhat  later  than  the  Sunflower.  At  first  it  was 
largely  cultivated  in  England,  and  became  so  common  that  we  hear 
from  a  contemporary  writer  (Parkinson)  that,  "  even  the  vulgar 
began  to  despise  them."  It  found  a  dangerous  rival  in  the  Potato, 
and  subsequently  fell  into  a  general  disrepute,  and  at  the  present 
time  is  not  cultivated  nearlyso  extensively  as  it  deserves,  considering 
its  many  useful  qualities. 


TREE  LOPPING  AT  MIDNIGHT  IN  EPPING  FOREST. 
The  right  to  cut  firewood  in  one  of  the  Crown  Forests,  and  carry  it 
a  vay  without  payment  of  money  and  without  reference  to  price,  is,  in 
view  of  the  rates  current  on  the  Coal  Exchange,  a  very  precious 
privilege  ;  and,  independent  of  the  principle  involved,  it  is  no  wonder 
that  the  residents  in  Epping  Forest  parishes  are  at  some  pains  to 
preserve  it.  That  in  order  to  that  end  they  should  remain  out  of 
their  beds  long  after  the  usual  hour  of  retiring,  and  should  assemble 
on  Staple  Hill  to  "lop"  the  trees  as  the  clock  chimes  twelve  on  a 
November  night,  is  a  ceremonial  for  the  necessity  of  which  they  are 
told  to  thank  Queen  Elizabeth.  That  Sovereign  had  a  residence 
within  the  bounds  of  the  forest,  near  Chingford,  the  ruins  of  which, 
known  as  Queen  Elizabeth's  Lodge,  remain  to  this  day.  It  is  alleged 
that,  being  moved  to  compassion  by  the  condition  of  the  poor  in  the 
neighbourhood,  the  good  Queen  gave  them  permission  to  lop  and 
carry  away  for  their  domestic  use  the  branches  of  the  trees  that  then 
abundantly  grew  in  the  Forest.  It  was  part  of  the  bargain  that  none 
were  to  use  for  the  removal  of  the  faggots  other  conveyance  than  a 
hand  sledge,  or  if  a  larger  cart  were  brought  into  requisition  it  was 
to  be  drawn  by  a  mare,  with  hind  feet  shoeless.  Finally  it  was 
decreed  that  this  gracious  charter  was  to  be  enjoyed  upon  the  condi- 
tion of  the  residents  in  the  parishes  commencing  to  lop  the  trees  on 
the  first  stroke  of  midnight  on  the  11th  of  each  November,  which 
accomplished,  they  were  to  be  at  liberty  to  cut  and  carry  off  wood 
throughout  the  winter,  and  up  to  the  23rd  day  of  March.  The  four 
parishes  contiguous  to  the  Royal  Lodge — to  wit,  Loughton,  Theydon 
Bois,  Waltham  Abbey,  and  Epping — were  included  in  this  charter ; 
and  whether  the  donor  was  Queen  Elizabeth,  of  which  there  does  not 
appear  to  be  much  trustworthy  evidence,  or  whether  the  custom  has 
a  still  older  origin,  it  is  certain  that  for  some  time  after  the  Eliza- 
bethan  era  the  privilege  described  was  exercised  in  each  of  these 
four  parishes.  But  the  good  Queen  had  not  been  in  her  grave 
half  a  century  before  the  popular  right  of  estovers  in  Epping 
Forest  began  to  be  successfully  assailed.  On  the  evening 
of  the   11th   of    November,    IGll,    the    lord    of    the    manor    sent 


out   into   all   the   byways    of    the    forest,    and,    with    soft    speech 
and   friendly   entreaty,   compelled   all   the   poor   of    the    parish   of 
Waltham  Abbey  to  come  in  and  sup  with  him.     "  There  never  was 
such  an  exemplary  community,"  the  wily  seigneur  said,  as  he   filled 
their  cups  and  heaped  up  their  platters,  and  bid  them  eat,  drink,  and 
be  merry.     But  when  the  clock  struck  twelve,  his  manner  changed  to 
one  of  mocking  scorn,  and  the  people  knew  that  they  bad  been  tricked, 
and  that  they  had  irrevocably  sold  their  birthright  for  a  mess  of  pottage. 
In  the  parish  of  Epping   the  privilege  of  lopping  has  been  practised 
within  living  memory,  and  here  the  right  was  lost  in  a  way  more  in 
accordance  with  later  civilization.  The  lord  of  the  manor  being  grieved 
by  the  untidy  appearance  of  the  forest  consequent  upon  the  irregular 
lopping,  proposed  to  his  tenants  that  he  should  cut  the  firewood  for 
them,  undertaking  not  only  to  do  so  without  charge,  but   to  deliver 
the  faggots  at  their  doors.     The  tenants  accepted  the  proposal,  and 
for  some  years  the  bargain  was  fairly  carried  out.     But  in  process  of 
time  his  lordship  grew  lax  in  the  delivery  of  the  wood  ;  next  required 
those   in   need  of  it   to  come  and  fetch   it   themselves,  and   finally 
refused  either  to  cut  it  himself  or  to  let  the  tenants  cut  it.    In  Theydon 
Bois,  the  popular  privilege   is  still  exercised,  but  in  a  timid,  secret 
manner,  the  tenants  not  feeling  strong  enough  openly  to  assert  their 
right.     The  fourth  of  the  endowed  parishes — Loughton — nearly  lost 
its  right  by  falling  into  a  trap  similar  to  that  which  closed  over  their 
neighbours  at  Waltham  Abbey.     They  also   were   invited  to  a  great 
supper  on  a   certain    11th  of  November,  and,  unable  to  resist  the 
temptation  of  unlimited  beer  and  illimitable  roast  beef,  they  entered 
the    manorial    hall    and    ranged    themselves    around    the    seemingly 
hospitable  board.     But  happily  there  was  one  amongst  them  who,  to 
use  the  homely  words  of  Pigbones,  "  smelt  a  rat,  and  was  forewarned 
to  put  his  foot  heavily  down  on  the  same."  About  half -past  eleven,  the 
tenants  having  well  eaten  and  drunk,  "an  old  man  rose,  and  giving 
the  signal,  the  poor  people  rushed  forth  "ont  of   the  hall  into  the 
forest,   where,  as   the   clock   struck   midnight   they  applied    them, 
selves    to    the     lopping    with    a    lustiness    whereto     the    lord    of 
the  manor's    beef    and    beer   had    in    no  small  degree  contributed. 
The  custom  thus  preserved  remains  in  force  in  Loughton  to  this  day, 
and   tho   earliest  moments  of  the  morning  of    tiie   11th  inst.  were 
ushered  in  on  Staple  Hill  amid  the  sharp  sound  of  the  falling  axe. 
Some  of  the  gentlemen  who  have  banded  themselves  together  in  the 
noble  enterprise  of    preserving    the    peoples's  heritage  in   Epping 
Forest  determined  to  be  present  at  the  ceremony  at  miduignt  on 
that  Tuesday,  and  with  that  view  met  at  supper,  in  the  Crown  Inn, 
Loughton.     Supper  over,  thick  coats  were  donned,  leggings  buttoned 
on,  lanterns  lit,  and  a  start  made  for  the  trysting-place  in  the  forest, 
where  the  trees  were  marked  for  lopping.     It  was  at  the  outset  a 
dark,  almost  starless,  night,  with  a  keen  wind  blowing  promise  of  a 
frost.     But  before  half  the  brief  journey  had  been  performed,  the 
stars  came  out,  and  presently  the  moon  emerged   from  a  bank  of 
clouds,  shedding  over  hill  and  forest  glade  a  flood  of  silver  light  that 
put  to  shame  the  lanterns.     There  was  a  spice  of  excitement  in  the 
midnight  enterprising,  and   there  was  also  a  great  deal  of  mud  in 
the  pathways,  occasionally  culminating  in  the  small   ditches  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  gates  that  had  to  be  passed  through.     As  the  path- 
ways nearod  the  top  of  the  hill  there  was  less  mud,  but  there  were 
more  treacherous    stumps,   relics  of    felled   trees,   over   which   the 
unwary  occasionally  came  to  grief.     Shouts  from  the  top  of  the  hill 
guided  the  party  to  the  appointed  goal,  where  were  found  assembled 
a  considerable  body  of  the  freeholders  of    Loughton,  armed    with 
axes.     It  wanted  three  minutes  to  twelve,  but  all  was  ready  for  the 
signal.     Just  as — twelve  miles  off — the  clocks  from  the  steeples  of 
Loudon  were  chiming  the  first  notes  of  midnight,  here,  out  on  this 
bleak  hillside,  a  score  of  axes  fell  on  the  boughs  of  as  many  trees, 
each  stroke  meaning  a  protest  against  seignorial  innovation,  and  a 
declaration  of  a  determination  to  maintain  to  the  last  the  centuries- 
old  rights  of  the  people.      As  the  still  green  boughs  fell   to  the 
ground  under  the  rapid  strokes  of  figures  dimly  seen  np  in  the  trees, 
those  below  seized  branches  and  waved  them   about   their   heads, 
loudly  cheering  the  woodmen  in   their   task.      When   the  work  of 
"  lopping"  was  done,  those  who  had  been  engaged  in  it  joined  the 
crowd  below,  and,  each  man  carrying  a  green  bough  on  his  shoulder, 
an   impromptu  procession   round  the  cleared  space  was  organised, 
the  mass  of  foliage  moving  in  the  moonlight  suggesting  a  fresh  visit 
of  Birnamwood  to  Dunsinane.     Amid  the  cheers  there  rose  a  cr}'  of 
"Bonfire!  Bonfire!"   and   in  a  twinkling  the  lopped  branches  were 
piled  in  a  heap  on  the  ground,  and,  willing  hands  bringing  heaps  of 
dried   Fern,  a  fire  was  lit,  to  which  the  green  wood  slowly  yielded. 
As  the  fire  spread  and  grew  strong,  the  boughs  were  piled  up  higher 
and    higher,  and  at  one  o'clock  on    Tuesday  morning   Staple  Hill 
announced  to  all  residents  in  the  surrounding  neighbourhood  who 
were  awake  and  chanced   to  look  that  way,  that  the  estovers  rights 
of  the  people  of  Loughton  had  been  preserved  for  another  year. — 
Daily  News. 


Nov.  21, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


421 


GAKDENING  IN  PEKSIA. 
Xenophon's  description  of  tlie  parks  of  the  Persian  mouarcbs 
of  his  time  (about  400  B.C.)  is  well  worth  a  moment's  considera- 
tion. The  first  park  of  wbich  he  speaks  was  simply  a  royal 
"  chase,"  like  our  own  Now  Forest  or  "  Sherwood's  green 
expanse."  At  the  same  time  we  cannot  forget  the  passage  of 
Plutarch  in  which  he  records  that,  when  the  Spartan  general 
Lysauder  visited  Cyrus  at  Sardis,  and  praised  the  arrangement 
of  his  grounds,  the  Persian  king  was  pleased  to  inform  him  that 
he  h.ad  himself  planted  and  laid  them  out.  We  have  no  details 
of  the  appearance  or  arrangement  of  this  park  at  Sardis,  nor 
of  the  greater  park  at  Cehcue,  in  which  Cyrns  reviewed  the 
Greek  auxiliaries  prior  to  the  memorable  "  Anabasis."  Both 
arc  mentioned  under  a  name  equivalent  to  the  English 
"  paradise,"  and  from  the  descriptions  of  Pliny  and  other 
Roman  authorities,  we  may  suppose  that  there  was,  even  in 
that  early  age,  some  attempt  at  effect  in  the  planting  of  shrubs 


SOILS,    FERTILISERS,    &c. 

ON   THE   CAUSES    OF   FERTILITY   OR 

BARRENNESS  OF  SOILS. 

{Concluded  from  p.  40 1.) 

We  have  now  to  consider  how  far  the  general  results  of  analysis, 
hitherto  made,  have  benefited  the  practical  farmer.  Certain  soils 
having  been  found  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  growth  of  some  plants 
and  unsuitable  for  others,  analysis  ought  to  point  out  the  reason  for 
the.se  peculiarities,  and  to  a  certain  extent  it  has  done  so.  But  inas- 
much as  fertility  or  barrenness  depends  upon  the  state  of  combina. 
tion  in  which  the  ingredients  exist,  quite  as  much  as  upon  the  actual 
existence  of  the  various  salts,  and  as  analysis  hitherto  has  generally 
been  confined  to  pointing  oat  this  latter  fact  only,  we  ought  not  to 
feel  surprised  that  chemical  returns  have  often  failed  to  bear  cat 
practical  facts.  Again,  we  should  bear  in  mind  that,  although  we 
may  in  the  laboratory  prove  the  existence  of  the  elementsof  fertility, 


A  Persian  Garden  (from  ilaasiu's  "  Lss  JarJins"). 


and  flowers,  as  we  learu  that  they  arranged  them  in  straight 
lines  and  regular  figures,  and  that  the  walks  were  edged  with 
tufts  of  Roses,  Violets,  and  other  fragrant  plants.  Amongst 
the  trees  employed  were  various  kinds  of  Pines,  Cypress, 
Laurel,  and  the  narrow-leaved  Elm. 

Persia,  too,  has  long  been  celebrated  for  its  fruits.  The  native 
poets  have  made  famous  the  produce  of  each  district.  Ispahan 
boasts  the  best  flavoured  Melons,  Nishapour  the  largest 
"Water  Melons,  Holwan  the  most  luscious  Figs,  Kirmanshah 
the  best  Apricots,  and  Shiraz  the  finest  grapes.  Undoubtedly 
Persia  has  a  good  right  to  boast.  We  owe  to  her  many  of  our 
finest  and  most  favoui'ite  fruits,  and  she  still  devotes  more 
care  thau  any  other  eastern  nation  to  their  culture.  The 
Melons  of  Ispahan  are  tended  with  the  greatest  attention.  In 
the  best  gardens  they  are  placed  on  tiles,  and  turned  round 
several  times  a  day,  in  order  that  each  side  may  ripen  equally 
in  the  heat  of  the  sun.  The  result  is  that  they  probably  excel 
in  flavour  any  Melons  inthe-world. 


and  demonstrate  their  mode  of  action,  yet  these  facts  may  be  falsi- 
fied in  the  soil,  owing  to  the  presence  of  other  forces  of  which 
chemistry  cannot  take  account.  Professor  Way  has  shown  that  a 
crop  of  Wheat  takes  a  very  small  quantity  of  mineral  matter  from  a 
soil,  and  that  many  soils  contain  abundant  supplies  for  a  number  of 
crops,  yet  in  practice  we  can  never  take  more  than  one  crop  in  sue- 
cession  without  injuring  the  land  and  weakening  the  produce.  It  is 
found  that  those  very  substances  which  analysis  shows  already  exist, 
ing  in  abundance,  if  added  to  the  soil,  produce  good  results.  The 
reason  for  this  discrepancy  is  doubtless  owing  to  the  particular  state 
of  combination  as  affecting  the  solubility  or  insolubility,  and  the  fact 
that  the  roots  of  the  crops  come  into  connection  with  only  a  portion 
of  the  fertilising  ingredients.  The  chief  value  of  analysis  hitherto 
has  consisted  in  pointing  out  those  substances  required  as  food  for 
particular  crops,  their  presence  in  or  absence  from  the  soil,  and  the 
cheapest  form  and  best  method  of  application  when  deficient ;  also 
in  determining  the  relative  value  of  the  various  manuring  substances 
80  constantly  offered  to  the  practical  man,  in  discovering  valuable 
manures  in  the  refuse  of  manufactures  which  would  otherwise   be 


422 


THE  GAEDEN. 


[Nov.  22, 1873. 


wasted,  and  in  the  discovery  of  fossil  or  earthy  manures.  Consider, 
ing,  therefore,  that  the  science  of  agricultural  chemistry  is  still  in 
its  infancy,  the  opinion  that  it  has  hitherto  conferred  no  benefit  upon 
agriculture  is  most  unjust,  and  can  only  proceed  from  ignorance. 
^Vc  are  already  indebted  to  it  for  a  general  enlightenment  as  to  the 
principles  of  vegetable  life  ;  and  though  at  present  it  may  not  have 
produced  very  startling  results,  still  it  has  opened  up  so  many  new 
views,  that  every  man  of  sense  will  feel  grateful  for  its  assistance, 
and  look  hopefully  forward  to  the  future.  We  proceed  to  give  the 
analysis  of  a  few  soils  of  various  kinds,  commencing  with  that  of  a 
clay  soil,  from  the  upper  oolite  formation,  near  Cirouccatcr,  by  Dr. 
A^oelckcr :  — 

"Water  driven  off  at  112  degrees    ....      .t">o 

Insoluble  matter  (clay) 8110 

0.xides  of  iron  and  aluminia  sol 3'(>7 

Organic  matter  and  water  of  combination     .         .       3<i2 

Carbonate  of  lime '7'it 

Magnesia        .     " 'CO 

Potash -20 

Soda      .        .^ -22 

Phosphoric  acid '38 

Soluble  silica 1'13 

00-97 
In  this  analysis  wc  are  struck  with  the  very  minAte  quantity  of  the 
soluble  in  proportion  to  the  insoluble  matters,  and  might  hastily 
Judge  such  a  soil  to  be  very  sterile,  an  erroneous  conclusion,  of  which 
v.e  shall  at  once  be  convinced  if  we  bear  in  mind  the  very  minute 
quantity  rc<[uired  for  each  crop.  Professor  Way,  who  has  ]iaid  great 
attention  to  this  subject,  informs  us  that  the  total  weight  of  soil 
removed  from  an  acre  of  ground  by  an  average  Wheat  crop  only 
amounts  to  277  lbs.  ;  twenty  crops  taking  5,510  lbs.,  or '2 18  per 
cent,  of  the  whole  soil.     He  gives  the  following  tables  :  — 

PcrccuL.igG 
One  Tuenty  o£  Soil 

Crop.  Crops.  removed 

by  20  Crops, 
lbs.  ll)s. 

Silica        .        .        .        170      ...      3,400      ...      'Vyi 
Phosphoric  acid         .  30       ...  GOO       ...       -027 

Sulphuric  acid  .         .  8       . . .  160       . . .       -007 

Lime         .        .        .  16      ...         320      ...      '014 

Magnesia  .         .         .  10       . . .  200       .. .       -009 

Potash       .         .         .  40       ...  800       ...       -038 

Soda 3       ...  60      ...      '003 

277      ...      5,540      ...      -248 
The  following  is  the  analysis  of  a  calcareous  soil  from  Gloucester, 
shire  : — 

Lime 52'33 

Magnesia .         '31 

Oxide  of  iron  and  alumina     .         .         .         .         .  •    2'86 

Phosphoric  acid     .         , Trace 

Sulphuric  acid Trace 

Silica '20 

Carbonic  acid 4-1  70 

100-16 
Analysis  of  barren  and  fertile  sands  :  — 

Fertile  Fertile 

and  Lupins.  '    * 

Silica          .         .         .     96000     ...     94'700     ...  90-220 

Alumina     .         .         .         '500     ...       1600     ...  2'106 

Oxides  of  iron   .         .       2000     . . .       2000     . . .  3  051 

Lime           .         .         .         '001     ...       1000     ...  '.530 

Magnesia  .        .        .     Trace    . . .     Trace    . . .  '730 

^'"^e^^       ■        •       ■    J'"'='=]...        '100    ...        '070 
Soda  .        .        .     Trace  J 

Phosphoric  acid         .  Trace  . . .  Trace  . . .  '307 

Sulphuric  acid  .         .  Trace  . . .  Trace  .  . .  Truce 

Oxide  of  manganese .  None  . . .  None  . . .  -OOO 

Chlorine     .         .         .  None  . . .  None  .  . .  '010 

Organic  matter .         .  1-499  . .  .  '500  . . .  1040 

100000  00-900  09-990 

The  above  analyses  of  sandy  soils  are  instructive.  The  first,  that 
of  the  barren  sand,  contains,  besides  insoluble  matter,  only  i  per  cent, 
of  alumina,  a  quantity  quite  insufficient  to  have  any  mechanical 
inllaence  ;  2  per  cent,  of  iron,  probably  as  peroxide  ;  li  per  cent,  of 
humus,  and  only  traces  of  the  most  important  substances.  The 
second  soil  is  designated  as  sandy  loam,  said  to  pi'oduce  luxuriant 
crops  of  Lucerne,  Sainfoin,  and  Lupins  ;  facts  which  the  chemist 
could  hardly  have  anticipated,  as  it  only  differs  from  No.  1  in  con- 
taining 1  per  cent,  of  lime  and  1  per  cent,  more  alumina,  and  a  small 
portion  of  alkalies.  The  third  analysis  is  of  a  soil  growing  line  Pulse 
crops ;  and  here  we  have  indications  of  more  fertility  in  the  presence 
of  appreciable  quantities  of  phosphoric  acid  and  magnesia,  though 


there  is  nothing  which  would  lead  us  to  expect  the  soil  anything  but 
poor.  These  analyses  were  made  by  Sprengel,  and  are  not  of  very 
recent  date,  consequently  we  do  not  feel  such  confidence  in  their 
accuracy  as  if  conducted  on  the  modern  system ;  indeed  little 
reliance  is  to  be  placed  upon  any  old  analysis  of  soils.  The  ferti- 
lising materials  are  often  in  such  minute  quantities,  yet  sufficient  for 
the  requirements  of  the  crop,  that  they  totally  escape  detection,  or 
can  only  be  represented  by  a  trace  ;  and  it  may  be  the  variation  in 
the  amount  of  the  latter  which  causes  the  remarkable  difference  of 
fertility  in  the  two  first  soils.  The  limit  of  variation  in  the  best 
conducted  analysis  is  often  equal  for  some  substances  (phosphoric 
acid  for  example)  to  the  tot.al  quantity  in  the  body  analysed,  const, 
quently  in  such  cases  little  reliance  can  be  placed  on  the  result.  The 
reagents  employed  are  not  always  perfectly  pure  ;  the  very  sub. 
stances  we  are  looking  for  may  be  introduced,  and  a  trace  indicated 
in  cases  where  the  soil  was  quite  destitute  of  it.  We  are  more  likely 
to  arrive  at  correct  conclusions  as  to  the  dcticiencies  of  soils  and  the 
requisite  materials  to  add,  by  studying  the  composition  of  the  crops 
which  flourish  or  will  not  grow  upon  them.  In  the  ashes  of  plants 
we  have  a  much  more  concentrated  mass  to  work  upon  ;  the  soluble 
portions  are  not  diluted  or  dispersed,  as  in  the  soil,  amongst  a  large 
mass  of  insoluble  matter,  and  consequently  our  analysis,  as  proved 
by  the  similarity  of  result  in  different  specimens  of  the  same  kinds, 
will  be  much  more  worthy  of  credit. 

Effect  of  Depth  of  Soil  on  Vegetation. 
The  deeper  a  soil  is,  or  can  be  made  by  good  tillage,  provided  it 
contains  the  elements  of  fertilitj-,  the  more  productive  it  must 
become,  not  only  by  causing  a  largo  supply  of  actual  food,  but  also 
by  presenting  an  increased  surface  for  the  action  of  chemical  forces 
to  retain  those  valuable  sabstances,  which  being  in  solutiou  would 
otlicnvise  pass  away  in  the  sub-soil,  -where,  though  they  might  be 
retained,  the  roots  could  not  get  at  them.  The  atmosphere  pene- 
trates more  freely,  warming  and  exciting  the  whole  mass  ;  the  roots 
instead  of  nierelj'  throwing  out  laterally,  and  creeping  along  just 
beneath  the  sui-face,  as  in  shallow  soils,  push  boldly  out  in  all  direc- 
tions in  search  of  food,  and  thus  strengthen  the  plant.  It  is  our 
belief  that  the  Wheat  crop  requires  a  deeper  soil  than  is  generally 
thought  necessary,  and  that  root-fall  is  often  due  to  the  lateral  direc- 
tion into  which  the  roots  are  forced  by  the  impassable  pan  a  few  inches 
beneath  the  surface ;  at  the  same  time  the  surface  should  be  made  as 
firm  as  possible,  for  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  Wheat  crop  likes  a 
firm,  though,  not  a  shallow  bed.  How  often  we  see  cases  of  surface- 
rooted  trees,  such  as  Lime  or  Beech,  being  blown  up  by  the  wind, 
roots  and  all,  while  the  deep-rooted  Oak  stands  firm  !  The  great  use 
of  the  modern  cultivators,  so  generally  employed  in  fallowing  opera- 
tions, is  to  stir  and  lighten  up  those  portions  which,  too  deep  to  be 
reached  by  the  plough,  are  yet  pressed  down  by  its  Aveight  passing 
over  them.  The  alluvial  tracts  so  frequently  found  surrounding  our 
principal  rivers,  are  all  deep  and  very  fertile;  though  generally  dry, 
they  never  suffer  from  drought,  owing  to  their  powers  of  absorption, 
both  from  the  air  and  sub-soil.  Depth  being  so  important,  we  should 
do  all  in  our  power  to  increase  it  by  artificial  means  when  required  ; 
as  frequent  ploughing  at  a  uniform  depth  produces  even  in  the 
deepest  soils  a  hard  bed,  through  which  neither  roots,  air,  nor 
moisture  can  readily  penetrate,  the  use  of  the  sub. soil  plough,  once 
in  each  rotation,  generally  after  the  first  ploughing  of  the  stubbles 
for  the  fallow  crop,  is  strongly  recommended.  Where  the  sub-soil 
consists  of  a  stiff  yellow  clay,  care  must  be  taken  not  to  bring  up 
too  much  at  once ;  for  else,  being  of  a  poisonous  nature,  it  would 
injure  the  land  for  some  time,  until  in  fact  the  oxygen  of  the  air  had 
effected  the  necessary  chemical  changes,  and  sweetened  the  mass. 
Deep  soils  are  much  less  injured  by  sudden  changes  of  weather 
than  shallow  ones,  for  being  open  and  friable,  the  rain-fall  passes 
slowly  through  them,  and  after  noiu-ishing  vegetation  disappears  in  the 
sub-soils;  and  during  a  dry  time  they  maintain  their  moisture,  owing  to 
powers  of  absorption  and  capillary  attraction.  Many  of  the  most 
fertile  loams,  resting  upon  a  gravelly  and  very  porous  sub-soil,  owe 
their  fertility  to  depth.  The  same  rule  holds  good  with  soils  rcstingon 
chalk  or  limestone ;  they  are  rich  or  poor  according  to  depth.  There- 
fore it  is  evident  that  in  farming,  besides  the  mere  routine  of  pre- 
paring the  ground  for  the  crop,  we  have  the  important  business  of 
deepening  the  soil  to  attend  to.  Draining,  in  all  cases  where  the  land 
requires  it,  will  be  found  a  most  important  assistant,  lowering  tho 
water  level  to  the  bottom  of  the  drains,  some  3  or  4  feet  from 
the  surface,  enabling  the  atmosphere,  that  great  fertiliser,  to  pene- 
trate into  the  crevices  formerly  filled  with  moisture,  and  by 
diminishing  the  tenacity,  lessening  the  difficulties  of  deep  culti. 
vation. 

In  cases  where  porous  soils  rest  upon  stiff  sub-soils  occasional 
sub-soiling,  by  bringing  to  the  surface  much  valuable  matter,  which 
had  passed  through,  will  be  found  equal  to  a  dressing  of  manure.  In 
the  case  of  clay  soils,  -we  are  often  enabled  by  deep  cultivation  to 


Nov.  22,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


423 


ensure  a  supply  of  those  mineral  substances  so  essential  to  vegeta- 
tion, but  which  are  naturally  in  an  insoluble  state,   requiring  the 
action  of  the  air  and  raiu  water  to  reduce  them  to   an   available 
condition  for  the  wants  of  plants.     The  only   caution  required,  as 
was  before  mentioned,  is   to  avoid  bringing  up  more  of  the  sour 
sub-soil  at  a  time  than  the  winter's  frost  and  rains  can  fertilise,  and 
always  to  plough  deepest  in   autumn  for  the  fallow  crop;  for  the 
frequent  stirrings  and  mixings,  which  the  soil  receives  for  the  fallow, 
whether   bare   or   green,  will   tend    to  fertilise,   and  prevent    any 
injurious  effects  which  might  otherwise  follow.     The  way  in  which 
the  stubbles  are  managed  on  a  clay  farm  is  a  good  criterion  of  the 
ignorance   and    poverty,  or    the    intelligence    and    capital,  of    the 
occupier ;  if  horses  are  short,  they  are  left  untouched  till  spring, 
and  all  the  benefits  of  winter  frost,  &c.,  lost ;  indeed,  I   have   met 
with  men  who  professed  to  agree  with  such  a  system,  and  argued 
against  the  autumn  ploughing,  as  being  injurious  to  the  land.     It  is 
possible  that,  in  a  peculiarly  wet  season,  we  should  do  more  harm 
than  good  by  attempting  to  plough  ;  but  such   cases  will  be  found 
very  rare,  and  tho  intelligent  man  who  understands  the  value  of  his 
winter  ploughing,  will  generally  find   his  opportunity.     Then  again, 
the    slovenly   manner    in  which   the  work    is   often   hurried    over, 
"  because  it  is  only  the  stubbles  and  does  not  matter,"  is  a  proof  of 
the  ignorance    of    principles  which  exists    among    many    so-called 
practical  men.     The  autumn  ploughing  of  stubbles  for  the  fallow 
crop  is    the  most  important  operation  of  the  whole  rotation,   and 
the  succeeding  crops  will  greatly  depend  upon  the  way  in  which 
it    is    done.      We   should    aim  at    quality    rather   than    quantity, 
ploughing  as  deep  as  the  soil  will  allow,  without  bringing  up  above 
an  inch  or  two  of  the  sub-soil ;  holding  small  farrows    and  laying 
thorn  up  at  a  considerable  angle,  so  that  raiu  will  not  remain  long 
on  the  surface ;    laying  out    the  field   into   convenient-sized  lands, 
higher  or  lower,  lai'ger  or  smaller,  according  to  the  tenacity  of  the 
soil ;  carefully  crumbing  out  the  furrows,  and  making  proper  grijjs 
to  carry  off  the  excess  of  water  consequent  on  heavy  winter  rains. 
By  such  means  we  insure  the  soil  receiving  all  the  benefits  which  the 
changes  of   weather  can  produce ;    the  atmosphere  will  penetrate, 
because  we  have  taken  precautions  to  allow  of  the  moisture  getting 
away ;  the  soil  must  become  pulverized,  and  will  be  ready  to  work 
in  the  spring  much  sooner  than  land  untouched,  which,  lying  flatter 
and  with  no  surface  drainage,  will  most  likely  have  remained  satu- 
rated with  moisture  all  winter,  and  will  turn  up  raw  and  stubborn,  at 
the  very  time  that  the  autumn-ploughed  may  be  ready  to  receive  a 
crop.     The  practice  of  deep  ploughing  is  happily  on  the  increase,  and 
its  importance  seems  now  generally  recognised  by  all  the  best  farmers, 
yet  it  is  lamentable  to  see  with  what  fatal  attachment  a  large  class 
still   adhere  to  old  customs  and  prejudices.      The  practice  of  Mr. 
Smith  of  Lois  Weedon,  though  not  of  a  nature  to  be  followed  on  the 
largo  scale,  has  been  of  extreme  value  in  pointing  out  tho  immense 
advantage  of  deep  cultivation  on  all  soils  containing  any  considerable 
quantity  of  clay.     It  seems  only  extraordinary  that  in  those  days  of 
cheap  publications  and  railwaj'  communication,  it  should  be  necessary 
to  point  out  and  reiterate  facts  which  appear  so  self-evident  to  every 
candid  observer.    Depth  of  soil  ought  to  be  one  of  the  desideratums  of 
the  farmer,  and  yet,  with  the  means  so  frequently  in  his  own  hands, 
he  ridicules  the  idea  of  making  use  of  them. 

Warmth,  or  Coldness  of  Soils. 
The  temperature  of  a  soil  is  a  most  important  condition,  since 
vegetation  is  increased,  checked,  or  actually  retarded,  according  to 
the  warmth  or  coldness  of  the  soil ;  to  be  convinced  of  this  we  have 
only  to  compare  crops  growing  on  wet  undrained  clay,  which  we 
find  starved  in  appearance  and  yielding  a  Avretohedly  small  produce, 
with  the  luxuriant  dark-coloured  shoots  made  in  a  dry,  well-cultivated 
Boil.  Warmth  is  dependent  upon  dryness,  porosity,  and  colour. 
Clay  soils  are  cool,  even  when  well  drained  and  cultivated ;  in  a 
natural  state  they  are  very  cold.  This  is  due  to  their  cohesive 
property  keeping  them  moist,  preventing  the  sun's  rays  from  pene- 
trating, and  the  evaporation  constantly  going  on  from  their  surface. 
It  has  been  proved  that  water  evaporated  from  the  soil  extracts  for 
the  same  volume  an  equal  amount  of  heat  as  when  converted  over  a 
fire  into  steam.  When  we  remember  that  it  requires  six  times  as 
much  heat  to  convert  a  pound  of  water  into  steam  as  to  raise  the 
same  from  50'  to  the  boiling  point,  we  can  form  some  idea  of  the 
coldness  of  a  soil  constantly  full  of  moisture.  Water  possesses  little 
or  no  conducting  power,  and  therefore  keeps  a  soil  cold  by  preventing 
the  heat  descending  ;  it  also  radiates  heat  more  rapidly  than  the  soil 
itself,  and,  owing  to  its  peculiar  laws  of  density,  may  farther  reduce 
temperature  by  changing  places  with  the  warmer  water  below,  until 
the  whole  mass  is  reduced  to  42'.  By  draining,  wo  entirely  alter 
all  this,  converting  the  water  into  a  carrier  of  heat.  The  rain- 
water, often  warmer  than  the  soil,  especially  in  winter,  instead  of 
evaporating  from  the  surface,  passes  slowly  downwards,  supplying 
the  wants  of  vegetation  and  increasing  the  temperature  by  giving 


up  a  portion  of  its  own  heat  to  the  surrounding  soil.  If  the  rain  is 
cooler  than  the  soil,  which  is  generally  the  case  in  summer,  it 
abstracts  heat  from  tho  surface,  giving  it  up  again  to  the  sub-soil, 
and  thus  equalising  tho  temperature  of  the  whole  mass.  The  e.\peri. 
ments  of  Mr.  Parkes  are  very  valuable,  as  showing  the  important 
part  free  circulation  of.  water  plays  in  regulating  the  temperature  of 
the  soil.  For  the  benefit  of  those  who  may  not  have  the  opportunity 
of  studying  his  valuable  paper,  I  may  be  pardoned  for  briefly  alluding 
to  them.  The  site  chosen  was  a  peat-bog  in  Lancashire,  his  object 
to  determine  the  temperature  of  both  surface  and  sub-stratum  in  tho 
natural  .semi-fluid  state,  and  after  drainage  and  cultivation.  His 
observations  were  conducted  by  means  of  thermometers  placed  in 
tho  soil  at  various  depths.  In  the  natural  peat,  the  depth  of  which 
was  30  feet,  he  found  that  during  the  whole  time  of  his  experiments 
(nearly  three  years),  with  only  one  exception,  the  temperature  from 
12  inches  below  the  surface  to  the  bottom  of  the  bog,  was  uniformly 
46°.  The  exception  took  place  during  the  winter  of  1830,  when  the 
thermometer  nearest  the  surface  fell  for  a  few  days  to  44'.  Into 
the  cultivated  portion,  which  had  been  thoroughly  drained,  ploughed, 
and  dug  deeply,  five  thermometers  were  inserted  at  the  following 
depths — 7,  13,  19,  25,  and  31  inches.  The  experiment  only  extended 
over  twelve  days,  the  examination  being  made  twice  a-day,  at  9 
a.m.  and  2  p.m. :  the  result  was  a  very  different  temperature  for 
each  depth,  greatest  and  most  variable  at  the  surface,  least  and  most 
regular  at  the  greatest  depth,  where  the  temperature  only  varied 
during  the  whole  time  from  46'  to  48'  ;  while  that  at  7  inches 
varied  from  52°  to  GG',  was  always  highest  at  2  p.m.,  and 
appeared  to  vary  according  to  the  temperature  of  the  air.  Tho 
second  bulb,  13  inches  from  the  surface,  ranged  from  50'  to  57' ; 
the  third,  at  19  inches,  IS-l'  to  52'8';  and  the  fourth,  at  25 
inches,  from  47'  to  50'2'.  These  experiments  speak  for  themselves, 
and  will  afford  a  ready  explanation  of  the  otherwise  marvellous  effects 
which  often  follow  thorough  drainage.  The  increase  and  variety  of 
temperature  could  alone  be  due  to  the  removal  of  excess  of  water,  and 
consequently  permeating  influence  of  rain-fall,  atmosphere,  and  sun's 
rays. 

Loamy  soils  and  sands  are  warm,  from  their  dryness,  porosity,  and 
colour.  Chalks  and  limestones  are  cooler,  their  light  colour  rendering 
them  bad  absorbents  and  good  reflectors.  All  soils  radiate  the  heat 
received  from  the  sun's  rays  back  again  into  the  atmosphere  as  soon 
as  the  latter  cools  down  to  a  lower  temperature,  but  in  different 
degrees  depending  upon  the  state  of  mechanical  division,  colour,  &c. ; 
that  soil  ought  to  be  warmest  which  absorbs  most  readily  and 
radiates  most  slowly,  and  this  is  the  case  with  sands.  The  formation 
of  dew  is  connected  with  this  radiating  power ;  the  soil  giving  up  its 
heat,  becomes  cold,  and  lowers  the  temperature  of  the  stratum  of 
air  immediately  above  it,  causing  a  portion  of  the  moisture  which  it 
contained  in  a  state  of  vapour  to  be  deposited  as  dew.  But  this  very 
deposit  of  dew,  being  a  conversion  of  steam  or  vapour  back  into  water, 
is  attended  with  the  liberation  of  considerable  heat,  which  probably 
helps  to  make  up  for  the  loss  by  radiation.  We  only  see  dew  after 
still  clear  nights,  because  the  clouds  radiate  back  and  so  keep  up  the 
temperature  of  the  soil,  and  wind  acts  in  the  same  way. 

We  can  easily  test  the  relative  powers  of  different  soils  to  retain  heat 
by  subjecting  portions  to  a  strong  heat,  noting  how  soon  they  lose  it  - 
again.  Sand  by  such  means  has  been  found  to  retain  heat  for  the 
longest  period  ;  clays  stand  at  about  65  to  70  in  comparison  to  sand 
at  100;  humus  only  at  49  ;  this  power  appears  to  bear  a  close  rela- 
tion to  the  weight  of  a  soil.  Tho  power  of  becoming  warmed  by  the 
sun's  rays,  which  is  another  cause  of  the  temperature  of  soils,  appears  to 
depend  upon  colour  and  dryness ;  the  darker  the  soil  is,  the  greater 
its  powers  of  absorbing  heat. 

Thoroughly  dry  soils,  whatever  their  colour  or  nature,  though 
varying  in  temperature,  are  never  cold.  Moisture  being  the  principal 
cause  of  low  temperature,  we  often  have  the  remedy  in  our  own  power  ; 
thorough  drainage  by  diverting  the  water  that  previously  clogged  up 
the  pores  of  the  soil,  and  was  continually  evaporating  from  the  sur. 
face,  into  new  channels  by  which  it  is  carried  directly  to  the  ocean, 
not  only  warms  and  invigorates  the  particular  case,  but  assists  in 
improving  the  general  climate  of  a  district,  by  rendering  it  drier,  and 
removes  the  seeds  of  those  rheumatic  diseases  so  prevalent  and  fatal 
in  former  times. 

Necessity  or  Otherwise  for  the  Presence  of  Vegetable 
Matter  in   Soils. 

That  vegetable  life  is  capable  of  existence  in  tho  absence  of 
decayed  humus,  is  proved  by  tho  growth  of  tho  lowest  forms  of 
vegetable  life  in  the  crevices  of  bare  rocks.  That  the  decay  of 
these,  by  adding  humus  to  the  disintegrated  rock,  greatly  assisted  in 
the  subsequent  fertility  of  the  soil,  is  beyond  doubt,  and  we  may 
conclude  that  soils  would  lose  much  of  their  fertility  from  the  total 
absence  of  vegetable  matter,  supposing  such  a  thing  possible,  which 
it  is  evident  could  not  be,  when  we  consider  the  origin  and  gradual 


424 


THE  GABDEN. 


[Nov.  22,  18t3. 


formation  of  all  soils.  The  dark  colour  of  soils  is  in  general  due  to 
the  presence  of  vegetable  and  animal  matter  ;  such  soils  are  always 
more  fertile  than  white,  light  red,  or  brown  soils,  consequently  it  is 
fair  to  presume  that  the  fertility  is  due,  at  least  in  part,  to  the 
presence  of  vegetable  matter.  The  advantages  which  follow  heavy 
applications  of  vegetable  manures,  such  as  sea-weeds,  &c.,  are  a 
further  confirmation  ot  this.  From  the  fact  of  vegetable  matters 
existing  in  all  soils,  it  was  supposed  in  earlier  days  of  scientific 
investigation  that  the  amount  of  humus  determined  the  relative 
value  of  soils — an  erroneous  conclusion,  as  many  of  the  most 
valuable  soils  only  contain  from  2  to  3  per  cent.,  while  peats, 
containing  from  80  to  90  per  cent.,  are  often  quite  ban-en.  Humus 
is  decomposed  vegetable  matter,  and  its  nature  and  qualities  depend 
upon  the  circumstances  under  which  the  decay  was  conducted  :  thus 
brown  peat  is  usually  the  result  of  decay  under  water,  whereas 
black  peat  has  been  formed  by  free  o.xidation,  and  is  much  more 
valuable  or  rather  less  acid  and  noxious  in  quality  than  brown  peat. 
The  researches  of  some  foreign  chemists,  especially  Mulder,  have 
shown  th.at  the  changes  which  vegetable  matter  underg:oes  in  the 
presence  ot  oxygen  are  numerous  and  peculiar,  consisting  in  the 
formation  of  a  succession  of  organic  acids  and  the  elimination  of  a 
portion  of  carbonic  acid,  until,  if  the  process  be  carried  out,  the 
last  of  the  series  resolves  itself  into  carbonic  acid  and  water. 
Mulder  believed  that  each  ot  these  acids,  uniting  with  lime  or 
alkalies,  was  suitable  food  for  plants,  being  decomposed  in  the  cells 
of  the  plant,  thus  affording  unlimited  supplies  ot  carbonic  acid  and 
oxygen.  Chemists,  however,  are  now  generally  agreed  that  such 
views  are  en-oneous,  and  confine  the  value  of  peat  in  the  soil  to  its 
power  of  absorbing  heat  and  ammonia,  and  supplying  by  gradual 
decomposition  carbonic  acid,  and  possibly  small  quantities  ot 
ammonia  or  nitric  acid  ;  qualities  which  are  undoubtedly  of  great 
importance,  but  which  cannot  render  a  soil  fertile  unless  proper 
mineral  matters  are  present.  I  believe  it  is  not  at  all  certain 
whether  ammonia  is  produced  during  the  changes  which  humus 
undergoes.  It  has  been  thought  possible  that  the  nitrogen  of  the 
atmosphere  may,  under  certain  circumstances,  unite  with  the 
nascent  hydrogen,  set  free  from  combination  with  carbon  and 
oxygen.  The  following  analyses  of  fertile  and  barren  peats  are 
taken  from  the  article  on  Soils,  in  "  Blackie's  Encyclopaidia,"  and 
are  by  Mulder  and  Sprengel : — 


Mulder. 

gPBEXGEL. 

No.  1. 

No.  2. 

No.  3. 

No.  4. 

No.  5. 

No.  6. 

Or^ranic  m.itter  and  com- ") 
bined  water        i 

12-000 

12  502 

10-90 

16-70 

3700 

93-41 

Potash 

1026 

1«1"» 

-01 

•06 

Trace 

-01 

Soda 

van 

2-(lfi9j 

Ammonia       

-060 

-07S 

Trace 

Trace 

Lirae 

4-092 

5096 

100 

-13 

-32 

•55 

Ma^esia      

•130 

-140 

-20 

•03 

-31 

•08 

Peroxide  of  iron    

9  039 

10-306  > 

6-30 

•6t 

-62 

.12 

Protoxide  of  iron 

•350 

-5633 

Protoxide  ot  manganese ... 

•283 

-354 

Alumina         

1"381 

2-676 

9  30 

-78 

-Jo 

-03 

Phosphoric  acid     

•466 

-321 

•13 

-11 

Trace 

-02 

Sulpliuric  acid        

•896 

1-101 

-17 

•02 

Trace 

-19 

Carbonic  acid         

6-085 

6-910 

Chlorine         

1-2W 

1-3S2 

Trace 

•01 

Trace 

Trace 

Soluble  Silica          

Insoluble  silica  (clay) 

2-3i0 
57-615 

2-JU6  •( 
5 1-706  J 

71  83 

81-50 

61-57 

796 

Loss     

1-006 

-936 

-19 

•02 

100-000 

100-000 

100-00 

10000 

100-17 

loo-oo 

Nos.  1  and  2.— Fertile  soils  of  a  tract  of  land  in  North  Holland,  giiined  by 
embankment  from  the  se.a. 
No.  3. — Rich  vegetable  mould,  near  "Wager,  in  Germany,  flooded  by  the  river. 
No.  4. — Poor  sandy  mould,  near  Brunswick. 

No.  5. — Very  infertile  peaty  soil,  near  Aurich,  in  East  Friealand. 
No.  6. — Boggy  sterile  lands,  near  Giffhorn,  in  Germany. 

We  hardly  require  reference  to  the  foot-notes.  A  glance  at  the 
relative  proportions  ot  those  mineral  matters  which  have  been 
spoken  ot  as  necessary  to  vegetation,  would  at  once  point  out  the 
fertile  from  the  barren  soils.  The  analysis  appeared  worthy  ot 
insertion,  as  bearing  out  what  was  stated  above,  that  the  presence 
of  vegetable  matter  alone  cannot  ensure  fertility.  The  three  last 
soils  would  all  be  capable  of  great  improvement  by  the  addition 
of  large  doses  of  lime,  calcareous  gravel,  or  marl ;  and  in  cases 
where  such  soils  rest  upon  or  lie  adjacent  to  a  calcareous  sub- 
stratum, such  mixtures  will  be  practical,  and  prove  in  the  end  very 
remunerative.  The  presence  ot  a  small  percentage  ot  vegetable 
matter  seems  requisite  to  ensure  a  fertile  soil,  and  for  general 
cultivation  is  perhaps  better  than  a  larger  proportion,  since  cereal 
crops  generally  do  not  fiourish  in  the  latter  case,  probably  owing 
to  the  absorption  of  too  much  carbon  in  proportion  to  silica,  making 
the  straw  soft  and  flaggy  and  unable  to  bear  the  ripening  ear.     Peat 


bogs  that  have  been  reclaimed  by  draining  and  marling,  are  found 
better  adapted  for  pasture  than  arable  farming  ;  the  most  approved 
method  of  management  being  to  cultivate  for  the  first  few  years 
till  the  humus  is  thoroughly  decomposed,  and  then  lay  down  with 
permanent  Grasses,  the  feeding  ot  which  firms  the  land  and  in  time 
produces  a  valuable  herbage.  In  most  soils  we  find  a  deficiency  of 
vegetable  matters,  and  the  farmer  is  anxious  to  supply  as  much  as 
possible,  in  the  form  of  farm-yard  mauure,  sea-weeds,  and  decayed 
rubbish  ot  all  sorts  ;  such  manures  act  as  direct  food  and  mechanic- 
ally in  keeping  the  soil  open.  We  should  strongly  advocate  the 
occasional  application  of  small  dressings  of  lime  between  the 
manurings,  because  it  would  come  into  contact  with  undecomposed 
portions  ot  manure — humus,  in  fact,  -n-hich  otherwise  might  lie 
dormant  in  the  soil — causing  the  formation  ot  a  further  supply  of 
carbonic  acid  for  the  roots  ot  plants. 


SALT  AS  A  FERTILISER. 
Professor  Johnso.v,  author  of  "  Uow  Crops  Grow,"  gives  a  useful 
reply  to    a    correspondent  ot  the    Trihune   who    seeks    information 
on   this  point : — As   to   the   quantity  of  salt  that   may  be   applied 
per  acre,  that  depends  upon  the  crop  and  the  climate.   On  Asparagus, 
several  hundred   bnshels  may  be  used  without  harm.      On  Sugar, 
Beets,  and  Tob.icco,  large  applications  will  often  promote  growth, 
sometimes  wonderfully;  but  the  Beets  will  not  yield  their  sugar,  and 
the  Tobacco  will  not  make  good  smoke.     On  grain   crops,   5  to  15 
bushels  per  acre,  and  in  England,   larger  quantities  have  been  used. 
More  can  be  safely  employed  in  moist  climates  or  seasons  than  in 
dry.     Ten   bushels  is  perhaps  the  happy   medium  adapted  for  an 
experimental  trial.     So  much  tor  the  quantity  that  "  can  be  used  per 
acre."     Now,  something  more  as  to  how  much  may  be  used  "  with 
benefit."     Salt  acts  upon  the  crop,  for  the  most  part,  in  an  indirect 
manner.     It  does  not  conti-ibnte  greatly  to  the  growth  ot  plants  by 
its  own  elements,  sodium  and  chlorine,  neither  of  which  are  needed 
by  agricultural  plants  in  much  quantity.    It  is  therefore  frequently  of 
no  perceptible  advantage.    Sometimes,  however,  a  moderate  dressing 
produces   remarkable    effects.      In  the  soil,    salt,    like  most  saline 
fertilisers,   is   capable  of   working    chemical   changes    that  may  be 
useful  to  a  crop.     It  dissolves  or  displaces  one  or  more  elements  of 
nutrition  from  combinations  w-hich  the   plant  cannot  overcome,  and 
renders  them  available.  This  fact  has  been  demonstrated  by  numerous 
chemical   investigations.      Heiden,  Peters,  Jones   and  Frank,  have 
each  made  comparative  trials  on  various  soils  as  to  the  kind  and 
amount  of  matter  dissolved  from  them  by  a  given  quantity  of  weak 
salt   solution,  compared  with  that  dissolved  by  pure  water.      The 
results  differ  according  to  the  soil  experimented  upon,  but  the  general 
fact  is  that  salt  considerably  increases  the  solvent  powers  ot  water 
for  lime,  magnesia,  potash,  oxide  ot  iron,  and  humus,  especially  for 
the  two  first  named.     It  is  plain,  then,   that  certain  soils  may  give 
better  crops  for  a  dressing  of  salt,  because  the  salt  by  its  indirect 
action  is  equivalent  to  an  addition  of  lime,  magnesia,  or  potash.     If, 
however,  these  are  suiflciently  supplied  by  the  soil  itself,  the  addition 
of  salt  is  a  detriment,  because  it  makes  these  elements  soluble,  only 
to  be  washed  out  by  the  rain.  When  we  have  a  deep  and  heavy  (clayey  or 
loamy)  soil,  which  contains  at  a  depth  below  the  reach  of  tillage  stores 
of  plant-food  which  are  too  slow  in  becoming  of  avail  to  crops,  we  can 
use  salt  to  make  them  more  speedily  serviceable ;  we  can  in  fact 
manure  the  sub-soil  indirectlj-  by  its  application  to  the  surface.    The 
fact  that  the  ocean  is  so  salt ;  that  in  other  words,  three-fourths  of 
the  matter  dissolved  in  it  are  chloride  of  sodium,  shows  that  soils 
leave  little  retentive  or  absorptive  power  for  the  elements  sodium  and 
chlorine.     Direct  experiment  confirms  the  fact  that  of  all  the  saline 
compounds  found  in  the  soil-water,  common  salt  is  one  which  is  in 
general  least  fixed  or  absorbed  by  filtration  though  earth.     By  virtue 
ot  this  solubility  it  is  adapted  to  penetrate  parts  of  the  soil  where 
no  tillage  can  upturn,  and  where  no  manure  can  be  put,  and  by  its 
chemical  action  there,  to  feed  the   long-rooted  plants,   like  Clover, 
Beets,  &e.,  which  otherwise  might  be  insufficiently  nourished.    These 
remarks  upon  its  mode  of  action  are  made  to  explain  the  fact  ot  prac- 
tice that  salt  more  often  gives  no  result  than  a  good  one,  also  to  show 
under  what  circumstances  it  may  be  advisable  to  try  it,  and  to  make 
evident  that  our  knowledge  of  the  conditions  that  govern  its  working 
is  so  incomplete  that  experiment  alone  can  be  depended  upon  to 
determine  whether  it  will  operate  advantageously  in  any  given  case. 
"  Fish  salt  "  is  neither  better  nor  worse  than  ordinary  salt. 


Is  Fool's  Watercress    (Slum   nodiflorum)    Poisonous  ? 

— Can  any  of  your  correspondents  inform  me  if  this  is  really  poisonous  ? 
It  is,  I  believe,  generally  considered  so,  but  as  I  have  lately  seen  its 
leaves  frequently  mixed  -with,  and  sold  for,  W-atercress,  I  believe  it  must 
be  often  eaten.— J.  U.  M. 


Nov.  22,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


425 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 

EOSEATB  MAIDEN-HAIR  PERN. 
(adiantum  kudellum.) 
MosTFei-nsare  remarkable  for  tlieir  fresh  greenness,  but  several 
of  the  Maiden-hair  kinds  are  delicately  tinted  with  darlc  rose  or 
rosy-purple.  A.  riibellum  is  one  of  the  most  ornamental  in 
this  respect,  its  delicate  fronds  being  richly  tinted  with  a 
roseate  hue,  which  is  all  the  more  apparent  when  contrasted 
■with  other  forms  of  the  Capillas  veneris  section  to  which  it 


PECULIAR  GROWTH  OP  CYATHEA  BURKEI. 
In  your  remarks  upon  this  handsomo  Tree-fern  (see  p.  271)  one 
thing  would  seem  to  have  escaped  your  notice.  We  have  a  large  stock 
of  this  Fern  here,  and  in  every  specimen  the  same  peculiarity  occurs, 
therefore,  I  am  fully  convinced  that  it  is  not  accidental.  In  all  the 
other  Tree-ferns  which  I  have  examined  I  find  the  fronds  are  pro. 
duced  in  a  spiral  manner,  the  basis  of  the  fronds,  or  the  scars  left  by 
them,  enabling  anyone  to  trace  their  growth  and  to  see  how  the 
stems  are  built  up.  In  Cyathea  Burkei,  however,  the  case  is  quite 
different,  for  instead  of  the  spiral  growth,  each  new  frond  comes  up 
exactly  above  the  old  ones,  thus  causing  a  peculiar  furrowed  appear. 


. 

^^2v'>. 

^^fe> 

^^ 

' 

KoReate  Maiden-hair  Fern  (Adiantum  rubellum  ) 


belongs.  As  will  be  seen  by  the  accompanying  illustration 
the  plant  is  dwarf  and  compact  in  habit;  and  its  elegantly 
tinted  fronds,  which  are  produced  in  abundance,  vary  from  6 
to  8  inches  in  length.  It  is  a  native  of  Peru,  and  to  Messrs. 
.Veitch  &  Sons,  of  the  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea,  we  are 
indebted  for  its  introduction  to  our  collections.  It  grows  well 
in  a  cool  Fernery,  or  anywhere  where  there  is  a  very  moderate 
temperature.  Its  culture  is  as  easy  as  that  of  other  Maiden- 
hair Perns,  and  should  be  treated  to  fresh  fibrous  peat  and 
sand,  together  with  a  moderately  humid  atmosphere,  and  a 
liberal  supply  of  moisture  ac  the  root,  when  growing.        B. 


ance  totally  distinct  from  that  of  any  other  Fern  stem  which  has 
come  under  my  notice.  It  may  be  that  I  am  placing  too  much  im- 
portance on  this  matter,  but  the  circumstance  is  so  extraordinaiy  and 
the  appearance  caused,  so  peculiar,  that  I  think  it  worthy  the 
attention  of  all  interested  in  such  matters.  W.  H.  Gower. 

Victoria  Ni^rsery,  Upper  HoUoway. 


The  showy  berry -like  fruits  of  the  common  Gladwyn  (Iris  fcetidissima) 
may  now  be  seen  in  Mrs.  Johnson's  shop  in  the  Central  Row, 
Covent  Garden.  They  are  sold  for  use  in  house  and  table  decoration, 
and  ai'e  very  effective  when  mingled  with  Grasses  and  similar  plants 


426 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  22, 1873. 


THE  CAUSE  OF  THE  GREEN  COLOUE  OF  LEAVES. 
The  most  superficial  observer  cannot  fail  to  have  noticed,  whilst 
passing  through  the  cultivated  districts  of  this  country,  that  the 
growing  crop  on  one  part  of  a  field  is  sometimes  of  a  light  green, 
whilst  that  on  another  part  of  the  same  field,  sown  at  the  same  time, 
with  the  same  seed,  is  of  a  much  dai-ker  colour.  Those  who  more 
carefully  examine  this  phenomenon  will  discover  that  this  dark  green 
is  most  "frequently  produced  by  a  supply  of  nitrogen  to  the  roots  of 
tlio  plants,  and  will  probably  ask  themselves  the  question  whether 
this  colour  is,  as  Liobig  asserts,  an  abnormal  development  of  leaf 
to  the  injury  of  the  plants,  or  whether  it  indicates  a  healthy 
vigorous  growth  which  would  produce  a  heavy  crop  ?  It  is  asserted 
by  most  farmers  that  "  like  colour  so  crop,"  and  in  the  published 
results  of  experiments  with  manures  by  Messrs.  Lawes  &  Gilbert,  of 
Rothamsted,  the  correctness  of  this  theory  is  clearly  shown ;  but  as 
their  writings  are  not  studied  by  many,  I  will  give  the  result  of  a 
few  simple  experiments  which  I  have  made,  that  I  may  the  more 
clearly  prove  this  point.  In  the  first  of  these  I  grew  Barley  plants  in 
two  saucers  supplied  with  ordinary  well-water ;  to  one  of  these  I 
added  a  few  grains  of  nitrate  of  soda.  This  produced  no  visible 
increase  of  colour  in  the  plants  to  which  it  was  applied  ;  thus  showing 
that  the  nitrogen  contained  in  nitrate  of  soda  will  not  produce  any 
more  colour  in  the  plants  unless  they  are  provided  with  the  other 
elements  which  they  require.  In  the  second  experiment  Barley  was 
grown  in  four  pots  filled  with  almost  pure  sand,  to  the  first  of  which 
no  manure  was  applied.  To  the  second  I  added  5  grains  of  nitrate 
of  soda,  which  contains  as  nmch  nitrogen  as  the  Barley  could  require. 
In  the  third  pot  I  placed  10  grains  of  wood-ashes,  which  would  snp- 
]ily  all  the  inorganic  substances  necessary  for  the  plants.  In  the 
fourth  I  placed  both  the  5  grains  of  nitrate  of  soda  and  10  grains  of 
ashes ;  thus  providing  the  plants  in  this  instance  with  all  the  requisites 
to  a  healthy  vigorous  growth.  When  the  Barley  in  this  last  pot  had 
reached  the  height  of  5  inches,  and  those  in  pots  one,  two,  and  three 
were  all  about  3  inches  above  the  soil,  they  were  destroyed  by  drought, 
but  a  note  taken  before  that  time  states  that  the  colour  of  the  plants 
in  pots  one,  two,  three  was  nearly  the  same,  but  those  in  pot  four  were 
much  darker.  In  this  experiment,  therefore,  the  richest  green  was 
obtained  in  the  pot  which  produced  the  greatest  growth.  The  third 
experiment  was  a  repetition  of  the  second, — the  same  sand,  manures, 
and  seed  being  employed,  and  in  the  same  proportion  as  in  the  last 
experiment.  After  a  little  more  than  a  mouth's  growth,  the  Barley 
in  pots  one,  two,  and  three  was  about  .3  inches  in  height,  and  in  each 
of  an  equally  light  green  tint,  while  that  in  pot  four  was  7  inches 
.above  the  soil  and  a  dark  luxuriant  colour.  It  appears,  therefore, 
tliat  the  formation  of  Chlorophyll  is  in  some  way  directly  connected 
with  healthy  growth,  and  is  not  produced  by  nitrogen,  unless  there 
be  a  sufficient  supply  of  mineral  matters  to  the  roots. 

We  also  know  that  the  green  colour  of  plants  depends  on  light. 
This  may  be  easily  proved  by  growing  some  Mustard  in  two  pots,  one 
exposed  to  light,  the  other  placed  in  the  dark  ;  and  you  will  find 
that  those  which  have  been  grown  in  the  dai"k  will  be  of  a  pale 
yellow,  but  those  exposed  to  the  sun's  influence  of  a  dark  green ; 
thus  showing  that  the  effect  of  manures,  in  producing  this  colour, 
either  depends  on,  or  influences,  the  action  of  light,  for  without  the 
solar  rays  the  colour  cannot  be  formed.  This  naturally  leads  to  the 
inquiry — what  is  the  chemical  action  of  light  ?  We  know  that  the 
leaves  of  plants  absorb  carbonic  dioxide,  which,  under  the  influence 
of  light,  especially  direct  sun-light,  is  deoxidized,  and  the  carbon, 
combining  with  the  substances  absorbed  by  the  roots,  forms  the 
organic  compounds  of  which  the  plant  consists.  This  only  takes 
place  in  light :  it  therefore  appears  that  light  exercises  a  deoxidizing 
influence.  If  this  be  true,  it  ought  to  be  prejudicial  to  all  chemical 
actions  in  which  oxygen  is  absorbed,  especially  if  the  substance 
undergoing  oxidation  be  carbon  or  any  carbonaceous  compound.  The 
action  which  takes  place  in  germinating  seeds  is  one  of  oxidation ; 
the  starch  the}'  contain  combines  with  oxygen  absorbed  from  the  air, 
forming  sugar,  and  carbonic  dioxide  is  liberated  ;  it  is  therefore  an 
action  of  oxidation  to  which  light,  if  it  has  a  deoxidizing  influence, 
ought  to  be  injurious.  To  satisfy  myself  that  this  is  the  case,  I 
have  made  several  experiments  with  light,  and  various  seeds  placed 
on  moist  cotton  wool,  in  all  of  which  those  kept  in  darkness,  although 
their  temperature  was  lower,  grew  more  quickly  than  those  exposed 
to  light.  In  one  of  these  experiments  I  carefully  measured,  when  at 
a  certain  stage  of  development,  both  the  plumule  or  stem  and  the 
radicles  or  roots  of  the  sprouting  plant.  Tlie  average  of  those  placed 
in  the  dark  was, — the  plumule  J  inch,  the  radicles  If  inch  ;  of  those 
exposed  to  light  the  result  was,  that  the  plumule  was  not  visible  and 
the  radicles  only  just  emerged  from  the  seed.  The  gi'owth  of  Fungi 
depends  on  their  power  of  oxidizing  the  organic  substances  on  whicli 
they  grow  and  exhaling  carbonic  dioxide.  Light,  therefore,  ought  to 
be  injurious  to  them,  and  we  know  that  they  prefer  the  shade  to  the 
sunshine,  and  always,  I  believe,  come  out  of  the  ground  in  the  night. 


If  two  similar  pieces  of  pasty  matter  be  placed  in  two  cups,  and  one 
exposed  to  light,  the  other  placed  in  the  dark,  after  a  few  weeks  the 
latter  will  be  found  to  be  much  more  thickly  covered  with  mould 
Fungi  than  the  other. 

The  effect  of  light  on  dyed  fabrics  is  another  illustration  of  its 
deoxidizing  influence.  Almost  all  the  darker  dyed  materials  aro 
changed  to  a  lighter  colour  by  exposure  to  sunlight : — Black  becom.es 
bine ;  blue,  green ;  and  green  is  changed  to  yellow.  The  same 
result  is  obtained  by  the  action  of  an  acid.  In  the  case  of  one 
important  dye,  viz.,  indigo,  this  change  has  been  carefully  investi. 
gated.  This  substance  is  obtained  from  the  almost  colourless  sap  of 
several  species  of  the  Indigofera,  a  genus  of  plants  which  grow 
principally  in  warm  climates.  The  leaves  of  these  plants  are  placed 
in  water  and  allowed  to  ferment ;  a  yellow  substance  is  dissolved 
out,  which,  combining  with  the  oxygen  of  the  air,  becomes  deep 
blue,  and  under  the  influence  of  a  deoxidizing  agent  is  again  con- 
verted into  the  ne?,rly  colourless  form.  These  two  substances  have 
the  composition  represented  by  the  following  formulae: — 

Blue  indigo CIG.  HIO.  N2.  0.  O. 

White  indigo  ....  CIG.  HIO.  K2.  0.  H2.  0. 
Thus  we  see  that  the  change  of  dyed  fabrics  from  bine  to  yellow 
and  white  is  one  of  hydration  or  deoxidation,  and  as  it  is  jDroduced 
by  light,  it  appears  that  in  this  case  also  it  exercises  a  deoxidizing 
influence.  But  the  most  familiar  example  of  the  combination  of 
oxygen  with  carbon  is  ordinary  combustion.  Combustion,  whether 
it  be  of  coal,  wood,  gas,  tallow,  &c.,  consists  of  the  oxidation  of  the 
cai'bon  and  hydrogen  they  contain  ;  therefore,  if  my  view  be  correct, 
light  ought  to  interfere  with  this  process.  We  know  that  it  is 
asserted,  by  those  whose  fire-places  are  so  situated  that  the  sun  can 
shine  on  them,  that  its  rays  do  put  the  fire  out ;  but  as  some  attri. 
bate  this  phenomenon  to  ocular  illusion,  I  have  attempted  to  decide 
the  question  by  some  experiments  on  candles.  The  first  two  experi- 
ments were  conducted  rather  carelessly,  but,  as  in  both  these  the 
candle  burnt  in  darkness  consumed  more  tallow  than  that  exposed  to 
light,  I  was  induced  to  make  some  trials  with  greater  care.  For 
this  I  employed  night-lights,  for,  as  they  burn  more  slowly,  I 
thought  there  would  be  a  greater  opportunity  for  light  to  influence 
the  result.  These,  after  being  carefully  weighed,  were  placed,  one 
in  each  of  two  equal  sized  boxes,  the  lid  of  one  of  these  being 
substituted  by  a  glass  plate,  and  equal-sized  ventilation  holes  being 
bored  in  each.  The  boxes  so  arranged  were  placed  at  a  window,  and 
after  four  hours'  exposure  the  lights  were  extinguished  and  again 
weighed.  In  the  first  experiment  there  was  scarcely  any  sunshine ; 
the  result,  therefore,  as  far  as  it  was  affected  by  light,  was  produced 
by  diffused  day. light.  In  these  cii'cumstances  the  night-light  in  the 
dark  burnt  20  per  cent,  faster  than  that  exposed.  In  the  second 
experiment  there  was  occasionally  a  gleam  of  sunshine,  which 
apparently  influenced  the  result,  for  in  this  instance  that  in  the 
darl:  consumed  25  per  cent,  more  tallow  than  that  in  the  light, 
which  is  an  increase  of  5  per  cent.,  supposed  to  be  due  to  the 
injurious  effect  of  the  occasional  sunshine  to  which  that  under  the 
glass  was  exposed.  I  regret  that,  owing  to  the  late  cloudy  weather, 
1  have  been  unable  to  repeat  these  experiments ;  for  although  in 
five  experiments  I  have  obtained  a  similar  result,  yet  I  cannot  bo 
confident  that  it  is  not  due  to  some  extraneous  cause  of  which  I  am 
not  aware ;  but  if  they  are  reliable,  they  prove  unmistakably  that 
in  combustion  also  light  exercises  a  deoxidizing  influence.  I  have 
endeavoured  to  account  for  this  by  supposing  it  to  be  due  to 
vibration  communicated  to  the  carbon  by  the  particles  of  luminous 
ether,  which  convey  light.  To  illustrate  this,  let  us  imagine  two 
balls,  one  to  represent  carbon,  the  other  oxygen.  The  light  impinging 
upon  the  carbon  balls  puts  it  in  a  state  of  vibration,  thereby 
hindering  its  combination  with  the  oxygen. 

Having  then  shown  that  the  action  of  light  is  one  of  deoxidation, 
we  will  proceed  to  examine  its  effect  on  Chlorophyll.  We  know  that 
in  autumn,  when  the  flow  of  sap  to  the  leaves  is  arrested,  their  colonr 
is  changed  to  yellow.  That  this  is  the  result  of  the  action  of  light 
may  be  proved  by  t^vo  simple  experiments.  If  two  green  leaves  be 
pressed,  one  in  the  dark,  the  other  under  glass,  that  in  the  dark  will 
remain  almost  the  same  colour,  whilst  that  exposed  to  the  influence 
of  light  will  be  turned  yellow.  If  an  alcoholic  solution  of  Chlorophyll 
(produced  by  placing  braised  leaves  in  spirits  of  wine)  be  poured  into 
two  test-tubes,  and  one  be  exposed  to  light,  the  other  beiug  placed  in 
the  dark,  that  in  the  latter  will  retain  its  beautiful  green  colour,  but 
in  the  tube  in  the  light  the  colour  will  be  changed  to  a  yellow.  The 
effect  of  light  on  Chlorophj'll,  therefore,  is  to  convert  it  to  a  yellow 
substance  ;  and  that  this  change  is  one  of  deoxidation  may  be  shown 
by  placing  a  drop  of  acid  on  the  leaf.  We  know  that  the  action  of 
a  strong  acid  on  organic  substances  is  to  deoxidize  them,  and  we  see 
that,  as  we  might  have  anticipated,  it  turns  the  portion  of  the  leaf 
on  which  it  was  placed  to  the  same  yellow  colour  as  is  produced  by 
light.    After  this  we  shall  not  be   surprised  to  learn  that  Sachs 


Nov.  2-2, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


427 


atti'ibutos  the  presence  of  the  green  substance,  or  Chlorophyll,  to  tho 
oxidation  of  a  yellow  substance,  or  Loucophyll,  which  has  been  formed 
by  the  plant ;  and  if  we  compare  this  theory  with  the  process  which 
we  have  seen  goes  on  in  the  formation  of  tho  blue  from  the  white 
indigo,  we  shall  see  that  the  result  is  in  both  cases  due  to  oxidation, 
But  we  have  seen  that  the  tendency  of  light  is  to  deoxidize  the  sab- 
stances  on  which  it  impinges;  how  then  is  it  possible  that  Chloro. 
phyll  should  be  formed  by  the  sun's  influence  ?  In  a  healthy  plant 
the  atmosphere  has  free  access,  by  means  of  stomata  or  poies  in  the 
leaf,  to  all  parts  of  its  structure,  and  we  know  that,  under  the 
influence  of  light,  the  carbonic  dioxide  it  contains  is  deoxidized,  the 
carbon  being  assimilated  but  the  oxygen  liberated.  Is  it  absurd  then, 
to  suppose  that  this  oxygen  liberated  by  light  from  the  carbonic 
dioxide,  being  in  immediate  contact  with  the  Leucophyll,  should 
combine  with  it  in  prodncing  Chlorophyll  ?  To  illustrate  this  theory 
let  as  take  the  case  of  the  Barley  in  the  pots  mentioned  above.  The 
plants  in  pot  one,  after  they  had  exhausted  the  supply  of  mineral  and 
nitrogenous  substances  supplied  by  the  seed,  would  attempt  to  obtain 
them  from  the  sand ;  but  as  sand  does  not  contain  these  elements, 
the  leaves  could  only  produce  substances  such  as  starch  and  sugar, 
which  consist  only  of  carbon  and  the  elements  of  water ;  but  as  a 
plant  cannot  grow  without  the  nitrogenous  compounds  and  those 
snbstances  which  contain  the  mineral  matters,  the  action  of  the 
leaves  must  soon  become  very  feeble,  and  very  littlo  oxygen  be 
liberated  from  carbonic  dioxide.  Light  would  then  commence  deoxi- 
dizing the  Chlorophyll,  reducing  it  to  the  yellow  state.  In  pots  two 
and  three,  for  the  want,  in  one  case,  of  mineral  matter,  in  the  other  of 
nitrogen,  the  deoxidation  of  cai'bonic  dioxide  would  cease,  and  iu  the 
absence  of  the  excess  of  oxygen  light  would  destroy  the  colonr.  But 
in  the  case  of  the  plants  in  pot  four,  as  all  the  substances  essential  to 
their  growth  were  liberally  supplied,  a  rapid  absorption  aud  deoxida- 
tion of  carbonic  dioxide  was  kept  up,  thereby  supplying  a  large 
quantity  of  oxygen  for  the  oxidation  of  the  Leucophyll  in  the  leaves, 
converting  it  into  the  bright  green  Chlorophyll. — Uardwiche' s  Science 
Gossip. 


THE     ARBORETUM. 


FINE  HAMPSHIRE  TREES. 
Some  years  ago,  when  at  Cadland,  the  seat  of  E.  A.  Drnmmond,  Esq., 
situated  on  the  south  side  of  Southampton  Waters,  my  attention  was 
directed  to  a  remarkably  fine  specimen  of  the  deciduous  Cypress 
growing  at  the  end  of  the  lake,  in  the  lower  pleasure  grounds.  Tho 
size^of  this  tree  very  nearly  equals  that  of  the  one  at  Syon ,  although 
the  height  is  in  favour  of  the  Cadland  specimen,  which  is  96  feet,  the 
Syon  tree  being  SI  feet.  The  trunk,  at  its  base,  meaures  17i-  feet 
in  circumference,  and  at  4  feet  from  the  ground  12  feet  as  against  the 
one  at  Syon,  which  is  14  feet  round  at  3  feet  from  the  ground.  The 
first  branch  is  14  feet  up  and  the  stem  is  very  even  for  a  height  of 
30  feet.  The  tree  is  exceedingly  healthy,  aud,  like  the  one  at  Syon, 
is  growing  near  water ;  the  age  of  the  Cadland  tree  is,  probably, 
from  130  to  140  3'ears,  and  if  so  the  deciduous  Cypress  must  be 
classed  as  a  slow  grower.  In  another  portion  of  the  estate  there  is 
flourising  vigorously  a  fine  Oak  of  very  great  age,  and  probably  one  of 
the  most  ancient  denizens  of  the  New  Forest.  Its  trunk,  close  to 
the  ground,  measures  281  feet  in  circumference,  and  it  is  altogether  a 
noteworthy  specimen  of  English  Oak.  Near  the  Horns  Inn,  at 
Nursling,  is  a  remarkably  fine  Scotch  Eir,  growing  near  the  south 
boundary  of  the  Broadlauds  Estate,  formerly  the  property  of  the  late 
Lord  Palmerston.  This  tree  is  ensconced  in  a  small  wood  close  to 
the  roadside,  and  is  easily  found  on  entering  the  public  footway  that 
runs  through  the  wood.  When  I  last  saw  it  it  measured  14  feet 
round  the  stem,  4  feet  from  the  ground,  the  trunk  being  as  round  and 
as  smooth  'as  a  ship's  mast  for  a  height  of  over  40  feet,  where  an 
immense  limb  breaks  out  from  it.  It  is  estimated  to  be  about  120 
feet  in  height,  and  has  a  very  massive  rounded  head  ;  unfortunately  it 
is  somewhat  hidden  by  other  and  smaller  trees,  but  it  is,  nevertheless, 
a  very  striking  and  handsome  specimen,  and  well  worthy  a  place  in 
any  record  of  fine  trees.  About  three  miles  beyond  Romsey  lies, 
somewhat  picturesquely  placed  near  the  riverTest,  llottisfont  Abbey, 
the  fine  old  residence  of  Lady  Barker  Mill.  Close  to  the  mansion, 
runs  a  broad  clear  stream,  a  sort  of  tributary  of  the  Test,  and  on  the 
banks  of  this  stream,  and  iu  front  of  the  abbey  are  growing  some 
magnificent  examples  of  the  Oriental  Plane,  the  largest  of  which 
girths  round  its  trunk,  at  the  base,  32  feet,  and  divides  into  two 
huge  stems,  one  measuring  17  feet,  the  other  13  feet  round.  The 
head  is  of  great  size,  and  has  a  circumference  of  about  300  feet.  It 
is  altogether  a  grand  specimen,  and  is  still  most  luxuriant  and 
healthy.  There  are  also  close  by  some  exceedingly  fine  examples  of 
the  Box  tree,  which  thrives  in  the  moist  soil  thereabouts  with  great 
vigour.     Tho  hero  of  Mottisfont,  however,  is   tho  grand  old   Oak 


Pollard  at  Oakley,  a  email  hamlet  about  half  a  mile  up  the  stream. 
This  tree  has  remarkable  proportions,  for  at  5  feet  from  tho  ground 
its  trunk  measures  32  feet  round,  and  a  little  higher  up  are  tho 
remains  of  some  huge  limbs  that  have  in  days  long  past  borne  a 
noble  and  vigorous  head.  There  is  still  a  young  and  vigorous 
gi'owth  breaking  out  annually  from  those  old  limbs,  and  in  summer 
the  tree  puts  on  a  green  freshness  that  is  quite  astonishing.  All 
round  the  base  of  the  trunk  is  a  mass  of  bark.like  protuberances, 
that  look  as  though  at  some  time  or  other  there  had  been  a  sort  of 
woody-upheaval  from  the  roots ;  the  base  of  the  tree  is  thns  rendered 
of  great  size.  Internally,  the  trunk  is  quite  hollow,  and  the  space 
is  so  great  that  a  dozeu  men  could  stand  in  it  with  e.ase.  The 
remarkable  vigour  in  this  very  ancient  tree  is  doubtless  owing  to  the 
abundance  of  moisture  near  its  roots,  as  it  grows  close  to  the  stream. 
Coming  now  across  the  county  to  Cranbury  Park,  the  seat  of  Thomas 
Chamberlayne,  E.?q.,  which  lies  directly  between  Southampton  and 
Winchester,  there  are  to  be  found  some  exceedingly  fine  specimens 
of  the  Silver  Spruce  that  tower  up  to  a  great  height,  their  tops  being 
conspicuous  for  many  miles  round.  There  are  also  some  grand 
specimen  trees,  and  a  gigantic  Portugal  Laurel,  that  has  grown  and 
spread  until  it  has  now  a  circumference  of  about  300  feet.  Trees  of 
all  kinds  thi'ive  most  luxuriantly  in  this  part  of  Hampshire.    A.  D. 


METHODS   OP  OBSERVING  PLANT  GROWTH. 

In  researches  on  the  growth  of  plants  under  constant  and  varyiu"' 
conditions,  it  is  of  great  importance  to  be  able  to  measure  this  growth 
with  some  degree  of  accuracy.  As  the  increase  of  length  in 
particular  parts  is  very  small,  it  has  been  endeavoured,  by  suitable 
arrangements,  so  to  magnify  it  that  it  becomes  perceptible  and 
measurable.  M.  Sachs  has  used  methods  of  this  kind,  his  arrance. 
ment  depending  on  the  principle  of  the  lever  with  unequal  arms,  and 
giving  about  a  twelve-fold  magnification.  Another  method  of  observa- 
tion has  been  devised  by  M.  Askeuasy,  and  recommended  by  him  to 
the  Heidelberg  Society  of  Natural  Science.  It  rests  on  the  use  of  the 
microscope.  -He  places  roots  to  grow  in  glass  tubes  of  suitable  width, 
or  in  troughs  of  square  section,  fixes  these  under  the  microscope,  and 
observes  the  point  of  the  root  magnified  SO  to  100  times,  along  with 
a  micrometer,  one  division  of  which  corresponds  to  about  1-SOmm.  in 
the  object.  The  upper  end  of  the  root  must  be  fixed  in  the  tube,  for 
which  purpose  the  friction  of  the  thicker  part  against  the  glass  mostly 
proves  sufficient.  Farther,  the  plant  must  be  guarded  against 
evaporation,  and  the  temperature  kept  constant.  If  the  arrangements 
are  good,  the  root.point  is  seen  continuously  advancing  across  the  field 
of  the  microscope,  passing  one  division  after  another.  M.  Askeuasy 
has  in  this  way  observed  the  growth  of  several  roots  and  also  of  other 
parts,  so  far  as  it  was  possible  to  place  them  in  the  tube.  There  was 
a  very  striking  regularity  of  growth,  even  mthin  short  intervals  of 
time,  the  temperature  being  constant  and  evapoi'ation  prevented. 
Thus  a  Pea  root  advanced  ten  divisions  in  ten  to  eleven  minutes,  at  a 
temperature  of  17'  R.  A  Maize  root  took,  for  the  same  distance 
eleven  to  twelve  minutes.  Another  Maize  root  grew  more  quickly 
at  20',  the  growth  past  ten  divisions  being  accomplished  in 
5'8  to  6  n-.inutes.  Even  within  very  small  time.intervals,  the 
growth  takes  place  in  a  very  regular  manner.  Thus  M.  Askeuasy 
determined  the  number  of  seconds  in  which,  each  time,  one  division 
was  passed,  and  obtained  for  five  successive  divisions,  the  values  50, 
40,  40,  45,  40.  An  elevation  of  temperature  immediately  accelerates 
the  rate  of  growth.  Thus,  a  Maize  root  at  a  temperature  of  16-5'  R. 
advanced  six  divisions  in  290  seconds,  or  one  division  in  48  seconds ; 
but  after  a  rise  of  temperature  to  1S5°  R.,  two  divisions  were  passed 
in  70  seconds,  or  one  divisions  in  35  seconds.  Prom  these  results  I 
have  no  doubt  that  the  method  described,  from  its  highly  demon- 
strative character,  possesses  scientific  value  for  the  determination  of 
the  rate  of  growth  in  shorter  intervals  of  time,  iu  order  to  give  fuller 
knowledge  of  the  changes  wrought  by  temperature  and  other  varied 
conditions.  But,  with  this  view,  more  extended  observations  are 
required  ;  and  it  will  be  necessary  to  point  out  the  numerous  sources 
of  error  iu  the  method. 


The  Weeping  Beech.. — This  is  a  tree  of  great  beauty.  Our 
specimen,  40  feet  high,  covers  an  ai-ea  of  2,000  square  feet.  Unlike 
many  weeping  trees,  it  grows  upward  and  then  throws  its  branches 
down  in  all  sorts  of  fantastic  shapes.  Looking  upon  it  from  the  out- 
side, it  seems  like  a  cathedral  built  by  one  of  the  old  masters  of 
architecture.  Enter  through  its  branches,  which  sweep  tho  ground, 
you  find  yourself  in  a  natural  arbour.  Look  up,  and  you  see  a 
sturdy  trunk  with  a  bark  like  a  rhinoceros's  hide,  and  supporting 
limbs  twisted  and  gnarled  as  if  nature  were  trying  to  show  how 
picturesque  and  beautiful  so  crooked  a  thing  could  be.  No  tree  in 
our  grounds  elicits  so  many  expressions  of  wonder  and  admiration. 


428 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Nov.  22,  1873. 


I  would  suggest  one  employment  for  the  Weeping  Beech  which 
would,  I  think,  produce  very  striking  effects.  Plant  20  feet  apart 
in  an  avenue  30  feet  wide,  trim  up  in  the  inside  branches  15  or  20 
feet,  and  allow  the  outside  branches  to  sweep  the  ground.  In  this 
outside  wall  cut  small  Gothic  openings  as  high  as  a  can-iage  window. 
In  process  of  time,  these  will  be  a  perfect  arcade,  dense  on  the 
outside,  picturesque  on  the  inside,  with  glimpses  of  scenery  through 
the  Gothic  windows. — J.  B.  Pausoxs,  Flushing. 


LABELS  FOR  CONIFEES. 
WuAT  is  the  best  kind  of  labels  for  a  collection  of  young 
specimen  Conifers  ?  I  have  tried  several  kinds,  but  none 
satisfy  me  thoroughly. — F.  S.  [We  gave  at  p.  1-50,  vol.  I.,  of  The 
G.vRDEN  a  complete  account  of  what  we  think  the  best  systems 
of  labelling  the  various  classes  of  plants.  For  the  purpose 
you  mention,  Bell's  (of  Stratford-ou-Avon,  late  Bell  &  Thorpe) 
labels    are   very  suitable,   and   we  here  furnish  an    original 

I 


sketch,  showing  a  couple  of  their  labels  in  use.  For  old- 
established  trees,  with  big  boles,  zinc  or  tin  labels,  nailed  to 
the  tree,  are  very  suitable.] 


Destroying  Tree-butts. — A  New  South  Wales  paper  recom. 
mends  the  following  method  of  getting  rid  of  the  stumps  and  roots 
of  timber,  in  cases  where  grubbing. up  is  not  considered  desirable  : — 
In  the  autumn  bore  a  hole  1  or  IS  inch  in  diameter,  according  to  the 
girth  of  the  stump,  vertically  in  the  centre  of  the  latter,  and  18 
inches  deep.  Put  in  1  oz.  or  lA  oz.  of  saltpetre;  fill  the  hole  with 
water,  and  plug  up  close.  In  the  ensuing  spring  take  out  the  plug, 
and  pour  in  half  a  gill  of  kerosene  oil,  and  ignite  it.  The  stump 
will  smoulder  away,  without  blazing,  to  the  very  extremities  of  the 
roots,  leaving  nothing  but  ashes.  The  stump  must  be  in  a  fresh 
sappv  state  when  the  saltpetre  is  put  in,  or  it  will  not  permeate 
the  fibres  thoroughly,  which  is  essential  to  the  success  of  the 
experiment.  

NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

Jamesia  Americana. — As  the  introducer  of  this  shrub,  perhaps  you  will 
allow  rae  to  explain  that  its  late  flowering  in  Mr.  EUacombe's  <;r.irden  (see  p. 
366)  is  unite  tin  exceptional  circumstance,  the  usual  period  of  blooraing  being 
July.    My  largest  plants  are  about  four  feet  high. — W.  Thompson,  Ipsu-ich. 

Kahhits  '*■  Trees. — A  teaspoonful  of  tincture  of  asafcetida  in  half  a  bucket- 
ful of  liquid  clay,  mud,  or  muck  of  any  kind,  applied  with  a  brush  to  the  stem 
and  branches  of  young  trees  will  preserve  them  from  the  attacks  of  hares  and 
rabbits  without  injury  to  the  trees.  Two  or  three  applications  during  the 
winter  will  be  sufficient. — B.  S. 

A  Sweet  Bay  Hedge- — I  saw  the  other  day  a  compact  and  beautiful  edge 
mafle  of  Sweet  Bay  (Ltiurus  nobilis),  at  East  Dene,  Ventnor,  Isle  of  Wight.  It 
is  some  6  or  7  feet  in  height,  free  from  gap  or  other  blemish,  and  occupies  a 
somewhat  sheltered  position  near  large  trees,  on  the  face  of  a  hill  overlooking 
the  sea ;  it  forms,  in  short,  as  it  were,  a  sea  wall.  It  is  trimmed  annually  by 
means  of  the  knife,  and  is  very  efTectiye.— W.  F, 


THE  FUTURE  OF  THE  ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL 
SOCIETY. 

Would  you  allow  me  to  add  a  little  to  the  letter  you  were  good 
enough  to  print  on  the  1st  inst.  At  the  show  last  week  I  had 
an  opportunity  of  sounding  some  experienced  horticulturists 
as  to  the  practicability  of  bringing  in  a  large  number  of  fellows 
at  a  guinea  subscription,  without  admission  fee.  500  offers 
to  bring  in,  on  an  average,  ten  one-guinea  fellows  each ;  more 
th.an  one  said  "  ten,  I  could  bring  in  twenty  if  required  ;  "  others 
said  "  the  leading  gardeners  could  and  would  afford  to  become 
fellows  at  a  guinea."  What  I  would  venture  to  propose  is, 
that  by  agreement  with  Her  Majesty's  Commissioners  we 
should  arrange  for  room  for  exhibition  and  committee  meetings 
at  South  Kensington;  that  the  guinea  subscription  should 
entitle  to  a  transferable  ticket  (it  might  be  necessary  to  restrict 
the  use  to  the  same  person  the  same  day),  this  ticket  to  admit 
to  all  the  society's  shows,  large  and  small,  in  Loudon  and  in 
the  country,  but  not  to  the  recreation  part  of  the  gardens,  and 
to  admit  bearer  and  two  friends  to  the  Chiswick  Gardens ; 
fellows  to  have  privilege  of  cuttings,  &c.,  as  at  present.  I  think 
that  it  is  now  generally  felt  that  matters  cannot  go  on  as  they 
are.  It  is  no  question  of  who  are  in  power.  I  believe  that  if 
the  council  consisted  of  the  twelve  wisest  men  in  London,  and 
if  they  all  regularly  attended,  they  could  not  make  the  society 
what  it  might  be,  on  its  present  basis.  The  old  wise  and 
experienced  council,  after  all  the  time,  thought,  and  considera- 
tion devoted  to  the  subject,  could  make  nothing  of  it,  and  so 
were  driven  to  the  suggested  arrangement  with  the  Commis- 
sioners, clearing  off  rent  and  debenture  debt,  and  giving  some- 
thing to  the  good  for  horticulture.  Those  who  best  know  the 
society  know  how  utterly  rotten  are  its  foundations ;  it  is 
a  horticultural  society,  the  major  part  of  whose  fellows 
care  little  for  horticulture,  and  the  principal  part  of  whose 
funds  are  of  necessity,  applied  to  non-horticultural  objects  ; 
it  does  not  matter  who  are  in  the  Council  they  cannot 
change  this  essentially  false  state  of  things.  We  have 
had  enough,  and  more  than  enough,  of  attempts  at 
patching  up,  and  of  trying  to  alleviate  symptoms;  the  time  has 
surely  now  come  for  tackling  the  disease  itself.  The  South 
Kensington  garden  laud,  worth  £300,000,  bought  with  public 
money,  must,  if  kept  private,  yield  a  return  to  be  applied  to 
public  objects ;  if  the  Kensiugtonians  could,  by  admission 
fees,  pay  £15,000  a  year  rent,  that  is  £12,000  for  interest  at 
4  per  cent.,  and  £3,000  the  cost  of  maintenance,  they  would 
have  a  strong  case  in  favour  of  keeping  their  recreation 
ground  private.  Having  friends  round  the  gardens,  I  wish 
this  could  be  done  ;  but,  is  it  possible  ?  I  now  call  on  the 
horticultural  world,  especially  on  its  leaders,  to  come  forward 
and  express  their  opinion,  and  to  state  whether  they  will  exert 
themselves  to  put  the  society  at  last  on  a  reasonable  and  solid 
foundation.  With  5,000  oue-guinea  fellows  we  should  bo 
independent  of  all  parties,  and  of  all  authority.  It  is  the 
interest  of  Her  Majesty's  Commissioners,  for  the  public  good, 
to  have  little  and  big  shares  at  South  Kensington,  it  would  be 
oui-  interest  to  hold  them  there  ;  surely  we  could  not  disagree 
over  this,  our  only  point  of  contact.  I  ask,  then,  that  horti- 
culturists, with  influence,  shall  canvass  their  friends,  and  men 
who  are  guided  by  their  opinions,  and  ascertain  whether  they 
will  give  in  their  names,  as  willing  to  join  the  society  if  recon- 
stituted on  some  such  basis  as  the  above ;  they  would,  of 
course,  bind  themselves  to  nothing  until  the  details  hiid  been 
worked  and  brought  before  them,  I  venture  to  say  that  we 
could  receive  any  lists  of  such  provisional  fellows  as  should 
be  sent  in.  I  should  have  no  hesitation  in  putting  my  name 
down  for  ten  fellows.  George  F.  Wilson. 

Heafherlanli,  WeijhyUlge  Heath. 


Poisoning  by  "Water-dropwrort  (CEnanthe  crocata). — An 

inquest  was  held  lately,  at  the  Falmouth  Sailors'  Home,  on  the  body  of 
a  Greek  sailor,  seventeen  years  of  age,  who  died  from  eating  the  leaves 
of  the  Watcr-dropwort  (QCnanthe  crocata),  erroneously  called  by  many 
Water  Hemlock.  In  the  beginning  of  this  year,  three  children  of  the 
Falmouth  Union  were  poisoned  by  eating  the  root  of  this  plant,  only  one 
of  whom  recovered ;  about  two  years  ago  one  seaman,  and  again  about 
five  years  since  two  seamen,  died,  it  was  thought  from  eating  it. — John 
D.  Mitchell,  Falmouth. 


Kov.  £2,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


429 


"WORK    FOR    THE    WEEK. 

FORCING  DEPARTMENT. 

Lettuces. — Be  careful  that  no  drip  exists  in  the  frames  contain- 
ing young  seedlings,  for  if  it  does,  the  plants  under  its  influence  will 
certainly  perish.  Dust  wood-ashes  and  dry  sand  amongst  them,  and 
keep  them  as  dry  as  possible.  Shut  up  the  sashes  at  night  in  case 
of  frost,  but  in  fine  weather  leave  them  tilted  up  a  little,  and 
throughout  the  day,  if  fine  and  dry,  remove  the  sashes.  If  necessar}', 
another  sowing  may  be  made  of  the  Har.ly  Hammersmith  and  Cos 
kinds.  Strong  plants  of  Cabbage  Lettuces  may  be  transplanted  on  a 
genial  dung-bed,  having  a  temperature  of  about  55°,  covered  with 
some  light  soil.  After  planting  give  no  water  until  the  plants  begin 
to  grow,  and  then  only  apply  it  sparingly. 

Mint. — Lift  some  roots,  plant  them  thickly  in  pots  or  boxes,  and 
keep  them  in  a  corner  of  any  of  the  warm  houses.  Keep  np  a  suc- 
cession by  adding  a  fresh  potful  or  two  weekly. 

Mushrooms. — Use  no  more  tire-heat  than  is  necessary  to  main- 
tain a  tempeiature  of  abont  60°  or  65°,  as  it  tends  to  reduce  the 
natural  damp  atmosphere  of  the  house,  thns  making  sprinkling  the 
paths  with  water  a  necessary  operation.  Spawn  succession  beds 
when  the  heat  has  declined  to  80°,  and  apply  a  coating  of  2  or  3 
inches  thick  of  loamy  soil  over  them  soon  afterwards. 

Mustard  and  Cress. — Sow  weekly  successions  thickly  in 
shallow  boxes  in  any  house  having  a  temperature  from  45°  to  65°, 
and  cut  the  produce  before  it  becomes  too  old. 

Radishes. — Sow  the  Turnip  and  Salmon-rooted  sorts  in  frames, 
and  protect  them  from  frost  by  slightly  covering  the  sashes  with 
litter  in  severe  weather.  These  will  precede  those  generally  sown 
in  sheltered  places  out  of  doors  in  December. 

Rhubarb. — Lift  good  crowns  of  this,  divest  them  of  part  of 
their  long  thick  roots,  and  then  place  them  amongst  light  soil  in  a 
Mashroom  house,  pit,  or  other  place  where  a  heat  of  50°  can  be 
maintained.  Sprinkle  them  over  occasionally  with  tepid  water, 
and  remove,  for  use,  the  leaves  as  soon  as  they  are  largo  enough. 

Seakale. — Lift  this  with  a  fork,  shorten  the  roots  a  little,  and 
then  pack  them  pretty  closely  together  in  some  light  soil,  and  treat 
them  as  recommended  for  Khubarb.  Unless  Seakale  is  forced 
briskly,  the  blanched  stalks  assume  a  somewhat  string}'  texture. 
One-year-old  roots  furnish  the  London  market  supply,  but  in  private 
gardens  older  plants  are  commonly  employed.  Preserve  the  root- 
prunings  for  next  year's  plantations,  by  laying  them  up  in  a  heap 
and  covering  them  with  soil,  or  by  laying  them  about  an  inch  thick 
on  the  surface  of  a  raised  bed,  and  putting  a  layer  of  soil  about 
2  inches  deep  over  them.  Here  they  may  remain  till  the  end 
of  February  or  March,  when  they  should  be  cut  up  into  finger 
lengths  and  planted  in  rows  about  15  or  18  inches  apart,  by  means 
of  a  dibber. 

THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 
Gather  up  the  leaves  of  Globe  Artichokes  and  mulch  round  the 
plants  with  leaves  or  litter.  Cut  over  Asparagus  stalks,  fork  off  the 
soil  from  the  surface  of  the  beds  into  the  alleys,  then  mulch  the  beds 
with  manure  and  strew  over  it  the  soil  removed  into  the  alleys.  If 
necessary,  sow  early  Mazagan  Beans  in  lines  2  feet  apart,  and  also 
some  early  Peas  on  a  dry  warui  border.  Lift  Beet,  if  not  already 
done  ;  but,  in  doing  so,  be  careful  not  to  break  the  fibres,  as  that 
would  cause  the  root?  to  bleed.  Store  the  roots  in  small  ridges  in 
cellars,  sheds,  pits,  or  in  any  place  where  they  can  be  kept  cool  and 
dry.  In  case  of  frost,  a  few  Carrots,  Parsnips,  and  Jerusalem  Arti- 
chokes may  be  lifted  and  stored  in  a  pit,  or  amongst  rather  dry  sand 
or  earth  in  a  shed  or  cellar,  but  the  bulk  of  the  crop  should  be  left  in 
the  open  ground,  protected  merely  with  leaves  or  litter.  Early  planted 
Coleworts  and  Savoys  that  have  formed  good  heads  and  that  are  likely 
to  burst,  should  be  removed  to  a  cool  shady  place,  where  they  will 
keep  for  a  long  time  without  bursting.  Carefully  watch  Walch^ren 
and  Snow's  Winter  White  Broccoli  as  they  form  heads,  and  break  a 
leaf  or  two  over  the  "  curd,"  to  protect  it  from  frost  or  rain.  Some 
clean  straw  or  Fern  strewed  over  it,  in  the  event  of  frost,  alsoanswers 
the  same  purpose.  Ti-ansplant  Cabbages  from  those  pricked  out 
in  store  beds,  and  wheel  manure  on  to  spaces  lately  occupied 
by  Peas  planted  as  divisions  between  crops  of  the  Cabbage  tiibn. 
Earth  up  late  crops  of  Celery  and  Cardoons  as  required.  As  soon 
as  a  plot  of  ground  is  cleared  of  the  Celery  crop,  manure  it  and 
trench  and  ridge  it,  so  as  to  have  it  ready  for  early  Cauliflowers. 
Protect  Endive  from  frost  by  means  of  evergreen  boughs  or  other 
material,  and  lift  good-sized  plauts  of  it  and  place  them  in  frames. 
As  they  advance  to  a  useable  size,  tie  them  up  or  cover  them  with 
a  piece  of  bast  mat,  a  bit  of  board,  an  inverted  cutting  box,  or  any 
thing  in  that  way  which  will  tend  to  blanch  them.  Occasionally 
examine  stored  Onions  in  wet  weather,  and  separate  such  as  are 
decaying  from  the  sound  ones.  Weed  and  keep  clean  young  Onions 
in  beds.  If  the  smallest  of  the  stored  Onions  be  preserved  till 
February  and  then  transplanted,  they  will  become  large-sized  roots 


by  next  August.  Examine,  also,  stored  Potatoes,  and  lift  Salsafy  and 
Scorzonera  roots  and  lay  them  very  thickly  in  a  row,  in  any  out-of- 
the-way  place,  whcro  tliey  will  keep  better  than  they  would  under 
cover,  and  will  retain  their  good  flavour  longer.  Be  ready  with 
some  evei'green  branches,  hoops,  and  mats,  or  other  means,  to 
protect  Parsley  from  frost,  and  strew  some  lime  over  Spinach  to 
prevent  the  ravages  of  slugs.  Cover  the  crowns  of  Rhubarb  and 
Seakale  with  leaves  or  litter,  to  preserve  the  ground  from  getting 
frozen,  and  thus  enable  the  plants  to  be  lifted  easily  for  forcing,  even 
in  severe  weather,  should  it  be  necessary  to  do  so. 
HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 
This  is  the  best  mouth  for  transplanting  and  root-pruning  fruit 
trees,  and  the  sooner  such  operations  are  completed  the  better  it  will 
be  for  the  trees.  In  selecting  young  fruit  trees  from  nurseries, 
choose  "  maidens  "  or  one-year  trained  trees,  unless  they  are  required 
to  bear  fruit  at  once.  In  planting  them,  prepare  wide  holes,  and,  if 
the  soil  be  poor,  add  some  good  turfy  loam  to  it,  rather  than  manure, 
which  should  only  be  applied  as  mulchings.  Where  the  sub-soil  is 
bad,  a  space  of  3  feet  square  should  be  concreted  under  each  tree, 
more  particularly  in  the  case  of  wall  trees.  In  planting,  spread  the 
roots  well  out  and  carefully  introduce  some  soil  amongst  the  rootlets, 
but  do  not  move  the  plants  up  or  down  when  filling  in  the  soil,  as  that 
frequently  does  more  harm  than  good  by  breaking  or  doubling  up  the 
fibres.  Let  the  boles  of  wall  trees  be  about  6  inches  away  from  the 
walls,  place  those  of  standards  quite  erect,  and  give  to  each  tree  a 
strong  stake  by  way  of  support,  until  it  has  got  a  good  hold  of  the 
the  ground  and  is  able  to  support  itself.  Good  sized  trees 
may  now  be  moved  with  impunity,  and  even  bulky  orchard 
trees  can  be  transplanted  successfully,  provided  their  roots 
were  cut  round  at  some  distance  from  the  trunk  last  year; 
such  portions  of  them  as  were  mutilated  should  be  cut  clean  off 
with  a  sharp  knife.  Proceed  with  the  pruning  of  Apple,  Pear, 
Plum,  Peach,  Nectarine,  and  Cherry  trees,  also  Vines  and  bush  fruits. 
Do  not  prune  Cherries  very  severely;  in  fact,  if  summer  pinching  has 
been  attended  to,  they  will  not  require  much  cutting  now.  Fig  trees 
should  be  unfastened  from  the  walls,  tied  into  loose  bundles,  and 
protected  with  mats.  Ferns,  or  a  thin  thatch  of  Broom.  A  frost  of 
10° is  injurious  to  the  points  of  the  shoots,  but  less  docs  not  injure 
them.  Fruit  bushes  should  also  be  pruned,  with  the  exception  of 
Gooseberries,  which  had  better  be  left  untouched  till  spring,  as  bull- 
finches sometimes  prey  very  heavily  upon  the  young  buds  in  winter, 
and  in  spring  the  best  shoots  can  be  preserved  and  the  worst  cut  out. 
In  pruning  fruit  bushes,  old,  diseased,  deformed,  or  twisted  wood 
should  be  thinned  out,  and  a  supply  of  young  wood  maintained.  Cut 
away  the  old  canes  of  Raspberries,  and  tie  up  the  young  ones  to 
strong  stakes,  topping  them  all  over  at  a  height  of  about  5  feet. 
Eenew  all  decaying  espalier  stakes ;  and,  rather  than  throw  away 
the  old  ones,  have  them  re-pointed  and  used  for  other  purposes. 
Dressing  and  pointing  stakes  for  young  fruit  trees  and  espaliers  is 
work  that  may  be  conveniently  done  in  wet  and  frosty  weather. 


SHEET  VERSUS  ROLLED  PLATE  GLASS. 
TniRTV  years'  experience  with,  I  believe,  all  the  kinds  and  colours 
of  glass  that  have  been  used  for  horticultural  purposes,  has  enabled 
me  to  arrive  at  conclusions  as  to  their  respective  merits  and  defects 
— conclusions  that  are  in  no  way  shaken  by  Mr.  Ayres's  opinions  on 
the  subject  ;  yet  I  do  not  feel  disposed  to  speak  so  positively  as  Mr. 
Ayres  does  as  to  what  others  have  or  have  not  had.  The  glass  in 
use  here  is  Chance's  24.-oz.  sheet,  and  I  have  not  the  slightest  hesita- 
tion in  saying  that  for  general  excellence,  including  the  light  it 
admits,  I  "have  never  seen  its  equal.  This  is  not  my  individual 
opinion,  but  that  collectively  of  all  connected  with  gardening  who 
have  seen  it.  The  volume  of  light  admitted  to  the  interior  of  a 
glass  structure  is  not  easy  to  measure  in  the  full  glare  of  the  sun 
at  noon-day,  neither  is  it  then  necessary  to  calculate  minutely. 
Under  any  glass  of  fair  quality,  there  is  then  sufficient  light. 
It  is  in  dull  dark  weather,  in  the  early  dawn,  and  evening, 
that  we  require  the  maximum  of  light  obtainable.  If  Mr.  Ayres,  or 
anyone  else  who  takes  an  interest  in  the  matter,  will  try  the  follow- 
ing experiment  upon  which  I  hit  some  dozen  years  ago,  when 
discussing  the  present  question  with  it  friend,  he  will  find  the  result 
instructive.  It  can  be  carried  out  anywhere  where  there  happen  to 
be  houses  adjoining  glazed  with  sheet  and  rolled  plate.  In  the 
evening,  wheu  the  light  is  fast  diminishing,  take  a  book  or  other 
printed  matter,  just  step  from  one  house  to  the  other  and  see  under 
which  glass  you  can  read  the  best.  The  test  will  be  conclusive  with 
anyone  unprejudiced.  It  is  in  the  short  days  of  our  sunless  climate 
that  transparent  glass  gives  us  more  light,  as  also  during  dull 
weather.  I  have  frequently  seen  Vines  with  ample  healthy  foliage 
under  patent  rolled  plate  glass;  and  I  have  also  seen  more  Vines 
with  small  stunted  weakly  foliage  under  it,   than  under  all  other 


430 


THE   GAKDEN. 


[Nov.  22, 1873. 


kinds  of  glass  put  together,  and  this  not  under  the  care  of  mere 
novices  at  Grapo  growing,  bat  with  men  second  to  none  in  the  king- 
dom as  cultivators.  In  respect  to  scalded  Vine  loaves  I  never 
experienced  myself,  nor  saw  any  mischief  in  that  way  take  place 
under  the  small  old-fashioned  squares  and  open  laps,  so  long  as 
reasonable  care  was  taken  as  to  timely  air-giving ;  neither  have  I 
experienced  any  scalding  with  large  squares,  if  air  is  given  early 
enough  in  the  morning,  and  in  sufficient  quantities  up  to  the  middle 
of  the  day.  It  only  requires  a  moment's  reflection  to  see  the  neces- 
sity for  this.  Directly  the  top  lights  are  opened,  the  numerous  open 
laps  all  act  as  an  ingress  for  air,  which  rushes  out  at  the  top,  drying 
the  foliage,  and  causing  that  almost  imperceptible  movement  in  the 
leaves  which  is  a  certain  preventive  of  scalding.  With  the  large 
squares  and  close  glazing  it  is  obvious  that  this  ingress  of  air  cannot 
take  place ;  consequently,  it  takes  much  longer  to  get  the  leaves 
sufficiently  dry  to  prevent  scalding.  T.  Baines. 


Grapes,  and  Hartley's  Boiled  Plate. — If  a  communication, 
founded  upon  fact,  wHI  bo  of  use  to  any  of  your  correspondents 
you  are  at  liberty  to  publish  the  following  : — At  a  nursery  where  I 
was  apprenticed,  we  had  a  Vinery  glazed  with  Hartley's  rough 
plate  glass.  The  Vines  were  strong  and  healthy,  yearly  producing 
cinnamon. coloured  wood,  plenty  of  large  well-formed  bunches  with 
damson-coloured  berries  and  leathery  leaves.  The  varieties  were — 
Black  Hamburgh,  Muscat  Hamburgh,  and  Mill  Hill  Hamburgh.— 
W.  S.,  Birminyham. 


Tomatoes  were  gradually  disappearing  from  the  want  of  summer  heat. 
He  then  proceeded  to  discuss  the  tiuestion  of  accUmatisation  of  plants, 
maintaining  that  a  plant  was  as  hardy  when  first  introduced  into  this 
country  as  it  was  after  being  half  a  century  in  cultivation.  Having  referred 
to  hybridisation  as  a  means  of  making  plants  hardier,  Mr.  McXah  concluded 
by  stating  that  no  one  could  deny,  notwithstanding  the  lessening  of  the 
summer  heat,  that  Scotland  possessed  one  of  the  best  chmatesin  the  world 
for  evergreen  shrubs,  which  were  here  to  be  met  with  in  as  great  a  state 
of  perfection  as  anywhere  in  England  or  Ireland.  Professor  Balfour,  in 
moving  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Mr.  McNab  for  his  valuable  address,  took 
occasion  to  coincide  with  the  remarks  made  upon  acclimatisation.  Mr. 
Buchan,  secretary  of  the  Meteorological  Society,  seconded  the  motion. 
He  had  had  the  impression  that  there  had  been  no  change  of  climate  in 
Scotland,  but  the  facts  brought  before  them  that  evening  had  shaken  his 
preconceived  ideas.  That  such  changes  had  occurred  was  new  to  him. 
He  approved  of  the  idea  of  forming  a  committee  of  the  society  who 
should  be  specially  entrusted  with  the  collection  of  information  regarding 
fruits  and  the  growth  of  plants.  They  would  get  together  a  body^  of 
information  of  the  utmost  value  not  only  in  a  scientific  but  a  practical 
sense.  

LAW     NOTES. 


SOCIETIES,    EXHIBITIONS,    &c. 

BOTANICAL  SOCIETY  OF  EDINBURGH. 
At  a  meeting  of  this  society,  which  took  place  the  other  day,  the  Presi- 
dent  (Mr.   James  McNab)   delivered  his  retiring  address,  the   subject 
beicg  the  difl'crence  observable  in   open  air  vegetation  in  Scotland,  as 
witnessed  in-cvious  to  the  years  1S37 -8,  compared  with  what  was  seen  at 
the  present  time.     As  far  bade  as  the  oldest  members  of  the  society  could 
remember,  many  of  the  shrubby  plauts  familiar  to  their  eyes  in  the  open 
air  in  this  part  of  Scotland  were  rarely  now  to  be  met  with,  and  if  they 
were,  certainly  not  in   the  same  state   of  perfection   as  they  had  been 
accustomed  to  see  them.     Whether  this  was  owing  to  the  diminution  of 
our  ordinary  summer  climate  or  the  non-ripening  of  the  wood  from  the 
want  of  sun-heat  it  was  not  easy  to  say,  but  true  it  was  that  a  change 
had  taken  place  during  the  last  forty  or  fifty  years.-    Three  severe  wmters 
—1837-8,  18-11-2,  and  1850-1— carried  off  by  death  a  large  number  of  tine 
plants.     Many  of  the   kinds  killed  were  re-planted,  and  though  some 
succeeded  well,  others  had  never  shown  the  vigour  of  stem,  leaf,  flower, 
or  fruit  which  they  were  wont  to  do  in  former  times.     For  a  considerable 
time,  both  before  and  after  the  year  1835,  the  Hydrangea  used  to  be 
grown  abundantly  in  the  gardens  and  pleasure  grounds  of  Scotland,  pro- 
ducing, in  many  cases,  from  twenty  to  forty  heads  of  bloom  on  each  plant ; 
and  about  the  same  time,  the  sweet-scented  Verbena  formed  large  round 
clumps.  Now,  these  plants  could  scarcely  be  got  to  survive  long  in  the  open 
air,  except  in  some  very  sheltered  places  near  the;sea ;  and,  it  they  did  hve, 
flowei-ing   was   out   of   the  question.     Among  other   shrubs   and    trees 
enumerated,  which   forty   years  ago  were  commonly  seen    in    vigorous 
condition,  and  whiuh  flowered  and  fruited  abundantly,  but  which  were 
now  rarely  to  be  met  with,  were  the  Rock  Rose,  the  common  Myrtle,  the 
Almond,  which  at  one  time  flowered  as  profusely  as  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  London,  and  which  now  would  not  set  its  flower-buds,  the  Acacia,  the 
Strawberry  tree,  and  the  Arbutus.     During  the  ever-memorable  year  of 
IStiU-l,  a  large  Myrtle  was  killed  in  the  garden  at  Leuchie  House,  North 
Berwick.     That  tree  had  stood  in  the  same  position,  and  had  flowered 
regularly  for  100  years.     It  was  quite  evident  from  those   illustrations 
that  we  had  not  in  Scotland  the  amount   of  summer  heat  that  we  were 
wont  to  experience  in  former  times.     At  the  same  time  we  had  not  the 
same   regular    winters.       Forty    years    ago,   frost   set    in  regularly  at 
Christmas,  and   often  lasted   for  weeks.     Of  late   years,  with   but  few 
exceptions,  we  had  often  as  mild  weather  at  Christmas  as  at  any   other 
time  of  the  year.     He  was  also  inclined   to  think  that  a  diminution  of 
climate  had  taken  place  since  the  Larch  had  been  introduced   into  this 
country,  for  how  did  it  happen  that  out  of  enormous  quantities  of  seed 
annually  imported,  few  of  the  progeny  seemed  to  have  the  vigour  of  the 
original  trees  introduced  at  Dunkeld  and  Monzie  13.5  years  ago.      lu 
Ijlace  of  the  Larch,  he  advocated  the  planting  of  the  Wellingtonia  as  a 
nurse    tree.      During    the    years    1828,   1831,   and  1834,   he  had   seen 
the    black    Esperen     Grape    produce    clusters    of    fruit    on   a    south 
exposed  wall    in    Edinburgh   quite  as  ripe   and  as  well    coloured   as 
during    an    ordinary    season  in    England.       The    bkick    Mulberry   was 
also    ripened    to    perfection,    but    neither   of    these    fruits    had    since 
come    to    a    state    of  maturity.     Figs    used   to    be    frequently   grown 
on  open  walls  in  many  districts  of  Scotland,  but  now  fruit  was  rarely  pro- 
duced in  a  thoroughly  ripe  condition  without  the  aid  of  fire  flues.     He 
proposed  to   investigate  the  climate  of   Scotland  by  means  of  a  central 
committee,  who  would  collect  information  relative  to  the  best  varieties  of 
Apples,  Pears,  Plums,   Gooseberries,  Strawberries,  &c.,  which  succeeded 
best  in  each  of  the  Scotch  counties.    Peaches  and  Nectarines  could  not, 
from  want  of  summer  heat,  be  ripened  in  the  same  state  of  perfection  in 
the  open  air  as  in  former  times,  and  Asparagus  and  Mushrooms  and 


Head  Gardeners'  Perquisites.— At  Selby  County  Court,  the 
case  of  Hardisty  v.  Tock  has  been  heard.  The  defendant,  Mr. 
James  Tock,  of  Drax  Abbey,  Selby,  hired  the  plaintiff  as  his 
gardener,  and  he  worked  there  for  several  weeks,  but  at  the  end  of 
that  time  he  left,  and  now  claimed  £2  Gs.  8d.  balance  due  to  him  for 
wages.  Mr.  Tock  pleaded  a  set-ofl'  exceeding  £5,  22$.  of  which  was 
admitted  and  the  rest  denied.  The  principal  items  consisted  of  money 
prizes  the  plaintiff  had  won  at  Selby  and  Howden  Horticultural  Shows, 
by  exhibiting  flowers  and  fruit  from  the  Drax  Abbey  Gardens.  ^  The 
Judge  said  he  had  always  understood  that  this  was  one  of  the  perquisites 
of  the  head  gardener.  The  plaintiff  added  that  Mr.  Tock  expressly 
agreed  with  him  to  exhibit  at  the  shows  named,  he  to  have  the  prizes 
and  to  bear  the  expense  of  moving  the  flowers.  On  the  other  hand,  Mr. 
Tock  said  there  was  an  agreement  that  the  prizes  should  be  divided 
between  the  head  and  under  gardener,  and  in  this  he  was  corroborated 
by  Booth,  the  under  gardener.  The  case  excited  a  good  deal  of  merri- 
ment, and  the  Judge,  after  remarking  that  considerable  feeUng  had  been 
imported  into  it,  gave  judgment  for  the  amount  sued  for,  less  22s.,  the 
portion  of  the  set-off  admitted  by  plaintiff. 

Cutting  Trees. — The  plaintiff  in  this  case  is  a  widow,  residing  at 
4'.  Harley  Place,  Marylebone  Road,  the  defendant  a  gentleman  who 
resides  at  No.  5  in  the  same  street.  In  front  of  these  two  houses, 
between  them  and  the  Marylebone  Road,  is  a  garden ;  in  this  garden 
were  Lilacs,  Hollies,  and  Creepers,  which  grew  so  high  at  the  part  of 
the  garden  opposite  the  defendant's  house  that,  according  to  his  allega- 
tion, they  obstructed  his  view  of  Regent's  Park.  He  complamed  to  his 
neighbour  of  this,  and  she  directed  her  gardener  to  clip  the  shrubs. 
After  a  time,  however,  she  decUned  to  cUp  them  anymore,  and  thereupon 
the  defendant;  had  them  cut  down ;  and  it  was  for  so  doing  that  this 
action  was  brought.  For  the  defendant  it  was  contended  that  although 
there  was  no  fence  dividing  the  garden  into  two  parts,  still  so  much  of 
the  garden  as  was  opposite  to  his  house  belonged  to  him,  and  that,  there- 
fore, he  had,  of  course,  the  right  to  cut  the  shrubs.  The  plaintiff,  on 
the  other  hand,  contended  that  the  whole  garden  was  appurtenant  to, 
and  formed  part  of,  the  premises  occupied  by  her.  The  jury  found  a 
verdict  for  the  plaintiff:  damages  £15.— The  learned  Judge  gave  the 
defendant  leave  to  move  to  enter  the  verdict  for  him. 


CO  VENT  Q-iKDEN  MAKKET. 

NoVEMBBE    21ST. 

A5I0NGST  pot  plants  are  Poinsettias,  Roman  Hyacinths,  Cyclamens,  Fuchsias, 
white  Azaleas,  Besonia  Weltoniensis,  Solanums,  Laurustinus,  Palms, 
Dracwnas,  Buonymus,  Heaths,  and  Chiuese  Primroses  ;  cut  flowers  include 
blooms  of  Orchids,  Zonal  and  C'ape  PelarRoniums,  Bouvardias,  Camellias, 
Gardenias,  Tuberojes,  Hosebuds,  and  Chrysanthemums.  Fruit  consists  of 
Oranges  Lemons,  Pomegranates,  Grapes,  Pears,  Apples.  Pines,  Bananas, 
Prickly  Pears  Spanish  Melons,  Custard-apples,  &c.  In  one  ot  the  salesmen  s 
windows  are  exhibited  thirteen  Belle  Angevine  Pears  weighing,  it  is  stated, 
collectively,  36  lbs.  Trutfles  are  moderately  plentiful,  as  is  also  Seakale,  and 
some  extremely  fine  Asparagus  has  been  imported  from  France. 

Prices  of  Fruits.— Annies,  per  half-sieve,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Chillies,  per  100 
2s  to33. ;  Cobs,  per  lb.,  Ts.  to  2s. ;  Chestnuts,  per  bushel,  los.  to  20s.;  Filberts, 
per  lb.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Grapes,  hothouse,  black,  per  lb..  Is.  to  6s.;  Muscats, 
•'s  to  6a.-  Lemons,  per  100,  Ss.  to  12s.;  Melons,  each,  2s.  to -Is.;  Oranges, 
ijer  100  Ss.  to  12s. ;  Peaches,  per  doz.,  12s.  to  ISs.  ;  Pears,  per  doz..  Is.  to 
■Js  •  Pine-Apples,  per  lb.,  33.  to  63. ;  Tomatoes,  per  doz.,  Is.  to  23.;  Wahiats, 
per  bushel,  Ss.  to  12s. ;  ditto,  per  100,  Is.  to  Is.  6d. 

Prices  of  Vegetables.— Artichokes,  per  doz.,  3s.  to  4s.;  Beet,  Bed, 
per  doz.,  Is.  to  2s.;  Brussels  Sprouts,  per  half-sieve,  2s,  6d, ;  Cabbage, 
per  doz  2s. ;  Carrots,  per  bunch,  id.  to  6d.  Cauliflower,  per  doz.,  3s. 
to  6s  •  Celery,  per  bundle.  Is.  6d.  to  2s. ;  Coleworts,  per  doz.  bunches, 
3s  to  4s.;  Cucumbers,  each,  6d.  to  Is.;  Endive,  per  doz.,  2s.;  Fennel, 
per  bunch,  3d.  ;  Garhc,  per  lb.,  6d.  ;  Herbs,  per  bunch,  3d. ;  Horse- 
radish, per  bundle,  3s.  to  4s.;  Leeks,  per  bunch,  3d.;  Lettuces,  per 
doz  Is  to  3s  ■  Mushrooms,  per  pottle.  Is.  to  2s.;  Mustard  and  Cress, 
per'punnet,  2d.;  Onions,  per  bushel,  2s.  6d.  to  is.;  button,  per  quart,  8d. ; 
Parsley,  per  doz.  bunches,  4s. ;  Parsnips,  per  doz.,  9d.  to  Is. ;  Potatoes,  • 
per  bu*el,  2s.  6d.  to  4s. ;  lladishes,  per  doz.  bunches.  Is.  to  Is.  6a. ;  balsaty, 
per  bundle.  Is.  to  Is.  6d. ;  Savoys,  per  doz..  Is.  to  2s. ;  Scorzonera,  per  bundle. 
Is. ;  Seakale,  per  punnet,  2s.  to  3s. ;  Shallots,  per  lb.,  6d. ;  Spinach,  per 
bushel,  3s. ;  Turnips,  per  bunch,  3d.  to  6d. 


Nov.  29,  1873.] 


.THE  GARDEN. 


431 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  floes  mend  natui'o  :  chaup;o  it  rather  ; 
The  Art  mself  is  Natuue." — Shakespeare. 


but 


AN  ORNAMENTAL  ORCHARD. 
An  orchard,  combining  utility,  shelter,  and  ornament, 
>Yould,  in  many  places,  be  a  desideratum  ;  but  is  such  a  com- 
bination practicable  ?  Doubtless  it  is.  Fruit-trees  are,  or 
may  be  made,  as  handsome  in  form  as  most  other  kinds  of 
trees  ;  while  among  the  latter  none  can  vie  with  them  in  beauty 
when  in  blossom,  or  when  laden  with  fruit.  In  fact,  it  is 
marvellous  that  they  are  not  more  generally  planted  for  orna- 
ment, chiefly  or  wholly,  than  they  are.  What  tree  can  compare 
iu  bloom  with  the  soft  pink  flower  of  the  Apple,  with  the 
snowy  whiteness  of  the  blossoms  of  Plums,  Pears,  or  Cherries  ? 
And  then  the  fruits  in  all  stages  arc  beautiful ;  what  shading 
into  green,  gold,  scarlet,  silver,  and  pink  we  have  among  them  ! 
What  spots,  and  streaks,  and  flakes  of  beauty  !  What  perfec- 
tion of  form!  And  then  there  is  the  beauty  of  the  leaves, 
their  colour  changing  from  green  of  all  hues  to  golden 
russets,  brown  and  red.  An  avenue  of  Pear  trees  is  beautiful 
even  in  winter,  especially  when  covered  with  hoar  frost. 
Each  tree  stands  out  like  some  grand  work  of  art,  formed,  as 
it  were,  of  frosted  silver.  As  to  shelter,  there  can  be  no 
doubt  of  fruit  trees  being  capable  of  affording  any  amount  of 
it  iu  summer,  but,  like  other  deciduous  trees,  they  give  com- 
paratively little  in  winter.  That  little,  however,  is  much  more 
than  is  generally  supposed.  If  a  number  of  large  Pear  trees, 
for  example,  be  planted,  quincunx  fashion,  in  rows,  and  pretty 
closely  together,  it  is  astonishing  how  much  their  bare  boughs 
will  break  the  force  of  prevailing  winds.  The  thermometer 
may  not  register  much  difference  as  regards  temperature,  yet 
the  testimony  of  the  senses,  and  the  surer  testimony  of  the 
better  growth  of  the  trees  that  are  sheltered,  alike  declare 
that  there  is  a  manifest  difference  between  the  exposed 
and  the  sheltered  sides  of  orchards  and  gardens,  even  when 
the  sheltering  medium  is  only  the  trees  themselves.  Bat 
shelter  might  be  further  afforded  by  a  screen  of  evergreens 
on  the  exposed  side,  and  for  this  purpose  few  trees  are  better 
than  evergreen  Oaks.  These  are  in  full  leaf  in  winter,  when 
shelter  is  most  needed ;  they  shed  their  leaves  at  midsummer 
when  an  excess  of  shelter  might  prove  injurious.  The  ever- 
green Oak  is  also  a  tree  singularly  free  from  the  attacks  of 
insects.  Next  to  this  Oak  we  would  rank  the  Holly, and,  if  this  is 
used,  a  splendid  effect  may  be  produced  by  planting  groups  of 
all  the  variegated  and  other  varieties,  reserving  the  common 
green  for  more  exposed  places,  and  where  greater  height 
is  needed.  The  Yew  is,  perhaps,  the  best,  the  most  dense, 
and,  in  many  positions,  the  fastest-gi-owing  sheltering  plant  of 
all.  It  also  forms  a  fine  contrast  to  an  orchard  at  all  seasons  of 
the  year.  The  Arbutus,  too,  forms  capital  shelter ;  but  it  is 
liable  to  be  cut  to  the  ground  by  any  frost  within  5°  of  Zero. 
Spruce  or  other  Firs  are  not  equal  to  the  foregoing  for  screens, 
as  they  are  apt  to  get  bare  at  bottom  where  most  needed. 
There  is  yet  a.iother  and  a  better  method  of  shutting  out 
unsightly  objects  and  providing  perfect  shelter  by  the  same 
means.  Throw  up  banks  of  earth  to  the  requisite  height  and 
clothe  their  summits  and  sides  also,  if  desirable,  with  American 
plants,  Heaths,  or  other  flowering  shrubs  or  trees,  or  with 
masses  of  Furze,  Broom,  &o.,  if  a  picturesque  background  is  a 
desideratum  in  the  view  from  the  windows,  and  then  fill  in  the 
bottom  of  the  banks  with  Purple-leaved  Filberts,  Medlars, 
Mulberries,  Quinces,  Fairy  Apples,  Siberian  Crabs,  &c.  These 
form  an  impenetrable  screen  to  the  orchard,  and  are  alike 
beautiful  and  useful.  Having  briefly  noted  the  points  of 
shelter  and  ornament  that  ought  to  distinguish  an  orchard 
within  sight  of  a  dwelling-house,  we  now  come  to  discuss  the 
main  point,  utility.  Many,  of  course,  plant  orchards  merely 
for  their  produce ;  and  there  are  two  general  methods  of 
planting  them.  By  the  one,  each  plant  is  expected  to 
become  a  full-grown  tree  ;  by  the  other,  its  area  is  limited 
throughout  its  life.  In  an  orchard  of  five  acres  there  is  room 
for  both  systems,  and  both  may  prove  best  according  to 
circumstances.     In  the   garden   only   small   trees  are  fairly 


admissible ;  but  it  is  widely  different  in  the  orchard.  Here 
the  flue,  almost  timber  trees  of  the  olden  times  may  prove 
as  profitable  as  tho  pyramids  and  bushes  of  modern  days, 
Many  may  question  this.  But  my  advice  to  all  who  are  about 
to  make  orchards,  is  to  try  Ijoth  plans.  A  noble  Apple  or  Pear 
tree  wide-spreading  and  high,  is  not  only  a  grand  object  to 
look  upon,  but  a  most  profitable  thing  to  possess.  Perhaps 
finer  fruits  may  generally  be  gathered  from  smaller 
trees  on  dwarfing  stocks  ;  but,  for  quantity  and  fair 
quality,  the  extension  or  full-sized  system  is  tho  more 
profitable.  The  untrained  and  conical  and  bush  systems  may  bo 
kept  separate  or  intermixed ;  and,  in  any  case,  as  trees  are 
relatively  cheap  and  land  dear,  and  time  is  more  than  money  to 
most  planters,  the  trees  should  be  planted  thickly  at  first. 
Permanent  fruit-trees,  with  a  clear  bole  of  say  from  4  to  5  feet 
in  height,  ought  to  be  planted  at  distances  of  from  20  to  25 
feet  apart.  The  old  orchardists  used  to  recommend  almost 
double  these  distances.  But  in  these  days  of  craving  for 
immediate  results,  the  half  of  five-aud-twenty  feet  will  seem 
a  large  space  to  devote  to  a  single  tree.  Of  course  they  will 
not  be  very  long  in  occupying  it,  but  we  hold  it  better  to  pruuo 
them  than  to  wait  long,  and  an  orchard,  like  a  landscape,  can 
be  made,  or  at  least  managed,  by  the  knife  as  well  as  tho 
spade.  But  even  at  these  distances,  another  row  between  each 
permanent  one,  and  also  a  second  plant  between  each  pair  in  this 
row,  should  be  introduced  for  immediate  fruiting.  These  will 
pay  for  their  purchase  many  times  over  before  being  removed  to 
make  way  for  the  permanent  trees.  The  supernumeraries  are 
useful  also  as  affording  more  shelter,  and  the  permanent 
plants  will  grow  faster  thus  nursed  up  than  if  they  stand 
alone.  Indeed,  in  bleak  positions,  orchard  trees  should  bo 
nursed  up  with  Larch,  Spruce,  or  other  forest  trees.  But, 
unless  in  very  exposed  places,  it  is  far  better  and  more  profit- 
able to  make  the  trees  nurse  each  other  by  planting  thickly. 
The  decaying  roots  also  agree  better  with  the  living  ones  if 
the  trees  are  of  similar  families.  As  to  the  sort  of  fruit-trees 
used  as  nurses,  this  is  mostly  a  matter  of  taste  or  of  profit. 
Of  the  taller  forms,  pyramidal  trees  are  by  far  the  most 
profitable.  But  they  require  rather  than  give  shelter  ;  whereas 
temporary  standards  of  similar  height  to  the  permanent  trees 
give  and  receive  support  to  and  from  the  latter.  The  dwarf 
trees,  however,  shelter  the  stems,  which,  some  suppose,  need 
it  most;  others,  again,  prefer  a  permanent  mixture  ot  standards 
and  dwarfs — a  very  profitable  arrangement.  Plant  the 
standards  at  distances  of,  say,  20  feet  apart,  and  fill  up  the 
interstices  with  upright  pyramids,  or  those  of  semi-weeping 
habit,  Uke  the  Pear  trees  at  Frogmore  and  at  Sandringham. 
Again,  mere  temporary  bush  trees  or  cordons  might  bo 
planted  even  between  the  dwarfs,  and  yield  an  immediate 
crop,  then  tD  be  removed  out  of  the  way,  leaving  the 
pyramids  or  standards  as  permanent  trees,  or  either  of  them 
only  in  the  end.  The  grouping  style  of  planting  would 
prove  much  more  ornamental,  and  equally  or  more  profitable, 
thau  the  usual  hard  and  fast  lines,  and  indiscriminate  straight 
admixtures.  The  style  and  form  and  colours  of  many  fruit 
trees  are  sufficiently  distinctive  to  classify  them  into 
groups.  For  instance,  separate  masses  might  be  planted  of 
such  useful  varieties  of  Apples  as  Cox's  Orauge  Pippin, 
Blenheim  Orange,  Nonesuch,  Court  Pendu  Plat,  Reinette  du 
Canada,  Gloria  Mundi,  Scarlet  Crofton,  King  of  Pippins, 
Kentish  Fill-basket,  Lord  Suflield,  New  Hawthornden,  Clay- 
gate  Pearmain,  &c.  In  Pears,  again,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey, 
Winter  Nelis,  Marie  Louise,  Beurre  de  Capiaumont,  Passe 
Colmar,  Glou  Morceau,  Duchesse  d'Angouleme,  Flemish 
Beauty,  and  the  old  Swan's  Egg,  &c.,  would  form  dis- 
tinctive groups,  either  singly  or  combined.  The  same 
principle  could  be  carried  out  with  pj-ramids  and  groups, 
formed  of  each  of  such  well-proved  varieties  as  Golden 
Reinette,  Pearson's  Plate,  scarlet  and  other  Nonpareils,  Melon 
Apple,  Mother  Apple,  Cockle  Pippin,  Ribston  Pippin,  Early 
Harvest.  In  a  similar  way,  Pears,  Cherries,  Plums,  &c.,  might 
be  massed  into  clumps  of  any  size  and  shape.  The  spaces 
between  could  be  occupied  with  small  fruits.  Filberts,  kept 
dwarf  or  with  upright  or  vertical  cordons.  The  latter  would 
look  rich  in  groups,  and  would  yield  a  maximum  return 
from  a  minimum  of  space.  It  has  not  been  adopted 
to     anything    like    the     extent     its     merits    demand,      Or, 


432 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  20,1873. 


again,  in  an  ornamental  orchard,  the  spaces  between 
the  groups  might  be  laid  down  in  Grass  and  the  latter 
further  furnished  with  donble-flowering  Peaches,  Almonds, 
&c.,  or  Quinces,  Medlars,  and  Mulberries,  with  room 
to  develop  into  fully  expanded  trees.  Further,  winding  walks 
cither  of  Grass  or  of  gravel  should  be  carried  through  the 
orchard  in  all  directions,  rendering  it  an  easily  accessible 
and  pleasant  promenade  at  all  seasons.  All  these  possible 
effects  would  be  heightened,  were  the  ground  undulated  Ijy 
Nature,  or  made  uneven  by  art ;  in  either  case  the  tall  trees 
should  occupy  the  summits,  and  the  lower  ones  the  lower 
ground,  reserving  the  lower  points  of  all  for  walks  or  stand 
points,  with  an  occassional  rise,  to  get  a  view  from  the  top  as 
well  as  the  bottom.  With  skill  in  planting,  and  a  proper 
gradation  of  height  and  contrast  of  form,  capital  ornamental 
cfl'ccts  might  be  secured,  oxen  in  an  orchard  of  small  extent, 
and  that,  too,  without  sacrificing,  in  the  least,  the  main  purport 
of  all  orchards  utility  or  profit.  D.  T.  Pisu. 


LEAF  FEINTING  FEOM  NATURE. 

By  JAMES  F.  HOBINSON. 

There  are  several  different  methods  in  use  for  printing  or 
photographing  leaves,  some  of  which  are  exceedingly  simple. 
First  select  the  leaves,  &o.,  then  carefully  press  and  dry  them. 
If  they  are  placed  in  a  botanical  press,  care  must  bo  exercised 
not  to  put  too  great  a  pressure  on  the  specimens  at  first,  or 
they  will  be  spoiled  for  printing.  I  have  always  found  an  old 
book  the  best  for  drying  the  examples  to  be  used.  Fibrous 
leaves,  such  as  the  Birch,  Oak,  and  Maple  make  the  best 
photographs.  Never  think  of  printing  leaves  which  are  either 
covered  with  hairs  or  are  rough  and  uneven  ;  it  will  only  lead 
to  unsatisfactory  results.  Mature  leaves  only  should  be 
gathered,  not  succulent  or  young  leaves,  neither  attempt  to 
print  any  leaf  with  a  thick  epidermis,  such  as  Bay  leaves.  The 
best  for  a  beginner  are  the  fronds  (leaves)  of  Ferns,  the 
Maiden-hair,  Parsley,  Hart's-tongue,  and  Polypody,  Sea 
Spleenwort,  the  little  Wall-rue  Sploenwort,  and  Centipede 
Spleenwort ;  nay,  you  can  scarcely  choose  any  Fern  that  will 
not  produce  excellent  results.  The  most  lovely  album  pictures 
I  have  ever  seen  were  printed  from  Fern  fronds  by  one  of 
the  following  processes.  Not  only  are  they  pretty  objects, 
either  framed  for  mantleshelf  ornamentation,  or  in  the  album, 
but  botanists,  and  more  especially  every  gardener  who  is 
interested  in  ptcridology,  should  print  the  fronds  of  every 
species  of  Fern  they  can  procure,  afterwards  mount  them  in  a 
blank  book  on  the  left-hand  page,  then  on  the  right  hand 
page  write  the  name,  and  habitat,  with  a  description  by  which  it 
may  be  recognised,  the  method  of  cultivation,  and  any  other 
useful  memoranda ;  by  this  means,  in  a  short  time,  he  will 
have  compiled  a  voliune,  full  of  deep  interest  and  utility. 
Many  persons  cannot  afford  to  purchase  expensive  works  on 
pteridology,  yet  they  may  soon  form  a  permanent  record  for 
their  own  reference,  which  will  be  more  valual^le  to  them  than 
any  other  work.  I  throw  in  these  remarks  as  a  hint  worth 
notice  by  practical  horticulturists. 

Requisites. 
The  really  useful  requisities  for  Pern  photography  are  two 
pieces  of  glass  of  the  size  you  intend  your  pictures  to  be, 
common  window  or  crown  glass  without  air  bubbles,  which 
may  be  bought  from  any  glazier,  will  answer  the  purpose 
admirably.  For  the  last  process  described,  one  of  the  glass 
squares  should  be  cut  in  two  equal  parts  and  a  strip  of  muslin 
pasted  over  the  division  to  form  a  kind  of  hinge.  Then  you 
will  require  paper,  which  should  also  be  of  one  regular  size. 
If  a  photographer  was  asked  as  to  the  best  kind,  he  would  at 
once  recommend  the  albumenised  paper,  which  he  uses  for  his 
carte-portraits,  but  as  I  wish  to  point  out  how  to  work  cheaply 
as  well  as  efficiently,  I  would  request  my  readers  to  use  only 
the  best  wove  letter  paper.  With  a  sharp-pointed  penknife 
you  may  afterwards  cut  it  the  size  you  wish.  I  must  warn 
the  inexperienced  not  to  use  what  is  known  in  the  stationery 
trade  as  "  laid  paper."  We  often  see  on  the  quarter-ream 
packet  of  note-paper  the  words  "  the  best  cream  laid  note ;  " 
never  use  this,  it  will  not  succeed  if  you  do.  On  the  laid 
paper  the  peculiar  wire  marks  left  by  the  manufacturer  are  to 
bo  seen  when  held  up  to  the  light  ;  eschew  this  by  all  means. 


The  wove  papers  are  devoid  of  these  marks  ;  white  paper  only, 
of  course,  should  be  used. 

The  above  are  the  needful  requisites  to  work  with,  or  the 
"  stock-in-trade."  It  is  well,  however,  to  have  at  hand  a  few 
American  clothes'-pegs,  or  spring  clips,  which  may  be 
purchased  for  a  penny  each  from  most  ironmongers.  Of 
course  a  few  chemicals  are  required.  lu  working  with  these 
great  cleanliness  must  be  observed.  Hard  or  spring  water 
must  not  be  employed;  use,  if  you  can  procure  it,  nothing 
but  distilled  water,  or  what  will  answer  equally  as  well,  clean 
and  pure  rain  water.  The  chemicals  requisite  are  nitrate  of 
silver,  prussiate  of  potash,  bichromate  of  potash,  blue  vitriol 
or  sulphate  of  copper,  and  hypo-sulphite  of  soda.  Keep  the 
chemicals  in  bottles  properly  labelled  to  prevent  any  accidents 
and  confusion ;  they  will  not  be  kept  so  cleanly  if  preserved 
in  papers. 

Photographic  Printing. 

We  will  first  describe  the  most  simple  mode  of  photo- 
pi'inting,  and  then  proceed  to  more  difficult  and  complex 
formulas.  Dissolve  iu  a  clean  half-pint  medicine  bottle,  four 
drachms  (half  an  ounce)  of  prussiate  of  potash  in  about  four 
tablespoonfuls  of  rain  water.  When  it  is  all  dissolved,  so 
that  none  is  visible  in  the  bottle,  pour  half  of  the  solution  in 
a  dinner  plate,  and  float  on  its  surface,  for  a  few  minutes,  a 
sheet  of  paper  of  the  size  intended.  After  sufficient  of  the 
chemical  is  absorbed,  haug  it  up  on  the  edge  of  a  shelf,  by 
sticking  a  pin  through  one  of  the  corners,  to  dr}-.  All  these 
operations  should  be  performed  in  a  dark  room.  A  candle, 
however,  may  be  used,  because  the  rays  of  light  emitted  by  a 
candle,  being  yellow,  do  not  effect  the  sensitised  or  prepared 
paper.  A  better  plan,  perhaps,  is  to  brush  the  solution  over 
the  paper  by  means  of  a  large  camel-hair  pencil.  Lot  cleanli- 
ness be  observed,  or  the  attempt  will  end  in  failure  and 
disappointment.  Lay  upon  one  of  your  glass  sheets  three  or 
four  folds  of  white  blotting  paper ;  upou  this  the  dried  and 
sensitised  prussiate  of  potash  paper,  with  the  prepared 
surface  uppermost,  and  upou  this  place  the  Fern  frond  or 
other  selected  and  cb-ied  leaf.  Upon  the  leaf  lay  the  other 
sheet  of  glass  (perform  all  this  in  the  dark  room),  then,  to 
keep  the  leaf  and  sheets  from  moving,  fasten  one  of  the 
clothcs'-clips  on  each  end. 

Place  the  glass  in  the  open  air,  under  the  direct  influence 
of  clear  sunlight  if  possible.  If  the  day  is  at  all  cloudy,  it 
will  take  much  longer  to  print,  but,  with  a  clear  sky,  &c.,  it 
will  probaljly  be  half  an  hour  or  thereabouts  before  it  is 
sufficiently  exposed.  Bo  sm'e,  however,  to  expose  it  a  sufiicient 
length  of  time  ;  a  little  practice  will  soon  teach  you  how  long 
to  leave  it  in  the  sun.  Now  watch  the  paper,  and  you  will 
gradually  observe  the  part  not  covered  by  the  leaf  changing, 
from  a  yellowish  hue  to  a  bright  blue.  The  latter  will  deepen 
until  it  is  almost  black.  When  you  believe  it  is  sufficiently 
exposed  to  the  sun's  rays,  remove  the  leaf,  glasses,  &c.,  and 
you  will  find  printed  on  the  paper,  a  yellow  outline  of  the  leaf 
on  a  deep  blue  ground.  Now  wash  the  paper  in  water,  chang- 
ing it  frequently,  until  you  observe  the  yellow  change  to  a 
white — the  whiter  the  better.  By  this  means  all  the  chemical 
is  dissolved  from  the  paper,  leaving  the  part  where  the  leaf 
lay  a  clear  distinct  white.  If  the  glasses  are  removed  too  soon, 
the  picture  will  be  pale,  and  ff  they  are  loft  too  long  in  the 
sunlight,  the  blue  ground  will  fade. 

The  Chromotype  Process. 

This  method  is  similar  to  the  last,  except  that  different 
chemicals  are  required  to  work  it  efficiently.  Speaking 
personally,  I  have  not  succeeded  so  well  with  it  as  with  the 
last  process  ;  some  of  my  readers  may,  however,  succeed  better. 
The  chemicals  required  are  pure  sulphate  ef  copper,  bichromate 
of  potash,  and  nitrate  of  silver.  The  latter  should  be  handled 
with  care,  as,  if  it  comes  iu  contact  with  linen,  it  stains  it  black; 
the  hands,  too,  suffer  much,  so  that  the  skin  is  blackened  and 
destroyed  ;  it  is,  thei'efore,  advisable  to  wear  kid  gloves  when 
using  the  solution.  The  same  kind  of  paper  and  glasses  answer 
for  this  as  for  the  former  process.  Dissolve  about  i  ounce  of 
sulphate  of  copper  in  half-a-pint  of  rain-water,  and  ^  ounce 
bichromate  of  jiotash  also  in  half-a-pint  of  rain-water.  The 
nitrate  of  silver  is  very  expensive  ;  very  little,  however,  is 
recpiircd  in  any  of  the  processes,  and,  for  this,  1  drachm  should 
be  dissolved  in  an  ounce  of  clean  water.     First,  coat  over,  as 


Kov.  CP.  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


433 


in  the  first  method,  one  side  of  the  paper  with  the  copper 
sohition,  then,  when  it  is  dry,  coat  it  with  the  bichromate 
solution.     After  dryingthcpaper,exposeit  as  before  to  the  sun 
for  about  an  hour,  then,  if  you  think  it  sufficiently  exposed, 
coat  it  oyer  with  the  silver  solution ;  or  the  processes  may  be 
reversed  if  albumenised  paper  is  employed.     The  veins,  &c.,  in 
this  method,  should  be  a  bright  scarlet.     The  papers  may  be 
prepared  for  use  some  time  before  they  are  required. 
The  best  Process. 
The  best  process  of  Nature  printing  is,  without  doubt,  the 
following,  although  it  requires  much  more  care,  patience,  and 
neatness   than   the  foregoing.     As  the  prepared  papers   are 
exceedingly  sensitive  to  light,  the  directions  in  respect  to  a 
dark  i-oom  mu.st  be  strictly  adhered  to.     The  chemicals,  which 
should  always  be  dissolved  in  bottles  ready  for  use,  are  as 
follows : — First   a    solution   of    nitrate   of    silver,   containing 
1    drachm  or  60   grains    to    each  ounce   of   pure   or   filtered 
rain-water.      Any   druggist  will    prepare  this  solution   in   a 
few   minutes  with   distilled   water,  which  can  be   relied  upon 
for  good  results.     Then  a  solution  of  hypo-sulphite  of    soda 
is  needed,  containing  two  ounces  to  each  half-pint  of  water. 
To  work  well,  and  secure  reliable  prints,  use  only  the  albu- 
menised paper,  which  is  kept  ready  for  sale  by  every  photo- 
graphic chemist,  and,  if  possible,  procure  a  glass  rod,  to  save 
the  hands  from  being  stained.     Always  have  the  bottles  con- 
taining the  solutions  correctly  labelled.     When  you  have  cut 
the  paper  to  the  size  required,  pour  the  nitrate  of  silver  solu- 
tion on  a  shallow  dish,  and  float  the  pieces  of  paper  separately 
with  the  prepared  surface  on  the  liquid  for  about  ten  minutes. 
In  doing  so,  take  care  no  air  bubbles  are  beneath  the  paper, 
or  it  is  useless  for  printing ;  when  you  detect  any  bubbles, 
gently  lift  up  the  paper  with  the  glass  rod,  and  taking  hold 
of  the  corner  with  the  finger  and  thumb   of  the   left  hand, 
remove  the  bubbles  by  touching  the  part  with  the  rod.     A 
little  practice  will  soon  make  you  pei'fect  in  sensitising  the 
paper.     After  floating  the  papers  for  about  ten  minutes  take 
them  out,  and  drain  them  for  a  few  minutes  on  the  dish,  so 
that  no   silver   may  be  lost;    then   hang  them  up  in  a  dark 
closet  by  pinning  the  corner  on  a  string  suspended  across  the 
room.     In  sensitising  the  paper  always  wear  old  kid  gloves,  as 
well  as  any  old  garments  you  may  happen  to  have  at  hand, 
the  solution  being  so  liable  to  spoil  the  clothes  and  injure  the 
skin,  that  this  advice  is  very  needful.     It  is  well  to  prepare 
a   quantity  of  papers  beforehand  ;  thej'  will  keep  for  several 
days ;    the    only    difference   is   that   newly-sensitised   papers 
print  much  more  rapidl}',  some  people  say  they  give  better 
pictures,  and  probably  it  is  so;  however,  if  they  are  to  be  kept, 
take  care  no  sunlight  is  admitted  to  them.     The  printing  part 
of  the  process  is  exactly  similar  to  the  first  method,  only  it  needs 
watching  more  caref  ullj',  and  in  using  the  glasses,  place  the  one 
cut  into  two  parts   and  hinged  at  the    bottom  beneath  the 
blotting  pajiers  and  Fern  frond;  when  the  printing  is  going  on, 
you  can  turn  them  up  and  examine  the  picture.  Only  do  not  dis- 
place the  leaves  ever  so  slightly,  or  the  picture  will  be  useless. 
A  good  rule  is  to  print  the  picture  much  darker  than  you 
intend  it  to  be  when  complete,  because  in  the  fixing  process  it 
becomes  much  lighter.     After  being  exposed,  wash  the  print  in 
clean  water  to  take  away  the  excess  of  silver  ;  you  cannot  wash 
it    too    well.      Then   having     placed   the     hypo-sulphite    of 
soda  solution  in  another  dish,  place  the   picture   beneath  it. 
Do   not   float    it    as    in   the    bath,    but    constantly    keep  it 
moving   about   with    the    fingers  for    about   fifteen  minutes, 
not    longer.       This    is    to  fix  the    impression    and  make  it 
a   permanent  picture.      Then  wash    it,   changing   the   water 
frequently.      Do  not  allow  a  drop  of  the  fixing  solution  to 
remain  on  the  paper,  or  it  will  stain  it  yellow,  which,  if  nothing 
more,  will  make  it  unsightly'.     All  you  have  now  to  do,  is  to 
dry  the  picture  either  in  a  book  or  betwixt  folds  of  blotting- 
paper  beneath  a  gentle  pressure.     The  last  process,  is  after  all, 
the  best,  yielding  permanent  and  truthful  results.  Some  Pern 
variety,  which  perhaps  has  never  been  figured  in  any  book,  by 
this  means  can  be  printed  "  true  to  nature  "  and  can  be  referred 
to  with  pleasure  in  after  years.  I  have  seen  a  fair-sized  volume 
containing  on  one  page  a  nature-printed  or  photographed  Fern 
frond,  and   on  the  opposite  page,  as  described  above,  a  short 
but  correct  and  faithful  description,  &c.     This  was  the  best 
volume  on  British  Ferns  and  their  varieties  I  have  ever  seen. 


THE    AMATEUR'S    GARDEN. 


THE  EOSB   GARDEIT. 

AViTEN  it  is  possible  to  play  the  organ  without  learning  how  to 
manipulate  the  notes  or  to  pedipulate  the  pedals,  then  shall  it 
be  practicable  to  have  beautiful  Roses  without  knowing  how  to 
grow  them.  Not  before,  although  a  great  numljer  of  persons 
(who  would  never  think  of  challenging  Mr.  Grace  to  a  match 
at  single  wicket  because  they  had  bought  a  bat)  annually 
persist  in  expecting  specimen  blooms  from  Rose  trees  planted 
anyhow,  any  time,  anywhere,  and  then  forgotten  until  the 
summer  comes,  and  the  Rose  does  not,  and  "  there  never  was 
such  a  filthy  climate,  such  a  beastly  soil,"  &c.  Ah  !  if  the  poor 
Rose,  dying  from  depletion,  bled  to  death  by  bloated  cater- 
pillars, poisoned  by  the  aphis  as  Cleopatra  by  the  asp,  could 
sigh  her  soi'rowful  story,  should  we  not  speedily  have  that 
accuser  in  the  dock  and  hear  him  sentenced  to  a  lively  six 
dozen  from  a  long,  strong,  lateral  Briar  ?  As  surely  as  Shake- 
speare learned  his  alphabet,  you  must  begin  with  the  rudi- 
ments if  you  would  succeed.  If  your  flour  is  fusty,  or  your 
barm  is  sour,  or  there  is  a  crack  in  your  oven,  you  cannot  bake 
wholesome  bread ;  and,  unless  your  soil  is  fertile,  and  clean, 
and  dry,  and  your  position  sunn}^,  and  your  Rose  trees  well 
planted,  and  mulched,  and  pruned,  you  cannot  realise  the  Rose. 
To  help  those  who  have  made  this  discovery,  and  aie  desirous 
to  guide  their  own  exertions  by  the  experience  of  others,  I 
propose  to  oiler  some  directions,  in  the  pages  of  The  Garden, 
as  to  what  should  be  done  in  the  Rosarium  in  the  different 
months  of  the  year,  and  herewith  commence  with  November, 
the  most  suitable  time  in  which  to  begin  a  directory;  for 
now  must  be  planted,  the  sooner  the  better,  both  Rose  trees 
and  stocks  for  Roses.  As  to  the  former,  I  can  make  no  special 
selections,  not  knowing  the  requirements  of  those  who  I'ead. 
Whatever  trees  are  ordered,  let  them  be  firmly  planted  in 
soil  well-dug  and  well-drained,  away  from  trees,  but  not  too 
much  exposed ; .  and  let  them  be  secured  to  a  stake,  if  they  are 
tall  standards,  and  ha  well  manured,  whether  tall  or  short. 
As  to  the  latter,  determine  the  vexed  question  of  standard 
Briar,  seedling  Briar,  or  Manetti  for  yourself.  Ti-y  them  all, 
and  use  that  which  succeeds  with  you  best.  Mr.  Ci'anston's 
Victory  at  Wisbech,  where  he  won  the  great  prize  of  £20,  with 
Roses  grown  on  the  Manetti,  has  made  that  stock  a  favourite; 
but  it  does  not  suit  all  soils,  and,  if  you  wish  to  exhibit,  do  not 
be  without  some  fresh,  sappy,  two-year  old  Briars  for  budding 
next  July.  I  have  yet  to  prove  the  capabilities  of  the  Briar 
raised  from  seed,  but  I  have  a  goodly  patch  of  them  (700)  to 
bloom  next  summer,  and  whether  my  hopeful  anticipations 
are  realised  or  not,  the  readers  of  The  Garden  shall  know  all 
that  is  known  by  theirs  faithfully,  S.  Reynolds  Hole. 

P.S. — Of  the  Roses  sent  out  in  1872,  I  prefer  Annie  Laxton, 
Baron  de  Bonstetten)  Boncenne  and  Bonstetten,  are  very  much 
alike,  especially  Bonstetten),  Baronne  Louise  Uxkull,  Bessie 
Johnson,  Fran9ois  Michelon,  Le  Havre,  Lyounaise,  Madame 
George  Schwartz,  Madame  Lefebvre,  Bernard,  Monsieur 
Etienne  Levet  (the  best  of  the  lot).  President  Thiers,  and 
Richard  Wallace.  Of  this  year's  Roses,  I  commend  Claude 
Levet,  Cheshunt  Hybrid,  and  Madame  Lacharme  H.  P.'s,  and 
Perle  de  Lyons,  T.  I  hope  next  summer  to  add  rny  own 
namesake  also  to  the  list  of  Roses  de  la  premiere  qualiti. 


Our  Orange  Supply. — The  Spanish  civil  war  seems  likely  to 
create  an  impediment  to  the  usual  export  of  Oranges  from  that 
country.  The  Balearic  Islands,  however,  may  still  bo  depended  iipon 
for  a  aapply.  The  truit  is  exported  to  Marseilles  from  Majorca  in 
such  immense  quantities  and  in  so  wasteful  a  manner  that  it  is 
reasonable  to  suppose  that  a  supply  exists  adequate  to  a  greatly 
increased  demand.  The  Oranges  arrive  at  the  French  port  heaped 
in  the  holds  of  vessels  like  Potatoes,  and  are  sold  on  the  spot  at  a 
very  low  rate.  Italy,  Sicily,  and  Malta  may  also  be  trusted  to  con. 
tribute  their  quota,  and  France  produces  a  respectable  quantity  of 
Oranges  of  rather  inferior  quality  ;  but  the  produce  of  Malta  belongs 
rather  to  the  connoisseur  who  is  willing  to  pay  for  choice  varieties, 
and  the  French  will  require  their  Oranges  at  home.  The  prospect  of 
our  Orange  supply  will,  we  trust,  however,  brighten,  for  London  in 
winter  would  look  dreary  enough  vrithout  the  golden  heaps  in  its 
shop  windows. 


434 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  29,  1873. 


NOTES   OF   THE   WEEK. 


TnE  Garden  entered  on  its  third  year  on  Wednesday  last, 

the  26th  inst.,  and  its  success  now  enables  the  conductor  to  make  a 
first  step  towards  its  improvement.  It  is  this  day  permanently  en- 
larged from  thirty-two  to  forty  pages.  The  old  heading  is  replaced 
by  a  new  and  more  artistic  one,  which  is,  moreover,  an  example  of 
the  best  work  of  the  modern  English  school  of  wood  engraving. 
Among  changes  for  the  better  which  we  contemplate  is  one  com- 
menced to-day,  the  "  Amateur's  Garden."  This  will  be  written  exclu- 
sively by  amateui-s  distinguished  for  skill  in  the  various  departments 
of  gardening.  The  series  begins  with  a  seasonable  article  on  Roses 
by  the  Rev.  S.  Reynolds  Hole. 

We   understand  that  a  meeting  of  horticulturists  is  to  be 

held  at  4,  Kensington  Gore  (close  to  the  Albert  Hall),  on  Wednesday, 
December  3rd,  at  4  p.m.,  to  discuss  the  present  position  and 
prospects  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society. 

De  Candolle's  "  Prodromus ''  has  now  been  completed  as 

far  as  Dicotyledons  are  concerned;  and  it  is  not  intended  to  continue 
the  work  further.  The  publication  of  the  work  was  commenced 
in  1818. 

It  is  a  well  known  fact  that  Ferns  and  Cycads  seldom  produce 

branched  trunks.  Nevertheless  in  Mr.  B.  S.  Williams's  nursery  at 
Holloway,  we  recently  saw  a  trunk  of  Stangeria  paradoxa,  with  a 
three-branched  stem,  and  one  or  two  bifurcate  trunks  of  Todea 
superba,  among  a  lot  just  imported  from  New  Zealand. 

■  It  is  not  generally  known  that  there  are  several  varieties  of 

the  beautiful  Cochliostema  Jacobianum.  The  best  forms  flowers 
very  freely,  and  lasts  fully  six  months  in  bloom.  We  recently  saw 
several  plants  of  it  in  flower,  and  were  assured  that  it  would  supply  an 
abundance  of  cut  bloom  until  the  middle  of  next  summer. 

M.  H.   J.   Van    Hulle,   the    distinguished   curator   of    the 

Botanic  Garden  at  Ghent,  has  recently  been  presented  by  the  King 
of  Holland  with  the  decoration  of  the  Order  of  the  Crown  of  Oak. 
This  order  has  been  conferred  in  recognition  of  the  services  which 
M.  Van  Hulle  has  rendered  to  Holland  by  his  numerous  horticultural 
publications  in  the  Flemish  language. 

The  Corporation  of  Dublin  have  resolved  to  plant  a  line  of 

trees  on  each  side  of  Sackville  Street,  the  principal  street  in  the  city, 
and  the  favourite  promenade  of  the  citizens.  We  only  wonder  that 
this  has  not  been  done  before.  Imposing  as  the  aspect  of  Sackrillo 
Street  is  as  one  looks  upon  it  from  Carlisle  Bridge,  the  addition  of 
trees  will  render  it  one  of  the  handsomest  of  city  thoroughfares. 

Refeiiiun'g  to  the  moving  bog  of  Dunmorc,  which  has  recently 

covered  200  acres  of  pasture  with  thick  black  mud  several  feet  deep, 
it  may  be  observed  that  this  is  no  very  unusual  phenomenon.  The 
greater  portion  of  the  bog  lands  of  Ireland,  which  twenty  years  ago 
were  estimated  to  cover  an  area  of  2,831,000  acres,  are  situated  above 
the  level  of  the  sea,  at  altitudes  varying  from  25  to  500  feet,  and  the 
nature  of  their  formation  is  such  that,  in  times  of  heavy  rains,  they 
sometimes  gravitate  towards  a  lower  level. 

The  Corporation  of  the   City  of  London  voted  unanimously, 

the  other  day,  a  sum,  amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  £10,000,  for 
the  acquisition  of  the  seat  of  the  Gurneys  at  West  Ham  as  a  public 
park — a  consummation  much  to  be  desired  ;  for,  not  far  from  the  park, 
there  are  streets  and  alleys  crowded  with  a  population  whose  occuoa- 
tion  renders  fresh  air  and  a  walk  in  the  fields  not  a  pleasant  recreation, 
but  an  absolute  necessity.  This  park,  too,  has  its  associations — the 
names  of  Miss  Fry  and  the  Gurney  family,  who  so  largely  benefited 
West  Ham  in  times  gone  by,  and  who,  in  this  matter,  have  added 
another  to  the  list  of  their  generous  acts,  the  memory  of  which  will  no 
doubt  bo  perpetuated  in  the  name  of  the  park.  It  consists  of  eighty 
acres,  the  market  value  of  which  is  £25,000 ;  but  Mr.  Gui-ney  has 
offered  the  munificent  sum  of  £10,000  as  a  subscription  towards 
the  purpose,  and  the  rest  of  the  money  has  been  nearly  made  up. 
The  ground,  which  we  have  recently  visited,  has  long  been  an  orna- 
mental garden,  is  surrounded  by  a  belt  of  established  plantation,  and 
contains,  in  what  were  the  pleasure  grounds,  some  good  specimen 
trees,  including  a  very  fine  j\Iaiden-hair  tree  and  large  Koclrcnteria. 
There  are  also  plantations  of  American  plants,  large  in  size  and  in 
perfect  condition.  One  of  the  entrance-lodges  is  charmingly  pictu- 
resque, and  ought  to  be  carefully  preserved.  Therefore,  it  seems  to 
ns  that  a  very  important  addition  to  the  parks  of  London  may  be 
made  here,  and  at  slight  expense,  compared  with  such  recently  formed 
pai-ks  as  Southwark  and  Finsbury,  in  which  nearly  all  had  to  be 
done.  There  needs  very  little  planting  to  make  Upton  Park  a  very 
charming  one,  inasmuch  as  one  portion  is  already  full  of  handsome 
garden  trees  which  have  had  a  happy  pleasure-ground  existence  for 
many  years  past.  We  particularly  advise  tho  preservation  of  these 
trees,  shrubs,  and  also  that  of  the  fine  open  piece  of  meadow  Grass. 
To  destroy  the  breadth  of  this  by  cutting  it  up  with  needless  walks. 


beds,  mazes,  &c.,  would  be  to  destroy  it  so  far  as  the  possibilities  of 
quiet  or  fine  landscape  effects  are  concerned. 

The   rare    and   curious  hybrid  Phajns   irroratus   is  now  in 

flower  in  the  Royal  Exotic  Nursery  at  Chelsea. 

NiN'ETi'-FOUK  essays  have  been  sent    in  in  competition  for 

the  £100  prize  offered  by  Lord  Cathcart  for  the  best  paper  on  the 
Potato  disease,  to  none  of  which,  however,  we  believe,  has  the  prize 
been  awarded  as  yet.  The  judge's  report  on  the  subject  will  pro- 
bdbly  be  made  public  early  in  December. 

Among  herbaceous   and   border   plants  worth  growing   for 

the  indoor  decoration  of  apartments  we  may  direct  attention  to 
the  hybrid  forms  of  Acanthus,  such  as  A.  Candelabrum,  A.  hybridus, 
and  A.  longifolius.  These  have  elegantly  cut  foliage,  of  a  fresh 
green  colour,  and  form  excellent  substitutes  for  the  more  tender 
Ferns  and  Palma. 

We   are  pleased  to  see  that  provincial  naturalists'  clubs  are 

endeavouring  to  discourage  the  practice  of  removing  rare  plants 
from  the  localities  of  which  they  are  characteristic  ;  and  that  at  field 
meetings,  in  future,  specimens  are  to  be  gathered  without  disturbing 
the  roots.  The  practice  of  offering  prizes  for  rare  specimens  is  most 
pernicious,  as  its  tendency  is  to  exterminate  the  rare  flora  peculiar 
to  certain  districts.  One  of  the  prime  duties  of  every  local  club 
should  be  the  preservation  of  such  rare  specimens,  the  fact  of  whoso 
existence  is  often  of  great  value  from  a  scientific  point  of  view. 

Mk.    James  Blackley    has    just   published  a  pamphlet  on 

"  The  Potato  Disease ;  its  Cause  and  Cnre,"  in  which  he  states  that  ho 
has,  for  the  last  four  years,  grown  Potatoes  perfectly  free  from 
disease,  by  means  of  the  cure  which  he  has  discovered. 

The  Corporation  of  the  City  of  London  have,  we  see,  adver- 
tised for  designs  for  a  fruit  and  vegetable  market,  which  is  intended 
to  be  built  on  the  site  of  the  present  Farringdon  Market.  Premiums  of 
£300,  £200,  and  £100  will  be  given  for  the  three  most  approved  designs. 
These  designs  are  then  to  become  the  property  of  the  Corporation. 
But  it  is  expressly  pointed  out  that  the  Corporation  do  not  engage 
to  carry  out  any  of  these  plans,  or  to  employ  in  the  execution  of  the 
works  any  of  the  persons  to  whom  the  premiums  may  be  awarded. 
Designs  are  to  be  received  at  the  olfice  of  the  Controller,  Guildhall, 
by  noon  of  the  14th  of  January  next. 

At  this  season  of  the  j'car,  with  the  exception  of  Chrysan- 
themums, no  out-door  flowering  plants  are  more  effective  than  tho 
autumn-blooming  Crocuses, several  species  of  which,  should  tho  weather 
continue  mild,  will  flower  nearly  up  to  Christmas.  We  noticed  the 
following  in  great  beauty  the  other  day,  at  Tooting,  viz.,  Crocus 
speciosus,  which  has  been  in  flower  for  the  past  two  months,  and 
is  still  finely  in  bloom ;  C.  serotinus,  C.  sativus,  and  C.  byzaotinus, 
all  of  which  are  distinct  and  handsome  kinds,  from  which  a  supply  of 
bloom  may  be  obtained  in  many  parts  of  the  country  during  tho 
later  months  of  the  year,  particularly  if  planted  in  well-drained 
sandy  loam. 

— —  Bath  seems  desirous  to  have  a  winter  garden,  and  how  to 
best  secure  such  a  boon  is  thus  stated  by  one  of  its  citizens.  "  It 
must  be  shown,"  he  says,  "  that  it  will  pay  as  .an  investment,  and 
then  people  will  embark  their  money  in  it.  My  advice,  therefore, 
to  the  present  pi'ojectors,  who,  I  must  say,  deserve  credit  for  the 
comprehensiveness  of  their  proposals,  is  not  to  waste  their  efforts  in 
trying  to  get  donations  and  benefactions,  but  to  start  a  small  com- 
pany, as,  in  fact,  has  been  done  at  Torquay,  where  they  are  at  tho 
present  time  establishing  a  winter  garden  at  a  cost  of  about  £5,000." 
It  is  proposed  that  the  building  shall  be  180  yards  long  and  150 
yards  wide,  and  that  it  shall  be  constructed  chiefly  of  glass.  The 
entire  building  will  be  heated,  and  by  this  means  its  lawns  and  foliage 
will  be  kept  as  gi*een  in  winter  as  in  summer.  The  undertaking  is 
estimated  to  cost  between  £5,000  and  £6,000,  of  which  the  park  com. 
mittee  have  offered  to  subscribe  £100. 

M.  Van  Hulle,  curator  of  the  Royal  Botanic   Gardens  at 

Ghent,  writes  to  us  as  follows: — "  Many  kinds  of  trees,  chosen  for 
planting  avenues,  public  promenades,  &c.,  either  do  not  accommodate 
themselves  to  all  kinds  of  soils,  or  else  require  an  inconvenient  length 
of  time  to  attain  to  such  size  and  development  of  foliage  as  will  afford 
the  desired  shade.  In  consequence  of  this,  the  Canada  Poplar 
(Populns  canadensis)  has  been  largely  planted  about  Munich  and 
other  places  in  Germany.  This  tree  grows  quickly,  and  in  almost 
any  kind  of  soil ;  its  only  defect,  as  a  shading  tree,  is,  that  it  some- 
times, if  left  to  itself,  shoots  up  into  too  spiral  a  form  to  be  of  service 
in  that  way.  This,  however,  is  easily  guarded  against,  by  heading 
down  the  young  trees  to  the  height  of  from  12  to  15  feet,  and  paying 
some  attention  to  tho  pruning  of  the  branches  for  some  time,  so  as  to 
secure  the  formation  of  handsome  crowns.  Treated  in  this  way  the 
trees  arc  quite  as  effective,  at  some  distance,  as  well-grown  specimens 
of  Horse  Chestnuts." 


Nov.  '29, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


435 


THE     INDOOR    GARDEN. 


CATTLEYA  PAUSTA. 

TiiK  fine  range  of  Orchid  honses  in  tlie  Eoyal  Exofeio  Nursery, 
Chelsea,  can  seldom  bo  looked  through  without  finding  some 
novelty  not  seen  before,  or  a  much  finer  form  of  some  old 
favourite  than  had  hitherto  been  met  with.  Nearly  the  whole 
of  the  seedling  Orchids  in  cultivation  have  been  raised,  as  is 
well-known,  by  Mr.  Dominy,  but  the  fine  new  hybrid  of  which 
the  acconiii.anying  is  an  illustration,  owes  its  origin  to  Mr. 
Seden,  who  has  had  charge  of  one  section  of  Messrs.  Veitch's 
collection  for  some  years.  It  is  a  hybrid  between  0.  exoniensis 
and  C.  Loddigesii,  the  former  being  well  known  to  all  Orchid- 
growers  as  one  of  the  finest  of  all  Cattleyas,  while  both  are 
free  growers  and  profuse  bloomers.  In  habit,  C.  Fausta  more 
closely  resembles  C.  Loddigesii  than  its  other  parent,  its  elon- 


lobes  being  pale  in  colour  and  similar  in  form  to  those  of 
Loddigo's  Cattleya,  while  the  central  one  is  expanded,  slightly 
fimbriated,  of  a  deep  rosy  tint,  heavily  marked  with  dark 
velvety-crimson  streaks,  the  intensity  of  which  is  considerably 
heightened  by  the  narrow  white  niargin,  while  the  throat  or 
disc  is  suffused  with  a  broad  blotch  of  clear  golden-yellow,  as 
in  C.  exoniensis.  The  flattened  column  is  pale  in  colour,  and 
forcibly  reminds  one  of  that  of  C.  Loddigesii.  It  is  inferior 
in  beauty  only  to  C.  exoniensis  itself,  and  will  take  up  a 
prominent  position  amongst  other  kinds  either  for  purposes  of 
general  decoration  or  for  exhibition.  F,  W.  B. 


WINTBR-PLOWERING  ZONAL  PELARGONIUMS. 

I    GROW  my    collection    of    those  mainly   for   autumn   and   winter 
blooming,  instead  of  for  summer  flowering.     It  is  during  the  months 


Cattleya  Fausta. 


gated  obovate  pseudo-bulbs  being  each  furnished  with  from  one 
to  two  oblong  leathery  leaves,  more  or  less  undulated  along 
their  margins,  and  of  a  fresh  green  colour.  The  flowers  are 
large  and  spreading,  being  about  4  inches  across,  but  there 
is  every  reason  to  believe  that  these  will  attain  a  much  larger 
size  when  the  plant  shall  have  become  more  fully  developed  under 
good  cultivation.  At  present  they  are  produced  in  pairs,  but 
ultimately  more  may  be  borne  on  each  spike,  as  the  seedling 
plants  in  stock  have  not  yet  attained  full  vigour.  The 
segments  of  the  flower  are  of  good  substance,  and  are  almost 
exactly  intermediate  in  form  between  those  of  the  two  parent 
plants.  The  sepals  are  linear,  oblong,  undulated,  like  those  of 
C.  Loddigesii,  and  of  a  rich  rose  or  rosy-purple  tint,  softened 
with  the  faintest  tinge  of  lilac.  The  petals  are  in  shape  some- 
thing like  those  of  C.  exoniensis,  and  arc  coloured  like  the 
sepals,  but  a  trifle  deeper  in  tint.  In  the  lip,  again,  the 
hybrid  or  intermediate  character  is  well  portrayed,  the  lateral 


of  October,  November,  and  December  especially  that  our  conserva- 
tories are  most  in  want  of  the  cheering  influences  of  flowers.  I  like 
bright  colours  during  the  dull  leaden  days  of  winter,  when  all 
without  is  dark  and  gloomy,  and  the  rich  hues  of  scarlet,  rose, 
crimson,  and  red  are  abundantly  supplied  by  zonal  Pelargoniums. 
In  March  last,  I  obtained  about  two  dozen  of  the  newer  varieties  of 
zonal  and  nosegay  Pelargoniums,  all  of  them  growing  in  small 
60-sized  pots.  As  soon  as  the  roots  became  somewhat  pot  bound, 
they  were  shifted  into  48-sized  pots,  and  flowered ;  and  though  I  had 
left  the  selection  of  varieties  entirely  to  the  nurseryman  who 
supplied  them,  I  am  bound  to  say  it  was  so  good  that  there  was  not 
one  among  them  which  I  cared  to  discard.  During  the  time  the 
plants  were  getting  established  in  the  48.sized  pots,  I  allowed  them 
to  bloom,  but  as  soon  as  there  were  signs  of  the  plants  becoming  pot 
bound,  they  were  again  shifted  into  32.sized  pots,  and  the  plants  cut 
back,  so  as  to  form  nice  "  bottoms,"  as  it  is  teimed.  The  plants 
are  now  thoroughly  estahUshing  themselves  in  the  large  pots;  they 
are  making  a   vigorous     growth,    and    bloomirig    well    and    freely 


436 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  29,  1873. 


and  by  keeping  them  fairly  dry  I  hope  to  have  them  in  flower 
up  to  February.  Nor  is  this  all,  for  when  the  plants  are  cat 
back,  the  cuttings  so  obtained  are  inserted  singly  in  thumb  pots, 
in  which  they  soon  root,  and  are  then  shifted  into  small  60- 
sized  pots.  Many  of  these  have  developed  into  nice  young 
stocky  plants  of  a  vigorous  growth,  and  are  throwing  up  trasses 
of  tine  flowers.  In  the  case  of  both  the  young  and  old  plants, 
as  soon  as  they  have  done  blooming  they  will  be  allowed  to  dry  oS, 
and  in  April  the  soil  will  be  shaken  away  from  the  roots,  the  latter 
trimmed  and  put  into  -IS-sized  pots,  and  again  shifted  into  32-sized 
pots  as  before  autumn  flowering.  When  the  bottoms  become  too 
large  they  can  be  thrown  away,  and  their  place  supplied  by  some  of 
the  cuttings  struck  as  above  stated.  Some  of  the  varieties,  too,  can 
be  rejected  as  they  become  superseded  by  the  superior  merits  of 
other  types.  Some  of  my  favourite  varieties  are — Wellington,  Henry 
King,  very  fine  crimson  flowers  of  splendid  form ;  Richard  Dean, 
very  fine  ;  Harry  Turner,  fine  brilliant  red ;  Lawrence  Heywood, 
Cham,  Carrie  Cochran,  Marchioness  of  Hertford,  Mercy  Grogau, 
Forbury  Nosegay,  Glitter,  and  Splendour — all  shades  of  red,  crimson, 
and  scarlet ;  Circulator,  very  fine ;  Charles  Dickeus,  a  beautiful 
salmon. rose  nosegay,  the  petals  distinctly  mai'gined  with  red  ;  and 
Polly  King,  one  of  the  finest  salmon-coloured  varieties  yet  raised ; 
these  have  shades  of  salmon.  Master  Christine  and  Mrs.  Keele,  both 
pink-flowered  varieties,  the  former  a  very  free  bloomer.  Of  pure 
white  flowers,  or  white  flowers  slightly  blotched  with  carmine,  there 
are  Mrs.  Sach,  Reine  Blanche,  Alice  Spencer,  Marginatum,  a  beau- 
tiful variety;  Madame  F.  Hock,  and  Souvenir  de  St.  Etienne,  the 
purest  white  zonal  I  have  yet  met  with.  I  do  not  advance  this  as  a 
complete  collection;  but  I  have  foimd  the  several  varieties  just 
enumerated  to  be  very  distinct  in  character,  and  all  are  more  or  less 
characterised  by  great  freedom  of  bloom.  My  last  variety  is  one  of 
the  finest  zonals  I  have  flowered  ;  it  is  named  Purple  Prince,  and 
the  rosy  crimson  flowers,  which  are  of  very  fine  quality,  are  hand- 
somely tinted  with  purple.  R.  D. 


BEREY-BBAEIKG  PLANTS  FOR  WINTER 
DECORATION. 
At  the  last  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  at  South 
Kensington,  one  of  the  most  novel,  although  by  no  means  least 
interesting,  features  of  the  exhibition  consisted  of  the  collection  of 
bacciferons  plants,  staged  by  three  exhibitors  in  competition  for  the 
prizes  offered  for  them.  Such  plants  are  very  handy,  either  for 
the  decoration  of  the  conservatory  or  sitting-room,  and  have  the 
advantage  of  lasting  in  beauty  for  several  weeks,  and  not  unfre- 
quently  months,  in  succession.  They  are,  as  a  rule,  very  easily 
grown,  and  form  an  agreeable  contrast  when  grouped  taste- 
fully with  Chrysanthemums,  Cyclamens,  scarlet  Salvias,  and  Ferns. 
Some  are  well  adapted  for  cutting,  and  help  to  create  variety  in  the 
drawing-room  vase,  while  their  value  in  church  decoration  of  all 
kinds  is  well  known. 

Aucubas. — These,  when  covered  with  a  crop  of  shining  scarlet 
fruit,  make  fine  winter  decorative  plants,  and  they  are  easily  grown. 
In  mild  sheltered  localities,  small  bushes  in  the  shrubbery  or  private 
nursery  may  be  fertilised,  when  in  flower,  by  pollen  from  the  male 
plants,  and  these  can  be  taken  up  and  potted  in  the  autumn.  Plants 
in  pots  generally  flower  more  freely  than  those  planted  out,  and  are 
handier  than  the  latter  for  fertilising  purposes.  Large  plants  in 
sunny  positions  outside  have  a  beautiful  appearance  when  fertilised 
■ — an  operation  which  is  most  readily  done,  either  by  grafting  a  male 
branch  into  the  female  tree,  or  by  setting  a  male  plant  in  flower  in 
close  proximity  to  a  female  one.  We  have  now  numerous  varieties, 
both  green  and  variegated,  which  form  noble  winter  decorative 
plants.  Aucubas,  like  all  other  smooth  and  glossy-leaved  plants,  do 
well  in  towns  and  smoky  districts,  simply  because  they  are  readily 
cleansed  by  every  passing  shower. 

Solanums. —  These  are  well. known  plants,  which  are  easily 
propagated  either  by  means  of  seeds  or  cuttings  in  the  spring. 
Young  plants  maybe  planted  out  in  a  warm  sheltered  border  in  May, 
and  if  liberally  supplied  with  water,  will  make  clean,  fresh,  little 
specimens  for  decorative  purposes  during  the  ensuing  winter.  They 
should  be  carefully  lifted  and  potted  in  October  for  removal  indoors, 
and  if  taken  inside  and  kept  in  a  moist  and  close  atmosphere  for  a 
week  or  so,  they  will  establish  themselves  and  ripen  off  their  bright 
orange  fruits  without  losing  a  leaf.  S.  Capsicastrnm  and  S.  pseudo- 
capsicum  are  the  most  useful,  but  Yellow  Gem  is  very  distinct  and 
effective  when  well  grown,  bearing  large  ribbed  or  contorted  fruit 
of  a  bright  glossy  yellow  colour.  The  Egg  plant  is  very  ornamental, 
and  grows  well  in  an  ordinary  frame  or  greenhouse.  There  are  both 
white  and  purple  varieties. 

Capsicums. —  These,   although    generally  grown    for   culinary 


purposes,  are  far  from  being  uninteresting  as  decorative  plants.  We 
have  several  species  in  our  gardens,  all  bearing  bright  scarlet  or 
yellow  fruits,  which  contrast  well  with  their  deep  green  foliage. 
Care  must  be  taken  to  syringe  these  and  Solanums  freely  when 
growing,  in  order  to  keep  red  spider  in  cheek,  a  pest  to  the  attacks 
of  which  they  are  very  liable. 

Skimmias. — These  are  dwarf  shrubs  with  broad  lanceolate 
smooth  foliage,  and  bear  clusters  of  small  Holly.like  berries.  S. 
oblata  and  S.  japonica  are  both  well  adapted  for  pot  culture,  and 
look  %vell  all  winter  in  a  cool  house. 

Rivina  (hurailis)  laevis. — This  well-known  stove  plant  bears 
small  inconspicuous  white  flowers  and  drooping  clusters  of  shining 
berries.  Small  plants  of  it  in  pots  are  very  pretty,  or  it  may  be 
trained  up  the  back  wall  of  a  stove,  where  it  will  grow,  flower,  and 
fruit  all  the  year  round,  forming  an  interesting  object  of  permanent 
beauty.  A  bright  yellow-fruited  woolly-leaved  species  of  Rivina 
was  introduced  by  Bowman  a  few  years  ago,  but  it  appears  to  have 
been  lost. 

Nertera  depressa. — This  is  one  of  the  smallest,  and  at  the 
same  time,  most  interesting  of  all  berry-bearing  plants.  In  habit  it 
is  very  dwarf  and  spreading,  rarely  exceeding  one  inch  in  height ; 
indeed,  it  may  not  inaptly  be  compared  to  a  plant  of  Selaginella 
densa,  sprinkled  with  coral  heads.  The  foliage  is  of  the  freshest 
green  imaginable,  the  berries  being  of  a  brilliant  orange-scarlet.  It 
is  readily  grown  in  a  light  compost  of  peat  and  sand  either  in  the 
stove,  greenhouse,  or  under  a  glass  shade  or  Wardian  case,  in  the 
sitting-room. 

Cotoneasters. — These  include  some  of  the  finest  of  all  hardy 
berrj'-bearing  shrubs  for  planting  along  a  sunny  wall.  C.  Sim. 
moudsii,  trained  up  the  front  of  town  houses,  along  with  small  greeu. 
leaved  or  gold  and  silver  variegated  Ivies,  forms  a  brilliant  picture 
in  the  autumn  and  winter,  when  studded  with  bright  scarlet  berries, 
the  latter  being  very  freely  produced  along  its  slender  branches.  C. 
microphylla,  a  well-known  small-leaved  evergreen  species,  bears 
berries  of  a  deeper  crimson,  and  is  one  of  the  most  useful  wall 
shrubs  we  have.  Trained  up  the  front  of  a  house,  or  over  the  porch 
or  balcony,  it  has  a  cheerful  appearance  even  in  the  depth  of  winter, 
and  is  particularly  beautiful  when  the  ground  is  covered  with  hoar 
frost  or  snow.  It  also  does  well  as  a  low  bush  on  the  lawn,  if  cut 
in  closely  every  year.  Of  this,  Lindley  says,  "  Its  deep  glossy 
foliage,  which  no  cold  will  impair,  is,  when  the  plant  is  in  blossom, 
strewed  with  snow-white  flowers,  which,  reposing  on  a  rich  couch  of 
green,  have  so  brilliant  an  appearance  that  a  poet  would  compare 
them  to  diamonds  lying  on  a  bed  of  emeralds." 

Ardisia. — This  is  one  of  the  prettiest  of  all  pot  plants  when  well 
grown.  It  is  easily  propagated  by  means  of  seed,  and  plants  about  a 
foot  high  bear  nice  crops  of  berries  the  second  year.  Seedlings 
should  be  potted  off  in  loam,  leaf-mould,  and  sand,  and  if  placed  on  a 
shelf  near  the  glass  in  a  moderately  warm  greenhouse  temperature, 
they  make  dwarf  vigorous  little  plants.  Even  when  not  in  fruit  the 
plant  is  ornamental,  its  oblong  foliage  being  of  a  rich  glossy  green 
colour,  elegantly  wavy  or  crenate  along  the  margins.  The  species 
common  in  gardens  is  A.  crennlata,  bearing  bright  scarlet  or  crimson 
fruit  the  size  of  Peas.  There  is,  also,  a  yellow-fruited  variety,  well 
worth  growing  for  variety,  although  not  so  effective  as  the  normal 
kind. 

Pernettyas. — These  are  pretty  little  shrubs  for  pot  culture ;  in 
habit  they  closely  resemble  the  Cotoneasters,  and,  like  those  plants, 
have  deep  green  glossy  foliage  and  a  rich  profusion  of  berries  during 
the  autumn  and  winter  months.  For  greenhouse,  conservatory,  or 
drawing-room  decoration  they  are  invaluable,  taking  the  same  place 
indoors  that  the  Cotoneaster  occupies  outside.  I  have  only  seen  three 
species,  all  of  which  are  beautiful.  P.  mucronata  bears  deep  crim- 
son berries,  something  like  those  of  Cotoneaster  microphylla  in  both 
size  and  colour.  P.  microphyKa  bears  immense  crops  of  purple  or 
lilac  berries,  and  is,  perhaps,  the  most  distinct  and  ornamental  of  the 
whole  group.  P.  speciosa  is  very  dwarf  and  compact  in  its  growth, 
and  bears  deep  crimson  berries. 

Crataegus  Pyracantha  (Pyracantha  japonica). — For  covering 
the  fronts  of  town  houses,  or  the  side  walls  of  greenhouses  or  stoves, 
nothing  can  be  prettier  or  more  effective  than  this  plant,  especially  if 
trained  among  gold,  silver,  or  green-leaved  Ivies.  It  may  be  freely 
propagated  by  means  of  layers,  and  small  plants  from  2  to  3  feet  high 
bear  heavy  crops  of  brilliant  scarlet  berries.  Nearly  aU  glossy-leaved 
plants  do  well  in  towns  for  reasons  already  stated,  and  for  such 
purposes  this  plant  is  one  of  the  best. 

Callicarpa  purpurea. — This  is  an  old  greenhouse  plant,  well 
deserving  cultivation,  although  rather  straggling  in  habit.  Its  shoots 
are  clothed  with  opposite  serrate  leaves,  and  it  bears  axillary 
clusters  of  small  purple  or  amethyst-coloured  berries  very  freely. 
It  may  be  propagated  freely,  either  by  means  of  seeds  or  cuttings. 


Nov.  29, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


437 


and  young  plants  grown  as  recommended  for  Ai-disias  are  best ;  old 
plants  lose  their  bottom  foliage,  and  become  "  leggy"  and  nnsightly. 

Leucocarpa  alata. — If  grown  in  a  poor,  sandy  soil,  and  fully 
exposed  to  tho  light,  this  makes  dwarf  plants  1  foot  to  18  inches  in 
height,  and  as  much  through.  It  has  light  green  foliage,  and  thick 
winged  stems,  and,  when  well  grown,  bears  heavy  crops  of  white 
berries.  If  grown  in  rich  soil  it  is  littlo  better  than  a  rank-growing 
weed,  but,  treated  as  above,  it  makes  a  variety — white-berried  plants 
being  rather  scarce. 

Berberries. — Among  other  large. growing  hardy  berry.bearing 
shrubs  we  must  not  forget  the  common  Arbutus,  with  orange- 
scarlet,  and  Berberis  Aquifolium,  with  bluish-purple  fruit  in 
massive  clusters.  B.  vulgaris,  having  elegant  drooping  clusters 
of  bright  scarlet  oblong  berries,  forms  a  noble  object  on  the 
margins  of  shrubberies  in  warm  sandy  soils,  during  the  autumn 
months.  The  berries  of  both  tho  last-mentioned  species  are  often 
preserved  in  syrup,  or  in  salt,  for  garnishing  purposes  during  winter. 
Hollies  are  too  well  known  to  need  much  comment,  but  small  bushes, 
2  to  3  feet  high,  may  be  grown  in  pots,  or  taken  up  from  the  outside 
and  potted,  when  they  come  in  usefully  for  the  decoration  of 
churches,  front  halls,  conservatories,  or  even  for  ordinary  apartments 
during  the  Christmas  season.  The  common  Snowberry  bears  heavy 
crops  of  large  pearly-white  fruit  in  some  districts,  and  these  cut 
from  the  plant  and  tastefully  grouped  in  bunches,  wreaths,  or  vases, 
along  with  the  fruit-bearing  branches  of  Hollies,  Berberis,  Solanums, 
Cotoneastei-3,  CratiBgus,  and  the  bright-coloured  autumnal  foliage  of 
Maples,  Berberis,  and  Oaks  have  a  highly  pleasing  appearance,  while 
they  are  specially  valuable  for  church  decorations  of  all  kinds.  We 
have  many  other  fruit-bearing  plants,  but  the  above  list  comprises 
the  best  known  for  decorative  purposes  during  the  winter  season. 

F.  W.  BUKBIDGE. 


BOTTOM-HEAT  FOE  OECHIDS. 

BoTTOM-heat  is  advantageous  to  all  kinds  of  plant.?,  whether 
applied  artificially  or  naturally.  It  is,  however,  seldom  used 
for  Orchids  ;  but  I  have  for  some  time  grown  all  that  come  to 
us  from  the  east  in  bottom-heat,  and  I  find  that  the  foliage 
acquires  increased  vigour  under  such  treatment,  while  the 
roots  are  at  the  same  time  developed  in  greater  profusion  than 
under  any  other  kind  of  management.  The  genera  Aerides, 
Saccolabium,Phala3nopsis,  &o.,  all  grow  in  bottom-heat  with  a 
vigour  which  is  cjuite  surprising.  Hitherto  I  have  set  the 
pots  and  baskets  upon  the  bottom-heat  about  the  month  of 
February,  and  have  kept  them  there  until  the  first  or  second 
week  in  August.  They  are  then  removed  and  placed  on 
shelves,  or  on  the  ordinary  benches  of  the  Orchid  house,  where 
they  are  kept  somewhat  dry,  and  allowed  to  harden  and  ripen 
their  growths.  During  the  late  autumn  months  very  little 
moisture  is  given  them,  and  very  little  artificial  atmospheric 
heat — a  course  of  treatment  which  enables  them  to  bear  with 
impunity  the  dull  months  that  intervene  between  August  and 
February.  I  find  that  bottom-heat  not  only  accelerates  the 
growth,  but  that  it  also  enhances  the  flowering  properties 
under  its  influence ;  the  flower-spikes  are  larger,  and  much 
brighter  in  colour  than  they  otherwise  would  be.  I  am  now 
speaking  of  established  Orchids ;  newly-introduced  ones 
require  to  be  gradually  brought  into  a  condition  to  withstand 
bottom-heat,  which,  when  once  applied,  is  kept  up  until  the 
growths  are  completed.  Then  they  should  have  a  season  of 
rest,  as  in  the  case  of  established  plants ;  and  I  feel  assured 
that,  when  bottom-heat  comes  to  be  universally  adopted  for 
Orchids,  we  shall  cease  to  hear  complaints  of  failures  or  of 
tardiness  in  growing  and  establishing  specimens  of  them. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  such  as  I  have  found  to  succeed 
well  under  this  treatment,  viz. : — 


Aerides 

crispum 

Lindleyannm 

Wamerii 
Aneuloa 

Clowesii 
Calanthe,  various 

species  of 
Cattleya 

intermedia 

Leopoldii 

maxima 

MoasiED 

Schilleriana 


Cattleya 

Skinneri 

Warnerii 
Cypripedium 

barbatum 

caudatum 

hirsatissimum 

Stoneii 
Dendrobium 

a^frregatum 

BensoniEe 

chrysanthum 

fimbriatixm 

nobile 


Lselia 
purpnrata 

Limatodes 
rosea 

Odontoglossum 
AlesandrEe 
maculatum 
Pescatorei 
PhalEenopsis 
roseiini 
triumphans 

Oncidiuiu 
Kramevii 


Oncidium 

mFicranthum 

Weltonii 
Phalienopsis 

grandifiora 

Luddemannii 
Saccolabium 

ampullaceum 

giganteum 
Vanda 

Eensonii 

gigantea ;     and 
many  others. 


Epsom. 


Eansley  Tanton. 


THE    GARDENS    OF   ENGLAND. 

STEBATHAM  HALL. 
Among  halls  of  recent  formation,  that  of  Mr.  Eichard  Thornton 
West,  Streatham  Hall,  is  certainly  one  of  the  most  interesting. 
Streatham  Hall  is  about  two  miles  from  Exeter,  and  the 
situation  which  it  occupies  is  as  undulating  as  could  be  desired 
for  landscape  purposes.  A  few  years  back,  Mr.  West  pur- 
chased the  property,  and  finding  that  tho  residence  on  it 
would  cost  much  to  remodel,  he  decided  to  replace  it  with 
a  new  one,  which  is  built  upon  nearly  the  same  site,  but  is  upon 
a  much  more  extensive  scale,  and  is  certainly  one  of  the 
finest  mansions  in  the  county.  The  rise  in  the  ground 
from  the  entrance  lodge  (a  very  appropriate  building)  to 
the  higher  points  of  the  pleasure  grounds  (some  half  mile 
distant)  is  several  hundred  feet ;  midway,  hewn  into  the 
side  of  the  hill,  stands  the  mansion,  surrounded  by  terraced 
gardens  necessitating  architectural  support  and  connection, 
but  not  so  overladen  with  mural  ornament  as  some  such  places 
are.  In  fact,  here  was  scope  for  vases  and  sculptural  ornament  to 
any  extent,  but  Mr.  West  has  eschewed  them,  leaving  his 
gardener  to  clothe  such  places  with  plants  and  flowers.  This 
Mr.  Beddard  has  done  with  great  taste,  and  in  a  manner 
which  is  deserving  of  special  record.  Although  the  place 
i.s  old,  the  garden  is  new,  with  the  exception  of  what  is 
set  apart  for  edible  produce.  Now  the  aspect  of  all  new 
gardens,  for  the  first  two  or  three  years  after  they  have 
been  made,  is  anything  but  cheering,  owing  to  their  bareness, 
and  hence  common  things  are  planted  thickly  to  screen  the 
nakedness  of  the  land,  which  common  things  grow  up,  and 
choke  and  crush  out  their  more  aristocratic  neighbours.  At 
Streatham,  Mr.  Beddard  has  pursued  an  entirely  different 
com'se  ;  though  only  planted  some  three  or  four  years  ago,  from 
one  end  of  the  pleasure  gardens  to  the  other  there  is  scarcely  a 
naked  yard  of  earth  to  be  seen  except  in  the  "beds  for  bedding," 
and  possibly  round  a  newly-planted  specimen ;  and  here,  let  it 
be  observed,  we  are  not  speaking  of  a  villa  garden,  but  of  one  of 
little  less,  if  not  more,  than  20  acres  in  extent,  and  hence  the 
experiment  was  a  daring  one.  But  Mr.  Beddard  has  lived  long 
enough  to  know  that  a  thing  well  done  is  twice  done,  and, 
profiting  by  this,  he  determined  to  prepare  the  ground  pro- 
perly, and  to  put  in  his  permanent  plants  at  distances  that 
will  suffice  for  many  years  to  come,  and  has  "  filled  up"  with 
more  common  things.  But,  from  one  end  of  the  garden  to 
the  other,  nearly  the  whole  of  the  plants  stand  upon  closely- 
shaven  turf,  sufficiently  far  apart  to  enable  the  Grass 
to  be  kept  in  order  without  injury  to  the  plants.  Mr. 
Beddard  has  not  planted  large  plants;  he  knows  that. 
in  the  plant  world  the  race  is  not  always  to  the  strong, 
and  that  the  instalment  of  immediate  effect  gained  by 
planting  specimens,  is  purchased  at  much  cost.  Nice 
healthy,  well-rooted,  and  carefully  lifted  plants,  20  to 
30  inches  high,  with  the  ground  properly  trenched  and 
prepared,  are  more  certain  of  ultimate  success  than  large 
plants  ever  can  be.  Two  or  three  years  back  in  a  garden  in 
the  midland  counties,  many  thousands  of  pounds  had  been 
expended  in  transplanting  large  specimens,  and  when  the 
trees  had  been  planted  twenty  years,  we  measured  some  scores 
of  them  and  in  every  case  of  timber  trees  the  young  ones  were 
larger  than  the  large  transplanted  ones,  and,  of  course,  far 
more  vigorous,  and  would  make  more  timber  in  the  future. 
The  gain,  then,  is  merely  nominal,  and  you  pay  for  it  in 
thousands  where  hundreds  would  suffice.  If  a  planter  has  a 
penchant  for  planting,  like  the  late  Earl  of  Harrington,  and 
can  afford  to  paj^,  let  him  do  so  ;  but  when  you  come  to  pounds, 
shillings  and  pence,  and  the  gardener  is  expected  to  produce 
the  q^aid  pro  quo  for  the  money  expended,  then  the  question 
assumes  a  very  different  aspect.  The  system  of  cramming 
valuable  plants  together,  as  wc  see  it  carried  out  in  many 
places,  is  no  credit  to  anyone  concerned — landscape  gardener, 
contractor,  or  proprietor.  Mr.  Beddard  has  no  sympathy 
with  management  of  that  kind ;  he  likes  plants  20  to 
30  inches  high,  thoroughly  well  established,  and  removed 
with  care ;  and  with  such  Mr.  West's  place  has  been  planted. 
Success  could  not  be  more  complete  than  it  is  here ;  if 
there  is  a  hitch  it  is  where  a  few  large  plants  have  been 
introduced  as    "  starers,"  and  while    all    of    these  may  be 


438 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  29, 1873. 


considered  to  be  more  or  less  "crippled,"  tlie  youngsters 
are  daily  accumulating  strength.  Some  of  the  Conifers 
have  made  remarkable  growth,  especially  the  C3T3resses  ;  while 
some  of  the  young  specimens  of  Oupressus  Lawsoniana  and 
others  are  masses  of  vegetation,  more  elegant  than  a  tropical 
Fern,  and  yet,  withal,  hardy  as  the  climate  of  Devonshire  requires. 
Tet  with  all  this,  several  specimens  of  Pinus  Nordmanniana, 
in  an  exposed  situation,  refuse  to  grow  ;  while  P.  lasiocarpa, 
Douglasii,  and  some  others  do  not  flourish.  Is  it  that  these 
natives  of  the  Crimea  and  of  Northern  California  require  a 
colder  climate  ?  In  the  midland  counties  they  are  thoi'oughly 
at  home  ;  in  Devonshire,  they  certainly  are  not.  The  terraces 
at  Streatham  Hall  rise  to  a  considerable  height,  until,  in  fact, 
they  lose  themselves  in  wild  wood  at  the  higher  point  of  the 
pleasure  grounds.  But,  beyond  this,  there  is  a  still  higher 
point,  and  in  a  field  above,  or  rather  beside,  the  kitchen 
garden,  is  a  view  which  gives  a  command,  not  only  of  the  moi'e 
beautiful  parts  of  Devonshire,  but  of  many  parts  of  the  sur- 
rounding counties.  Anything  more  perfect  than  this 
panorama  it  would  be  impossible  to  conceive,  as  one  sees  it 
now,  glowing  in  rich  autumnal  tints,  and  stretching  away  over 
tens  of  thousands  of  acres. 

The  kitchen  and  fruit  garden  are  near  the  highest  part  of  the 
gardens,  the  ground  sloping  considerably  to  the  east,  and 
having  the  advantage  of  the  morning  sun.  It  is  not  large  in 
extent,  nor  very  rich  in  soil ;  but  it  contains  some  superior 
kinds  of  fruits,  which  do  exceedingly  well.  The  glass  erec- 
tions are  numerous,  consisting  of  Vineries,  Peach  houses.  Pine 
stoves,  plant  houses,  &c. ;  but,  though  new,  not  of  the  most 
modern  construction,  and,  though  strong,  not  elegant.  In 
these  Mr.  Beddard  is  very  successful,  growing  Grapes — and,  in 
fact,  all  other  things — in  first-class  style.  Here  we  saw,  for  the 
first  time  since  its  distribution,  Muscat  Champion  as  black  as 
the  Hamburgh,  and  the  Mrs.  Pince  Muscat  rivalling  Alicante 
and  Lady  Downes  in  the  intensity  of  its  colour,  and  superior  to 
both  in  the  quality  and  keeping  properties  of  its  fruit.  Here, 
also,  Madresfield  Court  was  good,  very  good,  both  in  colour  and 
quality ;  but  Golden  Champion,  Raisin  de  Calabre,  and  some 
other  white  varieties,  are  a  little  liable  to  spot.  On  the  whole, 
the  Vines  at  Streatham  Hall  are  in  a  very  promising  condition  ; 
and  as  Mr.  Beddard,  like  Mr.  Montgomery  Henderson  at 
Coleorton,  places  his  faith  in  a  free  admission  of  air,  there  can 
be  no  wonder  that  his  Grapes  are  good.  The  Peach  trees  are 
very  excellent — though,  of  course,  now  leafless.  A  long  house, 
at  one  time  devoted  to  orchard  house  purposes,  has  been  heated 
and  converted  into  a  plant  stove,  and  contains  a  rich  collection 
of  flowering  and  foliage  plants  and  Ferns.  In  it  Peristei'ia  elata 
was  blooming  finely,  and  had  been  for  a  long  time,  and  some 
plants  of  Adiantum  Farleyeuse  were  as  fine  as  could  be 
desired.  There  is  a  large  conservatory  a  short  distance  south 
of  the  mansion,  and  a  number  of  minor  houses.  On  the  whole, 
Streatham  Hall,  with  its  spirited  proprietor  and  able  gardener, 
backed  by  the  climate  of  Devonshire  and  grand  fruit-forcing 
situation,  promises  to  become  a  place  of  mark,  especially  for 
superior  fruit.  Before  concluding,  we  may  remark  that  the 
houses,  though  comparatively  new,  have  been  already  glazed 
twice.  First  thin  glass  {13-oz.)  was  put  in,  and  it  scorched 
everything.  Recently  26-oz.  sheet  has  been  substituted, 
and  it  has  to  bo  shaded.  Of  course,  we  speak  of  clear  glass  ; 
and,  with  such  evidence  cropping  up,  we  may  ask,  "  Is  Mr. 
Henderson,  of  Thoresby,  far  wrong  in  recommending  perma- 
nent shade  for  it  ?  "  P.  A.  W. 


The  Postag'e  of  Plants,  &c.,  in  the  United  States.— 
Oa  pamphlets,  occasional  publicationg,  newspapers,  magazines, 
and  periodicals,  hand.bills,  posters,  sheet-music,  unsealed  circu- 
lars, prospectuses,  book  manuscript  and  proof-sheets,  printed 
cards,  maps,  lithographs,  prints,  chromo-lithographs,  and  engravings, 
seeds,  cuttings,  bulbs,  roots,  and  scions — one  cent  for  each  2  ounces 
or  fraction  thereof — weight  of  package  limited  to  4  lbs. 

Boiler  Incrustations.— It  may  be  worthy  of  note  that  the 
Bearberry  (Arctostaphylos  Uva.ursi),  boiled  in  a  boiler  which  is  much 
incrusted,  will  remove  the  "  scale"  in  a  very  short  time.  Specimens 
of  tho  powder,  and  of  "  soalo"  removed  by  it,  may  be  seen  in  the 
Kew  Museum  (No.  1).  The  preparation  ia  sold  under  the  title  of 
Armitage's  Vegetative. — J.  B.  Q. 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 

M.  SOUCHET'S  NEW  GLADIOLI. 
Few  flowers  can  compete  with,  and  none  can  surpass  in  distinctive 
grace  and  beauty  this  family  of  autumn.flowering  plants.  Com. 
Diencing  with  the  stout  old  Gladiolus  gandavensis,  the  snccessivo 
and  successful  intercrossings  of  skilled  hybridiscrs  have  eventuated 
in  results  even  beyond  expectation.  In  the  first  rank  of  those  who 
have  brought  the  Gladiolus  to  its  present  high  state  of  perfection 
stands  M.  Souchet,  tho  eminent  French  cultivator,  from  whose  list 
of  the  best  varieties  we  have  selected  the  following : — 

Albion. — Spike  very  long,  broad,  and  fine.  Flowers  extra  large, 
white,  delicately  tinged  with  lilac,  and  sometimes  shaded  with 
carmine.  This  is  a  kind  of  nnnsuallj'  high  growth,  and  well  fitted 
for  the  centres  of  flower-beds  and  groups  of  plants  of  vigorous 
growth. 

Amalthee. — Spike  very  handsome,  and  well  furnished  with 
large  pure  white  flowers,  spotted  with  rich  violet-red ;  throat  of  a 
violet-velvet ;  the  lower  divisions  slightly  tinged  with  lilac.  Grows 
to  a  medium  height. 

Ambroise  Verschaffelt. — Bears  a  splendid  spike  of  beautifully 
formed  white  flowers,  tinged  with  pomegranate-rose,  and  marked  with 
large  rosy  spots.     This  is  a  most  effective  plant. 

Arethuse. — Bears  a  spike  of  well-formed  white  flowers,  lightly 
tinged  with  rose-colour,  and  streaked  with  light  carmine. 

Asmodee. — Flowers  in  a  handsome  spike  of  a  brilliant  purplish 
chen-y-red,  edged  and  tinged  with  pomegranate  red,  and  marked 
with  large  white  spots  and  rays.  A  variety  of  very  remarkable  and 
weird  appearance. 

Belladonna. — Flowers  in  a  h.andsome  spike  of  a  light  lilac 
colour,  the  lower  divisions  marked  with  bright  carmine  lines.  Tho 
habit  of  this  plant  is  quite  distinct  and  novel,  and  its  aspect  is  par. 
ticnlarly  pleasing  and  lively. 

Cassini. — Spike  long  and  handsome,  with  beautifully-arranged 
flowers  above  the  average  size,  of  a  line  rose-colour  shaded  with 
carmine,  the  lower  divisions  streaked  with  carmine  on  a  light  ground. 
A  very  effective  plant. 

De  Mirbel. — Bears  a  long  and  broad  spike  of  perfectly-formed 
and  very  large  open  flowers  of  a  handsome  rose-colour,  slightly 
tinged  with  lilac  or  violet,  on  a  very  light  ground,  streaked  and 
shaded  with  carmine — a  very  remarkable  effect  of  colour. 

Le  Tintoret. — Bears  a  very  long  and  handsome  spike  of  well- 
opened  flowers  of  a  fine  cherry. red,  shaded  with  carmine  at  the 
edges,  and  marked  with  carmine  spots  on  a  yellow  ground.  A  very 
vigoi'ous-gi'owing  and  effective  plant. 

Le  Vesuve. — This  variety  is  distinguished  by  its  very  long, 
handsome,  and  tufted  spike  of  flowers,  which  are  of  a  fine  brilliant 
red  colour,  and  most  dazzling  and  effective.  It  is  a  late-flowering 
variety,  very  vigorous  in  growth,  and  one  of  the  very  finest. 

Ii'TJnique  violet. — Bears  a  vei-y  large  spike  of  extra  large 
flowers  of  a  dark  lilac-colour,  tinged  with  violet  and  shaded  with 
dark  carmine  ;  a  vigorous. growing  plant,  the  flowers  of  which  are  of 
the  most  charming  and  lively  appearance. 

Merveille. — Flowers  of  a  handsome  cherry-red,  slightly  tinged 
with  violet,  edged  and  shaded  with  dark  carmine,  the  light  coloured 
centre  giving  them  a  very  singular  and  pleasing  effect. 

Murillo. — Bears  a  splendid  spike  of  extra  large  flowers  of  fine 
cherry -red  on  a  very  light  ground,  all  the  divisions  marked  with  lines 
of  pure  white,  the  lower  divisions  marked  with  a  large  white  spot. 
A  most  effective  plant. 

Ondine. — Bears  a  long  spike  of  evenly. arranged  flowers  of  a 
white  colour,  tinged  with  lilac  and  marked  with  small  spots  of  dark 
violet,  lightly  shaded  at  the  edges  with  very  bright  lilaccrimson.  A 
most  beautiful  variety. 

Psyche. — Flowers  in  a  very  large  spike  of  a  delicate  frosted 
rose-colour,  edged  and  shaded  with  dark  carmine;   centre  very  light. 

Sirene. — Flowers  of  a  very  light  and  delicate  rose-colour, 
slightly  tinged  with  orange  ;  lower  divisions  very  broadly  marked 
with  red  spots  on  a  yellow  gi'ound. 

Triumphans. — Flowers  in  a  very  long  and  handsome  spike  of 
a  cherry. red  colour,  tinged  with  gooseberry  green.  A  most  effective 
kind  for  contrast. 

Variabilis. — Bears  a  long  spike  of  extra-large  flowers,  of  a 
pure  white  colour,  sometimes  tinged  with  lilac ;  bottom  of  the 
throat  violet.  This  variety  has  a  very  branching  habit,  and  is  well 
adapted  for  the  centres  of  flower-beds  or  for  mixed  borders. 

The  most  singular  of  the  foregoing  varieties  is  Asmodee,  the 
flowers  of  which,  as  M.  Carriore  says,  exhibit  "  une  nuance  infernale 
c.rceptionneUe  "  (a  strange  other  .world  hue).  Some  of  them  produce 
semi. double  flowers,  but  these  are  no  improvement  on  the  simple 
beauty  and  exquisite  colouring  of  the  single. flowered  kinds. 


Nov.  29,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


430 


fUNKIAS. 
During  the  past  few  years,  the  different  species  of  Funl<ias  have 
gained  great  popularity  with  gardeners,  owing,  in  a  great 
measure,  to  the  extensive  use  made  of  some  of  tliem  in  the 
London  parks  and  other  places  where  what  is  known  as  sub- 
tropical gardening  is  carried  out.  This,  anyone  acquainted 
with  the  genus,  will  not  be  surprised  at,  for,  to  the  value  of  its 
species  as  fine-foliaged  plants,  they  also  add  the  good  quality 
of  being  free  and  handsome-flowering  herbaceous  plants,  all 
of  which  produce  spikes  of  bell-shaped  flowers.  Another 
point  in  favour  of  plants  of  this  kind  is  that  they  thrive  in 
almost  any  soil,  although,  like  many  others,  they  are  seen  to 
the  greatest  advantage  when  grown  in  well-drained  sandy 
loam.  All  the  species  are  easily  multiplied  by  means  of 
division,  au  operation  that  may  be  performed  cither  in  spring 
or  in  the  autumn.  One  of  the  most  useful  and  ornamental 
species  of  this  genus  is  F.  Sieboldii,  a  plant  which  is  known  in 
gardens  under  various  names,  the  most  common  of  which  are 
sub-cordata  and  glauca.  It  grows  from  one  to  two  feet  iu 
height,  and  has  large,  somewhat  heart-shaped,  glaucous  leaves, 
and  bluish  or  pale  lilac  flowers.  Good  sized  tufts  of  this  are 
very  imposing  in  borders  or  on  turf,  and  beds  of  it 
are  likewise  attractive — a  fact  proved  by  some  that  have  been 
planted  in  Battersea  Park  within  the  past  few  years.  It  may 
also  be  used  advantageously  in  mixed  beds  of  foliage  plants, 
such  as  Melianthus  major.  Acanthus  latifolius,  the  dwarfer 
Cannas,  &o.  F.  japonica,  commonly  known  in  gardens  as 
F.  grandiflora,  of  which  we  give  an  illustration,  is  a  species 


Funkia  japonica. 

which  grows  from  12  to  18  inches  in  height,  and  which  pro- 
duces numerous  large,  handsome,  pure  white,  sweet-scented 
flowers  m  August  and  September.  Its  leaves  are  of  a  clear 
pale  green,  and  are  much  smaller  than  those  of  the  preceding 
kind.  In  some  places  this  species  is  used  as  a  flowering  plant 
for  edgings  ;  but  it  is  seen  to  the  greatest  advantage  when 
planted  in  tufts,  in  beds  or  borders,  in  a  well-drained  sandy 
loam.  Another  desirable  kind  is  that  known  as  F.  ovata, 
which  forms  a  neat  tuft  from  15  to  20  inches  high.  Its  leaves 
are  large,  broadly  oval  in  outline,  pointed  at  the  tip,  and  of  a 
dark  shining  green  colour.  This  makes  a  useful  edging  plant 
for  sub-tropical  beds  or  borders.-  Besides  the  above,  which 
are  all  quite  distinct,  there  are  numerous  variegated  kinds  that 
form  desirable  edging  plants.  Of  these  I  would  recommend 
the  varieties  of  F.  ovata,  lancifolia  variegata,  and  albo- 
marginata.  T.  S. 

A  TRIAL  OF  EAELT  CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 
In  the  spring  of  the  present  year  I  determined  upon  an  experiment 
in  trying  to  bloom  Chrysanthemums  in  the  open  ground,  far  away 
from  any  wall  or  other  shelter.  I  had  often  read  about  their  use  as 
autumnal  flowers,  and  how  gay  the  gardens  were  in  the  neigh, 
bourhood  of  London.  In  the  north  of  Yorkshire,  only  about  twelve 
miles  from  the  county  of  Durham,  where  I  reside.  Geraniums  and 
the  other  plants  used  for  summer  bedding  are  generally  cut  down  by 
frost  about  the  middle  of  September.  When  these  are  cleared  away, 
the  flower  beds  present  a  very  desolate  appearance  long  before  real 
winter  weather  sets  in.  My  idea  was  to  try  early-blooming  Chry. 
santhemums  to  fill  up  the  void,  and  make  the  garden  gay  with 


flowers  up  to  about  the  middle  of  November.  I  made  inquiry  for 
early. blooming  varieties  in  the  neighbourhood  of  London,  and 
amongst  the  secretaries  of  the  various  Chrysanthemum  exhibition 
societies,  and  the  following  varieties  were  ultimately  sent  to  me  for 
trial  in  the  north  of  England.  The  following  plants  and  cuttings 
were  sent  to  me  by  parcel  post,  viz. ; — Cardinal  Wiseman,  Jewess, 
Prince  of  Auemonea,  White  Cede  Nulli,  Empress  of  India,  Fanny, 
Hereward,  Mademoiselle  Martha,  Lord  Derby,  Golden  Button,  Queeu 
of  England,  Bob  (the  old  sort ;  there  is  a  new  one  of  the  same 
colour),  Little  Bob  (the  new  variety),  Illustration,  Lilac  Cedo  Nulli, 
Mr.  Astie,  Mrs.  G.  Bundle,  Dr.  Sharpe,  Mr.  Wyues,  Argentine, 
Durnflet,  Mr.  Evans,  Gloria  Mundi,  Autoniiis,  Fanny,  Pio  Nono, 
Alfred  Salter,  St.  Thais,  Venus,  Golden  Cedo  Nnlli,  Salamon, 
Arigena,  Prince  of  Wales,  Mrs.  Murray,  Aurea  multiflora,  Eoque. 
liere,  Rotundiflora,  Me.xico,  Miss  Nightingale,  Golden  Dr.  Brock, 
Scarlet  Gem,  Jardin  des  Plantcs,  Lady  Hardinge,  Annie  Salter, 
Prince  Alfred,  Beverley,  Golden  Beverley,  Little  Harry,  Chevalier 
Domage,  Guernsey  Nugget,  Madam  Roussellon,  Iris,  Bijou  d'Horti. 
culture,  Madame  Montells,  Marie  Stuart,  and  Daniie. 

As  regards  the  collection  of  varieties  sent  to  me,  there  is  no  doubt 
that  it  is  au  excellent  one,  and  that  it  embraces  all  the  best  sorts 
suitable  for  open  air  culture,  and  that  these  varieties  both  are  and 
can  be  bloomed  in  the  gardens  ai-ound  London  there  is  no  manner  of 
doubt.  The  report  of  my  trial  to  bloom  Chrysanthemums  in  the 
open  air  iu  the  north  of  England  is  failure — the  climate  is  too 
cold.  The  plants  grew  away  vigorously ;  I  gave  them  every  chance 
to  bloom,  as  I  did  not  stop  or  cut  back  any  of  the  shoots ;  they 
had  a  fair  trial,  plenty  of  water,  and  occasional  doses  of  liquid, 
manure;  they  showed  bloom  buds  in  October,  which  were  thianed 
out  plentifully,  but  all  my  efforts  failed,  with  the  exception  of 
seven  varieties.  These  bloomed  very  early,  and  were  very  beautiful ; 
they  continue  iu  bloom  at  the  time  I  am  now  writing,  October 
27ch,  and  give  me  great  pleasure.  I  feel  rewarded  for  all  my 
trouble.  For  the  guidance  of  others,  I  give  the  date  that  each 
variety  came  into  bloom.  They  were  planted  out  iu  an  open 
situation. 

Jardin  des  Plantes. — A  Pompone,  little  more  than  a  foot 
high;  colour  a  bronzy-red,  not  quite  so  dark  or  so  bright  as  Little  Bob. 
It  commenced  blooming  on  July  20th,  is  in  bloom  now,  October  27th, 
and  will  continue  giving  flowers  throughout  November.  As  far  as 
my  experience  goes,  this  is  the  earliest  blooming  Pompone  Chrysan. 
themum  known.  There  is  another  Chrysanthemum  in  the  catalogues, 
called  Jardin  des  Plantes,  a  large-flowered  variety ;  colour,  orange- 
yellow. 

Little  Bob. — A  Pompone,  another  Lilliputian  ;  a  new  variety, 
not  to  be  confounded  with  Old  Bob,  so  well  known.  This  plant 
is  a  foot  high,  and  a  capital  one  for  pot  culture  as  a  window 
plant.  The  colour  is  a  rich  dark  crimson-maroou,  brilliant,  and  it 
forms  a  complete  mass  of  bloom.  The  bloom  buds  should  be  thinned 
in  June.  It  commenced  blooming  on  July  25th,  and  has  continued 
to  bloom  ever  since  that  date.  This  and  Jardin  des  Plantes  were  sent 
to  me  by  Messrs.  William  Clibran  and  Son,  of  the  Oldfield  Nursery, 
Altriucham,  Cheshire. 

Illustration, — A  Pompone  ;  grows  2  feet  high  ;  colour' a  delicate 
pink.  Commenced  blooming  on  the  20th  of  August,  aad  was  a 
complete  mass  of  flowers  on  the  loth  of  September.  This  variety, 
I  believe,  is  not  yet  in  the  trade.  It  was  sent  to  me  by  a  gardener 
at  Halifax,  who  said  he  had  seen  it  iu  bloom  in  Cheshire  the  previous 
September. 

Scarlet  Gem. — A  Pompone,  2  feet  high.  Saw  the  first  bloom 
on  the  13th  of  September ;  iu  full  bloom  on  the  1st  of  October. 
Colour,  a  bright  golden  yellow  ;  a  very  beautiful  and  showy  variety. 
Why  it  is  called  "Scarlet  Gem"  I  cannot  imagine,  unless  it  is  on 
account  of  the  blooms,  when  half  open,  having  a  rich  red  or  scarlet 
appearance.  Sent  to  me  by  one  of  tho  secretaries  of  the  London 
Chrysanthemum  Society. 

Golden  Button. — A  Pompone,  18  inches  high ;  colour,  pure 
white,  with  a  small  yellow  centre ;  the  flowers  of  good  size  for  a 
Pompone ;  appears  to  be  a  hybrid  from  a  large-flowered  variety — 
distinct  and  showy.  First  bloom  appeared  on  September  12th  ;  in 
full  bloom  October  1st,  and  will  continue  blooming  till  very  late  in 
the  season. 

Mexico. — A  Pompone  ;  height  2  feet;  colour,  pure  white  ;  came 
into  bloom  October  4th.  This  is  no  doubt  a  very  early  variety,  but 
the  cuttings  were  sent  to  me  rather  late  in  the  spring.  Golden 
Button  and  Mexico  were  sent  to  me  by  Messrs.  Clibran,  of  Altrincham. 

Argentine. — Pompone,  3  feet,  while  ;  I  saw  first  bloom  October 
23rd.  This  wants  further  trial,  but  it  grows  too  tall  for  bedding. 
I  am  quite  convinced  that  the  six  first  named  and  described  will  be 
very  useful  for  bedding  after  Geraniums  are  cut  down,  and  that 
they  are  sure  to  bloom  as  early  as  I  have  stated.  They  should  be  grown 
in  pots,  if  intended  to  succeed  summer  bedding  plants,  and  after  the 


440 


THE  GAEDEN. 


[Nov.  29,  1873. 


Geraniums  are  taken  up,  tlie  Chrysanthemums,  in  their  pots,  could  be 
plunged  in  the  same  holes.  The  work  will  be  more  easily  done  if 
my  practice  is  followed.  I  generally  grow  a  good  many  scarlet  and 
pink  Geraniums  in  pots,  and  at  bedding  out  time,  in  May,  I  plunge 
the  pots  with  the  plants  in  the  bods  ;  the  plants  bloom  well,  but  do 
not  grow  with  so  much  vigour  as  those  planted  out  of  pots,  bat  much 
trouble  is  saved,  as  the  pot  plants  are  merely  lifted  out  of  the  holes, 
.and  pot  plants  of  Chrysanthemums  placed  in  their  stead.  When  the 
bed  is  raked  over,  and  all  made  tidy,  the  Chrysanthemums  really  look 
very  gay.  This  season  I  had  only  plants  to  complete  one  bed,  which 
was  mixed  with  plunged  pot  plants  of  Euonymus  radicans  variegatus 
— a  new  dwarf  evergreen  plant  from  Japan,  now  easily  procurable, 
.and  cheap.  It  is  remarkable  that  in  my  trial  of  so  many  early, 
blooming  Chrysanthemums  none  of  the  large-flowering  section  came 
into  bloom.  Mrs.  George  Bundle  was  the  earliest,  but  the  buds 
never  opened.  I  pinned  Axigena  to  a  south  wall,  but  could  not  get 
the  buds  to  open.  It  is  plain  that  we  must  at  present  look  for 
Pompones  only  as  early-blooming  varieties.  The  season  for  my 
e.N-perimeut  was  against  my  success.  The  summer  here  was  very 
dry  from  May  to  August,  and  I  had  to  water  my  plants  very  often, 
lu  some  parts  of  the  country  they  were  deluged  with  rain.  At  the 
present  time  I  have  to  water  my  Chrysanthemums.  The  land  is  so 
dry  that  many  farmers  cannot  plough  their  fields,  and  frost  here  has 
been  very  severe.  The  first  frosty  night  was  September  6.  On 
the  8th,  we  had  6"  of  frost ;  22nd,  7°  of  frost ;  29th,  6"  of  frost ;  on 
the  30th,  S"  of  frost  ;  October  9th,  9"  of  frost ;  14th,  9°  of  frost ; 
15th,  i"  of  frost ;  16th,  G"  of  frost ;  19th,  5'  of  frost ;  24th, 
10'  of  frost,  the  roads  frozen  hard,  and  ice  much,  thicker  than 
a  five-shilling  piece;  on  the  23th,  12°  of  frost,  a  severe  night, 
and  ice  nearly  a  quarter  of  an  inch  thick ;  on  the  26th,  10' 
of  frost;  and  on  the  27th,  12'  of  frost.  With  such  weather  to 
contend  with,  it  was  almost  impossible  for  the  late  varieties  to  open 
their  bloom  buds.  I  have  been  promised  a  few  more  varieties  of  the 
early.blooming  Chrysanthemums  which  have  bloomed  last  September, 
and  I  hope  in  time  to  got  a  collection  of  really  useful  free-blooming 
sorts  that  will  make  the  flower  garden  gay  in  favourable  seasons 
throughout  October  and  November,  and  enable  me  to  cut  flowers 
from  the  oijen  ground  during  the  month  of  November.  H.  T. 


The  Flame  Flower  (Tritoma  TJvaria),  Habbit-proof.— 

This  autumn.flowering  plant  is  too  well  known  to  need  descrip. 
lion ;  it  may  not,  however,  be  generally  known  that  it  is 
rabbit-proof.  No  hesitation  need  therefore  be  felt  at  planting  it 
extensively  in  semi. wild  situations,  or  in  shrubberies  to  which  rabbits 
have  access.  In  such  places  this  Tritoma  might  be  planted  in  masses 
sufficiently  large  to  be  effective.  By  the  margins  of  water,  too, 
when  in  flower  it  is  strikingly  beautiful,  and  that  at  a  time  when 
one  least  expects  to  meet  with  a  fine  display  of  blossom.  When 
intermixed  with  Pampas  Grass,  Arundo  conspicua,  or  dotted  about 
in  Rhododendron  beds,  its  tall  spikes  of  fiery  red  flowers  are  set  off 
to  excellent  advantage,  and  it  succeeds  admirably  in  well-drained 
boggy  soil.  It  is  very  hardy,  but  in  severe  winters  an  armful  of 
leaves  or  Fern  will  preserve  it  from  injury. — J.  T.,  Maesgwynne. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Ahutilon  Thompsonii  and  Iresine  acuminata  as  Bedding  Plants.— 0£ 
there  tlie  Abutilon  has  this  aucumii  been  really  charminj^.  Two  of  the  centre 
beiis  inone  of  the  flowe^  gardens  here  consisted  of  a  mass  of  Iresine  acumi- 
nata, freely  dotted  with  this  Abutilon,  which  grew  well  up  above  the  purple 
foliage  of  the  Iresine,  and  the  contrast  of  colours  so  well  harmonised  that 
the  effect  was  lovely.— E  owabd  BENNEir,  Uatfidd. 

Flowering  of  Agave  yuccsBfolia.— M.  CarrlJre  records  the  rare  event  of  a 
specimen  of  Agave  yuccrefolia  flowering  in  the  open  air  in  the  north  of^France. 
This  plant  was  potted  in  September  1872,  in  a  mixture  of  spent  hot-bed  manure 
.ind  heath-soil,  and  kept  iu  awarm  house  until  last  June,  when  it  was  removed  to 
the  open  air.  In  August  the  flower  stem  commenced  to  grow  from  the  centre  and 
increased  rapidly  in  length  until,  by  the  20th  of  September,  it  h.ad  attained  a 
height  of  12  feot.  At  this  point  its  growth  ceased,  and  two  days  afterw.ards  the 
flowers  began  to  appear,  forming  a  spike  33  inches  in  length  on  the  upper  part  of 
the  stem.  Each  flower  consists  of  sixdivisions,  of  a  greenish  colour  at  the  base 
and  yellowish  at  the  points.  Interspersed  among  the  flowers  are  a  number  of 
small  brownish  bracts,  which  secrete  an  abvmdance  of  gummy  Uquid  that 
has  a  sweet  taste  but  very  disagreeable  odour. 

Wall  Plants.— What  evergreen  plants  would  you  recommend  to  cover  the 
soulh  wall  of  a  large  country  house  in  West  Meath,  and  what  Roses  would  be 
best  for  the  purpose  ?—Scbsceibek.  [A  good  evergreen  for  the  wall  on  the 
southern  side  of  your  house  would  be  the  Exmouth  variety  of  Magnolia 
grondillora,  and  m  such  a  situation  you  might  also  plant  Myrtles,  Crtataj-'us 
Pyracantha,  the  brdhant  red  berries  of  which  are  most  effective  ;  Ilex  latitdlia, 
a  plant  with  dark  green  Icnves,  almost  as  fine  as  those  of  a  Magnolia ;  the 
blue-flowered  Ceanothus  azureus ;  Irish  Ivy;  and  the  sort  known  as  Hedera 
crcnata,  a  kind  which  has  very  large  leaves.  Cotoneaster  microphylla  and 
the  common  Laurustmus  also  both  make  very  desirable  wall  plaiits.  Of 
evergreen  Roses,  choose  some  of  the  different  varieties  of  Rosa  semper- 
vircns,  which  bloom  freely  in  clusters.  But,  in  addition  to  these,  we  would 
recommend  you  to  plant  such  kinds  as  Marc5chal  Nicl,  Climbing  Devonicnsis, 
Irlou-e  de  Dijon,  Madame  Lovet,  Bello  Lyonnaise,  and  Gen<;Tal  .Tacqueminot. 
ineso,  though  not  evergreen,  would,  when  in  flower,  be  very  effective  J 


VEGETATION  OF  THE  WEST  COAST  OP  AFRICA. 

Along  the  coast,  within  the  line  of  reef,  the  water  is  smooth  as  the 
surface  of  a  mirror,  and  clear  as  crystal.  In  most  places  it  is  of 
considerable  depth  to  within  a  few  feet  from  the  shore ;  yet,  as  we 
pass  along  in  a  boat  beneath  a  green-arched  canopy,  formed  by  the 
overhanging  branches  of  the  tall  trees  that  grow  (inclining  seaward) 
close  down  to  the  water's  edge,  and  which  completely  screen  us  from 
the  sun's  rays,  we  can  distinctly  see  the  bottom  as  we  look  over  the 
boat's  side  and  watch  the  fishes  of  strange  form  and  of  every  bril. 
liant  hue,  which  swim  about  and  dart  to  and  fro  amidst  the  fantastic 
growth  of  coral  and  seaweed.  The  extremities  of  the  branches  of 
these  tall  overhanging  trees  dip  into  the  sea  far  beyond  us,  and  thus 
form  a  cool,  shady,  water  colonnade,  through  which  wc  may  often 
pull  for  miles  perfectly  sheltered  from  the  fierce  heat  of  the  sun 
without.  On  shore  we  cannot  walk  many  yards  in  any  direction, 
unless  immediately  in  the  vicinity  of  a  town,  without  penetrating 
into  the  dense  jungle,  composed  of  tropical  trees,  and  shrubs, 
and  plants  of  every  variety.  We  meet  with  huge  giants  of  the 
forest,  whose  gnarled  trunks  are  often  6  or  8  feet  in  diameter,  and 
sometimes  more,  and  beneath  whose  arched  roots — grown  out  of  the 
ground  in  the  course  of  centuries,  and  thick  as  the  trunks  of  ordi. 
nary  trees — we  may  sometimes  pass  without  stooping.  Clinging  to 
these  huge  trees,  climbing  round  their  trunks  and  twining 
amongst  their  branches,  are  innumerable  broad-leaved  parasites, 
of  every  colour  and  of  every  fantastic  form,  and  intermingled  with 
these  are  Bamboos,  and  Plantain  trees,  and  Lime  bnshes,  and 
strange  trees  and  plants,  and  shrubs,  and  flowers  unknown  to 
temperate  crimes,  and  which  it  would  need  a  skilful  botanist  to  classify. 
Enormous  thorny  Cactuses  of  ungainly  shape  and  form,  thickly 
covered  with  flowers,  bestrew  the  ground,  stretching  in  every  direction 
and  rendering  it  difficult  and  dangerous  for  the  passenger  to  thread 
his  way  amongst  them.  This,  however,  soon  becomes  impossible,  by 
reason  of  the  density  of  the  jungle  itself.  Thorny  bnshes  and  plants 
and  prickly  branches  bar  the  way  iu  every  direction,  and  effectually 
oppose  the  passage  of  all,  save  the  wild  beasts,  and  birds  of  gorgeous 
plumage,  and  venomous  reptiles,  that  make  it  their  constant  abode. 
The  eye  of  the  stranger,  however,  is  never  weary  of  gazing  upon  the 
endless  variety  of  strange  fantastic  foliage  and  the  gorgeous  colour, 
ing  of  Nature  manifest  everywhere  throughout  this  region.  Obliged 
to  retreat  from  the  jungle,  the  stranger  threads  his  way  here  and 
there  through  beaten  paths,  trodden  by  the  natives  in  their  passage 
from  their  villages  to  the  coast,  continually  to  fall  in  with,  as  he 
proceeds,  some  new  and  beautiful,  and,  to  him,  marvellous  variety  of 
vegetation.  He  sees  Limes,  and  Cocoa-nuts,  and  Plantains,  and 
Bananas,  and  Shaddocks,  and  Custard-apples,  and  Mangoes,  and 
Guavas,  and  Pine-apples,  and  almost  every  description  of  tropical 
fruit,  growing  in  wild  luxuriance  around  him,  and  to  be  had  for  the 
gathering.  Rivers  and  streamlets  abundantly  intersect  the  soil,  and 
add  beauty  to  the  scenery,  while,  in  the  far  distance,  the  pros- 
pect is  everywhere  bounded  by  lofty  mountains  towering  to  the 
sky,  and  stretching  away  more  and  more  distant,  until  the  grey 
shadowy  outlines  of  those  farthest  off  are  but  dimly  visible. 
The  British  settlements  on  the  sea  coast  are  equally  agreeable  to  the 
eye.  Sierra  Leone  lies  along  the  summit  of  a  low  range  of  cliffs, 
and  overlooks  the  wide  Atlantic.  On  either  side  of  its  broad, 
smooth,  level  streets,  formed  of  reddish  loam  and  sand,  beaten  till 
it  is  hard  as  rock,  stand  pretty  white  villas,  with  green  verandahs 
and  balconies,  and  sloping  reddish-brown  roofs,  each  separate  from 
the  other,  and  standing  in  its  own  green,  well-shaded,  trimlj'- 
cultivated  grounds.  Such  is  the  aspect  of  the  West  Coast  of  Africa, 
from  Cape  Palmas  in  the  north  to  fifteen  or  twent}'  degrees  south  of 
the  equator.  Bat,  unhappily,  there  is  a  reverse  side  to  the  picture. 
During  four  or  five  months  in  the  year  the  sky  is  clouded,  and  rain 
falls  in  torrents  almost  incessantly.  Tornadoes  and  white-squalls 
are  frequent,  and  houses  are  nnroofed  and  trees  uprooted  by  their 
violence.  The  rivers  and  streams  are  swollen,  and  the  soil  is 
inundated  by  their  overflow,  and  when  the  fierce  hot  sun  does 
shine  forth,  it  raises  a  mist  which  is  poisonous  to  inhale. 


FEOST  WORK. 


These  winter  nights,  against  my  window  pane. 

Nature,  ^vitU  magic  pencil,  draws  designs 

Of  Ferns  and  blossoms,  and  fine  spray  of  Pines, 

Oak -leaf  and  Acorn,  and  fantastic  Vines, 

Which  she  will  make  when  summer  comes  again  ; 

Weii'd  arabesques  in  silver,  flat  and  cold. 

Like  curious  Chinese  etchings    ....     By  and  bye, 

Walking  my  leafy  garden  as  o£  old. 

These  frosty  fantasies  shall  charm  my  eye 

In  azure,  damask,  emerald,  and  gold. 

— T.  B.  Aldrich,  in  "  The  Atlantic  Monthly.*' 


Nov.  29,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


441 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 

TABLE  DECORATIONS. 
"What  can  be  more  cliarmiug  at  this  season  of  the  j'eai-  th.in 
au  elegant  arrangement  of  cut  flowers  on  the  dinner  table  ?  and 
jnst  at  present  there  are  many  plants  in  flower  that  are  well 
suited  for  that  purpose.  With  such  as  Chinese  Primulas, 
Heaths,  Roman  Hyacinths,  Euoharis  amazonica,  Camellias, 
Begonias,  &c.,  at  hand,  we  have  no  excuse  on  the  score  of 
want  of  material ;  we  should,  therefore,  think  of  the  best  mode 
of  arranging  it  with  good  effect.  I  was  staying  with  some 
friends  a  short  time  since,  and  the  floral  arrangement  of  their 
dinner-table  struck  me  as  being  very  elegant.  I  shall,  therefore, 
endeavour  to  describe  it.  The  table  was  oval,  of  sufiicient  size 
to  dine  eight  or  ten,  perhaps  more.  In  the  centre  was  a  hand- 
some silver  epergne  for  flowers  and  lights.  Its  shape  was  that 
of  a  rustic  branch,  supporting  on  the  top  a  glass  dish  or  tazza 
for  flowers,  and  under  it  were  four  branches  for  wax  lights,  but 
here  was  the  only  fault ;  the  branches  were  not  long  enough 
to  be  in  keeping  with  the  size  of  the  tazza,  and  so  the  heat 
from  the  lights  shrivelled  some  of  the  Ferns  that  were  close  to 
them.  The  tazza  was  filled  with  white  Chrysanthemums, 
scarlet  Begonias,  Gloxinias,  Chinese  Primulas,  sprigs  of  Colons 
(dark  with  bright  green  margin),  and,  round  the  edge,  mixed 
Ferns  drooped  down  in  the  form  of  long  fronds  of  different 
kinds.  The  only  improvement  I  coiild  have  suggested  would 
have  been  a  long  spray  of  Lygodinm  scandens  or  japonicum 
twisted  through  the  frosted  silver  leaves  and  stems.  Round 
this  centre  piece  were  several  specimen  glasses  filled  with 
scarlet  and  white  Begonias,  different  varieties  of  Chinese 
Primula,  Gloxinias,  and  Maiden-hair  Fern  (Adiantum 
cuueatum).  This  arrangement  was  light  and  elegant,  took 
comparatively  few  flowers,  and  did  not  intercept  the  view  across 
the  table  in  the  least,  a  great  point  to  be  observed  in  all 
descriptions  of  table  decoration.  That  of  the  breakfast  table 
consisted  of — in  the  centre  a  flat  tazza  on  a  base  about  6  inches 
high.  Out  of  the  tazza  rose  a  slender  glass  trumpet,  and  on  each 
side  of  this  were  two  vases  of  china,  in  the  shape  of  hands 
holding  cornucopias.  The  centre  stand  was  filled  with  flowers 
similar  to  those  used  in  the  epergne,  the  principal  colours  em- 
ployed in  the  smaller  ones  being  white  and  purple,  and  the 
flowers.  Begonias,  Gloxinias,  and  Primulas;  the  foliage.  Ferns 
and  Coleuses.  The  purple  and  white  looked  very  charming  by 
daylight,  the  purple  showing  up  well  against  the  opaque  ground. 
Flowers  can  at  all  times  be  obtained  suited  to  every  one's 
means  ;  I  am  speaking  of  those  who  live  in  towns,  or  have  no 
glass  houses  or  gardens  of  their  own.  In  Covent  Gairden  may 
be  had  Camellias,  Euoharis  amazonica.  Gloxinias,  Chinese 
Primulas,  Cyclamens,  Begonias,  Roman  Hyacinths,  Pelar- 
goniums, Roses,  Chrysanthemums,Yiolets  &c. ;  with  such  flowers 
as  these,  elegant  stands  and  vases  can  be  aminged.  Suppose 
we  require  a  small  vase  for  the  drawing-room  ;  in  that  case  I 
should  select  a  small  flat  glass  dish  with  a  trumpet  in  the  centre ; 
round  the  edge  I  should  put  some  Fern  fronds  of  different 
kinds  ;  in  the  tazza  four  blooms  of  Euoharis  amazonica,  four 
tufts  of  Neapolitan  Violets,  a  few  sprays  of  white  Begonias, 
and  three  or  four  fronds  of  Maiden-hair  Fei'u  ;  in  the  trumpet 
I  would  place  Roman  Hyacmths,  Neapolitan  Violets,  Maiden- 
hair Fern,  and  a  spray  of  Lygodinm  scandens  brought  down 
and  twined  round  the  stem.  If  for  the  evening,  I  should  put 
in  a  few  pips  of  scarlet  Pelargoniums  to  give  colour,  which 
would  be  recjuired  under  artificial  light,  as  it  is  well  known  all 
mauve  and  grey  shades  change  for  the  worse  under  such 
circumstances.  Permit  me  here  to  direct  attention  to  the  use- 
fulness of  the  bloom  and  berry  of  the  Arbutus  for  decorative 
purposes ;  if  the  blooms  are  properly  used  they  look  like  those 
of  some  pretty  bell  Heath.  I  have  seen  them  used  in  hand  and 
button-hole  bouciuets  with  good  effect.  The  button-hole  bouquet 
was  composed  of  a  Marechal  Niel  Rose  bud,  blue  Forget-me-not, 
the  Arljutus  bells,  and  Maiden-hair  Fern.  The  berry,  also, 
when  of  a  good  coloru',  looks  bright  and  effective  amongst 
flowers  in  stands.  A.  Hass^uid. 

Upper  Norwood. 

Bridal  Wreaths. — "Wedding  garlands  or  wreaths  are  of  remote 
antiquity ;  they  were  used  among  the  Romans.  Vaughan  (1606) 
states,  that  "  when  the  marriage  day  was  come,  the  bride  was  bound 


to  have  a  chaplet  of  flowers  or  hearbes  upon  her  head."  Garlands 
at  weddings  were  used  also  by  the  Jews.  "VVreaths  of  this  kind 
were  used  among  the  Anglo-Saxons.  At  the  termination  of  tho 
marriage  ceremony  in  the  church,  the  bride  and  bridegroom  both 
were  crowned  with  wreaths  of  flowers,  which  were  kept  in  the 
church  for  that  purpose.  Chaplets  of  flowers  used  in  the  eastern 
church  on  this  occasion  are  said  to  have  been  blessed.  At  a  later 
period,  sprigs  of  Myrtle  aud  ears  of  Corn  were  sometimes  used. 
Chaucer,  in  his  "  Clerk  of  Oxcnforde's  Prologue,"  introduces  Grisyld, 
a  "  verray  faithful  mayde,"  dressed  out  tor  her  wedding;  the  wreath 
or  "  coroun  "  is  mentioned  : — 

Hiv  hoeres  han  they  kempt,  that  lay  untressed 
Ful  rudely,  aud  with  hire  fyngres  smale 
A  coroun  ou  hir  heed  they  hani-di-essed. 
And  set  hu'  ful  of  nowches  gret  and  smale. 

In  Henry  "VIII. 's  reign  the  bride  wore  a  wreath  of  Corn-ears  ;  some 
times  of  flowers.  Nichols,  in  his  "  Churchwardens'  Accounts  of  St- 
Margaret's,  Westmiuster,"  gives  the  following  entry  under  date  1540 
— "Paid  to  Alice  Lewis,  a  goklsmith's  wife  of  London,  for  a  serclctt 
to  marry  maydens  in,  the  26th  day  of  September,  £3  10s."  Field, 
in  his  "  Amends  for  Ladies,"  1639,  mentions  garlands  being  placed 
"  upon  the  heads  of  the  maid  and  widow  that  are  to  be  married." 
Dallaway  wi-ites  of  the  Greek  Church,  that  "  marriage  is  by  them  (of 
this  church)  called  the  matrimonial  coronation,  from  the  crowus  of 
garlands  with  which  the  parties  are  decorated,  and  which  they 
solemnly  dissolve  on  the  eighth  day  following." — W.  Winters. 

"Winter-Blooining  Carnations.  —  lu  country  places,  where 
sportsmen  find  plenty  to  do,  as  is  the  case  here,  at  this  season  of 
the  year  the  house  is  sure  to  be  filled  with  guests  ;  consequently, 
an  enormous  quantity  of  flowers  is  required,  and  must  be  supplied. 
Plants  and  cut  flowers  must  be  had  for  the  rooms,  the  dinner. table 
must  be  provided  for,  and  bouquets  for  button. holes  must  be 
abundant.  For  the  latter  purpose  nothing  surpasses  the  Carna- 
tions, of  which  there  are  now  several  free  winter. flowering  varie-< 
ties  that  everyone  who  wants  flowers  at  this  season  ought  to 
grow.  Among  these,  I  consider  the  following  the  best  for  tho 
winter  months,  viz. :  Monsieur  Baldwin,  Lady  Frances,  Garibaldi, 
Vulcan,  Van  Houtte,  The  Bride,  Napoleon  III.,  Empress  Eugenie,  and 
Miss  Jolliflie,  the  last  is  the  best  of  all,  and  one  which  has  been 
honoured  by  a  first-class  certificate  at  South  Kensington.  Since  I 
first  began  growing  this  variety  I  have  kept  yearly  increasing  my 
stock  of  it  until  now  I  grow  it  by  the  hundred.  It  is  such  a  profuse 
flowerer  that  one  may  cut  an  immense  quantity  of  blooms  from 
it  daily,  flowering,  as  it  does,  as  freely  in  pots  as  the  old  dark 
Clove  does  in  the  open  border.  The  raiser  of  this  useful  variety  was 
Mr.  Keen,  gardener  at  Campsey  Ash,  "Wickham  Market.  'To  be 
successful  in  having  a  plentiful  supply  of  flowers  through  tho 
winter,  I  find  it  best  to  got  the  cuttings  rooted  in  good  time ;  there- 
fore I  generally  put  in  a  good  batch  of  them  early  in  March,  in  a 
gentle  bottom-heat ;  the  plan  I  adopt  is  to  place  a  couple  of  hand- 
lights  on  a  bed  filled  with  leaves  in  our  Rose  house  where  the  Roses 
are  plunged,  and  then  put  in  the  hand-lights  about  4  inches  of  sandy 
soil,  which  is  made  quite  firm,  and  the  Carnation  cuttings  inserted. 
A  good  watering  is  then  given  aud  no  further  trouble  is  required 
until  they  begin  to  root,  when  air  must  be  admitted  by  degrees.  I 
have  never  found  this  plan  fail ;  the  night  temperature  of  the 
house  is  about  50'.  I  use  32  and  21-sized  pots  for  flowering  them  ; 
if  larger  pots  are  employed  the  plants  do  not  flower  so  freely. — Wm. 
Alla:*  (gardener  to  Lord  Sufiield),  Gimtoti  Park,  NofKicli. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  GARDEN  IN  THE  HOUSE. 


Equisetauis  for  HouseDecoration.— While  "  W.  JI."  (seep.  393),  very  justly 
recommends  these  for  outdoor  decoration,  allow  me  to  observe  that  when  grown 
in  small  pots,  they  form  striking  ornaments  in  apartments,  or  on  the  dinuer-table. 
For  such  purposes  three  steins  in  one  pot  are  quite  sufficient,  and  the  pots  in 
which  they  are  grown  should  be  plunged  either  in  a  cold  frame  or  under  the 
shelter  of  a  fence  or  wall. — G. 

La  Belle  Carnation. — I  have  a  plant  of  this  which  did  not  bloom  until  the 
other  day,  and  now  it  has  nine  flower-buds  on  it.  I  have  only  a  window  to 
grow  it  in ;  what,  therefore,  shall  I  do  with  it  in  order  that  the  blooms  may 
open  rightly  ? — Fanny.  [La  Belle  makes  an  excellent  winter-blooming  window 
nlant,  whicli  needs  no  peculiar  treatment  beyond  a  place  in  a  window  with  a 
south  aspect,  a  stake  or  two  to  train  the  shoots  around,  and  a  moderate  supply 
of  water.  Do  not,  however,  keep  the  plants  in  a  room  where  there  is  much 
fireheat  or  gaslight.] 

A  "Wedding  Bell  of  Flowers. — From  a  New  Tork  paper  we  leam  that  the 
wedding  or  bridal  bell,  which  is  now  considered  almost  as  indispensable  as  the 
ceremony,  usually  occupies  a  place  in  front  of  tho  pier-glass,  and  has  floral 
balls,  in  proportion  to  its  size,  hung  on  either  side  of  it.  The  frame  work  of  tho 
bell  is  of  wire,  and  it  is  mado  up  of,  if  in  season.  Camellias,  Tuberoses,  and 
Carnations,  all  of  which  must  be  must  be  pure  white.  The  balls  are  made  of 
the  same*  flowers,  and  have  on  them  a  monogram  or  design  in  red,  blue,  or 
green,  as  the  fancy  may  suggest. 


442 


THE   GAEDEIS". 


[Nov.  29, 1873. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 


BKANCH  PKOPAGATIOX  OF  APPLE  TREES. 
(atter  mjlxageseext.) 
To  ensure  snccess  I  would  urge  the  advisability  of  observing  and 
carrying  out  the  following  suggestions.  Good  care  must  be  taken  of 
the  branch  cuttings  during  the  winter;  their  succulent  roots,  which 
are  necessarily  very  tender,  muse  be  protected  from  the  inclemency 
and  vicissitudes  of  the  weather ;  damp,  also,  must  be  guarded  against, 
than  which  there  is  nothing,  I  think,  more  detrimental  to  the  well- 
being  of  young  roots.  To  effect  this  is  very  easy.  At  a  distance  of 
12  to  15  inches  all  round  from  each  stem,  the  soil  might  be  forked 
out  so  as  to  leave  that  which  surrounds  the  bole  of  a  roundish  form. 
Then,  over  this  hillock,  if  such  it  might  be  called,  and  arotmd  the 
bole,  a  few  forks  of  manure  might  be  placed  with  great  advantage. 
These  hillocks  are  very  effective  in  warding  off  the  heavy  rains,  which 
otherwise  would  lie  stagnant  around  the  roots,  especially  when  the 
soil  is  heavy  and  retentive.  Stable-yardmanurewhichhasbeenforsome 
time  mixed  up  in  a  hot-bed,  I  think,  is  best ;  it  has  the  double  advan- 
tage of  preserving,  and  at  the  same  time  nourishing  the  roots.  They 
require  no  nourishment,  of  course,  during  the  winter,  as  then  they 
are  at  rest ;  but  it  is  hoarded  up  for  the  coming  season,  when  it  will 
be  in  a  very  fit  state  to  supply  the  heavy  demand  likely  to  be  then 
made  upon  it.  This  mulching  will  answer  as  a  thatching,  as  it  were, 
securing  the  tender  roots  from  the  drenching  rain  and  piercing  frosts, 
which  would,  otherwise,  no  doubt,  in  many  cases  prove  fatal.  They 
will  be  nursed  on  in  an  equable  temperature,  which  is,  assuredly,  one 
great  advantage.  They  will  need  no  further  care  uutU  the  spring, 
when  the  hillocks  should  be  levelled  and  the  manure  incorporated  with 
the  surrounding  soil.  Care  should  be  taken,  of  course,  not  to  disturb 
or  uncover  the  young  roots.  In  order  to  give  the  whole  an  air 
of  tidiness,  the  young  trees  might  have  any  dressing  requisite 
in  the  way  of  pruning,  &c.,  then  the  surface  should  be 
neatly  forked  over,  and,  if  desirable,  might  be  cropped  with 
low-growing  vegetables  for  the  first  two  or  three  years.  In 
suggesting  the  introduction  of  vegetables  among  the  trees,  of  course, 
it  is  assumed  that  the  latter  are  first  planted  at  the  distances 
intended  to  be  occupied  by  them  permanently.  I  may  observe  that 
I  have  noticed  the  fibrous  roots  of  the  branch  cuttings  to  be  very 
succulent  and  brittle,  consequently  they  would,  no  doubt,  sustain 
much  injury  in  being  transplanted,  at  least  for  the  first  two  or  three 
years.  I  may  remark  that  this  mode  of  branch  propagation  is  likely 
to  be  a  boon  to  the  amateur,  whose  garden  accommodation  is  limited. 
Trees  thus  raised  are  not  likely  to  require  the  extra  trouble  of  root- 
pruning  and  re-planting,  in  order  to  induce  fertility ;  it  is  reasonable 
to  premise  they  will  never  make  over-luxuriant  tap-roots,  which 
enter  the  sub-soil,  and  thus  very  frequently  occasion  the  non-pro- 
ductiveness of  fruit  trees.  On  the  other  hand,  they  are  most  likely 
to  be  always  prolific,  as  the  fibrous  roots  they  emit  so  near  the 
surface,  are  exactly  the  essential  provisions  towards  that  end. 
.\nother  recommendation  which  those  trees  are  likely  to  possess  is 
the  quality  of  being  best  suited  for  dwarfs,  which  come  into  bearing 
directly  they  are  established,  and  are,  therefore,  of  all  others,  best 
adapted  to  form  the  subjects  of  a  miniature  fruit  garden. 

ilount  CaUan  Gardens,  Ennis.  JIichaei  Barrt. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FBUPT  GAEDEN. 


What  is  the  Best  Colour  fbr  Fruit  Walls  ?— Will  wall  trait  trees  grow 
healthily  and  bear  frmt  trained  ariose  a  black  wooden  fence  with  an  east«rlv 
aspect ;  and,  if  not,  will  lime-whiung  or  colouring  in  any  way  be  effectual  ?-^ 
M.  E.,  iciKiiJ  CMage,  Vpper  Tatte  Sill.  [The  colour  best  adapted  for  fruit 
walls  was  made  the  subject  of  experimeDt  at  Chiswick,  many  years  aeo,  and 
the  result  arrived  at  was,  we  believe,  that  brick  colour  was  the  b«t.  We 
should  prefer  white  to  black,  thnnjh  asainst  the  last  named  colour  fruit  trees 
often  grow  well  and  bear  abundantly.] 

Grapes  in  a  Stoke-hole- — At  Sutton  Bonnington.  in  Leicestershire,  in  a 
garden  under  the  care  of  Jlr.  SpUby,  there  is'  a  Tine  whose  branches  are 
allowed  to  extend  from  the  Vinery  into  the  stoke-hole  (which  has  had  a  glass 
Toof  added  to  it).  From  this  Vine  are  obtained  excellent  bunches  of  Black 
Hamburghs,  with  good  and  well-coloured  berries.  The  Graoes  ripen  in  June 
in  the  heat  derived  from  the  boiler  and  pipes  which  supply  h'otises  on  each  side 
of  the  stnke-hole,  care  being  taken  to  k?ep  the  ptace  clean,  and  avoiding  all 
•lost.  When  npc.  a  sheet  of  tiffany  is  place!  under  them  to  protect  them  from 
dust  tmtil  gathered  for  use. — D.  C.  P. 

Apricots  in  Utah.— At  Salt  Lake  Apricots  thrive  as  if  in  their  Oriental 

home ;  indeed,  nothmg  could  possiblv  exceed  their  vigour,  productiveness,  nor 
yet  the  bcanty  and  qtiality  of  the  fruit.  During  the  past  season  trees  every- 
where m  that  favoured  section  of  countrv  were  UteraUv  breaking  down  with 
then-  burden,  so  much  so  that  the  fruit  only  commanded' 1  dollar  per  bushel  in 
the  home  market  and  large  producers  were  even  offering  their  crop  in  quanti- 
ties :«  low  as  73  cents,  per  bnsheL  The  retail  price  was  only  15  cent.*, 
lor  a  half  peck,  and  selected  specimens  at  that  rate. 


GARDEN    DESIGN. 

THE  BOBOLI  GARDENS  AT  FLOEENCE. 

Florexce  was  a  fair  city  of  marble  palaces  and  magnificent 
gardens  when  London  was  stUl  half  bnilt  of  wood  and  plaster. 
One  of  the  old  descriptions  of  the  antiquities  and  beauties  of 
Florence,  published  in  1771,  contains  a  list  of  no  less  than 
sixteen  remarkable  gardens,  including  those  known  as  the 
Giardini  Boboli.  These  are  the  best  known  to  the  ordinary 
tourist,  and  are,  indeed,  the  most  worthy  of  being  carefully 
studied  by  the  horticulturist  on  account  of  their  extent,  the 
beauty  of  their  site,  and  the  profusion  of  their  architectural 
and  statuesque  embellishments.  The  Boboli  Gardens,  at  the 
rear  of  the  Palazzo  Pitti,  owe  their  chief  enrichments,  and 
many  of  the  finer  features  of  the  general  laying  out,  to  the  taste 
for  splendour  indulged  in  by  the  Medici,  more  especially 
Cosmo  I. ;  but  the  palace  was  originally  built  and  the  gardens 
planned  by  Lucca  Pitti,  after  the  designs  of  Bnmeleschi,  the 
most  celebrated  architect  of  the  day.  The  Florentine,  Magnifico 
Pitti,  was  one  of  those  merchant  princ«s  who  rivalled  even  the 
Medici  in  wealth  and  influence  ;  but  political  intrigues  of  an 
unworthy  character  led  to  his  downfall,  and  the  noble  palace 
and  gardens  which  he  had  caused  to  be  constructed  were 
eventually  sold  by  his  great  grandson  to  Eleonora  of  Portugal, 
the  wife  of  Cosmo  I.,  who  had  been  invested  by  the  Pope  with 
the  title  of  Grand  Duke.  When  the  palace  and  gardens  thus 
became  the  property  of  the  newly-created  Grand  Duke  of 
Florence,  the  artists,  Tribolo  and  Buontalenti,  were  called  in 
to  superadd  every  embellishment  that  the  genius  of  the  age 
could  suggest  ;  and  in  1570,  a  century  before  the  gardens  of 
Versailles  were  dreamed  of — indeed,  when  the  ground  on 
which  they  stand  was  a  vast  barren  swamp — grottoes,  foun- 
tains, marble  vases  of  gigantic  size,  and  a  number  of  statues, 
both  ancient  and  modern  (that  is  to  say,  of  the  Renaissance 
period),  were  made  to  minister  to  the  beauty  and  interest  of 
the  grand-ducal  gardens. 

The  embellishments  of  the  Boboli  gardens  may  be  objected  to 
by  a  certain  class  of  modem  critics,  on  what  they  asstmie  to  be 
the  true  principles  of  taste  in  decorative  horticulture.  Judged 
by  the  standard  thus  set  up,  the  artificial  ponds  of  symme- 
trical forms,  surrounded  by  moulded  copings  of  stone  or  marble 
may  seem  less  attractive,  and  correct  in  principle,  than  small 
lakelets  of  irregular  form,  terminating  in  some  parts  with  a 
beach  of  sand  or  gravel,  and  in  others  with  green  turf  meeting 
and  blending  with  the  water.  It  is  true  that  such  features  in 
pnrely  natural  scenery  possess  a  charm  that  never  fails  to 
please.  But  whether  in  a  stately  garden,  immediately  adjoining 
a  palace,  in  which  all  is  art,  they  may  or  may  not  be  too  harsh 
and  too  sudden  a  contrast,  is  one  of  thcseperennial  questions  in 
the  science  of  decorative  horticulture  that  will  continue  to  form 
a  natural  and  legitimate  ground  of  disputation  among  horticul- 
turists. Bat  the  supporters  of  either  side  of  this  interesting 
question  can  meet  on  the  common  ground  of  genuine  admiration, 
free  from  any  kind  of  hypercritical  influence,  when  they  have  the 
good  fortune  to  meet  with  such  a  scene  as  that  represented  in 
the  accompanying  engraving.  The  finely  composed  group  of 
sculpture,  supported  by  the  tazza  of  the  fountain,  undisturbed 
as  it  is  by  the  proximity  of  other  statuary,  and  backed  by  large 
masses  of  luxuriant  verdure,  has  a  grand  and  striking  effect 
which  produces  an  immediate  impression  of  admiration.  The 
great  cUpped  walls  of  verdure,  too,  even  if  objectionable 
according  to  the  theories  of  the  highest  school  of  horticultural 
art,  are  confessedly  suitable  to  the  Italian  climate ;  which, 
during  the  summer  months,  renders  the  deeply  shaded  alleys, 
which  these  shaven  trees  are  made  to  form,  most  desirable. 
The  Laurels,  evergreen  Oaks,  and,  in  short,  all  the  plants  and 
trees  of  these  celebrated  gardens  thrive  very  luxuriantly ; 
especially  the  Cypresses,  of  which  there  are  both  groups  and 
avenues.  Flower-beds  are  introduced  with  good  effect  in  the 
more  open  parts,  and  they  are  more  careftilly  tended  of  late 
years  than  formerly,  the  result  of  such  improved  treatment 
being  highly  satisfactory.  From  the  higher  points  of  these 
beautiful  gardens  magnificent  views  are  commanded  of  the 
greater  portion  of  Florence ;  The  Duomo,  Giotto's  celebrated 
belfry,  the  grand  old  tower  of  the  Palazzo  vecchio,  the  course  of 
the  Amo,  with  its  picturesque  bridges,  and  portions  of  the  city 


ITov.  29,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN 


VIEW     IN     THE     BOBOLI     GARDJiiv.S,     ILORENCE. 


444 


THE   GARDEN. 


PTov.  29, 1873. 


Trails   -with    their    great    square    towers  aud   lesser  tuiTets 
forming  the  most  salieut  features. 

It  must  not  be  imagined  that  the  grand  fountain,  and  its 
surroundings,  rei^resented  iu  our  illustration,  form  the  only 
highly  decorative  feature  in  the  Boboli  Gardens.  There  are 
terraces  lined  with  a  profusion  of  statuary,  both  ancient  and 
modern ;  among  which  the  celebrated  group  of  "  Paris  and 
Helen  "  holds  the  highest  place,  while  the  "  Venus,"  by  John 
of  Bologna,  and  the  '"  Apollo,''  by  Bandinelli,  are  well-known 
masterpieces  of  Italian  Art.  There  are  also  a  number  of 
noble  Tases,  some  of  great  size,  cut  from  single  blocks  of 
Oarrai'a  marble,  and  other  decorations,  both  sculptural  and 
architectural,  of  a  highly  decorative  kind.  The  grotto,  con- 
structed by  Buontaleuti,  is  chiefly  notable  on  account  of  the 
grandiose,  though  unfinished,  statues  by  Michael  Angelo,  which 
were  originally  intended  for  the  tomb  of  Pope  Julius  II.; 
while  the  colossal  statue  of  "  Abundance,"  with  its  surrounding 
adjuncts,  is  also  one  of  the  grand  features  of  the  gardens. 
Among  the  other  gardens  of  Florence,  that  of  the  so-called 
Castle  of  the  Medici,  iu  the  suburbs,  is  the  largest.  The  castle, 
or  rather  country  palace,  was  built  by  Cosmo  I.,  at  the  foot  of 
Monte  Morello.  In  its  front  is  an  extensive  lawn,  or  prato 
(meadow),  as  the  Italians  term  it.  Farther  on  are  two  small 
lakes,  or  rather  reservoirs,  separated  by  a  bridge  leading  to 
a  noble  avenue  of  Cypresses.  The  facade  of  the  Loggi  is  en- 
riched with  mural  sculptures  iu  high  relief,  by  Pauormo  and 
other  eminent  sculptors  of  the  time,  repi-csenting  various 
episodes  in  Italian  history ;  and  in  the  rear  of  the  palace  are 
.spacious  aud  magnificent  gardens  embellished  with  statuary, 
fountains,  and  rich  architectural  dressings,  scarcely  inferior  to 
those  of  Boboli.  '  H.  N.  H. 


THE    PROPAGATOR. 


IKON  IN  PLANTS. 
Amoxg  the  constituent  elements  ot  animal  life,  physiologists  tell  ns 
that  iron  is  one  so  necessary,  that  if  suppressed  in  the  daily  food  the 
organism  will  sink  and  the  animal  inevitably  die.  Bonssingault  has 
found,  by  analysis,  in  100  grammes  (about  3j  ounces)  of  the  blood  of 
man,  54  milligrammes  of  iron,  in  that  of  the  ox  55,  of  the  hog  59, 
goose  37,  turkey  33,  hen  37,  duck  34,  frog  42 ;  in  the  flesh  of  the  os. 
5,  calf  3,  haddock  8,  cow's  milk  2,  eggs  6  ;  in  white  bread  5,  Indian 
meal  4,  Beans  7,  Lentils  8,  Oats  13,  Potatoes  2,  green  Cabbage  4,  and 
hay  8 ;  in  Beaujolais  wine  10,  beer  4,  Alsace  white  wine  8 ;  in  the 
water  of  the  river  Marno  1,  Dhuj-s  1,  and  Seine  4-lOths.  These 
figures  are  sufficient  to  show  the  large  quantities  of  iron  absorbed  by 
man,  also  that  the  greater  portion  is  derived  by  him  from  animal 
food,  and  almost  the  whole  from  mixed  animal  and  vegetable  food, 
and  that  the  interior  animals,  the  ox,  the  sheep,  and  the  horse, 
derive  theirs  from  the  vegetable  world,  the  small  quantities  contained 
in  their  drinking  water  forming  but  an  insignificant  part  of  the  whole. 
The  same  author  tells  us  that  animals  in  the  growing  state, 
children,  lambs,  colts,  &c.,  retain  in  their  systems  in  a  fixed  condi- 
tion the  whole  of  the  iron  they  take  in,  just  as  they  do  in  the 
case  of  nitrogen,  and  that  later,  when  fully  develoijed,  the  whole 
of  the  iron  taken  in,  merely  passes  through  the  organism. 
B.v  this  it  would  appear  that  the  Grass  in  a  pasture  receives  back 
daily,  so  to  say,  at  its  roots,  the  whole  of  the  iron  taken  from  it  by 
the  ox  and  sheep  in  the  blades  cropped  by  them.  This  apparently 
insignificant  fact  may,  nevertheless,  be  of  much  importance  ;  for,  to 
judge  from  the  quantities  of  iron  existing  in  all  plants,  they  must 
necessarily  have  as  imperative  a  need  of  it  as  animals  ;  but,  as  they 
can  in  many  cases  receive  it  but  slowly  in  the  water  they  imbibe, 
because  the  soil  through  which  the  water  has  flowed  may  have  con- 
tained but  very  little  iron  in  a  soluble  state,  they  would,  as  iu  the  case 
of  Grasses  in  a  pasture  constantly  grazed,  end  hy  turning  yellow  and 
chlorotic  were  all  the  iron  taken  from  them  by  cattle  or  sheep  never 
returned.  Trom  what  has  just  been  stated,  one  might  infer  that  such 
would  eventually  be  the  ease  were  the  pasture  constantly  grazed 
exclusively  by  calves,  lambs,  milch  cows,  and  ewes;  the  iron  in  this 
case  found  in  the  milk,  as  well  as  that  absorbed  directly  by  the 
young,  never  being  returned.  Many  other  elementary  bodies 
absorbed  by  animals  under  the  form  of  oxides  or  of  salts — such  as 
aluminium,  silicium,  calcium,  potassium,  sodium,  sulphur,  phos- 
phorus, &c. — are  probably  also  chiefly  derived  from  the  vegetable 
world,  and  a  certain  quantity  of  them  is  never  returned  until  after 
death.  The  interchange,  between  living  plants  and  animals,  of  those 
gases  which,  combined  in  different  proportions,  form  such  very 
different  substances — as  starch,  sugar,  alcohol,  and  the  various  acids 
which  give  the  peculiar  flavour  to  each  fruit,  «S:c. — would  properly 
come  under  another  heading.  Feed.  Palmer. 

Tersailles. 


EECENT   OBSERVATIONS  ON  THE  FERTILISATION 
OF  PLANTS. 

By  A.  W.  BENNETT,  II.A.,  in  the  "  Popular  Science  Review." 
It  is  proposed  in  the  following  article  to  give  an  account  of  some  of 
the  most  recent  observations  on  the  subject  of  the  contrivances  by 
which  the  fertilisation  of  flowers  is  effected  ;  a  subject  the  details 
of  which  are  so  numerous  and  varied  that  the  field  of  observation 
open,  not  only  to  the  scientific  botanist,  but  even  to  the  ordinary 
observer,  seems  almost  boundless.  So  much  has  now  been  written 
on  this  subject  that  everyone  who  has  followed  it  to  any  extent  is 
av.-aro  that  the  greater  number  of  flowers  are  cross-fertilised — 
though  to  this  rule  there  are  exceptions  to  which  we  shall  allude 
presently — and  that  the  mode  in  which  this  cross-fertilisation  is 
usually  effected  is  by  the  agency  of  insects.  There  are,  however,  a 
considerable  number  of  flowers  which  are  fertilised  without  the 
assistance  of  insects  by  means  of  the  wind ;  and  as  these  present, 
as  a  class,  peculiar  features  of  their  own,  we  may  spend  a  little  time 
in  the  first  place  in  considering  them. 

The  Agency  of  the  Wind. 
A  familiar  example  of  flowers  fertilised  in  this  way  is  furnished 
by  the  common  Hazel,  which  flowers  from  January  till  the  early  part 
of  March,  even  when  the  weather  is  very  cold,  and  when  there  are 
scarcely  any  insects  on  the  wing.  The  flowers  of  the  Uazel  are  of 
two  kinds,  male  and  female.  The  male  flowers  constitute  the 
familiar  catkins,  which  drop  off  and  disappear  before  the  leaves 
make  their  appearance.  The  catkins  are  generally  in  bunches  of 
from  two  to  four,  every  catkin  containing  on  an  average  perhaps 
from  100  to  120  flowers.  Each  of  these  male  flowers  consists  of  a 
simple  scale-like  bract  enclosing  from  eight  to  twelve  anthers,  each 
of  which  discharges,  when  ripe,  a  cloud  of  innumerable  pollen- 
grains  ;  so  that  the  number  of  these  grains  in  any  single  catkin  must 
be  prodigious.  The  female  flowers  are  found  on  the  same  branches 
as  the  catkins,  and  are  also  in  clusters  of  from  two  to  six  ov  eight 
(the  future  nuts),  and  are  of  equally  simple  structure  with  the  male 
flowers,  being  formed  of  a  single  pistil  enclosed  in  bracts,  the  ovary 
surmounted  by  from  three  to  five  stigmas,  the  bright  crimson  threads 
by  which  these  female  flowers  are  recognised.  If  one  of  these 
crimson  threads  is  placed  under  an  ordinary  pocket  lens,  it  will 
generally  be  found  to  have  on  its  surface  several  apparently  minute 
particles  of  dust,  which,  on  fm'ther  examination,  are  found  to  be 
pollen-grains  which  have  been  blown  from  the  male  flowers.  Each 
individual  poUen-gi'ain  has  the  power  of  emitting  a  "  pollen. tube," 
which  penetrates  the  stigma,  reaches  the  ovarj',  and  by  the  fertilis- 
ation of  the  ovule  induces  the  formation  of  the  embryo,  and  thus 
the  development  of  the  ovule  into  the  fertile  nnt.  Since  the  only 
means  by  which  the  pollen  can  be  conveyed  from  the  male  to  the 
female  flower  is  the  agency  of  the  wind,  and  it  is  only  quite  by 
cliauce  that  any  of  the  grains  can  reach  their  destination,  the  reason 
is  obvious  of  the  enormous  amount  of  pollen  with  which  the  catkins 
of  the  Hazel  are  furnished.  In  some  plants,  the  fertilisation  ot 
which  is  effected  in  the  same  manner,  the  quantity  of  pollen  is  still 
greater,  and  this  is  especially  the  case  in  the  Coniferje  or  Fir  tribe. 
If  a  Tew  tree  is  struck  with  a  stick  or  agitated  by  the  wind  at  the 
time  when  the  pollen  is  being  discharged,  it  will  rise  in  the  form  of 
dense  smoke,  giving  the  impression  of  a  bui'ning  bush  ;  and  American 
travellers  have  described  how  the  water  of  some  of  their  lakes 
near  the  shore  is  covered  at  certain  seasons  by  a  thick  stratum  ot 
a  sulphur.like  substance,  the  pollen  blown  from  the  neighbouring 
Pine  woods.  Whether  the  female  flowers  of  the  Hazel  are  fertilised 
from  the  catkins  on  the  same  or  on  a  different  bush  is  a  point  still 
in  dispute.  Another  instance  in  which  there  is  httle  doubt  that 
fertiUsation  is  accomplished  by  the  wind,  though  botanists  are  not 
quite  unanimous  on  this  point,  is  that  of  our  common  cereal  crops, 
and  especially  of  Wheat.  Important  in  the  highest  degree  from  a 
mere  mercantile  point  of  view  as  is  any  question  connected  with 
the  production  of  our  corn  crops,  it  is  only  very  recently  that  any 
reliable  observations  have  been  made  on  the  mode  in  which  the 
flowers  of  Wheat  are  tertibsed  ;  but  these  have  led  to  some  very 
curious  results.  When  a  field  of  Wheat  is  in  fljwer,  that  is.  in  ordinary 
seasons,  in  the  early  part  of  June,  each  ear  will  be  found  to  be  for. 
uished  with  a  gi-eat  number  of  purpUsh  anthers  hanging  at  the  ends 
of  filaments  of  extraoi'dinaiy  delicacy,  or  rather  of  empty  anther-sacs 
from  which  every  grain  of  pollen  has  been  discharged.  These  anthers 
appear,  when  they  have  arrived  at  matiurity,  to  break  suddenly  out 
of  the  opening  bud,  the  filament  elongating  in  a  moment  to  several 
times  its  original  length,  the  anther  bursting  at  the  same  time, 
when  the  shghtness  of  its  attachment  to  the  filament  causes  the 
least  breath  of  wind  to  sweep  the  whole  of  the  light  dusty  pollen  out 
of  its  case,  some  of  which  must  necessarily  reach  the  neighboiu-iug 


Nov.  29, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


445 


stigmas  in  the  samo  ear,  provided  there  is  not  enough  wind  to  blow 
it  completely  away.  In  Rye  and  Oats  this  extraordinarily  rapid 
lengthening  of  tho  filaments  is  even  moro  conspicuous  than  in 
Wheat.  Hence  the  importance  attached  by  farmers  to  compara. 
tively  calm  sunny  weather  at  the  critical  period  when  tho  Corn  is  in 
flower.  These  two  examples  furnish  good  illustrations  of  the  struc- 
ture which  prevails  in  those  flowers  that  are  fertilised  by  the  wind. 
They  are  generally  of  very  simple  structure,  and  rarely  brightly 
coloured,  since  bright  colours  would  be  of  no  advantage  to  them. 
The  quantity  of  pollen  is  usually  very  largo,  and  the  structure  of 
tho  male  flowers  such  that  it  is  dispersed  by  the  wind  with  the 
greatest  facility,  this  being  brought  about  by  the  slender  "  versatile" 
iilanieuts  of  the  Wheat  and  hj  tlie  lightly-hanging  catkins  of  the 
Hazel,  the  Willow,  and  other  early-flowering  shrubs,  which  appear 
"  before  the  leaves,  and  hence  at  a  period  wheu  there  is  no  obstruction 
to  the  free  dissemination  of  the  pollen.  In  the  majority  of  flowers, 
however,  the  structure  of  tho  pollen,  or  the  arrangement  relatively 
to  one  another  of  the  pistil  and  stamens,  is  such  that  fertilisation 
could  not  be  effected  by  the  wind  alone.  Sometimes  the  pollen- 
grains  themselves  are  too  large  and  heavy  to  be  thus  conveyed,  or 
they  are  united  together  by  fine  threads  or  even  into  dense  masses  ; 
or  tho  position  of  the  stigniatic  portion  of  the  pistil  is  evidently  not 
adapted  for  the  pollen  to  reach  it  in  this  way;  and  Nature  then 
employs  as  the  agent  in  fertilisation  the  services  of  insects  or  of  other 
small  animals.  This  opportunity  is  afforded  by  the  visits  of  insects 
to  the  flowers  in  search  of  the  honey  or  nectar  which  forms  an 
important  portion  of  the  food  of  many  classes. 

Agency  of  Insects. 
The  attraction  to  tho  flowers  which  serve  insects  for  food  is  two-fold, 
scent  and  colour ;  in  other  words,  those  properties  which  chiefly 
render  flowers  attractive  to  our  own  senses.  The  honey  or  other 
sweet  juice  is  generally  stored  in  small  glands  or  receptacles,  which 
together  form  the  "  nectary,"  the  position  of  which  is  extremely 
variable — tho  deep  pits  at  the  base  of  the  corolla  in  the  Crown. 
Imperial,  the  small  scroll-like  petals  of  the  Hellebore,  the  bottom  of 
the  spur  in  Orchises  and  the  Larkspur,  the  prolongations  of  two  of 
the  stamens  which  project  into  the  spur  of  the  Violet  and  Pansy, 
very  frequently  minute  glands  at  the  base  of  the  stamens  or  pistil, 
&c.  Nature  is  always  economical  of  her  resources ;  and  accordingly 
we  do  not  generally  find  that  strong  scent  and  brilliant  variegation 
of  colour  are  bestowed  on  the  same  flower.  Those  which  are  most 
prized  for  the  power  or  delicacy  of  their  scent  have,  as  a  rule, 
flowers  either  inconspicuous,  or,  if  large  and  conspicuous,  of  uniform 
unvariegated  colour ;  as,  for  instance,  the  Mignonette,  Daphne, 
Primrose,  sweet  Violet,  Lily  of  the  Valley,  Rose,  Evening  Primrose, 
Pink  (in  its  primitive  white  state).  Honey-suckle,  Lime  Tree,  and 
many  others ;  whilst  the  most  brilliantly-variegated  flowers  are  com- 
paratively or  quite  scentless,  as  the  Fritillary,  Pelargonium,  larger 
and  smaller  Convolvulus,  Tropajolum,  Mimnlus,  Ranunculus,  Pansy, 
&c.  In  scented  flowers  the  scent  proceeds  from  the  nectar  itself, 
and  is  therefore  a  suflicient  guide  for  the  insects  in  search  of  it. 
One  of  the  largest  of  scented  flowers,  the  Evening  Primrose,  blossom- 
ing only  in  the  night,  is  fecundated  by  night-flying  moths, 
which  probably  require  the  large  sulphur-yellow  flowers,  as  well 
as  the  scent,  to  guide  them  from  a  distance  in  the  dim  light.  A 
distinction  may  also  be  drawn  in  general  terms  between  the  mode  of 
fertilisation  of  large  conspicuous  and  of  smaller  variegated  flowers ; 
the  ageuts  in  the  former  case  Ijeing  generally  large  insects,  butter- 
flies, moths,  beetles,  or  bees  ;  in  the  latter  very  much  smaller  ones. 
If  a  watch  is  kept  on  very  large  flowers,  such  as  the  single  Holly- 
hock, single  Pseony,  "  Convolvulus  major  "  of  the  gardens,  the  large 
white  wild  Convolvulus,  Fuchsia,  &c.,  it  will  be  seen  that  their 
visitors  mostly  consist  of  large  beetles,  hive  or  bumble-bees,  or 
butterflies,  while  the  small  flowers  are  overrun  with  small  flies  or 
other  minute  insects  to  which  the  variegation  serves  as  a  guide,  the 
streaks  or  rows  of  colouring  invariably  pointing  to  the  nectary  or 
receptacle  of  honey.  American  natai'alists  state  that  many  of  the 
largest  and  most  gorgeous  flowers  of  the  Western  continent,  such  as 
the  Bignonias  or  Trumpet-flowers,  are  fecundated  by  humming-birds. 
A  very  good  illustration  of  the  different  contrivances  exhibited  by 
two  closely-allied  plants — one  scented  and  fertilised  by  bees,  the 
other  scentless  and  variegated,  and  fertilised  by  very  minute  insects 
■ — is  afforded  by  the  sweet  Violet  and  the  Pansy. 

If  attention  is  paid  to  the  arrangement  and  position  of  the  stigmas 
and  stamens  at  the  time  when  insects  are  seeking  the  flowers  for  the 
sake  of  the  honey,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  anthers  are  almost  always 
at  this  time  discharging  their  pollen,  and  that  it  is  impossible  for 
the  insect  to  find  its  way  to  the  nectary,  or  to  insert  its  proboscis 
into  it,  without  brushing  against  one  or  more  of  the  anthers,  and 
carrying  away  with  it  a  portion  of  the  pollen.  Either  in  its  retreat 
from  the  flower  or  in  entering  the  next  flower  (of  the  same  species) 
which  it  visits,  it  will  also  almost  inevitably  strike  against  the  stigma   I 


and  leave  some  of  the  pollen-grains  behind  ou  it,  which  will  then  put 
out  their  tubes  and  fertilise  the  ovules.  But,  inasmuch  as  iu  by  far 
tho  majority  of  cases  the  stigma  is  not  "  receptive,"  or  in  that 
papillose  and  viscid  condition  iu  which  alone  it  incites  the  emission 
of  tho  pollen-tubes  at  the  same  time  that  the  pollen  is  being  dis. 
charged  from  the  anthers  in  the  same  individual  flower,  provision  is 
thus  made  for  that  "  cross.fertilisation "  which  we  have  already 
spoken  of  as  the  general  rule  ;  and,  indeed,  in  many  cases  no  other 
mode  of  fertilisation  is  possible. 

Jfiower-arrangements  for  Cross-fertilisation. 

Readers  of  botanical  literature  are  now  so  fa  miliar  with  illustra- 
tions of  tho  infinite  variety  and  beauty  of  the  contrivances  for  the 
cross-fertilisation  of  flowers  by  insect  agency,  that  we  do  not  propose 
to  give  any  more  here.  The  simple  arrange'ment  by  which  the  pistil 
and  stamens  in  the  same  flower  arrive  at  naaturity  at  different  times 
may  be  noticed  without  difliculty  by  the  most  careless  observer.  It 
is  only  necessary  to  gather  the  common  rib-grass  (Plantago  lanceo- 
lata)  to  observe  that  the  feathery  stigmas  are  produced  from  tho 
still  half-closed  bud  or  before  tho  stamens  are  ncai-ly  mature ;  and 
the  same  is  the  case  with  the  water-side  figworts  (Sorophularia  nodosa 
and  aquatioa).  The  reverse,  however,  is  far  more  common,  and  may 
be  well  seen  iu  almost  any  plant  belonging  to  the  natural  order 
Caryophyllaoeae,  as,  for  example,  any  of  the  common  species  of 
stitch-wort  (Stellaria  Holostea  or  graminea),  where  the  anthers  have 
actually  dropped  off  the  filament  before  the  stigmas  have  acquired 
their  receptive  condition.  The  Hare-bell,  or  any  other  species  of 
Campanula,  wild  or  cultivated,  will  illustrate  the  same  phenomenon. 
A  singular  circumstance  connected  with  those  arrangements  is  that 
closely  allied  species  of  the  same  genus  exhibit  sometimes  exactly 
opposite  peculiarities  in  this  respect ;  and  it  is  even  uncertain 
whether  the  same  species  does  not  vary  under  different  conditions. 
A  very  interesting  account  of  the  phenomena  presented  by  a  number 
of  plants  of  the  Pea  tribe  belonging  to  the  natural  order  Leguminosro, 
by  Mr.  T.  H.  Earrer,  will  be  found  in  "Nature,"  vol.  vi.  Vfe  may 
give  a  single  very  good  example  of  this  iu  the  two  common  Mallows, 
in  the  large  Mallow  (Malva  sylvestris)  the  stamens  are  collected 
together  into  a  bundle  completely  surrounding  and  overtopping  the 
pistil.  At  a  latter  stage  the  empty  anthers  are  bent  down  out  of 
the  way  of  the  stigmas,  which  are  even  yet  not  in  a  receptive  condi- 
tion. Spontaneous  self-fertilisation  is  in  this  case  scarcely  possible. 
In  the  smaller  species  (Malva  rotundifolia)  the  structure  is  the  same 
ap  to  a  certain  point,  but  the  stigmas  mature  earlier,  and  when  in 
this  condition  coil  themselves  among  the  anthers,  there  being  still 
sufficient  pollen  left  in  the  anthers  to  ensure  the  self-fertilisation 
of  the  flower.  The  two  species  often  grow  intermixed  ;  both  are 
scentless;  insects  are,  however,  abundantly  attracted  by  the  large 
showy  flowers  of  M.  sylvestris,  which  are  also  beautifully  streaked, 
the  streaks  all  pointing  towards  the  nectar.glands,  at  the  base  of  the 
tube  formed  by  the  filaments.  The  flowers  of  M.  rotundifolia  are 
much  smaller  and  of  paler  colour  and  are  not  streaked,  and  hence 
not  so  attractive  to  insects.  Dr.  Miiller  records  thirty-one  species  of 
insects,  chiefly  Hymenoptera,  which  he  detected  visiting  the  former, 
whilst  only  four  were  observed  to  frequent  the  latter  species.  Dian- 
thus  deltoides,  the  "  Maiden-Pink,"  is  scentless  ;  but  each  of  the  five 
petals  is  provided  with  a  number  of  purple  spots,  which  seem  to 
indicate  to  the  butterflies,  by  which  they  are  chiefly  visited,  the 
exact  place  wherein  to  insert  their  proboscis  in  order  to  reach  tho 
honey-glands.  The  anther,  at  this  time  discharging  pollen,  is  placed 
immediately  over  each  petal,  and  the  butterfly  cannot  fail  to  carry 
off  some  of  the  dust  on  its  head.  A  second  inner  row  of  five  stamens, 
at  this  period  completely  concealed  within  the  tube  of  the  corolla,  do 
not  mature  till  later ;  and  it  is  only  after  all  the  anthers  have  dropped 
off  that  the  two  stigmas,  previously  coiled  round  one  another,  separate 
and  develop  the  hairs  which  served  for  the  detention  of  the  pollen. 
While  the  various  contrivances  connected  with  the  arrangcnients  of 
the  male  and  female  organs  have  been  more  or  less  known  to  botanists 
for  three-quarters  of  a  century,  very  little  attention  has  been  paid, 
until  the  publication  in  the  present  year  of  Prof.  Miillcr's  book 
already  mentioned,  to  the  corresponding  adaptations  of  the  structure 
of  insects  for  the  same  purpose.  This  naturalist — an  accomplished 
entomologist  as  well  as  botanist — has  made  this  branch  of  the  subject 
his  special  study,  and  has  collected  together  a  large  number  of  inter- 
esting and  curious  facts. 

Pollen  removed  by  Insects  in  two  ways. 
There  are  two  ways  in  which  insects  perform  their  part  iu  fertilisa- 
tion— in  their  search  for  honey  and  for  pollen.  Several  instances  occur 
of  the  mode  in  which  insects,  especially  those  furnished  with  a  long 
proboscis  and  belonging  to  the  orders  Lepidoptera  and  Hymenoptera, 
involuntarily  detach  some  of  the  pollen  while  obtaining  their  food, 
and  carry  it  away  with  them  to  fructify  other  flowers  which  they 
then  visit.     One  of  the  most  interesting  examples  of  this  was  first 


446 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  29,  IM. 


described  in  detail  by  Darwin  in  Bis  work  on  the  Fertilisation  of 
Orchids ;  and  it  is  extremely  easy  to  observe  the  manner  in  which 
the  pollen-masses  or  "  pollinia  "  of  Orchids  are  carried  away  on  the 
proboscis  of  butterflies  a»d  moths.  The  natural  order  Asclepiadacese, 
to  which  belong  the  beautiful  waxen-flowered  Hoya  and  the  singular 
fcetid  Stapelia,  has  the  pollen  arranged,  in  the  same  manner  as  in 
Orchids,  in  pollen-masses  which  are  similarly  fixed  in  pairs  to  a  viscid 
base,  the  whole  apparatus  being  easily  detached  on  to  any  insect 
which  visits  the  flower. 

The  second  mode  in  which  insects  assist  in  the  fertilisation  of 
flowers  is  by  the  voluntary  deportation  of  pollen ;  and  this  is  chiefly 
effected  by  Hymenoptera  belonging  to  the  class  Apidaj,  which 
includes  the  hive  and  bumble-bees  that  build  nests  in  which  they 
store  up  large  quantities  of  food  for  their  young  while  in  the  larva 
state.  This  "bee-bread,"  as  it  is  termed,  with  which  the  thighs 
of  homeward-bound  bees  are  seen  to  be  heavily  laden,  consists 
almost  entirely  of  innumerable  pollen-grains  robbed  from  the  flowers, 
which  the  little  depredators  may  be  seen  to  despoil  in  a  very 
scientific  manner.  Though  the  greater  quantity  of  this  pollen  is 
carried  home,  small  quantities  of  it  are  unintentionally  left  behind 
here  and  there  on  the  stigmas  of  the  flowers,  quite  sufficient  to 
ensure  the  fertilisation  of  the  ovules.  Prof.  Miiller  arranges  the 
different  genera  of  ApidcC  into  a  series  according  to  their  adaptation 
for  this  deportation  of  poUeu,  from  the  extent  to  which  their  thighs, 
shins,  and  feet  are  clothed  with  hairs. 

Besides  these,  there  is  a  third  purpose  for  which  insects  remove 
the  pollen  of  flowers,  which  is  less  known,  and  the  object  of  which 
in  the  vegetable  economy  is  not  so  evident; :  viz.,  by  actually  eating 
it.  This  has  chiefly  been  observed  in  the  case  of  flies  or  Diptera 
belonging  to  the  class  Syrphidaj,  the  movements  of  which  in  summer 
and  autumn,  in  hovering  over  flowers  and  then  suddenly  darting 
upon  them,  are  so  remarkable.  Many  entomologists  doubt  whether 
ic  is  possible  for  flies,  which  have  no  mandibles,  and  whose  only 
food-obtaining  organ  is  a  proboscis  adapted  for  suction,  to  masticate 
so  comparatively  hard  a  substance  as  pollen-grains.  This  need  not, 
however,  present  a  difficulty  to  anyone  who  has  smarted  under  the 
irritating  attacks  of  flies  and  midges  daring  rainy  weather  in 
mountainous  countries.  We  have  ourselves  dissected  the  bodies  of 
flies  belonging  to  this  family,  and  found  their  stomachs  in  many 
cases  perfectly  loaded  with  pollen-grains.  Prof.  Miiller  takes  this 
view  very  decidedly,  and  gives  some  admirable  drawings  to  show 
the  manner  in  which  the  extreme  tip  of  the  proboscis  is  furnished 
with  a  number  of  cross-bars,  by  means  of  which,  as  he  has  himself 
observed,  these  insects  are  able  even  to  tear  asunder  the  fine  threads 
by  which  the  grains  of  pollen  are  frequently  attached  to  one  another, 
as  in  the  Evening  Primrose.  It  is  often  a  matter  of  surprise  to  the 
cultivators  of  flowers  that  many  species  which  flower  luxuriantly  in 
our  gardens  never  produce  fruit  or  seed,  though  all  the  separate 
organs  of  the  flower  appear  to  be  perfectly  developed.  This  is  the 
case,  for  instance,  with  the  large  white  Convolvulus  grown  frequently 
against  the  walls  of  houses,  and  with  the  yellow  Jessamine  which 
flowers  in  the  winter,  and  to  a  less  extent  with  the  Calycanthus  or 
Allspice  tree.  The  reason  of  this  is  no  doubt  generally  the  absence 
of  those  insects  which  serve  as  their  fertilisers  in  their  native 
country,  our  native  species  either  not  being  attracted  by  their 
foreign  nectar,  or  not  possessing  the  mechanical  appliances  necessary 
to  obtain  it,  and  hence  not  visiting  the  flowers.  We  mentioned  at 
the  outset  that,  though  the  large  majority  of  flowers  are  cross- 
fertilised,  yet  there  are  exceptions  to  the  rule.  Darwin  has  described 
the  peculiar  contrivance  by  which  self-fertilisation  is  effected  in  the 
singular  Bee-orchis  (Ophrys  apifera)  of  our  chalk  hills,  alone  among 
cur  native  Orchids.  There  are  not  a  few  flowers  which  never  or 
scarcely  ever  completely  open  their  petals  so  as  to  allow  either  the 
entrance  of  an  insect  or  the  escape  of  the  pollen.  ~An  instance  of 
this  is  furnished  by  the  pretty  little  bog-plant  the  Sundew  (Drosera 
rotuudifolia). 

"  Cleistogamous  "  or  self-fertilising  Flowers. 
The  most  singular,  however,  of  these  special  contrivances  for  self- 
fertilisation  are  the  peculiarly-shaped  '*  cleistogamous  "  flowers,  as 
they  have  been  termed — which  occur  in  many  plants  belonging  to 
widely-separated  natural  orders,  either  intermixed  with  the  ordinary 
conspicuous  flowers  or  appearing  at  a  different  time  of  the  year — with 
respect  to  which  very  little  has  been  written  in  English  botanical 
works.  Among  the  natural  orders  in  which  these  flowers  have  been 
found  are  Violaceae,  CistaccGc,  Oxalideto,  Balsamineas,  Polygalacea?, 
Caryophyllacea3,  Malpighiaceaj,  Lcguminosse,  Campanulaceie,  Convol- 
vulaceaj,  Acanthaccaj,  Labiata?,  and  one  order  of  Endogens,  Com- 
melynaceaj.  The  two  species  of  Irapatiens  or  Touch-me-not,  which 
grow  wild  in  this  country — I.  Noli-me-tangere,  native  in  Westmore- 
land and  some  other  rocky  and  woody  parts,  and  I.  fulva,  a  North 
American  plant  fully  naturalised  by  the  banks  of  the  Wey  and  other 
parts  of  Surrey,  as  well  as  the  smaller  I.  parviflora,  now  also  rapidly 


becoming  completely  naturalised  in  the  neighbourhood  of  London — 
have  closed,  imperfect,  self-fertilised  flowers  intermixed  with  the 
showy  yellow  ones.  They  are  far  more  numerous  than  the  con. 
spicnous  flowers,  much  smaller,  and  easily  recognised  even  in  the 
bud.  The  calyx  is  quite  regular,  not  presenting  the  "  spur  "  of  the 
open  flowers,  always  remains  perfectly  closed,  and  is  pushed  off  at 
the  extremity  of  the  seed-vessel  in  the  form  of  a  little  brown  cap. 
The  petals  are  entirely  absent.  The  stamens  are  of  an  altogether 
different  shape  to  those  of  the  larger  flowers,  and  contain  but  a  very 
small  quantity  of  pollen,  which,  however,  is  amply  sufficient  for  the 
fertilisation  of  the  ovules,  the  full  number  of  seeds  appearing  to  be 
always  produced.  The  most  easily-observed  instances  are,  however, 
in  the  case  of  our  common  wild  Violets,  the  Sweet  Violet  (Viola 
odorata),  or  the  various  forms  of  the  Dog  Violet  (V.  canina).  The 
existence  of  these  flowers  in  Viola  was  known  as  long  ago  as  the  time 
of  Linua3us,  who,  in  his  "  Pr.Tclectiones  Botanica3,"  says  that  the 
flowers  of  Viola  mirabilis  produced  in  the  spring  are  often  barren ; 
while  the  later  ones,  which  have  no  corolla,  are  fertile.  A''on  Mohl 
has  seen  the  pollen  escape  from  the  anthers  on  to  the  stigmas,  and 
give  out  abundance  of  pollen-tubes.  Monuier  says  that  the  ordinary 
spring  flowers  of  Viola  hirta  and  odorata  never  produce  seed  ;  but 
this  statement  is  disputed  by  others.  The  "  cleistogamous  "  flowers 
of  the  Violet  appear  long  after  those  that  are  so  familiar  in  the 
spring,  and  may  be  found  in  abundance  about  July  and  August,  very 
small,  but  still  not  difficult  to  make  out.  On  opening  them  there  is 
no  trace  of  petals  ;  there  are  five  stamens,  with  long  filaments  and 
very  small  anthers,  offering  scarcely  any  resemblance  to  those  of  tho 
open  flowers,  which  have  very  large  anthers  and  no  fllaments.  The 
pollen,  again,  very  small  in  quantity,  is  contained  in  two  almost 
transparent  bags  at  the  base  of  the  anther,  and  is  discharged  directly 
on  to  the  stigma.  The  pistil  consists  of  a  conical  ovary,  and  a  very 
large  stigma  curved  completely  over  in  a  semi-circle  so  as  to  bring 
the  papillose  receptive  surface  into  a  horizontal  position  in  which  it 
will  most  readily  receive  the  pollen.  A  most  instructive  contrast  is 
afforded  between  the  arrangements  of  the  reproductive  organs  in 
these  two  kinds  of  flowers  on  the  same  plant.  In  the  showy  spring 
flowers  the  stigma  projects  horizontally  in  the  form  of  a  beak  above 
and  quite  clear  of  the  stamens,  the  arrangement  of  which  is  such  that 
it  is  scarcely  possible  for  any  of  the  pollen  to  reach  the  stigma 
without  the  intervention  of  insect  agency.  In  the  closed  summer 
flowers  it  will  be  seen  that  the  arrangements  have  evidently  an 
exactly  opposite  purpose.  They  produce  abundance  of  seed.  Another 
section  of  the  genus  Viola,  of  which  the  wild  Pansy  (Viola  tricolor) 
may  be  taken  as  a  type,  produces  no  cleistogamous  flowers ;  and  the 
contrivances  for  the  fertilisation  are,  as  has  already  been  mentioned, 
quite  different  from  those  in  the  true  Violet. 

In  two  Indian  species  of  Campanula,  the  closed  flowers  are 
described  by  Professor  Oliver  as  being  altogether  different  in  shape 
to  the  conspicuous  ones.  They  are  covered  by  a  completely  closed 
membrane,  the  rudiment  of  the  corolla ;  the  stamens  are  extended 
horizontally,  and  the  anthers  are  quite  connate,  and  together  adnate 
to  the  stigma.  As  the  flowers  have  only  at  present  been  observed 
in  dried  herbarium  specimens,  the  mode  in  which  the  pollen-grains 
reach  the  stigma  is  still  uncertain.  In  Juncus  bufonius  it  is  said 
that  the  pollen-tubes  are  emitted  while  still  within  the  anther,  the 
wall  of  which  they  pierce.  In  the  Wood-sorrel,  Oxalis  acetosclla, 
the  closed  flowers,  which  appear  towards  the  end  of  the  summer, 
resemble  much  more  closely  the  well-known  spx'ing  flowers,  which 
are  in  this  case  certainly  fertile.  In  accordance  with  the  ordinary 
practice  of  economy  by  nature,  the  amount  of  pollen  in  the 
"  cleistogamous "  is  generally  very  much  less  than  in  the  open 
flowers,  since  it  has  very  little  chance  of  being  wasted.  In  the  small 
flowers  of  Malpighiacea3,  Jussieu  states  that  there  are  only  a  very 
few  grains  of  pollen ;  in  those  of  the  Wood-sorrel,  where  twenty  to 
thirty  ovules  have  to  be  fertilised.  Von  Mohl  gives  the  quantity  as 
from  one  to  two  dozen  grains  in  each  anther-cell ;  in  Impatiens  it  is 
considerably  larger,  while  in  Viola  the  number  of  grains  is  very 
small.  More  detailed  examination  of  these  closed  flowers  in  different 
plants  will  doubtless  yield  interesting  and  important  results. 


Tlie  Wood  of  the  Osage  Orange. — In  a  recent  visit  to 
Texas  a  traveller  saw  numbers  of  the  Bois  d'Arc  or  Osa"-e 
Orange  trees  in  the  river  valleys,  and  heard  marvellous  stories  of  the 
endurance  of  the  wood  in  situations  where  it  was  much  exposed  to 
alternate  moisture  and  di-ought.  It  was  much  used  by  the  Indians  for 
bows,  and  the  early  French  voiiageuys  gave  it  the  name  of  Bois  d'Arc, 
or  bow-wood,  a  name  often  corrupted  into  "  Bodock."  The  tree 
grows  sometimes  to  a  diameter  of  two  or  three  feet,  and  is  sawn  into 
timber  for  wagons.  It  is  close-grained,  and  the  tire  once  set  upon 
the  wheels  never  becomes  loose  until  it  is  worn  out.  This  is  a  great  ' 
advantage  in  dry  climates. 


Nov.  29,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


447 


GARDEN    DESTROYERS. 

YELLOW-TAILED  MOTH. 
(bombi'x  (lifaeis)  aurifloa.) 
This  species  (fig.  1)  is  very  like  the  brown-tail  (Liparis 
cbrysorrliea),  of  which  we  have  already  spoken,  but  is  of  a 
purer  white,  and  has  its  tail  covered  with  hairs  of  a  fine  yellow 
instead  of  a  reddish  or  greyish-brown.  It  lays  its  eggs  like  it 
(which,  however,  are  yellowish  instead  of  rose-coloured),  and 
covers  them  with  hairs  from  its  tail  in  a  like  manner.  Like 
it, too, it  is,  generally  speaking,  autumn  (September)  before  the 
larvas  arc  hatched,  which  also  manufacture  a  silken  tent  for 


Tlie  Yellow-tailed  lloth. 

themselves,  under  which  they  pass  the  winter,  having 
previously  undergone  their  first  month  there.  The  larva  is 
represented  in  fig.  2.  It  is  blackish-brown,  with  dark  hairs. 
It  has  on  its  back,  from  the  first  segment  backwards,  a  double 
row  of  pure  white  mealy  spots.  Between  these  two  rows  of 
white  spots  there  are  two  lines  of  bright  red,  dilated  cross- 
wise on  the  fourth  segment,  which,  as  well  as  the  following,  is 
a  little   raised   into  a  fleshy  hump.     On  the  ninth  and  tenth 


Caterpillar  of  the  Yellow-tailed  Moth. 

segments  there  are  also  between  the  two  red  lines  two  very 
small  red  spots,  which  are  slightly  retractile.  The  tubercles  of 
the  side  are  red  or  ferruginous,  as  if  linked  to  each  other  by  a 
more  or  less  decided  lateral  red  line.  The  caterpillar  undergoes 
its  metamorphosis  in  the  end  of  June,  and  remains  for  about 
three  weeks  in  the  chrysalis  state.  This  species  is  neither  so 
common  nor  so  injurious  as  the  Liparis  chrysorrhea.  It  has  a 
great  predilection  for  the  Rose  and  Thorn,  and  also  feeds  on 
most  of  the  other  Rosacea^.  A.  M. 


THE  WINTER  MOTH. 

(cnEIMATOBIA   BRUMATA.) 

Bust  on  the  wing,  flitting  here  and  there  throughout  our 
gardens  and  orchards,  quite  regardless  of  the  cold  and  stormy 
weather  which  they  must  encounter  throughoiit  November 
and  December,  are  the  male  Winter  Moths,  which  may  be  seen 
in  numbers  during  this  month  and  the  next.  The  female  being 
one  of  those  curious  moths  which  only  have  rudimentary  or 
scarcely  any  wings,  and  which  looks  like  a  deformed  fly,  is 


quite  incapable  of  flying.  She,  having  left  the  chrysalis  state 
in  which  she  has  passed  the  last  six  or  seven  months,  secure 
beneath  the  surface  of  the  earth,  now  comes  forth  and  ascends 
the  trunk  of  the  tree  beneath  which  she  has  reposed  so  long. 
Though  these  insects  infest  nearly  all  trees,  devouring  those 
of  the  forest  as  well  as  the  garden,  they  do  by  far  greater 
damage  to  the  latter.  I  have  seen  Apple  trees  almost  entirely 
defoliated  by  the  larvas  of  this  mischeivous  moth.  The  female 
having  ascended  the  tree,  lays  her  eggs  there  in  great  num- 
bers. These  eggs  hatch  at  the  beginning  of  spring,  and  the 
youthful  larvae  commence  to  feed  on  the  buds,  and  may  be  found 
plentifully  from  April  to  June,  living  in  concealment  between 
doubled  leaves.  The  caterpillar  is  most  variable  in  appearance, 
being  of  different  shades  and  colours,  sometimes  pale  green  or 
yellowish,  or  nearly  brown  ;  but,  generally,  the  caterpillar  is 
green;  the  stripes  also  vary  in  colour  and  intensity  ;  the  dorsal 
line  is  dark  green,  sub-dorsal  and  spiracular  lines  white  or 
yellowish ;  between  the  sub-dorsal  and  spiracular  lines  a 
series  of  lateral  streaks  of  the  same  colour;  segmental  divi- 
sions yellowish,  and  spiracles  black.  The  most  approved 
method  of  destroying  these  insects,  is,  to  paint  the  trunk  of 
the  tree  at  this  time  of  year  with  tar  or  some  sticky  mixture 
into  which  the  female  is  entrajaped.  W. 


BIRDS  VEBSUS  INSECTS. 
The  prevalence  of  insects,  of  all  kinds  and  shapes,  in  and  abotit 
London,  is  a  subject  worthy  of  our  best  consideration.  In  the 
gardens,  the  parks,  and  all  the  open  places  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  Metropolis,  they  abound  to  a  marvellous  extent.  Such  a 
contrast  prevails  between  the  London  gardens  and  those  of 
the  country,  in  this  respect,  that  the  difierence  presents  itself 
to  us  in  the  most  forcible  manner.  Let  us  visit  those  gardens 
which  are  situated  in  distant  counties,  far  beyond  the  reach  of 
London  bird-catchers.  Here  trees,  shrubs,  bushes,  and 
flowers  flourish  unharmed.  Why  is  this  ?  Have  the  birds 
nothing  to  do  with  it  ?  The  disappointed  entomologist, 
searching  amongst  the  fruit  trees  and  culinary  vegetables  for 
rare  specimens  of  the  larvae  and  eggs  of  moths  and  butterflies, 
finds  that  the  titmouse  (Parus  major,  P.  ater,  and  P.  coeruleus) 
and  the  wren  (Motacilla  troglodytes)  have  been  before 
him  ;  and  that  the  pretty  redstart  (M.  Phoenicurus),  the 
homely  robin  (M.  rubecula),  and  last,  biat  not  least,  the  sparrow 
(Passer  domesticus),  who  does  so  much  damage  amongst 
insects,  have  left  him  but  a  poor  supply  wherewith  to  furnish 
his  collecting  box ;  for  in  these  country  gardens  and  rural 
lanes  and  flelds  also,  where  birds  are  still  allowed  to  roam 
unharmed,  and  where  the  Wild  Birds'  Protection  Act  is  as  yet 
hardly  needed,  the  rustic  population  of  these  favoured  spots 
is  contented  with  an  occasional  goldflnch  or  stray  linnet  to 
enliven  the  cottage  home,  and  the  insect  community  is 
comparatively  scarce.  Turn  then  to  the  neighbourhood  of 
London.  There  all  kinds  of  insects  appear  to  find  a  quieC 
and  safe  retreat.  There  are  collected,  without  end,  not  only 
those  of  the  larger  moths  and  butterflies,  such  as  the  dot 
(Mamestra  persicari£e),the  buff-ermine  (Spillosomalubricipeda), 
the  bufi-tip  (Pygajra  buoephala),  just  full  fed  and  going  to 
earth,  the  large  and  small  garden  white  (Pieris  brassica3  and 
P.  rapte),  but  the  caterpillars  of  the  Tortricinte  and  smaller 
moths  and  sawflies  innumerable.  Spiders,  too,  of  various 
forms  and  sizes  are  most  numerous,  entwining  their  silken 
threads  from  tree  to  tree,  spinning  then-  webs  from  plant  to 
plant,  so  that  as  you  move  along  a  path,  or  pass  between  an 
Ajjple  and  a  Rhododendron,  you  flnd  yourself  entwined  in  a 
web  which  links  the  two  trees  together,  and  all  this  because 
the  birds  are  absent.  Owen  Wilson. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  GARBW  DESTROYERS. 

Potato  Bug. — We  hear  that  an  Indiana  man  has  outmtted  the  Potato  bug — 
that  di'eaded  pest  of  the  American  cultivator.  He  sowed  grains  of  Indian  Corn 
in  the  Potato  drills,  and  as  the  Corn  came  up  before  the  Potatoes,  the  "  bugs," 
waiting  for  the  first  appearance  of  the  latter,  rushed  off  to  pastures  new,  under 
the  impression  that  they  were  in  a  Corn-field,  and  thus  the  Potatoes  escaped. 

Destroying  Bees. — C.  V.  Riley,  State  Entomologist  of  Missouri,  says  that 
bees,  when  thc.v  become  excessively  troublesome,  may  be  destroyed  by  planting 
Milk  Weed  (Asclepias),  the  flowers  of  which  have  pollen  masses,  appearing 
like  wax,  which  adhere  firmly  to  the  hair  and  claws  of  the  bees,  encumbering 
their  motions,  so  that  many  drop  to  the  ground  and  die.  He  has  known  an 
apiary  reduced  one-half  in  numbers  in  this  way. 


448 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Nov.  29, 1873. 


THE     ARBORETUM. 


HOW  TO  DISPOSE  OF  HOME-GROWN  TIMBER* 
Ix  considering  this  subject,  I  will  state  the  vai-ious  methods 
of  disposing  of  timber  with  which  I  am  acquainted,  and  give 
my  opinion  on  their  respective  merits,  as  follows  : — 1.  Selling 
standing  timber;  2.  Selling    fallen    timber    by    auction;   3. 
Do.   by  tender;  4.  Do.   privately;  .5.  Do.  in  a  manufactured 
state.     The  sellmg  of  growing  timber,  which  is  very  general 
throughout  the  country,  is  a  common  mode  of  disposal,  but 
is,  I  believe,  more  common  in  England  than  in  Scotland.     Its 
advantage  may  be  described  as  follows  : — 1.  If  the  bidding  at 
the  sale  does  not  reach  the  reserved  valuation,  the  timber  can 
be  left  standing,  and  if  in  a  healthy  condition  will  improve  in 
value.     2.  The  sale  can  be  managed  at  much  less  expense  than 
if  the  timber  is  cut  down  previous  to  being  sold.     When  sold 
in  this  way,  the  common  plan  is  to  go  thi'ough  and  number 
each  tree,  and  put  a  valuation  on  it, — all  the  jiropwood  or 
small  poles  being  simply  marked  and  counted,  and  an  average 
taken  of  what  they  contain.     A  reserve  price  is  then  made 
out ;  and  if  the  intending  purchasers   do  not  bid  up  to  that 
figure,   there   is   no   sale   till   some   future   time.     After   the 
timber  is  sold,  the  purchaser  sends  men  into  the  wood  and  has 
the   timber  cut    down  and  taken  off  the  ground  at  his  own 
expense,  the  conditions  of  sale  generally  binding  him  to  have 
it  removed  before  a  certain  date,  otherwise  it  becomes  forfeited 
to  the  vendor.     Some  "  conditions  "  are  extremely  binding  in 
this  respect,  others  are  quite  the  reverse,  and  very  much  to 
be  condemued.     For  instance,  a  sale  came  under  my  notice  a 
few  weeks  ago  (in  Dec.  1871),  the  time  fixed  for  having  the 
timber  oif  being  March  1873.     A  quantity  of  the  wood  sold 
was  fast-growing  Ash,  so  that  besides  the  damage  done  to  the 
trees  that  were  to  remain,  the  timber  merchant,  by  letting  the 
timber  stand  till  October  1872,  will  have  several  hundred  feet 
of  wood  more  than  he  had  at  the  time  of  the  sale.     I  will  now 
state  some  of  the  disadvantages  of  selling  timber  in  this  way. 
When  a  sale  takes  place,  it  is  generally  in  lots  valued  at  from 
two   or  three  hundred  up  to  several  thousand  pounds.     The 
higher  the   value   of   the   lot,  the  fewer  there  are  who   can 
purchase  it,  and  consequently  there  is  less  competition  ;  and 
it  sometimes  occurs  that  there  is  an  understanding  among  the 
bidders  at  a  sale  which  one  is  purchaser,  the  others  having 
what  they  want  out  of  the  lot  at  a  certain  price ;  but  it  may 
be  answered,  if  the  timber  brings  the  reserved  valuation,  the 
proprietor  will  have  got  its  value.     To  this  I  would  reply,  that 
even  the  most  practical  valuer  cannot  tell  within  a  foot  or  two 
what  a  tree  contains  ;  and  in  large  trees  the  difference  is,  of 
course,  greater,  and  valuators,  as  a  rule,  always  try  rather  to 
keep  below  than  above  the  exact  measure.     If  we  suppose  a 
fall  of  timber  to  be  taken  down  containing  4,000  trees,  aud 
each  of  the  trees  to  be  1  foot  over  the  measure  calculated  to 
be  in  it — which  would  be  very  near  the  mark — we  have  at 
once  4,000  feet  of  timber,  which,  valued  at  9d.  per  foot,  gives 
£1.50.      I   consider   that    to    be   a   very   near   case.     In   fact 
timber-merchants   consider   their  servants   have    not    valued 
timber  properly  if  a  tree  when  fallen  does  not  yield  several 
feet  above  what  they  calculated  to  be  in  it.     There  is  a  fall  of 
timber  being  taken  down  in  this  neighbourhood  at  present, 
where  many  of  the  trees   are  turning  out  as  much  as  from 
12  to  16  feet  above  the  estimated  contents.     These  are  all  clean 
grown  Beech,  worth  Is.  per  foot.     Another  great  disadvantage 
of  this  method  is,  the  letting  strange  men  into  the  plantation 
to  cut  down  the  timber.     I  know  it  is  argued  by  some  that 
this  is  no  disadvantage,  as  it  can  be  arranged  that  the  pro- 
prietor's men  shall  cut  down  the  timber ;  but  if  this  is  to  be 
done  at  the  proprietor's  expense,  it  should  be  done  previous  to 
being   sold ;  and   if   at   the   timber  merchant's   expense,   the 
workmen  become  his  servants  for  the  time  being. 

The  common  practice  with  timber-merchants  is  to  engage 
men  to  do  the  work  at  so  much  per  100  feet,  and  the  greatest 
carelessness  is  the  result.  I  have  always  found  that  men 
working  in  this  way  break  other  trees  to  any  extent,  before 
they  would  take  the  trouble  of  lopping  the  one  they  are 
engaged  in  cutting  down.     Then  there  is  the  drawing  out  of 

•  Eead  by  David  Tait,  Owston  Park,  Doncaster,  before  the  Scottish  Arbori- 
cuHnral  Society. 


trees  with  horses.  In  this  operation  much  damage  is  often 
done  by  carelessness,  the  men  who  are  doing  the  work  having 
no  interest  in  being  careful.  The  result  is,  that  many  trees 
get  barked  to  an  extent  from  which  they  never  recover.  I  have 
heard  gentlemen  who  have  had  large  experience  in  the  manage- 
ment of  estates,  argue  greatly  in  favour  of  this  method  of 
selling  timber ;  but  I  have  never  found  any  practical  forester, 
or  wood  manager,  delare  that  it  was  the  most  satisfactory  way 
of  doing  the  work  committed  to  their  charge.  The  reason  it 
finds  favour  with  estate  agents  and  factors  may  generally  be 
traced  to  the  cheapness  whereby  sales  conducted  in  this  way  can 
be  effected ;  an  argument  which  should  be  sufficiently  answered 
by  taking  into  consideration  the  fact  that  timber  merchants 
have  generally  to  pay  a  higher  rate  of  wages  for  felling,  &c., 
than  landed  proprietors  are  able  to  do  it  for ;  and  it  is  very 
clear  that  the  expense  of  such  work  must  be  made  up  in  some 
way.  There  are  oases  where  this  may  be  the  best  way  of 
disposing  of  a  lot  of  timber.  For  instance,  if  it  is  growing 
on  an  outlying  estate,  where  there  is  not  a  regular  stiff  of 
workmen  kept,  or  where  there  is  a  difficulty  in  obtaining 
the  necessary  funds  for  carrying  out  the  work.  When 
it  is  thought  best  to  sell  standing  timber,  I  should  recom- 
mend selling  Liy  tender,  for  reasons  mentioned  under  that 
heading. 

Selling  Felled  Timber  by  Auction. 

This  is  a  method  of  disposing  of  timber  which  is  pretty 
general  in  most  parts  of  Scotland,  and  occasionally  in 
England ;  and  I  consider  it  by  far  the  most  profitable 
way  of  disposing  of  timber.  No  doubt  it  is  more  expen- 
sive in  the  first  place  ;  but  my  opinion  is  that,  when  properly 
managed,  it  more  than  repays  all  expenses  in  tbo  end. 
I  have  always  found  this  way  of  disposing  of  timber  gives 
more  satisfaction  both  to  a  proprietor  and  forester,  the 
only  objectors  to  it  being  extensive  timber  merchants.  I  offer 
the  following  reasons  for  giving  preference  to  this  method  : 
— 1.  In  this  way  trees  can  be  felled  much  more  satisfactorily, 
being  done  by  the  proprietor's  own  men. — 2.  Timber  can  be 
properly  classed,  and  sold  in  lots  to  suit  purchasers. — 3.  By 
selling  it  in  small  lots,  greater  competition  is  created,  and  a 
higher  price  generally  realised. — 4.  Being  divided  among 
several  purchasers,  it  can  be  sooner  removed  off  the  ground. — ■ 
On  the  first  reason  it  is  not  necessary  to  make  many  remarks, 
as  every  one  acquainted  with  the  matter  knows  that  men  who 
are  constantly  employed  on  an  estate  take  an  interest  in  doing 
their  work  as  well  as  they  can,  for  the  sake  of  their  own 
character ;  while  timber-merchants'  men  attend  only  to  their 
masters'  view  of  the  matter ;  and  the  only  interest  they 
generally  show,  is  in  dressing  off  the  end  of  the  tree  they 
have  cut  down,  not  caring  if,  in  doing  so,  they  severely  injure 
several  other  trees.  The  second  reason  stated  above  speaks 
strongly  in  favour  of  this  mode  of  disposing  of  timber,  as 
classing  is  what  may  be  called  the  vital  point  in  this  part  of 
a  forester's  business.  There  are  many  different  trades  car- 
ried on,  requiring  different  classes  of  timber.  If  a  large 
mixed  lot  is  sold,  it  is  not  a  consumer,  but  a  dealer,  who 
becomes  the  purchaser,  who  then  sells  it  out  to  different 
parties  as  their  various  wants  require.  Now  by  classing  the 
timber  and  selling  it  in  small  lots,  this  third  party  is  done 
away  with,  and  different  consumers  can  come  forward  aud  buy 
what  suits  their  purpose.  In  support  of  the  foregoing  state- 
ment, I  may  mention  a  case  that  came  under  my  notice  a  short 
time  ago.  The  lot  offered  for  sale  was  mostly  Plane  or  Syca- 
more trees,  and  was  exposed  for  sale  by  tender.  Three 
timber  merchants  gave  in  offers  for  it,  the  highest  being 
£30 ;  but  as  that  was  considerably  under  the  reserved  valua- 
tion, the  timber  was  kept  and  sold  by  auction  some  time  after- 
wards, when  a  manufacturer  of  Sycamore  furniture  being 
present,  it  was  knocked  down  to  him  at  £46.  The  same  party 
who  offered  by  tender  £30,  offered  £45  at  the  auction  sale. 
As  regards  the  third  reason  given  above,  it  is  clear  that  if 
a  lot  of  timber  is  sold  worth  £1,000,  the  number  of  people 
who  can  make  the  purchase  is  very  much  smaller  than  if  the 
same  quantity  of  timber  was  exposed  for  sale  in  a  hundred 
separate  lots.  The  class  of  purchasers  who  are  able  to  pur- 
chase the  smaller  lots  have,  where  large  quantities  only  are 
sold,  to  purchase  at  a  greatly  increased  price  from  the  larger 
buyers.     The  fourth  reason  I  have  given  for  preferring  this 


Not.  29, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


449 


50  10 

10  18 
5     7 
3  13 

0 

6 
6 
6 

.-6750    0    0 
76    9    G 

Profit 

£670  10    6 

method  of  disposing  of  timber  is  of  some  consequence  on 
estates  wliere  the  proprietor  is  in  favour  of  preserving  game, 
as  in  that  case  it  is  a  nuisance  to  have  carters  coming  into 
the  woods  to  lift  timber  at  certain  seasons ;  therefore,  by 
having  say  twelve  purchasers,  the  timber  can  be  much  sooner 
removed  than  if  there  vras  only  one  purchaser  for  the  same 
quantity. 

On  the  estate  where  I  am  at  present,  the  timber  was  formerly 
sold  standing  in  one  lot ;  but  not  proving  satisfactory,  it  has 
lately  been  sold  by  auction  in  small  lots,  after  being  cut  down  ; 
and  since  that  method  was  adopted,  we  have  had  coal-pit  pro- 
prietors, contractors,  bobbin-makers,  boat-builders,  pianoforte- 
makers,  mill-owners,  &c.,  attending  our  sales,  and  buying  what 
suited  their  various  wants.  To  give  an  idea  of  the  cost  of  felling 
and  putting  the  timber  into  lots,  I  give  a  statement  of  what 
was  paid  here  this  year  for  that  work  : — 

16,172  feet  of  timberrealised £727    0    0 

Topwood      23     0     0 


Cost  of  felling       £ 

Cost  of  putting  into  lots,  inclurling 

horse  hire 

Cost  of  cutting  out  topwood 
Cost  of  lotting  ditto 

Deduct 


The  above  quantity  of  timber  was  sold  in  112  lots.  In 
carrying  out  the  sale,  I  had  every  tree  measured  exactly  as  it 
was  cut  down,  and  the  contents  marked  on  the  end  of  the  tree  ; 
and  afterwards,  when  they  were  put  in  lots,  I  was  enabled  to 
get  the  exact  contents  of  each  lot  by  copying  it  off  the  trees  as 
they  were  brought  forward.  I  had  different  sorts  and  qualities 
kept  in  separate  lots,  the  size  of  a  lot  varying  from  100  to  1,200 
feet.  No  doubt  the  sum  of  £80  looks  a  large  amount  to  pay 
for  labour,  but  it  would  have  been  impossible  for  timber 
merchants  to  do  it  so  cheaply  ;  and  although  there  is  no  way 
of  knowing  exactly  what  the  difference  would  have  been  had 
the  timber  been  sold  standing,  yet,  from  previous  experience, 
I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  wo  would  have  got  for  it 
much  less  than  the  net  profit  realised.  I  will  now  make  a  few 
remarks  on  the  selling  of  timber  by  tender.  In  certain  cases 
I  highly  approve  of  this  mode  of  disposing  of  timber.  For 
instance,  if  it  is  a  quantity  of  Oak,  or  Scotch  Fir,  or  any  other 
lot  of  timber  of  one  class  ;  but  I  certainly  do  not  recommend 
it  where  a  mixed  lot  is  to  be  disposed  of,  as  all  the  advantages 
which  I  hold  are  to  be  gained  from  classing  the  timber  are 
entirely  lost.  One  great  advantage  of  this  method  is  the 
cheapness  with  which  a  sale  may  be  effected.  Of  course,  I 
recommend  it  to  be  cut  down  previous  to  being  sold ;  but 
where  it  is  desirable  to  sell  a  lot  of  timber  standing,  I  recom- 
mend tender  instead  of  auction  sale.  When  sold  in  this  way, 
the  plan  generally  adopted  is  to  inform  the  timber  merchants 
who  are  likely  to  become  purchasers,  by  circular  of  the  number 
of  trees  and  quality  of  timber  to  be  disposed  of,  and  the  date 
by  which  the  offers  must  be  sent  in,  said  offers  to  be  in  accord- 
ance with  conditions  of  sale  specified ;  and  as  none  but  timber 
merchants  of  good  standing  would  be  informed  of  the  sale,  the 
highest  offerer  should  become  the  purchaser,  upon  agreeing  to 
and  signing  the  conditions  mentioned. 

Selling  Timber  Privately. 

This  mode  of  selling  timber— although  adopted  on  some 
estates  for  disposing  of  large  quantities  of  timber,  both 
standing  and  fallen — is  only  suited  for  supplying  a  local  dealer 
with  a  few  trees  (by  privately  I  mean  where  only  one  mer- 
chant is  invited  to  become  purchaser).  As  competition  is 
the  life  of  trade,  I  prefer  it  in  every  instance  where  it  can  be 
brought  into  play.  And  if  a  lot  of  timber  reaches  the  value 
of  £20,  I  should  certainly  say,  sell  it  by  tender.  When  there 
are  only  a  few  trees  to  be  sold,  they  should  be  cut  down  and 
measured,  the  market  price  per  foot  being  charged  for  them. 

Selling  Timber  in  a  Manufactured  State. 
On  some  estates  there  is  a  saw-mill,  at  which  timber  is  cut 
up  into  boards,  palings,  stobs,  pit-props,  gate-posts,  &c.,  and 


sold.  Some  people  recommend  this  method  as  a  profitable 
way  of  disposing  of  inferior  lots  of  wood ;  but  I  think  there 
are  sli'ouger  reasons  against  than  in  favour  of  it.  For 
instance,  to  keep  the  saw-mill  going,  some  ti-ees  are  very 
likely  to  be  cut  down  and  sawn  up  that  ought  to  have  been 
left  growing ;  besides,  I  have  no  doubt  the  extra  money  got 
for  the  wood  is  spent  in  manufaotui-ing  it,  as  there  are  not  tlio 
appliances  or  division  of  labour  to  work  with  tliat  are  found 
in  an  establishment  fitted  up  for  that  particular  trade.  I  am 
certainly  of  opinion  that  on  every  largo  estate  there  ought  to 
be  a  saw-mill,  especially  where  water-power  is  available ;  but 
this  should  be  used  only  to  cut  up  wood  for  estate  purposes, 
or  to  supply  the  tenants  with  fencing  material  at  market  price. 
I  have  not  said  anything  about  "  conditions  of  sale  "  in  regard 
to  any  of  the  methods  mentioned,  as  different  districts  require 
different  conditious  ;  but  caro  should  always  be  taken  not  to 
make  too  loose  arrangements  about  the  payment  for  timber, 
as  many  people  seem  to  have  an  idea  that  timber  should 
almost  be  given  away.  Now,  as  timber  is  a  crop  that  stands 
long  before  giving  any  return,  one  would  think  the  very 
reverse  should  be  the  case ;  yet  I  am  aware  of  certain  districts 
where  there  is  no  difficulty  in  getting  payment  in  three  months 
from  date  of  sale,  or  by  giving  5  per  cent,  discount  of  getting 
ready  money  ;  and  still  on  some  estates  in  the  same  district, 
twelve  months'  credit,  or  10  per  cent,  discount,  is  given. 

Perhaps  a  few  remarks  on  the  disposing  of  forest  produce, 
that  does  not  come  under  the  classification  of  timber,  as  well 
as  the  difi'erent  uses  it  is  put  to,  may  be  interesting  to  some 
of  the  members  of  this   society.     In  some  parts  of   England 
there  is  a  ready  market  for  Hop-polos,  rails,   hedge-stakes, 
rods  for  Scarlet  Runners,  Pea-stakes,  thatch-pegs,  and  top- 
wood,  made  up  in  faggots  or  bundles.     In  Worcestershire  Ash 
is   grown  as   coppice-wood,  and   cut  down  at  abour  sixteen 
years'  growth  for  Hop-poles,  Bean-rods,  &c.,  and  is  generally 
sold  at  about  £14  to  £16  per  acre,  the  purchasers  doing  all  the 
work,  and  leaving  about  sixty  plants  to  the  acre  to  grow  to  a 
larger  size.     Every  little  piece  of  wood  is  used  up  ;   and,  last 
of  all,  the  small  tops,  or  brushwood,  are  tied  up  in   faggots, 
and  sold  at  the  rate  of  2s.  6d.  per  score.     These  are  used  in  all 
the  west  and  south  of  England,  and  throughout  Wales,  for 
heating  ovens    for  baking  bread,  brick-ovens   beiug  used   in 
that  part  of  the   country.     As   far  as   has   come   under  my 
notice,  that  appears  to  be  about  the  general  price  for  faggots. 
In  some  places  the  tying  up  of  the  faggots  is  let  by  contract, 
the  price  paid  being  about  8d.  per  score;  and  in  some  parts  of 
Wales  I  have  known  arrangements  made  with  a  dealer  who 
paid  .3s.  for  every  100  bundles  he  tied  up,  himself  finding  men 
to  do  all  the  labour.     This,  however,  was  within  three  miles  of 
a  coal  pit.     In  the  same  neighbourhood  rails,  net-stakes,  &c., 
are    sold   at    Id.    per   yard.      In  Yorkshire  small   rods,  ^  an 
inch  in  diameter,  and   3  feet    long,  are   sold  at  6d.  per  loO, 
and  are  used  by  farmers  in  thatching  stacks.     Stronger  rods, 
and   8  feet    long,   are   used    for    Scarlet    Runners   to   climb 
up,  and   sell    readily  at   6d.   per   score.     The   same   class  of 
rods  also  sells  readily  to  crate-makers,  and  picked  rods  about 
the  same  size  are  sought  after  by  skip-makers,  for  which  a  better 
price  can  be  got.     (Skips  are  a  sort  of  crate  used  at  manufac- 
tories for  packing  the  finer  sorts  of  cloth  in.)    Hedge-stakes  are 
sold  at  8d.  per  score,  and  are  about  2   inches  in  diameter  and 
.5  feet  long;  net-stakes,  which  are  straighter  and  stronger,  sell 
at  18d.  per  score;    rails  sell  about  Id.  per  yard,  and  may  be 
described  as  a  size  less  than  pit  prop-wood.     Small  wood  tied 
up  in   faggots   is  unsaleable   in  that  part  of  the  country,  no 
brick-ovens   bemg  used.     There  is  a  partial  call  for  the  small 
top-wood   at    Is.    per   cart-load.     No    doubt    in    future    the 
increased  price  of   coal  will   create  a  greater  demand  for  all 
soi-ts  of  firewood  throughout  the  country.     In  Scotland  there 
is  little  demand  for  small  top-wood,  which  is  either  burned  up 
or  left  for  game  cover.     There  is  also  little  done  in  the  way  of 
disposing  of  the  rods  cut  up  in  brushing  a  planWion,  although 
there  are  some  exceptions.     On   some  estates   I   have   known 
Pea-stakes  sold  at  timber  sales  by  auctioa.    I  have  also  known 
rods  for  crate-making  being  sent  a  distance  of  40  miles  at  a 
remunerative  price.     There  is  no  doubt  that  by  a  little  exertion 
a  market  might  be  found  for  a  large  quantity  of  such  produce 
as  above  described,  at  least  on  estates  situated  near  a  railway- 
station,  within  30  or  40  miles  of  a  manufacturing  town. 


450 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Nov.  29,  1873. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

POTATO  CULTURE. 
Late  Planting  and  Seed-preserving. 
Formerly,  the  end  of  Juue  was  the  ordinary  time  for  planting  late 
Potatoes  for  winter  nse ;  and  when  St.  Swithin  brought  round  his 
annual  watering  pot,  the  young  roots  and  leaves  were  refreshed  and 
benefited  thereby,  for  at  that   stage   moisture   is    necessary  to  the 
growth.     Then  the   usual  dry  weather  of   August,  September,  and 
October  (with  occasional  showers,  chiefly  beneficial  about  the  end  of 
August)  assisted  the  development  and  maturity  of  the  tubers,  which 
(the   haulm   having   safely  died  down)  were    lifted  at  leisure  when 
more  pressing  operations  were  over,  because  no  excess  of  rain  can 
injure  them  after  the  skin  is  well  set.     Since  the  general  rot,  panic 
has  introduced  a  totally  different  system.     We  plant  late  Potatoes, 
as  well  as  early,  in  March  ;    the  season  favouring,  these  latter  sorts 
are  almost  ripe  in  July,  when  down  comes  the  rain,  as  it  always  has 
done.     The  haulm  is  now  drenched,  blown  about,  and  bruised ;  decay 
sets  in,  subsequent  warmth  develops  insect  life,  mould  may  follow, 
and  being,  as  is  generally  affirmed,  struck  all  at  once  with  blight,  the 
tuber  rots  in  consequence — the  result  being  aggravated  by  the  wet 
soil — and   the  crop   is  more   or  less   spoiled.     Possibly  the  seasons 
have  also    somewhat    changed,  and    we   have  often   more    summer 
rain  and   wind  than  was    formerly  experienced.     But,  though  this 
may  be    a    reason     for    watching    the    season,    and   probably    for 
taKng    special    precaution    to    guard    against   excessive  moisture, 
it  surely  affords  no  valid  ground  for  changing  the  time  of    plant- 
ing as    has    been  done;    more    especially,    as  on    the    early  plan, 
it    the    long  days  of   midsummer  prove   dry,   the  Potatoes  having 
ripened  or   set  prematurely,  vrithout   the   haulm  being  decayed  or 
checked   by  frost,  any  subsequent  rainfall,  being  unable   to  expand 
the  tubers,  sets  them  off  growing  out,  and  spoils  the  crop  in  another 
way.     When  the  tuber  is  more  lately  developed,  and  the  haulm  dies 
down,  sprouting  need  no  longer  be  feared.     Such  special  precaution 
against  excessive  moistm-e  as  here  recommended  is  taken  by  placing 
the  seed  upon  instead  of  under  the  ground,  and  covering  with  a  hoe 
from  4  to  6  inches  high  ;  3  feet  6  inches  or  4  feet  between  the  rows 
will  suffice.     After  the  haulm   appears,  hoe  up,  from  time  to  time,  as 
high  as  the  space  will  permit,  when  the   ground   between  may  be 
planted  with  winter  crops.     Cultivated  on  this  plan,  even  if  rain  be 
excessive,  the  Potatoes  may  be  kept  drained  ;  and  then,  though  the 
haulm  decays,  the  tubers  do  not.     Such,  at  least,  has  been  proved  by 
experience.     Nor  is  cutting  off  the  haulm,  as  often  recommended,  of 
the  slightest  value.     On  the  contrary,  such  a  proceeding  checks  the 
growth  of  the  healthy  tubers,  without  in  any  manner  saving  those 
which  are  injured.     Whenever  heavy  rain  falls  after  the  blossoming 
period,  the  crop  may  be  saved  by  lifting  at  once,  without  waiting  for 
appearance  of  disease  ;    but  the   tubers  will  be   unripe,  small,  and 
soapy.     On  the  whole,  it  may  be  best  to   leave  them  to  take  their 
chance,  whatever  happens.     This  year,  early  sorts  just  pressed  on  the 
soft  ground  in  rows  9  inches  apart,  and   ridged  up  as  above,  were 
ripe  somewhat  earlier  than  others   in  the  neighbom-hood  planted  in 
the   usual   w.iy   under  the  ground   surface.      Late  sorts  put  in  at 
the  end  of  June  proved  a  failure  in  crop,  because,  in  the  particular 
locality,    there   was  no   rain   at   the    usual    time   in   July.       Rain 
late  in   September  brought   extensive   disease   into   the  neighbour- 
hood,   many     crops    being    entirely    lost ;    whilst    those    on    the 
above-ground  plan  suffered  only  to  a  limited  extent  from  this  cause. 
The  haulm  was  injured  ;   but,  wherever   any  tubers  were  aifected, 
they  were  near  the  top  of  the  ridge,  not  sufficiently  covered  in,  and 
therefore  damp  ;  but  those  not  thus  drenched  by  the  wet  were  inva- 
riably sound.     It  should  be  stated,  by  way    of    warning,    that   it 
takes  a  couple  of  years,    perhaps,   to  make  the   late  planting  fully 
answer  ;  because  tubers  grown  early  one  season  may  not  be  so  vigor, 
ous  when  kept  long  enough  for  late  planting  the  following  year.    The 
aim  should  be  to  get  dry  weather  during  the  ripening  month  ;  there- 
fore the  time  should  be  regulated  by  the  average  of  seasons,  which, 
as  before  indicated,  will  usually  be  rainy  in  July,  and  dry  in  Septem. 
ber.     One  cause  of  deterioration  in  the  Potato  plant  itself  may  be 
the  custom  of  exposing  tubers  for  seed  to  the  air,  which  turns  them 
green,  enables  them  to  be  kept  longer  without  sprouting,  and  prevents 
worms  and  slugs  from  eating  them  when  planted,  because  they  are 
thus  rendered  poisonous.      But  if  thus  poisonous,   surely  the  seed 
cannot  be  in  a  healthy  state,  and  so  well  calculated  to  yield  healthy 
produce  as  when  sound  ;  and  if  so,  a  continuation  of  a  baneful  practice 
from  generation  to  generation  must,    one   would  think,  materially 
deteriorate  the  power  of  the  plant  to  resist  other  evil  influences. 
Xow  it  is  not  in  any  degree  necessary  to  treat  the  seed  tubers  in  this 
manner  in   order  to  prevent  their  sprouting  before  being  planted. 
For  twelve  years  seed  Potatoes  have  been  planted  without  having 
shot  out  more  than  was  desirable ;  and  they  have  not  been  separated 
,    from  the  store  for  use,  all  of  which  have  been  prevented  from  shooting 


by  the  simple  expedient  of  keeping  them  cool  in  layers  above  ground, 
not  exceeding  12  inches  deep — in  a  store  entered  from  an  inner  door, 
with  9-inch  walls,  battened  with  felt  and  boards,  which  is  quite 
sufficient  to  keep  out  frost.  Every  fifth  layer  of  bricks  projects 
inside,  and  on  these  off-sets  narrow  boards  slide  so  as  to  form  shelves, 
as  deep  as  may  be  required  to  keep  each  layer  separate.  There  is, 
therefore,  free  ventilation  between,  aided  by  a  hole  a  foot  square  at 
the  top  of  one  outer  wall,  closed  by  a  shutter  during  frost.  The  top 
space,  above  which  the  outside  ventilation  is  placed,  is  also  roughly 
covered,  affording  another  space  underneath  the  tiles.  In  this  store 
above  ground,  managed  without  straw,  the  Potatoes  are  kept  without 
sprouting  of  any  consequence,  and  perfectly  sound,  till  the  end  of 
June,  when  early  new  sorts  are  ripe,  and  the  late  seed,  preserved  in 
the  same  way  as  those  which  have  been  eaten,  are  planted.      T.  B. 

[The  above,  from  a  recent  issue  of  the  Field,  embodies  a  new  view 
of  the  subject,  and  seems  to  deserve  the  attention  of  cultivators.] 


SINGULAR  MUSHROOM  GROWTH. 
The  Mushroom,  of  which  the  annexed  is  a  representation,  has 
recently  been  sent  to  us  by  Messrs.  Osbom,  of  Fulham.  The 
small  "  button "  Mushroom  on  the  top,  doubtless  owes  its 
elevation  to  the  pedestal,  to  which  it  is  attached,  carrying 
it  upwards  before  it  had  established  itself  sufficiently  in  the 
bed    to     turn    its     more    vigorous-growing    support    aside. 


Singular  Mushroom. 


Though  an   instance  of    merely  accidental  growth,   such  an 
anomaly  is  worth  recording  as  a  curiosity. 


Celery. — What  is  the  best  variety  of  solid  white  Celery  ?  This 
season  I  have  grown  the  Leviathan  White,  which  is  quite  hollow,  or 
piped,  and,  therefore,  useless  for  market  purposes.  I  have  grown 
Sandringham  White,  an  excellent  dwarf  sort,  but  very  short.  Dixon's 
Mammoth  White  was  an  excellent  sort  when  first  introduced,  but 
latterly  it  has  been  good  for  nothing,  and,  as  I  grow  large  quantities, 
it  is  requisite  to  have  a  first-rate  variety. — W.  C.,  JVliitehai-en. 

Tomatoes. — I  have  been  a  large  grower  of  these  for  some  years 
past,  and,  during  the  last  two  years,  I  have  grown  every  known 
variety  of  Tomato.  I  have  two  collections,  one  of  which  I  grow 
against  the  walls  in  the  open  air ;  the  other  I  grow  on  for  a  time  in 
pots  in  cold  pits,  until  they  begin  to  flower,  then  I  place  them  in  a 
warm  situation  in  the  open  air  to  get  them  to  set  their  fruit,  when 
I  remove  them  to  a  warm  house  to  colour  and  ripen  it.  Those  which 
I  have  taken  prizes  with  at  South  Kensington  were  grown  under 
glass.  During  the  past  two  years,  the  Tomatoes  have  done  so  badly 
here  out  of  doors,  that  I  have  been  obliged  to  gather  the  fruits  and 
hang  them  up  in  a  Vinery  to  ripen,  but  I  manage  to  keep  up  a 
succession  of  ripe  fruit,  more  or  less,  from  the  beginning  of  June 
to  the  end  of  November.  The  following  is  a  list  of  the  kinds  which 
I  have  grown  this  season,  viz. : — Maupy's  Supreme  (a  very  prolific 
and  handsome  variety),  Orangefield  (very  handsome),  Keep  Early 
Prolific,  Sim's  Mammoth  (a  small  but  very  prolific  variety).  Hatha- 
way's  Excelsior  (very  handsome),  Hubbard's  Curled  Leaf,  Hepper's 
Goliath,  Hepper's  Sensation,  Trophy,  Yellow  Fruited  (very  prolific), 
Early's  Defiance  (a  very  early  handsome  and  prolific  variety) ,  Tree 
or  De  Saye,  Large  Red,  General  Grant,  Pear-shaped  (very  prolific) 
Bed  Cherry,  Yellow  Cherry,  Currant,  or  Grape. — W.  G.  Pr-1g.\ali., 
Sherhorne  Castle  Gardeiis,  Dorset. 


Nov.  20,  1873. 


THE  GARDEN. 


451 


WORE  FOR  THE  WEEK. 
PRIVATE  GARDENS. 
Conservatories, — These  aro  still  gay  with  Chrysanthemums, 
tall  plants  of  which  have  a  fine  appeai-anco  when  placed  amongst  such 
evergreens  as  Camellias,  Rhododendrons,  Acacias,  &c.,  while  the 
shorter  ones,  including  trained  specimens  and  late-struck  plants  of 
the  large-llowercd  sorts,  as  well  as  the  Pompono  varieties,  do  well 
for  front  stages  and  similar  conspicuous  positions.  By  keeping 
some  of  the  plants  in  a  north  house,  well  ventilated,  a  late  succession 
of  flowers  will  be  the  result.  Water  the  plants  pleutifnlly  with  pure 
water,  and  remove  all  suckers  from  their  base  except  what  are 
required  for  purposes  of  propagation.  After  the  plants  have  done 
blooming,  cut  them  over,  and  keep  the  roots  in  the  pots  in  a  frame 
or  pit  till  spring,  when  the  young  suckers  may  be  propagated ;  in 
fact,  if  required,  these  may  be  struck  now.  Camellias,  to  which  a  little 
forcing  has  been  given,  are  freely  coming  into  bloom,  therefore  keep 
theoa  moderately  moist.  Azaleas  should  be  occasionally  syringed 
with  tobacco-water,  laying  the  plants  on  their  sides,  so  as  to  wash 
away  thrips  and  other  insects.  Keep  Rhododendrons,  Acacias, 
Eugenias,  Correas,  Myrtles,  Conifers,  and  other  evergreen  plants,  only 
moderately  moist,  but  never  allow  them  tobecomealtogetherdry.  Delay 
pruning  them  until  early  in  spring,  but  thin  out  any  portions  likely  to 
damp  off,  or  that  are  too  thick  to  permit  of  a  free  inroad  of  light  and  air. 
Give  Solauum  Capsicastrum  and  pseudo-capsicum  copious  waterings, 
otherwise  they  will  be  liable  to  lose  their  leaves,  keep  some  of  the 
plants  in  a  cool  airy  house,  to  prevent  them  from  ripening  their 
berries  before  spring.  Introduce  a  few  plants  of  Aucubas,  well 
furnished  with  berries,  into  a  warm  temperature  to  ripen  and  colour 
their  fruit.  The  bright  red  berries  of  Rivina  la3vis,  and  the  purplish 
ones  of  R.  humilis  look  well  amongst  green  foliage  in  the  conserva- 
tory,  but  the  plauts  must  be  kept  in  the  warmest  corner.  Skimmias 
and  Pernettyas  are  likewise  ornamental  berry.bearing  plants,  which, 
although  hardy,  look  well  in  the  coolest  parts  of  the  conservatory. 
Good  specimens  of  Centaurea  ragusina  that  have  been  grown  in  pots 
during  the  past  summer  and  autumn,  healthy  and  well-filled  pots  of 
the  variegated  Panicum,  and  nice  plants  of  Isolepis  gracilis  make 
pretty  ornaments,  that  last  in  beauty  throughout  the  winter ;  and  now 
the  variegated  form  of  the  common  Club  Moss  (Selaginella  Kraus- 
siana)  has  assumed  its  whitest  hue,  and  forms  an  attractive  edging. 
Chinese  Primulas,  especially  the  old  double  white,  are  flowering  freely, 
and  the  finer  ones  should  be  kept  near  the  glass  and  well  watered. 
Cyclamens,  that  have  been  forced  a  little,  are  also  in  flower,  but  such 
as  have  been  grown  on  moderately,  will  not  be  in  perfection  for  some 
weeks  yet.  They  enjoy  a  minimum  temperature  of  4-5'  in  winter, 
plenty  of  water,  a  position  near  the  glass,  and  good  ventilation  to 
dry  up  atmospheric  damp,  which  causes  the  flowers  to  spot.  Heaths, 
such  as  Erica  Caflra,  the  autumn-flowering  variety  of  Gracilis, 
Colorans,  Hyemalis,  and  a  few  others  are  in  full  beauty,  and  the 
general  stock  must  be  kept  in  well  ventilated  houses,  and  dusted  with 
flowers  of  sulphur  in  the  event  of  mildew  making  its  appearance. 
Now  is  a  good  time  for  staking  and  tying  specimens  of  Heaths. 
Summer-struck  Fuchsias  make  nice  flowering  plants  in  winter,  and 
the  old  plants  that  bloomed  during  summer  and  autumn  may  now 
be  laid  on  their  sides  under  the  stages  of  greenhouses,  there  to 
remain  in  a  dry  state  till  required  for  startmg  again  into  growth  in 
spring.  Prune  those  trained  on  rafters  so  as  to  admit  plenty  of  light, 
but  do  not  prune  pot  plants  until  they  show  symptoms  of  growth. 
Such  Begonias  as  Saundersii,  fuchsioides,  spathulata,  and  summer- 
struck  plants  of  Weltoniensis  are  now  blooming  freely,  and  must  be 
kept  in  a  warm  place.  B.  manicata,  if  kept  moderately  moist  and 
warm,  yields  a  great  profusion  of  blooms  after  the  new  year.  Hybrid 
herbaceous  Begonias  will  now  have  died  down  and,  consequently,  the 
pots  containing  them  should  be  laid  on  their  sides  and  kept  dry  till 
spring.  This  is  the  most  suitable  month  in  the  year  for  potting  Japan 
Lilies.  When  the  stems  have  died  down  cut  them  over,  then  turn  out 
the  contents  of  the  pot,  and  be  careful  not  to  injure  the  fleshy  roots 
attached  to  the  base  of  the  bulbs.  Put  one  or  more  bulbs 
of  equal  strength  in  each  pot,  filling  the  latter  with  a  rich 
open  soil  to  within  2  inches  of  the  brim,  and  when  finished 
do  not  give  any  water  but,  on  the  contrary,  place  the  pots 
where  they  can  remain  quite  diy  till  spring.  No  water  should  be 
given  until  the  shoots  begin  to  grow,  and  then  a  little  may  bo  applied 
carefully  around  the  edge  of  the  pot.  Clerodendrons  of  the  Koem- 
pferi  section,  Daturas,  Plumbago  capensis,  Aloysia  citriodora,  early 
flowered  plants  of  Cassia  corymbosa,  old  specimens  of  Heliotropes, 
and  Hydrangeas,  Lagerstroemia  indica,  and  others,  may  be  stored 
under  greenhouse  stages,  and  kept  dry  until  spring.  Re-pot  plants 
of  tree  Mignonette  it  necessary,  taking  care  not  to  injure  or  break 
the  ball  of  roots  in  the  operation,  and  apply  a  stake  to  each  plant. 
Succession  plants  of  the  common  Mignonette  may  be  kept  in  pots  in 
cold  frames,  merely  protected  from  frost  and  rain.  Bouvardias  are 
excellent  winter.blooming  plants,  requiring  a  temperature  of  46'  at 


least;  B.  jasminiflora  and  Vreelandii  are  amongst  the  best.  Calceo- 
larias and  Cinerarias  should  be  kept  in  cool  and  well-ventilated 
houses  or  pits,  near  the  glass,  and  well  supplied  with  water,  and 
every  leaf  showing  symptoms  of  damping  off  should  be  picked  off  as 
soon  as  the  evil  is  discovered.  Tie  out  the  shoots  of  speciTiien 
Pelargoniums  as  low  as  the  brim  of  the  pots,  and  keep  the  plants 
pretty  dry  and  near  the  light.  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  if  only  kept 
moderately  moist,  and  subjected  to  a  temperature  of  55",  will  bo 
induced  to  flower  pretty  freely,  and  thus  yield  a  little  cheerful  bloom 
during  the  dull  months. 

Stoves. — The  average  minimnm  temperature  of  the  stove  at  this 
season  should  range  about  00',  though,  generally,  the  warmest  part 
of  it  is  a  few  degrees  higher.  Ventilation  should  be  given  at  the 
top  on  fine  days,  cold  currents  being  always  avoided,  and  the  sashes 
should  be  closed  early  in  the  afternoon.  All  evergreen  plants  shoiUd 
be  kept  moderately  moist,  but,  if  anything,  a  little  on  the  side  of 
dryness  ;  keep  deciduous  ones  rather  dry,  and  the  syringe  should 
now  be  scarcely  or  ever  used.  Caladiums,  Achimones,  Gloxinias, 
some  Alocasias,  Kocmpferias,  Gloriosa  Plantii,  and  some  others,  must 
be  kept  dry  in  their  pots  till  spring,  when  they  should  bo  re-potted 
and  started  in  a  little  bottom-heat.  The  varieties  of  Epiphyllum 
truucatum  and  Russellianum  are  now  in  full  beauty,  and  may  be 
transferred  to  the  coolest  part  of  the  stove.  Aphclandra  Roezlii  is 
now  also  one  of  the  gayest  of  stove  plauts,  and  requires  plenty  of 
water.  The  earliest  of  the  Poinsettias  will  by  this  time  have  deve- 
loped their  brilliant  floral  leaves,  and  must  be  kept  in  a  warm  place 
and  have  plenty  of  water,  otherwise  they  are  apt  to  lose  their  foliage. 
Keep  succession  plants  in  brisk  heat,  also  those  of  Euphorbia  jacqui- 
nia^flora,  the  flower-buds  of  which  are  now  set.  Asystasia  capensis 
and  Torenia  asiatica  make  fine  winter-blooming  plants  for  baskets, 
and  require  no  care  beyond  dipping  them  occasionally  in  tobacco- 
water,  as  the  Torenia,  especially,  is  rather  subject  to  greenfly. 
Amongst  other  plauts  now  in  flower  in  stoves  aro  Strelitzias,  the 
yellow  Justicia  calycotricha,  the  drooping  Thyrsacautbus  Schom- 
burghianus,  the  white  Cestrum  diurnum,  Mediuella  farinifera, 
the  old-fashioned  blue  Eranthemum  pulchellum,  the  beautiful 
white  Pancratium  cariba)um,  Eucharis  Amazonica,  Begonias,  Poin- 
settias, Melastoma  Malabathrica,  Pitcairnia  odorata,  Bilbargia 
splendens,  Rondeletia  speciosa.  Euphorbia  Bojeri  and  splendens, 
Mussasnda  frondosa  and  Inteola,  and  many  others.  If  Ixoras 
have  broken  well  they  may  now  be  potted  without  disturbing 
the  roots  further  than  removing  a  few  inches  of  the  surface  soil,  and 
use  pots  3  inches  larger  than  those  they  previously  occupied,  and  only 
good  peat  and  silver-sand  as  a  compost.  Dipladenias,  too,  if  they  have 
broken  well  should  be  re-potted,  but  in  their  case  the  old  soil  should 
be  shaken  well  away  from  the  roots  without  hurting  the  latter,  and  they 
should  be  re-potted  in  good  open  peat  and  plenty  of  sand.  Both  Ixoras 
and  Dipladenias  should  be  kept  rather  dry  after  this  shift.  Keep 
Allamaudas,  climbing  Clerodendrons,  and  Bougainvilleas  quite  dry  at 
the  root ;  winter  them  in  a  temperature  of  from  50'  to  55°,  and  neither 
cut  nor  prune  theu-..  Plunge  well-rested  plants  of  Eucharis  amazonica 
in  a  brisk  bottom  heat,  in  order  to  induce  them  to  flower.  Pot  young 
plants  of  Cyperus  alternifolius  for  decorative  purposes  next  year, 
using  a  rich  soil  and  give  them  plenty  of  water. 

MARKET  GARDENS. 
The  fine  weather  experienced  during  the  past  week  or  two  has  been 
favourable  for  the  performance  of  ordinai-y  garden  operations,  which 
are  being  forwarded  with  expedition.  Unfruitful  and  old  trees  should 
be  rooted  up,  and  the  branches  of  others  thinned  out ;  all  refuse,  too, 
should  be  collected  together  and  burned  and  the  ashes  should  bo 
saved  for  strewing  amongst  Cauliflowers  and  Lettuces  in  frames, 
to  preserve  the  plants  from  damping  off.  The  ground  beneath  tho 
trees  should  then  be  manured  and  dug  and  Coleworts  planted  on  it 
at  once.  The  Coleworts  will  be  fit  for  market  before  the  trees  burst 
into  leaf  in  spring.  Clean  Asparagus  ridges  by  drawing  off  tho 
surface  soil  into  the  alleys,  which  should  be  deeply  dug,  and  all  weeds 
well  buried.  If  required,  a  crop  of  Coleworts  may  be  planted  in  tho 
alleys.  Trench  all  vacant  pieces  of  ground  after  giving  them  a  good 
dressing  of  manure,  and  lay  them  up  in  rough  ridges,  to  be  acted  on 
by  the  winter's  frost.  Transplant  Cauliflowers  under  hand-lights  in 
the  open  ground.  For  this  purpose  mark  off  the  rows  6  feet  wide  ;  on 
these  place  the  hand-lights  about  4  feet  apart,  and  put  nine  plants 
under  each  light,  which  should  be  protected  at  the  base,  with  some 
soil  so  as  to  exclude  cold  currents  of  air.  Attend  to  tying  up  Endive, 
weeding  Onions,  hoeing  amongst  Spinach,  and  picking  Parsley.  Dust 
lime  over  all  crops  growing  in  the  open  air,  especially  near  hedges, 
in  order  to  obviate  the  attacks  of  slugs.  Lettuces  in  frames  must  be 
fully  exposed  on  all  favourable  occasions,  and  damp,  in  the  way  of 
drip  or  rain,  should  be  guarded  against.  Sifting  some  dry  sand  over 
the  beds  helps  to  keep  the  plants  in  good  condition.  Clean  Rhubarb 
beds,  dig  between  the  rows,  place  some  litter  over  the  crowns,  and 
lift  as  many  roots  as  are  required  for  forcing. 


452 


THE  GAEDBN. 


[Nov.  23,  1873. 


THE  FUTURE  OF  THE  ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL 
SOCIETY. 
May  I  ask  for  a  little  space,  in  order  to  answer  questions  arising 
out  of  my  letters  in  j'our  numbers  of  the  1st  and  22nd  inst.  First 
question — Ought  we  not  to  have  gone  first  to  the  council  ?  Answer— To 
which  council  ?  The  old  council  had  decidedly  resigned;  the  new  council, 
brought  in  mainly  by  votes  of  the  householders  living  round  the 
garden,  is  said  by  a  great  law  authority  to  have  been  illegally  elected  ; 
and,  besides,  it  would  have  been  rather  awkward  to  ask  from  a  council, 
in  office  through  Kensingtonian  interest,  assistance  in  detaching  its 
horticultural  part  from  the  society,  which  horticultural  part  gives 
its  only  excuse  for  keeping  South  Kensington  Gardens  as  a  private 
recreation  ground  for  the  neighbourhood.  A  committee  existed  which 
hiid  been  appoiuted  to  watch  events  in  the  interests  of  horticulture  ; 
this,  if  it  had  no  very  great  power  was  at  least  legal,  and,  in  being  so, 
its  leaders  were  consulted  and  their  names  head  the  appeal  to  the 
fellows.  Another  question  was— Why  cannot  the  guinea-fellow  plan 
be  grafted  on  the  society  in  its  present  state  ?  Answer — That  this 
would  make  the  society  still  "more  cumbrous  and  unmanageable  even 
than  at  present.  And  now  let  me  make  another  appeal  to  horticul- 
turists in  the  country  to  come  forward  and,  at  least,  say  what  they 
think  of  the  guinea  proposal.  You  have,  I  believe,  many  hundred 
clergymen  subscribers,  a  class  which,  I  believe,  does  quietly  more  for 
horticulture  than  any  other  in  this  country,  would  they  go  in  for  aguinea 
society  ?  or,  as  there  are  some  with  so  many  calls  upon  them  that 
they  have  still  better  uses  for  their  guineas,  and  who  yet  have  great 
power  and  influence,  would  they  bring  in  some  neighbours.  Will  any 
country  gentleman  or  lady  subscribe  for  themselves,  or  for  their 
gardener  ?  Will  any  leading  gardeners  subscribe  for  themselves  ?  It 
seems  most  desirable  that  the  reconstituted  society  should,  like 
horticulture  itself,  embrace  all  classes  ;  while  it  is  well  known  that 
there  are  good  horticulturists  near  the  throne  (I  can  speak  of  having 
been  more  than  once  quietly  round  a  show  with  a  Royal  Highness, 
who  not  only  knew  flowers  and  fruit  well,  but  who,  judging  by  his 
criticisms,  would  stand  first  on  the  list  as  a  judge  of  table  decorations). 
Who  has  not  seen  small  cottage  gardens  with  clumps  of  white  Lilies, 
or  yellow  Crown  Imperials,  or  double-lilac  Primroses,  which  the 
finest  gardens  might  envy  ?  Let  me  remind  anyone  who  may  be 
considering  the  subject  of  fellowship  that  the  proposal  is,  that  the 
tickets  shall  be  transferable  (though  restricted,  from  financial  reasons, 
to  the  same  person  the  same  day)  ;  so  that  any  country  gentleman 
would,  for  a  guinea,  be  really  helpingtheformationof  a  healthy  horti- 
cultural society ;  be  able  to  vote,  by  proxy,  on  its  management ;  and, 
at  the  same  time,  send  his  transferable  ticket,  admitting  to  all 
shows,  to  some  relative  or  friend  in  town.  And  now  let  me  say  that 
there  are  influential  horticulturists  in  London  ready  and  willing  to 
construct  a  real  working  Royal  Horticultural  Society ;  but,  to  enable 
them  to  do  so,  the  horticulturists  through  the  country  must  come 
forward  and  say  that  they  wish  for  such  a  society,  and  will  join  it 
and  help  its  progress.  If  they  will  do  so,  we  shall  at  last  have  a 
society  with  real  power  ;  but,  if  they  will  not  do  so,  the  plan  cannot 
at  present  be  carried  out.  But  I  cannot  think  that  this  last  will  be 
the  case ;  everything  points,  not  only  to  increased  numbers  of 
gardens,  but  to  increased  love  of  gardening,  of  flowers  and  fruit, 
to  increased  study  of  them.  Such  facts  speak  volumes,  and 
surely  every  one  who  takes  in  a  gardening  paper  ought  to 
become  a  guinea  fellow,  and  rice  versa.  But  let  us  for  one  moment 
take  the  gloomy  view,  and  suppose  that  the  country  horticul- 
turists will  make  no  sign  ;  all  that  then  can  be  said  is,  that  it  may  be 
hoped  that  there  will  be  no  more  unkind  criticisms — no  more  saying 
"  the  society  is  only  an  appendage  of  South  Kensington  Museum  ;" 
that  "  the  influence  of  the  commissioners  is  paramount  on  the 
council ;"  that  "  the  main  object  of  the  Horticultural  Society's  funds 
is  to  keep  up  a  great  brick-and-mortar  garden  for  the  use  of  the 
nursemaids  and  children  of  the  neighbourhood,  therefore  we  don't  hold 
out  the  hand  of  good-fellowship  to  the  society."  It  now  rests  with 
the  country  horticulturists  to  make  tlie  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
free — independent  alike  of  Kensingtonians  and  of  Her  Majesty's 
Commissioners ;  and,  in  the  opinion  of  those  who  know  it  best,  until 
that  happy  result  be  accomplished,  the  society  can  never  be  really 
vigorous,  or  worthy  to  represent  British  horticulture. 

George  F.  Wilsox. 


Mr.  6.  F.  Wilson's  proposal  on  the  subject  of  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  seems  to  call  for  an  answer  from  some  one  who  is  not 
a  fellow.  I  am  not,  I  never  have  been,  and,  under  its  present 
management,  I  have  no  wish  to  be,  a  fellow.  It  has  always  appeared 
to  me  that  hitherto  there  has  been  nothing  to  attract  people  like 
myself,  who  reside  at  a  distance  from  London,  who  cannot  afford  so 
large  a  payment  merely  for  the  luxury  of  putting  F.R.H.S.  after  our 
names,  and  who  have  no  proof  of  any  good  work  done  by  the  society 
outside  the  walls  of   the  gard,ens.     If  I  lived  in  Kensington  it  might 


be  different.  I  should  then  consider  the  large  payment  by  no  means 
too  large,  and  I  should  consider  that  I  had  a  full  equivalent  for  the 
money  in  the  pleasant  promenade  provided  for  myself  and  my  family. 
If  Mr.  Wilson's  proposal  were  carried  out,  the  case  would  be  at  once 
altered.  A  much  smaller  subscription  for  those  residing  beyond  a 
certain  radius  would  at  once  attract  a  large  number ;  others  would 
be  attracted  if  the  society  could  do  some  practically  good  work  for 
gardeners  and  botanists.  We  ought  to  be  able  to  look  to  the  society 
for  the  introduction  of  new  and  rare  plants,  which  it  might  effect 
either  by  having  its  own  collectors,  or  by  a  large  system  of  exchange 
with  foreign  gardens.  There  are  manj'  other  points,  but  I  will  not 
further  occupy  your  space. — H.  N.  Ellacombe,  Bitton. 


Ix  a  memorandum  which  we  have  just  received  from  the  Royal  Hor. 
ticnltnral  Society,  it  is  denied  t'nat  its  present  council  was  illegally 
elected,  as  some  have  set  forth.  It  also  states  that  all  rent  due  to 
the  Commissioners  has  been  paid  regularly,  and  that  no  arrears 
whatever  are  due  to  them  ;  on  the  contrary,  that  the  Commissioners 
owe  the  Society  £1,013  for  rent  ov&r.paid  in  1872.  It  asserts,  more- 
over, that  it  is  not  correct  to  say  that  the  society  has  a  liability  of 
many  thousands  which  it  cannot  meet ;  it  has  met  all  its  liabilities 
of  the  present  year,  and  has  discharged  a  large  portion  of  the  heavy 
arrears  left  by  previous  councils.  The  society,  it  is  said,  has 
regularly  fulfilled  all  its  obligations  towards  the  debenture  holders, 
according  to  the  terms  under  which  the  loan  was  contracted,  which 
are  printed  on  each  bond ;  and  it  would  be  illegal  for  the  council  iu 
any  way  to  modify  those  terms. 


THE    HOUSEHOLD. 


VEGETABLE    RECIPES. 

Celery. — Dumas  recommends  an  excellent  dish  of  cooked  Celery. 
— Ci'leri  ail,  jus  a  la  honne  femme  :  Trim  carefully  several  heads  of 
Celery  by  taking  off  aU  the  green  and  hard  leaves.  Cut  the  heads  to 
one  length.  Make  a  light  roiLv,  toss  the  Celery  in  it,  and  moisten 
with  stock.  Add  salt,  pepper,  and  grated  nutmeg.  When  the  Celery 
is  done,  finish  the  sauce  with  gravy  or  butter. 

Salsify. — Salsify  must  be  thoroughly  scraped  and  thrown  into 
water  slightly  acidulated  with  vinegar,  and  then — when  washed 
quite  clean — boiled  in  water  with  vinegar  and  salt.  When  the  Salsify 
is  done,  it  will  break  under  the  finger.  It  must  then  be  taken  up, 
drained,  and  served  with  melted  butter.  When  it  is  intended  to  be 
fried.  Salsify  should  be  fir'st  boiled  in  water  with  a  good  deal  of 
vinegar,  then  dipped  in  good  batter,  and  fried  in  clarified  butter  as 
usual.  The  humble  Cabbage  is  not  despised  by  the  author  of  the 
Dictionnaire,"  who  speaks  as  follows  of 

Cabbage. — Chou  au  lard :  This  is  an  excellent  plebeian  dish,  and 
may  be  made  thus  :  cut  a  big  white  Cabbage  into  quarters,  blauch  it 
and  put  it  into  a  saucepan  with  bacon,  sausages,  saveloys.  Celery, 
Onions,  Carrots,  Laurel  leaf,  and  Thyme.  Stew  gently  for  an  hour 
and  a  half  at  a  slow  fire.  Pile  up  the  Cabbage  on  the  dish,  putting 
the  meat  and  saveloy  at  the  top.  Remove  the  other  vegetables  and 
make  a  sauce  by  reducing  the  gravy. — Chou  farci  aic  gras  :  Take  a 
fine  Cabbage,  cut  out  the  stump  and  part  of  the  middle  ;  blanch  it, 
and  take  out  of  the  water  when  done.  Spread  open  the  leaves  care- 
fully, so  as  not  to  break  them,  and  fill  the  cavity  with  a  stuffing  made 
of  chicken,  veal,  bacon,  beef-marrow,  or  the  fat  of  cooked  ham.  Mush- 
rooms and  truffles,  chopped  Parsley,  Shallot,  salt  and  pepper,  bread- 
crumbs, two  entire  eggs,  and  the  yolks  of  two  or  three  more,  together 
with  a  morsel  of  Garlic.  Chop  it  all  together,  and  pound  it  well  in 
a  mortar.  After  having  filled  the  Cabbage  with  this  stuffing,  close 
it  together  again  and  tie  it  up  firmly,  so  as  to  retain  the  stuffing  and 
put  it  into  a  stewpan  ;  then  make  some  gravy  with  slices  of  beef  or 
veal,  and  reduce  it  in  a  stewpan ;  put  in  a  little  flour,  give  it  a  colour, 
moisten  with  good  stock,  season  wit'n  sweet  herbs,  and  slices  of 
Onion.  When  the  gravy  is  half  done,  mix  the  slices  of  meat  and  the 
said  gravy  with  your  Cabbage,  and  stew  all  together.  Put  the 
Cabbage  on  a  dish,  pour  over  it  a  well-seasoned  rapoiit  of  Mushrooms 
or  sweetbreads,  then  serve  hot  with  the  gravy  poured  around.  In 
this  latter  dish,  good  as  it  is,  the  original  Cabbage  plays  a  very 
insignificant  part.  Fanatical  admirers  of  what  is  called  plain  food 
will  doubtless  deplore  the  employment  of  so  many  good  things  merely 
to  raise  a  plebeian  vegetable  to  a  transcendental  pitch  of  factitious 
glory.  This  is  a  dish  peculiar  to  southern  France. — Chou  en  garbiire 
After  having  blanched  and  drained  several  Cabbages,  cut  away  the 
thickest  ieaf-stalk ;  then  take  a  soup  dish  that  will  stand  fire,  and 
place  at  the  bottom  of  it  a  bed  of  Cabbage  leaves,  then  a  layer  of 
Gruyere  cheese  sliced  very  thin,  and  cover  this  with  slices  of  bread. 
Continue  to  make  layers  in  this  order — Cabbage,  cheese,  bread. 
Then  season,  moisten  with  good  stock,  simmer  and  (iratiner  for  one 
hour,  and  serve  as  a  soup  with  some  stock  in  another  tureen. 


Dec.  6,  1873. 


THE   GARDEN. 


453 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  luoud  nature  :  chancto  it  rather  :  but 
The  Akt  itseli'  is  Natuke." — Shakespeare, 


EOCK  GARDEN  AT  EASTER  DUDDINGSTON 
LODGE. 

By  JAMES  M'N.VB.  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  EcUnburp;Ii. 

Some  time  ago  I  gave,  through  the  pages  of  The  Garden,  a 
brief  notice  of  a  form  of  rock-gardeu  which  was  being  con- 
structed at  Easter  Duddingston  Lodge,  near  Edinburgh,  the 
residence  of  Charles  Jenner,  Esc[.  He  is  a  most  devoted 
admirer  of  Alpine  scenery  and  its  floral  adornments,  as  well 
as  an  enthusiastic  cultivator  of  Alpine  and  herbaceous  plants, 
and  his  collection  of  these  gems  is  probablj'  one  of  the  largest 
private  ones  in  Scotland.  Mr.  Jenner  has  long  expressed 
his  distaste  for  the  present  system  of  flower-garden  decoration, 
and  I  quite  agree  with  him,  particularly  as  regards  the  style 
adopted  in  most  villa  gardens,  when  arranged  on  a  flat  surface, 
as  the  ground  is  often  left  bare,  or  partly  so,  for  seven  or  eight 
months  in  the  year,  while,  during  the  remaining  four  or  five, 
although  the  flower-plots  are  in  a  state  of  perfection,  they 
present  the  same  stereotyped  appearance  day  after  day,  with 
which  the  eye  soon  becomes  satiated.  Another  drawback  to 
this  mode  of  gardening  is,  that  no  sooner  are  the  plants  in  full 
bloom  than  they  are  cut  to  pieces  for  the  purpose  of  propagat- 
ing a  stock  for  the  following  season.  Mr.  Jeuner's  method 
does  not  altogether  do  away  with  the  modern  system  of 
bedding-out,  as  his  flower-beds,  although  on  a  level  surface,  are 
arranged  with   sloping  stone  sides,  about  '2  feet  high,  for  the 


Ornamental  Rock-bed. 

cultivation  of  dwarf  Alpines,  while  the  flat  sui'face  of  a  few  are 
used  for  some  of  the  better  class  of  bedding-out  plants,  thus 
comljiuing  a  botanical  with  a  floricultural  decoration.  In 
most  of  the  beds,  the  surface  is  planted  with  choice  dwarf 
American  plants  of  the  following  genera: — Menziesia,Daboccia, 
Andromeda,  Bpiga^a,  Ledum,  Vaccinum,  Kalmia,  Polygala 
Ohamaibuxus,  Alpine  Rhododendrons,  Dryas,  dwarf  Alpine 
Arbutus,  and  Azalea  procumbens  ;  also  hardy  Heaths,  and 
many  others  requiring  peat  soil,  all  being  tastefully  inter- 
spersed with  specimens  of  corals,  quartz,  and  choice  rock 
stones.  These  raised  beds  are  all  arranged  in  geometrical 
order,  averaging  about  20  feet  long  and  0  feet  wide,  the  centre 
beds  being  circulai',  and  having  the  plants  in  them  raised  in 
the  middle,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  annexed  illustration.  They 
are  surrounded  with  angular  stone  divisions  or  pockets  in  two 
rows,  for  the  cultivation  of  Alpine  plants.  These  side  stone 
divisions,  after  being  thoroughly  drained,  are  filled  with  a 
mixture  of  peat,  loam,  and  rough  sand,  which  seems  to 
suit  all  the  kinds  well.  Where  the  large  central  compartments 
are  used  for  summer  bedding  and  ornamental-foliaged  plants, 
after  their  removal  in  autumn,  they  are  filled  witli  the  roots 
of  Hyacinths  and  Tulips,  which  keep  them  gay  during  the 
spring  months.  When  their  flowering  is  over,  the  bulbs  are 
lifted  and  again  replaced  with  summer  bedding  plants.  I 
quite  agree  with  Mr.  Jenner  that  the  beds  filled  with  dwarf 
American  shrubs,  or  with  mixed  perennial  hci'baceous  plants, 
properly  arranged  as  to  size  and  time  of  flowering,  command 
a  deeper  interest  for  a  much  longer  period,  and  are  attended 
with  much  less  trouble  than  the  double-shift  system  of  bulbs 


and  soft-wooded  summer  bedding  plants.  The  cultivation  of 
Alpines,  such  as  Dianthus  alpinus,  Ramonda  pyronaica, 
Trifolium  uniflornm,  also  the  various  species  of  Soldanella, 
Gentiana,  Primula,  Astragalus,  Oxytropis,  Androsaoe,  Cam- 
panula, with  Saxifrages  and  Sedums  in  rock-garden  compart- 
ments, as  practised  at  Easter  Duddingston  Lodge,  affords 
much  more  gratification  to  cultivators  than  can  possibly  be 
achieved  by  the  cultivation  of  the  soft-wooded  bedding-out 
plants,  such  as  Geraniums,  Calceolarias,  Verbenas,  Seneoios, 
Petunias,  Alternanthera,  Phlox  Drummondii,  Golden  Feverfew, 
&o.  Dwarf  Alpine  plants,  both  shrubby  and  herbaceous,  when 
in  flower,  possess  a  sort  of  attraction  which  leads  to  an 
enquiry  infinitely  higher  than  can  possibly  be  gained  by  any 
amount  of  colour,  which  is  the  chief  aim  of  the  cultivator  of 
the  soft-wooded  and  annual  bedding  plants. 

In  large  public  parks,  inspected  by  myriads  of  different 
visitors  every  day,  the  soft-wood  plant  adornment  is  not  objec- 
tionable, nor  in  the  extensive  pleasure-grounds  of  noblemen, 
where  the  flower-beds  are  freely  mixed  with  clumps  of  inter- 
esting succulents,  which  have  of  late  years  become  a  great 
acquisition  in  flower-garden  decoration,  but  require  a  con- 
siderable amount  of  glass  structure  for  winter  storage.  With 
Alpine,  American,  and  herbacous  plant  adornment,  much 
trouble,  as  I  have  already  said,  will  be  saved,  and  the  market- 
able value  of  such  plants  will  yearly  increase,  while  the  value 
of  the  ordinary  soft-wooded  bedding  stuff,  from  its  easy 
propagation,  is  comparatively  worthless. 

For  some  years  past  the  present  system  of  bedding-out  has 
had  the  efl:ect  of  doing  a  considerable  amount  of  injury  to 
many  regular  journeymen  gardeners.  They  are  all  well  read  up 
in  the  varieties  of  Geraniums,  Verbenas,  Calceolarias,  &c., 
and  their  propagation,  while  their  knowlege  of  perennial, 
herbaceous,  and  Alpine  plants  is  wofully  deficient.  In  many 
gardens  such  herbaceous  plants  have  been  entirely  removed  to 
make  room  for  the  all-prevailing  soft-wooded  kinds.  In  some 
gardens,  however,although  few  and  far  between,  it  is  delightful 
to  observe  the  soft-wooded  bedding  plants  gradually  giving 
way  to  mixed  borders,  or  clumps  filled  with  perennial  herba- 
ceous plants,  so  arranged  as  to  keep  up  a  constant  supply  of 
flowers  throughout  the  season,  having  a  few  soft-wooded  plants 
coming  in  here  and  there.  By  this  pleasing  change,  it  is  to  be 
hoped  that  journeymen  gardeners  will  again  betake  themselves 
to  a  knowledge  of  hardy  perennials,  and  thus  have  mixed  beds 
of  them  for  every  mouth  in  the  year.  Nurserymen  can  do 
much  to  bring  about  this  desirable  end,  by  having  compart- 
ments of  herbaceous  plants,  if  not  for  every  montli  in  the 
year,  at  least  more  particularly  for  spring  and  autumn,  as  no 
difflculty  will  be  found  as  to  the  summer  kinds.  I  recently 
visited  several  London  nurseries  where  herbaceous  plants  are 
extensively  cultivated,  and  although  these  possessed  many 
very  interesting  autumn-flowering  sorts,  they  are  generally 
scattered  over  a  large  extent  of  surface,  while  a  piece  of 
ground,  40  or  60  feet  square,  would  have  an  interesting  effect 
if  filled  entirely  with  hardy  autumn-flowering  plants,  where 
purchasers  could  see  at  one  glance  the  kinds  they  desire, 
without  having  to  travel  over  a  large  surface,  which  is  often 
tiresome  ;  besides  one  is  apt  to  overlook  certain  gems  which 
may  exist  in  remote  parts  of  the  ground. 


GARDENING  IN  JAPAN. 

Dksikous  of  ascertaining  some  particulars  as  to  the  condition  o£ 
horticulture  in  Japan,  the  Count  de  Castillon  recently  addressed  a 
series  of  questions  on  this  subject  to  M.  G.  "Wagener,  one  of  the 
Japanese  Commissioners  at  the  late  Universal  Exhibition  at  Vienna. 
The  questions,  with  the  answers  supplied  by  M.  Wagener,  have  been 
published  in  the  last  number  of  the  Revue  Hurticole,  from  which, 
thinking  they  may  interest  many  of  our  readers,  wo  translate  as 
follows  : — 

Question.  In  what  condition  is  the  culture  of  fruit  trees  amongst 
the  Japanese  ?  Do  they  think  much  of  this  branch  of  horticulture, 
or  practise  it  on  a  large  scale  ? 

Answer.  The  culture  of  fruit  trees  is  well  understood  in  Japan,  and 
cari'ied  out  on  a  tolerably  extenslvo  scale.  They  have  special  gar- 
deners for  this  branch,  and  even  some  who  confine  themselves  to  the 
culture  of  a  single  species. 

Q.  Have  they  got  many  varieties  of  each  of  the  following  kinds  :— 


454 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Dec.  6,  1?73. 


Pears,  Apples,  Kakis,  Oranges,  Figs,  Vines,  Peaches,  Apricots,  Plums, 
and  Cherries  ? 

A.  Yes;  the  varieties  are,  for  the  most  part,  pretty  namerous, 
except  in  the  case  of  Apples,  of  which  they  have  only  a  few  very  bad- 
sorts,  and  which  they  do  not  think  much  of  [naturally  enough].  Of 
Pears  they  have  about  twenty  varieties ;  of  Kakis  about  fifty.  They 
have  many  kinds  of  Oranges,  the  best  of  which  are  grown  at  Kushin. 
Of  Figs  there  are  two  sorts,  one  similar  to  those  grown  in  Europe, 
and  one  with  much  smaller  fruit  [probably  Ficus  hirta].  The  Vine 
is  particularly  cultivated  at  Kushin,  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Fusi-Yama. 
The  Grapes  produced  are  well-flavoured,  the  bunches  large,  and  the 
berries  much  larger  than  those  of  the  Chasselas  de  Fontainebleau. 
Unless  I  am  mistaken,  they  grow  none  but  white  Grapes.  Of  Peaches 
and  Apricots  there  are  about  twenty  varieties.  The  Peaches  are  not 
very  good,  but  at  Kioto  I  have  eaten  a  fruit,  handsome  and  well- 
flavoured,  of  some  kind  intermediate  between  a  Peach  and  an  Apricot 
[probably  a  Nectarine].  The  varieties  of  Plums  are  about  a  hundred 
in  number.  The  Cherry  trees,  which  are  great  favourites  with  the 
Japanese  (especially  the  double-blossomed  kinds),  seldom  bear  fruit, 
and  when  they  do,  it  is  small  and  of  bad  quality.  The  Japanese,  in 
general,  have  a  bad  habit  of  eating  fruit  before  it  is  ripe,  and  it  is  in 
this  condition  that  it  is  usually  seen  in  their  markets,  so  that  it  is 
sometimes  difficult  to  judge  what  the  real  quality  of  the  same  fruit 
would  be  when  ripe. 

Q.  Do  any  species  or  varieties  reproduce  themselves  freely  from 
seed  (pippins  or  stones)  without  the  aid  of  grafting  ? 

A.  No ;  all  kinds  of  trees,  without  exception,  are  propagated  by 
means  of  grafting.  The  Japanese  graft  even  the  Wax-tree  (Rhus 
succedanea) . 

Q.  Do  they  ever  endeavour  to  raise  new  varieties  from  seed,  or  are 
they  satisfied  with  a  few  kinds  that  were  well-known  ages  ago  ? 

A.  The  fruit-growers  are  constantly  endeavouring  to  raise  new 
varieties  from  seed,  and  are  very  careful  of  those  seedlings  that 
present  any  marked  peculiarity. 

Q.  "What  aro  the  modes  of  grafting  most  generally  employed  ? 
Are  they,  in  their  details,  precisely  similar  to  the  methods  in  use  in 
Europe  ? 

A.  The  modes  of  grafting  are,  for  the  most  part,  identical  with 
those  employed  in  Europe.  Works  on  this  subject,  with  veiy 
accurate  drawings,  are  published  in  Japan. 

Q.  Is  the  pruning  of  fruit  trees  conducted  on  any  rational  system, 
so  as  to  bring  them  into  a  form  suited  to  the  species,  variety,  and 
mode  of  growth  of  each  kind  and  of  the  stock  upon  which  it  is 
grafted,  or  to  hasten,  maintain,  and  regulate  their  fructification  ? 

A.  The  pruning  of  fruit  trees  is  considered  a  matter  of  very  great 
importance,  and  exact  rules  are  laid  down  for  the  pruning  of  each 
particular  kind  of  tree.  For  instance,  in  the  case  of  Pears,  which 
are  largely  cultivated  between  Yokohama  and  Yeddo,  and  which  in 
the  commoner  kinds  sometimes  form  large  trees,  the  stems  are  grown 
to  something  over  the  height  of  a  man,  at  which  point  the  branches 
are  trained  in  a  horizontal  position  on  Bamboo  trellises,  so  that  a 
whole  orchard  will  be  covered  with  a  flat  roof  of  branches,  under 
which  one  may  walk  and  gather  the  fruit  with  the  hand.  The  fruit 
is  almost  spherical  in  shape,  about  the  size  of  a  child's  fist,  and  is 
covered  with  a  greenish-yellow  skin,  spotted  like  a  Ueinette  Apple. 
It  is  very  juicy,  but  abounds  in  stringy  threads  like  an  old  Radish, 
and  is  far  inferioi'  in  flavour  to  any  of  our  good  kinds  of  Pear.  The 
Japanese,  however,  think  they  are  superior  to  our  Pears — a  matter  of 
taste.  The  Kakis  require  a  special  mode  of  culture.  The  principal 
object  aimed  at  is  to  have  large  trees,  and,  to  this  end,  they  cause 
them  to  rest  every  other  year,  that  is  to  say,  they  allow  them  to 
bear  fruit  one  year,  and  hinder  them  from  doing  so  the  following 
year  by  twisting  the  fruit-bearing  shoots.  Moreover,  it  is  requisite 
that  the  trees  should  produce  deep-searching  and  strong  roots.  To 
obtain  these,  the  principal  roots  are  surrounded  with  a  coating  of 
clay  mixed  with  stones,  which  prevents  the  formation  of  small  lateral 
rootlets.  The  soil  also  must  be  of  such  a  nature  that  the  roots  will 
not  meet  with  water  until  they  have  descended  to  a  considerable 
depth.  In  pruning  Plum  trees,  the  branches  are  allowed  to  retain 
their  natural  mode  of  growth,  but  they  are  always  pruned  so  as  to 
allow  the  wind  to  pass  through  them  readily.  A  free  circulation  of 
air  through  the  branches  is  particularly  insisted  on. 

Q.  How  do  the  Japanese  proceed  in  producing  their  dwarf  trees  ? 
(I  have  read  somewhere  or  other  that  their  gardeners  are  possessed 
of  a  certain  peculiar  skill  in  growing  trees  down  to  an  amazing 
degree  of  dwarfness.) 

A.  It  is  quite  true  that  the  Japanese  gardeners  are  very  clever  in 
producing  these  dwarf  trees,  but  the  process  requires  much  time — 
thirty,  forty,  or  fifty  years — before  it  is  complete.  While  the  trees 
are  young,  they  twist  the  shoots  and  put  them  into  various  unnatural 
positions  to  arrest  the  flow  of  the  sap.  On  this  subject,  however,  I 
am  not  well  informed.    They  often  graft  branches  on  a  stem  which 


has  been  cut  down,  and  which  is  then  planted  in  a  pot.     The  subjects 
thus  operated  on  are  chiefly  Plum  trees,  Cherries,  and  Peaches. 

Q.  Do  the  Japanese  ever  cultivate  fruit  trees  either  (1)  with  the 
permanent  shelter  of  a  wall,  or  (2)  in  tubs  or  other  vessels,  which 
in  winter  are  removed  into  the  shelter  of  a  house  ? 

A.  Sometimes,  but  rarely,  they  grow  fruit  trees  in  boxes  or  tubs, 
which  are  removed  into  houses  for  shelter  in  winter.  I  have  never, 
so  far  as  I  can  recollect,  seen  fruit  trees  grown  against  walls  in 
Japan. 

y.  Are  the  .Japanese  acquainted  with  the  method  of  forcing  by 
means  of  artificial  heat  ? 

A.  Forcing,  by  means  of  artificial  heat,  is  well  known  to  the 
Japanese,  but  seldom  practised  by  them. 

Q.  Is  the  Orange  tree  grown  in  Japan,  without  shelter,  in  the  open 
air  ?     If  so,  what  are  the  hardy  varieties  so  cultivated  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  the  Orange  tree  is  grown  without  shelter  in  the  open  air. 
Some  of  the  commonest  kinds  are  those  known  by  the  following 
Japanese  names  : — Mikan,  Kinkan,  Daidai,  Kodyi,  Kunembo,  Yond- 
zan,  and  Buskaban.  A  kind,  known  by  the  name  of  Karatachi,  is  very 
remarkable  for  its  power  of  resisting  the  sharpest  frosts,  and  on 
account  of  its  hardy  constitution,  it  is  much  used  as  a  stock  on  which 
the  other  kinds  are  grafted. 

Q.  Do  not  the  enclosed  leaves  of  an  Orange  tree,  which  our 
nurserymen  sell  under  the  name  of  Citrus  japonica,  properly  belong 
to  the  variety  known  in  Japan  as  the  Kum-Kouat,  or  by  some  name 
like  this  ?     If  not,  what  is  it  called  ? 

A.  Citrus  japonica,  a  tree  whose  fruit  is  about  the  size  of  a  Malaga 
Grape,  is  generally  called  Kum-Kouat  by  foreigners.  I  don't  know 
the  origin  of  this  name,  which  I  have  often  heard,  especially  at 
Nagasaki.  To  the  best  of  my  belief,  the  Japanese  members  of  our 
Commission,  one  of  whom  is  well  versed  in  botanical  nomenclature, 
are  not  familiar  with  the  name  Kum-Kouat.  The  proper  Japanese 
name  of  the  fruit  in  question  is  Kin-Kan. 

Q.  Do  the  Japanese  grow  the  thin-skinned  Orange  known  in  Europe 
as  the  Mandarin  or  Tangier  Orange,  of  which  I  send  you  a  leaf  as  a 
specimen .' 

A.  The  Mandarin  Orange  is  unknown  in  Japan. 

Q.  Have  the  Japanese  any  popular  treatise  on  fruit  culture  in 
which  their  practice  is  well  explained  ?  If  you  happen  to  have  such 
a  work  by  you,  I  shall  feel  obliged  by  your  sending  me  a  copy. 

A.  Yes ;  there  are  many  such  treatises.  We  have  brought  a  few 
of  them  with  us,  but  they  are  intended  for  presents  to  national 
libraries  in  Europe.  I  shall,  however,  be  happy  to  send  you  some 
copies  on  my  return  to  Yeddo. 

Q.  What  is  the  value,  in  a  scientiflo  point  of  view,  of  the  work 
entitled  Kwa-ioi  ? 

A.  The  botanical  work  Kvia-wi  is  very  much  valued  for  the  sake 
of  the  drawings  which  it  contains,  but  the  letter-press  is  not  of  much 
account. 

Q.  To  what  address  should  I  write  in  order  to  procure  seeds, 
especially  of  Oi'auge  trees  and  Kakis,  and  also  of  some  stone  fruit  ? 

A.  You  will  find  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  seeds  of  every  kind. 
At  Yeddo,  and,  more  especially,  at  Osacca,  there  are  nurserymen  in 
an  extensive  way  of  business,  who  trade  in  seeds,  and  who  can  supply 
all  that  you  require.  I  shall  bo  very  happ)'  to  assist  you  in  making 
your  purchases,  and,  permit  me  to  remark,  that  the  best  time  to 
give  your  orders  is  in  December,  as  I  have  been  informed  by  the 
most  eminent  nurseryman  in  Osacca.  If  you  will  be  good  enough  to 
write  and  inform  me  what  seeds  yon  require,  I  shall  send  your  order 
to  Osacca  in  time  for  you  to  receive  the  seeds  by  next  March. 
Pardon  me  now,  M.  le  Comte,  if,  in  the  interest  of  my  Japanese 
friends,  I  make  some  inquiries  of  you  relative  to  the  culture  of 
Piuus  maritima,  as  it  is  caiTJed  on  in  Sologne,  and  the  processes 
which  are  employed  in  the  extraction  of  turpentine  and  its  derived 
products.  The  Olive-tree  would  also  be  one  of  great  importance  to 
the  Japanese ;  their  climate  I  think,  would  suit  it ;  as  to  the  soil,  I 
do  not  know,  but  I  understand  there  is  already  one  species  of  Olive 
growing  in  Japan.  I  shall  feel  obliged  if  you  can  recommend  me 
any  works  treating  of  the  culture  of  those  two  trees,  and  also  inform 
me  where  I  can  procure  either  seeds  of  them  or  plants,  to  carry  back 
to  Japan.  As  regards  fruit  trees,  we  have  been  promised  such  a 
quantity  of  young  trees,  that  my  Japanese  friends  will  have  quite  . 
enough  to  begin  with,  especially  if  they  persist  in  perferring  their  own 
Pears  to  ours.  When  I  return  to  Japan  I  intend  to  plant  a  small 
orchard  ivith  choice  kinds  of  Pears,  Apples,  Cherries,  &o.  I  am 
much  devoted  to  the  culture  of  fruit,  and  those  I  have  met  with  in 
Japan  are  generally  not  very  remarkable  for  quality. 

[We  must  all  feel  obliged  to  M.  Wagener  for  his  very  interesting 
replies  to  the  questions  of  the  Count  de  Castillon,  and  can  do  no  less 
than  wish  him  every  success  in  his  endeavours  to  introduce  some  of 
our  best  fruits  amongst  the  long  slumbering,  but  now,  apparently, 
thoroughly  awakened  people  of  Japan.] 


Dec.  0,1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


455 


NOTES   OF   THE   WEEK. 


PRtsrKOSES   have  again  made  their  appearance  in    Covent 

Garden  Market,  and  in  the  season  of  the  Chrysanthemum. 

A510NG  the  tropical  fruits  now  to  be  seen  in  Covont  Garden 

Market  is  the  Custard  Apple  (Auona  reticulata),  a  native  of  the 
\Vcst  Indies.  Prickly  Pears,  or  the  fruit  of  Opuntia  Tuna,  arc  also 
tolerably  abundant.  There  are  likewise  smooth-leaved  Cayennes 
from  St.  Michael's,  some  weighing  as  much  as  8  lbs.  each. 

The  now  number  of  the  Journal  of  Botany  contains  a  figure  of 

a  new  and  very  interesting  Melianthus,  with  scarlet  flowers,  named 
M.  Trimenianns  ;  it  is  a  native  of  South  Africa,  and  will,  no  doubt, 
prove  a  welcome  addition  to  the  kinds  wo  already  possess. 

We   have   received  from  Mr.  Xewton,  of  Newark-on-Trcnt, 

some  very  fine  Vine  leaves,  most  beautif ally  tinted  with  crimson  and 
gold.  Some  of  these  leaves  measure  12  to  15  inches  across,  and 
have  been  produced,  we  are  informed,  by  young  Vines,  struck  from 
eyes  and  grown  under  Hartley's  rough  plate  glass. 

Apropos  of   the   interest   taken   just  now  in  the  fruiting  of 

Iris  foofcidissima,  wo  may  mention  that  there  is  a  very  handsome 
variegated  form  of  it,  which  does  well  at  Battersoa  and  other  places. 
Mr.  Andrew  Henderson  informs  us  that  when  grown  in  a  stove  or 
warm  greenhouse,  it  developes  long  graceful  leaves,  elegantly  striped 
with  white,  quite  unlike  those  of  any  other  plant,  and  much  superior 
to  those  of  the  same  plant  grown  out  of  doors. 

TnE  following  letter  has  been  sent  to  us  in  reference  to  the 

paragraph  which  we  inserted  last  week  (see  p.  431),  respecting  the 
proposed  new  park  at  West  Ham.  It  may  be  of  interest,  says  the 
writer,  to  know  that  most  of  the  rare  trees  in  the  park  were  planted 
by  the  eminent  naturalist.  Dr.  Pothergill.  The  Maiden.hair  tree,  to 
which  allusion  is  made,  grew  originally  against  the  wall  of  the  house 
(now  destroyed),  and  extended  to  a  considerable  height  above  the 
roof,  but  the  unsupported  part  of  it  was  cut  down  some  years  ago,  as 
it  was  thought  to  endanger  the  house.  There  used  to  be  a  very  fine 
Cork  tree  in  the  garden,  which  was  blown  down  about  twenty  years 
ago ;  and  several  magnificent  Cedars,  and  a  good  specimen  of  the 
deciduous  Cypress  died  in  consequence  (it  was  thought)  of  the  level 
of  the  water  in  the  soil  being  lowered  by  the  new  system  of  drainage, 
or  other  causes. 

. Dwellers    in    towns    and    cities,   who   are   deterred   from 

planting  trees  or  shrubs  in  consequence  of  the  prevalent  notion  that 
they  will  not  thrive  in  cities,  may  be  assured  that  it  is  quite  erro- 
neous. Proof  exists  in  abundance,  that  many  trees  thrive  in  the 
smokiest  parts  of  smoky  London  nearly  or  quite  as  well  as  anywhere 
else.  There  are  many  parts  of  the  United  Kingdom  as  free  from 
smoke  as  could  be  desired,  where  you  may  look  in  vain  for  such 
stately  and  well-developed  trees  as  we  find  in  Brunswick,  Mecklen- 
burgh,  and  Berkeley  Squares,  in  Lincoln's  Inn  Fields,  or  in  many 
back  gardens  in  London.  In  these  and  other  London  gardens  there 
are  many  fine  specimens  not  only  of  Planes,  but  of  Ashes  (weeping 
and  otherwise),  Thorns,  Poplars,  and,  in  fact,  of  most  of  the  kinds  of 
trees  which  lose  their  leaves  in  winter.  Intending  planters  may, 
therefore,  rest  assured  that  not  only  one  kind,  or  family,  of  trees 
will  thrive  in  cities,  but  that  many  will  do  so.  Smoky  as  our  cities 
are,  we  may  enjoy  in  them  much  of  the  glorious  beauty  of  the 
deciduous  trees  of  all  northern  countries.  Evergreens  we  had 
better  avoid  until  the  smoke  nuisance  troubles  us  no  more,  if  one 
may  venture  to  speak  of  such  a  time. 

A  MEETING   of  gardeners,  nurserymen,  and  others,  was  Iield 

at  South  Kensington  last  Wednesday  for  the  purpose  of  taking  into 
consideration  the  state  of  the  Koyal  Horticultural  Society's  affairs  ; 
but,  although  some  little  discussion  took  place,  no  result  was  arrived 
at.  Another  meeting  of  a  similar  character,  conveued  by  a  circular 
issued  by  the  Horticultural  Club,  also  took  place  at  Kensington  Gore 
on  the  same  day,  nnder  the  presidency  of  Sir  Daniel  Cooper.  This, 
like  the  previous  one,  ended  without  arriving  at  any  useful 
result.  No  one  seemed  to  know  precisely  for  what  he  had  come 
there ;  and,  being  anpai-ently  uninformed  of  the  doings  of  the  present 
council,  and  the  exact  financial  condition  of  the  society,  all  appeared 
like  drowning  men  grappling  at  water-ripples,  thinking  them  straws. 
A  gentleman  present  earnestly  recommended  upholding  the  present 
council,  but  received  no  support.  Mr.  Wm.  Bull  advised  waiting 
until  the  present  council  had  been  a  twelvemonth  in  office,  in 
order  to  get  at  the  year's  result,  before  any  attempt  should  be  made 
to  uphold  or  refuse  them  support ;  and  he  considered  these  meetings 
quite  premature.  Mr.  W.  P.  Ayres  remarked  that  he  thought  it 
impossible  to  reconstruct  the  society  on  the  old  basis,  and  that  he  would 
be  one  of  a  hundred  who  would  give  £10  a  year  for  ten  years  to  start 
an  entirely  new  and  independent  society.  The  chairman,  after 
alluding  to  the  way  in  which   the   society's  books  are  kept,  recom- 


mended it  to  keep  clear  of  a  lawsuit,  as  it  might  by  that  proceeding 
spend  a  great  deal  of  money  without  doing  any  good.  He  also  ques. 
tioned  the  legality  of  the  present  council,  notwithstanding  the  state- 
ments made  by  the  society  to  the  contrary. 

M.  Guibeiit's  splendid  collection  of  choice  Orchids  at  Passy 

has  recently  been  purchased  by  the  Viceroy  of  Egypt.  This  collec- 
tion  was  considered  to  be  one  of  the  finest  in  France. 

The  Kent  Herald  says  that  on  Monday  afternoon  a  Tow  tree 

standing  close  to  the  ancient  jialaco  of  Archbishop  Crannier,  and 
upwards  of  five  hundred  years  eld,  was  accidentally  destroyed  by 
some  schoolboys,  who  had  lighted  a  fire  in  its  hollow  trunk  to  warm 
themselves. 

At  a  late  meeting  of  the  Boyal  Horticultural  Society,  it  was 

remarked  by  Mr.  Jennings  that  Vanda  Cferulea  was  fast  disappearing 
from  its  native  localities.  At  the  present  rate  the  ruthless  removal  of 
the  plant  must  determine  its  extermination,  at  no  distant  date,  in  the 
Khasia  hills. 

We  have  received  from  Mr.  Cooker,  nurseryman,  Aberdeen, 

some  blooms  of  a  bedding  Violet  named  Viola  Queen  Victoria,  gathered 
from  the  open  border  on  the  morning  of  Tuesday  last.  They  are 
very  beautiful,  moderately  large,  of  good  form,  and  of  a  very  dark 
bluish-purple  colour,  witli  a  conspicuous  yellow  eye ;  such  llowei-a 
from  out-of-door  Violets  in  December  are  quite  a  treasure. 

■ •  Under  the  title  of  the  "  Botanischer  Jahresberichfc,"  a  new 

botanical  publication  is  announced  from  Germany.  The  work  is 
intended  to  be  a  yearly  record  of  passing  discoveries,  facts,  and  other 
news  of  botanical  interest,  and  will  be  conducted  by  Dr.  Leopold 
Just,  of  Carlsruhe,  on  whose  staff  of  contributors  many  eminent 
continental  botanists  have  already  enrolled  themselves.  The 
"  Botanischer  Jahresbericht  "  will  be  published  once  a  year,  in  the 
autumn. 

The  Eev.  M.  J.  Berkeley  in  addressing  the  meeting  of  the 

Royal  Horticultural  Society  on  Wednesday  last,  referred  in  terms  of 
praise  to  the  fine  specimens  of  Pine-apples  exhibited  from  Frogmore, 
where,  he  said,  Pine  culture  is  carried  on  in  pits  in  which  the  plants 
were  planted  in  a  bed  of  loam,  supported  on  a  basis  of  Oak  leaves, 
6  feet  in  depth.  These  yield  a  gentle  heat  and  never  require  renovating 
from  the  time  the  suckers  are  inserted  till  they  have  yielded  fruit. 
Prompted  by  these  remarks,  one  of  the  Fellows  said,  that  neither  at 
home  nor  abroad  did  he  ever  see  this,  the  king  of  fruits,  attain  such 
size  and  perfection  as  in  the  Pitch  Lakes  of  Trinidad,  on  the 
estates  of  the  Earl  of  Dundonald.  There  the  pitch  in  the  di'y  season 
crumbles  into  a  powder,  and  gets  excessively  hot,  there  being 
scarcely  a  drop  of  rain  ;  nevertheless,  the  Pine-apples  grow  and  flourish 
in  it.  The  colour  of  the  powdered  pitch  is  reddish-black,  consequently, 
it  is  a  great  absorber  and  retainer  of  heat,  and  anyone  standing  on  it 
feels  as  if  sinking,  but  by  walking  on  without  halting,  this  sensation 
ceases  to  be  experienced  ;  in  facf,  it  is  like  walking  on  india-rubber. 
The  same  gentleman  also  stated  that  the  fine  black  Pines  of  Antigua 
were  grown  entirely  in  decayed  vegetable  matter.  In  reference  to 
the  Pitch  Lake  Pines  Mr.  Murray,  of  Frogmore,  informs  us  that 
nearly  twenty  years  ago  the  Earl  of  Dundonald  sent  two  large  boxes 
of  these  Pine-apples  to  Windsor,  and  that  they  were,  although  fine, 
decidedly  inferior  to  those  grown  in  the  Royal  Gardens,  and,  indeed, 
to  English  grown  Pines  in  general.  The  plants,  too,  were  badly 
infested  with  scale. 

•  An     idea,   founded   on    newspaper    rumours,    is    prevalent 

amongst  us  that  there  is  to  be  an  Orange  famine  in  England  in  con- 
sequence of  the  civil  war  in  Spain.  This  is,  however,  not  likely  to 
happen,  for  the  Orange  trade  never  was  in  a  more  flourishing  con- 
dition than  at  present.  All  the  Spanish  ports  are  open  to  free  trade 
excepting  two,  of  which  Carthagena  is  one,  and  although  they  should 
all  be  blockaded,  an  inland  trafiic  would  be  carried  on  through 
Gibraltar,  and  thus  our  supply  would  be  maintained.  Should, 
however,  Spanish  Oranges  be  wholly  withheld,  that  circumstance 
would  affect  our  markets  but  little,  for  at  present  our  chief 
importations  come  from  St.  Michael's,  Palermo,  and  Messina, 
places  which  will  yield  us  an  unfailing  supply  until  next  June. 
Spanish  Lemons  are  prized  in  our  markets,  but  of  these, 
too,  the  supply  is  quite  equal  to  the  demand,  and  they  are  largely 
imported  from  other  sources  besides  Spain.  The  following  account 
of  Oranges  and  Lemons  sold  at  the  mart  last  Wednesday  support 
these  assertions  : — Oranges :  980  fiat  boxes  St.  Michael's,  29  cases 
Valencia,  92  half-chests  Lisbon,  113  cases  Oporto,  571  boxes  Palermo, 
and  773  boxes  Messina ;  Lemons :  46  boxes  Palermo,  739  cases 
Messina,  51  half-chests  and  81  flat  chests  Malaga,  and  119  cases 
Alexandria.  At  another  sale,  on  the  same  day,  were — Oranges :  298 
flat  boxes  St.  Michael's,  116  cases  Valencia,  54  Villa  Real,  1,330  half, 
chests  Lisbon,  227  cases  Oporto,  20  boxes  Malta  Mandarin,  5  boxes 
Palermo,  and  143  boxes  Messina ;  Lemons  :  544  cases  and  50  boxes 
Messina.  These  statistics  of  one  day's  sale  show  little  sign  of  a 
probable  Orange  famine. 


456 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  6,  1873. 


THE    AMATEUR'S    GARDEN. 

HARDY  CYCLAMENS. 
I  iiusT  premise,  before  saying  aicw  words  on  hardy  Cyclamens, 
that  I  am  only  a  humble  disciple  of  that  able  and  experienced 
horticulturist,  Mr.  James  Atkins,  of  Painswick.  I  shall  never 
forget  the  pleasure  of  some  hours'  chat  I  had  with  him  about 
his  Cyclamens,  and  other  pets,  I  grow  Cyclamen  hcderaifo- 
lium,  C.  h.  album,  C.  h.  Grajoum  var.  lucidum,  C.  Coum,  C.  C. 
album, C.  ibericum,  C.  vernumof  Sweet,C.v.(truerepandum),  of 
Sibthorpe,  C.  Atkinsii.  Some  are  planted  in  comfortable  pockets 
at  the  liottom  of  a  rock -work ;  and  on  a  rock-work  last  year 
we  had  one  pocket  filled  with  Cyclamen  vernum.  The  combi- 
nation of  beauty  in  the  leaves,  the  flowers,  and  the  brown  roots 
as  a  background,  was  so  perfect  that  many  people  said  they 
ought  to  be  painted ;  unfortunately,  the  weather  was  too  cold  at 
the  time  for  the  artist.  We  have  one  large  bed  in  a  well- 
sheltered  rook  corner,  the  soil  of  which  is  almost  all  peat.  The 
plants  are  never  disturbed,  and  seem  quite,  happy.  They 
are  now  just  showing  their  pretty  pink  shoots  above 
ground  ;  I  moved  one  bod  this  year,  in  summer,  the  time  when 
they  are  most  at  rest,  and  put  the  bulbs  into  soil  with  some 
good  mixed  loam.  The  leaves  are  rather  larger,  but,  other- 
wise, there  seems  little  difference  from  the  plants  grown 
in  peat.  In  hard  frost,  especially  when  the  bloom  is  out,  we 
sometimes  put  a  bunch  of  Heather  in  front  of  the  pocket,  or  a 
Fir  branch  over  the  bed,  but  I  doubt  even  this  being  necessary. 
I  believe  that  to  follow  Mr.  Atkins'  first  injunction  is 
all  that  is  necessary  for  success.  "  The  Cj'clamens  are  all 
hard}',  but  like  the  foot-stalks  of  the  leaves  and  flowers  to  be 
buried  below  the  surface."  I  plant  fully  3  inches  deep  ;  most 
of  the  Cyclamens  seed  freely  ;  I  let  the  ripened  seed  scatter 
itself  over  the  bed,  and  then  sprinkle  a  little  bright  soil  over  it. 

George  F.  Wilson. 


PLANTING  LILIES. 
M-oST  of  my  Lilies  are  grown  in  pots  in  a  large  orchard-house,  but 
some  are  planted  out  in  open  borders,  and  on  root-work  and  rook- 
work.  For  those  in  pots  we  use  a  compost  of  two  parts  good  fibrous 
peat  to  one  part  of  loam,  and  if  this  be  at  all  stiff,  add  half  a  part  of 
sharp  river  sand.  The  bulbs  are  planted  from  1  inch  to  2  inches 
deep.  We  never  let  the  bnlbs  get  quite  dry.  When  the  plants  have 
begun  to  grow,  water  is  given  more  freely,  and  when  blooming,  they 
require,  in  the  dry  air  of  the  orchard-house,  very  frequent  watering. 
We  believe  in  early  potting,  that  is,  directly  the  stem  shows  signs  of 
fading,  but,  with  care,  some  Lilies  at  least  stand  very  late  potting 
without  injury.  One  year  we  had  to  delay  potting  some  L.  speciosum 
(lancifolium)  till  far  on  in  March,  when  they  had  great  long  roots  ; 
the  blooms  from  these  were  as  early  and  as  fine  as  from  any  of  the 
autumn-potted  ones.  We  consider  September  the  best  month  for 
potting  or  planting  ont  the  early  Lilies,  and  October  for  most  other 
kinds.  In  September  and  October  care  should  be  taken  to  gently 
detach  the  stem. bulbs  of  all  the  species  of  Tiger  Lilies.  These  will 
be  found  with  long  roots,  and  should  be  planted  in  deep  seed-pans  at 
once.  We  find  Lilies  in  the  orchard-house  grow  best  in  large  pots, 
and  they  are  less  apt  to  suiler  from  a  chance  neglect  of  watering. 
As  many  Lilies  throw  long  roots  downwards,  we  find  narrow  deep 
pots  useful.  Our  best  blooms  out  of  doors  this  season  have  been 
from  a  large  clump  of  L.  auratum  planted  at  the  top  of  the  root- 
work  with  a  north  aspect,  in  deep  peat,  with  a  little  loam  mixed. 
Heatherhank,  Weiihridgo  Heath.  G.  F.  W. 


FALLING  LEAVES. 
Many  think  that  when  the  leaves  tm-n  red  and  yellow  in  autumn  it 
is  because  they  have  been  killed  by  the  frost.  Bat  a  little  observa- 
tion will  show  that  such  is  not  the  case,  and  that  the  autumns  when 
the  leaves  are  most  beautiful  are  those  in  which  the  frost  is  the 
latest.  A  severe  frost  kills  the  leaves  at  once,  and  they  soon  fall, 
brown  and  withered.  To  bo  brilliant  they  must  ripen  naturally. 
Leaves  fall  {sa.ys  the  Boston  Journal  of  Chemistry)  because  they  are 
ripe  and  have  performed  the  service  that  was  allotted  them.  The 
leaf  is  the  laboratory  of  the  jjlant,  and  in  it  are  performed  most  of 
the  operations  essential  to  its  growth.  It  takes  the  crude  materials 
gathered  by  the  roots,  refines  them,  rejecting  all  that  is  not  essential, 
and  out  of  the  remainder  constrncts  the  highly  complex  bodies  that 
are  found  in  other  parts  of  the  plant.  These  rejected  parts  consist 
mainly  of  earthy  matter  that  was  in  solution  in  the  water  taken  up 
by  the  roots,   and  it  is  deposited  in  the  cells  of  the  leaf.     This  is 


shown  by  the  fact  that  the  leaf  contains  far  more  ash  than  any  other 
part  of  the  plant.  In  some  plants  the  ash  of  the  leaf  amounts  to 
over  20  per  cent.,  while  that  of  the  wood  rarely  exceeds  two  or  three. 
When  the  cells  become  completely  clogged  up  with  this  matter, 
the  leaf  can  no  longer  perform  its  functions,  and  so  ripens  and  falls 
off.  Provision  has  already  been  made  for  this  separation.  If  the 
foot-stalks  of  most  leaves  be  examined,  it  will  be  found  that  a  kind 
of  joint  exists  near  the  body  of  the  plant,  even  when  the  leaf  is  quite 
young;  as  it  grows  older  this  joint  becomes  more  marked,  and  finally 
when  it  is  ripe  a  gentle  breeze  will  shake  it  off,  and  no  wound  is  left, 
nothing  but  the  scar;  the  wound  has  healed  even  before  it  was  made. 
The  same  is  also  true  of  fruits ;  a  joint  may  generally  be  found  in  the 
stem,  at  which  it  separates  readily.  This  is  very  marked  in  the 
Grape ;  it  is  situated  at  a  little  swelling  that  is  to  be  found  on  the 
stem.  A  slight  bend  will  separate  the  stem  at  this  point,  while  it 
takes  a  strong'pnU  to  sever  it  above  or  below.  Even  on  the  ever- 
green trees,  which  apparently  never  shed  their  leaves,  the  leaves 
exist  at  the  most  but  two  or  three  years,  when  they  are  replaced  by 
now  ones,  the  old  falling  away  as  they  become  unfit  for  active  duty  ; 
but  the  leaves  in  this  case  being  shed  mostly  in  the  spring,  we  do  not 
miss  them. 


Thermometers. — I  have  three  of  Negretti  and  Zambra's  self- 
registering  minim  thermometers ;  the  red  colouring  matter  with 
which  the  spirit  is  coloured  has  all  receded  into  the  bulbs,  and  left 
nothing  but  a  pure  white  liquid  which  it  is  almost  impossible  to  see 
at  night  time  ;  although  placed  at  a  good  angle,  it  seems  not  to  have 
strength'to  drag  the  needle  down  with  it.  Invariably  in  the  morning 
I  find  it  sticking  half  in  the  spirit  and  half  in  the  empty  tube  of  the 
theremometer ;  what  is  the  cause  of  this? — W.  C,  It'/ii/t'/ini'cii,. 
[Messrs.  Negretti  &  Zambra  state  that  the  thermometers  are  filled 
with  alcohol  coloured  with  a  vegetable  material ;  and,  it  exposed  to 
great  light  or  sunshine,  that  portion  which  is  in  the  thermometer  stem 
will  sometimes  become  bleached,  and,  in  the  process,  deposit  a  sub- 
stance which,  if  it  surrouuds  the  index,  will  prevent  its  moving  freely 
in  the  tube.  To  adjust  a  thermometer  which  is  in  the  state  hero 
represented,  proceed  as  follows  : — Hold  the  thermometer  in  the  hand, 
bulb  uppermost,  and  swing  it  violently  backwards  and  forwards  until 
the  fluid  in  the  ball  (which  possibly  is  not  bleached)  fills  the  stem 
entirely;  then  reverse  the  action,  and  swing  the  thermometer  bulb 
downwards.  This  will  have  the  effect  of  mixing  the  two  portions  of 
fluid,  so  that  the  bleached  portion  will  be  again  coloured,  and,  if  not 
thoroughly  so,  repeat  the  operation.  Lastly,  stand  or  hang  up  the 
thermometer  for  an  hour,  so  that  any  particles  of  the  alcohol  hanging 
about  the  tube  may  be  drained  into  the  main  column.  The  index  will 
now  flow  freely  in  the  tube  if  the  experiment  has  been  carefully 
performed,  and  no  air-bubbles  left  in  the  tube.] 

Esparto  Grass. — Can  you  kindly  favour  me  with  some  informa- 
tion concerning  the  cultivation  of  Esparto,  used  in  the  manufacture 
of  paper  ?  Or,  could  you  inform  nie  where  such  information  can 
be  obtained .''  I  am  a  colonist,  on  a  visit  to  England,  and  have  been 
impressed  with  the  idea,  from  the  chance  observations  I  have  heard, 
that  its  cultivation  might  be  advantageously  introduced  into 
Australia. — G.  P.  T.  [We  have  no  doubt  that  the  Esparto  Grass  could 
be  successfully  cultivated  in  the  warmer  parts  of  Australia,  as  it 
grows  freely  in  the  Mediterranean  regiou  of  Europe,  and  most 
abundantly  in  some  parts  of  Northern  Africa.  In  Algeria,  it  is 
grown  to  a  very  great  extent,  and  we  believe  our  chief  supply  of  it 
comes  from  that  quarter.  As  to  its  cultivation,  it  appears  to  bo 
very  simple,  the  seed  being  sown  just  like  that  of  other  Grasses, 
after  which,  the  only  labour  is  that  of  cutting  the  Grass  when  ripe. 
M.  Riviere  states  that  it  does  best  on  an  alluvial  soil  with  a  clay 
sub-soil,  but  it  will  grow  in  almost  any  kind  of  ground.  There  are 
two  species  of  Grasses  known  under  the  commercial  name  of 
"Esparto,"  viz.,  Stipa  (or  Macrochloa)  tenacissima,  and  Lygeum 
spartum.  The  former,  which  affords  by  far  the  most  abundant  and 
best-fibi'C,  is  the  Al/a  of  the  Arabs.  The  latter  is  the  Sparto  of  the 
Spaniards.  Wo  should  say  that  you  would  find  no  more  difficulty 
in  growing  either  of  these  Grasses  in  the  warmer  parts  of  Australia 
than  you  would  experience  in  growing  the  ordinary  Grasses  of  the 
district.] 

We  hear  from  America  of  a  modern  philosopher's  plan,  by 
means  of  which  every  man  can  be  his  own  weather  prophet.  *'  If  you 
wish  to  know  whether  it  is  going  to  storm  or  not,  all  you  have  to  do 
is  to  find  the  storm  vortex  and  see  which  side  of  it  is  the  most  moist. 
Multiply  this  by  the  square  of  the  latent  heat,  subtract  the  time  of 
day,  and  divide  by  the  weathercock.  The  result  will  be  the  rarifi. 
cation,  plus  the  thermometric  evolution  of  the  north  pole,  and  then  a 
wayfaring  man,  though  a  natural  know-nothing,  can  tell  what  will 
follow."  How  wonderful,  and  yet  how  simple,  is  the  economy  of 
nature. 


Dec.  6,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


457 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 


THE  HARDY  DRAC^NA. 
Nearly  all  tlio  DracaMias  or  Dragon-trees  at  present  in  culti- 
vation are  generally  treated  as  tender  tropical  plants  requiring 
considerable  artificial  heat  in  order  to  grow  them  successfully. 
Recent  experience  has,  however,  convinced  many  plant-growers 
that  they  will  luxuriate  in  a  much  cooler  temperature  than  has 
been  supposed,  and  during  the  past  two  or  three  years  we 
have  seen  them  grow  iireelj'  in  the  London  parks,  planted  out 
in  ordinary  soil,  and  treatedas  sub-tropical  plants.  The  species 
we  now  ilhistrate  is  veiy  hardy  in  constitution,  and  is  not  only 
valuable  for  cool  conservatory  and  sub-tropical  decoration,  but 
is  also  perfectly  hardy  when  planted  out  in  Devonshire,  Corn- 
wall, and  other  southern  counties,  and  it  has  also  withstood 
the  last  few  winters  on 
warm  dry  soil  in  many 
parts  of  Ireland.  A  fine 
plant  of  it  has  stood  in 
front  of  the  gardener's 
cottage  at  Killerton,  in 
Devon,  for  several  years, 
and  several  other  speci- 
mens we  could  mention 
have  been  actuallj-  cut 
down  level  with  the  ground 
by  severe  frosts,  but  have 
again  pushed  forth  strong 
suckers,  and  have  made 
fine  plants  in  a  year  or 
two's  time.  A  good 
strong  plant  of  this  Dra- 
CEBna  is  always  an  effec- 
tive object  when  planted 
out  in  sheltered  positions 
on  lawns  during  the  hottest 
months  of  the  year,  and 
plants  of  it  so  treated  are 
fitted  to  withstand  a  much 
lower  winter  temperature 
than  when  they  are  grown 
in  a  heated  structure.  Like 
its  congeners,  it  is  readily 
propagated  by  means  of 
cuttings  of  the  stem,  and 
for  pot  culture  we  recom- 
mend a  compost  of  fresh 
fibrous  or  turfy  loam,  peat, 
and  sand,  the  two  former 
in  nearly  equal  propor- 
tions, and  the  plants  should 
be  well  rooted  and  estab- 
lished before  they  are 
planted  out.  In  Hamp- 
shire this  plant  has  been 
known  to  endure  16°  of 
frost,  and  if  the  dead 
leaves      are     allowed     to 

remain  around  the  stem,  i.e.,  allowing  Nature  to  protect 
herself,  it  will  stand  even  more  cold  than  that.  It  may  be 
mentioned  that  the  practice  of  pulling  off  the  decayed  leaves 
of  this  and  similar  plants  is  often  the  cause  of  their  death. 

B. 


iS^i 


Dractena  indivisa. 


HARDY  BULBOUS  PLANTS. 

I  EN'TiMERATEn  (see  p.  413)  some  of  the  most  valuable  spring- 
flowering  bulbs  with  which  our  gardens  should  be  enriched. 
Let  me  now  direct  attention  to  a  few  others,  equally  well 
worth  cultivation,  commencing  with  the  genus  Allium.  This, 
as  is  well-known,  contains  several  species  highly  valued  as 
esculents,  but  at  the  same  time  it  also  contains  various  other 
kinds  that  are  highly  prized  for  decorative  purposes,  inasmuch 
as  their  flowers  are  very  showy  and  are  produced  in  abundance, 
and  they  also  thrive  in  ordinary  garden  soils.  One  of  the  most 
desirable  of  these, bothforbordersand  rook-work, is  A.azurcum , 


a  plant  which  grows  about  18  inches  high,  and  which  has  beau- 
tiful bright  blue  flowers  borne  in  a  dense  umbel  that  is  usually 
in  perfection  aliout  the  oiid  of  June.  A.  fragrans  grows  about 
the  same  height  as  A.  azureum  and  has  white  tlowers  which 
emit  a  somewhat  vanilla-like  odour.  It  should  be  planted  in 
borders  or  naturalised.  The  only  species  of  the  genus  that 
receives  anything  like  general  attention  as  a  border  plant  is 
Allium  Moly  which  grows  from  10  to  15  inches  high  and  which 
produces  showy  umbels  of  bright  yellow  flowers  in  May  or 
June.  Tufts  of  this  species  are  very  attractive  when  seen  in 
full  flower  in  a  border.  It  is  also  worthy  of  a  spot  on  rock- 
work,  or  it  may  be  used  as  an  edging,  or  naturalised  on  bare 
banks  among  other  hardy  bulbs.  A.  neapolitanum,  sometimes 
known  asnarcissiflorum,  is  another  handsome  species  with  white 
flowers,  somewhat  resembling  those  of  a  Narcissus.  It  is  suit- 
able either  for  borders  or  rock-work.   The  rose-coloured  Allium 

(A.  roseum)  is  a  pretty 
kind  which  grows  from 
12  to  18  inches  high,  and 
is  very  suitable  for  borders 
or  for  naturalisation.  The 
curious  A.  paradoxum 
which  has  pure  white 
flowers,  and  A.  triquetrum, 
which  has  also  white 
flowers  striped  with  green, 
are  likewise  attractive 
kinds.  The  genus  AlstrcD- 
meria  contains  several 
highly  ornamental  species, 
but  the  majority  of  them 
are  somewhat  tender,  or 
only  thrive  in  a  particular 
soil,  therefore  I  will  only 
recommend  for  general 
uses  A.  aurea,  a  plant 
which  I  have  observed 
luxuriating  in  ordinary 
soils  in  various  localities. 
It  is  a  plant  that  grows 
from  2  to  -l  feet  high,  and 
produces,  about  July,  large 
umbels  of  pretty  yellow 
flowers  streaked  with  red. 
It  makes  an  attractive 
border  plant,  and  is  highly 
efi^ective  when  naturalised 
in  shrubberies.  Antheri- 
cum  is  another  valuable 
genus,  the  species  of  which 
produce  handsome  spikes 
of  flowers  in  abundance. 
The  best  kinds  are  A. 
Hookeri,  a  native  of  New 
Zealand,  that  grows  from  a 
foot  to  18  inches  in  height, 
and  has  bright  yellow 
blooms,  aud  A.  Liliastrum, 
which  grows  about  the 
same  height  and  has  pure  white  funnel-shaped  flowers. 
Both  of  these  are  attractive  border  plants,  and  are  also 
worthy  of  a  position  on  rock-work.  The  latter  is  often 
named  Czackia  Liliastrum,  and  sometimes  Paradisia  Lilia- 
strum, while  the  former  is  commonly  kuown  as  Chryso- 
bactron  Hookeri.  Several  of  the  Arums  are  hardy,  and, 
owing  to  their  large  aud  peculiar  spathes  and  their  handsome 
foliage,  form  highly  effective  boi-der  or  rock  plants.  One  of 
the  most  remarkable  of  these  is  Arum  crinitum,  a  plant 
that  grows  from  12  to  18  inches  high,  and  has  largo  dull 
purple  spathes,  which  emit  a  very  offensive  odour.  Being  a 
native  of  the  south  of  Europe  it  does  not  succeed  in  many 
parts  of  this  country  unless  planted  in  a  warm  and  somewhat 
sheltered  position.  A.  Dracunculns  is  a  more  vigorous  grower 
than  the  preceding,  often  attaining  a  height  of  nearly  3  feet. 
The  spathes  of  this  .are  smaller  than  those  of  A.  crinitum. 
A.  italicum  is  the  kind  most  frequently  met  with.  It  is  a 
dwarf-growing    plant    about   a  foot   high,   with   dark   green 


458 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  6,1873. 


shining  leaves,  strikingly  variegated  with  white.  The  Aspho- 
deluses  (luteus  and  raraosus)  are  highly  ornamental  plants  of 
graceful  aspect,  capable  of  enriching  a  flower  or  shrubbery 
border.  These  plants  grow  from  3  to  5  feet  high,  and  the 
flowers  are  produced  in  long  dense  spikes  in  July  and  August. 
The  flowers  of  the  former  species  are  yellow,  those  of  the 
latter  white,  with  a  brownish  line  down  the  middle  of  each 
division.  The  Brodiajas  arc  a  very  showy  class  of  hardy  bulbs 
that  are  by  no  means  commonly  grown.  Of  this  genus  I  am 
acquainted  with  three  species  that  are  highly  ornamental 
flowering  plants,  worthy  of  a  position  in  the  best  collec- 
tion, viz.,  coocinea,  congesta,  and  grandiflora.  The  first  of 
these  is  of  recent  introduction,  and  has  handsome  flowers  of 
a  rich  magenta  colour,  borne  in  umbels  of  from  sixty  to  twenty 
flowers  on  a  stem  from  18  inches  to  2  feet  in  height.  Till 
more  plentiful,  this  kind  should  have  a  favourable  position  on 
rock-wovk  or  borders  in  deep  sandy  loam.  B.  congesta  is  the 
most  common  of  any  of  the  species  in  cultivation.  Though 
rather  straggling  in  habit,  this  forms  a  handsome  plant  when 
in  flower,  its  fine  blue  flowers  being  freely  produced  in  close 
heads.  It  grows  freely  in  any  soil,  and  is  suitable  either  for 
borders  or  for  naturalisation.  B.  grandiflora,  an  old  but  not 
at  all  common  species,  is  a  very  attractive  bulb,  that  grows 
from  6  to  12  inches  high,  and  has  6  or  8  bluish-purple 
blooms  in  a  loose  umbel,  which  appears  in  May  or  June.  It 
is  worthy  of  a  position  either  on  rock-work  or  on  borders,  and  it 
thrives  in  ordinary  soil.  The  North  American  Camassiaesoulenta, 
a  near  ally  of  the  Squills,  is  another  very  effective  hardy  bulb 
■when  seen  in  tufts  in  a  border.  It  grows  from  one  to  two  and 
a  half  feet  high,  and  thrives  in  any  soil  or  situation.  The 
flowers  of  this  plant  are  of  a  dull  blue  coloirr,  and  ai'e  borne  in 
a  loose  spike  about  the  month  of  June. 
Colchioums. 

The  genus  Colchicum  is  one  which  is  beginning  to  occupy  a 
prominent  position  in  many  of  our  leading  gardens  for  decora- 
tive purposes  in  autumn,  and  it  is  one  that  is  destined  to  be 
much  more  popular  than  it  is  at  present  when  the  merits  of  its 
respective  members  shall  have  become  better  known  to  gar- 
deners. All  of  them  make  attractive  objects  in  the  mixed 
border;  they  are  also  valuable  for  edgings  to  beds  or  shrub- 
beries, or  for  dotting  beneath  standard  trees  and  shrubs.  The 
flowers  of  these  plants  are  produced  in  great  profusion  during 
the  months  of  September  and  October,  or  even  November,  and 
I  know  of  no  more  pleasing  sight  during  these  months  than  is 
afforded  by  a  collection  of  these  bulbs  when  in  full  bloom. 
The  following  deserve  extensive  cultivation,  viz.,  autumnale, 
bright  rosy  purple,  and  its  varieties  ;  a.  album,  both  single  and 
double ;  a.  plenum,  double,  purple  ;  and  a.  sti-iatum,  striped 
with  white  ;  C.  byzantinum,  pale  rose  ;  C.  chionense,  rosy -lilac, 
beautifully  chequered  with  white  ;  C.  crociflorum,  of  a  beautiful 
reddish-purple  when  first  expanded,  changing  to  paler  when 
fading ;  C.  speciosum,  with  flowers  of  the  same  colour  as 
byzantinum,  but  twice  the  size  ;  and  0.  variegatum,  which 
has  lose-coloured  flowers  prettily  chequered. 

Commelina  coelestis,  a  native  of  Mexico,  is  sufficiently  hardy 
to  withstand  the  winter  in  the  warmer  parts  of  the  British 
Isles.  It  is  a  plant  that  grows  from  eighteen  inches  to  two 
feet  in  height,  and  produces  throughout  the  summer  months 
conspicuous  blue  flowers.  There  is  a  good  white-flowered 
variety,  worthy  of  a  position  in  the  mixed  border  in  good  sandy 
loam.  The  merits  of  the  Lily  of  the  Valley  (Convallaria  majalis) 
are  sufficiently  known  without  alluding  to  them  here,  but  C. 
bifolia,  a  little  British  ally,  is  sufficiently  ornamental  to  deserve 
a  few  commendatory  words.  It  is  a  plant  which  forms  a  neat 
tuft  from  six  to  eight  inches  high,  and  produces  showy 
racemes  of  little  white  flowers  in  summer,  which,  if  backed  by 
one  of  its  heart-shaped  leaves,  make  a  pretty  little  "  button- 
hole" bouquet.  It  grows  freely  in  any  soil,  and  is  worthy  of 
a  position  either  in  a  border  or  on  rock -work.  A  beautiful 
plant,  very  seldom  metwithcultivatedasahardybulb,isCrinum 
capense  albiflornm.  A  specimen  of  this  has  stood  out  of  doors 
in  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Regenfs  Park,  for  a  number 
of  years  in  a  soil  and  position  by  no  means  favourable  for 
bulbous  plants,  where  it  annually  produces  a  good  show  of  its 
large  funnel-shaped  fragrant  white  blooms.  It  grows  from 
two  to  three  feet  high,  and  forms  a  fitting  companion  to  such 
plants  aa  Hemerocallis   fulva,  (he  white  and  other  Lilies,  in 


deep  sandy  loam.     There  are  several  species  of  Cyclobothra  in 
cultivation,  but  these  do  not  succeed  sufficiently  well   in  this 
country,  except  under  the  most  favourable  circumstances,  for 
me  to  recommend  them  for  general  use. 
Autumn  Crocuses. 

The  genus  Crocus  affords  us  some  highly  valuable  autumn 
and  winter-flowering  species  which  deserve  to  be  as  univer- 
sally cultivated  as  those  species  which  bloom  in  spring.  These 
plants  are  fitting  associates  to  the  Colchicums,  and,  like  them, 
are  suitable  for  various  positions  in  our  gardens.  I  have 
recently  (the  last  week  in  November)  observed  several  of  the 
kinds  mentioned  below  blooming  in  great  perfection  in  Mr. 
Barr's  gai-den,  some  of  which  had  been  flowering  for  some  two 
months,  and  promised  to  continue  in  that  condition  for  some 
weeks.  The  following  kinds  are  in  cultivation  and  may  be 
obtained  of  most  nurserymen  who  grow  collections  of  hardy 
plants,  viz.,  C.  byzautinus,  a  pretty  and  distinct  kind,  with 
flowers  of  a  lilac-purple  hue,  produced  in  October  and  Novem- 
ber; C.  nudiflorus,  known  also  under  the  name  of  multifidus, 
bright  purple,  flowers  in  September  and  October;  C.longiflorus, 
pale  lilac,  the  pistils  being  of  a  deep  orange-red,  and  the  anthers 
a  bright  orange-yellow ;  C.  sativus,  the  true  saffron  Crocus, 
which  has  lilac-coloured  flowers  prettily  marked  with  purple 
at  the  base ;  C.  serotinus,  which  has  compact  blooms  of  a 
clear  lilac  inside,  the  outer  divisions  being  paler  coloured  and 
striped  ;  and  C.  speciosus,  the  last,  probably  the  handsomest  and 
largest  flowered  kind  of  all  that  bloom  in  autumn.  Its  flowers 
are  of  a  bluish-violet  colour,  the  inside  being  striped  with  deep 
purple.  The  various  species  and  varieties  of  the  genus  Funkiaare 
among  the  most  useful  of  hardy  perennials.  They  possess  the 
combined  property  of  being  handsome-flowering  plants,^  and 
also  ornamental  in  foliage,  and,  as  a  rule,  they  thrive  in  ordiuai-y 
garden  soils.  Closely  allied  to  the  Funkias  are  the  Day  Lilies 
tHomerocallis),  several  kmds  of  which  are  free  and  handsome 
flowering  plants,  worthy  of  a  position  either  in  mixed  or 
shrubbery  borders,  or  for  naturalisation.  A  very  desirable 
hardy  bulb,  by  no  means  often  met  with  in  gardens,  though 
several  of  our  nurserymen  have  a  good  stock  of  it,  is  Hyacinthus 
amethystinus,  a  pretty  little  plant  that  grows  from  4  to  10 
inches  high,  and  produces  in  early  summer  very  showy  blue 
flowers,  borne  in  a  somewhat  one-sided  spike  or  cluster.  This 
plant  is  worthy  of  a  spot  on  rock-work,  or  on  the  choicest 
border,  and  it  thrives  best  in  deep  sandy  loam,  though  I  have 
known  it  to  succeed  in  stiff'  soils. 

Different  Varieties  of  Iris. 

The  various  kinds  of  Iris,  for  beauty  of  colour  and  quaint- 
ness  of  outline,  rival  even  tropical  Orchids  themselves. 
Of  this  genus  thei'e  are  numerous  forms  of  such  species  as  I. 
germanica,  Xiphium.and  Xiphioides,  which  are  commonly  culti- 
vated. To  these,  therefore,  it  is  unnecessary  to  further  allude, 
but  as  there  are  uumorous  distinct  and  valuable  species,  all 
capable  of  adding  increased  grace  and  beauty  to  a  garden,!  will 
briefly  advert  to  one  or  two  that  are  seldom  met  with,  except  in 
full  collections  of  such  plants,  or  in  botanic  gardens.  Foremost 
among  these  stands  the  curious  and  pretty  Iris  iberica,  introduced 
a  few  years  since  Ijy  Mr.  Ware,  of  Tottenham,  a  plant  that  grows 
from  i  to  18  iuchae  in  height,  and  that  has  very  large  flowers, 
the  outer  divisions  of  which  are  of  a  dull  red  and  marked  with 
greyish  lines,  the  inner  ones  being  pale  pvirple  and  marked 
with  deeper-coloured  lines.  Being  at  present  very  rare,  it 
should  have  a  sheltered  position  on  rock-work  or  be  planted 
on  a  warm  border  in  good  sandy  loam.  Next  in  order  to 
this  is  a  species  which  much  resembles  it  in  appearance,  viz, 
I.  susiana  ;  this,  though  cultivated  in  gardens  when  Parkinson 
wrote  his  "  Paradisus  Terrestris,"  a  work  in  which  it  is  capitally 
described  and flgured,  is  nevertheless  still  a  rare  plant.  It  grows 
from  18  inches  to  two  and  a  half  feet  in  height,  and  pro- 
duces in  May  or  June,  grey  flowers  densely  spotted  with 
dark  purple.  It  is  a  native  of  Asia  Minor  and  Persia,  and  is 
worthy  of  association  with  I.  iberica.  Iris  ochroleuca,  one  of 
the  latest-flowering  species,  is  a  very  distinct  kind  that  grows 
about  4  feet  high,  and  produces  in  July  large  and  hand- 
some white  flowers  with  the  divisions  prettily  blotched  with 
yellow.  It  is  worthy  of  a  position  in  borders  among  vigorous- 
growing  plants,  or  in  shrubberies.  I.  Guldenstasdtiana,  a  kind 
which  I  noticed  at  Kew  during  the  past  summer,  somewhat 
resembles  I.    ochroleuca,  but  its  flowers  are  smaller  and  the 


Dec.  6,  1873.] 


THE  GAEDEN. 


459 


divisions  are  marked  with  blue.  The  crested  Iris  (I.  cristata) 
is  au  exceedingly  pretty  dwarf  species,  with  rhizomes  creeping 
on  the  surface  of  the  soil,  and  sky  blue  flowers  with  deeper 
spots  and  stripes  of  orange.  This  is  a  capital  plant  for  rock- 
work  or  for  the  margin  of  mixed  borders  in  rich  sandy  loam.  It 
flowers  in  May.  Commoner  than  either  of  the  preceding,  are 
such  sorts  as  graminea,  which  grows  about  afoot  high,  and  has 
flowers  of  a  pale  purplish-violet  striped  with  blue  ;  I.  pallida, 
probably  the  freest  and  handsomest  flowering  kind  in  cultiva- 
tion, with  large  pale  bine  flowers  ;  I.  Swertii,  white  veined  with 
violet ;  and  I.  spuria,  bright  blue  with  deeper  coloured  veins, 
all  of  which  form  highly  attractive  border  plants  and  thrive  in 
ordinary  soils. 

Lilies. 
The  genus  Lilium  contains  several  members  that  are  held  in 
universal  esteem,  from  the  common  old-fashioned  white  Lily 
(L.  candidum)  to  the  recently-introduced  and  handsome  golden- 
rayed  Lilium  auratum.  There  are  a  great  many  species  and 
varieties  of  these  bulbs  in  cultivation,  which  are  capable  of 
beautifying,  in  various  ways,  many  parts  of  a  garden ;  for 
instance,  they  may  be  dotted  about  thinly  among  beds  of 
Rhododendrons,  the  peaty  soil  in  which  forms  a  medium  in 
which  most  Lilies  luxuriate  ;  or  they  may  be  planted  in  the 
shrubbery,  or  mixed  border,  or  in  beds.  The  species  enume- 
rated below  are  all  distinct  and  handsome,  and  will  be  found 
worthy  of  a  position  in  any  garden,  viz  : — L.  auratum,  a  kind 
which  has  withstood  several  winters  in  various  parts  of  the 
United  Kingdom,  and  which  may  be  looked  upon  as  quite 
hardy.  It  grows  from  2  to  6  feet  high,  and  has  large  richly- 
scented  white  flowers,  ornamented  with  bands  of  yellow,  and 
crimson  spots  at  the  base  of  the  petals.  L.  canadense,  from 
2  to  3  feet  high,  has  pretty  orange-yellow  flowers,  deeply 
spotted  with  purple.  L.  candidum,  the  common  white  Lily,  is 
one  of  the  most  useful  of  all,  and  has  blooms  of  the  purest 
white.  There  is  a  variegated-leaved  variety,  which  is  a  veiy 
effective  plant  in  beds  or  borders  during  the  winter  months. 
Another  very  useful  plant  is  the  scarlet  Martagon  (L.  chalce- 
donicum),  which  grows  from  2  to  4  feet  high,  and  has  brilliant 
scarlet-coloured  flowers.  L.  croceum,  the  orange  Lily,  grows 
about  3  feet  high,  and  has  light  orange-coloured  flowers,  with 
numerous  dark  spots.  L.  longiflorum,  is  a  very  hand- 
some species,  about  18  inches  high,  with  funnel-shaped 
pure  white  blooms.  The  Martagon  Lily  (L.  Martagon), 
and  its  varieties,  form  attractive  plants  in  the  earlier 
summer  months.  The  well-known  L.  speciosum,  com- 
monly known  as  lancifolium,  makes  a  capital  border  plant 
producing  handsome  flowers  about  the  month  of  August. 
The  Tiger  Lily  (L.  tigrinum)  is  one  of  the  best  known  of  all 
Lilies ;  it  produces  its  orange-scarlet  blooms  in  July  or 
August.  Of  Lilium  venustum  there  are  a  great  many  varieties, 
all  of  which  are  valuable  for  rock-work,  borders,  or  for  planting 
among  dwarf  shrubs.  Lilium  testaceum,  sometimes  called 
excelsum,  is  a  desirable  vigorous-growing  species,  with  flowers 
of  a  bright  bufl!  colour. 

Miscellaneous  Bulbs. 

Merendera  Bulbocodium  has  flowers  which  are  of  a  delicate 
pinkish-lilac  colour,  and  are  produced  in  October.  Suitable 
for  association  with  the  Colchicums  or  autumn-flowering 
Crocuses  m  various  positions,  and  succeeds  best  in  deep 
sandy  loam.  The  Feathered  Hyacinth  (Muscari  comosum), 
and  its  varieties,  grow  from  12  to  18  inches  in  height,  and 
produce  in  May  and  June  large  plume-like  clusters  of 
purplish-violet  flowers.  The  variety  known  as  monstrosum  is 
larger  and  its  flowers  are  more  feathery  than  in  the  common 
form.  Parkinson,  writing  in  1(529,  mentions  a  white-flowered 
variety,  but  I  have  not  seen  this  in  cultivation.  This  Muscari 
is  useful  for  borders  or  for  fringes  of  shrubberies, and  it  thrives 
in  ordinary  garden  soils.  Several  of  the  Ornithogalums  are  very 
attractive  when  in  flower,  the  most  useful  being  pyi'amidale  and 
iimbellatum.  Their  flowers  are  white,  those  of  the  former 
species  being  produced  in  a  pyramidal  cluster,  while  those  of 
umbellatum  are,  as  its  name  denotes,  produced  in  an  umbel. 
These  plants  thrive  in  almost  any  soil,  and  are  suitable  for 
bordersor  naturalisation  in  various  positions.  ThegenusPancra- 
tium,  some  of  the  species  of  which  are  among  the  most  beautiful 
of  stove  bulbs,  contributes  P.  maritimum,  which  is  hardy 
enough  to  withstand  the  winter  in  various  parts  of  the  country. 


I  met  with  a  good  tuft  of  it  about  four  years  ago  in  a  border 
at  Chiswick,  which  appeared  to  have  stood  in  that  position  for 
some  years.  It  grows  from  ten  to  twenty  inches  in  height, 
and  produces  in  early  summer  numerous  handsome  fragrant 
white  blooms.  It  should  be  planted  in  a  sunny  spot  on  borders 
in  deep  sandy  loam,  the  bulbs  being  planted  about  six  inches 
deep.  Several  species  and  varieties  of  Sparaxis  are  grown  as 
half-hardy  bulbs,  but  S.  pulcherrima  is  a  thoroughly  hardy 
species,  and  quite  distinct  from  the  commonly  known  Cape  kinds. 
It  grows  from  3  to  5  feet  high,  and  produces  late  in  summer 
showy  bell-shaped  rose-coloured  flowers,  borne  in  a  loose 
panicle.  This  plant  is  suitable  for  sheltered  positions  in 
borders,  or  for  planting  in  shrubberies  in  deep  sandy  loam. 
Sohizostylis  coccinea,  a  plant  which  much  resembles  a  Gladiolus, 
is  a  very  beautiful  hardy  plant  from  two  to  three  feet  in  height, 
with  bright  crimson  flowers  borne  in  a  one-sided  spike.  It 
flowers  for  a  long  time  in  succession,  and  is  suitable  for  borders, 
or  for  association  with  other  hardy  bulbs  in  good  sandy  loam. 
A  useful  associate  for  autnmn-flowering  bulbs  is  the  yellow- 
flowering  Sternbergia  lutea,  which  is  supposed  to  be  the  "  Lily 
of  the  Field."  It  grows  about  6  inches  high  and  produces  some- 
what cup-shaped  flowers  from  September  till  November. 
Tufts  of  it  are  very  efl:eotive  in  borders,  and  it  is  worthy  of  a 
position  on  rock-work.  Besides  the  well-known  spring-flower- 
ing T.  uniflora,  the  genus  Triteleia  affords  us  a  summer- 
flowering  species  in  T.  laxa,  which  is  a  handsome  bulbous 
plant,  reminding  one  at  first  sight  of  the  African  Lily,  and 
which  is  worthy  of  a  position  in  the  choicest  collection  either 
in  the  border  or  on  rock -work.  It  grows  from  8  to  12  inches 
high,  and  its  flowers  are  of  a  deep  purplish-blue,  and  are  borne 
in  umbels  in  June  or  July.  The  Flame-flower  (Tritoma  Uvaria), 
and  its  varieties,  need  scarcely  be  mentioned  by  me,  as  it  is  a 
plant  which  is  pretty  generally  cultivated,  but  I  may  mention 
that  beds  of  them  may  be  made  highly  efiiective  by  dotting 
among  them  bulbs  of  the  common  white  or  other  hardy  Lilies, 
the  long  green  leaves  of  the  Tritomas  forming  a  good  grouud 
for  the  brilliant  colours  of  the  lilies.  The  genus  Zephyranthes, 
the  species  of  which  are  also  known  as  Amaryllises,  contributes 
a  dwarf -growing  kind  in  Z.  Atamasco,  which,  though  somewhat 
tender,  thrives  sufliciently  well  in  many  parts  to  'be  quite 
worthy  of  notice  in  this  paper.  It  grows  from  6  to  12  inches 
high,  and  produces  in  summer  a  profusion  of  pretty  white 
flowers.  It  should  have  a  sunny  spot  in  borders  or  on  rock- 
work,  in  well-drained  sandy  loam.  In  the  above  list  of  bulbous 
plants  will  be  found  an  assortment  of  those  in  cultivation  most 
worthy  of  a  position  in  gardens.  In  this  paper  are  included 
sevei-al  genera  which,  though  belonging  to  the  Monocotyledon- 
ous  class  of  plants,  have  not,  like  their  brethren,  bulbous 
roots,  but  as  they  are  usually  found  in  catalogues  of  hardy  bulbs 
I  have  made  mention  of  them  here.  T.  Spanswick. 


A  SPRING  FLOWER  BORDER. 

As  this  is  about  the  best  time  of  the  year  for  the  planting  and 
arranging  of  beds  and  borders  calculated  to  make  a  pretty  and 
effective  display  of  colour  during  the  coming  spring,  it  has  oc- 
curred to  me  that  a  detailed  account  of  the  arrangement  and 
fllling  of  a  small  and  choice  spring  border  which  I  have  recently 
planted,  may  be  interesting  to  some  of  your  readers  who  may  be 
fond  of  spring  bedding,  and  who  could  easily  carry  out  the  same 
plan  for  themselves,  more  or  less  effectively,  without  neces- 
sarily using  all  or  any  of  the  same  things  I  have  used,  and 
which  it  may  not  be  convenient  for  them  to  obtain.  I  may  add 
that  the  border  is  in  front  of  a  conservatory,  and  that  the 
ch'cles  which  it  contains  are  altogether  ten  in  number, 
and  that  the  length  of  the  border  is  28  feet,  by  4  feet  broad. 
At  the  back  of  the  border  is  a  line  of  seedling  plants  of  the 
lovely  Myosotis  dissitiflora,  which  reproduces  itself  by  self- 
sown  seed  in  the  greatest  profusion  wherever  it  is  planted, 
and  resembles,  when  in  flower,  a  broad  band  of  turquoises. 
In  front  of  the  border  is  a  line  of  douljle  red  and  yellow  Van 
Tholl  Tulips,  of  which  there  is  also  a  row  in  each  of  the  circles, 
and  single  plants  of  the  same  at  the  exterior  tangential  angles 
of  the  circles.  In  front  of  all  are  two  rows  of  mixed  Crocus 
planted  thickly.  The  circles  are  margined  with  fifteen 
to  seventeen  plants  of  Dixon's  fine  crimson  quilled  double 
Daisy  to  the  total  number  of  160  plants.     The  centre  clumps 


460 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  6, 1873. 


of  each  circle  are  what  I  hope  will  prove  the  most  interesting 
part  of  the  whole  border  when  the  blooming  time  comes  round, 
as  they  are  composed  each  of  half  a  dozen  plants  of  the  finest 
and  most  distinct  varieties  of  double  Daisies,  which  I  have  been 
able  to  obtain  either  from  nurserymen  or  through  the  kind- 
ness of  my  friends.  These  I  shall  now  proceed  to  enumerate 
and  briefly  describe  : — 1.  Bellis  Ranunculitlora,  fine  large,  white, 
very  double.  2.  Grandiflorabicolor,very  large  flower  with  white 
petals  alternated  with  red.  S.  Roseo-tincta,  a  pretty  medium- 
sized  flower,  of  a  beautiful  blush  colour,  every  petal  tipped 
with  rose.  4.  Flower  of  Spring  (Henderson),  a  beautifully 
mottled  and  gold-veined  leaf,  with  large  double  white  flowers  ;  a 
sport  from  Aucubrofolia, but  possessinga  finerand  more  distinct 
variegation,  and  a  much  more  vigorous  habit.  5.  Aucuba3- 
folia,  gold-variegated  leaf,  with  double  red  flower.  6.  Snow- 
ball (Henderson),  fine  large  fully  double  white,  very  early.  7. 
Crimson  King,  fine  bright  red  Daisy  ,of  large  size.  8.  Little 
Dandy,  small  pink  quilled  button,  very  pretty.  9.  White 
Queen,  large  double  white  Daisy.  10.  Hen  and  Chickens 
Daisy,  blush  pink,  with  small  flowers  of  a  paler  colour,  cropping 
up  round  the  main  flower.  Of  all  the  above  mentioned  eleven 
varieties  (ten  kinds  are  in  clumps,  the  eleventh  composing  the 
circles),  as  far  as  I  can  yet  judge.  No.  6  (Henderson's  Snow- 
ball) is  much  the  earliest  to  come  into  bloom,  as  some  plants 
of  it  in  another  bed  have  now  (November  '20th)  some  nice  fully- 
developed  blooms  on  them.  It  is  also  of  extremely  free  habit 
of  growth,  half  a  dozen  plants  obtained  from  Messrs.  E.  G. 
Henderson  &  Son  about  a  year  ago  having  produced  twenty- 
seven  good  plants  in  that  time.  I  may  add  that  I  am  also  growing 
eighteen  new  varieties  of  double  Daisy,  raised  and  sent  out  by 
Mr.  B.  W.  Knight,  of  Battle,  Sussex,  under  the  name  of  the 
Victoria  Daisies,  and  said  by  him  to  produce  flowers  6  inches 
in  circumference,  resembling  Ranunculus  blooms,  on  foot-stalks 
8  mches  high.  Of  these  I  hope  to  send  you  some  good  account 
when  they  bloom.  W.  E.  G. 

Belgrove,  Queensiotun,  County  C'orl: 


THE  GRAPHIC  ON  FLOWER  GARDENING. 

"You  may  see  as  good  sights  many  times  in  tarts,"  says  Lord 
Bacon  in  his  "  Ess-ay  on  Gardens,"  speaking  of  "  the  making  of  knots 
or  fignres  with  divers  colours."  Uis  grand  point  is  what  he  calls 
"  the  royal  ordernig  cf  gardens,"  that  there  be  blooms  for  all  the 
months  of  the  year — to  wit,  the  things  of  beauty  which  may  he  then 
in  season.  And  that  is  the  one  point  in  which  we  fail.  Our  parks 
have  lately  been  aglow  with  "  blooms,"  of  which  Bacon  knew 
nothing.  Battersea  Park  is  a  marvel  of  "  bedding.ont."  Wiy,  by 
the  way,  should  St.  James's  be  so  fearfully  dingy,  with  nothing 
brighter  than  a  few  Tree  Mallows  and  sickly  Marigolds  ?  But  to  this 
three  months'  blaze  of  colour  we  sacrifice  almost  all  the  rest  of  the 
year.  Why  not  try  more  spring  and  early  summer  flowers,  things 
that  will  bear  our  late  frosts  .'  Even  Bacon  could  find  blossoms  for 
every  month ;  he  gives  a  list  "  whereby  yon  may  have  the  Golden  Age 
again,  and  a  spring  all  the  year  long."  We  are  nnsuspectedly  rich  in 
materials  for  outdoing  Bacon.  Why  then  should  parks,  and  still  more 
small  suburban  gardens,  be  doleful  places,  showing  little  else  than  btire 
brown  earth  between  Crocus  time  and  bedding-out  time  ?  The 
reason  is  that  we,  whether  individuals  or  boards,  dread  trouble,  and 
leave  things  to  gardeners,  who  make  one  garden  as  like  another  and 
one  park-border  as  like  another,  as  Mrs.  A.'s  dinner  is  like  Mrs.  B.'s. 
Nothing  is  easier  than  growing  Geraniums  and  Fuchsias.  Look  at 
thora  in  Devon,  they  will  cover  a  house  for  you  while  you  are  waiting 
for  a  coy  Clematis  or  Jessamine  to  merely  "  establish  itself."  And 
then  they  bear  shifting  and  putting  away  in  the  cellar  till  next  year. 
You  can't  disturb  a  bed  of  Anemones  or  Gentians,  or  Lilies  of  the 
Valley,  or  the  Wallflowers  that  Bacon  is  so  fond  of,  without  "  throw- 
ing them  back,"  if  not  killing  them  outright.  Therefore,  as  these 
spring  and  summer  flowers  grow  ragged  and  weedy  in  tho  autumn, 
you  elect  to  have  bare  earth  until  your  gay-coloured  foreigners  can 
be  safely  planted  out.  Hence  it  comes  that  Pix^onies  and  Columbines 
and  Larkspur  and  "  Monkshoods  in  all  colours,"  and  too  many  more 
of  Bacon's  favourites,  are  almost  confined  to  old-fashioned  gardens 
like  the  Lady  Corisande's  in  "  Lothair."  The  routine  gardener  loves 
them  not ;  they  put  him  out  of  his  course ;  he  can  do  anything  in  the 
way  of  "  knots  and  figures  with  divers  colours,"  but  he  won't  under- 
stand that  a  yearlong  succession  of  flowers  and  flowering  shrubs  is 
possible  if  you'll  take  a  little  pains  about  it.  And  so  the  irrepres- 
sible Geranium  and  the  Coleug,  and  a  few  more  have  it  all  their  own 
way,  revenging  themselves  on  na  for  our  doings  in  the  Antipodes. 
Tho   Maori  man  is  going;  so  is   tho   Maori  fly;  and  they  say  our 


Grasses  will  drive  out  the  native  Grass.  But  over  here  it  is  jnst  the 
reverse  ;  these  succulent  things  that  yon  can  scarcely  kill  with  any 
clumsiness  in  potting  or  planting  out,  these  late  bloomers  which 
remind  us  that  spring  on  their  side  of  the  world  is  only  beginning 
now,  have  actually  "  improved  off "  a  good  many  of  our  old  garden 
plants.  It  is  worth  while  to  go  back  to  Bacon.  See  how  he  talks  of 
the  Cornelian  tree  (wild  Cherry)  ;  why  not  have  half-a-dozen  of  them 
in  every  London  park-clump  ?  If  those  who  order  these  things  had 
ever  seen  a  Yorkshire  "  Beck  "  in  April  they  would  not  leave  us  long 
without  a  tree  which  is  as  good  in  its  way  as  the  Almond.  "  Oh,  but 
they  won't  grow."  Anything  will  grow  in  London  if  you  give  it 
proper  earth ;  and  in  these  raihoad  days  a  load  of  peat  is  as  come-at- 
able  as  a  load  of  gravel ;  besides,  yon  can  barn  what  is  left  of  it. 
We  are  by  no  means  unthankful  for  what  we've  got — for  parks  that 
drive  the  foreigner  to  despair,  and  for  window  gardens  that  are  a  wonder 
to  those  who  remember  London  streets  a  dozen  years  ago.  But 
because  we  have  done  so  well  is  the  very  reason  for  doing  more. 
Those  who  have  seen  a  Chrysanthemum  show  in  the  once  dreary 
Temple  Gardens,  ought  to  look  forward  to  the  time  when  there  will 
he  "  a  spring  all  the  year  long  "  in  our  parks,  and  when  the  miles  of 
little  gardens  along  the  Clapham  Road  and  a  hundred  other  roads  will 
show  something  less  dingy  than  heavy  iron  railings  and  perpetual 
Privet  hedge.  Bacon  would  grow  fruit  trees  among  his  shrubs, 
"  setting  fine  flowers  round  them,  but  thin  and  sparingly,  lest  they 
deceive  the  trees  (rob  them  of  their  nourishment)."  Half  his  list  is 
made  up  of  Damson  and  Plum  in  blossom.  Plums,  Peaches,  wardens  in 
fruit."  Why  not  ?  The  same  watching  which  protects  your  flowers 
from  the  pilferer  would  protect  your  fruit.     And,  consider  the  profit. 


Double  Flowers  producing'  Seed. — The  question  which  was 
put  in  one  of  the  recent  numbers  of  The  Gakdex  about  the  seed  of 
double  flowers,  induces  me  to  make  the  following  remarks : — A 
double  flower,  in  which  all  the  stamens  are  changed  into  petals, 
cannot  produce  seed,  as  is  very  truly  said  there  ;  also,  if  some  double 
flowers  seed  it  is  because  some  of  the  stamens  did  not  change  into 
leaves.  But  the  inquiry  was  about  such  double  flowers  as  Asters 
and  Dahlias,  which  belong  to  the  family  of  the  so-called  compositoe, 
in  which,  generally,  no  alteration  of  the  stamens  is  caused  by  the 
doubleness  of  the  flowers,  and,  properly  speaking,  they  are  not 
double  at  all.  If  we  pull  out  one  of  the  petals  from  the  inner  part 
of  the  flower  we  perceive  that  it  is  a  flower  in  itself,  with  stamens 
and  pistil,  the  petal  of  which  has  grown  to  nearly  the  same  perfec- 
tion as  on  the  outer  circle  ;  the  flower  is  then  called  double.  Con. 
sequently,  double  flowers  of  Asters,  Dahlias,  and  all  which  belong  to 
the  composite  produce  seed  almost  as  freely  as  the  single  ones  of 
the  same  kind.  If  they  do  not  sometimes,  it  is  because  the  petals 
have  grown  too  large,  and  thus  hinder  the  air  from  coming  to  the 
stamens  and  pistils.  This  is  the  case,  in  wet  weather  especially,  and 
60  prevents  the  fructification. — G.  Uhink,  EaHnij. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  GJARDEN. 

New  Aquilegia- — The  "Botanical  Magazine"  for  this  month  contains  a 
finely-executed  coloured  plate  of  Aquilegia  leptoceras,  var.  cbrysantha,  recently 
introduced  hy  Messrs.  Backhouse  and  Sons,  of  York,  from  the  western  regions 
of  North  America.  Dr.  Hooker  considers  it  a  variety  of  A.  leptoceras,  in 
opposition  to  Professor  Asa  Gray,  who  has  described  it  as  a  distinct  species 
under  the  name  of  A.  cbrysantha. 

The  "Winter  Cherry  (Physalis  ALkekeiigi)  in  Battersea  Park.— The 
scarlet  fruit  of  this  hardy  perennial  are  at  this  season  particularly  striking. 
Although  it  cannot  by  any  means  be  called  an  ornamental  border  perennial  as 
far  as  its  flowers  are  concerned,  yet  for  naturalisation  in  shrubberies  or  on 
bare  banks  it  is  invaluable,  as  it  forms  a  good  covering  for  such  places  dni-ing 
the  summer  months,  and  in  autumn  it  cheers  us  with  a  profusion  of  bright 
scarlet  fruit  half  concealed  in  singular-looking  envelopes.  A  shrubbery  in 
Battersea  Park,  with  a  (juantity  of  this  plant  used  as  a  sort  of  carpet,  has  been 
gay  for  several  weeks  past. 

New  Heat-Resisting  Lawn  Plant. — M.  Linden  states  that  during  a  recent 
visit  to  the  North  of  Italjs  at  a  time  wbeu,  from  the  scorching  heat  of  summer, 
the  Grass  fields  were  burned  as  brown  as  hay,  he  was  much  surprised  by  the 
sight  of  a  fresh  green  sward  in  the  gardens  of  Count  Papadopoli,  at  Venice. 
On  examination,  he  found  that  the  ground  was  carpeted,  not  with  Grass,  but 
with  thickly-set  plants  of  Convallaria  japonica,  which  maintained  their  deep  and 
beautiful  green  colour,  under  the  fiercest  heat  of  the  dog-days.  [Tho  plant  here 
referred  to  as  Convallaria  japonica  is  better  known  iu  English  gardens  under 
the  name  of  Ophiopogon  japonicus.  We  have  seen  it  used  as  a  carpeting -plant 
in  the  gardens  of  Count  Borromeo,  on  Lago  Maggiore.  It  is,  of  course,  much 
more  valuable  for  this  purpose  in  warm  climates  than  with  us  in  England.] 

Heheclinium  urolepis.— In  regard  to  this  somewhat  pretty  herbaceous 
plant,  it  may  be  observed,  first — That  the  involucral  scales  of  this  end  in  a 
pale  purple  coloured  tip,  and  are  so  arranged  around  the  deeper  purple  disk  as  to 
simulate  a  ray.  Under  the  lens  they  are  seen  to  be  prettily  fringed.  Second — 
That  the  lively  yellow  tint  of  the  more  advanced  capitules  is  due,  not  to  the 
stamens,  but  to  the  stigmatic  branches,  which  have  brushed  out  the  pollen  and 
carried  it  up,  to  furnish  a  pretty  contrast.  After  a  few  days  the  yellow  colour 
fades  out  and  reveals  the  stigmas  in  their  natural  tint,  viz.,  white  faintly  tinged 
with  purple.  It  is,  indeed,  altogether  a  curious  and  interesting  plant,  and  one 
which  lasts  long  in  bloom,  but  somewhat  coarse  in  habit  compared  with 
Ageratum,  to  which  it  is  closely  related.  It  grows  -i  to  5  feet  high  in  ordinary 
soil. — W.  Thompsox,  Ijmicic/i. 


Dec.  <5, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


461 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

BARRELLING  APPLES. 

Visitors  to  Covciit  Gai-deu  cauuot  fail  to  liave  noticed  tbat 
the  Newtown  Pippins  and  other  Apples  impoi-ted  from 
America  reach  this  country  in  a  remarkably  perfect  condition. 
This  is  owing  to  the  fact  that  they  have  been  so  carefnlly 
jiackcd  in  the  barrels,  that  no  amonnt  of  rough  usage,  with 
which  thoy  may  meet  during  their  journey,  can  possibly  shake 


Barrel    I'rL'-s. 

them  loose  to  bruise  each  othei'.  For  this  purpose  various 
kinds  of  presses  arc  employed,  worked  by  levers  or  by  screws. 
A  new  contrivance  of  this  kind  has  lately  appeared,  which 
combines  effectiveness  and  simplicity  to  such  a  degree  that  we 
are  induced  to  quote  the  following  article  on  the  subject  from 
the  American  Agriculturist  : — 

Whenever  we  have  had  anything  to  say  about  barrelling  fruit,  we 


The  Press  in  use. 

have  insisted  upon  the  importance  of  so  packing  it  that  it  cannot  move 
and  become  bruised  in  transportation.  When  fruit  is  barrelled,  the 
barrel  should  be  so  filled  that  a  moderate  pressure  will  be  required  to 
bring  the  head  into  its  place.  A  few  of  the  Apples,  &o.,  ne.\t  the  head 
may  be  slightly  flattened  npon  one  side,  but  the  rest  of  the  contents 
will  be  kept  from  injury.  The  necessary  pressure  is  applied  in 
various    ways.      The    simplest    is    to   use   a   joist   or    other    .?tick 


of  timber  for  a  lever.  One  end  of  this  is  placed  in  a  notch  in 
a  post,  or  under  a  cleat  nailed  to  a  post  or  an  old  tree,  as  .a 
fulcrum.  The  barrel  is  placed  under  the  lever  near  the  fulcrum,  and 
power  applied  by  a  man  pressing  on  the  opposite  end  of  the  lever. 
Some  blocks  of  wood  will  bo  needed  for  followers  to  place  between 
the  head  of  the  barrel  and  the  lever.  A  press  of  this  kind  will  answer 
every  pui-pose,  but  it  is  clumsy  and  unhandy.  Several  portable 
presses  or  clamps  have  been  invented  and  patented,  consisting 
essentially  of  a  platform  on  which  to  stand  the  barrel ;  to  this  are 
&xed.  two  upright  iron  rods,  which  are  attached  above  to  a  cross-piece, 
in  the  centre  of  which  is  a  screw  j  the  barrel  being  placed  under  the 
screw  with  the  necessary  followers,  a  few  turns  bring  the  head  into 
place.  A  still  more  simple  press  is  shown  in  the  engravings.  There 
are  two  iron  rods,  one  end  of  each  of  which  is  turned  to  form  a  claw 
to  catch  under  the  bottom  of  the  barrel.  The  other  ends  of  these 
rods  are  fastened  to  the  ends  of  a  bar  that  is  bent  at  right  angles, 
which  we  may  call  the  handle  of  the  affair.  There  is  a  strong  cross- 
head  which  has  a  short  rod  at  each  end.  The  lower  ends  of  these 
rods  are  also  attached  to  the  handle  but  a  few  inches  distant  from  the 
ends  where  the  other  rods  are  attached.  The  working  of  the  press 
will  be  readily  understood  from  the  engravings ;  the  claws  catch 
under  the  lower  edge  of  the  barrel,  and  the  cross-piece,  with  a 
follower,  goes  across  the  head  of  the  barrel  j  when  it  is  put  on,  the 
handle  is  upright,  as  shown  in  figure  1.  It  will  be  seen  that  by 
bringing  down  the  handle  a  powerful  leverage  is  exerted,  the  rods, 
which  are  caught  by  their  claws  under  the  bottom  of  the  barrel,  act- 
ing as  fulcrums.  The  oijerator  regulates  the  pressure  by  his  foot, 
while  the  hands  are  free  to  fasten  in  the  head,  as  shown  in  figure  2. 
This  press  has  the  advantage  of  being  light,  all  in  one  piece,  and 
doing  its  work  with  a  single  motion. 


PRUNING  BUSH  FRUIT. 
Except  where  small  birds  are  numerous  and  destructive,  this 
is  the  best  month  for  pruning  fruit  bushes  of  all  kinds  ;  and 
when  this  work  can  be  performed  early,  it  enables  us  to  get 
the  necessary  cleaniug,  manuring,  and  forking  of  the  fruit 
borders  done,  so  as  to  impart  a  neat  and  tidy  appearance  to 
the  garden.  However,  what  I  more  especially  wish  to  point 
out  to  young  cultivators  is — there  should  be  a  difference  in 
the-  treatment  (so  far,  at  least,  as  regards  pruning)  between 
light  soils  and  strong  tenacious  loams.  I  have  known  disap- 
pointment to  ensue  from  applying  the  same  rules  in  pruning 
(Gooseberries  especially)  on  strong  soils  that  had  proved  satis- 
factory on  light  warm  soils.  On  the  latter,  bushes  may  be 
pruned  in  freely,  and  even  spurred  closely,  and  still  a  good 
crop  of  fruit  obtained  ;  but  on  strong  loams  the  growth  is  more 
raiupant,  and  less  firm.  And  close  or  severe  pruning  has  a 
tendency,  still  further,  to  increase  growth  at  the  expense  of 
the  crops.  When  a  case  of  this  kind  occurs  (and  it  is  not  an 
uncommon  one)  if  the  young  wood  is  well  thinned  out,  leaving 
a  well-placed  young  shoot  wherever  there  is  space,  without 
crossing  other  shoots,  and  the  leading  shoots  uushortened,  or, 
at  least,  only  shortened  just  sufficiently  to  maintain  the 
symmetry  of  the  bush,  there  will  never  be  any  difficulty  in 
securing  a  good  crop  of  fruit,  unless,  of  course,  it  is  cut  off  by 
frost  in  spiing.  But  there  will  be  less  danger  from  that 
source,  with  bushes  pruned  on  the  long-shoot  principle  (if  I 
may  so  term  it)  than  if  they  were  pruned  in  any  other  way,  be- 
cause they  will  be  better  clothed  with  foliage,  which  will  in 
most  instances  be  an  effectual  protection  to  the  young  fruit. 
This  mode  of  pruning  gives  ns  an  opportunity,  whenever  it  is 
desirable,  of  cutting  out  an  old  branch  from  the  bottom 
wherever  a  well-placed  j'oung  shoot  is  coming  up,  and  so  pre- 
vent the  bushes  attaining  an  nnwieldly  size ;  but  this,  of 
course,  should  be  gradually  done.  The  Red  Warrington  is  one 
of  the  most  useful  Gooseberries  grown,  but  it  has  a  trouble- 
some weeping  habit  that  renders  it  difficult  to  keep  it  off  the 
ground  by  pruning  alone ;  a  very  easy  and  simple  way  of 
doing  this,  and  so  to  lay  the  foundation  of  a  symmetrical 
bush  is  to  fasten  a  stout  wire  ring,  about  16  inches  in 
diameter,  to  the  top  of  two  stakes  driven  into  the  ground,  ou 
opposite  sides  of  the  bush,  and  to  tie  up  the  young  shoots,  at 
ecjual  distanoesT  round  its  circumference.  In  the  course  of  a 
year  or  two,  when  the  requisite  upward  tendency  has  been 
given  to  the  growth,  the  ring  may  be  removed,  if  desired. 
And,  afterwards,  by  pruning  to  a  bud  on  the  upper  side  of  tho 
branch,  a  continual  upward  growth  will  be  maintained,  and 
the  fruit  kept  from  all  contact  with  the  earth.  E.  H. 


462 


THE   GARDEI^. 


[Dec.  6,  1873. 


OX  SURFACE  PLANTING  FRUIT  TREES. 
I  DO  not  remember  to  have  seen  in  any  horticultural  work  the 
plan  recommended  by  your  correspondent  "  F."  (see  416),  but  I 
have  now  growing  within  a  short  distance  of  ray  house  several 
trees  that  were  planted  in  that  manner  about  thirty  years  ago. 
Some  were  planted  in  what  was  then  a  Grass  field,  but  was 
being  converted  into  an  orchard.  The  staple  soil  varying  in 
depth  from  10  to  14  inches,  lies  on  a  substratum  of  shale  or 
kale  as  it  is  called  here,  and  which  gives  the  red  colour  to  the 
soil  above  it.  If  the  good  soil  is  removed,  and  a  hole  dug  in  a 
sub-soil  that  is  injurious  to  the  roots  of  the  trees  to  be  planted, 
their  progress  will  be  interrupted  when  they  have  filled  the 
hole  ;  they  then  have  either  to  work  into  the  bad  soil,  or 
upwards  to  reach  the  better,  a  very  unusual,  if  not  impossible 
process.  To  secure  a  better  Brovisiou  for  the  roots  of  my 
trees  I  proceeded  thus  :— I  would  not  allow  the  turf  to  be 
disturbed,  but  fixed  a  strong  stake  in  each  of  the  places  where 
the  trees  were  to  stand,  and  little  walls  of  turf  were  raised  in 
circles,  each  having  a  stake  for  its  centre,  and  as  close  to  it 
as  the  roots  of  the  tree  would  allow  when  attached  to  the 
stake.  Mould  was  then  brought,  and  the  space  within  the 
turves  filled  with  it,  leaving  the  tree  potted,  as  it  were,  in 
turf.  The  advantages  resulting  from  this  method  of  planting 
are  obvious  ;  the  sub-soil  remains  undisturbed,  and  the  roots 
of  the  tree  can  work  above  it  and  into  decayed  turf,  the  very 
best  soil  that  cau  be  had.  Trees  planted  in  this  way  will,  of 
course,  require  additional  soil  outside  the  walla  of  turf, 
extending  in  a  sloping  direction  to  the  general  level ;  but  this 
operation  can  be  performed  gradually,  and  might  be  extended 
over  many  months.  I  was  glad  to  be  able  to  leave  the  trees 
for  a  time  and  attend  to  other  matters ;  and  many  months 
elapsed  before  the  slopes  were  completed  with  the  spare  soil  and 
rubbish  at  that  time  at  my  command.  The  fruit  trees  that  were 
treated  in  this  way  bore  good  crops  for  several  years,  but  at 
last  they  suffered  from  the  effects  of  the  roots  having  pene- 
trated the  injurious  sub-soil,  which  they  must  have  done  in 
the  course  of  time ;  and  many  of  them  having  ceased  to  bear 
have  been,  or  ai-e  being,  removed,  and  young  trees  of  a 
different  sort  planted  in  their  place.  A  common  Oak  tree 
(Quercus  robur  pedunculata),  that  was  of  the  size  of  a  walkmg 
stick  when  planted  in  the  year  1841,  now  measures,  at  3  feet 
from  the  ground,  44  inches  round.  This  tree  was  planted  on 
the  surface,  within  a  wall  of  turf,  with  upwards  of  a  cart-load 
of  soil  surrounding  it.  B.  S. 


KEEPING  GRAPES  ON  THE  VINES. 
We  have  recently  received  letters  from  various  localities,  stating 
that  Grapes  that  shoald  have  hung  in  good  condition  on  the  Tines 
for  a  long  time  have  moulded  and  dropped  from  their  stalks.  In  one 
case  the  whole  crop  of  Muscats  was  literally  lost.  Considering  the 
general  dampness  and  want  of  sunshine  which  characterised  the 
Grape-ripening  months  of  August  and  September,  and  the  heavy 
rainfall,  it  is  not  by  any  means  surprising  that  Grapes  should,  in 
many  instances,  not  keep  well.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  most 
disastrous  failures  have  occuixed  from  the  want  of  studjang  the  laws 
of  heat  and  moisture  in  their  relation  to  Grapes.  If  water  stagnates 
about  the  roots  of  Vines  in  winter,  that  alone  is  enough  to  cause  the 
Grapes  to  mould  and  decay.  But  the  more  general  cause  of  failure 
arises  from  moisture  settling  on  the  bunches.  The  drainage  of  the 
border  should  be  thorough.  Not  only  so,  but,  in  wet  localities  espe. 
cially,  it  will  be  an  advantage  to  throw  heavy  rains  off  the  border 
by  means  of  wooden  shutters  or  tarpauling,  after  the  middle  of 
October  at  the  latest.  Still,  and  although  this  precaution  of 
protection  from  rains  is  desirable,  we  could  point  to  many 
cases  of  the  most  perfect  success  where  such  protection  was 
never  adopted,  but  where  the  borders  were  well  drained.  The  chief 
secret  of  success  lies  in  the  ventilation  and  firing  of  the  Vinery ; 
and,  when  these  points  are  judiciously  carried  out,  Grapes  often 
keep  well,  while  other  matters  may  only  be  second-rate.  First. 
It  IS  necessary  that  the  berries  be  more  severely  thinned  than  for 
summer  Grapes,  so  that  the  air  can  circulate  about  the  whole  of  the 
berries ;  for  it  is  damp  settling  on  the  berries  that  produces  the 
mischief,  and,  as  a  consequence,  this  is  the  thing  by  all  means  to 
avoid.  Hence  the  too  common  practice  of  ventilating  freelv  on  damp 
toggy  days  is  a  great  mistake.  This  is  simply  drawing  a  volume  of 
air  surcharged  with  moisture  through  the  Vinery,  to  be  condensed  on 
the  bunches  and  Vines.  Fire-heat  in  conjunction  with  ventilation  on 
such  days  does  not  mend  the  matter ;  it  rather  increases  it,  by  causing 


a  more  rapid  current  of  damp  air  to  pass  through  the  Vinery.     The 

thing  to  do  is  to  keep  the  house  close,  especially  at  the  front,  during 
foggy  damp  weather ;  to  keep  the  temperature  about  45',  and  just  a 
chink  of  air  at  the  top,  but,  if  possible,  in  such  a  manner  that  damp 
does  not  fall  into  the  house  :  hence  the  value  of  wet-weather  ventila- 
tion, as  it  is  called.  The  time  to  fire  and  ventilate  Vines  freely  is  on 
bright  dry  days,  when  it  is  certain  that  in  the  circulation  more  damp 
can  be  expelled  than  there  is  admitted,  and  always  dropping  the  heat 
to  the  minimum  of  45'  to  50"  before  night.  All  inside  surfaces 
should  be  dry  after  the  1st  of  October,  and  never  moistened,  and  a 
low  stagnant  temperature  should  be  avoided.  The  result  of  having 
the  air  and  Grapes  inside  the  Vinery  as  cold  as  the  external  atmo- 
sphere, or  nearly  so,  is,  that  the  moisture  that  is  admitted  with  the  air 
from  the  outside  condenses  immediately  on  the  surface  of  the  berries; 
whereas,  when  they  are  warmer  than  the  external  air,  they  do  not  act 
as  condensers.  This  law  of  heat  and  moisture  is  very  strikingly  ex- 
emplified by  walking  into  a  moist  stove  with  a  piece  of  smooth  cold 
wood  or  slate,  or,  in  fact,  any  cold,  hard,  smooth  substance.  The 
result  is,  that  it  is  immediately  covered  with  dew-drops.  The  cold 
substance  has  condensed  the  particles  of  moisture  in  the  warm  air — 
and  just  so  the  Grapes  act  to  their  own  destruction.  The  temperature 
should  therefore  he  kept  steadily  above  that  of  the  external  air,  to 
prevent  this  destructive  result.  We  know  of  a  whole  Vinery  full  of 
Grapes  being  lost  last  year  by  an  amateur-,  simple  by  his  keeping  the 
front  and  top  ventilation  always  open  in  the  dampest  weather,  and 
so  subjecting  the  Grapes  to  a  cold  vapour  bath.  There  is  one  parti- 
cularly ticklish  time  or  stage  when  Grapes  are  the  most  difiScult 
to  keep,  and  that  is,  just  as  the  foliage  begins  to  change  to  the 
"  sore  and  yellow  leaf."  Some  varieties  of  Grapes  are  then  very 
subject  to  go  wrong  under  the  best  treatment.  Small  white  stars 
of  decay,  cutting  into  the  skins  and  radiating  from  a  centre  like  a  star-, 
first  appear,  and  soon  the  whole  berry  goes  wrong.  The  first  signs 
of  this  should  incite  to  more  vigilance.  The  affected  berries  should 
be  at  once  removed,  and  all  the  laterals  where  there  are  any;  and 
where  there  are  not,  a  portion  of  the  foliage  should  be  removed,  so  as 
to  lee  light  and  air  play  more  freely  about  the  bunches.  We  have 
known  the  progress  of  decay  arrested  by  removing  part  of  the  leaves 
while  they  were  comparatively  fresh.  No  doubt  the  removal  of  part 
of  the  foliage  helps  to  j^aralyse  the  roots,  and  prevent  the  pumping 
up  a  superabundant  supply  of  sap  to  the  Grapes  in  a  ci-ude  state;  at 
all  events,  it  admits  a  freer  circulation  of  air,  and  a  stagnant  atmo- 
sphere is  an  evil.  We  have  kept  Grapes  this  season  till  very  lately  in 
a  low  sunk  pit  under  obscured  glass,  and,  we  may  say,  under  a  con- 
stant downpour  of  rain,  by  simply  keeping  the  pipes  constantly 
warm,  and  surfaces  perfectly  dry,  so  that  the  Grapes  were  always  too 
war-m  to  condense  moisture.  Out  of  300  bunches  under  such  condi- 
tions, not  2  lbs.  were  lost  by  decay  ;  while  if  the  fire-heat  had  not 
been  constant,  and  a  cold  stagnant  air  allowed,  we  are  certain  the 
result  would  have  been  the  very  reverse. — Tlie  Gardener. 


Madresfleld  Court  Grape. — This  has  proved  itself  with  me  to 
be  one  of  the  finest  of  the  new  Grapes  lately  sent  out.  I  was  very 
nearly  being  persuaded  that  it  was  useless  on  account  of  its  crack, 
ing.  On  second  thoughts,  however,  I  determined  to  give  it  a  fair 
trial  before  condemning  it,  and  it  has  more  than  answered  my 
expectations.  I  must  confess  that  I  have  taken  extra  care  with  it, 
but  not  extraordinary  pains.  Why,  if  one  tries,  any  sort  of  Grape 
may  be  made  to  crack.  I  think  it  has  been  admitted  by  our  best 
Grape-growers  that  this  was  the  choicest  Grape,  and  one  of  the  best 
finished  at  the  International  Show  at  Manchester.  On  that  occasion 
I  was  awarded  the  first  prize  for  bunches  covered  with  a  most  beau- 
tiful bloom,  and  having  the  flower  at  the  end  of  the  berries,  such  as 
we  like  to  see  on  the  end  of  a  well-grown  Cucumber.  Of  this  Grape 
I  venture  to  send  yon  a  few  berries,  which  may  serve  to  confirm  the 
statements  just  made.  They  have  been  ripe  about  four  months. — 
Joseph  MEREcrrH,  The  Vineyard,  Garston,  Lirerpooh  [The  berries 
sent  were  large  in  size,  as  black  as  Sloes,  and  excellent  in  flavour. 
The  travelUng  had,  however,  robbed  them  of  their  bloom.] 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FEUIT  GARDEN. 

Large  Pears.— Some  d,ivs  ago  I  saw  a  few  exceedingly  fine  specimens  of 
Uvedale's  St.  Germain  at  'East  Ccvres  Castle,  Isle  of  Wiffht.  One  of  them 
measured  13J  inches  round  the  middle,  and  was  85  inches  long,  exclusive  of 
the  stalk.  Of  Duchesse  d'Angouleme  and  Crassane,  too,  there  were  many 
fruits  weighing  a  pound  each.  They  were  grown  against  a  dwarf  terrace  wall 
facing  the  south-west. — W.  F. 

Dressing  for  Vine  Eods  and  Peach  Trees.— Will  you  be  kind  enough  to 
give  a  receipt  for  dressing  Vines,  and  orchard-house  Peaeh  trees?  [Wash  the 
Vines  well  with  soap  and  water,  and  when  they  have  dried  paint  them  vrith  two 
parts  flowers  of  sulphur,  two  parts  of  soil,  one  part  of  soft-soap,  and  two  parts 
of  clay,  reduced  with  water  to  the  consistency  of  paint.] 


Dec.  6,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


463 


THE    INDOOR    GARDEN. 


SONERILA  AT  GUNNERSBURY. 
This,  althongh  an  old  favourite  in  our  stoves,  is,  nevertheless,  one  of 
thej  prettiest  little  plants  in  cultivation.  Its  little  leaves,  thickly 
beset  with  pearls,  afford  sutSoient  beauty  in  themselves  to  render  it 
worth  grovvintj.  But,  in  addition  to  this,  it  is  a  profuse  winter. bloom- 
ing plant,  and  one  which  is  very  easily  managed.  It  likes  a  brisk, 
moist  temperature,  and  grows  well  in  a  compost  of  loam,  peat, 
chopped  Sphagnum,  and  sand,  and  it  is  rather  partial  to  some  nice 
leaf-soil.  It  may  bo  propagated  by  means  of  cuttings,  or  rooted 
layers,  produced  by  pegging  down  the  shoots,  when  they  root  at 
every  bent  joint.  Young  plants  of  this  are  perfect  gems,  and  they 
develop  their  leaf  markings  to  best  advantage  when  grown  uuder  bell- 
glasses,  like  some  of  the  finer  Bertolonias.  Such  care  is,  however, 
quite  unnecessary,  considering  that  they  grow  and  flower  so  freely  in 
an  ordinary  stove.  At  Gunuersbury  Park,  I  noticed  last  spring,  that 
some  flat  pans,  15  inches  in  diameter,  had  been  filled  with  the  soil 
already  recommended,  planted  with  rooted  layers  of  Sonerila  mar- 
garitacea,  and  kept  in  a  warm  corner  of  the  stove.  1  saw  these  plants 
again  a  few  days  ago,  and  was  quite  surprised  at  their  progress.  The 
specimens  were  2  feet  through,  thickly  set  with  leaves,  and  every 
point  produced  a  spike  of  erect  pinkish-mauve  flowers,  containing 
prominent  and  showy  yellow  anthers.  Such  a  free-growing  and 
abundant  winter-flowering  plant  should,  therefore,  receive  good 
attention,  for,  although  the  cut  blooms,  like  those  of  most  other  Jlel- 
astomaceous  plants,  are  not  very  useful,  the  plants  have  a  charming 
effect  when  groujied  along  with  other  green  and  brilliant-leaved  ones, 
and  in  gas  light  they  have  a  peculiarly  rich  appearance.  W.  F. 


Plants  for  a  North  House. — Will  you  kindly  name  a  few 
plants  that  will  succeed  permanently  in  a  house  having  a  northern 
aspect,  excluding  Ferns  and  Camellias,  of  both  of  which  I  have  a  good 
stock  ? — Beta.  [The  kind  of  plants  that  will  succeed  in  a  north 
house  will  in  a  great  measure  depend  upon  the  situation  in  which  the 
house  stands.  If  it  stands  against  a  building  or  dead  wall  consider- 
ably higher  than  the  house  itself,  or  is  placed  so  as  to  be  under  the 
light-absorbing  influence  of  high  trees,  then  very  few  plants  will 
grow  satisfactorily  in  it;  but  if,  on  the  other  hand,  none  of  these 
diiBculties  exist,  there  are  numbers  of  plants  that  will  succeed  in  such 
a  situation,  especially  if  they  are  elevated  near  the  glass  so  as  to  get 
all  the  light  possible.  Primulas,  Cinerarias,  Calceolarias,  Fuchsias, 
Cyclamens,  Hyacinths,  Narcissus,  Tulips,  Lilium  auratum,  L. 
eximium,  L.  lancifolium  of  different  sorts,  Agajianthus  umbellatus, 
Vallota  purpurea,  Solanum  Pseudo-capsicum,  Epaoris  of  different 
kinds.  Acacia  armata  and  A.  Drummondii,  Cytisus  racemosus, 
Centaureas,  Crowea  saligna,  Daphne  indica,  Hydrangeas,  Plumbago 
capensis,  Richardia  (Calla)  cethiopica,  Veronica  Andersonii,  Dracsena 
iodivisa,  D.  australis.  Yuccas,  Lomatia  filicifolia,  and  heterophylla 
are  some  that  will  succeed,  with  good  attention.] 

The  Moon-creeper  (Ipomtea  Bona  nox). — This  chaste  and 
beautiful  climber  is  occasionally  met  with,  but  its  property  of 
flowering  at  night  no  doubt  interferes  with  its  more  extended  culti- 
vation. A  flue  plant  of  it  can  now  be  seen  in  the  nursery  of  Mr.  P. 
E.  Kinghorn,  Eichmond,  gromng  vigorously  and  blooming  freely,  its 
large  alabaster-white  flowers  being  fully  8  inches  in  diameter.  Mr. 
Kinghorn  received  some  seeds  from  the  West  Indies  uuder  the  name 
of  the  Moon-creeper,  and  on  gromng  them  it  is  found  to  be  Ipomasa 
Bona  nox.  It  is  a  tender  annual,  and  does  well  in  a  low  span. roofed 
stove-house,  where  it  can  run  along  the  roof.  The  flowers  open  soon 
after  dusk,  and  are  in  the  fulness  of  their  beauty  in  the  dead  of  the 
night,  and  they  continue  expanded  till  nearly  noon  the  next  day. 
There  is  such  an  exquisite  delicacy  about  the  shining  whiteness  of 
the  flowers  that  it  is  a  matter  for  wonder  it  is  not  more  generally 
cultivated,  its  night-flowering  property  notwithstanding.  There  is 
no  difficulty  in  obtaining  seed,  and  they  should  be  raised  in  a  moist 
brisk  heat  in  April,  grown  on  quickly,  and  jjotted  into  a  large 
pot  to  flower,  or  be  planted  out  in  a  small  pit  or  any  convenient 
place,  and  trained  along  a  wire  or  any  such  support  under  the  ridge 
of  a  span-roofed  house,  or  in  any  suitable  place. — R.  D. 


Compost  for  Palms-— What  compost  do  you  recommend  If  or  Seafortliia 
elegans  and  Areca  latescens  ?  Should  they  have  much  water  ? — A  Subscribek. 
[Both  Seaforthia  elegans  and  Areca  lutescens  thrive  in  a  good  substantial  loam, 
with  the  addition  of  about  one-fifth  of  well-decayed  manure.  The  loam,  if 
fibrous,  will  require  no  sand,  but,  if  close  and  heavy,  some  rough  river-sand 
should  be  added.  These  Palms  also  grow  well  in  peaty  soil;  hut  it  is  not  so 
lasting  as  loam.  These  plants  should  never  he  allowed  to  become  quite  dry ;  on 
the  contrary,  they  should  have  abundance  of  water  at  the  root,  overhead,  and  in 
the  atmosphere,  from  March  till  September,  when  the  supply  should  be 
gradually  lessened,  but  the  soil  in  the  pots  must  always  be  kept  moderately 
moist.  Daily  syringiugs  are  necespary  in  the  summer  time,  but  in  winter, 
about  once  a  week  will  Ijc  sufficient,  and  that  only  on  bright  days.] 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 

ARRANGEMENT  OF  FRUIT  FOR  DESSERT. 
I  SHOULD  recommend  glass  dishes  for  this  purpose,  in  prefe- 
rence to  others,  as  they  have  a  much  lighter  appearance  when 
placed  ou  the  table.  Let  us  suppose  that,  for  ordinary  occas- 
sions,  not  less  than  foar  dishes  are  used ;  in  that  case,  place 
one  of  them  at  the  top  and  one  at  the  bottom  of  the  table,  and 
the  other  two  in  a  line  with  them,  one  ou  either  side  of  the 
centre,  i.e.,  assuming  that  a  plant  or  stand  of  flowers  occupies 
that  position.  This  I  consider  would  be  a  good  arrangement 
for,  say,  six  persons.  In  using  six  dishes,  have  the  top  and 
bottom  ones  as  just  stated,  placing  the  other  four  two  on  each 
side,  at  right  angles  with  each  other,  working  from  the  centre 
of  the  table.  Supposing  the  table  to  be  6  feet  wide,  I  would 
place  them  2  feet  from  the  sides.  For  eight  dishes,  add  one 
more  on  each  side,  and  so  on  up  to  a  dozen  which  would  be 
sufficient  for  a  table  laid  for  twenty-four  persons.  I  would  not 
advise  placing  dishes  of  fruit  in  a  line  with  the  centre  of  the 
table,  where  more  than  four  dishes  are  used,  for  the  following 
reasons  : — They  would  create  a  heavy  appearance  aud  detract 
from  the  effect  produced  by  flowers  where  such  are  used.  In 
the  case  of  a  table  laid  for  eighteen  or  twenty  persons,  I  would 
use,  say,  three  March  stands,  such  as  I  exhibited  at  the  Crystal 
Palace  (see  numbers  9.5  aud  96  of  The  Gabden).  I  would 
not  place  anything  between  these  stands  that  would  cause  any 
obstruction,  or  give  the  table  a  heavy  appearance  when  looking 
down  it  from  top  to  bottom.  In  dishing  up  fruit,  I  would  not 
intermix  flowers  with  it,  but  rather  keep  the  two  separate,  for 
in  removing  the  fruit  in  most  instances  the  flowers  get  dis- 
arranged, and  the  eifect  which  they  would  have  produced  is 
spoiled.  The  dishes  should  not  be  crowded  with  fruit ;  rather 
have  a  few  of  each  kind  in  reserve  for  use  if  required ;  also 
where  possible  keep  each  kind  of  fruit  by  itself.  I  do  not 
however,  intend  by  this  to  make  one  dish  of  black  and 
another  dish  of  white  Grapes;  these  should  be  used  together 
for  contrast,  and  the  same  should  be  done  with  other  kinds 
of  the  same  fruit;  by  so  doing  they  present  a  better  appearance 
when  on  the  table,  than  when  m  separate  dishes.  For  dishing 
up  fruit,  Yine  leaves  are  more  useful  than  any  other,  especially 
at  this  season,  and  those  of  the  Barbarossa,  with  their  varied 
tints  of  colour,  have  a  pretty  appearance.  For  intermixing  with 
fruit,  the  cut-leaved  variety  of  Sweetwater  Grape,  a  few  fronds  of 
Maiden-hair,  or  other  light-looking  Fern,  are  a  great  assistance  ; 
also  Lygodium  scandens  twined  carelessly  amidst  the  fruit  or 
on  the  stems  of  the  dishes.  I  have  used  glass  baskets  with  a 
good  effect  for  fruit,  especially  for  a  table  of  moderate  size. 
Always  select  the  two  best  kinds  of  fruit  for  top  and  bottom 
dishes.  J-  Hudson. 

Gliampion  Hill,  

Fruit  of  all  kinds  are  very  effective  for  dinner-table  decoration 
when  tastefully  and  judiciously  dished  up,  although  the  chief 
object  in  placing  fruit  on  the  dinner  table  is,  that  it  may  be 
eaten,  and  consequently  we  must  avoid  working  it  up  into 
complicated  designs  along  with  flowers  and  Ferns,  or 
other  permanent  floral  decorations.  Fruit  may  either  be 
grouped  in  an  epergne  or  arranged  on  simple  dessert 
dishes.  Dessert  plates  and  dishes  of  porcelain  are  now 
very  tastefully  decorated,  while  some  furnishers  employ 
simple  dishes  or  small  baskets  of  glass  with  good  effect. 
Fruit  generally  looks  well  dished  up  with  its  own  foliage,  pro- 
viding always  that  it  is  fresh  and  clean.  During  the  autumn 
mouths,  however,  the  bright  crimson  and  yellow-tinted  leaves 
of  Virginian  Creeper,  Grape  Vine,  Berberis,  or  Maple,  may  be 
used  as  affording  an  agreeable  variety.  Monotony  or  same- 
ness is  always  to  be  avoided  in  decorations  of  all  kinds,  for, 
next  after  skilful  grouping,  a  pleasing  variety  affords  us  the 
most  satisfaction  in  return  for  our  labour.  Some  fruits,  more 
especially  Grapes  and  Plums,  require  careful  handling,  or 
their  delicate  bloom  is  destroyed,  and  much  of  theirbeauty 
lost.  Grapes  always  look  well  arranged  with  their  own 
foliage,  two  bunches  of  white  and  one  of  black,  or  vice  versa, 
form'ing  a  nice  dish.  Lay  the  base  of  the  foliage  inwards,  so 
that  the  serrate  or  frhiged  margins  may  form  a  neat  border 
around  the  edge  of  the  dish  or  plate.  Some  use  the  elegantly 
curled  foliage  of  Malva  crispa  for  Grapes  as  well,  as  Peaches, 


464 


THE   GAEDBN. 


[Dec.  6,  1873. 


while  Strawberry  leaves  arc  very  appropriate  and  generally 
obtainable.  Ivy  and  Fig  leaves  are  sometimes  used,  but  their 
odour  is  rather  offensive  to  some  persons.  I  have  seen  Grapes, 
Plums,  and  Peaches  very  tastefully  grouped  on  a  cool  fresh  bed 
of  Selaginella  (densa)  apoda,  -which  had  pro viovisly  been  grown 
in  shallow  circular  pans  just  the  size  of  the  dessert  dishes, 
and  in  which  it  was  placed.  Strawberries  also  look  well 
on  this  material,  although  their  own  foliage  is  most  appro- 
priate. A  neatly  arranged  dish  of  Strawberries  is  a  very 
Kuitable  ornament  for  the  breakfast  table.  To  arrange 
them,  first  fill  the  bottom  of  the  dish  with  fresh  green 
foliage,  so  as  to  form  a  cushion  for  the  fruit.  The  bottom 
layer  can  be  formed  of  the  smaller  fruit,  in  order  to  make 
a  firm  base  for  the  finest  berries.  Now  take  the  largest 
and  freshest  fruit,  and  wrapping  each  in  one  of  its  own  leaves, 
arrange  them  in  a  cu'cle  round  the  sides  of  the  dish,  filling  in 
the  centre  with  the  smaller  ones,  unless  you  have  enough  of 
the  large  ones  to  fill  the  dish.  Add  layer  after  layer,  each 
being  about  an  inch  less  in  diameter  than  the  one  before,  until 
the  whole  is  finished.  If  neatly  done,  the  fruit  looks  delicously 
tempting  as  it  peeps  out  from  the  fresh  green  leaflets.  Figs 
require  careful  handling,  if  fully  ripe,  and  look  well  grouped 
on  a  flat  dish  or  plate  with  three  or  four  of  their  own  leaves. 
Half-a-dozen  Peaches  or  Nectarines  make  a  handsome  dish, 
and  may  be  put  up  either  with  their  own  foliage,  or  with  Vine 
leaves.  A  very  agreeable  variety  can  be  infused  into  the  dessert 
by  using  the  various  tropical  fruits  and  nuts  which  are  now 
imported  into  this  country  in  considerable  quantities.  Plan- 
talus  and  Bananas,  Figs,  Dates,  Muscatels,  Prickly  Pears,  and 
Oranges,  look  very  nice  when  neatly  arranged  on  fresh  gi-een 
foliage,  but  they  must  be  used  to  augment  rather  than  to 
supply  the  place  of  Grapes,  Peaches,  Pears,  and  other  home- 
grown fruits.  Leaves  of  Passiflora(racemosa)Princeps  are  some- 
times used  with  good  effect  in  the  arrangement  of  fruit,  as  are 
also  the  light  green  fronds  of  Polypodium  cambricum,  or 
"\Velsh  Polypody.  Melons  and  Pines  are  generally  set  up  on  a 
dish  to  themselves,  but  sometimes  they  are  grouped  artistically 
in  an  epergne  along  with  Black  and  White  Grapes,  Peaches, 
Nectarines,  and  other  fruits.  Apples  and  Pears  are  arranged 
in  the  same  way  as  Peaches,  half-a-dozen  good  fruit  forming 
a  nice  dish  for  a  moderate  party.  Small  fruits,  such  as  Kasp- 
lierries,  Gooseberries,  Currants,  and  Mulberries  are  generally 
picked  with  their  stalks  intact,  the  very  finest  only  being  used, 
aTid  these  are  either  arranged  loosely  in  the  dish  on  a  carpet  of 
fresh  loaves,  or  grouped  itke  Strawberries.  F.  \V.  B. 


CHUISTMAS  DECORATIONS. 
Matkbials  for  tbis  purpose  can  be  procluced  abundantly  and  cheaply, 
and  tbere  is  no  lack  of  subjects  that  can  bo  brought  into  use  at  this 
festive  season  if  we  take  the  trouble  to  examine  the  lists  of  flowering 
plants  and  berry -bearing  shrubs,  foliage  plants,  and  Grasses.  Some 
amount  of  convenience,  and  skill  and  patience  to  grow  some  of  them, 
are,  of  course,  required,  but  there  are  decorative  plants  for  those  of 
humble  means  as  well  as  for  the  upper  classes.  I  therefore  propose  to 
name  some  that  can  be  had  at  the  season,  and  the  first  on  my  list 
shall  bo  the  berry-bearing  plants  Solanum  Capsicastrum,  and  S. 
Pseudo-capsicum,  and  their  varieties.  A  nicely  furnished  plant  of 
the  variegated  variety  makes  an  admirable  subject  for  dinner-table 
decoration.  These  plants  cut  up  admirably  for  filling  small  vases. 
Next  come  the  varieties  of  Skimmia,  such  as  S.  Reevesii,  S.  oblata, 
and  S.  japonica ;  then  we  have  the  pretty  Rivina  humilis,  with  its 
bright  red  berries,  as  well  as  the  jVucuba  japonica,  and  those  that 
Lave  stoves  may  have  Ardisia  crenulata,  while  the  shrubberies 
might  furnish  the  common  Euonymus  europa3us,  Holly,  andCotoneaster 
macrophylla.  For  seasonable  flowers,  we  have  Camellias,  Chinese 
Primulas,  Cyclamens,  winter.flowering  Carnations,  Mignonette, 
Euphorbia  jacquiniajflora,  Thyrsacanthus  rutilans,  and  Poinsettia  pul- 
cherrima.  Tlio  latter  is  a  beautiful  plant  for  the  dinner-table,  and 
a  cut  bract  of  it,  surrounded  with  Helleborus  niger,  and  sprays  of 
Fern,  has  a  charming  effect.  There  are  hosts  of  plants  that  may  be 
forced,,  and  others  that  may  be  retarded  in  flowering.  I  have  not 
given  any  cultural  directions,  as  my  object  is  merely  to  name  such 
plants  as  may  be  had  at  the  season.  We  have  also  flowers  and 
Grasses,  that,  when  gathered  through  the  summer,  are  charming 
during  the  winter,  and  will  last,  I  may  say,  for  years,  if  not  exposed 
to  dust  and  smoke.  The  flowers  I  shall  name  for  drying  are  Aphe- 
lexis,  Gonipholobinms,  and  Statices.  I  must  add  the  pretty  little 
white  Ammobium,  which  is  a  perennial.      Acroclinium  roseum,  with 


its  lovely  tint  of  rose-pink,  ig  a  gay  addition  j  the  white  variety  is  a 
charming  aunual  of  the  easiest  cultivation.  The  pretty  Rodanthes 
will  well  repay  any  extra  care  they  may  require  in  their  cultivation. 
Lastly,  Polycolymna  Stuartii,  and  the  Helichrysums.  On  these  the 
decorator  may  depend,  as  they  may  be  had  in  many  colours. 

The  list  of  Grasses  might  be  enlarged  to  any  extent  if  required, 
but  I  shall  name  those  that  I  consider  the  best ;  they  are  always  useful 
for  associating  with  flowers,  and  produce  a  graceful  effect.  The 
best  ai'e  .- — Avena  sterilis,  A.  nebulosa,  A.  plumosa,  A.  pulchella 
(very  pretty) ,  Bromus  brizasformis,  B.  maximus,  B.  gracilis,  and  B. 
minor ;  Chloris  radiata,  Ceratochloa  pendula  (flowers  in  an  imposing 
spike),  Chloris  barbata,  Eragrostis  elegans,  Hordeum  jubatnm, 
Elymus  glaucus,  Lagurus  ovatus,  Leptochloa  Schimperiana,  Mono- 
chajtum  roseum,  Panicnm  sulcatum,  Paspalum  stoloniferum,  Penni- 
setum  longiflorum,  Panicnm  jamentorum,  Milium  multiflorum, 
Panicnm  compressnm,  Stipa  elegantissima,  Setaria  macro, 
seta,  and  last,  but  not  least,  the  Pampas  Grass.  Such  plumes 
as  we  have  of  this  fine  Grass  compel  me  to  put  it  in  the  foremost 
rank  of  large  decorative  plants.  Of  our  wild  native  Grasses  I  will 
name  what  I  think  the  cream,  viz.,  Aira  ca3spitosa,  Agrostis  Spica- 
venti,  Arrhenatherum  aveuacenm,  Avena  fiavescens,  Melica  uniflora 
(very  pretty),  Glyceria  fluitans,  Festuca  gigantea,  Bromus  asper 
and  sterilis,  Juncus  lampocarpus,  Carex  remota,  C.  pendula,  and  C. 
.sylvatica.     To  these  may  be  added  the  varieties  of  cultivated  Oat. 

The  Croft,  Walton-on-Thames.  F.  L.  Barnes. 


Perfumes. — Our  fair  readers  may  be  interested  to  learn  where 
for  the  most  part,  the  flowers  grow  the  sweet  perfume  of  which  is 
fonnd  in  those  pretty  flacons  on  their  dressing-tables.  The  chief 
places  of  their  growth  are  the  south  of  France  and  Piedmont,  namely, 
Montpellier,  Grasse,  Nimes,  Cannes,  and  Nice ;  these  two  last 
especially  are  the  paradise  of  Violets,  and  furnish  a  yearly  product  of 
about  13,000  lbs.  of  Violet  blossoms.  Nice  produces  a  harvest  of 
100,000  lbs.  of  Orange  blossoms,  and  Cannes  as  much  again,  and  of  a 
finer  colour  ;  500  lbs.  of  Orange  blossoms  yield  about  2  lbs.  of  pure 
Neroli  oil.  At  Cannes  the  Acacia  thrives  well,  and  produces  yearly 
about  9,000  lbs.  of  Acacia  blossoms.  One  great  perfumery  distillery 
at  Cannes  uses  yearly  about  110,000  lbs.  of  Orange  blossoms, 
140,000  lbs.  of  Rose  leaves,  32,000  lbs.  of  Jessamine  blossoms, 
20,000  lbs.  of  Violets,  and  8,000  lbs.  of  Tuberoses,  together  with  a 
great  many  other  sweet  herbs.  The  extraction  of  the  ethereal  oils, 
the  small  quantities  of  which  are  mixed  in  the  flowers  with  such 
large  quantities  of  other  vegetable  juices  that  it  requires  about 
600  lbs.  of  Rose  leaves  to  win  one  ounce  of  otto  of  Roses,  demands  a 
very  careful  treatment.  The  French,  favoured  by  their  climate,  are 
the  most  active,  although  not  always  the  most  careful  preparers  of 
perfumes ;  half  of  the  world  is  furnished  by  this  branch  of  their 
industry. 

My  Window -box. — In  the  summer  of  last  year  I  filled  a  box  with 
different  kinds  of  plants  suitable  for  window  decoration,  and  placed 
it  on  the  window-sill.  The  caves  of  the  house  projected  at  least 
4  feet,  thus  affording  good  shelter.  The  plants.  Ivy-leaved  Pelar- 
goniums, Fuchsias,  Calceolarias,  Gazanias,  Tropaiolums,  Lobelias, 
Petnuias,  and  common  Geraniums,  grew  well  during  the  summer, 
and  as  I  watered  them  attentively  they  flowered  beautifully  until 
late  in  the  autumn,  when  some  of  them  began  to  look  ragged.  As  I 
had  plenty  of  nice  plants  in  pots  I  paid  no  attention  to  them  until 
November,  when  I  cleared  all  out  except  the  first  four,  which  looked 
fresh  and  healthy,  I  therefore  left  them  alone,  and  dibbled  in 
around  them  some  spare  Crocus  roots.  The  Fuchsias  lost  their 
leaves,  but  the  others  kept  fresh  all  winter,  and  in  spring  I  had  a 
beautiful  display  of  flowers  in  my  little  box.  In  May  I  entii-ely 
overhauled  it ;  I  picked  out  the  Crocus  roots,  and  removed  as  much 
of  the  old  soil  as  I  thought  would  not  injure  the  roots  of  the  plants, 
replacing  it  with  fresh  material,  and  adding  a  few  more  little 
Heliotropes  and  Lobelias.  The  result  has  been  most  satisfactory, 
but  the  plants  grew  rather  thickly,  which  I  readily  rectified  by 
using  my  scissors,  and  by  spreading  out  the  branches  of  my  massive 
Ivy-leaved  Geraniums.  The  Fuchsias,  Calceolarias,  and  Gazanias 
all  bloomed  brightly  and  profusely,  and,  although  I  have  left  them 
again  in  the  box  this  winter,  I  fear  that  they  have  grown  too  much 
to  remain  there  next  year.  They  have  had  no  protection  whatever  in 
winter  beyond  that  of  the  overhanging  roof,  which  certainly  keeps 
off  rain  and  snow,  but  does  not  obviate  cold  and  biting  winds. — M.  W., 
Colchester. 

A  Pretty  Table  Ornament.— I  was  much  struck  lately  with  the  wonder- 
fully Ije.aiitit'ul  effect  produced  by  simply  placing  a  handful  of  heads  of  Wheat 
in  a  vase  of  water.  Each  grain  sent  out  bright  green  leaflets,  and  continued  to 
replenish  the  fading  ones  for  weeks  together.  Some  have  doubtless  seen  this 
pretty  table  ornament,  but  to  mc  it  was  now,  and  perhaps  would  be  so  to  many 
others.— J.  P.,  Oinfliam. 


Dec.  6,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


465 


THE  CHATEAU  D'EISGRUB. 
Towards  the  close  of  the  Austro-Prussian  war  iu  186H,  the 
preHminaries  of  peace  were  negotiated  and  signed  in  tbo 
chateau  which  forms  the  subject  of  our  illustration.  TLio 
Chateau  d'Eisgrub,  which  was  previously  known  as  the  most 
splendid  country-seat  in  all  Germany,  has  thus  become 
historical.  It  is  one  of  the  numerous  properties  of  the  noble 
and  wealthy  family  of  Liechtenstein  (who  ai-e  said  to  possess 
ninctj'-nine  estates  iu  various  parts  of  Germany),  and  is 
situated  in  the  south  of  Austria,  on  the  confines  of  Moravia, 
aud  close  to  the  river  Thaya.  The  buildiug  is  a  handsome  one, 
iu  the  semi-castellated  style  of  architecture,  and,  in  the  costly 
magnificence  of  its  interior  arrangements,  decorations,  and 
furniture,  is  not  surpassed  by  any  royal  palace  in  Europe.     It 


Hasenburg,  a  chateau  of  the  middle  ages,  surrounded  by  a 
well-stocked  menagery ;  temples  of  the  Muses  and  of  the 
Graces  ;  and  lakes,  one  of  which  forms  the  boundary  between 
Austria  and  Moravia.  In  the  middle  of  the  forest  there  is  a, 
hunters'  rendez-vous  or  meeting  place,  in  the  form  of  a  kind  of 
triumphal  arch,  in  the  old  Roman  style  of  architecture, 
adorned  with  statues  of  Endymion,  Diana,  ActiDon,  aud 
Bacchus.  It  would  occupy  a  long  chapter  simply  to  enumerate 
all  the  wonders  to  be  seen  around  this  more  than  princely 
residence."  Our  illustration  shows  a  very  charming  river 
view  of  the  chateau,  and  of  the  picturesque  aud  Ijeautiful 
effect  of  the  trees  and  other  vegetation  on  each  side  of  the 
water.  Prom  this  point,  the  view  of  the  chateau  would,  no 
doubt,  have  been  much  more  effective,  had  the  elevation  of  its 


Chateau  d'Eisgrub. 


is  the  favourite  summer  residence  of  the  Liechtenstein  family. 
From  a  brief  account  of  it  taken  from  Ad.  Joanne's  "  Itiueraire 
de  I'Allemagne  du  Sud,"  we  learn,  amongst  other  matters, 
that  "the  Orangery,  which  is  487  feet  long,  contains  900 
Orange  trees,  some  of  which  are  more  than  200  years  old. 
The  glass-houses  contain  various  exotic  plants,  among  which 
there  are  upwards  of  1,.500  Agaves  or  Aloes.  The  park,  which 
is  watered  by  the  river  Thaya,  is  the  finest  in  all  Germany, 
and  contains  a  splendid  collection  of  ornaraental  trees  of  every 
kind,  and  a  mosque,  the  minaret  of  which  is  ascended  by  means 
of  a  winding  stair  of  302  steps,  and  rewards  the  climber  by  an 
extensive  and  charming  view  of  the  surrounding  country  from 
its  summit.  This  mosque  is  said  to  have  cost  more  than  a 
million  of  florins  (£100,000).  In  addition  to  these  are  a 
Chinese  pagoda,   a   bath-house,    a  fisherman's   cottage;    the 


site  been  somewhat  higher  ;  still,  with  all  the  disadvantage  of  a 
low  position,  it  must  present  an  imposing  appearance,  as  one 
comes  suddenly  upon  it  round  the  bend  of  the  river.     AV.  M. 


Naturalised  Weeds. — Two  hundred  and  fourteen  of  our 
weeds  have,  says  an  American  paper,  been  introduced  from  foreign 
countries  and  chiefly  from  England.  In  1837  only  137  foreign  weeds 
were  enumerated  ia  our  catalogues.  In  1672  a  book  entitled  "  New 
England  Rarities,"  gave  a  list  of  twenty-two  plants,  which  the 
author  spoke  of  as  having  sprung  up  since  the  English  took  pos- 
session. Among  these  the  Plantain,  "  the  white  man's  foot,"  ia 
mentioned.  In  1758  the  Toad  Flax  or  Butter  and  Eggs,  had  overran 
the  pastures  of  Pennsylvania,  and  had  caused  many  anathemas  by  tha 
farmer's  against  the  unlucky  introducer. 


466 


THE   GAKDEN. 


[Dec.  6, 18?3. 


THE     A  R  BOR  E  T  U  M. 

SUBSTITUTES  FOR  THE  LAECH. 
Since  the  outbreak  and  general  spread  of  the  Larch  disease  in 
many  wood.producing  districts  of  the  country,  by  which  confidence 
in  that  valuable  Conifer  has  been  shaken,  attention  has  been  directed 
towards  finding  a  substitute,  alike  rapid  in  growth,  suitable  for  a 
variety  of  situations,  of  equal  durability  as  a  timber  tree,  and 
adapted  to  a  similarly  wide  range  of  economical  uses.  The  three 
vai-ietics  of  Fir,  distinct  and  widely  different  in  their  natures  and 
habits,  which  form  the  subject  of  this  paper,  have  been  successively 
brought  under  public  notice  as  valuable  trees  for  British  culture,  and 
worthy  of  extensive  cultivation.  Introduced  at  different  dates,  and 
consequently  with  a  considerable  difference  of  years'  experience  from 
which  to  judge  of  their  respective  merits,  as  worthy  successors  to 
the  fine  old  Larchwood  of  which  the  country  could  formerly  boast, 
there  can  be  no  doubt  that  all  three  have  proved  to  be  well  adapted 
for  culture  in  Great  Britain,  and  also  suited  to  a  variety  of  soils  and 
situations.  The  three  varieties  now  under  consideration  present 
individually  distinct  characteristics  ;  and  although  the  Corsican  and 
Austrian  Pines  resemble  each  other,  they  are  quite  distinct  species. 
The  Austrian  Pine. 
This  Pine  (P.  austriaca)  has  at  times  been  styled  "  quasi  Corsican," 
a  name  towhich  it  is  not  entitled,  for  its  distinguishing  features  from 
Pinus  Laricio,  or  Corsican  Pine,  are  observed  to  be  constant  in  the 
growing  state,  and  when  compared  as  timber  in  the  sawn  plank,  there 
IS  a  marked  difference.  The  Pinus  Douglaaii,  on  the  other  hand, 
more  nearly  resembles  the  common  Silver  Fir  (Picea  pectinata)  in 
colour  of  foliage  and  bark,  with  somewhat  of  the  habit  of  the  Spruce 
in  outline.  The  comparatively  recent  introduction  of  this  last- 
named  Pine  renders  it  more  difficult  to  speak  with  certainty  of  its 
value  as  timber,  seeing  it  has  not  yet  been  tested  as  a  timber-yielding 
tree  ;  and  where  specimens  have  been  cut  down,  the  rapidity  of  growth 
in  early  years  prevents  such  cases  being  fairly  cited  as  any  criterion  of 
what  the  species  may  prove,  when  felled  in  a  ripe  state,  with  f ullv 
developed  timber.  Considering,  then,  the  three  Pines  which  form  the 
subject  of  review,  we  notice  first  the  Austrian  Pine  (Pinus  austriaca). 
This  Conifer  is  generally  admitted  to  have  been  introduced  into  this 
country  about  the  year  1835.  Its  native  habitats  are  Lower  Austria, 
Styria,  Moravia,  Carinthia,  Transylvania,  and  the  south  of  Europe 
generally.  _  It  is  a  most  useful  variety,  whether  shelter,  timber,  or 
ornament  is  the  object  mainly  in  view  in  planting.  In  its  young 
state  it  is  of  rapid  growth,  acquiring  in  a  few  years  a  heavy  rounded 
head,  and  being  rather  weak-rooted,  like  most  of  the  fast  growing 
Pines,  it  is  apt  to  become  "winded"  in  exposed  situations  in  rich 
soil.  In  fact,  an  old  and  hard-hearted  Scotch  forester  once  remarked 
to  us,  referring  to  Pinus  austriaca,—"  Eh,  sir !  it's  hard  to  keep  her  on 
her  feet,  when  young,  in  exposed  bits!"  This  habit  of  forming  a 
dense,  heavy  top  when  young  is  productive  also  of  another  evil,  for 
such  a  mode  of  growth  must  engender  the  formation  and  encourage, 
ment  of  many  side  branches,  and  so  detract  from  the  value  and  bulk 
of  wood  in  the  trunk.  As  an  ornamental  Pine,  Finns  austriaca  is 
undoubtedly  a  great  acquisition  ;  its  dark,  rich  green  foliage,  its 
dense  head  of  massive  contour,  its  strong  side-shoots,  and  its  rapid 
rank  growth,  all  contribute  to  render  it  a  tree  of  desirable  habit  for 
effective  purposes ;  but  we  fear  that  when  compared  for  economic 
purposes  with  the  other  two  species  referred  to  in  this  paper,  it  will 
be  found  deficient  in  quality,  texture,  and  durability.  The  soil  in 
which  Pinus  austriaca  flourishes  in  its  native  habitats  is  a  thin  cold 
dry  soil,  of  sandy  or  gravelly  tendency  ;  and  in  such  situations  it  will 
thrive  admirably,  and  succeed  as  a  timber  tree,  much  better  than  in 
rich  alluvial  deep  soil,  although  more  sheltered.  In  fact,  it  appears 
impatient  of  mild  sheltered  positions,  preferring  those  apparently 
less  suitable  for  the  growth  of  timber.  As  already  stated,  it  is  not 
so  well  adapted  for  situations  much  exposed  to  heavy  prevailing 
winds,  being  weak  and  shallow-rooted  in  its  younger  state,  and  at  the 
same  time  densely  clothed  with  close  umbrageous  foliage,  which 
renders  it  not  nnfrequently  what  might  be  termed  "  top-heavy."  In 
localities  suitable  for  its  development,  and  not  exposed  to  heavy 
winds,  PiQus  austriaca  will  attain  a  greater  height  than  the  Scotch 
i'  ir  (P.  sylvestris),  and  is  of  equally,  if  not  more,  rapid  growth.  The 
wood  IS  inclined  to  coarseness,  but  is  tough  and  firm  in  texture, 
rather  kmotty,  but  of  more  commercial  value  for  country  purposes 
than  the  timber  of  equal  age  of  either  Larch,  generally,  or  the  Scotch 
Fir.  As  compared  with  the  Corsican  Pine  (P.  Laricio),  the  growth 
of  the  Austrian  Pine  is  not  more  rapid,  and  it  is  less  suitable  for 
exposed  situations.  Pinus  austriaca,  in  habit  and  value,  more  nearly 
resembles  Finns  Pallasiana,  bnt  both  are  inferior  as  wood  to  Finns 
Laricio.  The  leaves  of  the  Austrian  Fine  are  easily  distinguished 
froni  those  af  the  Corsican,  by  their  being  rather  longer,  and  devoid 
of  the  twisted  appearance  which  those  of  the  latter  present.  As  a 
tree  to  employ  as    a   nurse  in   sheltered   valleys   it   is  invaluable, 


owing  to  its  dense  head,  spreading  arms,  and  rapid  growth ;  and  to 
be  cut  out  when  it  has  not  attained  full  size,  it  is  more  valuable  than 
the  Scotch  Fir,  as  it  can  be  profitably  used  for  country  purposes  at  a 
younger  age  than  almost  any  other  Fir.  Lamp-black  and  charcoal 
of  excellent  quality  can  be  obtained  from  its  branches,  and  the 
thinnings  are,  in  its  native  country,  much  sought  after  by  coopers 
and  carpenters. 

The  Corsican  Fir. 
Wo  proceed  now  to  consider  the  Corsican  Fir  (Pinus  Laricio),  and 
its  suitability  for  general  and  extended  cultivation  in  this  country. 
This  Pine  was  first  discovered  in  dense  forest  masses  in  Corsica, 
whence  it  was  introduced  into  this  country  towards  the  end  of  the 
eighteenth  century.  It  has  since  been  found  over  several  countries 
of  Southern  Europe,  including  Spain,  Greece,  and  Italy,  and  it 
abounds  on  the  mountain  lands  of  Calabria.  In  these,  its  native 
habitats,  it  attains  to  a  height  of  140  feet,  and  forms  a  noble  tree 
of  bold,  erect,  open  habit.  The  wood  is  extremely  resinons,  tough, 
and,  although  tending  to  coarseness,  not  so  brittle  as  Scotch  Fir  or 
Austrian  Pine  of  equal  age,  but  is  elastic  and  durable ;  under  the 
tools  of  the  carpenter  it  works  smoothly  and  easily,  aud  is  much 
prized  for  many  outdoor  or  constructive  purposes.  Felled  when 
about  seventy  or  eighty  years  old,  the  wood  is  found  to  be  well 
matured,  and  of  a  whitish  colour,  and  brown  near  the  heart.  In  this 
country,  the  Laricio  has  been  extensively  planted  during  recent 
years  as  a  timber  crop,  and  since  the  Larch  failure,  probably  this 
Conifer,  more  than  any  other,  has  been  substituted  for  it.  It  thrives 
in  almost  any  soil  where  the  Scotch  Fir  or  Spruce  succeeds,  but  will 
not  attain  its  full  development  at  the  higher  altitudes,  preferring 
a  rather  good  deep  soil  and  sheltered  situation  in  its  younger 
stages  ;  for  being  of  very  rapid  growth  and  early  vigorous  habit,  like 
P.  austriaca,  it  is  apt  to  form  a  top  rapidly,  which  the  slower  forma- 
tion of  roots  cannot  support  during  high  gales  of  wind.  In  this 
aspect,  however,  it  does  not  equal  the  Austrian  Pine,  and  is  mate- 
rially assisted  by  its  characteristic  tendency  to  throw  the  vigour 
of  its  growth  more  into  the  trunk  and  terminal  leader,  than  to  form 
a  dense  head  or  many  heavy  side  branches.  Another  benefit  accru- 
ing from  this  erect  or  fastigiate  habit  is  the  ultimately  enhanced 
value  of  the  timber,  by  its  being  less  knotty  and  of  better  texture.  In 
general  appeai'ance  when  young,  the  P.  Laricio  somewhat  resembles 
the  Scotch  Fir  of  the  old  Strathspey  indigenous  type,  but  it  is  more 
open  aud  longer  between  the  tiers  of  branchlets.  Its  value  as  timber 
is  not  so  marked  when  the  tree  is  young,  for  thinnings  of  Laricio 
are  found  to  be  soft,  and  less  durable  than  Larch,  but  when  old  it  is 
reported  to  be  remarkable  for  its  toughness,  and  it  is  strongly  impreg- 
nated with  resinous  sap.  Numerous  groups  and  specimens  of  the 
Laricio,  40  feet  in  height,  exist  in  various  parts  of  the  country  ;  and  in 
Perthshire,  at  600  feet  elevation,  in  a  loamy  soil  and  gravelly  sub-soil, 
it  proves  itself  equal  to  any  indigenous  Fir,  resisting  alike  the  gale 
and  ^^■inter's  storm,  and  rapidly  shooting  above  contemporary  trees 
of  Scotch  Fir,  Larch,  and  austriaca.  It  may  indeed  be  described  as  a 
tree  consisting  of  the  bole  of  Larch,  with  the  lateral  branchlets  and 
foliage  of  Scotch  Fir.  One  qualification  of  considerable  importance 
possessed  by  the  P.  Laricio  should  not  be  overlooked — namely,  its 
distastefulness  in  its  young  state  to  hares  and  rabbits.  Without 
positively  asserting  that  ground  vermin  will  absolutely  shun  the 
young  Laricio,  if  mixed  with  other  Conifers  in  a  plantation,  it  may  be 
safely  asserted  that  they  will  nibble  away  everything  else  before  they 
will  touch  it.  An  experiment  to  test  this  was  made  some  years  ago 
at  Tortworth  Court  in  Gloucestershire,  where  Lord  Ducie  planted 
a  young  Laricio  in  the  centre  of  a  rabbit-warren,  and  which,  until 
the  ground  was  quite  covered  with  snow,  the  teeming  population  of 
the  .spot  did  not  touch  ;  and  even  then,  when  starving,  and  naturally 
less  capricious  in  their  bill  of  fare — after  an  attempt  to  consume  the 
young  needles  of  the  buds — they  abandoned  the  experiment,  and 
sought  some  less  bitter  and  astringently  resinous  food.  In  like 
manner,  Pinus  Laricio  is  less  liable  than  any  other  Pine  to  suffer  from 
the  ravages  of  insects  or  such  like  enemies,  which  infest  and  disfigure 
many  of  the  Coniferous  family.  Although  we  have  said  that  the 
Laricio  exhibits  a  preference  for  a  deep  good  soil,  it  thrives  in  almost 
any  other  description,  if  we  except  soft,  spongy,  and  undrained 
marshy  ground.  Being  of  a  deep  tap-rooted  habit,  in  such  a  situation 
the  spongioles  of  the  main  radicle  get  chilled  and  water-logged,  and 
hence  the  tree  will  not  succeed.  Throughout  the  country  it  has  within 
the  last  thirty  years  been  freely  planted  in  all  sorts  of  soils  and  eleva- 
tions, and  has  been  proved  to  be  perfectly  hardy,  and  altogether  such 
a  variety  as  ought  to  be  more  generally  cultivated ;  for  while  it  is  a 
rapid  grower  and  a  handsome  tapering  tree,  it  is  well  calculated  for 
planting  in  masses,  as  a  crop  to  produce  not  only  quantity  within  a 
period  of  forty  years,  but  quantity  of  heavy  size,  and  timber  of 
excellent  quality.  Although  in  its  native  country  it  is  felled  at  about 
eighty  years  old,  it  may  be  profitably  used  at  even  thirty  years.  It 
may  be  seen  luxuriating,  and  of  considerable  height,  at  Dolphintou 


Dec.  6, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


467 


in  Lanarkshire,  at  an  altitutlG  of  900  or  1,000  feet  above  sea-level; 
and  in  many  other  counties  in  the  north  of  Scotland,  specimens  of 
the  P.  Laricio  show  that  it  is  saited  to  the  climate  of  Scotland.  From 
the  long  tap-root  of  this  Pine,  it  is,  unless  frequently  and  regularly 
transplanted  when  young,  somewhat  diflicult  of  removal,  and  when 
forming  plantations  small  plants  should  bo  used,  as  they  will 
ultimately  succeed  better  than  those  that  have  had  their  tap-roots 
cut  when  young.  The  true  variety  of  Pinus  Laricio  was  somewhat 
scarce  two  or  three  years  ago,  and  as  there  are  several  other  varieties 
which,  when  young,  closely  resemble  it,  care  is  requisite  to  obtain  the 
true  kind,  where  the  Laricio  is  desired  for  ultimate  profit  and  for 
heavy  timber  purposes. 

The  Douglas  Fir. 
The  other  Conifer  which,  at  the  outset  of  this  paper,  it  was  pro- 
posed to  notice,  is  Pinus  Douglasii,  or  Abies  Donglasii,  as  it  is  more 
correctly  called.     This  well-known  tree  is  probably  the  most  popular 
of  the  many  excellent  iutrodnetions  of  its  original  and  ill-fated  dis- 
coverer, whose  name  it  so  appropriately  bears.     Its  first  appearance 
in  Great  Britain  was  about  the  year  1827,  when  it  was  raised  from 
the  seeds  of  cones  brought  by  Douglas  from  the  banks  of  the  Columbia 
river,  where  it  abounds  in  immense  tracts,   covering  the  lofty  hill- 
Bides,  and  appeariug  near  the  summits  of  the   Rocky  Mountains  no 
larger  than  a  mere  bush,  and  gradually  increasing  in  its  proportions 
until  in  the  valleys  and  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain  ranges  it  attains 
a  height  of  200  feet,  with   a   straight  noble  stem  fully  10  feet  in 
diameter.     It  is  common  also  in  California,  and  in  Mexico  a  variety  of 
smaller  growth,  and  with  longer  leaves  of  a  deeper  green  colour,  is 
found.    In  Scotland,  this  Fir  hasproved  perfectly  hardy,  of  very  rapid 
growth,  a  most  graceful  tree  for  ornamental  or  park  purposes,  and 
a  valuable  timber  producer.     It  has  been  planted  in  every  conceiv- 
able soil  and  situation,  and  adapts  itself  to  almost  any  description, 
provided  the  drainage  of  the  sub-soil  be  porous,  so  that  ic  does  not 
become  "  water-logged."     It  thrives  at  any  elevation,  and  the  only 
drawback  is  its  tendency  to  lose  its  leading  shoot  in  early  spring, 
or  liability  to  have   it  broken  over,  by  any  bird  alighting  upon  its 
sap-surcharged  stem.     This  is,  however,  in  a  great  measure  only  of 
secondary  importance,  for  the  rapidity  with  which  the  Douglas  Fir 
repairs  the  damage  is  amazing ;  and  we  do  not  think,  unless  in  very 
exposed  open  situations,  where  it  is  liable  to  receive  the  fall  force  of 
the  west  and  south  winds,  which  are  so  prevalent  in  Scotland,  that 
this  tendency  should  be  any  detriment  to  its  cultivation.     There  are 
many  other  important  qualifications,  superior  to  both  the  Laricio  and 
austriaca,   which  the    Douglas   Fir   possesses,  and   which   will,    we 
think,  tend  ultimately  to  its  being  preferred  by  planters  generally. 
While  we  can  hardly  point  to  a  single  specimen  of  either  of  the  two 
former  named  Pines  of  50  or  60  feet  in  height  in  this  country,  we 
have  instances  of  the  Douglas  in  many  places  throughout  the  country 
of  fnlly  that  size.     At  Dropmore,  where  one  of  the  original  seedlings 
is  luxuriating   in  a  naturally  poor   soil,  this   noble  tree  has  already 
attained  an  altitude  of  over   100   feet !     In  many  other   situations, 
both  in  England  and  Ireland,  we  find  it,  not  certainly  of  the  immense 
height  of   the  famous  Dropmore  tree,  but  of  large  tree  dimensions, 
and  in  all  varieties  of  soil,  from  sandy  light  porous  earth  to  deep 
heavy  loam  and  clayey  sub. soil.     For  example,  we  find  at  Charles- 
fort,  county  Meath,  Ireland,  one  plant  in  a  sheltered  site,  in  good 
soil,  which  in  the  spring  of  this  year  measured  40  feet  high,  and  3 
feet  3   inches   in  girth  at   3  feet   from  the  ground,  and  which  has 
during  the  past  eight  years  increased  by  no  less  than  22^  feet !     It 
is   now  about   twenty  years   of    age.      In  the    same   situation   the 
Wellingtonia   gigantea,  now  29   feet   6   inches  in  height,  has  only 
increased  during  the  same  pei'iod  17i  feet ;  and  the  Deodar,  now  36 
feet  high,  only  Hi  feet.     The  Wellingtonia,  it  should  be  added,  is 

4  feet  in  girth  at  3  feet  from  the  ground.  At  Balgowan,  and  Keillor, 
in  Perthshire,  at  an  elevation  of  600  feet  above  sea-level,  we  find 
numerous  Douglas  Firs.  Mr.  Thomson,  the  enterprising  proprietor, 
an  enthusiastic  aborioulturist,  plants  them  and  the  Laricio  by  the 
thousand  even  at  that  elevation,  and  finds  them  invariably  succeed 
rapidly  and  well.  The  tallest  specimen  there  is  in  the  Keillor  Pinetum, 
where  it  has  attained  a  height  of  57  feet,  and  a  girth  of  5J  feet 
at  3  feet  from  the  ground.  The  soil  is  a  good  loam  on  a  gravelly  sub- 
soil ;  but  the  situation  is  not  unduly  sheltered.  It  ought,  however, 
to  be  stated  that  the  altitude  of  this  tree  would  have  been  much 
greater  were  it  not  that,  equally  with  the  other  Pines  at  Keillor  and 
Balgowan,  it  has  suffered  occasionally  from  the  damage  to  its  ter. 
minal  bud  and  shoot,  by  black-game  and  capercailzie  alighting  upon 
them.  This  specimen  was  planted  in  1833.  Of  the  same  age  we 
found  a  magnificent  A.  Menziesii,  now  46  feet  high  and  11  feet  3 
inches  iu  girth ;  also  a  P.  monticola  of  same  age,  46  feet  high,  and 

5  feet  5  inches  in  girth,  and  all  in  the  highest  state  of  luxuriance 
and  health.  These  measurements  are  given  for  comparison  of  the 
growth  of  those  species  with  that  of  the  Douglas  Fir,  and  we  may 
only  further  add,  that  there  is  also  in  the  same  situation  a  P.  uobilis 


planted  in  1843  (ten  years  later) ,  now  50  feet  high,  and  3  feet  9 
inches  in  circumference.  At  Minto,  in  Roxburghsire,  in  good  loam 
and  upon  a  clayey  sub-stratum,  the  A.  Douglasii  planted  twenty 
years  ago  is  now  36  feet  in  height,  and  nearly  3  feet  in  girth 
at  4  feet  from  the  ground.  At  Carlowrie,  Linlithgowshire,  in  deep 
heavy  loam  resting  on  clay,  there  is  also  one  25  years  of  age,  and 
36  feet  in  height,  standing,  however,  in  a  rather  exposed  position 
for  heavy  south-westerly  winds,  from  which  it  seems  to  suffer,  and  it 
has  become  "  lop-sided."  At  Belstaue,  on  the  top  of  the  Pentlands, 
and  at  an  elevation  of  about  900  feet,  this  Pine  thrives  remarkably 
well.  Planted  in  1843,  they  were  three  years  ago  fully  50  feet 
high,  and  growing  in  a  very  poor  and  cold  soil.  Many  other 
instances  might  be  cited  showing  the  adaptability  of  Abies 
Douglasii  to  all  sorts  of  soils  and  situations  in  Scotland.  The  tree 
at  Baith,  near  Kirkcaldy,  in  Fife,  planted  by  Douglas  himself,  is  now 
a  splendid  specimen,  and  grows  within  the  influence  of  the  sea-breeze, 
though  in  a  somewhat  sheltered  site ;  and  inland,  on  poor  soil  at 
Dolphinton,  Lanarkshire,  at  nearly  1,000  feet  above  sea-level,  it  is 
thriving  in  quantities.  When  young,  the  bark  of  the  Abies  Douglasii 
is  covered  with  numerous  small  blisters  surcharged  with  highly 
aromatic  and  resinous  sap,  and  breaking  one  of  these,  in  passing 
through  amongst  a  group  of  plants,  quite  perfumes  the  air  ai'ound. 
As  the  tree  grows  older,  the  bark  becomes  dry,  and  of  a  greyish  and 
rough  appearance,  quite  different  from  the  younger  stages  of  its 
growth.  The  wood  is  reported  to  be  very  durable,  tough,  elastic, 
beautifully  i^raiued,  and  susceptible  of  a  high  polish.  No  doubt,  the 
utility  and  beauty  of  the  fibre  of  the  wood  in  old  specimen  sections, 
point  it  out  as  suited  for  either  constructive  or  decorative  purposes  ; 
and  the  beauty,  symmetry,  and  gracefully  branching  habit  of  the  dark 
green  clad  branches  and  side  shoots,  combined  with  its  rapidity  of 
growth,  render  it  equally  well  adapted  in  the  live  state  fur  either 
ornament  or  profitable  planting. 

Considering,  then,  the  prospective  value  of  the  timber  of  these 
three  Pines  respectively  in  Great  Britain,  we  are  inclined  to  assign 
the  first  rank  as  a  valuable  and  useful  wood  of  high  quality  to  A. 
Douglasii,  as  it  will  to  all  appearances  prove  generally  suitable  for 
nearly  every  economic  purpose ;  next  may  be  ranked  P.  Laricio,  as  a 
very  useful  wood  also,  but  coarser  in  texture  and  of  less  quality  than 
the  Douglas  Fir ;  and  to  the  third  place  we  assign  P.  austriaca,  which 
we  should  rather  plant  as  an  effective  "  massing  "  tree  for  park  or  drive 
decorative  purposes,  or  for  dense  cover  for  background  effect  in 
ornamental  planting.  The  timber  is  more  adapted  for  common  local 
country  uses,  than  for  sale  as  a  wood  for  either  useful  or  decorative 
household  purposes. — Proceedings  of  Scottish  Arloricaltural  Society. 


DBSFONTAINEA  SPINOSA. 
This  has  stood  out  hero  (West  Cumberland)  without  any  protection 
for  at  least  seven  or  eight  years,  and,  just  before  the  late  frosts,  had 
seventy  full-bloomed  flowers  on  it,  of  the  most  brilliant  and  waxy  dark 
orange  ;  it  is  2^  feet  high  and  nearly  2  feet  through,  and  is  growing 
about  150  feet  above  the  sea-level.  I  have  another  plant  of  it  about 
twice  the  size,  growing  at  an  elevation  of  about  500  feet.  These 
plants  are  seldom  without  flowers,  more  or  less,  throughout  the 
summer,  but  bloom  freely  both  early  and  late  ;  this  will  have  stood 
out  at  least  fifteen  years.  Alongside  the  last-named  a  plant  of  the 
Fabiana  imbricata,  5  feet  high,  is  growing  also  without  protection, 
and,  although  of  a  rather  naked  and  straggling  growth,  it  is  very 
beautiful  in  spring,  with  its  numerous  long  spikes  of  pure  white 
trumpet-shaped  flowers.  As  one  of  your  correspondents  recommends 
the  Cotoneaster  for  covering  walls  (for  which  purpose  it  is  all  he 
says  for  it),  I  may  add  that  it  is  equally  efficient  and  beautiful  as  a 
hedge  plant,  if  planted  on  a  raised  or  natural  bank.  Such  a  fence  is 
the  sole  protector  of  the  above  plants  from  cattle  ;  its  pretty  little 
white  flowers,  like  a  sheet  of  snow,  swarm  with  bees  in  early  spring, 
and  are  succeeded  by  almost  as  many  bright  coral  berries  (or  must 
I  say  Haws) .  But  if  you  begin  to  flatter  yourself,  after  enjoying  their 
beauty  all  winter,  that  you  are  going  to  have  another  lot  of  bloom  by 
way  of  contrast,  don't  be  astonished,  if,  some  fine  morning  a  flock  of 
Mistletoe  thrushes  (not  Jack  Frost)  blights  your  hopes. 

Cumbrian. 


TREES  FOR  CHURCHYARDS. 

In  selecting  trees  suitable  for  churchyards,  the  church  itself  must 
be  taken  into  consideration,  as  it  requires  forms  of  growth  suited  to 
its  style  of  architecture.  A  building  with  a  spire  i-equires  trees  of  a 
pyramidal  or  conical  growth  around  it,  while  one  with  a  tower  should 
have  trees  of  bush-like  appearance.  These  latter  may,  however, 
occasionally  be  mixed  with  the  former,  to  give  variety.  Of  course 
trees  of  a  sombre  character  are  the  most  appropriate,  and  Conifers 
furnish  the  most  desirable  subjects,  selecting  only  those  varieties 
whose  growth  would  not  occupy  much  space.     Weeping  Willows  are 


468 


THE  GAUDEN. 


[Dec.  6,  1873. 


not  Dnfiequently  seen  in  village  churchyards,  but  to  secure  a  clean 
and  well-kept  surface  deciduous  trees  should  be  avoided.  Therefore, 
for  a  churchyard,  >vhosc  building  has  a  spire,  the  Irish  Yew,  with  its 
deep  green  foliage,  is  one  of  the  best  of  trees.  The  Connnou  Yew 
should  also  bo  planted  here  and  there,  for  the  sake  of  variety,  as 
should  likewise  Thujas,  Junipers,  Podocarpus  japonica,  and  similar 
Coniferous  plants.  When  the  church  has  a  tower  only,  we  should 
plant  Taxus  baccata  and  adpressa,  spreading  Junipers  in  clumps, 
v.arious  Pines,  and  Arancaria  imbricata.  In  Uighnam  churchyard 
may  be  seen  a  specimen  of  good  taste  in  planting,  an  operation  which 
was  conducted  uuder  the  supervision  of  Mr.  Gambler  Parry,  a  gentle- 
man who  provided  the  site  and  built  the  church  in  his  own  park. 
The  churchyard,  which  is  in  the  shapeof  a  parallelogram,  9 1  yards  long 
and  77  yards  wide,  is  surrounded  on  three  sides  with  a  walk  about 
0  feet  distant  from  a  Ha-ha,  which  runs  parallel  with  it.  Along  the 
sides  of  the  walks  are  specimens  of  Taxus  fastigiata,  planted  at 
equal  distances  of  about  15  feet  apart,  carefully  trained  and  pruned, 
also  Thuja  plieata  at  equal  distances.  Outside  of  the  row  nearest  the 
Ha-ha,  and  next  to  it,  are  planted  specimens  of  Araucaria  imbri- 
cata, at  angles  with  the  Thujas.  The  east  walk  also  has  Thujas 
on  each  siile,  with  a  few  English  Yews,  the  original  object  probably 
being  to  obstruct  the  view  from  the  highway,  which  is  only  a  short 
distance  off.  On  the  north  side  there  is  an  excavated  walk  which 
has  bauks  sloping  to  the  general  level,  on  which  are  planted  Juni- 
peis.  Everything  is  kept  in  good  condition,  and  a  prettier  church- 
yard than  it  is  it  would  be  difficult  to  tind.  D.  C.  P. 


Wood  Paving  in  the  City. — The  whole  of  Ludgate  Hill, 
from  top  to  bottom,  has  receutly  been  paved  with  wood  by  direction 
of  the  Civic  authorities,  and  is  now,  in  comparison  with  what  it  used 
to  be,  a  fine,  commodious  thoroughfare,  almost  noiseless  from  the 
trafiBc,  easy  to  horses  both  in  the  ascent  and  descent,  and  to  all 
appearance,  so  far,  durable.  It  has  been  laid  with  blocks  of  the  best 
Memel  Fir  timber,  a  little  larger  than  ordinary  bricks,  all  made  to 
measure,  and  placed  edgeways  on  a  bed  of  gravel  previously  prepared, 
and  into  which  the  blocks  are  beaten  into  position  by  heavy  paving  rams. 
That  done,  hot  molten  tar  is  run  into  the  interstices  of  the  blocks,  and 
the  whole  surface  of  the  roadway  thns  welded  together,  so  to  speak, 
is  afterwards  covered  with  gravel  and  arched  in  the  ordinary  way  so 
a?  to  carry  off  the  surface  water  in  wet  weather  to  gutters  on  either 
"side.  Of  course,  its  durability  has  yet  to  be  proved  by  actual  expe- 
rience, and  that  is  a  great  point ;  but  one  great  desideratum  has  been 
attained,  and  that  is  its  comparative  freedom  from  noise,  and  the  firm 
hold  it  presents  to  horses'  feet.  It  seems  to  be  even  more  noiseless 
than  asphalte,  in  that  it  is  altogether  free  from  the  peculiar  and 
monotonous  "  click "  which  asphalte  in  its  best  condition  always 
gives  off  to  the  tread  of  hoofs.  The  surface  is  almost  as  springy  as 
that  of  Epsom  Downs.  What  it  will  be  in  a  hard  frost  remains  to  be 
seen.  The  same  kiud  of  wood  pavement  and  another  description  of 
that  material  are  being  tried  now  by  the  Corporation  of  London  in 
various  parts  of  the  City,  and  the  subject  is  exciting  much  interest. 
Mr.  Haywood,  the  engineer  to  the  City  Commissioners  of  Sewers,  is 
also  specially  engaged  in  investigating  the  comparative  merits  of 
asphalte,  granite,  and  wooden  pavements  by  the  light  of  past  experi- 
ence,  so  far  as  he  has  gone,  and  he  will  shortly  present  a  report  on 
the  whole  subject. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


Philadelplins  ainoeuus.— Thi^  plnnt  i^  a  seedling  of  P.  speciosxis.  and  is 
reruai'kablc  lor  the  abundance  and  beauty  of  it«  flowers.  These  are  of  medium 
size,  of  a  pure  milk-white  colour,  and  very  frag-mnt.  They  arc  produced  in 
such  profusion  that,  at  the  time  of  bloominp.^the  plant  is  almost  entirely 
hidden  by  them.  Like  all  the  other  kinds  of  Philadelphus,  this  variety  should 
bo  pruned  as  soon  as  the  bloom  is  over.  The  younfj  shoots  should  not  be 
shortened,  unless  they  grow  immoderately  long  and  disfigure  the  appearance 
of  the  plant. 

Forest  Planting  on  the  Apennines.— The  Marquis  Ginori,  we  leam,  has 
successfully  commenced  the  re-wooding  of  his  estates  on  the  slopes  of  the  Apen- 
nines, in  the  neighbourhood  of  Florence.  On  a  large  breadth  of  mountain  which 
the  torrents  had  swept  bare  as  a  tm-npike  road,  he  planted  Oak.  Ilex,  Cypress, 
Pino,  and  other  hardy  forest  trees,  and  these,  after  a  growth  of  ten' years, 
form  a  pretty  and  promising  thicket,  which  ye.ir  by  year  will  grow  broader 
and  higher,  and  eventually  become  a  forest.  By  clever  management,  the 
torrents,  led  into  lateral  channels,  aro  converted  into  a  friendly  soui'ce  of 
irrigation,  and  add  to  the  interest  of  the  experiment. 

Pronagating  the  Leycesteria  formosa.— Can  this  be  crown  from  cuttings 
at  this  seaivou,  and  what  kind  of  soil  suits  it  best  ?— G.  [The  best-ripened  shoots 
of  Leycesteria  may  bo  cut  up  now  into  pieces  about  0  or  7  inches  lonir,  and 
inserted  thickly  in  a  border  under  a  hand-glsiss.  The  border  may  consist  of  any 
open  soil,  to  which  may  be  added  some  rousrh  sand  and  leaf -soil.  Leave  the 
cuttings  in  this  position  till  next  spring,  merely  protectintr  them  with  a  mat,  or 
some  Fern  strewed  over  the  hand-lights  in  frosty  weaUier.  AVlxen  they  have 
become  well  rooted  and  have  begun  to  grow,  lift  them  and  transplant  them  a 
little  further  apart  in  a  similarly  prei)ared  border.  A  sheltered  position  and 
any  good  porous  ganlen  soil  suit  the  plants  perfectly.] 


THE     LIBRARY. 

THE  LIFE  AND  HABITS   OF  WILD  -ANIMALS.* 

This  work  has  beeu  brought  out  iu  very  superior  stylo,  and 
contains  twenty  tirst-cluss  engravings  by  Messrs.  "NVliympcr, 
from  designs  by  Mr.  J.  Wolf,  illustrating  various  striking 
incidents  of  the  lives  and  habits  of  wild  animals.  As  a  skilful 
deUueator  of  such  subjects,  Mr.  Wolf  eujoj's  a  high  reputation 
in  the  artistic  world,  and  his  spirited  designs  iu  the  present 
voUime  fully  sustain  his  well-earned  celebrity.  To  say  that  the 
engravings  arc  the  work  of  Messrs.  Whymper  is  simjjly  to 
state  that  they  are  produced  in  the  verj-  first  style  of  art. 
Some  pages  of  explanatoiy  letter-press  accompany  each  illus- 
tration ;  but  the  great  attraction  of  the  volume  are  the 
engravings,  which  speak  for  themselves.  A  specimen  of 
these,  which  we  give  on  the  opposite  page,  represents  one  of 
the  results  of  a  falling  avalanche,  so  common  on  the  Swiss 
mountains  (the  native  home  of  man}-  of  our  loveliest  Alpuie 
flowers),  and  not  altogether  unknown  in  our  own  Scottish 
Highlands.  To  human,  animal,  or  tree  life,  such  moving 
accidents  are  terrible  indeed;  but  the  Gentians,  and  mountain 
Primroses,  and  Saxifrages,  and  their  numerous  dwarf  allies, 
are  as  safe  beneath  the  wastes  of  snow,  as  conservatoiy 
favourites  at  home,  and  on  the  very  ruin  of  the  avalanche 
they  will,  iu  due  time,  spring  up  and  blossom  as  the  Kose. 
The  engraving  is  explained  as  follows  : — 

Slowly  wending  their  way  amongst  the  passes  of  the  Scottish 
hills,  a  number  of  red-deer  are  seeking  better  pastnring  ground. 
They  anticipate  no  danger  in  the  rocky  defile,  and  the  antlered 
leader  of  the  little  band  moves  carelessly  along  with  lowered  head, 
intent,  apparently,  only  upon  the  eatable  articles  he  may  be  able  to 
gather.  The  more  timid  hinds  frequently  lift  their  gracefal  heads, 
and  throwing  their  pointed  ears  forward,  sunff  the  pure  fresh  breeze, 
in  order  to  detect  any  danger  that  may  be  lurking  near.  So  the 
deer  move  on,  to  incur  a  danger  they  are  nnable,  \vith  all  their 
powers  of  sight  and  scent,  to  guard  against.  But  a  little  distance 
before  them,  rising  above  the  narrow  ledge  that  forms  a  \vinding 
path  at  its  base,  a  huge  cliff  towers  upwards,  bearing  aloft  a  mantle 
of  unsuUied  white.  Harmless  enough  it  appears  in  the  sun-light, 
and  gives  no  evidence  of  its  speedy  release  from  the  mountain's  side. 
Yet,  as  the  deer  approach,  a  few  stones  come  hurtUng  down,  as  the 
snow-field  begins  to  yield,  and,  as  they  bound  from  side  to  side  the 
buck  stops,  and  tossing  his  armed  head,  blows  sharply  through  his 
nostrils  as  he  gazes  at  the  falling  rocks,  while  the  hinds  crowd 
timidly.  All  is  soon  silent  again,  and  the  animals  proceed  on  their  way 
with  confidence  restored.  As  they  arrive  beneath  the  cliff,  an 
indistinct,  uncertain,  mm-muring  sound  is  heard,  and  then  suddenly, 
with  the  sound  of  distant  thunder,  the  whole  side  of  the  hill  seems 
moving  towards  the  valley,  and  iu  a  thick,  tossing,  fleecy  clond,  the 
snow  descends  npon  the  luckless  deer.  Apprised  too  late  of  their 
danger,  with  frantic  leaps  they  endeavour  to  escape ;  but  the  snow- 
fall is  all  about  them,  and  bears  them  to  the  earth  with  its  weight. 
However,  struggling  desperately,  they  soon  cut  through  the  yielding 
mass  with  their  sharp  hoofs,  and,  although  at  first  half-slunned  as 
they  emerge  into  the  sun-light  again,  yet  they  soon  gather  their 
senses,  and  bound  along  the  path,  happy  to  have  escaped  such  nn. 
expected  danger. 

THE  CRY  OF  THE  LABGURER.f 
We  have  read  this  excellent  discourse  with  much  interest,  and 
have  no  doubt  that  its  circulation  will  be  productive  of  good 
results.  Abstaining  from  any  discussion  of  those  points  which 
may  more  properly  be  considered  the  exaggerated  grievances 
of  the  "  labourers-in-union,"  Mr.  Hole  clearly  and  eloquently 
shows  in  what  matters  of  really  vital  importance  '"  the  landlord, 
the  farmer,  and  the  priest "  have  respectively  failed  intheir  duty 
towards  them,  as  may  be  seen  from  the  following  extract : — 

It  is  affirmed  to  be  the  duty  of  landlords,  as  o^vners  or  builders  of 
houses,  to  provide  dwelling-places  in  which  men  and  women  may  live 
in  decency  and  comfort.  It  is  stated  that,  in  many  instances,  the 
stables  of  the  rich  aro  far  more  carefully,  commodiously,  and  expen. 
sively  constructed   than  the  habitations  of  the  poor,  and  that  the 

•  "  The  Lite  and  Habits  of  Wild  Animals."  Illustrated  by  Designs  bv 
Joseph  Wolf,  engraved  by  J.  W.  and  E.  Whymper  ;  with  Descriptive  letter- 
press by  Daniel  diraud  Elliot,  F.L.S.,  F.Z.S.  London:  Alexander Macmillan 
&  Co. 

t  "TheCryof  the  Labourer  against  Landlord,  Farmer,  and  Priest."  ASermon 
by  S.  Reynolds  Hole,  Vicar  of  Cannton,  Notts.  William  Blackwood  A  Sons, 
Edinburgh  and  Loudon. ,  1S73. 


Dec.  6,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


469 


THE    AVALANCHE. 


470 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Di;t.  G,  1873. 


hpalthful  condition  of  the  beasts  which  perish  is  accounted  of  more 
importance  than  human  life.  And,  while  we  thankfully  appreciate 
the  great  improvements  which  have  been  made,  and  admire  the 
efforts  which,  stimulated  by  the  example  of  the  good  Prince  Consort 
and  others,  have  wrought  a  partial  success,  we  are  bound  to  acknow- 
ledge that,  in  this  matter,  the  cries  of  them  which  have  reaped  are 
often  righteous  cries  :  that  man  gocth  forth  to  his  work  and  to  his 
labour  until  the  evening,  and  that,  when  evening  comes,  he  must 
return  to  an  abode  which  it  id  mockery  to  call  a  home — a  hnt  so 
small,  that  if  he  has  wife  and  children,  they  are  crowded  like  sheep 
together,  with  bad  ventilation,  feeble  light,  and  probably  bad  drain. 
ago  also.  What  is  the  consequence  ?  No  people  in  the  world  lovo 
their  homes  more  than  we  in  England.  There  is  no  song  in  our  Ian. 
giiago  which  stirs  our  heart  moro  sensibly  th.an  tho  song  of  "  Home, 
sweet  llomo."  Ho  it  ever  so  humble,  if  there's  room  to  breathe  freely, 
and  live  as  God  would  have  men  and  women  live — it's  home,  and  that's 
enongh.  But  not  such  a  place  iis  that!  What  can  there  be  but  a 
sickly,  querulous,  fretful  unrest  in  such  a  place  as  that  ?  How  can 
there  be  happiness,  and  peace,  and  love  ?  The  bravest  heart  must 
falter,  and  the  ruddiest  check  must  pale.  "What's  the  consequence?" 
Why,  disease  both  to  body  and  soul.  Tho  man  comes  back,  turns 
away,  and  goes — where  ?  Where  can  he  go  ?  There's  only  one 
place,  where  there  may  bo  temptation,  excess,  and  sin,  but  where 
there  will  certainly  be  comfort,  brightness,  and  cleanliness.  So  tho 
man  is  gono  from  the  miserable  wife,  and  the  money  is  gone  from 
the  children,  who  want  school. pence,  and  clothes,  and  food — and 
there's  worse  oven  than  that.  Thus  huddled  together,  how  can  their 
boys  and  girls  preserve  the  modesty,  the  shame,  which  is  a  glory  and 
a  grace  ?  How  can  they  keep  innocence  ?  How  can  they  be  pure  in 
heart  ?  Who  can  doubt  that,  if  such  wretched  tenements  were  dis- 
placed for  commodious  and  cheerful  homes,  each  having  its  g.arden 
plot  for  vegetables,  and  fruits,  and  flowers  (and  tho  Government 
might  do  something,  on  sanitary  principles,  to  enforce  and  promote 
such  a  consummation),  there  would  bo  less  drunkenness,  less  un. 
chastity — both  deadly  sins — than  now  ? 


PAXTON'S  FLOWER  GARDEN. 
A  KK-issuE  of  this  work,  which  has  for  some  years  been  out  of  print, 
is  now  in  course  of  publication,  under  the  editorship  of  Mr.  Andrew 
Murray,  at  the  Villa  Gardenei-  office,  13.\,  Salisbury  Square,  Fleet 
Street.  We  have  received  the  first  two  numbers,  the  text  and  draw. 
ings  of  which  are  reproduced  very  faithfully. 


INTRODUCTORY  TEXT.BOOK  OP  PHYSICAL 
GEOGRAPHY.* 
IiV  a  former  number  of  The  Garden  wc  took  occasion  to  express  a 
favourable  opinion  of  Dr.  Page's  "  Advanced  Text. book  of  Physical 
Geography,"  which  is  an  expansion  of  the  present  work,  containing 
precisely  the  same  matter,  with  additional  details  and  observations. 
The  difference  between  the  two  works  is  not  so  great  .as  might  be 
expected  from  their  titles,  the  superiority  of  the  "  Advanced  Text, 
book  "  consisting  chieflj'  in  tho  greater  number  of  illustrations  which 
it  contains ;  while  all  the  essential  points,  principles,  and  facts 
relating  to  tho  subject,  are  presented  in  the  smaller  or  "Introduc 
tory  "  volume.  Wo  are  not  surprised  that  it  has  reached  a  sixth 
edition,  and  we  have  no  hesitation  in  recommending  it  as  a  most 
useful  hand-book,  either  for  the  juvenile  or  the  adult  student. 


Poisoning  by  Means  of  "Water  Hemlock. — I  noticed 
in  your  issue  of  last  week  (see  p.  428)  that  Mr.  Jlitchell  called 
attention  to  tho  lat.o  case  of  poisoning  at  Falmouth.  I  think  there 
are  good  reasons  for  believing  that  the  plant  which  caused  the 
mischief  was  not  the  Water  Dropvvort  (ffinanthe  crocata),  but  tho 
Water  Hemlock  (Cicuta  viros.i),  as  I  have  never  been  able  to  detect 
the  G'hiantho  in  that  locality;  and  I  have  been  informed  by  local 
botaui-sts  that  ffinantho  crocata  is  not  found  in  Cornwall,  but  that 
Cionta  virosa  is  abundant  in  almost  every  shady  stream  in  that  neigh, 
bonrhood,  and  that  it  always  goes  by  the  name  of  Water  Hemlock. 
Specimens  that  I  have  gathered  at  Killiow,  near  Trnro,  have  been 
pronounced  by  competent  persons  to  bo  tho  true  Cicnta.  If  portions 
of  tho  plant  in  question  could  be  procured  and  sent  to  some  reliable 
authority,  the  qnestion  would  be  set  at  rest.  It  was  reported  in  tho 
neighbourhood  that  the  plant  which  caused  the  death  of  tho  children 
in  the  early  part  of  the  year  was  the  Wild  Celery  (Apium  graveolens), 
which  is  abundant  by  tho  sea  around  Falmouth.  U.  J.  Ml'RTON. 

Royal  Qanlcns,  Kew. 

*  "  Introductory  Text-book  of  Physical  Gcojjrnphy."  By  Dnvid  rnfro,  LL.P., 
F.G.S.  Sixth  Mu<t  cnlavged  Kdition.  Ediuburgh  iiiul  Loudon;  William  Black- 
wood ami  Sons.    1873. 


GARDEN    DESTROYERS. 


RAVAGES   OF  INSECTS. 

Some  interesting  information  relating  to  the  ravages  of  insects  was 
given  by  Mr.  Napier  to  tho  House  of  Commons'  Committee  of  last 
session  on  the  protection  of  wild  birds.  In  1782  the  caterpillars  of 
the  brown-tail  moth  were  so  numerous  as  to  defoliate  the  trees  of  a 
very  large  part  of  tho  south  of  England.  The  alarm  was  so  great  that 
public  prayers  were  offered  in  the  churches  that  the  calamity  might 
be  stayed.  The  poor  were  paid  Is.  per  bushel  for  collecting  cater, 
pillars'  webs,  to  be  burnt  under  the  inspection  of  the  overseers  of  the 
p.arish  ;  and  four  score  bushels  were  collected  daily  in  some  parishes. 
The  brown. tail  moth  is  a  beautiful  little  white  insect,  about  an  inch 
in  expanse  of  wings.  Mr.  Napier  noticed  that  in  1853  it  defoliated 
about  20  feet  of  a  hedge  near  Parkstone,  Poole;  and  in  1855  tho 
caterpillars  riildledaftd  deprived  of  their  leaves  two  Plum  trees  in  his 
garden  at  Lewes,  one  of  which  died.  The  caterpillar  of  the  gamma 
moth  is  one  of  the  most  injurious  to  garden  plants  ;  it  principally 
feeds  at  night,  and,  concealing  itself  by  day,  is  unperceived.  The 
gamma  moth  overran  France  about  a  century  ago,  and  devoured  a 
very  large  proportion  of  its  crops.  The  autler  moth  is  sometimes 
extremely  destructive  to  Gr.ass  crops.  Mr.  Napier  once  saw  millions 
of  these  on  the  Wrekin,  and  in  the  followiuEr  summer  the  Grass  of 
that  mountain  was  in  a  miserable  state.  The  lackey  moth  is  very 
destructive  to  Filbert  plantations.  Cherry  otchards,  and  ether  tree 
plantations.  The  buff-tip,  the  cabbage-moth,  and  the  small  ermines 
are  very  destructive  to  the  leaves  of  fruit  trees  and  garden  shrubs. 
But,  on  the  other  hand,  the  benefits  derived  from  the  labour  of  some 
insects  should  not  be  overlooked  ;  some  species  feed  only  on  noxious 
weeds,  and  others  prey  on  still  more  noxious  insects.  One  of  the 
greatest  friends  of  cultivators  is  the  family  of  ichneumon  flies,  which 
lay  their  eggs  in  the  bodies  of  living  caterpillars,  in  which  they  are 
hatched,  thus  destroying  them  ;  although  the  caterpillar,  after  being 
"  ichneumoned,"  has  still  a  voracious  appetite.  The  caterpillars 
which  feed  on  the  Cabbage  eat  twice  their  weight  in  a  day ;  the 
larvaj  of  some  of  the  fleck  flies  eat  a  much  large  proportion  than 
this.  Among  the  flies  the  daddylonglegs  is  one  of  the  most  destruc- 
tive, especially  in  France  ;  its  larva  feeds  on  the  roots  of  Grass,  and  Mr. 
Napier  in  1859  noticed  meadows  in  La  Manche  devastated  by  it.  The 
starling  is  a  bird  most  useful  in  destroying  these  larvsc,  and  those  of 
the  horse  and  cattle  flies.  The  orthopterous  insects,  of  which  the 
locust,  grasshopper,  and  cockchafer,  are  examples,  are  very  destruc- 
tive. The  numerous  species  of  grasshoppers  lessen  the  amount  of 
our  Grass  crops.  Locusts  are  seldom  found  in  England  now  in  suffi. 
cient  numbers  to  do  any  damage,  but  they  have  done  considerable 
damage  here  in  former  generations.  Their  greatest  enemies  are  the 
starling  and  the  rose-coloured  pastor,  which  follow  them  in  flocks  and 
decapitate  them  by  hundreds.  The  beetles  are  immensely  numerous 
as  regards  species.  In  157-4  the  cockchafers  gathered  in  such 
numbers  on  the  banks  of  the  Severn  as  to  prevent  the  working  of  the 
watermills.  On  another  occasion  in  Galway  they  formed  a  black 
cloud  that  darkened  the  sky  for  the  distance  of  a  league,  and  des. 
troyed  the  vegetation  so  completely  that  summer  seemed  turned  into 
winter.  They  made  a  noise  resembling  the  sawing  of  wood.  Tho 
people,  threatened  with  famine,  were  obliged  to  devour  them.  In 
1801  they  were  alarmingly  numerous  in  Switzerland.  The  female 
lays  about  thirty  eggs ;  in  six  weeks  they  are  hatched.  They  live 
from  three  to  four  years  in  the  larva  state.  Tho  first  year  they  do 
not  do  a  great  amount  of  damage  ;  but  in  the  second  year  they 
attack  the  roots  of  all  plants  within  their  reach.  They  often  ruin  tho 
crops  of  Corn,  Lucerne,  Strawberries,  and  various  plants  on  which 
man  depends  for  food.  Ina  field  of  29  acres  in  France  about  43,000 
larvcB  were  found — quite  sufficient  to  destroy  the  entire  crop  during 
the  season.  Our  insectivorous  bti-ds  are  diligent  in  destroying  tho 
larvte  of  insects,  but  they  will  not  do  all  that  is  required  ;  hand  labour 
is  also  needed.  Mr.  Napier  is  of  opinion  that  the  extensive  diffusion 
of  information  on  the  habits  and  means  of  destroying  our  moro 
noxious  insects  wonld  be  the  means  of  saving  millions  of  pounds' 
worth  of  valuable  food  every  year.  He  says  that  in  the  United 
States  the  importance  of  this  subject  is  felt,  and  almost  every  State 
has  a  government  entomologist,  whoso  business  it  is  to  make  inspec- 
tions and  reports  of  the  ravages  of  insects,  and  show  the  remedy. 
In  France,  government  returns  were  published,  from  which  it  appeared 
that  the  damage  done  in  Normandy  by  the  cockchafer  alone  amounted 
to  twenty-five  million  francs.  A  law  was  passed  in  France  a  few 
years  since  for  the  protection  of  birds.  Not,  however,  that  all  birds 
aro  to  be  welcomed  ;  the  sparrow  does  a  good  deal  of  harm  by 
feeding  so  much  on  green  crops,  and  the  wood  pigeon  does  much 
mischief.  But  on  the  whole  Mr.  Napier  is  certain  that  birds  do  a 
great  deal  more  good  than  harm,  so  that  their  presence  in  our 
gardens  is  rather  desirable  than  otherwise. 


Dec.  6,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


471 


THE    PHYLLOXERA    AGAIN. 
What  the  annual  Uop  crop  is   to  Kent  (says  tho    Daily  Teler/raph) , 
what  the  Potato  crop  is  to  Ireland,  what  the  Rice  crop  is  to  Bengal 
— that  is    tho  Vino   crop  to    the    sunny   land  of    France.     Wo  in 
England,  whore  the  Vino  is  never  seen  except  under  costly  roofs  of 
ci'ystal,  or   trained   tenderly  ag.ainst   southernly  walls,   .are   apt    to 
forget  that  it  is  upon  hor  wino  crop  the  prosperity  of  Fr.ance  almost 
entirely  tlepeiids  ;    that   for  her  a  bad  year  with  the  Vines  means 
what  a  bad  harvest  means  amongst  ourselves.     The  reports  of   tho 
French  Treasury  tell  us  that,  in  round  numbers,  there  are  at  present 
under  cultivation  some  87,000,000  acres  of  Vineyard,  and  that  these 
yield  upon  the   average   1,100,000,000  gallons  of  wine  every  year ; 
while  in  exceptional  years,  such  as  1865   and  1869,  the  yield  will 
amount    to   as   much   as   1,510,000,000    gallons.     Some   twelve   or 
thirteen  millions  of    money  arc,  therefore,  entirely  dependent   upon 
the  prospects  of  the  year's  crop,  so  that  when,  as  has  been  the  case 
this  sesison,  the  yield  throughout  tho  whole  of  the  great  Bordeaux 
district   has   been  but  a  fifth  of  the  average  amount,   widespread 
distress  and  considerable  financial  disturbance  are  almost  certain  to 
follow.     From    time  immemorial   the  chief    enemy  of   the   French 
Vine  grower  has  been  frost.     The  early  sun  ot  spring  lures  the  young 
saplings  into  bud,  and  then  a  single  night  of   frost  will  leave  acres 
upon  acres,  as  far  as  eye  can  stretch,  as  black  as  if  a  torrent  of  fire 
had   swept    across  them,  calcining  tho  bright  fresh   green  of   leaf 
and  tendril  to   cinder  and   ash.     Of   late,  however,  a  new  scourge 
has  fallen  on  the    land,   the    ravages  of    which   leave    far    behind 
all  the  ill    that   has    ever    yet    been    done    by  frost    or    tempest, 
hail  or  drought.     The  Phylloxera  vastatrix— as  the  little    parasite 
is    called,    which     is    at     present    the     curse    of     France — is    an 
almost    microscopic  pest,    of    a  nature    closely   allied  to  the  tiny 
green  aphis,  so  well-known  in  our  English  hothouses.     It  feeds  upon 
the  sap,   the  very   life-blood  of  the  young  plant ;    and   with   such, 
terrible  rapidity  does  it  multiply  that  it  h.a3,   within  the  last  eight 
years,  laid  waste  close  upon  four  million  acres  of  French  Vineyards 
as  effectually  as  if  the  breath  of  a  furnace  had  passed  over  them.  The 
Government  has  offered  large  rewards  to  any  one  who  will  discover 
how  to  stay  the  pestilence.      Chemists,   naturalists,  practical    men, 
have  been  trying  remedy  after  remedy,   and  yet  the  plague  was, 
nutil  lately,  not  only  unabated,  but  actually  threatening  to  increase. 
The  list  of  remedies  which  are  reported  as  having  been  tried  without 
effect  sufficiently  speaks  to  the  serious  nature  of  the  evil.    Chemistry 
has  emptied  out  her  vials.      All  the  most  active  disinfectants  have 
been  tried  in  vain.     Experiments  have  been  made  with  carbolic  acid, 
with  coal  tar,  and  with  creosote,  with  petroleum  and  naphtha,  with 
chloride  of  lime  and  with   quick  lime,  with  sulphur  and  sulphide  of 
lime  and  sulphurous  acid,  with  arsenic  and  arsenious  acid,  and  with 
that  most  fetid  of   all  chemical  compounds — the  sulphuret  or  bisul- 
phide of  carbon.    Of  the  results  to  be  obtaiued  from  the  application  of 
this  last  drug  considerable  hopes  were  at  one  time  entertained.     Tho 
bisulphide  ot   carbon  will  kill  anything;  therefore,  it  was  argued,  it 
ought  to  kill  the  phylloxera.     Holes  were  dug  at  the  roots  of  the 
trees,  the  abominable  poison  was  poured  in,  the  hole  was  covered  over 
with  fresh  earth,  and  the  noisome  vapour  was  left  slowly  to  escape. 
The    cure    unfortunately    proved    worse    than    the    disease.      The 
poisonous  fumes  of  the  bisniphide  killed  the  phylloxera  off,  as  might 
have  been  expected  ;  but  with  the  phylloxera  they  also  killed  off  the 
Vino  itself,  corroding  and  eating  out  the   very  life,  shrivelling  the 
wood,  nipping  and  searing  tendril  and  bud,  and  bleaching  the  tender 
leaves.     Chemistry,  with  her  thousand  and  one  resources,  being  thus 
powerless,    an   attempt — equally  unsuccessful — has   been    made   to 
stamp  out  the  disease  with  fire.     Huge  pyres  have  been  erected,  and 
the  tainted  plants  have  been  plucked   out  and  burned — root,  bud, 
branch,  pest,  and  all — in  one  vast  blaze.     Water,    too,  has   had  its 
advocates;  and,  wherever  water  could  be  got  in  sufficient  quantity, 
the  Vineyards  have  been  flooded  in  the  vain  hope  of  exterminating  by 
drowning  the  noxious  pest,  whether  in   the  state  of  egg,  cocoon,  or 
perfect  insect.     All  these  cures  have  alike  signally  failed.     Tho  only 
attempt  that  has  at  all  approximated  to  success  has   been   that  of 
those  who  have  strewed  the  ground  round  tho  diseased  plants  a  foot 
deep  with  green  Tobacco  leaves — a  plan  incapable  of  application  upon 
any  large  extent,  as,  to  carry  it  fully  out,  every  acre  of  Vineyard 
would  reqnire  at  least  a  corresponding  acre  of  Tobacco,  so  insensible 
is  the  phylloxera  even  to  Tobacco  itself — the  deadliest  poison  known 
to  the  whole  insect  world.     At   last,   however,  when  Vine-growers, 
wine-makers,  and  exporters  were  in  despair,  a  M.  Planchon,  a  French 
naturalist,  resolved  to   pay   a  visit   to  America,   whence,  it  is  now 
pretty  well  ascertained,  the  noxious   phylloxera  was   first  iiuported 
into  France  about  eight  years  ago.   The  pest  exists,  argued  Planchon, 
in  Missouri  and  Illinois,  and  yet  is  there  of  so  little  importance,  that 
even  in  the  years  when  it  ig  most  active  and  most  mischievous,  it  does 
not  perceptibly   affect  the   average   of  tho  crop.     Obviously,  then, 
some  cause  must  be  at  work  in  America — some  condition  must  there 


exist  which  is  wanting  in  France  ;  and,  if  once  it  can  bo  found  out, 
tho  problem  will  be  forthwith  solved  which  has  been  vexing  France 
for  nearly  three  years.  Here  was  a  journey  undertaken  in  the  true 
spirit  of  scienco  ;  and  it  is  gratifying  to  know  that  M.  Planchon's 
labours  have  been,  so  far  as  can  bo  told  at  present,  crowned  with 
success.  "  It  is  small  birds,"  will  cry  at  once  tho  disciple  of 
Mr.  F.  O.  Morris,  who  knows  that  in  Franco  the  iudiscriminate 
practice  of  what  is  known  as  U  .iport  has  left  tho  country  almost 
featherless,  until,  for  mile  after  mile,  not  a  wing  flutters,  nor  a  tiny 
"tweet-tweet"  is  heard.  "  No,"  is  the  answer.  M.  Planchon's  dis. 
covery  is  not  this,  although  very  like  it.  It  is  not  the  nesting 
sparrow  he  presses  into  his  service,  but  the  nesting  acarus — a  species 
of  American  "plant  lion" — which  lives  upon  the  phylloxera,  hunts  it 
down,  pursues  it  from  leaf  to  leaf,  drags  it  out  of  the  crannies  in  the 
bark,  burrows  after  it  into  tho  underground  lairs,  where  it  lies  hid  in 
winter,  sucking  the  sweet  juices  from  the  root— seizes  it,  fastens 
upon  it,  sncks  its  blood  as  a  spider  sucks  a  fly,  throws  aside  the 
shrivelled  carcase,  and  rushes  off  at  once  with  insatiable  ferocity  in 
quest  of  a  fresh  victim.  It  is  the  old  story  of  Columbus  and  the  egg 
over  again.  Tho  thing  is  simple  enough,  when  once  we  knovv  the 
trick.  France,  to  her  sorrow,  imported  tho  phylloxera,  but  did  not 
ivith  it  at  tho  same  time  import  the  acarus — much  as  Australia  has 
imported  tho  Thistle  but  not  the  goldfinch,  the  rabbit  but  not  tho 
stoat  and  fox.  M.  Planchon's  joy  when  the  secret  first  opened  itself 
to  him — when  closely  watching  the  infected  Illinois  Vines,  he  saw 
the  acarus  chasing  his  prey  from  leaf  to  leaf— can  be  easily  imagined. 
Here  at  last  was  the  wished-for  physician — the  tiny  little  creature 
who  was  to  sweep  the  Vineyards  of  fair  Prance  as  clear  of  their 
terrible  pest  as  tho  hedgehog  sweeps  the  Eoglish  kitchen  of  its 
swarms  of  cockroaches.  With  trembling  hand  were  specimens  of  the 
little  "  bug"  collected ;  with  tender  care  were  they  placed  in  huge 
chipboxes,  and  supplied  with  their  favourite  food  ;  with  delight  almost 
extravagant  were  they  first  exhibited  at  the  Academie  des  Sciences, 
and  then  turned  out  to  fight  the  ijood  fight  in  the  devastated  Vine, 
yards,  wherein,  if  they  do  not  thrive  and  multiply,  it  will  not  be,  at 
auy  rate,  for  want  of  a  sufficient  supply  of  their  proper  food. 


Poisonous  Plants  and  Insects. — Many  persons  are  very 
susceptible  to  tho  poisonous  influences  of  vegetable  substances ;  and 
poison  Ivy  and  poison  Oak  aro  highly  injurious  to  the  skin,  and  produce 
excessively  painful  sores.  When  the  burning  and  itching  first  com. 
mence,  if  the  skin  is  painted  with  a  thick  whitewash,  made  out  of  a 
handful  of  unslacked  lime  dissolved  in  just  enough  water  to  form  a 
substance  that  will  cling  to  the  flesh,  these  sores  will  subside  very 
quickly.  Often  one  application  is  snffieient,  but  if  not,  put  it  on 
two,  three,  or  more  times,  until  the  lime  kills  the  poison  entirely. 
If  the  skin  has  become  broken,  however,  this  remedy  may  be  too  severe, 
but  a  salve,  made  by  pouring  liquid  ammonia  into  sweet  oil.  stirring 
it  rapidly  until  it  forms  a  thick  paste,  and  then  applying  it  on  a  cloth 
to  the  surface,  will  extract  the  poison.  For  curing  the  stino-s  of 
bees,  hornets,  and  spiders,  common  fine  salt,  and  bicarbonate  of  soda, 
in  equal  parts,  is  the  best  remedy.  Rub  the  powder  well  into  the 
bite,  and  repeat  the  application,  if  the  pain  does  not  cease.  If  the 
soda  is  not  at  hand,  soft  soap,  made  of  wood-ashes,  will  often  cm-e 
the  pain.  Saler.atus,  moistened  to  a  paste  and  rubbed  into  the  stino-, 
is  also  a  good  remedy.  The  poison  of  these  insects  is  of  an  acid 
nature,  and  an  alkali  applied  directly  to  it,  before  the  blood  has 
absorbed  much  of  it,  is  very  efficacious. — J. 

To  Destroy  Ants,  Bugs,  &c.— No  insect  which  crawls  can 
live  under  the  application  of  hot  alum  water.  It  will  destroy  red 
and  black  ants,  cockroaches,  spiders,  chintz  bugs,  and  all  the  crawling 
pests  which  infest  our  houses.  Take  2  lbs.  of  alum  and  dissolve  it  in 
three  or  four  quarts  of  boiling  water;  let  it  stand  on  the  fire  until 
the  alum  is  all  melted;  then  apply  it  with  a  brush  while  nearly  boil, 
iiig  hot,  to  every  joint  and  crevice  in  your  closets,  bedsteads,  pantry 
shelves,  and  the  like.  Brush  the  crevices  in  the  floor  of  the  skirting 
or  mop  boards,  if  you  suspect  that  they  harbour  vermin.  If  in  white" 
washing  a  ceiling,  plenty  of  alum  is  added  to  the  lime,  it  will  also 
serve  to  keep  insects  at  a  distance.  Cockroaches  will  flee  the  paint 
which  has  been  washed  in  cool  alum  water.  Sugar  barrels  and  boxes 
can  be  freed  from  ants  by  drawing  a  wide  chalk  mark  just  round  the 
edge  of  the  top  of  them.  The  mark  must  be  unbroken  or  they  will 
creep  over  it,  but  a  continuous  chalk  mark  half  an  inch  in  width,  will 
set  their  depredations  at  naught.  Powdered  alum  or  borax  will  keep 
the  chintz  bug  at  a  respectable  distance,  and  travellers  should  always 
carry  a  bundle  of  it  in  their  hand  bags  to  scatter  over  and  under  their 
pillows  in  hotels,  &c.  While  staying  at  an  hotel  once,  with  a  party, 
most  of  whom  complained  sadly  of  the  nightly  attacks  of  these  dis- 
gusting  insects,  I  was  able  to  keep  them  entirely  at  bay  by  its  use, 
and  I  distributed  the  contents  of  uiy  bundle  among  the  pai-ty,  to  their 
great  relief. — Cultivator. 


4.7-1 


THE  GARDETnT. 


[Dkc.  6, 1873. 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 


PEESERVIXG  CELERY  IN  COLD  COUNTRIES. 

Now  that  winter  is  approaching,  we  repeat  the  process  by 
which  we  have  Celery  well  preserved  and  easily  accessible  at 
any  time  in  winter,  but  especially  towards  spring.  It  is  set 
out  early  in  summer  in  shallow  trenches,  one  spit  in  depth,  the 
object  of  which  is  to  afford  a  rich  bed  to  start  the  young  plants, 
and  to  allow  a  slight  hilling  of  earth  in  autumn,  to  put  the 
plants  into  good  shape  for  removal,  by  compressing  the  stalks 
together.  Fig.  1  is  a  cross  section  of  the  trench,  showing  the 
slight  earthing  up,  and  the  enriched  earth  (by  the  darker 
colour)  in  the  trench  below.  Late  in  autumn  they  are  taken 
up  for  their  winter  quarters.  A  dry,  sheltered,  low  place  is 
selected  for  this  purpose,  where  water  cannot  stand  in  the 
sub-soil,  and  where  the  covering  of  leaves  will  not  be  likely  to 


Fig.  1. 


Fig.  3. 


be  blown  ofl.  The  advantage  of  a  low  place  is  that  the  depres- 
sion in  the  surface  protects  the  covering  from  wind,  the  earth 
does  not  freeze  so  deep,  and  the  snow,  drifting  in,  serves  as  an 
additional  protection.  But  any  spot,  nearly  or  quite  as  good, 
might  be  selected  under  the  shelter  of  evergreens,  with  a 
tile  for  drainage  if  necessary.  A  narrow  trench  is  first  dug, 
with  a  depth  just  equal  to  the  whole  length  of  the  Celery 
plants.  It  should  not  be  much  wider  than  the  spade,  so  that 
the  plants  may  be  in  near  contact  with  the  earth  walls,  and 
receive    their    protection     and  ,,  ,  ,,^^ 

moisture.     A   day    is    selected  :■/'.■. 

for  the  removal  of  the  plants 
when  their  stalks  and  leaves 
are  dry  or  free  from  water. 
They  are  taken  iip  carefully 
with  the  roots,  and  without  a 
great  deal  of  earth  adhering, 
as  the  plants  will  get  nearly 
moisture  enough  from  tlie 
earth  at  the  sides.  They  are 
closely  and  compactly,  without 
bruising,  placed  upright  in  the 
trench,  roots  downwards,  and 
when  the  trench  is  filled,  the 
earth  is  carefully  pressed 
against  the  sides  at  the  top, 
leaving  a  small  portion  of  the 
upper  leaves  uncovered,  fig.  2.  Pj,,  3 

A  thin    protection    of    leaves, 

according  to  their  need,  is  then  placed  upon  them.  Those 
intended  for  use  in  the  early  part  or  middle  of  winter 
may  be  taken  up  early  in  November,  and,  being  entirely 
excluded  from  light,  will  be  well  blanched  by  the  time  they 
are  wanted ;  but  those  for  late  winter  and  spring  use  may 
remain  till  the  middle  or  latter  part  of  November  before 
trenching,  or  as  late  as  freedom  from  the  danger  of  hard 
frosts  will  permit.  The  plants  will  endure  a  moderate  frost 
without  injury,  provided  they  are  not  disturbed  till  they  have 
thawed.  The  plants  which  are  trenched  early  in  November 
need  only  a  thin  covering  of  leaves  until  December  cold 
arrives,  when  the  covering  is  increased,  and,  as  colder  weather 
advances,  it  is  added  to  until  it  is  nearly  a  foot  thick.  The 
leaves    are    prevented    from    blowing   off    by  a   very   slight 


ffflfl' 


,/ 


covering  of  brush,  if  the  locality  is  low  or  sheltered  by  ever- 
green trees.  In  more  exposed  places  they  may  be  held  on 
by  double  rows  of  short  evergreen  branches,  set  on  opposite 
sides  like  the  roof  of  a  house  (tig.  3),  or  by  a  wide  board  placed 
on  edge  on  each  side. 

If   danger  is  apprehended   from   mice,   the    spot    selected 
.should   be   in  a  cultivated  and  clean  piece  of  ground,  and  a 

"^    siDRY    -  y 

,,,^      .,   ■  le"aVes  '        -y% 


Fig.  1. 

smooth,  clean  bank  of  fresh  earth  raised  all  around  the  trench, 
which  will  prevent  the  ingress  of  these  animals,  which  will 
not  burrow  under  snow  up  an  ascending  surface  of  smooth 
beaten  earth.  The  embankment  thus  made  will  serve  also  to 
hold  the  leaves — fig.  4.  It  will  be  seen  that  the  Celery  may 
be  readily  got  at  any  day  in  wintei',  by  merely  lifting  the  loose 
leaves. — T]i>:  Cidtivator. 


RED  BEET. 
This  useful  and  wholesome  root  is  easy  enough  to  grow  any- 
where, and  on  any  kind  of  soil,  so  long  as  it  is  sweet  and  well 
ptilverised.  It  should  not  be  heavily  manured  or  the  roots 
will  grow  too  coarse,  and  be  ill-flavoured,  and  not  so  rich  in 
colour.  To  prevent  this,  grow  the  plants  pretty  thickly  if  the 
ground  is  rich,  and  if  the  soil  is  heavy,  stiff,  and  cold,  ridge  it, 
by  all  means,  and  sow  on  the  ridges,  which  should  be  2  feet 
to  2  feet  6  inches  apart.  Thin  but  moderately,  to  get  nice- 
sized  roots  of  a  good  dark  colour.  Take  them  up  in  November; 
sort  out  and  lay  in  those  selected,  as  they  are  always  best  when 
taken  fresh  from  the  ground.  Store  away  such  as  are  selected 
for  tise,  by  laying  them  in  thickly  in  rows,  in  a  sheltered 
quarter,  casting  the  earth  up  entirely  over  their  roots  to  the 
neck  of  the  leaves.  AVhen  frost  sets  in,  protect  with  litter. 
Fern,  evergreen  boughs,  dry  leaves,  or  any  like  material. 
The  varieties  of  Beets  have  been  much  improved  during  the 
last  forty  years,  and  are  now  become  very  numerous.  The 
best  are  the  Dwarf  Red,  The  Chelsea,  Nutting's,  Pine-apple, 
Cattel's.  and  Dell's  Crimson.  All  should  be  sown  in  April. 
The  white  or  silver  kinds  are  sometimes  useful  in  a  very  dry 
summer,  the  leaves  being  picked  and  used  as  Spinach ;  and  in 
autumn  their  crisp  white  stalks  arc  a  good  substitute  for 
Seakale.  The  Chilian  is  much  used  as  a  decorating  plant,  the 
leaves  being  finely  variegated  with  a  variety  of  rich  colours. 

Ja)ies  Bahnes. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 


Converting'  Weeds  into  Manure. — A  ready  method  of  utilising  creeds 
and  garden  ret'nse  so  as  to  convert  them  speedily  into  valuable  manure,  consists 
iu  laying  them  in  a  trench  in' successive  layers,  with  unslaked  lime  between,  and 
then  covering  the  whole  with  earth. 

Sawdust  for  Clay  Soils.— The  action  of  sawdust  is  mainly  indirect.  It  can 
add  to  the  soil  very  little  which  crops  require  and  do  not  already  find,  but  the 
wood  particles  act  well  on  clay  Ismds  to  keep  asunder  the  sticky  clay  particles, 
and  thus  lighten  the  earth,  while  the  humic  acid  and  carbonic  acid  formed  by 
decay,  dissolve  the  rock-dust  and  prepare  its  elements  to  nourish  the  crops. 
There  are  soils  which  would  be  greatly  benefited  by  these  results  of  the  action 
of  sawdust,  and  there  are  others  upon  which  all  the  labour  of  spreading  such 
material  would  be  thrown  away.  Where  stable-manure  will  do  good,  we  may 
reasonably  anticipate  benefit,  from  sawdust. — S.  W.  Johxsos'. 

Hollow  Celery  .—I  shall  be  very  glad  to  see  the  question  put  by  "  W.  C,"  of 
Whitehaven,  upon  Celery  becoming  hollow  clearly  answered.  I  have  this 
year  grown  Sandringham  White,  Coles*  Crystal  White,  and  Ivery'sN'onesuchRed, 
but  with  the  same  result  as  "  W.  C."  I  do"  not  think  one  plant  out  of  t^n  is  good 
for  anything.  I  remember  having  read  that  if  Celery  was  raised  on  heat  it 
would  become  piped  or  hollow.  I  grew  my  seed  in  a  gentle  heat  until  the 
plants  were  large  enough  to  prick  out  into  boxes,  and  then  I  hardened  them  off. 
I  should  like  to  know  how  *'  W.  C."  grew  his  ;  and  whether  the  raising  on  heat 
has  anything  to  do  with  the  evil  of  which  we  complain. — Heitbt  Smallillx, 
Wesf  Green.  [As  regards  kinds,  ilr.  Smythe,  Elmhara  Hall,  recommends 
Veitch's  Silver  ^^'hite  and  their  Incomparable  White.  W.  H.  C.  (whose  name 
and  address  we  possess),  savs  that  his  experience  is  wholly  in  favour  of 
Wright's  White  G'-ove.] 


Dec.  G,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


473 


"WORK  FOR  THE  WEEK. 
PRIVATE  GARDENS. 
Ferns. — These  should  now  bo  in  a  state  of  rest,  which  is  hotter 
BccuroLl  by  a  low  temperature  than  by  absolute  dryness.  A  tenipera- 
turo  of  from  55'^  to  GO^  minimum  is  sutHcieut  for  the  stovo  varieties^ 
and  the  exclusion  of  frost  for  tho  greenhouse  ones.  Those  that  are 
jiroduciug  youug  fronds  should  be  kept  at  tho  warmest  end  of  tho 
house,  and  must  at  no  time  lack  water.  Tree-Forus,  too,  must  always 
get  a  supply,  for  tho  surface-soil  about  them  frequently  presents  a 
luoist  appearance,  when  beneath  it  is  injuriously  dry.  Only  cut 
away  fronds  that  are  quite  dead,  for,  as  long  as  they  contain  life,  they 
coutributo  support,  and  more  particularly  arc  they  required  at  this 
inactive  period.  British,  Amoricau,  and  other  hardy  Ferns  grown  in 
pots  should  be  placed  in  frames,  on  back  stages  iu  greenhouses,  or 
plunged  out  of  doors  where  water  cannot  lodge  about  them.  Now  is 
an  excellent  time  to  clean  the  plants  of  thrips  and  scale,  for,  when 
tho  plants  have  been  thoroughly  freed  from  these  pests,  the  young 
growths  come  up  vigorously,  and  have  a  much  better  chance  for 
development  than  when  the  old  f  rouds  are  infested  with  these  insects. 
Fumigating  the  Ferneries,  too,  may  now  be  beneficially  practised, 
even  more  so  than  iu  summer,  because  the  fi-onds  in  winter  are 
hardier  and  better  I'ipencd  than  they  arc  in  summer,  and  are  con- 
sequently not  so  liable  to  injury.  A  good  stock  of  youug  Ferns 
should  be  kept  in  a  brisk  moist  temperature  for  supplying  cut  fronds, 
for  furnishing  purposes,  and  for  filling  ornamental  baskets.  When 
spores  have  germinated  and  made  a  little  progress,  they  should  be 
pricked  oft"  in  small  patches  at  first,  and  afterwards,  when  tho  Perns 
form  a  few  fronds,  the  plants  may  be  potted  separately.  Club  Mosses 
also  form  good  decorative  subjects,  the  small  kinds  like  dentieulata, 
Kraussiana,  and  delicatissima  being  available  for  edgings,  and  the 
larger  ones,  like  tho  varieties  of  formosa,  Africana,  ineqaalifolia, 
and  others,  make  good  substitutes  for  Ferns  when  kept  growing,  but 
when  cut  they  soon  fade.  They  may  likewise  be  kept  growing  all 
through  the  winter,  for  as  they  grow  so  quickly,  and  can  be  propa- 
gated so  readily,  there  is  no  necessity  for  resting  them.  Although 
they  like  plenty  of  water,  even  in  winter,  stagnant  moisture  is  dan- 
gerous. 

Orchids. — There  is  a  great  variety  of  these  iu  bloom  at  present, 
and  amongst  them  the  following  are,  perh.aps,  the  best:  Oncidium 
Rogersii,  omithorhyncum,  flexuosum,  Papilio,  and  ci"ispum  ;  Odonto. 
glossum  Alexandras',  bictoniense,  Uro-Skinneri,  gloriosum,  lasve,  pul. 
chellnm,  nebulosum,  grande,  audblandum  ;  Zygopetalum  Mackayi,  and 
maxillare;  Dendrobium  moniliforme,  chrysanthum,  and  forced  plants 
of  nobile;  Cypripediura  barbatum,  Veitohii,  Dominianum,  concolor, 
insigue,  lougifolium,  vesillarium,  villosum,  and  Sedeni ;  Cymbidium 
Mastersii ;  Yanda  ccerulea  ;  some  Cattleyas,  Lsclias,  Barkerias,  and 
Angrmcnms ;  Calauthe  vestita  and  Veitohii ;  Goodyera  discoloi-, 
JIasdcvallia  tovarensis,  Mesospinidium  vulcanicum,  and  many  others. 
Most  of  the  plauts  in  the  East  Indian  department  will  now  be 
approaching  a  state  of  rest,  therefore,  a  night  temperature  of  G3^  will 
bo  sufiicient,-with  a  rise  of  10'  by  day.  Lessen  the  supply  of  water 
to  the  roots  in  general,  but  at  no  time  leave  the  roots  or  atmosphere 
without  a  moderate  supply.  Never  jiermit  Orchids  to  shrivel  for 
want  of  water,  particularly  Vaudas,  which  are  apt  to  lose  their 
foliage  when  kept  too  di'y,  thus  impairing  their  health  and  appearance. 
Give  plenty  of  water  to  Calanthes,  and,  if  possible,  never  allow  their 
blooms  or  those  of  any  of  the  other  Orchids  to  get  wet,  or  they  will 
spot  and  soon  decay.  Keep  plants  of  Ccelogyne  cristata  at  the  end 
of  the  house  where  there  is  most  atmospheric  moisture,  and  give 
them  plenty  of  water,  but  do  not"  spill  it  about  their  rising  flower- 
spikes.  Cypripediums,  Laslias,  Zygopetalums,  Oncidinms,  Odonto- 
glossnms,  &c.,  coming  into  flower,  should  be  placed  at  the  warmest 
end  of  the  Mexican  house,  until  they  come  into  bloom,  when  they 
ought  to  be  removed  to  the  cooler  end,  so  as  to  prolong  their  period 
of  flowering.  A  temperature  of  from  50'  to  55'  at  night  is  sufficient 
for  these.  Pleiones  that  have  done  blooming,  should  now  be  re-potted 
at  once,  using  a  mixture  of  Moss,  peat,  loam,  and  sand,  in  well-drained 
pots.  Give  them  plenty  of  water,  and  a  position  iu  the  Cattleya. 
house.  Sponge  over  tho  leaves  of  Vandas,  Angrajcums,  and  other 
Orchids,  so  as  to  keep  them  clean  from  insects,  which  can  only  be 
done  by  coutlnuous  attention. 

The  Flower  Garden. — No  favourable  opportunity  should  be 
lost  in  bringing  to  a  completion  what  planting  may  yet  remain 
undone,  and  in  dry  frosty  weather  execute  all  intended 
alterations.  Such  weather  is  also  favourable  for  wheeling  soil, 
manure  &c.  Lay  turf,  and  attend  to  levelling  and  otherwise 
repairing  lawns  when  the  weather  is  open.  Nothing  imparts 
a  greater  charm  to  a  garden  in  winter  than  perfect  neatness 
and  cleanliness,  with  smooth  turf,  and  walks  so  formed  that 
water  never  remains  upon  them.  Frequently  roll  Grass  and  walks, 
and  remove  every  particle  of  decaying  matter  from  beds  and 
borders.     Lay  Box  edging  ;  prune,  nail,  tie  up,  or  otherwise  train  all 


hai'dy  deciduous  climbers,  and  tako  advantage  of  frosty  weather  to 
collect  and  turn  compost  heaps  for  manure.  If  bulbs  for  early  bloom- 
ing arc  not  yet  planted,  make  it  a  rule  to  plant  nothing  without  a 
green  groundwork  of  some  kind  to  cover  the  soil.  Arabis,  Aubrietias, 
Violets,  Sedums,  Saxifragas,  Daisies,  Primroses,  Forget-me-nots,  and 
similar  plants  are  admirably  adapted  for  this  purpose. 

Herbaceous  Plants. — Outdoor  plants  iu  bloom  are  very  scarce 
during  the  present  month,  and  consist  chiefly  of  Christmas  Roses,  a 
few  Chrysanthemums — as  most  of  them  that  have  not  been  protected 
have  been  been  destroyed  in  a  great  measure  by  frost — Pansies, 
Laurnstinuses,  Jasminum  nndiflorum,  Cydonia  japouica  (just  begin- 
ning to  expand),  and  a  few  others.  Cut  down  Chrysanthemums 
when  they  have  done  floweriug,  and  protect  their  roots  by 
means  of  a  layer  of  coal-ashes.  Indeed,  coal-ashes  are  very 
usefal  for  this  purpose  in  general  with  herbaceous  plants  as  a  pro- 
tection from  frost,  wet,  and  slugs,  and  they  have  always  a  neat  and 
tidy  appearance.  Do  not  dig  amongst  this  class  of  plants  at  present, 
merely  cut  away  all  decayed  stems,  strew  some  leaf-soil  or  ashes  over 
their  crowns,  cleau  tho  ground  about  them,  and  leave  all  undisturbed 
till  early  spring.  Where  any  improvement  is  intended,  do  not 
hesitate  to  accomplish  it  as  long  as  the  weather  is  favourable,  for  the 
more  that  is  done  iu  this  way  iu  winter  the  less  will  there  be  to  do  iu 
the  busy  season  of  sowing  and  transplanting  iu  spring.  Many  littlo 
alpinos  and  choice  herbaceous  plants  are  grown  iu  frames  in  winter, 
chiefly  to  protect  them  from  the  excessive  wet  and  changeableness  of 
our  climate,  and  to  form  specimens.  These  pot  plauts  only  require 
immunity  from  wet,  plenty  of  ventilation,  a  cool  temperature, 
and  shelter  from  very  hard  frost. 

Shrubberies. — Proceed  with  the  transplanting  of  deciduous 
trees  and  shrubs,  having  previously  made  good  and  substantial  pre- 
paration for  them  in  tho  way  of  adding  fresh  turfy  loam  to 
impoverished  soil,  also  leaf-mould  and  decayed  manure  if  a  speedy 
growth  is  required.  If  a  plantation  is  to  be  made,  the  ground  should 
be  deeply  trenched ;  and,  unless  otherwise  protected  by  largo 
neighbouring  trees,  Lai'ches  and  other  quick.growing  subjects  may  be 
plauted  temporarily  amongst  those  that  are  to  remain  permanently, 
and  cut  away  before  they  are  likely  to  injure  their  nurslings.  If 
trees  are  to  be  planted  where  others  of  a  similar  kind  have  long  been 
grown,  the  addition  of  some  good  and  fresh  soil  to  the  ground  is 
almost  a  work  of  necessity.  Iu  planting  mixed  groups,  use  orna. 
mental  floweriug-shrubs  as  well  as  picturesque  and  stately  objects, 
and  be  not  reluctant  to  thin  out  any  over-crowded  ])lantations,  for 
delay  is  suggestive  of  continual  disfigurement.  Think  well  of  the 
distances  trees  should  be  planted  apart,  so  as  to  effect  a  full  and  free 
development ;  and,  rather  than  havo  them  too  close,  insert  temporary 
and  decorative  "  makeshifts  "  between  them.  Another  great  point 
to  be  observed  is  to  plant  a  tree  at  once  where  it  is  to  remain,  as  future 
shif  tings  are  productive  of  checks  in  growth,  and  frequently  also  of 
loss  of  limbs.  Conifers  and  other  evergreens  may  safely  be  trans- 
planted  at  this  season,  although  spring  is  the  recognised  season  for 
the  former,  and  autumn  for  the  latter  ;  yet  circumstances  sometimes 
compel  their  removal  at  any  time  during  the  winter.  Dig  away 
layers  from  Limes,  Maples,  Planes,  Poplars,  and  other  deciduous 
trees;  dress  them,  and  transplant  them  in  nursery  lines,  thereto 
remain  for  a  year  or  two.  Some  of  tho  prunings  from  them,  and 
also  from  established  trees,  may  bo  cut  up  into  pieces  about  6  or  8 
inches  long,  and  used  as  cuttings.  Place  these  in  a  sheltered  border, 
in  which  some  leaf-soil  and  sand  has  been  mixed.  Prune  out  dead 
branches  from  all  trees,  and  encroaching  growths  from  deciduous 
ones  ;  bat  do  not  pruue  the  live  wood  of  evergreens  till  spring. 

Roses. — Trausplautiug  may  now  be  done  with  advantage  ;  and 
if  new  kinds  have  to  be  procured,  the  sooner  they  are  got  and 
planted  now  the  better.  Before  planting,  however,  take  care  that  the 
stations  for  them  are  properly  prepared  by  removing  part,  if  not  the 
whole,  of  the  old  soil  to  the  depth  of  IS  inches,  and  replacing  ib 
with  fresh  compost  of  the  proper  kind.  Everyone  knows  that  the 
Rose  delights  in  a  strong  soil,  and  that  it  will  take  any  reasonable 
quantity  of  rich  manure.  Hence  each  variety,  after  it  is  planted, 
should  be  mulched  with  rotten  dung  ;  and  the  beds  will  also  be  all  tho 
bettor  for  a  similar  dressing.  When  planting,  make  the  plants  secure 
by  means  of  stakes.  But  do  not  jirune,  beyond  cutting  off  the  points 
of  straggling  branches,  until  frost  has  left  us.  Some  of  the  more 
tender  kinds  of  Tea  and  Bourbon  Roses  may  require  protection ; 
dwarfs  may  be  pegged  down  and  covered  with  dry  Fern.  A 
handful  of  dry  Fern  fronds  drawn  into  the  head  of  a  standard  Rose, 
and  well  secui'ed,  is  not  a  bad  protection,  that  is,  if  the  snow  is  not 
allowed  to  lio  or  melt  and  run  into  it.  Dryness  is  tho  point  to  be 
attained.  In  some  localities  it  maybe  requisite  to  lift  Tea  Roses  and 
place  them  under  protection  for  the  winter.  Buds  of  Tea-scented  and 
other  tender  sorts  should  be  protected  from  frost  by  fastening  some 
straw  or  Broom  twigs  to  the  stocks  so  as  to  cover  them.  Composts 
should  be  ridged  so  as  to  get  well  frozen  and  pulverised,  if  required 


474 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  6,  1873. 


for  potting  purposes.  Pmne  Bpring-flowering  pot  Hoses,  and  keep 
them  out  of  doors  a  few  weeks  yet,  unless  the  frost  is  very  severe.  Do 
not  prune  the  latest-blooming  Eoscs  for  a  few  weeks  yet.  Some  of 
the  pot  Roses,  however,  may  be  potted  and  their  shoots  tied  down, 
started  into  growth  in  gentle  moist  heat,  damping  them  once  or 
twice  a  day  with  the  syringe.  Should  Roses  be  required  earlier,  they 
should  have  been  ripened,  pruned,  and  potted  before  October,  and 
then  started  into  growth. 

Outdoor  Plants  Requiring  Protection. — Of  these  there  are 
some  in  most  gardens,  and  the  degree  of  protection  which  they 
require  depends  greatly  on  the  situation,  exposure,  and  condition  of 
the  soil  in  which  they  are  grown.  Chamaerops  Fortunei,  if  over- 
shadowed by  trees  on  a  dry  basis,  may  stand  the  winter  unprotected, 
but,  if  exposed,  the  leaves  should  be  gathered  together,  not  very  tightly, 
and  enveloped  in  canvas  while  winter  weather  lasts.  If  mats  or  other 
thick  materials  are  used,  they  must  be  removed  when  the  severity  of 
the  season  is  over.  Fig  trees,  Loquats,  Myrtles,  Sweet  Bays,  Draccena 
indivisa,  Fremontias,  some  tender  kinds  of  Eoses,  hybrid  Clematises, 
Pomegranates,  Edwardsias,  Magnolias,  Ceanothuses,  and  some  other 
plants  grown  against  walls  should  be  covered  with  a  thin  thatch  of 
Fern,  Straw,  and  Broom,  or  mats,  oiled  canvas,  or  other  material 
may  be  effectively  employed  for  the  same  purpose.  Pampas  Grass 
and  Tritomas  are  all  the  better  for  having  some  leaves  placed  around 
their  base  and  held  in  position  by  means  of  soil  or  branches.  Kew 
Zealand  Flax,  Acanthus  Caudclabrnm,  Gannera  scabra,  and  similar 
plants  also  like  a  layer  of  ashes  and  leaf-soil  placed  around  their 
base  to  preserve  them  from  frost.  Veronica  Andersonii  and  a  few 
small  plants  also  need  protection  when  the  winters  are  severe,  and 
a  layer  of  ashes  over  their  roots,  and  some  sprays  of  Broom  stuck  in 
amongst  them,  afford  the  necessary  shelter.  Hybrid  Ehododendrons, 
Eoses,  and  many  other  plants  may  have  their  roots  protected  by 
means  of  a  mulching  of  litter  or  leaves,  but  care  must  be  exercised 
that  the  mulching  does  not  touch  the  bark  of  the  stems.  For  newly 
transplanted  trees  and  shrubs  a  similar  mulching  is  beneficial.  Canna, 
Dahlia,  and  Japanese  Lily  roots  left  in  the  ground  should  likewise  be 
mulched,  as  should  also  Fuchsias,  Erythrinas,  and  a  few  other  plants. 


MY  WINTER  GARDE:^'. 


I  PREFER,  to  any  glass  roof  which  Sir  Joseph  Paxton  ever  planned, 
that  dome  above  my  head  some  three  miles  high,  of  soft  dappled 
grey  and  yellow  cloud,  through  the  vast  lattice-work  whereof  the 
blue  sky  pseps,  and  sheds  down  tender  gleams  on  yellow  bogs, 
and  softly-rounded  Heather  knolls,  and  pale  chalk  ranges  gleaming 
far  away.  But,  above  all,  I  glory  in  my  evergreens.  What  winter- 
garden  can  compare  for  them  with  mine  ?  True,  I  have  but  four 
kinds — Scotch  Fir,  Holly,  Furze,  and  the  Heath  ;  and,  by  way  of 
relief  to  them,  only  brows  of  brown  Fern,  sheets  of  yellow  bog  Grass, 
and  here  and  there  a  leafless  Birch,  whose  purple  tresses  are  even 
more  lovely  to  my  eye  than  those  fragrant  green  ones  which  she 
puts  on  in  spring.  Well,  in  painting,  as  in  music,  what  effects  are 
more  grand  than  those  produced  by  the  scientific  combination,  in 
endless  new  variety,  of  a  few  simple  elements  ?  Enough  for  me  is 
the  one  purple  Birch  ;  the  bright  Hollies  round  its  stem  sparkling 
with  scarlet  beads ;  the  Furze-patch,  rich  ivith  its  lacework  of  inter- 
woven light  and  shade,  tipped  here  and  there  with  a  golden  bud  ;  the 
deep  soft  Heather  carpet,  which  invites  you  to  lie  down  and  dream 
for  hours  ;  and,  behind  all,  the  wall  of  red  Fir-stems,  and  the  dark 
Fir-roof  with  its  jagged  edges  a  mile  long,  against  the  soft  grey  sky. 
An  ugly,  straight-edged,  monotonous  Fir-plantation  ?  Well,  I  like 
it,  outside  and  inside.  I  need  no  saw-edge  of  mountain  peaks  to  stir 
up  my  imagination  with  the  sense  of  the  sublime,  while  I  can  watch 
the  saw-edge  of  those  Fir  peaks  against  the  red  sunset.  They  are 
my  Alps — little  ones  it  may  be ;  but,  after  all,  as  I  asked  before, 
what  is  size  ?  A  phantom  of  our  brain — an  optical  delusion. 
Gr,andeur,  if  you  will  consider  wisely,  consists  in  form,  not  in  size  ; 
and  to  the  eye  of  the  philosopher,  the  curve  drawn  on  a  paper  two 
inches  long  is  just  as  magnificent,  just  as  symbolic  of  divine  mys- 
teries and  melodies,  as  when  embodied  in  the  span  of  some  cathedral 
roof.  Have  you  eyes  to  see  ?  Then  lie  down  on  the  Grass,  and  look 
near  enoagh  to  see  something  more  of  what  is  to  be  seen,  and  you 
will  find  tropic  jungles  in  every  square  foot  of  turf,  mountain  cliffs 
and  debacles  at  the  month  of  every  rabbit-burrow,  dark  strids, 
tremendous  cataracts,  "  deem  glooms  and  sudden  glories,"  in  every 
foot-broad  rill  which  wanders  through  the  turf.  All  is  there  for  yoit 
to  see,  if  you  will  but  rid  yourself  of  "  that  idol  of  space ;  "  and 
Nature,  as  every  one  will  tell  you  who  has  seen  an  insect  dissected 
under  the  microscope,  is  grand  and  graceful  in  her  smallest  as  in  her 
hugest  forms.  The  March  breeze  is  chilly,  but  I  can  be  always 
warm  if  I  like  in  my  winter-garden.  I  turn  my  horse's  head  to  the 
red  wall  of  Fir-stems,  and  leap  over  the  Furze-grown  bank  into  my 
cathedral,   wherein   if    there  be  no   saints,   there   are   likewise   no 


priestcraft  and  no  idols ;  but  endless  vistas  of  smooth  red  green-veined 
shafts  holding  up  the  warm  dark  roof,  lessening  away  into  endless 
gloom,  paved  with  rich  brown  Fir-needle — a  carpet  at  which  Nature 
has  been  at  work  for  forty  years.  Eed  shafts,  green  roof,  and  here 
and  there  a  pane  of  blue  sky — neither  Owen  Jones  nor  Willement 
can  improve  upon  that  ecclesiastical  ornamentation — while  for 
incense  I  have  the  fresh  healthy  turpentine  fragrance.  There  is  not 
a  breath  of  air  within ;  but  the  breeze  sighs  over  the  roof  above  in  a 
soft  whisper.  I  shut  my  eyes  and  listen.  Surely  that  is  the  murmur ' 
of  the  summer  sea  upon  the  summer  sands  in  Devon  far  away.  I 
hear  the  innumerable  wavelets  soend  themselves  gently  upon  tho 
shore,  and  die  away  to  rise  again.  And  with  the  innumerable  wave. 
sighs  come  innumerable  memories,  and  faces  which  I  shall  never  see 
again  upon  this  earth.  I  will  not  tell  even  you  of  that,  old  friend. 
Tt  has  two  notes,  two  keys  rather,  that  iEolian  harp  of  Fir-needles 
above  my  head  ;  according  as  the  wind  is  east  or  west,  the  needles 
dry  or  wet.  This  easterly  key  of  to-day  is  shriller,  more  cheerful, 
warmer  in  sotind,  though  the  day  itself  be  colder;  but  grander 
still,  as  well  as  softer,  is  the  sad  soughing  key  in  which  the  south- 
west wind  roars  on,  rain-laden,  over  the  forest,  and  calls  me  forth — 
being  a  minute  philosopher — to  catch  trout  in  the  nearest  chalk- 
stream.  The  breeze  is  gone  awhile,  and  I  aat  in  perfect  silence — a 
silence  which  may  be  heard.  Not  a  sound,  and  not  a  moving  object 
— absolutely  none.  The  absence  of  animal  life  is  solemn — startling. 
That  ringdove,  who  was  cooing  half  a  mile  away,  has  hushed  his 
moan ;  that  flock  of  long-tailed  titmice,  which  were  swinging  and 
pecking  about  the  Fir-cones  a  few  minutes  since,  are  gone ;  and 
now  there  is  not  even  a  gnat  to  quiver  in  the  slant  sunrays.  Did  a 
spider  run  over  these  dead  leaves,  I  almost  fancy  I  could  hear  his 
foot-fall.  The  creaking  of  the  saddle,  the  soft  step  of  the  mare  upon 
the  Fir-needle,  jar  my  ears.  I  seem  alone  in  a  dead  world.  A  dead 
world,  and  yet  so  full  of  life,  if  I  had  eyes  to  see !  Above  my  head 
every  Fir-needle  is  breathing — breathing  for  ever ;  currents  un- 
numbered circulate  in  every  bough,  quickened  by  some  undiscovered 
miracle  ;  around  me  every  Fir-stem  is  distilling  strange  juices,  which 
no  laboratory  of  man  can  make ;  and  where  my  dull  eye  sees  only 
death,  the  eye  of  God  see  boundless  life  and  motion,  health  and  use. 
— "  Frose  Idylls,"  fci/  Charles  Kingsley  (MacmillanJ, 


THE  EUTURE  OF  THE  ROYAL  HORTICULTUAL 
SOCIETY. 
The  beginning  of  the  end  of  the  society  is  at  hand,  but  whether 
it  be  this  year  or  early  in  next  I  know  not.  The  "  ins  "  and  the 
"  outs  "  are  disagreeing,  and  with  the  Royal  Commissioners  to  pull 
the  strings,  the  worst  enemies  of  gardening  conld  scarcely  wish 
horticulture,  so  far  as  it  is  represented  by  the  Eoyal  Horticultural 
Society,  to  be  in  a  more  precarious  state.  With  neither  party  have 
I  any  sympathy.  A  blunder  from  the  day  the  scheme  was  first  pro. 
pounded,  no  amount  of  patching  can  now  remedy  it,  and  the  more 
that  is  expended  the  further,  necessarily,  must  the  scheme  be  from 
success,  in  fact,  you  might  as  well  try  to  convert  Covent  Garden 
Market  and  its  precincts  into  a  garden  for  the  supply  of  London,  as 
South  Kensington  into  a  garden  of  representative  horticulture.  All 
the  skill  in  the  world  cannot  press  plants  into  healthy  existence  in 
such  an  atmosphere.  They  sigh  for  the  country,  and  nothing  but 
the  country  can  give  them  real  cultural  life.  The  arcades  at  South 
Kensington  are  little  better  than  catacombs.  But  convert  tho 
bricks  and  mortar  into  glass  and  iron,  and  you  have  immediately 
the  finest  winter  promenade  in  Europe,  the  climate  of  Madeira  at 
our  doors,  and  a  sanatarium  which  thousands  would  appreciate. 
But,  unfortunately,  a  society,  already  on  the  verge  of  bankruptcy, 
cannot  indulge  in  such  changes,  nor  would  it  be  right  to  do  so,  if 
it  could,  the  object  not  being  in  accordance  with  that  oft-paraded 
scare-crow — the  Charter.  It  may,  however,  be  a  hint  for  the  com- 
missioners, and  a  means  of  making  ends  meet  when  the  garden  is,  as 
it  inevitably  must  be,  thrown  upon  their  hands.  Then  Mr,  Wilson's 
guinea  subscribers  may  be  crowded  in  by  the  thousand,  the  Horti- 
cultural Society,  freed  from  the  cost  of  maintenance,  may  hold  its 
periodical  exhibitions  there,  and  then,  perhaps,  it  may  be  possible  to 
infuse  as  much  public  spirit  into  them  as  once  obtained  at  Chisivick, 
and  which  now  exists  in  many  of  our  northern  provincial  towns. 
I  should,  however,  in  the  event  of  a  severance,  object  most  decidedly 
to  the  society  taking  the  furnishing  department,  as  I  believe  it  would 
be  better  and  more  cheaply  done  in  the  open  market.  Besides,  the 
object  would  not  be  horticultural,  and,  with  reduced  means 
and  the  small  garden  at  Chiswick,  the  society  should  not 
undertake  anything  except  what  is  strictly  legitimate.  The 
society  should  not,  in  my  opinion,  patch  up  the  old  feud  with  the 
commissioners.  The  garden  is,  has  been,  and  always  will  be,  a  dead 
weight  upon  the  resources  of  the  society,  a  dead  weight  which  it  is 
impossible  to  balance.     If  the  garden  is  wanted  for  the  purposes 


Dec.  6,  1873. 


THE   GARDEN. 


475 


of  tbe  International  Exhibition  and  the  surrounding  neighbourhood, 
let  the  comraissionors  pay  for  it ;  but  let  ns,  as  gardeners,  have  dono 
with  gardens  which  only  servo  to  demonstrate  how  powerless  wo  are 
to  contend  with  circumstances  over  which  wo  have  no  control.  To 
resuscitate  the  society  on  a  proper  b.asis,  or  to  found  a  new  one, 
the  writer  himself,  or  through  his  executors,  will  be  glad  to  make  one 
of  hundred  who  will  undertake  to  give  c610  a  year  for  ten  years, 
thus  making  a  gift  of  £10,000.  Tliis  would  be  sufficient  to  form  a 
new  society,  or  to  support  tho  old  one,  which,  set  clear  on  its  legs, 
would  be  ample  for  the  maintenance  of  Chiswick  in  an  efficient  state. 
I  throw  out  these  statements  with  the  utmost  confidence,  and  if  tho 
spirit  in  which  they  are  written  can  be  realised  by  others,  the  future 
of  the  Royal  Horticultni'al  Society  will  not  be  dependent  upon  tho 
Royal  Commissioners.  There  is  room  enongh  for  a  really  efficient 
horticultural  society,  but  let  nsbe  ridof  thered  tapeandcircumlocution 
of  the  past,  before  we  launch  another  venture.  An  Old  ExnimroR. 


'Will  you  allow  me  to  make  another  suggestion  ?  Should  tho  re-con- 
stitution of  the  society  bo  carried  out,  we  may  expect  to  get  back  au 
important  class  of  fellows,  those  who,  during  a  long  course  of  years, 
owing  to  some  actual  or  believed  cause  of  otfence  or  neglect,  havo 
left  the  society.  When  asking  some  of  the  most  influential  horticul- 
turists to  join  us  in  the  "appeal,"  "  Not  a  fellow  "  was  the  answer, 
and  this  from  two  of  the  body  who  are  much  looked  up  to  and  re- 
spected, and  among  our  greatest  exhibitors.  One  of  them  gave  the 
reason,  "  We  were  badly  treated,  and  left  the  society."  I  think  with 
a  re-constituted  society  wo  may  coimt  on  old  seoi'es  being  considered 
as  wiped  off.  The  country  has  expressed  its  approval  of  the  guinea 
plan  as  thoroughly,  and  almost  more  promptly,  than  I  expected.  I 
will  ask  you  to  print  a  thoroughly  representative  letter  from  Mr. 
Alderman  Buchan  ;  having  been  Mayor  of  Southampton  from  1871 
till  1872,  and  having  a  large  collection  of  Orchids,  his  name  carries 
weight  in  his  district.  I  obtained  permission  that  his  letter  should 
be  printed.  It  was  a  great  comfort  to  see  one  of  our  most  dis- 
tinguished horticulturists,  Mr.  Ellacombe,  of  Bitton,  speaking  out  in 
your  last  number.  I  have  only  to  add  that  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  all 
the  countiy  fellows  of  the  society  will  sign  the  paper  which  has  been 
circulated  in  order  to  gain  the  power  of  voting  by  proxy. 

George  jF,  Wilson. 
(Copy  of  Mr.  Buchan's  letter.) 

8,  Cranbury  Place,  Southampton. 

Sir, — I  have  read  your  letter  with  much  interest,  and  as  I  agree 
with  your  facts,  you  may  consider  I  will  be  a  guinea  subscriber,  if  it 
should  bo  so  decided.  Living,  as  I  do,  so  distant  from  London,  it 
would  be  simply  a  waste  of  money  to  subscribe  (according  to  the 
pi'esent  rule)  five  [four]  guineas  a  year,  particularly  as  tbe  advant- 
ages to  be  obtained  are  not  commensurate.  I  feel  sure  if  a  guinea 
subscription  were  adopted,  it  would  greatly  popularise  the  society,  and 
considerably  enhance  its  funds.  As  far  as  I  am  concerned,  I  may  not 
possibly  attend  one  show,  bat  still  I  approve  of  the  principle,  and, 
being  a  great  lover  of  horticulture,  particularly  of  Orchids,  of  which  I 
have  a  large  number,  I  wish  to  do  all  I  can  to  induce  the  public  at 
large  to  imbibe  the  same  taste.  Excuse  my  addressing  you,  but  as  you 
have  made  yourself  public  property  by  advocating  so  good  an  altera- 
tion to  benefit  the  Horticultural  Society  by  the  publication  of  your 
excellent  letter,  I  could  not  refrain  from  troubling  you. 

(Signed)  H.  J.  Buchan. 

G.  F.  Wilson,  Esq.  

Mr.  Wilson's  proposal  on  the  subject  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  will,  I  believe,  be  received  with  pleasure  by  hundreds  of 
gardeners,  amateur  and  professional,  wh»,  like  myself,  have  neither 
tho  means  nor  inclination  to  belong  to  it  as  at  present  carried  on.  I 
would,  and  I  believe  many  others  would,  gladly  join  at  once,  if  it 
was  reorganised  as  Mr.  Wilson  proposes,  and  I  cannot  but  think  that 
a  society,  composed  of  real  lovers  of  horticulture,  would  do  more  to 
advance  the  interests  of  the  science  than  a  society  of  which  at  least 
half  the  fellows  neither  know  nor  care  anything  about  it.  I  think 
Mr.  Ellacombe's  letter  in  The  Garden,  of  November  29th,  fully  ex- 
presses tho  feelings  of  a  large  class  of  country  gardeners,  and  if  all 
those  williug  to  join  as  guinea  members  will  send  in  their  names  to 
Mr.  Wilson,  or  to  any  committee  appointed  to  receive  them,  he  will 
soon  know  what  support  is  likely  to  bo  afforded  to  his  plan.  It 
seems  to  me  that  one  of  tho  most  important  objects  for  a  horticul- 
tural society  to  carry  out  should  be  the  trial  of  the  innumerable 
varieties  of  fruits,  flowers,  and  vegetables  which  are  constantly 
being  brought  out,  and  of  which  a  great  proportion  are  either  not 
worth  growing  or  not  distinct  from  older  varieties.  It  is  next  to  im- 
possible for  any  human  being  to  know,  or  to  grow  more  than  a  very 
small  number  of  the  varieties  of  fruits  and  flowers,  which  swell 
our  nurserymen's  catalogues  to  such  alarming  proportions,  and  if 
two-thirds  of  them  were  utterly  destroyed  and  driven  out  of  culti- 
vation, I  believe  both  nurserymen  and  gardeners  would  be  immense 


gainers.  Tho  present  system  of  certifioates  is  all  very  well,  but  if 
given  without  a  trial  half  their  value  is  lost ;  and  how  is-au  unfortu- 
nate amateur,  who  can  only  go  by  hearsay,  to  make  a  selection  form 
a  list  of,  perhaps,  a  hundred  varieties  of  Fuchsias  ?  if  he  linds  that 
forty  of  them  havo  flrst-class  certificates.  Another  work  that  should 
bo  dono  by  a  horticultural  society  is  tho  introduction,  and  distribu- 
tion to  members  who  chooso  to  pay  for  them,  of  tho  numerous  and 
beautiful  plants,  which,  though  grown  in  many  gardens  fifty  years 
ago,  are  hardly  now  to  bo  found  in  cultivation.  The  employment  of  a 
couple  of  energetic  collectors  ought  to  repay  a  society  well,  and 
would  add  to  our  gardens  many  now  and  rare  plants  which  aro 
generally  neglected  by  nurserymen.  H.  J.  Elwes. 

Miserden  House,  Cirencester. 


LEAF  PRmTING. 
I  HAVE  read  with  much  interest  Mr.  J.  P.  Robinson's  remarks  on 
this  subject  in  your  last  issue,  and  hope  to  profit  by  his  directions. 
M}'  object  now,  however,  is  to  give  some  accouut  of  a  simple  process 
by  which  clear  and  truthful  impressions  of  leaves  and  Pern  fronds 
may  be  obtained  with  little  trouble  and  expense.  The  leaves  to  be 
printed  from  must  be  well  developed,  and  perfectly  dry.  Then  get 
a  small  can  of  printer's  or  proof  ink,  which  can  be  bought  for  a  few 
pence  at  any  shop  where  wood-engravers'  materials  are  sold.  Take 
a  bit  of  ink  about  the  size  of  a  pea  and  work  it  on  a  small  piece  of 
slate  or  glass  with  a  leather  dabber,  or  the  ball  of  tho  hand  ;  now 
give  the  leaf  a  thin  coating  of  ink,  being  careful  to  spread  it  equally, 
not  to  dab  it  on  in  blotches,  or  the  clear  effect  will  be  lost.  Having 
applied  the  ink,  take  a  small  sheet  of  soft  white  paper  and  lay  the 
leaf,  ink  downwards,  upon  it,  placing  it  between  the  leaves  of  an  old 
book,  which  must  then  be  subjected  to  a  moderate  pressure  in  a 
copying  press.  If  a  press  is  not  at  hand,  lay  tho  book  on  the  floor 
and  stand  upon  it  for  a  few  seconds,  an  operation  which  answers  tho 
same  purpose.  Impressions  can  be  taken  with  greater  rapidity  by 
this  process  than  by  any  other  with  which  I  am  acquainted,  and  a 
very  little  practice  will  enable  anyone,  possessing  ordinary  ingenuity, 
to  succeed  in  producing  them.  Soft  book  paper  is  tho  Ijest  for  the 
purpose,  and,  previous  to  using  it,  place  a  few  sheets  of  it  between 
damp  blotting  paper,  which  causes  it  to  take  the  ink  still  more  readily, 
though  fair  impressions  maybe  got  by  using  fresh  carbonised  paper, 
such  as  is  used  in  manifold  note-books,  instead  of  ink,  still  I  prefer  the 
latter  as  being  better  in  practice  than  carbonised  paper.  B. 

Mr.  Jas.  F.  Robinson's  paper  on  leaf-printing  prompts  me  to  send 
you  tho  following  : — I  feel  reluctant  to  criticise  his  commnnication, 
but  his  processes  are  all  fully  twenty  years  out  of  date ;  they, 
together  with  many  others,  were  practised,  and  frequently 
lectured  upon,  by  me  prior  to  1853,  and  I  have  now  before  me 
specimens  of  leaf-printing  exhibited  in  that  year  by  a  better,  more 
convenient,  and  even  cheaper  process  than  his  so-called  "  best." 
Most  papers  are  now  salted,  for  a  silver  solution  of  thirty-five 
grains  per  ounce,  and  one  of  a  drachm  (or  sixty  grains) ,  is  wasteful  and 
unnecessary;  his  results  must,  of  necessity,  be  all  "negative,"  the 
tint  and  tone  peculiar  and  objectionable,  permanence  doubtful,  and 
the  beauty  they  possess  due  rather  to  the  natural  perfection  of  tho 
specimens  and  artistic  arrangement  of  them  than  to  the  methods  ho 
recommends  for  reproduction  and  record.  His  mechanical  and 
manipulatory  arrangements  are  equally  at  fault ;  to  use  two  glass 
plates,  held  by  wooden  clips,  is  open  to  several  objections.  Proijerly 
constructed  pressure  frames,  with  hinged  back  and  brass  springs 
can  now  be  obtained  from  7s.  per  dozen  (if  >:  SJ)  and  upwards, 
accoi'ding  to  size.  To  attempt  to  work  iu  "  gloves  "  is  sure  to  cause 
embarrassment,  make  the  processes  difficult  and  annoying,  and, 
moreover,  almost  ensures  stains  and  other  little  accidents.  When  I 
have  leisure  to  do  so,  I  shall  be  happy  to  communicate  tho  way  iu 
which  I  manage  my  leaf-printing.  Washington  Teasdale. 


Improvements  in  Hyde  Park.— Under  the  orders  of  the 
First  Commissioner  of  Works  and  Public  Buildings  the  entire  length 
of  the  drives,  extending  on  the  one  side  from  Hyde  Park  Corner  to  the 
Albert  Memorial,  and  on  the  other  side  from  Hyde  Park  Corner  to 
the  Kensington  Gardens  Bridge,  crossing  the  Serpentine  on  the  other 
side,  has  been  re-covered  with  macadam,  and  rendered  smooth  and 
level  by  the  aid  of  a  heavy  steam-roller.  New  mounds  have  been 
constructed  at  the  roots  of  the  various  clumps  of  trees,  and  the 
borders  extending  the  whole  length  have  been  re-turfed.  Tho  ride  in 
Rotten  Row  has  been  re-laid  with  fresh  gravel  and  red  sand,  and  the 
general  appearance  of  tho  park  has  been  much  improved.  The 
approaches  to  the  Albert  Memorial  have  also  been  considerably 
altered  to  meet  the  wants  of  tho  great  numbers  who,  especially  on 
Sundays,  visit  the  spot. 


476 


THE   GARDEN. 


[DEf.  6,  1873. 


SOCIETIES,    EXHIBITIONS,    &c. 


ROYAL  HOETICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

December  3. 

Tnis  meeting,  the  last  for  the  present  year,  was  remarkable  for  the 
magnificent  collections  of  Cyclamens  and  hardy  evergreens  which  were 
contributed  to  it,  as  well  as  for  Chrysanthemums,  Primulas,  salad  vege- 
tables, Koman  Hyacinths,  and  a  few  miscellaneous  subjects. 

Chrysanthemiims.— In  the  class  of  twenty-four  cut  blooms 
(Japanese)  Mr.  J.  II.  Hinnol,  Anglesea  House,  Surbiton,  was  first 
with  magnificent  flowers,  among  which  were  Auratium,  Prince  Satsuma, 
Apollo,  Dr.  Mo.sters,  and  Aurora,  yellow  ;  Bronze  Dragon,  Madame 
Godillot,  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  bronze  ;  Magnum  Bonum,  the  Daimio,  and  the 
Sultan,  lilac  ;  Oracle  and  Meg  Merrilees,  white.  Mr.  Douglas,  Loxford 
Ilall,  who  was  second,  also  had  large  and  fine  flowers.  The  finest  blooms 
of  large-flowered  varieties  were  exhibited  by  Mr.  G.  Goddard,  Cambridge 
Villa,  Twickenham,  who  also  showed  a  large  collection  of  Chrysanthemums 
in  pots.  Mr.  A. Forsyth,  StokeNewington,  exhibited  a  collection  of  cut  blooms 
of  Chrysanthemums  in  good  condition,  considering  the  lateness  of  the 
season.^  Chrysanthemums,  however,  have  invariably  been  later  than  usual 
in  coming  into  flower  this  season.  Amongst  the  large-flowered  blooms  in 
this  collection  were  Countess  of  Granville,  Mrs.  Heale,  Princess  of  Wales, 
Princess  of  Teck,  Isabella  Bott,  and  Miss  Marcheaux,  white ;  Beauty  of 
Stoke,  Guernsey  Nugget,  Javdin  des  Plantes,  Cherub,  and  Barbara, 
yellow  ;  John  Salter,  General  Slade,  Mr.  Howe,  and  General  Bainbrigge, 
golden -bronze;  Lady  Talfourd,  Countess  of  Dudley  ,Tenns,  Lady  Hardinge, 
Pearl,  Nonpareil,  and  Princess  Beatrice,  lilac ;  and  Hero  of  Stoke  New- 
ington,  a  very  fine  broad-petalled  lilac-blush  variety.  The  following  were 
amongst  the  best  of  the  Pompone  Anemone-flowered  ones  in  the  same 
collection,  Sidonic,  Astarte,  Rose  Marguerite,  Madame  Chalonge,  Antonius, 
Fire  Fly,  Marguerite  de  Coie,  Eoquelaire,  Calliope,  Astrea,  Mrs.  Wyness, 
and  Dick  Turpin  ;  and  amongst  the  Chinese-flowered  ones  were  Meg 
Merrilees,  The  Daimio,  Grandiflora,  Ereetum  superbum,  Pyramidale,  Pair 
Maid  of  Guernsey,  Soleil  d'Or,  Rob  Eoy,  Jupiter,  Red  Dragon,  Garnet. 
From  Messrs.  Cutbush,  Highgate,  came  a  very  fine  collection  of  cut 
blooms,  including  Japanese  and  lai-ge-flowered  sorts  ;  and  from  Mr.  J. 
Shrimpton,  Putney  Heath,  came  some  fine  blooms  of  Venus,  and  White 
Venus. 

Cyclamens. — These  were  shown  in  admirable  condition  on  this 
occasion,  the  flowers  being  largo  and  beautifully  coloured,  and  on  each 
plant  there  were  from  one  to  over  three  dozen  flowers  all  open  at  one 
time.  Mr.  C.  Turner,  of  Slough,  although  a  new  exhibitor  of  Cyclamens, 
was  one  of  the  most  successful.  Not  only  was  he  first  for  a  dozen 
specimens,  but  he  also  exhibited  a  very  large  collection  of  plants  bearing 
extremely  fine  floivers  of  every  shade  of  colour,  from  the  purest  white  to 
the  most  brilUant  crimson ;  for  these  an  extra  prize  was  awarded.  In  the 
class  of  twelve  Cyclamens,  Mr.  G.  Goddard,  Twickenham,  was  second, 
and  Mr.  Clark,  market  gardener  at  the  same  place,  third.  The  last 
named  exhibitor  was  also  first  with  a  collection  of  Cyclamens,  and  Mr. 
II.  B.  Smith,  florist,  Ealing,  third. 

Berry-bearing  Plants.— In  the  class  of  hardy  berry-bearing 
evergreens  Mr.  G.  George,  Putney  Heath  ;  Mr.  E.  Smith,  Bristol  House, 
Putney  Heath ;  and  Mr.  J.  Aklous,  florist,  Gloucester  Road,  Kensington, 
received  prizes  in  the  order  in  which  their  names  stand.  The  subjects 
exhibited  consisted  of  Aucuba  viridis  and  longiflora,  Cratfegus  Pyracan- 
tha,  Cotoneaster  Simmondsii  (not  evergreen)";  C.  mierophyDa,  and  C.  m. 
pygmif olia,  Skimmia  oblata  and  japonica,  Pernettya  angustif olia,  speciosa, 
and  mucronata,  and  Gaultheria  procumbens. 

Hollies,  Conifers,  and  other  hardy  evergreens.— Of  Hollies, 
Messr.s.  A'eitch  &  Sons  were  the  only  exhibitors  ;  they  showed  examples  of 
Ilex  Watereriana,  the  weeping  variety  of  Aquifolium  fructo  luteo.  Gold 
Queen,  Shepperdii,  Silver  Queen,  and  its  smaller  variety  Donningtonii, 
and  Aureo-marginata.  With  Conifers,  the  same  firm  were  also  first  with 
excellent  specimens,  in  tubs,  of  Juniperus  drupacea,  erect-growing  ;  Thuja 
Vervaineana,  an  erect-growing  yellow  variegated  Conifer  ;  Retinospora 
plumosa,  obtusa  nana,  aurca,  filifera,  Lycopodioides,  and  filieoides; 
Cryptomeria  elegans,  and  a  graceful  variety  of  the  same ;  Abies  polita 
(new) ;  Thnjopsis  dolobrata  ;  and  Sciadopitys  verticillata.  The  same 
firm  also  showed  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  hardy  evergreens — Azara 
niicrophylla— a  shrub  which  has  small-toothed,  dark  green  leaves  set  on 
slender  branches,  and  one  which  is  likely  to  become  one  of  our  most 
useful  wall  plants.  Messrs.  Standish  &  Co. ,  Ascot,  sent  some  fine  Conifers 
in  pots,  amongst  which  were  a  large  variety  of  Retinosporas,  the  varie- 
gated Thuja  dolobrata,  Cupressus  Lawsoniana,  erecta  viridis,  and  many 
others.  Mr.  AVm.  Paul,  Waltham  Cross,  showed  a  large  collection  of 
Aucubas,  for  which  he  was  .awarded  an  extra  prize.  Mr.  E.  Smith, 
nurseryman,  Farnborough,  sent  (unf«Ttunatelv  too  late  for  the  com- 
mitte)  a  cm-ions  form  of  the  Scotch  Fir,  obtained  from  amongst  a  batch  of 
seedlings.  In  habit  it  is  compact  and  deuse,  clothed  to  the  ground  with 
foliage,  and  about  4  feet  in  height. 

Roman  Hyacinths. — These  were  shown  in  charming  condition,  in 
12-inch  pans,  in  which  some  of  them  had  been  grown,  whilst  in  other  cases 
they  had  evidently  been  only  transferred  to  these  pans  for  the  occasion. 
For  these  useful  autumn-flowering  plants  Mr.  T.  Farrow,  Brigadier  Hill 
House,  Enfield,  was  first,  Messrs.  Standish  &  Co.,  second,  and  Mr.  J. 
Aldous,  third. 

Miscellaneous  Subjects.— From  Messrs.  Veitch    &    Son  came 


Poinsettia  Bausei,  a  kind  with  entire  acuminate  leaves,  a  large  head 
of  cerise-coloured  floral  bracts;  Aphelandra  nitens,  with  pretty 
orange-coloured  flowers,  and  the  leaves  of  a  dark  metallic  green 
colour  above,  and  purple  underneath.  Mr.  J.  C.  May,  gardener 
to  J.  S.  Beckett,  Esq.,  Muswell  HiU,  showed  one  of  the  finest 
examples  of  Masdevallia  tovarensis  that  we  remember  to  have  seen.  It 
had  sixteen  flower-spikes,  and  thirty-six  fully  expanded  blooms,  besides 
many  undeveloped  buds.  A  coUeetion  of  Bouvardias,  including  the  good 
and  useful  Vreelandii,  came  from  Messrs.  Standish,  who  also  contributed 
Bridal  Wreath,  with  longer  tubes  than  the  former,  and  of  a  blush  colour; 
and  Bride,  a  rose-coloured  kind,  with  precisely  the  same  habit  and  character 
of  flower  and  foliage  as  B.  Vreelandii.  The  same  firm  also  showed  some 
exquisite  specimens  of  Lily  of  the  Valley  grown  in  pots.  Cut  blooms  of 
Zomal  Pelargoniums, Mrs.  "G.  Smith,  Santley,  and  AdelinaPatti.  were  sent 
by  Mr.  G.  Smith,  New  \  ilia.  Hedge  Lane,  Edmonton.  Messrs.  W.  and  A. 
Brown,  florists,  Hendon,  sent  some  very  fine  Chinese  Primulas,  including 
P.  sinensis  fimbriata  exquisita,  the  finest  deep  crimson-flowered  sort  we 
have  yet  seen  ;  P.  s.  f .  picturata,  with  rose  and  white  variegated  flowers  ; 
P.  s.  f.  alba,  a  fine  white  kind ;  and  a  beautiful  bluish  variety,  to  which  a 
certificate  was  awarded.  From  Mr.  Chambers,  Spring  Grove,  Isleworth, 
came  plants  of  the  true  Lachenalia  pendula,  an  old  species  with  red 
flowers,  tipped  with  greenish -purple  and  robust  unspotted  leaves.  Mr. 
Keen,  gardener  to  J.  C.  Sheppard,  Esq.,  Campsey  Ash,  Wiekham 
Market,  showed  several  plants  of  Carnation  Miss  Joliffe,  a  self- 
blush-coloured  kind,  remarkable  for  its  free  and  continuous  T\inter- 
blooming  qualities,  and  for  the  young  state  in  which  it  begins  to  flower. 
From  the  gardens  at  Chiswick  came  some  pale  rose-coloured  Chinese 
Primulas  and  Natal  Begonias.  Some  extremely  handsome  ornaments 
composed  of  electro-silvered  leaves  of  plants  were  exhibited. 

Fruit. — Mr.  Jones  sent  from  the  Royal  gardens,  Frogmore,  three 
splendid  smooth  Cayenne  Pines,  well -ripened,  finely  finished,  and  weigh- 
ing over  Slbs.  apiece  ;  for  these  an  extra  prize  was  awarded.  Three  fine 
Pines  of  the  same  sort  were  also  sent  by  Mr.  J.  Harris.  Singleton,  Swan- 
sea, and  another  good  example  by  Mr.  G.  Carter,  Bedale,  Yorkshire. 
Three  excellent  bunches  of  black  Alicante  Grapes,  large,  well-shouldered, 
and  black  as  Sloes,  were  sent  by  Mr.  J.  Wattan,  gardener  to  A.  H.  Long- 
man, Esq.,  Sendish,  Hemel  Hempstead.  Mr.  Tappenden,  Sutton  Court, 
Chiswick,  sent  a  dish  of  very  fine  Medlars,  and  Mr.  F.  N.  Dancer,  Chiswick, 
exhibited  some  good  examples  of  Beurro  d'Aremberg  Pears.  Mr.  Hepper 
showed  a  basketful  of  fine  Chaumontel  Pears,  and  from  the  Royal  gardens, 
Frogmore,  came  samples  of  the  Frogmore  Swan's  Egg  Pears,  raised  from 
seeds  of  the  common  Swan's  Egg,  and  said  to  be  good  keepers.  In  shape 
they  are  precisely  like  Apples,  and  have  a  dark  green  skin,  shaded  with 
brown  on  the  sunny  side.  A  cultural  commendation  was  awarded  to  Mr. 
Chambers  for  some  very  fine  Blenheim  Orange  Apples.  Mr.  Wright, 
Enfield ;  R.  Taylor,  Esq.,  Ipswich ;  and  Mr.  Clark,  Stackpool,  Writtle, 
sent  seedliug  Apples ;  Mr.  Ross  also  sent  specimens  of  "Welford  Park 
Nonesuch  Apples,  and  Messrs.  J.  &  C.  Lee,  Hammersmith,  showed  a 
seedling  Pear. 

Salad  and  other  Vegetables. — With  Endive  and  other  salad 
vegetables,  Mr.  Vf.  BagneU,  Sherbourne  Castle,  Dorset,  was  first  ;  Mr.  J. 
Hopper,  the  Elms,  Acton,  second  ;  and  Mr.  J.  W.  Moorman,  Coombe 
Park,  Kingston-on-Thames,  thu-d.  Amongst  kinds  shown  in  this  class 
were  RoUisson's Telegraph  Cucumbers,  Williams's  Matchless  Red,  Major 
Clark's  Solid  Red,  Veiteh's  Silver  Wliite,  Carter's  Dwarf  Crimson,  and 
other  Celeries ;  Osborn's  Selected,  Pine-apple,  Carter's  Perfection, 
Nutting's  Dwarf,  Minier's  Dark,  Chelsea,  and  Large  Blood-red  Beets; 
Red  and  White  Turnip  and  Salmon-rooted  Radishes,  and  White  Califor- 
nian  Radish  ;  Tarragon,  Chervil,  Chicory,  Dandelion,  Water  and 
American  Cress  ;  Mustard  and  Cress,  French  Sorrel,  Corn  Salad,  a  large 
variety  of  Curled  and  Batavian  Endives,  and  Cos  and  Cabbage  Lettuces. 
Mr.  Parr,  East  End  House,  Fulham,  exhibited  some  specimens  of  Mush- 
room spawn  made  by  himself,  and  also  a  basketful  of  very  fine  Mush- 
rooms. Some  nice  solid  and  white  heads  of  Snow's  Superb  Winter 
AVhite  Broccoli  were  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons.  Mr.  Gilbert, 
of  Burghley,  showed  some  very  fine  Walcheren  Broccoli,  Cos  Lettuces, 
Round  and  Kidney  Potatoes,  Old  Dun  French  Beans,  and  Blanched 
Asparagus.  Thirteen  varieties  of  Potatoes  were  exhil)ited  from  the 
gardens  of  the  Society  at  Chiswick,  including  Excelsior  Kidney,  Brcssee's 
ProUfic,  Model,  and  Waterloo  Kidney,  white  Kidneys  ;  Cottager's  Red, 
Bountiful,  Webb's  Red  Blossom,  Compton's  Surprise,  and  Wood's  Scarlet 
Prolific,  red  or  purple,  flatfish  or  Kidney-shaped  ;  Red-skinned  Flour 
Ball,  red,  round  ;  Blanehard,  white  and  purple  variegated,  roundish  flat ; 
and  Summer  Hill  SeedUng,  a  roundish,  flat,  purple  Potato. 

First-class  Certificates  were  awarded  to  the  following : — 

Earkcria  cleijilns  Lindleyaua  Centers  (Veitch),  a  pretty  lilac-coloured  Orchid 
with  a  violet-tipped  lip. 

Allies  poUta  (Veitch),  a  pretty  small  Conifer,  the  plant  shown  being  about 
2  feet  high. 

Primula  sinensis  fimbriata  ca^rulea  (Brown),  a  decided  acquisition,  the 
flowers  being  large,  of  good  form  and  substance,  and  of  a  bluish-lilac  colour, 
almost  the  same  as  that  of  P.  cortusoides  amcena  var.  cn?rulea. 

Retinospora  obtusa  aurea  gracilis  (VeitohJ,  one  of  the  most  graceful  and 
beautiful  of  Conifers,  suffused  throughout  with  golden-yellow,  the  ends  of  all 
the  branclilets  being  decidedly  pendulous. 


Bell's  Labels. — With  reference  to  these  labels,  so  well  figured 
in  Tbe  Gahuen  for  Nov.  22,  I  find  that  they  are  not  as  strong  as  one 
would  expect  iron  labels  to  be ;  in  fact,  some  I  have  bought  have 
broken  easily. — W.  G.  H. 


Dec.  13, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


477 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Which  does  mend  nature  :  chaugo  it  rather  :  but 
The  Am  u'self  is  Nature." — Shakespeare. 


ALPINE   PLANTS  AT  BBNTIIALL  HALL. 

By  J.  C.  NIVE.'^,  Botanic  Garaeus,  UuU. 

iJELiGiiTruLLY  situated  in  the  valley  of  the  Severn,  on  a  hill  of 
some  600  feet  iu  altitude,  stands  Benthall  Hall,  the  i-Gsidouce 
of  Mr.  MaTT,  one  of  the  keenest  and  most  enthusiastic  collectors 
■of  Alpine  plants  of  the  present  day — one  who,  though  Ijut 
recently  inoculated  with  the  fever  of  mountain-climbing  in 
search  of  nature's  rarest  gems,  has  done  much  good  work, 
in  introducing  many  plants  into  cultivation  that  were 
hitherto  known  only  by  name  in  floras,  or  to  be  met  with  in 
a  mummified  condition  in  herbaria.  Seeing  what  he  has  done, 
and  knowing  the  numbers  of  good  plants  that  have  been  duly 
named  and  registered  as  belonging  to  our  European  floras, 
and  yet  have  never  become  subjects  of  cultivation,  it  behoves 
us  to  appreciate  at  a  high  value  those  who  introduce  us  per- 
sonally to  our  distant,  but  much-lovod,  friends,  and  who  even 
further  bring  those  friends  home  to  our  very  doors.  The 
above  remarks  are  in  some  measure  forced  upon  me  by  the 
circumstances  under  which  I  paid  a  long-talked-of  visit  to 
Benthall  Hall  a  few  weeks  ago.  Mr.  Maw  had  returned  but  a 
few  days  before  from  a  fortnight's  revel  in  the  beauties  of  the 
Maritime  Alps ;  and,  in  two  of  his  large  garden-frames,  were 
to  be  seen  masses  of  rare  plants,  looking  wonderfully  fresh 
after  their  pilgrimage — Saxifraga  iloruleuta,  with  large  rosettes 
of  lanceolate  leaves,  the  living  and  dead  combined,  representing 
possibly  more  than  a  score  of  years'  growth  ere  it  had  acquired 
dignity  sufficient  to  offer  upon  its  mountain  altar  its  flowery 
sacrifice — the  climax  of  a  long  life  to  which  the  term  sacrificial 
may  well  bo  given,  seeing  that,  like  S.  mutata,  and  others  of 
the  group  to  which  it  belongs,  its  flowering  and  its  death  are 
all  but  synonymous.  Contrasted  with  this  species  were 
patches  of  Saxifraga  squarrosa  from  the  Tyrol,  so  dense 
and  minute  as  scarcely  to  realise  the  possibility  of  measure- 
ment at  all,  and  bearing  a  greater  likeness  to  some  stone- 
loving  Lichen  than  anything  else,  only  rivalled  by  the,  if 
jiossible,  more  minute  Saxifraga  Budolphiana  from  the 
Tyrol.  Alongside  of  these  were  pans  of  S.  biflora, 
covered  with  ripening  seed-pods — a  plant  related  to  oppo- 
sitLfolia,  which  has  hitherto  been  so  singularly  unamen- 
able to  cultivation.  Possibly  seeds  gathered,  sown,  and 
reared  in  this  country  may  acc[uiro  the  necessary  amount  of 
acclimatisation,  so  that  we  may  yet  see  the  progeny  of  the 
parent  plants  flourishing  and  flowering  in  the  autumn  with 
the  same  vigour  as  its  lovely  congener,  S.  oppositifolia,  does 
in  spring.  Amongst  the  Primulas  were  tobe  seen  many  of  the 
rare  Piedmont  Primrose  (Primula  pedemoutana),  usually  met 
with  in  our  collections  in  a  most  fragmentary  form;  and  the 
rarer  Primula  Allioni  in  good  tufts,  full  of  promise  of  a  goodly 
floral  display  in  the  spring.  Besides  those  in  pots,  I  observed 
sundry  groups  in  the  bog-beds — groups  fully  15  inches  in 
diameter,  densely  packed  with  nodules  of  limestone  grit, 
looking  as  happy  as  though  the  Severn  valley  were  their  home. 
Did  time  and  space  permit,  I  might  enumerate  a  host  of  other 
interesting  plants  ;  but,  as  the  object  with  which  I  started  is 
to  give  a  brief  description  of  the  herbaceous  ground  at  Benthall 
Hall,  I  must  proceed.  The  hall  itself — a  structui-e  of  no 
modern  date,  seeing  that  it  has  weathered  the  corroding  hand 
of  time  for  some  three  centuries — is  situated  on  a  range  of 
hills  that,  as  it  were,  flank  the  valley  of  the  Severn,  and,  with 
an  altitude  of  about  600  feet  above  the  sea,  ofl:er,  in  that  very 
fact  alone,  a  not  unfitting  home  for  the  class  of  plants  in  which 
Mr.  Maw  is  especially  interested.  The  position  of  the  house 
was  evidently  originally  chosen  more  with  reference  to 
shelter  than  with  a  view  of  utilising  the  grand  prospect  close 
by;  for,  a  few  hundred  yards  to  the  rear  might  have  been 
obtained  a  view  of  richest  beauty,  extending  some  thirty  miles 
up  the  wide  valley  of  the  Severn,  in  the  midst  of  which  the 
Bilvery  stream  appears  to  twist  and  twine  as  though  it  were 
loath  to  leave  the  surrounding  glories.    Far   beyond  rise  the 


mountains  of  North  Wales,  their  irregular  outline  rendered 
clear  and  incisive,  at  the  time  I  contemplated  the  prospect,  by 
the  glories  of  an  autumnal  sunset.  Lovely  as  the  scene  is— 
and  there  are  few  prospects  in  Britain  more  lovely — not  even 
a  glimpse  of  it  is  commanded  by  the  house,  which,  nestling 
amongst  trees  just  sufiicicntly  below  the  brow  of  the  hill  to 
obtain  a  modicum  of  shelter,  has  before  it  a  limited,  though  by 
no  means  unpleasing,  prospect.  Possibly,  had  it  been  my  lot  to 
contemplate  the  valley  in  the  face  of  a  south-west  gale,  I 
might  have  been  able  to  appreciate  the  utilitarian  principles  ou 
which  the  original  selection  was  made.  From  the  front  of  the 
hall,  the  kitchen  garden  is  well  shut  out  by  a  mass  of  trees  aud 
shrubbery.  I  ought  to  have  said  the  kitchen  garden  "  that  was," 
the  fact  being  that  the  greater  portion  of  it  is  now  devoted  to 
herbaceous  and  Alpine  plants  ;  and  so  densely  packed  is  the 
ground  thus  occupied  by  them,  that  soon  the  Espaliers 
aud  Asparagus,  as  well  as  sundry  other  items  that  fill  tho 
remaining  quarter,  must  give  place  to  more  varied  and 
interesting  occupants. 

Having  thus  indicated  the  fact  that  the  recently-formedherba- 
ceous  ground  at  Benthall  is  now  partly,  and  formerly  was 
altogether,  a  kitchen  garden  bounded  by  a  wall  on  the 
north  and  west  sides,  it  will  be  easily  inferred  that  in 
arranging  the  bods,  a  certain  amount  of  formality 
would  be  necessary.  Such,  therefore,  is  the  case,  tho 
external  beds  devoted  to  those  groups  characterised  by 
dwarf  growth,  are  narrow,  about  6  feet  wide,  somewhat 
raised  above  the  general  level,  and  well  prepared  for  the  recep- 
tion of  such  plants  as  Sedums,  Saxifrages,  Primulas,  &c.,  &c., 
by  a  due  admixture  of  roughly-brokon  freestone,  amongst 
which  they  appear  to  revel  in  the  happiest  manner.  Tho 
central  portion  is  broken  up  into  borders,  of  a  triangular 
character,  indented  by  the  central  circle  of  each  group.  The 
several  circles  being  beds  devoted  (to  quote  a  happy  title  for 
which  I  am  indebted  to  Professor  Owen)  to  the  Lit  de  I'elite, 
well  prepared  with  peat  soil,  in  which  a  goodly  selection 
of  Liliums,  Epimediums,  and  other  bog-loving  plants, 
were  growing  luxuriantly,  and,  amongst  the  Epimediums, 
E.  macranthum  was  covered,  at  the  time  of  my  visit,  with  its 
white  blossoms,  just  tinted  with  lilac  sufficient  to  enhance  tho 
contrast  between  its  flowers  and  its  yellowish-green  foliage. 
With  a  view  to  neutralise  the  bare  appearance  which  every 
herbaceous  ground  must  necessarily  present  in  the  winter, 
especially  when  contrasted  with  the  redundant  and  denso 
growth  of  the  summer,  the  centre  of  the  circles  is  devoted  to 
Alpine  Rhododendrons,  the  later  hardy  Heaths,  Ledums,  and 
such  like ;  and,  in  the  central  portion  of  each  of  the  triangular 
beds  surrounding  the  same,  is  planted  a  group  of  select  ever- 
green shrubs,  of  a  medium  style  of  growth,  as  regards 
size.  These,  doubtless,  in  the  first  instance,  had  a  good  and 
fair  margin  left  for  their  development,  but,  as  the  rightful 
"  heirs-at-law  "  put  in  an  appearance,  their  originally  formed 
ranks  were  extended  deeper  and  deeper  still,  until  their  close 
proximity  to  the  shrubs  threatens  to  militate  seriously  against 
their  fair  and  reasonable  development.  Were  I  to  find  a  fault 
at  all,  it  would  be,  not  that  these  groups  of  winter-green  shrubs 
are  unnecessary,  Ijut  that  a  far  less  aristocratic  set  of  shrubs 
had  not  been  chosen,  the  lateral  curtailment  of  whose  growth 
might  have  been  attended  with  less  qualms  of  conscience. 
Doubtless  those  in  sitil  are  masters  of  the  situation  during  tho 
winter;  whether  they  will  long  retain  their  mastership  is 
another  question,  seeing  that  this  summer  growth^  is  made 
under  the  protective  influence  of  their  too  adjacent  neighbours. 
All  tho  beds  are  neatly  margined  with  Box-edging,  and,  seeing 
that  the  families  and  genera  are  located  together,  as  they  ought 
to  be,  as  much  regularity  as  is  perhaps  possible  under  such 
circumstances  in  the  growth  and  development  of  the  occupants 
of  the  marginal  borders  has  been  attained.  Still  however,  so 
varied  is  the  development  and  growth  of  herbaceous  plants  in 
different  localities,  that  each  accession  must  be  necessarily 
planted  subject  to  future  modifications,  and  such  alterations 
and  modifications  must  doubtless  form  one  of  those  stimulants 
to  continuous  interest  which  constitute  an  all-important 
element  to  the  cultivator  of  a  collection  of  herbaceous  plants. 

The  way  in  which  the  collection  is  labelled  and  otherwise  set 
off  to  advantage  by  Mr.  Maw's  gardener,  must  form  the 
subject  of  a  future  notice. 


478 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Dec.  13, 1873. 


NOTES   OF   THE   WEEK. 


Mk.  John  Bain  haa,  after  a  long  rest,  necessitated  by  illness, 

returned  to  his  old  duties  as  director  of  the  College  Botanic  Gardens 
at  Dublin.     This  will  be  welcome  news  to  many  of  our  readers. 

Forced  Lily  of  the  Valley,  in  flower,  has  been  seen  in  Covent 

Garden  for  the  last  eighteen  days  ;  the  first  supplies  came  from  Messrs. 
Hcrbst,  Mr.  Standish,  and  the  Pine  Apple  Nursery  Company.  The 
white  Lilac,  from  the  Paris  (forcing-houses,  has  also  been  in  the 
market  for  about  the  same  time. 

I.v  the   Times  of  the  5th  inst.,  under  the  heading  of  "  Wills 

and  Bequests,"  we  observe  the  welcome  announcement,  that  Mr. 
Andrew  Barnett,  late  of  Macclesfield,  haa  left  (among  other  charities), 
to  the  Gardeners'  Benevolent  Institution,  London,  the  sum  of  £1,000, 
payable  on  the  death  of  hia  widow.  Mr.  Barnett,  we  learn,  was  not 
a  subscriber  to  the  institution. 

Amoxg  winter. blooming  plants   the  yellow  Jaaminum  nudi- 

florum  is  now  very  attractive,  especially  when  trained  upon  a 
southern  aspect.  We  never  see  this  plant  upon  cottage  walls  without 
regretting  that  it  is  not  intermixed  with  some  neat  berry -bearing 
plant,  such  as  the  Cotoneaster  or  Pyraoantha,  when  the  contrast 
between  the  two  would  be  most  beautiful. 

Some  of  the  most  beautiful  wreaths  we  have  ever  seen  are 

now  exhibited  in  the  central  row  in  Covent  Garden  Market.  They 
are  formed  of  bleached  Grasses  and  Immortelles,  among  which  is  a 
large  silvery  kind,  introduced  by  Messrs.  Hooper,  which  we  have  not 
seen  before  the  present  season.  It  is  known  in  the  trade  as  the 
Silver  Gape  Flower,  and  is  probably  one  of  the  many  beautiful 
IleUchi'ysuma  common  to  Southern  Africa. 

Mk.  Parsons,  of  New  Jersey,  gives  an  account  of  some  very 

fine  Pears  in  the  Cultivator.  I  raised  (he  says)  this  season,  from 
dwarf  trees  set  out  three  years  ago,  a  quantity  of  Duchess  Pears,  a 
bushel  of  which  were  sent  to  market,  there  being  but  forty. eight 
Pears  to  the  bushel,  thus  averaging  a  little  less  than  nineteen  ounces 
each.  The  remainder  of  the  crop  were  very  fine  fruit,  half  of  which 
were  equal  to  the  above. 

The  directors  of  the  Crystal  Palace  Company  have  elected 

Captain  Flood  Page  to  succeed  Mr.  Grove  as  secretary  at  the  end  of 
the  year.  Captain  Page  has  long  been  known  as  an  active  member 
of  the  executive  committee  of  the  Wimbledon  Rifle  Meeting,  in 
addition  to  which  he  acted  for  some  years  aa  agent  to  Lord  Spencer'a 
^Vimbledon  property,  and  in  other  capacitiea  highly  fitting  him  for 
the  position  which  he  haa  obtained.  Mr.  Wilkinson  will  now  become 
general  manager  of  the  Crystal  Palace. 

TuE  fruit  trees,  wliich  were  planted  only  four  years  since 

in  the  ground  attached  to  the  horticultural  school  of  St.  Maude,  near 
Paris,  have  this  year  yielded  30,000  Pears,  Apples,  and  Peaches,  in 
addition  to  nearly  three-and-a-half  cwt.  of  Cherries,  Grapes,  Goose- 
berries and  Currants.  In  two  years  more,  it  is  expected  that  the 
trees  will  arrive  at  their  maximum  of  produce.  These  speedy  results 
are  due  to  the  personal  superintendence  of  M.  Dn  Breuil,  the  eminent 
arboriculturist. 

From   the    Portuguese    Jornal  da  EorticuUura  Fratica  we 

learn  that  a  horticultural  exhibition  was  recently  held  at  Cadiz,  and 
that  "the  first  medal  (silver)  was  awarded  to  "Snr.  D.  Juan  Lopez 
PadiUa,  for  his  collection  of  Conifers  and  Orchids.  The  second  medal 
(copper)  was  adjudged  to  Snr.  D.  Diego  do  Agi-eda,  for  the  fine 
specimcua  of  Begonias  which  he  showed.  Certificates  of  '  honourable 
mention '  were  granted  to  Snr.  D.  Eafaela  Ponce  de  Leon,  the  Casino 
Jerezano,  and  some  private  individuals  for  various  plants  exhibited 
by  them."  Wo  have  read  this  report  with  much  pleasure,  as  evincing 
the  remarkable  progress  which  horticulture,  in  its  higher  forms,  ha's 
made,  within  the  last  few  years,  in  the  Spanish  Peninsula. 

We  have  juat  received  some  excellent  specimens  of  Apples 

from  Mr.  Hill,  European  agent  of  the  Burlington  and  Miaaouri  lliver 
Railroad  Company,  of  25,  Moorgate  Street.  They  came  all  the  way 
from  Nebraska,  and  travelled  two  thousand  five  hundred  milea  before 
an-iving  at  the  sea-board  whence  they  were  shipped  to  England  ;  they 
are,  aa  is  not  unusual  with  Apples  from  America,  in  as  good  condition 
as  if  juat  carefully  picked  from  the  tree  by  hand.  They  are  not 
so  remarkable  for  size  as  for  firmness  of  flesh,  good  flavour,  and  high 
brilliant  colour.  'When  we  passed  through  Nebraska  in  the  autumn 
of  1870,  the  prairies  of  that  great  territory  were  in  many  places  only 
peopled  by  the  graceful  wild  antelope,  and,  no  doubt,  this  must  for 
some  time  remain  the  case.  We  mention  this  to  show  that  Nebraska  is 
the  latest  planted  orchard  of  the  States.  It  forcibly  reminds  us  of 
the  vast  extent  of  America  which  is  admirably  adapted  for  the  culture 
of  our  more  important  hardy  fruita.  Covent  Garden  waa  last  winter 
largely  supplied  with  its  best  Apples  from  the  State  of  New  York,and  it 
13  not  miprobable  that  before  another  generation  has  passed  away,  the 


orchards  of  the  United  States  will  be  able  to  supply,  and  supply 
eaaily,  the  fruitleas  regions  of  the  north,  and  make  up  every  deficiency 
of  fruit  arising  in  Europe  from  f roat,  bad  years,  and  other  causes. 

There  is  now  one  of  the  prettiest  specimens  of  Sophronitis 

grandiflora  that  we  have  seen  for  some  time,  in  bloom  in  the  Royal 
Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea,  the  flowers  being  both  large  and  very 
brilliant,  and  numbering  upwards  of  a  dozen. 

We  have  been  shown  a  collection  of  Orchids,  Tillandsias,  and 

Palm-seeds  by  a  gentleman  just  arrived  in  this  country  from  Florida, 
several  of  which  we  believe  to  be  new  to  our  gardens.  One  of  tho 
Tillandsias  bears  a  great  branched  flower-spike  from  2  to  3  feet  loug, 
the  buds  of  which  will  shortly  open.  They  may  be  worth  the  atten- 
tion of  those  interested  in  new  exotics. 

The  local  exhibition  of  the   Royal  Horticultural  Society,  at 

Bath,  has  resulted  in  a  net  profit  of  £1,200,  one-half  of  which,  accord- 
ing to  custom,  will  be  appropriated  by  the  society,  while  the 
remainder  (subject  to  a  grant  of  £20  towards  the  maintenance  of 
the  institution  gardens)  will  be  divided  between  tho  Royal  Victoria 
Park  and  the  Hanoverian  Band  Committees. 

Prof.  Shaler  makea  a  rather  novel  suggestion  for  improving 

the  navigation  of  the  Ohio  river,  and  at  the  aame  time  preventing 
tho  enormoua  destruction  of  property  which  its  floods  now  occasion 
at  intervals,  by  washing  away  its  banks.  He  thinks  that  this  could 
be  accomplished  by  simply  planting  Willows  upon  the  banks,  as  he 
finds  that  wherever  such  a  plantation  has  been  effected,  the  resulting 
growth  not  only  holds  the  soil  in  which  it  is  rooted,  but  accumulates 
that  which  is  brought  down  by  the  river.  When  the  banks  have 
been  sufficiently  strengthened  and  extended  by  means  of  such  planta- 
tions, a  deepening  of  the  channel  must  result,  which  will  improve 
navigation. 

■  A  BEAUTIFUL  ucw  Lily  from  California,  named  L.  purpurcnm, 

will  be  offered  for  sale  next  Thursday  by  Mr.  Stevens.  Its  flowers 
are  said  to  vary  in  colour  from  a  purple  to  a  purple-lilac.  It  is  the 
first  time  it  has  been  offered  for  sale ;  and  the  collector,  who  found  it 
in  Humboldt  County,  writes  that  it  is  very  fragrant,  and  the  finest  of 
all  Californian  Lilies.  At  the  same  time,  an  unusually  large  sale  of 
other  rare  Lilies  will  take  place,  including  about  500  of  the  double, 
flowered  Tiger  Lily ;  300  of  Lilium  Humboldtii,  one  of  the  most 
distinct  and  beautiful  of  Lilies ;  together  with  several  hundreds  of 
such  choice  kinds  as  L.  Philadelphicum,  L.  pulchellum,  L.  snperlium, 
L.  Szovitziauum,  L.  columbianum,  L.  tenuifolium,  and  L.  caro- 
linianum. 

A   CORRESPONDENT  Writes   to   us  as   follows   reapecting   the 

Pitch  Lake  Pine-apples,  of  which  we  gave  some  account  (see  p.  445). 
"  I  have  grown,"  he  saya,  "  the  Surinam  or  Pitch  Lake  Pine  for 
many  yeara,  and,  though  good,  I  never  found  it  first-rate,  that  is, 
not  equal  to  Black  Jamaica,  Montserrat,  St.  Vincent,  and  the  fijier 
varieties  of  the  Queen  Pine.  The  Pitch  Lakes  doubtless  suit  Pine- 
apple  growth  perfectly ;  but,  for  positive  root-inducing  power,  I 
have  never  met  with  any  soil  equal  to  tho  hungry  heavy  loam  which 
thirty  years  ago  we  used  to  procure  from  Norwood.  The  splendid 
Pines  which  are  now  coming  into  our  market  are  from  the  Azores, 
whence  they  were  introduced  twenty. five  years  ago  by  your  corres- 
pondent, Mr.  Peter  \Vallace,  and  grown  in  vegetable  matter  with 
stable  dung  for  bottom.heat.  They  are  planted  in  rough  pits,  and 
are  fully  exposed,  glass  only  being  used  to  protect  them  from  the 
drenching  and  almost  instantaneous  rains  peculiar  to  that  climate. 
Can  rest  do  any  thing  for  them  .'  In  the  Azores  there  is  little  or  no 
twilight,  night  and  day  being  equally  divided." 

The  case  of  Leicester  Square,  lately  before  the  Master  of  the 

Rolls,  recalls  attention  to  a  spot  which  has  long  been  the  opprobrium 
of  the  metropolis.  For  at  least  twenty  years  it  has  been  going  from 
bad  to  worse.  The  rusted  railings  disappeared  one  by  one,  and  beaten 
tracks  across  the  enclosure  extended  right  and  left  till  not  a  vestige 
of  green  remained  to  suggest  the  thought  that  the  place  had  once 
been  set  out  as  a  garden  for  the  pleasure  of  the  surrounding  inha. 
bitants.  The  last  transformation  of  the  scene  was  the  enclosure  of 
the  area  within  a  hideous  hoarding,  12  feet  high,  covered  over  with 
placards.  The  Master  of  the  Rolls  has  decreed  that  this  hoarding 
shall  be  removed,  and  wo  wish  we  could  be  sure  that  Leicester 
Square  was  now  at  last  about  to  fulfil  its  original  object  by  becoming 
an  ornament  to  the  neighbourhood.  We  should  expect  this  to  be  the 
result  if  we  had  not  been  so  often  disappointed.  An  Act  of  Parlia- 
ment was  passed  just  ten  years  ago  for  the  express  purpose  of 
enabling  the  Metropolitan  Board  of  Works  to  take  the  square  in  hand 
and  make  it  once  more  a  garden;  but  tho  Court  of  Queen's  Bench 
decided  that  it  certainly  did  not  give  the  Board  of  Works  any  such 
power.  Let  us  hope,  however,  now  that  tho  Master  of  the  Rolls  has 
ordered  the  ground  to  be  put  in  order  and  tho  railings  into  proper 
repair,  tho  enclosure  may  become  a  pleasure-ground  as  it  was 
century  ago. 


Dec.  13, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


479 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 

ORNAiMENTAL  PLOWEE  POTS. 
CoMMOX  earthenware  pots  arc  the  best  that  can  be  employed 
for  all  kinds  of  plants,  from  a  cultural  point  oE  view  ;  but 
where  Palms,  Ferns,  and  other  choice  exotics  are  used  for  the 
decoration  of  the  drawing-room  or  boudoir,  we  must  needs 
employ  pots  or  vases  more  in  keeping  with  their  elegant 
surroundings.  Plants  are  now  so  generally  used  as  decorative 
objects  in  tasteful  homes,  that  really  artistic  embellishments, 
in  the  way  of  pots  and  vases,  are  looked  upon  more  as 
necessities  than  as  useless  elegancies,  and  many  of  them  are 
so  unique  and  pretty  in  point  of  design  and  elaborate  finish  that 
they  are  everywhere  admissible.  For  the  opportunity  of  sketch- 
mc  the  accompanying  group,  we  are  indebted  to  the  courtesy  of 
Messrs.  Dick  Radclyffe  &  Co.,  of  High  Holborn,  who  make  these 
graceful  ornaments  a  speciality  in  their  establishment.  They 
are  made  in  several  kinds  of  material,  such  as  enamelled  porce- 
lain, Terra  cotta,  and  Etruscan 
ware,  the  sprays  of  foliage.  Fern 
fronds,  and  other  ornamental 
appendages  having  been  in 
many  cases  modelled  from 
natural  specimens,  correctness 
of  form,  and naturalbeauty  being 
thus  ensured.  The  introduc- 
tion by  Messrs.  Dick  Radclyffe 
&  Co.  of  these  beautiful  exam- 
ples of  the  potter's  art  is  calcu- 
lated to  foster  a  love  for  plants 
in  sitting  -  rooms  ;  while  for 
hiding  flower-pots  on  the  dinner 
table  these  enamelled  vases 
are  admirably  adapted,  being 
far  prettier  than  the  gaudily- 
coloured  and  ill-designed  sub- 
stitutes which  have  been,  until 
recently,  too  commonly  em- 
ployed for  such  purposes.  Our 
illustration  shows  their  adapt- 
ability as  drawing-room  orna- 
ments, and  they  may  be  filled 
with  damp  Moss,  when  they 
will  be  found  useful  as  recep- 
tacles for  cut  flowers,  sprays 
of  elegant  folinge-plants  and 
spring-flowering  bulbs.        B. 


Leaf  Ornaments  for  Win- 
dow Screens.  —  The  following 
may  afford  amusement  and  plea- 
sure to  those  who  take  a  delight  in 
domestic  decorations  :  —  An  ex- 
quisite transparency  may  be  made 
by  arranging  pressed  Ferns, 
Grasses,  and  autumn  leaves  on  a  pane  of  window  glass,  laying 
another  pane  of  the  same  size  over  it  and  binding  tho  edge 
with  ribbon,  leaving  the  gronp  imprisoned  between.  Use  gum. 
tragacanth  in  putting  on  the  binding.  It  is  well  to  secure  a  narrow 
strip  of  paper  under  the  ribbon.  The  binding  should  be  gummed 
all  round  the  edge  of  the  first  pane,  and  dried,  before  the  leaves. 
Ferns,  &c.,  ai'e  arranged  ;  then  it  can  be  neatly  folded  over  the 
second  pane  without  difficulty.  To  form  tho  loop  for  hangiug  tho 
transparency,  paste  a  binding  of  galloon  along  the  edge,  leaving  a 
2-inch  loop  free  in  the  centre,  afterwards  to  be  pulled  through  a  little 
slit  in  the  final  binding.  These  transpaiencies  may  be  either  hung 
before  a  window,  or,  if  preferred,  secured  against  a  pane  in  the  sash. 
In  halls  a  beautiful  effect  is  produced  by  placing  them  against  the 
side-lights  of  the  hall  door.  Where  tho  side-lights  are  each  of  only 
a  single  pane,  it  is  well  worth  while  to  place  a  single  transparency 
against  each,  filling  up  the  entire  space,  thus  affording  ample  scope 
for  a  free  an'angement  of  Ferns,  Grasses,  and  leaves,  while  the 
effect  of  the  light  passing  through  the  rich  autumnal  colours  is  very 
fine.  Leaves  so  arranged  will  preserve  their  beauty  during  the 
whole  of  the  winter.  Screens  of  this  kind  have  lately  been  advertised 
in  London,  in  which  the  Ferns,  &c.,  prepared  by  a  peculiar  process, 
are  guaranteed  by  the  inventor  to  retain  their  verdure  for  years. 


Ornamental  Flower-pots. 


THE     INDOOR     GARDEN. 

HYBRID  ORCHIDS  AND  NEPENTHES. 
It  is  now  nearly  twenty  years  since  Mr.  Dominy,  the  well- 
known  manager  of  tho  plant  department  of  Messrs.  Veitch 
and  Sons'  nursery,  at  Chelsea,  turned  his  attention  to  the 
hybridisation  of  rare  plants,  and  this  was  not  at  Chelsea,  as 
many  suppose,  but  in  Messrs.  Veitch's  estabhshment  at 
Exeter.  Those  who  know  most  of  hybridisation  will  best 
comprehend  the  difficulties  which  he  had  to  surmount  in 
achieving  the  ci-owning  success  which  attended  his  efforts,  and 
with  which  almost  every  plant  grower  and  amateur  is  now- 
familiar.  In  the  fertilisation  of  Orchids,  Mr.  Dominy  has  been 
most  successful,  and  we  need  only  allude  to  Cattleya  Exo- 
niensis  and  Calanthe  Veitchii  as  illustrative  examples,  these 
being  not  only  the  best  of  hybrid  Orchids,  but  also  two  of  the 
"''best  of  all  Orchids  at  present  in  cultivation.  It  must  bo 
remembered  that  when  the  fertilisation  of  Orchids  commenced 

at  the  Exeter  establishment, 
comparatively  little  was  known 
on  the  subject.  Francis  Bauer 
had  made  microscopic  draw- 
iugs  of  the  structure  and  for- 
mation of  many  curious  Orchid 
flowers,  but  these  were  not  dis- 
tributed or  so  accessible  as 
now.  Darwin's  work  was  not 
written  until  Mr.  Dominy  had 
made  considerable  progress 
with  hybridising  Orchids,  and 
had  acquired  a  large  amount  of 
practical  experience  as  to  the 
best  way  of  treating  their 
minute  sawdust-like  seeds  in 
order  to  ensure  germination. 
It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that 
Orchid  seeds  do  not  germinate 
so  readily  as  those  of  most  other 
plants,  and  it  is  often  years 
before  the  little  seedlings  are 
discerned  peeping  out  of  the 
living  Sphagnum  on  whichthey 
were  sown.  Some  of  these 
hybrid  plants  which  now  delight 
us  with  their  glowing  colours 
and  grateful  fragrance  have  been 
watched  and  tended  for  a  dozen 
years  or  more  before  the 
anxious  cultivator  has  been 
rewarded  with  the  sight  of 
their  first  blossoms,  and  then 
many  of  them  have  been  found 
worthless,  or  nearly  so,  for  it 
must  not  be  supposedthatevery 
hybrid  obtained  has  been  so 
valuable  either  from  a  floral  or 
scientific  point  of  view  as  those  we  here  enumerate  for  the  first 
time  in  a  collected  form.  One  remarkable  fact  in  connection 
with  these  hybrids  is  their  intermediate  nature,  this  being  so 
obvious  in  many  cases  that  any  Orchid-grower  could  easily 
guess  the  names  of  their  parerits  directly  he  saw  the  hybrids 
in  flower.  From  a  scientific  point  of  view  the  crosses  effected 
not  only  between  distinct  species,  but,  also  between  sup- 
posed genera  have  taught  us  much.  Laslias  and  Cattleyas 
cross  with  each  other  as  freely  as  species  of  either  genus,  and 
the  same  remark  holds  good  with  Phajus  and  the  deciduous 
section  of  Calanthe.  This,  in  our  opinion,  fully  bears  out  the 
views  of  Professor  Reichenbach,  who  does  not  consider  the 
numerical  arrangement  of  the  pollen-masses  a  character 
sufficient  to  separate  Cattleyas  from  Laslias.  Cross  fertilisa- 
tion or  hybridisation  by  man's  agency  is,  as  yet,  in  its  infancy, 
while  insects  have  unconsciously  carried  pollen  from  flower  to 
flower  for  ages  past,  thus  adding  much  to  the  perplexity  of 
modern  botanists ;  and,  doubtless,  when  we  know  more  of 
ci-oss-breeding  among  vegetables,  our  views  of  genera  and 
species  will  be  materially  altered. 
The   value   of  these   hybrid  forms   to    the   cultivator  can 


480 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Dec.  13, 1873. 


scarcely  be  over-rated,  aud  fine  specimen  plants  of  them  exist 
indifferent  collections.  Not  long  ago  we  alluded  to  the  noble 
specimen  of  Cattleya  Exoniensis  at  Meadow  Bank,  which  was 
tben  bearing  sixty-three  flowers,  and  a  week  or  two  ago  we  saw 
asplendidly°grown  plant  of  Cattleya  Dorainiana,  with  upwards 
of  thirty  delicately-tinted  broad-petalled  flowers.  Calauthe 
Veitchii  is  everywhere  grown,  and  it  i.s  not  uncommon  to  see 
it  flowering  by  the  dozen  in  many  gardens,  while  some  of  our 
readers  may  remember  the  fine  specimen  shown  by  Mr.  Jaques 
at'South  Kensington,  a  year  ago.  In  order  to  make  our  list  of 
hybrids  as  complete  andinterestiug  as  possible,  we  append  three 
others,  viz.,  Cypripediura  Ashburtonia;,  raised  by  Mr.  Cross, 
C.  Sedeni,  and  Cattleya  Fausta  (see  page  4.3.5),  both  raised 
by  a  promising  pupil  of  Mr.  Dominy's,  to  whom  we  alluded  in 
our  last  issue.  It  is  interesting  to  know  that  Cypripedium 
Sedeni  has  been  obtained  true  from  seed  borne  by  0.  longifo- 
lium  crossed  with  pollen  from  C.  Schlimraii,  and  vice  versa,  there 
bcino-  110  perceptible  difference  iu  the  seedlings  in  either  case. 
This°is  interesting,  as  different  varieties  of  other  Orchids  are 
sometimes  produced  from  the  same  seed-pod.  It  is,  moreover, 
interesting  to  know  that  C.  Schlimmii  and  Disa  grandiflora 
come  true^from  seed  when  fertilised  with  pollen  from  another 
individual  of  the  same  species.  Horticulturists  have  to  thank 
Mr.  Dominy  for  much  valuable  information  respecting  these 
hybrids,  which,  in  the  followiug  list  are  prefixed  with  an 
asterisk'  (*).  :^'id  are  placed  between  their  respective  parents  :— 
Orchid  Hybrids. 


Phajus  jjrandifolius 
*Phajus  irroratus 
Calantho  vestita 

Cattleya  guttata 
•Cattleya  Uybrida  macu- 

culata 
Cattleya  intermedia 

Calanthe  masuca 

•Calantlio  Dominii 

Calauthe  furcata 

Limatodes  rosea 
•Calan'he  VeitcLii 
Calantho  vostita 

Cattleya  Lodcligosii 

•Cattleya  Br.ab.antiaj 

Cattleya  Aclandiaj 

Cypripcilium  bai'batum 
•Cypripedium      vexiUa- 

riura 
Cypripedium    Fairrioa- 
nuni 

Cypripedium  Pearcei 
•Cypripedium  Dominii 
Cypripedium  caudatum 

Cattleya  Mossiai 
•Cattleya  Man^^lesii 
Cattleya  Loddigesii 

Cypripedium  bavbatum 
•Cypripedium    Harrisia- 

num 
Cypripedium  villosum 

Cattleya  Aclandia; 
•Cattleya  quinque-color 
Cattleya  Forbesii 


Cattleya  (Lfelia)  crispa 
•Cattleya  (Loelia)  Pilcheri 

alba 
Cattleya  tLaslia)  Perruiii 

Cattleya  (La^lia)  crispa 

•Cattleya(Lajlia)  Pilcheri 

Cattleya  (Lcclia)Perriiiii 

Cattleya  maxiina 
•CattleyaDominiaua  alba 
Cattleya  amethystina 

Goodyera  discolor 
•Ana3CtochiIus  Dominii 
Ann3ctocliilus     xantho- 
phyllus 

Goodyera  discolor 
•Goodyera  Veitchii 
Amectochilus  Veitchii 

Cattleya  crispa 
•Cattleya  Devouiensis 
Cattleya  gu(  tata 

Cattleya  granulosa 
•Cattleya  hybrida 
Cattle3'a  Harrisouice 

Cattleya  mnxima 
•Cattleya  Dominiana 
Cattleya  amethystina 

Cattleya   Mossiis  (Syon 

House  vars.) 
•Cattleya  exoniensis 
LEBlia  purpurata 

Cattleya  (Lrelia)  crispa 
•Cattleya  Siduiana 
Cattleya  granulosa 


Aiirides  affine 
•Aerides  hybridum 
Aerides  Fieldingii 

Dendrobium  nobile 
•Dendrobium  Dominii 
Dendrobium        monili- 

forme 
Cypripedium  barbatum 
•Cypripedium     Ashbur- 
toniie 
Cypripedium  insigne 

Cypripedium         longi- 

folium 
•Cypripedium  Sedeni 
CypripediuraSchlimniii 

Cattleya  Exoniensis 
•Cattleya  Fausta 
Cattleya  Loddigesii 

Nepenthes  distUlatoria 
•Nepenthes  hybrida 
Nepenthes,    spotted 
species  from  Borneo, 
unnamed 

Nepenthes  distillatoria 
•Nepenthes    hybrida 

maculata 
Nepenthes,    spotted 

species  from  Borneo, 

unnamed 

Nepenthes  "RafQesiaua 
•Nepenthes  Dominii 
Nepenthes,    green 

species  from  iJorneo, 

unnamed 

Fuchsia  serratifolia 
•Fuchsia  Dominii 
Fuchsia  spoctabilis 


TREE-FERNS  FROM  STEM  DIVISION. 
When,  some  few  years  ago,  peoplo  iu  this  country  were  first  made 
familiar,  by  means  of  imported  fall-grown  Uving  stems,  with  exam- 
ples of  the  gigantic  Peru  flora  of  New  Zealand  and  other  distant 
lauds,  the  impression  obtained  (says  the  Irish  Farmers'  Gazette)  that 
their  increase  in  height  and  bulk  was  an  exceedingly  slow  process, 
and  speculation  was  rife  as  to  the  great  age  of  these  black,  fossil.like, 
yet  living  patriarchs  of  tho  antipodean  Fern  gullies.  Bxperienco 
has,  however,  dissipated  tho  iuipression,  and  set  at  nought  the 
speculation.  Trom  what  we  now  know  of  the  growth  aud  development 
of  Tree-Fems  under  glass,  tho  conclusion  is  inevitable  that,  as 
regards  rapidity  in  botli  respects,  they  have  few  equals  in  the  wide 
range  of  tho  vegetable  Iciugdom.  Here  is  an  example  necessitating 
the  bold  and  successful  experiment  which  wo  shall  describe  pre- 
sently. Mauy,  doubtless,  have  seen  Mr.  Bewley's  famous  Fernery, 
at  Rockville,  'uiackrock,  and  admired  the  stately  Trce-Ferns  which 
rear  their  tall  stems  and  expand  their  luxuriant  coronals  beneath 
its  lofty  double-glazed  roof,  which  root  we  have  seen  threatened  to 


be  lifted  from  its  fastenings,  or,  at  all  events,  buret  through  by  the 
sheer  force  of  vegetation,  as  exemplified  by  the  marvellous  develop, 
ment  of  the  growing  fronds.  Now,  this  Fernery  has  not  been  many 
years  erected,  and  yet  more  than  once  has  the  rapid  growth  of  the 
New  Zealand  Tree-Ferns  created  a  ditfioulty  by  threatening  to  lift  the 
roof  or  find  tlicir  way  througli  it.  This  ditHculty  was  met  more  than 
once  by  the  expedient  of  sinking  in  the  floor  and  lowering  the  roots  and 
stems.  This  succeeded  for  a  time ;  but  there  was  a  point  beyond  which 
the  sinking  process  could  not  be  carried,  and  meanwhile  the  huge 
ebon  volutes  of  Cyathea  medullaris  again  touched  the  roof.  What 
was  to  be  done  .''  the  roof  should  either  go  up  or  the  New  Zealanders 
come  away.  In  this  fix,  a  bold  and  hazardous  experiment  suggested 
itself,  which  was  at  once  carried  into  operation,  and  so  far  with  most 
satisfactory  results.  Each  tree  was  lifted  from  its  position,  laid  down 
upon  its  aide,  and  with  no  keen  knife  or  canning  hand,  but  with  an 
ordinary  cross-cut  saw  worked  by  strong  arms,  the  connection  between 
stem  and  root  was  quickly  severed  at  the  collar.  The  stem,  however, 
was  yet  too  long,  and  the  saw  went  to  work  again,  taking  another 
section,  and  reducing  its  length  by  some  three  or  four  feet  more. 
Again  was  the  rootless  stem,  with  its  spreading  fronds,  placed  up- 
right in  its  position,  and  made  firm  in  its  rock-work  mound.  In  re. 
planting,  the  only  precaution  taken  by  Mr.  Sayers — ilr.  Bewley's 
very  worthy  and  intelligent  gardener — was  that  no  soil  should  be  in 
immediate  contact  with  the  stump  ;  clinkers,  broken  bricks,  and  such 
like  only  being  allowed  to  touch  the  buried  portion.  Nothing 
could  bo  more  satisfactory  than  the  result :  the  subjects  thus  sum- 
marily operated  on  seemed  scarcely  conscious  of  it,  but  boldly  held 
up  their  leafy  honours,  and  continued  to  throw  up  new  fronds,  and 
are  now  growing  away  as  though  nothing  had  happened;  but  rather 
look  as  if  that  ere  many  more  years  go  by  they  will  call  for  a  repeti- 
tion of  the  operation.  When  congratulating  Mr.  Sayers  on  the 
success  which  attended  his  bold  experiment,  he  modestly,  and,  as  we 
believe,  truly  said,  "  Iu  any  other  than  a  double-glazed  house,  I  do 
not  believe  it  would  have  been  so  successfal." 


The  Yellow-fruitad.  Rivina. —  It  is  stated  (see  p.  436) 
that  this  "  Rivina  appears  to  be  lost."  I  have  grown  it  for  five  or 
six  years,  and  continue  to  do  so,  on  account  of  the  distinct  and 
strikiug  colour  of  its  berries ;  but  for  general  usefulness  as  a  decora. 
tive  plant,  it  is  far  behind  the  red-berried  sort.  All  the  Rivinas,  if 
grown  as  jDot  plants,  do  best  raised  from  seed  every  spring,  and  grown 
on  in  a  light  warm  house  or  pit.  A  free  rich  soil  suits  them  perfectly. 
Wlien  well  grown,  a  plant  in  a  6  or  8-inch  pot  will  be  at  least  2  feet 
through,  and  2§  or  3  feet  high.  The  jrarple  and  yellow.berried  sorts 
are  merely  useful  for  variety.  The  red. berried  kind  is  much  hand, 
somer  than  any  other.  The  clusters  of  berries  are  usually  6  or  7 
inches  long.  I  have  had  them  9  inches.  I  am  acquainted  with  no 
stovo  plant  for  winter  decoration  so  easily  grown,  and  which,  at  tho 
same  time,  produces  such  a  charming  effect. — J.  E. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  INDOOR  (JAEDEN. 


Masdevallia  Tovarensis. — This  gem  amongst  cool  Orchids,  as  grown  and 
flowered  iu  the  collection  of  Mr.  Bockett,  is  a  sight  never  to  be  forgotten.  The 
rich  deep  green  leaves  show  how  healthy  the  plant  is,  whilst  the  dazzling 
snowy  whiteness  of  its  three  dozen  flowers  is  indescribably  beautiful. — G. 

Plant  Vases-— I  noticed -when  passing  through  Covent  Garden  a  few  days 
ago  some  prettily  designed  basket-vases.  They  were  made  to  represent  imita- 
tion wicker-work,  round  iu  form,  from  4  inches  to  6  inches  deep,  and  a  foot  or 
80  in  diameter,  the  rim  being  broad,  like  that  of  a  sailor's  hat  inverted.  Theso 
were  filled  with  a  central  plant  surrounded  by  a  bolt  of  others,  and  the  whole 
having  a  pretty  appeai'anco. — W.  F. 

Deudrobium  bigibbum.— This  traly  beautiful  North  Australian  Dendrobe 
has  lately  been  fiuely  in  flower  in  the  choice  collection  of  Mr.  Bockett,  at 
Muswell  lliil.  The  rich  rosy-purple  blossoms  of  this  rare  species  are  so 
seldom  seen,  that  even  when  not  iu  such  fine  condition,  as  the  plant  just  named, 
the  event  is  worthy  of  record,  but  here  it  h;is  really  been  very  flue  ;  indeed, 
the  healthy  condition  of  the  whole  collection  is  quite  in  keeping  with  tho 
enthusiastic  love  for  these  plants  displayed  by  their  owner. 

Tan.  Bads. — If  tan  beds  in  stoves  are  now  renewed,  they  will  emit  a  good 
deal  of  v/armth  throughout  the  winter,  and  will  materially  assist  in  saving  fuql, 
while  the  heat  given  off  by  them  will  be  better  for  the  plants  than  that  afforded 
by  hot-water  pipes.  Ko  fears  need  be  entertained  of  starting  plants  prema- 
turely by  the  addition  of  new  tan  ;  for,  instead  of  being  plunged,  they  may  be 
placed  ou  the  surface  of  the  beds,  or  they  may  be  plunged  with  a  brick  under 
each  pot,  the  sides  of  which  need  not  touch  the  tan. — W. 

Strelitzia  reginse.— This  old-fashioned  plant,  although  a  native  of  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope,  is  geuerally  found  occupying  a  place  in,  our  stoves  ;  indeed,  X 
never  saw  it  anywhere  else,  until  I  saw  it  grown  in  a  cool  Camellia  house  in 
the  nurseries  of  Messrs.  Jackson  and  Sons,  at  Kingston-on-Thames.  There  it 
is  gi'own  in  a  house  in  which  Azaleas,  Camellias,  and  hardy  and  half-hardy 
Ferns  are  kept,  and  it  has  always  flowered  satisfactorily.  In  proof  of  this, 
old  specimens  wore  bearing  flowers  in  profusion,  and  little  plants  in  e-inch 
jiots  were  producing  one  and  two-flower  spikes  apiece.  The  fact  that  it  grows  and 
flowers  freely  under  cool  house  treatment,  and  is  a  winter  bloomer  loo,  strongly 
recommends  it  to  our  notice. — W.  F. 


Dec.  13,  1873.] 


THE   GAKDEN. 


481 


AMBER. 

Amber  is  a  resinous  gum,  which,  origiually  in  a  liquid  state,  has 
hardened  to  the  appearance  of  a  precious  stone.  It,  however, 
belongs  to  a  geological  period  anterior  to  what  now  exists,  and  is 
found  on  the  shores  of  the  Baltic,  in  Spain,  Africa,  and  some  other 
quarters.  Occasionally,  pieces  are  washed  up  by  storms  on  the 
eastern  coast  of  England.  A  remarkable  thing  about  amber  is,  that 
many  pieces  of  it  contain  a  variety  of  beautifully  preserved  insects, 
among  which  are  many  entire  diptera  (common  flies  and  gnats), 
orthoptera  (grasshoppers,  crickets,  and  cockroaches),  hymenoptera 
(saw  and  turnip  flies,  bees,  wasps,  and  ants),  one  lepidoptera 
(butterfly),  and  several  coleoptera  (beetles).  Leaves  and  stems  of 
plants,  and  a  small  shell,  are  also  preserved.  All  such  objects, 
animal  and  vegetable,  were  of  course,  incorporated  with  the  sub. 
stance  when  it  was  in  a  liquid  jelly  state.  The  flies  and  other 
creatures  had  stuck,  and  could  not  get  away. 

When  the  amber  is  fh'st  found,  it  is  in  a  very  rough  state,  and  can 
only  be  detected  by  a  practised  eye,  and  requires  to  be  rubbed  down 
and  polished  before  the  curious  and  beautiful  fossils  it  contains  can 
be  seen.  Although  the  communication  between  the  Baltic  and  the 
German  Ocean  is  broken  by  the  land  of  Denmark,  and  only  exists 
through  the  island  of  Zealand,  and  others  which  lie  between 
Denmark  and  Sweden,  it  is  quite  possible,  and  by  no  means  impro- 
bable, that  currents  may  have  conveyed  pieces  of  amber  from  the 
coasts  of  the  Baltic,  through  the  Cattegat,  into  the  North  Sea,  and 
thence  they  would  occasionally,  though  rarely,  be  picked  up  on  our 
eastern  coasts.  They  may,  perhaps,  have  been  brought  thence 
dru'iug  the  post-Tertiary  period  (a  date  comparatively  modern  in 
the  geological  history  of  the  globe),  when  the  now  land  of  Denmark 
was  depressed  beneath  the  ocean,  and  hence  the  North  Sea  and  the 
Baltic  would  form  one  uninterrupted  expanse  of  water.  There  is 
no  reason  to  suppose  that  any  Tertiary  deposit  exactly  equivalent  to 
the  amber-bearing  earth  about  to  be  described  exists  at  the 
bottom  of  the  North  Sea ;  otherwise,  amber  would  be  found 
in  abundance  on  British  shores  washed  by  it.  Amber  has  been 
found  in  the  gravel-pits  near  London,  derived  probably  from 
some  of  the  Tertiary  strata  of  our  island ;  and  pieces  of 
resin  occur  in  the  clays  of  the  Wealden  in  the  Isle  of  Wight, 
and  in  the  London  clay  at  Highgate.  Perhaps  one  of  the 
richest  deposits  of  amber,  and  for  which  it  has  been  long  celebrated, 
is  a  province  of  Prussia  called  Samland,  bounded  on  the  west  and 
north  by  the  Baltic.  In  a  portion  of  this  district  fine  sections  are 
exposed  of  the  Tertiary  formation,  varying  from  80  to  125  feet  in 
thickness.  It  consists  of  two  different  deposits,  the  lowest  being 
composed  of  thick  beds  of  glauconitic  sand,  65  feet  thick,  overlaid  by 
the  brown  coal  formation,  from  60  to  100  feet  thick.  This  glau- 
conitic sand  (which  is  marl  containing  a  large  admixture  of  green- 
sand,  and  forms  what  is  called  firestone  or  glauconite)  in  the  north 
and  west  coast  differs  from  that  in  the  south.  In  the  former,  the 
upper  part,  about  60  feet  consists  of  light  greensand,  made  up  of 
large  quartz  grains  and  bright  green  granules  of  glauconite ;  else- 
where, the  lower  portion  of  this  greensand  is  cemented  by  hydi-ated 
oxide  of  iron  into  a  coarse  sandstone,  which  contains  numerous  fossils. 
Below  this  is  a  deposit  of  finer  quartz  grains,  more  glauconite,  and 
much  clay  and  mica;  and  associated  with  this,  a  wet  sandy  stratum 
called  quicksand  beause  it  contains  a  large  quantity  of  water,  8  feet 
thick  ;  underneath  which  is  a  blae  earth,  or  amber-earth,  3  or  -1  feet 
thick,  fine-grained  and  argillaceous  (composed  of  clay).  In  this  the 
amber  is  found  abundantly,  but  irregularly  distributed,  occupying  a 
narrow  zone ;  the  pieces  are  of  various  sizes,  usually  small ;  those 
weighing  half-a-pound  being  seldom  found,  and  more  rarely  larger 
ones  of  greater  weight.  The  surfaces  are  worn  and  rounded,  and 
bear  little  resemblance  to  their  original  form,  as  the  liquid  resin 
of  a  tree,  formed  between  the  bark  and  the  wood,  or  between  the 
yearly  rings  of  growth  of  the  stem.  Pine  impressions  of  the  parts  of 
the  plants  which  produced  these  amber  nodules  can  bo  distinguished 
on  their  surface.  Evidently,  then,  they  wero  for  a  time  subjected  to 
the  action  of  neater  before  they  were  imbedded  in  their  clayey  bed. 
Pieces  of  fossil  wood  are  also  associated  with  the  amber.  When  any 
of  the  latter  is  attached  to  the  wood  itself,  it  is  so  completely  pene- 
trated by  it,  that  it  has  the  appearance  of  amber  filaments.  The 
amber-earth  contains  many  fossil  sea-shells,  echiuoderms,  corals,  &o. ; 
and  these  show  that  this  Tertiai-y  formation  belongs  to  the  oldest  or 
Eocene  period  of  geologists.  The  amber  itself  was  evidently  deriva- 
tive, and  washed  down,  probably,  by  floods  from  the  land  on  which 
the  amber  trees  grew,  into  the  sea,  and  there  deposited  with  the 
marine  remains  which  are  now  associated  with  it ;  although  it  seems 
probable  that  the  land  was  not  very  far  from  the  shore  where  it  was 
abundant.  Above  and  below  the  amber  earth,  only  a  few  pieces  of 
amber  occur.  In  the  south,  the  amber-earth  is  thicker,  and  composed 
of  two  different  layers.  Professor  Zaddach  of  Konigsberg  shows 
further  that  the  trees  which  yielded  the  amber  must  have  grown 


upon  previously -formed  beds  of  the  gi'eensand  when  the  chalk  was 
deposited,  flourishing  luxuriantly  on  the  marshy  coast  which  then 
surrounded  the  great  continent  of  Northern  Europe.  Probably  tho 
temperature  was  then  higher  than  it  is  now,  and  seems  to  have 
extended  to  tho  now  frostbouud  Arctic  regions  ;  a  fact  which  has 
been  proved  by  the  remarkable  plant-remains  (chiefly  leaves)  of 
temperate  climates  which  have  been  lately  discovered  thei'e. 
The  amber  flora  of  the  Baltic  area  under  review  contains  northern 
forms  associated  with  plants  of  more  temperate  zones,  and  with 
others  even  which  live  in  much  more  southern  ones  ;  thus  Camphor 
trees  occur  with  Willows,  Birch,  Beech,  and  Oaks,  cone-bearing  trees 
resembling  the  American  Thuja  ocoidentalis,  and  a  great  variety  of 
Pines  and  Pirs,  including  the  Amber  Pine,  which  has  been  proved  to 
be  a  trao  Pine,  allied  to  tho  Pinus  balsamea,  though  it  no  longer 
exists.  Thousands  of  these,  the  professor  supposes,  might  already 
have  perished ;  and,  while  the  wood  decayed,  the  resin  with  which 
the  stems  and  branches  were  loaded  might  have  been  accumulated  in 
large  quantities  in  bogs  and  lakes  in  the  soil  of  the  forest.  If  the 
coast  at  that  time  was  gradually  sinking,  the  sea  would  cover  the 
land,  and  in  due  course  carry  away  the  amber  and  masses  of  vegetation 
into  the  ocean,  where  it  was  deposited  amidst  the  marine  animals 
which  inhabit  it.  Bat  in  higher  districts  the  Amber  Pines  would 
still  flourish  ;  and  so  amber  still  continued  to  be  washed  into  the 
sea,  and  deposited  in  the  later-formed  (Tertiary)  greensand,  and  still 
later  overlying  formation  of  the  brown  coal. 

Amber  has  been  discovered  in  Russia,  in  Italy,  probably  in  Tertiary 
deposits  of  the  same  age  ;  also  in  Africa,  Brazil,  and  South  America, 
probably  derived  from  strata  of  this  age.  It  has  been  met  with  in 
Sweden,  on  the  coast  of  the  North  sea,  and  may  yet  be  discovered  in 
many  other  localities,  when  the  stock  is  exhausted  in  tho  richer 
Baltic  Provinces,  and  the  demands  of  trade  compel  the  dealers  to 
search  for  it  elsewhere.  Vast  quantities  are  washed  up  on  the  shore 
near  Memel,  also  in  the  Baltic  in  the  extreme  north-east,  and  are 
thought  to  have  been  derived  from  certain  Tertiary  deposits  con- 
taining amber  in  the  extensive  adjacent  region  of  Russia  and  Poland, 
where  brown  coal  containing  amber  has  been  discovered  overlying 
chalk.  Stores  of  this  valuable  gum  still  lie  hidden  in  the  interior  of 
the  country,  and  on  the  Baltic  coast,  though  much  is,  no  doubt,  still 
buried  under  the  sea,  the  amber-bearing  stratum  often  lying  too 
deep  to  be  attainable. 

Besides  the  plants  which  are  occasionally  found  in  amber,  the 
most  interesting  and  remarkable  fossils  are  the  insects,  which,  from 
their  usually  beautiful  and  perfect  state  of  preservation,  are  more 
interesting  to  entomologists  than  the  more  imperfect  remains  of  this 
class  contained  in  many  other  and  older  formations,  and  are  there- 
fore more  easily  determined.  As  the  plants  of  the  older  amber-earth 
in  the  glauconite  series  differ  from  those  of  the  newer  brown  coal,  it 
is  possible  that  many  of  the  insects  would  differ  also;  while  those 
in  African  amber  would  present  a  greater  diversity  and  a  more~ 
tropical  character.  As  a  general  rnle,  all  the  tertiary  fossil  insects 
have  a  more  decided  European  character,  more  like  recent  forms, 
than  the  carboniferoas,  liassic,  and  oolitic  ones  ;  aud  several  kinds  are 
still  found  living,  though  many  are  extinct — that  is,  are  unknown 
at  the  present  day.  Prom  the  lucid  clearness  and  beautiful  trans- 
parency of  amber,  and  its  soft  yellow  colouring,  the  insects  can 
be  easily  examined.  It  would  seem  that  they  must  have  been 
caught  suddenly  by  the  liquid  resin  as  it  oozed  out  of  the 
Pines,  and  thus  were  eutombed  alive,  which  will  account  for  their 
wonderful  state  of  preservation.  Many  of  them,  no  doubt,  were 
caught  while  on  the  trees ;  and  even  the  cunning  spider,  while 
watching  for  his  prey,  was,  like  "  the  biter  bit,"  enveloped  also. 
Others  may  have  been  embedded  at  the  base  of  tho  trees,  where  the 
ambercus  exudation  was  unusually  profuse.  Amber  also  contains 
myriapods,  creatures  to  which  the  common  centipede,  scolopendra, 
and  julus  belong,  and  which  would  abound  amongst  the  decaying 
wood  in  the  hollows  of  the  trees  in  the  ancient  Tertiary  forests  of  the 
period.  When  quickly  enveloped,  the  insects  aud  other  organic 
remains  are  well  preserved,  retaining  their  natural  colours  aud  their 
more  delicate  parts.  Those  which  died,  and  were  long  exposed  to 
the  air,  are  more  or  less  injured,  and  are  surrounded  with  a  white 
mouldy  covering,  which  obscures  them,  and  discolours  the  amber. 
This  is  especially  the  case  in  some  of  the  Prussian  amber,  but  has  not 
been  noticed  in  the  Pomeranian,  which  is  always  bright  and  clear. 
The  families,  genera,  and  species  of  insects  found  iu  amber  are 
supposed  for  the  most  part  to  agree  with  existing  forms,  and  even 
iu  identity  of  species.  Though  many  belong  to  our  latitudes,  others 
decidedly  do  not  so,  as,  for  example,  some  of  the  smaller  flies  and 
gnats,  the  cockroaches  and  other  beetles,  and  the  majority 
of  the  hymenoptera  (bees,  Ac),  which  especially  resemble  exotic 
forms. 

jMany  different  species  occur,  as  at  the  present  day,  but  only  those 
families  are  preserved  in  this  fossil  resin  which  are  found  in  wood  or 


482 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  13, 1873. 


on  trees,  and  scarcely  over  water-beetles.  As  we  should  expect, 
many  varieties  of  beetles  have  been  discovered ;  also  bees,  ichnenmons, 
and  ants  are  particularly  numerous.  Moths  and  butterflies  are  rare, 
but  have  been  met  with,  and  several  caterpillars.  Flies  and  gnats 
are  extremely  abundant,  so  that  the  old  adage  of  "  flies  in  amber  "  is 
well  borne  out  by  the  investigations  of  science.  There  are  also  white 
auts,  May-flies,  ant-lions,  cockroaches,  grasshoppers,  and  locusts. 
Collections  of  insects  in  amber  may  be  seen  in  the  British  Museum, 
the  Oxford  Museum,  and  at  Berlin.  Many  of  these  belong  to  tropical 
and  temperate  climates,  approaching  more  as  a  whole  to  South 
American  and  Indian  forms,  rather  than  those  of  Europe.  While 
some  are  like  existing  species,  others  agree  with  no  living  species, 
both  the  insects  and  plants  being  extinct.  Amongst  other  curious 
relics,  lizards  are  stated  to  occur  in  Sicilian  amber.  A  scorpion  is 
known  in  Prussian  amber,  a  genus  properly  a  native  of  warm  climates, 
certainly  never  oocuriug  so  far  north  as  Dantzic.  There  are  also 
spiders,  more  like  some  found  in  the  south  or  America.  A  few  of  the 
insects  indicate  a  northern  climate.  Perhaps,  like  some  of  the  Lias 
insects,  these  were  brought  down  by  streams  from  the  higher  and 
cooler  regions  of  a  mountainous  country  adjacent.  At  all  events,  wo 
may  conclude  that  the  climate  and  temperature  of  Europe  have 
luidergone  considerable  change — which  other  animal  and  vegetable 
fossils  of  the  same  era  prove — since  the  Tertiary  period.  The 
presence  of  tropical  insects  testifies  that  the  amber. producing  tree 
did  not  vegetate  under  such  a  climate  as  that  which  Prussia,  especially 
the  land  watered  by  the  Baltic,  now  enjoys. 

As  in  many  other  articles  of  commerce,  particularly  where  we  have 
to  deal  with  gems  and  precious  stones,  frequent  deceptions  have  been 
jn'actised  upon  the  unwary,  and  even  collectors  of  fossils  have  been 
taken  in.  There  is  a  substance  very  like  amber,  gum-aneme,  a 
modem  secretion  forming  at  the  present  day.  It  exudes  from  the 
stem  of  a  North  American  tree,  the  Rhus  copalina,  so  closely  resem- 
bling amber,  that  only  a  practiced  eye  could  detect  the  diiierence  ; 
plants  or  insects  imbedded  in  it  would,  of  course,  belong  to  liviug 
genera  and  species  ;  and  it  is  of  little  value  when  compared  with  the 
true  amber.  There  are  other  kinds  of  resinous  gum — namely,  gum. 
copal,  used  in  making  varnish,  and  a  gum  which  is  derived  from 
modern  Fir  trees,  but  all  of  recent  vegetable  origin.  All  may,  how- 
ever, be  chemically  distinguished  from  one  another.  Thus,  aneme 
is  very  transparent,  and  copal  differs  from  it  by  a  faint  opalescence 
and  a  pale  greenish-yellow  tinge.  True  amber,  as  we  have  pointed 
out,  is  derived,  not  from  a  living,  but  extinct  Coniferous  tree,  perhaps 
from  two  distinct  trees,  though  probably  a  Pinus,  like  the  living 
Pinus  balsamea,  and  only  existing  in  the  earlier  and  later  Tertiary 
formations.  One  certain  test  to  distinguish  it  from  modern  gams  is, 
that  it  does  not  soften  when  heated,  as  they  do.  To  those  who  are 
not  acquainted  with  the  geological  history  of  this  earth  long  anterior 
to  the  creation  of  man,  and  the  marvellous  story  which  the  "  testi- 
mony of  the  rocks  "  has  told,  it  may  seem  very  wonderful  that  an 
ancient  resinous  gum  should  yield  so  much  of  interest  and  value, 
not  only  to  the  scientific,  but  to  the  commercial  world.  Yet  it  is  not 
more  astonishing  than  the  conversion  of  vegetable  matter  into  coal, 
or  the  formation  of  masses  of  limestone  rock  of  vast  extent  and  thick- 
ness by  corals  and  little  microscopic  shells  (powerful  by  their  enormous 
abundance),  and  which  are  now  making,  as  in  time  past,  a  thick 
deposit  of  calcai-eous  ooze  at  the  bottom  of  the  Atlantic.  The 
elaboration  of  gems,  too,  in  nature's  laboratory  is  an  equally  striking 
proof  of  the  inorganic  wonders  which  science  has  made  known  to  us. 
No  one,  therefore,  need  feel  surprised  when  he  sees  or  reads  of  "  flies 
in  amber,"  or  finds,  which,  if  wise,  he  will  do,  "  sermons  in  stones, 
and  good  in  everything." — Chambers's  Journal. 


Esparto  Grass. — I  have  grown  successfully  for  several  years 
both  Macr(chloa  tenacissima  and  Lygeum  spartum  ;  the  former  in  a 
cold  frame,  and  the  latter  in  the  open  air.  Both  species  have  a  wide 
range  of  habitat  and  altitude,  and  I  believe  might  be  profitably 
cultivated  in  this  country  as  an  a<!;ricultural  crop.  Of  Lygeum 
spartum  I  procured  seeds  from  the  flanks  of  the  Great  Atlas  (at  a 
height  of  3,800  feet)  in  1871,  and  the  plants  raised  from  them  have 
stood  out  uninjured  by  frost  dui-ing  the  last  two  winters,  flowering 
in  the  summers  of  1872  and  1873,  and  attaining  a  stature  of  from 
2\  to  3  feet.  I  am  not  aware  that  either  the  Lygeum  or  Macrochloa 
are  cultivated  in  Spain  or  Barbary,  the  whole  of  the  exported  Grass 
being  obtained  from  indigenous  sources.  The  interior  of  Algeria, 
especially  the  Hauts  Plateaux,  is  covered  with  Macrochloa  for 
hundreds  of  square  miles,  iu  many  places  as  uniformly  as  an  agri- 
cultural crop,  to  the  exclusion  of  almost  all  other  vegetables.  It 
has  a  range  of  altitude  from  the  sea  level  to  a  height  of  over  -1,000 
feet,  so  there  is  little  doubt  that  it  would  st.and  a  moderate  amount 
of  frost. — Geo.  Maw,  Benthall  Hall,  near  Broseley. 


ROUGH  PLATE  GLASS. 
SojiE  twenty  years  ago  there  was  much  discussion  about  rough  plate 
glass,  and  a  strong  impression  remained  on  my  mind  that  anyone 
wanting  to  excel  as  a  cultivator  ought  to  use  it  for  any  of  his  struc- 
tures. Now,  six  years  ago,  I  erected  a  span-roofed  house  half-way 
sunk  in  the  ground,  30  feet  long,  8  feet  wide,  and  S  feet  high  in  the 
middle.  The  house  was  heated  by  a  common  brick  flue,  and  perfect 
ventilation  was  a  principal  point  in  the  structure.  The  floor  of  the 
house  being  too  low  to  bring  the  plants  near  the  glass,  I  could  by 
no  means  induce  them  to  grow  nicely,  and,  when  the  dull  days  of 
November  came,  such  a  quantity  of  Fungi  sprung  np  that  I  could 
not  master  them.  The  plants  were  spindling  too,  and  more  leaves 
than  usual  decayed.  1  then  removed  the  rough  plate  glass  and 
replaced  ;t  with  good  sheet  glass,  which  made  an  obvious  change 
in  the  health  of  the  plants ;  so  much  bo  that  I  will  never  use 
rough  plate  glass  again.  No  doubt  this  glass  is  useful  for  large 
houses,  conservatories,  glass  walls,  &c,,  but  I  think  it  is  not  satis- 
factory for  general  pm-poseg.  M.v.x  Lbichtlix. 
Carlsruhe, 


Latitude   in   Relation  to   tlie   Hardiness    of  Plants. — 

"The  latitude  of  London"  is  constantly  referred  to  in  works  on 
horticulture  and  arboriculture,  as  a  standard  line,  at,  or  more  or  less 
beyond,  or  within  which,  plants  of  doubtful  hardiness  may  be 
expected  to  flourish.  This  would  be  intelligible  if  the  hardiness 
depended  wholly  on  summer  temperature  ;  and  I  suppose  it  has  an 
important  influence  on  the  question  by  affecting  the  ripening  of 
young  wood.  But  the  isothermal  lines  of  winter  temperature  in  the 
British  Isles,  instead  of  being  lines  of  latitude,  have  a  direction  from 
sonth-east  to  north-west  or  thereabouts,  and  the  practical  question  is 
this  : — Taking  Liverpool,  Lincoln,  Warwick,  Bristol,  and  London  as 
five  points  roughly  representing  positions  arranged  like  the  pips  on 
the  five  of — Mr.  Hole  would  say — spades,  and  supposing  plants  to  be 
classed  in  three  degrees  of  hardiness,  should  they  be  arranged — 1. 
Liverpool  and  Lincoln ;  2.  Warwick ;  3.  Bristol  and  London, 
according  to  the  lines  of  latitude,  or  should  they  stand — 1.  Lincoln  ; 
2.  Liverpool,  Warwick,  and  London;  3.  Bristol,  according  to  the 
winter  isothermal  lines  ?  or,  in  other  words,  is  Bristol  in  any  more 
favourable  position  than  London,  or  Liverpool  than  liincoln  (assuming 
exact  equality  of  latitude),  apart  from  all  local  differences  of  soil, 
aspect,  exposure,  elevation,  &c.,  and  speaking  in  the  same  general 
terms  as  are  understood  when  we  read  of  "the  latitude  of  London"  ? 
I  ask  iu  order  to  elicit  information,  which  many  of  your  corre. 
spondents  can  give,  and  many  of  your  readers  will  find  of  value. — 
J.  P.  M. 

Lovely  effects  of  Autumn  Foliage. —  A  few  years  since 
a  leading  landscape  gardener  conceived  and  carried  out  the  idea  of 
80  arranging  our  native  trees  and  shrubs  that  in  autumn,  and  during 
the  month  of  October  especially,  a  flower  garden,  as  it  were,  would 
be  presented  to  the  eye  long  after  the  flowers  themselves  had  faded. 
Now  that  the  selected  specimens  have  grown  and  rounded  the  various 
groups  into  perfect  fullness,  the  exquisite  blending  and  contrast  of 
colours  may  well  be  termed  surprisingly  beautiful.  The  scarlet  of 
the  Scarlet  Oak,  the  yellow  of  the  Sassafras,  the  crimson  of  the  Sour 
Gum  and  Logwood,  the  orange  of  the  Red  Maple  and  Sugar  Maple  in 
onegroup,  are  in  these  latter  days  almost  dazzling ;  and  then,  to  heighten 
the  effect,  if  that  were  possible,  the  American  Ivy,  with  its  brilliant 
crimson  leaves,  and  the  green  Briar,  with  golden-yellow  foliage,  twine 
about  and  festoon  all  the  undergrowth  and  branches.  This  isone  illus. 
tration  of  what  has  been  done,  and  the  grounds  which  it  brightens 
and  beautifies  contain  many  other  groupings  of  similar  character. 
Native  plants  have  not  been  excluded  simply  because  they  fail  to 
possess  the  merit  of  rarity,  but  even  the  every. day  and  common 
h'umach  is  to  be  seen  in  groups  and  singly,  wherever  its  bright 
siarlet  tints  can  be  made  tributary  to  the  general  effect.  Possibly 
nc  one  species  presents  such  a  diversity  of  colour  as  the  Red  or 
Swamp  Maple  (Acer  rubrum).  On  one  leaf  we  have  before  now  been 
able  to  trace  ten  distinct  colours  and  shades,  and  all  in  such  har. 
monious  combinations  as  to  create  the  impression  of  a  direct  and 
special  design.  There  are  also  many.of  our  commonest  native  shrubs 
that  can  be  made  objects  of  beauty  by  the  display  of  a  little  taste  in 
planting — as  for  instance,  the  Wild  Blackberry,  with  the  deepest 
shade  of  crimson  on  its  autumn  foliage.  And  we  might  multiply 
examples,  but  enough  has  been  said  to  illustrate  our  idea  of  a 
neglected  phase  of  landscape  adornment.  Now  is  the  time  to  note 
all  the  varying  tints,  for  more  practical  use  hereafter,  and  if  the 
subject  receive  the  attention  to  which  its  merits  entitle  it,  the  time 
will  come  when  our  foreign  visitors  will  have  no  occasion  to  I'opeat 
what  is  now  a  frequent  question,  "  And  why  do  you  not  make 
use  of  the  most  beautiful  feature  of  your  forests  ?  " — Nevi  YorJc 
Tribune. 


Dec.  13, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


483 


THE    GARDENS   OF  ENGLAND. 


HOLLAND  HOUSE. 
Tins  house,  which  has  few  rivals  iu  historic  interest,  has 
been  recently  brought  prominently  before  the  public  by  the 
Princess  Marie  Liechtenstein,  who  has  devoted  two  beau- 
tiful volumes  to  its  historj'.  It  is,  however,  the  gardens 
rather  than  the  house  with  which  we  have  chiefly  to  deal. 
The  Dutch  Garden. 
This  garden,  which  is  one  of  the  finest  examples  of  the  kind 
to  be  found  in  England,  is  bounded  by  a  fruit-tree  wall  on 
the  uoi'th  side,  by  the  west  end  of  the  house  on  the  east,  hedges 
and  shrubbery  on  the  south,  and  an  arched  terrace  and  hedges 
on  the  west.  Along  the  base  of  the  wall  is  a  scries  of  double- 
diamond  shaped  beds,  with  intervening  small  beds  of  the  same 
form  in  the  middle,  and  corresponding  small  triangular  figures 
on  the  outside.  The  chief  series  of  beds  consists  of  patterns 
of  scroll-work  in  great  variety,  and  includes  several  large 
central  masses.     All   these  beds   are  heavily   bordered  with 


A  little  in  front  of  this  seat  are  two  fine  evergreen  Oaks, 
annually  clipped  into  close  compact  piles,  two  large  bushes  of 
Box,  a  spacious  fiower-bed,  and  hedges  of  Box  and  Yew. 
The  Italian  Garden. 
Still  continuing  westward,  we  pass  under  arches  clothed  with 
Ivy,  as  shown  in  our  illustration  (see  p.  494'),  on  to  the  terrace 
beside  the  Italian  garden,  of  which,  as  of  other  views, 
through  the  kindness  of  the  publishers  of  "  Holland  House," 
we  are  enabled  to  give  an  illustration.  These  arches,  so 
prettily  draped  with  Ivy,  are  about  16  feet  high.  A  dwarf 
wall  bounds  this  terrace,  and  is  surrounded  in  the  summer 
time  with  vases  at  intervals,  tastefully  filled  with  flowers.  At 
the  base  of  this  wall  is  a  border  laid  out  iu  beds.  The 
Italian  garden  consists  of  moderately-sized  beds  heavily 
edged,  like  the  Dutch  garden,  with  Box.  Vases,  too,  are  here 
disposed  at  certain  intervals.  Between  this  garden  and  the 
extreme  western  boundary,  is  au  open  slope  of  lawn,  which 
was  at  one  time  the  fruit  and  kitchen  garden,  and  which  still 
bears  traces  of  the  use  to  which  it  was  applied,  for,  instead  of 
the  usual  lawn  trees,  it  is  dotted  all  over  with  specimens  of 


IloUaiid  House — South  Front. 


Box,  the  dark  green  colour  of  which  contrasts  well  with,  and 
tones  down  materially,  the  richly-coloured  flowers  of  the 
bedding  plants  employed  in  the  decoration  of  this  garden. 
The  larger  beds  are  filled  with  Roses  that  are  annually  pegged 
down  so  as  to  fill  up  the  space  and  prevent  over-pruning  of 
the  young  wood.  When  it  is  necessary  to  ensure  extra 
neatness,  they  are  pegged  down  when  in  a  young  and  green  state ; 
but  this  is  objectionable  so  far  as  the  wood  treated  in  that 
way  is  not  ripened  so  eficotually  as  if  allowed  to  grow  in  a  more 
natural  manner;  and  ripe  wood  alone  bids  defiance  to  frost  in 
winter,  and  secures  abundance  of  flowers  in  summer.  As 
centre  pieces,  there  are  a  fountain,  a  sun-dial,  and  a  bust  of 
Napoleon  I.  In  the  wall,  near  the  western  end,  is  an  alcove 
or  recess,  known  as  "  Rogers's  seat,"  overrun  wdth  Ivy  and 
other  creepers  ;  and  on  either  side  of  it  the  family  name  is 
represented  in  Box  by  the  figure  of  a  fox.  The  following 
inscription,  dated  1818,  occupies  a  tablet  above  the  seat : — 

Here  Rogers  sat,  and  here  for  ever  dwell 
With  me,  those  pleasures  that  he  sings  so  well. 

and  under  these  are  other  lines  in  LuttreU's  handwriting. 


the  Cluster  Golden  Pippin,  a  variety  of  Apple  that  yields 
abundance  of  fine  flowers  in  spring  and  showy  fruit  in 
autumn.  These  present,  however,  more  the  appearance  of 
evergreens  than  deciduous  trees,  on  account  of  the  immense 
quantities  of  Mistletoe  which  they  support.  Mistletoe  also 
grows  here  on  au  Acacia,  which  the  gardener,  Mr.  Dickson, 
informs  us  is  the  only  instance  of  the  kind  with  which  he  is 
acquainted.  There  are  also  Walnuts,  Medlars,  and  other  fruit 
trees  growing  on  this  lawn. 

The  House. 
The  house  itself  will  be  found  to  be  a  good  example  of  the 
Elizabethan  style  of  building.  On  its  south  are  two  terraces, 
which  cut  it  off  from  the  park.  The  front  of  the  house  is,  to 
a  considerable  extent  draped  with  Wistaria  sinensis,  which, 
when  in  flower,  in  spring  and  early  summer,  is  strikingly  pretty. 
Specimens  of  Magnolia  conspicua,  too,  on  either  side  of  the 
central  staircase,  have  a  fine  effect  when  covered  with  snowy 
flowers.  The  Maiden -hair  tree  (Salisburia  adiantifolia),  planted 
close  to  the  walls  many  years  ago,  so  outgrew  the  bounds 
assigned  to  it,  that  it  had  to  be  cut  down  close  to  the  ground. 
Since  then,  however,  it  has   sent  up  three  leaders,  each  of 


484 


THE  GAEDEN. 


[Dec.  13,  1873. 


which  measures  some  20  feet  in  height.  At  the  south-west 
corner  is  a  staircase  ornamented  with  vases  and  overhung 
with  foliage.  Extending  southward  from  it  is  a  row  of  trees, 
principally  old  specimens  of  EngUsh  Yew,  the  boughs  of  one 
of  which  droop  over  the  steps  in  the  form  of  an  archway.  At 
the  west  end  "of  the  house  is  a  court  which,  in  order  to  be 
hidden  from  the  windows  above  it,  has  been  covered  over  with 
a  trelhs-work,  clothed  with  Virginian  Creepers  and  Laburnum 
trained  flatly  over  it.  In  this  a  grand  effect  is  produced 
between  the  "  drooping  gold  "  of  the  one,  and  the  abundant 
spray  of  the  other. 

The  Conservatory  and  Orange  Trees. 

The  conservatoi'y  forms  one  of  the  most  remarkable  features 
of  these  gardens.  It  is  80  feet  long,  and  is  divided  into  three 
longitudmal  compartments,  the  central  one  being  16  feet  wide, 
flat  and  dark  above,  and  arched  on  either  side,  the  others 
forming,  as  it  were,  two  lean-to  houses  at  the  sides.  In  the 
central  portion  are  wintered  the  magnificent  Orange-trees  for 
which  this  establishment  is  celebrated,  .and,  in  summer  when 
clear  of  plants,  it  forms  a  portion  of  the  ball-room,  and  is 
adorned  with  statuary,  the  archways  being  ornamented  with 
hanging  baskets  of  plants,  while  the  columns  and  the  roof  are 
draped  with  climbers.  At  the  end  of  this  conservatory, 
turning  eastward,  is  a 'colonnade  that  leads  to  the  ball-room, 
the  pillars  of  which  it  is  constructed  being  well  furnished  wilh 
Ivy  and  Vii'ginian  Creepers  intertwined  (the  effect  of  which  in 
autumn  is  charming),  Aristolochia  Sipho,Wistai'ia,  Jessamines, 
and  Roses.  The  Orange-trees  at  Holland  House  are  perhaps 
the  most  remarkable  objects  in  the  garden.  From  October  to 
May  they  are  stored  in  the  conservatory,  and  dui-ing  the 
summer  months  they  are  placed  out  of  doors  on  the  terraces, 
and  the  very  largest  ones  on  a  gravelled  square  at  the  south 
end  of  the  conservatory.  They  chiefly  consist  of  the  bitter 
Oi^ange,  and  are  all  grown  in  tubs  about  4  feet  square,  and  4| 
feet  high.  They  are  mostly  in  the  form  of  standards,  with 
clean  trunks,  varying  from  3  to  75  feet  in  height,  and  have 
densely-branched  heads,  about  9  feet  through,  thickly  fur- 
nished with  large  dark  greeu  leaves,  and,  in  their  season, 
abundance  of  flowers  and  fruit.  The  height  of  the  trees, 
measuring  from  the  bottom  of  the  tub,  varies  from  13  feet  to 
16  feet.  There  are,  however,  a  few  smaller  specimens  in  little 
tubs  and  in  pots,  also  plants  of  Clethra  arboroa  and  Myrtles, 
which  are  used  for  the  same  purpose  as  the  Oranges. 
Avenues  and  Kemarkable  Trees. 

The  house  is  approached  from  the  Kensington  Koad  through 
;in  avenue  of  stately  Elms,  and  at  its  junction  with  what  is 
termed  "  Louis  Philippe's  walk,"  is  a  cast  of  the  statue  of 
Charles  James  Fox,  which  stands  in  Bloomsbury  Square,  and 
which  was  presented  by  Westmacott.  The  Louis  Philippe 
walk  derives  its  name  from  the  fact  that  the  exiled  king 
spent  a  quiet  hour  under  the  shelter  of  its  trees  during  a  visit 
which  he  paid  to  Holland  House  in  1848.  On  the  northern 
extremity  of  the  domain  is  a  walk  10  feet  wide,  planted  on 
either  side  with  Lime-trees  and  scarlet-flowered  and  other 
Thorns  are  planted  some  yards  distant  on  the  north  side. 
The  Limes  are  planted  quite  close  to  the  walk,  and  only  7  feet 
apart,  the  object  being  in  due  time  to  construct  over  the  walk 
a  leafy  tunnel,  arched  at  the  sides,  so  as  to  allow  surrounding 
objects  to  be  brought  into  view.  At  the  end  of  this  remark- 
able arcade  begins  the  famous  Green  Lane,  or  "  Night- 
ingale Lane,"  as  it  was  once  called  before  bricks  and  mortar 
had  driven  these  favourite  songsters  from  the  neighbourhood. 
This  forms  a  western  boundary  to  the  pleasure-grounds. 
It  consists  of  a  broad  Grass-walk,  over-canopied  with  Elms, 
Planes,  and  Chestnuts,  that  rise  up  from  amid  an  undergrowth 
of  Hollies,  Tews,  and  other  shrubs,  through  which,  here  and 
there,  are  openings  on  to  the  lawn.  Deciduous  trees  thrive 
remarkably  well  in  these  grounds ;  but  evergreens,  especially 
Conifers,  are  not  so  satisfactory.  Even  Cedars  of  Lebanon, 
that  withstand  smoke  better  than  most  Conifers,  are  dying 
out.  One  old  tree  of  this  kind — the  last  of  a  clump  of  them — 
still,  however,  occupies  a  conspicuous  position  on  the  north 
side  of  the  house.  It  has  lost  most  of  its  branches,  and  is  fast 
following  its  companions,  the  last  of  which  was  broken  down  by 
a  snow-storm  a  few  years  ago.  Another  old  Cedar  still  standing, 
has  a  clear  trunk  some  10  feet  high  and  18  feet  round.  There 
are  also  a  few  fine  trees  of  Liquidambar  in  the  grounds,  some 


of  which  measure  about  4^  feet  round  the  stem  and  60  feet  in 
height.  Of  Planera  Kichardii  there  is  a  specimen  with  a  trunk 
some  10  feet  in  cu-cumference ;  and  of  the  common  evergreen 
Oak  we  observed  a  beautiful  specimen,  with  a  closely -branched 
head  60  feet  through,  and  a  stem  10  feet  round.  The  stem 
represents  a  clean  log  of  timber,  rising  tip  with  a  swollen  base 
at  the  junction  of  the  graft  with  the  stock.  Near  the  north- 
west corner  of  the  Dutch  garden  there  is  a  fine  old  English 
Elm,  which  has  a  gnarled  trunk  18  feet  round  at  3  feet  from 
the  base.  It  has  lost  some  of  its  largest  limbs,  and  the  places 
from  which  they  have  fallen  are  now  covered  with  zinc  to 
exclude  wet  from  entering  the  trunk,  thus  preventing  decay. 
Of  the  deciduous  Cypress,  one  tree  measures  8  feet  round  near 
the  base ;  but  it  is  destitute  of  the  root  "  knees,"  which  are 
characteristic  of  this  Cypress.  Of  Catalpa  syringajfolia  there 
are  several  good  specimens  scattered  through  the  grounds;  but 
the  finest  is  perhaps  at  the  north-eastern  corner  of  the  house. 
The  diameter  of  the  spread  of  its  branches  is  40  feet, and  they  are 
very  numerous,  and  annually  produce  an  abundance  of  flowers. 
Some  of  the  branches  of  this  tree  stretch  out  so  far,  and  become 
so  heavy,  as  to  require  support.  Near  this  Catalpa  is  an  old 
specimen  of  Weeping  Ash,  whose  pendulous  branches  cover 
a  space  40  feet  square.  Of  the  Kentucky  Coffee-tree  (Gymno- 
cladus  canadensis)  there  is  also  a  specimen  about  40  feet  high, 
with  a  trunk  3  feet  round  ;  also  good  examples  of  the  true 
Service-tree,  and  very  large  plants  of  Ailantus  glandulosa, 
as  well  as  a  rich  collection  of  Hawthorns. 

The  Fruit  and  Kitchen  Garden. 

In  these  there  is  a  very  fine  Peach  house  1-5  feet  high  at 
the  back,  with  rafters  16  feet  long,  and  heated  with  one  row  of 
4-inch  pipes.  The  back  wall  and  a  fi-ont  trellis  are  furnished 
with  trees,  under  which  are  also  several  pot  plants,  which, 
notwithstanding  their  shady  position,  yield  good  crops 
useful  for  culinary  purposes.  At  this  season  Lettuces  and 
Endive  are  grown  in  this  house.  The  kitchen  garden, 
properly  so  called,  lies  a  short  distance  to  the  south- 
west of  the  fruit  garden.  It  is  crossed  by  a  broad 
Grass  walk  bounded  on  either  side  by  espalier  Pear-trees 
trained  on  a  wire  trellis,  which  annually  bear  a  plentiful 
crop  01  fine  well-flavoured  fruit.  The  trees  are  all  worked  on 
the  Quince,  and  comprise  Beun-e  Diel,  Glou  Morceau,  Passe 
Colmar,  Duohesse  d'Angouleme,  Napoleon,  Williams's  Bon 
Chretien,  and  some  others.  The  forcing-houses  consist  of  a 
lean-to  range,  divided  into  compartments  for  Peaches,  Vines, 
Figs,  and  flowering  and  fine-leaved  plants.  There  is  also  a 
Mushroom-house  at  the  back  of  this  range,  and  a  considerable 
cjuantity  of  frames  now  well  filled  with  bedding  plants. 

Our  notice  of  "  Holland  House  "  would  be  incomplete  if  we 
omitted  to  record  our  high  appreciation  of  the  tasteful  and 
artistic  manner  in  which  Mr.  Philip  Delamotte  has  illustrated 
the  Princess  of  Liechtenstein's  volumes. 


THE  VOICE  IN  THE   PINES. 
What  voice  is  this  ?  wljat  low  and  solemn  tone, 

IVliicli,  thongli  all  wings  of  all  the  winds  seem  furled, 
Nor  even  the  zephyr's  fairy  Ante  Is  blown. 
Makes  thus  for  ever  its  mysterious  moan 

From  out  the  whispering  Pine-tops's  shadowy  world  .' 
Ah,  can  it  be  the  antique  tales  are  true  ? 

Doth  some  lone  Dryad  haunt  the  breezeless  air. 
Fronting  yon  bright  immitigable  bine, 
And  wildly  breathing  all  her  wild  soul  through 

That  strange  uneari;hly  music  of  despair  ? 
Or,  can  it  be  that  ages  since,  storm-tossed. 

And  driven  far  inland  from  the  roaring  lea. 
Some  baffled  ocean-spirit,  worn  and  lost. 
Here,  through  dry  sunimer's  dearth  and  printer's  frost. 

Yearns  for  the  sharp  sweet  kisses  of  the  sea  ? 
Whate'er  the  spell,  I  hearken  and  am  dumb, 

Dream-touched,  and  musing  in  the  tranquil  mom  ; 
All  woodland  sounds — the  x^heasant's  gusty  drum. 
The  mock-bird's  fugue,  the  droning  insects  hum — 

Scarce  heard  for  that  weird  sorrowful  voice  forlorn ! 
Beneath  the  drows'-^d  ^ense,  from  deep  to  deep 

Of  spiritual  life,  its  moui'nful  minor  flows. 
Streamlike,  with  pensive  tide,  whosejcurrents  keep 
Low  murmuring  'twixt  the  bounds  of  grief  and  sleep. 

Yet  locked  for  aye  from  sleep's  divine  repose  ! 

—P.  H.  Hayxe. 


Dec.  13,  1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


485 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 

BIKDS  VERSUS  GRAPES. 
Considerable  difficulty  is  sometimes  experienced  in  pre- 
serving Grapes  from  birds,  as  it  is  often  advisable  to  open  the 
doors  as  well  as  the  nsnal  appliances  for  ventilation,  more 
especially  during  bot  days  in  summer  and  autumn.  Our 
illustration  shows  at  a  glance  how  this  is  eiiected  by  Mr. 
Barron  in  the  Vineries  at  Ohiswick.  The  method,  which  is  as 
simple  as  it  is  effectual,  consists  in  placing  a  sheet  of  white 
or  brown  paper  over  the  top  of  the  bunch  just  where  our 
feathered  enemies  commence  their  depredations.  The  same 
end  is  also  attained  by  enclosing  the  clusters  in  loose  bags  of 
tiffany  or  hexagon  netting  ;  and  in  this  way  wasps  and  flies,  as 
well  as  birds,  are  likewise   kept  in  abeyance.     Care  must  be 


taken  to  examine  the  muffled  bunches  during  dull  wet  weather, 
as  those  coverings  induce  the  berries  to  damp  and  rot.        B. 


AUTUMN  AND  SPRING  PLANTING  OF  FRUIT 
TREES. 
In  the  autumn  of  the  year  1868  I  planted  a  young  Mayduke 
Cherry  in  a  border  which  a  Moor  Park  Apricot  had  previously 
occupied.  The  latter  is  now  growing  trained  on  the  sonth 
wall  of  a  cottage  not  far  from  my  house.  It  found  its  way 
there  under  peculiar  circumstances,  indeed  its  history  is 
altogether  remarkable.  About  the  year  1843  it  was  planted 
against  a  west  wall  10  feet  high,  where  it  grew  and  in  due  time 
bore  fi-uit ;  and  in  one  season,  after  it  had  filled  its  allotted 
space,  it  produced  an  enormous  crop,  having  been  thinned 
three  times  in  the  spring,  and  leaving  an  abundant  supply  to 
ripen  in  autumn.  I  do  not  think  that  this  was  altogether  the 
cause  of  its  not  doing  well  in  the  fruit  seasons  that  followed. 
I  was  assured  that  it  had  only  a  limited  space  in  which  the 
roots  could  find  good  soil,  and  that  they  could  not  be  prevented 
from  penetrating  the  bad  sub-soil  iu  the  course  of  time.  So, 
finding  the  tree  did  not  thrive,  I  resolved  to  root  it  out  and 
pave  the  bottom  of  the  border  with  concrete  before  I  planted 
the  tree  that  was  to  occupy  its  place.  Accordingly,  the  Apricot 
was  dragged  out  with  little  ceremony  and  thrown  into  the 
wood-yard,  where  it  remained  for  a  few  days;  but  having 
been  noticed  by  a  labourer  then  iu  my  employ,  it  was  at  his 
request  allowed  to  be  transferred  to  his  own  garden,  where  it 
is  now  flourishing  and  has  borne  fruit.  Its  removal  after  five- 
and-twenty  years  of  undisturbed  growth  would  have  been 
hazardous  under  the  most  favourable  conditions.  No'  care 
whatever,  was  taken  iu  its  removal ;  I  can  only  attribute  its 
surviving  such  rough  treatment  to  the  favourable  period 
chosen  for  lifting  it,  namely,  the  early  part  of  November.  In 
contrast  to  this  remarkable  instance  of  tenacity  of  life,  I  m.ay 
mention  that,  wishing  to  have  further  proof  of  what  amount  of 
ill-usage  a  fruit  tree  could  licar,  I  purchased  in  March  a  young 
and  well-rooted  specimen  of  the  Sturmer  Pippin  from  a  man 
who  was  passing  in  a  cart  with  a  few  trees  which  he  wished  to 
dispose  of.  By  well-rooted  I  only  mean  that  the  tree  had  a 
good  supply  of  roots,  but  they  looked  dry  and  miserable  and 
almost  devoid  of  fibre.  Could  it  only  have  been  gifted  with  the 
power  of  speech,  I  have  no  doubt  it  would  have  been  able  to  tell 
me  how  many  times  it  had  been  taken  to  and  from  the  markets, 


as  well  as  the  names  of  the  places  it  had  visited.  Determined 
to  give  it  every  chance,  I  planted  it  at  once  with  the  greatest 
care  ;  but  after  a  feeble  attempt  to  put  forth  loaves,  it  did  just 
what  I  expected  from  the  first— died.  People  are  very  foolish 
to  go  to  a  market  to  purchase  fruit  trees,  when  they  can  always 
get  them  in  a  fresh  and  healthy  condition  from  the  nurseries 
m  autumn,  before  their  roots  have  been  exposed  to  the  cutting 
wmds  and  frosty  air  of  winter.  B.  S. 


PEAR  GROWING  IN  VIRGINIA. 

The  following  are  a  few  remarks  concerning  the  Ducliesse  cVAnn-ou- 
lemo  Pears  sent  from  Norfolk  by  Mr.  Leighton.  Mr.  Leighton^is  a 
fnend  of  the  Honourable  Marshal  Wilder,  of  Boston,  and  is  considered 
the  best  grower  of  this  Pear  in  America.  He  has  taken  first  prizes 
with  his  Pears,  both  for  flavour  and  weight,  against  others  of  the 
same  kind  sent  from  California.  Many  of  his  fruit  weigh  as  much  as 
30i  ounces  each.  They  are  grown  as  dwarfs  on  tho  Quinco  stock. 
On  the  31st  of  August  last  he  had  3,000  trees  of  Duchesso  d'Augon- 
leme,  with  about  one  bushel  on  each  tree,  and  1,500  Williams's  Bon 
Chretien  ;  and  when  Pears  of  the  Ducliesse  variety  sent  from  California 
are  selling  at  9  dollars  per  bushel,  he  has  sold  his  at  12  dollars,  and 
his  Williams  at  11  dollars.  He  grows  a  finer  flavoured  Secklo  Pear 
than  any  I  have  tasted  in  England ;  he  has  also  a  fine  Pear  supposed 
to  be  a  cross  between  the  Williams's  and  Flemish  Beauty,  raised  by  a 
Mr.  Clapp,  of  Eochester.  This  variety  comes  ripe  into  the  market 
ten  days  earlier  than  the  Williams's.  It  is  ripe  here  iu  Virginia  on 
the  20th  of  July,  and  would,  I  think,  be  a  fine  early  Pear  in  England. 
TheDuchesse  d'Angouleme  commences  to  ripen  here  about  the  20th 
of  August.  Mr.  Leighton  has  an  experimental  orchard  of  1,300  trees 
— sixty-six  varieties  of  the  best-known  American  and  English  kinds. 
His  orchard  trees  are  from  one  to  four  years'  growth.  Tho  soil  is  a 
stiff  bluish  clay,  from  3  to  V  feet  deep  ;  sub-soil,  sand.  The  land  is 
well  drained  12  feet  above  tide-water,  in  a  healthy  district.  Tho 
trees  are  planted  12i  feet  apart ;  holes  were  made  for  them  3  feet 
wide  and  3  feet  deep.  The  drainage  is  made  into  the  sand  with  an 
auger,  and  the  hole  is  filled  up  with  oyster-shella.  No  other  crop  is 
taken  off  the  land,  which  is  sown  down  with  Grass.  This  Pear  farm 
is  62  acres  in  extent.  The  wood,  I  noticed,  ripens  thoroughly  close 
up  to  the  tips  of  the  shoots,  even  as  early  as  the  end  of  August,  and 
the  trees  bear  every  year  a  full  crop.  From  600  trees  Mr.  Leighton 
has  taken  140  bushels  of  fruit  to  market  as  thinnings,  and  had  still  a 
good  crop  on  the  trees.— Joseph  Newton.  [Somo  of  Mr.  Leighton'a 
Dachesse  d'Angouleme  Pears  sent  from  Virginia  to  Covont  Garden 
this  year  were  most  remarkable,  both  as  regards  size  and  flavour.] 


ROOT-PRUNING. 
RooT.PEUNiNG,  as  I  understand  it,  consists  in  lifting,  and  to  a  greater 
or  less  extent  pruning  and  cutting  back  many  or  few  of  tho  larger 
roots,  according  to  the  particular  views  of  the  operator;  or  the 
term  root-pruning  may  be  applied  when  the  roots  are  cut  or 
disturbed,  whether  that  operation  extends  to  the  lifting  of  the  tree, 
or  merely  that  of  digging  round,  and  cutting  the  roots  at  a  certain 
distance  from  the  stem.  If  a  tree  is  lifted  and  replanted,  can  this 
be  aught  bnt  another  term  for  root-pruning  ?  As  to  the  practice  itself, 
under  certain  circumstances  I  think  it  invaluable  ;  that  is,whon  trees 
are  grown  in  cold  clay  soils.  In  several  instances  in  situations  of  this 
kind  I  have  seen  the  practice  productive  of  results  quite  astonishing. 
In  light  and  dry  situations,  on  a  gravelly  sub-soil,  I  have  never  seen 
it  tried,  and  should  be  inclined  to  believe  that  iu  such  cases  but  littlo 
good  would  result  from  it.  I  should  not  like  to  go  quite  so  far  as  to 
advise  every  one  who  has  stone-fruit  trees  in  a  naturally  cold  sub. soil 
to  dig  their  trees  up  and  re-plant  them  every  two  or  three  years,  as 
has  been  recommended  by  some;  but  from  what  I  have  seen  I  think 
all  persons  situated  in  that  way  would  act  wisely  to  do  so.  The  trees 
should  bo  habituated  to  this  treatment ;  for  if  not  so  it  is  just  possible 
that  in  lifting  a  tree  which  had  not  been  disturbed  for  a  considerable 
time,  the  roots  having  become  thick  and  strong,  such  a  tree 
would  necessarily  feel  the  sadden  and  unaccustomed  check ; 
but  when  the  treatment  is  steadily  pursued  nothing  can  be  a 
simpler  or  safer  practice  for  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees,  and  also 
Apricots,  Plums,  and  Pears,  and  I  may  add  for  Figs  also.  This  is 
the  secret  of  fruit-tree  culture :  Regulate  the  growth  not  by  top. 
prnning,  for  this  is  contending  with  an  effect — control  tho  cause : 
that  is,  treat  the  roots  so  as  to  make  them  produce  the  quality  of 
buds  and  branches  which  yon  require.  This  I  hold  to  be  the  real 
secret  of  true  cultivation  as  regards  fruit-trees  under  certain  circum. 
stances.  Branch-pruning  cau  never  be  productive  of  any  settled 
and  permanent  effects.     It  is  but  an  effect  itself,  and  the  cause  which 


486 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  13,  1873. 


produces  it  must  be  dealt  with  before  any  permanent  result  can  be 
looked  for.  Root-pruning,  or,  if  the  term  be  liked  better,  frequently 
lifting  and  re-planting,  can  only  bo  productive  of  really  permanent 
effects.  ^■ 


Irregularity  in  the  Breaking  of  Vine  Buds.— Allow  me  to 

Bay  a  few  words  concerniug  two  Black  Hamburgh  Vines  that  occupy 
nearly  the  centre  of  my  house.  Forcing  was  begun  last  year  during 
the  last  week  in  November;  and,  contrary  to  anything  I  had  ever 
seen,  about  one-half  of  the  spurs,  from  the  bottom  to  the  extremity 
of  the  Vines,  broke  in  the  course  of  a  month,  grew  vigorously,  and 
produced  good-sized  bunches,  and  were  nearly  in  flower  before  the 
remaining  spurs  showed  sigtis  of  vegetation.  Nor  did  the  remainder 
come  into  leaf  at  the  same  time,  as,  in  several  instances,  nearly 
a  week  intervened ;  but  each  shoot  produced  bunches  in  size  equal 
to  the  former.  When  the  Vines  were  pruned,  many  of  the  spurs 
were  not  fully  ripened,  that  is,  they  were  rather  "spongy;" 
BO  we  can  easily  conceive  that  when  the  sap  begins  to  ascend,  it 
will  enter  wood  of  this  kind  with  more  freedom  than  that  of  a  denser 
character,  as  it  is  to  a  certain  degree  charged  with  fluid  of  the  pre- 
ceding  year.  Every  experienced  gardener  knows  that  succulent 
shoots  vegetate  in  a  shorter  time,  and  under  less  excitement,  than 
when  the  wood  is  perfectly  matured  ;  but  the  flowers  are  neither  so 
numerous  nor  so  robust.  The  same  is  applicable  to  the  Grape  Vine  : 
when  the  wood  is  unripe,  the  mere  rudiments  of  a  bunch  are  exhibited, 
which  ultimately  become  tendrils.  No  doubt  there  are  connected 
with  this  several  predisposing  causes,  such  as  an  undue  abstraction 
of  light,  and  a  too  high  temperature  ;  but  I  am  under  the  conviction 
that  a  deficiency  of  secreted  matter  constitutes  the  primary  defect. 
— C.  _  

Iron  Filings  for  Fruit  Trees. — Please  inform  me  if  these  are 
beneficial  to  old  Apple  trees,  and  how  to  apply  them. — P.  H.  J.  [To  this 
question  Prof.  Johnson,  in  the  Nev-  York  Tribune,  replies  as  follows  t — 
"The  statement  that  iron  filings  have  a  marvellous  effect  on  fruit 
trees  is  one  that  has  long  been  floating  through  our  horticultural 
literature,  and  I  don't  doubt  that  they  can  be  applied  to  old  Apple 
trees  in  a  way  that  will  immensely  benefit  the  latter.  I  should  say 
that  if  the  iron  filings  be  well  dug  in  all  over  the  orchard,  or  for  an 
area  extending  30  feet  from  each  tree,  all  around,  the  result  would 
be  very  striking.  If  the  iron  filings  should  bo  mixed  with  some  good 
old  compost,  and  some  wood-ashes,  and  some  bone-dust,  I  doubt  not 
that  the  effects  would  bo  interesting.  To  go  further,  I  would  venture 
to  prophecy  that  the  thorough  digging,  and  the  compost,  ashes,  and 
bone  would  do  the  business  without  the  iron  filings.  I  once  heard 
that  a  powerful  medicine  would  best  show  its  remedial  influence  on 
the  human  body  if  put  into  a  bole  bored  in  an  axe  handle,  the  hole 
plugged  up,  and  the  axe  used  by  the  patient  to  chop  50  cords  of 
wood.  I  imagine  iron  lilings  to  work  much  in  that  way.  Iron  is, 
indeed,  indispensable  to  the  health  and  the  growth  of  plants,  but  the 
quantity  they  use  is  so  small,  being  not  more  than  one  part  to  10,000 
or  20,000  of  the  plant,  and  iron  is  so  abundant  in  all  soils,  rarely 
less  than  several  per  cent.,  that  the  application  of  iron  as  a  fertiliser 
is  not  likely  to  be  generally  beneficial.  Old  Apple  trees  that  "  need 
something"  to  improve  their  bearing,  usually  suffer  from  the  circum- 
stance that  the  soil  in  which  their  roots  are  imbedded  has  been 
robbed  of  its  plant-food  by  Hay  crops,  or  has  got  compacted  and 
incipiently  petrified  by  lack  of  tillage."] 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FRUIT  GAKDEN. 

Large  Peach  Tree. — At  EsUnpton  Park,  Northumberland,  the  scat  of  Lord 
Ravensworth,  there  is  a  splendid  Peach  tree,  well  furnished  with  bearing;  wood 
from  top  to  bottom.  It  measures  31  feet  each  way  from  thei»tem,  and  the  height 
of  the  wall  ia  10  feet.  The  pardeuer,  Mr.  Oliver,  informed  me  that  it  never 
fails  to  bear  a  crop,  and  that  he  planted  it  thirty  years  ago.  The  border  in  which 
it  is  planted  received  no  extm  preparation,  and  yet  the  result  has  been  most 
satisfactory.    The  sort  is  the  Royal  George. — J.  S.,  Glanhm. 

Two  Good  Cherries. — The  Fhi-inf  ful  Pomolorjist  for  this  month  contains  a 
coloured  plate  of  two  of  our  best  kinds  of  Cherry,  viz.,  Early  Rivers  and 
Monstrous  Heart.  The  former  is  a  seedling  of  the  old  Early  Purple  Gem, 
raised  by  Mr.  Rivers,  and  combines  the  early-ripening  habit  of  its  parent  with 
a  hardier  constitution.  The  other,  also  known  as  Bigarrcau  Gros  C'o?uret  is  a 
very  old  variety,  producing  large-sized  fruit,  of  a  golden-yellow  colour,  splashed 
and  streaked  with  bright  red  when  ripe.  The  fruit  is  juicy  and  richly  flavoured, 
and  ripens  in  the  middle  of  July. 

Budding  vcrtim  Planting  Vines. — I  have  a  Vinery,  in  which  the  results  are 
un.^atisfactory-,  from  the  injudicious  mixture  of  sorts,  which  consist  of  Lady 
Downes,  Muscat,  Black  Hamburgh,  and  Buckland's  Sweetwater,  all  of  four  or 
five  years'  growth.  I  am  desirous  of  discarding  the  two  latter,  and  substituting 
either  White  Lady  Downes,  or  some  other  which  will  ripen  along  with  those 
retained,  and  can  be  kept  hanging  as  late  as  possible.  I  wish  to  know  whether 
the  White  Lady  Downes  or  any  other,  and  what  kinds,  which  will  answer  my 
purpose,  can  be  successfully  budded  on  the  old  stocks,  or  whether  I  had  better 
sacrifice  the  stocks  and  re-plant?  To  another  house  the  same  question  is 
applicable,  except  that  I  wish  to  bud  with  Muscats  on  similar  stocks  or  re-plant. 
—J.  F.  M. 


CONSERVATORY  IN  THE  PINE-APPLE  NURSERY. 
This  well-known  nursery,  which  has  long  enjoyed  a  distin- 
guished reputation,  has  lately  entered  upon  a  new  phase  of 
existence,  under  whicli  its  attractions  have  become  greatly 
increased.  Since  the  company  under  which  it  is  now  placed 
have  undertaken  its  management,  building,  heating,  and  the 
renewal  of  stock  have  been  carried  on  on  an  extensive  scale, 
and  a  winter-garden  built,  which,  so  far  as  we  know,  is  the 
finest  in  any  nursery-garden  in  existence.  Our  page  illustra- 
tion shows  a  view  of  a  portion  of  the  Fernery  and  rock-work 
section  of  the  house.  This  is  a  very  desirable  feature  to 
introduce  into  all  large  structures  of  this  kind.  There  is 
certainly  no  structure  about  London  fitted  to  hold  such  a 
large  number  of  specimens  of  the  cool-house  Palms  and  other 
stately  plants,  now  happily  becoming  so  much  sought  after ; 
and  some  of  these  already  gathered  here  are  shown  in 
our  engraving.  Conspicuous  in  the  collection  of  plants 
in  this  house  arc  some  fine  Palms,  Bananas,  Tree  and 
other  Perns,  Rhopalas,  and  other  strikingly  ornamental 
plants.  Whether  viewed  from  the  Edgeware  Road,  or  from 
the  interior,  the  eye  is  pleased  with  the  lightness  and  well- 
conceived  proportions  of  the  house.  Along  the  Edge- 
ware  Road  it  has  a  frontage  of  1-10  feet,  and  along  the 
Hall  Road  one  of  100  feet.  Upon  the  principal  elevation,  that 
towards  the  Edgeware  Road,  the  builders,  Messrs.  Weeks  & 
Co.,  have  bestowed  a  good  deal  of  appropriate  decoration.  The 
base  is  formed  by  a  dwarf  wall  about  2i  feet  in  height,  having 
a  series  of  perforations  which  are  furnished  with  a  con-espond- 
ing  number  of  ventilators.  These  are  of  an  ornamental 
character,  and,  while  serving  a  useful  purpose,  break  up  the 
monotony  of  a  plain  wall,  which  would  othenvise  detract  from 
the  general  architectural  efl^ect  of  the  elevation.  The  main 
lines  of  the  front  form  an  elaborate  framework,  chiefly  in  wood, 
and  this,  enriched  with  deeply  moulded  bases,  spirally  carved 
columns,  foliated  caps,  massive  cornices,  sunk  panellings,  and 
sculptured  ornaments,  furnishes  a  facade  worthy  of  its 
position.  As  regards  the  form  of  roof  employed,  covering  the 
centre  is  a  noble  span,  surmounted  by  a  wide  lantern,  the  side 
sashes  of  which  arc  made  to  open  Ijy  means  of  machinery.  By 
this  ari-angemeut  air  can  be  introduced  during  all  weathers,  and 
rain  will  always  be  excluded  from  the  building.  Facing  the 
Hall  Road  is  a  ridge-and-furrow  roof  of  good  proportions ; 
while  in  front  are  two  semi-circular  roofs,  which  serve  to 
heighten  the  effect,  and  improve  the  general  appearance  of  the 
building.  As  regards  the  interior  arrangements,  they  are  of 
the  happiest  kind.  The  laying  out  is  in  part  in  the  "  natural  " 
style.  Large  specimens  are  planted  in  beds  fringed  with 
Ivy  and  other  evergreen  creepers.  In  the  centre  stands  a 
large  basin  and  fountain,  which,  with  an  effective  piece  of 
rock-work,  miniature  cascades,  an  aviarj',  and  other  surround- 
ings, form  a  scene  seldom  found  m  commercial  establishments 
of  this  kind.  Passing  from  the  conservatory  to  the  department 
specially  devoted  to  production,  we  traverse  a  series  of  houses 
of  various  dimensions,  and  assigned  to  distinct  purposes,  the 
united  length  of  which  exceeds  2,000  feet.  These  contain  a 
good  display  of  Cape  Heaths,  both  as  to  number  and  variety, 
also  some  very  fine  examples  of  New  Holland  plants,  for  which 
this  nursery  has  long  been  famous.  Camellias,  Azaleas,  and 
stove  plants,  all  in  excellent  condition.  The  same  energy  to 
which  we  owe  the  noble  glass-house  facing  the  Edgeware 
Road  is  also  busy  in  this  department ;  and  a  recently-finished 
house  here  is  one  of  the  most  remarkable  span-roofed  stoves 
in  the  country.  Filled  with  young  specimens  of  the  best 
fine-foliaged  stove  plants  now  growing  rapidly  under  the 
skilful  culture  of  Mr.  Bester,  the  manager,  it  is  likelj'  soon  to 
offer  much  interest  to  lovers  of  choice  plants.  The  heating 
apparatus  deserves  a  passing  remark.  The  system  em- 
ployed is  that  known  as  "  Weeks's  one-boiler  system,"  and 
we  are  assured  that  the  total  extent  of  piping  constituting  the 
one  apparatus  exceeds  2  miles  iu  length.  The  number  of  com- 
partments, warmed  both  at  top  and  bottom,  is  about  seventy, 
which  can  be  either  heated  separately  or  together,  and  the 
temperature  of  each  can  bo  regulated  to  the  greatest  nicety.  One 
boiler  efficiently  warms  the  whole,  but  duplicate  boilers  h.avo 
been  fixed,  so  that,  in  case  of  repairs  being  required,  either 
Ijoiler  can  be  removed,  or  re-connected  without  withdrawing 
the  water  from  the  apparatus. 


Dec.  13,  1873. 


THE   GAEDEN. 


487 


488 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Dec.  13,  18?3. 


THE    FLOWER     GARDEN. 


THE  PROPER  TIME  TO  PROCURE  CUTTINGS, 
BULBS,  AND  ROOTS. 
As  .1  general  rule,  it  -will  be  found  that  cuttings  strike  root 
more  freely  during  the  spring  or  early  summer  months  than 
at  any  other  time.  The  professional  horticulturist,  who  has 
abundant  means  at  his  disposal,  pays  but  little  attention  to 
this  rule  ;  but  the  amateur,  with  limited  appliances,  will  find 
that  cuttings,  which  root  freely  during  the  bright  sunny  days 
of  spring,  only  damp  off  and  decay  as  the  days  are  on  the 
wane.  Slost  plants  start  into  growth  during  the  early  part  of 
the  year  with  renewed  vigour  and  increased  vitality,  while, 
during  the  damp  and  foggy  days  of  autumn  and  winter, 
vegetation  is  more  sluggish,  and,  in  many  cases,  is  nearly 
suspended  altogether.  Amateurs  are  often  at  a  loss  how  to 
obtain  cuttings,  but  they  are  frequently  advertised  in  horti- 
cultural periodicals  during  the  spring  and  summer  months  at 
a  trifling  cost,  as  compared  with  the  prices  asked  for  esta- 
blished plants.  Nearly  all  the  new  and  attractive  varieties  of 
Fuchsias,  Pentstemons,  Antirrhinums,  Geraniums,  Chrysan- 
themums, and  other  soft-wooded  plants  which  strike  freely, 
may  be  obtained  in  this  way.  The  following  list  of  cuttings 
and  the  times  to  obtain  them,  may  be  useful  to  some  of  our 
readers : — 


Antirrhinums    ... 

Aralias        

Bouvardia^ 

Bedrlinj  Plants... 

Begonias     

Calceolarias 

Carnations 

Cinerarias 

Coleus 

Centaurea  

Chrysanthemum 

Dahlias       

Dracaenas    

Fuchsias      

G-eraninms 

Heliotropes 

Lnntanas     

Pansies       

Pelargoniums   ... 


Prom 
March  to  Sept. 

Feb."to  Oct. 
March  to  Sept. 

June  to  Aug. 

,  March  to  Sept. 

,,      to  Aug. 
,  Feb.  to  May. 
,    ,,     to  June. 
.  March  to  June. 

,,     to  Sept. 


May  to  Sept. 
March  to  Sept. 


From 
March  to  Sept. 
,,     to  June. 
June  to  Aug. 


March  to  Sept. 
,  Feb.  to  April. 


Pentstemons 

Petunias      

Pinks    

Picotees      

Phlox   

Solanums    

Tropffiolums 

Variegated  Ivies      ...        ,,       ,', 

Verbenas     ,, 

Veronicas „        ,, 

Violets ,, 

MI3CBLLAKEOU3. 

Dutch  Bulbs      Sept.  to  Dec. 

Herbaceous  Plants to  March. 

Flower  Seeds    „    to  Jan. 

Hardy     Bulbs     and 

Orchids    „    to  May. 

Evergreen  Shrubs  ...      „         „ 

H. 


THE  MANETTI  ROSE  STOCK. 

November  and  December  are  the  beat  months  for  planting  cuttings 
ol:  this  stock.  They  are  prepared  in  the  following  manner  : — Take 
the  strongest  shoots  you  can  procure  of  the  season's  growth,  and  cut 
tlicm  into  lengtlis  of  about  10  inches.  Some  of  the  long  shoots 
will  make  two  cuttings.  After  preparing  the  number  required, 
whether  it  be  hundreds  or  thousands,  the  next  operation  is  to  cut 
off  the  spurs,  and  with  a  good  knife  gouge  oat  every  eye  or  bud, 
except  two  or  three  at  the  top.  It  is  necessary  to  bo  very  "particular, 
for  if  the  eyes  are  not  cleanly  gouged  out,  suckers  will  rise  up  to 
torment  you,  and  in  all  probability  ultimately  kill  some  favourite 
Kose  that  yon  have  taken  great  pains  with  in  budding.  It  has  been 
said  that  a  Jlanetti  which  baa  been  divested  of  all  its  buds  will 
occasionally  throw  up  suckers :  but  my  experience  leads  me  to  a 
different  conclusion.  When  Manetti  stocks  send  up  suckers,  it  is  owing 
to  the  operation  of  cutting  out  the  buds  having  been  either  care- 
lessly or  inefficiently  performed,  as  is  the  case  sometimes  when  the 
work  is  entrusted  to  hoys.  The  next  step  is  to  choose  a  situation 
for  planting  the  cuttings ;  when  this  has  been  done,  lay  on  the 
garden  line,  and  with  the  spade  throw  out  some  soil,  by  making  a 
small  trench  to  receive  the  cuttings,  which  must  he  planted  so  deep 
as  only  just  to  leave  out  the  few  eyes  at  the  top  ;  they  should  he 
planted  about  4  inches  asunder,  in  rather  a  slanting  position ;  the 
soil  should  be  trodden  firmly  when  filling  it  into  the  trench  again. 
Almost  every  cutting  will  grow.  The  following  vear,  about 
November  or  December,  the  cuttings  must  be  carefully  lifted  with 
a  spade  or  fork,  when  it  will  be  found  that  the  stems  have  rooted 
for  their  whole  length.  The  whole  of  these  roots  must  be  cut  off 
carefully,  except  a  few  at  the  bottom  of  the  stem  or  base ;  if  any 
spurs  or  thorns  are  found,  they  must  all  be  cut  oft,  so  as  to  leave 
the  stem  clean  for  budding  on.  Care  must  be  taken  during  this 
operation  not  to  let  the  young  roots  got  dry.  ^yhen  a  few  of  these 
rooted  cuttings  are  dressed,  it  is  best  to  lay  them  down  on  the  soil, 
.and  cover  the  roots  in  a  temporary  way,  until  you  plant  them  out 
finally  for  budding,  which  is  better  done  at  once,  or  as  quickly  as 
time  will  allow.  When  they  are  finally  planted  out,  the  gai-den 
line  must  be   laid  on,  and  the   rooted   cuttings  must    be  carefully 


planted  into  a  richer  soil  than  for  cuttings,  but  this  time  only 
about  2  inches  deep,  or  very  little  more,  the  object  being  to  insert 
the  buds  as  near  the  roots  as  possible.  The  distance  from 
plant  to  plant  should  be  about  12  inches,  and  the  rows  3  feet 
apart,  so  as  to  give  sufficient  room  to  walk  between  the  rows.  Any  of 
the  cuttings  that  have  made  good  growth  should  have  the  tops  cut 
in  to  two  or  three  eyes.  About  July  or  Augnst,  your  Manetti  stocks 
will  be  in  a  fit  state  to  receive  the  buds  ;  one  bud  only  is  to  be 
inserted  in  each  stock.  The  operation  of  budding  is  performed  by 
inserting  the  bud  into  the  stem  or  leg  of  the  Manetti,  as  near  to  the 
ground  as  it  is  possible  to  work.  There  is  this  difference  between 
budding  on  the  Manetti  and  the  Briar — that  bads  on  the  Manetti  ai-a 
inserted  into  the  old  wood  of  the  main  stems  ;  whereas  those  on  the 
Briar  are  inserted  into  the  young  wood  of  the  same  season's  growth, 
on  lateral  shoots,  and  as  close  to  the  main  stem  as  you  can  get.  In 
order  to  be  successful  in  Manetti  budding,  it  is  necessary  to  have 
firm,  plump,  and  well-ripened  buds.  Many  buds  that  would  succeed 
on  a  Briar  would  fail  to  take  on  a  Manetti  stock,  on  account  of  the 
buds  not  being  npe  and  well  developed.  The  Manetti  stock,  on 
account  of  its  rapid  and  free-rooting  action,  is  very  vigorous  and  full 
of  sap  ;  so  much  so,  that  some  varieties  of  free-growing  Rosea  com- 
mence growing  away  soon  after  the  buds  are  inserted,  and  unless  the 
shoots  ripen  the  winter  kills  them;  hence  it  is  advisable  not  to 
bud  Manetti  stock  until  Augnst,  at  which  time  firm  well-grown  buds 
are  easily  procured.  Early  in  the  spring  the  dormant  buds  begin  to 
grow ;  but,  in  order  to  force  them  to  grow  freely,  the  greatest 
portion  of  the  Manetti  shoots  growing  above  the  buds  must  be 
cut  in  rather  close.  When  the  buds  have  made  growth  about  3  or  4 
inches,  the  heads  of  the  Manetti  must  be  cut  away  altogether.  Should 
any  of  the  buds  prove  obstinate  in  starting  into  growth,  it  is  better 
to  break  the  Manetti  stem  above  the  bud,  and  let  it  hang  down,  than  to 
cut  it  away  altogether,  as  it  still  draws  some  portion  of  sap  to  the  bud. 
The  head  of  the  stock  should  never  be  cut  away  altogether  until 
the  bud  has  made  sufficient  growth  to  draw  sap  to  support  itself.  To 
understand  the  regulation  of  the  sap  is  one  of  the  principal  points  in 
budding.  In  the  month  of  May  the  Kose  grows  away  in  earnest,  and 
each  Manetti  Eose  should  have  a  stick  or  some  support  thrust  into  the 
ground  close  to  it;  and,  as  the  shoot  grows,  it  should  be  tied  to  the  • 
stick  with  matting  or  worsted.  If  this  is  not  done,  you  are  in  danger 
of  losing  some  of  your  Roses  by  high  winds,  which  would  break  the 
shoots  out  of  the  place  where  the  bud  has  been  inserted.  Cuttings 
of  Gooseberry  and  Cuirant  trees  are  treated  in  the  same  way  exactly 
as  Manetti  cuttings.  Tou  then  get  trees  on  a  clean  leg,  and  suckers 
never  shoot  from  below.  Lose  no  time  in  getting  in  your  cuttings, 
so  that  they  may  have  the  benefit  of  the  cool  moist  months  of  winter, 
in  which  to  form  callosities,  from  which  ultimately  proceed  the  roots. 

H.  T. 


White-flowered  liobelias. — ^There  are  so  few  white-flowered 
bedding  plants  that  any  addition  to  their  number  must  be  considered 
a  desideratum;  such  will  be  found  to  be  Lobelia  White  BriUiant,  the 
flowers  of  which  are  of  the  purest  white.  Its  habit,  too,  will  be  found 
to  be  all  that  can  be  desired,  being  close,  erect,  and  not  more  than  4 
inches  high.  It  is,  in  short,  the  exact  counterpai't  of  that  beautiful 
and  well-known  blue  variety  Brilliant,  and  it  will,  doubtless,  become 
quite  as  great  a  favourite.  Wo  have  had  several  whites  belonging 
to  the  speciosa  section,  for  instance,  in  1860  we  had  compacta  alba,  in 
1865  Princess  Alexandra,  in  1867  White  Queen,  in  1868  Queen  of 
Whites,  in  1869  speciosa  alba,  in  1871  Purity  and  White  Perfection, 
of  which  the  last  named  is  much  the  best,  as  it  is  pure  in  colour,  but 
not  all  that  is  required  as  to  habit.  Compacta  alba  is  not  exactly  of 
this  type,  but  it  was  the  only  pure  white-flowered  Lobelia  until  White 
Perfection  was  sent  out,  .all  the  rest  being  either  more  or  less  tinged 
with  blue,  or  having  blue  top  lobes,  and  a  spreading  habit.  I  have  seen 
White  Perfection  fiom  the  same  stock  in  two  places  in  one  day,  and 
quite  different  in  habit :  at  the  gardens,  Kensington  Palace,  it  was 
very  tall  and  rather  straggling,  and  at  St.  Stephen's  Square,  West- 
minster, it  was  not  much  more  than  half  the  height. — R.  H.  B. 


Wintering'  the  Rice-paper  Plant. —  The  usual  mode  of 
wintering  this  plant  is  in  greenhouses  ;  even  those  used  in  the  flower 
garden  in  summer  are  taken  up  in  October,  potted,  and  stored  nnder 
glass.  Such,  too,  is  the  safest  plan,  but  where  stock  is  plentiful, 
the  plants  strong,  and  have  been  growing  out  of  doors  during 
summer,  the  following  plan,  which  is  practised  at  Battersea  Park, 
may  be  tried : — Mulch  the  ground  over  their  roots  with  leaves  or 
litter,  and  twist  a  straw  or  hay  band  around  the  stems  of  the  plants. 
In  spring,  by  pruning  back  to  prominent  eyes  in  the  old  wood,  the 
plants  soon  start  into  growth,  and  progress  vigorously,  amply  com- 
pensating with  large  and  broad  loaves  the  care  bestowed  on  them. 
As  soon  as  all  fear  of  hard  frost  in  spring  is  over,  the  bands  may 
be  removed. — W.  F. 


Dec.  13,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


489 


THE     ARBORETUM. 

ON   DIPFEEENT   METHODS   OF  PRUNING  FOEEST 
TEBBS. 

By  ANDREW  GILCHRIST,  Urio  House,  Stonehaven. 
If  wo  are  not  mistaken,  the  great  arboricultur.al  want  of  our  clay  is 
a  correct  and  comprehensive  knowledge  of  the  first  principles  of 
arboriculture.  At  present  there  is  no  want  of  empirical  rules, 
founded  on  a  practice  that  is  supposed  to  bo  successful ;  but,  as  a 
general  rule,  these  empiric  sytems  are  not  reliable.  And  the 
man  with  a  scientific  knowledge  always  doubts  them  until  he  has 
fully  tested  them,  and  found  them  in  harmony  with  the  laws  of 
vegetable  physiology.  A  thorough  knowledge  of  these  laws,  and 
then  the  earnest  endeavour  to  harmonise  our  various  operations,  so 
that  they  may  become  as  mild  in  their  opposition  to  these  laws  as 
possible,  is  beyond  all  question  the  proper  method  to  obtain  a  uniform 
.and  definite  system  of  practice,  founded  on  accurate  and  undoubted 
first  principles.  In  pruning,  perhaps  more  than  any  other  depart- 
ment of  practical  aborieulture,  we  have  it  within  our  power  to  adopt 
an  almost  uniform  system  of  operation ;  but,  for  want  of  due 
attention  being  paid  to  sound  and  definite  fundamental  principles, 
there  is  scarcely  a  point  on  which  absolute  unanimity  of  opinion  or 
practice  exists.  I  do  not  mean  to  assert  that  an  absolute  law  could 
be  laid  down  that  would  be  applicable  to  every  peculiarity  of  kinds 
and  ages  of  trees,  so  that  the  precise  time  to  operate  at  the  fu'st 
and  all  subsequent  prunings  could  be  determined  without  first  having 
examined  and  acquired  a  knowledge  of  the  trees  to  be  operated  on. 
A  certain  amount  of  practical  skill,  along  with  an  intimate  know- 
ledge of  general  first  principles,  is  essential  to  determine  this  in  a 
judicious  manner.  But  I  consider  it  quite  possible  to  attain  to 
absolute  unanimity  in  regard  to  the  system  of  pruning  that  is  to  be 
adopted  ;  and,  in  fact,  I  would  almost  say  that  the  Scottish  Arbori- 
cultural  Society  has  but  very  inadequately  fulfilled  its  mission  so 
long  as  there  exist  so  many  conflicting  opinions  in  regard  to  this 
subject.  An  impartial  inquiry  into  the  advantages  of  the  diiierent 
methods  of  pruning  will  doubtless  be  well  calculated  to  assist  in 
arriving  at  the  best  system.  By  testing  the  one  system  against  the 
other,  we  may  find  how  far  each  can  be  applied  judiciously  and 
successfully  to  the  various  peculiarities  of  individual  trees,  so  as  to 
best  bring  about  the  fundamental  object  of  pruning,  which  is  the 
ornamental  appearance,  or  the  production  of  the  greatest  amount 
of  thoroughly  sound  and  clean  timber.  By  thus,  as  it  were,  com- 
paring the  capabilities  and  the  results  of  the  application  of  the  one 
sj-stem  with  the  other,  we  may  be  able  to  discover  which  ia  most 
conducive  to  the  direction  of  the  nutritive  energies  of  the  tree,  so 
that  the  greatest  proportion  of  the  nutriment  will  be  aijpropriated 
to  the  elongation  and  increase  of  the  circumference  of  the  stem, 
rather  than  to  the  production  of  contending  leaders  and  strong  side 
branches.  If  this  be  (as  it  doubtless  is)  the  primary  object  of 
pruning,  then  the  great  art  of  the  pruner  is  to  prevent  the  formation 
of  these  overstrong  side  branches,  and,  by  timely  checking,  to  restrain 
and  control  them,  so  that  they  may  become  subservient  to  the 
extension  of  the  stem,  and  be  made  to  contribute  to  the  growth  and 
production  of  a  sound  bole  of  timber,  and  not  be  left  to  increase 
their  own  growth  to  an  extent  that  will  be  prejudicial  to  the  tree. 

Close  Pruning. 

Let  us  now  proceed  to  compare  the  system  of  severe  close  pruning 
(i.e.,  clearing  ofi  a  great  number  of  the  branches  from  the  stem 
without  doing  anything  to  check  the  growth  of  contending  tops)  with 
the  system  of  foreshortening.  The  leaves  being  part  of  the  vital 
energies  of  the  tree,  it  follows  that  to  cut  off  the  greater  part  of  the 
branches  and  the  leaves  is  just  removing  a  number  of  the  most 
essential  organs,  and  thereby  diminishing  the  rate  of  growth  to  a 
considerable  extent.  Close  pruning  utterly  fails  in  bringing  about 
the  object  in  view,  namely,  the  production  of  the  greatest  quantity 
of  sound  and  clean  timber. — 1st.  Because  it  tends  to  reduce  the  vital 
energies  of  the  tree. — 2nd.  It  does  not  check  the  growth  of  contend- 
ing leaders  or  overstrong  side  branches,  nor  prevent  them  from 
appropriating  the  nutriment  to  increase  their  own  growth  rather 
than  that  of  the  stem. — 3rd.  It  tends  to  deteriorate  the  quality  of  the 
timber ;  for,  when  the  wounds  made  on  the  stem  are  greater  than 
can  be  healed  over  during  the  first  or  second  season's  growth,  the 
exposed  surface  gradually  becomes  less  succulent,  and  ultimately 
loses  its  vitality  before  it  can  be  healed  over.  When  this  ia  the  case, 
the  wounds  may  be  healed  over,  but  no  union  can  take  place  between 
the  decaying  sm'face  and  the  enclosing  sapwood  ;  and  this  must 
unquestionably  cause  a  blemish,  if  not  a  serious  defect,  in  the  quality 
of  the  timber.  And,  again,  the  healing  of  these  wounds  is  an  addi- 
tional tax  on  the  energies  of  the  tree,  which  have  already  been 
considerably  impaired  by  the  removal  of  so  many  of  the  leaves.  The 
system  of  foreshortening  has  many  advantages  over  close  pruning : — 


1st.  The  growing  energies  of  the  tree  are  not  weakened  to  any  great 
extent.     When  foreshortening  is  judiciously  performed,  there  is  so 
little  of  the  branch  removed  that  the  loss  is  scarcely  ever  felt  by  the 
tree. — 2nd.  It  prevents  a  waste  of  energy,  and  keeps  tho  branches 
from  diverting  too  much  of  the  nutritive  food  from  the  stem.     When 
a  judicious  method  of  foreshortening  is  carried  on  with  due  caution 
and  discrimination,  and  in  a  timely  and  progressive  manor,  it  prevents 
rival   leaders  and  strong  side  branches  from  increasing  their  own 
strength,  so  as  to  detract  from  the  growth  of  the  stem  ;  and  it  also 
keeps   the   tree   to  one  leading  shoot  (or  top),  and  that  shoot  in 
supremacy  of  all  the  others  ;  and  thus  the  main  stem  is  enabled  to 
appropriate  the  greatest  proportion  of  the  nutritive  food  for  its  own 
increase.      Another   aspect  in  which  this  system   has  considerable 
advantages  over  severe  close  pruning,  is  in  the  rearing  of  trees  for 
the  combined  purposes  of  oraament  and  profit.     The  trees  can  be 
reared  under  this  system  with  a  natural  and  shapely,  though   not 
formal,  appearance  (unless  it  be  desired).     Close  pruning  eleai-a  tho 
stem,  but  it  makes  the  tree  bare  and  unsightly,  and  does  nothing  to 
check  the  growth  of  the  rival  leaders,   or  to  prevent  the  tree  from 
being  dismembered  by  heavy,  ill-placed  branches  breaking  off  during 
a  stoi'm.     In  order  to  prove  the  suitableness  of  foreshortening  for 
this  purpose  as  compared  with  close  pruning,  we  may  report  tho 
following  as  an  example  : — Some  yeai's  ago  a  gentleman  asked  me  to 
inspect  the  plantations  on  his  estate,  and  report  my  opinion  regarding 
them.     I  found  that  he  was  specially  anxious  about  the  condition  of 
an  ornamental  plantation  through  which  the  principal  drive  to  hia 
mansion-house  passed.     This  plantation  was  composed  of  Oaks,  Elms, 
Limes,  and  Horse  Chestnuts,  with  Firs  for  nurses — except  at  the  sides 
of  the  drive,  where,  as  the  proprietor  was  anxious  to  form  an  avenue 
of  Lime  trees,  the  ground  had  been  planted  with  these  trees  from  9 
to  12  feet  apart,  without  any  nurses.    These  trees  were  about  fourteen 
years  planted,  of   a  branchy  habit  and  a  vigorous  growth;  most  of 
theni  had   several   contending  tops.      A  year  previous  to  my  visit, 
the  forester  was  instructed   to  prune  these  trees  for  the  first  time. 
This  man  understood  no  other  method  but  close  pruning.     Accord- 
ingly, he  started  to  clear  the  branches  off  the  stem  to  nearly  a  half 
of  its  entire  height.     There  were  only  a  few  trees  pruned   when  the 
proprietor  saw  the  bare   and   unsightly  appearance   that   they  had, 
and  at  once  advised  the  forester  to  stop.     In  the  month   of    May  wo 
sent  a  suitable  man  to  pruue  the  trees   after   the   following   method. 
Wherever  there  were  two  or  more  contending  tops,  he  was   to  select 
the  straitest  and  best  as  the  leader,  and   shorten   all   the   others   by 
cuttirg  off  about  a  fourth  part  of  their  length,  and  slightly  check  the 
strong  side  branches,  always  paying  the  most  particular  attention  to 
cut  over  neatly  by  a  branchlet,  that  would  have   a   tendency  to  hide 
the  cut,  and  be  inclined  to  take  a  horizontal  rather  than   a   vertical 
direction  of  growth.     The  pruning  was  not  to  be   severely  done,  and 
no  branches  were  cut  off  close  by  the  stem.     Two   years   after   this 
they  were  again  slightly  pruned,  and  one  or  two  of   the  branches  on 
the  lower  part  of  the  stem  cut  clean  off,  and  the  wounds  made   then 
were   nearly  healed   over   during   the   first   season's   growth.     Ever 
since,  the  same  method  has  been  carried  out  with   those   trees   that 
required  to  be  pruned,  and  regular  attention  has   been   paid  to  keep 
the  leading  top  of  each  tree  in  the  ascendancy  of   all   others,  and  to 
make  sure  that  the  vigour  of  the  tree  was  not  impaired.     These  trees 
have  thriven  vigorously,  and  have  now  a  natural  and  stately  appear- 
ance, while  the  few  that  were  close  pruned  are  only  recovering  from 
the   severe   check   that   they  sustained,  and   thus   they  exhibit   the 
advantages  of  foreshortening.     Foreshortening  has  also  peculiar  ad- 
vantages over  close  pruning  in'treating  neglected  hard-wood  planta- 
tions.    I  have  had  several  instances  of   success  by  treating   them  in 
the  following  manner : — By  first  selecting  the  trees  most   suitable 
for  the  permanent   crop,  they  were   slightly  pruned,  shortening   any 
strong  branch  that  was  wide-spread  or  likely  to  take  a  vertical  direc- 
tion of  growth,  and  reducing  all  rival  leaders  to  about  three-fourths 
of  their  length,  in  some  instances  just  a  mere  point  being  cut  off.    In 
two  or  three  years  this  treatment  is  again  repeated,  endeavouring  to 
bring  the  tree  a  little  into  shape  and  to  keep  it   to    one  leading  top. 
If  at  all  possible,  I  remove  no  branches  close   by  the   stem   till  the 
trees  are  fairly  recovered  from  the  effects  of   their  neglect.     In  1860 
I   had   occasion  to  prune  a  few  acres  of  Oaks  twenty  years  planted, 
and  the  above  was  exactly  the  mode   of   treatment   that   I   adopted. 
Some  years  previously,  this  plantation  had  been   overthinned,  conse. 
qnently  many  of  the  Oaks  were  of  a  rather  branchy  habit.     But   tho 
cautious  method  of  foreshortening  gave  them  a   shapely  appearance, 
without  causing  any  visible   check   to   their  growth.     It   was   very 
different  with  a,  part  of   this  same  plantation  that   had   been   close 
pruned  the  previous  year.     The  trees  that  were  thns  operated  on  re- 
ceived such  a  severe  check  to  their  growth  that  they  made  little  pro- 
gress, and  for  some  years  had  such  a  stunted,  unsightly  appearance, 
that  it  was  thought  most  profitable  to  cut  them  down  ;  the  situation 
being  a  little  exposed,  there  was  small  chance  of  their  ever  becoming 


490 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Dec.  13,  1873. 


healthy  good-looking  trees.     The  original  object  o£  the  proprietor 
in  planting  wa3  chiefly  ornament  and  shelter.  The  Acorns  from  which 
these  trees  were   raised  he   had   gathered   with    his  own   hands    in 
another  country,  and  all  along  he  had  been  interested  in  their   pro- 
gress; but  in  the  case  of   those  that   were   close   pruned,  his   object 
was  utterly  frustrated.     Another  example,  almost   parallel   to   the 
above,  came   under  my  observation  four  years   afterwards.     In  this 
case,  the  close  pruning  had  been  performed  under  the   supervision  of 
two  foresters.     The  plantation  consisted  chiefly  of  Oaks  twenty  years 
planted,  and  the  most  thriving  part  had  been  operated   on   by  No.  1 
forester  in  the   most   barbarous   manner.     The   branches   had   been 
chopped  off  with  a  light  axe,  and  the   bark   on   the   stem   had   been 
much  slashed  by  the  axe  after  it  had  passed  through  the  branch.     In 
fact,  a  more  ruthless  case  of   close  pruning   never   came   under   our 
observation — what  with  a  little  caution  might  have  been   fine  Oaks, 
were  actually  left  with  only  three  side  branches,  and  some  but  two. 
This  severe  treatment  had  been  performed  three  years   previous  to 
the   time   when  I  saw   them,  and   they  had   not   during   that   time 
made  much  progress,  except  the  growth  of   some  dwarfish  spray  on 
the  bare  stems.     No.   2   forester   came,  and   two   years   afterwards 
pruned  another  portion  of   this   same  plantation.     His  system  was  a 
little    more    refined    when    clearing    the   stem.     Any   very   strong 
upright.growing  branch  that  came  in  his  way  he  did  not  cut  off,  but 
cleared  off  the  branchlets  from  it  to  the  same  height  as  he  did  on  the 
main  stem,  namely,  about  three. fourths  of  the  stem  bared.     It  is 
almost  needless  to  say  that  this  method  also  reduced  the  vital  energies 
of  the  tree,  and  checked  its  rate  of  growth  to  a  great  extent.    These 
trees,  after   being  left  for  seven  and  five   years   respectively,  and 
making  but  little  progress,  were  cut  down,  and  the   bark  peeled  and 
cured;  but  we  found  many  of  the  trees   so  deficient  in    circulating 
sap,  that  it   was   impossible   to   get   the   bark   profitably  taken  off. 
Altogether  it  was  bad  quality  of  bark  ;  the  exterior  was  rough,  and, 
though  carefully  dried,  the  inner  bark  contained  but  little  astringent 
matter.     A  year   after   the  second   portion    of  this  plantation   was 
pruned,  a  number  of  Oaks  grown  under  similar  conditions,  and  about 
the   same  age  (in   fact,  growing    about    500   yards'  distance   from 
these),    were    foreshortened,  and  a   few  branches   were  cautiously 
from  time    to    time   removed  from  the  stem ;  and  these  Oaks   are 
now    worthy  of    being    termed    naturally  handsome    and   thriving 
trees.     There  is  yet  another  instance  in  which  the  two  methods  can 
be  contrasted,  namely,  in  the  rearing  of   trees  in   a  nursery  for  the 
purpose  of   planting  them   out  as  hedge-rows  or  in  the    park.     By 
foreshortening,  we  get  a  stout  well-proportioned  stem,  able  to  over- 
come the  effects  of  transplanting  and  withstand  the  influence  of  the 
wind ;  while,  by  the  other,  we  get  a  slender  weakly  stem  that  makes 
but  little  progress  for  a   few   years  after  being  planted   out.     For 
example,  some  years   since,    when  planting    a  row  of  Lime  trees 
on  the  side  of  a  drive,  I  found  myself  short  of  a  suflicient  number 
of   home-reared    trees,   and  wrote   to   a    very  respectable  nursery, 
man   to   supply    me.      He  replied,    stating   that   the   trees  he  had 
of  that   size   were    bought  in,    and  were  barer   in    the  stem  than 
he    would   have    liked,   but   he  could  get    no    other.     As   soon  as 
they  came,    I  at  once  saw  that   they  had  been   very  much   over, 
pruned.     There    were    several    wounds    on     their     slender    stems, 
scarcely  healed  over.     Seeing  this,  I    planted  them  very  carefully, 
causing  a  portion  of  leaf-mould  to  be  mixed  with  the  soil  from  each 
pit.     Notwithstanding,  the    home-reared  trees  that   had  been  fore- 
shortened made  more  progress  the  first  season  than  the  others  did 
in  four,  and  the  latter  still  have  a  very  bare  appearance. 

Nature's  Pruning  compared  with  Foreshortening. 
I  come  now  to  compare  the  advantages  of  nature's  pruning  with 
foreshortening.  Some  years  since  a  number  of  articles  appeared  in 
the  Scottish  Farmer,  that  were  apparently  written  by  a  theorist. 
He  denounced  pruning  totally  and  vehemently,  as  unfit  to  be  prac- 
tised. But,  notwithstanding  all  that  was  then  written,  it  can  be 
easily  shown  that  the  actual  evils  of  pruning  have  originated  from 
the  abuse  of  the  practice,  and  the  mistaken  use  of  it,  as  in  the 
case  of  excessive  close  pruning.  But,  beyond  the  overdoing  or  the 
undue  repetition  of  foreshortening,  all  other  disadvantages  are  entirely 
imaginary.  No  really  bad  effects  whatever  can  be  fairly  chargeable 
against  judicious  foreshortening,  when  conducted  on  sound  princi- 
ples, except  it  be  the  incidental  ones  of  its  affording  those  who 
are  uninitiated  in  the  first  principles,  or  unpractised  in  the  art  of 
foreshortening,  a  temptation  of  overdoing,  and  thereby  maltreating, 
trees.  It  is,  we  think,  the  enormous  mischiefs  that  have  attended 
and  followed  the  practice  of  severe  close  pruning  that  have  led  some 
writers  to  speak  cun-eutly  against  the  practice  of  any  pruning  what- 
ever. But  the  bad  effects  must  be  charged  against  a  faulty  method, 
and  not  against  every  system  of  pruning.  There  are  several  disad- 
vantages that  follow  the  entire  absence  of  pruning,  and  some  think 
that,  in  the  case  of  rearing  hard. wood  trees  with  nurses,  these  disad. 
vantages  can  be  obviated  by  proper  attention  to  thinning.    But,  in 


our  opinion,  it  is  impracticable  to  rear  a  crop  of  hard-wood  trees  as 
judiciously  and  profitably  by  merely  thinning,  as  when  attention  is 
paid  to  check  rival  leaders  and  strong  side  branches.     Delaying  the 
removal  of  any  one  of  the  nurses  may  cause  the  decay  of  a  number 
of  the  side  branches,  but  it  cannot  arrest  the  progress  of   a  con- 
tending leader ;  on  the  contrary,  it   tends  to  encourage   it.     When 
thinning  is  unduly  delayed,  the  nurses  have  a  tendency  to  force  the 
side  branches  to   grow   upwards ;    and   thus    ill-placed    limbs    and 
double  tops  are  formed.     And   it  also  makes  a  bare,  slender  stem, 
by  causing  the   branches  to  decay  and  fall  off,  generally  leaving  a 
piece  of  decayed  stump  on  the  trunk  of  the  tree.     Nature  at  once  of 
herself  endeavours  to  remove  these,  and  unaided  she  will  effect  it, 
but  not  certainly  without  causing   a  greater  defect   in  the  timber 
than  sawing  off  the  stumps  would  do.     Nature  carries  on  the  ampu- 
tation and   healing-over  process  at   the  same   time  ;    and  the  new 
collapsing  sapwood,  in  endeavouring  to  accomplish  this,  encloses  a 
portion  of  the  decayed  branch.     Thus  a  protuberance  is  produced, 
and   the   piece  of  decayed   branch  that    is  enclosed  will,  beyond  all 
question,  cause    a    flaw    in    the    timber.      Recently   the  following 
example  came  under  my  notice  : — Two  plantations,  consisting  chiefly 
of  Ash  and    Elm,  were  thinned   at   one  time.     Though  on  different 
estates,  these  plantations  were  adjacent  to  each  other,  and  the  age, 
soil,  and  situation  of   both  were  alike  ;    but  the  method  of  rearing 
had  been  very  different.     No.  1  had   been   occasionally  pruned   and 
regularly  thinned,  and  the  "root-cuts"  of  the  trees  that  were  taken 
from  it  at  this  time  sold  readily  at  Is.  6d.  per  foot  in  the  plantation. 
No.  2  plantation  had   been   utterly  neglected   in   pruning,  and  the 
thinning  had  not  been  performed  in  time,  and  the  root-cuts  of  the 
trees  sold  with  difficulty,  after  being  carted  to  the  road,  at  Is.  Id. 
perfect.     "  The  tops  "  or  second  quality  of  timber  in  both  planta- 
tions were  sold  to  the  same  wood  merchant  at  12s.  per  ton  delivered. 
He  cut  them  into  barrel  staves,  and  kept  the  produce  of  each  plan- 
tation separate.     At  the  time  of  sawing.  No.  1   plantation  produced 
more   staves   per  ton  of  rough   timber   than   No.  2  did.     After  the 
staves  were  dried,   they  were   sold,  and  abont  one-fourtli  of  those 
cut  from  No.  2  were  rejected,  and  disposed  of  at  less  money,  owing, 
as  the  wood  merchant  said,  to  the  "  black  knots  falling  out  of  them  ;" 
and   that   these   were   pieces  of   decayed   branches  that   had   been 
enclosed  during  the  growth  of  the  tree  there  can  be  no  doubt.     We 
went  and  compared   the   staves  together,  and  found  that  there  was 
scared  a  flaw  in  those  cut  from  No.  1  plantation,  while  many  of  the 
others  were  much  discoloured,  and  in  some  of  them  there  were  holes 
nbont   a   half-inch  in  diameter,  from  which   the  pieces  of   decayed 
branches  had  fallen.     An  examination  of  the  trees  showed  the  same 
results  ;    many  of   the   trees  in  No.  2  were  partially  covered  with 
tumours,  and  the  timber  of  many  had  a  blackish  appearance  to  the 
very  root.     And  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  this  was  caused   by  the 
admission  of  water  through  the  cavities  that  had  been  formed  by 
the  fall  of  decayed  branches.     In  this  instance,  the  attempt  to  pro- 
duce a  clean  but  sound  bole  of  timber,  by  delaying  thinning  until, 
from  confinement,  the   branches   had  decayed   and   fallen  from  the 
stem,  and  so  rendered  pruning  unnecessary,  proved  abortive.     The 
method  of  treatment  followed  in  rearing  these  plantations  was  very 
different,   and  so  was   the  quality  of   timber   produced.     The  best 
timber,  and,  therefore,  the  most   profitable  crop,  was  produced   by 
No.  1,  which  had  been  reared  under  a  moderate  system  of  pruning, 
when  in  its  most  rapid  state  of  growth.     These  examples  prove  tho 
inadequacy  of  nature's  pruning  to  produce  a  sound  bole  of  timber  ; 
and   they   also,   I    think,  show    that    timely  foreshortening  would 
frequently  prevent  the  decay  of  branches,  and  thus  avert  the  forma- 
tion  of  cavities   in  the  stems  of   the  trees.     It  is  well   known  that 
severe  thinning  produces  a  coarse,  branchy  stem ;    for,  unless  they 
be  pruned,  there   is  nothing  to  prevent   the  branches  from  having 
their  own  way  without  restraint,  and  they  thus  absorb  too  much  of 
the   nourishment  from  the   stem.     These   branches   are  frequently 
improperly  attached   to   the  trunk ;    and   being  heavy,  they  often 
splinter  off,  and  thereby  destroy  the  ornamental  appearance  of  the 
tree,  and    deteriorate  the  value   of   its  timber.     Trees  brought   np 
under    these    conditions    are  generally   short    in    the    stem,    with 
large  wide-spread   heads,   that    occupy   more    space  than    if    they 
were    reared    under    a    proper    system  of    pruning  and    thinning. 
Judicious  foreshortening  enables   the  trees  to  economise  space  and 
the  benefits  of   the   atmosphere  :    timely  checking  of    rival  shoots 
and    strong    side    branches    restrains     the    natural     bent    of    the 
tree,  and    thus   they  are   kept  within    due  bounds,  without   being 
subjected  to  an  over.reduction  of  the  vital  functions.     Each  indivi- 
dual tree  is  enabled  to  participate  in  the  advantages  that  are  to  be 
derived  from  equal  exposure  to  the  influences  of  solar  light  and  heat. 
Brought  up   under  these  conditions,  there  is  a  sufficiency  of  Ught 
admitted  equally  all  round  each  tree ;  consequently  they  will  grow 
faster,  and  for  a  much  greater  length  of  time,  without  unduly  pressing 
on   each  other,   than  if  left  without  any  pruning  whatever.     Four 


Dec.  13,  1873. 


THE  GAUDEN". 


491 


years  since  an  ornamental  plantation,  composed  chiefly  of  Lime  trees. 
Horse  Chestnut,  Sycamores,  and  Maples,  planted  about  9  foot  apart, 
came  nnder  our  observation.  They  had  been  ten  years  planted  and 
as  it  was  the  intention  o£  the  party  who  was  intrasted  with  tho 
rearing  of  these  trees  to  produce  an  oniamontal  tree  without  any 
pruning  whatever,  not  a  branch  had  been  touched.  Consequently 
most  of  the  trees  had  several  contending  tops,  and  the  whole  of  them 
were  of  a  wide-spread  and  very  branchy  habit;  so  much  so,  that 
many  of  them  were  pressing  on  each  other.  These  trees  were 
cautiously  foreshortened  in  1869,  and  in  the  springs  of  1870  and  1871 
they  received  a  slight  pruning,  just  sufficient  to  keep  them  to  one 
leading  top,  and  restrain  the  strongest  of  the  side  branches, 
so  that  they  might  be  very  gralually  brought  into  a  shapely 
but  natural  and  ornamental  appearance.  This  has  now  been 
to  a  great  extent  accomplished,  and  the  trees  all  the  time  kept  in  a 
rapid  growing  state  ;  and,  if  they  are  judiciously  cared  for,  it  will  be 
some  years  before  any  thinning  whatever  is  required.  And  we  are 
much  deceived  if  they  do  not 
ultimately  become  very 
stately  and  ornamental  trees. 
Believing  that  the  idea  of 
rearing  these  trees,  whether 
for  ornament  or  profit,  with- 
out any  pruning  whatever, 
was  utterly  absurd,  and  wish- 
ing to  prove  it,  I  left  a  few 
unpruned,  and,  as  yet,  they 
have  made  little  progress  in 
the  way  of  becoming  any. 
thing  like  trees ;  in  fact,  we 
anticipate  that  they  will  be. 
come  nothing  more  than  huge 
bushes,  unsightly  in  appear, 
ance,  and  unprofitable  as  a 
crop.  I  might  give  more 
examples  illustrative  of  the 
defectiveness  of  nature's 
pruning  as  compared  with 
foreshortening ;  but  I  for- 
bear, believing  that  I  have 
said  sufficient  to  prove  the 
advantages  of  fore-shortening, 
and  to  show  that,  when  this 
system  of  pruning  is  adopted 
in  preference  to  nature's, 
those  evils  that  alike  follow 
over-crowding  and  over, 
thinning  are  averted. 
Snag-Pruning. 
I  have  yet  to  consider  the 
method  of  "  snag-pruning " 
— i.e.,  cutting  over  the  branch 
froni  a  few  inches  to  about  a 
foot  from  the  stem.  The 
effects  of  this  method  on  the 
energies  of  the  tree  are 
similar  to  those  that  follow 
close  pruning;  the  rate  of 
growth  is  diminished,  and 
nothing  done  to  prevent  the 
growth  of  rival  tops.  The 
leaving  of  this  stump  is  no 
advantage  whatever;  it  be. 
comes  an  incumbrance  to  the 

tree  similar  to  what  a  decayed  branch  would  be,  and  its  effects  on 
the  quality  of  the  timber  are  identical  with  those  we  have  already 
described  as  following  nature's  pruning.  Consequently,  we  consider 
it  sufficient  to  say  that  it  has  no  real  advantages — it  lacks  the 
good  effects  of  foreshortening,  and  has  all  the  bad  effects  of 
the  method  of  close  pruning,  as  also  those  of  nature's  pruning. 
Another  advantage  of  foreshortening  is,  that  it  can  be  applied  to 
Coniferse,  in  the  form  of  pinching  or  disbudding.  This  veiy  often 
secures  a  suitable  leading  top  for  those  trees  that  have  lost  their 
leader  by  accident  or  otherwise.  I  can  point  to  several  examples 
where,  by  a  little  attention,  good  leading  shoots  have  been  produced 
by  pinching  back  the  upper  tier  of  lateral  branches  except  one. 
When  this  is  done,  nature  comes  to  our  aid,  and  gradually  as  the 
branch  grows,  she  turns  it  in  an  upward  direction,  until  it  becomes 
vertical.  This  is  often  done  with  such  nicety,  that  in  a  year  or  two 
the  tree  has  scarcely  any  appearance  of  having  ever  lost  its  leader. 
In  1870,  a  Pinus  Laricio  lost  its  leading  top  after  it  had  grown  a  few 
inches.      I  cnt  this  broken  top  out  by  the  joint,  and  pinched  all 


The  green  lane  in  the  grounds  of  Holland  House  (see  p.  i^l). 


the  lateral  branches  on  the  uppermost  tier,  except  one,  which  was 
left  as  a  top,  and  it  grew  about  6  inches  that  season,  and  in  1871, 
21  inches,  and  gradually  came  into  the  place  of  the  leader.  This 
season  it  has  again  added  21  inches  to  its  height.  I  could  give 
similar  examples,  with  specimens  of  Picoa  nobilis,  Abies  Douglasii, 
Pinus  excelsa,  and  many  others  that  have  been  brought  into  a  proper 
form  of  growth  by  timely  pinching.  In  pruning  deciduous  trees, 
when  we  are  forced  to  tako  a  suitable  lateral  as  the  leader,  nature 
lends  us  her  aid,  and  by  degrees  assists  it  into  the  proper  form  and 
place.  And  again,  when  we  shorten  a  rival  top,  she  comes  to  our 
assistance  by  causing  the  lateral  branches  that  grow  out  above  the 
shortened  branch  (or  top)  to  bend  down,  and  grow  in  a  rather  more 
horizontal  direction,  and  thus,  as  it  were,  assist  us  by  overtopping 
the  shortened  leader.  Before  concluding  this  paper,  I  wish  to  say  that 
foreshortening  can  be  overdone,  and  I  want  it  to  be  distinctly  under- 
stood that  I  am  no  advocate  for  tho  system  of  shortening  the  most  of 
the  horizontal  branches,  and  thus,  as  it  were,  cropping  the  head  of  the 

tree  into  a  formal  or  conical 
shape  to  please  the  eye.  This 
ought  to  be  considered  a 
matter  6f  secondary  import. 
ance,  for,  when  it  is  severely 
carried  out,  it  is  little  better 
than  close  pruning.  I  have 
seen  several  instances  where 
it  was  so  much  overdone, 
that  the  energies  of  the  trees 
were  very  much  cheeked. 
When  the  branches  are  too 
much  curtailed  at  one  oper. 
ation,  foreshortening  becomes 
positively  detrimental  to  the 
health  and  growth  of  the 
tree  at  any  age.  Tho  great 
art  of  foreshortening  is  to 
shorten  only  contending 
leaders,  and  those  side, 
branches  that  are  so  strong  as 
to  detract  from  the  gi'owth 
of  the  stem,  to  about  one. 
fourth  or  one-half  of  their 
length.  In  this  manner, 
pruning  only  those  trees 
that  require  to  be  pruned,  we 
go  over  the  plantations  every 
second  or  third  year  till  the 
trees  have  reached  to  about 
30  feet  high.  When  such  a 
system  of  management  is 
adopted,  little  close  pruning 
is  required,  as  the  nutritive 
energies  are  directed  more  to 
the  extension  and  formation 
of  the  main  stem  than  to  tho 
growth  of  the  lower  side, 
branches.  This  appropriation 
of  the  greatest  proportion  of 
nutriment  by  the  main  stem 
has  a  tendency  to  keep  the 
side  branches  slender;  and 
gradually  as  the  tree  increases 
in  height,  this,  combined 
with  the  influence  of  the 
nurses,  causes  these  branches 
to  become  less  vigorous.  When  close  pruning  is  necessary,  it 
should  be  done  sparinglv,  taking  care  not  to  remove  too  many 
branches  at  one  time;  and,  before  removing  any,  pay  particular 
attention  to  the  appearance  of  tho  tree,  to  see  that  it  is  so  abun. 
dantly  supplied  with  healthy  leaves  as  to  be  able  to  spare  one  or  two 
of  the  side-branches  without  its  rate  of  growth  being  very  much 
checked.  And  endeavour  to  make  sure  that  the  wounds  made  on  the 
stem  by  the  removal  of  these  branches  is  not  greater  than  the  tree 
can  heal  the  first,  or  at  longest  the  second,  season.  It  is  during  the 
growing  season  that  pruning  can  be  best  performed,  as  the  wounds 
are  begun  to  be  healed  up  before  winter  sets  in.  But,  if  the  opera- 
tion is  delayed  until  late  in  autumn,  when  growth  has  ceased,  there 
is  great  danger  that  the  wounds  will  never  heal  properly.  Having 
given  the  above  outline  of  the  methodsof  pruning,  I  would  only  add  that 
foreshortening  is  beyond  all  question  the  most  advantageous  method  to 
adopt  wherever  pruning  is  required.  And  I  would  recommend  every 
one  to  test  it  for  himself  by  actual  experiment,  and  thus  establish  a 
uniform  method  of  pruning  based  on  sound  and  definite  principles. 


492 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  13, 1873. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

THE  KITCHEN  GAEDEN  SUPPLY. 

Uy  J.  GROOM,  Hcnliam  Gardeus. 

One  of  the  gardener's  many  duties,  and,  I  may  add,  one  of 
the  most  important,  but  least  appreciated,  is  the  supplying  a 
constant  succession  of  fresh  vegetables,  fit  for  the  tabic,  at  all 
seasons  of  the  year.  No  matter  whether  the  gardens  are  large 
or  small,  noted  for  their  quantity  of  glass  or  forced  fruits  and 
flowers,  or  conspicuous  by  their  absence,  wherever  a  gardener 
is  employed  in  a  nobleman's  or  gentleman's  estabhshment,  a 
supply  of  vegetables,  iu  proportion  to  the  demand,  is  sure  to 
be  required ;  and  many  a  young  gardener,  who  has  become 
proficieut  in  every  other  branch  of  his  business,  finds  to  his 
cost,  on  taking  charge  of  a  place,  that  he  is  sadly  at  a  loss  to 
keep  np  a  constant  succession  of  many  of  the  most  \iseful 
vegetables,  especially  those  that  only  remain  iu  a  fit  condition 
for  table  a  short  period,  as,  for  instance.  Peas,  French  Beans, 
Cauliflowers,  &c.  In  fact,  many  a  gardener  has  to  commence 
the  study  of  this  useful  subject  through  the  failures  that  ai'e 
sure  to  overtake  those  who  undertake  what  they  arc  not 
conversant  with.  It  has  often  surprised  me  that  so  important 
a  branch  of  the  gardener's  duties  is  left  for  hun  to  pick  up  by 
chauce,  as,  unless  the  young  gardener  in  his  earliest  days  has 
a  natural  mclination  to  study  this  branch  in  his  own  time,  he 
is  generally  rather  deterred  than  encouraged  by  his  seniors 
from  commencing  it.  We  will  take,  for  example,  a  young  lad 
fresh  from  school,  who  is  just  about  being  ajjpreuticed  at 
some  garden  of  note.  In  the  majority  of  cases,  his  parents 
will  stipulate  that  he  shall  be  employed  solely  in  the  '•'  houses," 
which  gives  the  j'oung  aspirant  at  the  vorj'  outset  the 
erroneous  idea  that  the  kitchen  garden  is  only  fit  for  some  of 
the  nearly  worn-out  labourers  of  the  place.  This  idea  is 
strengthened  by  the  great  majority  of  visitors  who  annually 
visit  all  gardens  pf  any  pretensions,  and  who,  if  they  go  into 
the  kitchen  garden  at  all,  affect  to  see  nothing  worthy  of  their 
attention.  The  few  remarks  that  I  intend  to  make  on  this 
subject  are  not  written  with  the  idea  that  gardeners  will 
bestow  any  undue  attention  on  this  branch  of  their  duties  to 
the  exclusion  of  others,  but  to  call  the  attention,  especially  of 
young  beginners,  to  the  fact  that,  although  visitors  and 
employers  may  admire  the  gorgeous  beauty  of  geometrical 
flower  gardens,  or  the  fine  show  of  plants  in  the  conservatory, 
or  rows  of  noble  Pine-apples,  and  houses  of  Grapes  and 
Peaches,  yet  there  is  ample  room  for  him  (in  a  much  neglected 
branch  of  his  profession)  to  gain  an  equal  share  of  renown 
for  more  necessary  and  useful,  if  less  ornamental,  productions, 
by  having  at  all  times  the  greatest  variety  of  vegetables  and 
salads  that  can,  by  any  possibility,  be  called  "  in  season." 

Having  briefly  touched  on  some  of  the  reasons  why  kitchen 
gardening  is  not  so  popular  as  other  branches  of  the  gardener's 
art,  I  will  at  once  proceed  to  state  a  few  of  the  causes  that,  I 
think,  have  tended  to  bring  this  state  of  thiugs  about. 
In  the  first  place,  I  presume  that  everyone  is  ready  to  admit 
that  within  the  last  twenty  years  gardening,  taken  as  a  whole, 
has  made  extraordinary  progress ;  in  fact,  is  keeping  pace 
with  the  times  in  which  we  live.  But  I  cannot  help  thinking 
that  the  kitcheu  gardens  of  twenty-one  years  ago  were  cjuite 
equal  to  those  of  the  present  day.  In  fact,  in  the  majority  of 
places  that  have  come  under  my  observation,  I  should  decidedly 
say  that  some  of  the  progress  iu  fruit  and  flower  culture  has 
been  at  the  expense  of  the  kitchen  garden  crop.  I  would 
simply  ask  in  how  many  noble  old-fashioned  gardens,  attached 
to  the  ancestral  halls  of  England,  are  the  choice  south 
borders,  where  the  earliest  crops  used  to  be  obtained,  now 
covered  with  pits  for  flowers  or  houses  for  fruit .'  while  the 
north  borders,  those  equally  useful  positions  in  midsummer 
for  salads,  Cauliflowers,  &c.,  are  now  generally  filled  with 
spring-flowering  plants ;  even  the  alleys  of  Asparagus  beds 
being  seized  for  the  same  purpose,  as  it  is  generally  remarked 
that  they  do  not  do  much  harm,  and  must  be  accommodated 
somewhere ;  but,  like  cropping  Vine  borders,  if  ever  so 
lightly,  what  the  crop  takes  from  the  border  is  certainly  so 
much  loss  to  the  Vines.  In  this  way  the  ordinary  vegetables 
are  either  cramped  for  space,  or,  being  displaced"  from  their 
once  suitable  positions,  are  often  crowded  into  any  spare  piece 
of  ground  outside  the  sheltering  garden  walls,  or  di-ag  out  a 


miserable  existence  in  the  orchard,  where,  with  so  many 
adverse  circumstances  to  contend  with,  it  is  no  wonder  if  they 
do  not  present  a  very  inviting  appearance  or  give  the  young 
gardener,  whose  lot  is  cast  amongst  them,  any  idea  of  the 
pleasure  and  interest  that  may  be  found  iu  their  cultivation, 
when  each  and  all  of  the  choice  vegetables,  herbs,  and  salads 
we  possess  are  seen  luxuriatiug  in  positions  suited  to  their 
several  wants,  not  arranged  by  an  old-fashioned  routine,  or 
sown  on  some  particular  "  Saint's  Day,"  but  when  a  systematic 
arrangement  has  found  a  suitable  place  for  everything,  and 
has  given  a  charm  even  to  the  kitchen  garden.  While  making 
every  allowance  for  the  great  increase  of  the  gardener's 
duties  by  the  introduction  of  such  numberless  varieties  of 
plants,  bedding-out  in  all  its  phases,  the  great  demand  for 
drawing-room  and  dinner-table  decorations,  all  of  which  claim 
a  share  of  his  time  and  attention,  yet  he  will  (if  he  is  a 
gardener  by  nature  as  well  as  by  occupation)  fiud  time  to  see 
that  even  this,  the  humblest  branch  of  his  calling,  does  not 
sufl'er  for  want  of  forethought  and  constant  supervision — 
both  indispensable  elements  to  ensure  success. 

There  is  nothing  easier  than  to  find  fault,  but  if  we  do  not 
profit  by  the  failures  as  well  as  the  successes  of  others,  where 
should  our  knowledge  come  from  ?  Let  us  take,  as  it  were,  a 
bird's-eye  view  of  two  different  gardens,  and  observe  what  are 
the  leading  features  of  the  one  that  is  keeping  pace  with  the 
times  and  that  whose  position  is  stationary,  or  in  a  backward 
direction.  Let  us  first  take  one  whose  condition  may  be  likened 
to  that  of  the  man  in  the  parable,  "  Whose  last  state  is  worse 
than  the  first."  Here  we  are  sure  to  find  any  quantity  of  old 
scraggy  standard  fruit-trees,  standing  or  leaning  in  every 
direction,  whose  annual  produce  does  not  pay  for  the  gathering, 
much  less  the  space  they  occupy  ;  while  Strawberiy  beds  and 
fruit  bushes  of  all  descriptions  are  generally  scattered  all  over 
the  garden,  as  if  self-sown,  so  that  to  protect  them  from  birds, 
or  form  a  correct  estimate  of  the  stock  in  hand,  is  out  of  the 
question.  Here  will,  most  certainly,  be  found  evevy  noxious 
insect  and  disease  that  vegetable  life  is  heir  too ;  for,  the  soil 
not  being  properly  cultivated,  a  fortnight's  drought  brings 
everything  to  a  standstill,  except  the  grub,  the  caterpillar,  and 
mildew,  which  are  ever  ready  to  complete  the  work  of  destruc- 
tion. Well  may  anyone,  whether  a  gardener  or  amateur,  feel 
little  interest  iu  a  garden  conducted  on  these  principles.  But, 
let  us  change  the  scene  to  a  garden  where  reason  and  common 
sense  make  even  the  simplest  forms  of  vegetation  attractive  to 
the  beholder.  Here  we  shall  see  broad  straight  walks,  clean 
and  level,  and  neatly  edged  with  Box  or  tiles  ;  and  dwarf 
espalier  or  cordon  fruit-trees  as  a  division  between  boi-ders 
and  quarters,  while  a  systematic  arrangement  is  visible  on 
every  side.  The  standard  trees  will  be  grouped  together  or 
accommodated  in  the  orchard ;  all  Gooseberries,  Cun-ants,  and 
Raspberries  will  have  quarters  especially  alloted  to  them  ;  also 
the  Strawberry,  Asparagus,  and  herb  beds,  and  all  crops  of  a 
permanent  character,  thus  leaving  the  principal  quarter  clear 
for  successive  cropping.  The  soil  being  deeply  cultivated  and 
manured,  according  to  the  crop,  the  eft'ects  of  drought  will  be 
scarcely  visible,  at  least  for  a  long  period,  and  while  cater- 
pillars and  mildew  are  destroying  garden  No.  1,  No.  '2  will  be 
flourishing  like  a  green  Bay -tree.  The  systematic  arrange- 
ment being  once  begun,  will  be  followed  even  to  the  minutest 
details,  and  successive  crops  will  be  seen  following  each  other 
as  regularly  as  the  days  of  the  j'ear.  No  weeds  will  be  here 
to  run  to  seed,  nor  crops  either,  but  every  stalk  will  be  removed 
to  the  rubbish-heap,  as  soon  as  done  with,  and  the  ground 
prepared  for  another  crop.  The  seed-room  will  be  looked  over 
every  alternate  week,  and  small  sowings  made  of  everything 
required.  Above  all  things,  do  not  let  routine  or  old  garden 
calendars  cramp  your  energies  in  this  matter,  for  no  calendar 
that  ever  was  written  can  meet  the  requirements  of  all.  Let 
your  calendar  be  an  estimate  for  the  wants  of  the  establishment 
to  be  supplied,  and,  with  practice,  a  failure  in  the  supply  will 
be  observed  long  before  it  comes,  and  means  taken  to  provide 
substitutes.  When  the  supply  is  properly  kept  up,  depend 
upon  it,  the  things  have  not  come  by  chance,  as  Grapes  may 
be  had  the  whole  year  round  with  less  attention  than  some  of 
our  ordinary  vegetables. 

There  is  already  such  an  abundance  of  excellent  treatises  on 
every  branch  of  kitchen-gardening,  that   it   is   certainly  not 


Dec.  13,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


493 


from  any  lack  of  them  that  more  improvement  is  not  observ- 
able in  the  general  practice.  My  own  impression  is,  that  if 
vegetable  culture  received  as  mnoh  encouragement  at  our 
shows  as  fruits  and  flowers  do,  an  equal  advance  would  soon 
be  observable,  but,  with  a  few  notable  exceptions,  vegetables 
exhibited  by  professional  gardeners  arc  a  complete  failure,  as, 
the  prizes  being  generally  quite  insufficient  to  call  forth  a 
spirited  competition,  the  products  are,  as  a  rule,  only  second 
class,  and  are  consigned  to  the  most  out-of-the-way  corner  of 
the  show,  as  if  they  were  a  disgrace  to  all  concerned  in  the 
undertaking.  This  not  only  makes  their  cultivation  coldly 
looked  down  on,  but  prevents  the  rising  generation  of 
gardeners  from  giving  their  attention  to  it,  since  all  the 
honours  and  awards  go  to  the  foliage  and  flowering  plants, 
fruits  and  Roses,  while  the  vegetables,  which  become  more  and 
more  every  day  an  essential  necessary  of  our  existence,  are 
placed  twenty  degrees  lower  on  the  list  than  a  collection  of 
Coleus  or  some  such  easilj^-grown  plant,  I'cquiring  neither 
skdl  or  practical  knowledge  to  bring  it  to  all  the  perfection  it 
will  ever  attain.  Not  that  the  exhibiting  fine  specimens  on 
any  given  day  would  be  any  guarantee  that  a  regular  succes- 
sion was  maintained  at  home,  but  it  would  raise  this  branch  of 
gardening  iu  the  estimation  of  young  beginners,  so  that  they 
might  feel  some  interest  in  taking  notes  both  of  success  and 
failures,  and  be  prepared  in  this  useful  branch  to  give  a  good 
account  of  their  stewardship. 

Let  us  now  suppose  that  it  is  the  commencement  of  the 
year,  and  the  soil  is  thoroughly  cultivated,  and  general  work 
well  up  with  the  season.  The  first  thing  must  be  to  procure 
a  supply  of  seeds,  and  mind  and  get  them  from  a  firm  that 
does  not  pretend  to  supply  cheap  things,  as  cheap  seeds  are 
worse  than  useless,  for,  if  you  cannot  depend  on  their  being 
true  to  name  and  good  in  quality,  how  is  it  possible  to  know 
how  thick  to  sow  them,  or  at  what  season  thej  will  be  fit  for 
use  ?  And  do  not  have  too  many  varieties,  especially  of  those 
with  too  highly-coloured  descriptions,  but  place  your  trust 
only  iu  sorts  of  well-established  excellence,  at  least  until  you 
have  proved  new  sorts  to  be  superior  to  your  old  favourites. 
I  find  that  successive  sowings  give  us  a  much  more  continuous 
supply  than  a  great  variety  of  sorts  ;  for  instance,  I  only  grow 
one  sort  of  French  Bean,  Sir  J.  Paxton,  yet  we  gather  every 
week,  and  nearly  every  day,  in  the  year,  and  the  same  may  be 
said  of  most  other  vegetables.  Let  their  season  be  prolonged 
both  by  forcing  and  retarding,  to  the  greatest  length  possible, 
as  a  constant  change  is  always  welcome  in  the  kitchen.  In 
conclusion,  lest  any  of  your  readers  may  be  sceptical  as 
to  the  importance  of  this  apparently  simple  subject,  let  me  for 
a  moment  call  their  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  choice 
vegetables  and  salads  we  are  now  able  to  enjoy  so  freely  are 
not  really  natural  productions,  but  have  been  brought  to  their 
present  state  of  excellence  by  the  unwearied  toil  and  attention 
of  past  generations  of  gardeners. 


HOLLY,   rVT,   AND   MISTLETOE   IN  THE   LONDON 

]\IARKETS. 
Towards  Christmas,  Covent  Gardea  aud  other  markets  of  the 
metropolis,  are  glutted  with  Christmas  evergreens  for  the  decoration 
of  the  three-miUiou-peopled  city.  "  The  boughs  with  clustered  berries 
bright,"  and  the  Laurel,  Ivy,  aud  Box,  which  can  be  had  for  the  asking 
in  rural  and  less  populous  places,  suddenly  become  in  London  important 
articles  of  commerce,  and  the  poorest  households  are  willing  to  pay 
iu  coin  for  a  spray  of  Holly  and  Mistletoe  to  welcome  Christmas. 
Dark  as  it  is  on  a  December  morning,  long  before  daybreak,  Covenfc 
Garden  and  the  adjacent  streets  and  approaches  to  the  market  are 
thronged  with  heavy  waggons,  some  from  the  railways  and  some 
from  the  country  turnpike  roads,  and  all  laden  with  Mistletoe,  Laurel, 
Ivy,  Box,  and  Spruce  Firs  for  Christmas  trees.  Here  are  waggons, 
piled  up  with  the  festive  evergreens.  Many  laden  with  at  least  a 
ton.  The  procession  is  at  a  standstill,  for  the  market  is  already  full. 
Every  market  morning  for  more  than  a  fortnight,  this  is  the  aspect 
of  Covent  Garden.  And  Covent  Garden  is  only  one  of  the  great 
markets  at  which  Christmas  evergreens  are  received,  in  order  that 
they  may  be  retailed  in  all  the  squares,  streets,  lanes,  and  alleys 
of  London.  Where  does  this  vast  supply  come  from  p  These 
waggons  of  Mistletoe  are  not  from  the  turnpike  roads,  bnt  from 
the  railway  stations — from  tho  South. Western  and  Great  Western 
ermini.     English  Mistletoe  for  the  London  market  comes  almost 


exclusively  from  the  cider  and  perry  counties — from  tho  Apple  and 
Pear  orchards  of  Worcestershire,  Herefordshire,  aud  Gloucester.shire. 
The  Apple,  aud  not  the  Oak,  is  tho  tree  which  yields  the  Mistletoe  in 
abundance.      In  the  western  and  south-western  counties  of  England, 
where  a  moist  climato  and  a  w.arm  summer  produce  tho  juicy  fruit 
for  making  cider,  not  unfrequently  fifty  per    cent,  of    tho    Apple- 
trees  aro  infested  with  tho  Mistletoe.      So  important  a  commodity 
has     the    Mistletoe    become,    that    the   quantity    despatched    from 
Hereford   alone    every    December   has   been   estimated  by  Dr.  Bull 
to  exceed  one  hundred  tons.    Prom  Worcester  oven  a  greater  quantity 
is  supplied.     The   London  supply   is   despatched   from    Gloucester, 
whilst  the  northern  towns  receive  their  proportion  from  Hereford 
and  Worcester.     The  orchards  of  Normandy  and  Brittany,  too,  supply 
lai-ge  quantities  ot  Mistletoe  to  the  London  markets  at  Christmas 
time.     Large  tracts  of  country  in  western   France,  as   in   western 
England,  aro  devoted  to  Apple.growing.     In  Normandy  alone,  the 
tree  which  tho  Mistletoe  most  delights  in  hasbcenso  widely  cultivated, 
that  as  many  as  five  hundred  varieties  ot  the  acid  or  bitter  Apple  are 
kuown  iu  the  district.     This  French  Mistletoe  finds  its  way  to  St. 
Malo,  and  is  thence  shipped  to   England   by   steamer.      From   the 
Channel  Islands,   too,   Mistletob  is    shipped   for  England,   although 
orchard  culture  in  Guernsey  aud  Jersey  has  of  late  years  been  de. 
creasing.     Ai-rived  at  Covent  Garden  or  its  precincts,  tho  Mistletoe  is 
offered  for  sale  in  bulk  or  in  small  lots.     Even  in  the  off-streets,  too, 
where  tho  cargo  can  get  no  farther  on  its  way  to  the  head-quartora 
of  tho  market,  the  sales  begin  aud  are  often  completed  on  tho  spot. 
The   waggon  is  converted  into  a  shop,  and   the   sales   are   legally 
effected,  for  they  take  place  within  the  market  precincts,  and  the 
dues  are  collected  as  though  the  transactions  had  occurred  in  the 
piazzas  of  the  market  itself.     As  we  stand  here,  Mistletoe  is  selling 
all  around  ns  from  Is.  6d.  a  branch  to  £5  and  £6  a  ton.     But,  great 
as  are  the  quantities  of  Mistletoe  which  find  their  way  to  the  London 
markets  at  Christmas  time,  the  various  kinds  of  Holly  are  still  more 
plentifully  supplied.     Holly,  however,  is  not  so  peculiarly  the  growth 
of  certain  districts  as  Mistletoe,  and  the  sources  of  its  supply  are 
more  various,  and  perhaps  at  the  same  time  more  questionable  as 
regards  the  law  of  ineum  and  tiium.     All  around  London  the  festive 
season  is  one  of  uneasiness  and  trepidation  to  the  owners  of  evergreen 
gardens  and  shrubberies,  and  not  seldom  it  is  regularly  signalised  in 
such  cases  by  the  employment  of  watchmen,  night  and  day,  to  protect 
the   grounds   against   marauders.     A  considerable   quantity   of   the 
Holly  which  finds   its  way  to  the  London  markets  is  come  by  in  a 
casual  but  not  necessarily  dishonest  manner.     Here,  for   instance, 
are  several  loads  which  have  been   brought   in  railway  vans   from 
the    Bricklayers'    Arms     station.      We     learn    that    some    railway 
works     in     progress     in    Surrey    are     being     carried     through     a 
thick  jungle  of  wild  Holly  and  underwood.     The  Holly  becomes  the 
perquisite  of  the  ganger  and  his  men,  and  is  found  to  be  well  worth 
transport   to    Covent   Garden   Market.      Many   other   consignments 
have  a  history  which  tells  of  the  exceptional  character  of  the  trade. 
Much  of  the  evergreen  supply  for  Christmas  purposes  is   oifered  by 
itinerants,  who  may  or  may  not  have  contracted  for  the  goods  they 
possess,  and  it  is  hardly  doubted  in  Covent  Garden,  Spitalfields,  the 
Borough,  and  Farringdon  Street,  that  many  a  load  of  Holly,  which 
looks  as  honest  as  its  neighbours,  has  been  obtained  surreptitiously. 
But  the  great  Holly  supply  of  the  London  markets  comes  in  in   the 
form  of  consignments  to  order  from  well-known   business  clients  in 
the  country.     Stewards  of  great  estates  are   wont  to  sanction   the 
clipping  of  the  plantations  at  Christmas  time,   and  some   valuable 
patronage  of  this  kind  is  freely  exercised.     Gardeners  at  gentle- 
men's seats,  too,  are  allowed  to  lop  the  evergreens  and  to  treat  the 
spoil  as  their  perquisites,  or  they  sub-let  the  privilege  to  the  local 
market.gardener,  who  well  knows  where  to  find  a  customer  for  his 
wares.     Nor  must  it  be  forgotten  that  the  Holly  still  maintains  its 
aboriginal  hold   on  the  common  lands  of  SuiTey,   Hampshire,  aud 
other  conntiies   near   enough  to  London  to  repay  the  expense  of 
carriage  and  yield  a  profit  to  the  vendor,   besides   putting  an  honest 
penny   in  tho  way  of  the   villager   far   away.     Some  of  our  finest 
native    Hollies   are   found   in  the  New  Forest,  but   Sevenoaks  and 
Cobham  and  Holmwood  are  equally  well  known  to  the  purveyors  of 
Christmas   evergreens.      We   find,    too,  that  it  even  pays  to  bring 
Holly  from  Shropshire,  and  that  largo  quantities  are  being  brought 
from  the  environs  of  Shrewsbury  year  by  year.     At  Covent  Garden 
it  is  sold  to  the  retailers  iu  bundles  from  sixpence  upwards,  whilst 
the  same  quantity  of  variegated  Holly  often  fetches  from  five  to  six 
shillings   and   upwards.     A   load   of    well-berried  variegated    Holly 
sometimes  fetches  as  much  as  £20.     So  at  Covent   Garden,  before 
daylight  on  a   December  morning,   the  trade  goes  on  in  glistening 
broad-leaved  Laurel ;  Ivy,  glossy  and  black-berried  ;  Holly,   "  with 
its  thorny  leaves  and  berries  like  crimson  drops,"  as  the   symbolical 
writers  love  to  describe  it ;  and  round  toppling  bushes  of  the  white- 
berried  Mistletoe. — Leisure  Hour. 


494 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  13,1873. 


GARDEN    DESTROYERS. 

INSECT  PESTS  AND  HOW  TO  DESTROY  THEM. 

One  of  the  great  and  continuous  difRculties  with  which  the 
giirdener  has  to  contend  is  tlie  ravages  of  insects.  If  one  half 
the  faihires  experienced  in  tlie  general  routine  of  cultivation 
are  attributable  to  our  fickle  climate,  I  think  an  equal  number 
of  our  disappointments  may  be  set  down  to  the  ravages  of  the 
numerous  insects  that  infest,  indiscriminately,  most  cultivated 
plants.  Their  attacks  are  incessant,  and,  unless  means  for 
their  destruction  are  applied  without  intermission,  they  get  the 
upper  hand  to  an  extent  that  renders  futile  the  best  attention 
to  plant  cultivation  in  other  respects.  We  frequently  meet 
with  people  who  say  that  some  of  the  worst  insect  pests,  when- 
ever thoroughly  established,  cannot  be  extirpated.  Such  I 
have  not  found  to  be  the  case  ;  yet  their  thorough  destruction 
requires  patience  and  perseverance,  with  some  observation  of 
their  different  natures  and  habits ;  others,  again,  even  if  des- 
troyed as  soon  as  they  make  their  appearance,  are  succeeded 
by  fresh  broods  that  come  into  existence,  and  which  require 
incessant  watching  to  prevent  their  ravages.  One  of  the 
greatest  difficulties  to  contend  with  is  that  there  is  no  means 
hj     which      any      one 


species  of  insect  can  be 
destroyed  upon  all  the 
different  species  of 
plants  upon  which  the 
insect  will  live.  This 
arises  from  the  fact  of 
some  plants  not  being 
able  to  bear  the  appli- 
cation necessary  for  the 
destruction  of  the  par- 
ticular insect  with  which 
they  are  affected ;  where 
such  is  the  case  I  shall 
endeavour  to  point  it 
out  in  a  way  that  may, 
at.  all  events,  save  dis- 
appointment. 
Ants. 
The  first  subject  on 
which  I  propose  to 
treat  is  that  small 
industrious  creature  the 
ant.  It  is  not  nearly  so 
troublesome  or  injuri- 
ous to  vegetable  life  as 
gome  others,  yet,  when 
it  exists  in  great 
numbers  in  plant  houses , 
especially  amongst 
stove-plants  or  Or- 
chids,   it     does    much 

mischief  in  different  ways.  There  are  several  species 
that  infest  glass  structures,  all  natives  of  warmer 
countries  than  our  own.  Their  principal  food  in  houses 
devoted  to  the  cultivation  of  fruit-bearing  or  flowering 
plants  consists  of  the  excrement  of  other  insects,  such 
as  that  of  aphides,  brown  scale,  and  mealy  bug,  and 
they  exhibit  marvellous  instinct  in  providing  for  their  future 
food  by  carrying,  with  the  greatest  possible  care,  these  insects 
from  one  plant  to  another.  I  have  watched  attentively  for 
hours,  and  have  noted  the  particular  branch  on  which  they 
have  deposited  their  living  freight,  which,  in  a  short  time,  has 
become  a  numerous  colony  of  the  so-transported  insects  in 
active  life.  The  assistance  which  they  give  in  this  way  to 
some  of  the  worst  insects  that  infest  plants,  renders  them  any- 
thing but  desirable  occupants  to  our  plant  houses.  There  is 
one  species,  small,  but  wonderfully  agile,  that  is  very  objec- 
tionable in  Orchid  houses  (especially  amongst  Aerides,  Saccola- 
biums,  and  Vandas),  where  it  is  continually  carrying  the  soil 
in  which  the  plants  are  potted  up  into  the  axils  of  the  leaves. 
In  one  night  these  little  ants  will  frequently  carry  up  in 
this  way  as  much  soil  as  would  half  cover  the  palm  of  the 
hand,  making  the  plant  on  which  tlidy  are  operating  look  very 
unsightly,  as  well  as  doing  serious  harm.     Their  working  is 


■S^^^=-'_    --~_*-^, 


Italian  Garden  at  Holland  House  (see  p.  483) 


very  injurious  when  they  make  their  nests  in  the  balls  of 
hard-wooded  plants,  the  main  road  to  which  is  generally  down 
the  sides  of  the  pot,  frequently  removing  the  soil  down  to  the 
drainage ;  this  allows  the  water,  when  applied,  to  escape  by  the 
side  of  the  ball  instead  of  percolating  regularly  through 
the  soil,  the  result  being  that  the  soil  becomes  dry  under- 
neath, producing  death  or  an  unhealthy  condition  of  the  plant. 
I  have  known  them  attack  a  collection  of  Heaths  in  this  way, 
doing  ii-remediable  mischief  in  a  very  short  time.  It  is  often 
necessary  to  resort  to  several  means  for  their  destruction,  as 
they  generally  find  out  anything  that  does  not  agree  with 
them  before  it  has  much  diminished  their  numbers.  Some- 
times a  means  may  be  taken  to  destroy  them,  which  will 
answer  effectually ;  and  when  found  necessary  to  try  the 
same  a  second  time,  through  some  cause  or  other  they  cannot 
be  allured  by  it.  From  this  I  have  no  doubt  has  arisen  the 
number  of  remedies  recommended  for  their  destruction.  I 
have  caught  half  a  pint  of  them  in  forty-eight  hours,  in  four 
half -pint  earthenware  jam  pots,  placed  in  theu'  runs  ;  in  each 
of  the  pots  were  put  two  inches  of  the  best  salad  oil ;  and  on 
another  occasion  they  have  altogether  refused  to  go  near  it.  I 
never  have  got  quite  clear  of  them.  They  breed  fast,  con- 
sequently I  am  obliged  evei-y  year  to  make  an  onslaught  upon 

them,  using  several 
means  simultaneously. 
First,  I  procure  several 
pieces  of  sponge,  clean 
and  finite  dry,  into 
which  I  dredge  as  much 
fine  grated  sugar  as  the 
sponge  will  hold.  The 
sugar  allures  them  by 
hundreds,  when  sponge 
and  all  are  thrown  into 
boiling  water.  Then 
dry  the  sponges,  re-fill 
them  with  sugar,  lay 
them  down  again  in 
their  runs,  and  scald 
again  when  fresh  lots 
of  insects  have  been 
allured  to  them.  Along 
with  the  above,  get  raw 
beef  and  mutton  bones, 
with  a  little  flesh  or 
gristle  on  them.  These 
will  quickly  become 
covered  with  ants,  when 
all  can  be  dipped  in  the 
boiling  water.  Also 
get  a  flask  of  the  best 
olive  oil,  and  divide  it 
into  four  or  five  of  the 
jam  pots  already  de- 
scribed. These  may 
remain  in  their  runs  several  days,  or  until  the  oil  becomes  foul 
with  the  dead  insects,  after  which  they  will  cease  to  touch  it ; 
replace  it  with  fresh  oil,  and  return  the  pots  to  their  runs. 
Roth  &  Ringiesen's  beetle-poison  (which  can  be  procured  from 
any  druggist),  is  also  very  destructive  to  them  ;  place  small 
bits  of  the  poison,  about  the  size  of  a  nut,  on  oyster  shells  or 
bits  of  glass.  These  must  be  put  out  of  the  reach  of  cats  or 
dogs,  or  they  will  be  poisoned  by  them.  By  ftsiug  the  above 
means  all  at  the  same  time  for  about  a  fortnight  in  winter,  I 
manage  to  keep  ants  down  so  that  they  do  no  harm.  The  pots 
that  hold  the  oil  and  the  sponges  must  be  quite  clean  or  they 
will  not  come  near  them.  Rags  dipped  in  turpentine,  placed 
in  their  runs,  are  recommended,  but  I  never  found  them  to  be 
of  any  use  in  a  plant  or  fruit-house,  in  which  the  ants  simply 
make  a  fresh  run.  T.  Baines. 


LEAP-MINERS. 

Everybody  must  have  uoticed  in  their  autumn  rambles  the  pretty 
white  lines  and  tr.^cings  so  conspicuous  on  tlie  upper  surface  of  onr 
Primrose  leaves  in  the  grben  Lanes  of  old  England.  They  tell  us  of 
the  long  summer  life  of  the  larvEO  of  a  flv  (Phytomyza  nigra).  Its 
economy  is  this  :  The  egg  is  laid  by  the  parent  insect  in  close  prosi. 


Dec.  13,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


495 


mity  to  one  of  the  veins  of  the  leaf,  and  the  young  larva,  on  omerg- 
iug,  bnrics  itself  under  the  epidermis,  tunnelling  and  enlarging  its 
tunnel  in  proportion  to  its  growth.     As  soon  as  it  is  full-fed,  it  makes 
np  on  the  under-surface  of  the  leaf,  appearing  in  the  antnmn  as  a 
tiny  black  fly  with  palo  poieers.      It  is  a  close  ally  of  the  fly  that 
blotches  the  leaves  of  oar  Holly,  and  its  economy  is  similar.     Though 
Bo  imbedded  in  the  tomentum  of  the  leaf,  it  does  not  escape  tho 
attacks  of  a  prowling  ichneumon,  which  usually  makes  it  serve  as 
])roy  for  its  offspring.     I   have  hatched    the  parasite   this   autumn 
abundantly,  but  only  obtained  a  few  specimens  of  the  miner  itself, 
though  I  collected  a  considerable  quantity  of  the  affected  leaves. — 
Peteu  iNcnnALD,  Movintjham  Lodge,  near  York.     [We  are  muchgrati- 
iiod  to  find  Mr.  Inchbald  taking  up  thelife.history  of  the  loaf-mining 
Uiptera.     The  obscure  genus  Phytomj'za,  of  Fallen,  contains  a  great 
number  of  minute  flies,  all  of  them,  so  far  as   known,  feeding  on   tho 
parenchyma  of  leaves,  and  allowing  the  upper  and  under  cuticles  to 
remain   untouched,  thus  producing  a  track  sometimes  sinuous,   at 
others  a  mere  blotch  on  the  leaves — a  process   in  either   instance 
greatly  disfiguring  tho  plant.     The  species  infesting  the  leaves  of 
tbe  Ilolly  is  Phytomyza  Aqaitolii,  of  Desvoid,  who  has  described  it  in 
the  "Ilevuo  et  Magasin  de  Zoologie,"  for  1831.     On  the  wrapper  of 
the  "  Entomologist's  Annual "  for  1865  Mr.  Stainton  has  represented 
a  Holly  leaf  disfigured  by  the  insect,  but  we  see  no  reference  to  the 
name.     The  insect  mentioned  by  our  correspondent  is  Phytomyza 
Primula^,  and  its  tracks  may  be  observed,  as  he  says,  very  commonly 
in  Primrose-leaves.      A  great  number  of  other  species  have  been 
described  on  the  Continent,  and  a  few  in  Britain.     Wo  give  an  alpha, 
betical  list  of  those  best  known  :  Aquifolii,  feeds  in  the  leaves  of 
Holly;    Aquilegiaa,    in   Columbine;    exigua,  food   not   ascertained; 
flaveola,  ditto ;  geniculata,   in  Wallflower  and  many  other  plants ; 
LappLC,  in  Bui'dock  ;  lateralis,  in  the  great  Moon  Daisy  ;  Loniceras,  in 
common  Honeysuckle  and  Woodbine ;  nigripes,  food  not  ascertained  ; 
Onopordinis,  in  Scotch  Thistle  ;  ornata,  in  Whitethorn  ;  Plantaginis, 
in  the  narrow-leaved  Plantain  ;   Primnla3,  in  Primrose ;  pusilla,  food 
not  ascertained  ;   Ilanunculi,  in  Buttercup  ;  Scolopendrii,  in  Hart's, 
tongue  Fern ;  Sphondylii,  in  Cow  Parsnip;   Sonchi,  in   Sowthistle; 
Thapsi,    in   Hoary  Mullein ;  Xylostei,  in  Ply  Honeysuckle.     All  of 
these,  with   tbe   exception  of   Onopordinis,  are  mentioned  by  Mr. 
Walker  in  the  second  volume  of  his  "  Insecta  Britannica."      Onopor- 
dinis was  found  by  that  excellent  observer,  Mr.   Henry  Deane,  of 
Clapham  ;  he   first  noticed  the  mines  in  the  leaves  of  the  Scotch 
Thistle,  which,  like  the  Briar  Rose  and  Shamrock  (Trifolinm  repens), 
may  be  considered  a  national  emblem.     On  holding  the  loaf  up  to 
the  light  Mr.  Deane  saw  the  little  larva  at  its  mining  avocation ;  it 
soon  emerged  among  the  down  on  the  under  side  of  tho  leaf,  amongst 
which  it  spun  a  snow-white  cocoon  of  tiny  dimensions.     He  supposed 
it  to  be  tho  cocoon  of  a  microlepidoptoron  ;  and,  when  the  little  black 
fly  finally  emerged,  he  was  rather  inclined  to  regard  it  as  a  parasite  on 
the  moth,  than  in  its  true  character  of  miner  of  tho  leaf  and  architect 
of  the  cocoon. — Ed.  Field.'] 


WORK    FOR    THE    WEEK. 

THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 
TiiE  season  has  now  arrived  when  wo  may  expect  occasional  obstruc- 
tions to  outdoor  operations,  so  that  there  should  be  in  store  and  in 
(he  mind's  eye  plenty  of  work  under  shelter,  such  as  looking  over 
old  stakes,  re-painting  and  tying  them  up  into  convenient  bundles, 
and  new  ones  should  also  be  prepared  by  sharpening  and  tying  them 
in  bundles  of  a  suitable  length,  for  the  various  purposes  required. 
Clean,  point,  and  paint  all  old  labels,  and  provide  new  ones  of  various 
sizes,  having  a  well-planed  face  for  writing  on.  Almost  any  kind  of 
wood  will  do  for  common  kitchen  garden  labels,  but  common  Laurel 
is  the  best  of  all  for  writing  on.  Prepare  plenty  of  straw-mats 
thatched  frames,  or  hurdles,  and  have  in  readiness  any  available  kind 
of  protecting  materials,  so  that  no  risk  or  hindrance  may  be  experi. 
enced  when  frost  sets  in.  Prepare  also  pegs,  crooks,  spurs,  sticks, 
and  stakes,  litter,  dry  leaves,  straw,  haulm,  and  Fern ;  all  of  which 
^vill  bo  found  useful  for  protecting  purposes.  Dry  dust  is  a  most 
valuable  protector  for  the  crowns  of  plants  of  any  kind,  or  for  dredg. 
ing  Peas  and  Beana  and  other  seeds  when  they  first  make  their 
appearance  above  ground  at  this  season.  Dry  wood-ashes  should 
always  be  kept  in  store  in  old  tubs,  boxes,  &c.,  for  dredging  Lettuce, 
Cauliflower,  or  anything  else  subject  to  canker  or  mildew,  which 
many  things  are,  during  the  short  dark  days  of  winter.  Nothing  is 
so  effective  as  dry  wood-ashes  for  preventing  such  evils — but  they 
must  be  dry.  They  answer,  too,  as  a  fertiliser  for  mostly  every  kind 
of  plant.  Every  bit  of  spare  ground,  and  that  which  can  at  all  be 
cleared  from  crops,  should  now  be  trenched,  casting  the  soil  up  into 
rongh  ridges  for  frost  to  pulverise  it.  Take  advantage  of  dry  and 
frosty  mornings  for  wheeling  out  manures  and  composts,  and  for 
turning   the   same  where  necessary.     Look  to   drains,  and  to   the 


repairing  and  turning  of  walks,  and,  in  short,  anything  in   that  way 
that  can  bo  done  advantageously  at  this  season  of  tho  year. 

Artichokes. — If  Globe  Artichokes  are  not  already  protected 
about  their  crowns  with  litter.  Fern,  or  dry  leaves,  see  to  the  matter 
without  further  delay.  Also  mulch  Jerusalem  Artichokes,  for  they 
are  much  better  taken  up  as  wanted  for  use,  than  when  taken  up  all 
at  once  and  stored ;  and,  if  mulched,  they  can  be  procured  daily 
without  trouble,  however  hard  the  frost  may  be.  Should  tho  haulms 
be  placed  over  the  mulching,  they  will  prevent  the  latter  from  being 
displaced  by  wind. 

Asparagus. — Take  well-prepared  strong  roots  of  this  and  place 
them  in  a  dung  or  leaf  frame  with  a  bottom  heat  of  from  60'  to  70°, 
and  with  a  few  inches  of  soil  underneath  the  roots.  Cover  them 
slightly  the  first  week,  but  afterwards  put  three  or  four  inches  of 
healthy  light  soil,  decayed  tan,  leaf-mould,  or  sea-sand  over  them, 
watering  with  tepid  water  to  settle  all  down  amongst  them.  AVhen 
the  shoots  appear,  admit  light  and  air  on  favourable  occasions,  for  if 
the  "Grass"  is  kept  always  in  tho  dark,  it  will  become  blanched, 
and  the  flavour  inferior.  Covering  the  sashes  with  litter  or  mats  is, 
however,  necessary  to  expel  frost.  Apply  fresh  linings  to  the  frames 
in  the  case  of  a  declining  temperature,  and  always  cut  the  shoote 
beforo  they  become  overgroivn.  Where  sea-weed  and  sea-sand  are 
at  command,  dress  out-door  Asparagus  beds  with  them;  but  where 
those  cannot  be  bad,  cover  with  good  manure  incorporated  with  salt. 
Beans. — A  sowing  of  the  Early  Mazagan  and  other  early  Beans 
may  now  be  made  in  rows  about  two  feet  apart  on  warm  banks  or 
borders.  Some  seed  may  also  be  put  into  a  box  or  inside  a  cold 
frame,  intermediate  honse,  or  warm  corner,  for  transplanting  in  open 
weather  in  January  or  February ;  this  plan  not  only  ensures  short- 
jointed  prolifioness,  but  the  Beans  are  also  out  of  the  reach  of  mice. 

Cabbage  or  Coleworts. — If  intended  for  winter  consumption, 
they  should  all  be  collected  into  close-sheltered  quarters,  and  laid  in 
thickly,  in  order  that  they  may  be  protected  it  necessary.  Under 
such  conditions  they  can  also  be  easily  found  after  a  heavy  snow  or 
in  frosty  weather,  and  the  ground  may  be  cleared,  manured,  and 
trenched,  and  held  in  readiness  for  spring  cropping. 

Cardoons. — Finish  binding  up  those,  and  protect  them  with  dry 
litter  or  Fern,  to  keep  them  fresh  and  accessible  in  frosty  weather. 

Carrots. — Surround  those  sown  in  July  and  August  on  borders, 
intended  to  be  drawn  young  for  use  through  the  winter,  with  a  few 
short  stakes  and  tree-prQnings,'or  with  any  materials  come-at-able,  to 
give  shelter.  Sow  the  Early  Horn  and  Dutch  on  a  slight  bottom- 
heat  in  frames  or  pits,  close  to  tho  glass,  on  sweet,  light,  well- 
pulverised  soil,  and  in  rows  a  foot  apart ;  and  sow  a  row  of  Radishes 
between,  consisting  of  Short  Tops,  Early  Scarlet,  or  French  Break, 
fast.  Carrots  in  frames  must  be  kept  dry  on  the  surface,  and  any 
Lettuces  or  Radishes  grown  amongst  them  and  showing  the  least 
indication  of  damping  should  bo  removed  at  once. 

Cauliflowers,  Broccoli,  &o.— If  there  arc  any  stray  late, 
autuum-plantcd  ones  about,  collect  them  together,  and  lay  them  in 
frames,  pits,  or  home-made  turf-pits,  to  bo  covered  with  thatched 
frames,  evergreen  boughs,  &c. ;  but  see  that  they  are  not  devoured 
by  mice  or  rats,  which  are  apt  to  nibble  bits  out  of  the  very  best 
white-hearted  ones.  Give  air  to  young  plants  placed  in  winter 
quarters,  and  keep  them  clean  and  dry  during  these  short  days. 
Cauliflower  plants  placed  under  hand-lights,  frames,  or  turf-pits  for 
winter  protection  should  be  kept  clean,  and  a  dry  and  open  surface 
maintained  by  frequently  stirring  the  earth  between  them.  Dredge 
with  dry  dust  and  wood-ashes  on  tho  least  appearance  of  mildew, 
and  also  with  hot  air-slaked  lime  if  canker  should  make  its  appear- 
ance. A  light  dressing  will  soon  eradicate  those  two  enemies,  while 
neither  will  have  a  chance  to  appear  if  timely  applications  are  made. 
It  is  through  tardiness,  neglect,  and  lack  of  timely  observance  that 
such  enemies  thrive.  If  there  be  any  miscellaneous  plants  of 
Broccoli  left  about  tho  borders  of  the  late-summer-planted,  or  early- 
coming-in  kinds,  collect  them  all  together,  and  shelter  and  protect 
them  against  severe  weather.  By  planting  them  in  double  rows, 
hoops  and  mats  may  be  used  as  a  ready  protection  in  the  case  of 
hard  frost.  Brussels  Sprouts  and  Savoys,  whose  hearts  are  likely 
from  age  to  burst,  should  be  lifted  with  good  balls  and  planted 
thickly  in  some  cool  place.  By  this  means,  too,  the  ground  can  be 
cleared  for  digging  and  manuring  purposes. 

Celery. — All  that  has  made  its  full  growth,  earth  up  finally 
when  the  weather  is  dry ;  and,  if  the  soil  is  heavy  and  stiff,  and 
some  light  dry  soil  can  be  conveniently  obtained,  place  it  against 
the  stalks  with  tho  hand.  Have  in  readiness  some  protecting 
materials,  snch  as  litter.  Fern,  dry  leaves,  or  evergreen  boughs,  in 
case  of  frost. 

Cliervil. — If  this  is  not  sown  in  boxes  for  winter  use,  take  up 
some  and  place  it  in  boxes  to  take  into  a  frame,  pit,  or  glass-house  for 
use  till  spring. 

Chicory. — Take  np  roots  of  this  in  succession,  as  required  ;  pot 


496 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  13, 1873. 


them  in  light  soil,  or  plant  them  in  the  same,  and  keep  them  in  the 
Mushroom-house,  or  other  warm  dark  place,  to  blanch. 

Curled  and,  American  Cress. — Protect  a  small  piece  of  each 
of  these  for  daily  use ;  and  sow  common  Cress  and  Mustard  in  sue- 
cession,  either  in  boxes  or  small  beds  of  light  soil,  in  a  gentle  heat, 
once  a  week  or  fortnight,  as  required. 

Endive  and  Lettuce. — Such  Endives  as  are  in  store  for  winter 
use,  blanch  as  required  ;  keep  growing  crops  clean  and  healthy,  by 
means  of  frequent  surfaccstirrings  and  dry  dustings  with  wood- 
ashes.  Tie  np  the  earliest,  or  the  most  full-headed,  in  succession, 
which  will  leave  room  for  tho  others  between  to  more  fully  expand 
their  hearts.  Treat  Lettuces  taken  in  for  winter  uso  in  the  same 
way.  Young  late-sown  Lettuce,  now  of  course  small  and  close  to  the 
glass,  as  they  should  be,  must  be  well  attended  to  in  the  way  of  giving 
air  and  dry  dustings,  or  they  will  mildew  and  damp  off. 

Mushrooms. — Shed  or  house  Mushroom.beds,  now  in  full  bear- 
n>",  should  be  encouraged  with  a  genial  warmth  from  55°  to  60°, 
with  a  kindly  humidity,  produced  by  the  fermenting  materials  for 
preparing  the  next  succession  bed,  or  tepid  water  charged  with  a 
little  ammonia,  keeping  the  surface  of  the  beds  from  becoming  dry 
and  crusty  in  tho  same  way,  by  gentle  and  genial  applications  of 
tepid  water.  As  to  Mushroom-beds  out  of  doors,  on  the  ridge  system, 
such  as  are  made  to  a  large  extent  in  tho  market-gardens  round 
Loudon,  care  should  be  taken  when  collecting  the  Mushrooms  to  be 
quick  and  methodical  in  replacing  the  litter  tho  beds  are  protected 
with,  and  in  covering  immediately  with  mats,  either  Russian,  Dutch, 
or  home-made  straw  ones,  or  thatched  hurdles,  or  light  th.atched 
frames  made  of  light  scantling  stuff,  and  sufficiently  wide  to  meet 
jiruperly  at  tho  top  of  the  ridges.  All  should  be  made  secure  against 
wind  and  wet,  by  tying  them,  or  pegging,  or  placing  heavy  pieces  of 
wood  to  prevent  draughts  or  sudden  checks. 

Onions. — Dust  with  dry  wood-ashes  those  for  winter  uso  and 
spring  planting,  on  dry  days,  in  order  to  keep  them  sound  at 
tho  neck,  and  to  prevent  frost  from  heaving  them  out  of  tho 
ground,  and  keep  them  clear  from  weeds  and  leaves.  Old  Onions 
should  bo  kept  dry  and  cold,  and  those  in  store  should  be  looked  over, 
and  kept  clean  and  free  frour  runaways  and  decay. 

Parsley. — This  should  be  kept  clean,  surface-stirred,  and  dusted 
with  common  dry  dust  and  chimney-soot  round  its  crowns  ;  it 
should  also  have  a  temporary  fence,  about  a  foot  high,  placed  round 
a  I  ortion  of  it,  covering  it  at  night  with  thatched  frames  made  of 
light  materials,  or  with  light  hurdles  or  green  boughs,  in  order  to  keep 
frost  from  injuring  it,  and  to  know  where  it  can  be  readily  got  at  in 
the  event  of  a  heavy  snow-fall. 

Potatoes. — Some  early  sort  should  now  be  put  in  to  sprout  on 
some  slight  hot-bed,  such  as  the  front  of  Asparagus  forcing-pits,  or 
frames,  intermediate  houses,  &c.,  for  transplanting  next  month  on 
slight  hot-beds. 

Peas. — Sow  these  in  the  middle  of  tho  month,  it  the  ground  will 
admit  of  it,  on  a  warm  border,  ridged  or  banked,  to  face  the  south- 
west, so  as  to  escape  the  glare  of  the  morning  sun  and  to  receive  the 
benefit  of  his  last  evening  rays.  Any  favourite,  rather  dwarf- 
growing  early  variety,  such  as  Maclean's  Advancer,  Sutton's  Ring- 
leader, Sangster's  No.  1,  Essex  Rival,  &o.,  will  answer.  Peas  sown 
in  November  are  subject  to  many  casualties  during  winter  after 
being  up,  such  as  depredations  from  birds,  slugs,  and  mice.  They 
are  also  liable  to  be  knocked  about  by  cutting  winds,  and  to  be 
injured  by  severe  frosts.  Sow  just  to  get  them  peeping  through  the 
earth  by  New  Year's-day,  and  then  protect  them  by  dredging  in  the 
evenings,  when  dry,  with  dry  dust.  Sow  also  about  Christmas,  on 
strips  of  turf  placed  in  a  cold  Vinery,  Peach.house,  pit,  or  frame,  in 
order  to  have  even  crops  to  plant  out  at  the  end  of  January  or 
beginning  of  February.  These  are  sure  to  do  well,  and  to  pay  for 
any  little  trouble  in  the  way  of  dusting  and  shelter  which  may  be 
bestowed  on  them.  A  few  evergreen  boughs,  placed  behind  them, 
will  both  shade  and  shelter  them.  Draw  some  earth  to  those  already 
a  little  above  ground,  and  also  afford  them  some  protection. 

Radishes." — Sow  these  now  freely  on  a  light  bottom-heat;  also 
on  well-sheltered  borders,  to  be  covered  with  litter.  Sow  a  pinch  of 
Lettuce-seed  with  them,  and,  if  in  drills,  sow  alternate  rows  of  early 
Carrots  with  them ;  the  same  protection  will  answer  for  both,  and 
both  crops  agree  in  growth  and  time  of  removing. 

Rhubarb. — Take  up  strong  roots  of  some  early  variety  of  this 
every  three  weeks,  and  place  them  in  any  kind  of  shed,  stable,  cow. 
house,  cellar,  or  cave,  or,  better  still,  in  the  Mushroom. house.  Vinery, 
Peach-house,  or  under  a  plant-stage.  Nothing  will  bear  more 
hardship  than  Rhubarb,  or  produce  better  or  more  grateful  crops  of 
wholesome  stalks,  even  under  difficulties ;  some  should  also  be 
covered  out  of  doors  with  old  tea-chests,  pots,  or  boxes,  and  pro- 
tected with  leaves  or  litter. 

[Full  directions  in  other  departments  will  be  found  in  last 
week's  calendar.] 


THE  FUTURE  OF  THE  ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL 
SOCIETY. 
Will  you  allow  me  to  make  a  few  remarks  npon  what  took  place  at 
South  Kensington  on  the  3rd  inst.?  The  appeal  to  the  fellows,  and 
the  council's  answer  were  much  discussed.     I  did  not  draw  up  the 
appeal.     I  need  hardly  say  I  believe  its  facts  or  I  would  not  have 
sio'ncd  it.    I  believe  them  still,  though  tho  chancery  suit  may  be  now 
less   near  than  I  then  expected.      Not  all  the  legal  talent   on  the 
council,  and  I   admit  it  to  be  great,  can  explain  away  the  great  fact 
that  while  the  South   Kensington  Garden    land,  bought  out  of  the 
surplus  of  the  1851  exhibition — mainly  out  of  the  people's  shillings^ 
worth,  at  a  low  computation,  £12,000  a  year,  pays  rent  (when  it  does 
pay  it)  only  £2,100  a  year,  the  rest  of  the  consideration  is  supposed 
to   bo   made  up  by  the  garden  serving  the  great  public  object  of 
promoting  horticnltural  science.     Put  the  value  of  this  last  to  tho 
proof.     At  this  moment,  if  I  were  to  suggest  to  my  brother  horticul- 
turists who  are  now  engaged  in  the  task  of  reconstituting  the  society, 
or,  if  needs  must,  of  making  a  new  one  in  preparation  of  the  old  one 
falling  (as  it  must  assuredly  fall  before  long)  into  our  hands.  If  I  were 
to  suggest  that  wo  should  pay  II.M.  Commissioners  £.500  a  year,  for 
the  privilege  of  holding  our  committee  meetings  and  shows  at  South 
Kensington — in  fact,  for  its  uso  for  horticultural  objects,  the  idea  would 
be  scouted.     I   should  be  told  they  must  pay  us  for  showing;  they 
must,  at  least,  give  some  prizes  aud  charge  us   nothing;  therefore,  it 
surely  follows  that  land  worth,   at  least,  £12,000  a  year,  for  which 
£2, 100  a  year  rent  is  paid,  and  that  only  once  in  five  years,  is  being 
mainly  used  by  a  rich  neighbourhood,  who  could  afford  to  pay  its 
value,  as  a  recreation  ground  for  their  families.    Is  not  this  too  great 
an   abuse  to   bo  long  tolerated  in  these  days  ?     I  could  hardly  help 
laughing  when  told  of  the  Kensingtoniau  council  having  been  most 
polite   to   horticulturists.     I  thought  when  people  had  used  the  cat's 
paw  to  gain  their  object,  pussy  was  likely  to  be  treated  most  affec- 
tionately, as  long  as  there  was  a  chance  of  the  paw  being   wanted 
again.     Personally,  I  have  no  reason  to  find  fault  with  the  present 
council  (if  it  be  a  council),  except  in  one  particular.  I  was  not  on  the 
council  they  caused  to  resign,  having  gone  out  under  the  bye-law  for 
extreme  length  of  service,  or,  considering  tho  number  and  length  of 
the  late  council  and  council-committee  meetings,  I  might  say  sei'ri- 
tiule,  before  the  emeiite  came.     The  fault  I  have  to  find  is  that,  as  I 
am  told,   the  surplus  money  yielded  by  the  country  shows,  has  been 
applied  to  the  general  purposes  of  the  society.  I  was  on  the  council 
(so  know  the  facts)   when  the  country  shows  were  first  considered  ; 
they  were  new  and  there  was  risk.     It  was  suggested  by  the  proper 
authority  that,  as  country  shows  could  not  be  reckoned  to  the  good  of 
the  South  Kensington  estate,  the  "  Expenses  Committee"  ought  not 
to  sanction  the  risk.  We  then  said  we  will  take  the  risk  of  loss,  but, 
as  yon  decline  risk  of  loss,  you  can  have  nothing  to  say  to  the  profit, 
if  there  be  any.     Experienced  people  have  a  way  of  disliking  risk  ;  I 
thought  it  a  plucky  thing  of  the  council,  and  that  it  proved  their  being 
strong  horticulturists,  or  they  would  not  have  taken  it.     The  shows 
did  yield  a  profit  which  was  considered  sacred  to  horticulture  proper. 
Most  of  the  surplus  from  Bury  St.  Edmund's  was  put  into  the  suc- 
cessful orchard-house  at  Chiswick  Gardens.  I  am  told  (I  hope  it  is  not 
true)  that  the  country  shows'  surplus  has  been  used  for  the  general 
purposes  of  the  Society.      The  country  horticulturists  appear  to  bo 
fairly  roused,  and  if  this  be  so,  no  Kensingtoniau  power  or  interest 
can  long  stand  against  them.      My  fii-st  letter  ended  with  an  appeal 
to  some  one,  with  time  aud  a  fresh  head  at  his  disposal,  to  como 
forward  and  take  the  lead.     Such  a  leader  is  now  more  than  ever 
wanted.  George  F.  Wilson. 

Heatherhank,  Weyliriili/e  Heath. 


Most  cordially  do  1  synipathise  with  the  remarks  of  Mr.  Ellacombo 
and  Mr.  Elwes,  on  Mr.  G.  F.  Wilson's  proposals  with  respect  to  the 
reorganization  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  and  most 
thoroughly  glad  shall  I  be  to  become  a  member  if  they  are  carried  out. 
I  have  repeatedly  been  solicited  to  allow  my  name  to  be  proposed  as 
a  fellow,  but  have  always  refused,  because  I  could  see  no  correspond- 
ing advantage.  1  yield  to  no  one  in  a  taste  for  horticulture,  and 
will  enter  the  lists  with  any  one,  in  a  determination,  if  possible,  to  grow 
whatever  I  can  get  hold  of.  If  I  belong  to  a  horticultural  society,  I 
expect  that  society  to  help  me  in  my  particular  horticultural  hobbies. 
For  instance,  I  am  now  particularly  anxious  to  obtain  living  bulbs  of 
every  known  species  of  Crocus.  Thanks  to  the  laboursof  Mr.  Baker,  tho 
localities  of  all  the  already  discovered  species  are  accurately  known. 
If  I  were  a  member  of  the  Horticultural  Society,  it  ought  to  help 
me  to  procure  any  species  I  might  particularly  want,  but,  as  at 
present  constituted,  I  might  wait  to  the  day  of  my  death  before  it 
lent  me  a  helping  finger.  A  horticultural  society  ought  to  bo  some- 
thing  more  than  a  flower-show,  a  parade  for  belles  and  exquisites,  a 
resort  of  nursery-maids,  and  a  convenient  place  for  princely  balls. 
Rectory,  Drayton-Beauchamp,  Tring.  H.  H.viii'iK  Ckewe. 


Dec.  20, 1873.J 


THE   GARDEN. 


497 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Whioh  does  mend  nature  :  clianjje  it  rather  :  but 
The  Art  itself  is  Nature." — SlMkespecire. 


TABLE  DECORATIONS  FOR  CHRISTMAS  DAY. 
Tnis  is  a  day  on  wbicli  friends  and  relations  hope  to  meet ; 
tlierefore,  a  few  hints  on  floral  decorations,  suitable  for  the 
dinner-table,  may  not  prove  unacceptable.  Let  us  then  give 
descriptions  of  two  t.ibles,  one  for  those  who  have  plenty  of 
choice  flowers  from  which  to  cut,  and  another  for  those  who 
maj^  not  have  such  an  abundant  supply  at  their  command,  or 
who  do  not  care  to  go  to  much  expense  if  they  have  to 
purchase  them.  Table  number  one  we  will  suppose  to  be 
about  12  feet  long,  and  table  number  two  about  8  feet,  the 
width  of  both  being  in  proportion  to  their  length.  As 
regards  the  decorations  which  I  shall  describe,  it  does  not 
matter  it  the  ends  of  the  table  be  rounded,  or  if  the  table 
itself  be  oval,  a  form,  indeed,  which  is  more  effective  than  a 
table  with  square  ends.  People  are  not,  however,  likely  to 
change  their  tables  for  the  sake  of  floral  decorations,  therefore 
I  shall  at  once  turn  to  table  numl^er  one.  Down  the  centre  I 
should  put  three  March  stands,  with  trumpets  rising  out  of 
the  top  tazzas,  the  centre  stand  being  the  highest  by  some 
inches.  Round  the  edge  of  the  bottom  dish  of  the  centre 
piece,  I  should  place  mixed  varieties  of  Ferns,  and  four  fronds 
of  a  golden  one,  turned  so  as  to  show  the  gold  side.  In  the 
dish  I  would  put  four  large  Arum  Ijlooms  and  four  bracts  of 
Poinsettia,  and  then  fill  in  with  white  Heaths,  Primulas,  and 
similar  flowers.  Close  to  the  glass  stem  which  supports  the 
iipper  dish,  I  should  place  three  large  bunches  of  Holly- 
berries,  and  up  the  stem  twine  a  spray  of  a  small-leaved  Ivy. 
Round  the  edge  of  the  upper  tazza  I  would  put  some  fronds 
of  Maiden-hair  Fern  to  droop  gracefully  over,  and  through 
them  mix  some  blooms  of  scarlet  and  white  Lapageria,  say 
two  of  each.  I  should  next  place  in  the  dish  four  blooms  of 
Eucharis  amazonica,  four  sprigs  of  scarlet  Bonvardias,  and 
two  of  Holly-berries,  the  latter  to  rise  above  the  other  flowers 
close  to  the  base  of  the  trumpet,  and  the  trumpet  itself  I 
should  finish  off  with  Roman  Hyacinths,  scarlet  Begonias, 
one  small  sprig  of  Holly,  and  lilaiden-hair  Fern.  Through 
the  flowers  in  the  two  tazzas,  largo  fronds  of  Adiantnm 
cuneatum  should  be  arranged,  so  as  to  wave  lightly  overthem, 
and  from  the  trumpet  I  should  bring  down  four  long  sprays 
of  Lygodium  scandens  to  trail  out  on  the  table-cloth.  The 
two  end  stands  I  would  arrange  in  much  the  same  style,  only 
using,  say  in  place  of  the  Poinsettias,  scarlet  Pelargoniums  ; 
the  Arums  and  Camellias  I  would  put  in  the  second  tier, 
substitute  Azaleas  for  the  Bucharises,  and  let  the  trumpets  be 
filled  with  scarlet  Begonias  and  Lily  of  the  Valley.  Round 
the  edge  of  the  lower  tazzas,  some  leaves  of  variegated  Ivy 
can  be  laid  out  on  the  Ferns  here  and  there  with  good  effect, 
and  plenty  of  Maiden-hair  Fern  should  be  mixed  through  the 
flowers.  Between  the  centre  piece  and  the  ends  stand 
two  nicely-grown  plants  of  Adiantum  cuneatum,  which 
should  be  dropped  into  ornamental  china  pots,  and  the  surface 
of  the  soil  should  be  covered  with  Lycopodium.  Opposite 
each  guest  I  should  place,  in  a  specimen  glass,  a  nice  button- 
hole bouquet,  made  of  flowers  that  will  look  well  at  night. 
Floating  on  tho  water,  in  the  finger-glasses,  I  would  put  three 
leaves  of  the  Oak-leaved  Geranium,  called  Lady  Plymouth, 
the  centre  of  each  being  pierced  by  the  stem  of  a  pip  of  a 
double  scarlet  Pelargonium,  so  as  to  allow  one  flower  to  rest 
on  each  leaf.  So  much  for  the  floral  part ;  let  us  now 
dii'ect  attention  to  the  fruit.  Such  a  table  as  has  just  been 
described  will  require  a  good  many  stands  of  fruit,  probably 
ten.  Fruit  looks,  perhaps,  best  arranged  on  glass  dishes,  but 
some  like  to  use  the  stands  belonging  to  their  dessert  service 
(if  it  be  a  handsome  one)  for  dishiug  up  fruit ;  this,  however, 
is  all  a  matter  of  taste,  but  the  two  stands,  one  at  each  end  of 
the  table,  should  be  some  inches  higher  than  the  others 
employed.  At  the  top,  I  would  put  a  handsome  Melon,  resting 
on  a  mat  formed  of  Vine-leaves,  and  if  the  latter  are  tinted 
with  colour,  as  they  often  are   late  in  the  year,  so  much  the 


better ;  at  tho  bottom,  a  Pine  should  also  be  set  on  Vine-leaves, 
and  a  few  sprigs  of  Holly-berries  can  be  arranged  round  tho 
vase  of  both  the  Melon  and  Pine  to  indicate  the  season. 
Grouped  round  the  centre  piece,  four  glass  baskets  would  look 
well  filled  two  with  light  and  two  with  dark  coloured  Grapes. 
Four  baskets  of  Grapes  may  sound  a  great  quantity,  Ijut  the 
baskets  should  be  small,  each  only  holding  a  good-sized  single 
bunch.  Round  tho  handles  should  be  twined  sprays  of  Lygo- 
dium. There  are  now  four  more  stands  to  be  employed; 
these  should  be  selected  of  an  oval  shape  and  as  flat  as 
possible,  and  they  might  be  filled  as  follows : — with  Apples, 
Pears,  Walnuts,  and  Filberts,  the  Nuts  and  the  Pears  and 
Apples  being  placed  opposite  each  other.  Any  vacant  places 
on  the  table  may  then  be  filled  in  with  smaller  dishes  con- 
taining crystallised  fruits,  ice,  sugar,  or  anything  else  that  may 
be  desTred.  A  little  Fern,  or  something  similar,  may  be  used 
in  the  decoration  of  the  above  four  dishes  ;  but  too  much  of- 
that  kind  of  ornamentation  should  not  be  employed,  for  tho 
fruit  itself  ought  to  form  a  handsome  decoration,  and  should 
require  little  to  set  it  off.  The  fruit  on  the  table  for 
which  I  was  awarded  a  first  prize  at  South  Kensington, 
in  May,  1872,  and  that  to  which  I  awarded  a  similar  prize 
at  the  Crystal  Palace  last  September,  when  acting  as  judge 
with  Mr.  Harrison  Weir,  was  arranged  very  much  after  the 
fashion  just  described.  As  respects  table  number  two,  in  the 
centre  a  stand  similar  in  shape  to  that  described  for  table 
number  one,  would  look  well.  A  different  one  might  be  used, 
but  a  March  stand  is  the  least  expensive  and  it  is  one  which 
is  to  be  found  in  almost  every  house  where  floral  arrangement 
of  any  description  receives  attention.  Round  the  edge  of  the 
bottom  dish  should  be  placed  some  nice  fresh  Fern  fronds, 
such  as  those  of  Lastrea  Filix-mas,  or  the  common  Bracken  ; 
out  on  these  might  be  rested  some  leaves  of  golden  and  silver 
varieties  of  Ivy,  the  dish  be  then  filled  in  with  white  Chrysan- 
themums, scarlet  Pelargoniums,  Lauvustiuus,  Holly-berries, 
Arbutus-lserries,  white  Lilac,  and  a  few  fronds  of  Maiden-hair 
I'eru,  and  up  the  glass  stem  might  be  twisted  a  spray  of  varie- 
gated Ivy.  Then  from  the  edge  of  the  second  tier  might  be 
drooped  some  long  sprays  of  Selaginella  denticulata,  and  in  tlie 
tazza  itself  bo  arranged  some  scarlet  Pelargoniums,  Jonquils, 
and  any  other  scarlet  or  white  flowers  that  may  be  at  hand, 
and  a  few  fronds  of  Maiden-hair  Fern.  Round  the  mouth  of 
the  trumpet  should  be  put  some  more  Selaginella,  finishing 
off  with  a  few  Roman  Hyacinths,  scarlet  Pelargoniums,  Maiden- 
hair Pern,  and  two  or  three  leaves  of  Pampas  Grass  placed 
outwards  in  a  graceful  wavy  manner.  Round  this  centre  stand 
should  be  arranged  eight  specimen  glasses,  four  the  usual 
height  and  four  rather  shorter ;  these  should  be  filled  with 
flowers  similar  to  those  used  in  the  centre  piece.  At  tho  top 
and  bottom,  where  the  two  other  stands  would  be  in  the  larger 
table,  two  well-berried  plants  of  Solanum  Capsicastrum  should 
be  placed,  the  rough  pots  being  dropped  into  more  ornamental 
ones,  placing  over  the  soil  Moss  such  as  one  finds  in  woods,  or 
such  as  is  sold  in  bundles  in  the  market,  and  pricked  into  it 
should  be  three  pods  of  Iris  foetidissima.  Some  white  and 
black  Grapes  should  be  put  at  the  top  of  the  table,  and  mixed, 
at  the  bottom.  Oranges  and  four  other  dishes  of  Apples,  Pears, 
Nuts,  and  Medlars,  or  any  others  it  may  seem  desirable  to  add. 
The  selection  of  dishes  may  also  be  left  to  discretion.  As  thq 
decorations  of  both  the  tables  just  named  are  in  the  same 
colours,  perhaps,  it  might  )jc  well  before  concluding  these 
remarks,  to  suggest  the  arrangement  of  a  centrepiece  in  white 
and  pink  ;  the  shape  of  the  stand  being  a  high  trumpet  out  of 
a  flat  tazza,  with  three  carved  ones  branching  from  it.  Round 
the  tazza  Ferns  should  be  arranged  in  the  same  way  as  is 
described  for  the  other  stands,  filling  in  with  white  Primulas, 
pink  Pelargoniums  (such  as  Christine),  and  white  and  pink  Cape 
Heaths.  The  three  curved  trumpets  would  look  well  with  an 
Arum  rising  out  of  each,  the  filling  up  being  pink  Pelargoniums, 
Heaths,  and  white  Lapageria.  In  the  centre  trumpet  a  mixture 
of  Roman  Hyacinths,  and  pink  Heaths  would  look  well,  while 
run  through  the  flowers  just  enumerated  there  should_  be 
plenty  of  Maiden-hair  Fern  ;  and  long  sprays  of  Lygodium 
should  be  twined  round  the  trumpets.  At  the  top  and  bottom 
of  the  table  on  which  these  flowers  are  used  for  the  centre 
piece,  a  handsome  Palm  would  be  effective.  A.  Hassard. 
Upper  Norwood. 


49S 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Drr .  20, 1873. 


NOTES   OF   THE   WEEK. 


That  most  graceful  of  Palms,  Cocos  Weddelliana,   is  now  in 

flower  in  the  fine  collection  at  the  Victoria  Nurseries,  Holloway. 
That  it  flowers  and  fruits  freely  at  not  more  than  2  feet  high  shows 
it  to  be  as  valuable  in  compactness  of  habit  as  it  is  unsurpassed  in 
grace  among  Palms.  Every  garden  where  there  is  a  warm  house 
should  possess  a  plant  or  two  of  this  Palm,  so  useful  for  the  more 
select  class  of  decorations. 

A  NEW  illustrated  work  on  Orchids  is  announced  by  ilessrs. 

Lovell  Eeeve  &  Co.  It  is  to  be  issued  in  monthly  parts,  and  will  treat 
jirincipally  of  Orchid  culture  in  India  and  other  tropical  countries. 
Its  author  is  Mr.  S.  Jennings. 

TVe  have  received  from  Mr.  Williams,  Ryde,  Isle  of  Wight,   a 

very  beautiful  variety  of  Pteris  serrulata,  the  fronds  of  which  weep 
with  a  richly.fringed  crest  to  every  division  of  the  frond ;  it  is  one  of 
the  most  beautiful  Ferns  we  have  seen,  and  trust  it  may  become 
common  in  our  gardens. 

Mn.  Dick   Eadcltpfe,  of  Holborn,   has  sent  ns  some   very 

pleasing  wreaths  composed  of  dried  forest  leaves,  Grasses,  Winter 
Cherries,  small  Pine  cones,  and  Mosses.  They  are  a  decided  im- 
provement on  wreaths  formed  exclusively  of  the  rather  poor  ever, 
lasting  flowers  now  so  common. 

A  FINE  plant  of  Odontoglossnm  Bictonense  is  now  in  flower  in 

the  Eoyal  Botanic  Gardens,  Kew.  It  bears  several  great  branched 
spikes  over  4  feet  in  length,  and,  although  a  poor  variety  of  that 
species,  is  the  most  vigorous  and  profuse-flowering  kind  we  have 
ever  seen. 

Sevex   individuals   who    had  eaten  snails  at  dinner    were, 

so  says  the  Montpellier  Medical,  affected  with  sickness,  diarrhoea, 
giddiness,  fever,  &c.  It  is  well  known  that  snails  often  feed  on 
poisonous  plants,  such  as  Belladonna,  Digitalis,  and  Hemlock,  and  on 
the  fields  from  which  the  snails  which  were  eaten  had  been  gathered, 
were  found  Bos-wood,  Euphorbia,  and  Prickwood.  It  is  on  account 
of  this  that  snails  have  to  endure  a  few  days'  fasting  previous  to 
being  eaten. 

The   Belgique  Horticole,  in   noticing  the  completion  of  De 

CandoUe's  "  Prodromus,"  states  that.of  thel3,194ipagesof  which  the 
work  consists,  5,950  pages  were  wi-itten  by  MM.  Pyrame,  Alphonse, 
and  Casimir  De  CandoUe  ;  l,475i-  pages  by  the  keepers  of  the  Can- 
doUe  Herbarium ;  and  5,769  pages  by  various  other  authors.  The 
monograph  of  the  Poplars  was  contributed  by  a  Belgian  gentleman, 
M.  Alfred  Wesmael,  of  Mens.  The  Belgian  Federation  of  Horticul- 
tural Societies  has  decreed  M.  Alphonse  De  Caudolle  a  medal,  in 
commemoration  of  the  completion  of  this  magnificent  work,  which 
was  commenced  by  his  father  (M.  Pyrame  De  CandoDe)  in  ISIS. 

Our  excellent  correspondent   "W.  E.  G."    informs  us  that 

the  raiser  of  the  pretty  new  Daisy,  Flower  of  Spring,  has  now  pro- 
duced upwards  of  a  thousand  plants  of  it,  although  it  only  originated 
with  him  in  the  spring  of  1872.  It  is  a  distinct  and  beautiful  kind, 
with  large  pure  white  double  flowers  and  gold  variegated  foliage.  It 
is  a  sport  from  the  red-flowered  Aucuba-Ieaved  variety,  from  which 
only  two  plants  thus  sported ;  yet,  in  little  more  than  eighteen 
months,  the  number  just  named  has  been  placed  in  Messrs.  E.  G. 
Henderson's  hands  for  distribution.  It  is  stated  to  continue  in 
flower  nearly  the  whole  year  round,  and,  on  a  gravelly  soil,  to  have 
withstood  16'  of  frost. 

Messrs.  Backhouse  &  Sox,  of  York,  have  recently  received 

from  the  Rocky  Mountains  some  very  fine  Alpine  plants,  which  will 
make  valuable  additions  to  that  class  of  plants.  Among  them  are^ 
Gentiana  aflinis,  a  handsome  species,  with  the  habit  of  -G.  gelida, 
but  with  flowers  along  the  stem  as  well  as  in  a  terminal  cluster, 
and  which  forms  dense  masses,  from  12  to  15  inches  high,  of  dark 
and  rich  purplish-blue.  Ranunculus  adonens  (Gray). — Grows  from 
3  to  4  inches  high,  and  has  an  unbranched  stalk  and  capillary  leaves 
(hke  a  minute  form  of  Adonis  vemalis),  the  flowers  being  circular, 
very  large,  and  bright  yellow.  Oxytropis  splendens  (Dongl.).— 
Intensely  silvery  all  over ;  leaves  6  inches  long,  stems  1  foot  high ; 
flowers  red,  changing  to  blue.purplo  in  elongated  silvery-white 
spikes.  Erigeron  macranthum  (Nutt.).— Grows  from  12  to  15  inches 
in  height ;  leaves,  small  and  narrow  ;  flowers,  large,  purplish-rose, 
four  to_  six  in  a  cluster.  Pentstemon  hnmilis  (Nutt.).— Grows  from 
3  to  4  inches  in  height ;  colour,  deep  cobalt-blue.  P.  acuminatum 
(Dongl.)  and  P.  secvmdiflorus. — Two  very  handsome  hardy  species 
that  grow  from  12  to  IS  inches  in  height,  with  dense  showy  spikes  of 
rose-coloured  or  shaded  bluish  flowers.  Campanula  Langsdorffiana. 
—Dense  tufts,  3  inches  in  height,  with  clustered  lanceolate  leaves, 
and  erect  purple  flowers ;  very  distinct.  Primula  Pan-yi.— Of  this 
queen  of  American  Primroses  magnificent  crovrns  have  been  received. 
Its  leaves  are  lanceolate  and  entire,  and  from  4  to  6  inches  long ; 
flowers,  brilliant  purple,  in  great   trasses,  on  stalks   from  9  to  12 


inches  high.  Polemonium  confertum. — A  charming  species,  bearing 
dense  clusters  of  shaded  purple  flowers  on  short  stalks.  To  lovers  of 
Alpines,  the  arrival  of  such  gems  as  those  mast  be  welcome  news. 

Bakkeria  Lixdleyana  var.  Centers;  is  now  in  flower  in  the 

Eoyal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea.  It  has  lilac  flowers,  and  a  deep 
purple  blotch  on  the  lip. 

— ■ —  A  sew  form  of  Populus  canadensis  is  the  most  remarkable 
tree  of  recent  introduction,  for  the  rapidity  of  its  growth,  plants 
only  three  years  old  being  now  22  feet  in  height.  We  have  recently 
observed  it  in  Mr.  Anthony  Waterer's  nursery  at  Woking. 

Mr.  Barr  informs  ns  that  the  late  severe  frosts  and  fogs 

have  had  no  ill  effect  on  the  beautiful  autumn  Crocuses  serotinus 
and  longlflorus,  both  of  which  are  still  in  great  beauty  in  his  trial 
grounds. 

The  rockery  at  Kew,  of  which  a  representation  was  given 

at  p.  879,  Vol.  I.  of  The  Gardex,  as  a  work  of  the  kind  to  be  avoided, 
has  been  entirely  demolished,  and  another  is  to  be  erected  on  the 
same  site.  Let  us  hope  that  the  new  rock-garden  may  be  more 
satisfactory  than  the  last,  which  would  have  disgraced  a  suburban 
tea-garden. 

We  have  just  received  from  Mr.  E.  W.  Buswell,   Treastu-er 

and  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural 
Society,  a  copy  of  the  catalogue  of  the  library  of  that  society.  It  is 
a  neatly  got-up  pamphlet  of  156  pages,  and  appears  to  contain  the 
titles  of  all  the  best  works  on  gardening  and  farming,  published  both 
in  this  country  and  America.  We  know  of  no  equally  extensive 
library  in  the  possession  of  any  English  horticultural  society. 

■  A  FEW  years  ago  Mr.  Painter,  of  Maccles&eld,  says    Nature, 

gave  a  lecture  at  the  Town  Hall  upon  the  Geology,  Archteology, 
Botany,  Ornithology,  and  Zoology  of  Danes  Moss  and  its  borders, 
when  he  mentioned  some  rare  and  beautiful  bog  plants,  &c.,  that 
grew  upon  it.  In  the  course  of  a  year  or  two  nearly  the  whole  of 
them  were  rooted  np  and  carried  away,  chiefly  by  strangers. 

We  have  received  from  Messrs.  Pyke  aningenious  and  elegant 

bouquet-holder,  which  will  prove  useful  and  become  popular.  It  is 
called  "the  magic  bouquet-holder."  It  has  a  deep  receptacle  for  the 
stem  of  the  bouquet,  which  is  a  good  point.  When  not  in  use  by 
simply  touching  a  spring  the  holder  is  converted  into  a  stand  for  the 
table. 

Some  good  bulbs  of  the  beautiful  new  Calif ornian Lily  (L.  pnr- 

pureum)  were  sold  by  Mr.  Stevens  on  Thursday  last,  when  they 
realised  from  10s.  to  a  guinea  a  bulb.  Lovers  of  hardy  plants  will 
look  forward  with  interest  to  the  flowering  of  these  fine  Califomian 
Lilies.  Of  their  hardiness  there  need  be  no  doubt,  as  we  have  seen 
them  growing  abundantly  in  the  Sierras,  at  elevations  where  snow 
falls  early  and  remains  long. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  council  of  the  Eoyal  .'Agri- 
cultural Society  to  adjudicate  the  prize  for  the  best  essay  on  the 
Potatoe  disease  and  its  cure,  do  not  advise  its  being  awardf^d  to  any 
of  the  competitors.  They  recommended,  however,  that  a  sum  of 
money  be  granted  for  the  purpose  of  inducing  a  competent  person  to 
investigate  the  life-history  of  the  Potato-fungus,  Peronospora  infestans, 
and  that  the  society  should  offer  prizes  for  kinds  of  Potatoes  that 
would  resist  disease  during  experiments  to  be  continued  for  three 
successive  years. 

According  to  the  French  papers  a  special  commission  is  being 

organised,  imder  which  will  be  placed  the  whole  care  of  the  decoration 
and  arrangement  of  all  public  open  spaces,  large  and  small,  from  the 
Buttes  Chaumont  down  to  the  tiniest  square.  The  members  named 
are  Messrs.  Guillaume,  Director  of  the  School  of  Fine  Atts  :  Long- 
perier.  Member  of  the  Institute ;  Baltard,  and  Due ;  and  their  powers 
are  to  be  specially  exercised  in  ornamenting  the  various  places  with 
statues  of  persons  eminent  in  Parisian  annals,  and  groups  illustrative 
of  notable  Parisian  events,  for  which  object  it  is  proposed  to  allow 
them  a  vote  of  £10,000  or  £12,000  annually. 

Mr.  Gflbert,  of  Barghley,  writes  to  us  as  follows  : — "  At  the 

International  Horticultural  Meeting,  at  Manchester,  in  September, 
the  society  offered  prizes  for  seedling  Grapes  and  Pine-apples,  and, 
although  this  was  a  step  in  the  right  direction,  still  it  did  not 
include  all  seedling  fruits,  which  was  an  omission.  I  would  suggest 
that  the  Eoyal  Horticultural  Society  should  take  the  work  in  hand 
and  include,  at  least.  Strawberries  and  Melons,  the  latter  of  which 
are  to  come  out  in  great  force  next  year.  Now,  without  finding  fault 
with  the  good  work  done  by  the  fruit  committee  of  the  Eoyal  Horti- 
cultural Society,  which  is,  indeed,  the  only  tribunal  we  have  at  pre- 
sent, I  should  say  it  is  an  ntter  impossibiUty  for  them  to  say  which 
is  the  best  seedling  fruit  of  the  season,  when  they  have  not  had  an 
opportunity  of  seeing  and  tasting  all  at  the  same  time.  The  same 
test,  by  doing  this,  would  give  purchasers  an  opportunity  of  buying 
the  premier  variety  of  the  season,  and  save  them  the  disappoint, 
ment  which  new  trashy  varieties  occasion." 


Dec.  20, 


THE   GARDEN. 


499 


THE     ARBORETUM. 

HAEDY  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

Br   GEORGE  GORDON,  A.L.S. 

THE    GLAUCOUS-LEAVED   HIMALAYAN    MAPLE    (ACER    GLAUtUM, 

WALLICU.) 

This  very  distinct  and  rare  kind  forms  a  large  tree,  with  a 
■wide  spreading  head,  and  smooth  light  brown  glossy  shoots, 
furnished  with  numerous  small  elevated  glands,  and  small 
pointed  buds  covered  with  imbi-icated  downy  scales.  It  is  a 
native  of  the  Himalaya  Mountains,  where  it  grows  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  8,000  feet,  and  was  first  introduced  by  the  Royal 
Horticultural   Society   in  ISIS.      The  leaves    in  general   are 


The  KlaucouB-leaved  Himalayan  Maple. 

rather  large,  and  in  opposite  pairs,  but  they  vary  very  much 
in  shape  and  size,  the  larger  ones  being  somewhat  hastate  and 
long-pointed,  and  either  three-lobed,  or  furnished  with  a  lateral 
lobe  on  one  side  only,  and  mostly  with  a  few  blunt  distantly- 
placed  serratures  along  the  margins,  while  the  smaller  leaves 
are  oblong,  lanceolate,  long-taper-pointed,  and  mostly  entire  on 
the  edges  ;  they  are  all  of  a  deep  shining  green  above,  pale 
green  and  glaucous  beneath,  leathery  in  texture,  quite  smooth 
on  both  surfaces,  rounded  or  slightly  cordate  at  the  base,  and 
in  general  set  on  long  and  rather  stout  foot-stalks,  tinted  with 
red.  The  lobes  are  unequal  in  size,  the  lateral  ones  being 
short,  spreading,  and  much  the  smallest;  while  the  central  one 
is  large,  ovate,  and  terminated  by  a  long  tail-like  acute  point, 
and  furnished  on  the  edges  with  a  few  uneven  blunt  serratures. 


The  length  of  a  full-sized  leaf  is  12  inches,  including  the  foot- 
sta,lk,  which  is  from  4  to  5  inches  long,  and  the  breadth  (from 
point  to  point  of  the  lateral  lobes)  is  6  inches. 


OLD  TREES  AT  HAMPTON  COURT.* 

By  JAMES  M'NAB,  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  EdinlrarRh. 
In  September  last,  I  made  an  inspection  of  trees,  both  younn- 
and  old,  in  the  Homo  Park,  at  Hampton  Court.  I  have 
frequently  been  struck  with  the  beauty  of  the  noble  avenues 
there,  composed  chiefly  of  Elm  and  Lime  trees,  but  never  till 
this  year  did  I  so  minutely  examine  the  other  trees  which  stand 
apart,  and  which  have  existed  on  these  grounds  long  prior  to  tho 
planting  of  those  which  compose  the  avenue  lines.  Some 
account  of  these  venerable  specimens  must  exist  in  the  blue 
books,  but  I  have  not  the  means  of  finding  them  out.  I  have, 
however,  much  pleasure  in  laying  before  the  members  of  the 
Botanical  Society  a  few  remarks  regarding  their  present 
condition.  I  shall  begin  with  the  Lime  trees,  which  are  very 
numerous  and  healthy,  many  of  them  averaging  from  8  to  10 
feet  in  circumference.  The  largest  specimens  examined  are 
standing  at  the  extreme  east  end  of  the  south  avenue  lino, 
one  being  12  feet  6  inches  in  circumference,  another  15  feet  6 
inches,  and  another  16  feet,  at  3  feet  above  the  ground.  They 
average  from  110  to  120  feet  in  height,  and  stand  40  feet  from 
the  ornamental  canal  water-line,  and  18  inches  above  the 
water-level.  The  roots  must  therefore  be  abundantly  supplied 
with  moisture,  and  perhaps  it  is  owing  to  this  that  they  are 
all  in  a  vigorous  and  free-growing  condition.  The  other  large 
trees  were  either  standing  singly  or  in  groups,  the  Elms  being 
the  most  numerous  and  by  far  the  most  conspicuous.  The 
largest  living  specimens  noticed  were  thirteen  in  number; 
one  19  feet  8  inches  in  circumference,  two  20  feet,  one  21  feet 
4  inches,  two  22  feet  3  inches,  one  23  feet,  one  23  feet  6  inches, 
one  24  feet,  one  24  feet  10  inches,  two  25  feet,  and  one  27  feet 
6  inches.  Many  of  these  trees  are  very  much  decayed  at  the 
heart.  The  outside  bark  of  some  of  them  is  densely 
covered  with_  large  hemispherical  excrescences,  which  are 
thickly  set  with  a  mass  of  small  twiggy  branches.  In  the 
stems  of  these  large  old  Elms  (particularly  those  which 
are  hollow)  many  holes  are  observed  about  3  or  4  feet 
in  diameter.  These  openings  are  all  surrounded  with  peculiar, 
large,  rounded  growths.  The  upper  portion  of  the  under  side 
is  generally  covered  with  numerous  young  twigs  from  2  to  3 
feet  in  length,  which,  with  the  excrescences  just  alluded  to, 
may  account  for  the  peculiar  bony-looking  appearance  which 
these  stems  assume  after  death,  and  when  the  bark  comes  to 
be  removed.  The  largest  Elm  is  in  tolerably  good  condition. 
At  3  feet  above  the  ground  it  measures  27  feet  6  inches  round, 
and,  at  6  feet  up,  41  feet,  the  diameter  from  east  to  west  beino' 
18  feet.  This  is  a  peculiar-looking  stem,  possessing  much 
vigour.  Many  of  these  venerable  specimens  could  have  addi- 
tional strength  thrown  into  them  by  having  a  quantity  of 
fresh  soil  laid  on  the  surface — previously  loosening  it,  however, 
with  a  pick-axe  ;  this  surfacing  to  be  continued  as  far  out  as  the 
extreme  points  of  the  living  branches,  and  each  tree  after- 
wards surrounded  with  a  rail  fence  to  protect  it  from  injury. 
This  might  be  the  means  of  prolonging  their  existence,  and 
rendering  them  interesting  for  many  years  to  come.  These 
relics  of  antiquity  are  now  becoming  scarce  from  want  of 
proper  care  and  protection ;  and,  if  anything  can  be  done  to 
prolong  their  existence,  it  is  right  to  do  so.  The  stumps  of 
three  decayed  Elms  are  very  remarkable,  and  also  well  worthy 
of  preservation.  They  are  all  hollow,  and  their  tops  com- 
pletely gone ;  and  it  is  curious  to  observe  that  the  outside  wood 
of  these  specimens,  where  the  bark  has  been  wholly  removed, 
is  quite  white,  hard,  and  of  a  strong  bony  consistency,  the 
surface  having  a  peculiar  wavy  appearance,  as  if  they  had  been 
growing,  or  rather  spreading,  long  after  the  centre  of  the  tree 
had  been  decayed.  Of  these  dead  stumps,  one  measures  22  feet 
3  inches  in  circumference,  one  23  feet  6  inches,  and  one 
25  feet  4  inches.  Tho  last  is  called  the  "Pulpit  Elm," 
from  its  resemblance,  on  one  side,  to  that  piece  of  church 
furniture.  It  stands  8  feet  high,  and  is  quite  hollow.  I 
found  it  difficult  to  form  any  idea  of  the  age  of  these 
•  Read  before  the  Botanical  Society  at  Edinburgh,  Ilth  December,  1873. 


500 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Dec.  20, 1873. 


stumps.  The  annual  circles  of  some  of  the  softer  portions 
inside  of  the  hard  outer  crust,  averaged  about  one-eighth  of  an 
inch  in  thickness,  -while  in  the  hard  compressed  outer  crust,  with 
the  aid  of  a  microscope,  twenty-four  apparently  annual  circles 
can  be  traced  within  the  space  of  one  inch.  As  recommended 
for  the  living  trees,  these  stumps  ought  also  to  be  protected 
by  suitable  fencing.  I  observed  coal-ashes  in  one  of  them, 
and,  if  this  desecration  be  continued,  it  will  soon  make  an  end 
of  these  remarkable  objects.  The  large  Oaks  observed  were 
only   three   in   number ;    one    measured   16   feet    round,   one 

19  feet  6  inches,  and  one  36  feet,  the  largest  being  by  far  the 
healthiest.  On  the  surface  of  the  ground  the  trunk  of  this  tree 
is  43  feet  6  inches  in  circumference,  at  3  feet  up  36  feet,  and  at 
7  feet  up  it  was  again  43  feet  6  inches.  It  divides  into  three 
large  limbs  of  nearly  equal  size.  The  centre  of  this  tree  is 
quite  hollow,  and  the  circumference  of  the  internal  space  is 
24  feet.    The  main  branches  have  all  been  broken  off  about 

20  feet  lip,  but,  notwithstanding  this,  the  tree  looks  the  picture 
of  health.  The  spread  of  its  branches  is  -50  feet  from  east  to 
west.  Three  or  four  large  dead  staghorn-looking  branches 
protrude  through  the  green  leaves  in  different  directions.  It 
is  a  very  picturesque  specimen,  and  well  worthy  of  being  pro- 
tected, along  with  the  other  Oaks  and  in  the  same  way  as  was 
recommended  for  the  Elms,  both  by  a  surfacing  of  fresh  soil, 
and  by  being  surrounded  with  a  proper  fence,  so  as  to  throw 
fresh  vigour  into  them  and  keep  them  alive  as  long  as  possible. 
The  ground  round  their  stems,  from  being  so  much  trodden  on, 
is,  at  present,  excessively  hard,  so  that  little  moisture  can  perco- 
late through  the  soil  to  the  roots,  and  this  must  hasten  their 
decay. 

Of  late  years,  all  our  old  rained  palaces,  abbeys,  and  ecclesias- 
tical buildings  are  receiving  much  attention  in  order  to  prevent 
them  falling  into  decay,  or  being  carried  away  piecemeal  for 
dykes  and  farm-buildings,  as  used  to  be  the  case.  These  niins 
are  now  rigidly  protected,  and  sums  of  money  are  annually 
voted  for  their  preservation.  It  would  be  desirable  to  see  all 
our  old  trees,  wherever  they  exist,  equally  well  cared  for,  by 
root-feeding  and  stem-protecting,  as  well  as  sheltering  from 
inclement  weather  the  decaying  stumps  of  remarkable  speci- 
mens. This  is  a  subject  of  much  importance,  and  well  worthy 
of  the  attention  of  the  Arborioultural  Society.  Members  of 
this  influential  body  are  scattered  over  the  three  kingdoms : 
with  a  little  exertion  on  then-  part  it  would  be  interesting  to 
have  returns  of  all  remarkable  or  old  trees  collected,  arranged, 
and  published  in  their  transactions.  The  society  should  also 
issue  instructions  for  the  strict  preservation  of  all  arborioul- 
tural objects  of  interest  throughout  the  country.  A  feeling 
prevails  that  when  trees  are  old  and  going  to  decay,  it  is 
needless  to  try  to  preserve  them.  Such  feelings  should  not 
exist.  When  the  bark  and  inner  portion  of  the  wood  are  alive, 
it  is  quite  possible,  by  the  aid  of  feeding  and  fencing,  to  throw 
increased  vigour  into  some  of  these  old  specimens,  and  thus 
render  them  objects  of  interest  for  many  years  to  come.  If 
they  are  dead  and  reduced  to  stumps,  they  are  even  then 
interesting,  as  showing  something  of  what  the  trees  really 
were.  I  have  always  very  great  pleasure  in  looking  at  such 
remarkable  remains  of  old  trees,  and  I  am  sure  many  others 
must  have  the  same  feeling. 


Linoleum  and  Dry  Rot. — Mr.  Alexander,  the  town  architect, 
of  Dundee,  has  reported  to  the  Town  Council  upon  the  decay  which 
has  lately  appeared  in  the  woodwork  of  the  New  Town  House  Build- 
ings. He  says  that,  so  far  as  he  had  been  able  to  discover,  the  cause 
of  the  rotting  was  to  be  found  in  the  early  covering  of  the  wood  with 
linoleum.  The  impervious  nature  of  the  floor-cloth  had  prevented 
the  moisture  from  escaping,  and  had  resulted  in  a  firing  action  in 
the  wood,  reducing  it  in  some  cases  almost  into  tinder.  To  remedy 
the  evil,  he  proposes  to  lift  the  joisting,  deafening,  and  flooring  so  far 
as  affected,  and  to  replace  the  same.  He  wonld  also  recommend  the 
inserting  of  ventilators  below  the  floors  in  the  outer  walls,  and  the 
causing  of  a  draught  by  leading  these  into  the  centre  of  standard 
partitions.  The  floors  should  also  be  left  for  a  considerable  time 
uncovered,  and  carefully  scrutinised,  as,  from  the  insidious  character 
of  the  evil,  every  precaution  was  necessary.  The  architect  of  the 
building,  Mr.  Willison,  and  the  Inspector  of  Works  concurred  in 
opinion  that  the  rot  was  caused  by  laying  the  linoleum  too  soon  over 
the  floor.  Further  experiments  are  necessary,  however,  to  prove 
that,  in  such  cases,  lingleum  is  the  cause  of  dry  rot. 


FLOKIAN'S  ELM. 
In  the  Commune  of  Gagny,  Seine-et-OIse  (says  the  Illustration 
HmtlcoU),  on  the  estate  of  the  Marquis  de  Nicolai,  there  still  exists 
an  old  Elm,  under  the  shade  of  which  the  poet  and  novelist  Florian 
loved  to  sit  and  dream.  This  venerable  tree  has  long  been  known  as 
"  Florian's  Elm,"  and  the  path  which  runs  close  by  it  has  been  named 
by  the  simple  country  folk  "  Le  Sentier  de  Vorme  Florian"  (the 
path  by  Florian's  Elm).  Recently,  M.  Laribbe,  a  landed  proprietor 
at  Gagny,  in  conjunction  with  the  Maire  and  the  Municipal  Council, 
thinking  that  the  tree  should  be  preserved  for  the  sake  of  its  associa- 
tions,  proposed  to  M.  Nicola'i  that  some  steps  should  be  taken  for 
this  purpose.  M.  Nichola'i  readily  accepted  the  proposition,  and  the 
tree  is  now  siurrounded  with  a  railing,  outside  of  which  have  been 
placed  stone  seats  for  the  accommodation  of  admiring  visitors.  A 
stone  tablet,  fastened  to  the  tree  with  a  collar  of  bronze,  bears  the 
following  inscription  : — 

Florian  me  oherit ;  mon  ombre  I'inspira ; 

J'espere  qu'  a  mon  tour  sou  nom  me  defendra, 

which  may  be  freely  translated  as  follows  ; — • 

My  shade  inspired  the  lines  that  Florian  penned  ; 
Let  Florian's  name  my  aged  trunk  defend. 

W.  M. 


Trees  as  Historians  of  the  Past. — M.  Charles  Gros  has 
recently  communicated  a  note  to  the  French  Academy  of  Sciences  on 
the  study  of  the  j'early  rings,  shown  when  the  trunk  of  a  tree  is 
transversely  divided.  These  layers  by  which,  as  is  well  known,  the 
age  of  the  tree  may  be  determined,  do  not  diminish  in  relative  thick- 
ness by  a  constant  law.  In  view  of  this,  M.  Gros  seeks  a  cause  for 
the  irregularity,  and,  it  seems,  has  arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  the 
data,  mean  and  extreme,  of  meteorological  phenomena,  when  known  and 
tabulated,  might  be  compared  year  by  year  with  the  annual  ligneous 
layers  formed  during  such  periods  in  many  different  varieties  of 
trees.  From  the  comparison,  it  is  not  impossible  that  some  interest- 
ing ideas  relative  to  the  laws  of  development  of  trees  may  be 
obtained.  But,  moreover,  these  laws  once  estabUshed,  the  trees  in 
their  turn  might  become  precious  collections  of  meteorological 
evidence  for  places  and  times  where  observations  cannot  be  made. 
Les  ilondes  suggests  rather  a  striking  example  of  what  might  be 
learned  from  ancient  trees,  as  follows  :  "  Suppose  that  there  should 
be  found  in  Egypt  a  very  old,  though  living,  tree,  the  origin  of  which 
dated  back  to  the  time  of  Joseph.  If,  on  cutting  the  trunk,  the  rings 
corresponding  to  that  period  showed  seven  thick,  and  seven  thin 
layers,  there  would  be  tangible  evidence  of  the  truth  of  the  Scriptur.al 
tradition  of  the  seven  years  of  plenty  and  seven  years  of  famine, 
besides  of  the  immediate  causes  of  humidity,  temperature,  &c.,  to 
which  such  phenomena  might  be  due." 

Street  Trees. — Mr.  John  Jay  Smith,  of  Philadelphia,  and  editor  of 
that  fine  work,  the  "North  American  Sylva,"  has  recently  expressed 
his  views  in  relation  to  the  proper  species  of  trees  for  shading  owe 
streets,  with  hints  for  their  management.  Attention  is  called  to  the 
fact  that  we  cannot  judiciously  plant  fruit  or  nut. bearing  trees 
along  our  side-walks,  nor  even  handsome  flowering  trees.  Then, 
again,  we  are  restricted  to  those  which  will  floiurish  in  smoky  towns, 
thus  debarring  the  evergreen  family.  In  many  instances  streets  are 
quite  nan-ow,  often  only  30  feet  wide,  so  as  to  afford  insufiicient 
space  for  the  larger  trees.  The  Silver  Maple  is  recommended  above 
all  others  for  a  popular  street  tree,  provided  it  receives  proper  caro 
when  young  ;  but  "it  wants  attention  every  week  during  the  grow, 
ing  season,  if  we  expect  good  results."  Trim  when  young,  is  our 
writer's  advice,  and  never  allow  it  to  form  large  limbs  to  be  cut  away 
in  after  years.  He  recommends  the  Sugar  Maple  highly;  and,  among 
smaller-sized  trees,  suggests  the  American  Red  Bud  or  Judas  tree. 
Attention  is  called  to  the  claims  of  the  Magnolias,  and  the  Yellow 
Wood  or  Tirgilia.  The  Deciduous  Cypress,  the  Weeping  CjT)resa 
(Glyptostrobns  sinensis) ,  and  the  Lindens  are  all  worthy  of  a  place  in 
the  list.  Some  of  the  Oaks,  Kentucky  Coffee-tree,  varieties  of  Ash, 
Native  Beech,  Copper  Beech,  Fern-leaved  Beech,  and  the  Salisbnria 
are  all  fine.  The  species  known  as  the  Slippery  Elm  appears  to  be 
an  exception.  He  says  the  Norway  Maple  casts  too  dense  a  shade 
for  the  street(?)  ;  the  Sycamore  Maple  is  a  more  rapid  grower  than 
the  Silver;  and,  among  Oaks,  the  Overcup  (or  Quercus  macrocarpa) 
is  the  fastest  grower  of  all.  In  broad  avenues  of  SO  or  100  feet  in 
width,  Oaks,  Hickories,  Tulip.trees,  Poplars,  and  many  others  may 
be  used. 


A  Variegated  Waluut-tree  (Jugl.ans  laciniata  rariegata).— This  remark- 
able variety  was  raised  in  the  garden  of  the  Museum  at  I^aria  from  seed  of  J. 
regia  laciuiata.  The  leaves,  and  occasionally  the  bark  of  the  branches,  are 
pleasingly  variegated  Iwith  yellowish-white,  which  contrasts  finely  with  the 
lively  glistening  green  of  the  rest  of  the  foUage.  The  variegation  did  not 
appear  until  about  the  second  year  of  the  growth  of  the  plant. 


Dec.  20,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


501 


GARDEN    DESTROYERS. 


INSECT  PESTS  AND  HOW  TO  DESTROY  THEM. 
I  Alt  glad  to  find  that  Mr.  Baines  (see  p.  494)  has  taken  this 
matter  in  hand,  as,  from  his  long  experience  and  accuracy  oE 
observation,  few  men  are  better  fitted  to  deal  with  it.  By  way 
of  furthering  the  work,  allow  me  to  record  my  own  practice  in 
reference  to  the  following  pests. 

Bed  Spider. — This  is  brought  out  by  a  dry  over-heated  state 
of  the  atmosphere,  and  by  allowing  the  plants  to  become  dry  at 
the  root.  We  frequently  find  plants  from  cold  temperate 
climates  kept  in  close  badly-ventilated  stoves,  a  condition 
under  which  they  soon  become  debilitated,  and  fit  subjects  for 
an  attack  of  insects.  We  seldom  find  thoroughly  healthy 
plants  to  suffer  much  from  such  pests ;  consequently  the 
cause  requires  as  much  or  more  attention  than  the 
cure.  Our  most  efficacious  destroyers  are  composed 
principally  of  soap,  siilphur,  and  Quassia  water.  The 
most  effectual  preparations  which  I  have  used  ai'e  Veitch's 
Chelsea  Blight  composition  and  Prettingham's  liquid  com- 
pound. These  are  efficacious  in  application,  and  leave  no 
objectionable  sediment  upon  the  leaves.  Red  si^ider  is  best 
destroyed  by  a  free  use  of  the  syringe  and  applications  of 
sulphur  to  the  pipes  ;  ^  lb.  of  soft-so.ap,  whisked  until  it  has 
become  dissolved,  to  a  gallon  of  water,  .applied  with  the  syringe 
so  as  to  thoroughly  wet  the  leaves,  is  a  most  effectual  remedy 
for  this  pest. 

TiiRiPS. — Nothing  destroys  this  better  than  fumigating  with 
tobacco-paper,  repeating  the  operation  every  fifth  evening  for 
three  nights  in  succession  if  much  infected ;  afterwards  wash 
with  weak  tobacco-water,  or,  better  still,  with  the  compositions 
just  recommend. 

Green  and  Black  Ely. — For  these  fumigate,  or  use  a  blight 
composition  wash ;  for  the  former  a  cheap  wash  may  be  made  by 
mixingtwo  ounces  of  Quassia  chips  with  agallon  of  boiling  water, 
allowing  it  to  stand  ten  hours  previous  to  its  being  used. 
Powdered  tobacco  also  makes  a  good  destroyer,  shaken  on  the 
parts  affected,  while  wet,  through  a  dredger. 

Brown  and  White  Scale. — Dressings  of  Veitch's  composi- 
tion will  clear  plants  of  these  pests.  The  plants  should  be 
laid  upon  their  sides  and  syringed  with  water  at  a  temperature 
of  140^,  being  careful  that  the  water  reaches  every  part  affected, 
and  that  it  does  not  run  too  freely  into  the  soil,  which  would 
be  apt  to  destroy  the  roots.  I  have  syringed  fruit  trees  out-of- 
doors  whilst  in  a  dormant  state  with  water  at  180°,  thoroughly 
destroying  both  scale  and  the  Pear  leech.  The  white  scale  is 
most  effectually  destroyed  upon  Pines,  Gardenias,  and  similar 
plants,  by  placing  them  upon  steaming-hot  manure.  This 
summer  I  saw  a  batch  of  imported  Pines  white  with  scale 
most  effectually  cured  of  it  by  being  set  on  planks  over  steam- 
ing manure  in  such  a  way  that  the  manure  could  be  renewed 
when  the  pit,  in  which  they  were  placed,  became  low  in  tem- 
perature. This  is  the  best  plan  which  I  have  seen  tried  for 
effectually  destroymg  scale  upon  Pines. 

Ants. — Bottles  with  water  and  sweet  oil  sunk  in  their  runs 
will  be  found  a  good  remedy.  In  houses  where  they  are  difficult 
to  get  at,  a  quartered  orange  placed  in  their  haunts  will  be 
found  to  be  a  most  effectual  bait,  which,  when  covered  with 
ants,  should  be  dipped  into  a  pail  oE  hot  water.  Sparely-picked 
bones,  as  recommended  by  Mr.  Baines,  also  form  very  good 
baits.  Boiling  water  poured  on  the  nests  at  night  will  likewise 
destroy  them,  as  will  also  a  coarse  sponge  dipped  in  treacle 
water  and  when  full  of  ants  cast  into  scalding  water. 

WooDLlCE. — Dry  hay  put  in  punnet  baskets  in  which  is  placed 
a  partially  boiled  Potato,  the  whole  being  shaken  into  boiling 
water  in  the  morning,  forms  a  very  good  ti-ap  for  these 
destructive  pests,  as  also  do  scooped-out  raw  Potatoes  placed 
near  their  haunts.  Boiling  water  poured  along  the  walls  will 
likewise  destroy  thousands,  and  toads  allowed  the  run  of  houses 
infested  by  woodlice  also  keep  them  in  check. 

Slugs. — In  houses  nothing  forms  so  good  a  trap  for  these  as 
Cabbage  leaves  warmed  in  an  oven  till  hog's  lard  can  be  spread 
over  their  surface ;  then  let  them  be  placed  over-night  amongst 
the  plants,  when  the  slugs  will  be  found  under  them  in  the 
morning.  In  the  open  garden  a  brood  of  young  ducks  makes 
great  havoc  amongst  them.    Fresh  slaked  lime  cast  over  the 


ground  now  and  then  will  also  effectually  destroy  all  upon  the 
surface. 

Wlre-worms.— These,  being  hard-skinned,  are  difficult  to 
destroy.  Where  very  plentiful,  if  the  soil  is  at  all  clayey,  pare 
and  burn  9  inches  in  depth  of  the  whole  surface ;  that  will 
most  effectually  clear  it,  not  only  of  wire-worms,  but  also  of 
other  vermin.  Two  tons  of  gas-lime  per  acre  mixed  with  sand 
and  spread  on  the  ground  in  autumn,  afterwards  digging  it  in 
well,  will  likewise  destroy  them.  They  may  be,  moreover,  to  a 
certain  extent,  kept  under  by  clearing  carefully  off  all  roots 
and  rubbish,  an  operation  which  removes  a  quantity  of  grubs 
with  it.  Wire-worms  are  very  partial  to  Lettuce  roots.  I 
have  seen  Lettuces  planted  purposely  to  decoy  them,  removing 
and  burning  the  whole  as  soon  as  the  insects  had  established 
themselves. 

E.AKWiGs. — These  are  easily  trapped  in  pieces  of  Bean-stalks 
a  foot  or  so  in  length,  shaking  or  blowing  their  contents  into 
water  every  morning. 

Fruit  Tree  Dressings  roa  Insects. — As  a  dressing  for 
Vines,  Peaches,  and  Pigs,  nothing  is  better  than  Gishurst 
compound,  adding  clay  to  bring  it  to  a  proper  consistency 
for  painting,  according  to  the  directions  given  with  each 
box.  A  good  dressing  may  also  be  formed  by  compounding 
together  4  ounces  of  soft-soap,  4  ounces  of  flowers  of  sulphur, 
1  pint  of  tobacco-water,  quick-lime  and  clay  being  added  in 
sufficient  quantity  to  bring  it  to  the  consistency  of  paint.  I 
shall  be  glad  to  be  furnished  with  the  experience  of  others  as 
to  what  insecticides  are  found  by  them  to  be  most  successful ; 
as  by  comparing  notes  something  definite  may  be  arrived  at 
on  the  subject.  Geo.  Westland. 

Wiiley  Court,  Btourport. 


WEST  INDIAN  SCENERY  (CUBA). 
Somebody  atead  has  exclaimed,  "  Miren  !  "  (look  ).  We  look,  and 
behold  a  distant  view  of  Don  Severiauo's  "  cafetal  "  (Coffee  planta- 
tion). The  path  has  become  narrower,  and  we  are  encompassed  by 
short  thick  hedges,  dotted  with  red  and  black  berries  of  a  form  not 
unlike  diminutive  Olives.  I  pick  and  open  one  of  these  berries,  and 
somebody  observing,  "  Que  cafe  tan  abundante!  "  (how  plentiful  the 
Coffee  is !)  I  discover  that  what  I  have  plucked  is  Coffee  in  a  raw 
state.  "Que  admirable  es  la  naturaleza!"  (how  wonderful  is 
nature  !)  sings  a  Spanish  dramatist.  Nature  is,  indeed,  much  to 
be  admired,  especially  when  you  are  viewing  her  in  Orange  groves, 
where  Oranges,  for  the  trouble  of  picking  them,  hang  invitingly 
over  your  very  mouth,  seeming  to  say,  "  Eat  me,  stranger."  Some 
are  small  and  green  as  Gooseberries ;  others  are  as  big  as  your  head, 
and  of  the  bright  hue  to  which  they  give  a  name.  Next  on  the  carte 
of  nature's  dessert  are  the  heart-shaped  smooth-skinned  Mangoes, 
with  their  massive  and  symmetrical  tree.  They  are  followed  by  a 
procession  of  Lime-trees,  Citrons,  Nisperos,  Granadas,  Maranones, 
Anones,  Zapotes,  Mamonoillos,  and  a  host  of  other  fruits  with  strange 
shapes  and  equally  odd  Hispano-Indian  appellations.  I  grieve  to 
relate  that  the  king  of  fruits — the  princely  Fine-apple — is  far  from 
being  the  exalted  personage  you  would  have  expected  him  to  be. 
Like  a  Bachelor  Cabbage,  he  grovels  in  solitary  state  under  our  feet ! 
We  play  at  marbles  with  Pomegranates,  and  practice  tilting  at  the 
ring  with  Citrons.  Throw  into  the  scene  a  few  parasites  and  Plan, 
tain  trees  with  slender  trunks  and  colossal  leaves  ;  fill  in  the  fox-e. 
ground  with  gigantic  Perns,  Aloes,  and  Palmcttoes,  and  the  back- 
ground with  spotless  blue  ;  select  for  yourself  from  the  nearest 
hot-house  where  specimens  of  exotic  jilants  are  nursed,  and  you  are 
with  us,  dear — and  none  the  less  dear  for  being  imaginative — ' 
reader !— "  The  Pearl  of  the  Antilles,"  hy  W.  Goodman. 


Weeds  in  Ireland. — Dr.  Macaulay,  who  made  "a  tour  of 
observation  in  Ireland  in  1873,"  declares  that  the  amount  of  weeds  in 
that  country  is  a  national  disgrace.  Fields  and  road-sides  are  alike 
neglected,  and  he  is  sure  it  is  no  exaggeration  to  say  that  the  direct 
annual  loss  from  this  cause  alone  is  above  a  million  and  a  half  ster. 
ling.  It  appears  that  an  effort  is  made  of  late  to  remedy  the  evil. 
The  secretaries  of  the  National  Education  Commission  say  that  their 
inspectors  will  be  directed  to  see  that  instructions  are  given  to  the 
half  million  children  attending  national  schools  as  to  the  necessity  of 
destroying  all  weeds  found  on  the  farms  of  their  parents,  or  the  adja- 
cent highways.  The  officers  of  the  Chuich  Education  Society,  who 
superintend  the  education  of  70,000  children  in  Ireland,  make  a 
similar  engagement. 


502 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  20, 1873. 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 

WIKTERING  DAHLIA  ROOTS. 
The  roots  of  these  should  not  be  left  in  the  open  ground 
all  winter,  even  although  mulched.  By  leaving  them  in  the 
"•round  they  are  liable  to  rot,  or  to  start  prematurely  in 
spring.  I  would,  therefore,  advise  all  growers  of  Dahlias  to 
lift  them  on  a  fine  dry  day  in  the  end  of  October  or  in 
November.  With  a  stick  carefully  remove  the  bulk  of  the 
soil  from  between  the  tubers,  which  lay  out  root-end  upwards 
on  a  walk  or  border,  so  as  to  get  well  dried  before  evening, 
when  they  must  be  taken  under  cover.  Should  the  next  day 
be  fine,  spread  them  out  again  as  just  dii-ected.  The  small 
Pompone,  or  bouquet-flowered  Dahlias,  I  would  recom- 
mend to  be  placed  on  a  dry  shelf  in  a  cool  airy  shed 
or  cellar.  The  commoner  show  varieties  and  the  dwarf 
bedding  kinds  can  be  stored  in  heaps  in  the  same  place, 
provided  they  are  thoroughly  dry,  and  some  dry  sand  mixed 
amongst  them.  Keeping  them  in  hampers  and  boxes  in  the 
.same  place  is  a  good  plan,  but  care  should  he  taken  under  all 
circumstances  to  preserve  them  from  wet,  and  to  keep  thorn 
in  a  temperature  below  45°.  Dnring  winter  the  roots  should 
be  occasionally  looked  over,  and  all  decaying  portions  cut  away 
and  the  wounds  rubbed  over  with  silver-sand  or  powdered 
charcoal.  At  one  place  where  I  worked  we  had  a  great  quantity 
of  all  sorts  of  Dahlias  both  for  flower-garden  and  shrubbery 
decoration,  and,  consequently,  the  safe  preservation  of  the 
roots  was  important.  The  finest  sorts  we  arranged  on 
shelves  in  an  unoccupied  underground  stoke-hole  in  which 
there  was  good  ventilation,  and,  when  they  had  be-- 
come  thoroughly  dry,  some  clean  straw  was  spread 
over  them,  and  as  long  as  the  weather  was  not  frosty 
the  ventilators  were  left  open,  but  in  frosty  weather  they  were 
stopped  with  a  wisp  of  straw.  Here  they  kept  with  scarcely 
any  loss,  but  we  found  the  Pompones  the  worst  to  winter. 
Having  neither  time  nor  convenience  to  spare  as  regards  the 
commoner  show  kinds  and  bedding  kinds,  such  as  Zelinda 
alba  floribunda,  &c.,  after  drying  them,  we  stored  them  away 
in  out-of-door  pits,  just  like  Potatoes,  and  never  again  looked 
near  them  till  spring-time.  Two-inch  drain-tiles  were  inserted 
in  the  pits  for  ventilation,  and  in  the  event  of  rain  and  frost, 
these  were  plugged  with  hay  or  straw.  W.  F. 


ANDERSON'S   SPEEDWELL. 

(VEKONICA  ANDEESONI.) 

This  variety  of  Speedwell  is  one  of  the  most  useful  plants  in 
cultivation,  either  for  window,  conservatory,  or  out-door  deco- 
ration. A  few  remarks  concerning  it  may  not,  therefore,  be 
unacceptable.  It  requires  no  special  care,  is  evergreen,  orna- 
mental in  leaf,  and  beautiful  when  in  flower.  It  is,  perhaps, 
best  described  as  a  hardy  greenhouse  or  cool  conservatory 
plant,  though  it  is  not  by  any  means  so  tender  as  most 
others  grown  in  these  structures,  and  it  will  stand  witli 
impunity  several  degrees  of  frost.  In  the  warmer  parts 
of  England  it  is  treated  as  an  out-door  plant  or  shrub, 
and  it  will  survive  a  mild  winter  in  many  favourable  parts  of 
Scotland.  I  have  seen  some  specimens  of  it  from  10  to 
20  feet  in  diameter,  and  8  feet  high,  grown  in  exposed 
positions  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  where  they  are  also  extensively 
used  in  shrubbery  borders  and  for  centres  to  large  flower-beds. 
One  of  the  finest  plants  of  this  Speedwell  which  I  ever  saw  I 
observed  in  the  gardens  at  St.  Clare,  Ryde,  under  the  care  of 
Mr.  Meehan.  At  Upton  House,  Alresford,  too,  there  is  a 
very  handsome  example  of  this  shrub  planted  against  the 
eastern  end  of  a  greenhouse  wall,  where  it  was  placed  three 
years  ago  last  spring,  and  where  it  has  remained  ever  since 
without  protection,  not  only  uninjured,  but  has  always 
flourished  and  flowered  profusely.  It  is  now  some  3  feet  high, 
forms  a  close  and  handsome  bush,  1  feet  through,  and  flowers 
abundantly  from  July  to  November.  Mr.  Donald,  gardener 
to  Mr.  Barclay,  at  Leyton,  informs  me  that  he  has  ascertained 
from  experience  that  the  variegated  variety  of  this  Speedwell 
is  the  hardiest.  At  Kew,  too,  I  find  that  there  have  been 
several  varieties  of  shrubby  Veronicas  planted  against  the 
wall    of    the  "  economic  "  and  Victoria  houses  in  the  "  new 


range ;  "  l)ut,  although  they  flowered  well  during  the  past 
autumn,  it  remains  to  be  seen  whether  or  not  they  will  survive 
our  winters  out  of  doors,  as  they  have  only  been  planted 
where  they  are  last  spring,  having  previously  been  grown  in 
the  winter  garden,  where  duplicates  of  them  still  are  kept. 
In  Ireland,  many  fine  specimens  of  V.  Andersoni  are  gi'owu 
out  of  doors ;  but  there  the  climate  is  more  favourable  for 
such  plants  than  it  is  with  us.  When  allowed  to  grow  too 
vigorously  out  of  doors,  they  soon  assume  a  straggling  habit, 
but  when  judiciously  thinned  in  spring,  and  otherwise  treated 
so  as  to  produce  moderate  growth,  they  flower  and  stand 
vicissitudes  of  weather  better  than  plants  that  receive  more 
liberal  treatment.  Should  any  doubt,  however,  exist  as  to 
their  wintering  safely,  they  may  bo  covered  with  a  mat,  or 
protected  by  means  of  a  thin  thatch  of  Broom  interwoven  in  a 
network  of  rope-yarn,  dried  Fern,  Asparagus  straw.  Pea  or 
Bean  haulm,  or  other  material  of  that  kind,  during  frosty 
weather,  and  uncovered  throughout  the  day,  and  altogether  in 
mild  weather.  A  mulching  of  leaves.  Cocoa-nut  fibre,  or 
litter,  ought  also  to  be  placed  over  their  roots  ;  for,  by  this 
precaution,  their  stems  are  often  saved  when  their  shoots  are 
entirely  destroyed,  and  they  break  again  in  spring  and  form 
good  fresh  plants.  Out-of-door  plants,  if  left  uncut,  bloom 
from  July  onwards,  but  if  pruned  hard  in  spring,  tliey  form 
a  large  quantity  of  young  wood  that  flowers  late,  and  is  often 
too  soft  to  safely  withstand  our  ordinary  winters.  Wherever 
plants  of  this  Speedwell  are  grown,  the  sub-soil  should  be 
open  and  porous,  permitting  a  ready  escape  of  .all  moisture ; 
for,  if  otherwise,  a  sickly  constitution  and  soft  watery  unripe 
growths  will  inevitably  be  the  result. 
Pot   Culture. 

This  Veronica  forms  one  of  our  most  accommodating  pot 
plants,  and  thrives  well  in  a  good  sandy  loam  enriched  with 
decayed  manure.  Pots  about  6  or  8  inches  in  diameter  arc 
quite  large  enough  for  it,  and  it  enjoys  abundance  of  water 
from  the  time  it  starts  into  growth  until  it  ceases  flowering, 
when  the  supply  should  be  gradually  lessened,  though  never 
entirely  withheld.  In  this  stage  the  plants  are  available  for 
conservatory  decoration,  or  for  parlour  or  window  ornaments. 
For  windows,  indeed,  it  is  one  of  the  best  of  plants,  for  its 
glossy  green  leaves,  if  sponged  now  and  then,  always  look 
fresh  and  green,  and  its  longevity  and  floriferous  character, 
under  such  circumstances,  are  also  recommendations  not  to  be 
overlooked. 

Propagation. 

This  Speedwell  may  be  increased  readily  by  means  of  cuttings 
of  the  young  shoots  slipped  ofl:  in  spring  with,  if  possible,  a 
heel  attached  to  them.  Remove  the  two  base  leaves  and  cut 
the  heel  cleanly  with  a  sharp  knife,  then  insert  them  in  silver 
sand  or  half  sand  and  half  sifted  leaf-soil,  in  a  brisk  heat. 
Here  they  must  remain  for  a  few  weeks  till  rooted,  when  they 
should  be  lifted  and  potted  into  60-sized  pots,  and,  as  they 
advance  in  size,  they  should  be  shifted  as  required,  until  they 
occupy  6-inch  pots.  Those  who  have  no  artificial  heat,  such 
as  is  afforded  by  hot-water  pipes  or  a  dung-bed,  should  not 
attempt  to  propagate  this  Veronica  till  July,  when  the  young 
stubby  growths  may  be  selected  and  treated  like  those  of 
Verbenas,  that  is,  struck  in  a  cold  frame.  Care  ought  to  be 
exercised  in  choosing  the  shoots  ;  the  points  of  the  strongest 
young  growths  have  rudimentary  flower-trusses  visible  at 
every  joint ;  consequently,  such  growths  as  do  not  pos.sess 
these  are  the  most  serviceable  for  jirodncing  young  plants. 

As  a  Winter-Garden  Plant. 

This  Veronica  is  seen  to  best  advantage  when  planted  out  in 
some  good  soil  in  a  cool  conservatory  or  winter-garden.  Thus 
circumstanced,  it  grows  so  quickly  that  .annual  thmning  and 
pruning  of  the  shoots  are  essential.  Here  they  continue  to 
flower  very  l.ate  in  the  year,  and,  being  under  protection,  their 
blooms  always  perfect  themselves,  and  are  extremely  service- 
able where  cut  flowers  are  in  demand.  In  cutting,  remove  the 
flower-spikes  only ;  for,  if  the  points  of  the  shoots  are  saci'i- 
ficed,  the  plants  are  checked;  whereas,  if  left  undisturbed,  they 
will  continue  to  bloom,  grow,  and  flower  almost  incessantly. 

As  a  Bedding  or  Vase  Plant. 

Young  plants  of  this  Speedwell  make  good  bedding  plants, 
especially  the  variegated-leaved  sort,  which  has  precisely  the 


Dec.  20, 1873.] 


a?HE   GAEDEN, 


603 


same  kind  of  habit  as  the  green-leaved  kind,  and  which  is  more 
efEective  than  that  sort  in  the  flower  garden,  in  which  it  makes 
a  good  substitute  for  variegated  Pelargoniums.  As  a  vase 
plant  the  variegated  variety  is  also  most  eilective,  especially 
when  associated  with  Creeping  Jenny,  TropiBolums,  or  Ivy- 
leaved  Pelargoniums,  and  the  plants  of  it  used,  both  for  bedding 
purposes  and  for  vase  decoration,  should  be  lifted  and  potted 
in  October,  and  placed  in  a  pit  or  greenhouse  during  winter. 
Besides  V.  Andersoni,  there  are  also  other  good  kinds  of 
shrubby  Veronicas,  such  as  Imperial  Blue,  Violacea,  Jladame 
Boucharlct,  hybrida,  salicifolia,  meldeusis,  and  Hulkeana. 

Wm.  Falconer. 


.^^%^ 


AVIGANDIA  CARACASANA. 
Well-gkown  specimens  of  Wigandias  arc  very  effective  planted 
out  on  sheltered  portions  of  the  lawn  or  pleasure  ground 
during  the  hottest  of  the 
summer  months.  They  are 
easily  propagated  in  the 
spring  by  means  of  cuttings, 
and,  if  the  thick  roots  are 
cut  ofi  in  the  autumn,  when 
the  plants  arc  taken  up  for 
removal  indoors,  a  large 
proportion  of  them  will  form 
3'oung  plants,  if  planted  in 
light  sandy  earth,  oa  a 
genial  bottom  heat.  This 
species  of  Wigandia  is  a  very 
quick  grower  on  warm  rich 
soils,  often  attaining  a 
height  of  0  or  7  feet  in 
a  single  season.  Where  it 
does  well,  it  is  a  noble  sub- 
tropical plant,  its  broad  foli- 
age being  of  a  fresh  green 
colour,  and  forming  a 
charming  relief  to  the  bril- 
liant scarlet  and  yellow  which 
are  the  prevailing  colours 
of  ordinary  bedding  plants. 
During  the  winter  months, 
the  old  plants  may  be  stored 
xiuder  the  stage  in  a  warm 
greenhouse  or  Vinery,  and 
these  old  stumps  will  furnish 
an  abundant  supply  of 
cuttings  in  the  spring.  The 
"Wigandia  rarely  flowers  iu 
our  climate,  but,  as  is  shown 
in  our  illustration,  it  pro- 
duces a  large  scorpioid 
inflorescence  at  the  top  of  a 
thick  fleshy  stem.  It  may 
be  seen  growing  vigorously 
at  Battersea  and  in  the 
other  London  Parks  during 
the  summer  months,  and 
there    its     large  foliage    is 

seen  to  the  best  advantage.  A  little  well-rotted  manure, 
added  to  the  compost  in  which  it  is  grown,  will  be  found  to 
be  beneficial  to  it,  and  it  requires  a  liberal  supply  of  water 
when  growing.  B. 


Wisanclia  caracasana, 


EARLY  SPRING  FLOWERS. 

(daisies,    AUBRIETIAS,    IIErATICAS,    AND    PEIMROSES.) 

I  HAVE  grown  a  good  number  of  Daisies  in  days  gone  Ijy,  but 
have  found  none  so  good,  either  for  bedding  or  for  gathering 
from,  as  the  fine  double  flat-petalled  white,  and  the  rich 
crimson  double-quilled,  that  are  so  largely  grown  for  the 
London  market ;  the  latter,  especially,  is  very  effective  as  a 
brilliant  red  hue,  iu  any  spring  garden,  and  is,  in  this  respect, 
perfectly  unique.  I  have  been  surprised  to  find  how  little  the 
Aucuba-leaved  Daisy  is  known  around  London;  but  I  am  not 
surprised  to  find  people  expressing  admiration   for  it  when 


they  light  upon  it  in  my  garden.  It  is  a  veritable  gem;  and, 
whether  in  or  out  of  flower,  it  is  always  cheerful  and  attrac- 
tive. Certainly  the  showiest  form  of  it  is  the  crimson- 
flowered  ;  the  pink  is  also  very  pleasing ;  but  the  white- 
flowered  one  that  I  have  seen  is  far  from  nice  ;  the  colour  is 
not  pure,  and  a  dirty-white  flower  upon  a  yellowish-green 
ground  is  anythmg  but  pleasing.  The  earliest  of  all  the 
Daisies  I  have  known  is  a  mottled  flower,  red  and  white,  not  to 
be  confounded  with  the  large  crown-flowered  kind  ;  but  a 
moderate  grower  and  a  capital  bedder.  There  beino'  no 
demand  for  it  here,  I  have  allowed  it  to  pass  out  of  my  hands ; 
but  it  is,  nevertheless,  a  most  useful  kind.  Daisies  serve 
various  purposes ;  but  in  no  way  are  they  so  useful  as  when 
employed,  with  other  spring-blooming  plants,  to  work  out 
pleasing  designs  in  the  flower  garden.  I  do  not  think  that  the 
largest-flowered  sorts  are  so  effective  as  those  that  have  medium- 
sizedflowers,  distinct  iu  colour,  with  stiff  erectstems.  The  large- 
flowered  ones  are,  however, 
very  useful  for  gathering 
and  bunching,  when,  as  early 
flowers,  they  always  find  a 
ready  sale  in  the  London 
markets.  I  could  wish  that 
some  amateur  enthusiast, 
like  your  correspondent, 
"  W.  E.  G.,"  would  take  in 
hand  the  Aubrietias,  and 
collect  and  cultivate  all  the 
known  varieties,  so  that  we, 
who  have  neither  time  nor 
space  to  devote  to  such  a 
work,  might  benefit  by  the 
results  of  such  labour.  No 
lover  of  hardy  plants  can 
make  up  entire  collections 
of  all  kinds,  but,  by  taking 
one  section  in  hand  in  earnest, 
much  good  work  may  be 
done.  The  Hepatica  pre- 
sents another  lovely  family 
of  spring  plants  that  are  not 
half  enough  known.  I  do 
not  know  how  many  kinds 
of  it  there  are  in  cultiva- 
tion. My  own  collection 
comprises  double  red  and 
double  blue  ;  single  red, 
white,  and  blue;  angulosa, 
large  single  blue ;  and  tri- 
loba, single  Ijlue.  Perhaps 
the  mention  of  these  may 
attract  the  attention  of 
others,  and  induce  them  to 
state  what  other  kinds  may 
be  known  or  cultivated. 
The  double  Primrose  pre- 
sents a  beautiful  class  of 
early  border-flowers,  some 
of  the  sorts  being  common, 
but  others  scarce.  I  have 
been  engaged  in  gathering  together  all  the  kinds  lean  obtain, 
making  about  ten  sorts, the  latest  addition  being  a  pale  lavender- 
white,  evidently  a  sport  from  the  old  Lilac.  How  did  double 
Primroses  originate  .**  Any  information  on  this  point  would 
prove  most  acceptable.  D.  A. 


New  Bedding  Pansies.— We  beg  to  send  you  a  few  blooms  of 
some  of  our  seedliDg  beddiug  Violas  and  Pansios  gathered  from 
plants  left  over  in  the  open  ground,  and  which  have  confcinned  to 
flower  in  great  profusion  since  April  last,  and  at  present  look 
as  if  they  would  go  on  blooming  for  a  long  time  yet  to  come,  judging 
from  the  number  of  buds  on  the  plants.  As  the  latter  are  growing 
in  our  nursery  in  the  town,  the  flowers  are  not  so  clean  as  they  would 
be  in  the  country. — DiCKSO.v  &  Co.,  1,  Waterloo  Place,  Edinburgh. 
[Of  the  Pansies  sent,  all  of  which  are  pretty,  the  best  are  Blue 
Bonnet,  deep  blue,  with  a  yellow  eye  set  in  a  black  blotch.  No.  1, 
bright  yellow,  blotched  with  rich   dark  maroon,  large  and  of  good 


604 


THE   GAEDBN. 


[Dec.  20,  18?3. 


substance  :  and  what  is  stated  to  be  a  "  new  colour  "  i.e.,  a  kind  with 
violet-shaded  plum-coloured  flowers.  Two  varieties  marked  "  show 
Pansies  "  are  also  largo  and  handsome.] 

An  Ornamental  Golden-Rod. — There  are,  according  to  tho 
American  ArjHcultwrisl,  nearly  forty  species  of  Solidago  found  in 
tho  Northern  States  of  America  alone,  and,  while  some  of  these  are 
■widely  distributed,  others  are  restricted  to  a  few  localities.  There 
are  a  few  of  these  rarer  Golden-rods  which  make  a  fine  appearance 
in  the  garden,  as  they  bloom  after  most  of  the  autumn  flowers  have 
disappeared.  Among  these,  none  is  finer  than  tho  Stiff  Golden. Rod 
(Solidago  rigida).  This  species  is  found  from  Connecticut  to  AVis- 
consiu,  and  southward  to  Arkansas  and  Texas,  but  not  usually  in 
abundance.  The  flowers  are  larger  than  iu  most  of  the  other  species, 
and  of  a  bright  yellow  colour.  The  leaves  are  thick  and  rigid,  the 
lower  ones  being  oval  or  oblong,  with  a  long  petiole,  while  the  upper 
are  sessile.  It  grows  to  a  height  of  from  3  to  5  feet.  Besides  S. 
rigida,  there  are  a  number  of  others  which  are  worth  a  trial,  though 
we  have  only  grown  S.  odora  and  S.  sempervirens  ;  this  last  has 
thick  fleshy  leaves,  the  lower  of  which  are  a  foot  or  more  iu  length, 
and  is  found  in  marshes  along  the  sea-coast.  S.  Ohioensis,  S. 
Shortii,  and  S.  Riddellii  are  handsome  species  to  add  to  a  collection 
of  herbaceous  plants,  and  there  are  probably  some  southern  ones 
which  might  be  groivn  in  northern  districts  with  a  little  protection 
during  winter. 

Sanitary  Value  of  Flowers. — A  writer  in  the  Rural 
Carolinian  gives  the  following  facts  in  confirmation  of  the  sanitary 
value  of  flowers  : — "  In  August,  1866,  I  bought,"  he  says,  "  a  small 
house  in  the  upper  part  of  Charleston,  in  a  locality  where  f  fevers  were 
of  frequent  occurrence  ;  I  at  once  set  to  work,  drained  as  much  as 
possible  the  lands  around  the  house,  and  laid  out  the  grounds 
for  a  flower  garden.  My  friends  predicted  that  before  the  end  of 
the  year  I  would  leave  the  locality  on  account  of  the  prevailing 
fever.  I  did  not  mind  them,  but  kept  steadily  improving  my  pro. 
perty.  Daring  the  winter  I  had  planted  a  great  many  Eose  bushes, 
Oleanders,  shrubs,  &c.,  as  also  a  few  Fig  and  Peach  trees.  In  the 
spring,  I  planted  a  great  many  summer  flowers,  as  well  as  Lavender, 
Mint,  and  other  sweet-smelling  plants,  and,  wherever  a  small  space 
was  left,  I  planted  Sunflowers.  The  consequence  was,  that  although 
several  of  my  neighbours  were  attacked  with  fever,  I  escaped  with 
my  family  entirely,  and  have  not  had  fever  to  this  day.  Several  of 
my  neighbours  have  followed  my  plan,  and  the  locality  is  now  almost 
entirely  healthy."  [It  may  be  remarked  that  the  di'aining  of  the 
ground  should  be  credited  with  a  part  of  the  good  results  thus 
recorded ;  but  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  odorous  emanations  of 
plants  and  flowers,  or  the  ozone  generated  thereby,  will  do  much  to 
neutralise  or  destroy  the  miasmata  of  malarious  districts.  The 
cultivation  of  flowers  in  such  localities  will,  therefore,  be  found  a 
valuable  auxiliary  to  other  hygienic  measures.] 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  THE  FLOWER  aARDEN. 

Altern  anther  as  iu  the  North. — Will  some  of  youi'  northem  cnrrespon- 
dents  tell  mc  if  tliey  flnd  Alternaiitlieras  to  succeed  in  bed.3  out-of-doors  in  the 
north,  and,  if  so,  which  variety  ? — J.  S.,  Qlanton. 

Rosa  yvara. — This  speciea,  lately  described  in  the  Heime  Korticole,  was  intro- 
duced from  Japan  about  1855,  and  is  only  to  be  found  in  the  possession  of  a  few 
amateurs  and  botanic  gardens.  It  forms  a  bushy  shrub,  the  young  branches 
of  which  arc  covered  with  reddish-green  bark,  ultimately  changing  to  reddish- 
brown.  The  flowers  appear  in  June  and  July,  and  are  pure  white,  single,  and 
nearly  3  inches  across.  It  would  be  interesting  to  try  what  kind  of  a  stock  this 
would  form  for  budding  purposes. 

Christmas  Roses.— I  have  just  seen  a  plantation  of  the  different  forms  of 
Chi'istmas  Roses  beautifully  in  bloom.  The  varieties  consisted  of  Helleborus 
niger,  tho  common  kind,  H.  n.  masimus,  a  larger  vanety  than  that  just  named, 
and  H.  m.  minor,  a  diminutive  form.  These,  when  seen  in  good  condition,  are 
unrivalled  at  this  season  of  the  year.  They  succeed  best  on  a  warm  sheltered 
mossy  bank,  a  position  iu  which  they  are  secured  from  earthy  splashings;  but 
they  also  grow  and  flower  admirably  in  borders  or  on  rock-work  in  almost  any 
kind  of  soil.— T.  S. 

Wintering  Mesemhryanthemum  cordifolium  variesratum.  — Do  you 
chance  to  know  how  this  plant  should  be  treated  through  the  winter  ?  I  have  a 
large  bos  of  it  which  was  perfectly  healthy  all  through  the  summer  and  autumn, 
Bince  it  was  struck.  My  gardener  put  it  in  the  pit  in  which  we  winter  quantities 
of  plants,  and  it  is  the  only  thing  that  is  d.'ying.— H.  S.  S.  [Although  this  is  all 
but  a  hardy  plant,  it  winters  best  when  treated  as  Alternantheras  are.  Damp  is 
its  greatest  enemy,  consequently  the  plants  should  be  kept  rather  dry  and  in  a 
warm  temperature.  It  is  one  of  the  few  plants  that  thrive  as  well  in  a  stove 
as  in  a  greenhouse,  and  there  is  no  fear  of  its  losing  its  compact  character.] 

A  Large  Gladiolus  Plantation.— One  of  the  rarest  sights  of  the 
summer  season,  iu  a  floral  way,  says  the  Avierienn  HorficnUnrisf,  is  JMr.  Allen's 
Gladiolus  grounds,  16  acres  in  extent,  in  Long  Island.  One  hundred  thousand 
Gladiolus  bulbs  are  planted  to  the  aci-c,  and  but  little  knowledge  of  arithmetic 
18  required  to  figure  out  the  number  of  plants  growing  in  this  15-acre  planta- 
tion. It  may  well  be  imagined  that  the  sight  of  this  field  of  flowers  is  grand. 
In  passing  through  it  by  rail,  the  sensation  is  that  of  entering  a  fiery  lake,  for 
the  red  and  crimson  flowers  predominate,  and  the  illusion  is  enhanced  as  the 
breeze  sways  tho  spikes  of  flowers  to  and  fro  in  the  form  of  mimic  waves. 
These  brilliant  flowers  are  sent  to  the  Now  York  market  daily,  10,000,  perhaps, 
at  a  time,  and  are  to  be  seen  on  every  street  stand  as  well  as  in  the  more 
pretentious  flower-stores. 


BIRDS  AND  BIBDS'-NESTS  IN  GARDENS. 
When  the  greenery  of  our  deciduous  trees,  changing  to  many 
exquisite  hues  as  it  falls,  leaves  branch  and  branchlet  bare,  not 
only  are  the  graceful  interlaoings  of  tree  tracery  made  visible, 
but,  at  the  same  time,  other  objects  of  interest  and  beauty  are 
revealed.  The  birds'-nests,  so  snugly  ensconced  among  the  close- 
tufted  bowers  of  summer  foliage,  which  concealed  the  where- 
abouts of  the  bird-cradles,  become  conspicuous  as  late  autumn 
strips  the  branches  bare.  Various  kinds  of  nest-architecture 
are  then  exposed  to  curious  eyes  to  study  and  admire — from 
the  exquisite  neatness  of  the  chaffinches'  "  infant  home  "  to 
the  rough  uucouthness  of  the  magpies'  unbeautiful,  but  tough, 
stick-built  cradle— built  so  high  among  the  upper  branches 
that  it  needs  no  mechanical  rockers.  Many  of  our  daintiest 
nest-architects  are  birds  of  passage,  and  have  now  left  us  till 
the  coming  spring  ;  but  the  greater  part  of  them  are  native,  and 
are  still  with  us,  though  their  pretty  bird-music,  their  "  gentle 
jargoning,"  as  Coleridge  called  it,  is  silent — excepting,  per- 
haps, that  of  the  robin  and  the  thrush,  who  pour  forth  their 
resounding  notes  even  while  icicles  hang  from  the  branche.?, 
"  and  milk  comes  frozen  home  in  the  pail."  Birds  and  their 
ways, and  their  songs,  and  their  nests  are  so  interesting  that  one 
cannot  but  wonder  at  the  unthinking  barbarism  that  has  made 
it  a  business,  as  well  as  an  amusement,  to  destroy  them.  One 
would  think  that  the  beauty  of  such  slight  and  delicate  struc- 


Nest  of  the  Eeod-bu-d. 

tures  as  are  most  of  our  small  bird's  nests — which,  seeming  so 
fragile,  are  yet  so  all-sufflcieutly  strong  for  their  purpose — • 
might  have  served  as  an  inducement  to  spare  their  builders  ; 
but  it  shames  us  to  confess  that  an  Act  of  Parliament  was 
required  to  protect  the  sweet-voiced  denizens  of  our  groves 
and  gardens. 

The  most  unsatisfactory  part  of  the  wanton  destruction  of 
our  small  birds  is  the  fact  that,  so  far  from  being  an  advan- 
tage to  the  gardener  or  agriculturist,  it  has  resulted,  iu  almost 
every  case,  in  injury  instead  of  benefit.  Many  of  our  insecti- 
vorous birds  feed  almost  exclusively  on  plant-devouring  cater- 
pillars, or  on  the  still  more  injurious  aphis.  They  also  chase 
the  parents  of  injurious  larvas,  moths  or  beetles,  iu  their  flight, 
and  make  their  prey  of  these  producers  of  leaf  or  root- 
feeding  pests  ;  so  that,  by  the  destruction  of  our  small  birds, 
we  not  only  deprive  ourselves  of  their  delicate  music,  but  also 
of  their  services  iu  cleansing  our  Cauliflowers,  Gooseberry- 
bushes,  and  other  valuable  plants  from  swarms  of  vermin. 

In  France,  where  even  the  robin-redbreast  is  killed,  cooked, 
and  eaten,  the  destruction  of  small  birds  has  been  carried  to 
such  an  extent  that  miles  of  country  may  be  traversed  without 
hearing  the  chirp  of  a  single  bird.  The  destruction  of  small 
birds  for  culinary  purposes,  at  all  seasons,  is  still  more  exten- 
sive in  Italy,  dishes  of  uccdlini  (little  birds)  being  esteemed 
among  the  chief  delicacies  of  the  table ;  and,  among  the  victims 
of  this  gastronomic  fancy,  a  little  garden-warbler  called  the 
hi.'ccafico,  is  more  extensively  slaughtered  than  any  other,  ou 


Dec.  20,  1873. 


THE  GARDEN. 


605 


account  of  the  very  highly  esteemed  flavour  of  its  flesh.     It 

has  been  suggested  by  thoughtful  horticulturists  that  the 
■wholesale  destruction  of  this  graceful  little  creature  may  liavc 
boon  the  cause  of  such  frequent  failures  in  the  Fig  crops, 
that  the  fruit  in  ciuestion  is  becoming  far  less  generally  culti- 
vated in  the  south  of  Italy  than  formerly.  In  our  own  island 
it  is  a  well-known  fact  that  owing  to  the  indiscriminate 
destruction  of  birds  by  the  gun  of  the  small  farmer  and  the 
mistaken  and  unreflecting  gardener,  some  beautiful  species  of 
our  feathered  tribes  have  actually  become  extinct.  In  gardens 
■where  this  destructive  mania  has  not  been  allowed  to  prevail, 
the  nests,  accidentally  discovered   iu  spring-time,  ■with  their 


gem-like  eggs,  snugly  harboured  in  a  softly-^woven  lining,  have 
often  been  as  pleasing  a  surprise  to  a  true  lover  of  nature  as 
the  opening  of  the  first  flower  of  a  newly-imported  plant  ■whose 
bloom  is  seen  for  the  first  time.  And,  then,  the  nests  of  our 
small  birds  present  such  endless  varieties  of  structure  and 
form,  such  ingenuity  in  the  selection  of  the  most  favourable 
situation,  and  in  securing  their  safety  by  means  of  many 
cunning  devices — some  by  a  curious  method  of  suspension,  as 
represented  in  our  engra^ving  at  the  commencement  of 
this  article;  some  by  being  made  to  resemble  a  portion  of  a 
Moss-grown  bank,  so  closely  as  to  defy  detection ;  and  some 
haviug  an  external  protection  of  grey  and  oi'ange  Lichen,  so 
deftly  and  elegantly  attached  that  it  might  seem  a  performance 


..:^ 


.-:  -  i-'  ■ 


•worked  out  in  sheer  love  of  decorative  beauty.  And  then,  too, 
there  is  the  endless  variety  of  the  little  groups  of  fairy-like 
eggs,  flecked  and  streaked  ■with  such  fanciful  and  sweet-toned 
touches  as  fascinate  even  the  boy  nest-burglar,  and  blind  him 
to  the  cruel  barbarism  he  is  perpetrating  in  stealing  them.  In 
the  delightful  garden  of  a  villa  in  Eichmond  Park,  ■which  I 
could  name,  the  songs  and  nest-building  of  the  birds  form 
one  of  its  chief  attractions ;  and  -what  intense  pleasure,  as  ■we 
kno^w  from  his  works,  was  experienced  by  our  enthusiastic 
naturalist  Waterton,  in  that  beautiful  island  of  his,  which 
he  had  made  a  veritable  birds'  paradise  !  It  is  gratifying  to 
reflect  that  our  songsters,  and  birds  of  beautiful  plumage,  and 
even  the  commonest  of  our  bird  tribes,  are  now  protected  in 
breeding-time,  by  law — thanks  to  their  eloquent  defence  by 
such  men  as  Auberon  Herbert  and  other  sympathisers  with 
the  instincts  of  these  interesting  and  defenceless  creatures. 


But  in  gardens  ■wo  may,  and  ought,  I  think,  do  more  than 
prevent  the  destruction  of  these  charmers ;  we  should 
encourage  the  harmless  and  beautiful  ones  to  make  their 
pretty  homes  in  our  favourite  garden  trees  and  shrubs.  The 
garden  might  often  form  a  guarded  oasis  in  which  our  rarer 
birds  might  live  and  increase  in  happy  security,  and  pour  forth 
their  sweet  song  in  return  for  our  hospitality.  Gardens  would 
also  form  the  best  places  wherein  to  attempt,  at  first,  the 
naturalisation  of  the  various  harmless  and  hardy  song-birds 
of  other  lands,  which  are  surely  worthy  of  a  homo  with  us. 

H.  N.  H. 


SOILS,    FERTILISERS,    ho. 

QUESTIONING  THE  SOIL. 
PitOFEssoit  Johnson,  author  of  "  How  Crops  Feed,"  ia  answering 
questions  on  the  "  Chemistry  of  Horticulture,"  &c.,  in  the  'New  York 
Tribune  J  and  very  interesting  and  practical  hia  replies  are,  as,  for 
example,  the  following  : — Will  it  pay  to  burn  lime  (whore  there  is 
plenty  of  good  stone,  and  wood  that  can  be  furnished  at  3  dollars  per 
cord,  and  labour  at  the  ordinary  rate)  to  put  on  farming  landa,  par- 
ticularly on  peat  meadows  that  have  been  drained  and  cropped  for 
twenty  years  ?  It  is  impossible  to  give  a  positive  opinion  at  this 
distance.  It  ia  highly  probable,  however,  that  under  the  apparently 
favourable  circumstances  of  the  case  the  use  of  lime  would  prove 
remnuorative.  The  peat  meadows,  if  still  abounding  in  vegetable 
matter,  contain  doubtless  large  quantities  of  inert  nitrogen,  which, 
by  the  proper  use  of  lime,  would  be  made  of  immediate  avail  to 
eropa.  In  case  the  soil  lacks  no  other  needful  element,  anch  as  phos- 
phatea,  sulphates  of  potash,  &o. ,  the  application  of  lime  will  probably  be 
equivalent  to  a  dressing  of  animal  or  ammoniacal  manure  ;  but,  if 
the  twenty  years'  cropping  has  exhausted  any  of  the  essential 
elements  of  plant-food  above-named,  the  lime  cannot  supply  that 
deficiency,  and  the  crops  will  not  be  materially  benefited.  One 
thing  will  pay  ;  that  is,  to  try  on  a  small  scale  the  effect  of  lime  on 
the  soil  or  soils  in  question.  In  one  favourable  year  the  matter 
would  be  settled.  That  is,  in  fact,  the  only  absolutely  certain  method 
of  deciding  the  point.  But  Mr.  Miller  feela  urgently  the  need  of 
knowing  now.  Had  he  thought  of  it  a  year  ago,  he  then  could  have 
begun  an  experiment  whose  result  would  now  enable  him  to  calculate, 
not  only  whether  the  use  of  lime  would  pay,  but  how  much  debit  or 
credit  a  given  application  would  stand  him  in.  But  it  is  not  too  late. 
Let  him  plan  a  series  of  trials,  and  carry  them  out  next  summer,  and 
then  his  neighbours  can  go  to  him  for  advice ;  and  let  all  the  readers 
of  this  paragraph  reflect  on  what  similar  questions  they  may  wish  to 
have  answered  for  them  a  year  hence,  and  begin  now  to  take  time  by 
the  forelock.  If  I  were  to  come  into  possession  of  ground  with  whose 
history  and  capacity  I  was  not  f  ally  acquainted,  I  should  immediately 
lay  off  a  number  of  trial  plats  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  what  the 
soil  might  need  in  order  to  bring  up  its  fertility  to  the  highest  point 
at  the  least  cost,  and  what  would  be  the  relative  effect  of  all  attain- 
able fertilisera,  amendments,  and  means  of  improving  the  soil.  A 
square  rod  of  ground,  where  the  soil  is  uniform,  is  enough  for  a  single 
trial,  and  on  a  dozen  such  plats  the  farmer  can  sow  as  many  questions, 
and  in  due  time  can  reap  a  harvest  of  answers.  But  the  questions 
must  be  such  that  the  soil  can  answer,  and  must  be  put  so  that  the 
soil  can  understand  them,  and  so  that  the  cultivator  can  understand 
the  anawera.  If  the  question  be,  "  Will  it  pay  to  bum  lime  to 
put  •  on  the  land  ? "  then  we  must  consider  how  much  lime 
to  use.  Since  experience  shows  that  lime  will  sometimes 
pay  when  fifty  bushels  are  used  per  acre,  and  sometimes 
when  200  bushels  are  used,  it  is  well  to  put  these  ques- 
tions as  to  the  effect  of  50100  and  200  bushels ;  unless,  indeed, 
practice  or  science  is  decisive  against  one  or  other  of  these  quan. 
titles.  Since  our  square  rod  of  ground — a  plot  of  27  feet  long  by  10 
feet  wide — is  the  1-160  of  an  acre,  we  must  ascertain  the  weight  of 
a  bushel  of  lime  in  the  condition  in  which  we  buy  or  apply  it; 
supposing  it  to  weigh  64  pounds,  then  50  bushels  would  weigh  3,200 
pounds  and  1-160  of  this  would  be  20  pounda,  the  quantity  our 
square  rod  would  receive  at  the  rate  of  50  bushels  per  acre.  If  ■we 
make  trials  at  the  rate  of  100  and  200  bushels  per  acre  it  is  obvious 
that  40  and  80  pounds  should  be  weighed  off  for  them.  The  lime 
should  be  slaked  with  just  enough  water  to  make  a  fine  dry  powder 
of  it,  this  should  bo  uniformly  mixed  with  two  or  three  times  its 
bulk  of  moist  but  not  wet  soil,  so  that  the  lime  will  not  be  dusty,  and 
carefully  sowed  over  the  plat  and  raked  in.  We  suppose  that  the 
plat  is  part  of  a  large  field  that  has  been  plowed  and  otherwise 
tilled  in  the  usual  manner  for  a  grain  or  hoed  crop.  The  lime 
should  be  applied  some  days  or  weeks,  if  possible,  before  seed  ia 
sown.     The  plat  should  be  accurately  marked  off  by  slender  strips 


606 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Cec.  20,  1873. 


of  board  nailed  to  stakes  driven  into  the  ground  at  the  corners  and 
on  each  side.  When  harvest  comes,  the  crop  on  the  plat  should  be 
gathered  separately,  and  the  yield  of  grain,  straw,  &c.,  ascer- 
tained by  exact  weighing.  In  exactly  similar  manner  a  plat 
sown  with  gypsum,  salt,  or  any  available  fertiliser,  will  tell 
its  own  story  at  the  end  of  the  season.  In  all  cases, 
however,  exact  comparison  must  bo  made  between  the  yield  of  the 
manured  plats  and  of  one,  or  if  many  plats  are  under  trial  of  two 
or  more  unmanured  plats  of  equal  size  and  some  with  the  same 
quantity  of  seed.  This  method  of  questioning  the  soil  through  the 
plant  has  been  successfully  employed  to  give  us  a  scientifio  know, 
ledge  of  what  is  necessary  to  vegetable  growth,  and  gives  perfectly 
correct  results  for  practice  provided  the  season  is  favourable,  and 
the  soil  has  no  detrimental  physical  qualities.  As  all  signs  fail  in 
dry  weather,  such  trials  give  negative  results  in  seasons  of  excessive 
meteorological  vicissitudes,  and  they  must  be  properly  interpreted. 
There  is  another  method  of  ascertaining  the  needs  of  a  soil  which 
sometimes  may  be  applied  with  great  success,  and  at  other  times 
may  fail,  viz.,  chemical  analysis.  This  is  not  only  uncertain  but 
costly,  and  although  its  certainty  and  cheapness  have  greatly 
increased  within  the  last  ten  years,  it  is  not  yet  to  bo  recommended 
by  the  side  of  the  method  by  practical  trial,  because  the  latter  is 
more  certain,  and  the  cultivator  can  apply  it  himself. 


PHOSPHATE  SEWAGE  WORKS. 
A  NUMBEK  of  gentleman,  chiefly  shareholders,  went  down  the  other 
day  to  Barking  to  inspect  the  works  of  the  Phosphate  Sewage  Com. 
pany.  For  the  purpose  of  demonstrating  the  utility  or  otherwise  of 
the  process  of  dealing  with  town  sewage,  the  Essex  Reclamation 
Companj'  have  placed  a  portion  of  their  estate  at  the  disposal  of  the 
proprietors  of  the  patent,  who  have  erected  works  thereon,  and 
have  for  some  time  past  been  daily  dealing  with  a  section  of  the 
sewage  of  London  equal  in  amount  to  that  which  would  be  produced 
by  a  town  of  25,000  inhabitants.  Whatever  other  advantages  or 
objections  may  be  alleged  for  or  against  the  ])roces3,it  cannot  be  denied 
the  merit  of  simplicity  and  of  great  rapidity  of  actioa.  The  sewage 
of  London,  a  turbulent  mass  of  thick,  black,  and  odorous  water,  is 
pumped  out  of  the  mains  into  a  wooden  carrier,  along  which  it  runs 
for  a  few  feet  till,  passing  a  small  pumping. engine,  it  receives  the 
addition  of  a  small  quantity  of  phosphate  of  aluraiua  specially 
prepared.  The  sewage  continues  its  course  along  the  carrier  for 
some  distance,  the  phosphate  meanwhile  becoming  thoroughly  mixed 
with  it,  and  visibly  affecting  its  appearance  in  the  direction  of  clari. 
fication.  It  next  receives  a  further  addition  in  the  shape  of  milk  of 
lime,  pumped  into  the  carrier  from  another  small  pumping  station, 
and  then  the  mixture  is  permitted  to  How  into  two  lai'ge  tanks,  where 
the  process  of  precipitation  takes  place,  the  effluent  water  running 
off  by  carriers  to  perform  its  work  of  irrigation.  The  Phosphate 
Sewage  Company  claims  for  its  peculiar  process  four  cardinal  virtues 
— namely,  cheap  defecation  of  town  sewage  ;  the  production  of  an 
effluent  water  which  may  be  applied  direct  to  the  land,  and  is  valu. 
able  for  irrigation  purposes ;  or,  if  passed  through  filter.beds  of  very 
limited  area,  can  bo  so  completely  purified  as  to  be  capable  of  being 
discharged  into  any  river  or  stream  without  causing  a  nuisance  ;  the 
production  of  a  manure  sufficiently  valuable  at  least  to  pay  its 
cost ;  great  economy  in  original  outlay  for  works,  and  an  avoidance 
of  the  necessity  for  acquiring  large  and  expensive  tracts  of  land  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  populous  towns.  It  is  in  the  second  and 
third  of  these  recommendatious  that  the  peculiar  advantages  of  the 
process  are  said  to  rest.  The  treatment  above  described  effects  the 
preliminary  desideratum  of  precipitating  the  sewage  matter,  and 
whilst  the  effluent  water  flows  off  in  a  condition  in  which  it  is  said 
to  retain  its  fertilising  properties,  and  to  be  at  the  same  time  unob- 
jectionable from  a  sanitary  point  of  view,  there  is  said  to  remain  a 
sediment  of  valuable  solid  manure.  At  the  Lodge  Farm  there  is  a 
small  filter,  containing  an  area  of  16  yards,  on  to  which  a  portion  of 
the  effluent  water  flows,  coming  out  below  a  bright,  sparkling,  and 
perfectly  colourless  stream,  pure  alike  to  smell  and  taste.  Mr. 
Tanner,  the  chemical  manager  of  the  company's  works,  explained  and 
illustrated  the  process  for  the  information  of  the  visitors,  who  were 
afterwards  conducted  round  the  farm,  and  under  the  direction  of  the 
chairman  (Jlr.  Peach)  saw  the  works  in  actual  operation. 


AVENUES  OF  TAPERING  TREES. 
In  forming  avenues,  the  choice  of  kinds  of  trees  has  hitherto 
been  too  hmited,  and  the  forms  of  the  adopted  kinds  too  much 
ahke.  Nothing  can  be  grander  in  their  way  than  sucli  noble 
avenues  as  those  at  Windsor  or  Bushey  Park,  or  such  as  was  so 
well  shown  in  one  of  the  illusti-ations  of  Holland  House  in  last 
■week's  Garden.  The  grateful  shade  and  noble  tree  architec- 
ture of  old  avenues  form  what  is  probably  the  happiest  result 
of  the  planter's  art  to  be  seen  in  our  parks  or  gardens.  We 
are  well  accustomed  to  avenues  of  rounded-headed  trees,  very 
beautiful  in  many  an  English  park  and  in  public  gardens 
everywhere,  but  it  seems  to  us  that  avenues  of  tapering  or 
fastigiate  trees  are  weU  worthy  the  attention  of  planters.  We 
know  of  few  good  examples ;  yet  what  can  be  more  beautiful 
and  striking  than  such  an  avenue  as  that  in  the  celebrated 
gardens  of  the  Alhambra,  so  well  shown  in  our  present  issue  ? 
In  cool  countries  like  ours,  where  there  is  little  need  for  shade, 
avenues  of  tapering  trees  would  be  more  appropriate  than  in 
warmer  ones.  There  is  now  in  our  nurseries  quite  a  wealth  of 
trees  wherewith  to  form  avenues  of  this  kind — from  the  taper- 
ing Oak,  and  Plane,  and  Poplar,  to  the  beautiful  and  graceful 
evergreen  trees  with  a  fastigiate  habit,  such  as  the  Eastern 
Cypress,  Lawson's  Cypress  and  its  varieties,  the  Virginian 
Cedar,  and  other  erect-growing  Conifers  of  many  species  and 
varieties. 


Soil  for  Fruits.— The  Gardener's  Monthhj  gives  briefly  the 
following  rules  for  selecting  the  best  soils  for  the  different  fruits : 
"  A  light  dryish  soil  for  the  Peach  ;  a  strong  loamy  soil  for  the  Pear ; 
nearly  the  same  for  the  Plum  ;  a  heavy  loam  for  the  Apple — if  on 
limestone,  all  the  better  ;  and  for  the  Cherry  a  soil  similar  to  that  for 
the  Peach."  To  which  we  may  add  that  wo  never  saw  better  Peaches 
than  those  growing  on  strong  or  heavy  soils,  provided  they  had  a 
good  natural  or  artiflcial  under  drainage  and  clean  cultivation. 


HEALTH  PROM  FLOWERS. 

Our  instinct  leads  us  to  delight  in  flowers.  Their  beauty  and 
perfume  have  irresistible  attractions  for  us.  We  have  little  dreamt 
that  we  were  thus  led  to  surround  ourselves  with  objects  which  most 
powerfuUy  conduce  to  health.  No  doubt  there  are  certain  members 
of  the  vegetable  kingdom  which  are  exceedingly  deleterious  ;  for,  not 
to  speak  of  the  much  dreaded  Upas,  the  West  Indian  Manchineel, 
and  some  species  of  the  American  Rhus,  there  are  some  of  our 
common  sweet-scented  flowers,  such  as  the  Mezereon,  which  have 
very  injurious  properties.  But  recent  investigation  has  proved  that 
those  adornments  of  our  gardens,  for  the  presence  of  which  we  so 
crave,  are,  as  a  rule,  endowed  with  health-preserving  qualities. 
0.tj'gen,  when  highly  electrified  and  so  rendered  specially  vitalising, 
has  in  recent  times  been  distinguished  by  the  name  of  ozone. 
This  is  one  of  the  chief  elements  of  a  healthy  atmosphere.  Now, 
centuries  ago  it  was  known  that  certain  plants  acted  as  powerful 
disinfectants.  Thus  Herodian  tells  us  that,  when  in  the  second 
century  the  plague  raged  in  Italy,  the  physicians  recommended 
those  who  crowded  into  Rome  to  go  to  Laurentum,  because  there 
the  sweet  Bay  tree  (Lauras  nobilis)  grew  in  great  abundance,  and 
the  inhalation  of  air  impregnated  with  its  odours  was  a  strong 
preservative  against  infection.  And  the  disciples  of  Empedocles 
were  wont  to  grow  aromatic  and  balsamic  herbs  around  their 
dwellings,  from  the  belief  that  they  were  thus  guarding  them. 
selves  against  fevers,  agues,  and  such  like.  Has  not  too,  among 
us,  the  tradition  of  its  fever-dispelling  power  given  the  name 
of  Feverfew  to  one  of  the  strongest-scented  of  the  Compositas  ? 
Recent  investigations,  especially  those  of  Professor  Montegazza 
of  Padua,  and  Dr.  Cornelius  Fox,  have  shown  that  these  old  ideas 
were  based  on  scientific  truth.  It  is  now  ascertained  that  the 
quantity  of  ozone  is  materially  increased  by  the  exposure  to  the 
rays  of  the  sun  of  various  plants,  among  which  the  most  common 
are  the  Lavender,  Musk,  Chcrrj',  Laurel,  Clove,  Fennel,  Narcissus, 
Ueliotrope,  Hyacinth,  and  Mignonette.  It  is  interesting  to  know 
that  the  Sunflower,  which  will  grow  almost  anywhere,  and  could  be 
turned  to  various  useful  purposes,  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  of 
sanitary  agents,  since  not  only  is  it  ozoniparous,  but  also  destroys 
deleterious  miasmata.  It  should  bo  noted,  as  a  further  proof  of  the 
good  influence  of  plant-culture  on  health,  that,  while  the  manufac- 
ture of  ozone  is  an  independent  work  carried  on  by  the  flowers 
alone,  the  green  leaves  are  performing  their  sanitary  function  by 
extracting  carbonic  acid  gas  from  the  atmosphere,  and  helping  to 
preserve  that  proportion  in  its  elements  which  makes  it  healthful. 
More  remarkable  perhaps,  than  all,  is  the  Eucalyptus  of  which  we 
have  recently  heard  so  much,  and  of  which  we  shall  soon  know 
more.  Thus  the  cultivation  of  flowers  is  a  work  not  merely  delight- 
ful and  humanising  in  itself,  but  one  which,  in  a  way  most  beautiful 
and  picturesque,  confers  a  positive  benefit  on  society  so  great  that 
it  can  hardly  be  overrated,  especially  in  large  towns,  where  there 
must  necessarily  be  so  much  to  poison  and  deteriorate  the  air  we 
breathe.  It  may  be  added  that  the  Sunflower  thrives  even  in  the 
heart  of  London,  and  that  it  is  readily  propagated  from  seeds  sown  in 
March  or  April.  It  is  nearly  allied  to  the  common  Jerusalem 
Artichoke,  which  also  grows  in  the  smokeist  of  districts. 


Dec.  2u,  1873.] 


THE  GAKDBN. 


507 


AN    AVEKOT!    OF    TA^EKI^•G    TKEES, 


608 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  20,1873. 


THE    GARDENS   OF   ENGLAND. 

THE  EOYAL  GARDENS,  FROGMORE. 
These  are  justly  regarded  as  the  fiuest  in  tho  country.     The 
■walls,  Tvhich  arc  12  feet  high,  enclose  an  area  of  31  acres,  and 
outside  of  the  enclosure  is  also  a  considerable  tract  of  gi-ound, 
on  which  the  rougher  kinds  of  vegetables  are  grown.    The  gar- 
dens face  the  south,  with  a  little  deviation  towards  tho  east,  and 
the  multitudinous  ranges  of  forcing  houses,  which  they  con- 
tain, lie  on  the  north  side,  and  run  east  and  west.     To  this 
department,  therefore — which  is  one  to  which  great  interest  is 
attached — the  following  remarks  are  confined : — 
Vines. 
The  largest  compartments  of  the  main  ranges  are  devoted 
to  Grape  culture,  and  some  of  these  Vineries  are  lean-to's,  and 
others  are  half-spans.     The  largest  of  the  former  are  over 
100  feet  in  length,  I63  feet  wide,  and  log  feet  high,  and  arc 
heated  by  means  of  three  rows  of  4-inch  pipes  in  front,  and  two 
rows  at  the  back.     The  Vines  are  all  planted  inside,  a  row  being 
along  the  back  and  another  along  the  front,  the  roots  having 
free  communication  with  outside  borders.   The  half -span-roofed 
houses  are  80  feet  in  length  and  1.5  feet  wide,  and,  like  the  others, 
are  planted  at  front  and  back,and  heated  in  the  same  way.   Near 
the  top  of  the  back  wall  is  a  shelf  for  Strawberries,  and  over 
the  pipes  in  front  is  a  stage  on  which  early  French  Beans 
are  forced.     On  the  principal  range  one  house  is  entirely  filled 
with  Black  Hamburgh,  another — the  second  early  house — is 
chiefly  filled  with    the    same  sort,    young   Vines  being   set 
between  them ;  and  also  what  was  once  a  Pine-stove,  in  the 
same  range,  is  now  converted  into  a  Vinery  and  planted  with 
Foster's    Seedling,    Napoleon,    Buckland's    Sweetwater,  and 
Muscat  of  Alexandria.     In  tho  other  portion  of  this  range, 
situated  on  the  east  of  Mr.  Jones's  residence,  is  a  large  com- 
partment  known    as    the    late  Vinery,  and    which    is    now 
producing  an  enormous  crop  of  excellent  fruit  of  Calabriau 
Eaisin,    Mrs.     Pince,    Alicante,   and    Lady   Downes ;    whilst 
another  division  contains  pot  Vines,  which  are  most  success- 
fully grown  in  these  gardens.     In  another  portion  is  what  is 
regarded  as  an  early  Vinery,  which  is  now  kept  in  a   cool 
and    open    condition  preparatoi'y  to   starting.     One  of  the 
haU-span-roofed    Vineries    is    devoted    chiefly  to   Muscats  ; 
the.  Bowood  and  the   Muscat  of    Alexandria  being   planted 
along   the   front,  and  quite   a  variety  of   sorts   at  the  back. 
Trebbiano  is  at  present  very  fine  in  this  house,  both  as  regards 
bunches  and  berries  ;    the  other  kinds,  too,  exhibit  the  efi:ects 
of  high   cultivation  in  a  marked  degree.     Another  of  these 
large  half-span-roofed  houses,  known  as  the  St.  Peter's  Vinery, 
owing  to  that  variety  being  largely  grown  in  it,  now  contains 
a  marvellous  crop  of  superb  fruit.     This  Vinery  is  started  in 
May,  and  the  Grapes  are  usually  ripe  in  December.     The  very 
latest  Grapes  are  obtained  from  a  lean-to  house,  where  the 
Vines,  after  they  have  done  fi-uiting,  can  be  entirely  turned 
outside  by  means  of  accommodation  provided  at  the  front  for 
that  purpose,  and  the  house  devoted  to  Strawberries,  French 
Beans,  &c.     These  Vines  can  be  kept  about  a  fortnight  later 
in  starting  into  growth  than  those  grown  naturally  in  the  open 
air. 

Pines. 
These  arc  grown  in  pits  about  80  feet  in  length  and  10  feet 
in  width,  with  3  feet  deep  of  leaves  in  them  for  bottom-heat, 
and  a  flow  and  return  of  4-inch  hot-water  pipes  runs  round 
within  the  walls  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  atmospheric 
warmth.  The  plants  are  invariably  planted  out  in  a  mixture 
of  good  loam ;  they  are  set  quincunx  fashion,  about  2 
feet  or  a  very  little  more  apart  in  all  dnections,  and 
when  they  are  watered  they  get  a  thorough  drenching,  for, 
unless  well  attended  to  in  that  way,  the  bottom  gets  dust  dry, 
and  tho  roots  consequently  suflier,  while  the  surface  presents 
a  moist  appearance.  There  are  many  pits  of  the  size  just 
named,  and  all  contain  Pines  in  some  stage  of  growth ; 
some  are  ripening  fruit,  others  are  swelling,  and  others, 
again,  are  coming  into  flower.  In  some  of  the  pits  there 
is  a  succession  of  younger  plants  and  suckers  newly  sepa- 
rated from  the  parent  plants.  Pots  are  seldom  used,  for 
no  sooner  are  the  svickers  removed  from  the  stocks  than  they 
are  either  inserted  temporarily  in  a  pit  until  room  can  be 
found  for  them  in  pits  permanently,  or  they  are,  if  convenient. 


taken  off  the  stocks  and  committed  to  their  fruiting- quarters 
at  once.  Queens,  smooth-leaved  Cayennes,  and  Charlotte 
Rothschild,  are  the  sorts  chiefly  grown  at  Frogmore,  and  of 
these  a  continuous  supply  every  day  in  the  year  is  kept  up  ; 
indeed,  we  have  seldom  seen  Pines  in  such  a  flourishing  con- 
dition as  those  in  question.  The  plants  are  strong  and  stubby 
with  thick  succulent  leaves,  and  without  a  trace  of  insects. 
The  fruits  too,  which  are  uncommonly  large,  are  produced 
with  short  thick  necks ;  they  ai'e  handsome  in  outline,  and  ai-e 
surmounted  by  very  small  crowns.  One  pit,  permanently 
planted  out  with  unrooted  suckers  on  the  1st  of  May,  1873, 
is  now  full  of  plants  showing  flower,  and  in  another  full-sized 
pit,  in  which  unrooted  suckers  of  the  smooth  Cayenne  kind 
were  planted  on  the  1.5th  of  November,  1872,  the  fruits  are 
now  almost  fully  swelled. 

Peaches,  Plums,  &e. 
These  are  now  both  bare  of  leaves  and  fruit,  and  exposed  to 
the  ripening  influence  of  the  weather.  The  houses  containing 
them  consist  of  divisions  of  the  main  range,  all  lean-to's.  In 
one  house,  mostly  filled  with  young  trees,  is  one  thirty  years 
of  age  and  very  large,  which  annually  produces  heavy  crops, 
while  in  two  other  divisions  devoted  to  late  Peaches,  we  were 
informed  that  some  of  the  trees  had  been  transplanted,  to  where 
they  now  stand,  when  in  full  vigour,  and  that  without  injury. 
Our  attention  was  called  to  this  matter  by  a  large  tree  that 
had  been  transplanted  whilst  in  full  leaf  about  the  beginning 
of  last  September,  and  which,  owing  to  being  shaded  from 
sunshine  by  a  thick  mat,  had  not  suffered  even  to  the  extent  of 
losing  its  leaves.  In  the  case  of  early  shifting  under  good 
care  the  trees  form  rootlets  before  winter,  and  in  spring  are 
prepared  to  start  unchecked  into  growth.  Plums  are  here 
grown  like  Peaches,  planted  out  in  inside  borders,  but  the 
roots  also  have  communication  with  the  borders  outside,  and 
the  branches  are  trained  on  a  wire  trellis  immediately  under 
the  glass.  Plum-forcing  is  precarious  work,  requiring  a  great 
deal  of  care  and  patience,  nevertheless,  here  the  trees  which 
are  old,  have  invariably  borne  heavy  crops  year  after  year  with 
unremitting  constancy.  The  varieties  thus  employed  are  the 
Victoria,  Green  Gage,  Jefferson,  and  Goliath.  In  one  of  the 
houses  Plums  are  grown  in  front  and  Guavas  on  the  back  wall, 
on  which  they  thrive  well  and  fruit  freely. 
Cherries. 

Cherry-forcing  is  carried  on  in  this  establishment  very 
extensively  and  successfully.  The  trees  are  plunged  out- 
of-doors  every  autumn,  as  soon  as  it  can  be  safely  done 
after  the  fruits  are  gathered,  and  the  two  houses  devoted 
to  them  are  used  for  other  crops.  These  houses  are  on  the 
span-roofed  principle,  .50  feet  long,  16  feet  wide,  10^  feet  high 
in  the  centre,  and  have  side  sashes  4  feet  high.  One  passage 
may  run  along  the  centre  of  the  house  and  the  trees  be  arranged 
on  either  side,  or  a  passage  may  be  made  at  the  two  sides  and 
the  trees  be  arranged  in  the  middle,  which,  if  the  trees  be  large, 
may  be  the  most  desu-able  method.  As  Cherries  grown  in  pots 
under  glass  require  all  the  light  possible,  only  about  a  foot 
and  half  high  of  masonry  is  employed  in  the  houses  containing 
them,  and  that  merely  as  a  foundation,  and  to  raise  the.  sashes 
sufliciently  high  to  permit  of  them  being  readily  opened  or  shut, 
door  fashion,  i.e.,  opening  simultaneously  outwards  with  their 
backs  to  the  north-east,  so  as  to  exclude  cold  winds. 
Cucumbers. 

The  Hedsor  is  the  only  Cucumber  grown  in  the  Royal 
Gardens,  for  summer  as  well  as  for  winter  supply,  and  it 
answers  exceedingly  well  as  an  all-the-year-round  cropper.  A 
span-roofed  Cherry-house  has  been  full  of  these  since  the  trees 
were  removed,  a  row  lieing  planted  on  the  floor  in  a  mixture 
of  loam  and  spent  Mushroom-dung  on  each  side  of  the  central 
path.  The  plants  stand  about  3  feet  apart,  and  are  trained  so 
as  to  form  an  archway  over  the  pathway.  There  are  no  means 
of  giving  bottom-heat  to  the  plants,  and  the  side-pipes  have 
not  been  used  ;  yet  never  have  we  seen  Cucumbers  look  better, 
or  bear  a  heavier  crop  than  these  were  doing.  The  leaves  were 
like  those  of  Rhubarb  in  size,  and  the  Cucumbers  all  that 
could  be  desired.  Now,  however,  when  frost  and  rain  have 
set  in,  fire-heat  would  be  indispensable ;  but,  as  the  plants  are 
about  to  be  displaced  to  make  room  for  the  Cherries,  such  will 
not  be  necessary.  This  house  is  succeeded  by  several  other 
lean-to  pits  filled  with  plants  for  winter  bearing.    Cucumbers 


Dec.  20,  1873. 


THE  GARDEN. 


509 


here  are  almost  invai-iably  planted  out  in  a  turfy  compost,  not 
too  rich  ;  but  in  one  pit  we  noticed  wb.it  we  imagined  to  be  an 
excellent  plan — viz.,  a  little  ridge  of  soil  is  laid  as  for  tbe 
otbers ;  but  large  inverted  bottomless  pots  are  also  placed 
4  feet  apart,  filled  with  soil,  and  in  these  the  Cnourabers  are 
planted.  In  this  way  the  roots  are  better  under  command  than 
they  would  be  if  entirely  in  the  border,  and  the  plants  are  more 
elevated  towards  the  light.  Some  of  tbe  outside  frames  are 
also  devoted  to  Cucumber  growing  imtil  about  this  time  of  the 
yeai',  when  they  are  clcai'ed  out  to  make  room  for  Potatoes, 
Peas,  French  Beans,  Endive,  and  other  early  vegetables. 
Melons. 

These  are  largely  grown  iu  the  summer  time  and  a  supply 
of  them  is  obtained  with  more  or  less  certainty  until  near 
Christmas.  In  April,  they  come  iu  again.  The  pits  in 
■which  they  are  grown  are  like  those  for  Cucumbers,  and 
have  bottom  heat  cummuuicated  to  them  by  means  of  hot- 
water  pipes  under  slate  slabs  that  support  the  soil.  In 
front,  between  the  bed  of  soil  and  the  wall,  is  a  trough 
for  the  pipes,  which  arc  covered  with  leaves,  so  that  they  can 
be  kept  damp  and  strained,  thus  counteracting  aridity  in  the 
atmosphere,  and  obviating  attacks  from  that  greatest  of 
Melon  pests — the  red  spider.  The  Eoyal  Ascot  and  the  Beech- 
wood  are  the  sorts  chiefly  grown  here,  and  they  are  now 
swelling  off  a  fine  crop  of  fruit. 

Strawberries. 

Of  these,  6,.500  plants,  thoroughly  established  in  6-inch  pots, 
are  now  out  of  doors  on  a  bed  of  ashes,  and,  judging  by  their 
hard  and  plump  crowns  and  well-seasoned  aspect,  they  appear 
well  fitted  to  withstand  the  forcing  to  which  they  will  soon 
be  subjected.  La  Grosse  Sucrce  and  Vicomtesse  Hericart  de 
Thury  are  the  two  sorts  chiefiy  forced,  the  former  being 
the  greatest  favourite  of  the  two.  Throughout  the  Vineries, 
Peach-houses,  and  other  structures,  wherever  a  shelf  can  be 
spared.  Strawberries  will  be  set,  and  even  now  more  extensive 
accommodation  is  being  made  for  them,  in  the  shape  of  new 
brick  pits.  A  particular  point  in  their  cultivation  is  to  obtain 
the  runners  early,  and  to  have  the  plants  in  an  advanced  and 
ripened  condition  before  the  approach  of  winter ;  the  bulk  of 
the  plants  in  question  being  iu  their  fruiting-pots  by  the  29th 
of  July. 

Asparagus. 

Asparagus  is  forced  at  Progmore  on  an  extensive  scale. 
Permanent  beds,  7^  feet  wide,  are  formed  with  alleys  between 
them  1  foot  8  inches  wide,  excavated  to  a  depth  of  4  feet,  banked 
up  on  either  side  of  the  beds  with  bricks,  pigeon-hole  fashion, 
and  filled  to  half  their  depth  with  rich  soil ;  in  the  upper 
portion  are  situated  two  4-inch  hot-water  pipes.  The  chambers 
containing  the  pipes  are  covered  with  Yorkshire  flag-stone, 
and,  while  any  portion  of  the  beds  is  being  forced,  it  is  covered 
with  span-roofed  wooden  frames  or  shutters.  Heat  is  commu- 
nicated through  the  pigeon-holes,  and  can  be  regulated  as 
required.  There  are  two  sets  of  beds,  each  set  being  forced 
every  alternate  year.  As  soon  as  a  supply  can  be  obtained  out 
of  doors  these  beds  are  uncovered,  and  the  plants  in  them  are 
allowed  to  grow  until  the  tops  turn  yellow,  when  they  are  cut 
down  in  the  ordinary  way. 

The  Plant  Houses. 

Several  houses  are  devoted  to  the  cirltivation  of  stove  and 
greenhouse  plants,  Ferns,  and  Orchids,  which  are  used  for  the 
decoration  of  the  interior  of  Windsor  Castle  and  for  supplying 
cut  flowers  for  bouquets  and  similar  purposes.  At  the  extreme 
end  of  the  range  of  fruit-houses  is  a  greenhouse,  in  which 
Camellias  are  planted  out  in  a  central  border,  and  many  other 
plants  are  grown  in  pots.  At  the  warm  end  of  this  house, 
Bougainvillea  glabra  is  growing  up  the  back  wall ;  its  branches 
form  an  archway  over  the  passage,  and  are  annually  covered 
with  flowers.  Habrothamnus  elegaus  aud  Plumljago  c.apensis 
also  occupy  a  position  on  the  same  wall,  on  which  they  grow 
with  a  wild  luxuriance  and  flower  profusely.  At  the  other  end 
of  this  range  is  a  compartment,  once  used  as  a  cool  greenhouse, 
but  now  converted  into  a  plant-stove.  Iu  it  Musa  Cavendishii 
is  growing  freely ;  also  some  Tree-Perns,  and  moderately  large 
Palms,  as  well  as  a  fine  plant  of  Pandanus  utilis.  From  its 
roof  is  suspended  in  graceful  racemes  the  red  flowery  spray  of 
Passiflora  racemosa  and  Bougainvillea  glabra,  and  trained  on 
one  of  the  rafters  is  a  plant  of  Combretum  purpureum,  also 


beautifully  in  flower.  In  one  long  stove  was  a  row  of  large 
plants  of  Eucharis  amazonica,  splendidly  in  flower,  growing 
in  12-iuch  pots,  plunged  iu  a  bed  of  cocoa-nut  fibre  near  the 
glass.  Here  were  also  Dracajuas,  Crotons,  aud  other  plants 
useful  in  house  decorations.  Behind  this  stove  is  an  Azalea 
house,  where  the  plants  are  chiefly  grown  iu  the  form  of  little 
standards,  or  that  of  moderately-sized  bushes  and  pyramids. 
Standing  alone  is  a  span-roofed  house,  in  which  Poinsettias, 
Euphorbias,  Coleuses,  and  Gesneras,  for  winter  use,  now  form 
the  chief  occupants,  and  iu  one  of  the  main  ranges  is  a  long 
propagating  pit.  A  span-roofed  house  is  devoted  to  the  culture 
of  free-flowering  Orchids,  such  as  Oypripediums,  Calauthes, 
Odontoglossums,  and  other  cool-house  inmates,  as  well  as  to 
some  Ferns  and  Mosses.  In  this  house  Adiantum  macro- 
phyllum,  in  the  shape  of  two-year  old  plants,  formed  handsome 
table  ornaments.  Besides  these  there  is  another  house  at  the 
back  of  one  of  the  fruithouses  used  as  an  Orchid  house  or 
Fcruery. 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

BEANS. 
Broad  Windsor,  Long-pod,  early  Mazagau,  and  the  whole 
family  of  this  useful  vegetable  thrive  best  on  stiff  soils,  such 
as  clays  or  heavy  loams,  but  will  produce  excellent  crops  if 
planted  early  in  the  season  on  any  kind  of  soil,  trodden  or 
rolled  firm.  A  planting  of  the  Dwarf  Green  Gem,  the  early 
Long-pod,  and  early  Mazagau  may  be  made  in  October  or  early 
in  November,  in  a  warm  border,  or  any  sheltered  situation, 
in  order  to  stand  the  winter,  and  come  into  bearing  in  May. 
Plantings  may  also  be  made  in  December  and  January  in  suc- 
cession. A  good  season  to  plant  for  a  full  crop  is  the  month 
of  February.  Plant  such  kinds  as  Long-pod,  the  Wonderful 
Minster,  Giant  Monarch,  Dwarf  Gem,  Windsor,  Broad  Windsor, 
Green  Long-pod,  &c.  Keep  clean  by  timely  hoeings  and  sur- 
face-stiiTings  ;  and  pinch  out  the  point  of  each  shoot  as  soon  as 
they  commence  flowering,  iu  order  that  they  may  set  a  full 
crop,  and  swell  freely. 

French  Beans. 
These  are  fond  of  well-pulverised,  sweet,  rich  soil.  They 
should  not  be  planted  till  the  middle  of  April  in  the  open  gar- 
den (as  on  account  of  the  damp  cold  state  of  the  soil  they  are 
liable  to  rot),  and  then  only  on  warm  sheltered  borders,  or  in 
places  where  they  may  be  sheltered  aud  protected  from  the 
cold  wind  and  morning  frost.  My  own  plan  to  obtain  an  early, 
even,  and  prolific  first  crop  out  of  doors,  was  to  sow  in  a  frame, 
or  under  a  hand-glass,  or  in  a  box  or  pan  placed  indoors,  or 
under  shelter  ;  harden  off  and  transplant  on  a  warm  border  or 
quarter,  well  prepared,  in  trenches  or  on  the  flat,  with  a  ridge 
of  earth  cast  up  for  shelter  on  each  side,  and  protect  them  by 
night  and  iu  cold  windy  weather  with  light  straw  mats,  ever- 
green boughs.  Fern,  Pea  haulm,  or  any  similar  materials.  This 
shelters  and  forwards  the  crop  very  considerably.  The  follow- 
ing have  been  proved  to  be  good  varieties : — Light  Dun  or 
Cream-coloured,  Mohawk,  Darkspeckled,  Negro,  Long-podded, 
Sion  House,  Osborne's  New,  Newington  Wonder,  Dark  Dun, 
Palmer's,  Eobin's  Egg,  Early  White,  and  Wilmot's  Early 
forcing.  J.  B. 


BORECOLE. 
(brassica  oleracea  eimbriata.) 
There  are  now  in  cultivation  many  varieties  of  this  useful 
early  winter,  spring,  and  late  spring  vegetable,  in  which  great 
improvement  has  been  made  of  late  years,  both  by  introducing 
some  good  new  varieties  and  also  by  crossing  and  improving 
the  old  ones.  The  old  Scotch  or  Curled  varieties,  both  dwarf 
and  tall,  have  been  so  improved  by  care  and  selection  that  the 
foliage  is  beautifully  curled,  close,  and  of  such  a  lovely  green 
that  it  has  come  much  into  request  for  garnishing.  The 
variegated  Kale,  which  is  of  almost  every  colour,  striped  and 
mottled  with  every  intermediate  shade  from  silver-white  to 
deep  purple,  is  also  as  good  for  cooking  purposes  as  any  of 
the  others.  The  Buda  Kale,  when  procured  true,  is  about  the 
very  best  late  variety,  and  the  most  hardy  of  all.  It  is  also 
of  a  superior  flavour  and  colour  when  cooked.    For  a  late  cold 


510 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Dkc.  20,  18?3. 


spring,  wbeii  vegetables  are  getting  scarce,  this  variety  is 
most  valuai^le,  lasting  in  fine  condition  till  spring  Cabbage  is 
■well  in  season  ;  and,  to  ray  mind,  Its  tender  shoots,  carefully 
gathered  and  tied  in  bunches,  like  Asparagus,  and  served  at 
table  in  the  same  way,  are  nearly  as  good  as  Asparagus  itself. 
There  are  also  many  other  well-proved  useful  varieties,  -which 
come  into  succession  from  January  to  May,  such  as  the 
Siberian,  Egyptian,  Cottager's,  Jerusalem,  Thousand-headed, 
Ragged  Jack,  Delaware,  Scotch  Cabbaging  or  Hearted,  &c., 
all  of  which  may  be  sown  from  the  middle  of  March  till  the 
beginning  of  May  in  three  successive  sowings,  pricking  out 
the  plants  as  fast  as  they  are  large  enough  to  handle,  and 
planting  them  out  between  Peas  or  Beans,  or  at  once 
permanently  on  fiuarters,  or  open  gi-ound  if  it  can  be  spared. 
Like  all  other  vegetables,  if  we  would  have  it  good  and  strong, 
and  able  to  produce  fine  and  abund.ant  heads,  it  should  be 
planted  on  good  land,  that  is  to  say,  land  th.at  has  been  well- 
manured  and  deeply  trenched,  and  the  crop  should  be  always 
kept  clean  with  an  open  surface  by  timely  and  frequent 
surface-stirring.  James  Barnes. 


Blackley's  Cure  for  the  Potato  Disease. — On  Tnestlay, 
the  '1th  November,  I  and  oihera  visited  the  garden  of  Mr.  Blackley,  at 
Leytou,  to  witness  the  result  of  an  experiment  which  he  had  tried  for 
the  cure  of  the  Potato  blight ;  and  having  myself  suffered  great  loss 
this  j-ear  from  that  malady,  I  naturally  felt  much  interest  in  the 
subject.  The  few  sets  which  were  left  were  completely  overgrown 
with  rank  weeds  ;  bnt,  to  our  surprise,  there  was  no  appearance  of 
the  old  enemy.  I  under.^tand  that  Mr.  Blackley  has  adopted  the 
same  treatment  for  these  last  four  years  with  the  same  results.  I 
sincerely  trust  that  he  has  found  a  cure  for  the  Potato  disease  ;  and, 
if  ho  has,  we  shall  owe  him  something  more,  I  hope,  than  a  debt  of 
gratitude. — W.  Reynolds. 

Hollow  Celery. — Allow  me  to  inform  your  correspondent  (see  p. 
450),  that  any  check  which  Celery  experiences  in  its  growth  has  a 
tendency  to  induce  it  to  become  hollow  or  to  bolt,  as  it  is  called.  Three 
years  ago,  whenplauting  out  my^Celery  I  ran  short  of  good  rotten  dung ; 
therefore,  for  the  last  row,  I  used  some  that  was  fresh  and  in  a  green 
state.  The  result  was  that  my  Celery  was  very  nearly  all  hollow  and 
only  fit  for  soap.  To  grow  Celery  solid  and  crisp,  and  fit  for  table, 
it  must  be  kept  growing  from  the  time  when  the  seedlings  appear 
until  earthing.up  takes  place.  It  matters  not  whether  the  plants  are 
raised  in  heat  or  not,  if  they  arc  carefully  hardened  off,  so  as  to 
receive  no  check.  I  say,  again,  keep  the  plants  growing  by  a  good  supply 
of  water  aud  liquid  manure,  for  good  Celery  caunot  be  obtained 
without  labour  and  attention,  both  of  which  it  will  well  repay  in  the 
end.  Your  correspondent  asks,  what  is  best  variety  of  solid  Celery  ? 
No  doubt  there  are  many  that  are  good,  but  one  that  I  can  reccom. 
mend,  and  which  1  have  proved  to  be  excellent,  is  Sutton's  Sulham 
Prize  Pink ;  it  grows  to  a  fair  size,  is  solid  and  crisp,  and  of  good 
flavour,  and  well  suited  either  for  private  gardens  or  for  market 
purposes. — M.  P.,  Luton. 

I  KAISE  my  Celery  in  frames,  on  a  gentle  hot-bed  ;  always  give 

plenty  of  air  when  the  weather  is  favourable,  and  gradually  harden 
it  off  until  the  plants  are  ready  to  prick  out.  Then  I  prick  them  out 
into  cold  frames  with  a  good  layer  of  rotten  manure  under  them.  I 
cannot  see  that  raising  Celery  in  a  gentle  heat  has  anything  to  do 
with  making  it  hollow,  or  piped ;  it  that  was  the  case,  it  would  affect 
all  sorts  alike.  I  raised  the  following  sorts  in  a  three-light  frame  : — 
Leviathan  White,  Veitch's  New  Pink,  Carter's  Incomparable  Dwarf 
Crimson,  Williams's  Matchless,  Sandringham  AVhite,  and  Wright's 
Grove  Ked.  The  two  first-named  were  almost  worthless,  the  two 
next  were  not  much  piped.  In  the  two  last  I  have  not  seen  a  piped 
head  out  of  many  thousands  of  plants  ;  all  the  sorts  were  treated  alike, 
and  grew  side  by  side  on  a  piece  of  most  excellent  land  which  was  an 
old  pasture  five  years  ago,  and  has  grown  excellent  crops  of  Potatoes, 
Broccoli,  &c.,  and,  once  before,  Celery.  Therefore  it  was  grown  on 
thoroughly  maiden  soil,  as  large  pieces  of  fibry  loam  turu  up  quite 
fresh ;  yet  the  manure  I  use  is  principally  stable-yard,  which  I 
apply  with  a  liberal  hand.  I  used  no  guano  this  season  for  Celery. 
I  hope  other  correspondents  will  give  us  their  exi:ierience  in  respect 
to  hollow  Celery. — W.  C,  Whitehaven. 

Try   Veitch's   Silver   White  or   Haywood's  White    Queen. 

The  strong.growing  sorts  of  white  are,  upon  the  whole,  more  pithy 
than  the  dwarf.  Those  I  name  only  grow  to  a  moderate  size.  The 
very  best  reds  are  Major  Clarke's  Solid  Rod,  Dickson's  Superlative, 
and  Leicester  Red.  These  are  all  varieties  of  first-rate  flavour,  and 
always  solid. — G.  Wkstlaxd. 


GARDENEES  IN  AMERICA. 

I  QUITE  agree  with  the  remarks  on  this  subject  by  my  friend  Mr. 
Meehan,  in  your  paper  of  November  1,  so  far  as  regards  the  wages 
question,  and  also  that  the  purchasing  value  of  money  in  this 
country  is  much  less  than  in  England,  even  although,  as  Punch 
remarks,  "  everything  has  ris  "  in  England,  where  bread  has  to  be 
imported  from  this  country,  and  beef  is  at  starvation  prices,  so  that 
in  the  matter  of  eating  the  difference  is  small,  considering  that 
working  people  here  live  much  better,  or,  at  least,  more  extrava- 
gantly than  in  England,  if  we  except  the  English  colliers.  I  need 
not  inform  English  gardeners  that  there  are  at  all  times  more 
men  requiring  places  than  situations  vacant,  which  is  the  principal 
cause  of  low  wages  in  that  country ;  for,  like  everything  else,  the 
price  is  regulated  by  the  supply  and  demand.  Under  these  circnm- 
stances,  a  gardener  must  accept  the  wages  offered  or  turn  his 
attention  to  other  employment,  a  very  difficult  thing  to  do  in  a  small 
country  like  England,  where  every  other  occupation  has  plenty  of 
hands  educated  to  that  particular  business.  In  this  country  it  is 
different.  If  one  business  does  not  pay,  another  is  at  once  tried, 
and,  if  a  man  is  a  good  workman,  no  one  questions  him  it  he  was 
brought  up  to  that  business  or  not.  For  myself,  I  always  received 
the  wages  I  asked  in  England,  and,  if  I  could  not  obtain  more  here 
than  there  at  my  present  occupation,  I  should  at  once  turn  my 
attention  to  something  else.  Of  course,  no  one  with  common  sense 
would  go  to  Canada  to  settle  as  a  gardener,  to  be  frozen  during  six 
months  of  the  year,  and  roasted  the  other  six.  I  am  aware  private 
gardeners,  as  a  rule,  are  paid  low  in  this  country,  when  compared 
with  the  skilled  workman.  There  are  several  reasons  for  this  ;  there 
are  here  no  old  families,  with  money  and  estates  handed  down  in 
succession  for  centuries.  Here  the  money  is  generally  made,  pro- 
perty purchased,  houses  built,  and  gardens  made  by  the  present 
proprietor.  Everything  is  done  with  a  reference  to  that  single 
proprietor,  or  probably  as  a  speculation,  or  it  often  happens  that,  as 
soon  as  the  place  is  in  working  order,  the  proprietor  grows  tired  of 
it,  or  makes  an  unfortunate  speculation,  and  it  passes  to  strangers. 
Another  reason  is,  that  Patrick  and  Fritz  get  tired  of  the  "onld 
country"  and  Fatherland,  and  try  their  fortunes  here  in  large 
numbers  every  year.  In  the  old  country  many  of  them  have  been 
garden  labourers,  but  on  landing  in  this  free  and  enlightened  country 
they  at  once  expand  into  full-blown  gardeners  and  professors.  Of 
course  they  undertake  to  do  any  aud  everything,  at  a  comparatively 
low  w'age  ;  and,  if  they  chance  to  recollect  the  names  of  several  most 
noted  gardens  in  England  or  on  the  continent,  they  will  give  a  good 
list  of  those  places,  in  each  of  which  they  have  held  a  responsible 
position.  Brother  Jonathan,  knowing  little  about  gardeners  or  garden- 
ing, and  having  no  time  to  inquire,  at  once  secures  the  services  of  the 
fresh  arrival,  which  arc  usually  of  so  unsatisfactory  a  character  that 
the  employer  seldom  obtains  any  gratification  for  a  large  outlay  in 
money  and  time,  and  often  sells  off  his  plants  in  disgust.  Active 
young  men,  brought  up  to  work  under  good  pushing  gardeners, 
who  can  handle  a  spade  or  any  other  tool  if  required  (that 
is,  if  that  class  of  young  men  has  not  died  out,  or  developed  into 
kid-glovcd  dandies),  are  the  men  who  are  wanted  in  this  covmtry. 
As  an  example,  I  would  not  keep  a  man  long  who  was  not 
worth  two  dollars  a  daj',  and  for  such  men  there  is  always  a  demand 
here,  particularly  from  February  to  April.  Such  men  are  more  likely 
to  leave  their  old-country  prejudices  behind,  and  enter  into  the 
customs  of  this  country  than  older  men,  and  would  be  willing  to  take 
any  job  which  offers  for  a  time  until  something  more  satisfactory 
presented  itself.  I  will  mention  a  case  in  point.  A  well-educated 
young  man  came  over  here  from  one  of  the  best  English  gardens ;  he 
and  a  companion  from  the  same  place  on  landing  engaged  at  once  to  a 
farmer,  and  worked  as  farm  hands  during  the  summer.  In  the  fall 
they  found  there  would  be  no  work  during  winter,  and  wrote  to  me. 
I  obtained  a  job  for  one  at  good  wages  in  Philadelphia,  and  he  is 
still  there.  The  other  worked  with  myself  for  three  years ;  I  then  sent 
him  as  foreman  in  a  commercial  establishment  in  Philadelphia,  where 
he  receives  1,000  dollars  a  year.  Another  young  man,  who  had 
among  other  things  worked  in  a  London  market-garden,  on  arrival 
here,  I  set  on  to  lead  a  gang  trenching  ground,  at  which,  as  well  as 
at  inside  work,  he  was  a  good  hand.  He  wanted  a  milder  climate 
than  this,  and  I  obtained  him  a  place  as  foreman  in  a  nursery  at  San 
Francisco  at  60  dollars  a  month  in  gold,  and  he  had  received  a  good 
rise  twice  in  the  first  six  months.  Another,  who  took  a  small  place 
on  landing,  called  on  me  at  the  end  of  a  year,  and  I  at  once  sent  him 
to  a  place  in  Kentucky  at  50  dollars  a  month,  with  board  and  lodging. 
These  are  only  mentioned  as  examples  to  show  that  well-conducted 
men  who  know  their  business  can  get  a  fair  remuneration  here,  and, 
if  they  are  saving  of  money,  can  soon  lay  by  a  few  dollars  and  start 
business  for  themselves.  In  England,  it  is  usually  a  longtime  before 
a  man  is  able  to  do  this. 

New  Jersey,  XJ.S.A.  J.  T. 


Dec.  20,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


511 


THE     INDOOR     GARDEN. 


NEW  CHINESE  PRIMULAS. 

The  group  of  beautiful  Primulas  showa  by  the  Messrs. 
Browii,  of  Hendou,  at  the  last  meeting  at  South  Kensington, 
has  again  drawn  attention  to  the  great  value  of  the  Primula 
sinensis  as  a  winter-blooming  plant.  I  do  not  think  that  this 
particular  feature  of  its  character,  is,  even  now,  after  many 
years  of  cultivation  in  this  country,  sufficiently  appreciated. 
Growers,  especially  gardeners,  sow  their  seed  of  it  too  late ; 
they  either  save  their  own  seed,  and  have  thus  to  wait  until 
July  before  it  is  ripened,  or  they  purposely  sow  late,  thinking 
that  about  March  is  the  proper  season  of  blooming.  If  seed 
be  sown  in  April  or  May,  and  rapidly  grown  on,  the  plants 
will  commence  to  bloom  in  November,  and  carry  large  heads 
of  flower  all  the  winter 
through  ;  a  dozen  or  two 
of  them  making  any 
house  look  gay  in  the 
dullest  period  of  the 
year.  I  have  to  take 
exception  to  the  con- 
ditions appended  to  the 
class  for  twelve  Primulas 
to  be  shown  at  South 
Kensmgton  on  the  18th 
of  March  next  year.  The 
schedule  says  "  not  fewer 
than  four  kinds,"  but 
surely  the  compilers  of 
it  could  scarcely  be  aware 
that  there  is  now  such 
great  variety  in  the 
Primula  that  twelve 
plants  "  all  distinct," 
ought  to  be  asked  for  at 
least.  I  bloomed  last 
spring  twenty  distinct 
forms,  and,  with  semi- 
doubles,  all  of  which  came 
true  from  seed,  and  other 
single  foi-ms  that  I  had 
not,  at  least  ten  other 
varieties  might  have  been 
added.  The  Messrs. 
Brown's  two  new  forms, 
picturata  and  CEerulea, 
afford  evidences  of  the 
rapid  increase  in  distinct 
forms  that  Primula  is 
assuming.  The  richly- 
coloured  form  called  ex- 
quisita  I  have  seen 
equalled  in  years  past, 
although  I  think  Messrs. 
Brown'sflowerspossessed 
a  richer  shade  of  crimson, 
while  those  I  have  seen 
elsewhere  exhibited  deep 
hues  of  purple.  When  it 
is  remembered  that  the 

flowers  of  the  Chinese  Primula  have  fifteen  or  sixteen  diverse 
shades  or  markings, and  that  nearly  all  of  these  are  also  borne  on 
the  Fern-like  foliage,  it  will  be  readily  understood  that  a  collec- 
tion of  twelve  kinds  ought  not  to  be  a  matter  of  difficulty  to  any 
regular  exhibitor.  I  have  been  informed  on  reliable  authority 
that  a  blue-flowered  kind,  or  one  pretending  to  that  colour, 
has  been  already  heard  of  on  the  Continent,  and,  if  that  is  the 
case,  it  might  possibly  prove  to  have  been  the  progenitor  of 
the  new  Primula  ca^rulea.  It  must  not  be  overlooked  that 
the  nearest  approach  to  a  blue  hitherto  has  been  found  iu 
Lilacina  albo-marginata  (a  very  pleasing  form  that  might  be 
best  described  as  lavender  edged  with  white).  This  kind  also 
produces  foliage  and  stems  exactly  alike  in  habit  and  colour  to 
those  of  P.  sinensis  alba.  I  found  casrula  also  to  possess 
the    same   characteristics,   but   the   leaf-stalks    were   darker, 


and  partaking  somewhat  of  the  hue  of  the  flowers.  Lilacina 
albo-marginata  is  of  Continental  origin,  although  now 
pretty  common  with  us ;  and  I  think  c£erulea  has  been 
bred  from  it.  One  of  the  finest  of  the  white  kinds  is 
Paul's  Waltbam  White,  the  blooms  being  pure,  of  great  size, 
and  nicely  fringed.  Tompkin's  Princess  Louise  is  also  a 
massive  white  flower,  slightly  shaded  with  rose,  and  of  good 
substance,  but  rather  smooth-edged  ;  the  Marquis  of  Lome 
being  a  purple-flowered  duplicate  of  it.  If  any  enthusiastic 
amateur  is  in  want  of  a  new  sensation,  let  him  go  in  for  the 
possession  of  as  large  a  collection  of  Chinese  Primulas  as  he 
can  secure.  A.  D. 


Trichopilia  Buayis  (half  natural  size.) 


TRIOHOPILIA  SUAVIS. 

This  beautiful  plant  is  a  native  of  Central  America — a  rich  field 

from  which  many  of  our 
most  valuable  Orchids 
have  been  derived.  It  is 
one  of  the  commonest 
species  in  cultivation, 
and  may  be  purchased 
for  a  few  shillings ;  it 
flowers  very  profusely  in 
March  and  April,  and 
is  of  extremely  easy  cxil- 
ture.  There  are  several 
varieties  of  this  plant  in 
cultivation,  varying  in 
the  size  of  the  flowers, 
and  iu  the  depth  or 
brightness  of  the  rosy 
blotches  with  which  its 
snow-white  lip  is  pro- 
fusely adorned.  The 
flowers  are  borne,  two  or 
three  together,  on  a  short 
drooping  scape  ;  and,  in 
largo  well-grown  speci- 
mens, their  effect  is  very 
beautiful,  as  they  fre- 
quently form  a  perfect 
wreath  all  round  the  base 
of  the  pseudo-bulbs. 
Good  specimens  often 
bear  upwards  of  a  hun- 
dred flowers,  and,  as  they 
last  a  considerable  time 
(often  six  weeks)  in  per- 
fection, they  are  of  addi- 
tional interest.  The 
flowers  are  very  useful 
for  cuttings,  either  for 
dinner-table  decorations 
or  for  the  drawing-room 
vase,  as  they  sparkle 
very  brilliantly  under 
artificial  light,  and  look 
very  fresh  and  attractive 
when  neatly  backed  by 
foliage  or  Fern  fronds. 
This  plant,  together  with 
its  allies,  grows  well  in  a  compost  of  fibrous  peat  and 
sphagnum,  care  being  taken  to  elevate  it  on  a  little  hillock 
above  the  rim  of  the  pot,  or  rather  pan,  in  which  it  should 
be  grown.  All  the  Trichopilias  do  best  iu  an  intermediate 
house.  They  require  plenty  of  water  when  growing,  and  a 
decided  season  of  rest.  F.  W.  B. 


Caladium  escnlentum  in  Algeria.— M.  Charles  Riviere  is  reported  to 
have  recently  discovered  Caladium  escnlentum  (Colocasia  esculenta)  growing 
wild  in  Algeria  in  a  district  remote  from  all  cultivation  and  human  dwellings. 
The  leaves  which  he  forwarded  to  Paris  were  shown  to  M.  Brongniart,  who, 
thinking  it  unlikely  that  a  Sandwich  Island  plant  should  be  found  indigenous 
in  North  Africa,  suggested  that  it  is  probably  a  variety  of  the  Colocasia 
antiquorum  of  ttie  Egyptians,  The  leaves  of  the  plant  discovered  by  M, 
Rivii?re,  however,  bear  a  greater  resemblance  to  those  of  C.  esculenta  at  present 
growing  at  Paris  than  to  those  of  the  specimens  labelled  C.  antiquorum  in  the 
gardens  of  la  Muette. 


)12 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  20, 187S. 


THE    AMATEUR'S    GARDEN.* 

HOW  TO  GROW  COOL  ORCHIDS. 
Most  people  are  apt  to  think  that  Orchid-growing  is  both 
difficult  and  expensive ;  but  my  own  experience  convinces  me 
that  nothing  can  be  more  simple,  while  the  cost  has  been,  in 
my  own  case,  much  less  than  I  had  anticipated.  I  would 
recommend  everyone  who  has  convenience  to  grow  the  cool 
or  mountain  Orchids.  I  find  there  are  two  distinct  classes  of 
amateurs  who  affect  Orchid  culture,  viz.,  the  class  who  really 
love  the  plants  for  their  sweetness  and  beauty,  and  those  who 
grow  them  on  account  of  their  rarity  and  value.  The  latter 
strive  mainly  to  possess  rare  plants,  of  which  there  are  only 
a  limited  number  in  the  country,  and  willingly  pay  high  prices 
for  them  ;  while  the  former  grow  only  the  most  beautiful,  and 
think  that  the  cheaper  they  can  be  obtained,  and  the  more  they 
are  growing,  the  better.  To  this  class  I  belong.  I  commenced 
Orchid-growing  three  years  ago,  in  a  little  lean-to  Fernery, 
on  the  north  side  of  a  high  brick  wall,  and  the  house 
being  naturally  humid,  my  first  pair  of  plants — Odonto- 
glossum  cordatum  and  0.  Bictonense — grew  and  flowered 
so  vigorously,  that  I  was  induced  to  add  plants  from 
time  to  time,  until  my  little  collection  now  numbers 
upwards  of  fifty  species,  and  occupies  the  whole  of  the 
front  shelf,  the  back  of  the  house  being  formed  of  rock- 
woi-k  and  planted  with  half-hardy  exotic  Ferns.  I  use  no 
fire-heat  during  the  summer  mouths,  and  the  temperature 
rarely  exceeds  !yb°  during  winter,  except  by  means  of  sun- 
heat,  while  it  frequently  descends  as  low  as  40°  on  sharp  frosty 
nights.  In  potting,  I  am  in  favour  of  small  pots,  well 
drained,  and  the  compost  I  use  is  fibrous  peat,  coarse  sand, 
and  about  one-fifth  of  living  Sphagnum.  As  my  house  is 
iiatiirally  humid,  the  Moss  grows  freely  on  the  pot  tops,  and 
not  only  gives  them  a  neat  and  clean  appearance,  but  also 
keeps  the  roots  of  the  plants  moist,  whilst,  at  the  same  time, 
it  keeps  the  compost  clear  of  slimy  confervoid  growth,  to 
which  wet  peat  is  generally  subject.  I  find  that  my  plants 
require  a  liberal  supply  of  water  at  the  root  nearly  all  the 
year  round.  The  following  is  a  list  of  the  species  which  I 
have  now  in  flower,  viz. : — Oncidium  cucullatum,  O.  Phate- 
nopsis,  0.  crispum,  and  0.  cheirophorum ;  Odontoglossum 
Bictonense,  0.  grande,  0.  Alexandra  (two  varieties),  and 
O.  Lindleyanum;  L»lia  autumnalis,  L.  albida,  and  L.  fufuracea  ; 
Zygopetalum  Mackayi  (two  plants) ;  Cypripedium  villosum 
(fourteen  flowers),  0.  insigne,  and  C.  barbatum. 

Whalley  Eange,  Manchester.  J. 


THE  ROSE  GARDEN. 
December. 
As  the  true  sportsman  cares  for  the  comforts  and  attends  to 
the  condition  of  his  horses  and  hounds,  not  only  in  the  season 
when  they  are  specially  wanted  for  his  amusement,  but 
always,  and  even  takes  an  occasional  peep  at  his  guns,  silent 
during  the  summer  months  (for  the  true  sportsman  is  no 
murderer  of  doves)  in  their  green  baize  beds ;  so  the  true 
Rosarian  never  forgets  nor  neglects  his  Rose  trees.  Now,  in 
December,  you  will  find  his  standards,  if  recently  planted,  or 
in  an  exposed  position,  neatly  and  securely  tied  to  their  stakes, 
and  such  summer  shoots  as  have  made  an  excessive  growth, 
say  from  3  to  5  feet,  shortened  to  12  or  18  inches,  that  the 
wind  may  have  less  power  upon  the  tree.  Around  their 
stems,  and  around  his  dwarfs  also,  there  is  a  liberal  stratum 
of  manure.  Monsieur  Etienne  Levet  likes  an  overcoat  in 
winter,  Charles  Lefebvre  a  pau"  of  worsted  stockings,  Madame 
Lacharme  her  sealskin,  and  Countess  of  Oxford  her  foot 
warmer,  quite  as  much  as  you  do ;  and  that  fragile  little 
novelty,  and  that  delicate  Tea,  must  have  respirators,  if  they 
are  to  live  until  spring.  We  have  had  this  year  an  unusually 
long  and  genial  season  for  planting  Rose  trees  and  stocks, 
and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  Rosarians  have  successfully  com- 
pleted that  operation ;  if  not,  they  must  take  the  first  open 
weather,  and  run  the  risk  of  frost-bites,  laying-in,  &c.  In 
stormy   weather,  when  nothing  can  be   done  out  of    doors, 

*  This  department  is  written  exclusively  by  amateurs  distinguished  for  skill 
in  various  branches  of  gardening. 


tallies  may  be  cut  from  spare  pieces  of  deal,  wired,  and 
smeared  with  white  paint,  lists  may  be  made  of  Roses  in 
stock,  cards  written  for  exhibition,  the  show  boxes  repaired 
and  painted,  if  necessary;  and  careful  study  may  be  frequently 
bestowed  upon  "  A  Book  about  Roses :  How  to  Grow  and 
Show  Them,"  by  S.  Reynolds  Hole. 


T  H  E    H  OUSE  HOLD. 

APPLES  FOR  FOOD. 
Apples  are  abundant,  large,  and  fair  this  season,  and  we  hope 
that  they  will  enter  largely  into  our  food  during  the  winter 
and  spring,  and  will  afford  a  healthful  and  cheap  diet  to  the 
people.  Fruit  is  not  a  luxury,  a  luscious  condiment,  to  be 
indulged  in  only  by  the  rich,  but  the  desire  for  it  is  implanted 
in  our  nature.  At  present.  Apples  are  principally  used  in  the 
form  of  puddings,  pies,  tarts,  and  sauce,  and  are  also  eaten 
raw,  in  which  state  they  are  more  wholesome  than  when 
mingled  with  butter,  eggs,  and  flour.  But  they  are  very 
delicious  when  simply  baked,  and  served  at  every  meal ;  and 
substituted  for  pickles  and  such  condiments,  they  would 
surely  be  found  beneficial.  Sweet  baked  Apples  are  a  most 
desirable  addition  at  the  breakfast  and  tea  table,  and  are  far 
more  healthful,  appropriate,  and  sustaining  than  half  the 
dishes  usually  esteemed  essential  as  such  times.  Served  with 
milk  and  bread,  they  make  the  best  diet  that  young  children 
can  partake  of.  Baked  Apples,  without  meat,  are  far  more 
substantial  food  than  Potatoes  can  possibly  be  made,  and  to 
us  the  delicious  aroma  and  flavour  are  always  most  appetising. 
It  will  be  found  that  less  flour,  eggs,  sugar,  and  butter  will 
be  consumed  in  a  family  when  a  supply  of  Apples  is  in  the  store- 
room. There  are  dozens  of  recipes  for  prepai'ing  Apples  for  the 
table,  but  almost  all  of  them  require  the  addition  of  butter, 
eggs,  &o.,  but  to  us  either  bakmg,  boiling,  or  steaming  them, 
makes  the  most  palatable  dishes.  Our  family  favourite  is  pre-  A 
pared  thus  : — Wipe  the  Apples  perfectly  clean,  dipping  them  1 
first  into  boiling  water ;  then  with  a  "  corer  "  remove  all  the 
seeds  and  stem  by  punching  it  through  the  Apple.  Place  the 
fruit  in  a  deep  baking  dish,  put  a  tablespoonful  of  white  sugar 
into  the  middle  of  each  Apple  ;  pour  upon  them  a  teacup  of  boil- 
ingwaterwith  three  tablespoonfuls  of  sugar  dissolved  in  it.  Bake 
in  a  slow  oven  until  quite  soft,  taking  care  not  to  burn  the 
skins.  Take  out  into  a  dish  and  serve  with  cream  ;  milk  will 
do  also.  The  Apples  can  also  be  pared,  cored,  and  sweetened, 
and  placed  in  a  deep  dish  on  the  upper  part  of  the  stove  ;  a 
large  teacup  of  boiling-water  poured  over  them,  and  a  plate 
laid  over  the  dish.  Boil  them  luitil  soft,  and  there  is  no 
trouble  about  removing  the  skins  when  eating  them. 
The  ingenious  housewife  can  invent  ways  of  cooking 
Apples ;  if  the  skilful  French  cooks  have  discovered  365 
ways  of  cooking  an  egg,  surely  our  inventive  brains  can 
discover  200  ways  of  cooking  Apples.  For  those  who  like 
such  things  free  from  sugar,  cream,  &c.,  and  those  who  are 
forbidden  the  use  of  such  delicacies,  a  really  good  cooking 
Apple,  such  as  the  Blenheim  Orange,  stewed  in  the  oven  and 
mixed  with  plain  boiled  Rice,  forms  a  simple  delicious  dish 
which  all  the  art  and  all  the  aids  of  the  best  cookery  cannot 
surpass. 

RECIPES. 
Oranges. — Omnge  Sponge  :  Dissolve  an  ounce  of  isinglass  in  a 
pint  of  boilinc;  water,  strain  it,  and  let  it  stand  till  nearly  cold;  then 
mix  with  it  the  juice  of  six  or  seven  Oranges,  and  of  one  Lemon ;  add 
the  whites  of  three  eggs  and  sugar  to  taste,  and  whisk  the  whole 
together  until  it  looks  white  and  like  a  sponge.  Put  it  into  a  mould, 
and  turn  it  out  the  next  day. — Orange  jelhj  a  la  Russe  :  Put  an  ounce 
of  isinglass  into  a  pint  of  cold  water  and  boil  it  until  reduced  to  lialf- 
a.pint ;  strain  it,  and  add  the  juice  of  one  Lemon,  one  Seville  Orange, 
and  of  fifteen  China  oranges.  Sweeten  it  to  your  taste,  and  whisk  it 
all  together  until  almost  cold  ;  dip  a  mould  into  cold  water,  put  in 
the  mixture,  and  set  it  by  for  use.  Before  turning  it  out  put  the 
mould  into  warm  water,  then  turn  it  out  on  a  dish,  and  serve  orna- 
mented with  flowers,  or  in  any  way  j'ou  please. — Orange  Creayii: 
Time,  ten  or  twelve  minutes.  One  ounce  of  isinglass,  quarter  of  a 
pound  of  loaf  sugar,  one  Lemon,  seven  Oranges,  and  half-a-pint  of 
cream.  Squeeze  and  strain  the  juice  from  the  Oranges  and  the  Lemon, 


Dec.  20,  1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


513 


put  it  into  a  saucepan  with  the  isinglass,  and  suificiont  water  to  make 
a  pint  and  a  half,  with  the  Orange  and  Lemon  juice  included.  Rub 
some  sugar  over  the  Orange  and  Lemon  peel,  add  it  to  the  other  ingre- 
dients, and  boil  all  together  for  about  ten  or  twelve  minutes  ;  then 
strain  it  through  a  muslin  bag,  lot  it  stand  until  cold,  and  beat  it  up 
with  the  cream.  Dip  tho  mould  in  cold  water  (or  oil  it),  pour  iu  the 
cream,  and  put  it  in  a  very  cold  place  to  set,  or  iu  ice,  if  you  have  it. 
— Oranges  for  Dessert :  Strip  off  the  peel  from  a  sufficient  number  of 
Oranges  to  fill  a  dish,  and  take  off  part  of  tho  white  skin,  being  care- 
ful not  to  break  through  to  tho  Orange  ;  pound  a  quarter  of  a  pound  of 
loaf  sugar,  lay  it  iu  a  dish,  and  pour  over  it  as  much  cochineal  as  will 
make  it  a  bright  colour;  dry  it  before  the  fire,  and  then  roll  the 
Oranges  about  in  the  sugar  until  they  are  well  covered  with  it.  Serve 
in  a  glass  dish. 

Asparagus. — Aspaxagus,  although  generally  eaten  hot  with 
melted  butter,  or  cold  with  tho  sauce  recommended  tor  Artichokes, 
may  be  cooked  in  a  variety  of  agreeable  ways. — Ragout  de  pointes 
d'aspcrges  :  Blanch  the  Asparagus  and  cut  off  the  tops.  Put  these 
into  a  stewpan  with  some  veal  stock,  stew  on  a  slow  fire  until  the 
sauce  is  pi-operly  reduced,  then  add  butter  rolled  in  flour,  and  stir  till 
smooth.  The  juice  of  a  Lemon  will  give  piquancy  to  this  dish. — 
Asparagus  fried  :  Cut  away  the  hard  part  and  blanch  the  remainder 
in  water  and  salt.  Put  the  Asparagus  heads  in  cold  water,  as  this 
Dreserves  their  colour.  Take  them  out  of  the  cold  water,  flour  them, 
and  tie  up  in  little  bundles  of  six  or  seven,  dip  these  in  beaten  egg 
and  fry. 

Artichokes. — Although  Englishmen  are  sound  upon  the  great 
subject  of  beef,  they  have  much  to  learn  concerning  vegetables  ;  and 
it  affords  matter  of  complaint  to  foreigners  that  we  insular  folk  have 
no  idea  of  doing  anything  with  a  vegetable  beyond  boiling  it  in  plain 
water.  The  "  Grand  Dictionnaire  "  contains  no  less  than  sixteen 
recipes  for  cooking  Artichokes.  The  simplest  way  of  disposing  of 
this  vegetable  is  to  secure  it  in  a  young  state  and  eat  it  with  the 
following  sauce  : — Crush  the  yolk  of  an  egg  in  a  sauceboat,  and 
moisten  it  with  a  spoonful  of  vinegar,  pepper,  salt,  and  salad  herbs 
finely  chopped,  or  a  Shallot  also  finely  chopped  ;  add  two  spoonfuls 
of  oil,  mix  to  the  proper  thickness,  and  serve. — Stiiffed  Artichokes : 
Half-cook  them  in  water,  then  stuff  them  with  meat.  Parsley,  and 
Chives.  Finish  cooking  them,  and  serve  with  herbs,  oil,  and  Lemon 
juice. — ArtichoTces  a  I'ltalienne :  Cut  three  Artichokes  into  six 
pieces  of  equal  size,  take  out  the  "  hay,"  pare  down  the  leaves  and 
wash  them  ;  put  them  iu  a  stewpan  with  a  little  butter,  season 
with  Lemon  jaice,  a  glass  of  white  wine,  and  half  a  glass  of 
stock.  When  done,  drain  them,  set  them  on  a  dish,  and  serve 
with  a  white  Italian  sauce  poured  over  them. — Artichokes  d  la 
Proven(;ale :  Trim  some  Artichokes  all  over ;  cook  them  in  water 
till  the  "  hay  "  comes  away  easily,  and  put  them  on  a  baking 
dish  with  oil,  cloves  of  Garlic,  salt  and  pepper.  Cook  them  upon 
hot  embers,  with  a  good  fire  over.  When  they  are  cooked  remove 
the  cloves  of  Garlic,  and  serve  dry  —  excepting  the  juice  of  a 
Lemon. 

Haricot  Beans. — A  la  Mattre  d'Sotel :  Put  a  large  piece  of 
butter  into  a  saucepan,  and  when  melted  put  in  the  Beans  (ready 
boiled  and  well  drained)  with  pepper  and  salt  to  taste,  some  minced 
Parsley,  and  the  juice  of  a  Lemon. — A  la  Po]ilette  :  Proceed  as 
above,  but  add  to  the  Lemon  juice  the  yolks  of  a  couple  of  eggs; 
beat  them  together  and  strain  them;  then  at  the  time  of  serving 
add  this  to  the  Beans  off  the  fire. — Aux  Tomates:  Toss  the  Beans 
(ready  boiled  and  strained)  in  a  saucepan,  with  plenty  of  well- 
flavoured  Tomato  sauce. — Au  Lard  :  Cut  some  bacon  into  small 
dice,  put  it  into  a  saucepan,  toss  it  on  the  fire,  and  a.fter  a  few 
minutes  add  the  Beans  (ready  boiled)  ;  put  in  salt  and  pepper  to 
taste,  give  them  a  turn  or  two,  and  serve. — A  la  Lyonnaise  :  Mince 
an  Onion,  and  fry  it  in  plenty  of  butter  to  a  straw  colour  ;  throw  in 
the  Beans  (ready  boiled)  with  pepper  and  salt  to  taste  ;  toss  them  a 
short  time,  and  serve. — En  Salade  :  Drain  the  Beans  thoroughly, 
and  dress  them  (hot  or  cold)  with  a  mixture  of  three  parts  of  olive 
oil  and  one  of  Tarragon  vinegar,  pepper,  and  salt  to  taste,  and  some 
Tarragon  and  Chervil  or  Parsley  finely  minced.  Rubbing  the  dish 
with  Garlic  is  an  improvement. — To  Boil  Haricot  Beans  :  Soak  them 
in  cold  water  for  at  least  twelve  hours,  then  put  them  into  a  sauce- 
pan with  plenty  of  fresh  cold  water,  an  Onion  stuck  with  Cloves, 
and  a  bundle  of  sweet  herbs,  and  set  them  to  boil ;  do  not  put  in 
any  salt  until  the  Beans  are  almost  done,  and  during  the  process  of 
cooking  put  in  at  intervals  half  a  tumblerful  of  cold  water. — Haricot 
Bean  Soiqj  a  la  Paysanne:  Boil  some  Beans  aa  above  ;  when  half 
done  drain  off  the  water,  and  re-place  it  by  a  lesser  quantity  of  fresh 
hot  water,  put  in  a  head  or  two  of  Celery  cut  into  small  pieces,  a 
couple  of  cloves  of  Garlic,  and  one  or  two  Chillies,  pepper  and  salt 
to  taste,  and  a  gill  of  Olive  oil.  Let  the  soup  boil  till  both  Beans 
and  Celery  .are  thoroughly  done,  then  turn  it  out  on  small  slices  of 
toast,  .and  after  the  lapse  of  a  few  minutes  serve. 


TOOLS,    IMPLEMENTS,   &c. 

A  USEFUL  PACKING-NEEDLE. 

The  little  implement,  of  which  the  accompanying  is  an  illustration, 
is  commonly  used  in  Covent  Garden  Market  and  by  many  nursery- 
men, when  fastening  up  baskets  or  hampers.  It  is  far  more 
effective  than  the  old-fashioned  packing-needle,  inasmuch  as  the 
operator  has  greater  power  over  the  tool  than  he  would  ever 
have  over  the  old-fashioned  needle.  It  consists,  as  will  be  seen,  of 
a  flat  piece  of  wrought-irou  or  steel,  inserted  in  a  wooden  h.andle,  and 
is  exceedingly  convenient  not  only  for  lacing  wicker-baskets,  but 
also  for  opening  small  boxes  of  fruit  or  flowers.     It  can  be  made  on 


Packings  Needle. 

the  shortest  notice  by  any  blacksmith,  and  the  manner  in  which  it 
is  used  will  be  readily  suggested  by  a  glance  at  the  sketch.  Tho 
handle  may  also  be  made  of  iron  or  cast. steel  if  desired,  and  made  to 
serve  as  a  hammer.  B. 


Potato  Diggers. — A  trial  of  these  was  recently  made  at 
Boothferry,  near  Howden,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Royal  Agri- 
cultural Society.  Classes  were  provided  for  ploughs  and  diggers, 
and  a  plot  of  between  thirty  and  forty  acres  of  Potatoes  afforded 
ample  opportunities  for  thoroughly  testing  the  merits  of  implements 
entered  for  competition.  In  the  class  for  the  plough,  only  three 
implements  competed,  these  being  two  ploughs  manufactured  by 
Messrs.  Corbett  &  Peele,  of  Shrewsbury,  the  prices  of  which  were 
£7  and  £8  respectively  ;  and  Hanson's  patent  Potato  digger,  mann. 
factured  by  Messrs.  Coleman  &  Morton,  of  Chelmsford,  the  price  of 
which  is  £17.  The  plough  exhibited  by  the  first. mentioned  firm  has 
a  single  mould-board  and  a  revolving  disc  composed  of  a  series  of 
tires,  which  by  a  simple  attachment  is  fixed  to  the  handles  of  the 
plough.  It  works  just  behind  the  mould-board  and  tears  the  furrow 
to  pieces  as  it  is  turned  over  by  the  plough,  and  the  Potatoes  are 
deposited  on  the  surface  of  the  soil.  The  revolving  disc  can,  we 
understand,  be  attached  to  an  ordinary  plough  at  a  cost  of  about  £3. 
The  higher-priced  plough  from  the  same  firm  has  a  double  mould- 
board  and  two  revolving  discs,  but  the  work  did  not  appear  to  be 
quite  so  satisfactory,  and  the  judges  awarded  the  prize  to  the  £7 
implement.  The  implement  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Coleman  &  Morton 
also  did  its  work  well,  although  scattering  the  Potatoes  rather  more 
than  is  desirable.  No  awards  were  made  in  the  class  for  diggers,  as 
none  of  the  implements  appeared  thoroughly  satisfactory  to  the 
judges.  


The  Garden  Pot  Filter. — May  I  ask  j-ou  to  kindly  grive  publicity  to  the 
following  simple  filter  exhibited  in  the  Bethnal-^een  Museum,  and  called  *'  The 
Poor  Man's  Filter."  It  consists  of  a  common  garden  fiower-pot,  of  some  9-inch 
diameter  and  10-inch  depth.  The  drainage  hole  is  stopped  (not  too  tightly)  with 
a  piece  of  clean  sponge.  A  layer  of  about  2  inches  of  animal  chai'coai  is  first 
placed  in  the  pot,  then  a  second  layer  of  clean  sand,  upon  which  a  layer  of  3 
inches  of  clean  coarse  gravel  is  placed.  The  pot  can  be  set  over  an  earthen  jar, 
into  which  an  abundant  supply  of  pure  water  will  filter  for  all  drinking  purposes. 
— illcnADD  Shewaed,  in  Echo. 

Test  for  Sewage  in  Water, — At  a  recent  meeting  of  the  Royal  Dublin 
Society,  Dr.  Reynolds  called  attention  to  Heisch's  test  for  detecting  sewage 
contamination.  It  is  one  of  the  best  known,  but  has  been  strangely  neglected. 
About  half  a  pint  of  the  water  to  be  examined  should  l3e  placed  in  a  colourless 
glass-stoppered  bottle,  and  a  few  grains  of  the  best  loaf  sugar  added.  The 
bottle  should  then  be  placed  in  a  position  where  it  wilt  be  directly  exposed  to 
the  rays  of  the  sun.  The  liquid  should  not  become  turbid  even  on  a  week  or 
ten  days'  exposm-e.  If  there  is  a  perceptible  cloudiness,  sewage  contamination 
may  be  strongly  suspected.  FrankLind  has  stated  that  this  turbidity  is  due  to 
pho.sphoric  acid  present  in  sewage,  and  it  has  also  been  suggested  that  it  is  due 
to  Fungoid  growths. 


514 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  20,  1873. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 


THE    CHERRY    PLUM. 

(PRrxrS   MYROBALANA.) 

With  sucli  a  pretty  homely  name,  one  ■would  be  justified  in 
supposing  this  a  common  jilant,  whereas  it  is  not  by  any 
means  so,  though  it  deserves  universal  cultivation,  for  two 
reasons.  First,  it  is  the  earliest  of  ornamental-flowering 
trees.  Before  a  single  tree  in  the  orchard  or  garden  shows  a 
flower  it  is  a  snowy  mass,  looking  as  conspicuous  in  its  lonely 
beauty  as  a  white-sailed  clipper  on  a  dark  sea.  I  visited  the 
Chiswick  Gardens  once  on  the  8th  of  February,  and,  from 
the  small  entrance  to  the  avenue  leading  to  Chiswick  House, 
was  charmed  to  see,  amidst  the  clouds  of  dark  branches 
dripping  with  cold  rains  and  rattling  with  the  last  gusts  of 
a  fierce  gale,  a  snowy  mass  of  beauty,  about  30  feet  high  and 
30  feet  in  diameter.  It  stood  amidst  uninviting  and  formal- 
looking  deciduous  trees,  and  it  required  some  stretch  of  the 
imagination  to  fully  understand  what  a  beautifnl  object  could 
be  made  of  it  in  pleasure  grounds,  particularly  in  the  south. 
With  rich  evergreens  for 
surroundings,  or  with  a 
Cedar  in  the  background, 
and  such  things  as  the 
Deodars  and  Cupressus 
macrocarpa  to  the  right 
and  left,  its  effect  would,  of 
course,  be  improved  im- 
menseh",  not  to  speak  of 
many  other  combinations. 
The  flowers  are  sweet- 
scented,  a  little  more  than 
three-quarters  of  an  inch 
across,  white,  with  a  brush 
of  yeliow  stamens  in  the 
centre,  and  produced  abun- 
dantly all  over  the  tree. 
Secondly,  its  fruit  is  edible, 
and  it  is  worthy  of  culti- 
vation for  that  alone.  On 
this  point,  Mr.  Barron,  the 
superiutendent  of  the  Chis- 
wick Garden,  says : — "  When 
at  Burghley  Park  Gai'dens, 
Stamford,  in  July,  a  few 
years  ago,  I  observed  several 
good-sized  trees  of  this 
pretty  little  Plum,  quite 
heavily  laden  with  fmit.  I 
was  informed  that  it  was 
very  much  used  by  the 
Marquis  of  Exeter's  family, 
when  quite  ripe,  for  the 
dessert,  but  principally  for 
tarts,  for  which  purpose  it 
was   greatly  esteemed  and 

more  relished  than  the  Morello  Cherry,  which  it  somewhat 
resembles.  The  fruit  is  also  used  for  bottling,  and  for 
preserving  like  other  Plums  and  Cherries.  From  one  tree  the 
stock  had  been  increased  to  ten  or  twelve,  and  by  the  Marquis 
of  Exeter's  desire  many  had  been  distributed  amongst  his 
tenants,  so  much  are  its  qualities  estimated  in  that  district. 
Through  its  habit  of  early  flowering,  however,  we  generally 
lose  the  fruit  by  frosts,  excepting  in  unusually  open  seasons, 
and  in  some  favoured  situations,  as  at  Burghley,  which  is 
high  and  dry.  The  tree  is  of  slender  growth,  but  attains  a 
great  size— from  30  to  40  feet ;  the  leaves  are  very  small  and 
rounded  ;  fruit  medium-sized,  of  a  slightly  ov.al  shape  ;  its 
colour  pale  red,  with  a  long  slender  stalk  like  a  Cherry. 
Indeed,  when  gathered,  a  dish  of  them  more  nearly  resembles 
one  of  red  Cherries  than  of  Plums.  The  flesh  is  yellowish, 
sweet,  with  a  slight  acidity,  and  juicy.  Ripe  early  in  July,  hut 
will  hang  on  the  trees  a  long  time.  At  Arundel  Castle  I 
recollect  seeing  some  ripe  fmit  of  it  on  a  small  plant  in  the 
beginning  of  March ;  this  tree  flowered  in  October.  It  was 
there  called  Roblet ;    but    it  has  many  synonyms,  as  Early 


Scarlet,  Miser  Plum,  Virginian  Cherry,  &c."  Enough  has 
been  said,  we  trust,  to  show  that  it  ought  to  be  made  as 
common  in  our  gardens  and  pleasure  grounds  as  the  red 
Hawthorn.  It  in  some  low  situations  it  fails  to  set  its  fruit, 
its  early  bloom  will  please,  even  if  the  cold  rains  whiten  with 
it  the  winter-beaten  Grass.  W. 


REI\IAIIKABLE  BUNCH  OF  GRAPES. 
We  have  much  pleasure  {says  The  Gardener,  to  which  we  are 
indebted  for  the  annexed  illustration)  in  being  able  to  give  a 
representation  of  the  very  remarkable  bunch  of  Black 
Hamburgh  Grapes  which  Mr.  Hunter,  gardener  to  the  Earl 
of  Durham,  at  Lambton  Castle,  exhibited  at  the  Manchester 
International  Exhibition  last  September.  It  may  be 
considered  the  most  extraordinary  bunch  of  Grapes,  for  size, 
that  has  been  produced  in  this  country,  not  excepting 
Speechly's  "20  lb.  Syrian,  and  those  immense  Syrians  of  more 
recent  date  produced  at  the  Edinburgh  and  Glasgow  Inter- 
nationals.   We  learn  from  Mr.  Hunter  that  this  bunch  is  the 

product  of  a  Vine  struck 
from  an  eye  in  1869.  The 
Vine  was  cropped  the 
second  year  and  carried  six 
bunches,  one  of  which  was 
among  those  with  which 
Mr.  H.  competed  success- 
fully at  Glasgow  last  year. 
This  year  the  Vine  bore 
seven  bunches  besides  the 
subject  of  our  illustration, 
which  weighed  13  lb.  4  oz., 
the  lightest  of  the  eight 
being  over  41b.  Our  illu's- 
tration  is  taken  from  a 
photograph,  and  is  an  exact 
representation  of  the  re- 
markable bunch. 


The  Lambton  Castle  Bimcli  of  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes 


The  Souvenir  du  Con- 
gres  Pear. —  31r.  Barry,  of 
the  great  firm  of  EUwanger  & 
Barry,  thus  alludes  to  this 
Pear  in  tte  Agriculturist: — 
This  variety,  as  its  name  im- 
plies, was  dedicated  to  tho 
Pomological  Congress  of 
France  by  its  originator,  M. 
Morel.  It  was  submitted  to 
pubUc  examination  for  the  first 
time  at  the  Universal  Exposi. 
tion  in  Paris  in  1867,  and 
received  a  first  premium.  At 
the  Pomological  Convention, 
lately  held  in  Boston,  it  was 
shown  in  the  collection  of 
EUwanger  &  Barry,  and  on  account  of  its  size,  beauty,  and 
fine  quality,  attracted  considerable  attention.  The  tree  is  an 
upright  pyramidal  grower,  vigorous,  and  very  productive.  The  fruit 
grows  sometimes  singly,  but  generally  in  clusters  of  two  and  threo 
from  the  same  bud,  and  hangs  firmly  to  the  tree  when  exposed  to 
influences  which  cause  other  varieties  to  drop.  The  specimens  are 
larger  than  Williams'  or  Clapp's  Favourite,  to'  which  they  bear  a 
strong  resemblance.  The  skin  is  smooth,  bright  yellow  when  the 
frnit  is  fully  matured,  with  the  parts  exposed  to  the  sun  brilliant 
red  or  carmine.  The  flesh,  while  it  is  very  like  that  of  the  Williams', 
has  a  less  defined  musky  flavour,  and  it  is  firm  to  tho  core.  Its 
season  of  ripening  commences  about  the  first  of  August,  before  the 
Bartlctt,  and  extends  into  September.  As  a  large,  showy,  very  early 
new  Pear  of  fine  quality  it  ranks  number  one. 


The  Bergamotte  Poiteau  Pear.  —  In  a  recent  number  of  the  Seme 
Horticole,  M.  CarriL-re  annoimces  that  scions  of  this  excellent  Pear,  which  has 
been  very  undeservedly  neglected,  wHl  be  forwarded,  on  application  either 
to  the  Director,  or  to  the  Professor  of  Culture  at  the  Gardens  of  the  Museum, 
Paris.  M.  Carricre  speaks  of  this  Pear  in  terms  of  high  commendation.  The 
fruit  is  email,  but  of  fine  quality,  and  abundantly  produced. 


Dec.  20,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


515 


MOVEMENTS  IN  FLOWERS. 
Ox  reading  over  the  last  numbers  of  the  Revue  Scicntifiqiie,  which 
contain  some  most  interesting  papers  on  comparative  physiology,* 
one  is  drawn  to  the  conclnsiou  that  able  botanists  are  quite  as  prone 
as  simple  horticulturists  and  amateurs  to  seek  the  (as  yet  undefined) 
causes  of  certain  phenomena  in  plants  among  those  forces  which 
bring  about  more  or  less  similar  effects  in  animals.  Taking,  for 
instance,  those  wonderful  phenomena,  the  movements  in  £lowers,t 
one  might  be  tempted  to  liken  these  researches  to  those  of  a  person 
trying  to  elucidate,  by  reference  to  the  complicated  machinery  of  a 
Crampton  engine,  the  governing  cause  of  motion  in  that  very 
primitive  locomotive — a  kettle  on  wheels  driven  by  a  jet  of  steam 
impiuging  on  the  air  behind  it.  The  organism  of  an  animal  is  only 
the  natural  arrangement  of  certain  parts  that  transmit,  combine, 
or  transform  those  great  primary  forces  or  laws  of  nature  which 
govern  all  matter,  whether  organised  or  not.  To  these  secondary  or 
transmitted  and  combined  forces,  particular  names  are  given,  such 
as  "nervous  power,"  "muscular  action,"  &c.,  denoting  that  they 
proceed  from  the  nervous  and  muscular  systems.  Wherever  these 
systems  are  found  wanting,  it  is  reasonable  to  imagine  that  the 
power  or  force  they  give  rise  to  is  wanting  also,  and  it  would  seem 
just  as  useless  to  try  to  explain  the  recurving  of  a  stamen  or  of  a 
pistil,  by  reference  to  what  takes  place  in  an  animal,  as  to  peer  into 
cranks,  valves,  pistons,  or  air  chambers  for  an  explanation  of  the 
modus  operandi  of  the  kettle  carriage.  If  the  effects  of  the  brain 
and  nervous  system  conceiving  and  transmitting  the  will,  and  of  the 
muscular  system  executing  it,  aro  among  the  most  wonderful 
instances  in  nature  of  the  great  primary  forces  transformed  and 
combined;  on  the  other  hand,  the  direct  effect  of  these  same 
primary  laws  on  inert  matter  is  hardly  less  to  be  admired.  Granite 
riven  by  a  few  inches  of  freezing  water,  heat  that  applied  in  one 
part  of  the  globe  will  produce  hurricanes  at  a  distance,  or  regular 
monsoons  and  trade  winds  ;  capillarity,  which,  by  means  of  a  little 
water  applied  to  a  rope,  will  raise  the  Obelisk  of  Luxor,  are  effects 
sufficiently  important  to  encourage  one  in  seeking  among  these 
agents  the  cause  of  a  slight  movement  in  a  slender  vegetable  fila- 
ment. By  "  direct,"  oue  does  not,  however,  mean  literally  direct 
application,  for  in  the  examples  above  given,  as  well  as  in  that  of  an 
Oak  riven  by  lightning,  there  exists  transmission  and  combination, 
one  force  eliciting  one  or  more  others.  It  is  the  sap,  converted  into 
steam,  that  splits  tho  tree,  by  the  instantaneoas  expansion  of  its 
particles,  and  not  the  electric  fluid.  Besides,  although  gravitation, 
molecular  attraction,  heat,  electricity,  light,  capillarity,  endosmose, 
and  magnetism  contribute  generally  only  under  combined  or 
secondary  foi-ms  towards  all  the  phenomena  of  animal  life,  yet  it 
is  pretty  well  proved  that  endosmose,  and  perhaps  some  others, 
are  the  direct  agents  of  certain  functions  in  the  animal  economy. 

Wonderful  as  are  the  movements  in  plants,  when  taken  separately, 
in  their  aggregate  they  actually  amaze  and  confound  us  by  their 
endless  variety.  Sometimes  the  pistil  recurves  to  receive  the  pollen 
from  the  anther ;  at  other  times  it  is  the  stamen  that  bends  over  to 
apply  it.  Sometimes  the  corolla  closes  to  provide  for  impregnation 
otherwise  impossible.  Some  flowers  only  open  at  night,  others  open 
in  the  day  ;  some  turn  away  from  the  light,  others  always  face  and 
follow  the  sun.  Some  stamina  shrink  on  the  slightest  touch,  at 
other  times  it  is  the  leaf-stalk  and  leaflets  that  bend  when  touched. 
Now,  no  one  having  as  yet  defined  a  system — i.e.,  a  natural  arrange- 
ment of  parts — in  the  plant,  so  combining  tho  primary  laws  as  to 
produce  a  force  capable  of  effecting  all  these  motions,  the  deduction 
naturally  will  be,  that  if  we  aro  ever  to  find  out  the  causes  we  must 
grapple  with  particular  movements  separately,  and  trace  upwards  to 
the  primary  laws  that  possibly  can  bring  them  about.  The  field  is  a 
wide  one,  the  possibilities  are  endless,  and  there  is  no  lack  of  able 
investigators  to  sift  them.  As  a  haphazai-d  guess  with  regard  to  the 
motion  of  a  stamen,  might  not  heat  be  disengaged  from  near  the 
ovary  (as  it  notably  is  in  some  Caladiums),  at  the  moment  of  anthesis, 
and  might  not  this  slight  heat,  impinging  on  one  side  only  of  the 
stamen,  cause  it  to  curl  over  as  a  board  or  a  piece  of  paper  does 
when  heated  on  one  side  ?  And,  as  regards  the  motion  of  tho  petals 
of  Calendula  pluvialis,  that  fold  up  when  rain  is  coming  on,  may  not 
their  tissue  be  capillary,  and  capillarity  be  the  cause  of  their  bend- 
iug,  just  as  it  is  tho  cause  of  the  little  monk  putting  on  his  hood  in 
a  toy  hygrometer.  Regarding  the  movements  of  the  sexes  in  plants, 
we  find  that  impregnation  as  often  takes  place,  independently  of 
those,  by  means  of  insects  and  the  wind,  as  by  direct  contact  of 
anther  and  stigma ;  and,  in  natural  history,  a  rule,  to  hold  good, 
should  afford  examples  in  far  greater  proportions  than  do  the 
exceptions.  Most  writers,  after  enumerating  the  numerous  similari- 
ties in  effects  produced  in  both  kingdoms,  and  laying  a  good  deal  of 
stress  on  the  fact  of  the  intermediary  beings  between  both  kingdoms, 

*  *'  Cours  de  Physiologio  tic  Claude  Bernard  au  Masi5e  d'histoirc  Naturelle." 
t  "  Cours  de  Botaniqus  de  G.  Carlet  ii  la  faculty  de  Sciences  de  Grenoble." 


have  generally  said  all  they  can,  in  their  point  of  view,  and  would 
sum  up  as  one  of  tho  authors  referred  to,  by  some  such  truism 
as  this: — "Both  anatomy  and  physiology,  therefore,  forbid  our 
assigning  boundaries  to  organised  kingdoms."  Of  course  this  is 
quite  true,  and  not  only  this,  but  we  are  also  obliged  to  acknowledge 
that,  organised  or  not,  all  beings  form  tho  links  of  a  cii-cular  and 
endless  chain,  where,  it  is  quite  impossible  to  say,  here  ends  one 
kingdom  and  there  begins  another.  It  is  also  pretty  well  established 
that  the  extreme  links  of  each  kingdom  are  occupied  by  inferior, 
obscure,  and  generally  microscopic  beings,  with  ill-defined  position. 
Witness  the  very  Navicella,  quoted  by  the  same  author,  which, 
though  classed  by  De  Candolle  and  Dujardin  among  plants  of  the 
Alga)  tribe,  are  placed  by  Ehremberg  among  animals  of  the  Infusoria 
class.  There  is,  however,  this  fact,  that  must  not  be  lost  sight  of: 
although  the  three  kingdoms  blend  at  their  extremities,  yet,  accord- 
ing as  beings  ascend  in  the  scale  of  excellence  peculiar  to  their 
kingdom,  they  differ  more  and  more  from  beings  of  another  kingdom, 
and  perfection  in  any  being  depends  in  fact  upon  its  having  the 
least  of  the  characteristics  of  the  other  kingdoms.  It  is  therefore 
useless  to  look  for  animalism  among  the  higher  order  of  plants.  We 
must  seek  it  among  beings,  wonderful  in  their  way,  like  all  that 
comes  from  the  Creator's  hands,  but  inferior  as  regards  tho  excel, 
lence  typical  of  a  particular  kingdom.  Man,  the  Oak,  and  the 
Diamond,  kings  of  their  respective  domains,  radiate  as  from  a  centre, 
and  the  summits  of  the  throe  pyramids  which  they  occupy  are 
distinct  and  far  apart,  however  blended  and  interwoven  they  may  bo 
at  their  bases.  Frederick  Palmer. 

Versailles, 


A  WESTMINSTER  FLOWER  SHOW. 
The  passion  for  flowers  is  born  equally  with  citizen  and  peasant.  It 
is  pretty  and  picturesque  to  watch  the  country  children  gather 
wantonly  and  cast  aside  these  "  stars  that  in  earth's  firmament  do 
shine  ;"  but  it  is  affecting  to  see  those  of  the  town  tend  and  treasure 
their  one  flower — their  Picciola — with  enduring  love.  The  child  bred 
in  a  London  back-slum  rejoices  more  in  the  weak  blossom  he  has 
nourished  than  in  tho  jewels  studding  the  garments  of  a  Persian 
Shah.  And  no  wonder  ;  for  the  diamond,  however  priceless,  is  but 
a  clear  cold  gem,  while  the  flower  lives  and  grows.  And  this  pure 
taste  is  not  lost  with  childhood.  Men  and  women  happily  presei've 
it,  and  its  nurture  tends  to  elevate  a  soul,  however  debased,  and  to 
raise  it  to  the  God  who  created  the  flower.  The  encouragement  of 
window-gardening  helps  to  cherish  this  heaven-born  instinct,  and  the 
annual  flower-show  in  the  college  garden  at  Westminster  proves 
what  such  encouragement  can  effect.  Perhaps  a  brief  description  of 
it  may  stimulate  to  the  support  of  similar  institutions  elsewhere.  We 
thread  the  long  cool  cloisters  of  Westminster  School,  wandering  now 
right,  now  left,  until  we  find  ourselves  in  the  college  garden.  This 
is,  in  some  sort,  a  close,  in  part  surrounded  by  the  grey  dormitories 
the  scholars  and  the  red  dwellings  of  Church  dignitaries  or  scholastic 
masters.  These  are,  however,  half  hidden  by  trees  or  covered  by 
climbing  plants,  so  that  at  intervals  nothing  but  the  reposeful  green 
of  nature  is  visible.  Birds  are  singing,  as  if  domesticated  in  the 
trees,  and  unconscious  that  without  roll,  in  unceasing  measure,  the 
heavy  wheels  of  the  din  of  Westminster ;  or  that  above,  solemnly 
surveying  the  scene,  rise  sublime  the  grey  grand  towers  of  its  Abbey 
and  the  high  clock  tower  of  its  Houses  of  Parliament.  While 
tho  grounds  are  yet  comparatively  empty,  we  survey  the 
tent.  Here  is  a  long  array  of  flowers,  tier  above  tier,  brought 
from  streets,  courts,  and  alleys  of  which  we  have  not  before  heard, 
from  windows,  possibly  ill-glazed,  and  rooms  probably  ill-ventilated. 
Yet  "clean"  is  the  expression  wo  hear  everywhere.  The  flowers 
are  clean.  This  is  high  praise.  There  is  no  symptom  of  soot,  smoke, 
or  grime  oa  leaf  or  blossom.  They  have  been  so  carefully  nur. 
tured  that  the  close  dark  atmosphere  has  not  harmed  them.  Like 
children  simply  fed  and  persistently  washed,  they  have  flourished 
on  daily  watering  and  tending.  Here  is  a  wealth  of  well-trained 
Fuchsias,  Geraniums  (single  and  double).  Sweet  Williams,  Balsams, 
Calceolarias,  Hydrangeas,  Nasturtiums,  Musk,  Carnations — all  clean. 
Here  are  many  specimens  of  a  trailing  plant  with  small  bright 
yellow  blossoms,  which,  we  are  told,  has  many  names — Creeping 
Jennies  and  Roving  Sailors  aro  two  of  them.  This  flower  seems 
indigenous  to  London  windows,  bravely  surmounting  all  atmospheric 
influences,  and  looking  cheerful  in  spite  of  soot  or  bad  air.  Here  is 
one  small  fairy  Rose.  There  may  bo  others,  but  we  see  only  this. 
What  a  treasure  the  tiny  gem  must  be  to  some  toiling  and  tasteful 
cultivator!  Although  "clean"  is  au  appropriate  word  of  praise 
for  these  window  flowers,  they  deserve  others  :  for  they  look  strong, 
healthy,  and  well-trained,  and  many  are  large  of  growth  and  rich  in 
blossom.  All  show  a  meritorious  attempt  to  reach  perfection. 
Round  each  pot  is  a  paper,  on  which  is  inscribed  the  name  and 
address  of  the  owner,  in  writing  of  various  styles  ;  from  the  care. 


516 


THE  GAKDEN. 


[Dec.  20,1873. 


fully-formed  characters  of  the  artizan,  to   the  straggling  letters  of 
the  child.     The  prizes  seem   more  numerous   than  the   blanks  ;  for 
the  cards  announcing  them  show  everywhere   amongst  the  flowers. 
Not  only  are  the  united  parishes  of    St.   Stephen    and   St.   John, 
"Westminster,  represented,  but  others,  external   to  the  society.     One 
portion  of    tho    tent    is  reserved   for    "  the  sick  and    weary   of    a 
hospital,"  and  we  pause  to  call  up  tho  wan  faces  and  trembling 
hands  that  have  watched  and  touched  the  flowers,  and  the  sufferers 
who  have  been  for  awhile  allured  from  pain  "  to  win  the  secret  of  a 
weed's  plain  heart."     The  tent  and   grounds   fill  by  degrees.     The 
society  is  supported  by  the  shilling  entrance  tickets  of  the  rich  and 
tlio  penny  fees  of  the  poor.     Tho  former  have  the  precedence,  and 
rank  and  fashion   arrive  to  shed  the  halo  of  costly  dress,  beauty, 
light,  and  colour  on  the  antique  college  garden.      Amongst   them 
are  some  turbaned  orientals,  one  of    whom  is  accompanied    by  a 
lady  in    a    rich  drapery    of   gold  and    scarlet  tissue,    arranged    in 
Eastern  fashion.     This  appears  to  be  a  large  fringed  scarf,  thrown 
across    the   black    hair,  and    wound    gracefully    round    the    body. 
The  Asiatics  are,  apparently,  not  strangers,  but  converse  easily  -with. 
many  of  the  company,  and  seem  much  interested  in  all  that  passes. 
We  hear  the  word  "  Archbishop,"  and  turn  to  recognise   the  Arch- 
bishop of  Canterbury.     Dean  Stanley  has  been  present  from  the  first ; 
so  have  other  abbey  celebrities — for  the  success  of  the  poor  depends 
on  the  aid  and  countenance  of  the  rich.     Meanwhile,  the  band  of  the 
A  division  of  police  performs,  with  precision  and  animation,  operatic 
airs,  quadrilles,  galops,  and  valses.     A  concourse  of  men,  women,  and 
children,  suddenly  fill  up  the  outskirts  of  the  grounds,  and  we  become 
more  and  more  animated.     These  are  the  inhabitants  of  Wosminster, 
admitted  annually  ad  ?t()i£it)n.,  to  the  "cool   sequestered  "  shades  of 
its  college  garden.     We  see  them  gazing — not  enviously  we  hope — at 
the  gorgeous  dresses  of  the  ladies,  and  at  the  humbler  flowers  of  their 
compeers.     There  is  a  mnrmer  of  "  Did  you  see  the  Earl  ?  "     We  did 
not  see  him,  but  with  the  selfishness  of  egotism,  succeed  in  securing 
places  near  the  temporary  rostrum  where  he  is  to  be.      Our  example 
is  soon  followed,  and  the  crowd  thickens  around.     Piles  of  bright 
books  appear — and  these  are  soon  followed  by  the  Eai'l  of  Shaftesbury, 
ever  foremost  in  works  for  the  good  of  his  fellow  creatures.     The  dis- 
tribution of  prizes  begins  at  once.     Lord  Shaftesbury  stands  in  his 
open-air  pulpit,  while  a  gentleman  on  his  right  calls  out,  "  Half-a- 
crown  and  a  handsome  book  for  the  best  Geranium,"  together  with 
the  name  and  address  of  the  winner.      This  formula  continues,  with 
cei'tain  variations,  throughout  the  proceedings,  and  is  followed  by  the 
appearance  of  the   successful   competitors  from  amongst  the  outer 
crowd  of  the  lower  million.     Each  mounts,  successively,  the  platform 
on   the   right,  passes  before   Lord   Sbaftesburj',  receives  the  prize, 
moves  on  to  the  left,   descends,  and  again  vanishes  into  the  mass. 
It  would  be  as  impossible  to  overrate  the  interest  of  this  simple  cere- 
mony as  to  enumerate  or  describe  the  prize-holders.     Here  are  feeble 
old  men  and  women,   brawny  artizans,  mothers  with  infants  in  their 
arms,  and  children  of  all  ages,  as  happy  at  receiving  the  reward  for 
the  tender  cherishing  of  a  flower,  as  would  be  many  a  warrior  at 
being  endowed  with  an  Order  of  Merit,  after  a  victory.     It  is  pleasant 
to  see  the  faces  of  the  aged  kindle  into   light  as  Lord  Shaftesbury 
shakes  their  hands  cordially  ;  pleasant  to  see  the  lined  brows  of  the 
workers  relax  at  his  kindly  words  and  touch  ;   pleasant  to  watch  tho 
smiles  of  the  young  as  he  pats  them  on  the  head  and  cheek.    The  prize 
is  receivedwithoutdemonstration,  but  the  accompany  ingbrotherly  love 
meets   with  instant   response.     Sympathy  is  sweeter   than  a  dole. 
Hero  are  children  so  small   that   they  are  lifted  to  the  puljiit,  and 
stand  face  to  face  with   the   earl.     He  presses  their  cheeks  in  his 
hands  and  hopes  they  are  going  to  be  good.     Their  confidential  look 
of  assent  is   more   telling  than  promises.     One  or  two  cripples  are 
helped  up  the  steps  by  some  dignitary  on  one  side,  and  down  by  Dean 
Stanley,  seated  on  the  mimic  stage,  on  the  other.     How  kindl}'  the 
ministering  policemen  and  bystanders  hand  them  through  the  crowd  ! 
After  all  there  is  more  softness  than   hardness  in  the  human  heart. 
When  the  numberless  books  and  small  sums  of  money  are  distributed, 
and  the  gratified  recipients  have  retired,  the  customary  addresses  and 
votes  of  thanks  follow.     Now  the  rear  ranks  press  into  the  van,  and 
class  really  mingles  with  class.     We   see   the  richly  and  the  poorly 
clad  together,  all  eagerly  listening  for  the  words  that  tall  from  the 
lips  of   the   speakers.     It  is  difficult  to  catch  them,  however,  for  the 
crowds  of  children  are  making  such  a  huUaballoo  with  their  games 
and  dances,  that  they  are  well  nigh  lost  except  to  the  few  close  at 
hand.     They  are  to  the  purpose,  and  not  "  long  drawn  out,"  which 
is  more  than  can  be  said  of  all  speeches.     Lord  Shaftesbury  has  just 
said  in  his  address,  that   whereas   he  was   formerly  called  upon  to 
preside   at  numbers  of    similar  gatherings,  he  has   this  year  been 
present  only  at  two.     Judging  from  this  of  Westminster,  we  should 
be  inclined   to  lament  with  his   lordship  over  any  falling-ofi   in  so 
interesting  and  refining  a  pursuit  as  the  cultivation  of  God's  loveliest 
gift  to  man — flowers.     The  day  has  been  one  of   sunshine  and  blue 


sky ;  no  clouds,  no  showers.  Just  as  the  cool  of  evening  floats  in, 
the  garden  is  rapidly  shorn  of  its  hot-house  plants.  As  if  by  magic, 
the  many-hued  ladies  disappear  to  the  carriages  that  block  up 
Dean's  yard,  and  are  replaced  by  the  more  sombre  crowd.  As 
the  light  of  the  one  fades,  we  wander  into  the  shade  of  the  other. 
Tho  college  garden  is  abandoned  to  the  working  classes  of 
Westminster,  who  roam  in  and  out  of  the  tent,  walk  or  sit  about, 
and  enjoy  themselves ;  at  least,  we  hope  they  enjoy  themselves, 
for  there  is  a  subdued,  careworn,  toil-lined  expression  on  most 
of  the  faces,  when  in  repose,  scarcely  suggestive  of  enjoyment.  If, 
however,  noise  is  proof  of  happiness,  tho  children,  at  least,  are 
happy.  Their  mirth  fills  the  air,  and  they  roll  and  race  about  on  tho 
green  sward  as  briskly  as  if  they  were  used  to  it.  Here  and  there, 
nevertheless,  are  little  faces  troubled  by  disappointment.  Their 
owners  are  tenderly  embracing  a  flower-pot,  and  gazing  dejectedly  at 
a  plant.  On  inquiring  we  hear  "  I  have  tried  three  years,  and  I 
thought  to  have  a  prize.  I  have  watered  it  night  and  morning!" 
We  give  the  best  advice  we  can:  "Try  again!  You  will  be  more 
fortunate  next  year."  A  bright  smile  replaces  the  dejection,  and 
sudden  hope  banishes  despondency.  They  promise  to  "  try  again," 
and  are  happy  once  more.  As  the  prizes  have,  we  think,  outnum- 
bered the  blanks  in  this  "eighth  annual  flower  show,"  we  venture 
to  believe  that  it  has  been  a  source  of  innocent  pleasure  to  most, 
or  not  to  all,  who  have  thronged  the  college  garden  to-day. — Argosy. 


WORK    FOR    THE    WEEK. 
HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

H.\RDY  fruit-trees  of  all  kinds  should  be  planted  as  eai'ly  in  the   ■ 
month  as  possible,  and  avoid  burying  frozen  lumps  of  earth  about  the 
roots  of  the  trees.     Where  there  are  vacancies  on  walls  to  fill  up,  they 
can  bo  made  good  at  any  time,  however  wet  the  weather  is  ;  for,  dry 
turfy  soil  can  bo  procured  for  the  roots,  and  sufiicient  drainage  given 
by  means  of  concreting  the  sub.soil.     Where  wall- trees  are  not  looking 
well,  and  are  unproductive,  the  roots  are  generally  at  fault  j  the  trees 
should,  therefore,  be  lifted  and  replanted.  Nailing  should  be  pushed 
on  while  the  weather  is  mild,  for  severe  weather  may  come  and  hinder 
such  operations.     If  not  done  in  October  and  November,  the  pruning 
of  fruit-trees  should  likewise  be  carried  on  with  vigour.     In  neglected 
orchards  this  is  an  operation  of  great  importance ;  as  the  trees  get 
so  crowded  with  wood  and  spui's,  that  good  crops  are  few   and  far 
between.     Were  orchard-trees  carefully  pruned  every  year,  and  the 
fruit  thinned,  where  too  thickly  set,   failing  crops  would  seldom  be 
seen,  and  the  fruit  would  be  large  and  fine.     Thin  out  the  branches 
of  old  trees,  and  cut  down  useless  ones.     In  some  orchards,  old  Apple 
and  Pear  trees  are  much  neglected,  and  allowed  to   be  covered  with 
Moss  and  Lichens.     Such  trees,   after  pruning  out  the  superfluous 
branches,  would  bo  greatly  improved  by  scraping  the  Moss  off,  and 
then  washing  the  stems  and  branches  with  a  mixture  of  quicklime 
and  soot,  which  can  be  put  on   with  a  syringe  or    garden-engine. 
American  blight  on  fruit-trees  may  be  stamped  out,  in  the  winter 
time,  by  scrubbing  every  branch  on  which  it  exists  with  a  hard  brush, 
then  painting  the  places  over  with  soft-soap.     The  system  of  growing 
single  and  double  cordons  of  Apples  and  Pears  on  the  bottoms  of 
walls  and  trellises  will  be  found  of  great  utility,  and  a  source  of 
enjoyment  to  the  cultivator.     Thoy   are  not  recommended  to  take 
tho    place    of    pyramids  or  bush  fruits  in  the  borders,  but  only  to 
fill   up   bare   places   on   the   bottoms   of   walls    where  nothing  else 
is    grown,    and    as    edgings    to   the    sides    of    walks,   where    they 
interfere    with    no    other    crop    in    the    borders.       Calville  Blauo 
Reinette    du    Canada,    Reinette    Grise,     Herefordshire    Pcarmain, 
Menagere  (a  large  French  Apple),  Belle  Dubois   (another  very  largo 
FrenchApple,  like  Warner's  King), Calville  St. Sauveur,Belle  Josephine, 
and  some  other  kinds  of  Apples,  all  on  the  French  Paradise  stock, 
and  the   finest   French  Pears  do  well   as  cordons  when  the  fruit  is 
thinned   out,  so   as   to  leave   only  a   dozen  or    two  on   each  tree, 
according  to  the  size  of  the  sort.     These  little  trees,  being  grown  on 
the  bottom  of  south  or  west  walls,  do  not  suffer  much  when  in  blossom 
from    spring   frosts,   being   sheltered  by   the   foliage    above   them. 
Single  and  double  cordons,  however,  planted  as  edgings  in  the  border, 
are  more  exposed ;    but  they   can  be  easily  protected   from  spring 
frosts  by  means  of  a  tew  Fir  branches  or  light  straw  hurdles.     When 
these  cordon   trees   are   planted   in  December,  a  covering  of  litter 
over  the   roots  will   keep  the  winter's  frost  out,  and  keep  the  roots 
moist  in  dry  springs.     If  old  trees  are  intended  to  be  re-grafted,  head 
them  back  to  the  place  where  it  is  intended  to  insert  the  fresh  grafts. 
Figs  on   walls  will  want  protection  from   severe  frosts  in  winter ; 
but,   if  the  branches  are  tied  together,  and  straw  or  mats  wrapped 
round  them,  or  a  thin  thatch  of  Broom  interwoven  in  rope-yarn  laid 
across  stakes  is  placed   in  front    of    them,   they   will  be   quite  safe. 
Where  dried  Fern  can  be   had,  it  likewise  makes  a  safe  covering  by 


Dec.  20, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


617 


thatohinn;  tlio  trees  with  it.  Gooseberries,  Currants,  and  Raspberries 
may  bo  still  planted  ;  auJ,  at  this  lato  pel  ioil,  it  is  better  to  mulch 
the  roots  afterwards.  To  assist  in  gettiLg  rid  of  Gooseberry  cater- 
pillars on  established  bushes  infested  by  them,  scrape  away  all  the 
earth  from  the  base  of  the  bashes,  and  dig  it  into  the  middle  of  the 
rows.  The  space  denuded  round  the  bushes,  if  filled  up  with  old 
tan  or  fresh  soil,  will  contain  no  larvae  or  young  caterpillars  to 
crawl  up  the  stems  and  commence  their  ravages  in  the  summer. 
Strawberry -beds  are  often  top-dressed  in  December  with  litter,  to 
protect  them  from  severe  frosts  ;  but  this  operation  should  be 
deferred  till  the  spring.  "When  the  beds  are  top-dressed,  then,  with 
some  rather  strawy  litter,  just  before  the  spring-growth  commences, 
the  foliage  and  fruit-stalks  grow  through  it,  and  the  fruit  is  kept 
clean  from  heavy  rains  ;  besides,  the  litter  keeps  the  roots  of  the 
jilants  moist  in  hot  dry  summer's.  The  nailing  of  wall-trees  should 
now  progress  as  fast  as  possible  in  opeu  weather ;  for  it  is  cold  work 
in  the  dead  of  winter,  and  in  spring  manj-  other  operations  occur 
which  cannot  be  deferred.  The  nails  should  only  be  driven  in 
sufficiently  to  hold,  and  never  into  the  bricks  to  injure  them  ;  for  it 
is  foolish  work  spoiling  good  walls  with  nails,  when  wiring  them 
would  answer  every  purpose ;  and  all  new  walls  should  be  wired. 
The  fruit  stored  in  the  fruit-room  will  frequently  want  looking  over, 
and  all  should  be  picked  out  that  show  the  slightest  symptoms  of 
decay.  The  temperature  should  bo  kept  rather  low,  and  as  equable 
as  possiblo ;  and  all  damp  and  frosts  expelled  by  artificial  heat. 
All  Vines  artificially  forced  are  liable  to  much  injury  by  severe 
frosts  in  the  winter,  if  left  in  the  open  air.  They  should,  therefore, 
be  protected  till  they  are  taken  into  the  forcing.houges. 

INDOOR  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Cherries. — Introduce  these  into  some  very  light  and  airy 
structure,  provided  there  is  not  a  house  expressly  for  Cherries,  and 
keep  it  close  at  first,  so  as  to  induce  a  night  temperature  of  45^  and 
a  rise  of  10°  by  day,  but  ventilate  freely  to  maintain  this  stage. 
The  plants  are  benefited  by  plunging  the  pots  in  a  bed  of  leaves  that 
will  yield  a  heat  of  about  45'. 

Fig's. — This  is  a  good  time  to  shift  any  plants  in  pots  or  tubs 
that  want  that  attention,  using  turfy  loam,  and  if  of  a  calcareous 
nature  all  the  better.  Top-dress  old  plants  that  have  been  grown 
for  several  yeai'S  in  pots,  and  water  with  manure-water.  A  few 
of  the  established  plants  may  be  put  into  a  Vinery  at  work  to  force, 
or  into  a  Pine-stove  to  produce  a  few  dishes  of  early  fruit.  Should 
it  be  practicable  to  form  a  ridge  of  fermenting  material  on  the  floor 
of  any  of  the  fruit-houses  for  starting  the  Figs  in,  they  would 
well  repay  the  attention,  in  starting  away  more  kindly  and 
certainly  than  they  otherwise  would  do.  Endeavour  to  maintain  an 
atmospheric  temperature  of  50^,  and  a  bottom-heat  of  75',  gradually 
raisin"  the  former  as  the  plants  advance.  Syringe  the  Fig-trees 
every  fine  day. 

Peaclies. — All  trees  in  pots  wanting  a  shift  should  now  receive 
attention.  Those  which  were  potted  last  year  will  only  require  a 
top-dressing  of  good  turfy  loamy  soil,  mixed  with  a  feiv  crushed 
bones,  or  well-rotted  manure.  If  the  loam  is  rather  stiff,  some  burnt 
ashes,  chalk,  or  old  lime.rubbish  added  will  give  it  |porosity  and 
increase  its  fertility.  When  top-dressing,  take  as  much  of  the 
old  soil  off  the  top  of  the  pot  as  possible,  and  make  the  new  soil  as 
firm  as  the  old  ball.  If  the  house  is  nnheated,  protect  the  roots 
from  severe  frosts  by  placing  the  pots  in  groups  and  covering  them 
with  litter  or  mats.  An  early  house  may  now  be  started,  giving  it  a 
very  mild  temperature  at  the  beginning,  so  as  not  to  have  the 
blossoming  period  occurring  before  the  sun  has  some  influence  in 
setting  the  fruit.  From  40°  to  50°  is  a  safe  range  to  commence  with, 
and  plenty  of  air  should  be  given  on  all  favourable  occasions.  For 
very  early  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  a  dozen  or  two  of  trees,  grown  in 
pots  and  forced  in  pits  or  low  houses  with  a  mild  bottom-heat,  will 
produce  some  nice  fruit  in  April  or  May.  Whea  these  are  in  blossom, 
distribute  with  a  feather  in  order  to  assist  in  setting  the  fruit. 
Syringe  the  trees  twice  a  day  with  water  of  the  same  temperature  as 
that  of  the  atmosphere  of  the  house  nntil  the  flowers  begin  to  open. 
The  trees  in  the  late  suooession-honses  will  now  want  pruning, 
dressing,  and  tying  to  the  trellises.  A  solution  of  Gishurst  com- 
pound, consisting  of  about  five  ounces  to  a  gallon  of  boiling  water 
will,  if  put  on  when  cold,  by  syringing  the  trees,  be  an  effectual  cure 
for  insects.  Peach-trees  trained  on  walls  will  likewise  be  much 
benefited  by  the  same  application,  if  put  on  with  a  powerful  syringe 
or  engine.  When  there  is  reason  to  fear  that  the  borders  inside  or 
out  are  exhausted,  some  fresh  turfy  loam  may  be  given  to  the  roots, 
by  opening  a  trench,  carefully  lifting  their  extremities,  and  planting 
them  in  the  fresh  soil  after  removing  the  old.  Protect  the  outside 
borders  \Yith  litter  or  dried  Fern,  and,  if  some  wooden  shutters  or 
tarpauling  are  placed  on  the  top,  the  roots  will  be  kept  quite  safe 
from  severe  frosts  or  chilling  snows. 


Pines. — Frnit-swelling  plants  require  a  genial  temperature  of 
f rem  G5°  to  70^.  Water  must  be  given  moderately,  judiciously,  and 
only  to  such  plants  as  require  it  at  the  root,  for  a  kindly  atmospheric 
humidity  goes  far  to  answer  their  requirements  during  these  short 
days,  when  we  h.ive  not  sufficient  sun  to  evaporate  it  and  dry  the 
atmosphere.  Such  plants  as  have  finished  swelling,  and  are  about 
to  colour,  should  bo  lifted  out  from  amougst  the  plants  that  are  still 
swelling  their  fruit,  and  should  bo  placed  on  a  dry  shelf  or  light  end 
of  the  house,  and  allowed  to  colour  in  the  best  light  at  command. 
Water  should  be  entirely  withheld  while  the  fruits  are  colouring,  or 
they  ai'e  liable  to  get  diseased  inside.  Even  ripe  Pine.apples,  placed 
under  unfavourable  circumstances,  are  apt  to  get  discoloured  and 
flavourless.  Those  that  are  coming  iuto  bloom,  and  such  as  are 
showing  fruit,  require  particular  attention  as  regards  the  application 
of  water  and  humidity,  or  they  may  produce  abortive  pips  or  swell 
unevenly.  Those  started  into  fruit  will  require,  for  the  next  six 
weeks,  great  patience,  care,  and  perseverance,  in  order  to  induce 
them  to  swell  and  perfect  it  for  early  spring  nse.  For  succession, 
plants  in  every  stage,  maintain  a  regular  and  kindly  atmosphere, 
and  a  temperature  of  about  60°,  but  not  too  much  humidity.  Little 
water  need  be  applied  during  the  short  dark  days,  especially  where 
fermenting  matei'ial  only  is  employed  for  heating.  Pot  on  both 
succession-plants  and  suckers  as  required. 

Strawberries. — Long  before  this  time,  these  should  be  snugly 
stored  in  their  winter  quarters,  either  in  frames  or  built  into 
the  sides  of  ridges  of  coal-ashes  with  overlapping  stone  flags, 
broad  slates,  or  boards  to  throw  off  the  wet.  The  main 
object  in  taking  such  care  of  the  pot  plants  consists  in  pre. 
serving  their  crowns  from  frost  and  cold  rains,  which  are  much 
more  injurious  to  these  plants  than  to  those  in  the  open  ground,  and 
often  render  them  abortive  or  "  blind."  Introduce  a  few  of  the 
most  promising  of  them  into  a  Peach-house  just  started  for  producing 
fruit  in  late  March  and  April.  A  frame,  with  a  good  depth  of 
leaves  for  bottom-heat,  is  an  excellent  place  for  starting  Strawberries 
in.  The  temperature  at  first  should  be  kept  moderate  and  some- 
what low,  and  in  the  humid  atmosphere  which  the  leaves  afford,  the 
plants  start  away  much  more  kindly  than  they  do  in  sti'uctures 
heated  by  hot  water.  Keens'  Seedling  is  still  one  of  the  best  for 
early  forcing,  and  President  and  Sir  J.  Paxton  are  good  successional 
sorts.  Eclipse  is  another  excellent  kind  for  forcing ;  its  flavour  is 
good,  and  it  carries  welL  For  late  forcing,  Lucas,  a  first-rate 
Belgian  sort,  Rev.  Mr.  Radclyffe,  and  British  Queen,  are  useful 
varieties. 

Vines. — Great  care  should  be  exercised  as  regards  the  tempera- 
ture of  the  Vineries  now  started,  which  should  not  range  higher  than 
from  50°  to  00°.  When  the  Vines  have  fairly  broken  their  buds,  the 
temperature  may  be  increased  from  60°  at  night  to  70°  in  the  day. 
time,  when  there  is  sunshine.  Vines  in  pots,  if  started  in  the 
beginning  of  the  month  in  a  mild  bottom-heat,  will  furnish  ripe 
Grapes  early  in  May ;  and,  as  late  Grapes  in  bottles  can  be  kept  in 
good  condition  till  then,  with  a  certain  number  of  structures,  a 
succession  of  Grapes  can  be  had  all  the  year  round.  Do  not  force  the 
Vines  too  hurriedly,  however,  while  the  days  are  so  short,  cold,  and 
sunless ;  but  have  all  in  good  order  to  go  ahead  as  the  weather 
becomes  brighter.  Prune  and  dress  the  Vines  iu  succession-houses  as 
soon  as  the  Grapes  are  all  cut,  and  see  that  the  outside  boi-ders  are 
sufficiently  protected  from  frost.  Grapes  in  late  Vineries  will 
require  frequent  looking  over,  in  order  to  pick  out  any  decaying 
berries,  as  they  induce  damp,  which  affects  the  others. 

Cucumbers. — All  overbearing  should  be  at  present  discouraged, 
in  order  to  allow  the  plants  to  make  healthy  foliage  and  shoots,  and 
if  some  weak  manure-water  is  applied  to  the  roots,  with  a  top. 
dressing  of  fresh  turfy  soil,  the  growths  will  be  induced  to  come 
stronger  than  they  otherwise  would  be.  Avoid  hard  forcing  in  cold 
dull  weather,  and  rather  than  employ  too  much  fire-heat,  cover  over 
the  sashes  at  night  with  mats  or  straw.  Should  thrips  or  red 
spider  put  in  an  appearance,  syringe  the  foliage  once  or  twice  a 
week  in  the  daytime  with  soot-water.  This  will  keep  these  pests 
in  check,  as  well  as  act  as  an  excellent  stimulant  to  the  roots.  In 
Cucumber  houses  or  pits,  in  which  the  bottom.heat  is  supplied  by 
hot-water  pipes,  great  cautiou  will  be  required  to  see  that  the  soil 
does  not  get  too  dry  for  the  bottom  roots.  Should  this  be  the  case, 
holes  must  be  made  in  places  in  the  bed  and  water  poured  into  them 
to  moisten  the  sub.soil.  Always  use  tepid  water,  either  for  syringing 
or  applying  to  the  roots. 

MARKET   GARDENS. 

Prune  and  thin  Raspberry  bushes.  These  are  commonly  grown  iu 
lines  4  or  6  feet  apart  and  18  inches  plant  from  plant.  From  three 
to  six  of  the  best  shoots  are  left  to  each  stool,  and  they  are  cut  back 
to  about  3i  feet  in  height.     During  the  summer  they  are  not  staked 


518 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  20,  1873. 


bnt  a  ligature  of  matting  or  of  rope-yarn  is  tied  around  them  near 
their  tops.  Prune  in  Red  Currant  bushes  pretty  hard ;  if  under  fruit- 
trees,  leave  only  about  si.^  branches  to  each  plant.  Gooseberry  bushes 
may  likewiso  be  pruned,  an  operation  for  which  time  cannot  be 
spared  in  spring.  Remove  old  Moss-covered  and  unfruitful  bushes 
and  replace  them  with  young  and  fruittal  ones.  Bushes  raised  from 
cuttings  layered  last  spring  should  bo  lifted  and  transplanted,  either 
permanently  or  in  lines  IS  inches  apart.  Save  the  best  of  the  prun- 
ings  for  cuttings,  which  tie  into  bundles,  and  insert  in  the  earth,  to 
be  planted  out  singly  when  ground  is  prepared  for  them.  Brussels 
Sprouts  are  still  excellent,  as  are  also  late-sprouting  Broccoli,  but 
as  soon  as  they  yield  their  crop  clear  them  away  and  trench  the 
ground  they  occupy.  Make  use  of  Cabbage  plants,  if  any  yet  remain, 
between  the  rows  of  frnit  bushes.  Stir  the  ground  between  Red 
Cabbages  that  were  planted  3.}  and  4  feet  apart  after  late  Potato 
crops,  with  two  lines  of  common  Cabbages  between  them,  in  order 
to  encourage  trrowth.  Cauliilowers,  where  pricked  out  in  frames, 
under  hand-lights,  and  in  sheltered  open  air  borders  last  month, 
now  only  require  to  have  the  sashes  and  lights  tilted  up  in 
fine  weather  and  kept  close  in  the  event  of  frost.  Transplant  Parsley 
from  early  autumn  sowings  in  shady  spots,  in  lines  8  inches 
apart  ;  also  Onions  in  lines  from  6  to  8  inches  apart  in  open  beds. 
Radish-beds,  4  and  some  5  feet  wide,  may  now  be  made,  sown,  and 
covered  with  3  inches  thick  of  rough  litter.  Where  Asparagus 
I'idges  have  not  been  levelled,  that  operation  should  be  done  when- 
ever the  weather  is  dry,  and  some  well-decayed  manure  may  be 
placed  over  the  roots  of  select  plants  of  the  same,  placing  some  soil 
over  the  manure  to  keep  it  in  place.  Dust  lime  over  Lettuces  and 
Endive  to  preserve  them  from  slugs.  Fresh  beds  of  Rhubarb  and 
Seakale  may  be  made  for  forcing.  Seakale  for  coming  in  naturally 
in  spring  should  be  earthed  up,  and  some  rough  litter  placed  around 
Globe  Artichokes  to  protect  them  from  frost.  Mushrooms  are 
bearing  remarkably  well  this  season,  on  account  of  the  dry  and  frosty 
weather,  for  nothing  is  more  prejudicial  to  them  than  continuous  cold 
rains.  Hard  frost  may  be  counteracted  in  its  effects  by  additional 
covering  on  the  beds,  but  there  is  scarcely  any  means  that  would 
not  be  too  expensive,  that  would  effectually  exclude  wet. 


THE  FUTURE  OP  THE  ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL 

SOCIETY. 

WoLLD  you  be  good  enough  to  print  the  following  note  which  I  have 
received  from  a  namesake,  though  no  relation,  at  Leeds  ?  It  may  have 
the  effect  of  causing  bis  excellent  suggestion  to  be  acted  upon  in  other 
parts  of  the  country  : — 

3,  Hillary  Place,  Leeds,  Dec.  8, 1873. 

Sir, — As  one  who  woidd  bo  glad  to  sec  a  purely  horticultural  society, 
worthy  of  England,  formed  in  Loudon,  I  shall  be  happy  to  become  a 
subscriber  to  your  proposed  scheme,  and  to  canvass  others  in  this  neigh- 
bourhood to  join  it.  I  think,  it  local  committees  were  formed,  there 
would  be  no  difficulty  in  gcttiug  a  sufficient  number  of  persons  to  join, 
who,  though  they  might  not,  on  account  of  their  distance  from  London,  be 
able  personally  to  attend  the  meetings  of  the  society,  would  be  glad  to 
assist  in  establishing  a  real  central  society  of  horticulture.  May  I  suggest, 
therefore,  if  the  movement  goes  forward,  the  formation  of  local  com- 
mittees to  canvass  for  subscribers  ? — Yours  faithfully, 

G.  F.  Wilson,  Esij.  (Signed)  Tii05iAs  Wilson. 

Mr.  Thomas  Wilson,  when  sanctioning  the  printing  of  this  note, 
added  : — "I  take  in  The  Garden,  and  other  horticultural  papers,  and 
it  was  from  letters  and  leading  articles  in  them  that  I  became  aware 
of  what  was  in  agitation  for  the  formation  of  a  real  horticultural 
society.  I  cannot  think  that,  if  the  attention  of  the  public  is  called 
to  the  question,  there  can  be  any  difficulty  in  finding  5,000  or  G.OOO 
subscribers  of  a  guinea  each  to  support  a  society,  whose  solo  object 
shall  be  the  promotion  of  horticultnro  in  all  its  branches."  A  lady 
fellow  thus  writes  to  mc: — "  I  feel  it  is  a  disgrace  that  wealthy 
England,  full  of  people  priding  themselves  on  their  parks,  arbore- 
tums,  and  gardens,  with  acres  of  glass,  cannot  support  a  Royal 
Horticultnral  Society,  and  nobly.  I  myself  know  several  such  people 
who  do  not  belong  to  it ;  and,  when  I  have  expressed  surprise,  they 
say  that  they  do  not  caro  for  it,  and  ai-e,  in  fact,  quite  indifferent 
about  the  matter."  Let  us  hope  that  we  may  add  many  lady  sub- 
scribers to  the  renovated  society,  for  the  garden  is  their  province.  I 
believe  the  reason  why  "  wealthy  England  "  does  not  join  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  is,  that  it  looks  upon  it  as  a  part  of  South 
Kensington,  and  not  as  a  horticultural  society  representing  the  whole 
nation.  It  was  most  encouraging  to  read,  in  your  number  of  to-day 
(No.  108),  a  great  authority  like  Mr.  Harpur  Crewe  so  cordially 
backing  up  Mr.  Ellacombc  and  Mr.  Elwes'  previous  letters.  I  have 
only  to  add  that  competent  horticulturists  in  London  are  engaged  in 
the  work  of  reconstruction,  and  that,  in  proportion  to  the  degree  in 


which  the  country  continues  to  make  its  voice  heard,  will  their  task 
bo  easy  or  difficult.  I  shall  be  happy,  for  tho  present,  to  receive 
communications,  and  to  seo  that  any  likely  suggestions  are  considered 
by  the  proper  authorities  ;  but,  having  already  much  correspondence, 
and  as  any  answer  to  it  must  probably  be  in  print,  it  will  be  under- 
stood that  any  communication  may  be  printed  unless  the  contrary  is 
stated.  George  F.  Wilson. 


ROLLED  PLATE  GLASS. 


To  trace  effects  to  their  causes  is  surely  the  business  of  gardeners 
more  than  that  of  most  men,  but  iu  the  case  of  rolled  plate  some  of 
your  correspondents  seem  content  to  jump  to  conclusions  upon  mere 
hearsay  evidence.  Mr.  Newton,  of  Newark,  has  sent  you  some  Vino 
leaves  from  Vineries  which  I  built  for  him  in  the  autumn  of  1872. 
These  are  such  as  to  demand  commendation,  and  j-et,  strange  as  it 
may  seem,  Mr.  Baines  some  time  back,  I  think  at  tho  Birmingham 
meeting,  said  that  he  never  saw  a  Vine  leaf  larger  than  his  hand 
under  rough  plate  in  his  experience.  Well,  what  men  see  and  what 
they  do  not  see  would  make  a  long  history,  but  as  I  happen  to  have 
practical  experience  of  more  than  twenty  years  with  rolled  plate, 
I  do  not  feel  disposed  to  yield  to  the  opinion  of  either  theorists  or 
gardeners.  I  use  and  recommend  rolled  plate  for  three  reasons, 
first,  because  I  believe  it  to  be  the  best ;  secondly,  because  I 
know  it  to  be  five  degrees  warmer  than  ordinary  sheet,  an  object 
in  these  days  of  dear  fuel ;  and  thirdly,  because  it  is  cheaper 
than  glass  which  scorches.  In  fact,  so  satisfied  am  I  of  the  perfect 
adaptability  of  rolled  plate  to  all  cultural  purposes  that  I  havo 
entered  into  an  arrangement  with  Messrs.  Hartley  and  Co.  to  make 
tinted  rolled  plate  for  me,  by  the  use  of  which  I  purpose  banishing 
shades  from  Orchid-houses  and  Ferneries,  and,  at  the  same  time,  by 
an  artistic  blending  of  colour,  produce  a  much  handsomer  roof  than 
has  yet  been  attempted.  To  get  out  of  tho  antiquated  extrava- 
gances of  paint  and  putty  has  been  my  object  so  far,  and  to  be  clear 
of  the  "old  rut"  altogether  is  still  my  ambition.  To  these  remarks 
it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  add  anything  in  answer  to  tho  strictures 
of  Mr.  Max  Lelchtlin  (see  p.  4-82).  As  a  botanical  collector  he,  no 
doubt,  knows  more  of  plants  in  their  native  habitats  than  under 
culture  ;  and  I  will  venture  to  say  there  are  very  few  of  my  prac- 
tical friends  who  wonld  place  ]ilants  in  a  comparative  well,  "  not 
near  the  glass,"  and  whcu,  in  November,  Fungus  sprung  up  among 
them  would  attribute  it  to  rough  plate  glass.  This  is  simply  a  case 
of  bad  gardening.  Willia.m  P.  Avbes. 


Cowan's  Lime-kiln  Heating. — I  trust  that  my  silence 
respecting  Mr.  Cowan's  admirable  system  of  heating  has  not  pre- 
vented any  one  from  adopting  it.  I  determined,  before  speaking  of  its 
merits,  to  thoroughly  test  it  in  every  way  ;  and  I  trust  that  my 
judgment  iu  this  case  will  prove  as  correct  as  the  award  of  tho  judges 
(of  whom  I  was  one)  did  concerning  the  "gold-medal  boiler"  at 
Birmingham,  which  has  given  entire  satisfaction,  and  proved  worthy 
of  Its  name.  Tho  success  of  Mr.  Cowan's  heating  appai-atus  at 
Hatfield  is  complete ;  it  is  working  most  satisfactorily,  and  in  that 
respect  has  even  exceeded  my  expectations.  Should  it  continae  to 
work  in  the  manner  it  now  does,  it  will  prove  a  great  boon  to  us  here, 
and  inaugurate  quite  a  new  era  in  the  heating  of  horticultural 
buildings  generally.  For  every  barrowful  of  coals  thrown  into  the 
kiln  we  have  a  substantial  return  ;  while,  by  tho  old  system,  the  only 
return  was  ashes  and  the  trouble  of  clearing  them  away.  Though 
our  chalk  is  inferior  in  quality  to  some  which  I  havo  seen  in  the 
neighbourhood,  we  nevertheless  have  plenty  of  heat. — Edward 
Bennett,  gardener  to  the  Marquis  of  Salishury,  Hatfield,  Herts. 

■ We  have  also  a  letter  addressed  to  Mr.  Cowan  by  Mr.  J.  Gar- 

nier,  gardener  to  Mitchell  Henry,  Esq. ,M. P. .Kylemore  Castle,  iu  which 
(after  stating,  among  other  matters,  that  about  5,000  feet  of  4-inch 
piping,  in  the  extensive  glass  department  at  Kylemore,  is  thoroughly 
well  heated  by  one  of  Cowan's  kilns  of  the  following  dimensions  : — 
13  feet  6  inches  in  depth,  6  feet  G  Inches  at  its  greatest  width,  and 
3  feet  6  inches  at  the  top)  Mr.  Garnier  says,  "  I  draw  ten  barrels 
of  lime  each  Jay  (3,G50  barrels  per  year),  and,  as  it  is  of  superior 
quality  (being  made  from  imported  limestone),  it  is  worth  in  this 
neighbourhood  2s.  Gd.  per  barrel  (£456  per  year).  Against  this 
stands  the  cost  of  the  stone  and  anthracite  coal  (about  .-6300  per 
year),  leaving  a  balance  of  £156  in  favour  of  your  compensating 
system."  This  statement  is  most  encouraging  to  those  who  are 
hesitating  to  adopt  Mr.  Cowan's  system  from  doubt  as  to  its  com- 
pensating character,  since,  at  Kylemore,  where  the  limestone  haa  to 
bo  imported,  it  not  only  pays  for  the  heating  of  an  extensive 
range  of  houses,  but,  in  addition,  brings  in  a  clear  profit  of  £150 
per  annum. 


Dec.  27, 1873.J 


THE   GARDEN. 


519 


THE    GARDEN. 


"  This  is  an  art 
Whicli  does  mend  nature  :  chanpjo  it  rather  :  but 
The  Art  itself  is  Naxuiie." — SJiakespeare, 


THE   ZONA.L   PELARGONIUM. 

Br  PETER  GRIEVE,  Culford  Gardens. 

In  taking  a  retfospective  glance  at  the  improvement  which 
has,  Tvithin  the  last  few  years,  been  eilected  iu  the  several 
families  of  hardy  and  half-hardy  decorative  plants,  we 
shall  find  that  very  successful  results  have  been  achieved 
with  such  genera  as  the  Rose,  the  Hollyhock,  the  Dahlia,  the 
Pansy,  the  Fuchsia,  and  the  Verbena.  But,  in  no  instance  is 
this  onward  movement  more  marked  than  in  the  case  of  the 
Pelargoniums,  or  Geraniums  as  they  are  erroneously  called,  and 
more  particularly  as  regards  the  Zonal  or  Horse-shoe  varieties. 
Pelargonium  zoiiale  and  Pelargonium  inquinans  appear  to 
have  been  introduced  into  this  country  from  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope  about  the  year  1710,  and  it  is  from  these  two  species, 
and  probably  that  of  Fothergillii,  that  the  numerous  varieties 
of  our  modern  Zonal  and  Nosegay  Pelargoniums  are  descended, 
consistingas  they  do  of  varieties  with  variegated  as  well  as  green 
foliage,  and  with  double  as  well  as  with  single  flowers.  Mr.  Lou- 
don, iu  the  second  edition  of  the  "  Hortns  Britannicus,"  pub- 
lished in  1830,  enumerates  237  species  of  the  genus  Pelargonium, 
together  with  262  garden  varieties,  and  he  mentions  the  facility 
wil;h  which  hybrid  varieties  are  produced  among  them.  No 
variety,  however  intermediate  between  zouale  or  inquinans  and 
any  of  the  garden  varieties  alluded  to,  has  ever,  as  far  as  I  know, 
been  produced,  although  some  of  the  latter  sorts  show  some 
indications  of  a  zone,  or  rather  a  dark  mark  or  spot,  in  the 
centi'e  of  the  leaf.  Still  there  exists  no  reason,  I  think,  to 
suppose  that  this  has  been  induced  by  any  cross  from  the 
zonal  section  ;  nor  is  the  great  improvement  which  has 
recently  taken  place  among  the  zonal  varieties,  to  be  ascribed 
in  any  degree  to  tlie  influence  of  the  sorts  alluded  to.  As 
before  stated,  they  may,  in  all  probability,  be  considered  to  have 
all  descended  from  the  three  species  already  named,  and,  until 
within  the  last  thirty  years,  it  appears  that  but  few  varieties  of 
these  species  had  been  produced.  Philip  Miller  was  curator  of  the 
Chelsea  Gardens  from  1722  to  1768,  and  during  that  period  he 
appeared  to  have  secured  a  variety  of  P.  zonale  either  from 
seed  or  from  a  sport,  having  silver-variegated  or  margined 
foliage.  This  appears  to  have  been  the  first  variegated  Pelar- 
gonium, and  was  loug  known  as  Miller's  Variegated.  A  golden- 
margined  variety,  of  whose  oi-igin  nothing  appears  to  be  known, 
but  which  is  supposed  to  have  been  a  sport  from  P.  inquinans, 
has  existed  for  at  least  fifty  years  under  the  name  of  Golden 
Chain,  and  another  silver-variegated  variety,  with  narrow- 
petalled  pink-flowers,  which  may  have  originated  at  a  later 
period  than  Golden  Chain,  and  is  probably  a  sport  from  P. 
Fothergillii,  was,  and  is  still  known  as  Mangles's  Variegated, 
and  is  still  found  to  be  a  useful  plant  for  out-door  decoration. 
Previous  to  the  year  1847  or  1848,  the  variety  known  as 
Golden  Chain,  was  comparatively  but  little  known,  but  about 
that  time,  the  late  Mr.  Beaton  began  to  use  it  for  the  purpose 
of  open-air  decollation,  and,  with  such  telling  effect,  that  the 
plant  soon  became  exceedingly  popular,  and  in  great  request. 
While  Mr.  Beaton  was  thus  rendering  famous  the  delightful 
gardens  of  Shrubland  Park,  near  Ipswich,  he  was  at  the  same 
time  diligently  engaged  in  successful  experiments,  with  a  view 
to  the  improvement  of  the  various  tribes  of  half-hardy  decorative 
plants,  more  particularly  the  Zonal  and  Nosegay  Pelargoniums, 
the  flowers  of  which,  as  well  as  their  habit  of  growth,  &c.,  he 
certainly  succeeded  in  improving  to  a  very  remarkable  degree. 
Upon  the  death  of  Mr.  Beaton,  his  seedlings  fell  into  the  hands 
of  Mr.  William  Paul  (upon  whom  his  mantle  would  also  appear 
to  have  fallen),  and  who  has  long  been  celebrated  as  a  most 
successful  improver  of  the  Pelargonium,  as  well  as  of  many 
other  tribes  of  ornamental  plants,  fruits,  &o.  Previous  to  the 
year  1848,  the  few  variegated  Pelargoniums  in  existence,  were 
sorts  with  narrow-petalled  flowers,  of  little  merit.  But  about 
this  time  Mr.  Kinghorn  succeeded  in  raising  a  seedling,  with 
fine  variegated  foliage,  and  possessed  of  broad-petalled  scarlet 
flowers.  This  variety  was  justly  considered  a  great  acquisition, 


and  was  introduced  to  the  public  by  Messrs.  Lee,  of  Hammer- 
smith, under  the  name  of  Flower  of  the  Day.  This  was  soon 
followed  byother  improved  varieties, from  the  same  raiser,  some 
of  which  having  zoned  foliage  with  white  margins,  were  the  first 
to  merit  the  term  of  Tricolor.  By  this  time  other  raisers  were 
iu  the  field,  and  valuable  variegated  varieties  were  originated 
by  Mr.JLennox,  Mr.  Elphiustone,  and  others.  These,  together 
with  Tom  Thumb,  Cerise  Unique,  Punch,  Lady  Middleton,  and 
many  improved  nosegay  varieties,  placed  an  abundant  supply  of 
vastly  improved  material  at  the  command  of  the  decorator  of 
the  parterre,  the  greenhouse,  and  the  conservatory.  But  the 
onward  march  of  improvement  was  not  destined  to  halt  here, 
nor  has  it  even  yet  slackened  its  speed  in  any  degree.  Soon. 
after  the  introduction  of  the  improved  silver- variegated  varie- 
ties, a  raiser  and  admirer  of  these  plants,  after  many  efforts,  suc- 
ceeded in  originating  a  new,  distinct,  and  beautiful  race  of  plants, 
which  are  now  known  as  Golden  Tricolor,  or  Golden-variegated 
Zonal  Pelargoniums.  And  when,  during  the  year  18.55,  the 
first  fully-developed  variety  of  these  plants,  in  the  form  of  the 
now  well-known  Mrs.  Pollock  was  introduced ;  the  horticul- 
tural world  admitted  itself  to  be  agreeably  astonished,  and 
since  those  days  much  further  improvement  has  been  effected 
in  this  beautiful  class  of  plants.  Soon  after  the  advent  of  the 
Golden  Tricolor  varieties,  another  distinct  race  of  ornamental- 
foliaged  Pelargoniums  made  its  appearance,  owing  its 
origin,  in  common  with  the  Golden  Tricolor  race, 
to  a  blending  of  the  species  zonale  and  inquinans,  being 
descended  from  the  old  Golden  Chain,  and  some  zonal  variety. 
This  race  of  ornamental-foliaged  plants  is  known  as  the  bronze 
Zonals,  or  gold  and  bronze  Zonals.  Several  raisers  took 
great  interest  in  the  production  of  these  latter  varieties, 
amongst  the  most  successful  of  whom  appear  to  have  been  Mr. 
Wills,  Messrs.  Downie,  Laird,  &  Laing,  &e.,  and  whilst  such 
raisers  as  Morris,  Carter,  Windebank,  Sheppard,  Smith, 
Henderson,  Thorpe,  Turner,  Watson,  Gill,  and  Grieve,  &c., 
were  rapidly  improving  the  tricolor-foliaged  varieties,  other 
raisers  and  growers,  including  Messrs.  Paul,  Pearson, 
Groom,  Denny,  Lemoine,  Sisley,  &c.,  were  equally  successful 
in  the  advancement  of  sorts  remarkable  for  their  quality  of 
bloom,  having  reference  to  colour  as  well  as  to  form  or  shape 
of  flower.  A  due  regard  as  to  the  latter  indispensable  quality 
caused  many  raisers  to  altogether  discard  the  nosegay  section, 
notwithstanding  its  desirable  shades  of  colour  and  magnifi- 
cently large  trusses  of  bloom,  accompanied,  however,  by 
narrow-petalled  flowers.  The  various  shades  of  colour  in  the 
flowers  of  these  plants,  resulting  from  the  blending  of  the 
three  species,  viz.,  Zonale,  Inquinans,  and  Fothergillii,  had  for 
some  time  rendered  the  former  term  of  "  Scarlet  Pelargonium  " 
inapplicable  to  them,  as  the  family  already  comprised  plants 
producing  flowers  of  various  shades  of  scarlet,  as  well  as  pink, 
and  even  white.  The  first  really  good  variety  of  the  white- 
flowering  sorts  was,  I  believe,  introduced  into  this  country 
from  the  Continent,  under  the  name  of  Madame  Vaucher,  and 
proved  a  great  acquisition,  being  of  a  good  habit  of  growth, 
with  fine  zoned  foliage,  and  broad-petalled  white  flowers. 
Being  also  a  free  seeder,  it  produced,  when  fertilised  by  dark- 
flowered  sorts,  a  great  variety  of  plants,  with  flowers  of  good 
substance  and  of  all  hues,  from  the  purest  possible  white  to 
the  darkest  scarlet.  Many  of  the  recently-introduced  varieties 
also  show  a  purple  or  violet  tinge,  derived  from  their  far- 
distant  ancestor,  P.  inquinans.  The  intensifying  or  encouraging 
of  this  tendency,  with  a  view  to  the  production  of  blue- 
flowered  varieties,  is  now  the  ambition  of  many  hybridisers  or 
cross-breeders.  As  regards  this  very  desirable  result,  we  have 
yet  no  reason  to  despair.  Anyone  inclined  to  form  decidedly 
negative  opinions  upon  the  subject,  .should,  befoi'c  finally 
doing  so,  endeavour  to  obtain  a  sight  of  Mr.  Pearson's  and 
Dr.  Denny's  last  batch  of  seedlings.  And,  although  this  great 
desideratum  cannot  be  realised  without,  to  some  extent, 
exploding  De  Candolle's  theory,  viz.,  that  the  two  fundamental 
types  of  colour  in  flowers,  "  yellow  and  blue,"  could  not  exist  in 
one  family  of  plants,  and  it  does  so  happen  that  we  have  one 
yellow-flowering  Pelargonium,  viz.,  P.  luteura,  introduced 
about  1802. 

It  was  long  supposed  that  a  union  could  not  be  effected 
between  the  modern  Zonals  and  the  Ivy-leaved  species 
(Latripes),  but  this  hag  ijow  been  accomplished,  and,  I  believe, 


620 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Dec.  27, 1873. 


that  the  credit  of  being  the  first  to  succeed  in  effecting  this 
belongs  to  Mr.  Wills.  This  union  has  been  productive  of 
some  very  beautiful  and  interesting  varieties,  some  of  them 
exceedingly  dissimilar  from  each  other  in  their  habit  of  growth, 
&c.  The  varieties  known  as  Willsii  and  Lady  Edith  are  of 
dwarf  and  compact  habit,  and  somewhat  shy  in  the  production 
of  their  very  pretty  violet-tinted  flowers ;  while,  on  the  other 
hand,  I  succeeded  in  producing  a  variety  between  Peltatum 
elegans  (which,  if  not  included  in  the  family  of  Latripes,  is 
closely  allied  to  it)  and  a  strong-growing  zonal  sort  named 
Culford  Eose,  and  this  was  itself  a  seedling  from  Madame 
Vaucher.  The  result  of  this  cross  was  the  production  of  a 
very  extraordinary  variety,  which  has  been  named  Emperor, 
and  which  is  possessed  of  very  unusual  growing  power,  and 
will,  under  favourable  circumstances,  grow  not  less  than  10  or 
12  feet  high  in  a  single  season,  producing  at  the  same  time  a 
wonderful  profusion  of  large  trusses  of  rose-coloured  flowers 
of  good  form.  As  a  wall  or  pillar  plant  this  variety  of  Pelar- 
gonium is,  perhaps,  unequalled.  By  again  using  Peltatum 
elegans  and  a  bronze  zonal  variety,  as  parents,  a  very  singular 
variety  was  originated,  and  which  was  named  Dolly  Varden, 
having  flnely-marked  bronzy  foliage,  with  a  dwarf  compact 
habit,  and  producing  sparsely  small  trusses  of  very  pretty 
violet-shaded  flowers.  But  it  unfortunately  happens  that  none 
of  these  varieties  can  in  any  degree  influence  the  advancement 
of  the  zonal  section,  as  they  all  possess  the  characteristic 
sterility  of  the  true  hyljrid,  and  will  produce  neither  seed  nor 
fertOe  pollen. 

The  introduction  of  the  double-flowering  varieties  of  the 
Zonal  Pelargonium,  may  be  justly  considered  as  an  event  of 
importance  in  the  history  of  floriculture,  and  I  regret  being 
unable  to  give  the  name  of  their  originator,  or  the  precise 
date  of  then- introduction.  For  the  earliest  varieties,  however, 
we  are  indebted  to  Continental  raisers,  and  they  have  lately 
undergone  great  improvements  at  the  hands  of  many  growers 
in  this  country.  The  early  introduced  varieties  were  generally 
coarse  in  habit,  and  shy  as  to  flcrwering.  The  quality  of  the 
flowers  was  also  greatly  inferior  to  that  of  the  more  recently 
introduced  sorts,  which,  in  habit  of  growth,  profusion  and 
quality  of  bloom,  variety  of  shades  of  colour,  &c.,  go  far 
towards  rivalling  the  single-flowered  sorts.  They  are,  more- 
over, possessed  of  a  very  desirable  property,  which  does  not 
greatly  appertain  to  the  single-flowering  varieties — viz.,  the 
retention  of  their  petals,  which  renders  their  blooms  specially 
useful  for  cut  flowers  for  glasses,  &c.  When  the  present  con- 
dition of  the  zonal  Pelargonium  is  taken  into  consideration,  it 
will  be  found  to  possess  varieties  producing  double  (as  well 
as  sorts  with  single)  flowers,  and  of  all  shades  of  colour, 
from  the  purest  white  to  the  darkest  scarlet.  There  are 
even  some  with  purple  or  violet-shaded  flowers,  as,  for 
instance,  Victoire  de  Lyon,  &c.,  among  the  double,  and  lanthe 
among  the  single-flowering  sorts.  As  regards  form,  size,  and 
substance,  the  blooms  of  many  of  them  are  nearly  faultless,  and 
the  plants  themselves  are  generally  of  a  dwarf,  compact,  and 
desirable  style  of  growth,  while  in  another  section  of  this 
extensive  family  of  interesting  plants,  the  shades  of  colour 
presented  by  their  foliage  have  not  inaptly  been  compared  to 
the  hues  of  the  rainbow.  So,  taken  altogether,  it  would  almost 
appear  that  little  more  can  reasonably  be  desired  on  behalf 
of  this  favoured  family  of  plants,  unless  it  be  the  production 
of  blue  flowers,  and  even  this  desideratum  I  feel  loth  to  con- 
sider as  outside  the  bounds  of  possibility,  and  even  venture 
to  hope  that  its  realisation  is  less  distant  than  many  cultivators 
may  imagine. 


CHRISTMAS  FLORAL  DECORATIONS.* 
This  is  a  subject  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  gardener,  who,  at 
this  festive  season,  often  finds  himself  quite  unable  to  meet  the  pi'ess. 
ing  demands  which  are  made  upon  hia  resources.  Therefore,  it  will 
not  be  out  of  place  to  take  into  consideration  what  plants  and  flowers 
are  in  season. 

Stove  and  Greenhouse  Flowering  Plants. 
I  will  first  take  stove-plants  as  they  present  themselves  to  the 
mind's  eye.     One  of  the  finest  of  stove  climbers  for  winter  blooming 
is   Bougainvillea  glabra ;  next  comes   Thnubergia  Harrisii,   a  very 

*  Prize  Essay  (in  Gardenfr-i*  Hecon^),  })y  Mr.  Holbrook,  Carton  Gnrdens, 
Maynooth. 


chaste  iiower,  produced  in  large  clusters — the  colour  a  delicate  blue. 
Then  follows  Passiflora  princeps,  one  of  the  best  of  the  Passion, 
flowers,  and  an  excellent  winter  bloomer.  The  various  herbaceous 
Gesneras  will  be  in  flower  as  well — Scricographis  Ghiesbreghtiana,  an 
old  plant,  which  is  not  cultivated  so  much  as  it  deserves ;  Justicia 
formosa,  Erantheuium  pulchellum,  Libonias,  Begonia  fuchsioides, 
B.  Saundersii,  and  B.  insignis.  Epiphylluma,  too,  can  be  had  in 
perfection  at  Christmas,  as  also  that  magnificent  bulb,  Eucharis 
amazonica  ;  Cypripedinm  insigne,  and  C.  venustum  ;  Calanthe 
Veitchii  and  C.  vestita  may  also  be  classed  with  stove  plants  for 
December.  Euphorbia  jaoquiniaaflora  and  Poinsettia  pulcheriraa 
are  amongst  the  most  effective  plants  that  there  are  for  midwinter. 
Turning  to  greenhouse  plants,  there  are  several  varieties  of  Heaths 
which  are  in  full  force.  A  few  of  the  best  are  Hycmalis,  Gracilis, 
CafEra,  and  Colorans.  Of  Epacrises  there  is  also  a  great  variety. 
The  Camellia  will  be  iu  its  season,  as  will  also  the  Chinese  Primula 
and  Cyclamen  persicum,  which,  at  this  season,  are  two  real  floral 
gems  ;  Cinerarias,  which  were  sown  early,  Mignonette,  the  Carna- 
tion, Violets,  and  the  pretty  white  Eoman  Hyacinth  ;  also  Luoulia 
gratissima — a  grand  winter  plant  which  no  place  should  be  without, 
as  it  is  nearly  hardy.  These,  with  a  few  forced  flowers,  will  exhaust 
the  greater  part  of  flowering  plants  which  are  in  season. 
Fine-leaved  and  Berry-bearing  Plants. 
As  regards  ornamental  foliage  plants,  there  is  no  lack  of  variety. 
We  have  them  of  every  shade  and  colour,  but  the  chief  of  all  orna- 
mental plants  for  decorative  purposes  are  the  different  varieties  of 
Perns — their  beautiful  fronds  associating  nicely  with  alraosD  any 
variety  of  flower.  Of  plants  which  are  grown  for  the  beauty  of  their 
berries  there  is  a  great  variety.  A  few  of  the  best  arc  Solanum 
Capslcastrnm,  Aucuba,  Skimmia  japonica,  and  Ardisia  crenulata. 
Then  there  are  several  varieties  of  hardy  shrubs  which  will  afford  a 
good  supply  in  a  cut  state,  and  they  also  make  highly  decorative 
plants  in  pots,  especially  the  gold  and  silver  Hollies,  which  are  very 
effective  by  gaslight.  Here,  then,  in  all  conscience,  is  abundant 
material  from  which  to  make  a  selection  to  decorate  our  dwolUngs, 
and  make  them  a  source  of  pleasure  and  delight. 

Various  Modes  of  Decoration. 
The   principal   subjects    which   suggest    themselves    under    this 
division    are    entrance-halls,    staircases,  sitting-rooms,  and   dining- 
rooms. 

Entrance  Halls. — Here  there  is  generally  ample  space  for  a 
good  display  of  plants  in  pots.  Some  small  groups  of  hardy  ever, 
greens,  such  as  Hollies  with  different  coloured  leaves,  intermixed 
with  dwarf  Firs,  Lanrnstinus,  Skimmias,  Aucnbas,  Laurels,  and  Box, 
associate  nicely  with  the  statuary  and  other  surroundings  in  halls, 
and  add  life  and  interest  to  niches,  recesses,  and  other  places  in 
which  they  may  be  placed.  Festoons  and  wreaths  of  evergreens  look 
very  pretty  on  walls  and  hanging  from  the  ceiling  or  around  pictures, 
as  also  do  mottoes  which  are  appropriate  to  the  season,  made  of  the 
leaves  of  evergreens  or  Holly  berries. 

Staircases. — In  the  subdued  light  of  ordinary  staircases  it  is 
only  plants  of  bold  and  massive  foliage  that  produce  a  suitable  effect. 
Plants  in  such  situations  are  generally,  on  entering  the  hall,  seen 
with  the  light  streaming  down  from  the  windows  on  the  first  landing, 
in  which  case  all  the  foliage,  as  seen  from  the  hall,  appears  dark, 
and  the  form  of  foliage,  if  of  a  bold  character,  is  defined  very  strik- 
ingly against  the  light.  Some  very  fine  artistic  effects  may  be  pro. 
duced  by  using  plants  of  the  American  Aloe,  Draccenas,  and  Palms, 
judiciously  placed  about  staircases  and  landings  where  there  is  room. 
The  stiff  and  finely-formed  leaves  of  these,  and  some  other  classes 
which  might  be  mentioned,  harmonise  well  with  the  architectural 
features  which,  in  ordinary  houses,  are  somewhat  more  developed  in 
the  hall  and  staircase  than  in  the  other  parts. 

Sitting  Rooms. — It  is  here  that  cut  flowers  will  have  to  be 
used  largely  for  filling  bouquet-stands  and  vases  for  tables — of  which 
there  is  a  great  variety  of  shapes  to  choose  from.  The  prettiest  and 
most  simple  of  all  is  the  trumpet  shape,  and  one  great  advantage 
afforded  by  them  is  that  they  require  so  few  flowers  and  leaves, 
which  has  great  weight  at  this  season  when  flowers  are  very  scarce  ; 
another  is  that  they  are  so  quickly  and  easily  dressed  ;  and  last,  but 
not  least,  they  show  off  choice  flowers  most  effectively.  But  there 
are  some  who  prefer  vases  of  the  March  pattern,  which  have  a  small 
cup  on  the  top  of  a  single  glass  rod,  proceeding  from  a  shallow  pan 
at  the  bottom.  In  dressing  these,  short-stemmed  flowers  fully  ex. 
panded  should  be  used  for  the  bottom  dish,  while  those  for  the  top 
should  be  of  a  more  feathery  description,  with  some  pendent  ones 
hanging  over  the  edge,  but  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  to  obtain 
a  good  effect  care  must  be  taken  not  to  crowd  them,  or  it  will  greatly 
mar  their  beauty.  Vases  and  baskets  or  stands  of  plants  may  also 
be  used,  placing  them  in  such  positions  that  they  will  not  interfere 
with  the  comfort  of  the  occupants  of  the  room.  Of  vases  for  plants 
it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  enter  into  any  description,  as  they  are 


Dec.  27,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDEN. 


521 


generally  used  for  single  specimens,  to  stand  on  tables,  &o.,  but  to 
have  them  to  look  neat  the  surface  of  the  pot  should  bo  covered  with 
Moss.  As  regards  stands,  those  in  most  general  use  are  either  round 
or  of  an  oblong  shape,  generally  made  of  wire.  The  common  practice 
in  dressing  these  is  to  cover  the  sides  .and  tops  of  the  pots  with  Moss;  but 
at  this  season  Ivy  might  be  entwined  around  them,  intermixed  with 
a  few  sprigs  of  Holly,  which  would  have  a  very  pleasing  effect.  It  is 
of  very  frequent  occurrence  that  stands  which  have  to  be  filled  with 
plants  for  rooms  have  but  very  little  space  for  good-sized  pots  with 
plants  in  them  ;  and,  under  such  circumstances,  a  few  cut  flowers 
could  bo  put  in,  such  as  spikes  of  Hyacinths,  Eucharis  amazouica, 
Tersian  Lilac,  itc,  in  bottles  of  water  hidden  amongst  the  Moss,  so 
as  to  make  the  best  arrangement  with  the  other  things. 

Dining-rooms. — In  the  diuing.room  the  principal  object  for 
floral  decorations  is  the  dinuer.table,  and,  happily  for  the  gardener  or 
whoever  has  to  carry  out  the  decoration,  the  table  is  always  covered 
with  a  white  cloth,  and  nothing  possibly  can  show  off  masses  of  foliage 
or  liigh. coloured  flowers  to  more  advantage.  Were  it  not  so,  there 
would  often  be  a  great  difficulty  in  supplying  in  mid-winter  a  suflicient 
quantity  of  flowers  that  look  well  on  a  background  of  another  colour, 
for  the  white  affords  scope  for  the  display  of  almost  everything  that 
grows,  but  more  especially  foliage  of  a  compound  growth,  to  which  it 
imparts  an  embroidered  appearance.  One  of  the  chief  things  to 
guard  against  in  dinuer.table  decorations  is  the  use  of  any  descrip- 
tion  of  ornament  that  intervenes  between  the  countenance  of  one 
person  and  another  seated  at  the  table ;  therefore  nothing  should  be 
elevated  more  than  15  inches  from  the  table-cloth,  nor,  it  suspended, 
should  it  hang  lower  than  from  22  to  25  inches,  thus  leaving  a  clear 
space  of  from  7  to  10  inches  for  one  person  to  see  another.  But  it  is 
certain  that  many  ornamental  stands  do  interfere  with  this  line  of  sight, 
and  some  in  themselves  are  highly  ornamental ;  however,  others  must 
determine  whether  or  not  the  beauties  of  such  things  counterbal- 
ance their  disadvantages.  But  it  may  here  be  observed  that  the  most 
costly  are  by  no  means  the  most  effective  ;  silver  and  other  metals 
seldom  looking  so  well  as  plain  glass  when  brought  into  conjunction 
with  flowers  and  foliage.  Carved  work  and  ornaments  on  metal 
are  worse  than  lost  when  partially  screened  by  flowers  and  foliage, 
the  plain  parts  alone  looking  well.  Perhaps,  however,  when  a 
silver  stand  takes  the  form  of  an  epergne,  its  richness  and  costli- 
ness may  attract  attention,  but  the  floral  display  must  not  be  over- 
done. The  fault  of  a  gi'eat  many  such  contrivances  is  that  the  bowl  for 
flowers  is  too  large,  thus  necessitating  an  unwieldy  and  unbecoming 
mass.  In  the  decorations  of  the  dinner-table  there  is  probably 
nothing  that  has  a  more  pleasing  effect  than  fine-foliaged  or  blooming 
plants,  which  should  be  inserted  in  silver  vases,  or  the  pots  covered 
with  ornamental  paper,  and  the  top  of  the  pots  covered  with  nice 
fresh  Moss,  or  some  other  material,  to  give  it  a  finished  appearance. 
The  requisites  in  a  plant  for  dinuer.table  decoration  are,  that  it 
should  not  exceed  15  or  IG  inches  in  height  from  the  table-cloth ; 
that  it  should  have  a  uniform  head,  and,  if  possible,  recumbent 
foliage  ;  also,  that  it  should  not  require  a  large  pot.  The  number  of 
plants  conforming  to  these  requirements  is  not  large,  but  a  few  of 
the  best  are  : — Crotous  of  two  or  three  species — Croton  angustifolium, 
when  good,  being  the  prettiest ;  Dracasnas,  both  of  the  dark  and 
green-leaved  section,  and  certainly  nothing  exceeds  neat  plants  of 
Drac^na  terminaUs  and  allied  varieties.  Grevillea  robusta,  a  very 
ornamental  pinnate-leaved  plant,  is  also  good,  as  are  also  small  plants 
of  several  varieties  of  Palms  and  Pandanuses.  Several  Ferns  areindis- 
pensable — none  are  more  graceful  than  some  of  the  Maiden-hair 
section,  or  nice  plants  of  Lomaria  gibba.  Gesneras,  too,  are  worthy 
of  a  place  ;  but,  perhaps,  the  most  showy  of  all  plants  for  this 
purpose  is  a  well-bloomed  Azalea,  than  which  there  is  nothing  more 
suitable.  Although  more  might  be  said  about  the  class  of  orna- 
ments which  are  elevated  a  foot  or  upwards  from  the  table,  I  will 
pass  on  to  those  of  a  dwarfer  form,  not  but  that  there  are  many 
pretty  tall  designs,  but  as  those  which  are  of  less  height  afford 
greater  diversity,  and  what  is  of  more  importance,  infinite  diversity 
of  design  at  a  very  small  cost,  and  with  an  effect  as  pleasing  as  the 
other,  I  have  the  greatest  confidence  in  recommending  them.  In  the 
first  place,  for  a  good  floral  display,  or,  in  its  place,  that  of  foliage  on 
the  table,  the  table  itself  ought  to  be  wide,  certainly  not  less  than 
5  feet,  and  if  1  foot  more  all  the  better.  (The  tables  I  have  had  the 
most  to  do  with  are  between  the  two  measurements  given.)  Assum- 
ing the  table  to  be  lighted  by  candlesticks  placed  upon  it — these  are 
generally  placed  in  a  line  down  the  centre,  say  about  3  feet  apart, 
and  intermediate  between  these  a  stand  of  Sowers,  or  it  may  be  a 
plant  is  placed,  while  possibly  some  piece  of  plate  or  other  ornament 
occupies  the  centre  of  the  table,  and  the  dessert-dishes  are  placed 
about  midway  between  the  outer  edge  and  the  middle.  In  general 
practice,  there  is  frequently  use  made  of  sets  of  troughs  made  either 
of  glass  or  zinc,  about  IJ  inches  wide  and  J-inch  deep,  some  of  them 
straight  and  others  made  in  a  half  circle,  so  that  when  they  are  placed 


together  they  form  a  perfect  circle  or  ring;  these  being  filled  with 
sand,  are  dressed  with  such  flowers  as  are  at  command.  Where  the 
zinc  troughs  are  used,  it  is  advisable,  before  putting  in  the  flowers,  to 
dress  the  edge,  that  is,  to  fix  some  kind  of  foliage  in  the  sand,  so  as 
to  hide  the  edges  of  the  troughs,  in  a  neat  and  becoming  manner ;  all 
descriptions  of  foliage  are  not  adapted  for  this  purpose,  as  a  leaf 
that  sticks  out  at  right  angles  does  not  look  well ;  there  is 
nothing  I  know  of  more  suitable  than  leaves  of  Ivy.  Ferns,  however 
pretty  elsewhere,  cannot  well  be  worked  in  here,  but,  where  glass  is 
used,  there  is  no  necessity  for  hiding  tt  e  edges,  as  they  form  an  orna- 
ment  in  themselves.  Sticking  in  the  flowers  is  an  easier  matter.  To 
those  inexperienced  in  such  matters,  I  may  say  that  flowers  of  a 
purple  or  violet  colour  do  not  look  well  by  candle-light,  while  scarlet, 
crimson,  yellow,  and  white  are  very  effective,  and  most  star-shaped 
flowers  look  well.  A  set  of  troughs  might  be  planted  with  Selagi- 
nella  denticulata  some  time  before  they  are  wanted,  placing  them  on 
a  hot. bed  or  other  medium  affording  a  genial  heat,  in  order  that  the 
Lycopod  may  make  sufiioient  growth  before  it  is  wanted,  and  its 
appearance  on  ths  white  table-cloth  is,  perhaps,  more  pleasing  than 
the  floral  arrangement.  The  overhanging  sprigs  are  generally 
sufficiently  numerous  to  hide  the  edge  of  the  trough,  and  they  show 
their  beautiful  configuration  tothe  best  possible  advantage  against 
the  white  background.  I  am  not  sure  that  the  addition  of  flowers 
here  is  any  improvement  ;  it  certainly  destroys  the  belief  that  a 
living  plant  is  before  you,  and,  whether  the  floral  display  compen. 
sates  for  this  or  not,  I  leave  others  to  determine.  Where  bouquet- 
stands  have  to  be  made  up  for  the  sitting-room,  and  tall  stands  for 
the  dinner-table,  the  drain  upon  flowers  for  these  purposes  leaves 
but  few  for  what  may  be  called  flat  table-decoration  ;  consequently 
foliage  alone,  or  relieved  with  berries,  will  have  to  be  adopted.  Here 
there  is  scope  for  diversity  of  design,  although  the  materials  for 
that  purpose  ought  to  consist  of  small  foliage  only,  as  the  extreme 
width  of  the  figuring  ought  not  to  exceed  2  inches,  and  that  without 
cutting  in  any  of  the  leaves.  Box  and  Tew  are  two  of  the  best  ever. 
greens  for  this  purpose,  suitable  sprigs  of  these  being  tied  upon  wire, 
bent  to  whatever  design  is  required,  care  being  taken  to  throw- 
upwards  as  many  of  the  leaves  as  can  be  done.  Figuring  of  this 
kind  can  be  made  to  intersect  the  table  in  any  fanciful  form. 


BIUDS  AND  BERRY-BEARING  PLANTS. 

We  give  up  Hips  and  Haws  willingly,  as  if  by  right  they 
belonged  to  the  birds ;  but  the  case  is  somewhat  different  when 
it  comes  to  Holly -berries,  Aucubas,  Ai-butus,  andthe  lovely  Pyra- 
cantha  on  the  fronts  of  our  honses.  The  linnets,  I  find,  make 
an  end  of  them  in  the  most  provoking  manner.  They  care 
nothing  for  the  bright-coloured  pulp  that  delights  our  eyes, 
but  they  crave  for  the  small  seeds  embedded  in  it.  Hence 
they  come  and  set  upon  the  berries  and  scatter  the  rich  colour 
into  broken  fragments,  sendingit  in  drippingheaps  tothe  ground, 
and  feast  upon  the  seeds.  In  a  day  or  two  there  is  an  end  of 
all  beauty.  Now,  supposing  I  trap  a  few  oE  the  marauders, 
■why  should  I  be  written  down  or  held  up  as  heartless  ?  I  love 
our  feathered  songsters  as  much  as  most  people,  but  is  it  any- 
thing so  very  terrible,  if,  as  a  horticulturist,  I  love  the  beauti- 
ful ben-ies  more  ?  or,  at  least,  have  I  not  a  perfect  right,  so  to 
adjust  the  balance  of  nature,  as  to  leave  a  few  berries,  and, 
perhaps,  a  few  less  birds  ?  Again,  for  years  past,  we  have  had 
to  cut  our  Christmas  Holly  weeks  before  the  season,  because 
the  birds  make  a  clearing  raid  upon  it  early  in  December. 
Almost  before  the  Haws  are  finished  they  are  down  upon  the 
Holhes.  Have  I  not  as  much  right  to  a  few  Holly -berries  as  the 
birds,  and  if  they  cannot  beotherwisepreserved,  why  should  not 
the  birds  be  thinned  and  the  ben-ies  saved  ?  Doubtless  I  may  be 
told  to  net  the  berries  in,  but  that  is  impossible.  One  would 
need  sprat-nets  to  keep  out  linnets,  and  the  expense  and 
labour  are  prohibitory.  Again,  in  the  spring,  the  flowers  of 
Ribes  sanguineum  are  shed  upon  the  ground  in  bushels  by 
birds,  an  occurrence  wholly  due  to  mischief,  for  they  do  not 
seem  to  eat  them.  Doubtless  bird  enthusiasts  will  bo  ready 
with  their  insect-at-the-core  theory.  But,  granting  that  to  be 
the  case,  I  should  much  prefer  the  insects  to  the  total  loss  of 
the  flowers  ;  the  Ribes  continues  healthy  enough,  but,  what  is 
the  use  of  growing  it  at  all,  if  its  budding  beauty  is  to 
go  to  strewing  the  ground  every  year  ?  No,  where  shrubberies 
abound,  and  plantations  skirt  roads  and  fields,  and  furnish  the 
country  for  miles,  a  few,  perhaps  many,  birds  must  go  if 
any  berries  or  fruit  are  to  be  saved.  By  all  means  deal  gently 
with  them ;  but  some  must  be  taken  and  others  left,  unless  our 
landscapes  are  to  be  berry  less.  D.  T.  F. 


522 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  27, 1873. 


NOTES   OP   THE   WEEK, 


The  mild  and  open  weather  has  effected  vegetation  about 

Loudon  a  good  deal,  aud  many  bulbs  and  hardy  plants  are  pushing 
through  the  earth.  The  most  attractive  hardy  plants  of  the  season 
are  tho  Mossy  Saxifrages,  evergreen  Alpine  herbs,  which  in  mid- 
winter  become  masses  of  the  most  refreshing  emerald  green  in  many 
shades. 

Thk  largest  flower  now  seen  in  our  gardens,  is  that  of  the 

noble  white  tropical  Water  Lily,  Nymphfea  dentata,  which  is  now  in 
bloom  iu  tho  Botanic  Gardens  in  the  Kegent's  Park.  We  never  saw 
it  finer  than  it  is  at  present,  even  in  summer.  The  flowers  now  pro- 
duced are  from  a  seedling  plant  of  the  current  year.  This  plant  ia 
one  of  the  forms  of  the  N.  Lotus  of  the  Nile. 

' In  Java,  we  learn  that,  when  the  ladies  are  in  want  of  a 

husband,  they  have  a  pretty  horticultural  way  of  notifying  the  fact, 
by  hanging  an  empty  flower  pot  or  vase  up  in  the  portico.  If  this 
bo  called  a  "  plant  "  by  the  unsympathetic,  no  one  can  complain  of 
due  notice  not  being  given. 

Many  of  our  friends  must  have  opened  their  eyes  during  the 

past  week,  when  strolling  through  Covent  Garden  Market,  to  see,  in 
the  windows  of  two  well-known  fruiterers,  baskets  of  Pears  of 
immense  size,  and  offered  at  £20  and  £21  per  dozen.  This  we 
believe  to  bo  the  highest  price  ever  asked  in  Covent  Garden  or  else- 
where for  fruit  of  this  description.  We  need  hardly  add  that  pur- 
chasers of  these  are  not  those  who  know  most  about  fruits. 

We  learn  that,  in  place  of  the  wretched  specimen  of  a  rock- 
garden  recently  destroyed  at  Kew,  one  is  being  erected  which  displays 
about  equally  poor  taste.  The  stones  are  arranged  nearly  regularly  on 
banks  rising  one  above  another,  almost  as  formally  as  steps  of  stairs. 
With  so  many  good  examples  recently  formed  in  our  private  gardens, 
this  is  much  to  be  regretted.  In  a  private  garden,  glaring  errors  in 
taste  are  bad  enough,  but,  in  the  most  celebrated  public  garden  in 
the  world,  and  the  most  frequented  by  visitors,  they  are  a  serious 
impediment  to  progress. 

A  I'ixE  range  of  half-spau-roofed  hothouses  150  feet  long  and 

about  13  feet  high,  destined  for  the  accommodation  of  the  medicinal 
and  economical  plants  of  warmer  regions  than  oiirs,  has  just  been 
completed  in  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Regent's  Park.  Thei'e  is  a 
warm,  a  cool,  and  an  intermediate  house,  all  well  adapted  for  the  end 
in  view.  We  know  of  no  equally  fine  set  of  houses  for  this  purpose 
in  any  other  botanic  garden.  The  society  has  done  well  iu  carrying 
out  such  a  desirable  improvement.  Readers  having  interesting 
plants  of  tho  above  class  which  have  grown  too  large  for  their  houses, 
would  do  well  to  bear  in  mind  the  wants  of  the  society  in  this  way. 

■ •  LiirORTED  fruits    are    just  now    p)lentiful,    and,  as    regards 

quality,  Raisins  and  Currants  especially  are  excellent,  while  prices  are 
absolutely  below  those  prevailing  at  Christmas  last  year.  The 
supply  of  Figs  is  also  quite  equal  to  the  average,  but  there  is 
a  decided  deficiency  in  French  Plums,  the  harvest  ;n  the  Bordeaux 
district  this  autumn  having  been  unfavourable.  Newtown  Pippin 
Apples  are  already  in  Covent  Garden  Market  ;  but  they  are  not 
so  good  as  they  were  last  year.  Owing,  however,  to  the  rapid 
passages  now  made  across  the  Atlantic,  they  arrive  in  a  wonderfully 
fresh  condition,  and  it  is  very  rare  that  any  diseased  fruit  ia  taken 
out  of  the  barrels. 

Mk.  C.  H.  WiLLiASts,  a  Fellow  of  the  Geographical  Society, 

tells  us,  in  the  Hereford  Times,  how  oysters  inhabit  the  Mangrove 
woods  in  Cuba.  "  For  several  years,"  he  says,  "  I  resided  in  that 
island,  and  travelled  there  more  than  the  ordinary  run  of  foreigners, 
aud  have  several  times  come  across  scenes  and  objects  which  many 
people  would  consider  great  curiosities — one  in  particular.  No  doubt 
the  reader  will  open  hia  eyes  at  oysters  growing  on  trees.  Often 
liave  I  seen  the  sneer  of  unbelief  on  the  face  of  the  ignoramus  when 
the  fact  has  been  mentioned ;  but  grow  they  do,  and  in  immense 
quantities,  especially  in  the  southern  part  of  the  island.  I  have 
seen  miles  of  trees,  the  lower  stems  and  branches  of  which  were  literally 
covered  with  them,  and  many  a  good  meal  have  I  enjoyed  with  very  little 
trouble  of  procuring,  aud  not  quite  so  expensive  as  they  are  in 
London  at  the  pi'osent  time.  I  simply  placed  tho  branches  over  a 
tire,  and  when  opened  I  picked  them  out  with  a  fork  or  pointed  stick. 
These  peculiar  shell-fish  are  indigenous  in  lagoons  and  swamps  on 
tho  coast,  and  as  far  as  the  tide  will  rise  aud  the  spray  fly,  so  will 
they  cling  to  the  lower  parts  of  the  Mangrove  trees,  sometimes  four 
or  five  deep,  the  Mangrove  being  one  of  the  very  few  trees  that 
flourish  in  salt  water.  Woe  to  the  man  who  loses  himself  or  attempts 
to  penetrate  one  of  these  lagoons,  boots  and  clothes  being  cut  through 
by  the  sharp  edges  of  tho  oysters !  I  have  known  more  than  one 
man  who  has  been  laid  up  for  weeks  from  tho  lacerations  received  ; 
one  poor  follow  in  particular  who  fell  out  of  my  boat,  and,  in 
endeavouring  to  clamber  out  of  the  water  amongst  the  roots,  had  his 
feet  and  legs  so  dreadfully  cut  that  in  a  few  minutes  he  fainted,  and 


it  was  with  great  difficulty  we  stopped  the  hemorrhage.  The  oysters 
are  about  the  size  of  our  natives,  aud  are  equal  to  them  in  flavour." 

The  hanging  baskets  in  the  Begonia  House,  at  Kew,  arc,  just 

now,  worth  inspection.  Begonias  being  among  the  best  plants  that 
can  be  employed  for  basket-work.  The  colours  of  the  variegated 
kinds  are  very  beautiful  as  seen  between  the  eye  and  the  light. 

Several  of   the  Cape  or  Medicinal  Aloes  may  now  be  seen  in 

flower  in  the  succulent-house  at  Kew.  The  juice  of  these  plants  is 
intensely  bitter,  and,  when  inspissated,  that  of  two  or  three  species 
forms  the  Socotrino  Aloes  of  commerce. 

Ajiono  tropical  fruits  now  exposed  for  sale  in  Covent  Garden 

Market,  may  be  noted  some  extremely  fine  specimens  of  Shaddocks, 
Pomelloes,  Bananas,  Indian  Pigs  or  Prickly  Pears,  Litchis,  and 
Custard  Apples,  besides  the  more  common  kinds,  such  as  Figs, 
Almonds,  Grapes,  and  Nuts. 

A  FINE  specimen  of  Agave  geminiflora  ia  now  flowering  in 

the  Victoria  Nursery  at  Holloway.  Several  very  fine  hybrids  have 
already  been  raised  among  this  fine  class  of  succulents,  and  persona 
who  have  any  species  of  Agaves  in  flower  might  do  well  by  crossing 
them  with  others.  It  is  seldom  that  two  species  bloom  in  the  same 
collection,  but  this  can  be  remedied  by  obtaining  pollen  from  other 
gardens.     Pollen  keeps  well  and  for  several  months  in  tin. foil. 

There  was  a  great  stir,  says  Punch,  in  our  garden  the  other 

day.  The  Potatoes  were  ready  to  jump  out  of  their  skins.  The 
Beet  turned  red  to  its  very  roots.  The  Celery  lost  their  heads,  and 
the  Cabbages  their  hearts.  The  Peas  split  their  pods  with  excite- 
ment. Tho  Asparagus  could  with  difficulty  be  kept  in  its  bed.  The 
Parsley  curled  itself  up  in  a  corner.  The  Cucumber  alone  maintained 
its  habitual  coolness.  The  cause  of  all  this  commotion  was  the  pre- 
sence of  a  noted  vegetarian.  The  Potatoes  never  took  their  eyes  off 
him. 

A   rLOWERiNG-BRANcn  of  Clorodendron  speciosum   is   finely 

figured  in  the  last  number  of  the  Retue  Horticole.  C.  speciosum  was 
first  sent  out  by  Mr.  W.  Bull,  three  or  four  years  ago,  and  is  said  to 
be  a  hybrid  between  C.  splendcns  and  C.  Balfouri  or  C.  Thompsoni. 
It  produces  a  profusion  of  dense  cymes  of  handsome  flowers,  of  a 
uniform  deep  scarlet  colour,  which  commence  to  appear  in  June. 
Although  a  hot-house  plant,  it  blooms  in  an  intermcdiate-houso  in 
summer  very  freely,  and,  from  its  great  beauty,  should  have  a  place 
in  every  collection  of  fine  flowering  plants. 

Odontoglossu.m  coradinum  is  now  in  bloom  iu  Messrs.  Teitch's 

establishment  at  Chelsea.  It  bears  a  spike  of  yellowish-white  flowers 
spotted  with  brown  or  purple,  and,  in  general  appearance,  very  much 
resembles  0.  pardinum  t.  5,993  of  the  Botanical  Mar/azinc.  The  rare 
Vanda  Cathcartii  is  also  showing  flower  in  the  same  establishment. 

Crassula  lactea,   a  beautiful  winter-flowering  succulent,  is 

just  now  finely  in  bloom  in  several  collections  about  London.  It  is 
one  of  the  best  of  all  window  plants  for  blooming  at  this  season,  and 
deserves  general  cultivation  for  that  purpose. 

TwE  Albany  Cultivator,  which  is  published  in  one  of  the  finest 

Apple-growing  countries  in  the  United  States,  while  noticing  our 
measurement  of  the  fine  Cordon  Apples  grown  at  Pax-hill  Park, 
says: — "The  largest  Apple  which  we  have  seen  in  America,  was  a 
Fall  Pippin,  grown  in  Cayuga  Co.,  New  York,  and  weighing  23  ounces 
— of  course  on  a  standard."  We  should  like  to  see  some  of  tho 
Ribston  Pippins  imported  from  Amei'ica  to  compare  with  our  own. 
We  remember  to  have  seen  this  fruit  very  handsome  and  large  in 
Western  New  York. 

Messrs.  Charles  Whitehead,  John  Algernon  Clarke,  William 

Carruthers,  and  H.  M.  Jenkins,  the  judges  appointed  by  the  Royal 
Agricultural  Society  to  examine  the  essays  competing  for  the  £100 
prize  offered  by  Lord  Cathcart  for  the  best  essay  on  "  The  Potato 
Disease  and  its  Prevention,"  presented  their  report  at  the  last 
meeting  of  the  society's  council.  Among  ninety-four  essays,  not  one 
has  been  found  worthy  of  an  award  ;  in  fact,  had  anybody  really 
succeeded  in  combating  the  disease,  he  would  probably  have  done 
better  with  his  discovery  than  by  describing  the  modus  ojierandi 
for  £100.  The  causes  most  frequently  set  forth  in  the 
manuscript  were  degeneration  of  the  tuber,  Fungus  on  tho 
tuber,  superabundant  moisture  and  wet  weather,  Peronospora 
infestans  attacking  the  leaves  and  stems  of  the  plant,  electrical 
action,  and  unhealthy  coudition  of  the  plaut,  induced  by  the 
use  of  certain  manures.  The  principal  remedies  recommended 
were  the  cultivation  of  new  varieties,  use  of  disease-proof  sorts, 
employment  of  lightning  conductors,  application  of  lime  as  a  manure, 
avoidance  of  specified  manures,  steeping  or  kiln-drying  the  tuber 
before  planting,  dressing  the  haulm  with  sulphur,  chloride,  &c., 
cutting  off  the  tops  on  the  first  appearance  of  disease,  growing  the 
Potatoes  in  small  clumps  or  hillocks,  bending  down  the  haulm  so  as 
not  to  drip  over  the  roots,  and  tying  up  the  haulm  to  stakes,  or  culti- 
vating sorts  having  orect  stalks.  Evidence  in  some  essays  contra- 
dicted in  nearly  all  cases  alleged  resulta  stated  in  others. 


Dec.  '11, 1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


523 


GARDEN    DESIGN. 


THE  ISLE  OF  POPLARS  AT  ERMENONVILLE. 

The  small  island  in  the  lake,  at  Ermenonville,  with  its  pic- 
turesque grove  of  towering  Poplars  forms  a  rcmai-kable  object 
in  passing  through  the  domain,  and  at  once  arrests  the  atten- 
tion of  the  visitor.  The  solemnity  and  gloom  of  the  tall  spiral- 
like trees  recalls  the  aspect  of  Eastern  cemeteries,  where  the 
dark  foliage  and  deep  shade  of  the  C3'press  mark  the  "  place  of 
tombs,"  to  use  the  words  of  Byron,  and  cast  their  sombre 
shadows  over  and  among  the  white  marble  gravestones  with 
their  sculptured  turbans.  In  1778  the  Marquis  de  Girardin 
ofiered  the  author  of  "  The  Nouvelle  Heloise,"  "  Emile,"  and 
the  "  Coutrat  Social,"  a  quiet  refuge  in  a  pavilion  adjoining  the 
Chateau   of   Ermenonville,  in  which  retreat,  broken  down  by 


laying  out  and  planting  being  one  of  the  first  attempts  to 
introduce  the  features  of  what  the  French  termed  "  le  jardin 
Anglais  "  into  France.  It  was  in  1 763  that  the  Marquis  de 
Girardin  purchased  the  estate,  which  was  at  that  time  little 
better  than  a  sandy,  and  in  some  parts  rocky,  desert ;  and  ho 
determined  to  make  that  desert  a  smiling  landscape.  This 
determination  he  succeeded  in  carrying  out,  partly  by  a  certain 
amount  of  true  horticultural  taste,  which  induced  him  to 
abandon  altogether  the  stately  French  school  of  horticulture, 
and  steer  clear  of  the  solemn  symmetrj-  of  Le  Notre  and  his 
school ;  partly,  also,  by  immense  perseverance,  and  partly  by 
lavish  outlay.  The  good  effects  of  a  return  to  nature,  as  a  chief 
model,  are  apparent  on  every  side ;  but,  unfortunately,  our 
happy  innovator  arrived  at  the  conclusion,  in  his  horticultural 
theories,  that  it  was  his  business  not  only  to  imitate  nature, 
but  to  embellish  it — in  short,  to  "  paint  the  Lily."    This  unfor- 


The  Isle  of  Poplars  at  Ermenonville. 


hardships,  he  died  within  the  year,  and  his  remains  were 
interred  in  the  lake  island,  which  had  l:)een  one  of  his  favourite 
botauising  grounds,  where  he  collected  specimens  to  illustrate 
the  lessons  which,  as  an  enthusiastic  botanist,  he  delighted  to 
impart  to  the  children  of  the  marquis  and  marchioness  as  some 
return  for  the  kindness  of  his  benefactors.  He  was  a  genuine 
lover  of  nature  and  of  natural  scenery,  which  may  have  sug- 
gested to  the  Girardins  that  in  that  spot,  or  such  an  one,  he 
would  wish  his  earthly  remains  to  repose.  However  this  may 
be,  it  is  certainly  a  spot  which  he  loved  in  life,  and  there  he 
found  an  appropriate  grave,  in  which  his  remains  were  deposited 
by  moonlight  on  one  of  the  soft  July  nights  of  1778.  Over 
the  solitary  grave  a  handsome  tomb  with  suitable  inscription 
was  erected,  which  has  often  been  described  in  every  detail. 
The  rest  of  the  Girardin  domain — that  is  to  say,  the  whole 
of  the  picturesque  park  of  Ermenonville — is  well  worthy  of  the 
careful  study  of  the  landscape-gardeners   of  all  countries,  its 


tunate  notion,  and  his  determination  to  act  upon  it,  is  well 
expressed  in  the  title  of  a  work  which  he  published  upon  the 
subject,  "  De  la  Composition  des  Paysages,  ou  des  Moyens 
d'embellir  la  Nature."  One  may  imagine  that,  starting  with 
these  views  regarding  the  "  embellishment  "  of  nature,  that 
M.  de  Girardin,  when  he  had  succeeded  in  transformimcr  his 
desert  into  fertile  land,  planted  it  with  thriving  woods,  and 
taken  full  advantage  of  the  rocky  portions  to  aid  in  his 
idea  of  the  picturesque,  next  proceeded  to  spoil  all  by  tie 
threatened  "  embellishment."  Sham  castellated  ruins  were 
laboriously  constructed  in  places  where  a  castle  could  never 
have  been,  and  imitation  shepherds'  huts  were  sot  up  where 
there  was  certainly  no  pasture  for  sheep.  Pagan  altars,  with 
half -obliterated  inscriptions,  were  manufactured  to  attract  the 
attention  and  applause  of  supposed  virtuosi ,-  and  mouldering 
tombs  were  got  up,  with  sentimental  epitaphs,  intended  to 
charm  the  more  romantic  visitor.     The  horticultural  marquis 


524 


THE   GAEDBN. 


[Dec.  27, 1S73. 


had  a  notion  of  smoothing  down  nature,  and  tricking  it  out  to 
his  own  pattern.  The  fact  is,  that  neither  the  grand  rugged- 
ness  nor  the  unadorned  simplicity  of  pure  nature,  even  in  the 
most  beautiful  forms,  had  been  fully  appreciated  at  that  time ; 
and  greater  men  than  M.  de  Girardin  had  openly,  though 
unconsciously,  expressed  as  much  in  their  works.  Even  the 
accomplished  Sidney,  in  his  "Arcadia,"  shows  that  ho  wanted 
to  have  nature  polished  up  a  little.  His  desire  evidently 
•was  "  a  wide  tree-shaded  country,  having  a  show,  as  it  were, 
of  an  accompaniable  solitarinessc.and  of  Sj  civil  wildnesse."  _ 

Of  a  very  diflei-ent  kind  was  Rousseau's  enthusiastic 
admiration.  There  is  a  passage  in  one  of  bis  letters  to 
Malesherbes,  from  his  retreat  in  the  forest  of  Montmoronci, 
which  expresses  the  noble  simplicity  of  a  true  lover  of  nature 
for  herself.  He  tells  his  friend  that,  after  he  had  seen  the 
sunrise,  while  engaged  in  digging  and  delving  among  his 
Cabbages  and  other  simple  vegetables  for  his  table,  and  after 
he  had  enjoyed  his  simple  mid-day  meal,  he  hurried  away  to 
his  true  garden — the  wild  forest ;  and  he  thus  describes  the 
supreme  enjo3-mcnt  he  experienced  when  once  securely  hid  in 
that  glorious  sohtude  : — "  No  sooner  am  I  safe  from  intrusion 
in  the  depths  of  the  forest,"  he  says,  "  than  I  walk  with  a 
more  tranquil  step,  and  seek  some  wild  nook,  some  sylvan 
depth,  where  none  can  interpose  between  me  and  nature. 
There  she  seems  to  unfold  to  me  a  magnificence  ever  new  and 
beautiful.  The  gold  of  the  Broom  flowers  and  the  purple  of 
the  last  year's  Brambles  strike  my  sight  with  a  sense  of 
luxury  which  reaches  and  warms  my  heart.  The  majesty  of 
the  great  trees  that  cover  me  with  their  shade,  the  delicate 
foliage  of  the  shrubs  that  surround  me,  the  astonishing 
variety  of  the  herbs  and  flowers  beneath  my  feet  enchain  my 
thoughts  in  a  continuous  alternative  between  observation  and 
admiration.  The  numberless  objects  of  interest  aud  beauty, 
that  call  at  once  upon  my  attention,  leading  it  first  to  one  and 
then  to  another,  often  make  me  exclaim  to  myself,  No ! 
'  Solomon,  in  all  his  glory,  was  never  arrayed  like  one  of 
these.'  "  H.  N.  H. 


THE     INDOOR     GARDEN. 

RE-TUBBING  PALMS. 

OLD  HETHOD. 
During  many  years  the  tubs  used  in  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens  for 
the  largest  Palms  then  cultivated  were  made  from  large  old  oil  casks, 
averaging  from  4  feet  to  4  feet  6  inches  in  diameter  at  the  middle, 
and  from  G  to  7  feet  6  inches  in  depth.  These  were  cut  through  the 
centre,  so  as  to  form  two  good  plant  tubs.  While  re-tubbing,  care 
is  taken  to  allow  6  or  8  inches  of  a  clear  shift  all  round,  with 
depth  sufficient  to  allow  drainage.  The  plant,  previously  prepared, 
is  then  lifted  and  placed  in  its  new  tub,  as  shall  afterwards  be 
described.  I  may  here  state  that  the  tubs  formerly  employed,  made 
from  old  oil  casks,  were  found  to  last  much  longer  than  the  new  Oak 
or  Scotch  Fir  tubs  now  resorted  to.  All  are  tarred  inside  and 
painted  outside.  In  consequence  of  the  limited  ground  space  which 
we  had  in  the  old  Palm  house  before  the  n(!W  one  was  bnilt, 
it  became  impossible  in  many  cases  to  put  plants  into  larger  tubs 
than  those  in  which  they  were  growing.  The  method  adopted  for 
such  plants  was  to  provide  another  tub  of  the  same  size — generally 
abont  3  feet  9  inches  deep  and  1  feet  6  inches  over  at  top.  After 
being  properly  drained  with  portions  of  broken  pots  or  tiles,  and  the 
drainage  blinded  with  rough  turf,  soil  was  then  filled  to  within  1  foot 
of  thetop.  The  plant  intended  to  bo  re-tubbed  is  first  placed  on 
three  or  four  bricks  put  close  together  under  the  bottom  ;  the  hoops 
are  then  driven  down,  and  all  the  staves  removed ;  the  old  bottom  is 
likewise  withdrawn,  or  such  portion  of  it  as  can  be  done.  The  ball 
will  be  found  to  stand  itself,  being  generally  a  solid  mass  of  matted 
roots ;  but,  if  at  all  loose,  a  few  staves,  twice  surrounded  with  a 
suitable  rope,  and  firmly  racked,  will  keep  all  together,  as  shown  in 
fie.  1.  After  the  removal  of  the  old  drainage  from  below,  bottom 
boards  and  lifting  ropes  are  inserted,  the  top  of  the  plant  being 
previously  secured  with  guy  ropes.  The  mass  is  then  lifted  by 
means  of  tresses,  rollers,  and  handspikes,  to  such  a  height  as  to 
enable  the  new  tub  to  be  run  underneath  the  suspended  plant.  The 
plant  is  then  lowered  on  the  surface  of  the  soil,  thus  bringing  the 
narrowest  part  of  the  old  hall  to  be  placed  at  the  widest  part  of  the 
new  tub,  leaving  16  or  18  inches  of  the  ball  standing  above  the  top 
of  it.  After  filling  the  tub  with  soil,  a  set  of  upright  barrel  st.aves, 
about  2G  inches  or  so  in  length,  previously  assorted,  are  driven  in  all 


round  the  top  of  the  tub,  the  inside  of  which  is  also  prepared  in  a 
sloping  manner  so  as  to  give  the  top  portion  of  the  staves  an  inclina- 
tion outwards,  as  seen  in  fig.  2.  After  all  the  staves  have  been 
arranged,  a  broad  iron  hoop  is  put  round  them,  previously  fitted  at 
each  end  for  a  screw  bolt.  This  is  firmly  tightened  so  as  to  keep  the 
staves  together ;  soil  is  then  filled  uj)  to  the  top,  and  the  requisite 
watering  supplied.  At  one  time  most  of  the  larger  Palms  in  the  old 
house  presented  an  appearance  as  if  growing  in  double  tubs  ;  but 
notwithstanding  their  somewhat  uncouth  look  they  grew  well,  and 
filled  the  tubs  with  fine  healthy  roots.  About  ten  years  previous  to 
tho  Palms  being  transfen-ed  to  the  new  house,  two  of  the  largest, 
viz.,  Livistoua  chinensis  and  Sabal  unibracalifera,  having  stood  for 


Fig.  1. 

some  yeai's  in  double  tubs,  as  represented  in  fig.  2,  it  was  found 
impossible  at  the  time  to  put  them  into  larger  ones.  A  squ.are  Oak 
box  was  therefore  built  round  each,  all  the  iron  hoops  and  staves 
having  previously  been  removed.  A  quantity  of  drainage  was  placed 
at  the  bottom,  aud  the  remaining  space  filled  with  rough  turf  and 
soil,  leaving  the  bottom  of  the  plants  resting  on  the  stone  floor. 
This  extra  shift  caused  these  plants  to  grow  freely.  Besides  the  two 
just  mentioned,  Arenga  saccharifera  and  Garyota  arena  also  increased 
rapidly  by  the  double  tub  shift. 

NEW    METHOD. 
After  the  new  Palm   house  was   completed,  the  removal  of  the 
plants  into  it  became  an  operation  of  no  easy  kind,  for  the  old 
method  of  re-tubbing  could  not  in  all  cases  be  resorted  to,  owing  to 


their  weight,  many  of  the  plants  averaging  from  1  to  8  tons.  As  the 
larger  ones  could  not  be  raised  to  the  height  necessary  to  run  a  new 
but  under  them,  other  methods  had  to  be  resorted  to.  After  much 
consideration  I  fell  upon  a  plan  which  answered  all  my  expectations, 
and  which  method  I  shall  now  attempt  to  describe.  Some  of  the 
plants,  after  many  years'  growth,  had  attained  a  large  size,  several 
of  them  not  less  than  40  feet  in  height,  without  taking  into  account 
their  bent  down  leaves.  Two  of  the  specimens,  Livistona  chinensis 
and  Sabal  umbraculifera,  grew  in  largo  square  Oak  boxes,  which  had 
been  built  round  them  for  fully  ten  years,  the  roots  resting  on  the 
stone  floor.     These  boxes  were  5  feet  in  diameter,  and  4  feet  6  inches 


Dec.  27,  1873,] 


THE   aARDBN. 


525 


in  dejith.  Before  removing  tte  plants  into  tho  new  houso  they  had 
to  bo  re-tubbed.  I  shall  confine  my  remarka  on  tho  re.tubbing 
operation  chiefly  to  a  fine  plant  of  Livistona  chinensis,  which  stood 
about  40  feet  above  the  stono  floor.  The  box  in  which  it  grew  was 
entirely  filled  with  roots,  many  of  them  protruding  from  below, 
owing  to  the  excessive  moisture  which  was  constantly  given,  aided 
by  tho  heat  from  the  hot-water  pipes,  which  then  passed  beneath 
them.  Before  tho  old  box  was  removod,  three  holes  were  pierced 
through  the  bottom  of  the  ball,  close  to  the  surface  of  tho  stone 
floor,  large  enough  to  admit  strong  new  ropes  32  feet  long  and  3i 
inches  in  circumference,  one  passed  through  each,  leaving  1-1.  feet  of 
the  rope  clear  at  each  end.  After  this  preliminary  operation,  the 
removal  of  the  box  was  proceeded  with,  which  left  the  ball  of  the 
plant  standing  as  if  composed  of  a  network  of  roots  (fig.  3).  On  the 
two  sides,  where  the  ends  of  the  ropes  came  up,  a  portion  of  the  under 
part  of  the  ball  was  removed,  in  order  to  introduce  pieces  of  strong 


Fiff.  3. 

Oak  boards  4  feet  long,  6  inches  broad,  and  IJ  inch  thick,  one  on 
each  side,  previously  rounded  on  the  outer  edge  of  the  under  side,  so 
as  to  prevent  the  ropes  cutting  duriug  the  process  of  lifting.  These 
boards  were  inserted  fully  12  inches  under  the  edge  of  the  ball,  and 
resting  on  the  lifting  ropes.  The  four  upright  corners  of  the  root 
mass  were  also  removed,  so  as  to  allow  of  it  being  placed  in  a  round 
tub.  The  tub  for  its  reception,  22  feet  in  circumference  and  4  feet 
9  inches  in  depth,  was  made  of  strong  well-seaaoned  Oak,  and  fitted 
with  broad  iron  hoops,  generally  five  in  number.  It  had  three  strong 
wooden  battens  firmly  fixed  across  the  bottom,  with  6-inch  long  nails. 
These  battens  should  project  3  or  4  inches  at  each  end,  and  are 
generally  bound  with  hoop-iron  ;  care  must  be  taken  that  they  touch 
the  bottom  of  the  staves,  as  they  are  essential  for  the  after  putting 
together  of  the  tub.  Before  the  new  tub  is  taken  down,  two  tempo- 
rary wooden  hoops  are  nailed  round  the  outside,  about  3  feet  apart. 


Fig.  4. 

and  one  near  the  top  inside.  These  hoops  are  placed  in  such  a  way 
as  to  allow  the  sides,  after  the  reuioval  of  the  jjermanent  iron  hoops, 
to  be  taken  into  three  or  four  pieces  (fig.  4),  according  to  the  size  of  the 
tub.  Before  taking  down,  however,  it  is  necessary  to  number  each  end 
with  chalk,  so  that  they  may  be  put  together  again  as  taken  down. 
It  is  also  necessary  to  be  particular  about  the  iron  hoops,  so  as  to 
keep  them  all  with  the  widest  side  uppermost.  With  this  precaution 
much  trouble  will  be  saved. 

THE    LIFTING   APPABATUS. 
I  shall  now  endeavour  to  give  an  account  of  the  appai'atus  employed 
for  lifting; — Two  strong  wooden  tresses   (lig.  6),   7  feet  high  and 
9  feet  long,  made  with  planks  9  inches  broad  and  3  inches  thick,  each 


provided  with  two  moveable  cradles,  (fig.  5),  which  are  placed  on  the 
top  of  the  tresses  with  strong  iron  pins,  one  at  each  end.  Eight  or 
ten  holes  are  required  at  uniform  distances  at  each  end  of  the  tresses, 
for  the  purpose  of  widening  or  contracting  tho  space  between  tho 
cradles,_ according  to  the  size  of  tho  ball  to  be  lifted.  Two  strong 
hollow  iron  windlass  rollers  are  also  necessary,  each  8  feet  2  inches 


I — T 


Fig.  6. 


long  and  14  inches  in  circumference,  provided  at  each  end  with  strong 
pieces  of  semicircular  iron,  properly  bolted  into  the  rollers.  These 
rollers  are  put  across  the  tresses,  each  end  resting  in  the  cradles  just 
described.  The  tresses  must  be  arranged  one  on  each  side  of  the 
plant,  parallel  with  the  lifting  ropes,  so  as  to  enable  the  ends  of  these 
ropes  to  be  brought  np  inside,  then  over  the  iron  rollers,  working 


Tie.  7. 

each  towards  the  end,  as  in  fig.  1.  This  is  done  by  doubling  the  rope 
with  a  slight  twist,  and  giving  the  end  of  each  three  or  four  turns 
round  the  iron  roller,  keeping  the  doubled  portion  for  the  insertion  of 
a  strong  wooden  handspike.  With  very  tall  plants,  having  heavy 
tops,  it  is  sometimes  necessary  that  the  stems  should  be  provided 
with  three  strong  poles,  fixed  near  the  top  of  the  stem  in  a  triangular 


form,  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  npsotting  during  the  lifting,  a  man 
bein;?  placed  at  the  base  of  each.  In  ordinary  cases  strong  guy 
ropes  are  suflieient.  If  the  top  is  heavy,  it  is  necessary  that  tho 
ropes  should  be  fixed  to  pulleys  placed  on  the  upright  pillars  of 
the  house  ;  but  always  above  "the  level  of  that  part  where  it  is 
attached  to  the  plant,  it   greatly   assists   to  steady    it   during  the 


626 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  27,  1873. 


liftin".  In  order  to  give  the  men  a  better  purchase  while  raising! 
fonr  lO-inch  broad  planks  are  generally  put  round  the  plants, 
the  ends  being  placed  on  strong  boxes  of  a  uniform  height — say 
about  14  or  15  inches  high.  The  bottom  of  the  intended  plant  tub 
(Qg.  7),  after  being  prepared  with  its  strong  fixed  battens,  is  then 
placed  on  one  of  the  sides  on  which  a  tress  is  standing,  as  seen 
in  fig.  8,  resting  on  iron  rollers,  each  about  6  or  8  inches 
in  circumference.  The  hoops  are  also  placed  resting  on  the  ends 
of  the  fixed  battens,  taking  care  that  the  widest  edge  of  the 
hoops  are  kept  uppermost.  When  everything  is  complete,  and  all 
the  men  at  their  places,  the  winding  up  is  commenced  as  seen  in 
S".  1.  Iron  handspikes  are  used  at  each  end  of  the  iron  rollers, 
two  men  being  placed  at  each,  and  one  man  or  two  at  each  of  the 
wooden  handspikes  attached  to  the  lifting  ropes,  according  to  the 
weight  of  the  ball.  When  raised  about  6  or  8  inches  above  the  floor, 
and  all  the  old  drainage  aud  rubbish  swept  from  beneath,  the  bottom 
of  the  tub  -svith  the  hoops  and  tempoiar}-  rollers  is  run  under  the 
plant,  taking  cai'e  that  it  is  kept  quite  in  the  centre,  and  perfectly 
upright.  In  order  that  the  lifting  ropes  should  be  easily  withdrawn, 
four  pieces  of  square  wood  or  pantile  lath,  which  answers  the 
purpose  best,  about  11-  inch  thick,  are  placed  on  the  moveable  bottom, 
one  ou  each  side  of  each  rope,  to  receive  the  weight  of  the  plant 
and  lifting  boards,  and  thus  take  the  pressure  off  the  ropes.  The 
plant  is  then  lowered  on  the  tub  bottom,  and  thoroughly  secured  all 
round  with  small  blocks  and  wedge-shaped  pieces  of  wood  so  as  to 
steady  the  rollers,  and  keep  everything  in  position  till  the  work  is 
finally  completed.  The  ropes  are  then  withdrawn  by  means  of  the 
windlass  rollers,  working  both  rollers  at  the  same  time  till  the  rope 
ends  are  free.  The  plant  is  then  left  standing  on  its  new  bottom. 
At  this  stage  all  the  trappings  are  removed,  such  as  tresses,  lifting 
rollers,  ropes,  planks,  &c„  leaving  the  guy  ropes,  which  must  be 
thoroughly  fixed,  in  order  to  keep  the  plant  in  its  upright  position 
till  everything  is  complete.  The  lifting  boards  are  then  withdiu^vn 
one  at  a  time,  and  all  irregularities  below  firmly  filled  up  with 
rough  drainage  and  turf.  The  sides,  as  previously  prepared 
(fig.  4),  are  now  put  round,  the  lower  portions  resting  on  the  ends  of 
the  fixed  battens,  which  allows  the  narrow  edge  and  the  bottom  to  fit 
properly  into  the  grove  originally  prepared  for  it  at  the  lower  end  of 
the  staves.  The  iron  hoops  are  then  driven  up,  taking  off  the  tempo- 
rary wooden  ones  as  the  others  ascend.  The  lower  hoop  is  put  ou 
after  all  the  others  have  been  driven  up,  and  is  made  to  rest  on  the 
fixed  battens.  When  firmly  secured,  it  keeps  the  lower  part  of  the 
staves  tightly  to  the  bottom.  The  lower  portion  of  the  tub  is  filled 
with  drainage,  and  the  rest  with  rough  turf  and  soil,  and  thoroughly 
watered.  After  the  removal  of  the  blocks  and  wedges  from  below, 
the  plant  is  in  a  state  to  be  removed  on  its  temporary  rollers  to  any 
reasonable  part  of  the  house,  merely  by  skewing  them.  If,  as  some- 
times happens,  the  plant  has  to  be  taken  directly  right  or  left,  the 
skewing  of  the  rollers  will  not  answer  the  purpose.  To  accomplish 
this  the  ends  of  the  fixed  battens  are  raised  by  means  of  crowbars,  and 
two  bricks  or  wooden  blocks  are  introduced  uuder  each  of  the  ends, 
one  at  a  time  ;  this  heightenables  us  to  put  in  two  temporary  battens 
at  right  angles  with  the  fixed  one.  The  iron  rollers  are  again  replaced 
at  right  angles  with  the  new  bottom  boards,  the  plant  lowered  on  to 
them,  and  by  the  withdrawal  of  the  bricks  it  can  be  run  to  the  posi- 
tion  wanted,  when  it  is  again  raised  on  bricks,  the  temporary  planks 
and  rollers  may  be  removed,  a  brick  is  then  put  under  the  ends  of 
the  permanent  batten,  and  the  plant  allowed  to  rest. 

In  re-tubbing  smaller-sized  plants,  where  the  ball  of  earth  and 
roots  is  rather  large  to  lift  by  ordinary  manual  labour,  the  same 
kind  of  machinery,  but  of  smaller  size,  is  employed,  viz.,  tresses  6 
feet  4  inches  long,  and  4  feet  2  inches  high,  made  with  planks  6J 
inches  broad,  and  2i  inches  thick.  The  lifting  windlass  roUex's  in 
this  case  are  made  of  solid  hard  wood,  6  feet  long,  having  iron 
handles  fixed  at  each  end,  like  the  iron  rollers  here  described. 
Where  the  balls  only  aviirage  1  or  2  tons  they  can  be  raised 
sufficiently  high  to  run  the  new  tub  ou  rollers  entirely  below  them, 
■as  seen  in  fig.  1.  In  all  cases  it  is  necessary  that  the  bottom  of 
each  tub  should  be  prepared  with  fixed  battens  like  those  described 
for  large-sized  plants.  If  the  ball  should  be  more  than  3  feet  in 
depth  it  is  necessary  to  raise  the  tresses  on  planks  in  order  to  prevent 
any  risk  of  upsetting  during  the  raising  process.  In  no  case  should 
the  surface  of  the  ball  ever  be  lifted  above  the  level  of  the  tresses. 
With  all  high  lifts  guy  ropes  are  most  essential,  but  in  no  case  should 
they  be  used  without  pulleys,  as  described  for  heavy  lifts.  The  same 
lifting  power  is  commonly  emoloyed  in  the  garden  to  raise  heavy 
tubs  on  high  wooden  stands,  and  they  are  taken  down  when  required 
by  the  same  process.  The  same  simple  and  portable  machinery  is 
very  generally  employed  here  to  lift  large  and  heavy  evergreen  shrubs 
and  trees  for  the  purpose  of  transplanting.  This  subject,  h.owever, 
will  form  a  separate  communication  at  some  future  time. 

J.\MEs  McXab. 


TEEE-FBRNS. 
During  the  last  ten  or  twelve  years,  these  have  become  great 
favourites  with  all  lovers  of  beautiful  plants,  and  it  is 
astonishing  to  see  the  vast  quantities  of  them  which  are 
annually  imported  by  our  leading  nurserymen,  and  which,  as 
soou  as  established,  find  a  ready  sale  among.st  the  numerous 
plant  growers  of  this  country.  In  round  numbers  there  are 
about  200  distinct  species  of  Tree-Ferns  known  to  botanists ; 
these  are  scattered  over  various  parts  of  the  globe,  mostly  in 
tropical  countries ;  whilst,  in  more  temperate  climes,  Xew 
Zealand,  Australia,  and  Tasmania  are  their  principal  resorts. 
From  these,  until  lately,  our  principal  supplies  have  been 
derived,  and  the  thought  has  frequently  occured  to  me  that  as 
Tree-Ferns  build  \\p  their  stems  but  slowly,  and  we  import 
them  very  rapidly,  the  chances  are  that  we  shall  soon  have 
more  examples  of  these  giant  Ferns  in  England  than  are  to 
be  found  in  their  native  habitats.  Be  that  as  it  may,  however, 
the  fact  that  these  plants  thrive  in  ordinary  greenhouses  and 
conservatories  enables  even  amateurs,  whose  means  do  not 
allow  them  to  indulge  in  the  luxury  of  a  plant-stove,  to  enjoy 
these  gems  among  Ferns ;  besides  those  from  temperate 
climes,  however,  we  have  now  a  goodly  number  of  species 
from  tropical  countries.  On  a  former  occasion,  I  expressed 
my  views  relative  to  the  best  method  of  constructing  a  house 
for  the  cultivation  of  Filmy  Ferns,  and,  in  the  case  of  the 
plants  now  under  consideration,  I  strongly  believe  in  the 
advi.sability  of  growing  them  below  the  ordinary  ground  level. 
If  no  natural  ravine  or  dell  exists  in  the  garden  in  which  to 
construct  a  house,  then  make  one,  for  there  is  no  real  necessity 
for  a  Fern  house  to  have  high  glass  sides  or  any  light  at  the 
sides  at  all ;  and,  under  all  circumstances,  where  a  house  is  to 
be  constructed  for  the  growth  of  Tree-Ferns,  I  would  have 
the  bottom  several  feet  at  least  below  the  surface.  By  this 
means,  height  is  obtained  at  little  expense,  and  thus  the  more 
vigorous  and  quick-growing  kinds  will  not  rapidly  outgrow 
the  accommodation.  By  this  means,  too,  a  splendid  oppor- 
timity  is  afforded  for  forming  elevated  view  points,  from 
which  a  sight  may  be  obtained  of  the  tops  of  the  plants, 
without  which  half  their  beauty  is  lost.  In  addition  to 
these  advantages,  moreover,  houses  constructed  in  this 
way  may  be  heated  at  a  trifling  cost  compared  with 
structures  wholly  above  ground,  because  they  do  not  present 
much  surface  to  the  external  atmosphere,  and  during  the 
hot  dry  summer  months  a  more  equable  and  genial  atmo- 
sphere can  be  maintained.  Such  houses,  be  it  remembered, 
are  only  recommended  for  Ferns,  and  not  for  flowering- 
plants,  but,  at  the  same  time,  it  is  not  absolutely  essential 
that  Tree-Ferns  should  have  such  accommodation  pro- 
vided for  them,  inasmuch  as  they  will  thrive  admirably  in 
any  ordinary  stove  or  conservatory,  but,  where  a  house  is  to 
be  built  specially  for  Ferns,  the  above-named  place  is,  I  con- 
sider, the  best  that  can  be  devised.  In  ordinary  greenhouses, 
Tree-Pems  in  pots  form  splendid  ornaments,  and  they  will 
accommodate  themselves  to  such  houses,  where,  from  want  of 
sun-light  and  other  causes,  any  other  class  of  plants  would 
not  only  do  badly,  but  perhaps  refuse  to  drag  out  even  a 
miserable  existence,  so  that  they  specially  recommend  them- 
selves to  any  one  having  a  glasshouse,  with  an  unfavom-able 
aspect.  To  amateurs,  in  particular,  I  would  say,  avoid  over- 
potting  Tree-Ferns.  It  is  too  much  the  fashion  to  persist  in 
annual  pottings  until  they  become  both  unwieldy  and 
unsightly,  and,  without  wishing  to  assert  that  "  they  do  these 
things  better  abroad  than  we  do,"  I  must  record  that  my 
experience  coincides  with  continental  customs,  more  especially 
with  those  of  Germany,  where  large  Ferns  and  Palms  may  be 
seen  growing  in  what,  to  many  English  gardeners,  would 
seem  incredibly  small  pots  and  tubs.  The  secret  of  then* 
being  kept  in  good  health  lies  in  a  little  extra  supply  of  water, 
and  thus  they  have  a  far  better  appearance  than  in  the 
monstrous  tubs  and  pots  in  which  they  are  so  frequently  seen 
in  our  plant-houses.  Tree-Ferns  vary  much,  both  in  the  height 
and  diameter  of  their  stems,  such  variation  being  caused  by 
the  greater  or  less  number  of  fronds  which  go  to  form  a  spiral 
whorl,  the  kind  of  development  by  which  their  stems  are 
built  up.  As  a  rule,  those  from  temperate  regions  produce 
the  greatest  number  of  fronds  in  a  single  whorl,  and,  conse- 
quently, have  the  stoutest  stems,  and  are  slowest  in  growth 


t)Ec.  27,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


525^ 


4^4 


The  tropical  kiuds  have  usually  slender  stems,  which  are  more 
or  less  armed  with  sharp  spines,  and  grow  up  somewhat  t|uickly. 
lu  jiotting,  use  good  peat  and  loam  in  about  equal  parts,  adding 
a  good  portion  of  sharp  sand,  and  the  drainage  must  be 
perfect ;  they  lilie  an  abundant  supply  of  moisture  in  the  air, 
and  the  stems  should  be  frequently  sprinkled  with  the  syringe 
to  encourage  the  developement  of  stem  roots,  which  add  so 
much  to  the  health  and  vigour  of  the  plants. 
Dieksonia. 

This  13  a  genus  of  stately  and  beautiful  plants,  one  or  two  species 
of  which  are  now  tolerably  plentiful  in  our  greenhouses  and  conser- 
vatories ;  as  a  genus  they  are  distinguished  by  their  coriaceous  fronds, 
the  Bori  being  situated  upon  the  end  ot  a  vein  near  tho  margin  of  the 
pinnules,  and  enclosed  within  a  coriaceous  two-valvcd  involucre.  Tho 
following  species  are  in  cultivation  in  this  country  : — 

D.  antarctica. — I  commence  with  this  species,  because  it  is  tho 
most  noble  and  stately  of  all  those  yet  in  our  collections ;  tho  stem 
is  both  tall  and  stout,  attaining  in  its  native  country,  wo  are  told,  to 
from  30  to  35  feet  in  height, 
and  measuring  from  1  to  2  feet 
in  diameter.  Upon  the  summit 
of  these  stately  stems  is  borne 
a  grand  crown  of  dark  green, 
plume-like,  somewhat  coria- 
ceous fronds,  which  vary  from 
3  to  10  or  more  feet  in  length. 
The  young  fronds  are  beanti. 
fully  arched,  but  with  age  they 
bend  over  and  become  more 
pendulous.  Tho  beautiful 
symmetry  of  this  stately  plant 
cannot  fail  to  recommend  it  to 
every  plant-grower.  It  would 
appear  to  be  common  in 
mountain  gullies  and  ravines  in 
Tasmania  and  Australia.  Of  this 
plant  our  illustration  affords 
the  reader  a  very  correct  idea. 

D.  squarrosa.  —  It  at- 
tains a  lieight  of  from  10  to 
15  or  20  feet,  the  stem  being 
always  far  more  slender  than 
in  the  preceding  species,  and  it 
has  the  peculiarity  of  putting 
out  from  various  parts  of  its 
trunk  what  appear  to  be  lateral 
growths,  but  I  have  never  seen 
these  attain  to  any  size.  The 
stems  are  clothed  with  the  bases 
of  the  old  fronds,  which  are 
black,  and  of  such  a  peculiar 
dry  roughness  as  to  cause  the 
hand  to  involuntarily  shrink 
from  them.  The  fronds  are 
three  or  four  times  divided, 
from  3  to  6  feet  long,  dull  dark 
green  on  the  upper  side,  but 
paler  below,  the  rachis  being 
rough  and  hairy.  The  peculiar 
habit  ot  its  fronds  has  caused 
me  to  apply  the  name  of 
"Table-top  Fern"  to  this 
species.      It    thrives    admirably 

Zealand,  over  which  country  it  seems  to  be  widely  distributed 
to  which  it  is  peculiar. 

D.  fibrosa. — This  species  has  somewhat  the  .appearance  of,  D. 
antarctica,  but  is  sufficiently  distinct  to  be  recognised  at  a  glance. 
The  stem  is  stout,  attaining,  in  a  wild  state,  a  height  of  10  or  15 
feet,  although  I  have  not  seen  stems  in  cultivation  higher  than  5  or 
6  feet.  They  are  profusely  clothed  with  fibrous  roots,  which 
completely  cover  the  bases  of  the  old  fronds.  The  fronds  are 
twice  or  three  times  divided,  very  broad  for  their  length;  they  are 
dark  green  above,  the  pinnules  turning  up  at  the  ends,  giving  them 
a  pecubar  crisp  appearance.  It  would  seem  to  be  confined  to  very 
moist  places  in  woods  and  near  the  margins  of  streams,  and,  although 
a  native  of  New  Zealand,  has  never  been  brought  to  this  country  in 
any  quantity,  so  that  it  is  either  not  very  plentiful  there,  or  is  not 
found  in  company  with  other  species. 

D.  lanata. — Yery  little  is  known  respecting  this  plant.  I  have 
only  seen  it  ,a  few  times,  and  never  with  a  trunk  of  any  size,  there- 
fore-to  what  height  it  inay  attain  I  am  unable  to  say.     It  appears  to 


r*Tfc. 


be  both  a  distinct  and  handsome  Fern  ;  tho  fronds  are  bi-pinnate, 
with  the  pinnules  deeply  pinnatilid,  coriaceous  in  texture  ;  base  of 
tho  fronds,  pale  brown,  and,  together  with  the  rachis,  densely 
furnished  with  pale  woolly  scales.     Native  of  New  Zealand. 

D.  Youngii. — This  species  would  seem  to  como  near  D. 
squarrosa.  The  plants  which  I  have  seen  of  it,  however,  appear  to 
be  altogether  distinct.  The  stem  is  slender,  and  the  whole  plant  is 
softer  in  texture,  and,  moreover,  it  seems  to  be  found  in  the  same 
locality  as  D.  antarctica,  and  not  in  New  Zealand  at  .all.  Some 
stems  of  it  have  been  recently  imported,  from  which  wo  may  bo 
better  able  to  determine  the  differences  than  from  young  plants. 
Native  of  New  South  Wales. 

D.  Sellowiana. — A  fine  noble  species,  apparently  nearly  allied 
to  D.  antarctica,  yet  sufiiciently  distinct,  .and,  coming  from  a  warmer 
clime,  it  requires  the  temperature  of  the  stove.  Stem  stout  and 
erect,  bearing  a  fine  crown  of  fronds,  which  are  deep  green  and 
smooth,  the  great  distinctiveness  of  the  fronds  being  in  the  peculiar 
bluutness  of  the  pinna).  It  is  a  native  of  tho  Organ  Mountains  in  Brazil. 
D.  arborescens. — This  is  a  most  beautiful  and  distinct  plant, 

but  extremely  rare  in  cultiva- 
tion. The  stem  is  stout,  from 
6  to  10  or  12  feet  high,  and 
sometimes  branched,  bat, 
whether  these  branches  aro 
really  lateral  growths  or  only 
caused  through  the  attachment 
of  seedlings,  I  am  unable  to 
say.  Fronds  tripinnate,  very 
thick  and  coriaceous  in  texture, 
more  so,  indeed,  than  in  any 
other  species  of  this  genus, 
whilst  the  pinnules  and  seg- 
ments are  very  large,  the 
crown  and  stipes  aro  densely 
clothed  with  ferruginous  or 
amber .  coloured  soft  hairs. 
Fronds,  twice  or  three  times 
divided  ;  segments  rounded  and 
very  obtuse ;  colour,  light 
green.  This  is  a  very  rare 
plant  in  cultivation,  and  in 
its  wild  state  is  very  local, 
as  I  am  not  aware  that  it  has 
been  found  in  any  other  place 
than  on  the  summit  of  Diana's 
Peak,  in  the  Island  of  St. 
Helena. 

(To  he  continued.) 


^^« 


i-f^ 


^A0 


Dickf^onia  antarctica. 


a  cool   house.     Native   of 


New 
,  and 


LAOHENALTAS. 
We  have  here  an  old,  and, 
we  might  also  add,  much- 
neglected  genus  of  Cape 
bulbs,  all  the  species  of  which 
aro  interesting,  and  some  of 
them  highly  ornamental. 
Like  most  other  bulbous- 
rooted  plants  from  southern 
Africa,  they  require  a  com- 
paratively cool  temperature 
and  a  decided  season  of  rest 
in  order  to  grow  them  successfully.  Their  nomenclature,  in 
common  with  that  of  other  bulbs,  is  rather  confused,  and  we 
frequently  find  the  same  plant,  or  some  of  its  varieties,  under 
widely  different  names  in  even  our  best  public  and  private 
gardens.  Within  the  last  year  or  two  a  taste  for  half-hardy 
and  other  bulbs  has  sprung  up ;  and  Mr.  J.  G.  Baker,  Mr. 
Peter  Barr,  Mr.  A.  ¥.  Barron,  and  other  botanists  and  culti- 
vators, have  done  mucli  towards  improving  their  nomenclature 
aiid  culture.  The  present  genus  is  valuable,  as  nearly  the 
whole  of  the  species  at  present  in  cultivation  flower  either 
during  the  winter  or  early  in  the  spring  months;  but  the 
season  can  cither  be  retarded  or  prolonged  by  adopting  divers 
systems  ot  treatment,  as  may  be  deemed  desirable.  Laohena- 
lias  grow  best  in  a  greenhouse  or  cool  frame,  throwing  up 
stout  spikes  of  yellow,  green,  orange,  and  vermilion-coloured 
flowers,  along  with  fresh  glossy  green,  or  elegantly  mottled 
leaves.  Many  cultivators  fail  with  deciduous  bulbs  by 
neglecting  to  water  them  after  flowering.     Nothing  is  more 


628 


THE   GAEDEN. 


[Dec.  27,  1873. 


common  than  for  them  to  be  placed  on  a  dry  shelf,  or  thrown 
nnder  the  nearest  stage,  immediately  their  floral  charms  are 
past,  and  there  they  frequently  remain  without  a  thought 
until  wanted  for  forcing  into  bloom  the  nest  season. 
A  large  proportion  of  the  bulbous  section  of  endoge- 
nous plants  form  their  spikes  the  season  before  they  flower — 
that  is  to  say,  the  elaborated  juices  of  this  year's  foliage 
are  stored  up  for  the  next  season's  bloom ;  so  that,  if 
the  leaves  are  dried  oS  prematurely,  the  bulbs  are  neces- 
sarily weakened,  and  disappointment  follows.  The  common 
Hyacinth  may  be  taken  as  an  excellent  illustration  to  the  pre- 
ceding remarks,  for,  if  a  bulb  be  severed  soon  after  the  foliage 
naturally  dies  oil  in  the  autumn,  the  newly  formed  or  embryo 
inflorescence  will  be  found,  and  this  goes  on  gradually  enlarg- 
ing at  the  expense  of  the  oleborated  sap  of  the  preceding  year, 
even  though  the  bulbs  are  kept  out  of  the  ground  and  supposed 
to  be  at  rest.  The  Dutch  growers  are  very  careful  to  feed 
their  bulbs  liberally  up  to  the  period  when  they  are  known  to 
flower  best  and  the  strongest  bulbs,  that  is  those  "well -ripened'' 
(to  use  a  technical  term),  will  flower  with  but  very  slight 
assistance  in  the  way  of  nourishment.  The  flower-spike  being 
to  a  great  extent  formed  and  supported  by  the  elaborated  sap 
of  the  year  before.  After  flowering,  Laohenalias  should  be 
watered  regularly  until  the  foliage  shows  signs  of  dying  off, 
by  turning  yellow  at  the  tips,  when  moisture  at  the  root  may 
be  gradually  withheld,  and  the  bulbs  allowed  to  become  only 
just  moist,  when  they  may  be  stored  in  a  cool  ah-y  place  until 
wanted  for  potting.  They  may  be  potted  at  any  time  from 
July  to  October,  according  to  the  season  they  are  required  in 
flower.  The  best  compost  is  one  composed  of  sandy  loam, 
peat,  and  well -decomposed  manure.  The  pots  should  be 
thoroughly  well  drained,  and  three  or  four  bulbs  may  be 
placed  in  each  so  as  to  form  nice  little  plants  for  decorative 
purposes.  Some  of  these  plants,  as  L.  maculata,  L.  orchidioides, 
and  L.  tricolor,  have  glossy  deep  green  foliage  blotched  with 
purple  or  brown,  while  others,  as  the  true  L.  pendula,  have 
deep  green  leaves  without  any  markings.  I  subjoin  a 
descriptive  list  of  the  forms  most  generally  met  with  in  culti- 
vation as  likely  to  be  of  service  to  those  interested  in  bulbous 
plants.'  Other  species,  or  varieties,  are,  doubtless,  to  be  met 
with,  and  as  the  season  for  their  flowering  is  now  at  hand  we 
should  be  glad  to  receive  specimens  of  flowers  and  foliage  from 
which  to  make  drawings  for  publication  or  future  refer- 
ence. 

L.  LUTEOLi. — This  is  a  very  beautiful  variety  recently  figured 
in  the  Botanical  3Iaga::inc.  It  generally  blooms  in  March  or 
April,  and  bears  a  stout  spike  of  bright  yellow  flowers,  the 
outer  petals  being  about  half  the  length  of  the  inner  ones, 
aud  slightly  tipped  with  green.  The  leaves  are  oblong- 
lanceolate,  and  of  a  deep  glossy  green  colour. 

L.  ORcniDiomES. —  The  foliage  of  this  plant  is  something 
like  the  last,  but  heavily  blotched  with  purplish-brown.  This 
is  a  very  variable  plant,  bearing  white  and  lemon-yellow 
flowers  on  a  stout  glaucous  stem,  which  is  blotched  like  the 
foliage.  It  flowers  aboiat  the  same  time  as  the  last-mentioned 
species. 

L.  PENDULA. —  The  true  plant  is  very  distinct,  although 
various  forms  of  other  species  are  often  grown  under  this 
uame.  The  foliage  is  very  robust,  ovate  in  form,  the  breadth 
being  about  one  third  the  length,  and  of  a  clear  deep  green 
colour,  slightly  glaucous  above.  The  flower-spike  is  very 
stout,  about  one-third  longer  than  the  leaves  when  fully 
developed,  and  faintly  blotched  with  brown.  All  the  seg- 
ments of  the  flower  are  nearly  of  equal  length,  the  outer  ones 
being  of  a  bright  orange-scarlet  tipped  with  dull  purple.  Like 
the  other  species,  it  comes  from  the  Cape,  and  flowers  from 
December  to  April. 

L.  QUADEicoLOR. — This  species  has  linear  pendulous  glossy- 
green  leaves,  one  being  an  inch  or  two  longer  than  the  other, 
deeply  channelled,  and  bears  its  flowers  in  slender  lax  spikes. 
The  flowers  are  brightly  coloured,  the  outer  petals  being  much 
the  shortest,  aud  of  an  orange-red  tipped  with  green.  The 
inner  petals  are  bright  yellow,  expanding  at  their  apices, 
which  are  tipped  with  soft  purple.  Flowers  freely  from 
January  to  March.  There  is  a  variety  of  this  species  having 
crimson-tipped    flowers  aud  blotched   foliage,  besides  being 


much  stronger  in  its  habit  of  growth.     It  blooms  at  the  same 
time  as  the  last. 

L.  TRICOLOR.  —  This  species  has  oblong,  lance-shaped, 
spreading  foliage,  spotted  or  blotched  with  brown  or  faint 
purple.  The  flower-spike  is  rigid,  and  the  flowers  are  of  a 
faint  yellow,  tinged  with  green  ;  bright  orange  when  in  bud. 
It  flowers  at  the  same  time  as  L.  quadricolor,  and  deserves 
general  cultivation.  ¥.  W.  Burbidge. 


THE    FRUIT    GARDEN. 


PRUNING  PEACH  AND  NBCTAEINB  TREES. 
TuE  great  object,  rvhen  a  young  tree  has  been  planted,  is  to 
cover  the  wall  vrith  it  as  quickly  as  possible,  at  the  same  time 
to  keep  it  well  furnished  with  yoiing  wood  from  the  bottom  to 
the  top.  To  get  it  well  furnished  at  the  bottom,  seems  the  only 
object  many  have  in  view  when  pruning  a  young  Peach  ti-ee. 
I  think  no  one  will  dispute  the  necessity  of  having  an  eye  to 
this  point,  as  it  is  almost  impossible,  if  not  attended  to  when 
young,  to  do  it  afterwards  ;  at  the  same  time  it  must  be 
admitted  to  be  quite  as  necessary  to  cover  the  wall  in  the 
shortest  possible  time,  bearing  in  mind,  of  course,  to  aim  at 
doing  it  effectually,  and  ever  maintain  that  cardinal  law  of 
pruning — to  follow  rather  than  try  to  supersede  nature.  Now, 
from  my  own  experience,  I  know  that  both  can  be  accomplished 
effectually  at  the  same  time,  and  by  doing  so  we  may  dispel 
that  most  erronous  idea,  too  often  entertained  by  many  with 
regard  to  all  fruit  trees,  viz.,  that  of  planting -for  the  next 
generation.  To  make  myself  better  understood,  let  us  take 
the  case  of  a  young  tree  just  planted.  The  rule  with  eleven 
persons  out  of  a  dozen,  would  be  to  cut  it  back,  the 
reason  given  for  so  doing,  being  to  get  the  tree  well  furnished 
with  young  wood  well  "home;"  very  well — supposing  then, 
that  six  or  eight  eyes  are  left  to  each  shoot  after  pruning, 
those  will,  in  the  natural  course  of  matters,  produce  as  many 
shoots.  What  is  to  be  done  with  so  many  ?  Rub  them  off — 
"  disbud,"  to  be  sure,  will  be  said.  Just  so  ;  but  why  first  cut 
the  tree  to  produce  so  many  growths,  and  then  destroy  them  ? 
I  have  long  since  considered  this  a  folly,  a  waste  of  time, 
in  covering  the  wall,  which  simply  means  also  a  loss  of 
fruit.  It  is  no  less  a  waste  of  energy  on  the  part  of 
the  tree.  The  six  or  eight  gi'owths  are  reduced  to  two 
on  each  branch.  We  are  supposing  that  it  is  a  vigorous- 
growing  tree ;  of  course  a  weak  sickly  tree  must  be  dealt  with 
differently.  We  find  that  the  tree,  when  a  fair  growth  com- 
mences, being  deprived  of  the  greater  number  of  its  sap-flowing 
channels,  is  thereby  forced  out  of  character ;  hence  those 
watery  shoots  we  often  hear  complained  of,  and  the  disfigura- 
tion we  often  see — the  gumming,  &c.  How  to  manage,  and 
where  to  prune  such  wood,  are  questions  that  many  young 
gardeners  and  amateurs  have  puzzled  themselves  over.  Where 
is  the  remedy?  The  best  I  can  give  is  not  to  produce  them, 
if  possible.  Need  I  say  what  one  of  those  shoots  is  like  ?  If- 
grown  in  a  low,  wet,  cold  situation — indeed,  in  almost  any 
situation  in  such  a  season  as  the  last — there  will  be  found 
laterals  growing  late  with  great  speed,  the  wood  of  which 
is  green  and  soft.  One  sees  this  with  great  concern,  and 
asks  himself  where  he  is  going  to  cut  the  shoots  in  the  coming 
March  pruning.  Not  an  eye  is  left  between  the  few  at  the 
bottom  and  a  few  again  at  the  top.  These  are  plump  aud 
tempting,are  they  not?  But  they,  with  the  whole  shoot,  must 
be  cut  away  down  to  the  few  round  eyes  at  the  bottom,  leaving 
perhaps  only  six,  eight,  or  more  inches  of  wood.  This  is  slow 
work  to  fill  a  12-foot  wall.  Friends  of  the  spur  system  will 
say,  "  Pinch  in  the  laterals  during  the  summer."  Well,  every 
one  to  his  fancy;  but  it  seems  to  me  that  these  are  not  suit- 
able even  for  this  purpose,  for  a  strong  shoot  will  produce 
laterals  without  an  eye  from  4  to  6  inches  from  its  base  ;  prune 
it  below  the  first  eye  and  the  spur  dies — a  blank  is  produced. 
We  do  sometimes  find  at  the  base  of  a  weak  lateral  an  eye ; 
and,  even  should  it  be  some  distance  from  those  at  the  base,  in 
order  to  getmore  length  in  the  shoots,  we  are  apt  to  cut  it  there. 
The  wood  being  unripe,  the  eye  at  times  will  not  germinate. 
Shoidd  it  do  so  it  assumes  the  same  worthless  character  under 
the  law  of  "like  produces  like,"  and  often  the  whole  branch,  in 


Dec.  27, 1873.] 


THE  GARDEN. 


529 


consequence  of  the  amputation,  decays  down  to  the  next  branch, 
often  to  the  centre ;  a  disfiguration  is  caused,  with  a  loss  of  time 
in  covering  the  wall — considering  this,  the  question  presents 
itself — how  may  we  avoid  all  this  ?  Well,  I  think,  first  we 
should  employ  nothing  but  good  sound  soil  to  plant  in,  and  use 
no  strong  stimulating  manures,  unless  the  tree  makes  a  poor 
growth,  also  plant  in  a  firm  soil,  through  which  the  roots  may 
slowly  work  their  way.  And  bear  in  mind  that,  for  the  first 
two  or  three  years,  growth  and  establishment  should  be 
the  first  objects.  The  sooner  the  tree  gets  established  the 
better.  To  this  end,  then,  I  say,  let  at  least  half  of  the 
annual  shoots  remain,  for  the  following  reasons  : — (1.)  It 
will  greatly  prevent  the  growth  of  strong,  water3',  imripened, 
worthless,  overgrown  shoots.  (2.)  The  wall  will  be  covered 
much  sooner.  (3.)  They  will  fruit  some  years  sooner,  and 
more  abundantly.  It  ma}-  be  thought  that  the  extended  shoots 
will  run  away  with  the  lion's  shai'e  of  sap,  that,  as  a  rule, 
pi'ocoeds  to  the  extremities  first ;  but  any  one  who  has  studied 
tree  culture  knows  full  well  that  the  longer  a  shoot  is  left  in 
pruuing,  the  weaker  the  growths  the  following  year  ;  in  any 
lino,  except  a  perpendicular  one,  less  growth  and  more  fruit. 
The  object  of  short  pruning  is  to  fill  up  with  young  wood,  well 
"  home ;  "  of  the  long ,  to  go  on  at  once  to  cover  the  wall,  and 
soon  to  produce  fruit.  In  pruuing,  it  is  not  necessary  for  one 
to  say  to  what  length  the  shoots  should  be  cut ;  that  depends 
entirely  on  their  strength.  It  does  not  always  follow  that 
every  other  one  should  be  left  short  or  long ;  rather  be  guided 
by  the  vigour  of  each  shoot,  at  least  for  a  year  or  two,  more 
than  by  the  exact  shape  of  the  tree.  The  central  shoots 
should  be  kept  the  shortest,  a  rule  which  should  be  strictly 
adhered  to  in  all  cases. 

Let  mo  here  say,  while  advocating  a  sparing  use  of  the  knife 
in  pruning  young  trees,  I  am  a  strong  advocate  of  short 
pruning  after  the  tree  is  in  a  bearing  condition — after  the 
outline  or  framework  is  formed.  The  annual  growth,  if  of  a 
medium  size,  of  some  well-ripened  wood  should  be  cut,  say 
from  8  to  10  inches  yearly.  Nothing  will  sooner  throw  the 
tree  out  of  a  good  healthy  productive  condition  than  leaving 
too  long  an  annual  growth  (it  is  well  known  the  tree's  life  is 
shortened  by  it)  from  14  to  2U  inches  long  in  one  season.  It 
has  most  disastrous  tendencies.  The  vigour  of  the  tree  is 
destroyed,  the  crop  of  fruit  is  lessened,  and  the  tree  is  hastened 
to  a  premature  death.  You  may  get  a  few  more  fruits  for  a 
few  years,  but  the  tree  becomes  at  length  exhausted.  The 
Peach-tree  is  not  one  of  the  most  easy  to  recover  after  once 
being  in  an  unhealthy  state.  It  is  the  last  tree  in  the  garden 
■we  can  cut  back,  for  instance,  to  form  a  new  head.  It  resists 
an  amputation  (in  some  cases)  of  a  branch  near  the  stock,  if 
of  some  age  ;  it  seldom  heals  kindly  after  it,  and  without  great 
care  it  may  be  the  means  of  throwing  it  into  a  sickly  state, 
that  ends  in  premature  death.  Cut  the  young  wood,  but 
leave  the  old.  Nature  seems  unkind  to  this  tree ;  the  power 
of  recovery  is  wanting  in  a  marked  degree.  Cut  a  branch  off 
an  Apple,  Pear,  or  Plum-tree,  it  will  at  once  set  about  replacing 
it ;  not  so  the  Peach-tree.  Therein,  to  me,  lies  the  disadvan- 
tage of  spurring  this  tree.  What  is  to  be  done  with  the  old 
spurs.''  to  say  nothing  of  old  branches,  ivhcn  they  get  too 
long  and  unsightly .' 

I  have  said  nothing  of  root-pruning,  a  practice  I  strongly 
recommend  after  the  tree  has  attained  the  required  size.  In 
younger  ones,  it  has  the  same  disadvantage  as  too  short 
pruning.  JoKN  Taylor. 

Macsgivijnne,  S.  Wales. 


THE  "SETTING"  OE  GEAPES. 

Theee  was  a  periocl,  almost  within  the  recollection  of  miclcllc.agecl 
men,  before  Californian  or  Australian  gold  was  discovered,  or  cheap 
glass  had  become  the  order  of  the  day,  when  Vines  wore  generally 
grown  in  houses  glazed  with  diminutive  panes  of  glass,  nearly  one- 
half  the  root  being  formed  of  overlaps  and  the  other  of  timber  ;  and 
when  also,  the  young  wood  was  trained-in  as  closely  together  as  that 
of  the  Morello  Cherry  generally  is  now.  The  consequence  was  indiffe- 
rently ripened  wood ;  and  when  the  flowering  season  came  round  the 
rods  showed  abundance  of  long  lanky  semi-tendrils,  with  a  few  flowers 
here  and  there  about  their  extremities.  This  state  of  matters 
required  an  amount  of  skill  to  "  set "  the  Grapes  which  was  not 
always  forthcoming.     This  has  now  changed.      Largo,   light,   airy 


structures  are  the  order  of  the  day ;  the  improvement  in  the  Vines 
grown  in  them  being  nearly  as  great  as  that  in  the  structures  them- 
selves. But  notwithstanding  all  these  advantageous  circumstances, 
indifferently  "  set"  Grapes  are  by  no  means  uncommon.  How  best 
to  *'  set  "  Grapes  is  hence  a  subject  which  much  occupies  the  pagca 
of  horticultural  periodicals,  particularly  at  the  season  of  the  year 
when  the  flowering  period  again  comes  round.  It  is  essential,  iu 
order  to  maintain  and  keep  up  to  the  highest  possible  point  the  health 
of  the  Vine  (particularly  while  it  is  forming  its  young  wood,  whicli 
includes  the  period  of  its  flowering),  to  grow  it  iu  a  moderately  moist 
atmosphere,  more  or  less  water  being  applied  in  proportion  to  the 
amount  of  artificial  heat  used,  or  the  strength  of  the  sunshine.  The 
fact  that  this  is  generally  understood  and  generally  practised,  has 
something  to  do  with  Grapes  not  "  setting  "  satisfactorily — the  muro 
so,  when  the  weather  is  dull  and  cloudy  while  the  flowering  period 
lasts;  because  the  Vine,  like  most  other  e.'iotic  fruits,  "sets"  its 
flowers  most  surely  in  a  warm,  somewhat  dry  atmosphere — not 
necessarily  dry,  however,  the  whole  twenty-four  hours,  but  only  for  a 
few  hours  during  the  warmest  part  of  the  day,  the  period  when  im- 
pregnation takes  place.  In  bright  sunny  weather  this  dryness  is 
obtained,  and  at  the  proper  time,  by  the  necessary  ventilation  re. 
quired  to  regulate  the  temperature,  which  allows  the  moist  atmos- 
phere to  pass  gradually  out,  and  to  be  replaced  by  a  more  congenial, 
drier,  and  warmer  air.  When  dull  sunless  weather  occurs  at  this 
period,  special  attention  should  be  given  to  keep  the  pipes  sufiicieutly 
hot  to  allow  of  a  temperature  of  from  80°  to  85°  being  kept  up  for  a 
few  hours  each  day,  the  ventilators  being  at  the  same  time  opened 
sufliciently  to  allow  of  a  slow  change  of  atmosphere,  so  as  to  carry 
out  the  extra  moisture,  with  which  it  may  be  surcharged. 

Grape-growers  vary  their  treatment  considerably  at  this  stage  of 
growth.  Some  prefer  a  very  dry  atmosphere  and  very  high  tempera- 
ture, which  doubtless  is  favourable  for  the  "  setting"  process  in,  at 
least,  some  varieties,  such  as  Muscats,  Black  Morocco,  &c.,  but  is 
unfavourable  to  the  health  of  the  Vine  at  this  critical  period  of  its 
growth,  while  actively  engaged  developing  its  tender  shoots  and 
delicate  foliage,  causing  the  growths  to  "  come  weak,"  and  favouring 
the  rajDid  increase  of  injurious  insect  enemies,  which  are  almost 
sure  to  make  their  ajipearance  at  a  later  period  in  largo 
numbers — a  standing  source  of  annoyance  and  injury  during 
the  remainder  of  the  season.  Others  prefer  a  moist  atmosphere, 
and  even  recommend  continuing  syringing  during  the  flowering 
process,  if  the  weather  proves  fine  and  plenty  of  sunshine  occurs,  so 
as  to  admit  of  the  atmosphere  inside  the  houses  getting  dried  for  a 
few  hours  every  day.  This  may  be  safe  practice  if  the  conditions 
are  as  just  explained  ;  but,  if  otherwise,  it  is  unsafe,  for  unless  the 
pollen  is  quite  dry,  it  will  not  readily  act,  and  consequently  impreg- 
nation will  become  all  but  impossible.  The  confined  state  in  which 
Vines  under  glass  are  grown  is  not  favourable  to  the  process  of 
impregnation — the  glass  excluding  them  to  a  large  extent  from  the 
action  of  the  wind,  which  would  otherwise  largely  aid  in  spreading 
the  pollen,  and  bringing  it  iu  contact  with  the  stigma.  I  have  long 
had  in  use  here  an  admirable  but  very  simple  form  of  trellis  attached 
only  to  the  top  and  bottom  of  the  Vineries  and  Peach. houses,  &c., 
with  the  horizontal  wires  screwed  tight,  to  w'nich  the  Vines,  Peaches, 
i'C,  are  trained.  A  sharp  blow  with  the  hand  makes  it  vibrate  like 
a  fiddle-string,  sending  up  from  and  surrounding  each  bunch  with 
clouds  of  pollen.  This  is  certainly  a  much  better  plan  than  touching 
the  bunches  with  the  hand,  as  is  generally  done,  saving  much  time, 
and,  moreover,  doing  the  work  more  eiieotually. 

As  is  well  known  to  all  engaged  in  the  culture  of  the  Vine,  thero 
are  some  varieties  which  "set"  under  ordinary  treatment  in  the 
greatest  abundance,  such  as  the  different  varieties  of  Hamburgh, 
Trebbiauo,  Black  Prince,  &c.  There  are  not  a  few  others  which  will 
not  "  set  "  freely,  unless  grown  iu  a  high  temperature,  and  assisted 
in  the  process  of  impregnation  in  some  way — by  dispersing  either 
their  own  or  the  pollen  of  other  varieties  amongst  their  flowers ;  and 
when  this  is  properly  attended  to,  I  believe  there  are  no  varieties  but 
what  can  be  successfully  "  set "  iu  all  weathers.  Such  at  least  has 
been  my  own  experience,  with  the  single  exception  of  the  Muscat 
Hamburgh,  which,  when  started  after  the  beginning  of  February, 
"  sets  "  with  ordinary  attention  as  freely  as  most  other  varieties,  but 
when  started  a  few  weeks  earlier  appears  to  "  set "  equally  well,  and 
will  swell  for  a  time  till  after  the  thinning  of  the  berries  takes  place, 
soon  after  which  they  begin  to  swell  irr-egularly,  whole  shoulders 
having  more  than  half  their  berries  seedless  and  scarcely  half  the 
usual  size,  while  others  in  large  numbers  do  not  grow  much  larger 
thau  Peas.  I  have  observed  the  same  thing  to  a  less  extent  with 
other  varieties  of  Muscat.  Is  this  the  result  of  partial  but  imperfect 
impregnation,  arising  from  the  want  of  sunshine  or  light  ?  Certainly 
it  is  not  from  the  want  of  heat,  or  caused  by  a  stagnant  damp 
atmosphere.  If  it  were  possible,  in  general  practice,  to  grow  each 
variety  of  Vine  in  a  separate  house,  I  believe  the  treatment  of  each 


530 


THE  GAEDEN. 


[Dec.  27,  1873. 


in  tte  hands  of  expert  cultnrists,  would  bo  slightly  different. 
Some,  such  as  the  Muscats,  Black  Morocco,  &c.,  would  require 
both  root  and  branch  temperatures  higher.  Others,  such  as  Ham. 
burghs,  Sweetwater,  &o.,  could  be  grown  in  comparatively  cool 
houses.  Some  would  succeed  best  in  strong  loams,  others  in  lighter 
soils,  all  requiring  thorough  drainage,  and  a  liberal  allowance  of 
water  during  the  earlier  stages  of  their  growth.  The  variety  of 
treatment  applicable  to  the  different  vai-ieties  would  bo  doubly 
important  during  the  flowering  period.  In  general,  I  would  recom. 
mend  all  the  Muscats  and  most  of  the  shy-setting  varieties,  to  have 
the  temperature  increased  both  by  night  and  day;  the  night  tem- 
perature to  run  from  75'  to  72',  being  highest  during  the  early  part 
of  the  night,  falling  a  few  degrees  towards  morning,  and  rising 
during  dull  weather  at  least  10'  for  a  few  hours  in  the  warmest  part 
of  the  day,  always  accompanying  the  rise  of  temperature  with 
additional  ventilation.  In  bright  sunny  weather,  the  thermometer, 
with  plenty  of  air  on,  may  be  safely  allowed  to  rise  from  90'  to  95°  ; 
never  omitting,  in  some  way,  the  dispersion  of  the  pollen  during  the 
hottest  part  of  tho  day.  Free-setting  varieties,  such  as  the  Ham. 
burghs,  set  readily  with  an  average  of  6'  or  8'  less  heat  than  the 
Muscats,  but  all  Vines  should  have  an  additional  heat,  both  by  night 
and  day,  %vhile  in  flower. — A.  Fowler,  Castle  Kennedy,  in  "Florist." 


AERATma  FKUIT-TREE  BOEDERS. 
In  what  way  should  channels  be  formed  for  most  effectually  aijratinf 
fruit-tree  borders,  particularly  as  regards  Peaches  and  Apricots  ?  I 
have  been  led  to  this  inquiry  by  observing  in  a  gai-den  where  they 
are  employed,  that  the  connection  with  the  atmosphere  is  secured  by 
vertical  tubes  at  the  back  and  front  of  the  border,  within  a  few 
inches  of  the  same  level.  Their  formation  upon  such  a  plan  cannot 
answer  the  purpose  for  which  they  are  intended,  being  defec- 
tive in  the  most  essential  principle.  The  possibility  of  air 
circulating  in  channels  so  formed  is  contrary  to  reason,  it 
being  a  fact  admitting  of  no  contradiction,  that  air,  by  heat, 
becomes  specifically  lighter  in  one  place  than  in  another,  and 
the  expansion  is  in  proportion  to  the  intensity  of  the  heat.  There- 
fore, in  obedience  to  a  universal  law,  the  lighter  portion  ascends, 
while  tho  less  rarefied  rushes  in  to  supply  its  place,  which  is  the 
cause  of  aerial  currents,  whether  large  or  small.  It  is  quite  obvious 
that,  though  air  cannot,  like  other  substances,  be  felt,  it  is  never- 
theless a  body  possessing  weight  in  proportion  to  the  abstraction]of  heat. 
Then  we  cannot  suppose  that  a  volume  of  rarefied  air  can  displace 
one  of  greater  density.  The  system  of  heating  hot-houses  by  hot  air 
has  given  many  of  us  a  clearer  idea  how  to  produce  artificial  currents. 
Well,  applying  this  principle  to  the  case  under  consideration,  it  is  easily 
perceived  that  solar-heat,  acting  with  equal  force  upon  these  tubes, 
fails  to  exert  an  influence  upon  the  air  lodged  in  the  bottoms  of  the 
channels,  and  is,  to  use  a  common  expression,  like  "  pulling  two  ends 
of  a  string  without  in  the  least  altering  its  position.  The  best  plan 
to  secure  circulation  would  be  to  introduce  the  cold  air  considerably 
below  the  surface  of  the  border,  which  would  ascend  to  the  surface 
rarefied  by  the  heat  of  the  sun,  and  the  circulation  throughout  the 
year  would  be  just  be  in  proportion  to  the  heat  of  the  atmosphere. 
That  a  circulation  of  air  among  the  roots  is  necessary,  few  will  deny  ; 
and  even  the  most  sceptical  will  admit  its  invigorating  power. 
Yet  they  cannot  be  brought  to  understand  that  special  channels 
for  conduction  are  required.  But  let  me  tell  such,  that,  unless 
the  soil,  of  which  the  border  is  composed,  is  very  porous,  the 
formation  of  air  channels  should  certainly  have  attention.  The  fruit 
will  be  better  flavoured,  and  the  health  of  the  tree  of  longer  deration, 
owing  to  a  more  perfect  secretion  of  its  juices.  The  roots  are  brought 
into  contact  with  atmospheric  nutriment,  which  is  absorbed,  and 
again  replaced  by  a  fresh  supply ;  for  the  existence  and  continued 
health  of  the  tree  depend  upon  the  absorption  of  this  description  of 
food,  as  well  as  that  supplied  by  the  leaves.  An  easy  access  of  air 
lessens  the  capacity  of  the  soil  for  holding  an  injurious  amount  of 
water,  and  promotes  tho  decomposition  of  vegetable  and  inorganic 
manures.  Although  these  remarks  may  not  be  the  means  of  calling 
attention  to  the  subject,  its  thorough  investigation  is  not  the  less  iaZ 
taut.  ^^  _i,  C. 

Espalier  Gooseberries.— This  method  of  training  the  Goose- 
berry is  not  so  much  practised  as  it  should  be,  though  the  advantages 
resulting  from  it  are  numerous.  Some  of  the  most  choice  varieties 
of  this  fruit  are  rambling  in  habit,  exhibiting  little  tendency  to  form 
upright  growth  ;  consequently  the  bearing  wood  is  near  the  ground, 
so  that  the  fruit  is  very  liable  to  be  destroyed  by  heavy  rains.  To 
preserve  this  fruit  any  length  of  time  after  being  quite  ripe,  a  free 
circulation  of  air  is  indispensable.  This,  I  think,  can  only  be 
secured  by  adopting  the  espalier  mode. — F. 


THE    GARDENS   OF   ENGLAND. 


BUCKINGHA.M  PALACE. 
The  architecture  of  the  palace  itself,  commenced  iu  the  reign 
of  George  IV.,  has  been  severely  criticised,  as  inferior  even 
to  many  residences  of  the  lesser  Continental  princes,  to  say 
nothing  of  the  royal  palaces  and  chateaux  of  France.  When 
the  story  of  its  erection  is  told,  this  is  not  to  be  wondered 
at.  The  site  of  Buckingham  Palace  was,  in  1703,  occupied 
by  the  residence  and  grounds  of  Lord  Arlington,  of  whom 
they  were  purchased  at  that  time  by  the  Duke  of  Buckingham 
the  friend  and  patron,  and,  in  some  sort,  rival,  of  tho  poet 
Dryden.  The  old  buildings  were  at  that  time  entirely 
removed,  and  the  somewhat  stately  mansion,  with  its  facade 
of  the  Queen  Anne  style  of  architecture,  with  its  red  brick 
and  handsome  stone  dressings,  which  many  now  living  still 
remember,  was  erected  in  its  place.  This  residence  was 
purchased  by  George  III.  in  1761  as  a  Queen's  house,  at  the 
time  that  old  Somerset  House,  then  a  royal  residence,  was 
granted  by  Parliament  for  public  offices,  and  splendidly 
re-built  after  designs  furnished  by  Sir  William  Chambers. 
Buckingham  House,  as  it  continued  to  be  called,  became  the 
favourite  residence  of  Queen  Charlotte,  and  it  was  in  that 
building  that  all  the  children  of  George  III.  were  born, 
including  tho  Duke  of  Kent,  the  father  of  her  present 
Majesty.  In  1823,  George  IV.  commenced  the  transformation 
of  the  old  ducal  mansion  into  a  royal  palace,  under  the 
advice  of  Sir  John  Nash.  Parliament  proving  unwilling  to 
make  a  grant  for  a  palace,  certain  sums  were  obtained,  osten- 
sibly for  the  repaii's  of  Buckingham  House,  with  which  inade- 
quate resources,  only  obtained  from  time  to  time,  the 
Court  architect  began  a  piecemeal,  and,  in  fact,  disguised 
conversion  of  the  mansion  into  a  so-called  palace.  Parts  of 
the  building  at  the  back  were  removed,  and  patches  of  the  new 
structure  sprang  up  here  and  there,  in  the  best,  or,  perhaps, 
the  worst,  way  they  could  be  managed  under  the  circumstances, 
till  after  the  absorption  of  several  successive  grants  of  money 
for  those  soi-disant  repairs,  the  old  fafade  was  at  last  pulled 
down,  and  the  heterogeneous  structure  of  Nash  stood  revealed 
in  all  its  ugliness  and  incongruity.  Much  indignation  was 
aroused  at  the  result  of  all  this ;  there  was  not  a  single 
spacious  apartment  in  the  whole  building,  and  all  the  rooms 
were  so  wantmg  in  height,  that  foreign  critics  satirically 
remarked  that  "  those  islanders  were  evidently  so  accustomed 
to  live  '  between  decks '  that  they  were  incapable  of  appreciating 
the  advantages  of  noble  and  lofty  apartments."  In  short,  it  has 
been  said  that  such  a  strange  mixture  of  the  costly  and  the 
shabby  had  never  before  been  agglomerated,  either  as  a  royal 
palace  or  otherwise  ;  and  it  was  never  inhabited  by  its  projector. 
It  remained  for  the  combined  good  taste  and  economy  of  the 
present  reign  to  improve  and  make  the  best  of  the  lamentable 
failure  that  had  been  perpetrated  at  such  a  lavish  and 
wasteful  expenditure.  A  sum  of  £1.30,000  was  gi-antcd  for 
this  purpose,  being  scarcely  more  than  twice  the  sum  that  had 
beeu  unprofitably  sunk  in  the  detached  erection  of  the  so-called 
triumphal  arch,  which  was  so  inconveniently  placed  that  it  had 
to  be  removed,  and  is  now  known  as  the  Jlarble  Arch,  forming 
the  north-eastern  entrance  to  Hyde  Park,  its  cliiet  use  being 
that  of  an  omnibus  station.  With  the  £"1.W,000  above-named, 
the  present  fa9ade  of  Buckingham  Palace  was  erected,  and 
several  other  improvements  carried  out,  which  have  con- 
cealed and,  to  a  certain  extent,  remedied  the  defects  of  the 
wretched  nucleus  left  incomplete  by  Nash. 

But  it  is  with  the  gardens  of  the  palace  that  we  are  chiefly 
interested.  Those  are  not  only  beautiful  in  themselves,  but  of 
an  extent  of  which  few,  who  have  never  enjoyed  tho  privilege 
of  visiting  them,  are  likely  to  form  an  accurate  idea.  Few 
would  imagine  that  the  garden  space  of  a  London  residence, 
even  a  royal  palace,  which  the  growing  city  has  long  closely 
encompassed  on  every  side,  except  in  so  far  as  it  is  protected 
by  the  open  spaces  of  the  Green  and  St.  James's  Parks, 
actually  exceeds  forty  acres  in  extent,  and  that  in  the 
richly  diversified  grounds  there  is  a  lake  of  five  acres,  with 
its  swans  and  waterfowl,  as  secluded  in  appearance  as  any  such 
scene  might  be  50  miles  from  London.  When  reading  of  a 
"  garden  party  "  given  by  her  Majesty  at  Buckingham  Palace, 


Dec.  27,  1873.] 


THE   GARDI^N. 


531 


VIEW    IN    THE    GARDENS    AT    BUCKINGHAM    PALACE. 


532 


THE  GARDEN. 


[Dec.  27,  1873. 


one  is  apt  to  couceive  that  the  term.  "  garden  party  "  is  not  to 
be  received  with  its   precisely  accurate  signiiication,  but  as 
meaning  rather  a  meeting  of  the  royal  guests  on  a  tolerably 
large  lawn  at  the  back  of  the  palace,  instead  of  in  the  ordinary 
reception  I'ooms,  whereas  that  term  might  fairly  be  taken  in 
its    widest     acceptation,     as     any    one     may     well     imagine 
that  in  the  space  of  forty  acres  there  is  ample  space  for  turfy 
glades,  deep  shady  walks  through  plantations  of   handsome 
flowering   shrubs,  and  park-like   trees   studded    over   broad 
expanses  of    greensward.      It   is,  in  fact,   so ;    her  Majesty 
possesses  a  delightful  recreation    ground    attached    to    her 
London  residence.     Some  of  the  Elms  are  very  noble  trees, 
being  relics  of  the  old  Arlington  gai-dens,  trees  that  made  their 
growth  when  there  was  scarcely  a  house  between  the  oldest 
part  of  Piccadilly  and  the  village  of  Kensington,  while  the 
open  spaces  of  the  park  still  keep  off  the  too  close  proximity 
of  the   overgrown  and   still  growing   city   on  the   east   and 
north.     On    the   west,   however,   Belgravia    has    grown    up 
in  its  far-extending  magnificence.     But,  fortunately   for   that 
district  of  mansions,  the  new  suburb  is  anything  but  a  dense 
mass   of   bricks  and   mortar;    while   on  the    south,  however, 
houses  of   an   inferior  character,    densely  packed,  have  been 
ci'owded  up  close  to  the  garden  walls,  which  gives  us  au  uncom- 
fortable glimpse  of  what  might  have  been  the  consequence  to 
this  breathing  space   of  western   London  had  it  not  become 
Crown  property  by  the   fortuitous   purchase  of   George  III. 
But    for   that   circumstance,   the   murky  demon   of    London 
building  would  by  this  time  have  covered  that  precious  forty 
acres,  and  not  only  would  the  great  metropolis   have   lost  a 
valuable  portion  of  its  western  lung,  but  the  nation  would  not 
now  have  been  able,   in  any  fitting   situation,  to  furnish  the 
Queen  with  a  London    residence,   surrounded   by   sufficient 
ground  to  allow   her  to  enjoy  that  necessary  extent  of  garden 
which   is    the    proper  adjunct   of    a  royal    residence.      Our 
engraving  represents  the   garden  lake,  with  its  richly-wooded 
banks  and  its  picturesque  island,   beyond   which   looms   the 
equestrian    statue    of    Wellington     at    Hyde    Park    Corner, 
which  forms  an   agreeable    contrast   to   the  ii-regular  forms 
of  the  tufted    foliage,   while   it   is    too  distant   to  allow  its 
manifold   defects,    as    a    work     of   art,   to    be    prominently 
objectionable.     As  a  "jardin  anglais,"    to  borrow  a   French 
term,    this     pleasure-ground,     both     for     its     extent     and 
well-devised  arrangement,   is    remarkably  good,  and  one  in 
which  we  may  justly  take   a  national  pride.     It  should  be 
mentioned  that,  on  the  Westminster  side,  where  the  too  close 
proximity  of  a  mass  of  inferior  houses  had  to  be  dealt  with, 
and  its  objectionable  character  reduced  as  much  as  possible, 
an    embankment    of    considerable   height    has    been    raised, 
and  planted  with  trees  and  shrubs,  which  now  form  a  very 
efiectual    screen  in   that   direction ;    so   that,   though    these 
gardens    are    embedded,    as   it  were,   in   the  town  on  their 
southern   side,   they    have,    nevertheless,     with    their     rich 
plantations,   their   handsome   and  secluded    seats,  and   their 
temple-like   pavilions   and  summer-houses,  decorated  by  the 
pencils  of  our  Maclises  and  Laudseers,  been  made  to  form, 
near  the  banks  of  the  floyal  Thames,  like  the  walks  of  Cassar — 

Hio  private  arbours  auil  new  planted  orchards  on  this  side  of  Tiber, 

a  spacious  pleasure-ground  for  the  private  use  and  recreation 
of  the  Queen,  quite  worthy  of  the  English  nation.  The  art 
of  the  gardener  has,  indeed,  gone  far  in  the  gardens  of 
Buckingham  Palace  to  redeem  the  blunders  and  short-comings 
of  its  architects.  N.  N.  H. 


THE     ARBORETUM. 


Deer  in  the  Royal  Parks. — The  number  of  deer  kept  in 
Windsor  Great  Park,  on  an  average  of  the  last  ten  years,  is  1,658, 
as  appears  from  a  return  just  issued  j  the  number  killed  is  12S,  and 
sixteen  are  annually  required  for  the  Royal  Hunt.  The  nett  cost  is 
estimated  as  under  £1,500  a  year.  In  Richmond,  Hampton  Court, 
Bushcy,  and  Greenwich  Parks,  the  number  of  deer  kept  is  2,889 ; 
the  number  killed  per  year,  372 ;  the  estimated  cost  annually, 
£  1,89  i.  At  PhoDuix  Park,  Dublin,  780  are  annually  kept ;  lOG  are 
annuaUy  killed,  of  which  thirty  are  given  to  the  poor  and  twenty- 
four  sold  ;  the  remainder  being  for  distribution  iu  her  JUajesty's 
service.  The  average  nett  annual  cost  is  £203.  It  thus  appears  that 
the  annual  cost,  per  head,  of  the  deer  in  the  I'hoeuix  Park  is  con- 
siderably less  than  in  any  of  the  other  parks. 


TOP-DEESSING  CONIFEROUS  TREES. 

Pew  operations  iu  horticulture  are  more  efficacious  than  this. 
What  a  dusting  of  guano  is  iu  dripping  weather  to  a  green  crop, 
that     a    dressing    of  fresh  soil  is  to  growing  trees ;   it  acts 
almost  as  suddenly,  and  its  effects  are  far  more  durable.    I 
believe,  too,  the  action  is  compound  ;  for  the  breaking  of  the 
turf  over  the  roots  of  the  trees  seems  to   give  nourishment 
to  them,  and  it  also  cuts  off  such  a  greedy  feeder  as  Grass 
from    the   ground.      And    there    is    a    stock    of   fresh  food 
provided     by     the     top-dressing,     into     which     the     roots 
rush   up   with  a  rapidity    stimulated,   one  would  think,  by 
hunger.     From  whatever  cause,  this  important  fact  is  certain, 
that   the  roots    almost    follow    the    top-dressing,    and    that 
the  top  mostly  responds   to    them    liberally   the   very    first 
season  ;  while  the  second  gives  even  fuller  proof  of  the  effect 
of  the  dressiug.     I  was  convinced  of  the  great  utility  of  the 
system  by  accident.     Having  occasion  to  level  the  surface  of 
a   Pinetum,  the    peculiar    position    of    many    of    the    trees 
compelled   me   to    level   up,    not    down.      The    consequence 
was     au    accumulation     of      soil     in     some     cjuarters     from 
6  to  30  inches  deep.     This  latter  I  was  somewhat  afraid  of. 
Roots    buried    so    deeply    might    refuse    to    feed     on     the 
new  or,  indeed,  on  auy  material.     These  fears,  however,  proved 
entirely  groundless.     The  deeper  the  dressing,  the  better  the 
trees  grew  ;  not,  however,  that  I  would  recommend  any  such 
depth  ;  from  6  inches  to  a  foot  is  sufficient  at  any  one  time. 
But,  nevertheless,  such  was  the  fact.     Ever  since  then  I  have 
been  a  convert  to  top-dressing  Conifers.  To  keep  them  growing 
at  maximum  speed,   dress    every  third  year.      Or  if  express 
growth  is  desired,  and  the  trees  are  on  the  turf,  dress  every 
year;  no  labour  nor  expense  pays  better.     Thousands  of  trees 
iu  isolated  positions  on  the  turf  are  simply  starving  into  moss- 
covered   dwarfs.       Their    original   larder   below    is    emptied 
of  good  things,  and  the  Grass   is  I'obbing  the  roots  above. 
Hence  their  weakness,  leanness,  stuntedness.  Surface-feed,  and 
up    come    the   roots   and   away   the   tops  and    side-branches 
go.     Now  or  during  frost  is  a  good  time  to  get  the  dressing  to 
the  spot.     It  can  then  be  applied  any  time  between  this  and 
the  middle  of  February.     Remove  the  turf,  cutting  it  thin  to 
avoid  the  surface  roots.     Apply  the  dressing,  and  re-lay  the 
turf  directly.     Where  there  is  no  turf,  the  operation  is  still 
more  simple.  D.  T.  Fish. 


THUJOPSIS    DOLOBRATA   VARIEGATA. 

I  BELIEVE  most  of  US  that  have  seen  a  thriving  plant  of  this  lovely 
Japan  Conifer  will  agree  with  Professor  Thunberg,  when  he  says, 
"  It  is  the  most  beautiful  of  all  evergreen  trees."  What  can  surpass 
it  ?  T.  dolobrata  is  grand  ;  but  the  variegated  variety  of  it  is  simply 
exquisitely  beautiful.  It,  moreover,  seems  to  do  well  in  any  soil ; 
but  luxuriates  iu  a  moist  cold  soil  or  sub-soil,  without  stagnant  water. 
It  appears  to  thrive  best  in  an  atmosphere  of  humidity,  such  as  suits 
a  Lycopod.  In  a  shady  nook  in  the  neighbourhood  of  water  it  is 
quite  at  home.  With  mo  the  variegated  variety,  as  a  rule,  grows 
much  faster  than  the  normal  green  one.  In  most  variegated  sports  or 
varieties  the  reverse  is  tlie  case.  There  are  here  about  a  dozen  of 
each  sort  of  different  heights,  and  this  characteristic  is  very  appa- 
rent in  all.  In  some  instances  the  rate  of  growth  seems  about  two- 
and-a-half  to  two  in  favour  of  the  variegated  plants.  The  leader  at 
once  starts  off  vigorousl}',  and  throws  off  its  laterals  alternately  with 
great  regularity.  Its  outlines  are  superb — a  pyramid  to  the  letter. 
Even  without  its  beautiful  variegation,  it  has  quite  an  aristocratical 
aspect  compared  with  the  green  variety.  It,  moreover,  seems  likely 
to  prove  a  good  timber  tree.  The  green  variety  seems  to  content 
itself  with  making  but  little  headway,  annually  making,  as  it  does, 
the  lateral  growths  longer  than  the  leader ;  and  then  the  branches 
of  some  years'  growth  persist  in  turning  up  and  producing  leaders 
vicing  with  the  principal  one.  In  all  appearance  the  tree  would 
shortly  bo  a  mass  of  contending  leaders  if  not  continually  cut  back. 
It  has  more  the  aspect  of  a  spreading  bush  than  a  timber  tree,  when 
compared  with  the  variegated  variety,  and  is  not  nearly  so  graceful. 
At  the  same  time  both  are  quite  hardy.  Cold,  wet,  frost,  and  snow 
seem  to  have  no  effect  on  them.  This  is  more  than  can  be  said  for 
many  other  Conifers  here,  which  the  last  three  wet  summers  have 
very    seriously    injured,    especially    the    Wellingtouias.      I    would 


Dec.  27,  1873.] 


THE   GAEDBN. 


533 


i-ecommend  to  all,  who  may  want  only  one  snaall  tree,  the  variegated 
variety  of  T.  dolobrata.     In  a  rockery  amongst  Ferns,  it  is  at  home 
and  quite  in  character ;   and  its  effect  is  both  noble  and  striking. 
The  Gardens,  Maesgwijnne.  John  Taylor. 


FOEBSTS  AND  CLIMATE. 
As  wo  stated  some  time  ago,  Mr.  Meehan  had  written  at  consider- 
able  length  in  the  New  York  Tribune  against  the  notion  that  forests 
modify  climate  to  any  important  extent.  This  has  drawn  forth  some 
important  replies,  one  of  which,  by  Mr.  Henry  Stewart,  we 
reproduce.  "  The  various  climates  and  sharp  contrasts  of  the  vegeta- 
tion of  America  make  the  study  of  this  important  subject  there 
more  likely  to  reward  the  student  with  definite  results  than  with  us 
in  England.  Mr.  Meehan  states  that  'there  is  no  pieco  of  ground 
so  dry  in  its  sub-soil  as  that  which  sustains  a  forest  upon  its 
surface ; '  and,  again,  that  the  soil  beneath  forests  is  at  certain 
seasons  '  as  hard  as  a  brick,  and  as  dry  as  a  bone.'  Further,  ho 
charges  the  forests  with  being  the  means  whereby  the  vast  fires  aro 
spread,  which  often  occur  in  difiierent  states.  I  am  sorry  to  be 
obliged  to  say  that  these  statements  are  far  from  being  consistent 
with  facts.  I  have  had  for  thirty  years  the  best  opportunities  of 
observing  the  amount  of  moisture  existing  in  the  soil  of  extensive 
forests,  in  which  the  evaporation  referred  to  by  Mr.  Meehan  has  had 
every  facility  to  occur  with  the  greatest  possible  effect.  I  can  say 
with  the  greatest  confidence  that  there  is  no  ground  so  moist  in  its 
sub-soil  as  that  which  bears  a  forest  upon  its  surface  ;  and,  further, 
that  the  surface  of  the  soil  with  the  accumulated  leaves  and  di^hris 
of  the  forest  upon  it  is  alwaj'S  damp  and  saturated  with  moisture. 
In  sleeping  at  night  in  the  woods  with  a  pair  of  blankets  beneath 
the  body,  which  I  have  done  for  weeks  at  a  time,  I  have  always 
found  myself  uncomfortably  damp  and  my  blankets  moist  with 
water  absorbed  from  the  ground,  even  in  tho  driest  and  hottest 
weather.  Indeed,  so  far  from  it  being  the  case  that  the  ground  is 
'  as  hard  as  a  brick  and  as  dry  as  a  bone  '  during  the  season  of 
growth,  when  the  myriads  of  pumps,  so  pictarcsquely  described, 
are  engaged  in  draining  the  forest  soil  of  all  its  moisture,  it  is 
precisely  in  that  season  that  I  have  found  the  soil  the  most  saturated 
with  moisture,  and,  on  the  contrary,  it  is  only  when  the  forest  trees 
are  not  in  leaf,  and  the  sun  can  penetrate  the  open  branches,  that  the 
surface  is  dried  so  much  as  to  permit  the  fire  to  run  in  the  woods. 
I  have  cleared  off  several  large  tracts  of  woodland,  and  have  had 
many  burns  both  in  the  spring  and  the  fall.  I  have  also  witnessed 
many  severe  forest  fires,  and  know  as  a  fact  that  it  is  in  the  spring 
before  the  leaves  have  appeared  that  there  is  most  danger  from  fire 
spreading  through  the  woods.  Then  the  hot  suns  of  April  and  May 
dry  the  surface,  and  the  fire  spreads  with  the  greatest  facility.  Then, 
too,  the  utmost  care  is  taken  to  prevent  clearing  fires  to  get  beyond 
control,  and  I  have  known  one  in  the  month  of  May  to  burn  over 
sixteen  miles  of  dense  forest  in  one  day  when  assisted  by  a  strong 
breeze.  On  the  contrary,  in  the  summer  the  woods  are  moist  and 
damp,  and  the  clearings  are  burned  off  then  without  any  precaution. 
In  the  great  northern  forests  the  settlers  choose  this  time  of  the  year 
to  prepare  their  '  fallows,'  as  they  call  these  clearings.  Windfalls 
and  extensive  lumbering  woods  filled  with  rubbish,  of  course,  are 
exceptional  cases,  because  the  woods  no  longer  exist  to  furnish  shade, 
and  these  cases  do  not  apply.  It  was  in  such  places  that  the  great 
forest  fires  of  the  north-west  occuiTed  two  years  ago,  and  not  in  the 
forest  itself.  Mr.  Meehan  lives  in  a  state  (Pennsylvania)  in  the 
mountains  of  which  tho  farmers  every  spring  '  burn  off '  the  woods  ; 
that  is,  set  fire  to  the  dead  brush  and  leaves  in  them  for  the  express 
purpose  of  facilitating  tho  growth  of  fresh  herbage.  These  fires 
so  made,  which  picturesquely  lighten  up  the  mountain  sides 
for  many  miles  at  night  each  spring,  can  be  only  made  at  this 
season,  because  then  the  woods  are  in  the  driest  condition ;  yet 
then  the  fire  only  burns  the  surface  and  does  not  injure  the  roots 
of  the  Grass  or  the  Huckleberries  or  the  weeds  lying  beneath  it.  So 
much  for  the  surface.  As  to  the  sub-soil,  Mr.  Meehan  is  equally 
inexact.  In  digging  hundreds  of  '  test '  pits  in  the  woods  of  northern 
Michigan  for  purposes  of  explorations,  and  in  observing  many  railroad 
cuttings  there  and  elsewhere,  I  have  always  found  the  soil  at  a  depth 
of  from  2  to  10  feet  uniformly  moist,  and  in  a  measure  saturated 
with  water.  I  remember  no  single  exception  to  this  in  the  course  of 
several  years'  experience  in  making  explorations  in  the  woods.  I 
have  observed  this  in  many  places  widely  apart — in  the  States  of 
New  York,  West  Virginia,  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  and  Pennsylvania, 
and  in  the  Provinces  of  Canada.  I  am  thoroughly  satisfied,  from 
abundant  experience,  of  the  stability  of  this  saturated  condition  of  the 
soil  beneath  forests  and  the  denser  they  may  be  the  greater  the  degree 
of  saturation.  Again,  as  to  the  retention  of  the  water  of  heavy  rains  on 
the  surface  in  forests,  I  would  simply  ask  Mr.  Meehan  if  he  ever  saw 
a  wash-out  in  the  woods  as  he  may  see  any  day  up  on  the  hill-sides  or 


sloping  fields  of  his  state,  or  anywhere  elso  he  may  look  for  them. 
Such  a  thing  is  unknown,  but,  on  the  contrary,  the  hollows  and 
ravines  in  woods  aro  so  many  receptacles  in  which  the  spongy  sur- 
face retains  the  water  until  it  passes  off  with  deliberation.  Sudden 
floods  are  therefore  unknown,  and  the  springs  and  streams  aro 
remarkably  constant  and  steady  in  volume  in  wooded  countries.  I  do 
not  state  opinions,  but  facts  and  knowledge  derived  from  abundant 
observation,  when  I  state  this.  Tho  usual  clap-trap  about  the  trees 
pumping  up  vast  volumes  of  water  from  the  soil  into  tho  atmosphere 
is  not  neglected  by  Mr.  Meehan.  But  it  is  simply  absurd  to  refer 
to  this.  This  is  the  business  of  the  trees  and  what  they  were 
made  to  do.  Nature  is  always  equal  to  the  occasion,  and  is  so 
in  this  case.  It  is  also  the  business  of  the  surface  of  tho 
soil  and  of  everything  resting  upon  it  in  the  woods — the  trees,  leaf, 
stem,  and  every  part  of  them ;  the  rocks,  and  the  atmosphere— as 
soon  as  the  sun  has  set,  to  condense  again  the  moisture  dissolved 
during  the  day  by  tho  heated  air.  Not  only  at  night,  but  during 
the  day,  is  this  condensation  going  on.  I  have  observed  in  the 
month  of  Angust  a  difference  of  many  degrees  between  tho  tempera- 
ture in  the  depth  of  a  dense  Pine  forest  and  that  of  tho  open  space 
where  it  had  been  cleared  away.  Tho  heat  in  the  open  country  when 
tho  thermometer  marks  100'  in  the  shade  is  something  astonishing 
to  a  person  suddenly  emerging  from  the  cool  forest  into  an  open  field 
or  to" an  expanse  of  naked  granite  rocks,  as  I  have  frequently  done. 
There  is  a  vast  amount  of  condensation  going  on  as  the  air  from 
these  heated  openings  is  carried  by  the  breeze  through  the  woods. 
Especially  at  night  this  condensation  is  excessive,  and  is  a  most 
striking  occurrence.  At  daybreak  everything  is  saturated.  The 
water  drops  in  showers  from  every  spray.  '  One  may  wring  water 
from  every  bunch  of  Moss.  The  surface  glistens  and  glitters  in  the 
beams  of  the  morning  sun  as  they  glint  athwart  the  sodden  ground 
and  light  up  myriads  of  drops  of  water  and  little  pools  held  in  every 
curled  and  withered  leaf  lying  upon  it.  The  air  is  super-saturated 
and  full  of  fine  mist,  and,  where  the  sun's  beams  strike  a  rotten 
stump  or  a  prono  wreck  of  an  ancient  tree,  there  arises  a  dense 
vapour  like  steam  from  a  kettle.'  This  is  the  exact  condition  of 
things  which  I  have  observed  frequently  during  many  years. 
Judgment  in  a  case  of  this  kind  must  be  formed  from  facts  and  not 
from  opinions."  

Uses  of  the  Clierry-tree. — At  the  Michigan  Pomologica 
Meeting,  Mr.  H.  S.  Chubb  paid  a  tribute  to  the  Cherry-tree,  which,  in 
every  position,  contributes  in  some  way  to  the  comfort  and  service 
of  man.  "  Even  tho  gum  which  exudes  from  its  wounds  is  precious 
for  medicinal  purposes,  and  makes  an  excellent  mucilage;  "  its  fruit 
is  handsome  ;  is  undoubtedly  the  best  that  is  canned  or  preserved  ; 
for  drying,  it  has  "  no  equal  in  the  whole  realm  of  commerce,"  its 
curative  properties  are  universally  conceded,  and  its  rich  colour  is 
the  acknowledged  standard  of  beaiity  on  the  lips  of  the  most 
charming  of  women.  Nor  is  this  all.  Its  timber  ranks  high  ;  "  the 
household  furniture  next  best  to  Black  Walnut  and  Mahogany  is 
made  of  Michigan  Cherry,  and  thence  transported  to  all  parts  of  the 
world;  the  best  printers' furniture  is  manufactured  froni  Michigan 
Cherry,  and  distributed  from  thence  \vhcrever  civilization  has  carried 
the  printing  press.  Cherry,  grown  wild  in  the  woods  of  Michigan,  is 
sought  for  by  the  manufacturers  of  school  furniture,  as  the  best 
wood  they  can  find  for  their  purpose.  It  is  easily  worked ;  receives 
a  good  polish  ;  has  a  delightful  lively  colour,  and,  in  contrast  with 
Maple  and  Walnut,  gives  a  pleasing  variety  to  decorative  cabinet 
and  carpentry  work,  which  of  late  years  have  introduced  a  new 
charm  to  dwelling,  office,  store,  railroad  car,  steamboat,  and  private 
carriage.  The  wood  is  hard  without  being  coarse  or  knotty,  and  its 
grain,  though  not  prominent,  is  fine  and  beautiful."  Thankful  ought 
we  to  be,  and  proud,  that  we  live  in  a  land  and  enjoy  a  climate  where 
this  fruit  and  timber  can  be  grown. 


NOTES  AND  QUESTIONS  ON  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


Boxes  for  Lemons.— A  large  mill  ia  erecting  at  Vanceborougli,  Momo, 
United  States,  for  tho  manufacture  of  Lemon  boxes.  The  material  is  supplied 
from  the  hard-wood  forests  on  St.  Croix  lake,  from  which  a  practically 
unlimited  quantity  can  be  obtained.  The  boxes  are  shipped  to  the  Mediter- 
ranean, filled  witli  Lemons,  and  re-shipped  to  other  parts  of  the  world. 

Mistletoe  on  the  Acacia.— In  your  issue  of  the  13th  inst.,  when  describing 
the  gardens  .al;  "Holland  House  "  (see  p.  WS),  you  remark  that  the  Mistletoo 
grows  on  an  Acacia  near  the  Italian  garden,  and  record  the  opinion  of  the 
gardener,  Mr.  Dickson,  that  it  is  a  rarity  on  that  tree.  So  tar  as  my  observa- 
tion goes,  I  agree  with  Mr.  Dickson's  ooinion,  but,  at.  the  same  time,  I  am 
pleased  to  tell  all  interested  in  arboricultural  cui-iosities  that,  a  few  days 
ago,  while  passing  along  to  my  nursery,  I  noticed  a  fine  bunch  of  this  f  avom-ite 
parasite  growing  on  one  of  a  pair  of  venerable  Acacias,  situated  by  the 
turnpike  road  leading  to  Staplegrove,  on  either  side  the  principal  entrance  to  the 
Independent  College  School,  at  Fairwater.— Robeei  H.  Poxhtbk,  Taunton. 


)34 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  27, 1878. 


THE     KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

ONIONS. 
To  CULTIVATE  tlie  Onion  well,  we  require  good,  strong,  deeply- 
dug,  wcll-pulveriscd,  sweet,  and  rich  soil.     Sow  the  main  crop 
from  the  10th  to  the  '28th  of  March,  in   drills,  1  foot  apart. 
A  mixture  of  dry  wood  or  peat-ashes,  with  a  portion  of  guano 
incorporated  with  the  ashes,  and  drilled  in  with  the  seed,  has 
the   power  of   starting  the   young    plants   into  a   quick   and 
vigorous  growth  as  soon  as  the  crop  is  up  and  can   be  seen. 
Ohoose   a   dry  afternoon  to  draw  a  small  light  harrow  or  an 
iron-toothed  rake  across  the  drills  to  break  the  surface  ;  then, 
in  a  few  days  go  through  the  spaces  between  the  rows  with  a 
sharp  clean  Dutch  hoe  of  8  or  9  inches  in  width  ;    and,  as  soon 
as  they  can  be  properly  seen,  cross-hoe  them  with  a  goose- 
necked  3-inch  hoe.     It  is  astonishing  how  much  such  usage 
and  timely  attention  will  encourage  their  speedy  growth,  which 
is  fully  maintained  till  the  crop  is  fit  to  harvest.     It  will  also 
prepare  the  soil,  and  maintain  it  in  a  healthy,  pulverised,  sweet 
condition  for  any  succeeding  crop.     To  have  young  Onions  fit 
for  table  at  all  seasons,  sow  little  and  often  from  January  till 
September,   and,  to   produce   early   bulbs,  sow   some   of  the 
Spanish  or  Portugal  kinds  about  the  lith  of  August,  to  stand 
in  the  soed-bed,  and  transplant  them  in  the  month  of  February 
on  well-prepared  rich  soil,  a  foot  apart  each  way.     Sow  again 
in  a  little  warmth,  in  pans  or  boxes,  in  January  and  February; 
harden  off  in  due  time,  and  transplant  as  before  directed,  in 
the  end  of  March  and  beginning  of  April ;   they  may  thus  be 
grown  to  any  desired  size  and  weight  by  the  treatment  before 
recommended,  and  a  few  light  applications  of  gu.ano  and  dry 
ashes  in  showery  weather.     As  to  varieties,  as  fine  croppers 
and   good   keepers,  I  never  found   any  bettor  than   the   old 
Globe,  the  white  Globe,  the  Deptford,  the  Eoading,  James's 
Keeping,  and  the  Two-bladed  for  early  salad,  and  when  ripe 
for  pickling.     There  are  also  the  white  Spanish,  white  Lisbon, 
Tripoli,  and  Nuneham  Park.     There  ai-e  others  which  are  very 
good  kinds  in  their  season   and  largo  growers,  but  they  arc 
not  so  good  for  winter  storing.  Ja.mes  Barnes. 


LAXTON'S   NEW   PEAS. 
We  have  had  opportunities  of  noticing  the  result  of  Mr.  Laxtou's 
labours  in  cross-breeding  flowers,  fruits,  and  vegetables,  and  especially 
the  advances  which  ho  has  effected  in  his  favourite  vegetable,  the 
Pea.     Wo  recently  announced  that  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
had,  daring  the  past  season,  awarded  five  additional  first-class  certi- 
ficates to  Mr.  Laxton  for  new  Peas ;    all  those  allotted  by  the  Fruit 
committee   for   that  vegetable  at   the  trials  in   1873    having  been 
given  to  Mr.  Laxton.     Last  year,  seven  certificates  were  awarded  to 
the  same  raiser,  and  amongst  them  was  one  for  the  variety  illustrated 
in    our    advertising   columns,   which   the  committee   weie  induced 
to  re-christen   Fillbasket.     One    of   the   aims   of    Mr.  Laxton    has 
been   to    improve  his  fine  Pea  Supreme,   and  to  get  a   handsome 
podded,  highly  fertile,  and  good  cooking  Pea,  suitable  for  a  general 
crop,  on  shorter  straw,  and    in  this  he  appears  to  have  succeeded. 
Another  of  the  objects  aimed  at   has  been   to   gain   upon  Alpha  in 
hardiness   of  constitution  and    eariiness.      The   Pea   announced    in 
our  advertising  columns  as  Laxton's  No.  1,  appears  to  fulfil  these  con- 
ditions, as  it  is  described  by  Mr.  Laxton,  .and  reported  on  by  the 
Fruit  Committee  of   the  Royal  Horticultural   Society  as  being  the 
earliest  Blue  Wrinkled  Marrow  coming  into  use  at  the  same  time  as 
Dillistone's.     These  two  Peas  are  now  being  sent  out  for  the  first 
time,  with  Superlative,  Omega,  William  the  First,  and  Popular,  which 
have  already  gained   a    reputation ;    and  we    notice    that    Messrs. 
Hurst  &    Son  repeat  their  offer  of  £15,  in  five  prizes,  for  any  four 
of  the  above  varieties   of  Mr.  Laxton's  Peas,  including  Fillbasket 
and  Laxtou's  No.  1,   at   the   next  provincial  meeting  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society. 


the  set  planted.    The  net  profit  over  and  above  the  extra  weight  of  the 
sets,  in  planting  ioz.  sets  in  lieu  of  1  oz.  sets,  amounted  on  the  wliolo 
series  of  experiments  to  between  three  and  four  tons  per  acre,  and  the 
further  profit  on  the  increase  of  the  size  of  the  set  from  4  oz.  to  8  oz. 
averaged  about  five  tons  an  acre,   all  the  intermediate   steps  par- 
taking proportionately  of  the  increase. — 2.  The  advantages  in  favour 
of  the  large  sets  is  more  marked  in  the  late  than  in  the  early  varieties. 
— 3.  In  the  use  of  small  sets  of  from  1  oz.  to  3  oz.  in  weight,  a  larger 
balance  over  and  above  the  weight  of  the  sets  was  obtained  by  plant- 
ing from  G  to  9  inches  apart  in  the  rows  than  at  wider  intervals. — 4. 
Increasing  the  intervals  at  which  the  sets  are  planted,  even  of  the 
largest  size,  in  the  rows  to  more  than  12  inches,  diminishes  the  crop, 
and  the  wider  intervals  induce  no  increase  in  the  weight  of  the  pro- 
duce of  the  individual  sets. — 5.  It  may  be  broadly  stated  that  the 
weight  of  the  crop  is  proportionate  to  the  weight  per  acre  of  the  sets, 
and  that  small  sets  will  produce  the  same  crop  as  an  equal  weight 
per  acre  of  large  sets.     The  fact  is,  however,  of  limited  application, 
as  a  weight  of  very  small  sets  equal  to  a  weight  of  full-sized  Potatoes 
could  not  be  got  into  the  ground,  except  by  planting  tliem  so  close  as 
to  be  prejudicial  to  the  crop.     The  advantage,  therefore,  of  large  seta 
remains  practically  unimpaired. — 6.  Weight  for  weight,  cut  seta  pro- 
duce as  nearly  as  possible  the  same  weight  per  acre  as  whole  Potatoes; 
but,  for  the  reasons  given  above,  the  weight  of  the  sets  should  not 
be  reduced  by  sub-division. — 7.  Smaller  sets  give  a  larger  produce, 
in  proportion   to   their    weight,   than   the   larger    sets. —  8.    When 
the   intervals    between     the    sets     in     the     rows    are    diminished 
to  less   than  a  foot,  the  produce  of   each  individual  set   is  proper, 
tionately  diminished.     Though   this  is  not  necessarily  accompanied 
by  a  diminution  of  the  weight  of  the  crop,  no  increase   in  the  pro. 
duce  of  each  individual  set  is  caused  by  placing  the  sets  at  intervals 
wider  than  a  foot. — 9.  With  reference   to  the   relative   produce  of 
different  varieties,  a  late  red  sort  takes  the  precedence  throughout 
the  experiments  ;    and  of  the  several  varieties  of   Flukes,  Spencer's 
King  of  Flukes,  and  the  Queen  of  Flukes  are  much  more  prolific  than 
the  ordinary  variety.     And  we  would  further  remark  that,  as  a  rule, 
perfectly  new  sorts  are  usually  better  croppers  in  a  new  district  than 
older  or  more  worn-out  ones.     These  results  so  thoroughly  accord 
with  our  own  observations,  and  the  inquiries  made  of  prize  Potato, 
growers,  that  we  are  fully  persuaded  that  the  larger  the  sets  within 
reasonable  bounds,  the  greater  the  produce  ;  and  experiments  of  last 
year  on  our  own  farm  confirmed  the  view  that  2  oz.  sets,   cut  from 
4  oz.  or  6  oz.  Potatoes,  produced  a  far  better  result  than   the  same 
weight  from  2  oz.  whole  tubers. 


THE  CHOICE  OF  SEED  POTATOES. 
As  seed-time  is  again  at  hand,  a  few  remarks  upon  some  important 
experiments  in  the  choice  of  seed  can  hardly  fail  to  be  .acceptable  to 
our  readers.  The  first  experiments  to  which  we  would  refer  are  those 
by  Mr.  Maw  on  the  Potato  crop.  In  his  prize  essay  to  the  Royal 
Agricultural  Society  we  find  the  following  among  his  recapitulations 
relating  to  very  many  well  conducted  experiments : — 1.  Every  increase 
in  the  size  of  the  set,  from  1  oz.  up  to  8  oz.  in  weight,  produces  an 
increase  in  the  crop  much  greater  than  the  additional   weight   of 


The  Kitchen  Garden  Supply.— I  w;is  glad  to  observe  that  Mr. 
J.  Groom,  in  his  excellent  article  on  this  subject,  in  your  impression  of 
last  week  called  the  attention  of  young  gardeners  to  a  branch  of  their 
profession  much  neglected  by  them  at  the  present  day,  viz.,  kitchen 
gaidening.     It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that,  in  England  at  least, 
this  branch  of  horticulture  has  become  so  unpopular.     li  the  kitchen 
gardens  of  England,  twenty  years  ago,  were  equal  to  those  of  the 
present  day,  unless  gardeners  bestow  more  attention  on  this  subject, 
1  fear  there  is  little  prospect  of  any  improvement  taking  place  in 
their  condition  for  twenty  years  to  come.     Anyone  conversant  with 
Scottish  gardening  is  fully  aware   that   a  far   greater   amount  of 
attention   is   paid    to   kitchen   gardening  in  that  country,  than  is 
bestowed  on  it  in  England.     The  majority  of  head -gardeners  in  Scot-, 
land  make  it  a  rule,  that  their  apprentices,  and  young  men   who 
serve  under  them,  are  instructed  in   this   useful   branch   of   their 
business,  as  well  as  in  any  other  pertaining  to  their  profession  ;  and, 
1  think,  English  gardeners  would  do  well  to  take  an  example  from 
their  brethren  in  the  north  with  regard  to  this  matter,  and  act 
towards  young  beginners  in  a  similar  manner.      Anyone  who  has 
compared  the  kitchen  gardens  of  Scotland  with  those  of  England, 
will  admit  that  there  is  an  air  of  cleanliness  and  tidiness  about  those 
of  the  former  which  is  entirely  wanting  in  the  majority  of  those  of 
the  latter.     If  there  is  one  thing  more  than  another  that  enhances 
the  beauty  of  a  gentleman's  or  nobleman's  establishment  I  think  it 
is  a  well-kept  kitchen  garden.     This  reason  of  itself,  I  think,  might 
prove  sufficient  to  urge  young  gardeners  to  take  a  greater  interest  in 
this  departaiont  of  their  art.      Other  and  weightier  reasons  are  too 
apparent  to  everyone  to  need  any  comment. — W.  M.  R. 


Do  Plants  Exhale  Carbonic  Acid  ? — Plants  have  commonly 
been  thought  to  differ  from  animals  in  the  gases  which  they  secrete, 
the  animals  parting  with  carbonic  acid,  while  the  plant  gave  out 
oxygen.  Dr.  J.  C.  Draper,  however,  maintains  that  all  living  things, 
whether  animal  or  plant,  absorb  oxygen  and  give  out  carbonic  acid  ; 
and  that  the  life  of  the  plant  is  one  continuous  drinking  in  of  oxygen 
gas. 


Dec.  27,  1873. 


THE  GARDEN. 


63! 


THE    GARDEN    IN    THE    HOUSE. 

SMALL  VASES  OF  FLOWERS. 

To  obtain  nice  and  effective  arrangements  of  flowers,  it  is  not 
necessary  tboy  sbonld  be  large  or  talcc  many  flowers  to  make 
them.  Tbis  is  a  fault  too  often  oljserv.able  in  cases  wbere  a 
inimbcr  of  flowers  are  employed,  when  balf  tbe  quantity  would 
be  sufficient  if  judiciously  arranged.  The  style  of  arrangement 
I  speak  of  at  present  is  tbe  use  of  a  few  flowers  and  Perns  iii 
large-sized  specimen  glasses,  sucb  as  are  placed  on  tables,  or 
the  mantel-piece  in  the  drawing-room.  A  few  mixed  amongst 
other  stands  on  the  dinner-table,  tend  to  give  it  a  light  aixd 
elegant  appearance.  lu  the  drawing-room  of  a  friend,  a  few 
days  ago,  I  saw  a  small  vase  of  this  kiiul  which  I  admired  very 
much  ;  it  was  composed  of  some  spikes  of  pink  Cape  Heaths, 
a  bloom  of  Pancratium  fragrans,  and  a  few  drooping  bells  of  a 
small     pink     Cactus,     the 


bonqnet  (perhaps  I  should 
not  so  call  it,  as  it  was 
not  tied)  was  one-sided. 
Some  fronds  of  hardy 
Ferns  were  placed  so  as 
to  form  a  kind  of  back- 
ground; against  these  were 
the  Heaths,  then  came  the 
Pancratium  fragrans,  and 
the  Cactus  blooms  drooped 
over  the  edge,  the  whole 
being  sbroudcd  iu  Maiden- 
hair Fern.  I  have  in 
every-day  iise  on  the  break- 
fast-table, four  vases  of 
this  style  ranged  round  a 
nicely  grown  plant  of  Pteris 
tremula.  I  have  them  ar- 
ranged in  pairs,  two  beiug 
composed  of  Roman  Hya- 
cinths, white  Azaleas,  scar- 
let Pelargoniums,  and 
Ferns;  the  other  two  con- 
sist of  yellow  Roses,  Vio- 
lets, Roman  Hj-acinthsjand 
Ferns.  The  rough  pot  of 
the  Fern  is  dropped  into 
one  of  china,  the  surface 
of  the  soil  covered  with 
Moss,  in  which  are  placed 
three  bursted  seed-pods  of 
Iris  foetidissiraa,  which 
show  up  well  against  the 
green  of  the  Moss.  I 
could  give  descriptions  of 
many  little  vases  of  this 
kind,  but,  those  who  are 
going  to  arrange  any  will 
have  their  own  taste  to 
guide  them,  according  to 
what  flowers  they  can 
command,  and    what    size 

their  specimen  glasses  may  be.  To  bo  graceful,  they  should 
not  stand  more  than  8  inches  high,  and  should  Jiot  be  very 
broad  at  the  base,  as  glasses  too  tlaick  at  the  base  give  the 
■whole  thing  a  heavy  appearance.  I  must  not  forget 
to  mention  that  the  four  little  vases  of  my  own,  of  which  I 
have  spoken  above,  have  been  in  daily  use  a  week,  and  only 
at  the  end  of  that  period  have  the  flowers  begun  to  look  a 
little  faded.  A.  Hassakd. 

Upper  Noni'ood. 


different  species,  side  by  side,  was  to  mo  when  botanisiug  in  the 
fields.  To  an  entomologist,  such  a  knowledge  of  the  leaves  of  plants 
in  finding  the  pastarage  of  the  moths  and  butterfiios  he  is  seeking, 
must  bo  an  immense  gain ;  and  to  tho  botanist  and  florist,  especially 
to  the  younger  ones,  it  may  save  many  a  "take  in."  One  example 
that  occurred  to  myself  I  will  here  relate.  About  three  years  ago 
I  saw  marked  up  in  the  public  market  roots  of  Spiraea  palmata, 
neatly  swathed  in  Moss.  I  asked  tho  price  ;  eighteen  pence  per  root 
(strong  roots).  I  could  not  believe  it,  and  o.xpressed  my  doubts  in 
words,  but  was  assured  they  were  strong,  so  I  paid  my  eighteen  penco 
and  became  the  owner  of  one,  which  I  undid  and  searched  fur  a  leaf, 
and  found  a  very  small  one  ;  it  was  pinnate,  bat  so  small  that  I 
could  hardly  tell  if  I  were  right  or  wrong.  I  thought  myself  right 
in  doubting,  and  said  so  again.  What  coloured  flowers  had  the  plant  ? 
"  Deep  I'ose  ;  it  was  S.  palmata."  I  took  it  homo  and  planted  it, 
up  came  pinnate  leaves  instead  of  simple  palmate  ones ;  the  rosy, 
red  flowers  came,  it  was  Spira>a  vcnusta.  My  plan  is  to  dab 
both  sides  of   the  leaves  with   ink,    printing    from  the    under-sido 

in  tho  book  I  wish  to  retain 
it  in.  Tho  leaves  should  bo 
used  before  they  have  fully 
developed  their  woody  fibre. 
Compcsito  leaves,  as  of  tho 
umbelliferot,  will  have  to  bo 
divided,and  their  parts  printed 
sep.arately  ;  other  details  will 
soon  bo  learnt  by  practice. — 
John  Makten. 


Small  Vase  of  Flowers. 


Printing  Leaves. — The  simplest  method,  if  sufficiently 
truthful,  is  generally  best,  and  the  method  which  I  adopted  for  the 
above  purpose  when  at  school  was  that  of  kid  dappers  and  printer's 
ink.  My  first  pair  of  dappers  were  made  of  an  old  pair  of  kid  gloves, 
and  with  these  I  printed  many  hundreds  of  leaves  of  different 
species  ;  these  I  arranged  according  to  the  natural  orders,  and  I  need 
hardly  tell  you  tho  great  use  such  a  comparison  of  the  leaves  of 


The  Laughing  Plant. 
—  In  Palgrave's  work  on 
Central  and  Eastern  Arabia, 
we  read  of  a  plant  whose 
seeds  produce  effects  simil.ar 
to  those  of  laughing  gas.  It 
is  a  native  of  Arabia.  A 
divaiP  variety  of  it  is  found  at 
Kaseem,  and  another  variety 
at  Oman,  which  attains  to  a 
height  of  from  3  to  -1.  feet, 
with  woody  stems,  wide- 
spreading  branches,  and 
bright  green  foliage.  Its 
flowers  are  produced  in  clus- 
ters, and  are  of  a  bright 
yellow  colour.  The  seed  pods 
are  soft  and  woolly  in  texture, 
and  contain  two  or  three  black 
seeds  of  the  size  and  shape  of 
a  French  Bean.  Their  flavour 
is  a  little  like  that  of  opium, 
and  their  taste  is  sweet ;  tho 
odour  from  them  produces  a 
sickening  sensation,  and  is 
slightly  offensive.  These 
seeds  contain  the  essential 
property  of  this  extraordinary 
plant,  and  when  pulverised 
and  taken  in  small  doses, 
operate  upon  a  person  iu  a 
most  peculiar  manner.  Ho 
begins  to  laugh  loudly,boistBr- 
onsly  ;  then  he  sings,  dances, 
capers.  Such  extravagance 
was  never  produced  by  any  other 
kind  of  dosing.  The  effect  continues  about  an  hour,  and  tho 
patient  is  uproariously  comical.  When  the  excitement  ceases, 
tho  exhausted  exhibitor  falls  into  a  deep  sleep,  which  con- 
tinues for  an  hour  or  more  ;  and  when  he  awakens,  he  is  utterly 
unconscious  that  any  such  demonstrations  have  been  enacted  by  him. 
We  usually  say  that  there  is  nothing  new  under  the  sun;  but  this 
peculiar  plant,  recently  discovered,  as  it  exercises  the  most  extra- 
ordinary influence  over  the  human  brain,  demands  from  men  of 
science  a  careful  investigation. 


and   cuts    all    manner  of    fantastic 
of     gesture     and    miinner 


My  Window  Eose-tree.— For  several  years  past  I  have  had  a  Uttle  crimson 
China  Ko.^e-trce  in  my  window,  and  it  has  always  bloomed  well  with  me.  This 
summer  I  mulched  it  deeply  with  Moss,  with  the  view  of  keeping  the  soil  cool 
and  moist ;  bat,  unfortunately,  the  mulching  has  been  allowed  to  remain  on  too 
late  in  the  season  ;  for,  on  removing  it  the  other  day,  I  found  that  the  Imrk  of 
the  stem  was  quite  rotten  wherever  tho  Moss  had  come  in  cont.act  with  it,  and, 
doubtless,  eventually  the  plant  will  die.  Let  me  hope,  therefore,  that  others,  as 
well  as  myself,  may  profit  by  this  little  bit  of  practical  experience. 


536 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  27, 1873. 


THE    FLOWER    GARDEN. 


FLOWER  GARDENING  IN  THE  ISLE  OP  WIGHT. 
Most  people  have  hoard  of  the  mild  and  genial  character  of 
the  climate  of  this  island  as  compared  with  that  of  the  main- 
land of  England;  consequently,  wo  expect  that  its  superior 
climatic  advantages  will  produce  corresponding  results,  and 
in  this,  to  a  certain  degree,  we  are  not  disappointed.  The 
island  is  hilly  and  picturesque,  and  lias  many  beautiful,  highly- 
cultivated,  and  well-managed  gardens.  The  soil,  as  a  rule,  is 
a  good  free  loam  on  a  rooky  substratum,  and  vegetation  thrives 
apace ;  whilst  in  many  pl.aces  the  facilities  for  making 
wild  and  Alpine  rook  gardens  are  as  great  as  about  Chats- 
worth  and  in  other  hilly  portions  of  Derbyshire.  Verdant 
fields  and  flourishing  trees  border  the  sea  to  the  very  edge  of 
high-water  mark,  except  where  this  is  prevented  by  the 
abodes  of  man  or  by  huge  rooky  cliffs.  Fashionable  flower- 
gardening,  if  I  may  so  term  it,  or  the  sub-tropical,  carpet,  and 
Alpine  gardening,  now  so  much  in  Togue  in  England,  does 
not,  as  yet,  prevail  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  notwithstanding  the 
superior  advantages  of  its  climate.  The  island,  however,  is 
annually  becoming  more  and  more  a  place  of  fashionable  resort, 
and,  accordingly,  a  higher  style  of  gardening  is  coming  into 
fashion,  which  may  eventually  vie  with  the  results  obtained 
in  our  London  Parks,  Belvoir,  Cliveden,  Enville,  Witley  Court, 
Trentham,  and  other  famous  gardens.  For  flowering  trees 
and  shrubs  the  island  takes  the  precedence,  unless  Devon, 
Cornwall,  and  Somerset  m,iy  dispute  it ;  but,  for  such  stately 
specimens  as  adorn  the  parks  at  Windsor,  Hampton  Court, 
Kichmoud,  Dropmore,  and  a  few  other  places,  it  is  entirely  in 
the  background.  The  Isle  of  Wight  may  be  called  the  garden 
of  Myrtles  and  Sweet  Bays,  for  there  these  are  amongst  the 
commonest  of  shrubbery  bushes,  and  attain  great  height  and 
dimensions.  In  winter  they  require  neither  shelter  nor  pro- 
tection, and  they  flourish  amazingly,  flower  abundantly,  and 
with  their  fragrance  scent  the  air.  The  Myrtles  are  also 
employed  as  a  clothing  for  walls,  and  so  effectually  do  they  per- 
form this  task  that  I  observed  at  one  place,  near  Cowes,  a  long 
wall  about  16  feet  high  densely  clad  with  common,  narrow, 
and  intermediate-leaved  varieties  with  trunks  about  5  inches 
through,  and  diverging  into  many  strong  branches,  that  bore  an 
impenetrable  msas  of  branchlets,  always  dense  and  evergreen, 
except  when  white  with  bloom.  In  front  of  this  wall  was  a 
Rose-garden,  a  fitting  place  for  the  Queen  of  flowers,  and  one 
that  few  can  picture  who  have  not  seen  it  and  experienced  the 
delightful  fragrance  diffused  from  the  mass  of  these  two 
favourites.  At  East  Dene,  Ventnor,  I  saw  a  compact  and  beauti- 
ful hedge  of  Sweet  Bay  some  6  or  7  feet  in  height,  free  from 
gap  or  other  blemish  ;  it  occupies  a  somewhat  sheltered  position 
near  large  trees,  on  the  face  of  a  hill  overlooking  the  sea;  in 
short,  it  forms,  as  it  were,  a  sea  wall.  It  is  trimmed  annually 
by  means  of  the  knife,  and  is  very  effective. 
Bamboos. 

The  most  remarkable  subjects  I  saw  were  some  clumps 
of  Bamboos  growing  in  the  gardens  at  East  Cowes  Castle, 
an  old-fashioned  but  grand  place,  with  beautiful  gardens 
containing  many  treasures.  The  Bamboos  in  question, 
I  think,  areB.arundinacea,  and  the  finest  specimen  is  growing 
in  a  hollow  near  a  water-spring  on  the  side  of  a  hill  in  a, 
good  loamy  soil,  and  well  sheltered  by  having  a  flowery  bank 
on  one  high  side,  the  kitchen-garden  wall  on  the  west  side, 
and  large  thickly-set  trees  on  the  low  and  east  sides ;  thus 
this  clump  is  protected  from  the  sea  breeze  and  winds  in 
general,  and  has  a  fertile,  free,  and  moist  soil  to  luxuriate  in ; 
indeed,  better  conditions  could  hardy  be  assigned  to  it,  nor 
could  any  other  plant  grow  more  satisfactorily  than  this 
Bamboo  has  done.  This  clump  consists  of  a  mass  of  stems 
emerging  from  the  ground  as  closely  to  one  another  as 
it  is  possible  for  them  to  grow,  and  in  their  upward  course 
they  diverge  in  all  directions  and  are  individu.illy  bent  into 
graceful  arches  by  the  weight  and  quantity  of  their 
leaves.  The  united  stems  of  this  clump  are  1-5  feet  in 
circumference,  and  they  are  about  26  feet  high,  and  form  a 
wide-spread  canopy.  This  grand  specimen  so  agreeably 
astonished  me  that  I  spoke  of  it  to  many  neighbouring 
gardeners,    and    they  unanimously    declared    it    to    be  the 


finest  on  the  island.  At  the  same  place,  too,  and  gi-owing 
behind  the  kitchen-garden  wall,  in  very  deep  soil,  in  a  make- 
shift nursery,  is  another  clump  of  the  same  Bamboo,  that  had 
been  planted  there  whilst  quite  small  and  young,  eight  years 
ago,  and  now  it  has  become  a  beautiful  specimen,  7  feet  round 
the  base,  and  has  stems  20  feet  long.  At  St.  Clare,  Ryde, 
I  likewise  s.t,w  a  fine  clump  of  the  same  sort,  growing  in  a 
much  more  exposed  position  than  that  just  referred  to,  being 
isolated  on  a  sloping  lawn,  partially  sheltered  with  trees,  and 
within  about  100  yards  of  the  sea.  This  specimen  measured 
r2Vfeet  roundthebase,  and  had  stems  17  feet  long.  These  Bam- 
boos, in  every  case,  receive  no  protection  in  winter,  and 
the  frost  which  certainly  is  not  severe,  does  not  injure  them. 
Dracaenas,  Fuchsias,  &c. 

At  East  Cowes  Castle,  I  also  observed  Draceena  australis  in 
the  most  perfect  condition,  growing  permanently  out-of-doors 
as  centres  to  flower-beds,  where  they  had  attained  quite  a  tree- 
like appearance,  and,  at  the  period  of  my  visit,  two  of  them  were 
flowering  freely.  What  an  auxiliary  these  stately  objects 
would  make  in  our  gardens  on  the  mainland,  provided  wo 
could  without  risk  trust  to  their  permanency  in  winter  as 
well  as  summer  !  But  although  we  occasionally  see  them  so 
treated,  it  is  at  most  a  hazard,  for  they  will  survive  mild 
winters  and  certainly  succumb  to  severe  ones,  unless  protected 
at  crown  and  root ;  and  a  tent  of  canvas,  as  is  seen  at  this 
season  over  the  outdoor  Palms  at  Kew,  or  a  mantle  of  mats, 
straw,  or  Fern,  is  much  more  objectionable  in  the  flower- 
garden  than  .are  empty  beds  and  bare,  but  cleanly  kept.  Grass 
lawns  and  gravel  paths.  The  plants  refen'ed  to,  however, 
remain  unprotected  in  their  positions  from  one  year's  end  to 
another,  and  are  more  likely  to  become  the  unfortunate  victims 
of  wind  than  of  frost  from  their  heavy  heads  and  comparatively 
slender  stems.  Two  of  them  had  suffered  from  wind 
necessitating  amputation  near  their  base,  but  the  roots  have 
sent  up  four  or  five  contending  shoots,  each  in  itself  a  massive 
plant,  healthy  and  vigorous,  with  broad,  long,  and  gracefully- 
arched  leaves.  In  another  instance  one  of  these  arljoreal  speci- 
mens has  a  clump  of  young  ones  now  about  3  feet  high  around 
its  base.  Although  there  are  many  fine  specimens  of  hardy 
Fuchsias  in  the  island,  I  saw  none  so  large  as  many  plants 
reported  to  be  growing  in  Ii-eland.  The  largest  that  I  observed 
was  at  St.  Clare,  the  variety  being  F.  Riccartoni,  forming  a 
dense  bush  18  feet  through,  with  a  principal  stem  -t  inches  in 
diameter.  At  East  Dene,  Ventnor,  the  seat  of  Mr.  Snowdou 
Henry,  many  of  the  finest  kinds  of  greenhouse  Fuchsias,  includ- 
ing the  double  white  and  crimson  sorts,  are  growing  amongst 
the  bushes  in  the  shrubberies,  and  as  isolated  specimens  on  the 
lawn  under  the  trees,  and  Mr.  Macintosh,  the  gardener,  informed 
me  that  they  had  been  planted  in  their  present  places  some  years 
ago,  and  since  then  they  have  luxuriated  in  growth,  flowering 
profusely  up  to  November,  and  during  the  winter  season  have 
received  no  protection  whatever  beyond  the  meagre  shelter  of 
leafless  trees. 

Jasmines,  Myrtles,  Yuccas. 

Here,  also,  I  observed  the  common  yellow  Jessamine 
(J.  revolutum),  forming  a  dense  bush  on  the  lawn  28  feet 
through,  and  flowering  beautifully.  The  Jessamines,  how- 
ever, are  not  merely  employed  in  the  shrubberies  and  as 
drapery  on  walls,  trellises,  and  verandahs,  but  in  Mr.  Meehan's 
garden,  I  saw  the  common  white  variety  used  as  a  dwarf 
edging  to  the  flower-beds,  in  which  capacity,  with  a  little 
yearly  trimming  and  pegging,  it  had  a  charming  effect,  quite 
devoid  of  the  stiff  character  of  Box,  Euonymus,  variegated 
Japanese  Honeysuckle,  and  many  soft-wooded  plants,  whilst 
the  sprayey  laterals  were  remarkably  florfferous.  In  the  same 
garden,  the  Myrtles  were  also  used  as  edgings,  precisely  like 
the  white  Jessamine.  The  effect  was  very  attractive,  and, 
in  genial  climates,  small  plants  of  this  .aromatic  shrub,  from 
their  persistent  evergreen  nature,  will  prove  useful  subjects 
for  this  purpose  in  the  gardens  of  am.atenrs.  Many  are  the 
fine  specimens  of  the  common  Yucca  or  Adam"s  Needle 
( Y.  gloriosa)  scattered  over  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and  some  of  them 
quite  surpass  anything  I  have  seen  on  the  mainland.  They 
are  massive  and  tree-like,  rising  with  a  clean  stem  from 
7  to  11  inches  in  diameter  for  4  or  6  feet,  and  then  diverging 
into  many  ponderous  tufted  branches  ;  the  plants  sometimes 
measuring   some    9    to   12    feet    in    height.      These    grand 


27,  1873.] 


THE   aARDEN. 


637 


nbiecfcs  whicli  are  quite  hardy  even  in  favourable  districts  of 
the  Highlands  of  Scotland,  are  robbed  of  their  picturesque 
anpcarimce  by  the  presence  of  stays  of  hemp  or  iron  that 
embrace  and  support  the  branches,  and  the  supports  from  the 
.rround  that  prop  the  plants  and  mahitain  their  equilibrium  under 
the  pressure  of  fierce  winds.  These  antique  candc  al^ra- 
like  plants,  are  not  only  stately  obiects  Tvhilst  m  leat,  but  they 
m-esent  a  striking?  aspect  when  in  bloom,  for  it  is  no  rarity  to 
lid  three  and  four  of  the  laterals  blooming  at  onc^.  In  the 
flower-eardens  at  St.  Clare  I  sa^v  an  isolated  plant  of  \ucca 
aloifolia  variegata  2  feet  high,  which  had  weathered  with 
impunity  the  last  two  winters ;  it  has  grown  a  little,  and  is 
looliing  healthy. 

Spoedwells,  Hydrangeas,  Camellias. 
A^eronica  Andersoni  is  another  commonly  grown  outdoor 
Kubiect  in  this  garden-island,  where  it  is  exuberant  m  growth, 
S  flowers  abundantly.  Bushes  of  this  Speedwell  from 
10  feet  to  'XT  feet  in  diameter,  and  from  .5  feet  to  10  feet,  are  not 
unfrenuent  Unless  they  have  been  occasionally  pruned  into 
form  they  become  loose  and  straggling,  but  uncut  plants 
bloom  earlier  than  the  pruned  ones,  consequently  their  season 
o£  perfection  is  past  before  cold  rains  and  frosts  are  likely  to 
iuiure  the  flowers.  Here,  also,  the  Judas  tree  (Cerois  bili- 
ouastrum)  a  handsome  low  tree  with  a  spreading  head,  that 
produces  a  vast  profusion  of  rosy-purple  flowers  m  April  and 
May  before  the  forming  of  the  leaves  may  be  seen  to  advantage, 
several  of  the  specimens  measuring  from  20  feet  to  Ji  feet  m 
diameter  of  branches.  Good  examples  of  this  too  scarce  tree 
may  be  seen  in  the  Botanic  Gardens  at  Kew,  and  m  the 
arboretum  at  Syon  House,  where  it  is  quite  hardy.  I  also  met 
with  Euonymus  latifolius,  a  handsome  shrub  with  broad  shmmg 
leaves  and  of  a  decidedly  more  shrubby  or  tree-like  character 
than  any  of  the  varities  of  E.  japonicus  ;  and  they  were  bearing 
a  c'oodlv  quantity  of  large  suspended  red  seed-vessels  that  are 
ye"y  ornamental,  either  in  their  entire  and  ripe  condition  or 
after  they  have  become  fully  matured,  and  have  opened  their 
riDsules  to  display  their  orange-coloured  seeds.  The  Fome- 
™e  whichVthe  mainland  of  England  we  nurse  m  our 
ii-eenhouses  in  winter,  or  shelter  with  mats,  canvas,  or  Pern 
from  frost  when  grown  against  our  outdoor  walls  here  luxu- 
riates as  an  uncared-for  wall-plant,  and  a  standard  or  under- 
shrub  on  the  lawn  under  the  partial  shade  of  tall  trees,  and 
ill  sheltered  positions.  Hydrangea  hortensis,  too,  I  remarked 
as  havinc.  attained  considerable  proportions,_and  not  partakmg 
of  that  herbaceous  character  which  climatic  mfluences  cause 
our  nlants  of  it  in  general  to  assume.  Some  bushes  of  it  were 
from  12  feet  to  15  feet  in  diameter,  and  the  branches  bendmg 
under  their  burden  of  pink  flower-clusters.  _  Camellias  are 
much  employed  in  the  front  of  the  shrubberies,  and  remain 
unscathed  by  frost  when  many  other  outdoor  plan  s  suffer 
from  it  They  grow  quite  freely  and  flower  abundantly  The 
vaTeties  comprise  the  double  red  and  white  striped,  and 
mo  t  of  the  commoner  and  fine  sorts  cultivated  m  green- 
houses.  At  one  place,  Mr.  Gassett's,  Ryde,  where  one  of 
the  finest  and  most  extensive  rock,  wi  d,  and  bog-gardens 
in  the  country  is  being  made.  Camellias  of  tl^^  /"est 
known  sorts  are  extensively  planted,  and  have  a  bold 
and  brilliant  effect  amongst  the  sombre  boulders,  and 
the  tiny  gems  that  ornament  them. 

The  Strawberry-tree  and  the  Loquat. 
Of  Benthamia  fragitera,  I  remarked  some  with  showy  red 
fruit  but  for  ornamental-fruited  trees,  nothm-  exceeds  the 
St"wberry-tree,  Arbutus  Unedo.  This,although  by  no  means 
a  stranger  in  our  gardens  and  arboretums,  I  have  not  seen  m 
such  perfeetrn  Jin  the  Isle  of  Wight,  where  it.  attains  the 
dimension  of  a  medium-sized  timber-tree  Durmg  the  la  e 
autumn  months  it  has  a  peculiar  y  nob  and  S}°^'^S^W^^l- 
ance  from  the  large  pendent  clusters  of  yellow  and  scailet 
fruits  that,  adorn  the  branches.  Flowers,  unripe  and  ripe 
fruits,  are  seen  on  the  trees  at  the  same  time,  so  mmgled  as 
to\mpress  on  the  minds  of  the  uninitiated  the  fallacious  idea 
that  the  plants  are  blooming  unseasonably.  The  npe  tinits, 
which  are  produced  the  second  year  after  flowering,  have  a 
peculiar  relemblance  to  those  of  Alpine  Strawberries;  hence 
the  common  name.  They  are  not  disagreeable  to  tl^e  Palate 
and  are  favourites  with  the  birds  after  Elderberries  and  some 


other  fruits  have  been  consumed.     These  Strawberry-trees 
constitute  the  bulk  of  the  shrubberies  throughout  the   island  ; 
and,  considering  their  hardiness  and  love  of  open,  soil,  and  a 
moist  mild  climate,  planters  having  such  at  their   command 
should  consider  their  importance  in  the  landscape.     Here  tho 
Loquat  (Eriobotrya  japonica),  or  Japanese  Medlar,  occupies  a 
place   in   the  shrubberies,   and,    as   isolated  lawn    bushes,  it 
grows  well,   but   neither   flowers   nor  fruits.     At   West  Hill, 
however,  there  is  a  remarkably  fine  solitary,  close-headed,  and 
healthy  specimen  of  the  Loquat,  13  feet  in  diameter,  which 
bloomed  and  ripened  fruit  in  its  present  position  two  years 
ago.     This   is   the   only   instance   of  tho  Eriobotrya  fruiting 
out  of  doors  in  this  country  that  I  am  aware  ol;  and  Mr. 
Smith,  the  gardener  there,  informs  me  that  ho  has  heard  of  no 
other  similar  occurrence  on  the  island.    At  the  same  place  I 
observed  a  most   symmetrical  specimen   of  Garrya  elliptica, 
11  feet  high  and  13  feet  through,  handsome  and  broad-headed, 
forcibly    reminding    one  of    an   evergreen   Oak.      This,   too, 
is   a  frequent  occupant  of   the   shrubbery,  being  commonly 
planted  in  the  front,  a  place  it  deservedly  holds,  considering 
that  it  is    one  of  the  most  attractive  of   evergreens,   richly 
mantled  with  dark  green  elliptical  leaves,  and  in  early  spring 
profusely  laden  with  long   greenish-yellow  catkins  that  are 
very  ornamental.     This  desirable  shrub  is  very  serviceable  as 
an    evergreen     wall-covering     or     arboretum     under-shriib 
throughout  any  sheltered  part  of  the  country. 
Miscellaneous  Plants. 
Of  Photinia  serrulata,  a  Chinese  evergreen  with  large  glossy 
green  leaves,  and  which  produces  a  profusion  of  white  panicles 
of  flowers,  I  observed  plants  from  2-1  feet  to  28  feet  in  height, 
and  thickly  branched.     This  Photinia  is  frequently  grown  in 
conservatories  planted  out  in  borders,  and  also  in  pots,  ou 
account  of  its  floriferous  character,  and  it  blooms  while  in  a 
very  small   state.      Magnolia   grandiflora   and   the  Exmouth 
variety  of  the  same,  are  everywhere  abundant,  and  although 
they  thrive  apace  and  flower  gloriously,  they  do  not,  in  iny 
opinion,  surpass  some  of  the  specimens  we  have  on  the  main- 
land.    The  Japanese  Privet,  however,  is  the  late  summer  and 
autumn  glory  of  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and  it  everywhere  prevails, 
in  the  ordinary  back  shrubberies  and  the  choicest  positions  of 
the  gardens.    This  fine  evergreen  has  also  attained  the  pro- 
portions of  good,  somewhat  pyramidal,  medium-sized  trees,  and 
in  all  cases  the  amount  of   flowers   produced  is   enormous. 
Leycesteria  formosa    grows   to  the    height  of    10  feet,  and 
the    Phillyreas,    Buddleia  globosa.   Berberries   (beautiful    in 
autumn   on   account   of   the   great  quantity   of   berries  they 
produce),  theearly  and  late-flowermg  Laurustinus,  the  erect- 
o-rowing  Cypress,  Metrosideros  myrtifolia,  and  many  others 
have  grown  to  large  dimensions.    Trees  of  deciduous  Cypress 
(Taxodium    distichum)  are   numerous,  but    there    are   none 
so  large  or    characteristic  as    those    at    Syon    House  or  at 
Caen  Wood.     The  pleasure-grounds  of  Northwood  Park  are 
extremely  rich  in  fine  trees,  particularly  in  evergreen  Oaks 
and  Cypresses.    In  many  parts  of  the  island  Aralia  Sieboldii, 
the  foliage  of  which  is  so  large,  shining,  and  tropical,  is  not 
only  grown  in  the  form  of  low  bushes,  as  we  see  it  in  some  of 
our  gardens,  but  likewise  as  dwarf  standard  trees,  and  receives 
neither  care  nor  protection.     Eugenia  Ugni  I  observed  growing 
within  20  yards  of  the  seashore,  under  the  shade   of   some 
deciduous  trees,  where  it  appeared  quite  atjhome,  aud  was 
bearing  a  fair  crop  of  fruit,  which  I  tasted,  and  found  them 
quite  as  well-flavoured  as  those  borne  ou    indoor  plants.     I 
cannot   pass  unnoticed  the   French    Tamarisk   (so   abundant 
alono-  the  coast    of  the  Isle   of    Wight),  which  no  maritime 
district  should  lack.     It  is  hardy  everywhere  throughout  this 
country,  deUghts  in  the  sea  breeze,  withstands  witu  impunity 
fierce  blasts,  and  is  not  averse  to  an  inland  home,  where  it  may 
frequently  be  seen  in  shrubberies  and  on  water  margins.     The 
shoots  are  extremely  feathery  and  graceful,  bearing  deciduous 
foliao-e,  which  retains  its  verdure  till  November,  and  before 
the  trees  resume  it  in  spring,  they  become  one  mass  of  peculiar 
and   pretty    pink    flowers.     At    Syon    House,  young   plants 
are  used  amongst  the  summer  bedding  plants,  and  these  have 
an  extremely  beautiful  and  graceful  appearance,  and  greatly 
relieve  the  stiffness  of  their  associates.     Unhke  most  other 
plants,  its    shoots    incline    towards    the    salt    water    which 
sometimes  washes  its  roots ;  nevertheless  it  thrives  luxuriantly. 


538 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  27, 1873. 


At  St.  Clare,  Hyde,  where  Mr.  Mcehan  (who,  by  the  way,  is 
father  of  the  well-known  and  talented  editor  of  the  American 
Gardeners'  Moiitlilij)  is  g.ardenor,  I  saw  a  large  number  of 
plants  growing  permanently  out-of-doors  that  wo  always  treat 
as  indoor  plants  on  the  mainland.  These  include  Mclian- 
thus  major,  Eugenia  Ugni,  Kalosanthes  coccinea,  MiLraria 
coccinoa,  Jiriostcmon  myrioporoidcs,  Agapanthus  nmbellatus. 
Aspidistra  lurida  varicgata,  old-stemmed  Heliotropes,  and 
some  others;  a  few  of  which  occupied  particularly  sheltered 
places.  At  the  same  place,  too,  in  the  h.ardy  Fernery,  I 
remarked  the  Bird's-nest  Fern,  that  had  withstood  the  last 
four  winters  uninjured,  but  the  snails  are  extremely  fond  of 
the  young  fronds  ;  Hypolepis  exaltata,  doing  well ;  the  Hare's- 
foot  Fern  aud  Pteris  longifoha,  both  in  a  thriving  condition. 
At  Apley  Towers  there  is  a  magnificent  flower  garden  in  course 
of  prep.aration,  and  there,  also,  a  spacious  Orangery  lias  been 
erected,  so  that  in  future  we  may  expect  to  see  here,  as  fine 
Orange  standards  as  are  annually  placed  out-of-doors  at 
Holland  House.  The  finest  crop  of  winter  Roses  that  I  ever 
witnessed  I  saw  at  East  Dene  on  the  front  dwarf  walls  of  the 
plant-houses,  which  are  built  on  the  f.ace  of  a  steep  hill  over- 
looking the  sea.  Gloire  de  Dijon  is  the  principal  v.ariety,  and 
about  the  end  of  November  frame  sashes  are  laid  against  the 
walls  so  as  to  protect  them  from  cold  winds  ;  with  '^this  care, 
abundance  of  blooms  continue  to  bo  produced  until  the  advent 
of  hard  irost;  but,  if  this  does  not  hajipen,  they  flower  unceas- 
ingly throughout  the  whole  ye.ar. 

Calceolarias. 

Here  I  also  noticed  the  finest  beds  of  Calceolaria  amplexic.aulis 
that  I  have  seen  anywhere,  and  Mr.  Jlacintosh  informed  me 
that  they  have  remained  in  their  present  position,  undisturbed 
and  unprotected,  for  the  last  two  years,  and  also  that  he  not 
only  finds  it  more  applicable  for  the  situation  than  any  other 
sort  he  possesses,  but  it  continues  to  flower  until  the  middle  of 
November,  and  certainly  when  I  saw  them  in  the  end  of 
October  they  were  blooming  as  freely  as  I  should  expect  to  see 
them  m  July.  At  East  Cowes  Castle,  too,  about  the  same 
time  I  saw  beds  of  dark-coloured  Calceolarias  that  had  remained 
out-of-doors  for  the  past  two  years,  and  were  then  a  solid  mass 
of  healthy  shoots,  but  not  in  bloom.  Two  years  is  about  the 
extreme  time  during  which  Calceolarias  are  left  undisturbed 
for  if  left  longer  they  would  become  too  large  and  strac'^lin'' 
to  be  ornamental.  Although  these  luxuriate  out-of-doors  all 
winter,  a  stock  of  them  is  annually  wintered  indoors  in  case  of 
emergcncj'. 

Japan  Creeper. 

Planted  against  the  eastern  gable- wall  of  a  house  I  observed 
Ampelopsis  Veitchii,  in  a  more  flourishing  condition  than  I 
had  previously  seen  it  anywhere  else.  The  specimen  in  ques- 
tion has  been  planted  about  four  years,  aud  has  attached  itself 
to  the  wall  with  the  tenacity  of  Ivy,  and  without  any  artificial 
assistance.  It  grew  moderately  the  first  season,  and  since 
then  most  robustly,  stronger  even  than  Ivy,  having  now  fully 
covered  the  whole  space  allotted  to  it.  The  leaves  are  laro'e 
tinted  in  autumn  most  brilliantly,  rpiite  surpassing  in  effect 
that  of  the  Vh-giiiian  Creeper,  Scarlet  Oak,  Maples,  Pvhus 
Toxicodendron,  and  other  plants  remarkable  for  their  beauty 
in  autumn.  .^m.  Falconer. 

YIOLA  CORNUTA. 
This  is  a  beautiful  v.ariety  of  an  old  border-flower,  which,  since 
its  introduction  into  the  summer  flowcr-g.arden,  has  been'taken 
in  hand  by  the  hybridiser,  .and  many  lovelv  forms  of  it  now 
enrich  our  collections.  The  variety  named"  Sensation  sent 
out  by  Mr.  B.  S.  Williams,  is  one  of  the  best,  and  m.ay  be  truly 
called  a  perpetual  bloomer,  for,  when  we  visited  the  Victoria 
Nursery  on  the  16th  inst.,  it  was  in  full  flower,  and  gave  every 
indication  of  continuing  in  that  condition  all  throu<^h  the 
wmter.  It  is  stated  to  have  commenced  flowerino-  In  the 
month  of  March  last,  and  to  have  never  once  been  out  of 
bloom  during  the  whole  season.  Its  habit  and  constitution 
are  roliust,  its  flowers  are  large  and  delicately  frat^rant  the 
upper  petals  being  intense  deep  violet-purple,  and  the  lower 
ones  clear  violet ;  the  eye  is  small  and  yellow,  and  is  surrounded 
with  rays  of  purplish-violet. 


TOOLS,    IMPLEMENTS,   &c. 

THE  GOLD  MEDAL  BOILER. 
Whatever  boiler-makers  may  think  about  the  late  boiler  trial 
at  Birmingham,  I  feel  convinced  that  it  was  a  step  in  the  right 
direction.  Unfortunately,  the  trial  was  conducted  under  great 
disadvantages  as  regards  weather,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that, 
should  there  be  another  boiler  trial,  the  pipes  will  be  under 
cover  ;  no  fewer  than  three  times  did  we  try  the  above  boiler 
at  Birmingham,  in  order  that  we  might  feel  cert.aiu  of  its  supe- 
riority, judged  according  to  the  rules  laid  down  for  our  guidance, 
and  our  verdict  was  unanimous  in  its  favour.  I  have  a  vivid 
recollection  of  that  trial,  not  simply  because,  being  one  of  the 


Front  view. 

judges,  I  was  plodding  over  my  boot-tops  fur  days  in  mud, 
but  in  consequence  of  the  discussion  raised  on  account  of  our 
.awarding  the  gold  medal  at  our  command  to  Messrs.  Hartley 
&  Sugdon.of  Hahfax,  for  their  boiler  (of  which  the  accom- 
panying illustr.ations  are  a  front  view  and  section)  and  known 
as  the  ••  gold  medal  boiler."  That  ever  since  then  it  li.as  been 
worthy  of  its  imme,  and  that  the  judges  at  Birmingham  were, 
justified   in   their   award    has,   l'  believe,   been   conclusively 


Longitutlin.al  sectiou. 

proved,  not  one  complaint  having  reached  me  respecting  it. 
On  the  contrary,  most  flattering  accounts  of  its  excellence 
have,  from  time  to  time,  been  given  ;  and  I  think  that  when 
such  men  as  Mr.  AVilliams,  of  Holloway,  Mr.  Standish,  of 
Ascot,  and  other  equally  well-known  authorities,  report  it  to 
be  the  best  boiler  they  use,  more  especially  as  regards 
economy  of  fuel,  I  shall  not  be  considered  partial  in  stating 
that  it  is  the  best  saddle-boiler  with  which  I  am  acquainted! 
It  is  made  of  wrought-irou  plates,  welded  together,  without 
rivets  or  angle-iron  being  used  in  its  construction.  The 
fire  passes  through  the  arch  of  the  saddle,  strikes  '  on 
the  intended  w.ater-way  and  terminal-end,  whore  the  flame 
rises    through   the    flue-box,    and  passes    along    the    centre 


Dec.  27, 1873.] 


THE   GARDEN. 


539 


Alio  to  the  front,  where  it  divides  (as  shown  in  the 
acc'ompan3ang  section),  and  passes  through  the  two  return 
tiucs  to  the  chimnej',  thus,  when  properly  set,  exhausting  all 
the  heating  properties  of  the  iiamo.  The  economy  of  fuel  in 
heating  this  boiler  is  one  of  its  principal  characteristics.  The 
circulation  of  water  is  quick,  and  can  easily  be  maintained  by 
means  of  small  coal,  coke,  or  even  coai-se  cinders.  It  has  also 
another  and  important  advantage,  viz.,  any  ordinary  bricklayer 
can  effectually  set  it.  The  price  is  moderate  compared  with 
that  of  many  others,  and,  although  we  have  not  yet  arrived  at 
perfection  in  boilers,  I  believe  this  to  be  the  best  welded  and 
chambered  boiler  at  present  in  use.  I  employ  it  here  over  my 
lime-kiln,  which  is  working  most  satisfactorily. 

Edward  Bennett, 
Gardener  to  the  Marquis  of  Salisbury,  Hatfield. 


INSTRUCTIOIT   IN   GARDENING. 

A  VERY  interesting  pamphlet  on  this  subject  has  just  appeared  from 
the  pen  of  M.  Chas.  IBaltet,  the  distinguished  fruit-grower,  of  Troyes, 
to  which  we  think  it  desirable  to  direct  attention.  M.  Baltet  con. 
sidcrs  that  it  would  prove  highly  advantageous  to  the  country  at  large 
if  gardening  were  systematically  taught  in  all  normal  and  primary 
schools,  in  agricultural  schools,  and,  to  more  advanced  students,  in  a 
horticultural  Institute  or  finishing-school  of  gardening,  in  which  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  all  its  branches  might  bo  acquired.  Inaddition 
to  these,  he  recommends  the  general  adoption  of  the  system  of  public 
conferences  or  meetings  of  gardeners,  amateur  and  professional,  such 
as  have  for  some  time  past  been  held,  with  the  happiest  results, 
throughout  Belgium  and  Switzerland,  as  well  as  by  the  Central 
Ilorticultural  Society  of  France.  Every  normal  and  primary  school, 
says  M.  Baltet,  should  have  a  garden  attached  to  it,  and,  in  districts 
where  the  services  of  a  professor  of  horticulture  could  not  be  secured, 
tho  pupils  might  be  placed  under  the  instruction  of  a  skilled 
gardener  of  the  neighbourhood,  from  whom  they  would  learn  the 
most  important  operations  in  the  culture  of  vegetables,  &c.,  while  the 
master  of  the  school  would  supplement  these  practical  instructions 
by  lectures  and  explanations.  The  school  should  also  possess  a 
Ilorticultural  library,  a  collection  of  models  of  fruits  and  alimentary 
roots,  specimens  of  timber  and  seeds,  a  small  museum  of  such 
animals,  birds,  insects,  &c.,  as  tlie  gardener  has  to  deal  with,  a 
herbarium,  sets  of  synoptical  tables  on  various  subjects,  and  the 
pujiils  should  be  taken  from  time  to  time  to  inspect  the  horticultural 
establishments  of  the  vicinity,  and  also  to  exhibitions,  conferences, 
&c.  Botanising  excursions  should  also  not  be  neglected.  The  more 
advanced  pupils  would  study  vegetable  anatomy  and  physiology,  the 
rotation  of  cropping  in  the  kitchen-garden,  the  grafting  and  pruning 
of  fruit-trees,  and  other  subjects  of  equal  importance. 

To  the  course  of  instruction  in  schools  now  purely  agricultural,  M. 
Baltet  wonld  add  such  a  course  of  training  in  horticulture  as  would 
very  much  extend  the  resources  of  the  farmer  by  making  him  also 
an  expert  gardener.  The  horticultural  Institute  which  M.  Baltet 
calls  upon  the  Government  to  establish,  would,  he  says,  be  the  crowning 
point  of  instruction  in  gardening,  as  it  would  furnish  a  constant  supply 
of  thoroughly  well. trained  instructors  for  the  normal,  primary,  and 
farm-schools.  The  course  of  instruction  to  be  followed  in  the  Insti- 
tute, M.  Baltet  suggests  in  the  following  programme : — The  elements 
of  botany  and  other  branches  of  natural  history;  natural  philosophy 
and  chemistry  ;  study  of  soils,  composts,  and  manures  ;  market- 
gardening — ordinary  and  forced  culture  ;  fruit-tree  culture — study 
of  trees  and  fruits ;  dendrology — study  of  useful  and  ornamental 
trees  and  shrubs,  the  making  of  hedges,  roadside  planting,  &o. ; 
floriculture — the  cultivation  of  plants  in  the  open  air  and  under  glass; 
propagation  of  plants — nursery  work;  tho  laying  ojt  of  parks  and 
landscape-gardens;  forestry — the  clearing  and  wooding  of  land; 
Viue-cultnre — in  gardens  and  vineyards;  culture  of  various  plants 
used  in  the  manufactures  or  tho  arts ;  keeping  accounts — buying 
and  selling,  &c. ;  the  duties  of  a  gardener  in  service — the  supply, 
ing  his  employer's  house,  &c. ;  visits  to  horticultural  establish, 
ments,  exhibitions,  &c.  As  a  site  for  the  proposed  Institute, 
M.  Baltet  recommends  the  Government  to  devote  the  old  kitchen- 
garden  at  Versailles  to  this  patriotic  purpose.  Tho  grounds 
there  consist  of  25  acres,  and,  as  they  are  already  tolerably 
well  furnished  with  glasshouses  and  structures  of  various 
kinds,  their  appropriation  to  this  truly  national  project,  would  very 
considerably  diminish  the  expenses  of  inaugurating  the  new  estab. 
lishment.  Should  the  Government  prove  favourable  to  this  applica- 
tion, M.  Baltet  looks  forward  to  the  establishment  of  a  number  of 
similar  smaller  affiliated  Institutes  throughout  the  country,  the 
influence  of  which,  in  promoting  the  welfare  of  the  entire  community, 


may  be  productive  of  such  happy  results  as  it  would,  at  present,  be 
impossible  even  to  conjecture.  We  have  read  M.  Baltet's  pamphlet 
with  much  pleasure,  and,  while  we  wish  every  success  to  his  benevo. 
lent  endeavours  to  benefit  his  fellow-countrymen,  wo  cannot  but 
regret  that  in  this,  tho  country  in  which  tho  art  of  gardening  has 
attained  its  highest  development,  there  is  no  school  or  society 
which  offers  any  practical  help  to  tho  young  gardener. 


WORK    FOR    THE    WEEK. 
PRIVATE  GARDENS. 

The  Flower  Garden. — Usually  there  arc  few  outdoor  flowers 
from  which  a  Christmas  bouquet  may  be  culled,  but  the  mildness  of 
the  present  season  has  induced  many  a  little  beauty  to  bloom.  Of 
Pansics  there  is  a  fair  sprinkling  in  bloom  just  now ;  also  some  varie- 
ties of  the  Christmas  Roses  in  tolerable  profusion,  as  well  as  Jasminum 
nudiflorum,  Chimonanthus  fragrans  (just  opening), Cydouia  japonica, 
Laarustinus,  a  few  Rose-buds  on  walls,  some  varieties  of  Aubrietias, 
and  stray  flowers  on  early-sown  Wallflowers.  Cut  down  Chrysanthe. 
mums  that  are  in  conspicuous  positions  and  mulch  over  their  roots 
with  coal-ashes  or  Cocoa-nut  fibre.  See  also  that  tho  roots  of  Clema- 
tises, tho  finerkinds  of  Roses,  Fuchsias,  Erythriuas,  Cannas,  Japanese 
Lilies,  and  similar  plants  are  safe  from  frost  by  mulchings.  Pampas 
Grass,  Bamboos,  and  Tritomas,  are  the  better  of  some  leaves  around 
their  base,  held  in  place  by  twigs  of  branches  or  soil.  Whatever 
planting  of  flower-beds  yet  remains  to  bo  done  should  be  accomplished 
as  early  as  possible,  because  the  sooner  it  is  done  tho  earlier  will  the 
plants  flower.  Pansies,  Aubrietias,  Wallflowers,  Alpine  Phloxes, 
Daisies,  the  golden. feather  Feverfew,  shrubby  Candytufts,  Nemo- 
philas,  aud  other  early-flowering  subjects  can  be  successfully  trans- 
planted at  any  time  before  they  begin  to  flower  en  masse. 

Conservatories. — These  are  now  gay  with  contributions  from 
the  forcing-house,  amongst  which  are  Roman  Hyacinths,  Tulips, 
Crocuses,  Snowdrops,  Cinerarias,  Lily  of  the  Valley,  Azaleas,  Camel- 
lias, Laurustiuuses,  Lilacs,  and  other  plants  of  a  miscellaneous 
character.  Amongst  plants  naturally  in  flower  in  conservatories  at 
present  are  zonal  Pelargoniums  raised  from  cuttings  in  May  and 
June,  and  early-flowei'ed  plants  that  were  cut  back  in  July  and  kept 
dry  for  a  time,  then  shaken  out  of  their  pots,  re-potted,  and  grown  on 
gradually.  Heaths  of  many  sorts,  Croweas,  Monochajtums,  Leschs. 
naultias,  some  Acacias,  Tremandras,  Veronicas  of  sorts,  Cyclamens, 
Chinese  Primulas,  and  many  others  are  also  now  in  bloom.  As 
auxiliaries  to  all  these  may  be  added  the  many  lovely  Orchids  now 
iu  flower,  especially  Odontoglossuras.  Train  Tropa)Dlums  of  the 
tricolor  type  every  second  or  third  day,  for,  if  left  too  long  untrained, 
they  are  frequently  broken  during  the  operation.  Apply  weak 
manure-water  to  those  that  have  made  good  growth.  Keep  Humeaa 
near  the  glass,  in  houses  where  the  temperature  does  not  fall  below 
40'  during  the  winter,  aud  water  them  liberally.  Cinerarias  and 
Calceolarias  should  also  be  kept  in  cool  and  airy  pits,  aud  in  a  grow- 
ing condition.  Cut  down  and  store  in  some  dry  corner  of  the  green- 
house. Daturas,  Erythiinas,  and  similar  plants.  Keep  Mignonette  in 
pots  in  cold  frames  and  protect  them  from  frost  or  wet,  and  attend 
to  the  tying  down  of  the  shoots  of  shovf  Pelargoniums,  the  pricking 
off  of  young  Cyclamens,  and  the  sowing  of  Nemophilas,  Schizanthuses, 
and  a  few  other  annuals  for  spring  decoration. 

Stoves. — These  are  now  daily  improving  as  regards  floral 
beauty,  flowers  being  more  abundant  than  they  were  some  weeks 
ago.  Amongst  them  are  the  different  varieties  of  Epiphyllum, 
Tradescantia,  Aphelandra,  Rondelctia,  Amaryllis,  Eucharis,  Poin- 
settia,  and  Musssenda;  also  Euphorbia  jacquiniasflora,  Thrysacanthus 
rutilans,  Jasminum  Sambac,  Russellia  juncea.  Plumbago  rosea, 
Ipomasa  Horsfallia3,  Batatas  campanulata,  and  a  few  others.  These, 
when  skilfully  intermixed  with  finc-foliaged  plants,  produce  a 
charming  effect.  The  floral  display  is  also  greatly  assisted  by  means 
of  Dondrobiums,  Saccolabiums,  Cattleyas,  Lajlias,  Oncidiums, 
Cypripediums,  and  other  plants  from  the  Orchid-house.  Wash  plants 
with  soap  and  water  and  sponge,  for  every  insect  now  destroyed 
saves  an  immensity  of  work  in  spring.  Maintain  a  temperature  of 
60'  in  stoves  throughout  the  night,  with  a  slight  rise  in  the  daytime. 
Keep  Palms  and  other  evergreen  plants  moderately  moist,  and 
deciduous  shrubs,  such  as  Lagorstrcemia  indica  pretty  dry,  but  not 
too  much  so,  as  such  would  be  prejudicial  to  their  well-being.  Care- 
fully store  roots  of  herbaceous  Begonias,  Gloriosas,  Achimenes, 
Caladiums,  Kaimpterias,  Alocasia  Jonningsii,  Nympha:as,  &c.,inadry 
place  under  the  stages,  or  on  a  shelf  where  the  temperature  is  trom 
45'  to  50'.  Place  all  plants  of  Euphorbia  jacquinioeflora,  that  have 
refused  to  bloom,  on  their  sides  under  stages,  to  rest  prior  to 
cutting  them  back  and  starting  them  early  for  next  year's  work. 
Keep  young  plants  in  a  growing  condition,  and  old  ones  moderately 


540 


THE   GARDEN. 


[Dec.  27,  1873. 


dry.     Economise  the   sun.heat   by  shutting  up  early  in  favourable 
weather,  when  ventilation  is  given. 

Vegetable  Forcing. — Sow  successions  of  French  Beans  once 
every  six  weeks  in  8-inoh  pots  half  filled  with  rich  soil,  and  keep 
them  in  the  Pinery,  early  Vinery,  or  other  forcing-house  at  work. 
Earth  up  the  jjlants  before  they  come  into  flower,  and  syringe  occa- 
sionally to  keep  them  clean  from  red  spider.  Sow  Mustard  and  Cress 
every  week  or  ten  days,  as  required,  in  any  house  having  a  tempera- 
ture above  45°.  Keep  up  a  succession  of  Chervil  by  wintering  some 
roots  in  pots  or  boxes  in  any  of  the  forcing-bouses.  Introduce  fort- 
nightly or  three-weekly  successions  of  Sea-kale  into  the  JIushroom. 
house  or  other  place  where  a  temperature  of  60'  can  bo  maintained. 
In  all  cases,  the  Sea-kale  must  be  kept  dark  in  order  to  blanch  it,  but 
this  can  be  effected  by  coverings  of  pots  or  boxes.  Rhubarb  may  be 
treated  like  Sea-kale,  but  there  is  no  neces.sity  for  keeping  it  so  dark 
as  the  latter.  Asparagus  is  best  forced  in  frames,  either  heated  by 
means  of  hot-water  pipes,  a  bed  of  leaves  and  litter,  or  anything  that 
will  yield  a  kindly  and  steady  heat  of  about  60^  A  little  light  and 
ventilation  given  in  fine  weather  will  improve  the  colour  and  flavour 
of  the  grass.  Of  Chicory  and  Dandelions  take  up  some  roots  in 
succession ;  insert  them  amongst  some  light  soil  in  pots  and  boxes, 
which  place  in  the  Mushroom-house,  or  under  a  box  in  any  forcing, 
pit.  Maintain  a  temperature  of  55'  or  GO',  either  by  hot  water  or 
the  manure  in  the  beds,  and  counteract  aridity  of  the  atmosphere  and 
dryness  of  the  soil  by  sprinkling  the  paths  or  beds,  if  necessary,  with 
tepid  water  charged  with  ammonia.  Sow  some  Lettuces  and  Radishes 
in  gently  heated  frames,  in  which  also  start  some  Potatoes  prior  to 
planting  them  out  of  doors. 

The  Kitchen  Garden. — Work  here  should  now  be  well  advanced, 
for  as  yet  the  weather  has  been  all  that  can  be  desired,  and,  as  long  as 
it  continues  dry,  much  can  be  done  out  of  doors.     Pruning  can  be 
proceeded  with  ;  old  and  useless  trees  and  bashes  uprooted,  and 
young  ones  planted,  rubbish  of  all  sorts  collected  and  burned,  and 
the  ashes  economised  for  manurial  and  other  purposes.     All  empty 
ground   should    be  surface-cleared  of    Cabbage-stumps   and   other 
vegetation,  well   manured,   and    trenched,  laying  it  up   in   rough 
ridges.     It  is  necessary,  however,  to  determine  what  sorts  of  vege- 
tables are  to  be  grown  on  the  different  quarters  next  spring,  as  the 
soil  for  the  various  crops  requires  different  kinds  of  preparation. 
Ground  occupied  this  year  by  any  of  the  Cabbage  tribe,  if  it  has 
been  well  manured  for   that  crop,  should   now  be    deeply  trenched 
without  receiving  any  manure,  and  Parsnips  or  Beet  should  be  grown 
thereon.     When  grown  on  freshly-manured  land,  they  are    apt  to 
produce  forked  roots  ;  but  when  in  deep  loose  soil,  not  manured   for 
the  present  crop,  the  sorts  assume  a  decidedly  pei'pendicular  and 
unbranched  character.  For  Cabbages,  Cauliflower,  and  other  subjects 
of  that  nature,  manure  the  land  well,   and  trench  it  too.      Onions 
require   abundance  of    manure  and  a  well   pulverised   soil,   deeply 
worked,  and  rolled  firmly  at  sowing  time.     There  is  a  good  deal  of 
stay  or  lasting  power  in  rank  manure,  but  for  gross-feeding  plants  the 
well-decayed  is  the  most  serviceable,  as  the  sooner  such  crops  can  be 
removed  from  the  ground  the  better,  and  during  their  short  stay  in 
the  earth  they  require  food  which  they  can  readily  assimilate  and 
digest,  therefore  it  is  that  the  market-gardeners  of  London — the  best 
vegetable  growers  of  London — prefer  old  Mushroom  and  Cucumber-bed 
manure,  used  in  large  quantities,  before  any  other  for  Lettuces,  Cauli- 
flower, &c.  Earth  up  early  Mazagan  Beans  that  were  sown  last  month, 
and  make  anothersowing  of  the  same,  if  required  and  not  already  done, 
on  a  warm  border.     Sow  dwarf  early  Peas  on  a  south-west  border, 
if   possible,   and  draw  some  soil  to   those    already   above  ground. 
Stick  a  few  evergreen  branches  amongst  the  young  plants,  to  protect 
them  from   very  hard  frost  or  rough  winds.     Sow  Radishes  out  of 
doors  on  beds  in  sheltered  positions,  and  cover  the  ground  over  the 
seeds  with  2  or  3  inches  deep  of  rank  litter.     Earth  up  Seakale  from 
the  intervening  alleys,  or  prepare  leaves  and  litter  for  placing  over 
the  pots  or  wooden  framework  erected  over  the  roots.     Keep  Parsley 
clean  from  leaves,  and  with  hoops  or  mats    protect  a  portion  in 
frosty  weather  for  immediate  use.     Stir  the   soil  with  a  hoe  about 
Lettuces  and  Endive  on  fine  dry  days,  and  lift  half-grown  plants 
for  transferi'ing  to  frames,  there  to  develop  themselves  and  become 
well    blanched.       Weed    Onions   from   the   autumn    sowings,    and 
examine  the    stored  ones  so  as  to  discard  all   that  are  decaying. 
Have  Globe  Artichokes  well  protected  about  the  necks,  and  in  very 
frosty  weather  strew  some  leaves  or  litter  over  a  portion  of  the 
ground  occupied  by  Jerusalem  Artichokes.     Beet  and  Carrots  should 
he  stored  by  this    time,  but    young   Carrots  in  frames  and  open 
borders  will  require  occasional  dustings  with  wood-ashes,  and  the 
former  the  protection  of  a  few  branches  in  severe   weather.     See 
that  the  soil  is  firmly  and  closely  packed  around  the  heads  of  Celery 
in  the  ridges,  otherwise  any  opening  that  may  there  exist  is  only 
a  passage  for  cold  rains  that  greatly  tend  to  rot  the  stalks.     The 


August  and  September  sowings  of  Turnips  are  now  in  good  condition  ; 
use  the  largest  first,  so  as  to  give  additional  room  to  the  smaller 
ones  to  grow. 

Protecting  Materials. — All  materials  in  the  shape  of  mats, 
straw.  Fern,  Broom,  Heather,  &c.,  will  now,  or  soon,  be  required,  and 
should,  therefore,  be  put  into  good  working  order.  Outdoor  plants 
that  are  somewhat  tender  should  be  mulched  to  preserve  the  roots, 
even  although  the  stems  should  be  killed  by  frost,  but,  in  order  to 
avert  the  latter  evil,  hay  or  straw  bands  may  be  twisted  round  a  por- 
tion of  the  stems  from  the  base  upwards.  Herbaceous  plants  in 
pots,  certain  kinds  of  Roses,  little  Conifers,  evergreens,  and  other 
miscellaneous  subjects  placed  together  in  beds,  should  have  Bomo 
stakes  driven  into  the  ground  along  the  sides  of  the  beds,  and  a  few 
in  the  middle,  a  little  higher  than  the  others,  to  support  rails  to 
carry  mats  with  which  the  plants  should  be  protected  on  frosty 
nights.  Mats,  litter,  straw,  haulm.  Fern,  &c.,  are  also  useful  cover- 
ings for  glass  in  case  of  need  ;  hay  for  this  purpose  is  objection- 
able, inasmuch  as  the  seeds  that  fall  out  of  it  grow  and  prove 
a  source  of  annoyance.  Although  some  of  the  frames  may 
be  heated  by  means  of  hot-water  pipes,  still  use  a  little 
covering  outside  the  glass,  for  much  fire-heat  during  winter  is 
injurious  to  cool-house  plants,  especially  those  wintered  in  frames. 
Place  linings  of  litter  or  soil  around  the  outsides  ot  frames  con. 
taining  half-hardy  plants,  and  ventilate  freely  on  all  favourable 
opportunities.  Cover  the  outsides  of  stoves,  greenhouses,  and  pits 
as  much  as  possible  with  mats  suspended  or  fixed  on  nails,  so  as  to 
economise  fire-heat.  Cool-house  plants,  such  as  Pelargoniums,  when 
kept  rather  dry,  are  less  injured  by  frost  than  when  in  a  damp 
condition.  Should  the  frost  happen  to  effect  an  entrance,  do  not 
speedily  raise  the  temperature  by  means  of  fire-heat  or  otherwise, 
but  spread  some  straw  or  mats  over  the  glass  so  as  to  p.artially 
darken  the  inside,  and  thus  permit  the  plants  to  thaw  gradually  and 
slowly,  and  for  the  next  few  days  keep  the  temperature  rather  below 
than  above  the  general  height. 


THE  ORIGIN  OF  GUANO. 


It  has  been  generally  supposed  that  guano  is  a  large  accumulation  of 
the  excrements  of  sea-birds,  but,  in  a  paper  published  in  the  Journal 
of  the  Royal  Dublin  Society,  July,  1856,  the  late  J.  R.  Kinahan,  M.B., 
M.R.I.A.,  proved  that  such  is  not  the  origin  of  the  guano  on  the 
Chinchas  Islands,  Pern,  concluding  his  account  of  the  south  island  as 
follows: — "  Judging  from  the  appearances  traceable  on  this  island, 
it  would  appear  that  the  guano  deposit  was  formed  by  Layers  of  seals' 
dung  and  decayed  seals,  the  denser  and  white  thin  layers  being  made 
up  of  the  former,  and  the  more  friable,  darker,  thicker  layers  of  the 
latter.     These  conclusions  seem  evident  from  the  following  : — First, 
the  immense  accumulation  and  peculiar  formation  of  the  guano-beds 
contrasted  with  the  thin  white  coating  of  birds'  dung  seen  not  merely 
on  the  main  islands,  but  also  on  the  detached  rocks,  many  of  which 
are  too  high  out  of  the  water  to  allow  for  a  moment  the  supposition 
that  guano,  it  once  formed  on  them,   could  have  been  washed  off. 
Next  the  evidence  of  a  pressure,  greater  than  that  which  any  tramp- 
ling of  birds  could  have  caused,  evidenced  by  the  density  of  the 
strata  being  nearly  as  great  at  the  sui'face  as  at  the  base   of  the 
hills,  showing  that  it  could  not  have  arisen  from  mere  pressure  of 
the  superincumbent  mass  of  guano,  but  which  appearance  might 
have    been    produced    by    the    weight   of   one   of   these   sea-lions, 
— much   more   by   a   number   of   them.     Next  by   the    appearance 
presented  by  the  top  of  the  south  island,  the  numerous  dead  sea- 
lions  actuallj'  in  the  process  of  becoming  guano,  as  evidenced  by  an 
examination  of  the  more  recent  bodies,  the  undecayed  skins  of  which 
contain  within  them  a  substance,  in  appearance  at  least,  identical 
with  the  brown  gnano  found  on  the  summit  of  the  hills,  antl  also 
similar  to  that  in  the  thicker  strata.     The  absence  of  the  organic 
remains  of  the  birds  in  the  interior  of  the  guano  ;  for  though,  as 
already  stated,  bones  appear  to  decay  rapidly,  yet  feathers  resist  the 
action  ot  the  guano  for  a  long  time.     The  small  quantity,  equivocal 
position  (always  near  or  on  the  surface),  and  peculiar  appearance  of 
the  remains  of  birds  at  present  met  with,  dried  up  and  turning  into 
a  substance  as  unlike  the  true  guano,  or  the  decomposing  seals,  as  the 
white  deposits  on  the  headlands — in  fact,  appearing  to  be  purely  of 
accidental  occurrence,  and  having  almost  as  much  to  say  to  the  forma, 
tion  of  the  guano  as  the  lizards  and  rats  which  are  found  along  with 
them.     One  bird  there  is,  a  species  of  spheniscan,  that  possibly  might 
assist  in  forming  guano  ;  but,  though  this  bird  is  very  numerous  on 
various  rocky  islets  along  the  coast  of  Peru,  yet  on  none  of  them  is 
gnano  found,  though  they  are  just  as  favourably  situated  for  (its 
formation  as  the  Chinchas ;  and,  as  birds  are  known  to  burrow  in  the 
guano,   the   occurrence   of   birds'   eggs   in    it   is   easily   accounted 
for." 


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